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At least 145 records · Page 8

Physical conditions in photodissociation regions - Application to galactic nuclei

A procedure is outlined which determines the physical characteristics of the neutral interstellar medium in the nuclei of luminous galaxies. The method uses millimeter and IR observations to find the mass and density of the molecular and atomic gas components as well as the UV flux incident on clouds. The area and volume filling factors and approximate number of clouds and cloud radii are also found. For the Galactic center, about 100 clouds of radius about 0.4 pc and density about 100,000/cu cm are found within about 5 pc. The atomic gas temperature is about 700 K and the FUV field on clouds is about 100,000 times the local Galactic FUV field. The flux is consistent with a central source of luminosity of 2-3 x 10 to the 7th solar. Roughly 100,000 clouds of radius roughly 0.4 pc are found within the roughly 330 pc nuclear region of M82. The large number of clouds produces a projected area filling factor approaching unity. Cloud heating may be dominated by an intense interstellar UV flux.

Wolfire, Mark G.↗

MAMA detector systems - A status report

Third-generation, 224 x 960 and 360 x 1024-pixel multianode microchannel (MAMA) detectors are under development for satellite-borne FUV and EUV observations, using pixel dimensions of 25 x 25 microns. An account is presently given of the configurations, modes of operation, and recent performance data of these systems. At UV and visible wavelengths, these MAMAs employ a semitransparent, proximity-focused photocathode structure. At FUV and EUV wavelengths below about 1500 A, opaque alkali-halide photocathodes deposited directly on the front surface of the MCP furnish the best detective quantum efficiencies.

Timothy, J. Gethyn↗

Constraints on astronomical silicate dust

Numerical radiative-transfer models are used to discuss the properties of circumstellar dust grains around the premain-sequence star AB Aur (HD 31293). It is assumed that the dust consists of a silicate-graphite mixture with Draine and Lee (1984) optical properties. The modeling technique is to match the observed FUV through FIR energy distribution with the spectral energy distribution predicted for a spherical dust shell around a luminous hot star. Special attention is given to matching the observed 10-micron silicate emission feature and the observed circumstellar absorption curve at UV wavelengths, making it possible to strengthen constraints on dust-grain opacity and chemical composition. It is concluded that, although silicate grains can explain the observed 10-micron emission feature, the Draine and Lee silicate-graphite mixture cannot explain the observed FUV circumstellar absorption at the same time. The dust shell around AB Aur contains an additional population of small particles, the most likely candidate being amorphous carbon grains in a nonhydrogenated form.

Sorrell, Wilfred H.↗

Large-format electrographic and array detectors for a space Schmidt imaging telescope

Possible optical designs of imaging detectors for the spaceborne Schmidt telescope proposed by Carruthers et al. (1990) are discussed, surveying the currently or potentially available technology. Consideration is given to FUV electrographic detectors of large format (e.g., 120 mm with 10-micron resolution) using CsI photocathodes, the possible extension of the same technology to the mid-UV using Cs2Te instead of CsI, large CCD arrays for the visible and NIR, electron-bombarded CCDs for the FUV and mid-UV, and the data handling and processing requirements of these detectors.

Carruthers, George R.↗

Optical design of Lyman/FUSE

The optical system for the proposed Lyman/Far UV Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) orbiting observatory is described and illustrated with drawings and graphs of predicted performance. The system comprises (1) an FUV channel based on a 1.84-m-diameter Rowland circle spectrograph with five high-density modified ellipsiodal near-normal-incidence gratings and an array of four MAMA detectors; (2) an EUV channel with ellipsoidal mirror, planar varied-line-space grating, microchannel-plate array, and wedge-and-strip anode detector; (3) a 70-cm Wolter II glancing-incidence telescope; and (4) a CCD-detector fine-error sensor to provide accurate pointing (within 200 marcsec rms). The resolving powers of the spectrographs are 30,000 in the FUV and 300-600 (wavelength-dependent) in the EUV.

Content, D. A.↗

Low-density photodissociation regions

A theoretical parameter study of the temperature and chemical structure of photodissociation regions (PDRs) and their resultant spectrum is presented. The models, which solve for the chemical and thermal steady state of a one-dimensional slab exposed to an incident FUV flux, relate the observed line and continuum emission from these regions to physical parameters of interest. Intensities of numerous fine-structure lines, the molecular rotational transitions (C-12)O J = 1-0 and H2 0-0 S(0), and the dust continuum intensities at 60 and 100 microns are predicted, and the column density of FUV-pumped vibrationally excited H2 is estimated.

Hollenbach, David J.↗

The Galactic far ultraviolet background

Investigations of the FUV background are discussed in the light of the methods employed and significant results of data interpretation. Attention is given to the data that confirm the generally accepted theory that the FUV flux originates in the Galaxy. The relationship between the flux measurements and the types of scattering by dust are investigated with attention given to the discrepancies inherent in reported scattering properties. Recent evidence shows wide ranges of albedo values and scattering-phase functions, and UV scattering grains are noted in all directions of the Galaxy that have low albedos and scatter isotropically. Recent detections of spectral emission features support the Galactic fountain model for the scattering material, and molecular hydrogen emission suggests that the emitting material tends to clump in hydrogen clouds.

Bowyer, Stuart↗

Imaging pulse-counting detector systems for space ultraviolet astrophysics missions

A family of imaging, pulse-counting, photoelectric detector systems, the Multi-Anode Microchannel Arrays (MAMAs), are now under active development for use on a number of space ultraviolet astrophysics missions at far-ultraviolet (FUV) and extreme-ultraviolet wavelengths between about 300 and 28 nm. Specifically, MAMA detectors are being fabricated and tested for use in two instruments on the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory mission, for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, and for the prime FUV spectrograph of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer FUSE/Lyman mission. The construction and performance characteristics of the different MAMA detector systems are described, and techniques for improving the spatial resolution of each of the detector systems by the use of custom application specific integrated circuits in the electronics are discussed.

Timothy, J. G.↗

Deviations of interstellar extinctions from the mean R-dependent extinction law

An analysis is conducted of the deviations from the mean extinction law A(lambda)/A(V) over UV wavelengths emphasizing sightlines through bright nebulosities vs dark clouds. The stellar sample is subdivided into sight lines with defined properties, and different behavior is noted for the deviations in the dark-cloud and bright-nebula sight lines. The deviations are correlated within the same wavenumber interval, but unique shapes for the FUV rise in the deviations are observed. Distributions of silicate grains are considered to account for the extinctions at certain wavenumbers that would explain the observations. The FUV rise in the extinctions is theorized to be related to the UV extinction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Mathis, John S.↗

Mid-infrared rotational line emission from interstellar molecular hydrogen

The line emission from the v = 0-0 S(0), S(2), and S(3), and the v = 1-0 and v = 2-1 S(1) transitions of molecular hydrogen in clouds exposed to high FUV fluxes and in shocks is modeled. Particular attention is given to the lowest pure rotational H2 transitions at 20 and 17 microns, respectively. It is found that, in photodissociation regions (PDRs), the emission comes from warm (greater than about 100 k) molecular gas, situated at optical depths greater than about 1, beyond the hot atomic surface layer of the clouds. For FUV fields, G0 = 1000 to 100,000 times the average interstellar field densities n = 10 exp 3 - 10 exp 7/cu cm, the typical line intensities are in the range 10 exp -6 to 10 exp -4 ergs/s sq cm sr. The predictions for the line intensities from both C-type and J-type shock models are compared. The results are applied to recent observations of the 0-0 S(1) transition in both the PDR and the shocked gas in Orion.

Burton, Michael G.↗

Far ultraviolet filters for the ISTP UV imager

The far ultraviolet (FUV) imager for the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) mission is designed to image four features of the aurora: O I lines at 130.4 nm and 135.6 nm and the N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield (LBH) bands between 140 nm-160 nm (LBH long) and 160 nm-180 nm (LBH long). We report the design and fabrication of narrow-band and broadband filters for the ISTP FUV imager. Narrow-band filters designed and fabricated for the O I lines have a bandwidth of less than 5 nm and a peak transmittance of 22.3 and 29.6 percent at 130.4 nm and 135.6 nm, respectively. Broadband filters designed and fabricated for LBH bands have the transmittance greater than 40 percent for LBH short and close to 60 percent for LBH long. Blocking of out-of-band wavelengths for all filters is better than 0.001 percent with the transmittance at 121.6 nm of less than 10 exp -6 percent.

Zukic, Muamer↗

Observations of the white dwarf in the U Geminorum system with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope

The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope was used to obtain an FUV spectrum of U Gem about 10 d after the end of an outburst. Most of the FUV emission from U Gem appears to rise from the white dwarf (WD) in the system. Various possibilities to explain the hot component in the present spectrum are explored. It is most likely due to radiation from the boundary-layer region of the WD surface rather than from the accretion disk which exists in U Gem in quiescence. If the standard picture of boundary-layer emission is correct, then the hot component is not due to ongoing accretion onto the WD because the temperature observed is too low. Delayed emission from a viscously heated, differentially rotating atmosphere is argued to be a more valid explanation.

Long, Knox S.↗

Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy - Laboratory tests of field widened, multiple order, and vacuum ultraviolet systems

We describe a new instrumental technique for interference spectroscopy, Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy (SHS), which promises to extend into the FUV (1200 A - 2000 A) spectral region the large throughput advantage at high spectral resolution usually associated with Fabry-Perot and Michelson interferometers. In addition, SHS systems are compact in size, can be field-widened to increase their throughput advantage even further, and have no moving parts. SHS appears to be well suited for high resolution, space-based spectroscopy of faint interstellar emission lines in the FUV. In this paper we review the first proof-of-concept laboratory demonstrations of a field widened SHS configuration and a multiple order SHS system, which extends the spectral range of the basic device and present new results of SHS performance in the VUV. The design of an SHS system capable of obtaining velocity resolved spectra of the CIV 1550 doublet from the interstellar medium is also discussed.

Harlander, J.↗

Far-ultraviolet radiation from disk globular clusters

IUE spectra obtained in a survey of the metal-rich disk system of globular clusters are presented. Significant FUV fluxes were detected in the 1200-2000-A short-wavelength (SWP) range of the IUE Observatory in several disk globular clusters. These clusters are the most metal-rich known to have an FUV flux. Three clusters show spectral energy distrbutions (SEDs) clearly rising at shorter wavelengths, not unlike the upturns observed in the bulges of metal-rich elliptical galaxies. Several others with weak SWP detections appear to have flat or uncertain spectral energy distributions. Blue stragglers provide a possible explanation for flux redder than 2000 A in clusters showing weaker flux in the SWP region, and with flat or declining SEDs.

Rich, R. M.↗

The AFP-675 Far Ultraviolet Cameras experiment - Observations of the far-UV space environment

The NRL's Far UV Cameras experiment flew aboard the Shuttle Orbiter on STS-39, in 1991: obtaining 105-200 nm measurements of the upper atmosphere, astronomical targets, and the Shuttle environment. Attention is presently given to observations of O2 density vs altitude in the nighttime atmosphere, the nocturnal ionosphere, Space Shuttle FUV glow, and photometry for both the stars and diffuse sources of 12 star fields at high and low galactic latitudes. The first FUV observations of the extended region of reflection nebulosity in Scorpius are included.

Carruthers, George R.↗

Multilayer thin film design as far ultraviolet quarterwave retarders

At short wavelengths, such as FUV, transparent, optically active materials are scarce. Reflection phase retardation by a multilayer thin film can be a good alternative in this wavelength region. We design a multilayer quarterwave retarder by calculating the electric fields at each boundary in the multilayer thin film. Using this method, we achieve designs of FUV multilayers which provide high, matched reflectances for both s- and p-polarization states, and at the same time a phase difference between these two states of nearly 90 deg. For example, a quarterwave retarder designed at the Lyman-alpha line (121.6 nm) has 81.05 percent reflectance for the s-polarization and 81.04 percent for the p-polarization state. The phase difference between these two polarization states is 90.07 deg. For convenience the retarders are designed for 45 deg angle of incidence, but our design approach can be used for any other angle of incidence. Aluminum and MgF2 are used as film materials and an opaque thick film of aluminum as the substrate.

Kim, Jongmin↗

Vacuum ultraviolet instrumentation for solar irradiance and thermospheric airglow

A NASA sounding rocket experiment was developed to study the solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectral irradiance and its effect on the upper atmosphere. Both the solar flux and the terrestrial molecular nitrogen via the Lyman-Birge-Hopfield bands in the far ultraviolet (FUV) were measured remotely from a sounding rocket on October 27, 1992. The rocket experiment also includes EUV instruments from Boston University (Supriya Chakrabarti), but only the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)/University of Colorado (CU) four solar instruments and one airglow instrument are discussed here. The primary solar EUV instrument is a 1/4 meter Rowland circle EUV spectrograph which has flown on three rockets since 1988 measuring the solar spectral irradiance from 30 to 110 nm with 0.2 nm resolution. Another solar irradiance instrument is an array of six silicon XUV photodiodes, each having different metallic filters coated directly on the photodiodes. This photodiode system provides a spectral coverage from 0.1 to 80 nm with about 15 nm resolution. The other solar irradiance instrument is a silicon avalanche photodiode coupled with pulse height analyzer electronics. This avalanche photodiode package measures the XUV photon energy providing a solar spectrum from 50 to 12,400 eV (25 to 0.1 nm) with an energy resolution of about 50 eV. The fourth solar instrument is an XUV imager that images the sun at 17.5 nm with a spatial resolution of 20 arc-seconds. The airglow spectrograph measures the terrestrial FUV airglow emissions along the horizon from 125 to 160 nm with 0.2 nm spectral resolution. The photon-counting CODACON detectors are used for three of these instruments and consist of coded arrays of anodes behind microchannel plates. The one-dimensional and two-dimensional CODACON detectors were developed at CU by Dr. George Lawrence. The pre-flight and post-flight photometric calibrations were performed at our calibration laboratory and at the Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Woods, Thomas N.↗

Filters for the International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) mission far ultraviolet imager

The far ultraviolet (FUV) imager for the International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) mission is designed to image four features of the aurora: O I lines at 130.4 nm and 135.6 nm and the N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield (LBH) bands between 140 nm - 160 nm (LBH long) and 160 nm - 180 nm (LBH long). In this paper we report the design and fabrication of narrow-band and broadband filters for the ISTP FUV imager. Narrow-band filters designed and fabricated for the O I lines have a bandwidth of less than 5 nm and a peak transmittance of 23.9 percent and 38.3 percent at 130.4 nm and 135.6 nm, respectively. Broadband filters designed and fabricated for LBH bands have the transmittance close to 60 percent. Blocking of out-of-band wavelengths for all filters is better than 5x10(exp -3) percent with the transmittance at 121.6 nm of less than 10(exp -6) percent.

Zukic, Muamer↗