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At least 199 records · Page 11

A 1.2 meter balloon-borne telescope for a submillimeter wave sky survey

A balloon-borne, 1.2 meter Cassegrain telescope designed for diffraction-limited imagery at 100 microns is being developed for a survey of the Galactic plane at submillimeter wavelengths. The telescope pointing system is servocontrolled using a gyroscope for the primary stabilization reference. Extensive use is made of microprocessors for flight sequencing, pointing control and stabilization, and telemetry formatting. A description of the telescope, helium-cooled detectors, and the orientation subsystems are presented together with a brief discussion of the proposed astronomical observations.

Silverberg, R. F.↗

Submillimeter, millimeter, and microwave spectral line catalogue

A computer accessible catalogue of submillimeter, millimeter, and microwave spectral lines in the frequency range between O and 3000 GHz (such as; wavelengths longer than 100 m) is discussed. The catalogue was used as a planning guide and as an aid in the identification and analysis of observed spectral lines. The information listed for each spectral line includes the frequency and its estimated error, the intensity, lower state energy, and quantum number assignment. The catalogue was constructed by using theoretical least squares fits of published spectral lines to accepted molecular models. The associated predictions and their estimated errors are based upon the resultant fitted parameters and their covariances.

Poynter, R. L.↗

Submillimeter local oscillators for heterodyne spectroscopy

The major technological innovations in continuous wave (CW) submillimeter sources which are specifically suitable for application as local oscillators in heterodyne systems are reviewed. A description of the various sources is given which underscores the general principles and operating features for each type of device. Particular emphasis is placed on CW optically pumped lasers, which have had a dramatic impact as widely available sources of narrow linewidth coherent radiation. The state-of-the-art is summarized for these lasers and performance data are presented for several local oscillator packages. Optically pumped lasers are then compared and contrasted with other competing sources such as backward wave oscillators, IMPATT diodes, and Josephson junctions. By comparing their advantages and limitations for use as local oscillators, the potential applications of these different sources are projected. The prospects for increased tunability, reliability, and scalability are briefly considered, and several novel techniques for generating partially tunable radiation using Schottky diode mixers or CW Raman lasers are highlighted.

Danielewicz, E. J., Jr.↗

Projected noise in submillimeter-wave mixers with InSb Schottky diodes

The reduction of the equivalent noise temperature in liquid-nitrogen-cooled submillimeter-wave mixers by the use of Schottky barriers on InSb instead of GaAs is evaluated by an analytical model that assumes limited local oscillator power and matched impedances. The calculations, executed at 1.0 and 1.8 THz, take plasma resonance and skin effect into account. For single and multiple contacts on homogeneous semiconductor materials of optimum doping, the noise of InSb diodes is smaller than that of GaAs diodes by a factor of 3 to 14. A simplified model is used to predict the performance of epitaxial structures as well as alternative materials.

Lieneweg, U.↗

Submillimeter-wave properties of thermospheric rocket plumes

The problem of detecting rocket plumes at thermospheric altitudes with satellite-borne submillimeter-wave radiometers is examined theoretically. To estimate the sizes of plume signatures contrasted against a 250-K earth background or in self-emission against the cold sky, a computer program has been developed to predict plume brightness temperatures and optical depths of rotational lines of plume molecular constituents (e.g., H2O) as a function of distance from the nozzle. The methods employed in the computations are described in general terms, and examples are presented to indicate that detectable H2O signatures extending to several thousand nozzle diameters should exist at plume altitudes above 250 km.

Litvak, M. M.↗

Submillimeter, millimeter, and microwave spectral line catalogue

A computer accessible catalogue of submillimeter, millimeter and microwave spectral lines in the frequency range between 0 and 3000 GHZ (i.e., wavelengths longer than 100 mu m) is presented which can be used a planning guide or as an aid in the identification and analysis of observed spectral lines. The information listed for each spectral line includes the frequency and its estimated error, the intensity, lower state energy, and quantum number assignment. The catalogue was constructed by using theoretical least squares fits of published spectral lines to accepted molecular models. The associated predictions and their estimated errors are based upon the resultant fitted parameters and their covariances. Future versions of this catalogue will add more atoms and molecules and update the present listings (133 species) as new data appear. The catalogue is available as a magnetic tape recorded in card images and as a set of microfiche records.

Poynter, R. L.↗

A large-aperture space telescope for infrared and submillimeter astronomy

The Large Aperture Telescope (LAT), which will have a diameter of 10-30 m and will operate in the 2-1000 micron wavelength range, is described. It is noted that the LAT could be carried into orbit with a single launch of the Space Transportation System and semiautomatically deployed as a free flyer with a nominal 10-yr mission duration. Servicing and instrument changes would be made at 2-yr intervals. It is pointed out that the LAT would have to be placed above the earth's atmosphere to avoid both the absorption that occurs through much of the infrared and submillimeter and the turbulence which limits spatial resolution. Important technical considerations for the LAT are discussed; they include the telescope optical form, the primary mirror material, figure control techniques, the deployment techniques, and thermal control. The science objectives and rationale for the LAT are discussed and various hardware techniques and concepts for its implementation are described.

Murphy, J. P.↗

Millimeter and submillimeter spectra of HCO/+/ and DCO/+/

The J = 0-1 transitions of six different isotopic forms of the HCO(+) molecular ion, which were investigated by Woods et al. (1975), are considered. The extension of this work into the shorter millimeter and submillimeter region is reported here, as is the measurement of these spectra through J = 4-5 for HCO(+) and J = 5-6 for DCO(+). It is noted that these measurements can be used to determine accurate rotational constants and rest frequencies for these astrophysically important species. Tables listing the observed rotational constants and spectral constants of HCO(+) and DCO(+) are included.

Sastry, K. V. L. N.↗

Integrated Submillimeter-Wave Mixer

Indium arsenide Schottky-Barrier diodes in gallium antimonide substrate mix submillimeter waves, producing much lower frequency output. Integrated diode array has relatively-high signal-to-noise ratio and wide frequency band. Operates at moderate cryogenic temperatures (100 K).

Maserjian, J.↗

Generation of a strong core centering force in a submillimeter compound droplet system

By amplitude-modulating the driving voltage of an acoustic levitating apparatus, a strong core centering force was generated in a submillimeter compound droplet system suspended by the radiation pressure in a gaseous medium. Depending on the acoustic characteristics of the droplet system, it was found that the technique can be utilized advantageously in the multiple-layer coating of an inertial confinement fusion pellet.

Lee, M. C.↗

Far-infrared and submillimeter observations of Barnard 35 - Heat sources for bright-rimmed molecular clouds

Far-infrared and submillimeter continuum observations of a region of enhanced gas temperature in Barnard 35 are presented which were obtained in a study of dust and gas energetics in the bright-rimmed molecular cloud. Observations were obtained with the 90-cm telescope on board the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory, together with ground-based observations of the CO lines. The spectrum is found to correspond to a dust temperature of 10 + or - 5 K. A total dust luminosity of about 69 solar luminosities is estimated for the cloud, which may easily be supplied by stellar radiation from the background field or the Lambda Ori cluster. Observations of CO emission at 2.7 mm indicate a gas temperature of 23.4 + or - 3.5 K. The difference between the gas and dust temperatures confirms earlier suggestions that the gas and dust are not in thermal equilibrium and that gas-dust collisions are not the heat source for the molecular gas, however the actual source of the molecular gas heating remains uncertain.

Lada, C. J.↗

Laboratory millimeter and submillimeter spectrum of CCH

The laboratory millimeter and submillimeter spectrum of the interstellar radical CCH has been observed and measured in the 174-350 GHz region. The fitted spectral constants are in excellent agreement with those determined from radioastronomical measurement.

Sastry, K. V. L. N.↗

Acoustic levitating apparatus for submillimeter samples

A hemispherical focusing radiator has been employed to generate ultrahigh intensity sound waves in a gaseous medium at the center of curvature of the radiator (focal point) at 75, 107, and 163 kHz. A volumetric force is produced by optimally placing a reflector in the vicinity of the focal point to levitate samples of submillimeter sizes. It has been demonstrated that a sample with a specific gravity of 19.3 can be levitated with this apparatus. The lateral positional wandering of the sample in the force well is estimated at less than 5% of the dimension of the sample size used.

Lee, M. C.↗

Application of an ultrasonic focusing radiator for acoustic levitation of submillimeter samples

An acoustic apparatus has been specifically developed to handle samples of submillimeter size in a gaseous medium. This apparatus consists of an acoustic levitation device, deployment devices for small liquid and solid samples, heat sources for sample heat treatment, acoustic alignment devices, a cooling system and data-acquisition instrumentation. The levitation device includes a spherical aluminum dish of 12 in. diameter and 0.6 in. thickness, 130 pieces of PZT transducers attached to the back side of the dish and a spherical concave reflector situated in the vicinity of the center of curvature of the dish. The three lowest operating frequencies for the focusing-radiator levitation device are 75, 105 and 163 kHz, respectively. In comparison with other levitation apparatus, it possesses a large radiation pressure and a high lateral positional stability. This apparatus can be used most advantageously in the study of droplets and spherical shell systems, for instance, for fusion target applications.

Lee, M. C.↗

InSb heterodyne receivers for submillimeter astronomy

InSb hot electron bolometer mixer receivers have been developed for submillimeter line studies of the interstellar medium up to about 500 GHz. The receivers have been used aboard the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory which is transported to about 12,000 km by a C141 aircraft. Data have been obtained on new interstellar lines (such as the ground-state fine structure transition of atomic carbon at 492 GHz) and such molecular transitions as carbon monoxide and water. Other data were obtained at ground level using the 5-cm Hale telescope at Mount Palomar and the NASA Infrared Telescope facility at Mauna Kea, HI. The heterodyne bolometers have reached noise temperatures of less than 400 K at all frequencies to 500 GHz.

Phillips, T. G.↗

The Orion Nebula - Large-scale distribution of far-infrared and submillimeter line emission

Attention is given to the results of a study of radiative cooling in the interstellar clouds of the Orion Nebula through the emission of far-IR and submillimeter radiation. That the gas is 'clumpy' in the ionized region of the nebula is indicated by the far-IR observations of doubly ionized oxygen. With respect to the edges of the ionized region, the excitation temperature for the 3P1 state is 228 K and the observed emission can be plausibly associated with either ionization or shock fronts at the interface between the ionized and neutral region. Consideration is also given to the possibility of an ionized carbon halo, the turbulent state of the molecular cloud, and the need for further laboratory and theoretical analyses.

Harwit, M.↗