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At least 181 records · Page 10

Spectra of circularly polarized radiation from astrophysical OH masers

A striking feature of astrophysical masers is the tendency for either one or the other of the circular polarizations to dominate in the radiation from the strong, widely observed masing transitions of OH at 18 cm. Spectral line profiles are calculated for polarized maser radiation due to the combined effects of a velocity gradient and, as is indicated for these transitions, a Zeeman splitting that is at least comparable with the thermal contributions to the breadths of the spectral lines. The resulting spectral features are similar in appearance, including the presence of large net circular polarization and narrow line breadths, to the commonly observed spectra of OH masers in molecular clouds. The calculations presented here are performed as a function of frequency without making the approximations of a large velocity gradient. Rapid cross relaxation, which has been advocated by others for the OH masers, is assumed.

Nedoluha, Gerald E.↗

Simultaneous measurements of velocity, temperature, and pressure using rapid CW wavelength-modulation laser-induced fluorescence of OH

In high speed flows, laser induced fluorescence (LIF) on Doppler shifted transitions is an attractive technique for velocity measurement. LIF velocimetry was applied to combined single-point measurements of velocity, temperature, and pressure and 2-D imaging of velocity and pressure. Prior to recent research using NO, LIF velocimetry in combustion related flows relied largely on the use of seed molecules. Simultaneous, single-point LIF measurements is reported of velocity, temperature, and pressure using the naturally occurring combustion species OH. This experiment is an extension of earlier research in which a modified ring dye laser was used to make time resolved temperature measurements behind reflected shock waves by using OH absorption an in postflame gases by using OH LIF. A pair of fused-silica rhombs mounted on a single galvanonmeter in an intracavity-doubled Spectra-Physics 380 ring laser permit the UV output to be swept continuously over a few wave numbers at an effective frequency of 3kHz.

Chang, A. Y.↗

Simultaneous, in situ measurements of OH, HO2, O3, and H2O - A test of modeled stratospheric HO(x) chemistry

Simultaneous, in situ measurements of OH, HO2, H2O, and O3 from 37-23 km are reported. The partitioning between OH and HO2 and the total HO(x) concentration are compared with expected steady-state values. The ratio of HO2 to OH varies from less than 2 at 36 km to more than 3 at 25 km; in the lower stratosphere this ratio is nearly a factor of two less than predicted. The data are used to calculate HO(x) production and loss rates. The measured HO(x) mixing ratio is consistent with production dominated by the reaction of O(1D) with H2O, and loss controlled by NOy below 28 km and HO(x) above 30 km. The steady-state concentration of H2O2 is inferred from the measured HO2 concentration and calculated photolysis rate. The maximum H2O2 mixing ratio (at 33 km) is predicted to be less than 0.2 ppb.

Wennberg, P. O.↗

Tropospheric OH and the lifetimes of hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) may be used as alternatives for the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Lifetimes for the HCFCs are predicted here in two ways: integrating their loss with a global model and scaling to another compound with a better known lifetime. Both approaches are shown to yield similar results. Three-dimensional fields of modeled tropospheric OH concentrations are used to calculate lifetimes against destruction by OH for the HCFCs and other hydrogenated halocarbons. The lifetimes of various hydro-halocarbons are shown to be insensitive to possible spatial variations and seasonal cycles. It is possible to scale the HCFC lifetimes to that of methyl chloroform or methane by using a ratio of the rate coefficients for reaction with OH at an appropriate temperature, about 277 K.

Prather, Michael↗

Laser-based measurements of OH in high pressure CH4/air flames

Narrow-linewidth laser absorption measurements are reported from which mole fraction and temperature of OH are determined in high-pressure (1-10 atm), lean CH4/air flames. These measurements were made in a new high pressure combustion facility which incorporates a traversable flat flame burner, providing spatially and temporally uniform combustion gases at pressures up to 10 am. A commercially avialable CW ring dye laser was used with an intracavity doubling crystal to provide near-UV single mode output at approximately 306 nm. The UV beam was rapidly scanned over 120 GHz (0.1 sec scan duration) to resolve the absorption lineshape of the A-X (0,0) R1(7)/R1(11) doublet of the OH radical. From the doublet's absorption lineshape, the temperature was determined; and from peak absorption, Beer's Law was employed to find the mole fraction of OH. These data were obtained as a function of height above the flame at various pressures.

Battles, B. E.↗

Photodissociation of the hydroxyl radical (OH) at 157 nm

The photodissociation of the OH radical was studied at 157 nm via the detection of the product H atoms with the resonance fluorescence technique. OH radicals were produced in a fast-flow cell from the reaction between H and NO2 and subsequently photodissociated by an excimer laser operating on the F2 emission. The quantum yield for photodissociation of OH was measured to be 1.10 + or - 0.28. The photodissociation cross section was calculated to be 6.6 x 10 to the -18th sq cm (+ or - 25 percent).

Cody, R. J.↗

Evaluated rate constants for selected HCFC's and HFC's with OH and O((sup)1D)

The chemistry of HCFC's and HFC's in the troposphere is controlled by reactions with OH in which a hydrogen atom is abstracted from the halocarbon to form water and a halo-alkyl radical. The halo-alkyl radical subsequently reacts with molecular oxygen to form a peroxy radical. The reactions of HCFC's and HFC's with O(exp1D) atoms are unimportant in the troposphere, but may be important in producing active chlorine of OH in the stratosphere. Here, the rate constants for the reactions of OH and O(exp1D) with many HFC's and HCFC's are evaluated. Recommendations are given for the five HCFC's and three HFC's specified by AFEAS as primary alternatives as well as for all other isomers of C1 and C2 HCFC's and HFC's where rate data exist. In addition, recommendations are included for CH3CCl3, CH2Cl2, and CH4.

Hampson, Robert F.↗

Spectroscopic measurement of HO2, H2O2, and OH in the stratosphere

Stratospheric concentrations of HO2, H2O2, and OH have been retrieved simultaneously from the far-infrared emission spectra obtained with a balloon-borne Fourier transform spectrometer in June 1983 at 32 deg N latitude. Retrieved concentrations of HO2 and H2O2 are reported, along with vertical distributions of OH which were reported in an earlier paper for the afternoon, sunset, and nighttime periods for altitudes from 26 to 38 km. HO2 distributions are obtained with uncertainties that are about the same as OH for the same vertical range and for the afternoon and sunset periods. H2O2 concentration is obtained at an altitude of 30 km for the period that covers afternoon and sunset hours. The retrieved concentrations of these HO(x) species agree well with other individually measured results and the steady state photochemical predictions. The ratio HO2/OH at around 32 km seems to increase from the afternoon period to the sunset period.

Park, J. H.↗

The self-discharge of the NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 electrode constant potential study

Hydrogen oxidation currents at a NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 electrode were measured directly at constant potentials for various hydrogen pressures and states of charge. It was found that the hydrogen oxidation current is linearly proportional to the hydrogen pressure at all electrode potentials and that the logarithm of the anodic current is a linear function of electrode potential. It was also found that hydrogen oxidation on the nickel substrate material was strongly inhibited by the presence of nickel hydroxide on the substrate surface. By comparing the currents for hydrogen oxidation and oxygen evolution on the NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 electrode and a nickel substrate, it is suggested that the self-discharge of the NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 electrode is mainly due to electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen on the active electrode material.

Mao, Z.↗

Quantitative fluorescence measurements of the OH radical in high pressure methane flames

A method for quantifying laser-induced fluorescence signals from the OH radical in high-pressure flames is presented. The fluorescence signal per unit OH mole fraction is modeled as a function of temperature, pressure, and overall flame stoichiometry. Known values of the collisional quenching cross sections as a function of temperature are used to model the electronic quench rate. The reverse A - X (1.0) Q15 transition is used with broadband collection to measure single-point fluorescence produced by a pulsed Nd:YAG-pumped, frequency-doubled dye laser. Laser absorption and thermocouples are used to measure absolute OH concentration and temperature, respectively, which are used to confirm the validity of the model. Measurements are made in CH4/O2/N2 flames up to 10 atm.

Battles, B. E.↗

In situ detection of tropospheric OH, HO2, NO2, and NO by laser-induced fluorescence in detection chambers at reduced pressures

This report is a brief summary of the status of work on the grant entitled 'In situ detection of tropospheric OH, HO2, NO2, and NO by laser induced fluorescence in detection chambers at low pressures'. The first version of the instrument is essentially complete and operational for about six months, and we continue to make improvements on the instrument sensitivity and reliability. We are focusing our efforts on improving our understanding of the operating characteristics of the instrument - particularly the inlet transmission for OH and HO2, the exact character of the air flow around and within the instrument, and the efficiency of the chemical conversion of HO2 to OH. We are also in the process of converting this laboratory instrument into a field worthy instrument that we can take to remote sites for measurements.

Brune, William H.↗

Preliminary measurements of mesospheric OH X 2Pi by ISO on Atlas 1

The Imaging Spectrometric Observatory (ISO) carried by the Atlas 1 mission conducted observations of the resonance fluorescence of the OH radical, on whose bases a density profile has been determined at 70-80 km altitude. OH observations were conducted during most of the dayside phases during the mission, covering much of the Northern Hemisphere to 57 deg N latitude. Attention is given to results from an observation at 39 deg N, where OH densities rapidly decreased above 80 km.

Morgan, M. F.↗

Harvard ER-2 OH laser-induced fluorescence instrument

The Harvard ER-2 OH instrument is scheduled to be integrated into the NASA ER-2 high altitude aircraft ozone payload in August 1992. Design and fabrication is presently underway. This experiment is a descendant of a balloon borne instrument designed and built in the mid-1980s. The ER-2 instrument is being designed to measure OH and HO2 as part of the NASA ozone payload for the investigation of processes controlling the concentration of stratospheric ozone. Although not specifically designed to do so, it is hoped that valid measurements of OH and HO2 can be made in the remote free troposphere with this instrument.

Wennberg, Paul O.↗

Development of techniques for the in situ observation of OH and HO2 for studies of the impact of high-altitude supersonic aircraft on the stratosphere

This three-year project supported the construction, calibration, and deployment of a new instrument to measure the OH and HO2 radicals on the NASA ER-2 aircraft. The instrument has met and exceeded all of its design goals. The instrumentation represents a true quantum leap in performance over that achieved in previous HO(x) instruments built in our group. Sensitivity for OH was enhanced by over two orders of magnitude as the weight fell from approximately 1500 to less than 200 Kg. Reliability has been very high: HO(x) data are available for all flights during the first operational mission, the Stratospheric Photochemistry, Aerosols, and Dynamics Expedition (SPADE). The results of that experiment have been reported in the scientific literature and at conferences. Additionally, measurements of H2O and O3 were made and have been reported in the scientific literature. The measurements demonstrated the important role that OH and HO2 play in determining the concentration of ozone in the lower stratosphere. During the SPADE, campaign the measurements demonstrated that the catalytic removal is dominated by processes involving the odd-hydrogen and halogen radicals-and extremely important constraint for photochemical models that are being used to assess the potential deleterious effects of super-sonic aircraft effluent on the burden of stratospheric ozone.

Anderson, James G.↗

High-resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy of the Meinel system of OH

The infrared spectrum of the hydroxyl radical OH, between 1850 and 9000/cm has been measured with a Fourier transform spectrometer. The source, a hydrogen-ozone diffusion flame, was designed to study the excitation of rotation-vibration levels of the OH Meinel bands under conditions similar to those in the upper atmosphere which produce the nighttime OH airglow emission. Twenty-three bands were observed: nine bands in the Delta upsilon = 1 sequence, nine bands in the Delta upsilon = 2 sequence, and five bands in the Delta upsilon = 3 sequence. A global nonlinear least-squares fit of 1696 lines yielded molecular parameters with a standard deviation of 0.003/cm. Term values are computed, and transition frequencies in the Delta upsilon = 3, 4, 5, 6 sequences in the near-infrared are predicted.

Abrams, Mark C.↗

Development of techniques for the In Situ observation of OH and HO2 for studies of the impact of high-altitude supersonic aircraft on the stratosphere

This three-year project supported the construction, calibration, and deployment of a new instrument to measure the OH and HO2 radicals on the NASA Er-2 aircraft. The instrument has met and exceeded all of its design goals. The instrumentation represents a true quantum leap in performance over that achieved in previous HO(x) instruments built in our group. Sensitivity of OH was enhanced by over two orders of magnitude as the weight fell from approximately 1500 to less than 200 Kg. Reliability has been very high: HO(x) data are available for all flights during the first operational mission, the Stratospheric Photochemistry, aerosols, and Dynamics Expedition (SPADE). The results of that experiment have been reported in the scientific literature and at conferences. Additionally, measurements of H2O and O3 were made and have been reported in the scientific literature. The measurements demonstrate the important role that OH and HO2 play in determining the concentration of ozone in the lower stratosphere. During the SPADE campaign, the measurements demonstrate that the catalytic removal is dominated by processes involving the odd-hydrogen and halogen radicals-an extremely important constraint for photochemical models that are being used to assess the potential deleterious effects of super-sonic aircraft effluent on the burden of stratospheric ozone.

Anderson, James G.↗

Development of Techniques for the In Situ Observation of OH and HO2 for Studies of the Impact of High-Altitude Supersonic Aircraft on the Stratosphere

This three-year project supported the construction, calibration, and deployment of a new instrument to measure the OH and HO2 radicals on the NASA ER-2 aircraft. The instrument has met and exceeded all of its design goals. The instrumentation represents a true quantum leap in performance over that achieved in previous HO(x) instruments built in our group. Sensitivity for OH was enhanced by over two orders of magnitude as the weight fell from approximately 1500 to less than 200 Kg. Reliability has been very high: HO(x) data are available for all flights during the first operational mission, the Stratospheric Photochemistry, Aerosols, and Dynamics Expedition (SPADE). The results of that experiment have been reported in the scientific literature and at conferences. Additionally, measurements of H2O and O3 were made and have been reported in the scientific literature. The measurements demonstrate the important role that OH and HO2 play in determining the concentration of ozone in the lower stratosphere. During the SPADE campaign, the measurements demonstrate that the catalytic removal is dominated by processes involving the odd-hydrogen and halogen radical extremely important constraint for photochemical models that are being used to assess the potential deleterious effects of super-sonic aircraft effluent on the burden of stratospheric ozone. A list of the papers that came from this research are included, along with a copy of the paper, 'Aircraft-borne, laser-induced fluorescence instrument for the in situ detection of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals'.

Anderson, James G.↗

OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence from Microgravity Droplet Combustion

Droplet combustion under microgravity conditions has been extensively studied, but laser diagnostics have just begun to be employed in microgravity droplet experiments. This is due in part to the level of difficulty associated with laser system size, power and economic availability. Hydroxyl radical (OH) is an important product of combustion, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has proved to be an adequate and sensitive tool to measure OH. In this study, a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser and a doubled dye laser, compact and reliable enough to perform OH PLIF experiments aboard a parabolic flight-path aircraft, has been developed and successfully demonstrated in a methanol droplet flame experiment. Application to microgravity conditions is planned aboard parabolic flight-path aircraft.

Winter, Michael↗