Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jan 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009aas...21347424t&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #213, #474.24; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.431
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
The Measurement Astrophysics group at UNM designed and built a novel microthermal device for the purpose of characterizing atmospheric turbulence at astronomical observatories. This instrument is based on the Wheatstone bridge and uses fine wire tungsten filaments as resistance temperature detectors. The device is designed to work in two data taking modes: with a horizontal array of microthermal sensors, or with a vertical array of sensors.
In horizontal mode differential measurements are made between adjacent sensors, then these measurements are combined to recover the differences between all non-adjacent sensor pairs. The result of these measurements is microthermal data over many independent baselines which comprise a spatial spectrum of turbulence. The measured turbulent spectra are then fit to standard turbulence models which yield estimates of the outer scale of turbulence and the slope of the power spectra. Measurements in horizontal mode are made with 14 sensors over baselines of up to 30 meters. In addition probes can be repositioned to provide additional baselines.
In vertical mode the device operates as microthermals traditionally have in the past: differential measurements are made between a pair of resistance temperature detectors. Sensor pairs are suspended at different heights above the ground allowing measurement of atmospheric turbulence as a function of altitude. Measurements in vertical mode are made with 14 sensor pairs which can be elevated up to 30 meters above ground.
Data were taken with the device in a variety of test configurations, and the device is being used in a site testing campaign at Cerro Pachon. We will present the design, prototyping, and testing of this instrument as well as preliminary results from our campaign on Cerro Pachon.
Andrew John
Claver Charles
Krabbendam Victor
McGraw Jason
Turner Jonathan
No associations
LandOfFree
A Microthermal Device for Measuring the Spatial Power Spectrum of Atmospheric Turbulence 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 A Microthermal Device for Measuring the Spatial Power Spectrum of Atmospheric Turbulence, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Microthermal Device for Measuring the Spatial Power Spectrum of Atmospheric Turbulence will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1708322