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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11

High spatial resolution 10 micron imaging of IRC + 10216

Precise high-resolution 10-micron images of the carbon star IRC + 10216 have been obtained with a scanned linear array. The low noise and high dynamic range of these images permit deconvolution of the telescope point-spread function, revealing the radial brightness distribution of the circumstellar dust shell: approximate reflection symmetry is found in west-east scans, with a distinct division into two components of diameter about 0.40 and 2.2 arcsec. It is shown that this morphology is consistent with published interferometric data that had cast doubt upon an earlier, idealized two-component model. The observed brightness distribution implies that the circumstellar dust density may deviate substantially from the 1/r squared radial dependence expected for spherically symmetric outflow with constant velocity and constant rate of mass loss.

Bloemhof, E. E.↗

High-resolution microwave spectra of solar bursts

A phenomenological and statistical study of flares observed in total power with the frequency-agile interferometer at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory during several months of high solar activity in 1981 is reported. Roughly 80 percent of the events have a complex spectrum consisting of more than one spectral component, implying that the microwave radiation of a burst usually does not come from a single homogeneous source. The presence of more than one component can lead to significant errors when data with low spectral resolution are used to determine the low-side spectral index. The low-frequency slope of a single spectra component is often steeper than expected, and the peak frequency stays nearly constant throughout a microwave event.

Stahli, M.↗

The hot DOA1 degenerate HZ 21 - A search for circumstellar/photospheric metals and peculiar absorption at He II

A high-resolution IUE spectrum of the hot DO1 degenerate HZ 21 was obtained by combining US1 + European 2 low-background observing shifts. The SWP image reveals a rich spectrum of interstellar absorption lines with an average velocity in the line of sight to HZ 21 of -30 km/s. However, there is no clear evidence of any highly or lowly ionized metal features which could be attributed to circumstellar, wind, or photospheric absorption. There is, however, a broad absorption trough at He II (1640) which was not unexpected, given the clear presence of He II (4686) absorption in this star's optical spectrum. The velocity width of He II (1640) appears consistent with photospheric absorption wings which appear to flank the geocoronal Ly-alpha emission feature. The He II (1640) feature reveals what appears to be a broad (310 km/s) emission reversal. Evidence is provided that the emission reversal is probably real.

Fritz, M. L.↗

The discrete nature of circumstellar OH maser emission

The Arecibo radio telescope was used to obtain high-resolution, high-SNR 1612-MHz observations of seven circumstellar OH maser sources. Each spectrum displays the double-peaked emission line profile characteristics of an expanding shell. The jaggedness of the spectra, which varies from source to source, is consistent with statistical fluctuations in the number of discrete emitting elements contributing at a given velocity. In particular, it is found that the spectra of WX Psc and OH 53.6-0.2 contain narrow, weak, isolated emission features which may arise from individual emitting elements.

Zell, Philip J.↗

Ultraviolet gas absorption and dust extinction toward M8

Interstellar absorption lines are analyzed using high-resolution IUE spectra of 11 stars in the young cluster NGC 6530 located in the M8 region. High-velocity clouds at -35 km/s and -60 km/s are seen toward all cluster stars. The components arise in gases that are part of large interstellar bubbles centered on the cluster and driven by stellar winds of the most luminous members. Absorption lines of species of different ionization states are separated in velocity. The velocity stratification is best explained as a 'champagne' flow of ionized gas away from the cluster. The C IV/Si IV ratios toward the hotter cluster members are consistent with simple photoionization models if the gas-phase C/Si ratio is increased by preferential accretion onto dust grains. High ion column densities in the central cluster decline with distance from W93, suggesting that radiation from a hot source near W93 has photoionized gas in the central cluster.

Boggs, Don↗

The radio to X-ray spectrum of the M87 jet and nucleus

Einstein Observatory high-resolution imager data are used in conjunction with recent radio and optical observations to examine the morphology of the M87 jet; IR and UV data from the literature are then employed to construct X-ray spectra for the jet and nucleus, allowing the isolation of new features in the X-ray images which are associable with the radio/optical knots B and D. The synchrotron mechanism is suggested to be the originator of the jet X-ray emission, despite its entailment of very high energy electrons with short lifetimes. Optical data for the nucleus are consistent with the presence of an unresolved blue continuum source, implying a spectrum similar to that of the jet except at high RFs.

Biretta, J. A.↗

Silicon dioxide with a silicon interfacial layer as an insulating gate for highly stable indium phosphide metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistors

A novel gate insulator consisting of silicon dioxide (SiO2) with a thin silicon (Si) interfacial layer has been investigated for high-power microwave indium phosphide (InP) metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistors (MISFETs). The role of the silicon interfacial layer on the chemical nature of the SiO2/Si/InP interface was studied by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that the silicon interfacial layer reacted with the native oxide at the InP surface, thus producing silicon dioxide, while reducing the native oxide which has been shown to be responsible for the instabilities in InP MISFETs. While a 1.2-V hysteresis was present in the capacitance-voltage (C-V) curve of the MIS capacitors with silicon dioxide, less than 0.1 V hysteresis was observed in the C-V curve of the capacitors with the silicon interfacial layer incorporated in the insulator. InP MISFETs fabricated with the silicon dioxide in combination with the silicon interfacial layer exhibited excellent stability with drain current drift of less than 3 percent in 10,000 sec, as compared to 15-18 percent drift in 10,000 sec for devices without the silicon interfacial layer. High-power microwave InP MISFETs with Si/SiO2 gate insulators resulted in an output power density of 1.75 W/mm gate width at 9.7 GHz, with an associated power gain of 2.5 dB and 24 percent power added efficiency.

Kapoor, V. J.↗

Probing shock models of CH(+) formation

High-resolution, high SNR observations of CH and CH(+) toward Zeta Oph, Xi Per, and P Cyg are used to test several predictions of shock models of molecule formation. The predicted differences between the CH and HCH(+) heliocentric velocities of the magnitude produced by the shock theories are not found in any of the three stars. toward Zeta Oph and Xi Per, no difference is found, based on high-quality data, between the observed CH(+) lie profiles and a Gaussian function which would be expected as a result of shock structure. Gaussian line width parameters of CH(+) lines toward Zeta Oph and Xi Per are broad as predicted by shock models are consistent with previous measurements. These observations yield only weak evidence in favor of the predictions of shock models of molecule formation.

Hawkins, Isabel↗

First results from the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph - The Galactic halo and the Ly-alpha forest at low redshift in 3C 273

Results of initial spectroscopy using the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph and the Hubble Space Telescope on the bright low-redshift quasar 3C 273 are presented. Absorption lines produced by gas in the disk and halo of the Galaxy from numerous neutral and weakly ionized atoms and also from highly ionized atoms are detected. The detection of N v provides additional strong support for the existence of gas with T about 200,000 K at large distances away from the disk of the Galaxy. Ten absorption lines with EW greater than 50 mA, and four possible lines with EW between 25 and 50 mA, are also found in the region between 1235 and 1406 A. These cannot be identified with any lines in the galactic interstellar medium and must therefore all be Ly-alpha systems at very low redshifts. This number of lines is 5-10 times larger than expected from a simple extrapolation of the high-redshift evolution derived from ground-based observations and is consistent with no evolution in cloud properties since z = 2.

Morris, Simon L.↗

IUE investigation of mass flow in the interacting binary U Sagittae

Fifteen far-UV and 13 mid-UV high-resolution spectra of the interacting Algol-type binary U Sagittae have been obtained with the IUE satellite. The resonance lines of Si IV and C IV are present in absorption of moderate strength at all phases. At several phases, weak absorption due to the N V resonance lines is present. The high-temperature pseudophotospheric region which is found surrounding the equatorial regions of the primary star in all active Algol-type binaries is present in U Sge, indicating that it is not as dormant as once believed. This is also consistent with recent ground-based studies.

Mccluskey, George E., Jr.↗

The nucleus of M32 at 0.2 arcsec resolution

High-resolution multicolor CCD images of the nucleus of M32 obtained with the image-stabilization high-resolution camera on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope are analyzed. Results confirm the central flattening of the surface brightness profile of M32, as indicated by the lower-resolution photometry of Tonry (1987) and Michard and Nieto (1991). The central slope of the deconvolved surface brightness profile of M32 is consistent with a range of power-law index gamma between values of -0.8 and 0.

Lugger, Phyllis M.↗

High-resolution VLBA imaging of the radio source Sgr A* at the Galactic Centre

Images of Sgr* A with milliarcsecond resolution obtained by using five telescopes of the partially completed Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) in conjunction with a few additional telescopes are presented. The image of Sgr A* at a wavelength of 3.6 cm confirms almost exactly the elliptical Gaussian model that has been proposed on the basis of previous data. The source size at 1.34 cm wavelength is 2.4 +/- 0.2 mas, similar to previous results. At both wavelengths, the radio source is smooth, without detectable fine structure. These observations support the suggestion that the radio emission from Sgr A* is strongly scattered by electron-density fluctuations along the line of sight. On the assumption that the emission is due to a black hole accreting stellar winds from massive stars in the central 0.5 pc, the observations are consistent with a black hole mass of less than about 2 million solar masses.

Lo, K. Y.↗

High-resolution absorption cross section measurements of carbon monoxide at 20 K between 96.7 and 98.8 nanometers

Photoabsorption cross sections for five CO bands, at wavelengths between 96.7 and 98.8 nm, have been measured at high-resolution in a supersonic jet-cooled source at the Photon Factory synchrotron facility. New integrated cross sections are reported for the K-X, L(prime)-X, and L-X bands. Low-temperature spectra of the J-X and W-X bands, which were used in the determination of the absorbing CO column densities, are also presented. The rotational structures of the K-X, L(prime)-X, and L-X bands do not overlap in the low-temperature spectra, allowing for the first unambiguous determination of these band oscillator strengths. We also report revised room temperature measurements of integrated cross sections for the K-X, L(prime)-X, and L-X bands, in which distortions in the measured spectra due to insufficient instrumental resolution have been minimized; the revised room temperature integrated cross sections are consistent with the low-temperature results.

Stark, G.↗

AVIRIS calibration and application in coastal oceanic environments

The Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) is a test-bed for future spacecraft sensors such as the High-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer and the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometers planned for the Earth Observing System. To use this sensor for ocean applications, S/N was increased by spatial averaging of images. Post-flight recalibration was accomplished using in situ the water-leaving radiance measured at flight time, modeling radiance transmission to the aircraft, and adding modeled atmospheric radiance to that value. The preflight calibration curve was then adjusted until aircraft and modeled total radiance values matched. Water-leaving radiance values from the recalibrated AVIRIS imagery were consistent with in situ data supporting the validity of the approach. Imagery of the absorption coefficient at 415 nm and backscattering coefficient at 671 nm were used to depict the dissolved and particulate constituents of an ebb-tidal esturance plume on the East coast of Florida.

Carder, Kendall L.↗

Long-Term Trends in the Concentrations of SF6, CHClF2, and COF2 in the Lower Stratosphere from Analysis of High-Resolution Infrared Solar Occultation Spectra

Long-term trends in the concentrations of SF6, CHClF2 (CFC-22), and COF2 in the lower stratosphere have been derived from analysis of ca. 1980 and more recent infrared solar occultation spectra recorded near 32 deg N latitude at approx. 0.02/ cm resolution. Consistent sets of line parameters and spectral calibration methods have been used in the retrievals to minimize systematic error effects. Quoted error limits are 1 sigma estimated precisions. The SF6 and CHClF2 results are based on spectra recorded by balloon-borne interferometers in March 1981 and June 1988 and a comparison of these results with the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) Experiment/Spacelab 3 measurements obtained in May 1985 near 30 deg N latitude. In the 13-18 km altitude range the mean measured SF6 mixing ratio in parts per trillion by volume (pptv) increased from 1.17 +/- 0.21 in March 1981 to 2.02 +/- 0.20 pptv in June 1988, and the CHClF2 mixing ratio below 15 km altitude increased from 51 +/- 8 pptv in March 1981 to 102 +/- 10 pptv in June 1988. The CHClF2 retrievals used new empirical CHClF2 line parameters derived from 0.03/cm resolution laboratory spectra recorded at six temperatures between 203 and 293 K; the derived mixing ratios are approx. 30% higher than obtained with earlier sets of line parameters, thereby removing a large discrepancy noted previously between IR and in situ measurements of CHClF2. Assuming an exponential growth model for fitting the trends, SF6 and CHClF2 mean increase rates of 7.4% +/- 1.9% and 9.4% +/- 1.3% /year, are obtained, respectively, which correspond to cumulative increases by factors of approx. 1.7 and -2.0 in the concentrations of these gases over the 7.2-year measurement period. Analysis of spectra recorded in October 1979 and April 1989 yields COF2 volume mixing ratios that are respectively 0.44 +/- 0.17 and 1.21 +/- 0.24 times the ATMOS/Spacelab 3 values, from which an average COF2 increase rate of 10.3 +/- 1.8%/ year over this time period has been estimated. The present results are compared with previously reported observations and trends and with one-dimensional model calculations. The model calculated trends are in reasonably good agreement with the observations.

Rinsland, C. P.↗

Rapid, bilateral changes in growth rate and curvature during gravitropism of cucumber hypocotyls: implications for mechanism of growth control

The growth response of etiolated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) hypocotyls to gravitropic stimulation was examined by means of time-lapse photography and high-resolution analysis of surface expansion and curvature. In comparison with video analysis, the technique described here has five- to 20-fold better resolution; moreover, the mathematical fitting method (cubic splines) allows direct estimation of local and integrated curvature. After switching seedlings from a vertical to horizontal position, both upper and lower surfaces of the stem reacted after a lag of about 11 min with a two- to three-fold increase in surface expansion rate on the lower side and a cessation of expansion, or slight compression, on the upper surface. This growth asymmetry was initiated simultaneously along the length of the hypocotyl, on both upper and lower surfaces, and did not migrate basipetally from the apex. Later stages in the gravitropic response involved a complex reversal of the growth asymmetry, with the net result being a basipetal migration of the curved region. This secondary growth reversal may reflect oscillatory and/or self-regulatory behaviour of growing cells. With some qualifications, the kinetics and pattern of growth response are consistent with a mechanism involving hormone redistribution, although they do not prove such a mechanism. The growth kinetics require a growth mechanism which can be stimulated by two- to three-fold or completely inhibited within a few minutes.

Non-NASA Center↗

Air-Broadened Line Shapes in the 2n3 R Branch of 12ch4 Between 6014 and 6100 cm-1

Complete and accurate information on line shape parameters of 2?3 methane transitions for air broadening as a function of temperature is critical not only for the correct interpretation of the observed atmospheric spectra but also for the development of a reliable theoretical model. For this reason, we obtained a series of high-resolution, high S/N spectra of high-purity 12CH4 and 12CH4 broadened with dry air at temperatures in the 130 to 295 K range using the Bruker IFS 125HR Fourier transform spectrometer at JPL. Two absorption cells were used in the experiment, a White cell with path length of 13 m for room temperature spectra and a 21 m Herriott cella for cold sample spectra. The 15 spectra used in the analysis consisted of 3 low pressure (0.26 to 2.57 Torr) spectra with pure 12CH4 and 12 air-broadened spectra with total sample pressures of 79-805 Torr and volume mixing ratios of methane between 0.23 and 1%. A multispectrum least-squares fitting techniqueb was employed to fit all 15 spectra simultaneously. Preliminary results for select R(J) manifolds will be presented.

V Malathy Devi↗

Molecular Inventory and Comparative Organic Profiling of A Homogenized Aggregate Sample From Asteroid (101955) Bennu

Evaluating the distribution and diversity of solvent-soluble organic molecules in extraterrestrial materials provide information about the physicochemical environments where prebiotic chemistry occurred and is essential for assessing the inventory of prebiotic compounds available to the early Earth. In this work, we conducted a comprehensive molecular characterization of solvent-soluble organic compounds in a homogenized aggregate sample (ID: OREX-800107-128) of unsorted regolith from asteroid (101955) Bennu returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. Using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-HRMS), we identified 87 organic compounds across several molecular classes, including alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen-, oxygen-, and sulfur-bearing species. Comparison with the organic inventory of CI (Orgueil), C2-ungrouped (Tagish Lake and Tarda), and CM2 (Murchison) carbonaceous chondrites revealed that Bennu sample OREX-800107-128 is most similar to Tagish Lake and Tarda yet compositionally distinct from all of these meteorites. This Bennu sample exhibits a relatively high abundance of low-molecular-weight aromatics (e.g., toluene), pyridine derivatives, and sulfur species such as dimethyl sulfite, consistent with episodic low-temperature aqueous alteration. The presence of these organic compounds suggests that this material experienced chemically diverse processes in the parent body conducive to complex organic synthesis, including aldol condensation reactions responsible for N- and O-bearing compounds. We also compared the molecular distributions of this Bennu sample and previously analyzed samples from (162173) Ryugu to assess potential common origins between these two carbonaceous asteroids. Bennu shows more chemically diverse and nitrogen-rich organic materials than Ryugu. While both asteroids share broadly similar primitive compositions, the observed chemical differences indicate distinct evolutionary histories within a likely common formation environment though whether Bennu and Ryugu derive from a single compositionally heterogeneous parent body or from multiple closely related progenitors remains unresolved. Further detailed comparative analyses of material from Bennu, Ryugu, and specific carbonaceous meteorites (e.g., Tagish Lake and Tarda) will provide new insights into how the N-rich molecular profile observed in Bennu samples was formed and evolved in the outer Solar System.

sample return↗