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Jacobson, A. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Jacobson, A. S..

53 records · Page 3

A possible line feature at 73 keV from the Crab Nebula

Evidence is reported for a possible line feature at 73 keV from the Crab Nebula. The experiment was conducted with a balloon-borne high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer on June 10, 1974, over Palestine, Texas. The intensity and the width of the line derived from the fitting of these data are approximately 0.0038 photon per (sq cm-sec) and less than 4.9 keV FWHM, respectively. The line is superposed on a power-law continuum of 11.2 E to the -2.16 photons per (sq cm-keV) in the energy range from 53 to 300 keV, which is consistent with other measurements of the Crab Nebula spectrum.

Ling, J. C.↗

Observational evidence for extraterrestrial gamma-ray line sources

During the 1974 balloon flight of a high spectral resolution gamma-ray telescope, observing in the energy range of about 50 keV to 10 Mev, evidences were gathered for two cosmic sources of gamma-ray lines. These are a 73 keV line feature superimposed on a power law continuum spectrum in the 55 to 300 keV range from the Crab nebula; and a flare-like event lasting about twenty minutes, during which four intense gamma-ray lines were measured at .41, 1.79, 2.22 and 5.95 MeV. The properties and operation of the detector used are described. The measured spectrum and count rate are discussed.

Jacobson, A. S.↗

Capabilities of germanium detectors

The gamma ray detection efficiency and energy resolution of germanium detectors is reviewed. A general sensitivity equation for gamma-ray detectors is presented and calculated sensitvity curves are shown for a large volume balloon-borne spectrometer using germanium detectors. Improvement anticipated from a planned satellite experiment using germanium detectors is discussed.

Willett, J. B.↗

Background of a shielded Ge(Li) spectrometer at balloon altitudes

The background data obtained from an actively shielded Ge(Li) spectrometer flown on a balloon were analyzed and a preliminary model was developed to explain background features including the intensity and time profile of line emission. These features can be explained by a combination of secondary radiation originating in the CsI shield and atmospheric secondary radiation leaking through it.

Mahoney, W. A.↗

HEAO C-1 gamma-ray spectrometer

The gamma-ray spectroscopy experiment to be launched on the third High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO C) will perform a complete sky search for narrow gamma-ray line emission to the level of about 00001 photons/sq cm -sec for steady point sources. The design of this experiment and its performance based on testing and calibration to date are discussed.

Mahoney, W. A.↗

A search for the reported 400-keV gamma-ray line from Crab Nebula

A balloon-borne large volume high resolution gamma-ray spectrometer which utilizes 40 cu cm Ge(Li) crystals was used June 10, 1974 to search for a 400-keV gamma-ray line from the Crab Nebula. Energy loss spectra in the 400-keV vicinity are compared with gamma-ray measurements of the same source which were reported by Leventhal et al. (1977). In contrast with the 1976 experimental results reported by Leventhal et al., a 400-keV line was not observed. Further, it is thought that the 1974 data contradict the measurement reported by Leventhal et al. if a constant source intensity is assumed.

Ling, J. C.↗

Measurement of 0.511-MeV gamma rays with a balloon-borne Ge/Li/ spectrometer

A collimated high-resolution gamma ray spectrometer was flown on a balloon over Palestine, Texas, on June 10, 1974, to obtain measurements of the terrestrial and extraterrestrial 0.511-MeV gamma rays. The spectrometer consists of four 40-cu-cm Ge(Li) crystals operating in the energy range 0.06-10 MeV; this cluster of detectors is surrounded by a CsI(Na) anticoincidence shield. This system is used primarily to allow measurements of the two escape peaks associated with high-energy gamma ray lines. It also allows a measurement of the background component of the 0.511-MeV flux produced by beta(+) decays in materials inside the CsI(Na) shield. It is shown that the measurements of the atmospheric fluxes are consistent with earlier results after allowance is made for an additional component of the background due to beta(+) decays produced by neutron- and proton-initiated interactions with materials in and near the detector. Results of the extraterrestrial flux require an extensive detailed analysis of the time-varying background because of activation buildup and balloon spatial drifts.

Ling, J. C.↗

A balloon-borne Ge/Li/ spectrometer for gamma-ray astronomy

On June 10, 1974, a new high-resolution gamma ray spectrometer operating in the energy range of 0.05 to 10 MeV was successfully balloon-flight tested. This system uses four 40 cu cm Ge(Li) crystals in a single cryostat as prime sensors. A 6.35 cm thick CsI (Na) shield provides background rejection and collimation, defining a solid angle of 0.095 sr. Cooling is provided by a liquid-nitrogen dewar. The system was highly stable with spectral resolution of better than 2.5 keV at 1 MeV for the flight duration. The background total count rate was about 20 counts/sec. Numerous lines were observed, most of which originated from secondary neutron interactions in the spectrometer. The sensitivity of the system to line emissions originating in cosmic point sources is 0.0001 to 0.001 photons per sq cm s over the energy range.

Jacobson, A. S.↗

A Ge/Li/ spectrometer for gamma ray astronomy

A space-borne instrument to measure the spectral and temporal characteristics of astronomical gamma rays in the .05 to 10 Mev energy range is described. The spectrometer consists of four 60 cc Ge(Li) detectors with an energy resolution of 2.5 Kev (FWHM) at 1.33 Mev. The Ge(Li) detectors are actively shielded with CsI(Na) for angular collimation and background reduction. Cooling of the Ge(Li) detectors to 88 K for orbital lifetimes of up to two years is provided by a two-stage solid subliming refrigerator.

Hicks, D. B.↗

Balloon X-ray astronomy.

Instrumental and observational aspects of balloon X-ray astronomy involving position, angular size, intensity and spectral measurements of X-ray sources

BALLOON SOUNDING↗

Balloon X-ray astronomy.

Instrumental and observational aspects of balloon X-ray astronomy involving position, angular size, intensity and spectral measurements of X-ray sources

X-RAY ASTRONOMY↗