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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 55 records · Page 3

The Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) Experiment: Deployment on the ATLAS Space Shuttle Missions

The ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer was flown for a fourth time on the Space Shuttle as part of the ATLAS-3 instrument payload in November 1994. More than 190 sunrise and sunset occultation events provided measurements of more than 30 atmospheric trace gases at latitudes 3 - 49 deg N and 65 - 72 deg S, including observations both inside and outside the Antarctic polar vortex. The instrument configuration, data retrieval methodology, and mission background are described to place in context analyses of ATMOS data presented in this issue.

Gunson, M. R.↗

Observations of the Infrared Solar Spectrum from Space by the ATMOS Experiment

The final flight of the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy experiment as part of the Atmospheric na Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-3) Space Shuttle mission in 1994 provided a new opportunity to measure broadband 625-4800/ cm, 2.1 - 16 micron infrared solar spectra at an unapodized resolution of 0.0l/ cm from space. The majority of the observations were obtained as exoatmospheric, of near Sun center, absorption spectra, which were later ratioed to grazing atmospheric measurements to compute the atmospheric transmission of the Earth's atmosphere and analyzed for vertical profiles of minor and trace gases. Relative to the SPACELAB-3 mission that produced 4800 high Sun spectra (which were averaged into four grand average spectra), the ATLAS-3 mission produced some 40,000 high Sun spectra (which have been similarly averaged) with an improvement in signal-to-noise ratio of a factor of 3-4 in the spectral region between 1000 and 4800/ cm. A brief description of the spectral calibration and spectral quality is given as well as the location of electronic archives of these spectra.

Abrams, M. C.↗

Gamma-ray and millimeter-wave emissions from the 1991 June X-class solar flares

We have studied the spectacular 1991 June X-class flares using gamma-ray data from the Charged Particle Detectors (CPDs) of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) and 80 GHz millimeter data from Nobeyama, Japan. The CPDs were the only CGRO instrument that did not saturate during the extremely intense 1991 June 4 flare. We have shown that for this flare the CPDs respond to MeV photons, most of which are due to bremsstrahlung produced by relativistic electrons at the Sun. We have further shown that the gamma-ray and millimeter observations agree numerically if the 80 GHz radiation is gyrosynchrotron radiation produced by trapped electrons and the gamma rays are thick-target bremsstrahlung due to electrons precipitating out of the trap. The requirement that the trapping time obtained from the numerical comparison be consistent with the observed time profiles implies a magnetic field between about 200 and 300 G and an electron spectral index between about 3 to 5. By comparing the CPD observations with both the 80 GHz data and nuclear line data from the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) and the Oriented Scintillation Spectroscopy Experiment (OSSE) on CGRO for the flares of June 4, 6, 9, and 11, we found that the ratio of the CPD counts to both the millimeter flux densities and the nuclear line fluences decreases with decreasing flare heliocentric angle. All of these flares were produced in the same active region. We interpreted this result in terms of a loop model in which the gyrosynchrotron emission is produced in the coronal portion of the loop where the electrons are kept isotropic by pitch angle scattering due to plasma turbulence, while the bremsstrahlung is produced by precipitating electrons that interact anisotropically. We found that the trapping time in the coronal portion is time dependent, reaching a minimum of about 10 s at the peak of the CPD count rate. We suggested the damping of the turbulence as a possible reason for the variation of the trapping time. turbulence as a possible reason for the variation of the trapping time.

Ramaty, Reuven↗

Characterization of devices, circuits, and high-temperature superconductor transmission lines by electro-optic testing

The development of a capability for testing transmission lines, devices, and circuits using the optically-based technique of electro-optics sampling was the goal of this project. Electro-optic network analysis of a high-speed device was demonstrated. The project involved research on all of the facets necessary in order to realize this result, including the discovery of the optimum electronic pulse source, development of an adequate test fixture, improvement of the electro-optic probe tip, and identification of a device which responded at high frequency but did not oscillate in the test fixture. In addition, during the process of investigating patterned high-critical-temperature superconductors, several non-contacting techniques for the determination of the transport properties of high T(sub c) films were developed and implemented. These are a transient, optical pump-probe, time-resolved reflectivity experiment, an impulsive-stimulated Raman scattering experiment, and a terahertz-beam coherent-spectroscopy experiment. The latter technique has enabled us to measure both the complex refractive index of an MgO substrate used for high-T(sub c) films and the complex conductivity of a YBa2Cu3O(7-x) sample. This information was acquired across an extremely wide frequency range: from the microwave to the submillimeter-wave regime. The experiments on the YBCO were conducted without patterning of, or contact to, the thin film. Thus, the need for the more difficult transmission-line experiments was eliminated. Progress in all of these areas was made and is documented in a number of papers. These papers may be found in the section listing the abstracts of the publications that were issued during the course of the research.

Whitaker, John F.↗

Apollo 15 geochemical X-ray fluorescence experiment - Preliminary report.

Although only part of the information from the X-ray fluorescence geochemical experiment has been analyzed, it is clear that the experiment was highly successful. Significant compositional differences among and possibly within the maria and highlands have been detected. When viewed in the light of analyzed lunar rocks and soil samples, and the data from other lunar orbital experiments (in particular, the Apollo 15 gamma-ray spectroscopy experiment), the results indicate the existence of a differential lunar highland crust, probably feldspathic. This crust appears to be related to the plagioclase-rich materials previously found in the samples from Apollo 11, Apollo 12, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, and Luna 16.

Adler, I.↗

Atmospheric and surface properties of Mars obtained by infrared spectroscopy on Mariner 9

During the eleven month operational lifetime of Mariner 9, the infrared spectroscopy experiment obtained data over a large portion of Mars. Recently obtained spectra indicate that strong seasonal variations in the water vapor distribution over both polar regions occurred. The wettest atmospheric conditions observed so far contain 20 to 30 precipitable microns of water over the north polar cap during northern spring. A low resolution pressure map is presented which covers that portion of the planet between latitudes -60 deg and +25 deg. A more detailed study of the Coprates canyon indicates that at its lowest point the canyon floor must be at least 5 km below the rim. Applications of tidal theory to temperature fields derived from the spectra indicate diurnal surface pressure fluctuations of as much as 12 percent during the great dust storm of 1971-72. Qualitative arguments based on radiative transfer calculations for model dust clouds composed of spherical quartz particles suggest that particle radii during the storm were of the order of a few microns.

Conrath, B.↗

Atmospheric and surface properties of Mars obtained by infrared spectroscopy on Mariner 9

The infrared spectroscopy experiment on Mariner 9 obtained data over much of Mars. Interpretation of the thermal emission of Mars in terms of atmospheric temperatures, wind fields and dynamics, surface temperatures, surface pressure and topography, mineral composition, and minor atmospheric constituents including isotopic ratios, as well as a search for unexpected phenomena are reported.

Conrath, B.↗

Variation of cloud emissivity in the infrared.

The spectral radiative properties of solid and liquid H2O particles in the thermal infrared are examined. The study of these properties is aimed at an explanation of the spectral features associated with certain clouds pointed out by Hanel et al. (1972) in an analysis of the results of the Nimbus 4 infrared spectroscopy experiment.

Curran, R. J.↗

Atmospheric and surface properties of Mars obtained by infrared spectroscopy on Mariner 9.

During the almost 1-year operational lifetime of Mariner 9 the infrared spectroscopy experiment obtained data over a large portion of Mars. Between June and October 1972, improvements were made in the CO2 transmittances, which are necessary for the interpretation of the thermal emission spectra. Recently obtained spectra indicate that strong seasonal variations in the water vapor distribution occurred over both polar regions. The wettest atmospheric conditions observed so far contain 20 to 30 precipitable microns of water over the north polar cap during northern spring. A low-resolution pressure map is presented that covers that portion of the planet between latitudes -60 and +25 deg. A more detailed study of the Coprates canyon indicates that, at its lowest point, the canyon floor must be at least 5 km below the rim. Applications of tidal theory to temperature fields derived from the spectra indicate diurnal surface pressure fluctuations of as much as 12% during the Great Dust Storm of 1971-1972.

Conrath, B.↗

A new ion and electron detector for ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy.

A new detector using an extremelly driven tuned circuit has been developed for use in ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy experiments. Based on the Q-meter circuit, this detector will operate at frequencies greater than 1 MHz at rf levels less than 1 mV. Operation in the frequency range 1-15 MHz allows the use of higher magnetic fields for more efficient storage of low mass ions in the trapping mode of operation. In the frequency range 2-6 MHz electrons can be detected in the ion cyclotron resonance cell by their resonant motion in the trapping plane.

Huntress, W. T., Jr.↗

Effect of electron beam pulse width on time-of-flight spectra

A simple but useful formula describing the effect of electron gun pulse width on the time of flight (TOF) spectra measured in translational spectroscopy experiments is developed. An approximately monoenergetic pulsed electrostatically focused electron beam traverses a scattering cell filled with a Maxwellian gas. Inelastic electron collisions with the gas produce metastable particles, ions, scattered electrons, and photons which then pass through a collimating slit system at right angles to the electron beam. TOF techniques are used to separate the photon signal from the metastable particle signal and to measure the TOF distribution of the metastable species.

Misakian, M.↗

Spectral variability in the X-ray pulsar GX 1+4

Observations of the galactic center region, hard X-ray source GX 1+4 by the GSFC X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8 confirm that GX 1+4 is a slow X-ray pulsar. The amount of absorption by cold matter in the spectrum of GX 1+4 varies significantly within a 24 hour period, behavior typical of many X-ray binary systems. The light curve for the pulsations from GX 1+4 appears to be energy dependent.

Becker, R. H.↗

Influence of planetary-scale topography on the diurnal thermal tide during the 1971 Martian dust storm

Data obtained with the Mariner 9 infrared spectroscopy experiment during the Martian Dust Storm of 1971 to 1972 are examined for evidence of topographic influence on the atmospheric thermal structure. Temperature perturbations which are well correlated with the planetary scale topography are found superposed on the large amplitude diurnal thermal tide. Applications of tidal theory to the data indicate that the observed perturbations result from the kinematic interaction of the westward traveling diurnal wave with the large scale components of topography. The dominant mode is excited by the wave-number two topography component and is a vertically evanescent eastward traveling wave with an equivalent depth comparable to the atmospheric scale height. The principle dynamic effect of this mode is the enhancement of the amplitude of the near-surface diurnal wind to over 40m/sec in limited areas near 30 deg south latitude. It appears likely that dust was injected into the atmosphere in these regions during the storm.

Conrath, B. J.↗

Cosmic X-ray observations with OSO-8

The GSFC Cosmic X-ray Spectroscopy experiment aboard OSO-8 has operated successfully since launch providing spectral and temporal data on X-ray sources in tha energy range 2-60 keV. Analysis of quick look data shows a variety of spectral features, some stable, others variable, which will increase understanding of the nature of individual sources. In particular, observed emission and absorption features that can be attributed to iron will result in abundance measures of this important element in sources such as some X-ray binaries, the supernova remnant Cas A, and the nucleus of the galaxy Cen A.

Serlemitsos, P. J.↗

OSO-8 GSFC results on Cen X-3

Spectra of Cen X-3 during eclipse, in transition out of eclipse, and during several later phases of the binary orbit were obtained from quick look data of the July 16-25, 1975 observation by the Goddard X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8. In the high state there was no absorption turn over. Pulsations were present at least to 23 keV. The spectrum at the pulse minimum was flatter above 7 keV than that of the pulse peak. In transition out of eclipse Cen X-3 emerged above a small low energy flux seen during eclipse. The observations appear to indicate absorption by cold and ionized matter and the presence of iron in the companion's atmosphere. Decreased intensities were observed at late phases of some binary orbits in some cases corresponding to dips. Absorption appears although the low energy component remains. Variable features may be interpretable as absorption and emission by iron and possibly other trace elements.

Swank, J. H.↗

X-ray emission from the supernova remnant G287.8-0.5

The GSFC Cosmic X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8 observed a weak galactic X-ray source near theta 2 at 288 deg, b2 at -1 deg. The spectrum for this source between 2-20 keV is well represented by a thermal spectrum of kT = 7.34(+3.6), sub -2.6 keV with an intense iron emission line centered at 6.5 + or - .2 keV. The error box of the Uhuru source 4U1043-59, the only known X-ray source in our field of view, contains the radio supernova remnant G287.8-0.5. The possible association of the X-ray source with this supernova remnant is discussed.

Becker, R. H.↗