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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,261 records · Page 70
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Precision measurements of NH3 spectral lines near 11 microns using the infrared heterodyne technique

Absolute line-center frequencies for eleven lines of ammonia in near coincidence with CO2-laser transitions have been determined to accuracies of + or -3 MHz by infrared heterodyne detection. These results were obtained by heterodyning a blackbody with a stable grating-tuned CO2 gas laser. A discussion of the apparatus and method of calculation, including error analysis, is presented. With these accurately determined line-center positions, the ammonia molecule will be a useful secondary-frequency standard for diode-laser spectroscopy in the 11-micron wavelength region.

Hillman, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Laser beam color separator

Multiwavelength laser beam is separated into series of parallel color beams using prism and retroreflector. Setup is inexpensive and needs no critical adjustments. It can incorporate several prisms to increase dispersion and reduce overall size. Transmission grating can be used instead of prism with sacrifice in efficiency. Spatial filter can remove unwanted beams.

Franke, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Structure and dynamics of a solar flare - X-ray and XUV observations

Results are presented for an analysis of X-ray and XUV emission from the solar flare that occurred on September 5, 1973. X-ray emission was monitored by ionization chambers aboard the Solrad 9 satellite, and the XUV emission in the wavelength range 170-345 A was recorded by a slitless objective-grating spectroheliograph on Skylab. The physical parameters of the flare plasma, including temperature, density, volume, and magnetic-field configuration, are evaluated. A geometrical loop model is used to determine the volumes of the various emitting regions. The structure of the flare in the rise and decay phases is examined in detail, and conclusions about the effect of various dynamic processes in the flare plasma are made. A major finding is that continued energy release is required well into the flare decay phase. In the rise phase, energy is apparently released only along a small portion of a loop, and in the decay phase apparently throughout most of its length.

Dere, K. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Nitrogen-induced absorption of oxygen in the Herzberg continuum

Total absorption of O2 induced by collisions with N2 has been measured at room temperature in the Hersberg continuum using a one meter normal incidence grating monochromator. The enhanced absorption is ascribed to the formation of O2-O2 and O2-N2 dimers. The interaction constants for these dimers are determined and utilized to investigate their effect on the absorption of solar radiation in the stratosphere.

Shardanand, MR.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Ultraviolet spectrometer experiment for the Voyager mission

An objective grating spectrometer covering the wavelength range of 500 to 1700 A with a 10-A resolution is employed for the Voyager ultraviolet spectrometer experiment. In determining the composition and structure of the atmospheres of Saturn, Jupiter and several satellites, the ultraviolet spectrometer will rely on airglow mode observations to measure radiation from the atmospheres due to resonant scattering of solar flux, and the occultation mode for assessments of the atmospheric extinction of solar or stellar radiation as the spacecraft enters shadow zones. Since it is capable of prolonged stellar observations in the 500 to 1000 A wavelength range, the spectrometer is expected to make important contributions to exploratory studies of UV sources.

Broadfoot, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Infrared instrumentation on NASA airborne observatories

Two airborne observatories operated above much of the earth's atmosphere are providing effective platforms for infrared astronomical observations. A summary is given of the wide variety of instrumentation currently in use and continuing to be developed for these facilities. The classes of instruments include various far infrared photometers, filter wheel and grating spectrometers, Fourier transform spectrometers, Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers, a polarimeter, and a microwave line receiver.

Boggess, N. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Diffuse-direct ultraviolet ratios with a compact double monochromator

An improved system has been implemented for measuring the ratio of the diffuse skylight to the direct sunlight in the biologically active region of the UV near the atmospheric limit. It combines a double monochromator employing holographic gratings for reduction of stray light with a cooled photomultiplier tube to provide a greatly improved SNR below 300 nm. Data may be obtained in either a scan mode or a narrowband photometry mode; in the latter mode accurate ratios have been obtained near 290 nm. Representative data are discussed along with a theoretical model of the ratio. The system is compact enough for use in a mobile monitoring system.

Garrison, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The LPSP instrument on OSO 8. II - In-flight performance and preliminary results

The paper describes the in-flight performance for the first 18 months of operation of the LPSP (Laboratoire de Physique Stellaire et Planetaire) instrument incorporated in the OSO 8 launched June 1975. By means of the instrument, an absolute pointing accuracy of nearly one second was achieved in orbit during real-time operations. The instrument uses a Cassegrain telescope and a spectrometer simultaneously observing six wavelengths. In-flight performance is discussed with attention to angular resolution, spectral resolution, dispersion and grating mechanism (spectral scanner) stability, scattered light background and dark current, photometric standardization, and absolute calibration. Real-time operation and problems are considered with reference to pointing system problems, target acquisition, and L-alpha modulation. Preliminary results involving the observational program, quiet sun and chromospheric studies, quiet chromospheric oscillation and transients, sunspots and active regions, prominences, and aeronomy investigations are reported.

Bonnet, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Optical design of a stigmatic spectroheliometer for photometric studies of dynamic phenomena at extreme-ultraviolet wavelengths

The design of a stigmatic spectroheliometer for photometric studies of dynamic phenomena in the solar atmosphere at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths is described. The normal-incidence spectrometer requires only one reflective surface, and is equipped with a series of exit slits and associated one-dimensional detector arrays that are mounted at the secondary (vertical) foci of the concave diffraction grating. It is shown that such a spectrometer mounted at the focus of an off-axis paraboloid telescope mirror of the size employed in the EUV spectroheliometer flown on Skylab could record monochromatic images of a 2 x 2 (arcmin) sq field-of-view with a spatial resolution element of 1 x 1 (arcsec) sq in a time of 4 s, 24 s, or 4 min, depending on whether the region studied is flaring, active, or quiet. The resulting spectroheliograms would have an average photometric precision of 10% and a spectral purity of 0.1 A.

Huber, M. C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Bent glass optics

The paper describes how a glass strip may be bent to match any curve of large radius of curvature, to a high degree of accuracy, so that it may be used as a glancing incidence X-ray or extreme ultraviolet optical element. The desired match is obtained by applying a suitable combination of end couples and adjusting the cross-sectional moment of inertia along the length of the strip by varying its breadth. Two applications are described; a parabolic reflector for use as a laboratory X-ray collimator for testing mechanical collimators to be used in space instruments, and an elliptical reflector for point-to-point focussing. The latter device has been used for testing gratings in the X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) regions and for concentrating radiation on the entrance slit of a spectrometer, with a resultant gain in speed and resolution. It is suggested that the technique may have other laboratory and space applications, which are briefly described.

Underwood, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Temperature effect on nitrogen-induced absorption of oxygen in the Herzberg continuum

The effect of temperature on the total absorption of O2 induced by collisions with N2 has been measured at various temperatures in the Herzberg continuum using a one-meter normal-incidence grating monochromator. It is observed that absorption increases as the temperature decreases, which is ascribed to changes in the rate of formation of the dimers O2-O2 and O2-N2. The interaction constants for these dimers are determined as functions of temperature and then utilized to calculate the heats of dissociation of O2-O2 and O2-N2. Their respective values are found to be 0.0146 + or - 0.001 and 0.425 + or - 0.002 eV. Also, the interaction constants for these dimers measured at 200 + or - 1 K are utilized to investigate their effect on the absorption of solar radiation in the stratosphere.

Shardanand, MR.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Line intensities of methane in the 2700-2862-kayser region

Individual strengths and wave numbers of 2080 methane absorption lines have been measured between 2700 and 2862 kaysers at an average resolution of 0.023 kayser using a grating spectrometer. The results include all lines with strengths greater than 0.00003 per sq cm/atm observable at 296 K with a maximum path of 32 m and a pressure of 4 torr.

Hunt, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Polarized vacuum ultraviolet and X-radiation

The most intense source of polarized vacuum UV and X radiation is synchrotron radiation, which exhibits a degree of partially polarized light between about 80-100%. However, the radiation transmitted by vacuum UV monochromators can also be highly polarized. The Seya-Namioka type of monochromator can produce partially polarized radiation between 50-80%. For certain experiments it is necessary to know the degree of polarization of the radiation being used. Also, when synchrotron radiation and a monochromator are combined the polarization characteristic of both should be known in order to make full use of these polarization properties. The polarizing effect of monochromators (i.e., diffraction gratings) have been measured at the Seya angle and at grazing angles for various spectral orders. Experimental evidence is presented which shows that the reciprocity law holds for polarization by reflection where the angle of incidence and diffraction are unequal. These results are reviewed along with the techniques for measuring the degree of polarization.

Samson, J. A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

General optics evaluation program

Computer program GENOPTICS is generalized aid for analysis and evaluation of optical systems that employ lenses, mirrors, diffraction gratings, and other geometrical optical surfaces. It can exactly trace up to 800 rays through as many as 40 surfaces. Results can be used to compute third order aberation coefficients including spheric contributions.

Howell, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Stratospheric composition balloon, aircraft and rocket-borne experiments, 28-30 September 1977 (systems, instruments, trajectories, supporting measurements)

The STRATCOM (STRATospheric COMposition) is a long term multipurpose program for integrated, correlated measurements of stratospheric parameters related to composition, thermodynamics, and radiative balance. Balloon 8-b, carrying a solar-pointing grating infrared spectrometer, two CO2 thermal emission radiometers and two in-situ air temperature sensors was launched at 1251 MST on 28 September 1977 to float at an altitude of 39 km from 1521 MST with the instruments making measurements at that altitude through the time of sunset at 1822 MST. Balloon 8-a lifted a payload consisting of four UV filter photometers, two UV spectrometers, two chemiluminescent ozonesondes, dasibi ozone monitor, 14 tube cryogenic sampler, two aluminum oxide H2O sensors, four air temperature sensors, atmospheric pressure sensor, infrared and visible pyranometers, downward-looking camera, blunt-kryton lamp-Gerdien condenser probe, three component anemometer, balloon apex-plate payload and three parachute-borne dropsondes.

Ballard, H. N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Environmental considerations for the microwave beam from a solar power satellite

Solar power satellite (SPS) systems in geosynchronous orbit are possible future energy sources. The SPS concept uses a highly focused microwave beam to transmit the energy to the earth. The microwave power transmission system parameters are summarized, emphasizing those parameters which may affect the earth's environment. Environmental impacts of the microwave beam are discussed. The power levels for the main beam, sidelobes, grating lobes, and ground receiving antenna reradiation patterns are presented. Ionospheric/microwave beam interaction studies, experimental and theoretical, are reviewed. Possible radio frequency interference sources and the magnitude of expected interference levels are discussed.

Arndt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

High efficiency low cost solar cell power

A concept for generating high-efficiency, low-cost, solar-cell power is outlined with reference to solar cell parameters, optical concentrators, and thermal control procedures. A design for a 12.5-kw power module for space operation is discussed noting the optical system, spectrum splitter, light conversion system, cell cooling, power conditioner, and tracking mechanism. It is found that for an unconcentrated array, efficiency approaches 60% when ten or more bandgaps are used. For a 12-band system, a computer program distributed bandgaps for maximum efficiency and equal cell currents. Rigid materials and thin films have been proposed for optical components and prisms, gratings, and dichroic mirrors have been recommended for spectrum splitting. Various radiator concepts are noted including that of Weatherston and Smith (1960) and Hedgepeth and Knapp (1978). The concept may be suitable for the Solar Power Satellite.

Bekey, I.↗
NASA NTRS1979

On the foci of Tandem Wadsworth spectrographs

The horizontal foci of a Tandem Wadsworth spectrograph are calculated by using the correct ruling densities for both gratings. Results are quite different from those of previous analyses that used approximate ruling densities. Ray tracings confirm the analyses with the correct ruling densities and also indicate that this spectrograph possesses the excellent, nearly stigmatic properties found by the approximate analyses.

Nakada, M. P.↗