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At least 37 records · Page 2

Unlocking the Origins of Ultracool Dwarf Radio Emission

Empirical trends in stellar X-ray and radio luminosities suggest that low-mass ultracool dwarfs (UCDs) should not produce significant radio emission. Defying these expectations, strong nonthermal emission has been observed in a few UCDs in the 1–10 GHz range, with a variable component often attributed to global aurorae and a steady component attributed to other processes, such as gyrosynchrotron emission. While both auroral and gyrosynchrotron emission peak near the critical frequency, only the latter radiation is expected to extend into millimeter wavelengths. We present Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) 97.5 GHz and Very Large Array 33 GHz observations of a small survey of 5 UCDs. LP 349-25, LSR J1835+3259, and NLTT 33370 were detected at 97.5 GHz, while LP 423-31 and LP 415-20 resulted in nondetections at 33 GHz. A significant flare was observed in NLTT 33370, which reached a peak flux of 4880 ± 360 μJy, exceeding the quiescent flux by nearly an order of magnitude and lasting 20 s. These ALMA observations show bright 97.5 GHz emission with spectral indices ranging from α = 0.76 to α = −0.29, suggestive of optically thin gyrosynchrotron emission. If such emission traces magnetic reconnection events, then this could have consequences for both UCD magnetic models and the atmospheric stability of planets in orbit around them. Overall, our results provide confirmation that gyrosynchrotron radiation in radio-loud UCDs can remain detectable into the millimeter regime.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Retrieval of total precipitable water using radiometric measurements near 183.3 GHz and 90 GHz frequencies

Data collected with the Advanced Microwave Moisture Sounder (AMMS), which operates in the 183.3 GHz range, are compared to measurements collected at 22 GHz in order to show that the 183 GHz measurements are more sensitive to total precipitable water (W) values than the 22 GHz measurements. Radiative transfer calculations for the upwelling microwave emission from the ocean surface were performed at the AMMS frequencies with a variety of atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles. The derived brightness temperatures at these frequencies are compared with W values derived from the humidity profiles. It is observed that the sensitivity between the brightness temperatures and W values at the AMMS channel is greater than 130 K/g per sq cm and 12 K/g per sq cm for the 22 GHz frequency.

Wang, J. R.↗

Single-element balanced detector giving 65 dB CMRR at 30 MHz

We present a simple design for a single-element balanced detector (BD) that utilizes optical fibers in the sensing and reference channels with path length differences set to detect the differential signal at a desired frequency. With this approach, we easily achieve a common-mode rejection ratio of 65 dB, corresponding to the shot-noise limit of our setup. The CMRR demonstration is made in the MHz frequency range but could be extended to the kHz or GHz range. Using a single detector, the BD achieves stable CMRR over extended periods and does not require careful matching of detectors and amplification electronics. We demonstrate the single-element balanced detector design using the optical Kerr effect induced by a 30 MHz pulsed laser, showing a significant improvement over similar experiments using a commercial balanced detector.

Badilla-Nunez, Kelly [Georgia Institute of Technol↗

Microwave dielectric spectrum of vegetation. I - Experimental observations. II - Dual-dispersion model

The microwave dielectric behavior of vegetation materials is examined as a function of water content, microwave frequency, and temperature. Dielectric spectra for various types of vegetation, such as leaves, stalks, and trunks at various moisture conditions, were measured using a coaxial probe technique. The basic features and operation of the coaxial probe system are described. Examples of dielectric measurements for the vegetation materials are presented, and the relation between temperature and the dielectric constant is studied. The development of a dual-dispersion model that accounts for the dielectric properties of water in both free and bound conditions is described. The applicability of the model is evaluated by comparing it with the dielectric data; good correlation is observed between the model and the data over a wide range of moisture conditions and over the 0.2-20 GHz range.

El-Rayes, Mohamed A.↗

Electron cyclotron emission quasi-optical transmission system on the HL-3 tokamak

A new quasi-optical (QO) Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) transmission system has been established on the HL-3 tokamak, which includes a focusing QO mirror combination and a long-distance transmission line. This system was developed to meet the requirements for poloidal spatial resolution and the high signal-to-noise ratio needed for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instability studies using ECE on the HL-3. The QO mirror combination was installed inside the vacuum chamber for focusing. Laboratory test results, theoretical calculations, and synthetic ECE simulation results indicate that the Gaussian beam can meet the spatial resolution requirements for the accurate measurement of the MHD instability on the q = 1/2/3 surfaces, corresponding to the poloidal mode numbers m = 3/6/9. This includes good diagnostic poloidal spatial resolution for the important 2/1 and 3/2 modes. At the front end of the transmission line, a high-efficiency mode converter was designed to transition the TE 10 mode to the HE 11 mode for input into the transmission line, with an insertion loss of less than 1.5 dB. A 30 m long-distance corrugated oversized waveguide was constructed, with transmission losses ranging from 6 to 10 dB in the 60–120 GHz range. Polarization adjustment results show that the polarization offset and geometric spatial polarization angle change consistently, which can provide a reference for polarization adjustment in other complex structured transmission lines. As a result, the newly established ECE QO transmission system will provide strong support for future physics research involving ECE on the HL-3.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

60 GHz low noise wideband receiver

The printed circuit and GaAs beam lead technology-based, low noise integrated receiver presented was developed for low cost space communications and operates in the 59-64 GHz range, using a phase-locked Gunn oscillator at 51.5 GHz. An IF output of 7.5-12.5 GHz is obtained. With the exception of the IF amplifier, and of the E-plane technology-based RF preselect filter, all circuits of the device employ suspended stripline construction.

Knust-Graichen, R. A.↗

Deep uGMRT observations of the ELAIS-North 1 field: statistical properties of radio–infrared relations up to z ∼ 2

ABSTRACT Comprehending the radio–infrared (IR) relations of the faint extragalactic radio sources is important for using radio emission as a tracer of star formation in high redshift (z) star-forming galaxies (SFGs). Using deep uGMRT observations of the ELAIS-N1 field in the 0.3–0.5 GHz range, we study the statistical properties of the radio–IR relations and the variation of the ‘q-parameter’ up to z = 2 after broadly classifying the faint sources as SFGs and AGN. We find the dust temperature (Tdust) to increase with z. This gives rise to $q_{\rm 24\,\mu m}$, measured at $24\, \mu$m, to increase with z as the peak of IR emission shifts towards shorter wavelengths, resulting in the largest scatter among different measures of q-parameters. $q_{\rm 70\,\mu m}$ measured at $70\, \mu$m, and qTIR using total-IR (TIR) emission are largely unaffected by Tdust. We observe strong, non-linear correlations between the radio luminosities at 0.4 and 1.4 GHz with $70\, \mu$m luminosity and TIR luminosity(LTIR). To assess the possible role of the radio-continuum spectrum in making the relations non-linear, for the first time we study them at high z using integrated radio luminosity (LRC) in the range 0.1–2 GHz. In SFGs, the LRC–LTIR relation remains non-linear with a slope of 1.07 ± 0.02, has a factor of 2 lower scatter compared to monochromatic radio luminosities, and $q^{\rm RC}_{\rm TIR}$ decreases with z as $q^{\rm RC}_{\rm TIR}= (2.27 \pm 0.03)\, (1+z)^{-0.12 \pm 0.03}$. A redshift variation of q is a natural consequence of non-linearity. We suggest that a redshift evolution of magnetic field strengths and/or cosmic ray acceleration efficiency in high-z SFGs could give rise to non-linear radio–IR relations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Cryogenic MMIC Low Noise Amplifiers

Monolithic (MMIC) and discrete transistor (MIC) low noise amplifiers are compared on the basis of performance, cost, and reliability. The need for cryogenic LNA's for future large microwave arrays for radio astronomy is briefly discussed and data is presented on a prototype LNA for the 1 to 10 GZH range along with a very wideband LNA for the 1 to 60 GHz range.

MMIC Low-noise amplifier↗

A low noise 665 GHz SIS quasi-particle waveguide receiver

Recent results on a 565-690 GHz SIS heterodyne receiver employing a 0.36 micron(sup 2) Nb/AlOx/Nb SIS tunnel junction with high quality circular non-contacting back short and E-plane tuners in a full height wave guide mount are reported. No resonant tuning structures were incorporated in the junction design at this time, even though such structures are expected to help the performance of the receiver. The receiver operates to at least the gap frequency of Niobium, approximately 680 GHz. Typical receiver noise temperatures from 565-690 GHz range from 160K to 230K with a best value of 185K DSB at 648 GHz. With the mixer cooled from 4.3K to 2K the measured receiver noise temperatures decreased by approximately 15 percent, giving roughly 180K DSB from 660 to 680 GHz. The receiver has a full 1 GHz IF pass band and was successfully installed at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory in Hawaii.

Kooi, J. W.↗

SETI low-frequency feed design study for DSS 24

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Sky Survey project requires operation from 1 to 10 GHz on the beam waveguide (BWG) antenna DSS 24. The BWG reflectors are undersized in the 1- to 3.02-GHz range, resulting in poor performance. Horn designs and a method for implementing 1- to 3.02-GHz operation on DSS 24 are presented. A combination of a horn and a shaped feed reflector placed above the main reflector is suggested. The horn and feed reflector could be hidden in the RF shadow of the subreflector and struts. Results from computer analysis of this design indicate that adequate performance could be achieved.

Stanton, P. H.↗

Cryogenic Integration of the 2-14 GHz Eleven Feed in a Wideband Receiver for VLBI2010

The next generation VLBI systems require the design of a wideband receiver covering the 2-14 GHz range, necessitating a wideband feed. Presented here are the 2009 development of a cryogenic 2-14 GHz Eleven feed for reflector radio telescope antennas, including its integration into a cryogenic receiver. The Eleven feed is designed for dual linear polarization and consists of four log-periodic folded dipole arrays. Each pair of arrays is fed by a differential two-wire transmission line connected either to balun or a differential LNA. The present configuration has been measured in many configurations, at various independent labs - corresponding simulations have been done. The results show (across the band) a high polarization efficiency for the feed, with a nearly constant beam width, a reflection coefficient below -10dB, and a constant phase center. Electrical parameters under cryogenic conditions and measured receiver noise temperatures are presented.

Pantaleev, Miroslaw↗

Microwave performance of a quarter-micrometer gate low-noise pseudomorphic InGaAs/AlGaAs modulation-doped field effect transistor

Excellent dc and millimeter-wave performance is reported in In0.15Ga0.85As/Al0.15Ga0.85As pseudomorphic modulation-doped field effect transistors (MODFET's) with 0.25-micron-length gates. Extrinsic transconductances as high as 495 mS/mm at 300 K and unprecedented power performance in the 60-GHz range were observed. Although not yet optimized, excellent low noise characteristics, 0.9 dB, with an associated gain of 10.4 dB at 18 GHz, and a noise figure of 2.4 dB with an associated gain of 4.4 dB at 62 GHz were obtained. This is the best noise performance ever reported for a MODFET in this frequency range. These results clearly demonstrate the superiority of pseudomorphic MODFET structures in high-frequency applications.

Henderson, T.↗

High Frequency Measurements of the Spectrum of Sgr A(sup *)

We report near-simultaneous interferometric measurements of the spectrum of Sgr A(sup *) over the 5 to 354 GHz range, and single-dish observations which have yielded the first detection of Sgr A(sup *) at 850 GHz. We confirm that Sgr A(sup *)'s spectrum rises more steeply at short mm wavelengths than at cm wavelengths, leading to a near-millimeter/submillimeter excess which dominates its luminosity. Below 900 GHz, Sgr A(sup *)'s observed luminosity is 70 +/- 30 solar luminosity). A new upper limit to Sgr A(sup *)'s 24.3 microns flux, together with a compilation of other extant IR data, imply a FIR spectral turnover, which can result either from an intrinsic synchrotron cutoff, or excess extinction near Sgr A(sup *). If the former applies, Sgr A(sup *)'s total synchrotron luminosity is less than 10(exp 3) solar luminosity, while in the latter case it is less than 3 x 10(exp 4) solar luminosity if spherical symmetry also applies.

Serabyn, E.↗

Silicon Micromachined Microlens Array for THz Antennas

5 5 silicon microlens array was developed using a silicon micromachining technique for a silicon-based THz antenna array. The feature of the silicon micromachining technique enables one to microfabricate an unlimited number of microlens arrays at one time with good uniformity on a silicon wafer. This technique will resolve one of the key issues in building a THz camera, which is to integrate antennas in a detector array. The conventional approach of building single-pixel receivers and stacking them to form a multi-pixel receiver is not suited at THz because a single-pixel receiver already has difficulty fitting into mass, volume, and power budgets, especially in space applications. In this proposed technique, one has controllability on both diameter and curvature of a silicon microlens. First of all, the diameter of microlens depends on how thick photoresist one could coat and pattern. So far, the diameter of a 6- mm photoresist microlens with 400 m in height has been successfully microfabricated. Based on current researchers experiences, a diameter larger than 1-cm photoresist microlens array would be feasible. In order to control the curvature of the microlens, the following process variables could be used: 1. Amount of photoresist: It determines the curvature of the photoresist microlens. Since the photoresist lens is transferred onto the silicon substrate, it will directly control the curvature of the silicon microlens. 2. Etching selectivity between photoresist and silicon: The photoresist microlens is formed by thermal reflow. In order to transfer the exact photoresist curvature onto silicon, there needs to be etching selectivity of 1:1 between silicon and photoresist. However, by varying the etching selectivity, one could control the curvature of the silicon microlens. The figure shows the microfabricated silicon microlens 5 x5 array. The diameter of the microlens located in the center is about 2.5 mm. The measured 3-D profile of the microlens surface has a smooth curvature. The measured height of the silicon microlens is about 280 microns. In this case, the original height of the photoresist was 210 microns. The change was due to the etching selectivity of 1.33 between photoresist and silicon. The measured surface roughness of the silicon microlens shows the peak-to-peak surface roughness of less than 0.5 microns, which is adequate in THz frequency. For example, the surface roughness should be less than 7 microns at 600 GHz range. The SEM (scanning electron microscope) image of the microlens confirms the smooth surface. The beam pattern at 550 GHz shows good directivity.

Lee, Choonsup↗

Complex Permittivity for NUW-LHT-5M at 2.466 GHz Over a Range of Densities

Microwave radiation near 2.45 GHz are being considered as a mechanism to heat lunar regolith. Because microwave absorption is in part a function of particle packing, the effect of bulk density of the lunar highland simulant, NUW-LHT-5M, was investigated. It was computed that over the practically achievable range of compaction, 1.4 g/cm 3 to 2.094 g/cm 3 , tanδ changed approximately 9%/0.2 g/cm 3 and half power depth changed is approximately 14%/0.2 g/cm 3 . Energy consumption is tied to these values.

NUW-LHT-5M↗

Submillimeter sources for radiometry using high power Indium Phosphide Gunn diode oscillators

A study aimed at developing high frequency millimeter wave and submillimeter wave local oscillator sources in the 60-600 GHz range was conducted. Sources involved both fundamental and harmonic-extraction type Indium Phosphide Gunn diode oscillators as well as varactor multipliers. In particular, a high power balanced-doubler using varactor diodes was developed for 166 GHz. It is capable of handling 100 mW input power, and typically produced 25 mW output power. A high frequency tripler operating at 500 GHz output frequency was also developed and cascaded with the balanced-doubler. A dual-diode InP Gunn diode combiner was used to pump this cascaded multiplier to produce on the order of 0.5 mW at 500 GHz. In addition, considerable development and characterization work on InP Gunn diode oscillators was carried out. Design data and operating characteristics were documented for a very wide range of oscillators. The reliability of InP devices was examined, and packaging techniques to enhance the performance were analyzed. A theoretical study of a new class of high power multipliers was conducted for future applications. The sources developed here find many commercial applications for radio astronomy and remote sensing.

Deo, Naresh C.↗

Optically pumped submillimeter laser heterodyne receivers - Astrophysical observations and recent technical developments

NASA's prospective sub-mm-wave astrophysical missions encompass the Small Explorer Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite, scheduled for launch in 1995, the Submillimeter Intermediate Mission, and the Large Deployable Reflector; until these are operational, sub-mm observations will be conducted at mountain sites and aboard aircraft platforms. Attention is presently given to the technical challenges faced by terahertz-range receiver developers, and it is noted that optically pumped sub-mm lasers furnish the only practical local oscillation source for heterodyne receivers in the 600-3000 GHz range. An account is given of ground-based and airborne astrophysical applications of heterodyne receivers.

Chin, Gordon↗

A cryogenic blackbody for millimeter wavelengths

The present cryogenic blackbody reference, or 'cold load', for mm-wavelength radiation has an emissivity of more than 0.99 over a two-octave wavelength range and can be used as a calibrating standard for sensitive IR photometers. The transmittance spectrum obtained indicates that wave impedance and index do not vary significantly over the 80-360 GHz range.

Peterson, J. B.↗