Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “spectral imaging”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 649 records · Page 36

A flexible approach to an Operational Land Observing System

This paper presents a concept for an Operational Land Observing System (OLOS) formulated to satisfy a broad spectrum of perceived user needs for a diverse discipline community. The concept formulated will allow continuous orthographic imaging across multiple spectral bands, near-global stereoscopic imaging, and next-day oblique imaging of any desired spot on earth. Imaging parameters will be adaptable to known phenomena characteristics to facilitate information extraction including optional onboard theme selection. The conceptual system will provide 6- to 12-hour quick-look capability, 48-hour turnaround on all standard imaging products, and a guaranteed data flow schedule reliability for 10 to 20 years. A fleet of successive operational satellites will be used.

Driver, J. M.↗

High-spectral-resolution imagery of Saturn

High-spectral-resolution images of Saturn over the wavelengths of the 6196.8-A feature of CH4 were obtained and used to extract line profiles for the observed feature over the disk of Saturn and to determine the spatial variation of the equivalent width at the time of the observations. The result of the observations is consistent only with a single class of models for the vertical structure of the atmosphere of Saturn, namely, the homogeneous scattering models. Reflecting-layer or two-layer models are at a striking variance with the observations. With these data, the requirements for new observations to determine the finer details of the vertical structure of Saturn's atmosphere can be specified.

Smith, W. H.↗

A detailed X-ray study of the cooling intracluster gas in A496

X-ray observations of the galaxy cluster A496 are presented. Imaging and spectral data, together with the presence of optical filaments, show that radiative cooling is occurring in the cluster core and indicates a mass flow rate of about 200 solar masses per year on to the central galaxy. The gas temperature and density profiles within the core are similar to those in the Perseus cluster (A426) despite a six-fold difference in total X-ray luminosity. This is consistent with the model of Fabian and Nulsen (1977, 1979) for steady flows caused by cooling. The evolution of cooling flows is discussed and it is shown that thermal conduction is suppressed to well below the Spitzer rate.

Nulsen, P. E. J.↗

Variable line-space gratings - New designs for use in grazing incidence spectrometers

An account is given of a fundamentally different approach to the use of variable line-space gratings for grazing incidence spectrometers. In the new approach, the gratings are flat and they are placed to intercept the converging beam from a collecting mirror rather than the diverging beam from a slit. This results in (1) small aberrations over a wide instantaneous range in wavelength, (2) a modest required variation in line spacing across the ruled width, (3) a simultaneous minimization of both the spectral and image height aberrations, and (4) a completely stigmatic zero order image. The slitless arrangement common to these designs is very compact, having no additional length behind the focal plane of the collecting mirror. In-plane and conical fan designs are considered. One combination design, in the form of an echelle spectrometer, is discussed. The designs are considered to represent ideal candidates for moderate to high resolution spectrometers on such missions as the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE, now Columbus) and the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF).

Hettrick, M. C.↗

Correcting for Nonlinearity in a Photodetector

Simple positive-feedback circuit varies bias voltage as necessary. Ideal detector biased with constant voltage, detector current proportional to photon flux plus constant offset. Detector connected between inverting input and ground, and feedback from operational amplifier through feedback resistor Rf make voltage at inverting input equal to noninverting input. Bias voltage held constant. Principle applied to linearizing mercury cadmium telluride infrared detectors in Fourier-transform spectrometers and other spectral and imaging instruments.

Schindler, R. A.↗

Position Paper: Workshop on Geologic Applications of Remote Sensing to the Study of Sedimentary Basins

The utility of LANDSAT Multispectral Scanner (MSS) and Thematic Mapper (TM) data for providing regional coverage has been demonstrated. Information derived from LANDSAT spectral data is varied, but has primarily been used for distinguishing materials in a scene. Because of the limited number and width of the MSS and TM bands, LANDSAT data has only limited utility for actual identification of materials. The new advanced sensors (currently airborne, but eventually shuttle-based) have more limited areal extent than LANDSAT, but greater spatial and spectral resolution. The Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (AIS) has spectral resolution of about .01 microns and, typically, has 10m/pixel spatial resolution. This improved spectral resolution means that diagnostic spectral features may now be identified, which in turn means that actual identification of mineral phases present can be addressed (of either monominerallic or composite materials). Another new sensor, the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanners (TMS), obtains data in the 8 to 12 micron range. The information from the various sensors (e.g., LANDSAT, AIS, and TIMS) is complementary, covering different wavelength regions and consequently sensitive to different materials or physical properties of materials. In addition, the new sensors also produce a higher volume of data, which must be cleverly and efficiently handled.

Blake, P. L.↗

The energetic X-ray imaging telescope experiment (EXITE)

A new position-sensitive scintillation detector (NaI(Tl)), coded mask, and precision pointing system (resolution less than 1 arcmin) are being developed for balloon-borne imaging and spectral studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the 20-300 keV band. The scientific objectives of EXITE, as well as the general design of the detector, telescope and balloon gondola systems are presented.

Grindlay, J. E.↗

Are the virial masses of clusters smaller than we think?

The constraints that the available X-ray spectral and imaging data place on the mass distribution and mass to light ratio of rich clusters are considered. It was found for the best determined cases that the mass to light ratio is less than 125 h sub 50 at radii exceeding 1 h sub 50 Mpc. The mass to light ratio is approximately constant at radii exceeding 1 h sub 50 Mpc but may rise to values of roughly 200 h sub 50 in the central regions. The fraction of the total mass that is in baryons, primarily the hot X-ray emitting gas, is roughly 30% thus setting the mass to light ratio of the dark material to roughly 70. The model that fits the X-ray data for Coma is in good agreement with the observed optical velocity dispersion vs. radius data.

Cowie, L. L.↗

Are the virial masses of clusters smaller than we think?

The constraints that the available X-ray spectral and imaging data place on the mass distribution and mass to light ratio of rich clusters are considered. It was found for the best determined cases that the mass to light ratio is less than 125 h sub 50 at radii exceeding 1 h sub 50 Mpc. The mass to light ratio is approximately constant at radii exceeding 1 h sub 50 Mpc but may rise to values of roughly 200 h sub 50 in the central regions. The fraction of the total mass that is in baryons, primarily the hot X-ray emitting gas, is roughly 30 percent thus setting the mass to light ratio of the dark material to roughly 70. The model that fits the X-ray data for Coma is in good agreement with the observed optical velocity dispersion vs. radius data.

Cowie, L. L.↗

X-ray observations of the Ophiuchus, PKS 0745-191 and Cygnus-A clusters of galaxies

Observations are reported of the X-ray emission from three bright clusters of galaxies at low Galactic latitudes: the Ophiuchus, PKS 0745-191, and Cygnus-A clusters. Temperatures and iron abundances are determined from Exosat spectral data. Images of the Ophiuchus cluster show it to have a high central density and a cooling flow. Measurements of a high gas density around PKS 0745-191 and are confirmed, and it is shown that the X-ray emission is centered on the radio galaxy. The PKS 0745-191 cluster is the most distant object for which an abundance has been measured from X-ray spectra. The spectrum of Cygnus-A contains a highly absorbed power-law component that is identified with the nucleus of the radio source.

Arnaud, K. A.↗

Coordinated optical and ultraviolet observations of DH Leo

Results are reported from contemporaneous KPNO optical spectroscopy, IUE UV spectroscopy, and KPNO R photometry of the DH Leo triple system in spring 1987. The data are presented in tables, graphs, and spectral phase images and discussed in detail. The H-alpha, H-beta, H-gamma, H-delta, and Ca II H and IRT lines are found to have excess emission, and the phase modulation in H-alpha, H-beta, and Ca II is well correlated with the photometric modulation. This result is attributed to the combination of (1) a small amount of global chromospheric emission and (2) emission from plagelike regions associated with cool starspots. The (H-alpha)/(H-beta) ratio is found to be significantly lower than that in longer-period RS CVn systems.

Newmark, Jeffrey S.↗

Global color and albedo variations on Triton

Global multispectral mosaics of Triton have been produced from Voyager approach images; six spectral units are defined and mapped. The margin of the south polar cap (SPC) is scalloped and ranges in latitude from + 10 deg to -30 deg. A bright fringe is closely associated with the cap's margin; form it, diffuse bright rays extend north-northeast for hundreds of kilometers. Thus, the rays may consist of fringe materials that were redistributed by northward-going Coriolis-deflected winds. From 1977 to 1989, Triton's full-disk spectrum changed from markedly red and UV-dark to nearly neutral white and UV-bright. This spectral change can be explained by new deposition of nitrogen frost over both the northern hemisphere and parts of a formerly redder SPC. Frost deposition in the southern hemisphere during southern summer is possible over relatively high albedo areas of the cap (Stansberry et al., 1990), which helps to explain the apparent stability of the unexpectedly large SPC and the presence of the bright fringe.

Mcewen, Alfred S.↗

Use of narrow-band spectra to estimate the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation

A novel approach is proposed for using high-spectral resolution imagers to estimate the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation adsorbed, f(apar), by vegetated land surfaces. In comparison to approaches using broad-band vegetation indices, the proposed method appears to be relatively insensitive to the reflectance of nonphotosynthetically active material beneath the canopy, such as leaf litter or soil. The method is based on a relationship between the second derivative of the reflectance vs wavelength function for terrestrial vegetation and f(apar). The relationship can be defined by the second derivatives in either of two windows, one in the visible region centered at 0.69 micron, another in the near-infrared region centered at 0.74 micron.

Hall, Forrest G.↗

Progress in extra-solar planet detection

Progress in extra-solar planet detection is reviewed. The following subject areas are covered: (1) the definition of a planet; (2) the weakness of planet signals; (3) direct techniques - imaging and spectral detection; and (4) indirect techniques - reflex motion and occultations.

Brown, Robert A.↗

Surface scattering properties estimated from modeling airborne multiple emission angle reflectance data

Here, researchers apply the Hapke function to airborne bidirectional reflectance data collected over three terrestrial surfaces. The objectives of the study were to test the range of natural surfaces that the Hapke model fits and to evaluate model parameters in terms of known surface properties. The data used are multispectral and multiple emission angle data collected during the Geologic Remote Sensing Field Experiment (GRSFE) over a mud-cracked playa, an artificially roughened playa, and a basalt cobble strewn playa at Lunar Lake Playa in Nevada. Airborne remote sensing data and associated field measurements were acquired at the same time. The airborne data were acquired by the Advanced Solid State Array Spectroradiometer (ASAS) instrument, a 29-spectral band imaging system. ASAS reflectance data for a cobble-strewn surface and an artificially rough playa surface on Lunar Lake Playa can be explained with the Hanke model. The cobble and rough playa sites are distinguishable by a single scattering albedo, which is controlled by material composition; by the roughness parameter, which appears to be controlled by the surface texture and particle size; and the symmetry factor of the single particle phase function, which is controlled by particle size and shape. A smooth playa surface consisting of compacted, fine-grained particles has reflectance variations that are also distinct from either the cobble site or rough playa site. The smooth playa appears to behave more like a Lambertian surface that cannot be modeled with the Hapke function.

Guinness, Edward A.↗

Space Infrared Telescope Facility mission and cryogenic design

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility is the last of the Great Observatory missions. It is presently scheduled for launch in 2001. The mission will study the infrared spectrum from 2 to 1200 microns with three imaging and spectral instruments. The observatory will have a 5 year lifetime and will be placed in a 100,000 km earth orbit. The cryogenic system is based on a 4000 I superfluid helium cryostat. The mission and the cryogenic system are described, and the cryogenic technology issues are discussed.

Mason, P. V.↗

Remote sensing of the biological dynamics of large-scale salt evaporation ponds

Optical properties of salt evaporation ponds associated with Exportadora de Sal, a salt production company in Baja California Sur, Mexico, were analyzed using a combination of spectroradiometer and extracted pigment data, and Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper imagery. The optical characteristics of each pond are determined by the biota, which consists of dense populations of algae and photosynthetic bacteria containing a wide variety of photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments. Analysis has shown that spectral and image data can differentiate between taxonomic groups of the microbiota, detect changes in population distributions, and reveal large-scale seasonal dynamics.

Richardson, Laurie L.↗