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At least 577 records · Page 32

Auger depth profiling of Au-Al/x/Ga/1-x/As interfaces and LPE Al/x/Ga/1-x/As-GaAs heterojunctions

An attempt is made to report Auger depth profiles produced in a UHF ion-milling Auger system for intentionally 'graded' Al(x)Ga(1-x)As-GaAs heterojunctions, 'abrupt' growth heterojunctions of the same material, and Au-Al(x)Ga(1-x)As interfaces. It is found that the interface widths of the 'abrupt' growth heterojunctions did not fluctuate greatly from an average value of 110 A and that 'graded' growth samples had interface widths of about 525 to 1500 A. The results for the Au-containing samples indicate that an oxide layer was present between the Au and the Al(x)Ga(1-x)As.

Garner, C. M.↗

Studies in astronomical time series analysis: Modeling random processes in the time domain

Random process models phased in the time domain are used to analyze astrophysical time series data produced by random processes. A moving average (MA) model represents the data as a sequence of pulses occurring randomly in time, with random amplitudes. An autoregressive (AR) model represents the correlations in the process in terms of a linear function of past values. The best AR model is determined from sampled data and transformed to an MA for interpretation. The randomness of the pulse amplitudes is maximized by a FORTRAN algorithm which is relatively stable numerically. Results of test cases are given to study the effects of adding noise and of different distributions for the pulse amplitudes. A preliminary analysis of the optical light curve of the quasar 3C 273 is given.

Scargle, J. D.↗

VLSI system for synthetic aperture radar /SAR/ processing

The paper discusses an SAR problem based on actual requirements set forth by NASA for a spaceborne application. The requirements for high resolution and high quality necessitate a data sampling rate of 7.5 MHz. For each data value 1,025 4-bit complex multiply + add operations are needed, which is equivalent to 7.7 GHz complex multiply + add operation rate. Since this rate is much too high for general purpose systems, a special-purpose device was sought. This paper discusses two architectures based on parallel operation of 1,025 identical cells, each of which is capable of performing arithmetic, storage, and several control operations. The operation rate in each device is only 7.5 MHz, which is quite manageable, especially with the help of a substantial degree of pipelining. A computational-mathematical analysis is used as a primary tool for evaluating the design and some of its tradeoffs. Two different approaches are discussed and compared; both are based on having 1,025 identical cells working in parallel, but differ in their dual approaches to the flow of data.

Cohen, D.↗

Improved definition of crustal anomalies for Magsat data

A scheme was developed for separating the portions of the magnetic field measured by the Magsat 1 satellite that arise from internal and external sources. To test this method, a set of sample coefficients were used to compute the field values along a simulated satellite orbit. This data was then used to try to recover the original coefficients. Matrix inversion and recursive least squares methods were used to solve for the input coefficients. The accuracy of the two methods are compared.

Source record↗

Profiles and intensity ratios of the C IV lambda 1548, 1550 emission lines in planetary nebulae

The C IV resonance doublet at lambda 1548, 1550 is an important diagnostic tool in the study of planetary nebulae. The predicted theoretical intensity ratio of 2:1 is, however, rarely observed in the high dispersion IUE spectrograms. Values of 0.8-2.0 are observed for a sampling of 11 planetary nebulae of various excitation classes and for three proto-planetary nebulae. A diversity of line profiles is observed. In addition to the C IV doublet, weak subsidiary lines are seen. The spacing between these pseudo-lines happens to correspond to the separation of the C IV lines but are believed to be due to hot pixels and do not conform to the radial velocity displacement of the C IV lines.

Feibelman, W. A.↗

The early-type strong emission-line supergiants of the Magellanic Clouds - A spectroscopic zoology

The results of a spectroscopic survey of 21 early-type extreme emission line supergiants of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds using IUE and optical spectra are presented. The combined observations are discussed and the literature on each star in the sample is summarized. The classification procedures and the methods by which effective temperatures, bolometric magnitudes, and reddenings were assigned are discussed. The derived reddening values are given along with some results concerning anomalous reddening among the sample stars. The derived mass, luminosity, and radius for each star are presented, and the ultraviolet emission lines are described. Mass-loss rates are derived and discussed, and the implications of these observations for the evolution of the most massive stars in the Local Group are addressed.

Shore, S. N.↗

Multispectral remote sensing as stratigraphic and structural tool, Wind River Basin and Big Horn Basin areas, Wyoming

The use of Landsat TM, Airborne Imaging Spectrometer, and airborne Thermal IR Multispectral Scanner data in the geological evaluation of two sites in central Wyoming is described and illustrated with diagrams, maps, photographs, sample images, and tables of numerical data. The value of the remotely sensed information on the areal variation of attitude, sequence, thickness, and lithology of exposed strata is demonstrated; details of the data analysis are given; and the specialized software packages employed are briefly characterized.

Lang, Harold R.↗

Probabilities and statistics for backscatter estimates obtained by a scatterometer

Methods for the recovery of winds near the surface of the ocean from measurements of the normalized radar backscattering cross section must recognize and make use of the statistics (i.e., the sampling variability) of the backscatter measurements. Radar backscatter values from a scatterometer are random variables with expected values given by a model. A model relates backscatter to properties of the waves on the ocean, which are in turn generated by the winds in the atmospheric marine boundary layer. The effective wind speed and direction at a known height for a neutrally stratified atmosphere are the values to be recovered from the model. The probability density function for the backscatter values is a normal probability distribution with the notable feature that the variance is a known function of the expected value. The sources of signal variability, the effects of this variability on the wind speed estimation, and criteria for the acceptance or rejection of models are discussed. A modified maximum likelihood method for estimating wind vectors is described. Ways to make corrections for the kinds of errors found for the Seasat SASS model function are described, and applications to a new scatterometer are given.

Pierson, Willard J., Jr.↗

Ultrasonic study of adhesive bond quality at a steel-to-rubber interface by using quadrature phase detection techniques

The quadrature phase detection technique was used to simultaneously monitor the phase and amplitude of a toneburst signal normally reflected from an adhesively bonded steel-to-rubber interface. The measured phase was found to show a positive shift for all bonded samples with respect to the disbonded state - the phase shift being larger for samples with weaker bonds, as manifested by smaller values of applied tensile loads at failure. A model calculation, which incorporates the concept of interfacial strength into the usual problem of wave propagation in multilayered media, was used to deduce a bond-quality parameter from an experimentally measured phase shift. This bond-quality parameter was found to be correlated with the tensile strength of the adhesive bonds at failure loads.

Smith, A. C.↗

Infrared spectroscopy of the dwarf starburst galaxy Henize 2-10

Researchers present 1.2 to 2.2 micron spectra of the nucleus of Henize 2 to 10, taken at United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) with the cool grating spectrometer 2 (CGS 2). This galaxy displays strong line emission from interstellar H (+) (1.282 and 2.166 microns) and (Fe (+)) (1.256 and 1.644 microns), in common with other star-forming galaxy nuclei. However, the 1 to 0 S(1) line of molecular hydrogen at 2.122 micron is not detected - the upper limit of 0.15 (3 sigma) for the value of the flux ratio I sub 1-os(1)/I sub Br gamma is much lower than the typical values of 0.4 to 0.9 measured in a sample of 28 non-interacting starburst galaxies. From the Pa beta/Br gamma line ratio researchers derive a total extinction of A sub v approx. 4 mag. The de-reddened H (+) and (Fe (+) line fluxes are used to estimate the total ionizing luminosity and the average supernova rate in the central 150 pc of He 2 to 10. By comparison of these estimates with existing Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) and radio continuum data, researchers are able to set limits on the range of stellar masses present in this unevolved (less than 10(exp 7) year old) starburst nucleus. Possible reasons for the low H2/H+ line ratios observed in young starburst systems (He 2 to 10, NGC 7714, IIZw40; e.g., Moorwood and Oliva 1988) are briefly discussed.

Blanco, P. R.↗

Plasma current collection of Z-93 thermal control paint as measured in the Lewis Research Center's plasma interaction facility

A sample of Z-93 thermal control paint was exposed to a simulated space environment in a plasma chamber. The sample was biased through a series of voltages ranging from -100 volts to +300 volts and electron and ion currents were measured. Currents were found to be in the micro-ampere range indicating that the material remains a reasonably good insulator under plasma conditions. As a second step, the sample was left in the chamber for six days and retested. Collected currents were reduced by from two to five times from the previous values indicating a substantial loss of conductivity. As a final test, the sample was removed, exposed to room conditions for two days, and returned to the chamber. Current measurements showed that the sample had partially recovered the lost conductivity. In addition to presenting these results, this report documents all of the experimental data as well as the statistical analyses performed.

Hillard, G. Barry↗

Application of a Third Order Upwind Scheme to Viscous Flow over Clean and Iced Wings

A 3-D compressible Navier-Stokes solver has been developed and applied to 3-D viscous flow over clean and iced wings. This method uses a third order accurate finite volume scheme with flux difference splitting to model the inviscid fluxes, and second order accurate symmetric differences to model the viscous terms. The effects of turbulence are modeled using a Kappa-epsilon model. In the vicinity of the sold walls the kappa and epsilon values are modeled using Gorski's algebraic model. Sampling results are presented for surface pressure distributions, for untapered swept clean and iced wings made of NACA 0012 airfoil sections. The leading edge of these sections is modified using a simulated ice shape. Comparisons with experimental data are given.

Bangalore, A.↗

Assessing the Relationship Between Spectral Vegetation Indices and Shrub Cover in the Jornada Basin, New Mexico

We assessed the statistical relations between Spectral Vegetation Indices (SVI's) derived from SPOT multi-spectral data and semi-arid shrub cover at the Jornada LTER site in New Mexico. Despite a limited range of shrub cover in the sample the analyses resulted in r(sup 2) values as high as 0 central dot 77. Greenness SVI's (e.g., Simple Ratio, NDVI, SAVI, PVI and an orthogonal Greenness index) were shown to be more sensitive to shrub type and phenology than brightness SVis (e.g., green, red and near-infrared reflectances and a Brightness index). The results varied substantially with small-scale changes in plot size (60m by 60m to 100m by 100m) as a consequence of landscape heterogeneity. The results also indicated the potential for the spectral differentiation of shrub types, and shrubs from grass, using multi-temporal, multi-spectral analysis.

Duncan, Jeff↗

Use of Ultrasonic Technology for Soil Moisture Measurement

In an effort to improve existing soil moisture measurement techniques or find new techniques using physics principles, a new technique is presented in this paper using ultrasonic techniques. It has been found that ultrasonic velocity changes as the moisture content changes. Preliminary values of velocities are 676.1 m/s in dry soil and 356.8 m/s in 100% moist soils. Intermediate values can be calibrated to give exact values for the moisture content in an unknown sample.

Choi, J.↗

Analysis of the Effect of Surface Modification on Polyimide Composites Coated with Erosion Resistant Materials

The aim of this research is to enhance performance of composite coatings through modification of graphite-reinforced polyimide composite surfaces prior to metal bond coat/ hard topcoat application for use in the erosive and/or oxidative environments of advanced engines. Graphite reinforced polyimide composites, PMR-15 and PMR-II-50, formed by sheet molding and pre-pregging will be surface treated, overlaid with a bond coat and then coated with WC-Co. The surface treatment will include cleaning, RF plasma or ultraviolet light- ozone etching, and deposition of SiO(x) groups. These surface treatments will be studied in order to investigate and improve adhesion and oxidation resistance. The following panels were provided by NASA-Glenn Research Center(NASA-GRC): Eight compression molded PMR-II-50; 6 x 6 x 0.125 in. Two vacuum-bagged PMR-II-50; 12 x 12 x 0.125 in. Eight compression molded PMR-15; 6 x 6 x 0.125 in. One vacuum-bagged PMR-15; 12 x 12 x 0.125 in. All panels were made using a 12 x 12 in. T650-35 8HS (3K-tow) graphite fabric. A diamond-wafering blade, with deionized water as a cutting fluid, was used to cut PMR-II-50 and PMR-15 panels into 1 x 1 in. pieces for surface tests. The panel edges exhibiting delamination were used for the preliminary surface preparation tests as these would be unsuitable for strength and erosion testing. PMR-15 neat resin samples were also provided by NASA GRC. Surface profiles of the as-received samples were determined using a Dektak III Surface profile measuring system. Two samples of compression molded PMR-II-50 and PMR-15, vacuum-bagged PMR-II-50 and PMR-15 were randomly chosen for surface profile measurement according to ANSI/ASME B46.1. Prior to each measurement, the samples were blasted with compressed air to remove any artifacts. Five 10 mm-long scans were made on each sample. The short and long wavelength cutoff filter values were set at 100 and 1000 m, diamond stylus radius was 12.5 microns. Table 1 is a summary of the arithmetic average roughness (Ra) and waviness (Wa) for the composite surfaces.

Ndalama, Tchinga↗

Recent Progress in the Development of Neodymium Doped Ceramic Yttria

Solid-state lasers play a significant role in providing the technology necessary for active remote sensing of the atmosphere. Neodymium doped yttria (Nd:Y2O3) is considered to be an attractive material due to its possible lasing wavelengths of aprrox.914 nm and approx.946 nm for ozone profiling. These wavelengths when frequency tripled can generate UV light at approx.305 nm and approx.315 nm, which is particularly useful for ozone sensing using differential absorption lidar technique. For practical realization of space based UV transmitter technology, ceramic Nd:Y2O3 material is considered to possess great potential. A plasma melting and quenching method has been developed to produce Nd3+ doped powders for consolidation into Nd:Y2O3 ceramic laser materials. This far-from-equilibrium processing methodology allows higher levels of rare earth doping than can be achieved by equilibrium methods. The method comprises of two main steps: (a) plasma melting and quenching to generate dense, and homogeneous doped metastable powders, (b) pressure assisted consolidation of these powders by hot isostatic pressing to make dense nanocomposite ceramics. Using this process, several 1" x 1" ceramic cylinders have been produced. The infrared transmission of undoped Y2O3 ceramics was as high as approx.75% without anti-reflection coating. In the case of Nd:Y2O3 ceramics infrared transmission values of approx.50% were achieved. Furthermore, Nd:Y2O3 samples with dopant concentrations of up to approx.2 at. % were prepared without significant emission quenching.

Prasad, Narasimha S.↗

The Impact of Soil Reflectance on the Quantification of the Green Vegetation Fraction from NDVI

The green vegetation fraction (Fg) is an important climate and hydrologic model parameter. A common method to calculate Fg is to create a simple linear mixing rnodeP between two NDVI endmembers: bare soil NDVI (NDVI(sub o)) and full vegetation NDVI (NDVI(sub infinity)). Usually it is assumed that NDVI(sub o), is close to zero (NDVI(sub o) approx.-0.05) and is generally chosen from the lowest observed NDVI values. However, the mean soil NDVI computed from 2906 samples is much larger (NDVI=0.2) and is highly variable (standard deviation=O. 1). We show that the underestimation of NDVI(sub o) yields overestimations of Fg. The largest errors occur in grassland and shrubland areas. Using parameters for NDVI(sub o) and NDVI(sub infinity) derived from global scenes yields overestimations of Fg ((Delta) Fg*) that are larger than 0.2 for the majority of U.S. land cover types when pixel NDVI values are 0.2<NDVI(sub pixel)<0.4. Figure 1 shows how the Fg overestimation varies for the most common land cover types in the conterminous U.S. for typical seasonal NDVI values. When using conterminous U.S. scenes to derive NDV(sub o) and NDVI(sub infinity), the overestimation is less (0.10-0.17 for 0.2<NDVI(sub pixel)<0.4). As a result, parts of the conterminous U.S. are affected at different times of the year depending on the local seasonal NDVI cycle. We propose using global databases of NDVI(sub o) along with information on historical NDVI(sub pixel) values to compute a statistically most-likely estimate of Fg (Fg*). Using in situ measurements made at the Sevilleta LTER, we show that this approach yields better estimates of Fg than using global invariant NDVI(sub o) values estimated from whole scenes (Figure 2). At the two studied sites, the Fg estimate was adjusted by 52% at the grassland and 86% at the shrubland. More significant advances will require information on spatial distribution of soil reflectance.

Montandon, L. M.↗

A Study of Transparent Plastics for use on Aircraft. Supplement

This supplement to a NACA study issued in May 1937 entitled "A Study of Transparent Plastics for Use on Aircraft", contains two tables. These tables contain data on bursting strengths of plastics, particularly at low temperatures. Table 1 contains the values reported in a table of the original memorandum, and additional values obtained at approximately 25 C, for three samples of Acrylate resin. The second table contains data obtained for the bursting strength when one surface of the plastic was cooled to approximately -35 C.

Axilrod, Benjamin M.↗