A high-resolution Ge spectrometer for Gamma-Ray burst astronomy

The Transient Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (TGRS) to be flown aboard the WIND spacecraft is primarily designed to perform high resolution spectroscopy of transient -ray events, such as cosmic -ray bursts and solar flares over the energy range 25 keV to 8.2 MeV with an expected spectroscopic resolution of 3 keV at 1 MeV. The detector itself consists of a 215 cm³ high purityn-type Ge crystal kept at cryogenic temperatures by a passive radiative cooler. The geometric field of view defined by the cooler is 1.8 steradian. To avoid continuous triggers by soft solar events, a thin BeCu Sun-shield around the sides of the cooler has been provided. A passive Mo/Pb occulter, which modulates signals from within ±5° of the ecliptic plane at the spacecraft spin frequency, is used to identify and study solar flares, as well as emission from the galactic plane and center. Thus, in addition to transient event measurements, the instrument will allow the search for possible diffuse background lines and monitor the 511 keV positron annihilation radiation from the galactic center. In order to handle the typically large burst count rates, which can be in excess of 100 kHz, burst data are stored directly in an onboard 2.75 Mbit burst memory with an absolute timing accuracy of ±1.5 ms after ground processing. The memory is capable of storing the entire spectral data set of all but the largest bursts. WIND is scheduled to be launched on a Delta II launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral on November 1, 1994. After injection into a phasing orbit, the spacecraft will execute a double lunar swing-by before being moved into a controlled halo orbit about theL1 Lagrangian point (250R _e towards the Sun). This will provide a 5 light-second light travel time with which to triangulate gamma-ray burst sources with Earth-orbiting systems, such as those on-board the Gamma-Ray Observatory (GRO). The response of instrument to transient -ray events such as GRB's and solar flares will be presented as well as the expected response to steady state point sources and galactic center line emission.     

Aspects of neutrino astronomy

A broad overview of the current status of experimental neutrino astronomy is presented. Particular emphasis is given to the major recent developments that have occurred during the last few years. It is concluded that these developments and the next generation of experiments currently being installed signifies the coming of age of neutrino astronomy.     

Development of random signal radars

Development of random signal radar (RSR) over the past 30 years is described. Conventional methods of implementing RSR are summarized such as correlation, spectrum analysis, and anticorrelation. Some typical RSR systems are introduced, for example, noise frequency modulation CW radar, random binary phase-coded CW radar, etc., and their merits and demerits are also pointed out. Finally, RSR development trends are analyzed     

The future of space infrared astronomy

Conclusion I can remember vividly when Tim Hawarden first came into my office about 7 years ago and talked very excitedly about passively-cooled space infrared telescopes. He was sufficiently persuasive that we even managed to get the idea into the various forward-look exercises in which the SERC indulges every year. The idea has evolved considerably since then and the climax of that activity was when Tim presented the case for POIROT to the European Space Agency a couple of years ago. The project did very well indeed as it passed through the peer-review committees and was unlucky just to miss being selected for further study.Since then, the momentum has continued largely through the enthusiasm of Tim and of Harley Thronson's advocacy in the USA. It is my view that the time has come when the agencies have to take these proposals very seriously indeed as the way forward for space infrared astronomy. Our goal over the next two days is to expose all the issues which have to be addressed to convert the concept into a realistic space mission.     

Analysis of interference effects on monopulse radars

The complete numerical analysis of angle-tracking performance of a coherent amplitude-comparison monopulse radar system in a two-target situation is described. This system, equipped with automatic gain control (AGC) and phase-locked loop (PLL), was originally invented for improving the target-tracking performance in multiple-target situation. The general behavior depends on Doppler separation of the targets relative to the bandwidths of AGC and PLL. The performance of this system has previously been roughly analyzed by using linear approximation for four extreme cases: wideband and narrowband AGC in combination with wideband and narrowband PLL. In this study, the author performs nonlinear analysis of the same system for all bandwidths of AGC and PLL, because Doppler separation varies over a wide range in actual tracker, and therefore it is indispensable to know the total system behavior. A special numerical technique called the Galerkin method is used. As a result of this analysis, the extensive target-tracking performance for all intermediate bandwidths of AGC and PLL has been clarified. The result is useful for actual target tracker design     

Some problems of very high-energy gamma-ray astronomy

The latest achievements in very high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy are discussed. Types of candidate objects for the sources of very high-energy gamma-quanta are considered, and pulsars, as the most probable ones, are anticipated. The objectives of VHE gamma-ray astronomy are presented, outlining the pressing need for complex observations of individual objects.     

The present and the future of random signal radars

The 30+ year development of random signal radar (RSR) is described in this paper. Conventional methods of implementing RSRs are summarized: correlation, spectrum analysis, and anti-correlation. Some typical RSR systems are introduced; for example: noise frequency modulation continuous wave radar; and random binary phase-coded continuous wave radar, and their merits and demerits are also pointed out. Finally, the development trends of RSR is analyzed     

On analytical evaluation of glint error reduction for frequency-hopping radars

Analytical techniques are presented for evaluating the glint error reduction of frequency-agile tracking radars employing discrete frequency-hopping (FH). The techniques can be used to compare the tracking accuracies obtained with different procedures for frequency selection. The cases of random, cyclic, and hybrid FH are worked out in detail. An illustration using a simple alpha-beta tracking filter indicates that the preferred type of frequency selection usually depends on the filter gains used in a specific application.<>     

The relevance of molecular observations to gamma-ray astronomy

The interaction of cosmic rays with interstellar clouds may produce some of the observed gamma-ray sources. The use of molecular observations to estimate the cloud masses, which are used to derive cosmic-ray fluxes, is reviewed. Molecular diagnostics of high cosmic-ray ionization rates are discussed, and a detailed application of those diagnostics is summarised and presented as evidence that second-order Fermi acceleration is important in old supernova remnants and can produce cosmic rays of too low energy to induce gamma-ray emission.Proceedings of the XVIII General Assembly of the IAU: Galactic Astrophysics and Gamma-Ray Astronomy, held at Patras, Greece, 19 August 1982.Royal Society Jaffé Donation Fellow.     

Track-before-detect procedures for early detection of moving target from airborne radars

In this paper we present a family of track-before-detect (TBD) procedures for early detection of moving targets from airborne radars. Upon a sectorization of the coverage area, the received echoes are jointly processed in the azimuth-range-Doppler domain and in the time domain through a Viterbi-like algorithm that exploits the physically admissible target transitions between successive illuminations, in order to collect all of the energy back-scattered during the time on target (TOT). A reduced-complexity implementation is derived assuming, at the design stage, that the target does not change resolution cell during the TOT in each scan. The constant false alarm rate (CFAR) constraint is also englobed in the proposed procedures as well as the possibility of working with quantized data. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms have good detection and tracking capabilities even for high target velocities and low quantization rates.     

Design and applications of airborne radars in the VHF/UHF band

The simultaneous need for ground penetration and high resolution dictates the use of frequencies less than 500 MHz for imaging ground penetrating radar (GPR) designs. It is possible to build such systems with good performance and yet not interfere with ground installations operating in the same bands. The total number of airborne GPR systems needed to saturate the market is small, (possibly less than ten), and so the buildup of noise in this spectral region occupied by these radars will be negligible. This is fortunate, since there is a clear need for such radars in such areas as humanitarian demining and unexploded ordnance (UXO) mapping. Some formal set of guidelines is needed beyond that given in Part 15 of the FCC regulations, which both recognizes the need for airborne UWB radar operations, and still protects licensed users in the band     

The capabilities of a gas scintillation camera for cosmic X-ray astronomy

The capabilities of a gas scintillator camera for use in X-ray astronomy are investigated. Detailed experimental results are presented on both the position and energy resolution over the energy range 0.28 to 6 keV. The energy resolution varies from 38% to 9.5% for 0.28 keV C-K and 6 keV X-rays respectively. Position resolutions of 1.8 mm and 3.5 mm for 6 keV and 1.5 keV Al-K X-rays were obtained. Image quality and uniformity over the camera aperture are also discussed, whilst further techniques leading to improvements in position resolution are outlined. Finally applications of these cameras in conjunction with grazing incidence and coded mask X-ray optics are discussed.     

Analysis of array errors and a short-time processor in airbornephased array radars

Array errors are inherent in a realistic phased array radar system. The influence of array errors on the clutter degrees of freedom and the clutter subspace in an airborne phased array radar is analyzed. Based on the presented theoretic results, a method of short-time processing followed by coherent integration is proposed for clutter suppression in airborne phased array radars. It can approximate the two-dimensional optimal processor well even in the presence of array errors, clutter fluctuations and aircraft drift, with a considerable saving in computations     

Bias compensation and tracking with monopulse radars in the presence of multi path

The problem of tracking targets in the presence of reflections from sea or ground is addressed. Both types of reflections (specular and diffuse) are considered. Specular reflection causes large peak errors followed by an approximately constant bias in the monopulse ratio, while diffuse reflection has random variations which on the average generate a bias in the monopulse ratio. Expressions for the average error (bias) in the monopulse ratio due to specular and diffuse reflections and the corresponding variance in the presence of noise in the radar channels are derived. A maximum maneuver-based filter and a multiple model estimator are used for tracking. Simulation results for five scenarios, typical of sea skimmers, with Swerling III fluctuating radar cross sections (RCSs) indicate the significance and efficiency of the technique developed in this paper-a 65% reduction of the rms error in the target height estimate.     

A space observatory for astrophysical explorations in the REALM of gamma-ray astronomy

Conclusion The space observatory whose major systems are outlined in the present paper is being designed to ensure astrophysical explorations in the field of -ray astronomy during the course of one year. The observatory is supposed to travel along a circular orbit up to 400 km in altitude, inclined at 51.6°. Investigations to be accomplished in the observatory will enable us to make substantial progress in gaining a deeper insight into a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena.     

Ionospheric absorption of cosmic radio noise

The development of the field of study of ionospheric absorption of cosmic radio noise since 1962 is reviewed. Contributions to the basic theory and methods of analysis are first dealt with. News concerning measuring technique are then briefly treated. In the main part of the paper the development of our knowledge of sudden cosmic noise absorption, polar cap absorption, and auroral absorption is reviewed. The emphasis is on the ionospheric effects. The solar disturbances associated with the absorption effects, the propagation of particles from the Sun to the Earth, and other extraterrestrial sides of the story are not treated.Part of this review paper was presented at the Second Symposium on Radio Astronomical and Satellite Studies of the Atmosphere, Boston, October 1965.     

Radar signals analysis and modellization in the presence of JEMapplication to civilian ATC radars

This paper describes the application of a simulation software and the comparison of its results with actual data recorded from operating ATC radars in S and L bands. Results obtained in an application on actual signals (relative to commercial aircraft echoes) collected from observations on the echo received at an ATC radar system are presented. These signals were recorded along many field experiments carried out by the authors on a recording system specifically developed for this purpose. Due to the constitutive and operative characteristics of the systems, the results are affected by a low spectral resolution and a strong aliasing which give rise to problems in a correct analysis. The observed results have been related to the physical phenomena generated by the structure of the complex target we suppose to be made of a rigid body and rotating parts which originate such a modulation on the echo signal that it is known in related literature as Jet Engine Modulation (JEM). These phenomena may be regarded as a signature of the particular couple “engine-aircraft body” and in some flight conditions may offer significant help to a correct characterization of the aircrafts