The ionospheric disturbance dynamo signature in geomagnetic variations is investigated using the National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model. The model results are tested against reference magnetically quiet time observations on 21 June 1993, and disturbance effects were observed on 11 June 1993. The model qualitatively reproduces the observed diurnal and latitude variations of the geomagnetic horizontal intensity and declination for the reference quiet day in midlatitude and low-latitude regions but underestimates their amplitudes. The patterns of the disturbance dynamo signature and its source 'anti-Sq' current system are well reproduced in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the model significantly underestimates the amplitude of disturbance dynamo effects when compared with observations. Furthermore, the largest simulated disturbances occur at different local times than the observations. The discrepancies suggest that the assumed high-latitude storm time energy inputs in the model were not quantitatively accurate for this storm.
Rapid identification of aerosolized biological agents following an alarm by particle triggering systems is needed to enable response actions that save lives and protect assets. Rapid identifiers must achieve species level specificity, as this is required to distinguish disease-causing organisms (e.g., Bacillus anthracis) from benign neighbors (e.g., Bacillus subtilis). We have developed a rapid (1-5 minute), novel identification methodology that sorts intact organisms from each other and particulates using capillary electrophoresis (CE), and detects using near-infrared (NIR) absorbance and scattering. We have successfully demonstrated CE resolution of Bacillus spores and vegetative bacteria at the species level. To achieve sufficient sensitivity for detection needs ({approx}10{sup 4} cfu/mL for bacteria), we have developed fiber-coupled cavity-enhanced absorbance techniques. Using this method, we have demonstrated {approx}two orders of magnitude greater sensitivity than published results for absorbing dyes, and single particle (spore) detection through primarily scattering effects. Results of the integrated CE-NIR system for spore detection are presented.
Recent EPA regulations targeting mercury (Hg) emissions from utility coal boilers have prompted increased activity in the development of reliable chemical sensors for monitoring Hg emissions with high sensitivity, high specificity, and fast time response. We are developing a portable, laser-based instrument for real-time, stand-off detection of Hg emissions that involves exciting the Hg (6 3P1 ← 6 1S0) transition at 253.7 nm and detecting the resulting resonant emission from Hg (6 3P1). The laser for this approach must be tunable over the Hg absorption line at 253.7 nm, while system performance modeling has indicated a desired output pulse energy ≥0.1 μJ and linewidth ≤5 GHz (full width at half-maximum, FWHM). In addition, the laser must have the requisite physical characteristics for use in coal-fired power plants. To meet these criteria, we are pursing a multistage frequency-conversion scheme involving an optical parametric amplifier (OPA). The OPA is pumped by the frequency-doubled output of a passively Q-switched, monolithic Nd:YAG micro-laser operating at 10-Hz repetition rate and is seeded by a 761-nm, cw distributed-feedback diode laser. The resultant pulse-amplified seed beam is frequency tripled in two nonlinear frequency-conversion steps to generate 253.7-nm light. The laser system is mounted on a 45.7 cm × 30.5 cm breadboard and can be further condensed using custom optical mounts. Based on simulations of the nonlinear frequency-conversion processes and current results, we expect this laser architecture to exceed the desired pulse energy. Moreover, this approach provides a compact, all-solid-state source of tunable, narrow-linewidth visible and ultraviolet radiation, which is required for many chemical sensing applications.
The deployment of optical fibers in adverse radiation environments, such as those encountered in a low-Earth-orbit space setting, makes critical the development of an understanding of the effect of large accumulated ionizing-radiation doses on optical components and systems. In particular, gamma radiation is known to considerably affect the performance of optical components by inducing absorbing centers in the materials. Such radiation is present both as primary background radiation and as secondary radiation induced by proton collisions with space-craft material. This paper examines the effects of gamma radiation on erbium-, ytterbium-, and Yb/Er co-doped optical fibers by exposing a suite of such fibers to radiation from a Co-60 source over long periods of time while monitoring the temporal and spectral decrease in transmittance of a reference signal. For same total doses, results show increased photodarkening in erbium-doped fibers relative to ytterbium-doped fibers, as well as significant radiation resistance of the co-doped fibers over wavelengths of 1.0-1.6 microns. All three types of fibers were seen to exhibit dose-rate dependences.
A discussion on an active gas imager that can potentially improve system performance and reliability in Smart Leak Detection and Repair covers conventional single-wavelength imaging; differential imaging; methane detection; modification for detecting fugitive emissions relevant to refineries and chemical plants; and system description. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the AWMA's 99th Annual Conference and Exhibition (New Orleans, LA 6/20-23/2006).
Because many solid objects, both stationary and mobile, will be present in an indoor environment, the design of an indoor aerosol cloud finding lidar (light detection and ranging) instrument presents a number of challenges. The cloud finder must be able to discriminate between these solid objects and aerosol clouds as small as 1-meter in depth in order to probe suspect clouds. While a near IR ({approx}1.5-{micro}m) laser is desirable for eye-safety, aerosol scattering cross sections are significantly lower in the near-IR than at visible or W wavelengths. The receiver must deal with a large dynamic range since the backscatter from solid object will be orders of magnitude larger than for aerosol clouds. Fast electronics with significant noise contributions will be required to obtain the necessary temporal resolution. We have developed a laboratory instrument to detect aerosol clouds in the presence of solid objects. In parallel, we have developed a lidar performance model for performing trade studies. Careful attention was paid to component details so that results obtained in this study could be applied towards the development of a practical instrument. The amplitude and temporal shape of the signal return are analyzed for discrimination of aerosol clouds in an indoor environment. We have assessed the feasibility and performance of candidate approaches for a fieldable instrument. With the near-IR PMT and a 1.5-{micro}m laser source providing 20-{micro}J pulses, we estimate a bio-aerosol detection limit of 3000 particles/l.