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At least 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

The frequency of T Tauri companion stars

We present the results of a magnitude-limited multiplicity survey of T Tauri stars in two nearby star-forming regions, Taurus-Auriga and Ophiuchus-Scorpius. Each of the 69 stars in the sample was observed at K with an infrared array camera on the Hale 5-m Telescope at Palomar Observatory and imaged using 2D speckle imaging techniques. Thirty-three companion stars were found of which 15 were new detections. One of the main results of this survey indicates that the binary star frequency in the projected linear separation range 14 to 225 AU for T Tauri stars is a factor of 3.5 greater than that of the solar-type main-sequence stars. Given the limited angular separation range of this survey, the rate at which binaries are detected suggests that most T Tauri stars have companions. We propose that the observed overabundance of companions to T Tauri stars relative to their older counterparts on the main sequence is an evolutionary effect; in this scheme, triple and higher order T Tauri star systems, which are observed at higher frequencies than for the solar-type main-sequence stars, are disrupted by close encounters with another star or system of stars.

Ghez, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Evaluation of Pd-Cr Wires for Strain Gage Application

A newly developed alloy, palladium-13 weight percent chromium (Pd13Cr), was identified by United Technologies Research Center under a NASA contract to be the best material for high temperature strain gage applications. An electrical resistance strain gage that can provide accurate static strain measurement to a temperature higher than that of a commercially available gage is urgently needed in aerospace and aeronautics research. A strain gage made of a 25.4 micron (1 mil) diameter Pd13Cr wire has been recently demonstrated to be usable for static strain measurements to 800 C. This compares to the 400 C temperature limit of the commercially available strain gages. The performance of the Pd-Cr gage, however, strongly depends on the quality of the Pd13Cr wire. Four batches of Pd-Cr wires purchased from three different manufacturers were therefore evaluated to determine the best source of the wire for strain gage applications. The three suppliers were Precious Metal Institute in China, Sigmund Cohn Co., and G & S Titanium, Inc. in the United States. Two batches of wires obtained from Previous Metal Institute in 1987 and 1992, respectively are referred to herein as China87 and China92 wires. The mechanical, chemical and electrical properties of these wires, both as-received and after high temperature exposures at 800 C for 50 hours were analyzed. The elastic modulus and the failure strength of the wires were evaluated using a tensile test machine equipped with a laser speckle strain measurement system. The chemical and microstructural properties of the wires were inspected using a plasma atomic emission spectrometer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). The electrical stability and repeatability of the wires were determined by measuring the electrical resistance of the wires during three thermal cycles to 1000 C and a ten-hour soak at 1000 C. As a result of this study, the wire which has the highest strength, the least impurities content, the best oxidation resistance and the best electrical stability will be selected for upcoming strain gage applications.

Lei, Jih-Fen↗
NASA NTRS1994

High-resolution imaging with a tip-tilt Cassegrain secondary

A prototype adaptive secondary mirror has been developed on a 2.3-m telescope to stabilize rapid motion caused by atmospheric turbulence. The instantaneous position of an image's centroid, or brightest speckle, is measured by a near-infrared camera system which enables the tip-tilt mirror to recenter the image. Correction is accomplished at closed-loop frequencies of less than or = 100 Hz on guide stars with K (2.2 micrometers) magnitudes less than or = 8. Image motion is reduced to less than 0.1 sec rms, removing over 90% of low-frequency (f less than or = 5 Hz) tilt power, leaving less than or = 1 rad exp 2 mean square wave front tilt phase error. In seeing conditions where D/r sub o approximately = 4, long exposures in the H band (1.6 micrometers) exhibit a nearly diffraction-limited resolution of 0.19 sec full width at half maximum (FWHM) (Strehl ratio aprroximately = 0.14)-a factor of 4 improvement over uncorrected images. Reduction of the present static optical errors will improve the Strehl ratio another factor of 2, leading to approximately 70% of the maximum possible Strehl ratio.

Close, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Low mass companions to nearby stars: Spectral classification and its relation to the stellar/substellar break

The relationship between mass and spectral class for main-sequence stars has never been obtained for dwarfs cooler than M6; currently, the true nature of objects classified as M7, M8, M9, or later (be they stellar or substellar) is not known. In this paper, spectral types for the components in five low mass binary systems are estimated based on previously published infrared speckle measurements, red/infrared photometry, and parallax data, together with newly acquired high signal-to-noise composite spectra of the systems and revised magnitude difference relations for M dwarfs. For two of these binaries, the secondary has a smaller mass (less than 0.09 solar mass) than any object having a dynamically measured mass and a known spectral type, thus extending the spectral class/mass relation to lower masses than has previously been possible. Data from the higher mass components (0.09 solar mass less than M less than 0.40 solar mass) are consistent with earlier results; the two lowest mass objects -- though having mass errors which could place them on either side of the M dwarf/brown dwarf dividing line (Mass is about 0.08 solar mass) -- are found to have spectral types no cooler than M6.5 V. An extrapolation of the updated spectral class/mass relation to the hydrogen-burning limit suggests that objects of type M7 and later may be substellar. Direct confirmation of this awaits the discovery of a close, very late-type binary for which dynamical masses can be measured.

Kirkpatrick, J. Davy↗
NASA NTRS1994

Performance of a 2-micrometer coherent Doppler lidar for wind measurements

Measurements of boundary layer winds are presented using a 2-micrometer coherent Doppler lidar and the optimal performance of the maximum likelihood estimator. The systematic error for single-shot estimates was estimated as 3.6 cm/s using measurements from a stationary hard target. The estimation error for measurements of the radial component of the wind field was determined, as well as the fraction of the estimates that are randomly distributed over the velocity search space, when the signal power is low and speckle fading is important. The results from actual data are compared with the results from ideal simulations. The first direct estimation of the spatial structure function of the radial wind field and of the energy dissipation rate is presented for both horizontal and vertical directions of propagation. The rms estimation error of the velocity estimates is found to be within 30% of ideal performance based on simulation.

Frehlich, Rod↗
NASA NTRS1995

Optical Detection Of Fractures In Ceramic Diaphragms

Simple optical technique enables quick, nondestructive inspection of surfaces of ceramic diaphragms and disks for fractures and discontinuities. Involves reflecting beam of light from laser at glancing angle of about 20 degrees to 25 degrees off surface inspected and examining pattern of reflected light on suitable viewing surface as beam swept across surface. When fracture present, reflection pattern separates into two or more speckled spots. Technique applied in inspection of ceramic diaphragms bearing electronic circuits. Also useful in detection of fatigue cracks on aircraft.

Laue, Eric G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Optical Correlation of Images With Signal-Dependent Noise Using Constrained-Modulation Filter Devices

Images with signal-dependent noise present challenges beyond those of images with additive white or colored signal-independent noise in terms of designing the optimal 4-f correlation filter that maximizes correlation-peak signal-to-noise ratio, or combinations of correlation-peak metrics. Determining the proper design becomes more difficult when the filter is to be implemented on a constrained-modulation spatial light modulator device. The design issues involved for updatable optical filters for images with signal-dependent film-grain noise and speckle noise are examined. It is shown that although design of the optimal linear filter in the Fourier domain is impossible for images with signal-dependent noise, proper nonlinear preprocessing of the images allows the application of previously developed design rules for optimal filters to be implemented on constrained-modulation devices. Thus the nonlinear preprocessing becomes necessary for correlation in optical systems with current spatial light modulator technology. These results are illustrated with computer simulations of images with signal-dependent noise correlated with binary-phase-only filters and ternary-phase-amplitude filters.

Downie, John D.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Planetesimals Around V536 AQL

The pre-main sequence star V536 Aql, classified as a K7 classical T Tauri star by Cohen & Kuhi has been resolved, by high angular resolution near-infrared speckle observations, as a close binary (0.52 sec separation at 17 deg) surrounded by extended structures. These structures seen, both in the July 1993 and April 1994 observations, are not at the same position in the reconstructed image and do not present exactly the same shape at both times. Although it is unlikely that the presence of these structures is due to seeing calibration problems, the exact shape might be affected by it. We cannot presently make a final interpretation of the observations but can formulate different possibilities: the 'circumstellar' material seen in our images can be an independent cloud, or simply gas or dust, in front of the system on our line of sight, but close enough to still be illuminated by the binary; this material may be 'by chance' there or be a remnant of the material in which the star was born. We propose a model to explain the position variation of the extended structures. New observations are under reduction and should help to determine the exact value of this motion. At their distance from the star, motions of the extended matter would correspond to velocities much higher than the Kepler velocities. To explain this, we have developed a model based on a 'torch-light' effect. The possibility that the observed elongated structures belong to a circumstellar or circumbinary disk are discussed.

Ageorges, N.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nonlinear Coherent Optical Image Processing Using Logarithmic Transmittance of Bacteriorhodopsin Films

The transmission properties of some bacteriorhodopsin-film spatial light modulators are uniquely suited to allow nonlinear optical image-processing operations to be applied to images with multiplicative noise characteristics. A logarithmic amplitude-transmission characteristic of the film permits the conversion of multiplicative noise to additive noise, which may then be linearly filtered out in the Fourier plane of the transformed image. I present experimental results demonstrating the principle and the capability for several different image and noise situations, including deterministic noise and speckle. The bacteriorhodopsin film studied here displays the logarithmic transmission response for write intensities spanning a dynamic range greater than 2 orders of magnitude.

Downie, John D.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Wideband Interferometric Sensing and Imaging Polarimetry

Wideband Interferometric Sensing and Imaging Polarimetry (WISIP) has become an important, indispensible tool in wide area military surveillance and global environmental monitoring of the terrestrial and planetary covers. It enables dynamic, real time optimal feature extraction of significant characteristics of desirable targets and/or target sections with simultaneous suppression of undesirable background clutter and propagation path speckle at hitherto unknown clarity and never before achieved quality. WISIP may be adopted to the detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) of any stationary, moving or vibrating targets or distributed scatterer segments versus arbitrary stationary, dynamical changing and/or moving geo-physical/ecological environments, provided the instantaneous 2x2 phasor and 4x4 power density matrices for forward propagation/backward scattering, respectively, can be measured with sufficient accuracy. For example, the DRI of stealthy, dynamically moving inhomogeneous volumetric scatter environments such as precipitation scatter, the ocean/sea/lake surface boundary layers, the littoral coastal surf zones, pack ice and snow or vegetative canopies, dry sands and soils, etc. can now be successfully realized. A comprehensive overview is presented on how these modern high resolution/precision, complete polarimetric co-registered signature sensing and imaging techniques, complemented by full integration of novel navigational electronic tools, such as DGPS, will advance electromagnetic vector wave sensing and imaging towards the limits of physical realization. Various examples utilizing the most recent image data take sets of airborne, space shuttle, and satellite imaging systems demonstrate the utility of WISIP.

Verdi, James Salvatore↗
NASA NTRS1994

Optimal Correlation Filters for Images with Signal-Dependent Noise

We address the design of optimal correlation filters for pattern detection and recognition in the presence of signal-dependent image noise sources. The particular examples considered are film-grain noise and speckle. Two basic approaches are investigated: (1) deriving the optimal matched filters for the signal-dependent noise models and comparing their performances with those derived for traditional signal-independent noise models and (2) first nonlinearly transforming the signal-dependent noise to signal-independent noise followed by the use of a classical filter matched to the transformed signal. We present both theoretical and computer simulation results that demonstrate the generally superior performance of the second approach in terms of the correlation peak signal-to-noise ratio.

Downie, John D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

W-Band Free Space Permittivity Measurement Setup for Candidate Radome Materials

This paper presents a measurement system used for w-band complex permittivity measurements performed in NASA Langley Research Center's Electromagnetics Research Branch. The system was used to characterize candidate radome materials for the passive millimeter wave (PMMW) camera experiment. The PMMW camera is a new technology sensor, with goals of all-weather landings of civilian and military aircraft. The sensor is being developed under a NASA Technology Reinvestment program with TRW, McDonnell- Douglas, Honeywell, and Composite Optics, Inc. as participants. The experiment is scheduled to be flight tested on the Air Force's 'Speckled Trout' aircraft in late 1997. The camera operates at W-band, in a radiometric capacity and generates an image of the viewable field. Because the camera is a radiometer, the system is very sensitive to losses. Minimal transmission loss through the radome at the operating frequency, 89 GHz, was critical to the success of the experiment. This paper details the design, set-up, calibration and operation of a free space measurement system developed and used to characterize the candidate radome materials for this program.

Fralick, Dion T.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Complex Permittivities of Candidate Radome Materials at W-band

This report presents the results of w-band complex permittivity measurements performed in NASA Langley's Electromagnetics Research Branch. The test articles included in the permittivity study were flat panels of materials which are under consideration for use in a radome for the Passive Millimeter Wave Camera (PMMWC) flight experiment. This experiment is scheduled to fly on the Air Force's 'Speckled Trout' aircraft in late 1997. The radome design is very important because the PMMWC can tolerate only a small amount of electromagnetic loss through the radome. A free space measurement system was used to obtain complex reflection and transmission coefficients of the samples. The frequency of interest was 89 GHz, so measurements were performed over a range of 79 to 99 GHz. The transmission and reflection coefficients were used, along with the measured sample thickness, to calculate complex permittivity over the frequency range. The material samples measured in this study can be divided into four categories: skin materials, core materials, coating materials, and layered samples.

Cravey, Robin↗
NASA NTRS1996

Asteroid Spectroscopy: Vesta, the Basaltic Achondrites and Other Differentiated Asteroids

Reflectance spectroscopy, thermal infrared radiometry, optical polarimetry, speckle interferometry, and high-resolution imagery are among the remote sensing techniques applied to Vesta, producing a sophisticated characterization of this object. Reflectance spectroscopy has provided relatively detailed descriptions of the surface mineralogy of Vesta and has provided critical evidence linking Vesta to the basaltic achondrite meteorites.

Gaffey, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Applications of Digital Image Processing 11

A new technique, digital image velocimetry, is proposed for the measurement of instantaneous velocity fields of time dependent flows. A time sequence of single-exposure images of seed particles are captured with a high-speed camera, and a finite number of the single-exposure images are sampled within a prescribed period in time. The sampled images are then digitized on an image processor, enhanced, and superimposed to construct an image which is equivalent to a multiple exposure image used in both laser speckle velocimetry and particle image velocimetry. The superimposed image and a single-exposure Image are digitally Fourier transformed for extraction of information on the velocity field. A great enhancement of the dynamic range of the velocity measurement is accomplished through the new technique by manipulating the Fourier transform of both the single-exposure image and the superimposed image. Also the direction of the velocity vector is unequivocally determined. With the use of a high-speed video camera, the whole process from image acquisition to velocity determination can be carried out electronically; thus this technique can be developed into a real-time capability.

Cho, Y. -C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Multiplicity Survey of Chromospherically Active and Inactive Stars

Surveys of the three samples of solar-type stars, segregated by chromospheric emission level, were made to determine their multiplicity fractions and to investigate the evolution of multiplicity with age. In total, 245 stars were searched for companions with DeltaV <= 3.0 and separations of 0.035" to 1.08" using optical speckle interferometry, By incorporating the visual micrometer survey for duplicity of the LamontHussey Observatory, the angular coverage was extended to 5.0" with no change in in the DeltaV limit. This magnitude difference allows mass ratios of 0.63 and larger to be detected throughout a search region of 2-127 AU for the stars observed. The 84 primaries observed in the chromospherically active sample are presumably part of a young population and are found to have a multiplicity fraction of 17.9% +/- 4.6%. The sample of 118 inactive, presumably older, primaries were selected and observed using identical methods and are found to have a multiplicity fraction of only 8.5% +/- 2.7%. Given the known link between chromospheric activity and age, these results tentatively imply a decreasing stellar multiplicity fraction from 1 to 4 Gyr, the approximate ages of the two samples. Finally, only two of the 14 very active primaries observed were found to have a companion meeting the survey detection parameters. In this case, many of the systems are either very young, or close, RS CVn type multiples that are unresolvable using techniques employed here.

Mason, Brian D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Analysis of Spacelab-III Reconstructed Wavefronts by Non-Holographic Methods

Holography has been used in several past space missions. One popular experimental mode deals with study of fluid refractive properties in the crystal growth cell. The perceived advantage of holography is that it stores and reconstructs wavefronts so that a complete information is available later on ground. That means the wavefront can be analyzed not only by traditional holographic interferometry but other means as well. We have successfully demonstrated two such means being described here. One is deflectometry using a Ronchi grating and the other confocal optical processing. These results, using holograms from Spacelab-III mission dealing with triglycine sulfate crystal growth clearly demonstrate that a single hardware (holography) can do the task of several fluid experimental systems. Finally, not experimentally demonstrated, the possibility of some other analysis modes like speckle techniques and video holography using the reconstructed wavefronts have been described. Since only traditional holographic interferometry has been used in the past leading to the argument that non-holographic interferometry hardware in space could do the job, the present study firmly establishes advantage of holography.

Vikram, Chandra S.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Analysis of High Contrast Imaging Techniques for Space Based Direct Planetary Imaging

We report on our ongoing investigations of a number of techniques for direct detection and imaging of Earth-like planets around nearby stellar sources. Herein, we give a quantitative analysis of these techniques and compare and contrast them via computer simulations. The techniques we will be reporting on are Bracewell Interferometry, Nisenson Apodized Square Aperture, and Coronagraphic masking techniques. We parameterize our results with respect to wavelength, aperture size, effects of mirror speckle, both mid- and high-spatial frequency, detector and photon noise as well pointing error. The recent numerous detections of Jupiter and Saturn like planets has driven a resurgence in research of space based high contrast imaging techniques for direct planetary imaging. Work is currently ongoing for concepts for NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder mission and a number of study teams have been funded. The authors are members of one team.

Lyon, Richard G.↗