24,868 research outputs found
Gas Gain Measurements from a Negative Ion TPC X-ray Polarimeter
Gas-based time projection chambers (TPCs) have been shown to be highly
sensitive X-ray polarimeters having excellent quantum efficiency while at the
same time achieving large modulation factors. To observe polarization of the
prompt X-ray emission of a Gamma-ray burst (GRB), a large area detector is
needed. Diffusion of the electron cloud in a standard TPC could be prohibitive
to measuring good modulation when the drift distance is large. Therefore, we
propose using a negative ion TPC (NITPC) with Nitromethane (CH3NO2) as the
electron capture agent. The diffusion of negative ions is reduced over that of
electrons due to the thermal coupling of the negative ions to the surrounding
gas. This allows for larger area detectors as the drift distance can be
increased without degrading polarimeter modulation. Negative ions also travel
~200 times slower than electrons, allowing the readout electronics to operate
slower, resulting in a reduction of instrument power. To optimize the NITPC
design, we have measured gas gain with SciEnergy gas electron multipliers
(GEMs) in single and double GEM configurations. Each setup was tested with
different gas combinations, concentrations and pressures: P10 700 Torr, Ne+CO2
700 Torr at varying concentrations of CO2 and Ne+CO2+CH3NO2 700 Torr. We report
gain as a function of total voltage, measured from top to bottom of the GEM
stack, and as a function of drift field strength for the gas concentrations
listed above. Examples of photoelectron tracks at 5.9 keV are also presented.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in IEEE Trans Nucl Sc
Numerical studies of collapsing interstellar clouds
Numerical simulation of the structure and evolution of interstellar clouds was initiated. Steps were taken toward an integrated treatment of the dynamical, thermal, and chemical processes entering model calculations. A detailed study was made of radiative transfer in molecular lines to allow model predictions to be tested against empirical data. The calculations have successfully reproduced and explained several observed cloud properties, including abundances of complex molecular species and the apparent depletion of CO in dense cores
X-ray polarimetry with an active-matrix pixel proportional counter
We report the first results from an X-ray polarimeter with a micropattern gas
proportional counter using an amorphous silicon active matrix readout. With
100% polarized X-rays at 4.5 keV, we obtain a modulation factor of 0.33 +/-
0.03, confirming previous reports of the high polarization sensitivity of a
finely segmented pixel proportional counter. The detector described here has a
geometry suitable for the focal plane of an astronomical X-ray telescope.
Amorphous silicon readout technology will enable additional extensions and
improvements.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, 1 tabl
Float-polishing process and analysis of float-polished quartz
A fluid-mechanical model is developed for the float-polishing process. In this model laminar flow between the sample and the lap results in pressure gradients at the grooves that support the sample on a fluid layer. The laminar fluid motion also produces supersmooth, damage-free surfaces. Quartz substrates for applications in high-stress environments were float polished, and their surfaces were analyzed by optical scatterometry, photoacoustic spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The removal of 100 µm of material by a lapping-polishing process, with final float polishing, left low levels of subsurface damage, with a surface roughness of approximately 0.2-nm rms
A benign, low Z electron capture agent for negative ion TPCs
We have identified nitromethane (CHNO) as an effective electron
capture agent for negative ion TPCs (NITPCs).
We present drift velocity and longitudinal diffusion measurements for
negative ion gas mixtures using nitromethane as the capture agent.
Not only is nitromethane substantially more benign than the only other
identified capture agent, CS, but its low atomic number will enable the use
of the NITPC as a photoelectric X{}-ray polarimeter in the 1{}-10 keV band
Structure, bonding and morphology of hydrothermally synthesised xonotlite
The authors have systematically investigated the role of synthesis conditions upon the structure and morphology of xonotlite. Starting with a mechanochemically prepared, semicrystalline phase with Ca/Si=1, the authors have prepared a series of xonotlite samples hydrothermally, at temperatures between 200 and 250 degrees C. Analysis in each case was by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The authors’ use of a much lower water/solid ratio has indirectly confirmed the ‘through solution’ mechanism of xonotlite formation, where silicate dissolution is a key precursor of xonotlite formation. Concerning the role of temperature, too low a temperature (~200 degrees C) fails to yield xonotlite or leads to increased number of structural defects in the silicate chains of xonotlite and too high a temperature (>250 degrees C) leads to degradation of the xonotlite structure, through leaching of interchain calcium. Synthesis duration meanwhile leads to increased silicate polymerisation due to diminishing of the defects in the silicate chains and more perfect crystal morphologies
Progression and assessment in foreign languages at Key Stage 2
The teaching of primary languages has been increasing steadily, in response to the future entitlement for all Key Stage 2 (KS2) pupils aged 7-11 to learn a foreign language by 2010. However, there remain concerns about progression both within KS2 and through to secondary school and about how learners' progress is assessed. This paper presents findings on the issues of progression and assessment taken from case studies which formed part of a project funded by the then Department for Education and Skills (DfES), now the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). This project set out to evaluate 19 local authority (LA) Pathfinders in England that were piloting the introduction of foreign language learning at KS2 between 2003 and 2005. Findings revealed that there was inconsistency between schools, even within each LA Pathfinder, in the use of schemes of work and that assessment was generally underdeveloped in the majority of the Pathfinders. In order to set these findings in context, this paper examines the issues of progression and assessment in foreign language learning in England. Finally, it investigates the challenges English primary schools face in terms of progression and assessment in the light of the new entitlement and discusses implications for the future. Managing progression, both within KS2 and through to secondary school at KS3 (ages 11-14), is one of the key factors in determining the overall success of starting languages in primary school
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Designing information for families caring for people with dementia
A health communication project, to develop information to support families caring for people with dementia, is described. Close collaboration of designers with carers – ‘experts by experience’ – and clinicians and other professionals – ‘experts by training’ – was used. Carer consultation led to a printed (rather than digital) handbook. An iterative process of carer and clinician consultation and design shaped the material form of the handbook. Carers’ needs for different kinds of information were met by a modular approach, and tailored module design. Evaluation following distribution of the handbook suggested it improved carers’ understanding of dementia significantly compared to the information from diverse sources supplied previously. It did not, however, influence people’s confidence in their ability to care, which appeared to be supported better through carer education courses. The specific contribution of information design and its potential for delivering return on investment are discussed
Studying changes in the practice of two teachers developing assessment for learning
This paper describes changes in the practice of two teachers, observed over an eighteen month period, who were participating in a study intended to support teachers in developing their use of assessment in support of learning. The design of the intervention allowed each teacher to choose for themselves which aspects of their practice to develop. Analysis of lesson observations, journal entries and interviews indicate that both teachers were keen to change their practice, but were concerned about the disruption to their established routines, and in particular about the potential for loss of control of their classes. Both teachers did effect significant changes in their classrooms, but these tended to be developments of existing preferred ways of working, rather than radical innovations. In conclusion, it is suggested that to be most effective, teacher professional development needs to be structured strongly enough to afford teacher growth, but flexible enough to allow different teachers to take their practice in different ways
Herschel observations of interstellar chloronium. II - Detections toward G29.96-0.02, W49N, W51, and W3(OH), and determinations of the ortho-to-para and Cl/Cl isotopic ratios
We report additional detections of the chloronium molecular ion, HCl,
toward four bright submillimeter continuum sources: G29.96, W49N, W51, and
W3(OH). With the use of the HIFI instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory,
we observed the transition of ortho-HCl at 781.627
GHz in absorption toward all four sources. Much of the detected absorption
arises in diffuse foreground clouds that are unassociated with the background
continuum sources and in which our best estimates of the ratio lie in the range .
These chloronium abundances relative to atomic hydrogen can exceed the
predictions of current astrochemical models by up to a factor of 5. Toward
W49N, we have also detected the transition of
ortho-HCl at 780.053 GHz and the transition of
para-HCl at 485.418 GHz. These observations imply column density ratios that are consistent with the
solar system Cl/Cl isotopic ratio of 3.1, and chloronium
ortho-to-para ratios consistent with 3, the ratio of spin statistical weights.Comment: 31 pages, including 7 figures. Accepted for publication in the Ap
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