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At least 163 records · Page 9

Calculation of infrared limb emission by ozone in the terrestrial middle atmosphere. I - Source functions. II - Emission calculations

The departure from LTE in the vibration-rotation bands of ozone in the middle atmosphere is analyzed using two statistical equilibrium models: the energy gap model and the simplified single model. The diurnal variations in the fundamental band source functions nu(1) and nu(3) is determined by the diurnal change in the rate of ozone photolysis by the solar radiation. Source functions are presented for the vibration-rotation bands of ozone that emit in the 9-11-micron spectral interval, over an altitude range of 1-110 km. Results are also reported of the evaluation of the radiative transfer equation incorporating these source functions and energy level populations. Using the results of the two statistical equilibrium models, calculations are carried out of the spectrally integrated limb radiance for the limb viewing geometry for daytime conditions. Results indicate that the interpretation of the measurements of spectrally integrated limb radiance from ozone will be greatly complicated by the breakdown of LTE in the vibration-rotational bands of ozone.

Mlynczak, Martin G.↗

Variable magnification variable dispersion glancing incidence imaging x ray spectroscopic telescope

A variable magnification variable dispersion glancing incidence x ray spectroscopic telescope capable of multiple high spatial revolution imaging at precise spectral lines of solar and stellar x ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation sources includes a primary optical system which focuses the incoming radiation to a primary focus. Two or more rotatable carriers each providing a different magnification are positioned behind the primary focus at an inclination to the optical axis, each carrier carrying a series of ellipsoidal diffraction grating mirrors each having a concave surface on which the gratings are ruled and coated with a multilayer coating to reflect by diffraction a different desired wavelength. The diffraction grating mirrors of both carriers are segments of ellipsoids having a common first focus coincident with the primary focus. A contoured detector such as an x ray sensitive photographic film is positioned at the second respective focus of each diffraction grating so that each grating may reflect the image at the first focus to the detector at the second focus. The carriers are selectively rotated to position a selected mirror for receiving radiation from the primary optical system, and at least the first carrier may be withdrawn from the path of the radiation to permit a selected grating on the second carrier to receive radiation.

Hoover, Richard↗

Variable magnification glancing incidence x ray telescope

A multispectral glancing incidence x ray telescope is disclosed, which capable of broadband, high resolution imaging of solar and stellar x ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation sources includes a primary optical system which focuses the incoming radiation to a primary focus. Two or more ellipsoidal mirrors are positioned behind the primary focus at an inclination to the optical axis, each mirror having a concave surface coated with a multilayer synthetic microstructure coating to reflect a desired wavelength. The ellipsoidal mirrors are segments of respective ellipsoids having a common first focus coincident with the primary focus. A detector such as an x ray sensitive photographic film is positioned at the second focus of each of the ellipsoids so that each of the ellipsoidal mirrors may reflect the image at the first focus to the detector. In one embodiment the mirrors are inclined at different angles and has its respective second focus at a different location, separate detectors being located at the respective second focus. The mirrors are arranged so that the magnification and field of view differ, and a solenoid activated arm may withdraw at least one mirror from the beam to select the mirror upon which the beam is to impinge so that selected magnifications and fields of view may be detected.

Hoover, Richard↗

Radiation in controlled environments: influence of lamp type and filter material

Radiation in controlled environments was characterized using fluorescent and various high-intensity-discharge (HID) lamps, including metal halide, low-pressure sodium, and high-pressure sodium as the radiation source. The effects of water, glass, or Plexiglas filters on radiation were determined. Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF, 400 to 700 nm), spectra (400 to 1000 nm), shortwave radiation (285-2800 nm), and total radiation (300 to 100,000 nm) were measured, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400 to 700 nm) and longwave radiation (2800 to 100,000 nm) were calculated. Measurement of PPF alone was not an adequate characterization of the radiation environment. Total radiant flux varied among lamp types at equal PPF. HID lamps provided a lower percentage of longwave radiation than fluorescent lamps, but, when HID lamps provided PPF levels greater than that possible with fluorescent lamps, the amount of longwave radiation was high. Water was the most effective longwave radiation filter. Glass and Plexiglas similarly filtered longwave more than shortwave radiation, but transmission of nonphotosynthetic shortwave radiation was less with Plexiglas than glass. The filter materials tested would not be expected to influence photomorphogenesis because radiation in the action spectrum of phytochrome was not altered, but this may not be the only pigment involved.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

Variable magnification variable dispersion glancing incidence imaging x-ray spectroscopic telescope

A variable magnification variable dispersion glancing incidence x-ray spectroscopic telescope capable of multiple high spatial revolution imaging at precise spectral lines of solar and stellar x-ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation sources includes a pirmary optical system which focuses the incoming radiation to a primary focus. Two or more rotatable carries each providing a different magnification are positioned behind the primary focus at an inclination to the optical axis, each carrier carrying a series of ellipsoidal diffraction grating mirrors each having a concave surface on which the gratings are ruled and coated with a mutlilayer coating to reflect by diffraction a different desired wavelength. The diffraction grating mirrors of both carriers are segments of ellipsoids having a common first focus coincident with the primary focus. A contoured detector such as an x-ray sensitive photogrpahic film is positioned at the second respective focus of each diffraction grating so that each grating may reflect the image at the first focus to the detector at the second focus. The carriers are selectively rotated to position a selected mirror for receiving radiation from the primary optical system, and at least the first carrier may be withdrawn from the path of the radiation to permit a selected grating on the second carrier to receive radiation.

Hoover, Richard B.↗

Ionizing Organic Compound Based Nanocomposites for Efficient Gamma-Ray Sensor

Thin film and nanocrystalline materials of oxides have been very attractive choice as low cost option for gamma-ray detection and have shown great promise. Our studies on pure oxide films indicated that thickness and microstructure have pronounced effect on sensitivity. Since the interaction of gamma-ray with composites involves all three interaction processes; photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production, composites containing ionic organics have better chance for enhancing sensitivity. In the composites of ionizing organics oxidation effect of unusual oxides changes much faster and hence increases the sensitivity of radiation. In this study, we have used nickel oxide and titanium oxide in ionic organics to develop composite materials for low energy gamma-ray sensing. We prepared composites containing ethylene carbonate and evaluated the effect of commercial Cs-137 radiation source by studying current-voltage relationship at several frequencies. Radiated samples showed higher resistivity compared to as prepared composites.

Singh, N. B.↗

Broadband photoexcitation of lasers

Existing techniques are reviewed and novel approaches for broadband photoexcitation of lasers are discussed. This subject is of interest because of the emergence of future intense near equilibrium and blackbody sources, such as the gas core reactor, and electric discharge plasma devices, which are the key to the development of intense broadband radiation sources. The possible use of radiation from solar concentrators in space also fits into this general area. The varied use of photoexcitation of lasers are discussed ranging over direct optical pumping, photodissociation, and photoreionization. In addition, the new uses of laser transitions and chemical reactions is shown. This is accomplished through multiline operation of high pressure tunable lasers which can use the broadband radiation for multiphoton excitation.

Hess, R. V.↗

Hg-201 (+) CO-Magnetometer for HG-199(+) Trapped Ion Space Atomic Clocks

Local magnetic field strength in a trapped ion atomic clock is measured in real time, with high accuracy and without degrading clock performance, and the measurement is used to compensate for ambient magnetic field perturbations. First and second isotopes of an element are co-located within the linear ion trap. The first isotope has a resonant microwave transition between two hyperfine energy states, and the second isotope has a resonant Zeeman transition. Optical sources emit ultraviolet light that optically pump both isotopes. A microwave radiation source simultaneously emits microwave fields resonant with the first isotope's clock transition and the second isotope's Zeeman transition, and an optical detector measures the fluorescence from optically pumping both isotopes. The second isotope's Zeeman transition provides the measure of magnetic field strength, and the measurement is used to compensate the first isotope's clock transition or to adjust the applied C-field to reduce the effects of ambient magnetic field perturbations.

Burt, Eric A.↗

3D Backscatter Imaging System

Systems and methods for imaging an object using backscattered radiation are described. The imaging system comprises both a radiation source for irradiating an object that is rotationally movable about the object, and a detector for detecting backscattered radiation from the object that can be disposed on substantially the same side of the object as the source and which can be rotationally movable about the object. The detector can be separated into multiple detector segments with each segment having a single line of sight projection through the object and so detects radiation along that line of sight. Thus, each detector segment can isolate the desired component of the backscattered radiation. By moving independently of each other about the object, the source and detector can collect multiple images of the object at different angles of rotation and generate a three dimensional reconstruction of the object. Other embodiments are described.

Turner, D. Clark↗

Ion composition and drift observations in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere

The first in situ measurements of ion composition in the nighttime equatorial E and F region ionospheres (90-300 km) are presented and discussed. These profiles were obtained by two rocket-borne ion mass spectrometers launched from Thumba, India on March 9-10, 1970 at solar zenith angles of 112 deg and 165 deg. Ionosonde data established that the composition was measured at times bounding a period of F region downward drift. During this period the ions O(+) and N(+) were enhanced by one to three orders of magnitude between 220 and 300 km. Below the drift region (200 km), O(+) ceased to be the major ionic constituent, but the concentrations of O(+) and N(+) remained larger than predicted from known radiation sources and loss processes. Here also, both the O2(+) and NO(+) profiles retained nearly the same shape and magnitude throughout the night in agreement with theories assuming scattered UV radiation to be the maintaining source. Light metallic ions including Mg(+), Na(+) and possibly Si(+) were observed to altitude approaching 300 km, while the heavier ions Ca(+) and K(+) were seen in reduced quantity to 200 km. All metal ion profiles exhibited changes which can be ascribed to vertical drifting.

Goldberg, R. A.↗

Ion composition and drift observations in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere

The first in situ measurements of ion composition in the nighttime equatorial E- and F-region ionospheres are presented and discussed. These profiles were obtained by two rocket-borne ion mass spectrometers launched from Thumba, India, on March 9-10, 1970. Ionosonde data established that the composition was measured at times bounding a period of F-region downward drift. During this period, the ions O(+) and N(+) were enhanced by 1-3 orders of magnitude between 220 and 300 km. Below the drift region, O(+) ceased to be the major ionic constituent, but the concentrations of O(+) and N(+) remained larger than predicted from known radiation sources and loss processes. Here also, both the O2(+) and the NO(+) profiles retained nearly the same shape and magnitude throughout the night in agreement with theories assuming scattered UV radiation to be the maintaining source.

Goldberg, R. A.↗

Solar radiation calibration facility.

A recently completed calibration facility for the NASA Mississippi Test Site is described. It combines the spectrum of water cooled long arc xenon radiation sources with the integration sphere concept covered by a special barium sulfate diffusely reflecting paint. The sphere is six feet in diameter and completely encompasses the four xenon sources (2.5 kW each) and the five pyranometers under calibration. The sources are contained within the base of the central pedestal and allow the radiation to be emitted into the lower hemisphere. Only through diffuse reflection and multiple scattering is the radiation finally incident upon the test zone, which is in the equatorial plane of the sphere on the top of the pedestal. The sphere is temperature controlled.

Hershey, T. L.↗

Optical Radiation from Shock-Compressed Materials

Recent observations of shock-induced radiation from oxides, silicates, and metals of geophysical interest constrain the shock-compressed temperature of these materials. The relationships between the temperature inferred from the observed radiation and the temperature of the shock-compressed film or foil and/or window were investigated. Changes of the temperature field in each target component away from that of their respective shock-compressed states occur because of: shock-impedance mismatch between target components; thermal mismatch between target components; surface roughness at target interfaces; and conduction within and between target components. In particular, conduction may affect the temperature of the film/foil window interface on the time scale of the experiments, and so control the intensity and history of the dominant thermal radiation sources in the target. This type of model was used to interpret the radiation emitted by a variety of shock-compressed materials and interfaces.

Svendsen, Robert F., Jr.↗

Oscillator strengths for Fe II transitions at 224.918 and 226.008 nanometers

We report accurate experimental absorption oscillator strengths (f-values) for transitions out of the ground level of Fe II to the Z(sup 4)D(sup 0 sub 7/2) and z(sup 4)F(sup 0 sub 9/2) levels at 224.918 and 226.008 nm (air wavelengths) to be 0.00182(14) and 0.00244(19), respectively. The number in parenthesis is the uncertainty in the last digits. These two lines are important for studying Fe abundances and grain depletions in the interstellar medium. These f-values are determined by combining emission branching fractions with radiative lifetimes. Branching fractions are measured using classical spectroradiometry on an optically thin source. Radiative lifetimes are from the literature.

Bergeson, S. D.↗

Fluence Uniformity Measurements in an Electron Accelerator Used for Irradiation of Extended Area Solar Cells and Electronic Circuits for Space Applications

It is common to have liquid crystal displays and electronic circuit boards with area sizes of the order of 20x20 sq cm on board of satellites and space vehicles. Usually irradiating them at different fluence values assesses the radiation damage in these types of devices. As a result, there is a need for a radiation source with large spatial fluence uniformity for the study of the damage by radiation from space in those devices. Kent State University s Program on Electron Beam Technology has access to an electron accelerator used for both research and industrial applications. The electron accelerator produces electrons with energies in the interval from 1 to 5 MeV and a maximum beam power of 150 kW. At such high power levels, the electron beam is continuously scanned back and forth in one dimension in order to provide uniform irradiation and to prevent damage to the sample. This allows for the uniform irradiation of samples with an area of up to 1.32 sq m. This accelerator has been used in the past for the study of radiation damage in solar cells (1). However in order to irradiate extended area solar cells there was a need to measure the uniformity of the irradiation zone in terms of fluence. In this paper the methodology to measure the fluence uniformity on a sample handling system (linear motion system), used for the irradiation of research samples, along the irradiation zone of the above-mentioned facility is described and the results presented. We also illustrate the use of the electron accelerator for the irradiation of large area solar cells (of the order of 156 sq cm) and include in this paper the electrical characterization of these types of solar cells irradiated with 5 MeV electrons to a total fluence of 2.6 x 10(exp 15) e/sq cm.

Uribe, Roberto M.↗