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At least 271 records · Page 15

Detectors for the James Webb Space Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrograph I: Readout Mode, Noise Model, and Calibration Considerations

We describe how the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Near-Infrared Spectrograph's (NIRSpec's) detectors will be read out, and present a model of how noise scales with the number of multiple non-destructive reads sampling-up-the-ramp. We believe that this noise model, which is validated using real and simulated test data, is applicable to most astronomical near-infrared instruments. We describe some non-ideal behaviors that have been observed in engineering grade NIRSpec detectors, and demonstrate that they are unlikely to affect NIRSpec sensitivity, operations, or calibration. These include a HAWAII-2RG reset anomaly and random telegraph noise (RTN). Using real test data, we show that the reset anomaly is: (1) very nearly noiseless and (2) can be easily calibrated out. Likewise, we show that RTN affects only a small and fixed population of pixels. It can therefore be tracked using standard pixel operability maps.

Rauscher, Bernard J.↗

Design and verification of a cloud field optical simulator

A concept and an apparatus designed to investigate the reflected and transmitted distributions of light from optically thick clouds is presented. The Cloud Field Optical Simulator (CFOS) is a laboratory device which utilizes an array of incandescent lamps as a source, simulated clouds made from cotton or styrofoam as targets, and an array of silicon photodiodes as detectors. The device allows virtually any source-target-detector geometry to be examined. Similitude between real clouds and their CFOS cotton or styrofoam counterparts is established by relying on a linear relationship between optical depth and the ratio of reflected to transmitted light for a semiinfinite layer. Comparisons of principal plane radiances observed by the CFOS with Monte Carlo computations for a water cloud at 0.7 micron show excellent agreement. Initial applications of the CFOS are discussed.

Davis, J. M.↗

Design and verification of a cloud field optical simulator

A concept and an apparatus designed to investigate the reflected and transmitted distributions of light from optically thick clouds is presented. The Cloud Field Optical Simulator (CFOS) is a laboratory device which utilizes an array of incandescent lamps as a source, simulated clouds made from cotton or styrofoam as targets, and an array of silicon photodiodes as detectors. The device allows virtually any source-target-detector geometry to be examined. Similitude between real clouds and their CFOS cotton or styrofoam counterparts is established by relying on a linear relationship between optical depth and the ratio of reflected to transmitted light for a semi-infinite layer. Comparisons of principal plane radiances observed by the CFOS with Monte Carlo computations for a water cloud at 0.7 microns show excellent agreement.

Davis, J. M.↗

Simulation of electronic registration of multispectral remote sensing images to 0.1 pixel accuracy

Band-to-band coregistration of multispectral remote sensing images can be achieved by electronic signal processing techniques rather than by costly and difficult mechanical alignment. This paper describes the results of a study of the end-to-end performance of electronic registration. The software simulation includes steps which model the performance of the geometric calibration process, the instrument image quality, detector performance and the effects of achieving coregistration through image resampling. The image resampling step emulates the Pipelined Resampling Processor, a real-time image resampler. The study demonstrates that the electronic alignment technique produces multispectral images which are superior to those produced by an imager whose pixel geometry is accurate to 0.1 pixel rms. The implications of this approach for future earth observation programs are discussed.

Reitsema, H. J.↗

A Neutron Detector for the Electron Calorimeter (ECAL) Long Duration Balloon Experiment

The highest energy measurements of cosmic ray electrons extend just beyond 1 TeV. High energy electrons are of particular interest because energy losses during interstellar propagation insure that they arrive primarily from nearby sources. This may produce observable structure in their spectrum. Further, it is predicted that electrons and positrons result from the annihilation of many exotic particles deposited as dark matter candidates. These electrons may appear as excesses in the cosmic ray electron spectrum from 200 GeV to 1000 GeV. A new long duration balloon experiment, ECAL, is being planned to provide direct cosmic ray electron measurements from approx.50 GeV to >1 TeV. To make these measurements ECAL must discriminate strongly against showers from protons and heavier ions. One of the techniques used to make this discrimination may be based on measuring the secondary neutrons produced by events in the instrument. The neutron detector configuration and technique will be discussed along with its expected performance based on Monte Carlo simulations.

Adams, J. H., Jr.↗

Effects of Secondary Task Modality and Processing Code on Automation Trust and Utilization During Simulated Airline Luggage Screening

The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of environmental distractions on human trust and utilization of automation during the process of visual search. Participants performed a computer-simulated airline luggage screening task with the assistance of a 70% reliable automated decision aid (called DETECTOR) both with and without environmental distractions. The distraction was implemented as a secondary task in either a competing modality (visual) or non-competing modality (auditory). The secondary task processing code either competed with the luggage screening task (spatial code) or with the automation's textual directives (verbal code). We measured participants' system trust, perceived reliability of the system (when a target weapon was present and absent), compliance, reliance, and confidence when agreeing and disagreeing with the system under both distracted and undistracted conditions. Results revealed that system trust was lower in the visual-spatial and auditory-verbal conditions than in the visual-verbal and auditory-spatial conditions. Perceived reliability of the system (when the target was present) was significantly higher when the secondary task was visual rather than auditory. Compliance with the aid increased in all conditions except for the auditory-verbal condition, where it decreased. Similar to the pattern for trust, reliance on the automation was lower in the visual-spatial and auditory-verbal conditions than in the visual-verbal and auditory-spatial conditions. Confidence when agreeing with the system decreased with the addition of any kind of distraction; however, confidence when disagreeing increased with the addition of an auditory secondary task but decreased with the addition of a visual task. A model was developed to represent the research findings and demonstrate the relationship between secondary task modality, processing code, and automation use. Results suggest that the nature of environmental distractions influence interaction with automation via significant effects on trust and system utilization. These findings have implications for both automation design and operator training.

Phillips, Rachel↗

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: Data Characterization and Map Making

We present a description of the data reduction and mapmaking pipeline used for the 2008 observing season of the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT). The data presented here at 148 GHz represent 12% or the 90 TB collected by ACT from 2007 to 2010. In 2008 we observed for 136 days, producing a total of 142h of data (11 TB for the 148 GHz band only), with a daily average of 10.5 h of observation. From these, 108.5 h were devoted to 850 sq deg stripe (11.2 h by 9 deg.1) centered on a declination of -52 deg.7, while 175 h were devoted to a 280 square deg stripe (4.5 h by 4 deg.8) centered at the celestial equator. We discuss sources of statistical and systematic noise, calibration, telescope pointing and data selection. Out of 1260 survey hours and 1024 detectors per array, 816 h and 593 effective detectors remain after data selection for this frequency band, yielding a 38 % survey efficiency. The total sensitivity in 2008, determined from the noise level between 5 Hz and 20 Hz in the time-ordered data stream (TOD), is 32 muK square root of s in CMB units. Atmospheric brightness fluctuations constitute the main contaminant in the data and dominate the detector and noise covariance at low frequencies in the TOD. The maps were made by solving the lease squares problem using the Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient method, incorporating the details of the detector and noise correlations. Cross-correlation with WMAP sky maps as well as analysis from simulations reveal the our maps are unbiased at l > 300. This paper accompanies the public release of the 148 GHz southern stripe maps from 2008. The techniques described here will be applied to future maps and data releases.

Duenner, Rolando↗

Characterization of the RaD-X Mission Instruments

The NASA Radiation Dosimetry Experiment (RaD-X) stratospheric balloon flight mission, launched on 25 September 2015, provided dosimetric measurements above the Pfotzer maximum. The goal of taking these measurements is to improve aviation radiation models by providing a characterization of cosmic ray primaries, which are the source of radiation exposure at aviation altitudes. The RaD-X science payload consists of four instruments. The main science instrument is a tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC). The other instruments consisted of three solid state silicon dosimeters: Liulin, Teledyne total ionizing dose (TID) and RaySure detectors. To properly interpret the measurements, it is necessary to evaluate how the payload affects the radiation environment of the detectors. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate how the detectors react to the different particles impacting them. We present the results of the Geant-4 simulations of the interaction of the different radiations with the payload and the instruments. We show how it affect the measurements, and which instruments are better suited for future missions

Gronoff, Guillaume↗

Simulation of solidification in a Bridgman cell

Bridgman-type crystal growth techniques are attractive methods for producing homogeneous, high-quality infrared detector and junction device materials. However, crystal imperfections and interface shapes still must be controlled through modification of the temperature and concentration gradients created during solidification. The objective of this investigation was to study the temperature fields generated by various cell and heatpipe configurations and operating conditions. Continuum's numerical model of the temperature, species concentrations, and velocity fields was used to describe the thermal characteristics of Bridgman cell operation.

Dakhoul, Y. M.↗

First results from a laboratory facility for measurement of emission spectra under simulated planetary conditions

We have developed a laboratory spectroscopic facility for the measurement of emission spectra under simulated planetary conditions. Spectral measurements are made from 6 to 13 microns with a scanning grating monochromator equipped with a HgCdTl detector. An environment chamber in service in Hawaii for several years in which we can control the temperature from 77 K to 500 K, the pressure from 10(exp -5) torr to two atmospheres, has been equipped with a 77 K or 273 K cold shield. The shield serves to minimize light reflected off the sample and to aid in development of thermal gradients for obtaining spectra under conditions simulating the thermal environment of airless bodies. Samples are placed in small cups on a temperature controlled substrate allowing measurements of emission due to heating from below by the substrate, or from illumination from a solar simulation source.

Lucey, Paul G.↗

Simulation of AVHRR-K band ratios with AVIRIS

The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)-K polar-orbiting imager scheduled for launch by the mid-1990's will include two new near-infrared narrowband detectors, Band 3A, 1.58- 1.64 microns, and a modified (narrower) Band 2, 0.84-0.87 microns. The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) is an ideal testbed for these bands. The results of a comparison between AVIRIS band ratio values and AVHRR-K radiances simulated from AVIRIS are summarized.

Wetzel, Melanie A.↗

Transport, charge exchange and loss of energetic heavy ions in the earth's radiation belts - Applicability and limitations of theory

Computer simulations of processes which control the relative abundances of ions in the trapping regions of geospace are compared with observations from discriminating ion detectors. Energy losses due to Coulomb collisions between ions and exospheric neutrals are considered, along with charge exchange losses and internal charge exchanges. The time evolution of energetic ion fluxes of equatorially mirroring ions under radial diffusion is modelled to include geomagnetic and geoelectric fluctutations. Limits to the validity of diffusion transport theory are discussed, and the simulation is noted to contain provisions for six ionic charge states and the source effect on the radiation belt oxygen ion distributions. Comparisons are made with ion flux data gathered on Explorer 45 and ISEE-1 spacecraft and results indicate that internal charge exchanges cause the radiation belt ion charge state to be independent of source charge rate characteristics, and relative charge state distribution is independent of the radially diffusive transport rate below the charge state redistribution zone.

Spjeldvik, W. N.↗

Mirror Illumination and Spillover Measurements of the Atacama Cosmology Telescope

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) is a 6 m telescope designed to map the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) simultaneously at 145 GHz, 220GHz and 280GHz, The receiver in ACT, the Millimeter Bolometer Array Camera, features 1000 TES bolometers in each band, The detector performance depends critically on the total optical loading, requiring the spmover contributions from the optics to be minimal. This inspired the use of a cold Lyot stop to limit the illumination of the primary and the use of guard rings surrounding the primary and secondary reflectors. Here, we present a direct measurement of the illumination aperture for both reflectors and of the attenuation level outside the main optical path. We used a 145 GHz, 1 m W source and a chopper wheel to produce a time-varying signal with a broad heam proflle, We sampled the response of the camera for different locations of the source, placed in front and beside the primary and secondary mirrors. The aperture of the primary was measured to be 5,72 plus or minus 0,17m in diameter (95 plus or minus 3% of its geometrical size), while the aperture of the secondary yielded 2 plus or minus 0.12m in diameter. Both apertures are consistent with the optical design. Comparing to previous measurements of the beam solid angle from planet observations, we estimate an optical efficiency of 72.3 plus or minus 4,8%. We found that the attenuation outside the primary aperture was -16 plus or minus 2dB, which is below the theoretical expectations, and -22 plus or minus 1 dB outside the secondary aperture, which is consistent with simulations. These results motivated the extension of the baffles surrounding the secondary mirror, with the following reduction in detector optical loading from 2,24 pW to 188pW.

Gallardo, Patricio↗

The WIRE Image Simulator

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WIRE starburst galaxies BIB detector arrays source↗

Fire safety evaluation of aircraft lavatory and cargo compartments

A program of experimental fires has been carried out to assess fire containment and other fire hazards in lavatory and cargo compartments of wide-body jet aircraft by evaluation of ignition time, burn-through time, fire spread rate, smoke density, evolution of selected combustible and toxic gases, heat flux, and detector response. Two tests were conducted: one involving a standard Boeing 747 lavatory and one involving a simulated DC-10 cargo compartment. A production lavatory module was furnished with conventional materials and was installed in an enclosure. The ignition load was four polyethylene bags containing paper and plastic waste materials representive of a maximum flight cabin waste load. Standard aircraft ventilation conditions were utilized and the lavatory door was closed during the test. Lavatory wall and ceiling panels contained the fire spread during the 30-minute test. Smoke was driven into the enclosure primarily through the ventilation grille in the door and through the gaps between the bifold door and the jamb where the door distorted from the heat earlier in the test. The interior of the lavatory was almost completely destroyed by the fire.

Kourtides, D. A.↗

Breadboard stellar tracker system test report

BASD has, in the past, developed several unique position tracking algorithms for charge transfer device (CTD) sensors. These algorithms provide an interpixel transfer function with the following characteristics: (1) high linearity; (2) simplified track logic; (3) high gain; and (4) high noise rejection. A previous test program using the GE charge injection device (CID) showed that accuracy for BASD's breadboard was limited to approximately 2% of a pixel (1 sigma) whereas analysis and simulation indicated the limit should be less than 0.5% of a pixel, assuming the limit to be detector response and dark current noise. The test program was conducted under NASA contract No. NAS8-34263. The test approach for that program did not provide sufficient data to identify the sources of error and left open the amount of contribution from parameters such as image distribution, geometric distortion and system alignment errors.

Kollodge, J. C.↗

Limits to the burster repetition rate as deduced from the 2nd catalog of the interplanetary network

The burster repetition rate is an important parameter in many gamma ray burst models. The localizations of the interplanetary network, which have a relatively small combined surface area, may be used to estimate the average repetition rate. The method consists of (1) estimating the number of random overlaps between error boxes expected in the catalog and comparing this number to that actually observed; (2) modeling the response of the detectors in the network, so that the probability of detecting a burst can be estimated; and (3) simulating the arrival of bursts at the network assuming that burster repetition is governed by a Poisson process. The application of this method for many different burster luminosity functions shows that (1) the lower limit to the burster repetition rate depends strongly upon the assumed luminosity function; (2) the best lower limit to the repetition period obtainable from the data of the network is about 100 months; and (3) that a luminosity function for all bursters similar to that of the 1979 Mar 5 burster is inconsistent with the data.

Atteia, J. L.↗

Monte Carlo simulation of EAS generated by 10(14) - 10(16) eV protons

Detailed Monte Carlo simulations of extensive air showers to be detected by the Homestake Surface Underground Telescope and other similar detectors located at sea level and mountain altitudes have been performed for 10 to the 14th power to 10 to the 16th power eV primary energies. The results of these Monte Carlo calculations will provide an opportunity to compare the experimental data with different models for the composition and spectra of primaries and for the development of air showers. The results obtained for extensive air showers generated by 10 to the 14th power to 10 to the 16th power eV primary protons are reported.

Fenyves, E. J.↗