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2017

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Full-Text Articles in Physics

Bare Aluminum Oxidation, R. Steven Turley Nov 2017

Bare Aluminum Oxidation, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

This paper computes the oxidation rate of bare evaporated aluminum thin films under high vacuum conditions and exposed to air.


Power-Law Schell-Model Sources, Milo W. Hyde Iv Nov 2017

Power-Law Schell-Model Sources, Milo W. Hyde Iv

Faculty Publications

A new type of Schell-model source is developed that has a spectral degree of coherence, or spatial power spectrum, which is described by a power-law function. These power-law sources generally produce cusped, or peaked far-zone spectral density patterns making them potentially useful in directed energy applications. The spectral degrees of coherence, spatial power spectra, and spatial coherence radii for power-law sources are derived and discussed. Two power-law sources are then synthesized in the laboratory using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. The experimental spectral densities are compared to the corresponding theoretical predictions to serve as a proof of concept.


Single-Reference Coupled Cluster Theory For Multi-Reference Problems, Johannes T. Margraf, Ajith Perera, Jesse J. Lutz, Rodney J. Bartlett Nov 2017

Single-Reference Coupled Cluster Theory For Multi-Reference Problems, Johannes T. Margraf, Ajith Perera, Jesse J. Lutz, Rodney J. Bartlett

Faculty Publications

Coupled cluster (CC) theory is widely accepted as the most accurate and generally applicable approach in quantum chemistry. CC calculations are usually performed with single Slater-determinant references, e.g., canonical Hartree-Fock (HF) wavefunctions, though any single determinant can be used. This is an attractive feature because typical CC calculations are straightforward to apply, as there is no potentially ambiguous user input required. On the other hand, there can be concern that CC approximations give unreliable results when the reference determinant provides a poor description of the system of interest, i.e., when the HF or any other single determinant ground state has …


Why Cerenkov Radiation May Not Occur, Even When It Is Allowed By Lorentz-Violating Kinematics, Brett Altschul Oct 2017

Why Cerenkov Radiation May Not Occur, Even When It Is Allowed By Lorentz-Violating Kinematics, Brett Altschul

Faculty Publications

In a Lorentz-violating quantum field theory, the energy-momentum relations for the field quanta are typically modified. This affects the kinematics, and processes that are normally forbidden may become allowed. One reaction that clearly becomes kinematically possible when photons’ phase speeds are less than 1 is vacuum Cerenkov radiation. However, in spite of expectations, and in defiance of phase space estimates, a electromagnetic Chern–Simons theory with a timelike Lorentz violation coefficient does not feature any energy losses through Cerenkov emission. There is an unexpected cancelation, made possible by the existence of unstable long-wavelength modes of the field. The fact that the …


Atomic Disorder Induced Modification Of Magnetization In Mncrval, Juliana Herran, Rishabh Dalal, Paul Gray, Parashu Kharel, Pavel Lukashev Oct 2017

Atomic Disorder Induced Modification Of Magnetization In Mncrval, Juliana Herran, Rishabh Dalal, Paul Gray, Parashu Kharel, Pavel Lukashev

Faculty Publications

We have investigated the physical mechanism behind magnetization reduction in a potential spingapless semiconducting compound MnCrVAl by analyzing various atomic disorder schemes. In particular, we show that depending on the degree of disorder, exchanging atomic positions between Mn/Cr and V/Al leads to reduced total magnetization due to either spin flip, or vanishing spin magnetic moments. The latter is attributed to the itinerant character of magnetism in Cr-, Mn-, and V-containing Heusler alloys, and to the frustration of antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, and is accompanied by a tetragonal distortion, but such distortion alone (i.e., in a fully ordered crystal, with no atomic …


Use Of A Novel Infrared Wavelength-Tunable Laser Mueller-Matrix Polarimetric Scatterometer To Measure Nanostructured Optical Materials, Jason C. Vap, Stephen E. Nauyoks, Michael R. Benson, Michael A. Marciniak Oct 2017

Use Of A Novel Infrared Wavelength-Tunable Laser Mueller-Matrix Polarimetric Scatterometer To Measure Nanostructured Optical Materials, Jason C. Vap, Stephen E. Nauyoks, Michael R. Benson, Michael A. Marciniak

Faculty Publications

Nanostructured optical materials, for example, metamaterials, have unique spectral, directional, and polarimetric properties. Samples designed and fabricated for infrared (IR) wavelengths have been characterized using broadband instruments to measure specular polarimetric transmittance or reflectance as in ellipsometry or integrated hemisphere transmittance or reflectance. We have developed a wavelength-tunable IR Mueller-matrix (Mm) polarimetric scatterometer which uses tunable external-cavity quantum-cascade lasers (EC-QCLs) to tune onto and off of the narrowband spectral resonances of nanostructured optical materials and performed full polarimeteric and directional evaluation to more fully characterize their behavior. Using a series of EC-QCLs, the instrument is tunable over 4.37-6.54 μm wavelengths …


Spin-Imbalance In A 2d Fermi-Hubbard System, Peter Brown, Debayan Mitra, Elmer Guardado-Sanchez, Peter Schauß, Stanimir Kondov, Ehsan Khatami, Thereza Paiva, Nandini Trivedi, David Huse, Waseem Bakr Sep 2017

Spin-Imbalance In A 2d Fermi-Hubbard System, Peter Brown, Debayan Mitra, Elmer Guardado-Sanchez, Peter Schauß, Stanimir Kondov, Ehsan Khatami, Thereza Paiva, Nandini Trivedi, David Huse, Waseem Bakr

Faculty Publications

The interplay of strong interactions and magnetic fields gives rise to unusual forms of superconductivity and magnetism in quantum many-body systems. Here, we present an experimental study of the two-dimensional Fermi-Hubbard model—a paradigm for strongly correlated fermions on a lattice—in the presence of a Zeeman field and varying doping. Using site-resolved measurements, we revealed anisotropic antiferromagnetic correlations, a precursor to long-range canted order. We observed nonmonotonic behavior of the local polarization with doping for strong interactions, which we attribute to the evolution from an antiferromagnetic insulator to a metallic phase. Our results pave the way to experimentally mapping the low-temperature …


Synthesis Of Non-Uniformly Correlated Partially Coherent Sources Using A Deformable Mirror, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai, Ryan A. Wood Sep 2017

Synthesis Of Non-Uniformly Correlated Partially Coherent Sources Using A Deformable Mirror, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai, Ryan A. Wood

Faculty Publications

The near real-time synthesis of a non-uniformly correlated partially coherent source using a low-actuator-count deformable mirror is demonstrated. The statistical optics theory underpinning the synthesis method is reviewed. The experimental results of a non-uniformly correlated source are presented and compared to theoretical predictions. A discussion on how deformable mirror characteristics such as actuator count and pitch affect source generation is also included.


Machine Learning Phases Of Strongly Correlated Fermions, Kelvin Ch'ng, Juan Carrasquilla, Roger Melko, Ehsan Khatami Aug 2017

Machine Learning Phases Of Strongly Correlated Fermions, Kelvin Ch'ng, Juan Carrasquilla, Roger Melko, Ehsan Khatami

Faculty Publications

Machine learning offers an unprecedented perspective for the problem of classifying phases in condensed matter physics. We employ neural network machine learning techniques to distinguish finite-temperature phases of the strongly-correlated fermions on cubic lattices. We show that a three-dimensional convolutional network trained on auxiliary field configurations produced by quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the Hubbard model can correctly predict the magnetic phase diagram of the model at the average density of one (half filling). We then use the network, trained at half filling, to explore the trend in the transition temperature as the system is doped away from half filling. …


Fresnel Spatial Filtering Of Quasihomogeneous Sources For Wave Optics Simulations, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai Aug 2017

Fresnel Spatial Filtering Of Quasihomogeneous Sources For Wave Optics Simulations, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai

Faculty Publications

High-spatial-frequency optical fields or sources are often encountered when simulating directed energy, active imaging, or remote sensing systems and scenarios. These spatially broadband fields are a challenge in wave optics simulations because the sampling required to represent and then propagate these fields without aliasing is often impractical. To address this, two spatial filtering techniques are presented. The first, called Fresnel spatial filtering, finds a spatially band-limited source that, after propagation, produces the exact observation plane field as the broadband source over a user-specified region of interest. The second, called statistical or quasihomogeneous spatial filtering, finds a spatially band-limited source that, …


2d Surface Creation Using Intel Mkl, R. Steven Turley Aug 2017

2d Surface Creation Using Intel Mkl, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

This document illustrates how to use the Intel Math Kernel Library (MKL) to create surfaces with a given cut-off spatial frequency and rms surface height. They closely mimic typical surfaces our group has measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM).


Circular Integration Region, R. Steven Turley Aug 2017

Circular Integration Region, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

This report explains how to transform a singular integration over the an arc of a circle into an integration over a unit square using various coordinate transformations include a Duffy transformation. Fortran code illustrating the algorithms is included along with unit test validations.


On-Chip, High-Sensitivity Temperature Sensors Based On Dye-Doped Solid-State Polymer Microring Lasers, Lei Wan, Hengky Chandrahalim, Cong Chen, Qiushu Chen, Ting Mei, Yuji Oki, Naoya Nishimura, Lingjie Jay Guo, Xudong Fan Aug 2017

On-Chip, High-Sensitivity Temperature Sensors Based On Dye-Doped Solid-State Polymer Microring Lasers, Lei Wan, Hengky Chandrahalim, Cong Chen, Qiushu Chen, Ting Mei, Yuji Oki, Naoya Nishimura, Lingjie Jay Guo, Xudong Fan

Faculty Publications

We developed a chip-scale temperature sensor with a high sensitivity of 228.6 pm/°C based on a rhodamine 6G (R6G)-doped SU-8 whispering-gallery mode microring laser. The optical mode was largely distributed in a polymer core layer with a 30 μm height that provided detection sensitivity, and the chemically robust fused-silica microring resonator host platform guaranteed its versatility for investigating different functional polymer materials with different refractive indices. As a proof of concept, a dye-doped hyperbranched polymer (TZ-001) microring laser-based temperature sensor was simultaneously developed on the same host wafer and characterized using a free-space optics measurement setup. Compared to TZ-001, the …


Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study Of Neutral Mg Acceptors In Β-Ga2O3 Crystals, Brant E. Kananen, Larry E. Halliburton, Elizabeth M. Scherrer, K. T. Stevens, G. K. Foundos, K. B. Chang, Nancy C. Giles Aug 2017

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study Of Neutral Mg Acceptors In Β-Ga2O3 Crystals, Brant E. Kananen, Larry E. Halliburton, Elizabeth M. Scherrer, K. T. Stevens, G. K. Foundos, K. B. Chang, Nancy C. Giles

Faculty Publications

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to directly observe and characterize neutral Mg acceptors (Mg0Ga) in a β-Ga2O3 crystal. These acceptors, best considered as small polarons, are produced when the Mg-doped crystal is irradiated at or near 77 K with x rays. During the irradiation, neutral acceptors are formed when holes are trapped at singly ionized Mg acceptors (Mg−Ga). Unintentionally present Fe3+ (3d5) and Cr3+ (3d3) transition-metal ions serve as the corresponding electron traps. The hole is localized in a nonbonding p orbital on a threefold-coordinated oxygen ion …


A Selection Rule For Transitions In Pt-Symmetric Quantum Theory, Lawrence R. Mead, David Garfinkle Aug 2017

A Selection Rule For Transitions In Pt-Symmetric Quantum Theory, Lawrence R. Mead, David Garfinkle

Faculty Publications

Carl Bender and collaborators have developed a quantum theory governed by Hamiltonians that are PT-symmetric rather than Hermitian. To implement this theory, the inner product was redefined to guarantee positive norms of eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. In the general case, which includes arbitrary time-dependence in the Hamiltonian, a modification of the Schrödinger equation is necessary as shown by Gong and Wang to conserve probability. In this paper, we derive the following selection rule: transitions induced by time dependence in a PT-symmetric Hamiltonian cannot occur between normalized states of differing PT-norm. We show three examples of this selection rule in action: …


Estimating Index Of Refraction For Specular Reflectors Using Passive Polarimetric Hyperspectral Radiance Measurements, Jacob A. Martin, Kevin C. Gross Jul 2017

Estimating Index Of Refraction For Specular Reflectors Using Passive Polarimetric Hyperspectral Radiance Measurements, Jacob A. Martin, Kevin C. Gross

Faculty Publications

Results of a method of estimating index of refraction from passive, polarimetric hyperspectral imaging radiance measurements are presented. As off-nadir viewing hyperspectral imaging platforms gain prominence, estimating index of refraction, which is invariant to viewing angle, may prove advantageous to estimating the emissivity, which is not. Results show that index of refraction can be retrieved to within 8% rms error for fused silica and sapphire glass targets, while simultaneously estimating object temperature. The accuracy and self-consistency of this technique for estimating index of refraction are shown to compare favorably to the maximum smoothness temperature–emissivity separation algorithm. Additionally, the results show …


Target-Based Coherent Beam Combining Of An Optical Phased Array Fed By A Broadband Laser Source, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Jack E. Mccrae, Glenn A. Tyler Jul 2017

Target-Based Coherent Beam Combining Of An Optical Phased Array Fed By A Broadband Laser Source, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Jack E. Mccrae, Glenn A. Tyler

Faculty Publications

The target-based phasing of an optical phased array (OPA) fed by a broadband master oscillator laser source is investigated. The specific scenario examined here considers an OPA phasing through atmospheric turbulence on a rough curved object. An analytical expression for the detected or received intensity is derived. Gleaned from this expression are the conditions under which target-based phasing is possible. A detailed OPA wave optics simulation is performed to validate the theoretical findings. Key aspects of the simulation set-up as well as the results are thoroughly discussed.


Equity Of Success In Clasp Courses At Uc Davis, Cassandra Paul, David Webb, Mary Chessey, Wendell Potter Jul 2017

Equity Of Success In Clasp Courses At Uc Davis, Cassandra Paul, David Webb, Mary Chessey, Wendell Potter

Faculty Publications

We have recently described the reformed introductory physics course, Collaborative Learning through Active Sense-Making in Physics (CLASP), for bioscience students at UC Davis and argued that the course was more successful than its predecessor (Physics 5) by several measures. Now we examine the effects of these courses for different student ethnic groups. We find that, compared to Physics 5, students of most ethnic backgrounds were more successful in CLASP. We also find that students from ethnic groups underrepresented in STEM who took the CLASP course were more likely to graduate as STEM majors. We discuss possible features of CLASP that …


In-Beam Γ-Ray Spectroscopy Studies Of Medium-Spin States In The Odd-Odd Nucleus 186Re, David A. Matters, F. G. Kondev, N. Aoi, Y. Ayyad, A. P. Byrne, M. P. Carpenter, J. Carroll, C. J. Chiara, P. M. Davidson, G. D. Dracoulis, Y. D. Fang, C. R. Hoffmann, R. O. Hughes, E. Ideguchi, R. V. F. Janssens, S. Kanaya, B. P. Kay, T. Kibedi, G. J. Lane, T. Lauritsen, John W. Mcclory, P. Nieminen, S. Noji, A. Odahara, H. J. Ong, A. E. Stuchbery, D. T. Tran, H. Watanabe, A. N. Wilson, Y. Yamamoto, S. Zhu Jul 2017

In-Beam Γ-Ray Spectroscopy Studies Of Medium-Spin States In The Odd-Odd Nucleus 186Re, David A. Matters, F. G. Kondev, N. Aoi, Y. Ayyad, A. P. Byrne, M. P. Carpenter, J. Carroll, C. J. Chiara, P. M. Davidson, G. D. Dracoulis, Y. D. Fang, C. R. Hoffmann, R. O. Hughes, E. Ideguchi, R. V. F. Janssens, S. Kanaya, B. P. Kay, T. Kibedi, G. J. Lane, T. Lauritsen, John W. Mcclory, P. Nieminen, S. Noji, A. Odahara, H. J. Ong, A. E. Stuchbery, D. T. Tran, H. Watanabe, A. N. Wilson, Y. Yamamoto, S. Zhu

Faculty Publications

Excited states in 186Re with spins up to J=12ℏ were investigated in two separate experiments using 186W(d,2n) reactions at beam energies of 12.5 and 14.5 MeV. Two- and threefold γ-ray coincidence data were collected using the CAESAR and CAGRA spectrometers, respectively, each composed of Compton-suppressed high-purity germanium detectors. Analysis of the data revealed rotational bands built on several two-quasiparticle intrinsic states, including a long-lived Kπ=(8+) isomer. Configuration assignments were supported by an analysis of in-band properties, such as |gK−gR| values. The excitation energies of the observed intrinsic states were compared with results from multi-quasiparticle blocking …


Growth And Magnetooptical Properties Of Anisotropic Tbf3 Single Crystals, Uygun V. Valiev, Denis N. Karimov, Gary W. Burdick, Rakhim Rakhimov, Vasiliy O. Pelenovich, Dejun Fu Jun 2017

Growth And Magnetooptical Properties Of Anisotropic Tbf3 Single Crystals, Uygun V. Valiev, Denis N. Karimov, Gary W. Burdick, Rakhim Rakhimov, Vasiliy O. Pelenovich, Dejun Fu

Faculty Publications

The present paper investigates the Faraday effect and absorption and luminescence spectra of single-crystal TbF3 measured at 90 K and 300 K. The optical-quality single-phase TbF3 crystals (structural type β-YF3) were grown by the Bridgman technique. Faraday rotation angles were measured at remagnetization along the [100] crystallographic axis. Low temperature optical measurements were carried out along the [100] axis. “Quasi-doublet” sublevels with energy at 0 cm-1, 65 cm-1 and 190 cm-1, and also a singlet sublevel with energy at 114 cm-1 located in the ground 7F6 multiplet were determined from the …


Relaxation Of Microwave Nonlinearity In A Cuprate Superconducting Resonator, Richard A. Huizen, Sean L. Hamilton, Geoffrey T. Lenters, Stephen K. Remillard Jun 2017

Relaxation Of Microwave Nonlinearity In A Cuprate Superconducting Resonator, Richard A. Huizen, Sean L. Hamilton, Geoffrey T. Lenters, Stephen K. Remillard

Faculty Publications

The second- and third-order nonlinear microwave response of a superconducting YBa2Cu3O7 thin-film resonator was synchronously measured using three input tones. This technique permits the local measurement, and hence mapping, of intermodulation distortion inside the resonator. Second- and third-order IMD measured with a fixed probe relaxed in remarkably different ways after the removal of a static magnetic field. The second-order IMD relaxed by two different magnetic processes, a fast process that appears related to bulk remanent magnetization and a slow process that fits the description of Bean and Livingston. The third-order IMD relaxes by only one process that is distinct from …


Measuring The Reflection Matrix Of A Rough Surface, Kenneth W. Burgi, Michael A. Marciniak, Mark E. Oxley, Stephen E. Nauyoks May 2017

Measuring The Reflection Matrix Of A Rough Surface, Kenneth W. Burgi, Michael A. Marciniak, Mark E. Oxley, Stephen E. Nauyoks

Faculty Publications

Phase modulation methods for imaging around corners with reflectively scattered light required illumination of the occluded scene with a light source either in the scene or with direct line of sight to the scene. The RM (reflection matrix) allows control and refocusing of light after reflection, which could provide a means of illuminating an occluded scene without access or line of sight. Two optical arrangements, one focal-plane, the other an imaging system, were used to measure the RM of five different rough-surface reflectors. Intensity enhancement values of up to 24 were achieved. Surface roughness, correlation length, and slope were examined …


On The Origin Of Energy: Metaphors And Manifestations As Resources For Conceptualizing And Measuring The Invisible, Imponderable, Benedikt Harrer May 2017

On The Origin Of Energy: Metaphors And Manifestations As Resources For Conceptualizing And Measuring The Invisible, Imponderable, Benedikt Harrer

Faculty Publications

This article explores the origins of metaphorical language to describe energy by reviewing the historical development of the concept by physicists since the early 19th century. In addition to examples of historical and contemporary use of metaphors in academic writing, observable manifestations of energy are identified as the origin of energy “forms.” The historical- philosophical review and presentation of examples from contemporary physics literature contribute a disciplinary foundation to recent claims about the productiveness of physics learners’ use of metaphors and indicators to describe energy.


Analysis Of Beam Deflection Measurements In The Presence Of Linear Absorption, Manuel R. Ferdinandus, Jennifer Reed, Kent L. Averett, F. Kenneth Hopkins, Augustine Urbas May 2017

Analysis Of Beam Deflection Measurements In The Presence Of Linear Absorption, Manuel R. Ferdinandus, Jennifer Reed, Kent L. Averett, F. Kenneth Hopkins, Augustine Urbas

Faculty Publications

We develop a series of analytical approximations allowing for rapid extraction of the nonlinear parameters from beam deflection measurements. We then apply these approximations to the analysis of cadmium silicon phosphide and compare the results against previously published parameter extraction methods and find good agreement for typical experimental conditions.


Kinetics Of High Pressure Argon-Helium Pulsed Gas Discharge, Daniel J. Emmons, David E. Weeks May 2017

Kinetics Of High Pressure Argon-Helium Pulsed Gas Discharge, Daniel J. Emmons, David E. Weeks

Faculty Publications

Simulations of a pulsed direct current discharge are performed for a 7% argon in helium mixture at a pressure of 270 Torr using both zero- and one-dimensional models. Kinetics of species relevant to the operation of an optically pumped rare-gas laser are analyzed throughout the pulse duration to identify key reaction pathways. Time dependent densities, electron temperatures, current densities, and reduced electric fields in the positive column are analyzed over a single 20 μs pulse, showing temporal agreement between the two models. Through the use of a robust reaction rate package, radiation trapping is determined to play a key role …


Synthesizing Time-Evolving Partially-Coherent Schell-Model Sources, Noah R. Van Zandt, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai, David G. Voelz, Xifeng Xiao, Steven T. Fiorino Mar 2017

Synthesizing Time-Evolving Partially-Coherent Schell-Model Sources, Noah R. Van Zandt, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai, David G. Voelz, Xifeng Xiao, Steven T. Fiorino

Faculty Publications

Time-evolving simulation of sources with partial spatial and temporal coherence is sometimes instructive or necessary to explain optical coherence effects. Yet, existing time-evolving synthesis techniques often require prohibitive amounts of computer memory. This paper discusses three methods for the synthesis of continuous or pulsed time-evolving sources with nearly arbitrary spatial and temporal coherence. One method greatly reduces computer memory requirements, making this type of synthesis more practical. The utility of all three methods is demonstrated via a modified form of Young's experiment. Numerical simulation and laboratory results for time-averaged irradiance are presented and compared with theory to validate the synthesis …


Depth Perception, Christopher Sirola Mar 2017

Depth Perception, Christopher Sirola

Faculty Publications

In most disciplines, finding the distance from one object to the next is, at least in theory, a simple operation. Not so in astronomy. While the size of Earth itself was determined with a fair degree of accuracy in ancient times, the scale of the solar system wasn’t fully understood until just a few centuries ago, and the distances to even the closest of stars wasn’t reliably determined until Friedrich Bessel measured the distance to 61 Cygni in 1838.


Estimation Of Turbulence From Time-Lapse Imagery, Jack E. Mccrae, Santasri Bose-Pillai, Steven T. Fiorino Feb 2017

Estimation Of Turbulence From Time-Lapse Imagery, Jack E. Mccrae, Santasri Bose-Pillai, Steven T. Fiorino

Faculty Publications

Atmospheric turbulence parameters are estimated for an imaging path based on time-lapse imaging results. Atmospheric turbulence causes frame-to-frame shifts of the entire image as well as parts of the image. The statistics of these shifts encode information about the turbulence strength (as characterized by Cn2, the refractive index structure function constant) along the optical path. The shift variance observed is simply proportional to the variance of the tilt of the optical field averaged over the area being tracked and averaged over the camera aperture. By presuming this turbulence follows the Kolmogorov spectrum, weighting functions, which relate the turbulence strength along …


Simulation Of Anisoplanatic Imaging Through Optical Turbulence Using Numerical Wave Propagation With New Validation Analysis, Russell C. Hardie, Jonathan D. Power, Daniel A. Lemaster, Douglas Droege, Szymon Gladysz, Santasri Bose-Pillai Feb 2017

Simulation Of Anisoplanatic Imaging Through Optical Turbulence Using Numerical Wave Propagation With New Validation Analysis, Russell C. Hardie, Jonathan D. Power, Daniel A. Lemaster, Douglas Droege, Szymon Gladysz, Santasri Bose-Pillai

Faculty Publications

We present a numerical wave propagation method for simulating imaging of an extended scene under anisoplanatic conditions. While isoplanatic simulation is relatively common, few tools are specifically designed for simulating the imaging of extended scenes under anisoplanatic conditions. We provide a complete description of the proposed simulation tool, including the wave propagation method used. Our approach computes an array of point spread functions (PSFs) for a two-dimensional grid on the object plane. The PSFs are then used in a spatially varying weighted sum operation, with an ideal image, to produce a simulated image with realistic optical turbulence degradation. The degradation …


I Love My Baffling, Backward, Counterintuitive, Overly Complicated Magnitudes, Christopher Sirola Feb 2017

I Love My Baffling, Backward, Counterintuitive, Overly Complicated Magnitudes, Christopher Sirola

Faculty Publications

All professions have their jargon. But astronomy goes the extra parsec. Here’s an example. Vega, one of the brighter stars in the night sky, has an apparent magnitude (i.e., an apparent brightness) of approximately zero. Polaris, the North Star, has an apparent magnitude of about +2. Despite this, Vega appears brighter than Polaris, and not by two, but by a factor of about six times.