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At least 397 records · Page 22

Infrared and millimeter wave techniques for the Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite

The Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite will employ infrared and microwave techniques to gain information about the very early universe. Three instruments will cover the spectral range from 8 microns to 13 mm, determining both the spectrum and angular distribution of the large scale background radiation fields. A cryogenic polarizing Michelson interferometric spectrometer will measure the spectrum of the 3 deg K relic radiation from the big bang with precision. Four differential microwave radiometers will map the sky from 23 to 90 GHz in a search for anisotropy of the universe. A broadband cryogenic IR photometer will map zodiacal dust emission, galactic dust, and an extragalactic residual component.

Mather, J. C.↗

Research in millimeter wave techniques

The following technical developments are described: (1) a reliable 183 GHz subharmonic mixer, (2) a precision noise figure test setup, (3) the successful deposition of SiO2 on a noncontacting backshort, and (4) sturdier whisker points used for diode contacting.

Forsythe, R. E.↗

Progress on millimeter wave Josephson junction mixers

Preset, recyclable Nb point contacts are tested as low-noise Josephson mixers at a signal frequency of 115 GHz. The best result achieved is a mixer noise temperature (single sideband) of 120 K with unity conversion efficiency (SSB) for a junction at 6 K. Variation of mixer properties with temperature and other parameters is presented.

Taur, Y.↗

Ice/frost detection using millimeter wave radiometry

A series of ice detection tests was performed on the shuttle external tank (ET) and on ET target samples using a 35/95 GHz instrumentation radiometer. Ice was formed using liquid nitrogen and water spray inside a test enclosure containing ET spray on foam insulation samples. During cryogenic fueling operations prior to the shuttle orbiter engine firing tests, ice was formed with freon and water over a one meter square section of the ET LOX tank. Data analysis was performed on the ice signatures, collected by the radiometer, using Georgia Tech computing facilities. Data analysis technique developed include: ice signature images of scanned ET target; pixel temperature contour plots; time correlation of target data with ice present versus no ice formation; and ice signature radiometric temperature statistical data, i.e., mean, variance, and standard deviation.

Gagliano, J. A.↗

Near millimeter wave bandpass filters

The properties of bandpass filters for broadband photometry are reported in the 3-12/cm frequency range. The filters are based on a combination of capacitive grids deposited on thick Mylar substrates and are designed to have very high out-of-band rejection. Low frequencies are blocked by a thick grill that consists of a hexagonal grid of circular holes in a thick metal plate.

Timusk, T.↗

Advanced millimeter wave imaging systems

Unique techniques are being utilized to develop self-contained imaging radiometers operating at single and multiple frequencies near 35, 95 and 183 GHz. These techniques include medium to large antennas for high spatial resolution, lowloss open structures for RF confinemnt and calibration, wide bandwidths for good sensitivity plus total automation of the unit operation and data collection. Applications include: detection of severe storms, imaging of motor vehicles, and the remote sensing of changes in material properties.

Schuchardt, J. M.↗

Research in millimeter wave techniques

Subharmonically pumped mixers were ascended and tested. A computerized version of the automatic noise figure measurement system was developed. Impedance matching techniques suitable for these types of mixers were investigated. Narrow and broadband (one octave) matching networks for the subharmonic mixers were designed. The automatic mixer noise figure test facility was completed. Subharmonic mixers and the systems that use them at 183 and 220 GHz were evaluated and characterized.

Forsythe, R. E.↗

Millimeter-wave studies of the surfaces of Mercury and Mars and the atmosphere of Venus

Disk average brightness temperatures of Mercury were obtained using a 4.6 m radio telescopes. The data was searched for periodicities which correlate with phase angle, hermocentric longitude and beat frequencies produced by modulations of various celestial mechanical parameters. Spectral line observations were made of Venus with the NRAO 11 m radio telescope. The total CO content and the CO vertical profile, and their variability were observed. Large scale thermophysical properties of the surface of Mars were studied.

Epstein, E. E.↗

Centimeter and millimeter wave attenuation and brightness temperature due to atmospheric oxygen and water vapor

Calculations are presented for atmospheric absorption and radiation emission for several atmospheric conditions and elevation angles. The calculations are for frequencies in the 1 to 340 GHz frequency range. The calculations are compared to those from other models. Agreement is found to within 15% for absorption coefficient (7.5 g/m/cubed water vapor at 290 K) and approximately the same for total zenithal attenuation. The attenuation and gaseous emission noise curves defined by the International Radio Consultative Committee are found to have minor inconsistencies.

Smith, E. K.↗

Laboratory and astronomical measurement of the millimeter wave spectrum of the ethynyl radical CCH

The N = 0 yields 1 and 1 yields 2 rotational transitions of CCH at 87 and 174 GHz, respectively, have been detected in a laboratory glow discharge in a mixture of He and C2H2. The spectroscopic constants of CCH derived from measurements of the hfs of the transitions agree well with those derived from astronomical observations, confirming the astronomical detection of CCH. As the CCH lines in the Orion Nebula are narrower than the laboratory lines but less certain in rest frequency owing to uncertainty in the radial velocity, the most accurate values for the spectroscopic constants of CCH are obtained from a simultaneous fit of both the laboratory and astronomical data. For the rotation, centrifugal distortion, spin-rotation, and hyperfine constants, respectively, the values found are within 0.006 of 43674.534 MHz, within 0.0008 of 0.1071 MHz, within 0.004 of -62.606 MHz, b = within 0.019 MHz of 40.426, and c is within 0.026 of 12.254 MHz.

Gottlieb, C. A.↗

Tracking antenna arrays for near-millimeter waves

A two-dimensional monolithic array has been developed that gives the elevation and azimuth of point source targets. The array is an arrangement of rows and columns of antennas and bismuth bolometer detectors on a fused quartz substrate. Energy is focused onto the array through a lens placed on the back side of the substrate. At 1.38 mm with a 50 mm diameter objective lens, the array has demonstrated a positioning accuracy of 26 arcmin. In a differential mode this precision improves to 9 arcsec, limited by the mechanics of the rotating stage. This tracking could be automated to a fast two-step procedure where a source is first located to the nearest row and column, and then precisely located by scanning. With signal processing the array should be able to track multiple sources.

Tong, P. P.↗

Image-optimized, frequency-scalable mixers for millimeter-wave applications

A unique IF measurement procedure for evaluating mixer performance and identifying optimum circuit boundary conditions is presented. The technique is applied to a scalable mm-wave single-sideband (image-sum enhanced) mixer design which provides 3.5 to 5 dB typical conversion loss from conventional, packaged devices.

Peterson, D. F.↗

The nature of AFGL 2591 and its associated molecular outflow: Infrared and millimeter-wave observations

The results of infrared photometry from 2 to 160 microns of AFGL and CO(12) observations of its associated molecular cloud and high velocity molecular outflow are presented and discussed. The observed solar luminosity is 6.7 x 10(4) at a distance of 2 kpc. The spectrum of AFGL 2591 is interpreted in the context of a model in which a single embedded object is the dominant source of the infrared luminosity. This object is determined to be surrounded by a compact, optically thick dust shell with a temperature in excess of several hundred degrees kelvin. The extinction to this source is estimated to be between 26 and 50 visual magnitudes. The absolute position of the infrared sources at 10 microns was determined to an accuracy of + or in. This indicates for the first time that the IR source and H2O source are not coincident. The CO(12) observations show the high-velocity molecular flow near AFGL 2591 to be extended, bipolar and roughly centered on the infrared emission. The observations suggest that the red-shifted flow component extends beyond the boundary of the ambient cloud within which AFGL 2591 is embedded. The CO(12) observations also show that AFGL 2591 is embedded in a molecular cloud with an LSR velocity of -5 km/s.

Lada, C. J.↗