The primary objective of this effort is to demonstrate the efficacy of the Raman spectroscopy technique for detecting and evaluating the health of propellant stabilizers commonly used in missiles stored under a range of ambient conditions. Tincured silicone rubber doped with a commonly used propellant stabilizer N-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) and ammonium nitrates used in explosives has been investigated using 532 nm and 785 nm wavelength laser Raman systems. The detected propellants’ Raman peak intensity ratios are used to analyze the results. Calibration curves with error bars are created using more than 30 data runs. The results indicate both systems are suitable to detect fractions of these chemicals as low as 0.2 percent within a few seconds of integration time. The calibration curves created for all the samples measured show a consistent linear increase to the ratio indicating the reliability of the measurements.
Stabilizing additives are added to solid rocket propellant systems to slow the break-down of energetic nitrogen-based compounds utilized in solid rocket propellants. Over time this results in a reduction of stabilizers and an increase of inert compounds, which decrease propellant performance. Raman spectroscopic techniques can detect changes in chemical concentrations due to the strong spectrum that these compounds demonstrate. In this study, two wavelengths, 532 nm, and 785nm are used to analyze the Raman spectra of samples to characterize the changes to compounds over time. Computational techniques are demonstrated to mitigate fluorescence and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of chemical peaks specific to stabilizer compounds. Fluorescence in the 532 nm Raman spectrum is examined as a method for characterizing propellant compounds, as 2-Nitrodiphenylamine (2-NDPA) traditionally has more fluorescence than Nmethyl- 4-nitroaniline (MNA), and the 532 nm Raman system traditionally detects more fluorescence than the 785 nm Raman system. Detection of the stabilizer, MNA, in concentrations ranging from 0.38% to 0.75% is demonstrated. Raman spectroscopy is shown to provide a rapid method for analyzing high and low concentrations of stabilizer compounds to determine the remaining viability of the propellant.
Energetic nitrogen-based compounds utilized in solid rocket propellants break down under typical environmental conditions. The breakdown of these energetic propellant compounds requires stabilizing additives to absorb excess acids that form. These chemical changes result in a reduction of stabilizers and an increase of inert compounds over time which decrease propellant performance. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Raman can detect changes in chemical concentrations due to the strong spectrum that these compounds demonstrate. In this study two wavelengths, 532 nm and 783 nm, are used to analyze the Raman spectra of propellant samples to characterize the changes to compounds over time. Computational techniques are demonstrated to mitigate fluorescence and single out the ratio of chemical peaks specific to stabilizer compounds. In addition, fluorescence in the 532 nm spectrum is examined as a method for characterizing propellant compounds, as 2NDPA traditionally has more fluorescence than MNA, and the 532 nm Raman system traditionally detects more fluorescence than the 785 nm Raman system. Detection of the stabilizer MNA in concentrations of greater than .70% and lower than .40% are demonstrated. Raman spectroscopy is shown to provide a rapid method for analyzing high and low concentrations of stabilizer compounds to determine the remaining viability of propellant.
Researchers from the U.S. Army, along with university scientists, are implementing efforts to develop a hyperspectral/broadband and/or ultraviolet (UV) sensing technology for target discrimination. The Army’s primary goal is to advance the development of fast reliable broadband optics techniques that can quickly identify and ascertain an indication of the geometric shape/compositional structure of various materials encountered on the battlefield. Samples of a variety of cement-based, metal, and composite materials are assembled and investigated to determine each sample’s spectra optical reflectance and absorption properties after being exposed to varying optical wavelengths. The optical wavelengths are generated from deuterium, halogen, and white light sources. The light intensity ratios are used to create data points which allowed for the identification of unique characteristics of each sample material. Broadband visible and near infrared (NIR) sources (deuterium and halogen) are reflected off the samples and the spectrometric reflections were captured. Several light intensity ratios are used and compared to distinguish the samples and error bars are created. While the initial results indicated that the halogen source may be used to distinguish most of the sample materials (and perhaps stand-alone versions of the other wavelength sources may not be sufficient), combinations of wavelengths/laser diodes with broadband light sources were used to determine if the identification/characteristics of each sample could be achieved. Results outlined in this paper include the current progress made toward the development of broadband optics sensing methodologies and instrumentation for identifying and discriminating the geometric configurations/formations of various battlefield materials.
Nowadays, undergraduate research is recognized as an essential component of STEM discipline enhancing students learning outcome. As a result, governmental and non-governmental agencies have been allocating a substantial amount of funding and resources to support undergraduate students through scholarships and research activities. In addition to reinforcing the traditional classroom learning experience and providing the students with hands-on experience early on in their studies, undergraduate research is one of the key motivating factors to pursue graduate education and advance careers in STEM fields. In this paper, the positive impact of mentoring and engaging undergraduate students in paid research activities, and the project outcomes including awards and recognitions received by the students are discussed.
A sensitive Raman spectroscopy technique is used for detection and possible quantification of the propellant stabilizer, nmethyl nitroaniline (MNA), in solid rocket propellants used in multiple domestic missile systems. Over time, the energetic ingredients of the propellant will degrade and react with the stabilizer, causing issues with the propellant useful safe life. Currently, there are no non-destructive analytical techniques for which MNA can be detected in solid rocket fuel inside a missile. Therefore, after a certain amount of time, missiles in inventory must be disassembled and tested for reliability and safety. This methodology is labor intensive, costly, and time consuming so a less intrusive approach is warranted to determine a missile useful safe life. Raman spectroscopy provides a possible solution to this problem, where a small fiber optic probe line may be inserted into the rocket motor of the missiles, which can be tested within seconds without the need for dismantling the missiles. A 785 nm portable Raman analyzer is used for all measurements reported in this paper with integration times ranging from 10 to 60 s. It is found that Raman sensing is a viable option for detection of MNA in solid rocket fuels.
Stabilizers are added to nitrate ester-based rocket motor propellants to form a stable product. The products added to stabilize the propellants react with NOx and are gradually exhausted over a period of time. In this paper, we demonstrate the efficacy of Raman spectroscopy technique for nondestructive, inexpensive, and rapid evaluation and monitoring of the depletion of rocket motor propellant stabilizers. Preliminary results show that concentrations as low as 0.1% of both MNA and 2-NDPA dissolved in DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) can easily be detected at 1 second integration time using a 785 nm wavelength Raman system. In addition, MNA concentrations between 0.37% and 0.54% are detected in propellant samples containing energetic constituents using a 60 second integration time.
The purpose of this research project is to demonstrate the application of Raman spectroscopy technique for characterization and identification of the distinct Raman signatures of construction materials. The results reported include the spectroscopic characterization of building materials using compact Raman system with 785 nm wavelength laser. The construction materials studied include polyblend sanded grout, fire barrier sealant, acrylic latex caulk plus and white silicone. It is found that, both fire barrier sealant and acrylic latex caulk plus has a prominent Raman band at 1082 cm-1, and three minor Raman signatures located at 275, 706 and 1436 cm-1. On the other hand, sand grout has three major Raman bands at 1265, 1368 and 1455 cm-1, and four minor peaks at 1573, 1683, 1762, and 1868 cm-1. White silicone, which is a widely used sealant material in construction industry, has two major Raman bands at 482 and 703 cm-1, and minor Raman characteristic bands at 783 and 1409 cm-1.
Pure extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is mixed with cheaper edible oils and samples are kept inside clear glass containers, while a 785nm Raman system is used to take measurements as Raman probe is placed against glass container. Several types of oils at various concentrations of adulteration are used. Ratios of peak intensities are used to analyze raw data, which allows for quick, easy, and accurate analysis. While conventional Raman measurements of EVOO may take as long as 2 minutes, all measurements reported here are for integration times of 15s. It is found that adulteration of EVOO with cheaper oils is detectable at concentrations as low as 5% for all oils used in this study.
The objective of this study is to demonstrate a sensitive Raman technique for sensing degradation of propellant
stabilizers like MNA and 2-NDPA that are commonly used in some missiles. The functionality of missiles and rockets
are often evaluated by being fired or decomposed at routine time-intervals after prolonged storage. However, these
destructive testing techniques for determining long-term rocket motor aging and shelf-life are extremely costly. If
successful, the Raman technique could be utilized to determine the health of propellant stabilizers without dismantling
the missiles as is commonly done at present. Raman technique is to measure concentrations of propellant stabilizers
between 0.1-2% in glycerin. Two different lasers at 785 nm and 532 nm are used for developing this technique. A
secondary objective is to develop a theoretical model that predicts temperature as a function of time and position inside
the cylindrical storage container of MNA or 2-NDPA stabilizer. This model can help in understanding the thermal
degradation of propellant stabilizers.
Raman measurements, using a 785nm laser, are taken of Ammonium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrate buried in sand. Nitrate is kept in clear plastic containers and buried underneath sand at various depths. Raman measurements are then taken at distances of 5m and 20m, with the sand being completely dry as well as completely wet. A different set of experiments was conducted with Nitrate buried in sand in a glass container, where no Raman signal was seen in dry sand. Water was then added at the edge of the container and allowed to migrate to the bottom. Raman measurements are then taken at a distance of 7mm over time to detect Nitrates brought to the surface by water as it wicks to the surface.
Model human epidermal samples are used for transmission measurements at varying ambient humidity. Light is used
from four different light emitting diodes (LEDs), of UVA wavelength of 365nm, and three visible wavelengths of
460nm, 500nm, and 595nm. A humidity-controlled chamber was used to house the samples while transmission
measurements were taken. Many different types of measurements were taken, including raising ambient humidity from
20% to 75% then adding 0.5mL of water to the sample; lowering humidity from near 100% to 60%; and alternately
raising and lowering of the ambient humidity. The results show higher transmission of light through the samples at very
high ambient humidity, about 100%; whereas the transmission is much lower at lower ambient humidity. A simple
model of epidermis as a turbid medium and reduced light scattering by refractive index matching is used to explain the
results. Implications of these results are discussed.
A highly-sensitive, reliable, simple and inexpensive chemical detection and identification platform is demonstrated. The
sensing technique is based on localized surface plasmon enhanced Raman scattering measurements from gold-coated
highly-ordered symmetric nanoporous ceramic membranes fabricated from anodic aluminum oxide. To investigate the
effects of the thickness of the sputter-coated gold films on the sensitivity of sensor, and optimize the performance of the
substrates, the geometry of the nanopores and the film thicknesses are varied in the range of 30 nm to 120 nm. To
characterize the sensing technique and the detection limits, surface enhanced Raman scatterings of low concentrations of
a standard chemical adsorbed on the gold coated substrates are collected and analyzed. The morphology of the proposed
substrates is characterized by atomic force microscopy and the optical properties including transmittance, reflectance and
absorbance of each substrate are also investigated.
Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) has been investigated as an ideal and cost-effective chemical and
biosensing platform. In this paper, we report the optical properties of periodic 100 micron thick nanoporous anodic
alumina membranes with uniform and high density cylindrical pores penetrating the entire thickness of the substrate,
ranging in size from 18 nm to 150 nm in diameter and pore periods from 44 nm to 243 nm. The surface geometry of
the top and bottom surface of each membrane is studied using atomic force microscopy. The optical properties
including transmittance, reflectance, and absorbance spectra on both sides of each substrate are studied and found to
be symmetrical. It is observed that, as the pore size increases, the peak resonance intensity in transmittance
decreases and in absorbance increases. The effects of the pore sizes on the optical properties of the bare nanoporous
membranes and the benefit of using arrays of nanohole arrays with varying hole size and periodicity as a chemical
sensing platform is also discussed. To characterize the optical sensing technique, transmittance and reflectance
measurements of various concentrations of a standard chemical adsorbed on the bare nanoporous substrates are
investigated. The preliminary results presented here show variation in transmittance and reflectance spectra with the
concentration of the chemical used or the amount of the material adsorbed on the surface of the substrate.
The dependence of magnitude of the electric near-field on the separation between metal nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates was experimentally verified. Diameters of gold-coated nanopores in a ceramic alumina substrate were varied to study the charge buildup near interparticle junctions and its effect on the enhancement factor due to SERS. The substrates were characterized by sensing a Rhodamine dye and calculating the associated Raman enhancement factors. Decreasing Au interparticle distance increases the electric near-field and shifts the plasmon resonance peak accordingly.
The Raman signal of inelastically scattered photons represents the fingerprint of a chemical molecule. Therefore, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be employed as the selective mechanism for an extraordinary optics sensor sensitive enough to detect a single molecule. Such sensitivity makes SERS ideal to detect chemicals at parts per billion to parts per trillion concentrations. SERS studies benefit from a signal enhancing substrate that is both reproducible and cost effective. Commercial substrates produced by electron beam lithography cost approximately $100 a piece to manufacture and can only be used once. The purpose of this study is to design a SERS substrate that offers enhancement equivalent to the commercial standard and is cheaper to produce. Experiments confirm that gold (Au) coated nano-pores can be used as an optimal SERS substrate offering a promising enhancement with durability that rival commercial products.
This research is focused on the fabrication of thin films followed by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) testing of these films for various applications. One technique involves the mixture of nanoparticles with twophoton material to be used as an indicator dye. Another method involved embedding silver nanoparticles in a ceramic nano-membrane. The substrates were characterized by both Atom Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We applied the nanostructured substrate to measure the SERS spectra of 10-6 Mol/L Rhodomine 6G(Rh6G), e-coli bacteria and RDX explosive. Our results showed that silver coated ceramic membranes can serve as appropriate substrates to enhance Raman signals. In addition, we demonstrated that the in-house-made colloidal silver can work for enhancement of the Raman spectra for bacteria. We measured the Raman spectra of Rh6G molecules on a substrate absorbed by a nanofluid of silver. We observed several strong Raman bands – 613cm-1,768 cm-1,1308cm-1 1356 cm-1,1510cm-1, which correspond to Rh6G vibrational modes υ53,υ65,υ115,υ117,υ146 respectively, using a ceramic membrane coated by silver. The Raman spectra of Rh6G absorbed by silver nanofluid showed strong enhancement of Raman bands 1175cm-1 and 1529cm-1, 1590 cm-1. Those correspond to vibrational frequency modes – υ103,υ151,152. We also measured the Raman spectra of e-coli bacteria, both absorbed by silver nanofluid, and on nanostructured substrate. In addition, the Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectra (FTIR) of the bacteria was measured.
Effect of ambient humidity on the photodegradation of melanin is investigated using an interferometric technique to
fabricate gratings on thin films. A low power 355 nm diode laser is used to fabricate gratings on melanin thin films,
while a 1 mW He-Ne laser is used to probe grating formation. Effects at several different UV intensities, ranging from 10
mW to 30 mW, and ambient humidities, ranging from 13% to 93%, are investigated on melanin thin films of two
different thicknesses; 22 nm and 40nm. It is found that humidity has a great effect on the photodegradation of melanin. It
is also found that existing gratings on melanin thin films can be enhanced by raising ambient humidity. These results
have implications in the biological evolution of many mammals; as well as implications in fabrication and effective
lifetime of organic electronics. The interferometric technique used shows great promise for fabricating grating to analyze
photodegradation of different biomolecules under varying conditions. A simple mathematical model is developed to help
explain the contribution of light intensity and ambient humidity to the photodegradation of melanin.nage.
The identification and real time detection of explosives and hazardous materials are of great interest to the Army and
environmental monitoring/protection agencies. The application and efficiency of the remote Raman spectroscopy system
for real time detection and identification of explosives and other hazardous chemicals of interest, air pollution
monitoring, planetary and geological mineral analysis at various standoff distances have been demonstrated. In this
paper, we report the adequacy of stand-off Raman system for remote detection and identification of chemicals in water
using dissolved sodium nitrate and ammonium nitrate for concentrations between 200ppm and 5000ppm. Nitrates are
used in explosives and are also necessary nutrients required for effective fertilizers. The nitrates in fertilizers are
considered as potential sources of atmospheric and water pollution. The standoff Raman system used in this work
consists of a 2-inch refracting telescope for collecting the scattered Raman light and a 785nm laser operating at 400mW
coupled with a small portable spectrometer.
Commercial substrates used for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are investigated for their reusability following cleaning with 254-nm UV light from a mercury lamp. SERS of Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G, a dye) and RDX (an explosive) is investigated. It is found that without UV irradiation, the substrate is usable only once, since it is not possible to dislodge the analyte either by prolonged immersion in distilled water or by ultrasonic cleaning. However, prolonged exposure to 254-nm UV followed by immersion in distilled water removes most of the analyte, making the substrate reusable for new SERS measurements. The technique of UV cleaning is demonstrated by recycling the same substrate several times and comparing SERS spectra taken after each cleaning cycle.
We investigate commercial nano-engineered SERS (surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) substrates for the
possibility of recycling them and using them multiple times. KlariteTM is a commercial SERS substrate fabricated by
nanoscale lithographic patterning technique on silicon wafer before being coated with a thin layer of Gold. It has
been widely reported that, this substrate results in more reproducible surface enhanced Raman signals. However, it
is designed only for a single measurement and disposable use. In this work, we report a method for recycling one
substrate for multiple SERS measurements by coating a thin layer of Gold/Silver after each application of the
substrate. The results obtained using reprocessed substrates are comparable to the measurements recorded using fresh substrates.
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a recently discovered powerful technique which has demonstrated
sensitivity and selectivity for detecting single molecules of certain chemical species. This is due to an enhancement
of Raman scattered light by factors as large as 1015. Gold and Silver-coated substrates fabricated by electron-beam
lithography on Silicon are widely used in SERS technique. In this paper, we report the use of nanoporous ceramic
membranes for SERS studies. Nanoporous membranes are widely used as a separation membrane in medical
devices, fuel cells and other studies. Three different pore diameter sizes of commercially available nanoporous
ceramic membranes: 35 nm, 55nm and 80nm are used in the study. To make the membranes SERS active, they are
coated with gold/silver using sputtering techniques. We have seen that the membranes coated with gold layer remain
unaffected even when immersed in water for several days. The results show that gold coated nanoporous membranes
have sensitivity comparable to substrates fabricated by electron-beam lithography on Silicon substrates.
Photopatterning with 266 nm UV light was accomplished on spin-coated DNA thin films using two different techniques.
Lithographic masks were used to create 10-100 micron-sized arrays of enhanced hydrophilicity. Two such masks were
used: (1) Polka Dot Filter having opaque squares and a transparent grid and (2) A metal wire-mesh having transparent
squares and opaque grid. UV light selectively photodissociates the DNA film where it is exposed into smaller more
hydrophilic fragments. UV-exposed films are then coated with a solution of a protein. The protein appears to selectively
coat over areas exposed to UV light. We have also used interferometric lithography with UV light to accomplish
patterning on the scale of 1 micron on DNA thin films. This technique has the potential to generate micro/nano arrays
and vary the array-size. This paper describes the fabrication of these microarrays and a plausible application for
fabricating antibody arrays for protein sensing applications.
Surface relief gratings produced on planar substrates have been widely investigated for their application as a
holographic recording medium. Much of this work has concentrated on gratings made in polymer thin films with an
azo-benzene group. We describe a novel phenomenon involving surface relief gratings which are formed by deposition
of Rhodamine 6G dye on polybutadiene thin film. This deposition as a grating pattern is photo-induced in a dye-solution
by holographic interference of low power 488 nm light from an argon-ion laser. Dynamics of this aqueousphase
grating deposition is investigated for various concentrations of the dye. A plausible mechanism of grating
formation involves photochemical reaction of polybutadiene substrate with the laser-excited dye. Surface relief
structure of the grating is characterized with an atomic force microscope.
Phospholipid, which is a building block of biological membranes, plays an important role in compartmentalization of cellular reaction environment and control of the physicochemical conditions inside the reaction environment. Phospholipid bilayer membrane has been proposed as a natural biocompatible platform for attaching biological
molecules like proteins for biosensing related application. Due to the enormous potential applications of biomimetic model biomembranes, various techniques for depositions and patterning of these membranes onto solid supports and their possible biotechnological applications have been reported by different groups. In this work, patterning of
phospholipid thin-films is accomplished by interferometric lithography as well as using lithographic masks in liquid phase. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Atomic Force microscopy are used to characterize the model phospholipid membrane and the patterning technique. We describe an easy and reproducible technique for direct patterning of azo-dye (NBD)-labeled phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) in aqueous medium using a low-intensity
488 nm Ar+ laser and various kinds of lithographic masks.
Explosives detection for national and aviation security has been an area of concern for many years. In order to
improve the security in risk areas, much effort has been focused on direct detection of explosive materials in vapor
and bulk form. New techniques and highly sensitive detectors have been extensively investigated and developed
to detect and identify residual traces that may indicate an individual's recent contact with explosive materials.
This paper reports on the use and results of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technique, to analyze
residual traces of explosives in highly diluted solutions by using low-resolution Raman spectroscopy (LRRS). An
evaluation of the detection sensitivity of this technique has been accomplished using samples of explosives such
as Trinitrotoluene(TNT), Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and HMX evaluated at different concentrations.
Additionally, different SERS substrates have been studied in order to achieve the best enhancement of the Raman
spectrum for residual amounts of materials. New substrates produced by gold-coated polystyrene nanospheres
have been investigated. Two different sizes of polystyrene nanospheres, 625nm and 992nm, have been used to
produce nanopatterns and nanocavities on the surface of a glass slide which has been coated with sputtered
gold. Results from homemade substrates have been compared to a commercial gold-coated substrate consisting
of an array of resonant cavities that gives the SERS effect. Sample concentration, starting from 1000ppm
was gradually diluted to the smallest detectable amount. Raman spectrum was obtained using a portable
spectrometer operating at a wavelength of 780nm.
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique capable of single molecule detection
sensitivity. We have detected SERS on the tip of a 3 mm-core diameter PMMA plastic optical fiber. The technique
involves deposition of 30 nm gold nanoparticles followed by deposition of sample of interest to be analyzed. SERS
enhancement has been demonstrated for several chemicals like glycerin and dye Rhodamine 6G as well biological
molecules like Acetaminophen, aspirin and Streptavidin and poly-L-Lysine. It is shown that interfering spectrum of
PMMA can be subtracted to reveal the SERS spectrum of molecule of interest. The technique can simplify SERS
detection by connecting the other end of fiber directly to a spectrometer. SERS was recorded for various concentrations
of analytes. Using a focused 633 nm laser, a detection sensitivity of 0.1picogram was established.
Interferometric lithography is one of the techniques used to produce micro and nano-scale periodic patterns like gratings
in polymers and other substrates of interest. In this work, holographic surface relief gratings are optically inscribed on
spin coated azo-dye (NBD)-labeled phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) thin films using a low-intensity (10 mW) 244
nm frequency-doubled Ar+ laser. A systematic study of growth and decay of phospholipid grating is reported.
Multiple light taps in a plastic optical fiber provides a possibility of chemical sensing along its entire length. Unlike some point-by-point measurement techniques like fluorescence endoscopy, the technique described here makes it possible to sense large areas simultaneously and should be useful as an environmental chemical sensor.
There is a continuous demand for larger, lighter, and higher quality telescopes. Over the past several decades, we have
seen the evolution from launchable 2 meter-class telescopes (such as Hubble), to today's demand for deployable 6
meter-class telescopes (such as JWST), to tomorrow's need for up to 150 meter-class telescopes. As the apertures
continue to grow, it will become much more difficult and expensive to launch assembled telescope structures. To
address this issue, we are seeing the emergence of new novel structural concepts, such as inflatable structures and
membrane optics. While these structural concepts do show promise, it is very difficult to achieve and maintain high
surface figure quality. Another potential solution to develop large space telescopes is to move the fabrication facility
into space and launch the raw materials.
In this paper we present initial in-space manufacturing concepts to enable the development of large telescopes. This
includes novel approaches for the fabrication of the optical elements. We will also discuss potential optical designs for
large space telescopes and describe their relation to the fabrication methods. These concepts are being developed to
meet the demanding requirements of DARPA's LASSO (Large Aperture Space Surveillance Optic) program which
currently requires a 150 meter optical aperture with a 16.6 degree field of view.
Bragg-grating sensors fabricated within the same optical fiber are buried within multiple-ply carbon-epoxy planar and cylindrical structures. Effect of different orientation of fiber-sensors with respect to carbon fibers in the composite structure is investigated. This is done for both fabric and uni-tape material samples. Response of planar structures to axial and transverse strain up to 1 millistrain is investigated with distributed Bragg-grating sensors. Material properties like Young’s Modulus and Poisson ratio is measured. A comparison is made between response measured by sensors in different ply-layers and those bonded on the surface. The results from buried fiber-sensors do not completely agree with surface bonded conventional strain gauges. A plausible explanation is given for observed differences. The planar structures are subjected to impacts with energies up to 10 ft-lb. Effect of this impact on the material stiffness is also investigated with buried fiber-optic Bragg sensors. The strain response of such optical sensors is also measured for cylindrical carbon-epoxy composite structures. The sensors are buried within the walls of the cylinder as well as surface bonded in both the axial as well as hoop directions. The response of these fiber-optic sensors is investigated by pressurizing the cylinder up to its burst pressure of around 1500 psi. This is done at both room temperature as well as cryogenic temperatures. The recorded response is compared with that from a conventional strain gauge.
Multiple Fiber Bragg-gratings are embedded in carbon-epoxy laminates as well as in composite wound pressure vessel. Structural properties of such composites are investigated. The measurements include stress-strain relation in laminates and Poisson’s ratio in several specimens with varying orientation of the optical fiber Bragg-sensor with respect to the carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix. Additionally, fiber Bragg gratings are bonded on the surface of these laminates and cylinders fabricated out of carbon-epoxy composites and multiple points are monitored and compared for strain measurements at several locations.
Investigation of electro-optic modulation in nonlinear materials placed within a Fabry-Perot modulator cavity is presented. Enhanced modulation at lower driving voltages is demonstrated in several materials including, LiNbO3 as well as thin films of organic compounds like COANP and NPP. Associated mechanical factors contributing to modulation are also described.
Fiber-optic Bragg grating filters are fabricated with a range of Bragg wavelength between 1296 and 1336 nm, using a single phase mask. 30 mW of continuous-wave light at 244 nm is used from a frequency-doubled argon-ion laser having an intracavity etalon. Gratings are fabricated by tilting the photosensitive fiber with respect to the phase mask up to an angle of 15 degrees. The variation of Bragg wavelength with the fiber-tilt is explained with a simple formula. High spatial coherence of 244 nm light makes it possible to displace the fiber as much as 6 mm in front of the phase mask and tilt the fiber by as much as 15 degrees. This results in nearly constant band-width and near 100 % reflectivity for all gratings throughout the 40 nm range.
Fiber Bragg-gratings are embedded in carbon-epoxy laminates as well as bonded on the surface of composite wound pressure vessel. Structural properties of such composites are investigated. The measurements include stress-strain relation in laminates and Poisson's ratio in several specimens with varying orientation of the optical fiber Bragg-sensor with respect to the carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix. Additionally, fiber Bragg gratings are bonded on the surface of cylinders fabricated out of carbon-epoxy composites and longitudinal and hoop strain on the surface is measured.
Multiple Fiber Bragg-gratings are embedded in carbon-epoxy laminates as well as in composite wound pressure vessel. Structural properties of such composites are investigated. The measurements include stress-strain relation in laminates and Poisson’s ration in several specimens with varying orientation of the optical fiber Bragg-sensor with respect to the carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix. Additionally, fiber Bragg gratings are bonded on the surface of these laminates and cylinders fabricated out of carbon-epoxy composites and multiple points are monitored and compared for strain measurements at several locations.
Fiber-optic Bragg gratings are fabricated in hydrogen-loaded communications-grade optical fibers using
244 nm continuous wave light. The fiber-buffer is only partially stripped to allow the ultraviolet grating
writing beam to enter the fiber. This light is completely absorbed by the buffer behind the fiber. The
absorption of ultraviolet light by the buffer significantly increases the rate of formation of Bragg gratings.
This is explained as being due to the heating effect on fiber due to the absorption of ultraviolet light.
A novel design of a fiber-optic soil moisture sensor is described together with its performance
under laboratory and field conditions. The sensor utilizes total internal reflection of light in a right-angled
glass prism. The sensor-head can be buried at any depth below the soil surface and is linked to a remotely
operated light source. The sensor is tested for several days of continuous operation using different soil
types and drying conditions.
Results of an application of fiber-optic Bragg gratings for sensing longitudinal strain in a fiberoptic
coil with 18 layers is described. Some of the fiber winding parameters in this test coil resembled those
typically used in a fiber-optic data link payout dispensers. 9t and 10th layers of this coil have Bragg
gratings in their center with unstrained Bragg wavelengths of 1294.74 and 1285.47 nm respectively. Bragg
grating-based technique is used to measure longitudinal stretch or compression in specific layers of optical
fiber in the coil, and relate it to the various winding parameters like the number of turns above and below
the turn of interest as well as the winding tension in each turn. The observed results are compared to a
cable-pack mechanics model (CPMM) that is widely used in the design of such coils.
The advantage of organic materials like polystyrene is their plasticity so that they can be made into any shape. Polystyrene has a rather large refractive index of 1.58 and can be easily doped with the required laser dye and also can be made into spheres of the required size. Fabrication of microspheres was basically carried out by J. Vanderhoff and his assistants at Lehigh University. The host material in all of these samples is polystyrene. Microspheres doped with Bis-MSB, PPO and alpha-NPO dyes were studied with suitable lasers like UV, N2 and XeCl excimer. We have observed enhanced emission and lasing action at certain wavelengths which correspond to the whispering gallery modes of polystyrene spheres. Characterization of the lasing process in microspheres with respect to their sizes will be presented. The 2D crystalline structure on a periodic array thin films of polystyrene microspheres has been studied by both diffraction and microscopic techniques and will be presented as well.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.