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At least 1,513 records · Page 84

The cosmic X-ray background

After a phenomenological description of the diffuse X-ray sky the various mechanisms of X-ray generation are discussed. These include radiation by high-energy particles in their interactions with magnetic fields, ambient electromagnetic waves, and interstellar grains and radiation from subrelativistic suprathermal charged particles in collisions with ambient gas. The generation of X-rays by plasmas through thermal electron-ion interactions is noted. The incidence of X-ray emission inside the Galaxy is first examined; then the extragalactic isotropic background is analyzed in the framework of modern cosmology. Interpretations of the X-ray background based on discrete sources as well as metagalactic cosmic rays are reviewed.

Boldt, E.↗

Comparison of Commonly-Used Microwave Radiative Transfer Models for Snow Remote Sensing

This paper reviews four commonly-used microwave radiative transfer models that take different electromagnetic approaches to simulate snow brightness temperature (T(sub B)): the Dense Media Radiative Transfer - Multi-Layer model (DMRT-ML), the Dense Media Radiative Transfer - Quasi-Crystalline Approximation Mie scattering of Sticky spheres (DMRT-QMS), the Helsinki University of Technology n-Layers model (HUT-nlayers) and the Microwave Emission Model of Layered Snowpacks (MEMLS). Using the same extensively measured physical snowpack properties, we compared the simulated T(sub B) at 11, 19 and 37 GHz from these four models. The analysis focuses on the impact of using different types of measured snow microstructure metrics in the simulations. In addition to density, snow microstructure is defined for each snow layer by grain optical diameter (Do) and stickiness for DMRT-ML and DMRT-QMS, mean grain geometrical maximum extent (D(sub max)) for HUT n-layers and the exponential correlation length for MEMLS. These metrics were derived from either in-situ measurements of snow specific surface area (SSA) or macrophotos of grain sizes (D(sub max)), assuming non-sticky spheres for the DMRT models. Simulated T(sub B) sensitivity analysis using the same inputs shows relatively consistent T(sub B) behavior as a function of Do and density variations for the vertical polarization (maximum deviation of 18 K and 27 K, respectively), while some divergences appear in simulated variations for the polarization ratio (PR). Comparisons with ground based radiometric measurements show that the simulations based on snow SSA measurements have to be scaled with a model-specific factor of Do in order to minimize the root mean square error (RMSE) between measured and simulated T(sub B). Results using in-situ grain size measurements (SSA or D(sub max), depending on the model) give a mean T(sub B) RMSE (19 and 37 GHz) of the order of 16-26 K, which is similar for all models when the snow microstructure metrics are scaled. However, the MEMLS model converges to better results when driven by the correlation length estimated from in-situ SSA measurements rather than D(sub max) measurements. On a practical level, this paper shows that the SSA parameter, a snow property that is easy to retrieve in-situ, appears to be the most relevant parameter for characterizing snow microstructure, despite the need for a scaling factor.

Snow↗

Surface roughness effects on equilibrium temperature.

An analysis is presented for evaluation of equilibrium temperature distribution on radiatively adiabatic, adjoint planes which are uniformly irradiated by a collimated solar flux. The analysis employs a semigrey spectral model. Radiation properties for surface emitted radiation are obtained from the expressions of electromagnetic theory for smooth surfaces. Rough surface properties for solar radiation are given by the Beckmann bidirectional reflectance model. Numerical solutions to the governing equations yield equilibrium temperature distributions for a range of the influencing parameters. Surface roughness has little influence on equilibrium temperature for materials with high values for solar absorptance. However, for low or intermediate values of solar absorptance, roughness effects on the spatial distribution of reflected solar radiation can significantly alter equilibrium temperature particularly at surface elements where radiant interaction is small.

Houchens, A. F.↗

An emission mechanism for the Io-independent Jovian decameter radiation

A theory of the Io-independent decameter radiation is developed. The radiation results from excitation of the electromagnetic loss-cone instability by keV electrons, stably trapped near L = 6. The radiation is excited in Band 3 of the extraordinary mode. When the effects of refraction are estimated, it is shown that above 10 MHz radiation is beamed into the equatorial plane in a wide, but thin, conical sheet (Psi approximately equals 80 degrees). When the instability analysis is coupled with one of the octupole models of the Jovian magnetic field, the maximum convective growth of the instability occurs in the directions of the non-Io A, B, and C sources. The shape of the peak radio flux frequency spectrum is found to be a consequence of the loss cone shape of the electron distribution function.

Goldstein, M. L.↗

An emission mechanism for the Io-independent Jovian decameter radiation

A theory of the Io-independent decameter radiation is developed. The radiation results from excitation of the electromagnetic loss-cone instability by keV electrons, stably trapped near L = 6. The radiation is excited in band III of the extraordinary mode. When the effects of refraction are estimated, it is shown that above 10 MHz radiation is beamed into the equatorial plane in a wide, but thin, conical sheet. When the instability analysis is coupled with one of the octopole models of the Jovian magnetic field, the maximum convective growth of the instability occurs in the directions of the non-Io A, B, and C sources. The shape of the peak radio flux frequency spectrum is found to be a consequence of the loss-cone shape of the electron distribution function.

Goldstein, M. L.↗

Micromachined TWTs for THz Radiation Sources

The Terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum (about 300 - 3000 GHz in frequency or about 0.1 - 1 mm free space wavelength) has enormous potential for high-data-rate communications, spectroscopy, astronomy, space research, medicine, biology, surveillance, remote sensing, industrial process control, etc. It has been characterized as the most scientifically rich, yet under-utilized, region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The most critical roadblock to full exploitation of the THz band is lack of coherent radiation sources that are powerful (0.001 - 1.0 W continuous wave), efficient (> 1%), frequency agile (instantaneously tunable over 1% bandwidths or more), reliable, and comparatively inexpensive. To develop vacuum electron device (VED) radiation sources satisfying these requirements, fabrication and packaging approaches must be heavily considered to minimize costs, in addition to the basic interaction physics and circuit design. To minimize size of the prime power supply, beam voltage must be minimized, preferably 10 kV. Solid state sources satisfy the low voltage requirement, but are many orders of magnitude below power, efficiency, and bandwidth requirements. On the other hand, typical fast-wave VED sources in this regime (e.g., gyrotrons, FELs) tend to be large, expensive, high voltage and very high power devices unsuitable for most of the applications cited above. VEDs based on grating or inter-digital (ID) circuits have been researched and developed. However, achieving forward-wave amplifier operation with instantaneous fractional bandwidths > 1% is problematic for these devices with low-energy (< 15 kV) electron beams. Moreover, the interaction impedance is quite low unless the beam-circuit spacing is kept particularly narrow, often leading to significant beam interception. One solution to satisfy the THz source requirements mentioned above is to develop micromachined VEDs, or "micro-VEDs". Among other benefits, micro-machining technologies provide superior high frequency wall conductivity as a result of superior surface smoothness compared with conventional mechanical or electric discharge machining approaches. Micro-VED technologies are already being applied to the development of millimeter-wave klystrons at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and submillimeter-wave klystrons at the University of Leeds. We are investigating the use of micro-machining technologies to develop THz regime TWTs, with emphasis on folded-waveguide TWTs. The folded-waveguide TWT (FW-TWT) has several features that make it attractive for THz-regime micro-VED applications. It is a relatively simple circuit to design and fabricate, it is amenable to precision pattern replication by micro-machining, and it is has been demonstrated capable of forward-wave amplification with appreciable bandwidth. We are conducting experimental and computational studies of micro-VED FW-TWTs to examine their feasibility for applications at frequencies from 200 - 1000 GHz.

Booske, John H.↗

On the Possibility of the Existence of a Surface Electromagnetic Wave in the Permafrost Area

The results of measurements of the vertical component of electric field at a radio path with the permafrost at a frequency of 255 kHz have been interpreted. An analysis of the results has shown that the considered radio path exhibits the properties of a two-part impedance surface, i.e., it consists of two sections. At a distance of 70 km from a radiation source and at a frequency of 255 kHz of the electromagnetic wave, the field decreases with the distance R according to the power law as R{sup -1.5} and a power index takes an intermediate value between the power indices for decreasing the field in free space R{sup -2} and for the decrease in the field above an ideal conducting surface R{sup -1}. With further propagation at a distance of 70–220 km, the field shows the specific behavior of a surface electromagnetic wave.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermal radiation heat transfer.

A comprehensive discussion of heat transfer by thermal radiation is presented, including the radiative behavior of materials, radiation between surfaces, and gas radiation. Among the topics considered are property prediction by electromagnetic theory, the observed properties of solid materials, radiation in the presence of other modes of energy transfer, the equations of transfer for an absorbing-emitting gas, and radiative transfer in scattering and absorbing media. Also considered are radiation exchange between black isothermal surfaces, radiation exchange in enclosures composed of diffuse gray surfaces and in enclosures having some specularly reflecting surfaces, and radiation exchange between nondiffuse nongray surfaces. The use of the Monte Carlo technique in solving radiant-exchange problems and problems of radiative transfer through absorbing-emitting media is explained.

Siegel, R.↗

Nano-optomechanical transducer

A nano-optomechanical transducer provides ultrabroadband coherent optomechanical transduction based on Mach-wave emission that uses enhanced photon-phonon coupling efficiencies by low impedance effective phononic medium, both electrostriction and radiation pressure to boost and tailor optomechanical forces, and highly dispersive electromagnetic modes that amplify both electrostriction and radiation pressure. The optomechanical transducer provides a large operating bandwidth and high efficiency while simultaneously having a small size and minimal power consumption, enabling a host of transformative phonon and signal processing capabilities. These capabilities include optomechanical transduction via pulsed phonon emission and up-conversion, broadband stimulated phonon emission and amplification, picosecond pulsed phonon lasers, broadband phononic modulators, and ultrahigh bandwidth true time delay and signal processing technologies.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Broadband radiation transport in an optically dense gas in the presence of an RF field

The theory of transport of fluctuating double-frequency optical radiation in a gas of three-level atoms in the presence of rf radiation forming a closed excitation circuit has been generalized. The theory is based on the quantum kinetic equations for the atomic density matrix, which are solved together with the wave equations for classical electromagnetic fields. After averaging over the radiation fluctuation ensemble, a transition is made to equations for atomic-field correlation functions and transport equations for the spectral density of fields.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Gyrosynchrotron radiation and its transfer in a magnetoactive plasma.

Gyrosynchrotron radiation fields from mildly relativistic electrons in a magnetoactive plasma are asymptotically calculated by using the Green tensor and the Fourier transformation. These fields consist of the two components which correspond to the ordinary and extraordinary modes. Taking into account these fields, the emissivities and the absorption coefficients from an arbitrary distribution of electrons are calculated in order to discuss the intensity, spectrum, and polarization of gyrosynchrotron radiation. In general, the transfer of electromagnetic energy takes place along a direction different from that of the wave normal since the radiation fields have a nonvanishing component along the direction of the wave normal. A consideration is given on the problem of radiative transfer in relation to the Stokes parameters.

Sakurai, K.↗

Large-amplitude, circularly polarized, compressive, obliquely propagating electromagnetic proton cyclotron waves throughout the Earth's magnetosheath: low plasma β conditions

During 1999 August 18, both Cassini and WIND were in the Earth's magnetosheath and detected transverse electromagnetic waves instead of the more typical mirror-mode emissions. The Cassini wave amplitudes were as large as ∼14 nT (peak to peak) in a ∼55 nT ambient magnetic field B {sub 0}. A new method of analysis is applied to study these waves. The general wave characteristics found were as follows. They were left-hand polarized and had frequencies in the spacecraft frame (f {sub scf}) below the proton cyclotron frequency (f{sub p} ). Waves that were either right-hand polarized or had f {sub scf} > f{sub p} are shown to be consistent with Doppler-shifted left-hand waves with frequencies in the plasma frame f{sub pf} < f{sub p} . Thus, almost all waves studied are consistent with their being electromagnetic proton cyclotron waves. Most of the waves (∼55%) were found to be propagating along B {sub 0} (θ{sub kB{sub 0}}<30{sup ∘}), as expected from theory. However, a significant fraction of the waves were found to be propagating oblique to B {sub 0}. These waves were also circularly polarized. This feature and the compressive ([B {sub max} – B {sub min}]/B {sub max}, where B {sub max} and B {sub min} are the maximum and minimum field magnitudes) nature (ranging from 0.27 to 1.0) of the waves are noted but not well understood at this time. The proton cyclotron waves were shown to be quasi-coherent, theoretically allowing for rapid pitch-angle transport of resonant protons. Because Cassini traversed the entire subsolar magnetosheath and WIND was in the dusk-side flank of the magnetosheath, it is surmised that the entire region was filled with these waves. In agreement with past theory, it was the exceptionally low plasma β (0.35) that led to the dominance of the proton cyclotron wave generation during this interval. A high-speed solar wind stream ((V{sub sw} ) = 598 km s{sup –1}) was the source of this low-β plasma.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Search for heavy Majorana neutrinos in pp collisions at √s = 8 TeV with the CMS detector & photodetector and calorimeter R&D for particle colliders

This thesis contains both physics analysis and hardware studies. It consists of two primary sections: the results of a search for heavy Majorana mass neutrinos, using the event signature of same (like) sign charged electron pairs ($e^{\pm} e^{\pm}$ ) and two jets, and the results of studies to upgrade the Hadronic Forward (HF) and Hadronic Endcap (HE) subdetectors in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector in response to the high intensity proton-proton collisions generated at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN, Conseil Europ\'{e}en pour la Recherche Nucl\'{e}aire). In this search for Majorana mass neutrinos, same sign dielectron ($e^{\pm} e^{\pm}$) + dijet events in the final state have been considered as a signature for neutrino particles. The analyzed data corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb\textsuperscript{-1} of proton-proton collisions at a center of mass energy of $\sqrt{s} = 8 \text{TeV}$, collected using the CMS detector during the 2012 operation at the LHC. Monte Carlo simulations accounting for the theoretical expectations of the Standard Model (SM) and the detector limitations are used to prototype the experiment and to test proposed analysis steps. No excess of events is observed in the data beyond the expected SM background. Upper limits are set on the mixing element squared, $|{V}_{eN}|^{2}$, of the heavy Majorana neutrino with standard model neutrinos, as a function of Majorana neutrino mass for masses in the range of 40-500 $GeV/c^2$. The detector upgrade search comprises three sections of this thesis. The first section describes the test results of 1785 multianode Hamamatsu R7600U-200-M4 photomultiplier tubes (PMT) in numerous parameters such as gain, dark current, and timing characteristics, which provide insights on the expected performance of the upgraded CMS-HF detector. These PMTs replaced the previous single anode R7525 PMTs because the glass windows of previous PMTs are the source of Cherenkov radiation, which causes a background noise in the experiment. The second section reports characterization results of two types of PMTs in a novel operation mode for Secondary Emission (SE) Ionization Calorimetry, which is a novel technique to measure electromagnetic shower particles in extreme radiation environments. The third section presents the test results of novel scintillating materials for CMS experiment in specific and future particle accelerators in general. These materials are Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), high efficiency mirror (HEM) and quartz plates with various organic and inorganic coating materials such as p-Terphenyl (pTp), Anthracene and Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO:Ga). We have investigated them for radiation hardness, light yield, timing characteristics, and scintillation and transmission properties.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Mode coupling in terahertz metamaterials using sub-radiative and super-radiative resonators

We theoretically and experimentally explored the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) mode-coupling in terahertz (THz) metamaterial resonators, in which a dipole resonator with a super-radiative mode is coupled to an inductance-capacitance resonator with a sub-radiative mode. The interference between these two resonators depends on the relative spacing between them, resulting in a tunable transparency window in the absorption spectrum. Mode coupling was experimentally demonstrated for three spacing dependent EIT metamaterials. Transmittance of the transparency windows could be either enhanced or suppressed, producing different spectral linewidths. These spacing dependent mode-coupling metamaterials provide alternative ways to create THz devices, such as filters, absorbers, modulators, sensors, and slow-light devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Overview of active methods for shielding spacecraft from energetic space radiation

During the 1960's and into the early 1970's, investigations were conducted related to the feasibility of using active radiation shielding methods, such as afforded by electromagnetic fields, as alternatives to passive, bulk material shielding to attenuate space radiations. These active concepts fall into four categories: (1) electrostatic fields; (2) plasma shields; (3) confined magnetic fields; and (4) unconfined magnetic fields. In nearly all of these investigations, consideration was given only to shielding against protons or electrons, or both. During the 1980's and 1990's there were additional studies related to proton shielding and some new studies regarding the efficacy of using active methods to shield from the high energy heavy ion (HZE particle) component of the galactic cosmic ray spectrum. In this overview, each concept category is reviewed and its applicability and limitations for the various types of space radiations are described. Recommendations for future research on this topic are made.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

The Use of Long-wave Infrared Cameras for Hazardous Waste Remediation - 20457

For over fifty years, infrared cameras have been used in military applications, nondestructive testing, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance. As infrared cameras continue to become more sophisticated and less expensive, they are providing value in an ever-increasing variety of unique applications, including hazardous waste remediation. This paper describes several instances of how infrared cameras have been used within the US Department of Defense and the US Department of Energy in support of waste remediation projects, including the author's recent use of an infrared camera in support of the Calcine Retrieval Project at the Idaho National Laboratory. Infrared cameras provide images of infrared radiation, or heat energy, which is otherwise invisible to the unaided eye. Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes visible light. But unlike visible light, infrared has wavelengths longer than the human eye can detect. Infrared is emitted by everything with a temperature above absolute zero (-273 deg. C, or -459 deg. F); the higher the temperature, the greater the infrared thermal radiation, or heat, that is emitted. Even objects that feel cold to us, like ice, emit thermal radiation and can be imaged by infrared cameras. These cameras are typically used to look for abnormally hot or cold spots on a component or target area under normal operating conditions. The method provides a rapid, wide-area, noncontact technique for identifying problems associated with a temperature differential. All infrared cameras can provide qualitative thermal information by displaying relative differences in temperatures within a two-dimensional image. More expensive infrared cameras can also provide quantitative information where an absolute temperature value is assigned to each pixel associated with the displayed two-dimensional image. Proper camera calibration and a solid understanding of heat transfer and thermography techniques are required when using an infrared camera to obtain quantitative information. Case studies outlined in this paper include the rapid, non-intrusive detection of hazardous decontamination solution within one-ton shipping containers at Pine Bluff Arsenal, the non-intrusive identification of residual elemental sodium within the cooling loops of the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory, process monitoring of heat exchanger melt-and-drain efforts during EBR-II decommissioning, and the remote detection of internal steel supports within calcine storage bins prior to bin penetration. For each use of thermography, the author describes a summary of the waste remediation effort, the infrared camera used, the thermal imaging technique employed, and the results obtained. The paper concludes with a discussion on common mistakes to avoid for similar applications of thermography. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗