A multi-photon magneto-optical trap

We demonstrate a Magneto-Optical Trap (MOT) configuration which employs optical forces due to light scattering between electronically excited states of the atom. With the standard MOT laser beams propagating along the {\it x}- and {\it y}- directions, the laser beams along the {\it z}-direction are at a different wavelength that couples two sets of {\it excited} states. We demonstrate efficient cooling and trapping of cesium atoms in a vapor cell and sub-Doppler cooling on both the red and blue sides of the two-photon resonance. The technique demonstrated in this work may have applications in background-free detection of trapped atoms, and in assisting laser-cooling and trapping of certain atomic species that require cooling lasers at inconvenient wavelengths.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

Finite-volume Hamiltonian method for coupled channel interactions in lattice QCD

Within a multi-channel formulation of $\pi\pi$ scattering, we investigate the use of the finite-volume Hamiltonian approach to resolve scattering observables from lattice QCD spectra. The asymptotic matching of the well-known L\"uscher formalism encodes a unique finite-volume spectrum. Nevertheless, in many practical situations, such as coupled-channel systems, it is advantageous to interpolate isolated lattice spectra in order to extract physical scattering parameters. Here we study the use of the Hamiltonian framework as a parameterisation that can be fit directly to lattice spectra. We find that with a modest amount of lattice data, the scattering parameters can be reproduced rather well, with only a minor degree of model dependence.Comment: 25 pages, 16 figure

Magnetostriction of iron-germanium single crystals

The addition of nonmagnetic Ga into body-centered cubic Fe enhances the magnetostriction constant λ100 over tenfold. Literature reports for substitution of Ge at low concentrations suggest that the addition of Ge also enhances the magnetostriction. In this work, the magnetostriction and microstructure of Fe–Ge were investigated to correlate magnetostriction with microstructure. The magnetostriction of Fe100−xGexsingle crystals with x between 0.05 and 0.18 varies with Ge concentration and correlates with phase changes. The value of (3/2)λ100 increases with Ge additions in the A2 single phase region (up to x ∼ 10), reaching a maximum of 94 ppm at the solubility limit of the disordered A2 phase. Further increases in Ge in the A2+D03 two-phase region (12\u3cx\u3c16)result in a decrease in magnetostriction which changes from positive to negative. For Ge contents with x\u3e16, magnetostriction remains negative with an absolute value of strain of129 ppm at 18 at. % Ge. This behavior is similar to that observed for Fe–Si alloys

Structural Analysis of Test Flight Vehicles with Multifunctional Energy Storage

Under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Convergent Aeronautical Solutions (CAS) project, NASA Glenn Research Center has been leading Multifunctional Structures for High Energy Lightweight Load-bearing Storage (M-SHELLS) research efforts. The technology of integrating load-carrying structures with electrical energy storage capacity has the potential to reduce the overall weight of future electric aircraft. The proposed project goals were to develop M-SHELLS in the form of honeycomb coupons and subcomponents, integrate them into the structure, and conduct low-risk flight tests onboard a remotely piloted small aircraft. Experimental M-SHELLS energy-storing coupons were fabricated and tested in the laboratory for their electrical and mechanical properties. In this paper, finite element model development and structural analyses of two small test aircraft candidates are presented. The finite element analysis of the initial two-spar wing is described for strain, deflection, and weight estimation. After a test aircraft Tempest was acquired, a load- deflection test of the wing was conducted. A finite element model of the Tempest was then developed based on the test aircraft dimensions and construction detail. The component weight analysis from the finite element model and test measurements were correlated. Structural analysis results with multifunctional energy storage panels in the fuselage of the test vehicle are presented. Although the flight test was cancelled because of programmatic reasons and time constraints, the structural analysis results indicate that the mid-fuselage floor composite panel could provide structural integrity with minimal weight penalty while supplying electrical energy. To explore potential future applications of the multifunctional structure, analyses of the NASA X-57 Maxwell electric aircraft and a NASA N+3 Technology Conventional Configuration (N3CC) fuselage are presented. Secondary aluminum structure in the fuselage sub-floor and cargo area were partially replaced with reinforced five-layer composite panels with M-SHELLS honeycomb core. The N3CC fuselage weight reduction associated with each design without risking structural integrity are described. The structural analysis and weight estimation with the application of composite M-SHELLS panels to the N3CC fuselage indicate a 3.2% reduction in the fuselage structural weight, prior to accounting for the additional weight of core material required to complete the energy storage functionality

Axel: A Minimalist Tethered Rover for Exploration of Extreme Planetary Terrains

Recent scientific findings suggest that some of the most interesting sites for future exploration of planetary surfaces lie in terrains that are currently inaccessible to conventional robotic rovers. To provide robust and flexible access to these terrains, we have been developing Axel, the robotic rover. Axel is a lightweight two-wheeled vehicle that can access steep terrains and negotiate relatively large obstacles because of its actively managed tether and novel wheel design. This article reviews the Axel system and focuses on those system components that affect Axel's steep terrain mobility. Experimental demonstrations of Axel on sloped and rocky terrains are presented