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At least 631 records · Page 35

Computation of scalar far-field patterns of large-aperture antennas

In computer programs used for evaluating the performance of high-gain antennas, efficient numerical methods for calculating the far-field patterns must be used since the majority of computer time and storage requirements may be attributed to this phase of the program. The numerical method most frequently used is the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), which computes the far field as the Fourier transform of the field distribution in the antenna aperture. A new numerical method that in many applications is superior to the FFT in terms of reducing computer time and storage requirements is described.

Omalley, T. A.↗

Analysis of localized fringes in the holographic optical Schlieren system

The relation between localization of interference fringes in classical and holographic interferometry is reviewed and an application of holographic interferometry is considered for which the object is a transparent medium with nonhomogeneous refractive index. The technique is based on the analysis of the optical path length change of the object wave as it propagates through a transparent medium. Phase shifts due to variations of the speed of light within the medium give rise to an interference pattern. The resulting interferogram can be used to determine the physical properties of the medium or transparent object. Such properties include the mass density of fluids, electron densities of plasmas, the temperature of fluids, the chemical species concentration of fluids, and the state of stress in solids. The optical wave used can be either a simple plane or spherical wave, or it may be a complicated spatial wave scattered by a diffusing screen. The mathematical theory on the formation and analysis of localized fringes, the general theoretical concepts used, and a computer code for analysis are included along with the inversion of fringe order data.

Kurtz, R. L.↗

The morphology and evolution of Ganymede and Calisto

Images of Ganymede and Callisto, Jupiter's two largest moons, among the largest known predominantly icy planetary objects, were obtained by the two Voyager spacecraft. Voyager images were used to investigate the surface characteristics, geologic processes, and internal evolution of Ganymede and Callisto. Ganymede shows two principal types of terrain: one dark, old, and heavily cratered; and another brighter, younger, and characterized by complex patterns of grooves. Voyager imagers were used to determine photometric properties of surface features on both bodies at phase angles up to 120 deg. Surface temperatures are calculated for the major terrain types. Callisto is found to be somewhat warmer than Ganymede. The temperature difference between grooved and cratered terrain on Ganymede is small. A model for the origin of grooved terrain is considered in which extension creates broad, downdropped rift zones in the crust that are filled with water or ice from below.

Squyres, S. W.↗

Separate-contact phase-locked semiconductor laser arrays

The novel optoelectronic devices discussed, phase-locked semiconductor laser arrays with separate contacts can perform a variety of near field and far field pattern tailoring functions and control mutual coherence among array elements, as well as lasing wavelength selectivity and tunability. Attention is presently given to experimental results from such arrays, which indicate that the threshold currents of the 4-micron wide lasers employed are typically 60 mA. The separate contacts to each one of them are provided by means of two-level metallization.

Katz, J.↗

Development program on a cold cathode electron gun

During this phase of the cathode development program, SRI improved the multiple electron beam exposure system used to print hole patterns for the cathode arrays, studied anisotropic etch processes, conducted cathode investigations using an emission microscope, reviewed possible alternate materials for cathode fabrication, studied cathode storage techniques, conducted high power operation experiments, and demonstrated high-current-density operation with small arrays of tips.

Spindt, C. A.↗

Some properties of trans-equatorial ion whistlers observed by Isis satellites during geomagnetic storms

Several ion whistlers were observed by the polar orbiting satellites, Isis, during geomagnetic storms associated with large solar flares in 1982. It seems that the proton density ratio to the total ions deduced from the crossover frequency of the transequatorial ion whistlers observed at geomagnetic low latitudes during the main phase of the geomagnetic storm on July 14, 1982 was lower than the usual density ratio. An anomalous pattern seen on the time-compressed dynamic spectra of the ion whistlers on September 6, 1982 may suggest the existence of effects by the component He(3+) in a quite small amount.

Watanabe, S.↗

Interstellar absorption lines in the spectrum of sigma Sco using Copernicus observations

Since the launch of Copernicus in 1972, studies have been made of the depletion of gas-phase elements onto dust grains. A few stars have been studied in detail, resulting in a standard depletion pattern which has since been used for comparison. Recent developments, however, have suggested that this standard pattern may need to be re-examined. Some weak, semi-forbidden lines were detected recently which may be able to resolve some of the ambiguities. Studies of single elements have shown that depletion of carbon and oxgyen are much smaller than previously determined. The high resolution ultraviolet spectral scans of sigma Sco were originally made in 1973, but have only recently been analyzed. All these stars are bright and moderately reddened. All four stars will be analyzed in detail, but sigma Sco is the first one completed. The data has broad coverage of ions, making these stars excellent candidates for determination of accurate depletions. A profile-fitting analysis was used rather than curves-of-growth in order to determine separate abundances and depletions in components separated by several km/sec.

Allen, M. M.↗

Speckle in the diffraction patterns of Hendricks-Teller and icosahedral glass models

It is shown that the X-ray diffraction patterns from the Hendricks-Teller model for layered systems and the icosahedral glass models for the icosahedral phases show large fluctuations between nearby scattering wave vectors and from sample to sample, that are quite analogous to laser speckle. The statistics of these fluctuations are studied analytically for the first model and via computer simulations for the second. The observability of these effects is discussed briefly.

Garg, Anupam↗

Advanced technology development multi-color holography

Several key aspects of multi-color holography and some non-conventional ways to study the holographic reconstructions are considered. The error analysis of three-color holography is considered in detail with particular example of a typical triglycine sulfate crystal growth situation. For the numerical analysis of the fringe patterns, a new algorithm is introduced with experimental verification using sugar-water solution. The role of the phase difference among component holograms is also critically considered with examples of several two- and three-color situations. The status of experimentation on two-color holography and fabrication of a small breadboard system is also reported. Finally, some successful demonstrations of unconventional ways to study holographic reconstructions are described. These methods are deflectometry and confocal optical processing using some Spacelab III holograms.

Vikram, Chandra S.↗

Watson: A new link in the IIE iron chain

Watson, which was found in 1972 in South Australia, contains the largest single silicate rock mass seen in any known iron meteorite. A comprehensive study has been completed on this unusual meteorite: petrography, metallography, analyses of the silicate inclusion (whole rock chemical analysis, INAA, RNAA, noble gases, and oxygen isotope analysis) and mineral compositions (by electron microprobe and ion microprobe). The whole rock has a composition of an H-chondrite minus the normal H-group metal and troilite content. The oxygen isotope composition is that of the silicates in the IIE iron meteorites and lies along an oxygen isotope fractionation line with the H-group chondrites. Trace elements in the metal confirm Watson is a new IIE iron. Whole rock Watson silicate shows an enrichment in K and P (each approximately 2X H-chondrites). The silicate inclusion has a highly equilibrated igneous (peridotite-like) texture with olivine largely poikilitic within low-Ca pyroxene: olivine (Fa20), opx (Fs17Wo3), capx (Fs9Wo14)(with very fine exsolution lamellae), antiperthite feldspar (An1-3Or5) with less than 1 micron exsolution lamellae (An1-3Or greater than 40), shocked feldspar with altered stoichiometry, minor whitlockite (also a poorly characterized interstitial phosphate-rich phase) and chromite, and only traces of metal and troilite. The individual silicate minerals have normal chondritic REE patterns, but whitlockite has a remarkable REE pattern. It is very enriched in light REE (La is 720X C1, and Lu is 90X C1, as opposed to usual chonditic values of approximately 300X and 100-150X, respectively) with a negative Eu anomaly. The enrichment of whole rock K is expressed both in an unusually high mean modal Or content of the feldspar, Or13, and in the presence of antiperthite.

Olsen, Edward↗

A study of the superconducting properties of YBa2Cu(9-x)Nb(x)O(y) thin films

Effect of Niobium substitution at the copper site in YBa2Cu3O(7-x) was studied in thin film form. The films were deposited by laser ablation technique using the targets of the YBa2Cu(3-x)Nb(x)O(y) where x = 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.0 under identical deposition conditions on SrTiO3 (100) substrates. Films were characterized by XRD, resistivity, I-V and J(sub c) measurements. Films made from x = 0.025 and 0.05 concentrations of Nb substituted targets showed relatively improved superconducting properties compared to that of undoped films. the best J(sub c) realized for x - 0.025 Nb concentration was 1.8 x 10(exp 6) A/sq cm and for 0.05 Nb concentration it was 3.2 x 10(exp 6) A/sq cm at 77 K. However, degradation of the superconducting properties, with the increase of x is greater than or equal to 0.1 Nb concentration and drastic suppression and complete loss of superconductivity was noticed for x is greater than or equal to 0.4. The growth of impurity phase YBa2NbO6 for x = 0.1 and above of Nb concentration was noted from XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) patterns. However, the site occupancy of Nb could not be confirmed from these studies.

Srinivas, S.↗

An Analysis of MSFC Public Affairs Television and Target Audiences with Suggestions for Future Growth and Directions

Because of profound changes in government and the space program, this may be an ideal time to evaluate MSFC's Public Affairs television efforts. The changes are continued downsizing of government programs; reduction in research and development; changes in the space program from periodic manned launches to a full-time presence in space with Space Station; and greater emphasis on science and communicating science information. At the same time that NASA is undergoing change, the media and society are also undergoing substantial upheaval. Twenty-five years ago, the three main over-the-air television networks (ABC, CBS and NBC) had a 93 share of the television audience. We now have four popular over-the-air networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) who maintain a 52 percent share of the television audience. Technological development, competition, and changing consumer tastes have created specialized media and audiences. This media fragmentation is part of a normal maturation cycle of use or adoption. While phases in the cycle vary in length due to many factors, the cycle has been consistent and reflects patterns of adoption. The cycle is: (1) Elite Media usage, (2) Popular or Mass Media usage, and (3) Specialized Media usage. Another factor that affects the media development and adoption cycle is the creation of new and competing mass and personal mediums. While television remains the dominant and most popular mass medium, it is declining and we see (via cable television) specialized networks catering to small audience segments. Because of changing technology and consumer behavior, we may not see a dominant mass media like television again.

Smeyak, Gerald P.↗

Energetic Electron Populations in the Magnetosphere During Geomagnetic Storms and Substorms

This report summarizes the scientific work performed by the Aerospace Corporation under NASA Grant NAG5-10278, 'Energetic Electron Populations in the Magnetosphere during Geomagnetic Storms and Subsisting.' The period of performance for the Grant was March 1, 2001 to February 28, 2002. The following is a summary of the Statement of Work for this Grant. Use data from the PIXIE instrument on the Polar spacecraft from September 1998 onward to derive the statistical relationship between particle precipitation patterns and various geomagnetic activity indices. We are particularly interested in the occurrence of substorms during storm main phase and the efficacy of storms and substorms in injecting ring-current particles. We will compare stormtime simulations of the diffuse aurora using the models of Chen and Schulz with stormtime PIXIE measurements.

McKenzie, David L.↗

Analysis of Short and Long Range Atomic Order in Nanocrystalline Diamonds with Application of Powder Diffractometry

Fundamental limitations, with respect to nanocrystalline materials, of the traditional elaboration of powder diffraction data like the Rietveld method are discussed. A tentative method of the analysis of powder diffraction patterns of nanocrystals is introduced which is based on the examination of the variation of lattice parameters calculated from individual Bragg lines (named the "apparent lattice parameter", alp). We examine the application of our methodology using theoretical diffraction patterns computed for models of nanocrystals with a perfect crystal lattice and for grains with a two-phase, core-shell structure. We use the method for the analysis of X-ray and neutron experimental diffraction data of nanocrystalline diamond powders of 4, 6 and 12 nm in diameter. The effects of an internal pressure and strain at the grain surface is discussed. This is based on the dependence of the alp values oil the diffraction vector Q and on the PDF analysis. It is shown, that the experimental results support well the concept of the two-phase structure of nanocrystalline diamond.

Palosz, B.↗

Recent Selected Ion Flow Tube (SIFT) Studies Concerning the Formation of Amino Acids in the Gas Phase

Recently the simplest amino acid, glycine, has been detected in interstellar clouds, ISC, although this has since been contested. In order to substantiate either of these claims, plausible routes to amino acids need to be investigated. For gas phase synthesis, the SIFT technique has been employed to study simple amino acids via ion-molecule reactions of several ions of interstellar interest with methylamine, ethylamine, formic acid, acetic acid, and methyl formate. Carboxylic acid type ions were considered in the reactions involving the amines. In reactions where the carboxylic acid and methyl formate neutrals were studied, the reactant ions were primarily amine ion fragments. It was observed that the amines and acids preferentially fragment or accept a proton whenever energetically possible. NH3(+), however, uniquely reacted with the neutrals via atom abstraction to form NH4(+). These studies yielded a body of data relevant to astrochemistry, supplementing the available literature. However, the search for gas phase routes to amino acids using conventional molecules has been frustrated. Our most recent research investigates the fragmentation patterns of several amino acids and several possible routes have been suggested for future study.

Jackson, Douglas M.↗

Planetary Crater Detection and Registration Using Marked Point Processes, Graph Cut Algorithms, and Wavelet Transforms

This paper addresses the problem of semi-automatic image registration on planetary images. A joint feature-based and area-based approach is proposed. Firstly, the most relevant craters are extracted from the two images to register, and then, registration is performed in two steps. The first step matches the craters extracted from the images based on a generalized Hausdorff distance. In the second step, the mutual information between the two images is maximized to achieve high registration accuracy. Craters are detected by a stochastic-geometry approach based on a marked point process model and of a multiple-birth-and-cut energy minimization algorithm. The experimental validation is carried out with 13 images for the crater extraction stage, and with 20 semi-synthetic pairs of images with ground truth and several images extracted from actual multi-temporal lunar scenes for the registration phase.

Image Processing; Pattern Recognition↗

Space-borne Doppler Weather Radar Modeling for Radar Design Evaluation

A model has been developed to predict the reflectivity and Doppler performance of a spaceborne weather radar for atmospheric aerosol and cloud monitoring. The goal is to predict radar sensitivity, resolution, uncertainties and other key performance metrics vs. radar design parameters and hardware nonidealities. Analytical formulas are readily available to predict key performance metrics of a space-borne radar system as a function of design parameters such as antenna size, spacecraft velocity, transmit power, and receive noise figure. Effects of some system nonidealities such as antenna pointing errors, power amplifier nonlinearity and phase noise can be estimated using idealized methods. These analytical formulas use idealized forms of the antenna radiation pattern and weather statistics to predict system performance. However, it is desirable to have a more physical model based on discretized weather volumes in which the particle size distribution, Doppler distribution, and other parameters can be varied to study how the radar hardware design parameters and nonidealities affect the measurement of the weather reflectivity and Doppler characteristics. This would allow the radar designers to have more insight into what is being measured and the hardware parameters and errors that need to be carefully controlled to achieve best radar performance, as well as potential methods to calibrate the system or correct errors. This presentation will demonstrate some proof-of-concept Ka-band simulations where the discretized model agrees with the analytical formulas for a simple case where the elements in the discretized weather volume are defined by a constant reflectivity and simple velocity vectors. In particular, the system sensitivity and Doppler uncertainty are evaluated by analytical formulas as well as the discretized model. Future work will expand on this to include more complex weather scenarios and the addition of system nonidealities.

Sara Tucker↗

Physiological effects of light on the human circadian pacemaker

The physiology of the human circadian pacemaker and its influence and on the daily organization of sleep, endocrine and behavioral processes is an emerging interest in science and medicine. Understanding the development, organization and fundamental properties underlying the circadian timing system may provide insight for the application of circadian principles to the practice of clinical medicine, both diagnostically (interpretation of certain clinical tests are dependent on time of day) and therapeutically (certain pharmacological responses vary with the time of day). The light-dark cycle is the most powerful external influence acting upon the human circadian pacemaker. It has been shown that timed exposure to light can both synchronize and reset the phase of the circadian pacemaker in a predictable manner. The emergence of detectable circadian rhythmicity in the neonatal period is under investigation (as described elsewhere in this issue). Therefore, the pattern of light exposure provided in the neonatal intensive care setting has implications. One recent study identified differences in both amount of sleep time and weight gain in infants maintained in a neonatal intensive care environment that controlled the light-dark cycle. Unfortunately, neither circadian phase nor the time of day has been considered in most clinical investigations. Further studies with knowledge of principles characterizing the human circadian timing system, which governs a wide array of physiological processes, are required to integrate these findings with the practice of clinical medicine.

Review, Tutorial↗