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CERES Single Satellite Footprint, TOA and Surface Fluxes, Clouds (SSF) data in HDF (CER_SSF_Aqua-FM4-MODIS_Ed2A-NoSW)

The Single Scanner Footprint TOA/Surface Fluxes and Clouds (SSF) product contains one hour of instantaneous Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) data for a single scanner instrument. The SSF combines instantaneous CERES data with scene information from a higher-resolution imager such as Visible/Infrared Scanner (VIRS) on TRMM or Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra and Aqua. Scene identification and cloud properties are defined at the higher imager resolution and these data are averaged over the larger CERES footprint. For each CERES footprint, the SSF contains the number of cloud layers and for each layer the cloud amount, height, temperature, pressure, optical depth, emissivity, ice and liquid water path, and water particle size. The SSF also contains the CERES filtered radiances for the total, shortwave (SW), and window (WN) channels and the unfiltered SW, longwave (LW), and WN radiances. The SW, LW, and WN radiances at spacecraft altitude are converted to Top-of-the-Atmosphere (TOA) fluxes based on the imager defined scene. These TOA fluxes are used to estimate surface fluxes. Only footprints with adequate imager coverage are included on CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Subset_Edition1the SSF which is much less than the full set of footprints on the CERES ES-8 product. The following CERES SSF data sets are currently available: CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Edition1 CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Subset_Edition1 CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Edition2A CER_SSF_TRMM-SIM-VIRS_Edition2_VIRSonly CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Edition2A-TransOps CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Edition2B-TransOps CER_SSF_TRMM-PFM-VIRS_Edition2B CER_SSF_Terra-FM1-MODIS_Edition1A CER_SSF_Terra-FM1-MODIS_Edition1A CER_SSF_Terra-FM1-MODIS_Edition2A CER_SSF_Terra-FM2-MODIS_Edition2A CER_SSF_Terra-FM1-MODIS_Edition2B CER_SSF_Terra-FM2-MODIS_Edition2B CER_SSF_Aqua-FM4-MODIS_Beta1 CER_SSF_Aqua-FM3-MODIS_Beta2 CER_SSF_Aqua-FM4-MODIS_Beta2. [Location=GLOBAL] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1998-01-01; Stop_Date=2006-01-01] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Temporal_Resolution=1 hour; Temporal_Resolution_Range=Hourly - < Daily].

LIQUID WATER PATH↗

Resolution enhancement of spaceborne scatterometer data

Spaceborne wind scatterometers are designed principally to measure radar backscatter from the ocean's surface for the determination of the near-surface wind direction and speed. Although measurements of the radar backscatter are made over land, application of these measurements has been limited primarily to the calibration of the instrument. In this paper we present a method for generating enhanced resolution radar images of the earth's surface using spaceborne scatterometry. The technique is based on a new image reconstruction technique which takes advantage of the spatial overlap in scatterometer measurements made at different times to provide enhanced imaging resolution. We describe the reconstruction algorithm and demonstrate the technique using both simulated and actual Seasat-A Scatterometer (SASS) measurements. The SASS-derived images, which have approximately 4 km resolution, dramatically illustrate the resolution enhancement capability of the new technique. The technique permits utilization of both historic and contemporary scatterometer data for medium-scale monitoring of vegetation and polar ice. We discuss the tradeoff between imaging noise and resolution inherent in the technique.

Long, David G.↗

Multimodal hard x-ray imaging with resolution approaching 10 nm for studies in material science

We report multimodal scanning hard x-ray imaging with spatial resolution approaching 10 nm and its application to contemporary studies in the field of material science. The high spatial resolution is achieved by focusing hard x-rays with two crossed multilayer Laue lenses and raster-scanning a sample with respect to the nanofocusing optics. Various techniques are used to characterize and verify the achieved focus size and imaging resolution. Here, the multimodal imaging is realized by utilizing simultaneously absorption-, phase-, and fluorescence-contrast mechanisms. The combination of high spatial resolution and multimodal imaging enables a comprehensive study of a sample on a very fine length scale. In this work, the unique multimodal imaging capability was used to investigate a mixed ionic-electronic conducting ceramic-based membrane material employed in solid oxide fuel cells and membrane separations (compound of Ce 0.8 Gd 0.2 O 2–x and CoFe 2 O 4 ) which revealed the existence of an emergent material phase and quantified the chemical complexity at the nanoscale.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Probing the electronic structure and spectroscopy of pyrrolyl and imidazolyl radicals using high-resolution photoelectron imaging of cryogenically cooled anions

High-resolution photoelectron imaging and photodetachment spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled pyrrolide and imidazolide anions are used to probe the electronic structure and spectroscopy of pyrrolyl and imidazolyl radicals. The high-resolution data allow the ground state vibronic structures of the two radicals to be completely resolved, yielding accurate electron affinities of 2.1433 ± 0.0008 eV and 2.6046 ± 0.0006 eV for pyrrolyl and imidazolyl radicals, respectively. Fundamental frequencies for eight vibrational modes of pyrrolyl and ten vibrational modes of imidazolyl are measured, including several nonsymmetric Franck–Condon-forbidden modes. Two electronic excited states are also observed for the two radicals, displaying diffuse spectral features in both systems. The observations of nonsymmetric vibrational modes in the ground states and the diffuse excited state features provide strong evidence for vibronic couplings between the ground state and the two close-by excited states. The 2-pyrrolide isomer is also observed as a minor species from the electrospray ionization source and the electron affinity of 2-pyrrolyl is measured to be 1.6690 ± 0.0030 eV along with five vibrational frequencies. Even though the HOMOs of both pyrrolide and imidazolide anions are p orbitals, photodetachment spectroscopy reveals completely different threshold behaviors for the two anions: a d-wave-dominated spectrum for pyrrolide and an s-wave-dominated spectrum for imidazolide. Furthermore, the current study provides a wealth of electronic and spectroscopic information, which is ideal to compare with more accurate vibronic coupling calculations for these two important radicals, as well as interesting information about the photodetachment dynamics of the two anions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Lunar Lava Tubes - The Promise of New Orbital Data

The basaltic plains of the Moon contain lava channels on scales of tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers. Many of these channels are segmented, strongly suggesting that some portions include covered lava tubes. Lunar lava tubes are expected to provide unique environments below the harsh lunar surface, maintaining near-isothermal conditions and substantial shielding from solar and galactic radiation. A lava tube has often been suggested as natural shelter for a future human outpost. Previous searches for lunar lava tubes have been limited by a combination of image resolution and completeness of coverage. The five robotic Lunar Orbiter spacecraft combined to photograph essentially the entire lunar surface with a resolution of 60 m, and covered selected sites with resolutions as high as 2 m. The highest-resolution Apollo images, from the mapping and panoramic cameras, covered swaths totaling 16% of the lunar surface, at resolutions of approximately 5 m. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter -- launched in June 2009 to a polar orbit -- carries a suite of instruments that will revolutionize lunar remote sensing, including the identification and characterization of lava tubes. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) system includes a multi-spectral wide-angle camera with a resolution of 70 m, allowing a comprehensive survey of the entire lunar surface. The LROC narrow-angle camera is providing targeted images at resolutions of 0.5 - 2 m, including stereo coverage, which should allow detection of tube entrances and breakdown structures. The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter is producing a global topographic map with a vertical resolution of 1 m and a horizontal resolution of 50 m. These data will be critical to understanding lava dynamics and tube emplacement.

Allen, Carlton C.↗

Requirements for a Moderate-Resolution Infrared Imaging Sounder (MIRIS)

The high cost of imaging and sounding from space warrants exploration of new methods for obtaining the required information, including changing the spectral band sets, employing new technologies and merging instruments. In some cases we must consider relaxation of the current capability. In others, we expect higher performance. In general our goal is to meet the VIIRS and CrIS requirements while providing the enhanced next generation capabilities: 1) Hyperspectral Imaging in the Vis/NIR bands, 2) High Spatial Resolution Sounding in the Infrared bands. The former will improve the accuracy of ocean color products, aerosols and water vapor, surface vegetation and geology. The latter will enable the high-impact achieved by the current suite of hyperspectral infrared sounders to be achieved by the next generation high resolution forecast models. We examine the spectral, spatial and radiometric requirements for a next generation system and technologies that can be applied from the available inventory within government and industry. A two-band grating spectrometer instrument called the Moderate-resolution Infrared Imaging Sounder (MIRIS) is conceived that, when used with the planned NASA PACE Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) will meet the vast majority of CrIS and VIIRS requirements in the all bands and provide the next generation capabilities desired. MIRIS resource requirements are modest and the Technology Readiness Level is high leading to the expectation that the cost and risk of MIRIS will be reasonable.

Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)↗

Time reversal and phase coherent music techniques for super-resolution ultrasound imaging

Systems and methods for super-resolution ultrasound imaging using a windowed and generalized TR-MUSIC algorithm that divides the imaging region into overlapping sub-regions and applies the TR-MUSIC algorithm to the windowed backscattered ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-region. The algorithm is also structured to account for the ultrasound attenuation in the medium and the finite-size effects of ultrasound transducer elements. A modified TR-MUSIC imaging algorithm is used to account for ultrasound scattering from both density and compressibility contrasts. The phase response of ultrasound transducer elements is accounted for in a PC-MUSIC system.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Windowed time-reversal music technique for super-resolution ultrasound imaging

Systems and methods for super-resolution ultrasound imaging using a windowed and generalized TR-MUSIC algorithm that divides the imaging region into overlapping sub-regions and applies the TR-MUSIC algorithm to the windowed backscattered ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-region. The algorithm is also structured to account for the ultrasound attenuation in the medium and the finite-size effects of ultrasound transducer elements.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Improving the Spatial Resolution of Imaging Instruments Using Software

In order to overcome spatial resolution limitations associated with physical sensor limitations when using smallsats and cubesats, we utilize an image processing technology referred to as Super-Resolution (SR). In general, software approaches are increasingly considered in connection with smaller satellites for which size, mass and power constraints limit the sensor capabilities. Being able to perform hardware vs. software trades might enable more capabilities for a lower cost. This paper describes recent experiments conducted to optimize the spatial enhancement of acquired observations using multiple sub-pixel shifted low resolution image.

Image Processing↗

SREMI: Super-resolution electromagnetic imaging with single-channel ground-penetrating radar

High-resolution near-surface imaging has important applications in civil engineering, infrastructure inspection, military threat detection, geological characterization, and lunar and planetary exploration. Zero-offset, singlechannel ground penetrating radar (GPR) imaging is an established technique for near-surface target imaging and sensing but often suffers from low spatial resolution and imaging artifacts, especially of deep structures. In response, we formulate the GPR imaging as a dual-sparsity optimization problem, and develop a super-resolution electromagnetic imaging method based on a fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm. We develop our GPR imaging method in the framework of electromagnetic exploding-reflectors simulation theory, therefore the imaging method is computationally efficient. In this work, we demonstrate through synthetic and field data examples that our method can produce sharper, more reliable images with fewer artifacts compared with single-pass reverse-time migration GPR method, thus leading to improved near-surface interpretation and object identification.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Dynamical Studies of the Middle Atmosphere Using High Resolution Doppler Imager Observations

This report summarizes the activities of NASA grant NAG5-11068, "Dynamicai Studies of the Middle Atmosphere Using High Resolution Doppler Imager Observations." The High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has been providing direct measurements of the Earth's horizontal wind field in the stratosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere. Mesospheric temperatures, ozone, and O((sup 1) D) densities, and stratospheric aerosol extinctions coefficients, are also retrieved. The goal of HRDI is to measure the vector winds in the stratosphere (10-40 km), mesosphere, and lower thermosphere (approximately 50-120 km) during the day, and the lower thermosphere at night (approximately 95 km) to an accuracy of 5 m/s. The horizontal wind vector is measured by observing the Doppler shift of rotational lines of molecular oxygen along two lines of sight. In addition to winds, temperatures and volume emission rates are determined in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, from which ozone and O((sup 1) D) concentrations can be derived, and aerosol scattering coefficients are determined in the stratosphere. UARS was launched on September 12, 1991, into a 585-km circular orbit inclined 57 degrees to the equator HRDI was activated September 28, 1991 and following a period of checkout and adjustment of the instrument parameters, scientific observations began November 2, 199 1. HRDI operated nearly continuously from launch until April 1995. At that time the UARS solar array drive failed, forcing the instruments to time-share the available power. From July 1995 to July 1996 HRDI operated approximately 50% of the time. At that point, one of the three spacecraft batteries failed and from then until September 1998 the duty cycle was less than 20% per month, At that time it was determined that HRDI could operate during each daytime pass, which increased the daytime duty cycle to close to l00%, while nighttime operations were limited to about a week per month. In the fall of 1999, the second tape recorder failed requiring a real time contact with a TRDSS satellite to retrieve that data. This resulted in about 60% data collection efficiency. Finally, in the summer of 2000, the second star sensor failed requiring the spacecraft attitude to be controlled by a three axis magnetometer and sun sensor. This resulted in a loss of attitude knowledge but operations continue with the anticipation of correcting the attitude. A new method for determining the tide and mean structure from satellite data in conjunction with a new tidal model has been devised. For brevity, it shall be referred to as the TMAT or Tide-Mean Assimilation Technique. Most previous methods of tidal analysis are based on various ways of slicing the data set.

Skinner, Wilbert↗

High-resolution microwave images of Saturn

An analysis of high-resolution microwave images of Saturn and Saturn's individual rings is presented. Radio interferometric observations of Saturn taken at the Very Large Array in New Mexico at wavelengths of 2 and 6 centimeters reveal interesting new features in both the atmosphere and rings. The resulting maps show an increase in brightness temperature of about 3 K from equator to pole at both wavelengths, while the 6-centimeter map shows a bright band at northern midlatitudes. The data are consistent with a radiative transfer model of the atmosphere that constrains the well-mixed, fully saturated, NH3 mixing ratio to be 0.00012 in a region just below the NH3 clouds, while the observed bright band indicates a 25 percent relative decrease of NH3 in northern midlatitudes. Brightness temperatures for the classical rings are presented. Ring brightness shows a variation with azimuth and is linearly polarized at an average value of about 5 percent. The variations in ring polarization suggest that at least 20 percent of the ring brightness is the result of a single scattering process.

Grossman, A. W.↗

The Velociprobe: An ultrafast hard X-ray nanoprobe for high-resolution ptychographic imaging

Motivated by the advanced photon source upgrade, a new hard X-ray microscope called "Velociprobe" has been recently designed and built for fast ptychographic imaging with high spatial resolution. We are addressing the challenges of high-resolution and fast scanning with novel hardware designs, advanced motion controls, and new data acquisition strategies, including the use of high-bandwidth interferometric measurements. The use of granite, air-bearing-supported stages provides the necessary long travel ranges for coarse motion to accommodate real samples and variable energy operation while remaining highly stable during fine scanning. Scanning the low-mass zone plate enables high-speed and high-precision motion of the probe over the sample. With an advanced control algorithm implemented in a closed-loop feedback system, the setup achieves a position resolution (3σ) of 2 nm. The instrument performance is evaluated by 2D fly-scan ptychography with our developed data acquisition strategies. A spatial resolution of 8.8 nm has been demonstrated on a Au test sample with a detector continuous frame rate of 200 Hz. Using a higher flux X-ray source provided by double-multilayer monochromator, we achieve 10 nm resolution for an integrated circuit sample in an ultrafast scan with a detector's full continuous frame rate of 3000 Hz (0.33 ms per exposure), resulting in an outstanding imaging rate of 9 x 10 4 resolution elements per second

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Super resolution for root imaging

Premise High‐resolution cameras are very helpful for plant phenotyping as their images enable tasks such as target vs. background discrimination and the measurement and analysis of fine above‐ground plant attributes. However, the acquisition of high‐resolution images of plant roots is more challenging than above‐ground data collection. An effective super‐resolution (SR) algorithm is therefore needed for overcoming the resolution limitations of sensors, reducing storage space requirements, and boosting the performance of subsequent analyses. Methods We propose an SR framework for enhancing images of plant roots using convolutional neural networks. We compare three alternatives for training the SR model: (i) training with non‐plant‐root images, (ii) training with plant‐root images, and (iii) pretraining the model with non‐plant‐root images and fine‐tuning with plant‐root images. The architectures of the SR models were based on two state‐of‐the‐art deep learning approaches: a fast SR convolutional neural network and an SR generative adversarial network. Results In our experiments, we observed that the SR models improved the quality of low‐resolution images of plant roots in an unseen data set in terms of the signal‐to‐noise ratio. We used a collection of publicly available data sets to demonstrate that the SR models outperform the basic bicubic interpolation, even when trained with non‐root data sets. Discussion The incorporation of a deep learning–based SR model in the imaging process enhances the quality of low‐resolution images of plant roots. We demonstrate that SR preprocessing boosts the performance of a machine learning system trained to separate plant roots from their background. Our segmentation experiments also show that high performance on this task can be achieved independently of the signal‐to‐noise ratio. We therefore conclude that the quality of the image enhancement depends on the desired application.

Ruiz‐Munoz, Jose F.↗

Commission < 5 µm spatial resolution x-ray imager for High Resolution Turbulence experiments

This report presents the successful development, commissioning, and deployment of the Scintillation-Based X-ray Imager (SBXI) for the High-Resolution Turbulence (HRT) campaign at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The SBXI system was designed to overcome the spatial resolution and efficiency limitations of conventional x-ray imaging detectors. Through careful system engineering, rigorous laboratory characterization, and experimental validation at NIF, the SBXI has demonstrated spatial resolution at the object plane of 5 μm (±0.5 μm) and a detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of 34% at 7.2 keV, both of which surpass the requirements set by the campaign, and meeting the L2 milestone. The system’s deployment enables high-fidelity imaging of fine-scale hydrodynamic instabilities, directly supporting advanced turbulence model validation and future high energy density physics research.

42 ENGINEERING↗

High Resolution Doppler Imager

This report summarizes the accomplishments of the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) on UARS spacecraft during the period 4/l/96 - 3/31/99. During this period, HRDI operation, data processing, and data analysis continued, and there was a high level of vitality in the HRDI project. The HRDI has been collecting data from the stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere since instrument activation on October 1, 1991. The HRDI team has stressed three areas since operations commenced: 1) operation of the instrument in a manner which maximizes the quality and versatility of the collected data; 2) algorithm development and validation to produce a high-quality data product; and 3) scientific studies, primarily of the dynamics of the middle atmosphere. There has been no significant degradation in the HRDI instrument since operations began nearly 8 years ago. HRDI operations are fairly routine, although we have continued to look for ways to improve the quality of the scientific product, either by improving existing modes, or by designing new ones. The HRDI instrument has been programmed to collect data for new scientific studies, such as measurements of fluorescence from plants, measuring cloud top heights, and lower atmosphere H2O.

Hays, Paul B.↗

High spatial-resolution IRAS images of M51

High spatial-resolution (approx. equal to 30 seconds) images of M51 in the four Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) bands (12, 25, 60, and 100 microns) have been obtained. The spatial variation in flux in all four bands is coincident with the spiral features seen in H alpha and 6 cm with a few exceptions. In the nuclear region (4 minutes) the position of the peak of maximum intensity shifts in relation to the visual nucleus: it is coincident with the nucleus at 12 microns, shifts approximately 45 seconds to south-southwest, and is 45 seconds northwest of the nucleus at 60 and 100 microns.

Canterna, R.↗