Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jan 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993phdt........42h&link_type=abstract
PhD Dissertation, California Univ. Berkeley, CA United States
Mathematics
Logic
1
Imaging Techniques, Image Resolution, High Resolution, X Rays, Gamma Rays, Angular Resolution, Electromagnetic Spectra, Thermal Emission, Thermal Radiation, X Ray Sources, Galactic Clusters, Elliptical Galaxies
Scientific paper
Astronomical observations in the Hard X-ray/Soft Gamma-ray (20 keV-a few hundred keV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum provide insight into astrophysical phenomena distinct from studies in the more classical X-ray band (0.2-15 keV). High-energy non-thermal processes in a variety of sources are best observed above 20 keV, where they are not masked by the intense thermal emission which dominates the spectra of many astronomical objects at lower energies. In spite of the promise of the hard X-ray band, its development into a prominent field in astrophysics has been protracted. This has been due in part to the lack of imaging observations which have been made at these energies. Early observations were made by coarsely-collimated (approximately few degrees) instruments which frequently confused or misidentified sources, making detailed studies impossible. Recent observations with imaging instruments have demonstrated the need for angular resolution on the sub-degree level in order to avoid source confusion and measure in detail the spectra of individual objects. There are, however, also a number of exciting and important investigations requiring an imaging capability at least a factor of five better than this, and it is these investigations which motivated the development of the instrument, the Gamma-Ray Arcminute Telescope Imaging System (GRATIS) which is the subject of this thesis. Imaging capability at the few arcminute level is required to resolve diffuse non-thermal radiation in galaxy clusters, to position accurately transient hard X-ray sources in the galactic center region, and to study diffuse non-thermal emission in giant elliptical galaxies. This thesis describes both the scientific motivation for developing the GRATIS instrument as well as the technological advances required to achieve the high angular resolution (2 arcminutes) of GRATIS. This instrument is a balloon-borne coded mask experiment with operates in the 20-200 keV portion of the hard X-ray/soft Gamma-ray band. The design and characterization of the instrument are discussed in detail. In addition, background measurements from a balloon flight from Palestine, TX are presented, and implications for observations of specific sources are discussed.
No associations
LandOfFree
Development of a high-resolution imaging capability for observing cosmic sources in the hard x-ray/soft gamma-ray band does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Development of a high-resolution imaging capability for observing cosmic sources in the hard x-ray/soft gamma-ray band, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Development of a high-resolution imaging capability for observing cosmic sources in the hard x-ray/soft gamma-ray band will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1264416