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At least 19 records

A low frequency radio array for space

This paper considers the need for and the possibility of constructing and operating a low-frequency array in space, the Low Frequency Space Array (LFSA), which is presently in its developmental phase, to form an entirely space-based synthesis interferometer for high-resolution high-sensitivity sky surveying and source imaging over the frequency range from about 1 to about 30 MHz. It is emphasized that there is a wealth of new astronomical information to be found in the as yet unexplored frequency range below 30 MHz, the wavelengths at which only interferometry is practicable. A possible instrumental concept for an LFSA spacecraft is described together with orbits, hardware, and subsystems.

Weiler, K. W.↗

Lunar low-frequency radio array

A simple, inexpensive experiment is proposed for the early lunar mission to make high angular resolution observations in one of the last unexplored parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. An array of nineteen simple crossed-dipole antennas will make images at frequencies below the earth's ionospheric cut-off - from about 100 kHz to 10 MHz. It would serve as a precursor to a major low-frequency telescope which would eventually be built on the back of the moon, away from terrestrial interference.

Kuiper, T. B. H.↗

Radio frequency arraying method for receivers

A method and apparatus for increasing the signal to noise ratio of a receiving facility for coherent frequency reception by arraying receiving systems using separate antennas for each, or one antenna for all systems are presented. One system is operated with a carrier tracking loop to provide a first local oscillator frequency for the first and all other systems arrayed, with individual tracking loops in all other systems operated at IF for tracking out any phase differences due to separate group delays using an adjustable phase shifter for a second reference to compensate for different group delays in the antenna and low noise amplifier of each of the other systems. The second IF output of all systems is summed into the first system. This technique may also be used when two systems are arrayed to an antenna designed for circular or linear polarization diversity reception to effectively provide the same signal to noise ratio for both polarized signal transmission channels that would result from matched polarization. An arrangement adapted to high rate telemetry reception is disclosed. With additional components, the same arrangement is adapted to provide low rate telemetry reception as well.

Brockman, M. H.↗

Radio-frequency carrier arraying for high-rate telemetry reception

A method for increasing the sensitivity for radio frequency reception is described. Receiving systems or stations are arrayed in such a manner as to provide signal to noise ratio improvement relative to a single receiving system or station. Radio frequency carrier arraying for high rate telemetry that provides signal to noise ratio improvement for RF carrier reception and demodulation is discussed.

Brockman, M. H.↗

Engineered Carbon Nanotube Materials for High-Q Nanomechanical Resonators

This document represents a presentation offered by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with assistance from researchers from Brown University and Northrop Grumman. The presentation took place in Seoul, Korea in July 2003 and attempted to demonstrate the fabrication approach regarding the development of high quality factor (high-Q) mechanical oscillators (in the forms of a tunable nanotube resonator and a nanotube array radio frequency [RF] filter) aimed at signal processing and based on carbon nanotubes. The presentation also addressed parallel efforts to develop both in-plane single nanotube resonators as well as vertical array power devices.

chemical vapor depositions↗

Lunar Science

Lunar Laser Ranging will provide critical data to determine the initial composition of the Moon and the Earth-­Moon system. Specifically, LLR uniquely measures the properties of the lunar core via librations. LUNAR is advancing LLR: APOLLO recovery of Lunokhod 1, thus dramatically improving measurements of librations; Technology development of next generation retroreflectors; New drilling techniques. Dual-­use Low Frequency Radio arrays will constrain: Lunar ionosphere density via riometry; Nano-­size interplanetary dust particles responsible for surface weathering.

lunar laser ranging↗

Radio-Frequency and Wideband Modulation Arraying

Summing network receives coherent signals from all receivers in array. Method sums narrow-band radio-frequency (RF) carrier powers and wide-band spectrum powers of array of separate antenna/receiver systems designed for phase-locked-loop or suppressed-carrier operation.

Brockman, M. H.↗

Optoelectronic Infrastructure for Radio Frequency and Optical Phased Arrays

Optoelectronic integrated circuits offer radiation-hardened solutions for satellite systems in addition to improved size, weight, power, and bandwidth characteristics. ODIS, Inc., has developed optoelectronic integrated circuit technology for sensing and data transfer in phased arrays. The technology applies integrated components (lasers, amplifiers, modulators, detectors, and optical waveguide switches) to a radio frequency (RF) array with true time delay for beamsteering. Optical beamsteering is achieved by controlling the current in a two-dimensional (2D) array. In this project, ODIS integrated key components to produce common RF-optical aperture operation.

Cai, Jianhong↗

Concept for a lunar array for very low frequency radio astronomy

We discuss the design considerations relevant to a very low frequency array, to be deployed on the lunar near side during an early expedition. Such an array would operate in the frequency range 1-10 MHz, and would consist nominally of 20 antennas distributed over a region approximately 40 km in extent. Each antenna station would consist of a crossed-dipole antenna, together with a receiver, digitizer, solar cells, and batteries. In addition, the station will contain a UHF transmitter for relaying the digitized signal to a central station where it will be transmitted to Earth for subsequent processing, including cross-correlation with signals from other antennas. Each antenna station (including the central station) would be deployed as a self-contained unit, mounted on a miniature robotic vehicle. No fixed structures are required for the array.

Marsh, Kenneth A.↗

Design of microstrip disk antenna arrays

The radio frequency characteristics and design parameters for microstrip disk antenna elements and planar arrays are presented. Two C-band model arrays (an 8 element linear and an 8 by 8 planar) were designed, fabricated, and tested to demonstrate the technique of using microstrip elements for array applications. These arrays were designed with a cosine amplitude distribution.

Bailey, M. C.↗

Enhanced Radio Frequency Carrier Margin Improvements for an Array of Receiving Systems with Unequal Predetection Signal-to-noise Ratios

Enhanced radio frequency carrier margin improvement for arrayed receiving systems for coherent reception which provides a significant carrier sensitivity improvement with a resultant decrease in telemetry radio loss due to reduction in rms phase noise at low carrier margins is discussed. A significant increase in doppler rate capability is realized relative to that obtained by switching to a narrower tracking loop bandwidth to obtain the same carrier sensitivity improvement. The situation for arrayed receiving systems with unequal apertures and statisically independent predetection noise is examined.

Brockman, M. H.↗

The effect of partial coherence in receiving system noise temperature on array gain for telemetry and radio frequency carrier reception for receiving systems with unequal predetection signal-to-noise ratios

Signal to noise ratio improvement realized by arraying receiving systems or stations for coherent reception is reduced when some portion of the predetection noise is coherent in the array. This effect for arrayed receiving systems with unequal apertures including expected performance for selected planets of the solar system within the array beamwidth is examined.

Brockman, M. H.↗

Low frequency VLBI in space using GAS-Can satellites: Report on the May 1987 JPL Workshop

Summarized are the results of a workshop held at JPL on May 28 and 29, 1987, to study the feasibility of using small, very inexpensive spacecraft for a low-frequency radio interferometer array. Many technical aspects of a mission to produce high angular resolution images of the entire sky at frequencies from 2 to 20 MHz were discussed. The workshop conclusion was that such a mission was scientifically valuable and technically practical. A useful array could be based on six or more satellites no larger than those launched from Get-Away-Special canisters. The cost of each satellite could be $1-2M, and the mass less than 90 kg. Many details require further study, but as this report shows, there is good reason to proceed. No fundamental problems have been discovered involving the use of untraditional, very inexpensive spacecraft for this type of mission.

Mahoney, M. J.↗

Towards an Imaging Mid-Infrared Heterodyne Spectrometer

We are developing a concept for a compact, low-mass, low-power, mid-infrared (MIR; 5- 12 microns) imaging heterodyne spectrometer that incorporates fiber optic coupling, Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) local oscillator, photomixer array, and Radio Frequency Software Defined Readout (RFSDR) for spectral analysis. Planetary Decadal Surveys have highlighted the need for miniaturized, robust, low-mass, and minimal power remote sensing technologies for flight missions. The drive for miniaturization of remote sensing spectroscopy and radiometry techniques has been a continuing process. The advent of MIR fibers, and MEMS techniques for producing waveguides has proven to be an important recent advancement for miniaturization of infrared spectrometers. In conjunction with well-established photonics techniques, the miniaturization of spectrometers is transitioning from classic free space optical systems to waveguide/fiber-based structures for light transport and producing interference effects. By their very nature, these new devices are compact and lightweight. Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride (MCT) and Quantum Well Infrared Photodiodes (QWIP) arrays for heterodyne applications are also being developed. Bulky electronics is another barrier that precluded the extension of heterodyne systems into imaging applications, and our RFSDR will address this aspect.

Hewagama, T.↗

Observing Solar Radio Bursts from the Lunar Surface

Locating low frequency radio observatories on the lunar surface has a number of advantages. Here, we describe the Radio Observatory for Lunar Sortie Science (ROLSS), a concept for a low frequency, radio imaging interferometric array designed to study particle acceleration in the corona and inner heliosphere. ROLSS would be deployed during an early lunar sortie or by a robotic rover as part of an unmanned landing. The prime science mission is to image type II and type III solar radio bursts with the aim of determining the sites at and mechanisms by which the radiating particles are accelerated. Secondary science goals include constraining the density of the lunar ionosphere by searching for a low radio frequency cutoff of the solar radio emissions and constraining the low energy electron population in astrophysical sources. Furthermore, ROLSS serves a pathfinder function for larger lunar radio arrays. Key design requirements on ROLES include the operational frequency and angular resolution. The electron densities in the solar corona and inner heliosphere are such that the relevant emission occurs below 10 MHz, essentially unobservable from Earth's surface due to the terrestrial ionospheric cutoff. Resolving the potential sites of particle acceleration requires an instrument with an angular resolution of at least 2 deg, equivalent to a linear array size of approximately 500 meters. Operations would consist of data acquisition during the lunar day, with regular data downlinks. The major components of the ROLSS array are 3 antenna arms arranged in a Y shape, with a central electronics package (CEP). Each antenna arm is a linear strip of polyimide film (e.g., Kapton (TM)) on which 16 single polarization dipole antennas are located by depositing a conductor (e.g., silver). The arms also contain transmission lines for carrying the radio signals from the science antennas to the CEP.

MacDowall, R. J.↗

Telescopes for a lunar outpost

This paper presents an overview of lunar-based telescopes. It begins with a review of the impressive attributes of the moon for astronomy which include a hard vacuum, seismic stability, low gravitational field, large surface area, dark and radio-quiet skies on the far-side, cold craters at the poles, and an abundance of raw materials. These attributes, coupled with the availability of technicians at a lunar outpost, make the moon the most attractive site for the next generation of space-based observatories. It is argued that modest, light-weight instruments such a generic 1-m optical/UV/IR telescope and a low radio frequency phased array are well suited for early deployment on the moon. More advanced concepts such as a 16-m filled aperture telescope and an optical interferometer will make unprecedented strides in sensitivity and resolution. Although complex, such telescopes are well-suited to an evolutionary construction and deployment scheme.

Burns, Jack O.↗

Multiple wavelength observations of an off-limb eruptive solar flare

The eruptive prominence and limb flare which occurred at 1454 UT on June 20, 1989 is described and analyzed. This event was observed by many different instruments providing an unusual amount and variety of data: images at 1.4 GHz, 37 GHz, and H-alpha, and spectra in hard X-ray, soft X-ray, and radio frequencies. This array of data makes it possible to explore the relationships between flare and eruptive prominence emissions at different wavelengths. VLA images at 1.4 GHz show changing sources in a set of high (about 10 exp 10 cm) coronal loops associated with the erupting prominence. We use a full gyrosynchrotron code to model a 1.4 GHz source early in the flare as a large coronal loop. The model results lead us to conclude that the initial acceleration occurs in smaller, denser loops which also produce the flare's hard X-ray emission. We also present evidence that a source at 1.4 GHz later in the event is due to second-harmonic plasma emission. This source is adjacent to a leg of the prominence and comes from a dense column of material in the magnetic structure supporting the prominence.

Kugera, T. A.↗