Alan Wolfinger

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, otherwise known as the laser, fundamentally changed human society upon its introduction in the early 1960s. The uses for lasers seem almost endless, and have rearranged how we communicate, perform surgeries, and even pay for groceries. In other words, we very much live in the laser era. However, this ubiquitous technology isn’t without its shortcomings. Because lasers are essentially just the optical amplifications of light, they’re still subject to failing in adverse conditions—whether that be fog, extreme temperatures, or even just long distances. Now, scientists at Washington University in St. Louis and Texas A&M University are turning to quantum mechanics to solve these laser-based shortcomings. The research will be conducted thanks to a two-year, $1 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and will be led by Washington University associate professor Jung-Tsung Shen, who hopes to develop a prototype device called a quantum photonic-dimer laser. As its name suggests, this device is built around concepts from quantum mechanics. The idea is that two carefully controlled particles of light (a.k.a. photonic dimers) can be used to create a powerful laser beam. The “quantum” part of the equation comes in when these two particles are entangled, which can help protect from some of the deleterious effects lasers can face in challenging environments—when charge is applied to one photon, it directly applies to the other. Researchers around the world are busy applying quantum mechanical properties to classical technologies. Last year, a French research team reported that their “quantum radar”—which similarly uses quantum entanglement techniques—outperformed classical radar by 20 percent. Researchers are also hard at work creating a quantum internet that will one day transmit information in quantum state, which could increase security and improve the study of materials. So, while the laser was no doubt a world-changing invention, it’s revolutionary introduction may only be the first chapter of its technological journal. #quantum #lasers #darpa #prototype #revolution https://lnkd.in/g2wvN8Yg

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China Completes Ignition Tests for Powerful Reusable Liquid-fueled Rocket Engine Full article at FriendsofNASA.org: https://lnkd.in/gg2J3wvd China successfully completed an ignition test on Sunday, April 28, 2024, for its liquid-propellant engine with the highest thrust, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). According to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), four YF-100K rocket engines have been successfully tested in parallel at the Tongchuan Test Center, Shaanxi Province, China. YF-100K is a “130-ton reusable liquid oxygen/kerosene rocket engine” that may be used by the Long March-10 launch vehicle. This marks a new breakthrough in the country's liquid propulsion development. It is also the first-ever parallel ignition test of four large-thrust liquid oxygen (LOX) kerosene engines. The 130-tonne class LOX kerosene engine, developed by the CASC, has a total thrust of over 500 tonnes. Compared to the currently operational 120-tonne class LOX kerosene engines, it boasts not only a larger thrust and better performance, but also a more compact structure, effectively enhancing the rocket's carrying capacity. "The successful test assessed the coordination of the multi-engine operation of our system, and the operating reliability of the engines in extreme thermal and force environment. [The result] indicates that the engines are fully qualified to participate in [rocket launching] tests," said Li Bin, deputy head of the Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology under CASC. The engine used in this test was designed with the "pump back swing" technology, referring to an engine with a swing device at the rear. Compared with the main liquid oxygen kerosene engines currently in service, this kind of engine has a greater thrust, better performance, and a more compact structure. With the pump back swing technology, more engines can be set within the same rocket diameter, which can effectively improve rocket carrying capacity. The parallel ignition test refers to the integration of four mature engine systems, working in unison rather than simply being bundled together. This approach provides a larger thrust for the rocket while also reducing overall system complexity. The successful trial run validates the coordination of multiple engines and their reliability in high thermal environments, demonstrating that the engines are fully capable of flight applications. Credit: CCTV/CASC) Duration: 1 minute, 26 seconds Release Date: April 29, 2024 Dan Goldin Tymothy S. F. X. Carroll2 Tony Liolio MBA, CDCMP, CDCTP #NASA #Space #Earth #China #中国 #TongchuanTestCenter #铜川试验中心 #XianCity #ShaanxiProvince #YF100K #LongMarch10Rocket #长征十 #RocketEngine #Reusability #LOX #EngineTesting #CASC #Moon #月亮 #嫦娥 #Spaceflight #CASC #SpaceTechnology #SpaceEngineering #STEM #Education #HD #Video

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While the DF-5 can also cover all of the US mainland with an operational range of between 13,000-16,000km, it uses liquid-fuel engines instead of solid-fuel ones. While the DF-31 does use solid-fuel engines, its operational range is relatively shorter – 7,200-8,000km – and it can only carry a single warhead. However, its variants, the DF-31A and DF-31AG, are known to reach ranges of up to 13,200km and are equipped with MIRV, with around three to five warheads. As of this year, Washington’s only land-based ICBM in service is the LGM-30G Minuteman III, with about 400 of the projectiles deployed in the US. The Minuteman III was introduced in 1970 and has similar features as the DF-41, including a three-stage solid-fuel engine and an operational range of around 13,000km.

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A new NASA-funded study has revealed for the first time that the airflow in supersonic combusting jet engines can be controlled by an optical sensor. The finding can lead to more efficient stabilization of hypersonic jet aircraft, according to the study carried out by the researchers at the University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science. The research allows operators to control airflow at the speed of light when a ‘shock train’ occurs. A shock train is a condition that precedes engine failure within a scramjet engine. Earlier approaches relied on monitoring airflow through a supersonic combusting jet engine using a pressure sensor, while the new breakthrough allows doing the same using an optical sensor. #aviation #stabilization #light #sensing #supersonic #aircraft https://lnkd.in/gSkUc3XN

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🚀 Two years ago, NASA achieved a significant milestone with the Orion spacecraft's launch abort system. This system is meticulously designed to ensure crew safety by pulling the crew capsule to safety during an emergency launch scenario. With an incredible 400,000 pounds of thrust, the abort motor can activate within milliseconds. NASA ran advanced simulations to visualize the vibrations caused by the motor plumes on the vehicle. These simulations, represented by animated particles, highlighted areas of high and low pressure on the vehicle surface, allowing researchers to identify potential risks effectively. This achievement underscores the power and utility of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations across various sectors, from aerospace to automotive and energy. By providing detailed insights into complex physical phenomena, CFD simulations are indispensable for designing safer, more efficient systems. #CFD #AerospaceEngineering #Innovation #Simulation

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I love when multi-year projects have successful outcomes... Both NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and United States Air Force projects had significant technial risk: anomaly-defect correlation was an unkown for these materials (Ti64 and GrCop). Starting off, we set these stretch goals, and hit both! The team and I saw very clear indications of porosity, perfectly aligned with layers where we automatically measured, classified, ranked anomalies - all summarized here in this article! I'm excited to discuss these findings at RAPID + TCT next week and showcase our in situ inspection technology Fringe Research!

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Africa holds a special place within the Laser Light growing family of companies. In 2021, we selected Africa as one of our two "Alpha markets". Africa was being referred to by the "Big Data Guys" as a "just a megabit" market. Hardly worthy or too challenging to serve "at the moment". Our Alpha trial in Nairobi, however, found the opposite. "Megabit" markets quickly become "Gigabit" markets in direct proportion to its available infrastructure, and not whether a population wants it or not. Covid underscored that point in the Northern Hemispheres. Our Alpha trial in Africa demonstrated that populations want, need, albeit demand, a wide variety of advanced data services - content, compute, storage/access, personalized APIs - limited solely by global data company decisions to "build and serve" or "defer for now". In sum, we use the term "underserved" to describe a market as if the population is "uninterested". In most cases, however, "underserved" means "undervalued". We see the value of the African continent and its diverse population as a next-generation market for global data services. Actually, we see this "undervalued" potential in all the markets below the Equator - and some above it - where the populations are younger, hungrier, more eager to be part of the global data ecosystem. We see an evolution in the meaning of "work", particularly where it is performed. Look at outsourcing firms such as Gone Global for an example of the promise of a workforce below the Equator, e.g. Philippines, supporting firms in the US. A major requirement for these services to succeed is advanced data infrastructure in the home markets. For us, Africa, Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands comprise a fantastic opportunity for data-driven businesses. I strongly believe that whilst the World' high-value content, as an example, may be created above the Equator, the highest margins for the consumption of that content is below the Equator. So, the task before us at Laser Light is to deploy our emerging Multi-Domain Global Platform of terrestrial fiber, optical satellite, and more efficient Cloud facilities to these markets to converge their unmet demands with unlimited data services. Laser Light Africa is a very good start.

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Recently the announcement from ex-NASA engineer, Dr. Charles Buhler ( founder of Exodus Propulsion Technologies, patent application WO2020159603A) about the claimed breakthrough in electrostatic energy and propulsion generated some level of talk in some circles about how this can change everything. Because Dr. Charles has been involved in a couple of NASA programs such as the Hubble, Space Shuttle and the ISS, his claims should be given some investigative study. My views > This is not possible and is flawed. Why >> 1. It is claimed that there is a new force that continues to generate field force even when high voltage source is switched off, that mathematical substitution (of epsilon e squared) based on the empirical data obtained from the team's tests, in both atmospheric, and high vacuum environment proves this is valid. 1.S.1 - This is not valid, because in the atmospheric tests the capacitance function of compounds in air is not factored. In both atmospheric and high vacuum test environment the flow field of the Earth's magnetic force is not factored into the quantum equations that the said team had proposed. 1.S.2 - In the same you-tube presentation and in the patent filing, Dr. Charles acknowledged that the high voltage (currently trial tested at around 5 - 7kV) cannot exceed 70kV to cause charge ionization breakdown. This reinforces the need to empirically test the ionization cycle from 0V right up to the breakdown voltage, which the team did no such proof of test against the claimed breakthrough. 2. It is claimed that in the company's high vacuum tests that the empirical data indicates 4460 uN of continuous thrust against gravity at the specified vacuum chamber pressure at a current draw of 3500 vDC, 228 micro watts. 2.S.1 - Based on this and Dr. Charles representation of quantum mechanics where epsilon e is again substituted alpha, then the continuous thrust will vary at different poles or even continents on Earth, and at different planet orbital band velocity. 2.S.2 - Based on mathematical and empirical data-sets presented, the technical conjecture is unfortunately incorrect because the light constant is still assumed correct, when quantum physicists all around the world are trying to extrapolate the Canary island test data, among a few others. 2.S.3.1R - The fastest method by which the claims can be invalidated, or validated, is the replication of the same tests in different locations on Earth at varying altitudes, which will then show that this claimed "unknown" force will be different at voltages right up to the breakdown value. Having an excellent track record and highly competent credentials, does not equate to having to use yet-to-be-determined science to make claims such as these. #technology #innovation #money https://lnkd.in/gwdm8uSc

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NASA to transform in-space manufacturing with laser beam welding collaboration As NASA plans for humans to return to the Moon and eventually explore Mars, a laser beam welding collaboration between NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and The Ohio State University in Columbus aims to stimulate in-space manufacturing. The multi-year effort seeks to understand the physical processes of welding on the lunar surface, such as investigating the effects of laser beam welding in a combined vacuum and reduced gravity environment. The goal is to increase the capabilities of manufacturing in space to potentially assemble large structures or make repairs on the Moon, which will inform humanity's next giant leap of sending astronauts to Mars and beyond. "For a long time, we've used fasteners, rivets, or other mechanical means to keep structures that we assemble together in space," said Andrew O'Connor, a Marshall materials scientist who is helping coordinate the collaborative effort and is NASA's technical lead for the project. "But we're starting to realize that if we really want strong joints and if we want structures to stay together when assembled on the lunar surface, we may need in-space welding." The ability to weld structures in space would also eliminate the need to transport rivets and other materials, reducing payloads for space travel. That means learning how welds will perform in space. To turn the effort into reality, researchers are gathering data on welding under simulated space conditions, such as temperature and heat transfer in a vacuum; the size and shape of the molten area under a laser beam; how the weld cross-section looks after it solidifies; and how mechanical properties change for welds performed in environmental conditions mimicking the lunar surface. "Once you leave Earth, it becomes more difficult to test how the weld performs, so we are leveraging both experiments and computer modeling to predict welding in space while we're still on the ground," said O'Connor. In August 2024, a joint team from Ohio State's Welding Engineering and Multidisciplinary Capstone Programs and Marshall's Materials and Processes Laboratory performed high-powered fiber laser beam welding aboard a commercial aircraft that simulated reduced gravity. The aircraft performed parabolic flight maneuvers that began in level flight, pulled up to add 8,000 feet in altitude, and pushed over at the top of a parabolic arc, resulting in approximately 20 seconds of reduced gravity to the passengers and experiments. While floating in this weightless environment, team members performed laser welding experiments in a simulated environment similar to that of both low Earth orbit and lunar gravity. Analysis of data collected by a network of sensors during the tests will help researchers understand the effects of space environments on the welding process and welded material.

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Lockheed is serving as a sort of intermediary between Terran Orbital and Firefly, matching up subcontracted satellites with subcontracted rockets to launch them. With Lockheed Martin as the indispensable party to both subcontractors, an investor can probably safely assume that it will be earning respectable profit margins on this business. And seeing as Lockheed Martin's space division profit margins have sunk from about 10.5% to less than 9% over the past five years, that would be a positive development. At the same time, Lockheed's patronage is obviously good news for Terran Orbital, helping keep the company afloat even as it continues losing money. (Terran reported more than $150 million in losses last year, a sum nearly equal to the company's entire market capitalization.)

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This AWG generates high quality stimulus with its 16 Bit output, high sampling rate of up to 16GS/sec and long memory of 4 GPTs/ch!

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Autentica -Space -Aerospace -Defence 🚀 Securing the Future of Defence with Additive Manufacturing 🔐 In the defensecindustry, managing intellectual property (IP) and securing classified data are critical when it comes to 3D printing and digital manufacturing. As we advance towards on-demand manufacturing, the need for collaboration across partners—defence and non-defense alike—is growing. However, navigating cybersecurity and IP rights challenges remains a key barrier. At Autentica, we’ve developed a cutting-edge platform to help the defense sector overcome these hurdles. ✅ Blockchain-protected encryption to safeguard proprietary data ✅ Secure distribution of 3D printable files with DRM and anti-counterfeiting technologies ✅ Streamlined collaboration while maintaining strict cybersecurity compliance ✅ End-to-end IP management, ensuring clear ownership and rights protection We understand that while collaboration is essential, so is maintaining the integrity of sensitive designs and information. That’s why Autentica’s solution empowers defense departments to innovate with confidence, protecting IP and classified data while fostering collective progress. 🌐 Ready to secure your additive manufacturing operations? Connect with us to learn how Autentica can support your mission-critical projects! #Defense #AdditiveManufacturing #3DPrinting #Cybersecurity #IPProtection #OnDemandManufacturing #Collaboration #Innovation #Blockchain #DigitalManufacturing

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On this episode of Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Circuit Assemblies... CAF (Conductive Anodic Filament), an ECM (Electro-Chemical Migration) related failure mechanism. Conductive Anodic Filament (CAF) is a significant reliability concern in the electronics industry, specifically in printed circuit boards. CAF refers to the formation of conductive filaments between the anode and cathode within a PCB’s layers, leading to short circuits and potential device failure. This episode explores the causes of CAF formation and presents effective prevention methods to mitigate its occurrence. #caf #tipsandtricks #reliability #reliabilitymatters

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"Opinion About Superconductivity" Superconductivity is result from the ausence of another forces than the Physical Universe's background radiation acting over the subatomic particles movement, so they move freely on the electricity vibration. In extremely low temperature, atomic particles vibrates and spin less, there's no heat waves or radiation acting over the electrons or nucleus. Radiation means warming, so, to be extremely cold something have no radiation acting over it. Also, gravity generates warming (extreme gravity means extremely high temperature). Electricity means warming too, also Magnetism. To be extremely cold, matter have to be free of any kind of force acting over it. Science never observed materiallly something even far of Max Planck's Size, but in thesis the atom can be cooled until heat waves that can be called "One Max Planck's Degree Celsius before -273.15°" (whose is not 1-³⁵ degree Celsius), or -457.8699_°F, untill "One Max Planck's Degree Farenheit before -457.87°. I propose use the Planck's Degrees, 1°P. The coolest thing in Multiverse have necessarily 1 Planck's Unity × 1 Planck Unity × 1 Planck and Unity of size, and contains 0 Planck's Joule inside it. Is sequenced by one thing with the equal size but with 1 Planck's Joule of Potential inside. The hottest thing must have size of 1 Planck's Unity × 1 Planck's Unit too, but have Planck's Joules Potential equal Joules Potential in 1 Planck's Degree. A heat-wave with the Planck's Unity of tall can be extremely hot or extremely cold, depending on it's original length. The uncertainty on the quarks positions maybe came from the ausence of forces whose in natural conditions acts over the quarks. The probabilities ABCS is a question of measurement and causes knowing.

Do aliens really exist…? The Pentagon is rolling out the world’s first alien-hunting system, Gremlin, to track Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs). Think UFOs, flying saucers, mysterious lights in the sky, and other strange things we’ve been debating for decades. This system is scheduled to go live in early 2025. It combines advanced radar and sensor technologies to watch the skies with pinpoint accuracy. If you’re picturing sci-fi-level tech, you’re not far off. Gremlin uses a mix of 2D and 3D radar, along with infrared and electro-optical telescopes, to get a clearer view of what’s up there. It’s like giving the sky a full-body scan to understand what’s flying around. By mapping their range, direction, and elevation, Gremlin can track movements and analyze behaviors. The goal? To figure out their “patterns of life” - basically, whether they’re harmless, routine, or worth more attention. Beyond national security, this system could also reshape drone detection and air traffic management. But here’s the thing: there’s still no concrete proof of extraterrestrial life. So, is this an expensive way to track things that often turn out to be drones, weather balloons, or just odd blips on a radar? It’s fair to question whether we’re solving a problem that might not even exist. Still, Gremlin is pushing surveillance technology forward. And who knows? By the time it’s up and running, it might be laying the groundwork for systems we haven’t even imagined yet. How about you? Do you think Gremlin is worth developing, or is it more of a nice-to-have tool? Daily #electronics insights from Asia—follow me, Keesjan, and never miss a post by ringing my 🔔. #technology #innovation #future

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The USAF RFI, due NLT 31-JUL, is for Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera technologies for countering small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) threats in groups 1 and 2. Opportunities for CRG Clients: 1. Advanced EO/IR Camera Development. 2. Integration with Existing C-UAS Systems. 3. AI and Machine Learning for Target Identification. 4. Ruggedized and Weather-Resistant Designs. 5. Enhanced Communication and Data Sharing.   CRG has a proven track record of facilitating client wins & helping manage billions in TCV on USMIL, NATO & federal agency contracts around the world. Leveraging our expertise can help you navigate the complexities of defense procurement, ensuring your innovative solutions meet stringent military requirements and maximize market opportunities. Visit crgroupinc.com or reach out at [email protected]. #IL - #VA - #DC - #Dubai, #UAE.     #CRG #USAF #CounterUAS #EOIR #DefenseTech #C2Systems #ImagingTech #MilitaryInnovation #AI #MachineLearning #SystemIntegration #EO #IR #TechResearch #DefenseContracts #C5ISR #SurveillanceTech #UAS #UAV #AV #SituationalAwareness #AdvancedTech #MarketResearch #AVS #AI #ML #DefenseProcurement #Innovation #USMilitary #commandandcontrol

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