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At least 379 records · Page 21

Cautionary note concerning the CuSO4 X-ray laser

For the so far unconfirmed lasing action claimed by Kepros et al. (1972) to have been obtained by focusing a 1.06-micron radiation of a q-switched Nd(3+) glass laser to a small cylindrical volume inside a CuSO4-doped gelatin medium supported between two glass plates, an alternate explanation is proposed that does not depend on the assumption of laser action in copper. The proposed explanation shows how collimated X-ray beams might be created under the experimental conditions described by Kepros et al.

Billman, K. W.↗

Image quality against metric capability of an aerial camera

Glass plate targets containing multiple contrast three bar patterns and a military standard resolution target were photographed through a light-source collimator-camera system. The glass plate targets and images were then scanned. Through a computer plotting program selected portions of the scanned items were presented. The plots were then measured and analyzed to obtain information of image quality parameters and effects. The measurement errors are discussed together with aspects of resolution determination.

Ghosh, S. K.↗

Results of the Apollo 15 and 16 X-ray experiment

Except for some minor modifications the Apollo 16 X-ray fluorescence experiment was similar to that flown aboard Apollo 15. The Apollo 16 provided data for a number of features not previously covered such as Mare Cognitum, Mare Nubium, Ptolemaeus, Descartes, Mendeleev, and other areas. Many data points were obtained by the X-ray experiments, so that comparisons could be drawn between Apollo 15 and 16 flights. The agreement was generally within about 10%. Al/Si concentration ratios ranged from 0.38% in Mare Cognitum to 0.67% in the Descartes area highlands. A comparison of the Apollo 16 data Al/Si values with optical albedo values along the ground tracks showed the same positive correlation as in the Apollo 15 flight. A reexamination of the detector and collimator geometries showed that the spatial resolution was better by almost a factor of two than the initial estimates.

Adler, I.↗

Design of an X-ray telescope system for an orbiting astronomical observatory

The design and construction is described of a package of X-ray telescopes launched in the NASA satellite Copernicus (OAO-3), which began stellar observations in September 1972. It contains three grazing incidence reflectors covering a range of wavelengths from 0.3 to 8 nm, and having a combined collecting area of 40.9 sq cm, with angular resolutions up to 1 minute of arc. This is believed to be the first satellite application of such reflectors in stellar X-ray astronomy. A collimated detector of wavelengths 0.1-0.3 nm has a 17.8 sq cm collecting area. A visible light star tracker detects package misalignment if this should occur.

Bowles, J. A.↗

Effect of electron beam pulse width on time-of-flight spectra

A simple but useful formula describing the effect of electron gun pulse width on the time of flight (TOF) spectra measured in translational spectroscopy experiments is developed. An approximately monoenergetic pulsed electrostatically focused electron beam traverses a scattering cell filled with a Maxwellian gas. Inelastic electron collisions with the gas produce metastable particles, ions, scattered electrons, and photons which then pass through a collimating slit system at right angles to the electron beam. TOF techniques are used to separate the photon signal from the metastable particle signal and to measure the TOF distribution of the metastable species.

Misakian, M.↗

A Ge/Li/ spectrometer for gamma ray astronomy

A space-borne instrument to measure the spectral and temporal characteristics of astronomical gamma rays in the .05 to 10 Mev energy range is described. The spectrometer consists of four 60 cc Ge(Li) detectors with an energy resolution of 2.5 Kev (FWHM) at 1.33 Mev. The Ge(Li) detectors are actively shielded with CsI(Na) for angular collimation and background reduction. Cooling of the Ge(Li) detectors to 88 K for orbital lifetimes of up to two years is provided by a two-stage solid subliming refrigerator.

Hicks, D. B.↗

A rocket borne instrument for the study of soft X-ray emission from cosmic X-ray sources

Details about a rocket-borne instrument designed for studying the various characteristics of soft X-ray emission from cosmic X-ray sources in the energy range of 0.2 to 3 keV are presented. The X-ray detector consists of a bank of four multilayer, wall-less proportional counters, each with an area of 400 sq cm. The detectors are covered by windows of 1.4-micron polypropylene and are maintained at a constant pressure in flight using a gas control system. Two of the detectors are equipped with 0.4- by 10-deg collimators for mapping the spatial distribution of soft X-rays from extended X-ray sources. A pair of balanced filters consisting of oxygen and CF4 are used for detecting oxygen emission lines.

Agrawal, P. C.↗

The GSFC EUV and X-ray spectroheliograph on OSO-7

The Goddard Space Flight Center instrument carried on the pointed section of the OSO-7 satellite is described. This instrument contains: an extreme-ultraviolet spectroheliograph using glancing incidence optics of Wolter's Type II to focus the sun's light on the entrance slit of a concave grating spectrometer; an auxiliary H-alpha system; two X-ray spectroheliographs using mechanical collimators for spatial resolution and Ross filters to isolate spectral bands of interest; and a flare polarimeter operating in the 15-40 keV X-ray region. The subsystems may be operated in a number of modes which, when combined with the spacecraft modes, give the instrument great flexibility for making solar observations. Representative results from each of the subsystems are presented.

Underwood, J. H.↗

Electron beam fluorescence system to measure gas density in impulse facilities

Very rapid measurements, ranging from a few microsecond to milliseconds in duration, characterize studies made in shock regions or behind them. A system to measure gas density under such conditions in a 15.24-cm (6-in.) expansion tube is described. The basic elements are an electron beam of moderate energy and high current capability, an optical detector, and the associated electronics and data readout equipment. A heated-cathode electron gun, capable of pulsed operation and delivering up to 200 milliamperes current, provides the source of electrons. Optics include a simple collector lens, aperture, collimator lens, filters, and a photomultiplier tube. The photomultiplier output signal was recorded by means of photographed oscilloscope traces for pulsed beam operation.

Hoppe, J. C.↗

Operational performance of a low cost, air mass 2 solar simulator

Modifications and improvements on a low cost air mass 2 solar simulator are discussed. The performance characteristics of total irradiance, uniformity of irradiance, spectral distribution, and beam subtense angle are presented. The simulator consists of an array of tungsten halogen lamps hexagonally spaced in a plane. A corresponding array of plastic Fresnel lenses shapes the output beam such that the simulator irradiates a 1.2 m by 1.2 m area with uniform collimated irradiance. Details are given concerning individual lamp output measurements and placement of the lamps. Originally, only the direct component of solar irradiance was simulated. Since the diffuse component may affect the performance of some collectors, the capability to simulate it is being added. An approach to this diffuse addition is discussed.

Yass, K.↗

A conformal head-up display for the visual approach

The degree of conformity used in matching a superimposed display to its visual background is considered in relation to the information available for vertical guidance and control during a purely visual approach. The information may be represented by individual symbols or combined in a single symbol, and the relative merits of these methods are discussed. A fully conformal display format is developed for the purpose of showing both the position and direction of the flight path, with provision for the effects of disturbances, ILS compatibility, and control needs. The field of view needed for all conditions and phases of the visual approach with a fully conformal display is studied in relation to the limitations of conventional collimator systems. Methods are discussed which depend on deviation of the sight line, and on windshield reflection of the uncollimated image of a simple pointer. Limited flight tests show some promise for the uncollimated method.

Naish, J. M.↗

Heads up display for the Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft (FSAA)

A heads-up flight director display designed for a V/STOL lift-fan transport simulation study is described. The pilot's visual flight scene had the heads-up display optically superimposed over the usual out-the-window, video flight scene. The flight director display required the development and integration of a flexible, programmable display generator, graphics assembler, display driver, computer interface system, and special collimating optics for the pilot's flight scene. The optical overlay was realistic because both scenes appeared at optical infinity, and the flexibility of this display device establishes its value as a research tool for use in future flight simulation programs.

Brocker, D. H.↗

A cosmic gamma ray burst measured by Apollo 16

A cosmic gamma ray burst at about 1058:21 UT on April 27, 1972, was detected with an omnidirectional scintillation counter on Apollo 16. The event whose energy was approximately 0.0002 erg/sq cm, was pulse height analyzed in 512 channels over the 0.067 less than or equal to E less than or equal to 5 MeV range, and shows a complex, multipeak structure on a 300 msec time scale. The burst was also measured by a collimated X-ray detector on Apollo 16, giving spectral data in the 2 to 8 keV range which, together with a simultaneous observation by Vela 6A, allows a directional determination.

Matteson, J. L.↗

Photographic Equipment Test System (PETS)

The Photographic Equipment Test System is presented. The device is a mobile optical system designed for evaluating performance of various sensors in a laboratory, in a vacuum chamber or on a flight line. The carriage is designed to allow elevation as well as azimuth control of the direction of the light from the collimator. The pneumatic tires provide an effective vibration isolation system. A target/illumination system is mounted on a motor driven linear slide, and focusing and exposure control can be operated remotely from the small electronics control console.

Source record↗

The X-ray line and continuum emission from a solar active region

The X-ray spectrum of the quiet sun in the energy range 2.3 - 6.9 keV was observed from an Aerobee rocket using an uncollimated graphite crystal spectrometer. These results and spatial measurements made with an onboard modulation collimator are analyzed using solar models.

Landecker, P. B.↗

Atmospheric X-ray emission experiment for shuttle

An experiment designed to measure the spatial, temporal, and energy distribution of X-ray aurorae produced by precipitating electrons, is presented. The experiment will provide vital data on solar-terrestrial relationships that may lead to defining the transfer mechanism that causes certain terrestrial weather events and climatological behavior. An instrument concept is discussed, and is based on a spatially sensitive multiwire proportional counter, combined with collimators to produce X-ray images of the aurorae. An instrument pointing system, on which the counter can be mounted, will provide the required altitude control, and can be operated by a Spacelab payload specialist for full control over its observing and data taking modes.

Goldberg, R. A.↗

Unique wide field of view visual simulation

Visual simulations are required to support investigations of the man-machine aspects of helicopter nap-of-the-earth flight. The visual simulation requirements are discussed vis-a-vis available technology. A wide field of view of the world outside the cockpit is necessary to provide adequate visual cues to the pilot. A unique design is described employing three TV monitors, collimating lenses, and electronics to selectively display a wide field of view without the use of a costly wide angle optical probe.

Niemela, J.↗

Field-aligned auroral electron fluxes

Out of a series of five auroral sounding rocket flights, electron fluxes in three of the flights were observed to be sharply field-aligned. The electrons were detected with an array of electrostatic analyzers making 50-point spectral samples from 0 to 15 keV. The field-aligned fluxes resulted in a peak in the spectrum at a lower energy than that of another monoenergetic peak in the spectrum seen consistently when it was conjugate to bright auroral forms giving multiply peaked spectra. The field-aligned peak in the spectrum is apparently a phenomenon distinct from the isotropic peak and was observed to occur at various times in the energy range from a few hundred electron volts to 5 keV. The field-aligned electrons were highly collimated, having pitch angles less than 20 deg and at times less than 10 deg. The high degree of field alignment and the monoenergetic character support the model that these events can be attributed to relatively cool plasma falling through an electric potential at altitudes not too far removed from the rocket.

Arnoldy, R. L.↗