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High-dynamic-range MCP structures
We report on the development of a new high-dynamic-range two-stage Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) imaging tube designed for improved high count rate performance at FUV and EUV wavelengths. The new two-stage MAMA tube employs two 25-mm-diameter format MCPs placed in tandem with a small gap between the plates. The front (input) MCP is designed to be a low-gain converter plate that supports an opaque photocathode and converts the detected photons to electrons, while the second (output) MCP is of higher conductivity and thus maintains the overall gain of the multiplier at high count rates. The second MCP is mounted in proximity focus with a (224 x 960)-pixel fine-fine coincidence MAMA array for high-spatial-resolution imaging studies. The applied voltage across each MCP can be controlled independently. We report on the gain and dynamic range performance characteristics of the two-stage MAMA tube in two different configurations: first, with the output MCP having moderate conductivity (about 100 MOhm); and second, with the output MCP having very high conductivity (about 2 MOhm). These results are compared and contrasted with those of the more conventional MAMA tube configuration which employs a single high-gain curved-channel MCP.
High Dynamic Range Digital Imaging of Spacecraft
The ability to capture engineering imagery with a wide degree of dynamic range during rocket launches is critical for post launch processing and analysis [USC03, NNC86]. Rocket launches often present an extreme range of lightness, particularly during night launches. Night launches present a two-fold problem: capturing detail of the vehicle and scene that is masked by darkness, while also capturing detail in the engine plume.
High dynamic range radio observations of PKS 1413+135: A BL Lacertae object with a parsec-scale counterjet
We report the results of three high dynamic range, high-resolution radio observations with the Very Large Array (VLA), US Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI) Network, and partially completed Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) on the peculiar BL Lacertae objects PKS 1413+135. The VLA observations (resolution approximately 1.5 sec) reveal that PKS 1413+135 has no kiloparsec-scale extended structure to a dynamic range limit of 10,000:1. However, its milliarcsecond-scale structure appears to be a triple (i.e., a core, jet plus 'counterjet') at both 3.6 and 18 cm, a unique structure among BL Lac objects but similar to a recently discovered class of VLBI 'mini-triples.' The presence of a counterjet at fluxes comparable to the main jet is incompatible with the standard relativistically beamed jet model for BL Lac objects and with the high value of core dominance exhibited by this source at arcsec resolution. This suggests a nonstandard interpretation in which the radio source lies far in the background of the spiral galaxy it is projected upon so that its VLBI structure may be affected by gravitational lensing. At 18 cm, the core is much weaker than at 3.6 cm suggesting free-free absorption by the high-column-density gas found along this sightline by previous infrared(IR)/optical, X-ray and redshifted H I 21 cm observations. We discuss the roles that free-free absorption and gravitational lensing may have for PKS 1413+135 and other GHz-peaked spectrum radio sources.
NGST high dynamic range unwrapped phase estimation
We report on an algorithm enabling estimation of high dynamic range pupil phase without wrapping ambiguity.
High dynamic range VLBI observations of NGC 6251
The large radio galaxy NGC 6251 has been observed with an 11-telescope VLBI array, including the full VLA, at 18 cm. High-dynamic-range maps of both the VLBI-scale and VLA-scale radio structure from these observations, as well as hybrid maps from earlier VLBI experiments at 6 and 13 cm, are presented. The 18-cm VLBI hybrid map has an unusually high dynamic range of about 300 to 1 (ratio of the peak brightness to five times the rms noise level) and is limited by thermal noise rather than calibration errors. A lower limit of 80 to 1 for the ratio of jet/counterjet brightness at parsec scales can be set. This is the strongest such limit produced by VLBI observations of any source to date. If the absence of a detectable counterjet is caused by relativistic beaming, then the jet must be aligned within 45 deg of the line of sight. The VLA map shows a complex structure along the previously detected kiloparsec-scale counterjet. The physical conditions in the inner few parsecs of the NGC 6251 jet and their relation to the conditions in the extraordinarily long and well collimated kiloparsec-scale jets are discussed, and it is shown that both small-scale and large-scale morphology can be explained in terms of a simple model and relativistic beaming.
Solid, structured composite neutron detectors with high dynamic range capability
Neutron detectors are essential across disciplines such as fundamental science, nuclear security, safeguards, and civilian applications. While 3 He-filled gas proportional counters have long been revered for their efficacy in detecting thermal neutrons and praised for their efficiency, neutron/gamma discrimination, and stability, the scarcity of 3He has spurred a search for alternatives. Here, we explore a solid structured scintillating particle composite (SPC) consisting of 6 Li-containing scintillating glass particles within an acrylic matrix as a neutron detector for high dynamic range applications. We show for the first time that an SPC neutron detector can boast an intrinsic detection efficiency of 0.261% for pure 252 Cf fission neutrons and an overall neutron detection efficiency of (0.546 ± 0.003)% at the Neutron Free-in-Air facility while being able to function in an intense gamma-ray environment. We also show that the SPC neutron detector supports fast neutron capture times and enables a dual-readout scheme that extends the detector dynamic range to high incident neutron fluxes. A scalable fabrication process allows for tailoring the SPC detector properties to the requirements of specific applications. Good agreement is found between the experimental results taken with a National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable 252 Cf source and the coupled MCNP6 and optical-ray-tracing simulations.
High-Dynamic Range Fiberoptic Links for Antenna Remoting Applications
In recent years, the performance and cost effectiveness of analog fiberoptic communication systems have improved so that many applications including antenna remoting which requires high dynamic range can now benefit from the many advantages of fiber optics.
High-dynamic-range quantum sensing of magnons and their dynamics using a superconducting qubit
Magnons, the quanta of collective spin excitations in magnetic materials, may enable functionalities, such as nonreciprocity and transduction in hybrid quantum devices. To assess the potential of such applications, it is necessary to understand magnon dynamics beyond the simple harmonic oscillator regime, where theory predicts effects like population-dependent damping and quantum fluctuations in the form of magnon shot noise. Probing these phenomena requires sensors with high sensitivity and the ability to resolve magnon properties across different excitation regimes. Here, we demonstrate accurate and sensitive detection of magnon population and decay over a wide range of occupation numbers. We use a superconducting qubit to probe magnons in a ferrimagnet over approximately 2000 excitations. Using qubit control and parametrically induced qubit-magnon interactions, we demonstrate few-excitation sensitive detection of magnons with a dynamic range of approximately 30 dB, and are able to accurately resolve their decay with few-ns sensitivity. These capabilities offer a powerful and practical technique for probing magnon dynamics in or beyond the linear regime over a wide range of excitations.
Ultra-high Bandwidth, Ultra-high Dynamic Range X-Ray Shock Characterization via Photonic Integrated Circuit
Nuclear weapon component assessment tests at the Z Machine rely on accurate X-ray yield measurements for model validation, design and analysis of component survivability, and source optimization. Yield measurement devices currently used do not provide the requisite certainty to enable accurate and efficient data analysis of test results, which leads to an increase in Z-shots required for evaluation, longer device development times, and higher operation costs. Additionally, current X-ray flux detectors lack high temporal resolution at the tails. Similarly, shock measurement techniques used for component assessment often lack the ability to spatially resolve wave behavior thereby limiting the ability to measure shock propagation dynamics needed to design the next generation of ND components. Here we present the development of a photonic micro-calorimeter and shock sensor consisting of meter-long waveguide spirals that are optomechanically coupled to X-ray absorbing layers to characterize yield and shock propagation at nanosecond timescales.
Image sensor with high dynamic range linear output
Designs and operational methods to increase the dynamic range of image sensors and APS devices in particular by achieving more than one integration times for each pixel thereof. An APS system with more than one column-parallel signal chains for readout are described for maintaining a high frame rate in readout. Each active pixel is sampled for multiple times during a single frame readout, thus resulting in multiple integration times. The operation methods can also be used to obtain multiple integration times for each pixel with an APS design having a single column-parallel signal chain for readout. Furthermore, analog-to-digital conversion of high speed and high resolution can be implemented.
Three phase spectral interferometry for recording high dynamic range optical waveforms with <1 ps resolution over >2 ns records applied to closed-loop pulse shaping
Herein we demonstrate, to our knowledge, a novel spectral interferometry technique that simultaneously captures three spectral interferograms of a signal waveform with a reference pulse. The measured performance is robust to nonidealities and ambient drifts by implementing a precisely calibrated 3 × 3 polarization maintaining (PM) splitter that provides three phase shift differences nominally spaced 120° apart. The system can achieve long record length by implementing three, high resolution, virtually imaged phase array (VIPA) spectrometers. Here, we experimentally implement this technique and demonstrate the measurement of waveforms with >2ns of record while maintaining <1ps resolution.
Burn mode signatures enabled by high dynamic range fusion reaction history
The evolution of the fusion burn of a compressed inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosion gives information about the evolution of the temperature, mass, and volume of the hot spot. Currently, the fusion reaction history has been measured with about a decade of dynamic range, giving information about just the peak of the fusion burn. There are proposals for extending the dynamic range to 1000×, measuring the rising edge of the burn earlier in time. Using fusion hot spot theory and a set of ICF simulations, we identify and categorize different stages of fusion burn and what signatures could be measured. For ice layered implosions, the details, conditions, and dynamics of the fusion burn propagation could be observed. For double shell and OMEGA scale implosions, the evolution of the final compression and rebounding shock before ignition could be observed. Higher dynamic range expands investigation into the logarithmic derivative, α, as a signature of various mechanisms.
High dynamic range infrared radiometry and imaging
The use is described of cryogenically cooled, extrinsic silicon infrared detectors in an unconventional mode of operation which offers an unusually large dynamic range. The system performs intensity-to-frequency conversion at the focal plane via simple circuits with very low power consumption. The incident IR intensity controls the repetition rate of short duration output pulses over a pulse rate dynamic range of about 10(6). Theory indicates the possibility of monotonic and approx. linear response over the full dynamic range. A comparison between the theoretical and the experimental results shows that the model provides a reasonably good description of experimental data. Some measurements of survivability with a very intense IR source were made on these devices and found to be very encouraging. Evidence continues to indicate that some variations in interpulse time intervals are deterministic rather than probabilistic.
High-Dynamic-Range Fiber-Optic Link For Microwave Signals
Ultrastable fiber-optic communications system transmits microwave signals between antenna sites of Deep Space Network (DSN) and central processing station several kilometers away. Permits relocation of critical components from front-end areas of DSN antennas to central location, permitting radio-frequency (RF) antenna arraying, improving DSN flexibility, maintainability, and system performance. Also useful in commercial analog and digital communications.
Comparison of high dynamic range: near-neighbor detection approaches for TPF
We discuss the detection of planets around neighboring stars and current technology.
Power supply with air core transformer and seperated power supplies for high dynamic range
A power supply for a quadrupole mass spectrometer which operates using an RF signal. The RF signal is controllable via a feedback loop. The feedback loop is from the output, through a comparator, and compared to a digital signal. An air core transformer is used to minimize the weight. The air core transformer is driven via two out of phase sawtooth signals which drive opposite ends of the transformer.
Method and apparatus of high dynamic range image sensor with individual pixel reset
A wide dynamic range image sensor provides individual pixel reset to vary the integration time of individual pixels. The integration time of each pixel is controlled by column and row reset control signals which activate a logical reset transistor only when both signals coincide for a given pixel.