Uniform Sampling Analysis of a Hybrid Phase-Locked Loop with a Sample-and-Hold Phase Detector

Phase-locked-loop (PLL) bit synchronizers often employ integrate-and-dump type phase detectors that provide phase error information only at discrete points in time. Usually these phase detectors are followed by sample-and-hold circuits to produce a stairstep error voltage as the input to a standard analog circuit loop filter. When the loop is configured in this manner, it is referred to as a hybrid PLL. Sampled-data analysis methods (Z transforms) are used to determine the stability and transient response of this loop.     

IUE and Einstein observations of supernovae

In this paper IUE observations of two type II and three type I Supernovae (see Table I and Table II) are reviewed. The type II events were also observed by Einstein and SN 1980k was detected in the soft X-ray energy band. Combining UV spectra available of the same events one has the elements to construct a physical picture which accounts for all observations. For the type II events it appears that the progenitor star was a massive supergiant which underwent a severe mass loss before becoming Supernova. For the type I events there is neither X-ray nor, for the time being, radio detection. The high similarity of the optical and UV spectra for the three events indicates that type I Supernovae are the end products of one and the same phenomenon.     

Preflare heating of filaments

Disappearances of preflare filaments have been observed on June 22, 1980 (S07,W13) (flare at 13.04 U.T.) and September 3, 1980 (flare at 7.52 U.T.). The analysis of MSDP data (MEUDON) leads to the followings conclusions : - Disappearances begin a few minutes before the Hα impulsive phase. - The filaments can be seen again after the flares. - Upwards motions occur in several points, without disturbing significantly preëxisting downflows.Velocity maps suggest shears or velocity loops.The filament disappearance seems to be due to a heating mechanism beginning before the flare maximum.     

Non-linear magnetospheric amplification of VLF transmissions

Non-linear amplification of a monochromatic VLF transmission in the magnetosphere produces an output fluctuating in amplitude and phase, and so is not monochromatic. This output can usually be resolved into two waves: one similar to the input, but stronger, and a higher frequency sideband or “embryo emission”. The established theory is outlined as far as it goes.     

The Magellan project

Magellan is one of the future space projects being studied by the European Space Agency. The aim is to provide high resolution (λ/Δλ ≥ 2.5 × 10⁴) spectra in the far and extreme UV (between 500 and 1550 Å) of faint galactic and extragalactic objects (V ≤ 16^m). The instrument consists of a mechanical collimator, a concave holographic grating and a bidimensional photon-counting detector. A low resolution mode (λ/Δλ ≥ 10³) will provide spectra of objects as faint as 18^m.5. Magellan is planned as an observatory, operated in real time, and allowing interaction with the observer.     

Impact linear polarization observed in a UV chromospheric line during a solar flare

Linear polarization was observed in the S I 1437Å line in bright flaring points during the soft X-ray emission. The degree of polarization is about 25% and is detected at a signal to noise ratio of 2.9. The polarized electric vector is directed towards disk center to within 3°.This polarization could be due to collisional excitationm of S I by energetic electrons beamed in the vertical direction. We suggest that the heat flux in the region interconnecting the transition zone to the high chromosphere during the gradual phase of a flare could lead to an anisotropic excitation. Then the observed polarization would be due to vertical motions of the transition zone sweeping the preexisting chromosphere.     

Electric generators: technology status

The use of generators by the military is examined. The factors determining generator size and weight for a given power rating and the generator scaling laws are discussed. Size and weight reduction is shown to be primarily a function of improvements in material properties and cooling techniques     

Comet nucleus sample return: Plans and capabilities

ROSETTA — the Comet Nucleus Sample Return mission — is one of the four Cornerstone missions to which ESA has committed itself in its approved Long-Term Programme Horizon 2000. The mission is currently being studied in collaboration with NASA. The comet-nucleus samples that ROSETTA is to provide will allow us to study some of the most primitive material in the solar system and the physical and chemical processes that marked the beginning of the system 4.6 billion years ago. For ESA, ROSETTA is a new type of mission: one which will return a sample at cryogenic temperature, and where as much effort has to be spent on preparing the laboratory analysis on-ground as has to be invested in preparing the space segment with the sample acquisition and in situ documentation. As part of the preparation for this mission, ESA is now starting to consider Planetary Protection issues.     

Scaling of advanced power systems

Parts of a study conducted to examine state-of-the-art power systems applicable to future military spacecraft are summarized. The study focused on burst-mode megawatt-class CW power, such as might be applied to SDIO directed energy systems, but lower-power, continuous-duty subsystems were included in less detail. A set of simple mass and volume algorithms has been developed to approximate several prime systems, and these were incorporated into a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet. Among the power subsystems included in that study were primary batteries, alkaline primary fuel cells, and combustion turbogenerators. These systems, which are the most likely candidates for mobile battlefield power, are described     

Energy and charge localization in irradiated DNA.

The relation between the site of energy deposition and the site of its biological action is an important question in radiobiology. Even at 77 degrees K, evidence is clear that these two sites must be separated since energy deposition is random but specific products are formed. Several processes that may contribute to this separation are: 1) hole migration and stabilization through deprotonation to give neutral oxidation product radicals; 2) electron trapping and transfer to form specific radical anions, possibly followed by protonation to give neutral reduction product radicals; and 3) recombination of spatially separated charges or radicals. These microscopic processes will be reviewed critically in an analysis using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) evidence for and against long-range transfer of energy and/or charge in frozen, hydrated DNA.