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At least 199 records · Page 11

Nondispersive X-ray spectroscopy and imaging of plasmas using a charge-coupled device

A virtual-phase charge-coupled device (CCD) was used to obtain pinhole images and X-ray spectra of laser-produced, solid target plasmas. With the CCD used in the single-photon counting mode, the spectrum in the energy range 2-10 keV was obtained without a dispersive element. Typical spectra reveal two distinct temperatures: a cold component of approximately 200 eV and a hot component of approximately 5 keV. Also, multiline spectra comprising characteristic line emission (K alpha, K beta) from a multilayer target bombarded by beta-rays were recorded using a three-phase CCD. The results demonstrate the potential of CCDs as imaging spectrometers with application in space, laboratory, and fusion-plasma research.

Marsh, K.↗

The LAMAR telescope module for high throughput imaging and spectroscopy

Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror assemblies for the LAMAR experiment of the Space Shuttle are described. The aperture is 20 cm x 30 cm and the distance from the front of the mirror to the focal plane is 3.4 m. The reflectors are made from 1.8 mm gold coated float glass. A prototype brassboard mirror was constructed with only one-third of the plates. Its angular resolution is 35 arcsec (HPW) in visible light. X-ray tests over small areas indicate very little scattering. The fabrication technique is applicable to larger mirror systems such as those of XMM. The use of flatter material for the reflectors results in better angular resolution.

Gorenstein, P.↗

Cometary spectroscopy and imaging

The objective is to investigate the spectroscopic and morphological characteristics of comets and selected minor planets over a wide range of heliocentric distances as they may suggest or constrain models of cometary processes, their formation environments and evolution. Direct images of all observable comets and 300-800 nm spectra of the brighter ones are obtained on a monthly basis with a charge coupled device spectrograph-camera. The direct images may be used for astrometry, photometry, and studies of coma and tail morphology. In some cases, anisotropic dust emission can provide information on the nucleus spin vector. Spectra may provide data on strengths of the principle emission for comparison of gas/dust ratios of a large sample of comets. Long integrations of minor planets in comet-like and nearby orbits are made to search for faint comae.

Larson, Stephen M.↗

Global spectroscopy and imaging of atmospheric X-ray bremsstrahlung - Instrumentation and initial results from the PEM/AXIS instrument aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite

The Atmospheric X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (PEM/AXIS) aboard NASA's Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite provides continuous horizon to horizon images, both day and night, of the 3- to 100-keV X-ray flux emitted from the top of the atmosphere. AXIS achieves a spatial resolution to better than 100 km using a one-dimensional array of 16 passively cooled silicon detectors. The primary purpose of this instrument is to provide a global monitor of electron energy input to the upper atmosphere. We describe the design, development, and calibration of AXIS and provide an assessment of its excellent on-orbit performance. The unique capabilities of X-ray imaging spectrometers are demonstrated through an analysis of specific examples from October and November 1991. Important new developments for follow-on instruments also will be described.

Chenette, D. L.↗

Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging Polarimetry of the Disk Around the T Tauri Star RNO 91

We present 3-5 micrometer spectra and a 2.2 micrometer polarimetric image of the T Tauri star RNO 91. We report the detection of three absorption bands centered at 3250 per cm (3.08 micrometer), 2139 per cm (4.68 micrometer), and 2165 per cm (4.62 micrometer) in spectra of RNO 91. These features are due to frozen H2O, CO, and possibly XCN along the line of sight toward RNO 91. Our 2187-2107 per cm spectrum of RNO 90, the only other T Tauri star in the dark cloud L43, does not show the CO or XCN absorption bands. By comparing our observed polarimetric image with modeled images of scattered light from bipolar nebulae or circumstellar disks as well as with known morphology of the RNO 91 bipolar outflow, we demonstrate that the reflection nebulosity seen in the near-infrared is most likely a circumstellar disklike structure with a radius of approximately 1700 AU. The location of both RNO 90 and RNO 91 in front of or near the front of L43 suggests that the intracloud optical depths toward both stars are small and, therefore, that the frozen H2O, CO, and XCN molecules are located on grains in circumstellar material around RNO 91 at distances from the central star of perhaps 10-1700 AU. This frozen material may represent precometary grains orbiting RNO 91.

Weintraub, David A.↗

Burst Arcsecond Imaging and Spectroscopy

in collaboration with the teams at the Goddard Space Flight center, the University of Wisconsin (Madison), and Yale University the scientific objectives of the mission, and the instrumental requirements following from these objectives were defined. These included in particular (apart from gamma-ray bursts), soft gamma repeaters, black-hole X-ray transients, and X-ray binaries. A crucial parameter of the mission was its low- energy sensitivity, which strongly impacts on the possibility to measure low-energy cut- offs in the spectra of gamma-ray bursts, and perhaps even allow the measurement of redshifts. The mission concept, and the detector technological developments were discussed at several meetings at Goddard Space Flight Center. As a result of these discussions a proposal for funding the BASIS mission was submitted to NASA, but BASIS was not selected.

VanParadijs, J.↗

High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy and Imaging of Supernova Remnant N132D

The observation of the supernova remnant N132D by the scientific instruments on board the XMM-Newton satellite is presented. The X-rays from N132D are dispersed into a detailed line-rich spectrum using the Reflection Grating Spectrometers. Spectral lines of C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, and Fe are identified. Images of the remnant, in narrow wavelength bands, produced by the European Photon Imaging Cameras reveal a complex spatial structure of the ionic distribution. While K - shell Fe seems to originate near the centre, all of the other ions are observed along the shell. An emission excess of O(6+) over O(7+) is detected on the northeastern edge of the remnant. This can be a sign of hot ionising conditions, or it can reflect a relatively cool region. Spectral fitting of the CCD spectrum suggests high temperatures in this region, but a detailed analysis of the atomic processes involved in producing the O(6+) spectral lines leads to the conclusion that the intensities of these lines alone cannot provide a conclusive distinction between the two scenarios.

Behar, Ehud↗

A Unique Gas-Rich Debris Disk: Herschel Imaging and Spectroscopy of 49 Ceti

Gas-poor debris disks represent a fundamentally different class of circumstellar disk than gas-rich protoplanetary disks. Their gas probably originates from the same source as the dust, i.e. planetesimal destruction, but the low gas densities make it difficult to detect. So far, Herschel has detected far-IR gas emission from only one or two debris disks, Beta Pictoris being one of them. Here we present Herschel GASPS observations of a well-known debris disk system, 49 Ceti. The dust disk is spatially resolved in thermal emission at 70 _m. Most interestingly, weak far-IR gas emission is detected. Preliminary modeling suggests that reconciling the sub-mm CO emission seen from this system with the far-IR gas detection and upper limits requires a low gas-to-dust ratio and possibly an unusual gas composition.

Roberge, Aki↗

Next-Generation Microshutter Arrays for Large-Format Imaging and Spectroscopy

A next-generation microshutter array, LArge Microshutter Array (LAMA), was developed as a multi-object field selector. LAMA consists of small-scaled microshutter arrays that can be combined to form large-scale microshutter array mosaics. Microshutter actuation is accomplished via electrostatic attraction between the shutter and a counter electrode, and 2D addressing can be accomplished by applying an electrostatic potential between a row of shutters and a column, orthogonal to the row, of counter electrodes. Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology is used to fabricate the microshutter arrays. The main feature of the microshutter device is to use a set of standard surface micromachining processes for device fabrication. Electrostatic actuation is used to eliminate the need for macromechanical magnet actuating components. A simplified electrostatic actuation with no macro components (e.g. moving magnets) required for actuation and latching of the shutters will make the microshutter arrays robust and less prone to mechanical failure. Smaller-size individual arrays will help to increase the yield and thus reduce the cost and improve robustness of the fabrication process. Reducing the size of the individual shutter array to about one square inch and building the large-scale mosaics by tiling these smaller-size arrays would further help to reduce the cost of the device due to the higher yield of smaller devices. The LAMA development is based on prior experience acquired while developing microshutter arrays for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), but it will have different features. The LAMA modular design permits large-format mosaicking to cover a field of view at least 50 times larger than JWST MSA. The LAMA electrostatic, instead of magnetic, actuation enables operation cycles at least 100 times faster and a mass significantly smaller compared to JWST MSA. Also, standard surface micromachining technology will simplify the fabrication process, increasing yield and reducing cost.

Moseley, Samuel↗

Unique Spectroscopy and Imaging of Mars with the James Webb Space Telescope

In this paper, we summarize the main capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for performing observations of Mars. The distinctive vantage point of JWST at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2) will allow sampling the full observable disk, permitting the study of short-term phenomena, diurnal processes (across the east-west axis), and latitudinal processes between the hemispheres (including seasonal effects) with excellent spatial resolutions (0.''07 at 2 micron). Spectroscopic observations will be achievable in the 0.7-5 micron spectral region with NIRSpec at a maximum resolving power of 2700 and with 8000 in the 1-1.25 micron range. Imaging will be attainable with the Near-Infrared Camera at 4.3 micrometers and with two narrow filters near 2 micron, while the nightside will be accessible with several filters in 0.5 to 2 micron. Such a powerful suite of instruments will be a major asset for the exploration and characterization of Mars. Some science cases include the mapping of the water D/H ratio, investigations of the Martian mesosphere via the characterization of the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium CO2 emission at 4.3 micron, studies of chemical transport via observations of the O2 nightglow at 1.27 micron, high-cadence mapping of the variability dust and water-ice clouds, and sensitive searches for trace species and hydrated features on the Martian surface. In-flight characterization of the instruments may allow for additional science opportunities.

Villanueva, Geronimo L.↗

Examination of Lunar Regolith Simulants By SEM-EDS and Imaging Raman Spectroscopy

The Artemis series lunar missions will include sample returns from the lunar south pole. Lunar regolith simulants (RS) generated in the lab provide opportunities to compare two surface science techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman induced surface spectroscopy. The results will also be applicable for supporting future commercial lunar payload services (CLPS) and Artemis surface. Surface characterization contributes to continued development of lunar regolith studies and adds to various regolith databases. In characterizing various lunar regolith simulants, part of the aim should be to standardize techniques and utilize anticipated methods available for astromaterials studied during, or returned from, upcoming missions, particularly samples collected from the Moon’s south pole and permanently shadowed regions (PSRs).. An initial survey of available simulants has been started with Raman scanning process for particle counting the results of which will enrich the NASA-JSC Simulant Development Lab (SDL) simulant properties database and the Colorado School of Mines Planetary Simulant Data Base. An SEM-EDS dataset of raw regolith simulant materials are collected.

Raman Microscopy↗