In this article, we present a simulation tool for modeling a quasi-optical bench for material characterization. The model uses a Gaussian beam expansion and tracking analysis, together with a modal analysis to enable a comparison of the simulated reflection and transmission S-parameters to the ones measured with a 4-port vector network analyzer. A Thru-Reflect-Line calibration is performed to de-embed the simulated S-parameters of a dielectric slab located between two lens antennas, showing good agreement with the analytical slab model used for experimental permittivity extraction.

Experimental studies are key to investigating the physical and chemical processes that drive cloud and haze formation from gas and solid phase molecular precursors in (exo)planetary environments, and validating the theoretical calculations used in models of (exo)planetary atmospheres. They allow characterizing the physical, optical, and chemical properties of laboratory-generated analogs, hence providing critical input parameters to models for observational data analysis. In this paper, we present examples of (1) experiments performed with different facilities to produce analogs of Titan and exoplanet atmospheric aerosols from gas phase molecular precursors, and (2) the characterization of these analogs to provide information on their composition, morphology, and optical constants to the scientific community. We also introduce the recently launched NASA Center for Optical Constants (NCOC), which will provide this critical data to the scientific community for (exo)planetary-relevant ices and organic refractory materials produced in the laboratory from the irradiation of gas and ice precursors.

Laboratory experiments are found to be extremely important in the field of planetary and exoplanetary science. In this proceeding, I cover three aspects of my envisioned next-generation laboratory research and the previous and current works of our group on achieving these visions. I will include three topics: 1) using material science techniques to study planetary materials, 2) collaborative laboratory research on planetary and exoplanetary haze analogs, and 3) building a robust laboratory database to better understand various atmospheric and surface processes on Titan and exoplanets. I will also elaborate on how such laboratory work could power next-generation space missions such as the Dragonfly mission to Titan and the James Webb Space Telescope.

For materials characterization, obtaining insight through 3D imaging has been extremely helpful in improving our understanding of complex systems. X-ray computed tomography (CT) has proven to be an extremely useful technique in this field, allowing for non-destructive interrogation of samples of all types across many length scales. In this article we look at how micro-CT is moving from static 3D imaging into the realm of 4D data collection through dynamic CT, where CT data are collected on samples undergoing change in an uninterrupted matter.

A method is presented to determine the feature resolution of physically relevant metrics of data obtained from segmented image sets. The presented method determines the best-fit distribution curve of a dataset by analyzing a truncated portion of the data. An effective resolvable size for the metric of interest is established when including parts of the truncated dataset results in exceeding a specified error tolerance. As such, this method allows for the determination of the feature resolution regardless of the processing parameters or imaging instrumentation. Additionally, the number of missing objects that exist below the resolution of the instrumentation may be estimated. The application of the developed method was demonstrated on data obtained via 2D scanning electron microscopy of a pressed explosive material and from 3D micro X-ray computed tomography of a polymer-bonded explosive material. It was shown that the minimum number of pixels/voxels required for the accurate determination of a physically relevant metric is dependent on the metric of interest. This proposed method, utilizing the prior knowledge of the distribution of metrics of interest, was found to be well suited to determine the feature resolution in applications where large datasets can be achieved.

On the basis of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray powder diffraction analyses, we present detailed mineralogical and petrographical characteristics of 63 samples of cooking and tablewares, which originate from two Medieval horizons (S1 and S2) in the Studenica Monastery, as well as of three samples of clays regarded as possible pottery raw material. The composition of the ceramic matrix is compatible with the composition of local clay and clasts that reflect the geology of the Studenica’s surroundings. This indicates that almost all studied vessels are unequivocally made locally. However, four wares may represent imports because they show similarities with Byzantine sgraffito wares, and ceramics from the Peloponnese (13th century). In terms of technological and morphological characteristics, the studied pottery collection represents a standardized production. Firing temperatures, estimated according to the level of matrix crystallinity, mineral reactions, and the mode of the appearance of fracture surfaces, indicate that most of cooking wares were fired at 600–700°C. All glazed wares, including tablewares and cooking pots from both S1 and S2, were fired at minimum 800–900°C. Along with technological and morphological standardization the characteristics of the studied collection show knowledge of traditional skills as well as trends within the Byzantine artistic craft circle.

This paper illustrates the different possibilities given by additive manufacturing technologies for the creation of passive microwave hardware. The paper more specifically highlights a prototyping scheme where the 3D-printed plastic parts can be used as initial proofs of concept before considering more advanced 3D-printed parts (metal parts, for instance). First, a characterization campaign has been made on common plastics used by a 3D printer using the fused deposition modeling and material jetting (Polyjet©) technologies. The impact of the manufacturing strategy (high-speed or high-accuracy) on the part roughness, as well as on the dielectric material permittivity and loss tangent, has been specifically studied at 10 and 16 GHz. Based on a specifically optimized and deeply explained characterization method, the conductivity of a coating based on silver paint has also been characterized on such plastic parts at 10 and 40 GHz. These plastic materials and coating have been used for the creation of quasi-elliptic and tuning-free bandpass filters centered at 6 and 12 GHz and compared with a similar filter made of stainless steel by selective laser melting. Finally, a compact rectangular TE10 to circular TE01 mode converter also undergoes one prototyping step out of plastic before moving to an advanced part made out of stainless steel. This mode converter, which is made in a single part, is designed to operate from 28 to 36 GHz as a tuning-free final demonstrator.