Isotopes in comets: Implications from Cr in carbonaceous chondrites

According to their chemical composition, rich in volatile compounds, comets are thought to be primitive materials. They may provide prime samples for the study of nucleosynthetic components of the solar system and of the processes occurring during the formation of the outer planets. Their origin is largely a matter of conjecture. Chromium isotopic measurements in carbonaceous chondrites illustrate how the non-volatile part of cometary material can be investigated both for isotopic heterogeneity and for the extinct nuclide ⁵³Mn. Questions like the possible presence of ²⁶Al as a heat source can also be addressed by these measurements.     

Cross-correlation properties of algebraically constructed Costasarrays

The problem of determining the cross-correlation properties of signals based on algebraically constructed Costas arrays is addressed by examining the discrete cross-correlation of the algebraically constructed Costas arrays for a given construction and dimension. Finding two arrays that minimally correlate implies that the signals based on these arrays also minimally correlate. The properties of finite fields are reviewed, and the major algebraic constructions for Costas arrays are presented, i.e. the Welch construction and the Golomb construction. The discrete cross-correlation properties of the Costas arrays are derived for arrays of the same dimension derived from the same construction. The use of Costas arrays in the signal design problem is discussed, and examples are given to show the cross-correlation of the signals based on the algebraically constructed arrays     

Computation of the circular error probability integral

The author describes a simplified derivation of the representation of the circular error probability (CEP) integral, which is the integral over a disk centered at the origin of a zero mean two-dimensional Gaussian random variable, as a one-dimensional integral. In addition, two series are presented which can be used to compute efficiently the CEP integral. The domain of applicability of the series and methods for acceleration of the convergence of these series are discussed. The integral occurs in the evaluation of communication and radar signals, and in other statistical applications.<>     

Optical observations of the X-ray source 2S0921-630

We report photometric observations of the optical counterpart of the X-ray source 2S0921-630. The data, obtained at the South African Astronomical Observatory during 3 weeks in 1980 and 1981, are consistent with a 17.9 day periodic modulation of the flux in the B band. Correlated variability of the (B-V) and (U-B) colour indices with the B mag. is demonstrated and quantified. The observed B mag. and colours at maximum and minimum light are used to compute some of the system parameters. A model of 2S0921-630 is proposed in terms of a binary system in which the variable inclination of a luminous accretion disc produces the long-term modulation of the optical flux.     

Volume Properties for the Wideband Ambiguity Function

It is shown that the volume under the wideband ambiguity function is close to the square of the signal energy. The ambiguity volume is asymptotically conserved as the signal approaches the narrowband case. The narrowband ambiguity volume is a lower bound for the volume of the wideband ambiguity function.     

Current Injected Equivalent Circuit Approach to Modeling Switching DC-DC Converters

A new current injected equivalent circuit approach (CIECA) to modeling switching dc-dc converter power stages is developed, which starts with the current injected approach and results in either a set of equations which completely describe input and out-put properties or an equivalent linear circuit model valid at small signal, low frequency levels. This approach to modeling switching dc-dc converter power stages has the merits but not the demerits of both the electronic equivalent circuit state space average approach and the current injected control type approach, namely, 1) the modeling is very clear and is simple whether the converter operates in continuous or discontinuous inductor conduction modes, 2) the modeling results in an equivalent circuit which is very close to the actual converter, and 3) the equivalent circuit can be used directly in the computer for theoretical predictions like SPICE, etc.     

A Comparison of Binary Delay-Lock Tracking-Loop Implementations

The delay-lock loop is a device for tracking the delay difference between two correlated waveforms. It is used as a synchronizing loop for binary communications and tracking. The delay tracking performance is derived for various radio-frequency implementations of the binary delay-lock loop. Amplitude and biphase modulation by pseudorandom sequences are considered. Three types of receivers are analyzed for each modulation: envelope correlation, phase-coherent correlation, and phase-lock demodulation followed by video correlation.