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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 901 records · Page 50

Visible–near infrared spectral indices for mapping mineralogy and chemistry with OSIRIS-REx

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return to Earth a pristine sample of carbonaceous material from the primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. To support compositional mapping of Bennu as part of sample site selection and characterization, we tested 95 spectral indices on visible to near infrared laboratory reflectance data from minerals and carbonaceous meteorites. Our aim was to determine which indices reliably identify spectral features of interest. Most spectral indices had high positive detection rates when applied to spectra of pure, single-component materials. The meteorite spectra have fewer and weaker absorption features and, as a result, fewer detections with the spectral indices. Indices targeting absorptions at 0.7 and 2.7–3 µm, which are attributable to hydrated minerals, were most successful for the meteorites. Based on these results, we identified a set of 17 indices that are most likely to be useful at Bennu. These indices detect olivines, pyroxenes, carbonates, water/OH-bearing minerals, serpentines, ferric minerals, and organics. Particle size and albedo are known to affect band depth but had a negligible impact on interpretive success with spectral indices. Preliminary analysis of the disk-integrated Bennu spectrum with these indices is consistent with expectations given the observed absorption near 3 lm. Our study prioritizes spectral indices to be used for OSIRIS-REx spectral analysis and mapping and informs the reliability of all index-derived data products, including a science value map for sample site selection.

Hannah H. Kaplan↗

(abstract) Cross with Your Spectra? Cross-Correlate Instead!

The use of cross-correlation for certain types of spectral analysis is discussed. Under certain circumstances, the use of cross-correlation between a real spectrum and either a model or another spectrum can provide a very powerful tool for spectral analysis. The method (and its limitations) will be described with concrete examples using ATMOS data.

spectrometry. cross-correlation spectra ATMOS spec↗

Understanding International GNC Hardware Trends

An industry-wide survey of guidance, navigation and control (GNC) sensors, namely star trackers, gyros, and sun sensors was undertaken in 2014, in which size, mass, power, and various performance metrics were recorded for each category. A multidimensional analysis was performed, looking at the spectrum of available sensors, with the intent of identifying gaps in the available capability range. Mission types that are not currently well served by the available components were discussed, as well as some missions that would be enabled by filling gaps in the component space. This paper continues that study, with a focus on reaction wheels and magnetometers, as well as with updates to the listings of star trackers, gyros, and sun sensors. Also discussed are a framework for making the database available to the community at large, and the continued maintenance of this database and the analysis of its contents.

Greenbaum, Adam↗

Searching for Radial Velocity Variations in eta Carinae

A hot companion of eta Carinae has been detected using high resolution spectra (905 - 1180 A) obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite (see poster by Sonneborn et al.). Analysis of the far-UV spectrum shows that eta Car B is a luminous hot star. The N II 1084-86 emission feature indicates that the star may be nitrogen rich. The FUV continuum and the S IV 1073 P-Cygni wind line suggest that the effective temperature of eta Car B is at least 25,000 K. FUV spectra of eta Carinae were obtained with the FUSE satellite at 9 epochs between 2000 February and 2005 July. The data consists of 12 observations taken with the LWRS aperture (30x30 arcsec), three with the HIRS aperture (1.25x20 arcsec), and one MRDS aperture (4x20 arcsec). In this paper we discuss the analysis of these spectra to search for radial velocity variations associated with the 5.54-year binary orbit of Eta Car AB.

Iping, R. C.↗

Measurement of the iron spectrum from 60 to 200 GeV per nucleon

The high energy gas Cerenkov Spectrometer (HEGCS) was flown by balloon from Palestine, Texas on September 30, 1983. The instrument maintained an altitude of 118,000 ft (4.7 g/sq cms) for 6 hours. Details of the ongoing data analysis and preliminary results on the Fe spectrum to 10 to the 13th power eV/nucleus are given.

Streitmatter, R. E.↗

Helicopter rotor trailing edge noise

A two dimensional section of a helicopter main rotor blade was tested in an acoustic wind tunnel at close to full-scale Reynolds numbers to obtain boundary layer data and acoustic data for use in developing an acoustic scaling law and testing a first principles trailing edge noise theory. Results were extended to the rotating frame coordinate system to develop a helicopter rotor trailing edge noise prediction. Comparisons of the calculated noise levels with helicopter flyover spectra demonstrate that trailing edge noise contributes significantly to the total helicopter noise spectrum at high frequencies. This noise mechanism is expected to control the minimum rotor noise. In the case of noise radiation from a local blade segment, the acoustic directivity pattern is predicted by the first principles trailing edge noise theory. Acoustic spectra are predicted by a scaling law which includes Mach number, boundary layer thickness and observer position. Spectrum shape and sound pressure level are also predicted by the first principles theory but the analysis does not predict the Strouhal value identifying the spectrum peak.

Schlinker, R. H.↗

Phonons in Copper Diphosphide (CuP 2 ): Raman Spectroscopy and Lattice Dynamics Calculations

Copper diphosphide (CuP 2 ) is an emerging binary semiconductor with promising properties for energy conversion and storage applications. While functionality and possible applications of CuP 2 have been studied, there is a curious gap in the investigation of its vibrational properties. In this work, we provide a reference Raman spectrum of CuP 2 , with a complete analysis of all Raman active modes from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Raman measurements have been performed on polycrystalline CuP 2 thin films with close to stoichiometric composition. Detailed deconvolution of the Raman spectrum with Lorentzian curves has allowed identification of all theoretically predicted Raman active modes (9A g and 9B g ), including their positions and symmetry assignment. Furthermore, calculations of the phonon density of states (PDOS), as well as the phonon dispersions, provide a microscopic understanding of the experimentally observed phonon lines, in addition to the assignment to the specific lattice eigenmodes. We further provide the theoretically predicted positions of the infrared (IR) active modes, along with the simulated IR spectrum from density functional theory (DFT). Overall good agreement is found between the experimental and DFT-calculated Raman spectra of CuP 2 , providing a reference platform for future investigations on this material.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The soft X-ray spectrum of the Vela supernova remnant

An X-ray spectrum of a major fraction of the Vela supernova remnant has been obtained during scanning observations with the low energy proportional counters of the A-2 experiment, flown on HEAO 1. A deconvolution analysis of the data shows that the spectrum exhibits pronounced line emission near 0.6 keV due primarily to oxygen ions. Model fits using the Raymond-Smith hot plasma emission calculations indicate that the spectrum can be well described by a model involving two collisional equilibrium components with temperatures of 2.4 x 10 to the 6th and 1.9 x 10 to the 7th K, respectively. The abundances of oxygen and iron are found to be constrained to lie near their normal cosmic values.

Kahn, S. M.↗

The Mg II h and k interstellar lines in the spectrum of the G-type giant HD 156854

The results of the measurements and analysis of the IUE observations of the 2800 Mg II doublet in the spectrum of HD 156854, a G9 III star, are presented. The relative power of the magnesium chromosphere, R(Mg) = 0.00001, is in agreement with the known data for giants of the same class. The emission profiles of this doublet present absorption cores, which are of interstellar origin. Taking into account the interstellar depletion of Mg, the derived density of interstellar hydrogen is n(H) = 0.001/cu cm, which agrees with the conclusion (Paresce 1984) about the possibility of large hydrogen concentrations in some directions of the Galaxy far from the sun.

Gurzadian, G. A.↗

Spectral evidence of solar neighborhood analogs in CALIFA galaxies

We introduce a novel nonparametric method to find solar neighborhood analogs (SNAs) in extragalactic integral field spectroscopic surveys. The main ansatz is that the physical properties of the solar neighborhood (SN) should be encoded in its optical stellar spectrum. We assume that our best estimate of such a spectrum is the one extracted from the analysis performed by the Code for Stellar properties Heuristic Assignment (CoSHA) from the MaStar stellar library. It follows that finding SNAs in other galaxies consist in matching, in a χ 2 sense, the SN reference spectrum across the optical extent of the observed galaxies. We applied this procedure to a selection of CALIFA galaxies, by requiring a close to face-on projection, relative isolation, and non-active galactic nucleus. We explore how the local and global properties of the SNAs (stellar age, metallicity, dust extinction, mass-to-light ratio, stellar surface mass density, star-formation density, and galactocentric distance) and their corresponding host galaxies (morphological type, total stellar mass, star-formation rate, and effective radius) compared with those of the SN and the Milky Way (MW). We find that SNAs are located preferentially in S(B)a–S(B)c galaxies, in a ring-like structure, which radii seem to scale with the galaxy size. Despite the known sources of systematics and errors, most properties present a considerable agreement with the literature on the SN. We conclude that the solar neighborhood is relatively common in our sample of SNAs. Our results warrant a systematic exploration of correlations among the physical properties of the SNAs and their host galaxies. We reckon that our method should inform current models of the galactic habitable zone in our MW and other galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Standoff Detection of Chemical Plumes Using Swept-ECQCL Remote Detection Technology: Results from EMRTC Complex Terrain Dual Tracer Experiment

As part of the Complex Terrain Dual Tracer Experiments performed in support of the LYNM program, a swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade laser (swept-ECQCL) remote detection system was deployed to measure chemical plume propagation with high temporal resolution. The swept-ECQCL remote detection technology was initially developed at PNNL, and is now under further development at Opticslah, LLC under SBIR funding from DOE (DOE SBIR Phase I Project DE-SC0019855, Remote Detection Technologies, Program Manager Chris Ramos). The swept-ECQCL technology provides a single-frequency infrared laser source which is rapidly scanned over a large wavelength range to measure the infrared absorption of gases, liquids, or solids. Analysis of the measured infrared absorption spectrum is used to detect, identify, and quantify the chemical species which are present. While most previous laser-based techniques used small wavelength tuning ranges to measure only a few isolated spectral lines of a few species, the swept-ECQCL provides the large tuning range needed to measure multiple species simultaneously, and to detect broad absorption features from large molecules or condensed phase materials. In addition, the swept-ECQCL systems have high enough spectral resolution and sensitivity to measure narrow lines of small molecules and determine isotope ratios. The remote detection system for gas plumes is based on the swept-ECQCL technology, and consists of a swept-ECQCL source, infrared detector, control electronics, and beam transmitting and alignment optics. The remote detection system directs the infrared output of the swept-ECQCL to a target retro reflector typically located at ~10-10,000 m distance. The swept-ECQCL wavelength is varied continuously over a large wavelength range (>1000 nm) at rates up to 1000 Hz. The swept ECQCL light reflected from the remote target is collected and focused onto an infrared photodetector. By measuring the detector signal continuously as the swept-ECQCL wavelength is varied, a time-series of absorption spectra are measured for the gases along the beam line of-sight. Based on analysis and fitting of the measured absorption spectra, the time-dependent chemical concentrations of species are determined. Multiple species and mixtures can be detected simultaneously, for all species with absorption features above the sensor noise floor. The sensor output is thus a continuous, high-speed record of identified chemicals along with their concentrations and isotope ratios of interest. The high-speed operation enables low-noise operation in conditions of atmospheric turbulence and allows tracking of fluctuating concentrations in transient chemical plumes as needed for reliable remote detection applications. All components operate with minimal cooling requirements and no cryogens are needed. In addition, the output infrared light is invisible with an intensity below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) threshold of 100 mW/cm2 for these infrared wavelengths and thus eye safe. The measurement concept for plume detection using the swept-ECQCL remote detection system is as follows. The ECQCL beam is directed toward a remote retro-reflector, which reflects the beam back to the ECQCL system where it is focused onto an infrared photodetector. The line-of-sight from the ECQCL system to the retro-reflector defines the measurement path. The detected infrared signal is recorded continuously and detects the absorption of molecular species along the measurement path. Before a plume release, the system measures absorption from atmospheric constituents, which in this LWIR band consist primarily of lines from H 2 O and CO 2 , with additional weaker absorption from N 2 O, NH 3 , and O 3 possibly contributing. The system then measures any changes in absorption due to the tracer compounds when they enter the measurement path. The shape of absorption features is used to distinguish and identify the different tracer compounds, and the strength of the absorption is used to determine the path-integrated concentration – also called the column density.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Higher-order structure of rRNA

A comparative search for phylogenetically covarying basepair replacements within potential helices has been the only reliable method to determine the correct secondary structure of the 3 rRNAs, 5S, 16S, and 23S. The analysis of 16S from a wide phylogenetic spectrum, that includes various branches of the eubacteria, archaebacteria, eucaryotes, in addition to the mitochondria and chloroplast, is beginning to reveal the constraints on the secondary structures of these rRNAs. Based on the success of this analysis, and the assumption that higher order structure will also be phylogenetically conserved, a comparative search was initiated for positions that show co-variation not involved in secondary structure helices. From a list of potential higher order interactions within 16S rRNA, two higher-order interactions are presented. The first of these interactions involves positions 570 and 866. Based on the extent of phylogenetic covariation between these positions while maintaining Watson-Crick pairing, this higher-order interaction is considered proven. The other interaction involves a minimum of six positions between the 1400 and 1500 regions of the 16S rRNA. Although these patterns of covariation are not as striking as the 570/866 interaction, the fact that they all exist in an anti-parallel fashion and that experimental methods previously implicated these two regions of the molecule in tRNA function suggests that these interactions be given serious consideration.

Gutell, R. R.↗

On determining the spectrum of primordial inhomogeneity from the COBE DMR sky maps: Method

The natural approach to a spectral analysis of data distributed on the sky employs spherical harmonic decomposition. A common problem encountered in practical astronomy is the lack of full sky coverage in the available data. For example, the removal of the Galactic plane data from the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) Differential Microwave Radiometer (DMR) sky maps compromises Fourier analysis of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature distribution due to the loss of orthogonality of the spherical harmonics. An explicit method for constructing orthonormal functions on an incomplete (e.g., Galaxy-cut) sphere is presented. These functions should be used in the proper Fourier analysis of the COBE DMR sky maps to provide the correct input for the determination of the spectrum of primordial inhomogeneity. The results of such an analysis are presented in an accompanying Letter. A similar algebraic construction of appropriate functions can be devised for other astronomical applications.

Gorski, Krzysztof M.↗

Narrow Scale Flow and a Weak Field by the Top of Earth's Core: Evidence from Orsted, Magsat and Secular Variation

As Earth's main magnetic field weakens, our magnetic shield against the onslaught of the solar wind thins. And the field strength needed to fend off battering by solar coronal mass ejections is decreasing, just when the delicate complexity of modem, vulnerable, electro-technological systems is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Recently, a working group of distinguished scientist from across the nation has asked NASA's Solid Earth and Natural Hazards program a key question: What are the dynamics of Earth s magnetic field and its interactions with the Earth system? Paleomagnetic studies of crustal rocks magnetized in the geologic past reveal that polarity reversals have occurred many times during Earth s history. Networked super-computer simulations of core field and flow, including effects of gravitational, pressure, rotational Coriolis, magnetic and viscous forces, suggest how this might happen in detail. And space-based measurements of the real, time-varying magnetic field help constrain estimates of the speed and direction of fluid iron flowing near the top of the core and enable tests of some hypotheses about such flow. Now scientists at NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center have developed and applied methods to test the hypotheses of narrow scale flow and of a dynamically weak magnetic field near the top of Earth s core. Using two completely different methods, C. V. Voorhies has shown these hypotheses lead to specific theoretical forms for the "spectrum" of Earth s main magnetic field and the spectrum of its rate of change. Much as solar physicists use a prism to separate sunlight into its spectrum, from long wavelength red to short wavelength blue light, geophysicists use a digital prism, spherical harmonic analysis, to separate the measured geomagnetic field into its spectrum, from long to short wavelength fields. They do this for the rate of change of the field as well.

Voorhies, Coerte V.↗

IUE observations of WZ Sagittae in outburst

Preliminary results of the analysis of the low resolution spectra from the recurring nova WZ Sagittae are discussed with reference to the similarity between WZ Sge and dwarf novae and the applicability of accretion disk models. It is found that the spectrum observed on Dec. 1, 1978, is in very good agreement with a simple steady-state disk model of Lynden-Bell (1969) which predicts a power law spectrum over a limited range of frequency. Analysis of the observations within the framework of this model gives a value of the mass of the white dwarf larger than that estimated by Robinson et al (1978).

Holm, A. V.↗

Propionitrile in the Two Lowest Excited Vibrational States in the Laboratory and on Titan

The rotational spectrum of propionitrile (ethyl cyanide, C2H5CN) in the two lowest excited vibrational states, ν(sub 13) = 1 and ν(sub 21) = 1, was studied in detail. The compiled experimental data set consisted of published line lists, lines measured from published spectra up to 645 GHz, and new measurements at frequencies from 8 to 331 GHz. The two states are subject to considerable mutual interaction but application of a- and b-axis Coriolis coupling model to the measured A-symmetry internal rotation substate transitions was found to be successful. A total of over 1900 transitions were fitted for J values up to 76 and Ka up to 24, resulting in determined vibrational separation between the two states ΔE = 6:2070246(14) cm(exp -1), and Coriolis coefficients |ζ(sup a)(sub 13,21)| = 0.378, |ζ(sup b) (sub 13,21)| = 0.127, in good agreement with quantum chemistry calculations. The new line catalog was used to model ALMA spectra of Titan’s atmosphere from 2016, fitting many weak lines not previously modeled. By including the vibrationally excited lines of C2H5CN and a new partition function, we derive a disk-averaged volume mixing ratio estimate in 2016 of 7.8 ± 0.2 ppb assumed constant above 300 km.

Analysis of rotational spectrum↗

Analysis of He I 1083 nm Imaging Spectroscopy Using a Spectral Standard

We develop a technique. for the analysis of He I 1083 nanometer spectra which addresses several difficulties through determination of a continuum background by comparison with a well calibrated standard and through removal of nearby solar and telluric blends by differential comparison to an average spectrum. The method is compared with earlier analysis of imaging spectroscopy obtained at the National Solar Observatory/Kitt Peak Vacuum Telescope (NSO/KPVT) with the NASA/NSO Spectromagnetograph (SPM). We examine distributions of Doppler velocity and line width as a function of central intensity for an active region, filament, quiet Sun, and coronal hole. For our example, we find that line widths and central intensity are oppositely correlated in a coronal hole and quiet Sun. Line widths are comparable to the quiet sun in the active region, are systematically lower in the filament, and extend to higher values in the coronal hole. Outward velocities of approximately equal to 2 to 4 kilometers per second are typically observed in the coronal hole. The sensitivity of these results to analysis technique is discussed.

Malanushenko, Elena V.↗