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At least 109 records · Page 6

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of R Coronae Borealis

Observations of the hydrogen-deficient supergiant R CrB were obtained with the IUE over an interval of 54 days in order to study the nature of this star's irregular, small-amplitude variations in light. By chance, the series of observations coincided with a dip in the light intermediate between the normal fluctuations and the deep declines associated with the formation of an obscuring dust cloud. High-resolution spectra have been used to search for radial velocity variations, while low-resolution spectra yield ultraviolet light curves down to 1810 A. Both types of spectra have been analyzed for indications of temperature changes. It is found that a combination of photospheric temperature variation and variable extinction is necessary to account for the details of the observations. A simple, ad hoc, periodic model is presented in which the amount of obscuring dust varies in proportion to the drop in temperature, but at a later time, reproduces the wavelength dependence of both the amplitudes and phase shifts of the light curves. The radial velocities are consistent with pulsation being responsible for the temperature variation.

Holm, A. V.↗

Recent advances at NASA in calculating the electronic spectra of diatomic molecules

Advanced entry vehicles, such as the proposed Aero-assisted Orbital Transfer Vehicle, provide new and challenging problems for spectroscopy. Large portions of the flow field about such vehicles will be characterized by chemical and thermal nonequilibrium. Only by considering the actual overlap of the atomic and rotational lines emitted by the species present can the impact of radiative transport within the flow field be assessed correctly. To help make such an assessment, a new computer program is described that can generate high-resolution, line-by-line spectra for any spin-allowed transitions in diatomic molecules. The program includes the matrix elements for the rotational energy and distortion to the fourth order; the spin-orbit, spin-spin, and spin-rotation interactions to first order; and the lambda splitting by a perturbation calculation. An overview of the Computational Chemistry Branch at Ames Research Center is also presented.

Whiting, Ellis E.↗

Spectroscopy of the O I 989- and 7990-A multiplets in the dayglow and aurora

Several examples are presented to illustrate the behavior of the 989- to 7990-A complex. For the most part, these are chosen to correspond to particular observations of the airglow and aurora. In particular, the 989-A dayglow is computed for comparison with the data of Gentieu et al. (1979). In addition, line ratios are provided for comparison with the high-resolution data reported by Christensen et al. (1982). Several examples of auroral phenomena, including expected emissions from the dayside cleft region, are adduced, and the implications of high-resolution observations of line ratios and selective absorption by N2 are addressed. Finally, the utility of 989- to 7990-A multiplets as diagnostics of the atmospheric O I abundance is studied.

Meier, R. R.↗

Solar flares

A review of the knowledge about solar flares which has been obtained through observations from the earth and from space by various methods. High-resolution cinematography is best carried out at H-alpha wavelengths to reveal the structure, time history, and location of flares. The classification flares in H alpha according to either physical or morphological criteria is discussed. The study of flare morphology, which shows where, when, and how flares occur, is important for evaluating theories of flares. Consideration is given to studies of flares by optical spectroscopy, radio emissions, and at X-ray and XUV wavelengths. Research has shown where and possibly why flares occur, but the physics of the instability involved, of the particle acceleration, and of the heating are still not understood.

Zirin, H.↗

High-resolution ultraviolet solar observations from sounding rockets and Spacelab

High spatial (about 1 arcsec) and temporal (20 sec) resolution UV solar spectroscopy has been carried out by the Naval Research Laboratory from sounding rockets since 1975. The High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph payload, consisting of a 300 mm diameter x 4500 mm focal length Cassegrain telescope and the tandem Woodsworth spectrograph, was used to make the observations. Using this instrument, a multitude of highly energetic phenomena can be observed in the chromosphere, transition zone, and corona. High-resolution photographs of the UV continuum at 1600 A, used to study the fine structure and evolution of the temperature minimum layer, show that because of its strong spatial and temporal intensity fluctuations, the 1600 A continuum emission comes from not only the temperature minimum, but a variety of temperature regimes. Similar spatial and temporal behavior is seen in lower chromospheric lines of Si I. Typical line profiles of the C IV 1550 A line illustrate the fine structure and dynamics of the transition zone; the mass and energy flux balance in this zone is also determined.

Brueckner, G. E.↗

Atmospheric trace molecule spectroscopy

The Spacelab investigation entitled Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) is designed to obtain fundamental information related to the chemistry and physics of the Earth's upper atmosphere using the techniques of infrared absorption spectroscopy. There are two principal objectives to be met. The first is the determination, on a global scale, of the compositional structure of the upper atmosphere and its spatial variability. The establishment of this variability represents the first step toward determining the characteristic residence times for the upper atmospheric constituents; the magnitudes of their sources and sinks; and, ultimately, an understanding of their effects on the stability of the stratosphere. The second objective is to provide the high-resolution, calibrated spectral information which is essential for the detailed design of advanced instrumentation for subsequent global monitoring of specific species found to be critical to atmospheric stability. This information will be disseminated in the form of a three dimensional atlas of solar absorption spectra obtained over a range of latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes.

Farmer, C. B.↗

Far-infrared spectroscopy of the earth's stratosphere

This paper discusses the spectrum of the earth's stratosphere in the far-infrared, from 5 to 250/cm. Many of the trace gases that are important in stratospheric photochemistry have been measured, or are potentially measurable in the far-infrared. The spectral features of these gases are discussed with application to spacecraft measurements. In particular, the suitability of the spectrum for measurements of the HO(x) and ClO(x) families and of O3 are compared for different classes of instruments: Fourier transform spectrometers, filter radiometers, and scanning high-resolution Fabry-Perot instruments. It is found that these types of instruments have complementary capabilities that would best be used in combination in a comprehensive multispecies measurement scheme.

Chance, K. V.↗

Imaging spectroscopy; Proceedings of the Seminar, Los Angeles, CA, February 10, 11, 1981

The seminar concentrated on the science applications of spectral imaging, multispectral imaging sensors, and spectral filtering. Papers are presented on spectroscopic remote sensing for geological applications, spectral mapping of Jupiter, system design of an interferometer imaging sounder and a common module imaging spectral radiometer. Other topics discussed include the performance and application of an intensified linear self-scanned array instrument, tunable optical filtering using an interferometer for selective modulation, design studies for a spectrally agile staring sensor system, and acousto-optic tunable filters for high-resolution spectral analysis.

Norris, D. D.↗

Far-infrared spectroscopy of the Orion Nebula

A coarse-resolution spectrum of the Orion Nebula between 75 and 120 microns closely fits the color dependence of a 75 K blackbody. A high-resolution search for O III at 88.16 microns yields an upper limit below theoretical predictions.

Ward, D. B.↗

Oxidation of metals and alloys in controlled atmospheres using in situ transmission electron microscopy and Auger spectrography

Single-crystalline thin films of copper were oxidized at an isothermal temperature of 425 C and at an oxygen partial pressure of .005 Torr in situ in a high-resolution electron microscope. The specimens were prepared by epitaxial vapor deposition onto polished 100 and 110 faces of rocksalt and mounted in a hot stage inside an ultra-high-vacuum specimen chamber of the microscope. Large amounts of sulfur, carbon, and oxygen were detected by Auger electron spectroscopy on the surface of the as-received films and were removed in situ by ion-sputter etching immediately prior to the oxidation. The nucleation and growth characteristics of Cu2O on Cu were studied. Results show that neither stacking faults nor dislocations are associated with the Cu2O nucleation sites. The growth of Cu2O nuclei is linear with time. The experimental findings, including results from oxygen dissolution experiments and from repetitive oxidation-reduction-oxidation sequences, fit well into the framework of an oxidation process involving (a) the formation of a surface-charge layer, (b) oxygen saturation in the metal and (c) nucleation, followed by surface diffusion of oxygen and bulk diffusion of copper for lateral and vertical oxide growth, respectively.

Rao, D. B.↗

A spectroscopic, photometric, and magnetic study of the starspot on II Pegasi

A description is presented of extensive observations of II Peg during 1977 and 1978, taking into account multicolor broad-band photometry, high-dispersion spectroscopy, low-dispersion spectrophotometry, and Zeeman analysis. During this time the star showed periodic light variations in excess of a 0.4 mag range attributable to the presence of a large starspot or an equivalent nonuniform surface brightness distribution. The high-precision multicolor photometry, which differed greatly from previous photometric results, illustrates that the starspots on II Peg are continually evolving on time scales of approximately 1 year or less. A low-dispersion spectrum of the large spot showed pronounced VO and TiO molecular adsorption features. A high-resolution, high signal-to-noise Reticon spectrum at lambda 6707 does not show any compelling evidence of previously reported lithium in this star.

Vogt, S. S.↗

The 12 micron band of ethane - High-resolution laboratory analysis with candidate lines for infrared heterodyne searches

Attention is given to the results of a laboratory study of the v9 band of ethane at 12 microns, using both high resolution Fourier transform and diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The analysis to which about 2000 transitions in this band have been subjected includes the normal rotational terms as well as the higher order effects of l-doubling, l-resonance, internal rotation, and a Coriolis resonance with the 3v4 state. A model is presented for the v9 band which is able to reproduce the observed features to an accuracy of better than 0.001/cm, and a list has been compiled for v9 transitions, occurring near C-14O2 laser lines, that are good candidates for laser heterodyne searches.

Atakan, A. K.↗

Observing Comet Halley with Space Telescope

The NASA Space Telescope (ST) to be launched into LEO by STS in late 1985 is characterized, and its potential use for observations of Comet Halley shortly after the perihelion passage in February, 1986, is discussed. The ST comprises a 2.4-m MgF2-coated primary reflector (with maximum field of view 2.7 x 2.7 arcmin, wavelength coverage 120-1100 nm, and maximum tracking rate 0.21 arcsec/sec) and five first-generation scientific instruments (wide-field planetary camera, faint-object camera, high-resolution and faint-object spectrographs, and high-speed photometer). Planned ST observations of Halley include periods of continuous observation much longer than can be obtained from the ground, provision of supplementary data and navigation information to Giotto and other deep-space missions, emission spectroscopy, UV polarimetry, and possible detection of 124-nm H2O absorption. Before March 11, 1986, earth occultation or similar procedures will be required to observe Halley because it will be within the ST 50-deg solar-elongation-distance limit.

Caldwell, J.↗

An assessment of OH airglow interference on the remote sensing of stratospheric HCl via limb sounding in the near-I.R.

Chemiluminescent emission from the formation of vibrationally excited OH at an altitude of approximately 85 km presents a barrier to earth-limb measurements of NIR emissions originating in the stratosphere. High-resolution measured spectra of OH airglow have not been reported, and thus it is difficult to assess its impact on moderately-high-resolution earth-limb spectroscopy capable of looking between strong OH lines. Low-resolution rocketborne spectrometer earth-limb measurements of OH airglow are mathematically inverted to recover vibrational-state populations that are used to simulate a higher resolution spectrum in the neighbourhood of 2843/cm. Implications for remote sensing HCl are presented.

Mergenthaler, J. L.↗

High-Resolution Detector For X-Ray Diffraction

Proposed x-ray-sensitive imaging detector offers superior spatial resolution, counting-rate capacity, and dynamic range. Instrument based on laser-stimulated luminescence and reusable x-ray-sensitive film. Detector scans x-ray film line by line. Extracts latent image in film and simultaneously erases film for reuse. Used primarily for protein crystallography. Principle adapted to imaging detectors for electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy and general use in astronomy, engineering, and medicine.

Carter, Daniel C.↗

Transmission X-ray diffraction grating alignment using a photoelastic modulator

A high-resolution alignment technique which utilizes the partial polarization property of fine period transmission gratings has been developed. It is especially useful when the grating period is sufficiently small so that there are no visible diffracted orders. This technique uses a photoelastic modulator (PEM) to produce an intensity signal that is proportional to the sine of twice the angle between the grating lines and the PEM crystal axis. The experimentally demonstrated resolution of this technique on 200-nm period gold transmission gratings is better than 1 arc sec. This technique was developed to align X-ray transmission gratings for spectroscopy and interferometry applications.

Anderson, Erik H.↗

A high-resolution gamma-ray and hard X-ray spectrometer for solar flare observations in Max 1991

A long duration balloon flight instrument for Max 1991 designed to study the acceleration of greater than 10 MeV ions and greater than 15 keV electrons in solar flares through high resolution spectroscopy of the gamma ray lines and hard X-ray and gamma ray continuum is described. The instrument, HIREGS, consists of an array of high-purity, n-type coaxial germanium detectors (HPGe) cooled to less than 90 K and surrounded by a bismuth germanate (BGO) anticoincidence shield. It will cover the energy range 15 keV to 20 MeV with keV spectral resolution, sufficient for accurate measurement of all parameters of the expected gamma ray lines with the exception of the neutron capture deuterium line. Electrical segmentation of the HPGe detector into a thin front segment and a thick rear segment, together with pulse-shape discrimination, provides optimal dynamic range and signal-to-background characteristics for flare measurements. Neutrons and gamma rays up to approximately 0.1 to 1 GeV can be detected and identified with the combination of the HPGe detectors and rear BGO shield. The HIREGS is planned for long duration balloon flights (LDBF) for solar flare studies during Max 1991. The two exploratory LDBFs carried out at mid-latitudes in 1987 to 1988 are described, and the LDBFs in Antarctica, which could in principle provide 24 hour/day solar coverage and very long flight durations (20 to 30 days) because of minimal ballast requirements are discussed.

Lin, R. P.↗