Gemini Planet Imager Spectroscopy of the Dusty Substellar Companion HD 206893 B
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eXTP is a science mission designed to study the state of matter under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. Primary goals are the determination of the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, the measurement of QED effects in highly magnetized star, and the study of accretion in the strong-field regime of gravity. Primary targets include isolated and binary neutron stars, strong magnetic field systems like magnetars, and stellar-mass and supermassive black holes. The mission carries a unique and unprecedented suite of state-of-the-art scientific instruments enabling for the first time ever the simultaneous spectral-timing-polarimetry studies of cosmic sources in the energy range from 0.5-30 keV (and beyond). Key elements of the payload are: the Spectroscopic Focusing Array (SFA) - a set of 11 X-ray optics for a total effective area of approx. 0.9 m(exp. 2) and 0.6 m(exp. 2) at 2 keV and 6 keV respectively, equipped with Silicon Drift Detectors offering less than 180 eV spectral resolution; the Large Area Detector (LAD) - a deployable set of 640 Silicon Drift Detectors, for a total effective area of approx. 3.4 m(exp. 2), between 6 and 10 keV, and spectral resolution better than 250 eV; the Polarimetry Focusing Array (PFA) - a set of 2 X-ray telescope, for a total effective area of 250 cm(exp. 2) at 2 keV, equipped with imaging gas pixel photoelectric polarimeters; the Wide Field Monitor (WFM) - a set of 3 coded mask wide field units, equipped with position-sensitive Silicon Drift Detectors, each covering a 90 degrees x 90 degrees field of view. The eXTP international consortium includes major institutions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Universities in China, as well as major institutions in several European countries and the United States. The predecessor of eXTP, the XTP mission concept, has been selected and funded as one of the so-called background missions in the Strategic Priority Space Science Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since 2011. The strong European participation has significantly enhanced the scientific capabilities of eXTP. The planned launch date of the mission is earlier than 2025.
On 2019 August 14, the Advanced LIGO and Virgo interferometers detected the high-significance gravitational wave (GW) signal S190814bv. The GW data indicated that the event resulted from a neutron star–black hole (NSBH) merger, or potentially a low-mass binary BH merger. Due to the low false-alarm rate and the precise localization (23 deg^(2) at 90%), S190814bv presented the community with the best opportunity yet to directly observe an optical/near-infrared counterpart to an NSBH merger. To search for potential counterparts, the GROWTH Collaboration performed real-time image subtraction on six nights of public Dark Energy Camera images acquired in the 3 weeks following the merger, covering >98% of the localization probability. Using a worldwide network of follow-up facilities, we systematically undertook spectroscopy and imaging of optical counterpart candidates. Combining these data with a photometric redshift catalog, we ruled out each candidate as the counterpart to S190814bv and placed deep, uniform limits on the optical emission associated with S190814bv. For the nearest consistent GW distance, radiative transfer simulations of NSBH mergers constrain the ejecta mass of S190814bv to be M(ej) < 0.04 Mꙩ at polar viewing angles, or M(ej) < 0.03 Mꙩ if the opacity is κ < 2 sq.cm/g. Assuming a tidal deformability for the NS at the high end of the range compatible with GW170817 results, our limits would constrain the BH spin component aligned with the orbital momentum to be χ < 0.7 for mass ratios Q < 6, with weaker constraints for more compact NSs.
Optically accessible, high pressure, hot fire test articles are available at NASA Marshall for use in development of advanced rocket engine propellant injectors. Single laser-pulse ultraviolet (UV) Raman spectroscopy has been used in the past in these devices for analysis of high pressure H2- and CH4-fueled combustion, but relies on an independent pressure measurement in order to provide temperature information. A variation of UV Raman (High Resolution Hydrogen Raman Spectroscopy) is under development and will allow temperature measurement without the need for an independent pressure measurement, useful for flows where local pressure may not be accurately known. The technique involves the use of a spectrometer with good spectral resolution, requiring a small entrance slit for the spectrometer. The H2 Raman spectrum, when created by a narrow linewidth laser source and obtained from a good spectral resolution spectrograph, has a spectral shape related to temperature. By best-fit matching an experimental spectrum to theoretical spectra at various temperatures, a temperature measurement is obtained. The spectral model accounts for collisional narrowing, collisional broadening, Doppler broadening, and collisional line shifting of each Raman line making up the H2 Stokes vibrational Q-branch spectrum. At pressures from atmospheric up to those associated with advanced preburner components (5500 psia), collisional broadening though present does not cause significant overlap of the Raman lines, allowing high resolution H2 Raman to be used for temperature measurements in plumes and in high pressure test articles. Experimental demonstrations of the technique are performed for rich H2-air flames at atmospheric pressure and for high pressure, 300 K H2-He mixtures. Spectrometer imaging quality is identified as being critical for successful implementation of technique.
The discoloration of poly(vinl butyral) (PVB) films used in solar cell modules is described. Transmission absorption, Fourier transformation IR absorption and atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy were used for this study. The discoloration of the PVB has been found to be affected by oxygen, moisture, temperature and light. However, the most severe discoloration observed is clearly associated with the migration of positive silver ions, which can be accelerated in the presence of electric fields. The metallization is the source of the silver, and the data are consistent with an interfacial reaction between the silver and PVB followed by transport into the polymer.
Hyperspectral IR sounders such as AIRS on Aqua, CrIS on S-NPP, NOAA20 and JPSS-2, IASI on Metop A, B, and C provide high-quality atmospheric temperature, water, vapor, and greenhouse gas vertical profiles. Additionally, they provide atmospheric cloud properties, surface emissivity, and surface skin temperatures. We have developed two algorithms which can consistently derive these products from multiple IR sounders. The first one is a Single Field-of-view Sounder Atmospheric Product (SIFSAP) algorithm and the second one is a Climate Fingerprinting Sounder Product (ClimFiSP) algorithm. The SiFSAP algorithm performs one retrieval for each FOV using an all-sky optimal estimation approach. The core of the SiFSAP algorithm is an accurate and fast Principal Component-based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM), which can calculate hyperspectral radiance spectra under both clear and cloudy conditions. The PCRTM was developed in the past decade using consistent reference line-by-line radiative transfer model and spectroscopy for hyperspectral sounders such as AIRS, CrIS, IASI, NAST-I, and S-HIS. The ClimFiSP algorithm, which performs retrievals from spatiotemporally averaged L1 hyperspectral radiances directly, will be orders of magnitude faster than traditional method. he ClimFiSP algorithm uses consistent radiative kernels and a robust spectral fingerprinting method. It provides accurate data climate data fusion products from multiple satellite sensors. Both SiFSAP and ClimFiSP will be available at NASA GES DISC data center for public access.
The lifetimes and fine structure of He(-) were studied using time-of-flight techniques and quenching by a static axial magnetic field. Using level-crossing spectroscopy the hyperfine constants A and B and the lifetime of the 3 2P3/2 state of Li-7 were measured. Polarization of the Ru 7S level was created as a first step in determining the hyperfine structure of the alkali excited S state. The parametric interaction between light and microwaves in optically pumped Rb-87 vapor were investigated. Measurements and analyses of transitions in formaldehyde and its isotopic species and in the lowest two excited vibrational states of H2CO were also made, as well as of transitions in furan, pyrrole, formic acid, and cyanoacetylene. The Hanle effect was studied in the NO molecule, and RF oscillators were developed with flat, wideband output to observe excited state hyperfine transitions at zero field. Data was generated on the time-dependent behavior of photon echoes in ruby. Stimulated Raman scattering was studied in atomic Tl vapor. A Q switched, temperature-tuned ruby laser was developed which operates between 6934 and 6938 A. The frequency shift due to resonant interaction between identical radiating atoms was calculated.
Spectroscopic detection of narrow emission lines traces the presence of circumstellar mass distributions around massive stars exploding as core-collapse supernovae. Transient emission lines disappearing shortly after the supernova explosion suggest that the material spatial extent is compact and implies an increased mass loss shortly prior to explosion. Here, we present a systematic survey for such transient emission lines (Flash Spectroscopy) among Type II supernovae detected in the first year of the Zwicky Transient Facility survey. We find that at least six out of ten events for which a spectrum was obtained within two days of the estimated explosion time show evidence for such transient flash lines. Our measured flash event fraction (>30% at 95% confidence level) indicates that elevated mass loss is a common process occurring in massive stars that are about to explode as supernovae.
A new test series was performed in the Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) facility, with the aim of reproducing flight conditions encountered during the Mars2020 mission entry into Mars atmosphere. For this test series, the EAST facility was instrumented with two spectrometers for Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) measurements and three mid-infrared lasers for Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS). This study focuses on the spectrally and spatially resolved radiance measured with OES. Comparison with CEA/NEQAIR and DPLR/NEQAIR simulations were made. For velocity above 2.7 km/s, measurements are found to lie between the different tested kinetic models, within ± 10%. Below 2.7 km/s, the chemistry appears to be frozen and measured radiance profiles are typically 10% above CEA predictions. This difference is explained by shock deceleration effects. Finally, comparison between OES and TDLAS data are made and show a good agreement on the measured temperature and CO2 number density profiles using the two diagnostics, typically within 10 and 5%, respectively.
A new test series was performed in the Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) facility, with the aim of reproducing flight conditions encountered during the Mars2020 mission entry into Mars atmosphere. For this test series, the EAST facility was instrumented with two spectrometers for Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) measurements and three mid-infrared lasers for Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS). This study focuses on the spectrally and spatially resolved radiance measured with OES. Comparison with CEA/NEQAIR and DPLR/NEQAIR simulations were made. For velocity above 2.7 km/s, measurements are found to lie between the different tested kinetic models, within ± 10%. Below 2.7 km/s, the chemistry appears to be frozen and measured radiance profiles are typically 10% above CEA predictions. This difference is explained by shock deceleration effects. Finally, comparison between OES and TDLAS data are made and show a good agreement on the measured temperature and CO2 number density profiles using the two diagnostics, typically within 10 and 5%, respectively.
Infrared spectra of Comet 2lP/Giacobini-Zinner (hereafter 2IP/GZ) were obtained using NIRSPEC at Keck II on UT 2005 June 03, approximately one month before perihelion, that simultaneously measured H2O, C2H6, and CH3OH. For H2O, the production rate of 3.8 x 10(exp 28) molecules / S was consistent with that measured during other apparitions of 21P/GZ retrieved from optical, infrared, and mm-wavelength observations. The water analysis also provided values for rotational temperature (T(sub rot) = 55(epx +3) /-.2 K) and the abundance ratio of ortho- and para-water (3.00 +/-0.15, implying a spin temperature exceeding 50 K). Six Q-branches in the V7 band of C2H6 provided a production rate (5.27 +/- 0.90 x 10(exp 25)/S) that corresponded to an abundance ratio of 0.139 +/- 0.024 % relative to H2O, confirming the previously reported strong depletion of C2H6 from IR observations during the 1998 apparition, and in qualitative agreement with the depletion in C2 known from optical studies. For CH30H, we applied our recently published ab initia model for the v3 band to obtain a rotational temperature (48(exp + 10) / -7 K) consistent with that obtained for H2O. In addition we applied a newly developed empirical model for the CH30H v2 band, and obtained a production rate consistent with that obtained from the v3 band. Combining results from both v2 and v3 bands provided a production rate (47.5 +/- 4.4 x 10(exp 25) / S) that corresponded to an abundance ratio of 1.25 +/- 0.12 % relative to H2O in 21P/GZ. Our study provides the first measure of primary volatile production rates for any Jupiter family comet over multiple apparitions using high resolution IR spectroscopy.
We present spectral and spatial information for major volatile species in Comet 10P/Tempel 2, based on high-dispersion infrared spectra acquired on UT 2010 July 26 (heliocentric distance R h = 1.44 AU) and September 18 (R h = 1.62 AU), following the comet’s perihelion passage on UT 2010 July 04. The total production rate for water on July 26 was (1.90 ± 0.12) × 10 28 molecules s −1 , and abundances of six trace gases (relative to water) were: CH 3 OH (1.58% ± 0.23%), C 2 H 6 (0.39% ± 0.04%), NH 3 (0.83% ± 0.20%), and HCN (0.13% ± 0.02%). A detailed analysis of intensities for water emission lines provided a rotational temperature of 35 ± 3 K. The mean OPR is consistent with nuclear spin populations in statistical equilibrium (OPR = 3.01 ± 0.18), and the (1σ) lower bound corresponds to a spin temperature >38 K. Our measurements were contemporaneous with a jet-like feature observed at optical wavelengths. The spatial profiles of four primary volatiles display strong enhancements in the jet direction, which favors release from a localized vent on the nucleus. The measured IR continuum is much more sharply peaked and is consistent with a dominant contribution from the nucleus itself. The peak intensities for H 2 O, CH 3 OH, and C 2 H 6 are offset by ∼200 km in the jet direction, suggesting the possible existence of a distributed source, such as the release of icy grains that subsequently sublimed in the coma. On UT September 18, no obvious emission lines were present in our spectra, nevertheless we obtained a 3σ upper limit Q(H 2 O) < 2.86 × 10 27 molecules s −1 .
The microscale characterization of electronic defects in (SI) GaAs has been a challenging issue in connection with materials problems encountered in GaAs IC technology. The main obstacle which limits the applicability of high resolution electron beam methods such as Electron Beam-Induced Current (EBIC) and cathodoluminescence (CL) is the low concentration of free carriers in semiinsulating (SI) GaAs. The present paper provides a new photo-EBIC characterization approach which combines the spectroscopic advantages of optical methods with the high spatial resolution and scanning capability of EBIC. A scanning electron microscope modified for electronic characterization studies is shown schematically. The instrument can operate in the standard SEM mode, in the EBIC modes (including photo-EBIC and thermally stimulated EBIC /TS-EBIC/), and in the cathodo-luminescence (CL) and scanning modes. Attention is given to the use of CL, Photo-EBIC, and TS-EBIC techniques.
A sensitive laser spectrometer, named IRIS (water isotope ratio infrared spectrometer), was developed for the in situ detection of the isotopic composition of water vapour in the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere. Isotope ratio measurements can be used to quantify troposphere stratosphere exchange, and to study the water chemistry in the stratosphere. IRIS is based on the technique of optical feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy. It uses a room temperature near-infrared laser, and does not require cryogenic cooling of laser or detectors. The instrument weighs 51 kg including its support structure. Airborne operation was demonstrated during three flights aboard the European M55-Geophysica stratospheric research aircraft, as part of the AMMA/SCOUT-03 (African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis/Stratospheric Climate links with emphasis on the Upper Troposphere and lower stratosphere) campaign in Burkina Faso in August 2006. The data are discussed with reference to a Rayleigh distillation model. As expected, there is no indication of non-mass-dependent fractionation (also known as mass-independent fractionation) in the troposphere. Furthermore, improvements to the thermal management system and a move to a (cryogen-free) longer-wavelength laser source are discussed, which together should result in approximately two orders of magnitude improvement of the sensitivity
We report observations of deuterated acetylene (C 2 HD) at 19.3 μm (519 cm −1 ) with the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility in July 2017. Six individual lines from the Q-branch of the 𝜈 4 band were clearly detected with a S/N ratio up to 10. Spectral intervals around 8.0 μm (745 cm −1 ) and 13.4 μm (1247 cm −1 ) containing acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) lines respectively, were observed during the same run to constrain the disk-averaged C 2 H 2 abundance profile and temperature profile. Cassini observations with the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) were used to improve the flux calibration and help to constrain the atmospheric model. The measured D/H ratio in acetylene, derived from the C 2 HD/C 2 H 2 abundance ratio, is (1.22 +0.27 −0.21 )× 10 −4 , consistent with that in methane obtained in previous studies. Possible sources of fractionation at different steps of the acetylene photochemistry are investigated.
Line mixing effects have been calculated in various parallel and perpendicular bands of self-broadened PH3 lines and compared with recent experimental data. The theoretical approach is an extension to symmetric tops with high inversion barrier of the formalism previously developed for NH3 [Q. Ma and C. Boulet, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 224303 (2016)]. The model takes into account the non-diagonality of the scattering operator within the line space as well as, in a correct way, the double degeneracy of the j, k levels when k ≠ 0. Transitions between such levels should be considered as doublets whose components may be coupled by the line mixing process. It has been shown that, at low pressure, the inversion of the experimental data will strongly depend on the splitting between the two components of a doublet. When it is significant, one can measure independently both the width of one component and the intra-doublet coupling matrix element. Otherwise, one can only measure the sum of these two elements. Comparisons with measurements show that the present formalism leads to accurate predictions of the experimental line shapes.
Spectroscopic evidence supports the presence of Mg-Na-K salts derived from cryovolcanism on the surface of Europa. Halite (NaCl) is effective at very long-term preservation of organic phases and structures. Collection of salt crystals from Europan plumes would provide solid inclusions of organics, potentially also biomaterials, all suitable for analysis. Two thermally-metamorphosed ordinary chondrite regolith breccias (Monahans 1998 (H5) and Zag (H3-6)) contain fluid and solid inclusion-bearing halite crystals, dated to approximately 4.5 billion years, and thus the trapped aqueous fluids and solids are at least as old. Heating/freezing studies of the aqueous fluid inclusions in these halites demonstrated that they were trapped near 25 degrees Centigrade, and their continued presence in the halite grains requires that their incorporation into the H chondrite asteroid occurred after that body's metamorphism ended, since heating would have dessicated the halite. O and H isotopes of the trapped fluids are consistent with mixing of asteroidal and cometary water. Cryovolcanic Origin of the Halite: We hypothesize that these meteoritic halites derive from ancient cryovolcanism based on the following points. (1) Salts crystals are observed as products of current cryovolcanism on Enceladus. (2) In-situ spacecraft analysis of some of the icy grains associated with the Enceladus salt found minor organic or siliceous components, including methane, also found in the Monahans halite. (3) Cryovolcanic fluids are observed to be in chemical disequilibrium, reflecting incomplete reactions between interior volatiles and rocky materials. The coexistence of N2 and HCN in Enceladus' cryovolcanic fluids requires that the plume consists of a mixture of materials whose sources experienced different degrees of aqueous processing, including primordial material trapped in ice that has not been in contact with liquid water. The observed mineral assemblage within the Monahans and Zag halites is also far from equilibrium. Cryovolcanoes on Ceres are a potential source of our halite, however the processes that form halite should also be operating within Europa. Dissolution of Monahans halite grains has revealed a remarkable variety of organics, which dominate the population of solid inclusions. Thermal alteration of this macromolecular carbon (measured by Raman spectroscopy) shows remarkable diversity. We have identified highly-condensed aromatics, diamond, carbonates and chloromethane. Light organic compounds like methane tend to be water soluble and require cold formation temperatures at high hydrogen fugacity - i.e. require water ice. Another indication that these halites have not been heated is that light organics readily volatilize or aromaticize into PAHs. We are currently analyzing the organics by Raman and C-XANES, and measuring the content and exploring the potential chirality of amino acids in the halite. Implications for Europa Plumes: Organic materials and structures erupted by a Europa cryovolcano should be similarly preserved within halite, and other salts, which will be a convenient form for capture and analysis, since halite will serve to encapsulate and protect the organics from spacecraft contamination. Also, being transparent at many wavelengths halite will permit analysis by spacecraft-mounted spectroscopic techniques. In addition, halite is readily dissolved, permitting further analysis of entrained organics.
During 2014 and 2015, NASA's Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission proceeded successfully through Phase C, Design and Development. An X-ray (0.2{12 keV) astrophysics payload destined for the International Space Station, NICER is manifested for launch in early 2017 on the Commercial Resupply Services SpaceX-11 flight. Its scientific objectives are to investigate the internal structure, dynamics, and energetics of neutron stars, the densest objects in the universe. During Phase C, flight components including optics, detectors, the optical bench, pointing actuators, electronics, and others were subjected to environmental testing and integrated to form the flight payload. A custom-built facility was used to co-align and integrate the X-ray \concentrator" optics and silicon-drift detectors. Ground calibration provided robust performance measures of the optical (at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center) and detector (at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) subsystems, while comprehensive functional tests prior to payload-level environmental testing met all instrument performance requirements. We describe here the implementation of NICER's major subsystems, summarize their performance and calibration, and outline the component-level testing that was successfully applied.