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At least 199 records · Page 11

The quality of photometric information in the Hipparcos Input Catalog

Comparison with independent photoelectric photometry is used to assess the quality of magnitudes and colors in the Hipparcos Input Catalog. These magnitudes and colors will play an important role in the luminosity calibration of Hipparcos stars. We conclude that photoelectric photometry, available for about 37 percent of the catalog, is of uniformly good quality, and the error estimates in the Catalog are very accurate. On the other hand, colors determined from poor spectral classes suffer from very significant errors, also correctly estimated in the Catalog, which make them essentially unsuited for the purpose of luminosity calibration. Only stars with either photoelectric colors or good 2D spectral classes can be used in a high-accuracy luminosity calibration.

Casertano, Stefano↗

Soft X-ray spectra of Seyfert 2 galaxies

The paper presents soft X-ray spectra of three Seyfert 2 galaxies obtained with the ROSAT PSPC. For two of these objects, NGC 5506 and MCG -5-23-16, most of the flux occurs at energies greater than 1 keV and probably represents a low-energy extension of the source seen at higher (greater than 2 keV) energies. The third source, Mrk 348, has very little flux in the ROSAT band, suggesting a photoelectric cutoff at energies above the ROSAT band, in agreement with Ginga observations. In all three galaxies, X-rays are detected at energies below these photoelectric cutoffs with flux above that expected from a model in which the source has the same spectral index as at higher energies (2-10 keV) and is covered by a uniform, cold, photoelectric absorber. This result indicates the presence of an additional component at soft energies, which is referred to as a 'soft excess'. The monochromatic flux of the soft excess measured at 1 keV is about 1-2 percent of the directly viewed hard X-ray continuum in all three galaxies.

Mulchaey, John S.↗

Laboratory Studies of the Optical Properties and Condensation Processes of Cosmic Dust Particles

A laboratory facility for levitating single isolated dust particles in an electrodynamics balance has been developing at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center for conducting a variety of experimental, of astrophysical interest. The objective of this research is to employ this innovative experimental technique for studies of the physical and optical properties of the analogs of cosmic grains of 0.2-10 micron size in a chamber with controlled pressure/temperatures simulating astrophysical environments. In particular, we will carry out three classes of experiments to investigate the microphysics of the analogs of interstellar and interplanetary dust grains. (1) Charge characteristics of micron size single dust grains to determine the photoelectric efficiencies, yields, and equilibrium potentials when exposed to UV radiation. These measurements will provide the much-needed photoelectric emission data relating to individual particles as opposed to that for the bulk materials available so far. (2) Infrared optical properties of dust particles obtained by irradiating the particles with radiation from tunable infrared diode lasers and measuring the scattered radiation. Specifically, the complex refractive indices, the extinction coefficients, the scattering phase functions, and the polarization properties of single dust grains of interest in interstellar environments, in the 1-25 micron spectral region will be determined. (3) Condensation experiments to investigate the deposition of volatile gases on colder nucleated particles in dense interstellar clouds and lower planetary atmospheres. The increase in the mass or m/q ratio due to condensation on the particle will be monitored as a function of the dust particle temperature and the partial pressure of the injected volatile gas. The measured data wild permit determination of the sticking efficiencies of volatile gases of astrophysical interest. Preliminary results based on photoelectric emission experiments on 0.2-6.6 micron size silica particles exposed to UV radiation in the 120-200 nm spectral region will be presented.

Abbas, Mian M.↗

Measurement of Characteristics of Micron Size Individual Dust Particles of Astrophysical Interest

A laboratory facility for levitating single isolated dust particles in an electrodynamic balance has been developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for conducting studies of the physical and optical properties of the analogs of interstellar and interplanetary dust grains of 0.2-20 micron size under controlled pressures/temperatures simulating astrophysical environments. We plan three classes of experiments using this facility: (1) Charge characteristics of micron size single dust grains: The photoelectric efficiencies, yields, and equilibrium potentials when exposed to UV radiation found from these measurements will provide much-needed photoelectric emission data for individual dust particles; (2) Infrared optical properties of dust particles: Specifically, we will determines the complex refractive indices, the extinction coefficients, the scattering phase functions, and the polarization properties of single dust grains of interest in interstellar environments, in the 1- 25 micron spectral region; (3) Condensation experiments to investigate the deposition of volatile gases on colder nucleated particles in dense interstellar clouds and lower planetary atmospheres: The measured data will permit determination of the sticking efficiencies of volatile gases of astrophysical interest. Brief descriptions of the experimental setup for the last two classes of experiments will be given. We will present results of measurements of photoelectric emission using 0.2-6.6 micron size silica particles exposed to UV radiation at 120-200 nm and also results of radiation pressure measurements using the same size silica particles and laser light at 5320 Angstrom.

Craven, P. D.↗

A Burst Chasing X-ray Polarimeter

Gamma-ray bursts are one of the most powerful explosions in the universe and have been detected out to distances of almost 13 billion light years. The exact origin of these energetic explosions is still unknown but the resulting huge release of energy is thought to create a highly relativistic jet of material and a power-law distribution of electrons. There are several theories describing the origin of the prompt GRB emission that currently cannot be distinguished. Measurements of the linear polarization would provide unique and important constraints on the mechanisms thought to drive these powerful explosions. We present the design of a sensitive, and extremely versatile gamma-ray burst polarimeter. The instrument is a photoelectric polarimeter based on a time-projection chamber. The photoelectric time-projection technique combines high sensitivity with broad band-pass and is potentially the most powerful method between 2 and 100 keV where the photoelectric effect 1s the dominant interaction process We present measurements of polarized and unpolarized X-rays obtained with a prototype detector and describe the two mission concepts, the Gamma-Ray Burst Polarimeter (GRBP) for thc U S Naval Academy satellite MidSTAR-2, and thc Low Energy Polarimeter (LEP) onboard POET, a broadband polarimetry concept for a small explorer mission.

Hill, Joanne E.↗

A Burst Chasing X-ray Polarimeter

Tihs is a viewgraph presentation of a discussion of the X-ray Polarimeter. Gamma-ray bursts are one of the most powerful explosions in the universe and have been detected out to distances of almost 13 billion light years. The exact origin of these energetic explosions is still unknown but the resulting huge release of energy is thought to create a highly relativistic jet of material and a power-law distribution of electrons. There are several theories describing the origin of the prompt GRB emission that currently cannot be distinguished. Measurements of the linear polarization would provide unique and important constraints on the mechanisms thought to drive these powerful explosions. We present the design of a sensitive, and extremely versatile gamma-ray burst polarimeter. The instrument is a photoelectric polarimeter based on a time-projection chamber. The photoelectric time-projection technique combines high sensitivity with broad band-pass and is potentially the most powerful method between 2 and 100 keV where the photoelectric effect is the dominant interaction process We present measurements of polarized and unpolarized X-rays obtained with a prototype detector and describe the two mission concepts, the Gamma-Ray Burst Polarimeter (GRBP) for thc U S Naval Academy satellite MidSTAR-2, and thc Low Energy Polarimeter (LEP) onboard POET, a broadband polarimetry concept for a small explorer mission.

Hill, Joanne↗

Prototype X-ray and Gamma Detection with Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy

Cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy, or CRES, is a novel approach to measuring the energy of an electron. By trapping a free electron in a high magnetic field, it undergoes cyclotron motion and emits radiofrequency (RF) waves. The frequency of this RF radiation is directly related to the energy of the electron. Because many cycles of the RF emission are recorded, the energy resolution of the CRES system is on the order of a single electron volt. To make a CRES system sensitive to photons, a target gas is used to induce a photoelectric effect, producing the electron that is subsequently trapped. By adding the binding energy of the target atom, the energy of the incident photon may be reconstructed. Using a xenon target gas, photoelectric interactions dominate up to approximately 300 keV, covering not only all atomic shell X-rays of the elements, but many low-lying nuclear states as well, including key transuranic elements related to nuclear security. CRES holds the potential of maintaining single-eV resolution up to this 300-keV range, thereby surpassing current state-of-the-art detectors by a factor of 10-100. The instrumental resolution of the system is limited by the uniformity of the applied magnetic field.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Photometric intensity and polarization measurements of the solar corona.

Use of a satellite photometric observatory (SPO) to measure the solar corona from Miahuatlan, Mexico during the Mar. 7, 1970, total eclipse of the sun. The SPO is equipped with a 24-in. Cassegrainian telescope, a four-channel photoelectric photometer, a Wollaston prism, and a rotating half-wave plate. Simultaneous measurements were made of the two orthogonal components of coronal light in the B and R bands of the UBVRI system. A 1-minute arc aperture was scanned from the lunar disk center out to five solar radii in a series of spirals of gradually increasing radius. For the first time, simultaneous multicolor intensity, degree, and angle of polarization profiles are computed from photoelectric measurements. Comparison of the variations of the measurements for each spiral scan yield a detailed picture of the intensity and polarization features in the K corona.

Mcdougal, D. S.↗

Photoemission from CsI - Calculation.

Calculations of optical and photoemission spectra for CsI based on first-order allowed transitions between Bloch-wave states are discussed. The calculations, utilizing energy-band data for CsI published by Onodera (1968), were performed by computer sampling of regions in the Brillouin zone. The photoelectric spectra of CsI, calculated on the basis of an interpolated band scheme, display features which are in general agreement with the experimentally determined photoelectric energy distribution curves.

Distefano, T. H.↗

Interferometric studies of interstellar CH/+/ molecules.

The work reported consists of interferometric, photoelectric scans in the region of the line at 4232 A in the spectra of 28 stars. An instrumental passband of about 0.014 A was selected for the observations. In comparison with the capabilities of the older methods utilized in particular by Adams, the present method yields a fivefold improvement in spectral resolution, as well as the higher accuracy inherent in photoelectric detection. As a result, the detailed line profiles of individual line components can be recorded rather than only the composite equivalent widths.

Hobbs, L. M.↗

One- and multi-component models of the upper photosphere based on molecular spectra. I - The violet system of CN /0, 0/

Spectroheliograms taken in the CN (0, 0) violet band near 3883 A show very small scale network and cell structures with high contrast. The bandhead itself, which is a broad feature due to overlap of several CN lines, allows the diagnostic simplicity of a continuum since motions, magnetic fields, and broadening mechanisms are unimportant. We have obtained spectroheliograms in the bandhead and center-to-limb photoelectric spectra of CN (0, 0) at Kitt Peak National Observatory. From the photoelectric spectra and a detailed analysis of the formation of the CN (0, 0) spectrum we derive a best-fit one-component upper photospheric model differing from that of the HSRA and recommend a change in solar carbon abundance from the HSRA value.

Mount, G. H.↗

The albedo of Titan

The irradiance of Titan has been measured from 0.50 to 1.08 micron in 30 A bandpasses spaced 0.01 to 0.02 micron apart. Geometric albedos have been computed at the wavelengths of measurement using a standard solar flux distribution after Labs and Neckel (1967). The maximum value of p sub lambda (0) is 0.37 at 0.68, 0.75, and 0.834 micron; the minimum value, in the centers of the strongest methane absorption bands, is 0.10 at 0.887 and 1.012 micron. The brightness of Titan at the time of the present measurements has been compared with that of previous modern photoelectric measurements. Within the apparent consistency of the different photoelectric systems, the brightness of Titan appears to undergo changes with time.

Younkin, R. L.↗

Multiple-slit shadow device for sensing the direction to a shining object

A multi-slit shadow direction sensor of jalousie type (JDS) was developed to provide a simple, highly reliable tracking system to guide a rotating mirror toward the sun so that the reflected light would illuminate the input slit of a photoelectric spectrometer. The operating principle and stability are considered as well as determination of initial signal level at the output of each photosensor. A procedure is recommended for calculation of a JDS. Both one- and two-coordinate sun direction sensors are described and considered for use in the tracking system of a photoelectric spectrometer.

Bruns, A. V.↗

The eclipsing binary CW Eridani

Results of three-color photoelectric observations of CW Eridani are presented which were made with a 30-inch telescope over the three-year period from 1970 to 1973. The times of minima are computed, solutions of the light curves are obtained, and theoretical light curves are computed from the solutions. The period is determined to be 2.72837 days, and the orbital and photoelectric elements are derived from solutions based on the idealized Russell model.

Chen, K.-Y.↗

Times of minima and light curve for V382 Cygni

Five new photoelectrically determined times of minima are given for the massive, double-lined eclipsing binary V382 Cyg. UBV photoelectric observations gathered in the interval 1964-71 are tabulated.

Landolt, A. U.↗

Advances in turbine blade temperature measurements

Radiation pyrometry principles and imaging methods like photography and photoelectric scanning are combined to make accurate research quality temperature measurements on turbine airfoils. Two systems are described for obtaining detailed temperature distribution measurements: an infrared photographic system for stationary vanes and a photoelectric scanning system for rotating blades. An overview is presented outlining the design, calibration methods, and recent test results.

Pollack, F. G.↗

Simultaneous X-ray and optical observations of X Persei

Photoelectric photometry of X Persei was obtained on five out of seven consective nights in January 1975, from the Lick and Leuschner Observatories. The observations yield B = 6.848 + or - 0.002, B-V = 0.139 + or - 0.001, with no strong evidence for variability during the observing run. These are the faintest and bluest photoelectric magnitudes and colors ever reported for X Per; this change apparently occured relatively uniformly during 1973-74 and is reminiscent of behavior last observed in approximately 1900. The suggested association of X Persei with the weak X-ray source 3U 0352+30 raises the possibility of detection of X-ray/optical covariability. On January 21, 1975, 7 hours of data were obtained from both observatories simulataneous with OAO Copernicus X-ray observations of 3U 0352+30. The X-ray data varied during this period by a factor of two, but there is no obviously correspondent optical activity, to a level of 0.02 mag. The optical data are also used to limit to 0.01 mag variations coincident with the X-ray periodicity.

Margon, B.↗

A photometric study of the Orion OB 1 association. 1: Observational data

An extensive catalog of observational data is presented for stars in the region of the young stellar association Orion OB 1. In addition to new photoelectric observations obtained on the uvbyB and UBV systems, photoelectric and spectroscopic data were compiled for the stars observed and for several bright members of the association having available photometric indices. Mean weighted values were computed for the uvbyB and UBV data and are tabulated in summary tables which include all references for individual values. These tables are expected to be reasonably complete for association members earlier than spectral type A0. From an analysis of currently available proper motion, radial velocity, and photometric data, membership criteria were derived and qualitative membership probabilities for 526 stars were summarized. A set of charts is included for assistance in identification of the program stars in all regions of the association.

Warren, W. H., Jr.↗