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At least 793 records · Page 44

X-ray and radio emission from the compact galaxy III Zw 2

X-rays from the compact galaxy III Zw 2 have been detected with the rotating modulation collimator on board SAS 3. The (2-10-keV) flux is (4.3 + or - 0.5) by 10 to the -11th power erg/sq cm per sec, which corresponds to a luminosity of 1.4 by 10 to the 45th power erg/s at 530 Mpc. Subsequent radio observations between 1.46 and 90 GHz were made at the NRAO Very Large Array and 36-foot (11-m) installations. The radio spectrum rises sharply toward higher frequencies and, below about 100 GHz, is indicative of a self-absorbed synchrotron spectrum from an extremely compact, rapidly evolving object.

Schnopper, H. W.↗

High-resolution observations of X-ray sources at the galactic center

A region about 1 deg of arc in radius and centered on the galactic nucleus has been surveyed during a rocket flight, using X-ray detectors equipped with 10-arcmin by 4-deg (FWHM) collimators. The extended source 4U 1743-29 has been resolved into at least four discrete sources having luminosities (2-10 KeV) between 4 by 10 to the 36th power and 3.5 by 10 to the 37th power erg/s.

Cruddace, R. G.↗

Design, fabrication and performance of two grazing incidence telescopes for celestial extreme ultraviolet astronomy

The design and performance of grazing incidence telescopes for celestial extreme ultraviolet (EUV) astronomy are described. The telescopes basically consist of a star tracker, collimator, grazing incidence mirror, vacuum box lid, vacuum housing, filters, a ranicon detector, an electronics box, and an aspect camera. For the survey mirror a Wolter-Schwarzschild type II configuration was selected. Diamond-turning was used for mirror fabrication, a technique which machines surfaces to the order of 10 microns over the required dimensions. The design of the EUV spectrometer is discussed with particular reference to the optics for a primarily spectroscopic application and the fabrication of the f/10 optics.

Lampton, M.↗

Position and pulse profile of the X-ray transient 4U 0115 + 63

The celestial position of the 3.6-s X-ray pulsar, 4U 0115 + 63, has been measured to a precision of 12 arcsec in one dimension with the scanning modulation collimator experiment on HEAO 1. This result, together with a position obtained with SAS 3, has led to the identification of an early-type star as the optical counterpart. An X-ray luminosity of approximately 3 by 10 to the 37th power erg/s (3-13 keV) is inferred from the observed flux of about 30% that of the Crab and an estimated distance of 5 kpc. The pulse profile over the energy range 3-13 keV is similar to that of Cen X-3.

Johnston, M.↗

Analysis of the interaction of an electron beam with a solar cell. I. II

The short-circuit current generated by the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope when it impinges on the N-P junction of a solar cell is known to be dependent on the configuration used to investigate the cell's response, and the situation for one specific configuration is analyzed. This configuration is the case in which the highly collimated electron beam strikes the edge of a planar junction a variable distance away from the edge of the depletion layer. An earlier treatment is generalized to encompass the ohmic contact at the back surface. The analysis employing Fourier and Wiener-Hopf techniques shows that it is impractical to determine the bulk diffusion length of a solar cell by a SEM used in the studied configuration unless the ohmic contact is partially removed.

Von Roos, O.↗

Lens window simplifies TDL housing

Lens window seal in tunable-diode-laser housing replaces plan parallel window. Lens seals housing and acts as optical-output coupler, thus eliminating need for additional reimaging or collimating optics.

Robinson, D. M.↗

Improvement of CAT scanned images

Digital enhancement procedure improves definition of images. Tomogram is generated from large number of X-ray beams. Beams are collimated and small in diameter. Scanning device passes beams sequentially through human subject at many different angles. Battery of transducers opposite subject senses attenuated signals. Signals are transmitted to computer where they are used in construction of image on transverse plane through body.

Roberts, E., Jr.↗

Optical effects module

The possible degradation of optical samples exposed to the effluent gases and particulate matter emanating from the payload of the space transportation system during orbital operations may be determined by measuring two optical parameters for five samples exposed to this environment, namely transmittance and diffuse reflectance. Any changes detected in these parameters as a function of time during the mission are then attributable to surface contamination or to increased material absorption. These basic functions are attained in the optical effects module by virtue of the following subsystems which are described: module enclosure; light source with collimator and modulator; sample wheel with holders and rotary drive; photomultipliers for radiation detection; processing and sequencing electronic circuitry; and power conditioning interfaces. The functions of these subsystems are reviewed and specified.

Source record↗

Nephelometer evaluation for measurement of cloud parameters in earth and planetary atmospheres

Initial work was concerned with determining whether the radiation emitted from a laser source could be sufficiently collimated to provide a suitable source for a nephelometer-type instrument. It was necessary to develop a standard scatterer that could be used to evaluate the performance of a nephelometer. The possible use of a gallium arsenide diode as a radiation source also was investigated. The first of these utilized a single lens to focus the light scattered from a target onto a ring detector. The second configuration used reflecting and refracting axicons as optical-system elements. The work performed in each of these areas is described.

Ballard, G. S.↗

Definition of mutually optimum NDI and proof test criteria for 2219 aluminum pressure vessels. Volume 1: Methods

The requirements for proof testing and nondestructive inspection of aluminum pressure vessels were discussed. The following conclusions are (1) lack-of-fusion weld defects are sufficiently tight in the as-welded condition to be considered undetectable; (2) proof-level loads are required to fully open lack-of-fusion weld defects; (3) significant crack opening occurs at subproof levels so that an inspection enhancement loading treatment designed to avoid catastrophic failure is feasible; (4) currently used proof levels for 2219 pressure vessels are adequate for postproof inspection; (5) quantification of defect size and location using collimated ultrasonic pitch-catch techniques appears sufficiently feasible for tankage to warrant developmental work; (6) for short-time single-cycle pressure-vessel applications, postproof inspection is desirable; and (7) for long-term multiple-cycle pressure-vessel applications, postproof inspection is essential for life assurance.

Schwartzberg, F. R.↗

Definition of mutually optimum NDI and proof test criteria for 2219 aluminum pressure vessels. Volume 3: Applications to rail defect evaluation

The technique for inspection of railroad rails containing transverse fissure defects was discussed. Both pulse-echo and pitch-catch inspection techniques were used. The pulse-echo technique results suggest that a multiple-scan approach using varying angles of inclination, three-surface scanning, and dual-direction traversing may offer promise of characterization of transverse defects. Because each scan is likely to produce a reflection indicating only a portion of the defect, summing of the individual reflections must be used to obtain a reasonably complete characterization of the defect. The ability of the collimated pitch-catch technique to detect relatively small amounts of flaw growth was shown. The method has a problem in characterizing the portions of the defect near the top surface or web intersection. The work performed was a preliminary evaluation of the prospects for automated mapping of rail flaws.

Schwartzberg, F. R.↗

Plasma particle trajectories around spacecraft propelled by ion thrusters

The thruster plasma is assumed to be described by a collimated energetic beam and a cloud of ionized thermal propellant produced by charge-exchange. A simple adiabatic model is used to describe the expansion of these neutral plasmas away from the source. As the pressure falls, shielding currents dissipate, and the geomagnetic field takes control of the particles. In low earth orbit, it is concluded that the vehicle easily outruns its thruster plasma. At geosynchronous altitude, the local electric fields around high voltage surfaces collect return current from the thermal plasma that appears to be limited only by the available space charge. Results appropriate to proposed electric propulsion missions and the solar power satellite are presented and operational considerations are discussed.

Liemohn, H. B.↗

Heliostat for astronomical usage

The design of a heliostat is presented. The invention consists of a mechanical polar axis which can rotate and which is parallel to the world axis. A mirror is supported in such a way that it can be rotated arbitrarily around a declination axis which is perpendicular to it. After execution of this rotation, the mirror can be clamped in the plane of the world axis, which can be corrected and verified by special collimation directions. The clockwork or drive unit can be driven for a 24 or 48 hour complete rotation of the axis using any known device such as switchable gears, without changing its regular variation related to stellar time or mean solar time.

Heyde, G.↗

An improved storage bulb mount for DSN hydrogen masers

The presently used JPL hydrogen maser suspended atomic storage bulb and a rigid, single-plane mounted bulb are compared. The new bulb incorporates three major design changes: (1) mounting design; (2) alterations to the collimator; and (3) decrease in mass. These design changes are expected to increase the long-term stability of the frequency standard by reducing its sensitivity to vibration and thermal effects.

Dachel, P. R.↗

Pioneer-Venus large probe infrared radiometer /LIR/ optical system

The LIR (large probe infrared radiometer) instrument has been developed for the NASA Ames Research Center for use in the 1978 Venus Atmospheric Probe Mission. The mission objectives are to determine the nature and composition of the clouds, the composition and structure of the atmosphere, and the atmospheric circulation pattern of the planet Venus. The LIR is a six-channel (3-50 micron) internally calibrated radiometer which measures the radiance difference at plus or minus 45 deg to the horizontal as viewed through a single diamond window in the spacecraft. The LIR optical system consists of a unique arrangement of hollow light pipes which optically couple a six element detector/filter array to the spacecraft window while mechanically and thermally isolating the array from the window's harsh thermal environment. A single rotating section with a 45 deg bend and containing a collimator alternately views up and down through director/extender pipes located adjacent to the diamond window. Light is transferred from the rotating section to a fixed section containing a diamond diffuser to scramble the light. This minimizes asymmetries and improves channel field of view overlap.

Brown, F. G.↗

Contribution of intermediate luminosity X-ray galaxies to the background - Anon 0945-30

Evidence that the galaxy A0945-30 is a new extragalactic X-ray source was found from an analysis of rotating modulation collimator quick-look data collected from the SAS 3 X-ray observatory. A strong piece of evidence was the hydrogen column density of 3 plus or minus 1 times 10 to the 22nd power per sq cm for a power law spectrum extending to about 35 keV inferred from HEAO 1 data. Observations indicate that the galaxy is an early type spiral with a bright nucleus. A faint star alongside the galaxy within the 90% confidence X-ray source error circle is an F dwarf with no indication of emission features. Spectra of the galaxy in the red and blue show sharp, intermediate strength emission lines of forbidden O III, forbidden N II, and H-alpha together with strong Mg, Fe, Ca absorption features characteristic of a normal stellar continuum in the galactic nucleus.

Schnopper, H. W.↗

Positions and identifications for galactic X-ray sources 2A1822-371 and 2S1254-690

Precise positions and optical identifications for the galactic X-ray sources 2A1822-371 (4U 1822-37) and 2S 1254-690 (4U 1254-69) were obtained by used of a described scanning modulation collimator on HEAO 1 and are reported. Neither is thought to be substantially reddened since both show strong ultraviolet excesses and are located at a relatively high galactic latitude. The distance of 4U 1254-69 is estimated to be approximately 10 kpc.

Griffiths, R. E.↗

Observations of two distinct populations of bow shock ions in the upstream solar wind

Observations upstream of the earth's bow shock with the LASL/MPI fast plasma experiments on ISEE 1 and 2 reveal the presence of two distinct and mutually exclusive populations of low energy (no more than 40 keV) ions apparently accelerated at the bow shock. The first of these, the 'reflected' population, is characterized by (1) sharply peaked spectra seldom extending much above about 10 keV/ion and (2) relatively collimated flow coming from the direction of the shock. On the other hand, the 'diffuse' ions are distinguished by relatively flat energy spectra above about 10 keV and broad angular distributions. They are by far the most commonly observed upstream ion event. A close causal association is suggested between the diffuse ion population in the upstream solar wind and energetic plasma ions observed within the magnetosheath.

Gosling, J. T.↗