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Engineering topics

Greenberg, L. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Greenberg, L. T..

Infrared receivers for low background astronomy: Incoherent detectors and coherent devices from one micrometer to one millimeter

The status of incoherent detectors and coherent receivers over the infrared wavelength range from one micrometer to one millimeter is described. General principles of infrared receivers are included, and photon detectors, bolometers, coherent receivers, and important supporting technologies are discussed, with emphasis on their suitability for low background astronomical applications. Broad recommendations are presented and specific opportunities are identified for development of improved devices.

Boggess, N. W.↗

Detection of forbidden S III fine-structure emission in ionized nebulae

The 3P2-3P1 fine-structure line of doubly ionized sulfur has been detected at 534.41 + or - 0.03 kaysers in the spectra of NGC 7027, BD +30 deg 3639, and G333.6-0.2. The abundance of S(2+) and the electron density are discussed. The ionization of G333.6-0.2 is lower than expected from its luminosity.

Greenberg, L. T.↗

An upper limit on the evolution of carbon monoxide from Comet Kohoutek

An upper limit on the rate of evolution of CO from Comet Kohoutek has been obtained from a search for resonant scattering of sunlight near 4.7 microns. The observations were made approximately two months after perihelion. The rate of evolution of CO at that time was apparently less than that of CH3CN observed before perihelion.

Wollman, E. R.↗

Photodesorption from interstellar dust grains

An experiment to measure the photodesorption of physisorbed gases from a cold fused quartz substrate by near UV photons is described. The observed yield (mol/photon) is as large as .00001, a higher yield is likely in the vacuum UV. Included is a discussion of the photodesorption process and some applications to the interstellar medium. The observed yield is enough to maintain molecular abundances in moderate density interstellar clouds in equilibrium.

Greenberg, L. T.↗