Multiparametric importance sampling for simulation of radar systems

The performances of the importance sampling (IS) techniques are improved by using multiparametric distortions of the input random processes. The analysis of different constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) algorithms confirms the usefulness of this method. The potential of this new approach is fully exploited if optimization techniques are used to obtain the optimum distortions and to avoid bias in the estimates     

The IMPACT Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA)

SWEA, the solar wind electron analyzers that are part of the IMPACT in situ investigation for the STEREO mission, are described. They are identical on each of the two spacecraft. Both are designed to provide detailed measurements of interplanetary electron distribution functions in the energy range 1～3000 eV and in a 120°×360° solid angle sector. This energy range covers the core or thermal solar wind plasma electrons, and the suprathermal halo electrons including the field-aligned heat flux or strahl used to diagnose the interplanetary magnetic field topology. The potential of each analyzer will be varied in order to maintain their energy resolution for spacecraft potentials comparable to the solar wind thermal electron energies. Calibrations have been performed that show the performance of the devices are in good agreement with calculations and will allow precise diagnostics of all of the interplanetary electron populations at the two STEREO spacecraft locations.     

Testing the Stability of the Fine Structure Constant in the Laboratory

In this review we discuss the progress of the past decade in testing for a possible temporal variation of the fine structure constant α. Advances in atomic sample preparation, laser spectroscopy and optical frequency measurements led to rapid reduction of measurement uncertainties. Eventually laboratory tests became the most sensitive tool to detect a possible variation of α at the present epoch. We explain the methods and technologies that helped to make this possible.     

Multiple hypothesis track maintenance with possibly unresolved measurements

In surveillance problems dense clutter/dense target situations call for refined data association and tracking techniques. In addition, closely spaced targets may exist which are not resolved. This phenomenon has to be considered explicitly in the tracking algorithm. We concentrate on two targets which temporarily move in close formation and derive a generalization of MHT methods on the basis of a simple resolution model.     

The stellar content of the Orion OB1 association

We present a photometric investigation, using the VBLUW system, of the stellar content of Orion OB1. Physical parameters (logg, logT _eff) for the stars are derived with the aid of model atmospheres. From these, visual extinctions, absolute magnitudes and distance moduli are derived. The distance moduli are used to determine membership for the stars in each of the subgroups and distances to the subgroups are calculated. The ages of the subgroups are derived through isochrone fitting and the IMF is derived for each subgroup. The energy deposited into the ISM through stellar winds and supernovae is calculated and compared to observed large scale features in the ISM around Orion OB1.     

Hydrocarbons in terrestrial samples and the Orgueil meteorite

Meteorites contain extraterrestrial carbonaceous materials. The Alais, Orgueil, Tonk, and Ivuna meteorites resemble in their carbon, free sulfur, and non-metamorphosed mineral contents, densities, and general appearances certain organic-rich terrestrial sediments. Structural and isotopic determinations of carbon compounds in the Orgueil chondrite indicate that these compounds are primarily indigenous. Physically and chemically the benzene extractable carbonaceous materials from the Orgueil and certain near-surface terrestrial sediments are similar. Mass spectrometric type analyses of the alkanes from an Orgueil fragment, terrestrial sediments and organisms are statistically indistinguishable at the 95 per cent confidence level. Theoretical considerations and experimental data are presented, and these permit an assessment of the potential and reliability of hydrocarbons as biological indicators. Based on the production and preservation or organic substances in terrestrial environments, alkanes in the Alais, Orgueil, Tonk, and Ivuna (Type I) carbonaceous chondrites could retain the best evidence of organisms that may have lived on a parent body of meteorites.A portion of the research reported in this article was supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Contract No. NASw 508.     

Analytical construction of interception trajectories in atmosphere

For an interception strategy of a removable target by a return space vehicle (RSV), we propose a structure of the control law by the aerodynamic efficiency that determines a chain of the three standard trajectories: nosing-up–free flight–nosing-down. A solution of the terminal problem is to determine numerical values of the control parameters that define moments to switch the RSV flight from one standard trajectory to another.