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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 19 records

Ultraviolet and visual spectroscopy of DB white dwarfs

Visual wavelength and ultraviolet spectroscopy and model atmospheres of DB white dwarfs are reported. The results yield no evidence for lines of C or any other element besides H or He in the spectra. Upper limits for carbon are in the range C:He less than 10 to the -5th to the -7th for the ultraviolet data and C:He less than 0.01-0.001 for the visual. The upper limits are consistent with the convective dredging theory for the origin of the atmospheric carbon observed in the cooler DQ members of the helium-rich white dwarf sequence. Additional new DBA stars are reported.

Wegner, G.↗

SHIVER - Spectroscopy HIstogram Visualizer for Event Reduction

Visualizing data from neutron scattering experiments is the first step in understanding the physics. The program is intended to generate and plot cuts and slices, through the four dimensional single crystal inelastic datasets, measured on direct geometry neutron spectrometers at the Spallation Neutron Source (ARCS, CNCS, HYSPEC, SEQUOIA).

Savici, AndreiT [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗

Ultraviolet and visual wavelength spectroscopy of gas around ETA Carinae

Observational results of Eta Carinae are reported, especially spectroscopy of the outer 'S condensation' supplemented by data on the homunculus and its core. Theoretical calculations of atmosphere/wind models and of the shock-heated S condensation are needed for a proper analysis of the data, but some simplified results are discussed. The helium abundance at the surface of Eta Car appears to be roughly 0.4, and most of the CNO is nitrogen. There does not appear to be any reason, at present, to alter the often quoted temperature estimate of 30,000 K for the radiating surface (which may or may not be the surface of the star itself). The presently observed mass loss rate is probably less than 10 exp -2.4 solar masses/yr if the outflow is not strongly direction-dependent. Finally, a largely forgotten but highly relevant historical conjecture concerning Eta Car is mentioned.

Davidson, K.↗

Comparison of water production rates from UV spectroscopy and visual magnitudes for some recent comets

IUE data on the UV and visible coma emissions of the comets Bradfield, P/Tempel 2, Wilson, and P/Halley, are presently compared with the visual lightcurves from magnitudes reported in the IAU circulars to consider the temporal evolution of these comets. While the water-production rates obtainable from visual magnitudes on the basis of Newburn's (1984) method are consistent with OH-derived rates to first order, they are sometimes either displaced or unable to exhibit the same pre/postperihelion asymmetry. The best agreement is obtained for the relatively dust-free Comet P/Tempel 2. IUE Fine Error Sensor lightcurves are generally in agreement with curves based on total visual magnitude.

Roettger, E. E.↗

Infrared spectra of gamma-2 Velorum and zeta Puppis

Observations of gamma-2 Vel and zeta Pup are presented for the spectral region 5800-11,000 per cm, at resolutions of 2 and 4 per cm, respectively. This constitutes the first reported spectroscopy of a Wolf-Rayet star beyond 1.1 microns. The new spectral region contained numerous emission features for the WC8 component of gamma-2 Vel, but only the P-beta line in absorption for the O4f star zeta Pup. Line identifications are given for gamma-2 Vel and are shown to be consistent with visual spectroscopy. The species identified are H, He I-II, and C II-IV.

Barnes, T. G.↗

Infrared and optical variations in Omicron Cassiopeiae /HD 4180/

Observations of the Be star Omicron Cas show it to be variable in the infrared; comparison with visual spectroscopy suggests that the infrared variations are correlated with variations in the Balmer emission lines. The photometric and spectroscopic variations are ascribed to variations in the ionized gas surrounding the star.

Elias, J.↗

A multiwavelength campaign of active stars with intermediate rotation rates

Near-to-simultaneous ultraviolet and visual spectroscopy of two moderate nu(sin i) RS CVn systems, V815 Herculis (nu(sin i) = 27 km s(exp -1)) and LM Pegasi (nu(sin i) = 24 km s(exp -1)), are presented along with contemporaneous UBV (RI)(sub c) - band photometry. These data were used to probe inhomogeneities in the chromospheres and photospheres, and the possible relationship between them. Both systems show evidence for rotationally modulated chromospheric emission, generally varying in antiphase to the photospheric brightness. A weak flare was observed at Mg II for V815 Her. In the case of IM Peg, we use photometry and spectra to estimate temperatures, sizes, and locations of photospheric spots. Further constraints on the spot temperature is provided by TiO observations. For IM Peg, the anticorrelation between chromospheric emission and brightness is discussed in the context of a possible solar-like spot cycle.

Dempsey, Robert C.↗

Visualizing Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy with Computer Animation

IR Tutor, an interactive, animated infrared (IR) spectroscopy tutorial has been developed for Macintosh and IBM-compatible computers. Using unique color animation, complicated vibrational modes can be introduced to beginning students. Rules governing the appearance of IR absorption bands become obvious because the vibrational modes can be visualized. Each peak in the IR spectrum is highlighted, and the animation of the corresponding normal mode can be shown. Students can study each spectrum stepwise, or click on any individual peak to see its assignment. Important regions of each spectrum can be expanded and spectra can be overlaid for comparison. An introduction to the theory of IR spectroscopy is included, making the program a complete instructional package. Our own success in using this software for teaching and research in both academic and industrial environments will be described. IR Tutor consists of three sections: (1) The 'Introduction' is a review of basic principles of spectroscopy. (2) 'Theory' begins with the classical model of a simple diatomic molecule and is expanded to include larger molecules by introducing normal modes and group frequencies. (3) 'Interpretation' is the heart of the tutorial. Thirteen IR spectra are analyzed in detail, covering the most important functional groups. This section features color animation of each normal mode, full interactivity, overlay of related spectra, and expansion of important regions. This section can also be used as a reference.

Charles B. Abrams↗

Constraining Stellar Photospheres as an Essential Step for Transmission Spectroscopy of Small Exoplanets

Transiting exoplanets offer a unique opportunity to study the atmospheres of terrestrial worlds in other systems in the coming decade. By absorbing and scattering starlight, exoplanet atmospheres produce spectroscopic transit depth variations that allow us to probe their physical structures and chemical compositions. These same variations, however, can be introduced by the photospheric heterogeneity of the host star (i.e., the transit light source effect). Recent modeling efforts and increasingly precise observations are revealing that our understanding of transmission1spectra of the smallest transiting exoplanets will likely be limited by our knowledge of host star photospheres. Here we outline promising scientific opportunities for the next decade that can provide useful constraints on stellar photospheres and inform interpretations of transmission spectra of the smallest(R < 4R) exoplanets. We identify and discuss four primary opportunities: (1) refining stellar magnetic active region properties through exoplanet crossing events; (2) spectral decomposition of active exoplanet host stars; (3) joint retrievals of stellar photospheric and planetary atmospheric properties with studies of transmission spectra; and (4) continued visual transmission spectroscopy studies to complement longer-wavelength studies from JWST. In this context, we make four recommendations to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey Committee:(1) identify the transit light source (TLS) effect as a challenge to precise exoplanet transmission spectroscopy and an opportunity ripe for scientific advancement in the coming decade; (2) include characterization of host star photospheric heterogeneity as part of a comprehensive research strategy for studying transiting exoplanets; (3) support the construction of ground-based extremely large telescopes (ELTs); (4) support multi-disciplinary research teams that bring together the heliophysics, stellar physics, and exoplanet communities to further exploit transiting exoplanets as spatial probes of stellar photospheres; and (5) support visual transmission spectroscopy efforts as complements to longer-wavelength observational campaigns with JWST.

Rackham, Benjamin V.↗

Constraining Stellar Photospheres as an Essential Step for Transmission Spectroscopy of Small Exoplanets

Transiting exoplanets offer a unique opportunity to study the atmospheres of terrestrial worlds in other systems in the coming decade. By absorbing and scattering starlight, exoplanet atmospheres produce spectroscopic transit depth variations that allow us to probe their physical structures and chemical compositions. These same variations, however, can be introduced by the photospheric heterogeneity of the host star (i.e., the transit light source effect). Recent modeling efforts and increasingly precise observations are revealing that our understanding of transmission spectra of the smallest transiting exoplanets will likely be limited by our knowledge of host star photospheres. Here we outline promising scientific opportunities for the next decade that can provide useful constraints on stellar photospheres and inform interpretations of transmission spectra of the smallest (R < 4R ) exoplanets. We identify and discuss four primary opportunities: (1) refining stellar magnetic active region properties through exoplanet crossing events; (2) spectral decomposition of active exoplanet host stars; (3) joint retrievals of stellar photospheric and planetary atmospheric properties with studies of transmission spectra; and (4) continued visual transmission spectroscopy studies to complement longer-wavelength studies from JWST. In this context, we make four recommendations to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey Committee: (1) identify the transit light source (TLS) effect as a challenge to precise exoplanet transmission spectroscopy and an opportunity ripe for scientific advancement in the coming decade; (2) include characterization of host star photospheric heterogeneity as part of a comprehensive research strategy for studying transiting exoplanets; (3) support the construction of ground-based extremely large telescopes (ELTs); (4) support multi-disciplinary research teams that bring together the heliophysics, stellar physics, and exoplanet communities to further exploit transiting exoplanets as spatial probes of stellar photospheres; and (5) support visual transmission spectroscopy efforts as complements to longer-wavelength observational campaigns with JWST.

Benjamin V. Rackham↗

A Visual Understanding of Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy

Mapping chemical and structural properties to electronic and magnetic responses is critical to many applications such as quantum information science, where the precise storage and transmission of unique information is paramount. Specifically, constructing molecules and materials that provide strong polarized responses at tunable frequencies and with large anisotropies is key to optical processing of quantum information. Chiral molecules provide chiroptical response to circularly polarized light, making them attractive for quantum information science and other applications related to sensing, polarized photodetectors, and spintronics. Predicting a molecular design, a priori, with large anisotropies to circularly polarized light is challenging due to the complex interplay between electric and magnetic components of the optical response. In this work, we explore a visual representation of the electronic chiroptical response by decomposing the rotary strength into its constituent components. Here, we make use of the intuitive electronic oscillator framework to develop classical intuition regarding the rotary strength and its constituents. We explore three model chemical systems that exhibit local and global chirality. Our analysis reveals that local chirality necessarily exhibits competition between the local chiral center and chirality induced in other fragments of the molecule, resulting in both unexpected nonmonotonic trends and sign flips in chemically adjacent geometries. Furthermore, we can visually distinguish between local and global chirality via examination of the transition chiral tensor. Interestingly, we make strong connections to ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic spin systems in that chiroptically inactive transitions exhibit antiferromagnetic-like alternating orbital patterns while active transitions show domain formation in an ferromagnetic-like alignment that produces a net chiroptical response.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High pressure cosmochemistry applied to major planetary interiors: Experimental studies

Progress is reported on a project to determine the properties and boundaries of high pressure phases of the H2-He-H2O-NH3-CH4 system that are needed to constrain theoretical models of the interiors of the major planets. This project is one of the first attempts to measure phase equilibria in binary fluid-solid systems in diamond anvil cells. Vibrational spectroscopy, direct visual observations, and X-ray diffraction crystallography of materials confined in externally heated cells are the primary experimental probes. Adiabats of these materials are also measured in order to constrain models of heat flow in these bodies and to detect phase transitions by thermal anomalies. Initial efforts involve the NH3-H2O binary. This system is especially relevant to models for surface reconstruction of the icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. Thermal analysis experiments were completed for the P-X space, p4GPa:0 or = 0.50, near room temperature. The cryostat, sample handling equipment, and optics needed to extend the optical P-T-X work below room temperature was completed.

Nicol, M. F.↗

High pressure cosmochemistry applied to major planetary interiors: Experimental studies

The measurement of equilibria in binary fluid-solid systems in diamond anvil cells, represents a major advance of the art of high-pressure experimentation. Vibrational spectroscopy, direct visual observations, and X-ray diffraction crystallography of materials confined in externally heated cells are the primary experimental probes being used. Adiabats in these systems are being measured in order to constrain models of heat flow in these bodies and to detect phase transitions by thermal anomalies. Other studies are directed toward interpreting high pressure reactions in these systems that are suggested by shockwave measurements, and developing methods for reaching high temperatures and high pressures of planetary interest in diamond cells. The overall objective of this project is to determine the properties of the H2-He-H2O-HN3-CH4 system and related small-molecule systems that are needed to constrain theoretical models of the interiors of the major planets.

Nicol, M. F.↗

High pressure cosmochemistry applied to major planetary interiors: Experimental studies

The overall goal of this project is to determine properties of the H-He-C-N-O system, as represented by small molecules composed of these elements, that are needed to constrain theoretical models of the interiors of the major planets. Much of our work now concerns the H2O-NH3 system. This project is the first major effort to measure phase equilibria in binary fluid-solid systems in diamond anvil cells. Vibrational spectroscopy, direct visual observations, and X-ray crystallography of materials confined in externally heated cells are our primary experimental probes. We also are collaborating with the shockwave physics group at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in studies of the equation of state of a synthetic Uranus fluid and molecular composition of this and other H-C-N-O materials under planetary conditions.

Nicol, M. F.↗

The enigmatic object variable A in M33

Variable A is a very luminous (about -9.5 mag), highly unstable star in M33. In 1950, it was one of the visibly brightest stars in M33, with the spectrum of a very luminous F supergiant. It then rapidly declined in brightness by 3.5 mag, becoming faint and red after slowly increasing in brightness during the previous 50 yr. This paper reports current spectroscopy and visual and infrared photometry. Variable A is still faint and red and now has the spectrum of an M supergiant. It also has a large infrared excess and is today as bright at 10 microns as it was at its visual maximum in 1950. Its energy distribution, luminosities, and mass-loss rate, which is quite large at 0.0002 solar mass/yr, are discussed. Its present late-type spectrum is probably produced in a cool pseudophotosphere, and it is shedding its mass in a high-density, low-velocity wind. A possible explanation is presented for Variable A's bizarre behavior as a massive star near the critical limit to its stabilty for its initial mass and temperature, where the balance between the radiation pressure, turbulence, and gravity of its atmosphere is very uncertain.

Humphreys, Roberta M.↗

Ultraviolet Spectra of Subluminous Objects Found in the Kiso Schmidt Survey and Systematic Reanalysis of the Archived Ultraviolet Spectra of White Dwarfs Observed with the IUE Satellite Under the Astrophysics Data Program (ADP)

Recent research under NASA grant NAG5-971 consisted of the performance of two projects in conjunction with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellites. These are: (1) to look at the ultraviolet spectra of subluminous stars identified from visual wavelength spectroscopy that had been originally discovered from the Kiso Schmidt survey for ultraviolet excess stars and (2) to carry out a systematic reanalysis of the archived IUE spectra of white dwarfs. This report presents information on the progress of the re-reduction of over 600 IUE white dwarf spectra and their subsequent analysis employing model atmospheres and the observation of the Kiso ultraviolet excess stars.

Wegner, Gary A.↗

Ultraviolet Spectra of Two Magnetic White Dwarfs and Ultraviolet Spectra of Subluminous Objects Found in the Kiso Schmidt Survey and Ultraviolet Absorptions in the Spectra of DA White Dwarfds

Research under NASA Grant NAG5-287 has carried out a number of projects in conjunction with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite. These include: (1) studies of the UV spectra of DA white dwarfs which show quasi-molecular bands of H2 and H2(+); (2) the peculiar star HR6560; (3) the UV spectra of two magnetic white dwarfs that also show the quasi-molecular features; (4) investigations of the UV spectra of subluminous stars, primarily identified from visual wavelength spectroscopy in the Kiso survey of UV excess stars, some of which show interesting metal lines in their UV spectra; and (5) completion of studies of UV spectra of DB stars. The main result of this research has been to further knowledge of the structure and compositions of subluminous stars which helps cast light on their formation and evolution.

Wegner, Gary A.↗