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Neutron Detector featured in NASA Tech Briefs INSIDER 08/01/02
For the neutron detector article, skip down to: RESEARCH NEWS
----- Forwarded by Mark Hogue/WSRC/Srs on 08/01/02 06:24 AM -----
NASA Tech Briefs
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Subject: NASA Tech Briefs INSIDER 08/01/02
08/01/02 12:13 AM
Please respond to NASA
Tech Briefs
In this edition, sponsored by Ocean Optics & NKK Switches:
* High-Strength Alloy for Lower Engine Emissions, Improved Gas Mileage
* New Infrared Photodetector Camera Benefits Remote Sensing Applications
* Low Power, Hybrid Sensor Measures Quasi-Static Electric Fields
* Neutron Detection Device Addresses National Security Applications
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Sponsor Message
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For more, see http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A1
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TECHNOLOGY NEWS
A new high-strength aluminum-silicon alloy developed at NASA's Marshall
Space
Flight Center (Huntsville, AL) promises to lower engine emissions and could
improve gas mileage in cars, boats, and recreational vehicles.
MSFC-398 is a wear-resistant alloy that exhibits dramatic strength at
temperatures as high as 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. When tested at 600
degrees Fahrenheit, it is three to four times stronger than conventional
cast
aluminum alloys. The expected production cost of the new metal is less than
$1 per pound.
NASA High-Strength Alloy can be poured as a molten metal into conventional
steel molds or die-casting molds to create specially shaped parts - a
cost-saving advantage over machining of parts.
According to NASA, the alloy is suitable for high-temperature cast
components
used in engines such as pistons, connecting rods, actuators, brake
calipers,
and rotors. Applications exist in the automotive, aerospace, marine, and
recreational vehicle industries.
Go to http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A3 for more information.
NASA NEWS
Infrared light is basically heat emitted from an object whose temperature
is
above absolute zero (about -273 degrees Celsius or -460 degrees
Fahrenheit).
Unlike the human eye, which cannot detect infrared light, the new four-band
Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector camera from NASA's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory (Pasadena, CA) can see up to 15.5 microns, or 15 one-millionths
of a meter in the infrared.
Its focal plane can be compared to the retina of an eye. More nerve endings
on a retina provide more detailed sight. Thus, adding more pixels to the
bands increases the detail and information the camera can capture. Each
band,
or focal plane, measures 128 by 640 pixels.
The new level of detail provided by this technology is expected to benefit
researchers in the field of remote sensing for pollution detection, weather
prediction and a host of other vital atmospheric and geological
applications
on Earth. It will assist with monitoring crop health, tropical rainforest
deforestation, and industrial pollutants.
Visit http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A2 for more information.
View a related INSIDER story on QWIP technology at
http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A7
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Sponsor Message
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Begin your design today at http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A4
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NTB ONLINE
The hybrid electric-field sensor (HEFS) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in
Florida has been proposed for measuring quasi-static electric fields --
especially those associated with thunderstorms.
The HEFS would combine the relative compactness, low cost, and low power
consumption of prior induction-probe-type electric-field sensors with the
higher sensitivity of the prior field-mill-type electric-field sensors.
The HEFS design would utilize a chopping-electrostatic-shield feature of a
field mill over two insulated antennas to overcome the finite time constant
and the poor upper frequency response of the induction probe and the
electric
field mill, respectively.
It would also be modular in order to accommodate "smart" data-acquisition
and communication ports for operation as a battery-powered, stand-alone
unit.
Get more details on the HEFS by accessing the full NASA Tech Brief at
http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A5
RESEARCH NEWS
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) have developed a
highly sensitive, hand-held neutron detection device that could be used for
locating hidden nuclear materials, monitoring nuclear weapons storage, and
other national security applications.
The detector, built around a boron-carbide semiconductor diode smaller than
a dime, can detect neutrons emitted by the materials that fuel nuclear
weapons.
"This device is very small, can be powered with small batteries or even
solar
cells, and can withstand corrosion and extremely high temperatures," said
mechanical engineer Brian Robertson.
UNL currently holds a combination of five patents and pending patents on
both
the device and the processes for producing the semi-conductors. The team is
continuing to refine the device, focusing on improving its efficiency and
reliability, and is exploring commercialization with a Lincoln-based
engineering company.
According to a recent press release, the detector also has applications
beyond
national security including experimental medical radiation treatments for
cancer and for "scattering" experiments performed in basic neutron
research.
Visit http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20020801A6 for more information.
- Ashli K. Riggs, Associate Editor
Send your comments to me at ashli@abpi.net
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