University Applied Physics Laboratory Research Articles

Far-Forward Diagnostics in Toxic Industrial Chemical and Material Exposure Scenarios and Biomarker Identification

: This study describes key technical solutions for detecting environmental toxicants and diagnosing adverse health effects in military operational settings as outlined at a symposium cosponsored by the Department of Defense and the Johns Hopkins University-Applied Physics Laboratory (October 27 to 28, 2015). Such technologies are urgently needed in order to provide critical decision-aid tools and prognostic assessment of potential clinical sequelae. This review summarizes the state-of-the-science on (1) prioritization of adverse health effects, (2) existing technologies and diagnostic tools available for use in theater, (3) challenges to advancing diagnostic tools far-forward, and (4) the potential utility of anchoring diagnostic tools to adverse outcome pathways. Emerging technologies are increasingly available for physiological, environmental, and individual exposure monitoring. Challenges to overcome in austere environments include cold chain requirements and determination of adequate sampling intervals.

Radiation belt probes launched

Storms on Earth delayed by only a few days the launch of NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), which blasted off on 30 August for a 2‐year tour to explore the Van Allen radiation belts. The two satellites will help scientists learn about the processes that affect electrons and ions in the donut‐shaped belts and how the belts change in the context of geomagnetic storms. “The information collected from these probes will benefit the public by allowing us to better protect our satellites and understand how space weather affects communications and technology on Earth,” said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Each probe carries an identical suite of instruments, including an Energetic Particle, Composition, and Thermal Plasma Suite; Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science; Electric Field and Waves Suite; Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment; and Relativistic Proton Spectrometer. RBSP is part of NASA's Living With a Star program and is managed for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. For more information, see http://rbsp.jhuapl.edu.

Automation and control system for the PUPR Mirror/Cusp plasma machine

The automation of the PUPR Mirror/Cusp (M/C) plasma machine is the result of a collaboration between the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, NASA and Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory for the NASA Solar Probe mission. The PUPR M/C plasma machine is the only machine of its type in the Caribbean that has been set up for automatic operation. It valves and pumps together with a current source and microwave generator to create plasma. This process requires the operator to do a series of strict steps while constantly monitoring the pressure and temperature. This process was automated using a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC manages all the equipment used to make plasma, and communicates with the vacuum-measuring system and the cooling temperature control system to acquire the state of the system and determine the next step in the process of making plasma. The machine operation can be switched between manual and automatic mode, allowing the operator to take control of the operation at any moment. The system has improved the speed and precision of the operations at the Plasma Engineering Laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, by eliminating most of the possible human errors in the operation of the plasma device.

The role of volatiles and atmospheres on Martian impact craters

Many questions remain about what Martian impact craters reveal about the planet's environment at the time of the impact and about the subsequent processes that have modified these craters. In particular, questions remain about the role of near‐surface or “target” volatiles (volatiles within the upper few kilometers of the surface) and the planets variable carbon dioxide (CO2) atmosphere on ejecta formation and modification.A recent meeting, “Workshop on the Role of Volatiles and Atmospheres on Martian Impact Craters,” helped to better define these questions and review current understandings. The workshop was sponsored by the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Mars Crater Consortium, NASA, Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group.

Thomas A. Potemra (1938–1998)

Thomas A. Potemra, supervisor of the Space Physics Group at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, passed away Friday, April 3, 1998, following extended hospitalization after a heart operation. Tom Potemra had been a physicist in APL's Research Center and Space Department since 1965, specializing in the science and history of the Earth's magnetic field. He led a large group of space scientists, published over 200 scientific papers, and directed many spacecraft experiments. He was deeply involved in defining and implementing major scientific missions for the nation's space program.