Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Light Curves In X-Rays And Gamma-Rays, Daniel H. Sellers

STAR Program Research Presentations

Gamma-ray Bursts are the most luminous and energetic events in the universe. Understanding the intrinsic properties of GRBs allows for their use as standard candles (objects of known distance and luminosity) and for the study of extremely distant regions of space.

In this study we use the piecewise Willingale model to fit the X-ray flux vs. time curves (light curves) of 235 GRBs with detectable 'plateau' phase and known redshift using data from the swift repository. This sample is analyzed for consistency with a relation between the temporal decay and spectral indexes predicted by the Fireball model of GRB Emission. …

Resistance Temperature Detectors In A Cryostat Refrigeration System, Kirsten Marie Manahan, Alice Callen

STAR Program Research Presentations

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is a ground-based telescope that will survey the Southern sky every few nights. Located in the telescope will be a 3.2 gigapixel digital camera. To ensure proper instrumentation of the camera, there must be a monitored stable temperature. As part of my research, I assembled resistance temperature detectors and tested them to verify their reliability in measuring temperature in the camera’s cryostat refrigeration cooling system. Resistance temperature detectors function by the principle of thermal resistivity, in which their electrical resistances vary as temperature varies. Through testing, I was able to determine whether these particular …