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Articles 1 - 30 of 31
Full-Text Articles in Physics
A New Application Of The Channel Packet Method For Low Energy 1-D Elastic Scattering, Clint M. Zeringue
A New Application Of The Channel Packet Method For Low Energy 1-D Elastic Scattering, Clint M. Zeringue
Theses and Dissertations
An algorithm is presented which uses the channel packet method (CPM) to simulate low-energy, wave-packet propagation and compute S-matrix elements. A four-by-four matrix containing the momentum, expansion coefficients of the reactants and products is introduced to account for initial and final states having both positive and negative momentum. The approach does not consider scattering from one side or the other, rather it considers both incoming and outgoing wave packets from the left and right simultaneously. Therefore, during one simulation all four S-matrix elements, and elements, S+k,-K, S-k, +k, S+k, +k and S-k,-k are computed. …
Fast Scene Based Nonuniformity Correction With Minimal Temporal Latency, Christopher A. Rice
Fast Scene Based Nonuniformity Correction With Minimal Temporal Latency, Christopher A. Rice
Theses and Dissertations
The focus of this research was to derive a new algorithm for correction of gain nonuniformities in LIDAR focal plane arrays using as few frames as possible. Because of the current low production rate of LIDAR focal plane arrays there is a natural tendency for extreme nonuniformities to exist on a pixel by pixel basis as the manufacturing technique has not yet been perfected. Generally, nonuniformity correction techniques require a large number of frames and/or have obscure requirements on the translational shifts in the input image frames. This thesis presents a solution for finding multiplicative nonuniformities that exist in a …
Characterizing A Co-Flow Nozzle For Use In A Filtered Rayleigh Scattering System, David S. Miceli
Characterizing A Co-Flow Nozzle For Use In A Filtered Rayleigh Scattering System, David S. Miceli
Theses and Dissertations
Research was conducted on the flow field exiting a co-annular flow nozzle for use in filtered Rayleigh scattering flow visualizations. More specifically, the flow visualizations were of the flow field exiting a coflow nozzle and illuminated by a tunable, nominal 4.2 watt narrow line width Argon laser operating at 514.5nm. ND:YAG lasers are typically used in this application, but some of the properties of a tunable Argon laser make it an attractive alternative. Before generating flow visualizations, the coflow nozzle was characterized both experimentally and computationally. Due to a flow asymmetry in the outer annulus flow field, the nozzle was …
An Analysis Of Nonlinear Elastic Deformations For A Homogeneous Beam At Varying Tip Loads And Pitch Angles, Robert J. Mcgraw
An Analysis Of Nonlinear Elastic Deformations For A Homogeneous Beam At Varying Tip Loads And Pitch Angles, Robert J. Mcgraw
Theses and Dissertations
The Princeton beam experiments of 1975 were performed in hopes of producing viable data for beam nonlinear elastic deformation models in hopes of improving helicopter main beam designs. The recorded data, specifically for homogeneous beams of 7075 aluminum, have been referenced as a baseline for the past thirty years to validate numerous computer models and theories in an effort to build beams capable of withstanding aeroelastic, static, and dynamic loading. The purpose of this study is to improve upon the data recorded in 1975 using newer technologies including a laser distance meter, digital inclinometer, and three-dimensional traverse to test X-axis, …
An Experimental Study Of A Pulsed Dc Plasma Flow Control Actuator, Jennifer D. Wall
An Experimental Study Of A Pulsed Dc Plasma Flow Control Actuator, Jennifer D. Wall
Theses and Dissertations
An experiment on the effects of a pulsed DC plasma actuator on a separated flow in a low speed wind tunnel was conducted. The actuator consisted of two asymmetric copper electrodes oriented normal to the flow separated by a dielectric barrier and mounted on a flat plate in the center of the tunnel. A contoured insert was constructed and used to create an adverse pressure gradient in the test section comparable to a Pak-B low pressure turbine blade distribution. Suction was applied from the upper wall to induce separation along the flat plate over the electrodes. The DC power supply …
Performance-Metric Driven Atmospheric Compensation For Robust Free-Space Laser Communication, Peter N. Crabtree
Performance-Metric Driven Atmospheric Compensation For Robust Free-Space Laser Communication, Peter N. Crabtree
Theses and Dissertations
The effect of turbulence on laser propagation is a significant challenge to current electro-optical systems. While atmospheric compensation techniques in space object imaging and high-energy laser weapons have been thoroughly investigated, optimizing these techniques for Laser Communication (LaserCom) has not been examined to the same degree. Average Strehl ratio is the typical design metric for current atmospheric compensation systems. However, fade probability is the relevant metric for LaserCom. This difference motivated the investigation into metric-driven atmospheric compensation. Metric-based tracking techniques for fade mitigation is the first major focus of this research. In a moderate range air-to-air scenario, focal plane spot …
Backward Amplification And Beam Cleanup Of A Raman Fiber Laser Oscillator Using A Multi-Mode Graded Index Fiber Amplifier, Jesse D. S. Morgan Iii
Backward Amplification And Beam Cleanup Of A Raman Fiber Laser Oscillator Using A Multi-Mode Graded Index Fiber Amplifier, Jesse D. S. Morgan Iii
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis tested a CW fiber-based Raman amplifier implemented in a backward pumped geometry. To create a seed for the amplifier, a CW Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.064µm was used to pump a 50µm multimode graded index fiber using fiber Bragg gratings to create a Raman Fiber Laser (RFL) Oscillator with a Stokes beam at 1.116µm. The Stokes beam was then used to seed two lengths, 5.3km and 2.5km, of 50µm multimode graded index fiber. The fiber amplifier was pumped by a second CW Nd:YAG laser in the backward geometry. Spectral data taken for both fibers indicated that the backward …
Comparison Of Climatological Optical Turbulence Profiles To Standard, Statistical And Numerical Models Using Heleeos, Liesebet E. Gravley
Comparison Of Climatological Optical Turbulence Profiles To Standard, Statistical And Numerical Models Using Heleeos, Liesebet E. Gravley
Theses and Dissertations
Optical turbulence within earth’s atmosphere plays a significant role in electromagnetic radiation propagation from a high energy laser. The index of refraction structure constant, Cn2, characterizes turbulent spatial fluctuations due to temperature gradients. These changes in the index of refraction affect the intensity of the laser wave front on its intended target. It is important to characterize this parameter throughout the atmosphere, the boundary layer and above, for its applications regarding the Airborne Laser (ABL) and the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL). There are several ways to obtain values of optical turbulence, including standard and statistical models, physically-based numerical models, and …
Assessing The Potential For Improved Scramjet Performance Through Application Of Electromagnetic Flow Control, Martin F. Lindsey
Assessing The Potential For Improved Scramjet Performance Through Application Of Electromagnetic Flow Control, Martin F. Lindsey
Theses and Dissertations
Hypersonic flight using scramjet propulsion bridges the gap between turbojets and rockets. Recent efforts focus on magnetogasdynamic (MGD) flow control to mitigate the problems of high thermomechanical loads and low efficiencies associated with scramjets. This research is the first flight-scale, three-dimensional computational analysis of a realistic scramjet to assess how MGD flow control improves scramjet performance. Developing a quasi-one dimensional design tool culminated in the first open source scramjet geometry. This geometry was tested with the Air Force Research Laboratory's electromagnetic computational code. To increase fidelity, an algorithm was developed to incorporate thermochemistry, resulting in the only open-source model of …
Efficient And Accurate Computation Of Elastic Cross Sections In The Single-Level Breit-Wigner Resonance Region, Edward L. Hobbs
Efficient And Accurate Computation Of Elastic Cross Sections In The Single-Level Breit-Wigner Resonance Region, Edward L. Hobbs
Theses and Dissertations
The use of piecewise cubic Hermite polynomials to approximate resonance region cross sections provides a means to accomplish the same task with increased accuracy and fewer points that require exact cross section calculation. Once the derivative of the cross section formula is derived and the interpolating cubic is appropriately shifted and scaled for numerical stability, use of the piecewise cubic Hermite polynomial is easily inserted into computer codes that depend on cross section calculation in the resonance energy region.
Development Of A Three-Dimensional Air Blast Propagation Model Based Upon The Weighted Average Flux Method, Stephen R. Mchale
Development Of A Three-Dimensional Air Blast Propagation Model Based Upon The Weighted Average Flux Method, Stephen R. Mchale
Theses and Dissertations
Accurate numerical modeling of complex, multi-dimensional shock propagation is needed for many Department of Defense applications. A three-dimensional code, based upon E.F. Toro's weighted average flux (WAF) method has been developed, tested, and validated. Code development begins with the introduction and application of all techniques in a single dimension. First-order accuracy is achieved via Godunov's scheme using an exact Riemann solver. Adaptive techniques, which employ approximate solutions, are implemented to improve computational efficiency. The WAF method produces second-order accurate solutions, but introduces spurious oscillations near shocks and contact discontinuities. Total variation diminishing (TVD) flux and weight limiting schemes are added …
Type Ii Quantum Computing Algorithm For Computational Fluid Dynamics, James A. Scoville
Type Ii Quantum Computing Algorithm For Computational Fluid Dynamics, James A. Scoville
Theses and Dissertations
An algorithm is presented to simulate fluid dynamics on a three qubit type II quantum computer: a lattice of small quantum computers that communicate classical information. The algorithm presented is called a three qubit factorized quantum lattice gas algorithm. It is modeled after classical lattice gas algorithms which move virtual particles along an imaginary lattice and change the particles’ momentums using collision rules when they meet at a lattice node. Instead of moving particles, the quantum algorithm presented here moves probabilities, which interact via a unitary collision operator. Probabilities are determined using ensemble measurement and are moved with classical communications …
Radiometric Analysis Of Daytime Satellite Detection, Katherine B. Lilevjen
Radiometric Analysis Of Daytime Satellite Detection, Katherine B. Lilevjen
Theses and Dissertations
A radiometric model for daylight satellite detection is developed and used to evaluate the effects of various parameters on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Detection of reflected sunlight from a low-earth orbit, diffuse, planar satellite by a single-pixel infrared photovoltaic detector is considered. Noise considered includes photon noise from the background and signal, as well as thermal noise. Parameters considered include atmospheric conditions, optical parameters, and detector parameters. The Phillips Laboratory Expert-assisted User System, an atmospheric modeling tool that employs the MODTRAN and FASCODE transmission codes, is used to model wavelength-dependent atmospheric transmission and background radiance. The SNR is found to increase …
A Study Of Collapse Events In Ultraviolet Light Filaments Due To Transient Edge Effects, Paul L. Muller
A Study Of Collapse Events In Ultraviolet Light Filaments Due To Transient Edge Effects, Paul L. Muller
Theses and Dissertations
Intense, short light pulses can form filaments capable of propagating kilometers through the atmosphere. This is due to the nonlinear index of refraction of the atmosphere in response to the pulse's high intensity, which creates a self-focusing effect that further intensifies the pulse. This focusing is balanced by the formation of defocusing plasma by the pulse. A split-step propagation model was used to simulate the propagation of these pulses through the atmosphere and investigate the collapse of long ultraviolet pulses of 10-100 picoseconds in duration due to transient edge effects. The structures of individual collapse events in the pulse were …
Passive Multiple Beam Combination In Optical Fibers Via Stimulated Brillouin Scattering, Kirk C. Brown
Passive Multiple Beam Combination In Optical Fibers Via Stimulated Brillouin Scattering, Kirk C. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
Many active methods of scaling laser brightness have been demonstrated in recent years. The goal of this research was to demonstrate the feasibility of passively combining multiple laser beams using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in a long multimode optical fiber. This method of combination employed a “Gatling gun” fiber array that allowed several collimated beams to be focused by a lens into an optical fiber. The retroreflected Stokes beam is passed through the center of the beam combiner for analysis. In addition to experimental methodology and equipment used, the theoretical and historical background of SBS in optical fibers is provided. …
Development Of A Multiple Beam Combiner Using Stimulated Raman Scattering In Multimode Fiber, Brian M. Flusche
Development Of A Multiple Beam Combiner Using Stimulated Raman Scattering In Multimode Fiber, Brian M. Flusche
Theses and Dissertations
Beam combination was demonstrated by splitting the beam from a diode pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and pumping a multiple input, single output fiber squid. Beam cleanup of the resulting output beam using stimulated Raman scattering was then demonstrated in both 100 μm fiber (Stokes M2 = 1.86) and 200 μm fiber (Stokes M2 = 1.40). The performance of the 200 μm fiber was compared to that of the 100 μm fiber. Energy conversion efficiency into the Stokes beam was measured as a function of input energy and found to be limited by the attenuation characteristics of the fiber. …
Singlet Delta Oxygen: A Quantitative Analysis Using Off-Axis Integrated-Cavity-Output-Spectroscopy (Icos), Jeffrey E. Gallagher
Singlet Delta Oxygen: A Quantitative Analysis Using Off-Axis Integrated-Cavity-Output-Spectroscopy (Icos), Jeffrey E. Gallagher
Theses and Dissertations
A new spectroscopic technique applicable to the detection of ultra-weak and for- bidden molecular transitions is presented. The method is based on off-axis integrated-cavity-output spectroscopy (ICOS). The primary goal for this research effort is to utilize the ICOS technique and demonstrate its ability to provide quantitative data of singlet delta oxygen. This thesis will focus on three areas of characterization to achieve this goal. First, the absolute line positions will be determined and compared to values derived from the most recent theory. Second, the integrated absorption cross-sections will be verified using Boltzmann analysis. Finally, pressure broadening coefficients will be determined …
Reproducibility Distinguishability And Correlation Of Fireball And Shockwave Dynamics In Explosive Munitions Detonations, Bryan J. Steward
Reproducibility Distinguishability And Correlation Of Fireball And Shockwave Dynamics In Explosive Munitions Detonations, Bryan J. Steward
Theses and Dissertations
The classification of battlespace detonations, specifically the determination of munitions type and size using temporal and spectral features of infrared emissions, is a particularly challenging problem. The intense infrared radiation produced by the detonation of high explosives is largely unstudied. Furthermore, the time-varying fireball imagery and spectra are driven by many factors including the type, size and age of the chemical explosive, method of detonation, interaction with the environment, and the casing used to enclose the explosive. To distinguish between conventional military munitions and improvised or enhanced explosives, the current study investigates fireball expansion dynamics using high speed, multi-band imagery. …
Shockwave Interactions With Argon Glow Discharges, Nicholas S. Siefert
Shockwave Interactions With Argon Glow Discharges, Nicholas S. Siefert
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was study shock wave interactions with argon glow discharges. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer whether it is possible to compress nonequilibrium electrons at the shock wave. The results in the thesis found that both equilibrium and nonequilibrium electrons could be compressed at the shock front. The double layer at the shock front, normalized by electron temperature, matched the calculated values for the double layer within a factor or two in all cases. The results also demonstrate that excited metastable states can be compressed at the shock front, as well. The culmination of this effort …
Prediction Of The Temporal Evolution Of Solar X-Ray Flares, Aaron J. Williams
Prediction Of The Temporal Evolution Of Solar X-Ray Flares, Aaron J. Williams
Theses and Dissertations
A solar flare is an explosive release of stored magnetic energy on the Sun. Much of this energy is converted into x-ray photons which escape into space. As a solar flare begins, the 1-8 Å x-ray photon flux at Earth’s orbit, as measured by the GOES satellite, rapidly increases. It quickly reaches a peak and slowly decays. A plot of this flux exhibits an approximate lognormal shape. A lognormal function becomes a normal, symmetric, function when the logarithm of the independent variable is taken. Once the peak flux is reached, this symmetry is used to make a prediction of the …
The Simulation Of Off-Axis Laser Propagation Using Heleeos, Scott L. Belton
The Simulation Of Off-Axis Laser Propagation Using Heleeos, Scott L. Belton
Theses and Dissertations
Emerging technology high energy laser (HEL) weapon systems create a myriad of new threats to safety as well as security. One of the primary causes of these concerns is off-axis laser propagation caused by ever-present particulate and molecular scattering medium in the atmosphere. The scatter from these aerosols and molecules can redirect some of the HEL's concentrated energy towards unintended targets such as the eyes of pilots, friendly fighters on the surface, or innocent bystanders. Of particular interest to the laser intelligence (LASINT) community is the possibility that off-axis irradiance from HEL weapon systems could be covertly measured with enough …
Spatially-Resolved Temperature Diagnostic For Supersonic Flow Using Cross-Beam Doppler-Limited Laser Saturation Spectroscopy, Grady T. Phillips
Spatially-Resolved Temperature Diagnostic For Supersonic Flow Using Cross-Beam Doppler-Limited Laser Saturation Spectroscopy, Grady T. Phillips
Theses and Dissertations
Optical techniques for measuring the temperature in three-dimensional supersonic reactive flows have typically depended on lineshape measurements using single-beam laser absorption spectroscopy. However, absorption over extended path lengths in flows with symmetric, turbulent eddies can lead to systematically high extracted temperatures due to Doppler shifts resulting from flow along the absorption path. To eliminate these problems, Cross-Beam Saturation Absorption Spectroscopy (CBSAS) and Cross-Beam Inter-Modulated Fluorescence (CBIMF) have been developed which utilize two crossed and nearly copropogating laser beams.to record the spectral signal of an I2 ro-vibrational line in a small three-dimensional volume using a tunable CW dye laser. Temperature …
Characteristics Of Two-Dimensional Triangular And Three-Dimensional Face-Centered-Cubic Photonic Crystals, Jeffery D. Clark
Characteristics Of Two-Dimensional Triangular And Three-Dimensional Face-Centered-Cubic Photonic Crystals, Jeffery D. Clark
Theses and Dissertations
The fabrication of photonic crystals (PhC) with photonic band gaps (PBG) in the visible range is a difficult task due to the small structural feature sizes of the PhC. The particular type of PhC examined is a two-dimensional (2-D) triangular structure with a PBG designed for visible wavelengths with applications in visible integrated photonic systems. This work examines the processes involved and viability of fabricating 2-D triangular PhC's by a variety of techniques: focused ion beam, electron lithography and holographic photo-polymerization/lithography. The design of the PhC was based on a program created to display gap maps for triangular structures. The …
Polar Phase Screens: A Comparison With Other Methods Of Random Phase Screen Generation, Rebecca J. Eckert
Polar Phase Screens: A Comparison With Other Methods Of Random Phase Screen Generation, Rebecca J. Eckert
Theses and Dissertations
This research provides the first organized comparison of random phase screen generation methods, including logarithmic polar Fourier series, using structure functions. Random phase screens are essential elements of simulating light propagation through turbulent media. In order to be effective, they must accurately reflect theory and be practical to implement. This research explains and evaluates three methods of generating random phase screens: using a Fourier series upon a polar frequency grid with logarithmic spacing; using the fast Fourier transform, with its Cartesian frequency grid; and using Zernike polynomials. It provides a comparison of the Polar Fourier Series technique with the two …
Control Demonstration Of A Thin Deformable In-Plane Actuated Mirror, Gina A. Peterson
Control Demonstration Of A Thin Deformable In-Plane Actuated Mirror, Gina A. Peterson
Theses and Dissertations
Current imaging satellites are limited in resolution and coverage area by the aperture size of their primary optical mirror. To get a large optical mirror into space, current launch weight and size restrictions must be overcome. Membrane-like optical mirrors can overcome these restrictions with their very lightweight and flexible properties. However, thin, deformable membrane mirrors are very susceptible to the space environment and require active control for surface stabilization and shaping. The primary goal of this research is to demonstrate that an in-plane actuated membrane-like deformable optical mirror can be controlled to optical wavelength tolerances in a closed-loop system. Fabrication …
Passive Ranging Using Atmospheric Oxygen Absorption Spectra, Michael R. Hawks
Passive Ranging Using Atmospheric Oxygen Absorption Spectra, Michael R. Hawks
Theses and Dissertations
The depth of absorption bands in observed spectra of distant, bright sources can be used to estimate range to the source. A novel approach is presented and demonstrated using observations of the oxygen absorption band near 762 nm. Range is estimated by comparing observed values of band-average absorption against curves derived from either historical data or model predictions. Curves are based on fitting a random band model to the data, which reduces average range error by 67% compared to the Beer's Law model used in previous work. A new modification to existing band models for long, inhomogeneous paths is presented …
Characterization Of Detonation Phenomena Observed In High-Speed Visible Imagery, Trevor W. Warren
Characterization Of Detonation Phenomena Observed In High-Speed Visible Imagery, Trevor W. Warren
Theses and Dissertations
Measurements for radius, angular velocity, initial time of observation, and final time of observation were made for turbulent vortices around detonation fireballs. A proxy for vortex power, determined through unit analysis, was found to correlate well to initial (and final) time of observation with R2 equal to 0.8572. The linear trend on a log10-log10 plot was indicative of a rapid decrease (over 10-1 s) in power associated with the decay of the fireball. Predictions, based on turbulent spectral theory were made for root-mean-square velocity fluctuations and Reynolds numbers, both as functions of time. In addition, …
Active Optical Tracking With Spatial Light Modulators, Steven R. Mawhorter
Active Optical Tracking With Spatial Light Modulators, Steven R. Mawhorter
Theses and Dissertations
Two spatial light modulators are utilized for beam splitting, steering and tracking. Both linear and holographic phase screens are used in a demonstration of technology to allow real time tracking to communicate in a one-to-several type scenario. One SLM is used to apply a linear phase modulation to steer multiple beams onto a detector. The spots that are produced represent the targets as they move around the field of view of the central communication node. A Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm will subsequently use the detected spots as the desired pointing locations. Using this as input, the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm yields a phase only …
Multi-Dimensional Wave Front Sensing Algorithms For Embedded Tracking And Adaptive Optics Applications, Christopher C. Wood
Multi-Dimensional Wave Front Sensing Algorithms For Embedded Tracking And Adaptive Optics Applications, Christopher C. Wood
Theses and Dissertations
Current tracking and adaptive optics techniques cannot compensate for fast-moving extended objects, which is important for ground-based telescopes providing space situational awareness. To fill this need, a vector-projection maximum-likelihood wave-front sensing algorithm development and testing follows for this application. A derivation and simplification of the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound for wavefront sensing using a laser guide star bounds the performance of these systems and guides implementation of a vastly optimized maximum-likelihood search algorithm. A complete analysis of the bias, mean square error, and variance of the algorithm demonstrates exceptional performance of the new sensor. A proof of concept implementation shows feasibility …
Lqg/Ltr Tilt And Tip Control For The Starfire Optical Range 3.5-Meter Telescope's Adaptive Optics System, Neil D. Paris
Lqg/Ltr Tilt And Tip Control For The Starfire Optical Range 3.5-Meter Telescope's Adaptive Optics System, Neil D. Paris
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force Research Laboratory has sponsored research on the tracking control loop portion of the adaptive optics system in the Starfire Optical Range 3.5-meter telescope at Kirtland Air Force Base. The control loop includes two steering mirrors (Coarse Steering Mirror and Fine Steering Mirror) used to remove wavefront tilt and tip phase distortion from light entering the telescope. The objective of this research is to design a single Linear Quadratic Gaussian controller to control both steering mirrors in order to eliminate wavefront tilt and tip distortions induced by the earth's atmosphere, and to evaluate the stability robustness and performance …