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At least 955 records · Page 53

Electronic and optical properties of Praseodymium trifluoride

We report the role of f- states on electronic and optical properties of Praseodymium trifluoride (PrF{sub 3}) compound. Full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method with the inclusion of spin orbit coupling has been used. We employed the local spin density approximation (LSDA) and Coulomb-corrected local spin density approximation (LSDA+U). LSDA+U is known for treating the highly correlated 4f electrons properly. Our theoretical investigation shows that LSDA+U approximation reproduce the correct insulating ground state of PrF{sub 3}. On the other hand there is no significant difference of reflectivity calculated by LSDA and LSDA+U. We find that the reflectivity for PrF{sub 3} compound stays low till around 7 eV which is consistent with their large energy gaps. Our calculated reflectivity compares well with the experimental data. The results are analyzed in the light of transitions involved.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A PLATEAU IN THE PLANET POPULATION BELOW TWICE THE SIZE OF EARTH

We carry out an independent search of Kepler photometry for small transiting planets with sizes 0.5-8.0 times that of Earth and orbital periods between 5 and 50 days, with the goal of measuring the fraction of stars harboring such planets. We use a new transit search algorithm, TERRA, optimized to detect small planets around photometrically quiet stars. We restrict our stellar sample to include the 12,000 stars having the lowest photometric noise in the Kepler survey, thereby maximizing the detectability of Earth-size planets. We report 129 planet candidates having radii less than 6 R{sub E} found in three years of Kepler photometry (quarters 1-12). Forty-seven of these candidates are not in Batalha et al., which only analyzed photometry from quarters 1-6. We gather Keck HIRES spectra for the majority of these targets leading to precise stellar radii and hence precise planet radii. We make a detailed measurement of the completeness of our planet search. We inject synthetic dimmings from mock transiting planets into the actual Kepler photometry. We then analyze that injected photometry with our TERRA pipeline to assess our detection completeness for planets of different sizes and orbital periods. We compute the occurrence of planets as a function of planet radius and period, correcting for the detection completeness as well as the geometric probability of transit, R{sub *}/a. The resulting distribution of planet sizes exhibits a power law rise in occurrence from 5.7 R{sub E} down to 2 R{sub E} , as found in Howard et al. That rise clearly ends at 2 R{sub E} . The occurrence of planets is consistent with constant from 2 R{sub E} toward 1 R{sub E} . This unexpected plateau in planet occurrence at 2 R{sub E} suggests distinct planet formation processes for planets above and below 2 R{sub E} . We find that 15.1{sup +1.8}{sub -2.7}% of solar type stars-roughly one in six-has a 1-2 R{sub E} planet with P = 5-50 days.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Dynamical Generation of Higher-Order Spin-Orbit Coupling, Topology, and Persistent Spin Texture in Light-Irradiated Altermagnets

Altermagnets have been identified as the third category of magnetic materials, exhibiting momentum-dependent spin splitting characterized by even powers of momentum. Here, in this Letter, we show that when subjected to elliptically polarized light, these materials serve as an exemplary framework for the dynamic generation of topological bands featuring higher-order spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Notably, while the generated Zeeman field remains invariant to the particular altermagnetic ordering, the induced higher-order SOCs are related to the magnitude and symmetry of the altermagnetic order. Specifically, we show that an altermagnet exhibiting 𝐤 2⁢𝑛 -spin splitting can generate odd-in-𝐤 spin-orbit couplings up to 𝐤 2⁢𝑛−1 . In the limit of circularly polarized light, the only correction is 𝑘 2⁢𝑛−1 , with all lower-order contributions being nullified. Interestingly, light-induced SOCs significantly impact the low-energy band topology, where their Chern numbers change by Δ⁢𝐶 = ±1, 2, 3 for 𝑑, 𝑔, 𝑖-wave altermagnets. Finally, we find a critical field in which a persistent spin texture is realized, a highly desirable state with predicted infinite spin lifetime. Our Letter showcases light as a powerful, controllable tool for engineering complex and exciting phenomena in altermagnets.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Density of Electronic States in the Conduction Band of Ultrathin Films of Naphthalenedicarboxylic Anhydride and Naphthalenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride on the Surface of Oxidized Silicon

The results of examination of the electronic structure of the conduction band of naphthalenedicarboxylic anhydride (NDCA) films in the process of their deposition on the surface of oxidized silicon are presented. These results were obtained using total current spectroscopy (TCS) in the energy range from 5 to 20 eV above the Fermi level. The energy position of the primary maxima of the density of unoccupied states (DOUS) of an NDCA film was determined based on the experimental TCS data and calculated data and compared with the position of the DOUS maxima of a naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) film. The theoretical analysis involved calculating the energies and the spatial distribution of orbitals of the molecules under study at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) DFT (density functional theory) level and correcting the obtained energies in accordance with the procedure that was proven effective in earlier studies of the conduction band of films of small conjugated organic molecules. It was found that the DOUS maxima of the NTCDA film in the studied energy interval from 5 to 20 eV above the Fermi level are shifted toward lower electron energies by 1–2 eV relative to the corresponding DOUS maxima of the NDCA film Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Temporal evolution of velocity structures in the solar wind

Generally poor correlations were obtained of solar wind flow speed measurements at one point in the ecliptic plane with measurements at the same point 28 days (one solar rotation) earlier or with measurements at other points in the ecliptic plane separated by 50 deg or more in solar longitude. This is evidence that either the flow speed is a very sensitive function of solar latitude or that temporal processes typically alter the speed of the wind emanating from particular solar regions on a time scale of about 4 days. From a measure of the persistence of the flow speed at the orbit of the earth, it appears that the temporal explanation is more likely to be the correct one.

Gosling, J. T.↗

Thematic Mapper Image Production in the Engineering Checkout Phase

Thematic Mapper data processing during LANDSAT 4's first year was performed on an engineering evaluation basis. Fully corrected products were created for some 282 scenes during this period using software and systems based upon the intended full production systems to become operational following the evaluation period. The engineering systems included substantial software and procedures for assessing spacecraft, instrument and ground processing algorithmic behavior. The data systems are described in terms of performance objectives, processing organization and data flow, quality assurance measurements and achievement of goals. The a priori implementation of TM radiometric and geometric corrections is described. Changes to processing suggested by or implemented on the basis of on-orbit data analysis are discussed. Spacecraft, instrument and algorithmic performance are evaluated.

Fischel, D.↗

Results of a comprehensive study of the photochemistry of N2(+) in the ionosphere

The improved match that can be obtained between the Atmospheric Explorer (AE) data on the ionospheric F layer N2(+) abundance and theoretical predictions by changing the dissociative recombination rate coefficient is demonstrated. Historically, models have overestimated the N2(+) concentration. It is shown that the calculated enhancement is due to charge exchange between 0(+)(2D) with N2. Increasing alpha by a factor of 2-3, at least in the orbits examined, can augment the destruction of vibrationally excited N2(+) ions. However, the validity of the correction is dependent on the availability of further laboratory data.

Abdou, W. A.↗

A test-bed for space interferometry: Space Platform Interferometer (SPI)

The Space Platform Interferometer (SPI), a 20-m two-mirror Michelson interferometer, which can reach magnitude 14 at UV and visible wavelengths, is described. The SPI is attached to a platform serviced from the space station. In addition to its ability to produce unique science in the UV, SPI is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of larger projects in the field. Dynamical behavior of the structure in the gravity gradient environment and fringe stabilization at low photon rate are studied by picking up an adjacent bin (in the near IR) on the same object and using it to track the white light fringe in a separate differential interferometer. The same subsystem also corrects for tilt. Active control of critical parameters ensures optical rigidity. Performances are evaluated in low orbit.

Faucherre, M.↗

Calibration of the advanced microwave sounding unit-A for NOAA-K

The thermal-vacuum chamber calibration data from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) for NOAA-K, which will be launched in 1996, were analyzed to evaluate the instrument performance, including calibration accuracy, nonlinearity, and temperature sensitivity. The AMSU-A on NOAA-K consists of AMSU-A2 Protoflight Model and AMSU-A1 Flight Model 1. The results show that both models meet the instrument specifications, except the AMSU-A1 antenna beamwidths, which exceed the requirement of 3.3 +/- 10%. We also studied the instrument's radiometric characterizations which will be incorporated into the operational calibration algorithm for processing the in-orbit AMSU-A data from space. Particularly, the nonlinearity parameters which will be used for correcting the nonlinear contributions from an imperfect square-law detector were determined from this data analysis. It was found that the calibration accuracies (differences between the measured scene radiances and those calculated from a linear two-point calibration formula) are polarization-dependent. Channels with vertical polarizations show little cold biases at the lowest scene target temperature 84K, while those with horizontal polarizations all have appreciable cold biases, which can be up to 0.6K. It is unknown where these polarization-dependent cold biases originate, but it is suspected that some chamber contamination of hot radiances leaked into the cold scene target area. Further investigation in this matter is required. The existence and magnitude of nonlinearity in each channel were established and a quadratic formula for modeling these nonlinear contributions was developed. The model was characterized by a single parameter u, values of which were obtained for each channel via least-squares fit to the data. Using the best-fit u values, we performed a series of simulations of the quadratic corrections which would be expected from the space data after the launch of AMSU-A on NOAA-K. In these simulations, the cosmic background radiance corresponding to a cold space temperature 2.73K was adopted as one of the two reference points of calibration. The largest simulated nonlinear correction is about 0.3K, which occurs at channel 15 when the instrument temperature is at 38.09 deg C. Others are less than 0.2K in the remaining channels. Possible improvement for future instrument calibration is also discussed.

Mo, Tsan↗

Navigation and the Mars global surveyor mission

Navigation and trajectory planning aspects for the Mars global surveyor (MGS) mission, are discussed. In the first 205 days of the mission since launch on 7 November July 1996, two trajectory maneuvers were successfully completed. The third maneuver was cancelled due to the accuracy of the targeting of the previous maneuvers. The final trajectory correction maneuver will occur on arrival in order to adjust the arrival conditions for the Mars orbit insertion maneuver. The planned capture orbit is highly elliptical with a 45 hour orbital period, a 300 km periapsis altitude and a descending node. Two-way coherent Doppler and time delay measurements are acquired in the X-band by the Deep Space network and used to navigate the spacecraft. After capture, the orbit will be circularized by aerobraking and propulsive maneuvers. The three-phase aerobraking maneuver is described. During the 687 earth-day observation period, navigation will maintain a 2:00 pm descending node, sun-synchronous low altitude, short periodic orbit. Ground track coverage will remain almost uniform in order to maximize data acquisition.

Esposito, P.↗

Improved Earth Sensor Performance Using a Sequentially Correlated Noise Model

Spacecraft attitude estimation by means of an extended Kalman filter requires a reasonably true model of the inherent noise of each sensor. For some sensors, the largest uncorrected noise comes not from the sensor itself, but from errors in the model for the predicted observations. This is certainly the case for Earth horizon sensors. The Earth horizon as seen from low Earth orbit is nearly a circle whose radius depends primarily on altitude. A straightforward latitude-dependent correction is added to this to account for the oblateness of the Earth. There also are both seasonal and stochastic variations in the horizon height. The seasonal variations can be predicted to some limited degree based on models de(ived from historical data. The stochastic component characteristically shows variations that are correlated both in time and space but which are unpredictable over long time spans. This work investigates whether Earth horizon sensor performance can be improved by solving for its systematic error as an augmentation of an attitude Kalman filter. It is found that using only Earth and Sun sensors, the augmented state is not fully observable. Even when magnetometer data is included, only the pitch axis component of the error can be improved; the roll component is unobservable.

Sedlak, Joseph↗

Improved Earth Sensor Performance Using a Sequentially Correlated Noise Model

Spacecraft attitude estimation by means of an extended Kalman filter requires a reasonably true model of the inherent noise of each sensor. For some sensors, the largest uncorrected noise comes not from the sensor itself, but from errors in the model for the predicted observations. This is certainly the case for Earth horizon sensors. The Earth horizon as seen from low Earth orbit is nearly a circle whose radius depends primarily on altitude. A straightforward latitude-dependent correction is added to this to account for the oblateness of the Earth. There also are both seasonal and stochastic variations in the horizon height. The seasonal variations can be predicted to some limited degree based on models derived from historical data. The stochastic component characteristically shows variations that are correlated both in time and space but which are unpredictable over long time spans. This work investigates whether Earth horizon sensor performance can be improved by solving for its systematic error as an augmentation of an attitude Kalman filter. It is found that using only Earth and Sun sensors, the augmented state is not fully observable. Even when magnetometer data is included, only the pitch axis component of the error can be improved; the roll component is unobservable.

Sedlak, J.↗

Robust Trajectory Optimization Techniques Using a Sweeping Gradient Method and Linear Covariance Analysis

We present robust trajectory optimization techniques using a sweeping gradient method for ordinary differential equations with events (SGM) and linear covariance analysis (LinCov). SGM is a method for computing the gradient of trajectory analyses defined by performance indices over initial value problems with events with respect to static parameters. LinCov is an analytic technique for predicting stochastic behavior of dynamical systems. By combining SGM and LinCov, it is possible use efficient, off-the-shelf, gradient-based optimizers to solve robust optimal trajectory design problems. We describe the individual methods and some details on how they can be combined. Then we apply the combined techniques to a variety of orbital trajectory design problems to demonstrate its use, including minimum fuel transfer and mid-course correction burn scheduling.

Benjamin W L Margolis↗

TOPEX/Poseidon Microwave Radiometer (TMR): 1. Instrument Description and Antenna Temperature Calibration

The TOPEX/Poseidon Microwave Radiometer (TMR) is a 3-frequency radiometer flown on the TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) satellite in low Earth orbit. It operates at 18, 21 and 37 GHz in a nadir only viewing direction which is co-aligned with the T/P radar altimeters. TMR monitors and corrects for the electrical path delay of the altimeter radar signal due to water vapor and non-precipitating liquid water in the atmosphere. This paper describes the TMR instrument and the radiometric instrument calibration required to derive antenna temperature (T_A) from the raw digital data. T_A precision of 0.4 K is predicted on orbit in all expected thermal environments. T_A accuracy of 0.5-0.6 K is expected following a post-launch field calibration campaign. When uncertainties related to antenna sidelobe corrections are included, this T_A accuracy yields a brightness temperature accuracy of 0.7- 0.8 K...

Ruf, C. S.↗

Range-separated hybrid functionals for mixed dimensional heterojunctions: Application to phthalocyanines/MoS 2

We analyze the electronic structure and level alignment of transition-metal phthalocyanine (MPc) molecules adsorbed on two-dimensional MoS 2 employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We develop a procedure for multi-objective optimal tuning of parameters of range-separated hybrid functionals in these mixed-dimensional systems. Using this procedure, which leads to the asymptotically-correct exchange-correlation potential between molecule and two-dimensional material, we obtain electronic structures consistent with experimental photoemission results for both energy level alignment and electronic bandgaps, representing a significant advance compared to standard DFT methods. We elucidate the MoS 2 valence resonance with the transition-metal phthalocyanine non-frontier 3d orbitals and its dependence on the transition metal atomic number. Based on our calculations, we derive parameter-free, model self-energy corrections that quantitatively accounts for the effects of the heterogeneous dielectric environment on the electronic structure of these mixed-dimensional heterojunctions.

2D materials↗

An Analysis of the Side Slither On-Orbit Calibration Technique Using the DIRSIG Model

Pushbroom-style imaging systems exhibit several advantages over line scanners when used on space-borne platforms as they typically achieve higher signal-to-noise and reduce the need for moving parts. Pushbroom sensors contain thousands of detectors, each having a unique radiometric response, which will inevitably lead to streaking and banding in the raw data. To take full advantage of the potential exhibited by push broom sensors, a relative radiometric correction must be performed to eliminate pixel-to-pixel non-uniformities in the raw data. Side slither is an on-orbit calibration technique where a 90-degree yaw maneuver is performed over an invariant site to flatten the data. While this technique has been utilized with moderate success for the QuickBird satellite and the RapidEye constellation, further analysis is required to enable its implementation for the Landsat 8 sensors, which have a 15-degree field-of-view and a 0.5% pixel-to-pixel uniformity requirement. This work uses the DIRSIG model to analyze the side slither maneuver as applicable to the Landsat sensor. A description of favorable sites, how to adjust the maneuver to compensate for the curvature of "linear" arrays, how to efficiently process the data, and an analysis to assess the quality of the side slither data, are presented.

Side slither↗

Empirical effective temperatures and bolometric corrections for early-type stars

An empirical effective temperature for a star can be found by measuring its apparent angular diameter and absolute flux distribution. The angular diameters of 32 bright stars in the spectral range O5f to F8 have recently been measured with the stellar interferometer at Narrabri Observatory, and their absolute flux distributions have been found by combining observations of ultraviolet flux from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO-2) with ground-based photometry. In this paper, these data have been combined to derive empirical effective temperatures and bolometric corrections for these 32 stars.

Code, A. D.↗

Assessing the Altimetric Measurement from CYGNSS Data

The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission was designed to study hurricane intensification by measuring wind speeds in tropical cyclones. However, the delay-Doppler maps (DDM) that are produced can be used to estimate the sea surface height (SSH) at the specular reflection point on the ocean surface. Proofof-concept studies that DDMs are suitable to solve for SSH have been recently reported (Clarizia et al., 2016; Mashburn et al., 2018), based on data acquired by the demonstration satellite experiment Tech Demo Sat - 1 (TDS-1) carrying a GNSS-R receiver similar to the ones onboard CYGNSS. Although the precision of each 1sec averaged SSH is considerably lower than that of the existing satellite altimeters, by virtue of the dense coverage and frequent revisit time exhibited by the constellation of 8 microsats, the error may be smoothed down considerably by optimal interpolation (Li et al., 2016). Hence the CYGNSS dataset presents a potential opportunity to sample the tropical oceans, and investigate the sensitivity of the SSH measurements to mesoscale eddies. Our objective is to analyze the CYGNSS data and test a suite of retrieval algorithms, including that of Mashburn et al., 2018 to obtain SSH, to understand the error sources and possible corrections when available. Because of the limited antenna gain of the CYGNSS instrument, the power SNR for general wind conditions is expected to be too low to accurately track the reflection point contribution, resulting in altimetry errors of the order of several meters. Other significant error sources are the CYGNSS satellites orbit knowledge, the ionosphere, the troposphere, the mean sea surface and the tides; some of these errors can be reduced by using models. The corrected SSH data will be assimilated into the ROMS high-resolution ocean model to investigate their ability to reproduce mesoscale eddies in the tropical oceans.

Voronovich, Alexander↗