View The Document

Accession Number:

AD1112550

Title:

Measurement of Mercury Mass in the Deep Space Atomic Clocks (DSAC's) rf-Discharge Lamp

Author(s):

• Klimcak, Charles
• Huang, Michael
• Camparo, James

Author Organization(s):

• AEROSPACE CORP

Report Date:

2019-09-01

Abstract:

Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), we demonstrate an ability to measure mercury mass in Hg rf-discharge lamps used in space-qualified Hg atomic clocks. In particular, for a DSAC Hg lamp provided by JPL, we measure a mass of 205 15 micro-gms. We believe the mass uncertainty is low enough to allow us to perform Hg consumption studies on these lamps, and through those studies define minimum Hg fills for the lamps to ensure specified space-mission lifetimes. Additionally, we show that photographic images of Hg droplets can provide a rough means of estimating Hg mass in rf-discharge lamps.

Document Type:

Conference:

Journal:

Pages:

11

File Size:

0.62MB

Contracts:

Grants:

Descriptors:

• jet propulsion
• phase transformations
• transition temperature
• heat energy
• failure mode and effect analysis
• measurement
• military research
• thermodynamics
• latent heat
• space systems
• atomic clocks
• deep space
• discharge lamps
• heat transmission
• melting
• standards
• transitions
• images
• metals
• photographic images

Identifiers:

• DSC(Differential Scanning Calorimetry)

SubjectCategory:

• Test Equipment, Research Facilities and Reprography

Communities of Interest:

• Space

Distribution Statement:

Approved For Public Release

View The Document