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At least 19 records

Flash Detection Efficiencies of Long Range Lightning Detection Networks During GRIP

We flew our Lightning Instrument Package (LIP) on the NASA Global Hawk as a part of the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) field program. The GRIP program was a NASA Earth science field experiment during the months of August and September, 2010. During the program, the LIP detected lighting from 48 of the 213 of the storms overflown by the Global Hawk. The time and location of tagged LIP flashes can be used as a "ground truth" dataset for checking the detection efficiency of the various long or extended range ground-based lightning detection systems available during the GRIP program. The systems analyzed included Vaisala Long Range (LR), Vaisala GLD360, the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN), and the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN). The long term goal of our research is to help understand the advantages and limitations of these systems so that we can utilize them for both proxy data applications and cross sensor validation of the GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) sensor when it is launched in the 2015 timeframe.

Mach, Douglas M.↗

Determination of a Limited Scope Network's Lightning Detection Efficiency

This paper outlines a modeling technique to map lightning detection efficiency variations over a region surveyed by a sparse array of ground based detectors. A reliable flash peak current distribution (PCD) for the region serves as the technique's base. This distribution is recast as an event probability distribution function. The technique then uses the PCD together with information regarding: site signal detection thresholds, type of solution algorithm used, and range attenuation; to formulate the probability that a flash at a specified location will yield a solution. Applying this technique to the full region produces detection efficiency contour maps specific to the parameters employed. These contours facilitate a comparative analysis of each parameter's effect on the network's detection efficiency. In an alternate application, this modeling technique gives an estimate of the number, strength, and distribution of events going undetected. This approach leads to a variety of event density contour maps. This application is also illustrated. The technique's base PCD can be empirical or analytical. A process for formulating an empirical PCD specific to the region and network being studied is presented. A new method for producing an analytical representation of the empirical PCD is also introduced.

Rompala, John T.↗

Channel electron multipliers - Detection efficiencies with opaque MgF2 photocathodes at XUV wavelengths

Detection efficiencies of channel electron multipliers (CEM) with opaque MgF2 photocathodes obtained in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV), 44 A to 990 A, are reported. A stable highly efficient response is reported for that interval, with no adverse effects on CEM performance. Efficiencies twice those of uncoated CEMs are obtained for 50 A to 350 A. The Mullard B419BL and Galileo 4510WL single-stage cone-cathode CEMs were used in the experiments. A rare-gas double ionization chamber was employed as absolute standard detector for 406 A to 990 A, and a flow Geiger counter filled with 96% argon and 4% isobutane for 44 A to 256 A. Absolute detection efficiencies are 10% higher from 67 A to 990 A when photocathodes are illuminated at an angle of incidence 45 deg. The photocathodes suffered no loss of response in storage (in vacuum or air) after an initial aging period. Effects of scattered UV radiation are greatly reduced when MgF2-coated CEMs are used in the XUV.

Lapson, L. B.↗

MIL-M-38510/470 test vectors: Fault detection efficiency measurement via hardware fault simulation

The stuck fault detection efficiency of the test vectors developed for the MIL-M-38510/470 NASA was measured using a hardware stuck fault simulator for the 1802 microprocessor. Thirty-nine stuck faults were not detected out of a total of 874 injected into the combinatorial and sequential parts of the microprocessor. Since undetected faults can create catastrophic errors in equipment designed for high reliability applications, it is recommended that the MIL-M-38510/470 NASA be enhanced with additional test vectors so as to achieve 100% stuck fault detection efficiency.

Timoc, C. C.↗

Preliminary Assessment of Detection Efficiency for the Geostationary Lightning Mapper Using Intercomparisons with Ground-Based Systems

As part of the calibration/validation (cal/val) effort for the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) on GOES-16, we need to assess instrument performance (detection efficiency and accuracy). One major effort is to calculate the detection efficiency of GLM by comparing to multiple ground-based systems. These comparisons will be done pair-wise between GLM and each other source. A complication in this process is that the ground-based systems sense different properties of the lightning signal than does GLM (e.g., RF vs. optical). Also, each system has a different time and space resolution and accuracy. Preliminary results indicate that GLM is performing at or above its specification.

GL↗

Kepler Planet Detection Metrics: Pixel-Level Transit Injection Tests of Pipeline Detection Efficiency for Data Release 25

This document describes the results of the fourth pixel-level transit injection experiment, which was designed to measure the detection efficiency of both the Kepler pipeline (Jenkins 2002, 2010; Jenkins et al. 2017) and the Robovetter (Coughlin 2017). Previous transit injection experiments are described in Christiansen et al. (2013, 2015a,b, 2016).In order to calculate planet occurrence rates using a given Kepler planet catalogue, produced with a given version of the Kepler pipeline, we need to know the detection efficiency of that pipeline. This can be empirically determined by injecting a suite of simulated transit signals into the Kepler data, processing the data through the pipeline, and examining the distribution of successfully recovered transits. This document describes the results for the pixel-level transit injection experiment performed to accompany the final Q1-Q17 Data Release 25 (DR25) catalogue (Thompson et al. 2017)of the Kepler Objects of Interest. The catalogue was generated using the SOC pipeline version 9.3 and the DR25 Robovetter acting on the uniformly processed Q1-Q17 DR25 light curves (Thompson et al. 2016a) and assuming the Q1-Q17 DR25 Kepler stellar properties (Mathur et al. 2017).

Pixel-Level Transit Injection↗

Soft X-ray and extreme utraviolet quantum detection efficiency of potassium chloride photocathode layers on microchannel plates

The quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of KCl photocathodes in the 44-1460 A range was investigated. An opaque layer of KCl, about 15,000-A-thick, was evaporated and applied the surface of a microchannel plate (MCP), and the contribution of the photocathode material in the channels (and on the interchannel web) to the QDE was measured using a Z stack MCP detector. It is shown that KCl is a relatively stable photocathode material, with the QDE equal to 30-40 percent in the EUV. At wavelengths above 200 A, the QDE is slightly better than the QDE of CsI, as reported by Siegmund et al. (1986). While the shape of the QDE curve as a function of wavelength is similar to those reported for CsI and KBr, KCl was found to lack the high QDE peak found in the curves of CsI and KBr at about 100 A. A simple QDE model is described, the predictions of which were found to agree with the measurements on the KCl photocathode.

Siegmund, Oswald H. W.↗

Extreme ultraviolet quantum detection efficiency of rubidium bromide opaque photocathodes

Measurements are presented of the quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of three samples of RbBr photocathode layers over the 44-150-A wavelength range. The QDE of RbBr-coated microchannel plate (MCP) was measured using a back-to-back Z-stack MCP configuration in a detector with a wedge and strip position-sensitive anode, of the type described by Siegmund et al. (1984). To assess the stability of RbBr layer, the RbBr photocathode was exposed to air at about 30 percent humidity for 20 hr. It was found that the QDE values for the aged cathode were within the QDE measurement errors of the original values. A simple QDE model was developed, and it was found that its predictions are in accord with the QDE measurements.

Siegmund, Oswald H. W.↗

Lightning Detection Efficiency Analysis Process: Modeling Based on Empirical Data

A ground based lightning detection system employs a grid of sensors, which record and evaluate the electromagnetic signal produced by a lightning strike. Several detectors gather information on that signal s strength, time of arrival, and behavior over time. By coordinating the information from several detectors, an event solution can be generated. That solution includes the signal s point of origin, strength and polarity. Determination of the location of the lightning strike uses algorithms based on long used techniques of triangulation. Determination of the event s original signal strength relies on the behavior of the generated magnetic field over distance and time. In general the signal from the event undergoes geometric dispersion and environmental attenuation as it progresses. Our knowledge of that radial behavior together with the strength of the signal received by detecting sites permits an extrapolation and evaluation of the original strength of the lightning strike. It also limits the detection efficiency (DE) of the network. For expansive grids and with a sparse density of detectors, the DE varies widely over the area served. This limits the utility of the network in gathering information on regional lightning strike density and applying it to meteorological studies. A network of this type is a grid of four detectors in the Rondonian region of Brazil. The service area extends over a million square kilometers. Much of that area is covered by rain forests. Thus knowledge of lightning strike characteristics over the expanse is of particular value. I have been developing a process that determines the DE over the region [3]. In turn, this provides a way to produce lightning strike density maps, corrected for DE, over the entire region of interest. This report offers a survey of that development to date and a record of present activity.

Rompala, John T.↗

Ultraviolet quantum detection efficiency of potassium bromide as an opaque photocathode applied to microchannel plates

The quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of potassium bromide as a photocathode applied directly to the surface of a microchannel plate over the 250-1600 A wavelength range has been measured. The contributions of the photocathode material in the channels and on the interchannel web to the QDE have been determined. Two broad peaks in the QDE centered at about 450 and about 1050 A are apparent, the former with about 50 percent peak QDE and the latter with about 40 percent peak QDE. The photoelectric threshold is observed at about 1600 A, and there is a narrow QDE minimum at about 750 A which correlates with 2X the band gap energy for KBr. The angular variation of the QDE from 0 to 40 deg to the channnel axis has also been examined. The stability of Kbr with time is shown to be good with no significant degradation of QDE at wavelengths below 1216 A over a 15-day period in air.

Siegmund, Oswald H. W.↗

Determining the Quantum Detection Efficiency of A Soft X-Ray Micro-Channel Plate Detector for the Lunar Mission, LEXI

Micro-channel plate (MCP) detectors have long been a workhorse for space-based x-ray research and are advantageous over other imaging detectors because of their low size, weight and power. The Lunar Environment heliospheric x-ray Imager (LEXI), will utilize a MCP to image Earth’s magnetosphere in soft x-rays from the lunar surface. A critical element for interpreting on-orbit data is to understand the quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of the MCP. LEXI’s MCP is coated with potassium bromide (KBr) to increase the soft x-ray QDE. Historically, few measurements of QDE exist in the soft x-ray band for KBr detectors. This paper reviews the performance of LEXI’s detector, and the QDE experiment procedure conducted at and results from the Advanced Light Source synchrotron soft x-ray beam line (6.3.2) over the energy range 70eV-1300eV. A unique beam line setup was required to limit the photon flux as to not saturate the pores of the MCP or detector signal chain. The experimental results are similar to previous literature, with some caveats unique to this MCP and experimental setup.

X-ray imaging↗

Measurements of electron detection efficiencies in solid state detectors.

Detailed laboratory measurement of the electron response of solid state detectors as a function of incident electron energy, detector depletion depth, and energy-loss discriminator threshold. These response functions were determined by exposing totally depleted silicon surface barrier detectors with depletion depths between 50 and 1000 microns to the beam from a magnetic beta-ray spectrometer. The data were extended to 5000 microns depletion depth using the results of previously published Monte Carlo electron calculations. When the electron counting efficiency of a given detector is plotted as a function of energy-loss threshold for various incident energies, the efficiency curves are bounded by a smooth envelope which represents the upper limit to the detection efficiency. These upper limit curves, which scale in a simple way, make it possible to easily estimate the electron sensitivity of solid-state detector systems.

Lupton, J. E.↗

Monte Carlo Simulations for Evaluating the Accuracy of GLM Detection Efficiency and False Alarm Rate Retrievals

The performance of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper has been evaluated through comparison with other satellite lightning sensors and ground-based networks. However, because the performance of these reference sensors is both imperfect and imperfectly known, the true performance of GLM can only be estimated through such a process. In particular, GLM performance metrics such as detection efficiency (DE) and false alarm rate (FAR) retrieved through comparison with reference networks are affected by those networks’ own DE, FAR, and spatiotemporal accuracy, as well as the selected flash matching criteria. This study presents follow-on results from an ongoing analysis that uses a Monte Carlo simulation-based inversion technique to quantify the effect on retrieved GLM performance of a reasonable range of reference network DE, FAR, spatiotemporal accuracy, and the associated geographic patterns of each. These results help quantify and bound the actual performance of GLM and the attendant uncertainties when comparing GLM to imperfect reference networks.

Katrina Virts↗

Determining the Detection Efficiency and Background Level of ATIC Electron Observation from Flight Data

Observations of Cosmic-ray electrons are difficult due to the large flux of cosmic ray hadrons. The event selection efficiency and background levels can be estimated from flight data for the ATIC instrument. This reduces the dependence upon Monte Carlo simulations, which show differences between different codes, thereby reducing the systematic errors resulting from analyses that only use simulations. This paper discusses some of the methods used in the ATIC analysis to determine the detection efficiency and background level for the flight data.

Chang, J.↗

Efficient detection of a CW signal with a linear frequency drift

An efficient method is presented for the detection of a continuous wave (CW) signal with a frequency drift that is linear in time. Signals of this type occur in transmissions between any two locations that are accelerating relative to one another, e.g., transmissions from the Voyager spacecraft. We assume that both the frequency and the drift are unknown. We also assume that the signal is weak compared to the Gaussian noise. The signal is partitioned into subsequences whose discrete Fourier transforms provide a sequence of instantaneous spectra at equal time intervals. These spectra are then accumulated with a shift that is proportional to time. When the shift is equal to the frequency drift, the signal to noise ratio increases and detection occurs. Here, we show how to compute these accumulations for many shifts in an efficient manner using a variety of Fast Fourier Transformations (FFT). Computing time is proportional to L log L where L is the length of the time series.

Swarztrauber, Paul N.↗

Efficient detection, analysis and classification of lightning radiation fields

Modeling the large scale lightning flash structure is considered. Large scale flash data has been measured from strip charts of storms of August 5, August 26, and September 12, 1975. The data is being processed by a computer program called SASEV to estimate the large scale flash statistics. The program, experimental results, and conclusions for the large scale flash structure are described. The progress made in examining the internal flash structure consists mainly of developing the software required to process the NASA digital tape data. A FORTRAN program has been written for the statistical analysis of series of events. The statistics computed and tests performed are found to be particularly useful in the analysis of lightning data.

Harger, R. O.↗