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At least 253 records · Page 14

Issues in Absolute Spectral Radiometric Calibration: Intercomparison of Eight Sources

The application of atmospheric models to AVIRIS and other spectral imaging data to derive surface reflectance requires that the sensor output be calibrated to absolute radiance. Uncertainties in absolute calibration are to be expected, and claims of 92% accuracy have been published. Measurements of accurate surface albedos and cloud absorption to be used in radiative balance calculations depend critically on knowing the absolute spectral-radiometric response of the sensor. The Earth Observing System project is implementing a rigorous program of absolute radiometric calibration for all optical sensors. Since a number of imaging instruments that provide output in terms of absolute radiance are calibrated at different sites, it is important to determine the errors that can be expected among calibration sites. Another question exists about the errors in the absolute knowledge of the exoatmospheric spectral solar irradiance.

Goetz, Alexander F. H.↗

Cirrus cloud characteristics derived from volume imaging lidar, high spectral resolution lidar, HIS radiometer, and satellite

Preliminary measurement results are presented from the Cirrus Remote Sensing Pilot Experiment which used a unique suite of instruments to simultaneously retrieve cirrus cloud visible and IR optical properties, while addressing the disparities between satellite volume averages and local point measurements. The experiment employed a ground-based high resolution interferometer sounder (HIS) and a second Fourier transform spectrometer to measure the spectral radiance in the 4-20 micron band, a correlated high spectral resolution lidar, a volume imaging lidar, a CLASS radiosonde system, the Scripps Whole Sky Imager, and multispectral VAS, HIRS, and AVHRR satellite data from polar orbiting and geostationary satellites. Data acquired during the month long experiment included continuous daytime monitoring with the Whole Sky Imager.

Grund, Christian J.↗

Cirrus structure and radiative parameters from airborne lidar and spectral radiometer observations - The 28 October 1986 FIRE study

A description is presented of cirrus based on results from a FIRE observation flight in central Wisconsin on October 28, 1986. Cirrus structure and radiative parameters as determined by the ER-2 lidar and imaging spectral radiometers are presented. From the lidar observations a complex structure was shown with differing cloud layers extending over six kilometers of altitude range. Both thin and dense cirrus layers were present and mixed phase clouds were found at lower altitudes. As indicated by the cloud structure, precipitation of crystals from high, but vertically thin, layers produces a significant fraction of the lower cirrus. Multiple layers should be considered as normal for cirrus formations. It is noted that the cloud height is an important factor for satellite cloud retrievals and cloud climatology.

Spinhirne, James D.↗

XUV results from Skylab

The extreme ultraviolet spectroheliograph of the Skylab-ATM experiment S082A recorded 1000 exposures during the mission, covering the wavelength range from 171 to 335 A or from 315 to 630 A. Each exposure recorded a spectrum of solar images with spatial resolution reaching 2 arc sec. Among the features observed were the chromospheric network, filaments, active regions, XUV bright points, the limb, spicules, prominences, coronal holes, and loops. During the mission, a number of flares were photographed; the images showed the changing form of a flare in different lines from the chromosphere to the corona as well as how this form changed during the course of the flare. The spectral images of a number of eruptive prominences were also recorded.

Tousey, R.↗

Analysis of ER-2 radiometer and lidar observations from the 1987 marine stratus experiment

Extensive remote sensing observations of marine stratus clouds were acquired from the NASA ER-2 aircraft during the 1987 FIRE stratus field experiment. The observations included high spatial resolution imaging radiometry at eighteen wavelengths and active lidar cloud top profiling. Analysis of these data can provide results to both enhance and extend aircraft in-situ cloud physics observations. For the spectral imaging radiometry observations of the marine stratus, a potentially useful result was obtained. For near infrared wavelengths, a large number of the bidirectional reflectance observations included persistent and significant single scattering features. With few exceptions, the features were not correspondingly observed at visible wavelengths. An initial comparison to direct cloud physics measurements give a good agreement (Spinhirne and Nakajima, 1989). The analysis of lidar returns from marine stratus cloud tops were shown to be potentially valuable for study of the microphysical and dynamic characteristics of the clouds (Boers et al., 1988, Spinhirne et al., 1989). Analysis involving cloud top water content and height spectra was applied to some of the extensive lidar observations of the 1987 field experiment. Derivation of cloud top radiative parameters and comparison to in-situ observations are planned.

Spinhirne, James D.↗

Tip-Enhanced Multipolar Raman Scattering

We record nanoscale chemical images of thiobenzonitrile (TBN)-functionalized plasmonic gold nanocubes via tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The spatially averaged optical response is dominated by conventional (dipolar) TERS scattering from TBN but also contains weaker spectral signatures in the 1225-1500 cm-1 region. The weak optical signatures dominate some of the recorded single pixel spectra. We can uniquely assign these Raman forbidden transitions to multipolar Raman scattering, which implicates spatially varying enhanced electric field gradients at plasmonic tip-sample nanojunctions. Specifically, we can assign observations of tip-enhanced electric dipole-magnetic dipole as well as electric dipole-electric quadrupole driven transitions. These signals need to be understood and accounted for in the interpretation of TERS spectral images, particularly in on-going quests aimed at chemical reaction mapping via TERS.

Wang, Chih-Feng↗

Resolution-enhanced Mapping Spectrometer

A familiar mapping spectrometer implementation utilizes two dimensional detector arrays with spectral dispersion along one direction and spatial along the other. Spectral images are formed by spatially scanning across the scene (i.e., push-broom scanning). For imaging grating and prism spectrometers, the slit is perpendicular to the spatial scan direction. For spectrometers utilizing linearly variable focal-plane-mounted filters the spatial scan direction is perpendicular to the direction of spectral variation. These spectrometers share the common limitation that the number of spectral resolution elements is given by the number of pixels along the spectral (or dispersive) direction. Resolution enhancement by first passing the light input to the spectrometer through a scanned etalon or Michelson is discussed. Thus, while a detector element is scanned through a spatial resolution element of the scene, it is also temporally sampled. The analysis for all the pixels in the dispersive direction is addressed. Several specific examples are discussed. The alternate use of a Michelson for the same enhancement purpose is also discussed. Suitable for weight constrained deep space missions, hardware systems were developed including actuators, sensor, and electronics such that low-resolution etalons with performance required for implementation would weigh less than one pound.

Kumer, J. B.↗

Pre-Hardware Optimization and Implementation Of Fast Optics Closed Control Loop Algorithms

One of the main heritage tools used in scientific and engineering data spectrum analysis is the Fourier Integral Transform and its high performance digital equivalent - the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The FFT is particularly useful in two-dimensional (2-D) image processing (FFT2) within optical systems control. However, timing constraints of a fast optics closed control loop would require a supercomputer to run the software implementation of the FFT2 and its inverse, as well as other image processing representative algorithm, such as numerical image folding and fringe feature extraction. A laboratory supercomputer is not always available even for ground operations and is not feasible for a night project. However, the computationally intensive algorithms still warrant alternative implementation using reconfigurable computing technologies (RC) such as Digital Signal Processors (DSP) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), which provide low cost compact super-computing capabilities. We present a new RC hardware implementation and utilization architecture that significantly reduces the computational complexity of a few basic image-processing algorithm, such as FFT2, image folding and phase diversity for the NASA Solar Viewing Interferometer Prototype (SVIP) using a cluster of DSPs and FPGAs. The DSP cluster utilization architecture also assures avoidance of a single point of failure, while using commercially available hardware. This, combined with the control algorithms pre-hardware optimization, or the first time allows construction of image-based 800 Hertz (Hz) optics closed control loops on-board a spacecraft, based on the SVIP ground instrument. That spacecraft is the proposed Earth Atmosphere Solar Occultation Imager (EASI) to study greenhouse gases CO2, C2H, H2O, O3, O2, N2O from Lagrange-2 point in space. This paper provides an advanced insight into a new type of science capabilities for future space exploration missions based on on-board image processing for control and for robotics missions using vision sensors. It presents a top-level description of technologies required for the design and construction of SVIP and EASI and to advance the spatial-spectral imaging and large-scale space interferometry science and engineering.

Kizhner, Semion↗

Using dark current data to estimate AVIRIS noise covariance and improve spectral analyses

Starting in 1994, all AVIRIS data distributions include a new product useful for quantification and modeling of the noise in the reported radiance data. The 'postcal' file contains approximately 100 lines of dark current data collected at the end of each data acquisition run. In essence this is a regular spectral-image cube, with 614 samples, 100 lines and 224 channels, collected with a closed shutter. Since there is no incident radiance signal, the recorded DN measure only the DC signal level and the noise in the system. Similar dark current measurements, made at the end of each line are used, with a 100 line moving average, to remove the DC signal offset. Therefore, the pixel-by-pixel fluctuations about the mean of this dark current image provide an excellent model for the additive noise that is present in AVIRIS reported radiance data. The 61,400 dark current spectra can be used to calculate the noise levels in each channel and the noise covariance matrix. Both of these noise parameters should be used to improve spectral processing techniques. Some processing techniques, such as spectral curve fitting, will benefit from a robust estimate of the channel-dependent noise levels. Other techniques, such as automated unmixing and classification, will be improved by the stable and scene-independence noise covariance estimate. Future imaging spectrometry systems should have a similar ability to record dark current data, permitting this noise characterization and modeling.

Boardman, Joseph W.↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Mars: Remote Sensing and Terrestrial Analogs

The session "Mars: Remote Sensing and Terrestrial Analogs" included the following:Physical Meaning of the Hapke Parameter for Macroscopic Roughness: Experimental Determination for Planetary Regolith Surface Analogs and Numerical Approach; Near-Infrared Spectra of Martian Pyroxene Separates: First Results from Mars Spectroscopy Consortium; Anomalous Spectra of High-Ca Pyroxenes: Correlation Between Ir and M ssbauer Patterns; THEMIS-IR Emissivity Spectrum of a Large Dark Streak near Olympus Mons; Geomorphologic/Thermophysical Mapping of the Athabasca Region, Mars, Using THEMIS Infrared Imaging; Mars Thermal Inertia from THEMIS Data; Multispectral Analysis Methods for Mapping Aqueous Mineral Depostis in Proposed Paleolake Basins on Mars Using THEMIS Data; Joint Analysis of Mars Odyssey THEMIS Visible and Infrared Images: A Magic Airbrush for Qualitative and Quantitative Morphology; Analysis of Mars Thermal Emission Spectrometer Data Using Large Mineral Reference Libraries ; Negative Abundance : A Problem in Compositional Modeling of Hyperspectral Images; Mars-LAB: First Remote Sensing Data of Mineralogy Exposed at Small Mars-Analog Craters, Nevada Test Site; A Tool for the 2003 Rover Mini-TES: Downwelling Radiance Compensation Using Integrated Line-Sight Sky Measurements; Learning About Mars Geology Using Thermal Infrared Spectral Imaging: Orbiter and Rover Perspectives; Classifying Terrestrial Volcanic Alteration Processes and Defining Alteration Processes they Represent on Mars; Cemented Volcanic Soils, Martian Spectra and Implications for the Martian Climate; Palagonitic Mars: A Basalt Centric View of Surface Composition and Aqueous Alteration; Combining a Non Linear Unmixing Model and the Tetracorder Algorithm: Application to the ISM Dataset; Spectral Reflectance Properties of Some Basaltic Weathering Products; Morphometric LIDAR Analysis of Amboy Crater, California: Application to MOLA Analysis of Analog Features on Mars; Airborne Radar Study of Soil Moisture at a Mars Analog Site: Tohachi Wash/Little Colorado River; and Antarctic Dry Valleys: Modification of Rocks and Soils and Implications for Mars The Arkaroola Mars Analogue Region, South Australia.

Source record↗

Review: Recent advances of ToF-SIMS for environmental analysis and imaging

Background: Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a powerful surface analysis technique, initially developed and applied in inorganic materials and semiconductors. In past decades, ToF-SIMS has attracted more attention in its analysis capabilities of organic materials, with increased applications in biology, medical, and health development. It has also become a versatile and effective tool in environmental analysis due to its high mass resolution, mass accuracy, and depth profiling. Results: In this review, we first give an overview of the principle of ToF-SIMS and follow with recent ToF-SIMS applications in exemplary environmental study cases, including atmospheric aerosol, soil, water, plant, and organic solvent analysis. Moreover, sample preparation techniques are summarized in relation to corresponding environmental applications. Specifically, we call attention to ToF-SIMS investigations showcasing studies in surface chemical compositions, images, and depth profile analysis. These findings emphasize the important role of interfacial chemistry in environmental processes and provide valuable insights into dynamic processes, such as chemical transformation, particle formation, plant biology, and microbial inspired biotechnology development. The mass spectral imaging results acquired by ToF-SIMS offer a deeper understanding of intermediate stages and transient phases for environmental specimens. Significance: In situ and operando imaging offer new possibilities in studying phenomena in real time with high spatial resolution. Furthermore, it is anticipated that more research groups will use ToF-SIMS in environmental research given recent advances in measurement capabilities and surging needs in chemical mapping of complex analytes and systems.

Aerosol↗

Battlefield De-Confliction Sensor And Information System

A battlefield de-confliction and assessment sensor system architecture is described that uses a hyper-spectral imaging spectomerer instrument onboard a robitc aerial vehicle (UAV) to identify, characterize,and track missiles and aircraft.

wavelength.↗

Multispectral Scanner for Monitoring Plants

A multispectral scanner has been adapted to capture spectral images of living plants under various types of illumination for purposes of monitoring the health of, or monitoring the transfer of genes into, the plants. In a health-monitoring application, the plants are illuminated with full-spectrum visible and near infrared light and the scanner is used to acquire a reflected-light spectral signature known to be indicative of the health of the plants. In a gene-transfer- monitoring application, the plants are illuminated with blue or ultraviolet light and the scanner is used to capture fluorescence images from a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that is expressed as result of the gene transfer. The choice of wavelength of the illumination and the wavelength of the fluorescence to be monitored depends on the specific GFP.

Gat, Nahum↗

The long-term monitoring of the spectrophotometric IUE standard stars

For more than twelve years the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite has consistently monitored about 44 spectrophotometric standard stars. This monitoring program was set up mostly to fit some particular needs of the IUE mission, such as the study of the detector linearity, sensitivity, degradation, and scattered light profiles. The impressive body of data accumulated over the years of about 7000 images, is unique and particularly suited for stellar studies on the stars themselves. The most frequently observed early type stars used as baseline calibration standards are studied. Part of what has been learnt about the cameras from studies of these spectral images and which has indirectly affected most of the published studies is presented. Possible improvements in flux accuracy which will be incorporated in the IUE final archives are discussed.

Perez, M. R.↗

Solar Confocal Interferometers for Sub-Picometer-Resolution Spectral Filters

The confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer allows sub-picometer spectral resolution of Fraunhofer line profiles. Such high spectral resolution is needed to keep pace with the higher spatial resolution of the new set of large-aperture solar telescopes. The line-of-sight spatial resolution derived for line profile inversions would then track the improvements of the transverse spatial scale provided by the larger apertures. The confocal interferometer's unique properties allow a simultaneous increase in both etendue and spectral power. Methods: We have constructed and tested two confocal interferometers. Conclusions: In this paper we compare the confocal interferometer with other spectral imaging filters, provide initial design parameters, show construction details for two designs, and report on the laboratory test results for these interferometers, and propose a multiple etalon system for future testing of these units and to obtain sub-picometer spectral resolution information on the photosphere in both the visible and near-infrared.

Gary, G. Allen↗

High-resolution continuum and Br (gamma) imaging observations of M82

We report high angular resolution (about 0.6 sec), broad-band imaging at 1.2 microns (J band), 1.6 microns (H band), 2.2 microns (K band), and 3.7 microns (L' band) of the central 110 sec x 21 sec (1.65 kpc x 0.32 kpc) of the nearby starburst galaxy M82. We also present spectral imaging with 90 km/s resolution in the Br (gamma) (2.17 microns) hydrogen recombination line covering the central 16 sec x 16 sec (240 pc x 240 pc) of this edge-on, disk galaxy. The broad-band mosaics reveal two plateaus of emission indicative of an inner disk of stars and perhaps a larger bar structure. Color maps reveal an extinction ridge running along the central kiloparsec which is strongest at the nucleus and on the western side. The dust emission is more symmetric, suggesting that a dust lane is in front of the stellar population to the west of the nucleus, and behind the stars to the east; this is again suggestive of a stellar bar with leading dust lanes. Channel maps and a position-velocity image of the Br (gamma) reveal two lobes and are consistent with the interpretation that the ionized gas, and hence, the young massive stars are distributed in a toroid of H II regions surrounding the nucleus.

Larkin, J. E.↗

Stellar Imager

The Stellar Imager (SI) is one of NASA's "Vision Missions" - concepts for future, space-based, strategic missions that could enormously increase our capabilities for observing the Cosmos. SI is designed as a UV/Optical Interferometer which will enable 0.1 milli-arcsecond (mas) spectral imaging of stellar surfaces and, via asteroseismology, stellar interiors and of the Universe in general. The ultra-sharp images of the Stellar Imager will revolutionize our view of many dynamic astrophysical processes by transforming point sources into extended sources, and snapshots into evolving views. SI, with a characteristic angular resolution of 0.1 milli-arcseconds at 2000 Angstroms, represents an advance in image detail of several hundred times over that provided by the Hubble Space Telescope. The Stellar Imager will zoom in on what today-with few exceptions - we only know as point sources, revealing processes never before seen, thus providing a tool as fundamental to astrophysics as the microscope is to the study of life on Earth. SI's science focuses on the role of magnetism in the Universe, particularly on magnetic activity on the surfaces of stars like the Sun. It's prime goal is to enable long-term forecasting of solar activity and the space weather that it drives, in support of the Living With a Star program in the Exploration Era. SI will also revolutionize our understanding of the formation of planetary systems, of the habitability and climatology of distant planets, and of many magneto-hydrodynamically controlled processes in the Universe. Stellar Imager is included as a "Flagship and Landmark Discovery Mission" in the 2005 Sun Solar System Connection (SSSC) Roadmap and as a candidate for a "Pathways to Life Observatory" in the Exploration of the Universe Division (EUD) Roadmap (May, 2005) and as such is a candidate mission for the 2025-2030 timeframe. An artist's drawing of the current "baseline" concept for SI is presented.

Carpenter, Kenneth↗

NASA Scientific Data Purchase Laboratory Characterization of Positive Systems ADAR 5500 Sensor

This report summarizes the laboratory characterization of the Positive Systems ADAR 5500 SN4 multi-spectral imager measured dirijg the period of April 10-11, 2000 in the NASA CRSP Commercial Instrumentation Validation Laboratory (CIVL). This characterization is one component of the NASA Scientific Data Purchase (SDP) validation and verification process. A complete characterization will require analysis of airborne data. The spectral, radiometric, and spatial characteristics of this system were measured and compared with the product data specifications as defined in the SDP contract. These results are summarized in the specification compliance matrices in this summary. A complete description of the system, the SDP product specification and the sensor laboratory characterization is provided in the body of the main report.

Ryan, James↗