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Investigation of the Kramers-Kronig analysis - Revised optical constants of AgCl

White and Straley (1968) have reported room-temperature optical constants for AgCl that exhibit negative, unphysical dips at the band edge. Because Morrison (1961) also obtained such behavior for InAs, InSb, and GaAs, a study is made of the possible sources of this anomaly. An artifact of the experimental reflectance data near this energy is found to be responsible. No defect in the Kramers-Kronig transform or its use is implied, contrary to some suggestions. The corrected optical constants of AgCl were modified by about 10% up to 5 eV, whereas at higher energies they were barely affected. Thus Kramers-Kronig-deduced optical constants that exhibit unusual structure are not affected by this structure at other energies. The new AgCl results are presented, and assignments are briefly discussed.

Bauer, R. S.↗

AXAF user interfaces for heterogeneous analysis environments

The AXAF Science Center (ASC) will develop software to support all facets of data center activities and user research for the AXAF X-ray Observatory, scheduled for launch in 1999. The goal is to provide astronomers with the ability to utilize heterogeneous data analysis packages, that is, to allow astronomers to pick the best packages for doing their scientific analysis. For example, ASC software will be based on IRAF, but non-IRAF programs will be incorporated into the data system where appropriate. Additionally, it is desired to allow AXAF users to mix ASC software with their own local software. The need to support heterogeneous analysis environments is not special to the AXAF project, and therefore finding mechanisms for coordinating heterogeneous programs is an important problem for astronomical software today. The approach to solving this problem has been to develop two interfaces that allow the scientific user to run heterogeneous programs together. The first is an IRAF-compatible parameter interface that provides non-IRAF programs with IRAF's parameter handling capabilities. Included in the interface is an application programming interface to manipulate parameters from within programs, and also a set of host programs to manipulate parameters at the command line or from within scripts. The parameter interface has been implemented to support parameter storage formats other than IRAF parameter files, allowing one, for example, to access parameters that are stored in data bases. An X Windows graphical user interface called 'agcl' has been developed, layered on top of the IRAF-compatible parameter interface, that provides a standard graphical mechanism for interacting with IRAF and non-IRAF programs. Users can edit parameters and run programs for both non-IRAF programs and IRAF tasks. The agcl interface allows one to communicate with any command line environment in a transparent manner and without any changes to the original environment. For example, the authors routinely layer the GUI on top of IRAF, ksh, SMongo, and IDL. The agcl, based on the facilities of a system called Answer Garden, also has sophisticated support for examining documentation and help files, asking questions of experts, and developing a knowledge base of frequently required information. Thus, the GUI becomes a total environment for running programs, accessing information, examining documents, and finding human assistance. Because the agcl can communicate with any command-line environment, most projects can make use of it easily. New applications are continually being found for these interfaces. It is the authors' intention to evolve the GUI and its underlying parameter interface in response to these needs - from users as well as developers - throughout the astronomy community. This presentation describes the capabilities and technology of the above user interface mechanisms and tools. It also discusses the design philosophies guiding the work, as well as hopes for the future.

Mandel, Eric↗

GammaCore: The Compton Observatory research environment

The Compton Observatory Science Support Center (COSSC) is developing a coherent analysis environment for the analysis of Compton and other gamma-ray astronomy data. This environment, GammaCore, allows the astronomer to access the data analysis systems developed at the Principal Investigator (PI) sites for the four Compton Observatory instruments. In addition users have access to standard astronomical tools such as IRAF, IDL, and XANADU. The user interface of GammaCore is the AGCL (AnswerGarden Command Language), developed at the AXAF Science Center. The parameter interface supported by the AGCL allows GammaCore to access all PI software systems in a uniform fashion. These systems are quite different, having been developed independently on heterogeneous systems without much concern for general portability. The data kibitzer concept, where a window running in a specific PI environment is controlled by the AGCL, has been used extensively. Users can choose to view what is going on in the native environment, to use the window to control PI software directly, or to ignore the PI systems entirely and to work only through the homogeneous AGCL interface. Software developed at the COSSC is also integrated within GammaCore. Extensive facilities for conversions of PI data formats to and from FITS have been developed. Access to the Compton data archive and catalogs will also be completely integrated with the GammaCore. Users can retrieve any publicly available Compton data. This paper examines the issues that have arisen in attempting to meld these widely diverse systems. The advantages and limitations of the parameter interface and the kibitzer are discussed along with issues of data portability, documentation, and the feasibility of multi-instrument analysis. Limited capabilities are now available within GammaCore with significant enhancements planned over the coming year. An implementation including all PI systems will be available within that time. Instructions on how to access GammaCore and how to get more information are given.

Mcglynn, T. A.↗

Large Silver Halide Single Crystals as Charged Particle Track Detectors

The trajectory of the particle is made visible under a microscope by the accumulation of metallic silver at regions of the lattice damaged by the particle. This decoration of the particle track is accomplished by exposure of the crystal to light. The decoration of normally present lattice imperfections such as dislocations can be suppressed by the addition to the crystal of less than ten parts per million of a suitable polyvalent metal impurity. An account of some preliminary attempts to grow thin single crystals of AgCl is given also, and suggestions for a more refined technique are offered.

Kusmiss, J. H.↗

On particle track detectors

Aqueous sodium hydroxide is widely used to develop charged particle tracks in polycarbonate film, particularly Lexan. The chemical nature of the etching process for this system has been determined. A method employing ultra-violet absorbance was developed for monitoring the concentration of the etch products in solution. Using this method it was possible to study the formation of the etching solution saturated in etch products. It was found that the system super-saturates to a significant extent before precipitation occurs. It was also learned that the system approaches its equilibrium state rather slowly. It is felt that both these phenomena may be due to the presence of surfactant in the solution. In light of these findings, suggestions are given regarding the preparation and maintenance of the saturated etch solution. Two additional research projects, involving automated techniques for particle track analysis and particle identification using AgCl crystals, are briefly summarized.

Benton, E. V.↗

Apollo-Soyuz pamphlet no. 6: Cosmic ray dosage

The radiation hazard inside spacecraft is discussed with emphasis on its effects on the crew, biological specimens, and spacecraft instruments. The problem of light flash sensations in the eyes of astronauts is addressed and experiment MA-106 is described. In this experiment, light flashes seen by blindfolded astronauts were counted and high energy cosmic ray intensity in the command module cabin were measured. The damage caused by cosmic ray hits on small living organisms was investigated in the Biostack 3 experiment (MA-107). Individual cosmic rays were tracked through layers of bacterial spores, small seeds, and eggs interleaved with layers of AgCl-crystal wafers, special plastic, and special photographic film that registered each cosmic ray particle passed.

Page, L. W.↗

Diffusion of hydrogen through platinum membranes at high pressures and temperatures

The diffusion of hydrogen through platinum membranes has been measured at 450, 500, 550 and 600 C at 2000 bar pressure, using the hydrogen sensor technique. Ag + AgCl + 3M HCl was the starting solution inside the platinum tube. Hydrogen diffuses out of the platinum tube into a system containing Fe2O3 + Fe3O4 + H2O; that is, a solution with a fixed hydrogen fugacity. After quench, the drop in hydrogen fugacity inside the platinum tube was calculated from measurements of pH and chloride molality. The hydrogen fugacity is initially roughly proportional to the square root of time. Diffusion constants were calculated from these data by numerical integration.

Chou, I.-M.↗

Evaluation of high specific-heat ceramic for regenerator use at temperatures between 2-30 K

Specific heat, thermal conductivity (both in the range 2-30 K), and microhardness data were measured on the ceramics labelled LS-8, LS-8A, and LS-8A doped with CsI, SnCl2, and AgCl. A work hardened sample of LS-8A was also studied in an effort to determine the feasibility of using these types of LS-8 materials to replace Pb spheres in the regenerator of the JPL cryocooler. The LS-8A materials are all more than an order of magnitude harder than Pb, and the dopants do not significantly improve the hardness. However, the SnCl2 dopant has a remarkable effect in improving the specific heat and thermal conductivity of LS-8A. The SnCl2 doping level which maximized the regenerator enthalpy change in going from an unloaded to a loaded condition was found to be 0.2 percent SnCl2 in LS-8A. It was also found that the enthalpy change for a regenerator employing the LS-8A material is more than three times larger than for the Pb spheres case. The use of rods, rather than spheres, of optimally doped LS-8A in regenerators is discussed.

Lawless, W. N.↗

Investigation of stimulated Brillouin scattering switching in mid infrared fibers

Backward stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) has been experimentally studied in midinfrared transparent AgCl and KRS-5 fibers. In the present scheme, pump transmission through the fibers and acoustooptic radiative effects are simultaneously observed. The SBS shifted scattered light spectrum is investigated by laser heterodyne spectroscopy using HgCdTe and very fast metal-oxide-metal diode broadband mixers. The results suggest that reflection under high incident laser power departs from simple Fresnel surface reflection.

Yu, Chung↗

Cosmic ray LET spectra and doses on board Cosmos-2044 biosatellite

Results of the experiments on board Cosmos-2044 (Biosatellite 9) are presented. Various nuclear track detectors (NTD) (dielectric, AgCl-based, nuclear emulsions) were used to obtain the Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectra inside and outside the satellite. The spectra from the different NTDs have proved to be in general agreement. The results of LET spectra calculations using two different models are also presented. The resultant LET distributions are used to calculate the absorbed and equivalent doses and the orbit-averaged quality factors (QF) of the cosmic rays (CR). Absorbed dose rates inside (approximately 20 g cm (exp -2) shielding) and outside (1 g cm(exp -2) the spacecraft, omitting electrons, were found to be 4.8 and 8.6 mrad d (exp -1), respectively, while the corresponding equivalent doses were 8.8 and 19.7 mrem d(exp -1). The effects of the flight parameters on the total fluence of, and on the dose from the CR particles are analyzed. Integral dose distributions of the detected particles are also determined. The LET values which separate absorbed and equivalent doses into 50% intervals are estimated. The CR-39 dielectric NTD is shown to detect 20-30% of the absorbed dose and 60-70% of the equivalent dose in the Cosmos-2044 orbit. The influence of solar activity phase on the magnitude of CR flux is discussed.

Watts, J. W., Jr.↗

Cosmic ray LET spectra and doses on board Cosmos-2044 biosatellite

Results of the experiments on board Cosmos-2044 (Biosatellite 9) are presented. Various nuclear track detectors (NTD) (dielectric, AgCl-based, nuclear emulsions) were used to obtain the LET spectra inside and outside the satellite. The spectra from the different NTDs have proved to be in general agreement. The results of LET spectra calculations using two different models are also presented. The resultant LET distributions are used to calculate the absorbed and equivalent doses and the orbit-averaged quality factors (QF) of the cosmic rays (CR). Absorbed dose rates inside (approximately 20 g cm-2 shielding) and outside (1 g cm-2) the spacecraft, omitting electrons, were found to be 4.8 and 8.6 mrad d-1, respectively, while the corresponding equivalent doses were 8.8 and 19.7 mrem d-1. The effects of the flight parameters on the total fluence of, and on the dose from, the CR particles are analyzed. Integral dose distributions of the detected particles are also determined. The LET values which separate absorbed and equivalent doses into 50% intervals are estimated. The CR-39 dielectric NTD is shown to detect 20-30% of the absorbed dose and 60-70% of the equivalent dose in the Cosmos-2044 orbit. The influence of solar activity phase on the magnitude of CR flux is discussed.

Non-NASA Center↗

Silver Foam A Long-Term Passive Biocide for Potable Water Systems: 2020 Update

A spacecraft water disinfection system suitable for extended length space exploration missions should prevent or control the growth of microbes, prevent or limit biofilm formation, and prevent microbiologically-influenced corrosion. In addition, the system should have minimal maintenance requirements, the effluent should be chemically compatible with all materials in contact with the water, be safe for human consumption, and suitable to be shared across international spacecraft platforms and mission architectures. Silver ions are a proven broad spectrum biocide and the chosen potable water biocide for future exploration missions. The leading technology for actively dosing silver in future water systems is based on electrolytic production. Several challenges remain with this approach which have prompted additional investigations into alternative dosing techniques. Control-release technology is an attractive option for developing a high-reliability passive silver dosing device. This paper describes the development of a nanoparticle (NP)/polyurethane (PU) composite foam for the controlled release of silver ions, and is intended to build upon the 2019 International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) paper of the same name. In this paper, the technical background and results from the updated silver chloride (AgCl) NP/PU composite foam synthesis and property testing is provided. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a stable and reliable passive dosing silver ion release device for use in future spacecraft potable water systems.

Irwin, Tesia D.↗

Silver Foam: A Novel Approach for Long-Term Passive Dosing of Biocide in Spacecraft Potable Water Systems

A spacecraft water disinfection system suitable for extended length space exploration should prevent or control the growth of microbes, prevent or limit biofilm formation, and prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion. In addition, the system should have minimal maintenance requirements,should be chemically compatible with all materials in contact with the water, be safe for human consumption, and suitable to be shared across international spacecraft platforms and mission architectures. Silver ions are a proven broad-spectrum biocide under consideration as a potable water biocide for future exploration missions. The leading technology for actively dosing silver in future water systems is based on electrolytic production. Several challenges remain with this approach that have prompted additional investigations into alternative dosing techniques. Control-release technology is an attractive option for developing a high-reliability passive silver dosing device. This paper describes the development of a silver chloride (AgCl) nanoparticle (NP)/polyurethane (PU) composite foam for the controlled release of silver ions, and is intended to build upon the 2019 International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) paper number 272.This paper provides the technical background and results from the updated AgClNP/PU composite foam (AgFoam) synthesis and property testing. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a stable and reliable passive dosing silver ion release device for use in future spacecraft potable water systems.

Tesia Dawn Irwin↗

Silver Foam: A Novel Approach for Long-Term Passive Dosing of Biocide in Spacecraft Potable Water Systems

A spacecraft water disinfection system, suitable for extended length space exploration, should prevent or control the growth of microbes, prevent or limit biofilm formation, and prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion. In addition, the system should have minimal maintenance requirements, be chemically compatible with all materials in contact with the water, be safe for human consumption, and be suitable to be shared across international spacecraft platforms and mission architectures. Silver ions are a proven broad-spectrum potable water biocide under investigation for future exploration missions. The competing technology for dosing silver ions in future water systems is based on actively dosing the ions via electrolytic production. Several challenges with this approach have prompted additional investigations into alternative dosing techniques. Control-release technology is an attractive option for developing a high-reliability passive silver dosing device. This paper describes the development of a nanoparticle/polyurethane (NP/PU) composite foam for the controlled release of silver ions, and is intended to build upon the 2020 International Conference onEnvironmental Systems (ICES) paper number 128. This paper provides the technical background and performance results from the updated silver chloride (AgCl) NP/PU. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a stable and reliable passive dosing silver ion release device for use in future spacecraft potable water systems.

Tesia D. Irwin↗

Silver Foam: A Novel Approach for Long-Term Passive-Dosing of Biocide in Spacecraft Potable Water Systems – Update 2022

A spacecraft water disinfection system suitable for extended length space exploration should meet a list of requirements. It should prevent or control the growth of microbes, prevent or limit biofilm formation, and prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion. In addition, the system should have minimal maintenance requirements, be chemically compatible with all materials in contact with the water, be safe for human consumption, and be suitable to be shared across international spacecraft platforms and mission architectures. Silver ions are a proven broad-spectrum potable water biocide under investigation for future exploration missions. The competing technology for dosing silver ions in future water systems is based on actively dosing the ions via electrolytic production. Several challenges with this approach have prompted additional investigations into alternative dosing techniques. Control-release technology is an attractive option for developing a high-reliability passive silver dosing device. This paper describes the continued development of a nanoparticle/polyurethane (NP/PU) composite foam for the controlled release of silver ions and is intended to build upon previously published work. This paper provides the technical background and performance results (wash testing and ongoing long-term silver ion release testing) from the silver chloride (AgCl) NP/PU composite foams. The goal of the project is to develop a stable and reliable passive-dosing silver ion release device for use in future spacecraft potable water systems.

Tesia D Irwin↗

Silver Foam: A Novel Approach for Long-Term Passive Dosing of Biocide in Spacecraft Potable Water Systems – Update 2023

A spacecraft water disinfection system, suitable for extended length space exploration, should prevent or control the growth of microbes, prevent or limit biofilm formation, and prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion. In addition, the system should have minimal maintenance requirements, be chemically compatible with all materials in contact with the water, be safe for human consumption, and be suitable to be shared across international spacecraft platforms and mission architectures. Silver ions are a proven broad-spectrum potable water biocide under investigation for future exploration missions. The competing technology for dosing silver ions in future water systems is based on actively dosing the ions via electrolytic production. Several challenges with this approach have prompted additional investigations into alternative dosing techniques. Control-release technology is an attractive option for developing a high-reliability passive silver dosing device. This paper describes the continued development of a nanoparticle/polyurethane (NP/PU) composite foam for the controlled release of silver ions and is intended to build upon the 2022 International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) paper number 97. This paper provides the technical background and performance test results (ongoing long-term silver ion release testing and product variability testing) from the silver chloride (AgCl) NP/PU composite foams. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a stable and reliable passive dosing silver ion release device for use in future spacecraft potable water systems.

Tesia D. Irwin↗

Silver Foam: A Novel Approach for Long-Term Passive Dosing of Biocide in Spacecraft Potable Water Systems – Update 2024

A spacecraft water disinfection system, suitable for extended length space exploration, should prevent or control the growth of microbes, prevent or limit biofilm formation, and prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion. In addition, the system should have minimal maintenance requirements, be chemically compatible with all materials in contact with the water, be safe for human consumption, and be suitable to be shared across international spacecraft platforms and mission architectures. Silver ions are a proven broad-spectrum potable water biocide under investigation for future exploration missions. The competing technology for dosing silver ions in future water systems is based on actively dosing the ions via electrolytic production. Several challenges with this approach have prompted additional investigations into alternative dosing techniques. Control-release technology is an attractive option for developing a high-reliability passive silver dosing device. This paper describes the continued development of a nanoparticle/polyurethane (NP/PU) composite foam for the controlled release of silver ions and is intended to build upon the 2023 International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) paper number 251. This paper provides the technical background and performance results for the product variability testing and microbial check valve (MCV) testing of the silver chloride (AgCl) NP/PU composite foams, referred to as AgFoams. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a stable and reliable passive dosing silver ion release device for use in future spacecraft potable water systems.

Tesia D Irwin↗