Web-Based Visualization of Very Large Scientific Astronomy Imagery

Visualizing and navigating through large astronomy images from a remote location with current astronomy display tools can be a frustrating experience in terms of speed and ergonomics, especially on mobile devices. In this paper, we present a high performance, versatile and robust client-server system for remote visualization and analysis of extremely large scientific images. Applications of this work include survey image quality control, interactive data query and exploration, citizen science, as well as public outreach. The proposed software is entirely open source and is designed to be generic and applicable to a variety of datasets. It provides access to floating point data at terabyte scales, with the ability to precisely adjust image settings in real-time. The proposed clients are light-weight, platform-independent web applications built on standard HTML5 web technologies and compatible with both touch and mouse-based devices. We put the system to the test and assess the performance of the system and show that a single server can comfortably handle more than a hundred simultaneous users accessing full precision 32 bit astronomy data.Comment: Published in Astronomy & Computing. IIPImage server available from http://iipimage.sourceforge.net . Visiomatic code and demos available from http://www.visiomatic.org

Laser-interferometric dilatometry

Highly dimensionally stable materials and structures are particularly needed in optical systems such as ultra precise optical clocks, as well as materials with excellent dimensional stability and light weight properties for space applications such as telescopes, optical benches, and optical resonators. Also, the dimensional stability of mounting technologies of materials with different properties is of high interest for such applications. Glass ceramics and composite materials can be tuned to reach a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at different temperatures, enabling best stability in the operating temperature for certain applications. In order to determine the CTE of such highly stable materials, very accurate set-ups are needed. In this thesis, metrology set-ups to measure the CTE of a large variety of material samples are designed, realized and verified, measuring dimensionally stable glass ceramics. The set-ups are able to characterize tube shaped samples at a temperature range of 140 K to 333 K. Due to our unique mirror mount design all kind of materials can be characterized. The optical dilatometer set-ups are based on a heterodyne interferometer with a displacement sensitivity at the sub-nanometer level. This instrument is used to measure the expansion of a sample when applying controlled small amplitude temperature signals. A carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sample was characterized where CTE levels of 10 -8 K -1 from 140 K to 250 K were measured and a detailed uncertainty analysis was performed. The verified metrology set-up for tube shaped samples was adapted for CTE measurements of larger structures. Therefore, a large thermal chamber was set up and a 0.5 m CFRP spacer with Zerodur endfittings as a representative joint technology demonstrator for the GRACE Follow-On space mission at 302 K was investigated

The `Trias` - A New Methodology For Energy Law

The article proposes a new methodology for energy regulation, the so called ‘Trias’ (hereinafter: trias). The trias consists of objectives principles and rules, which guide the legislator when regulating new energy technologies. It is argued that the discretion of the legislator in this field is actually more restricted than realized previously. This article uses the regulation of shale gas extraction as a case study to demonstrate the functioning of the trias and concludes that the methodology could be used for the regulation of other new energy technologies in the energy transition

Hydrogen Networks:Networks of the Future?

Hydrogen Networks are expensive and, at times, technically challenging to build.Yet, the regulation of hydrogen networks is in full swing across Europe, as hydrogen is key in energy policy agendas across the European Union. While the technical aspects of hydrogen usage and the transition to a hydrogen economy become increasingly clear, the legal framework that would be required to facilitate this transformation remains underdeveloped. This chapter briefly sketches the current state of the art when it comes to both EU hydrogen policy and the emerging EU’s regulatory framework for hydrogen networks. The chapter also includes a brief example on how hydrogen networks are regulated in the EU’s biggest Member State, Germany. It finds that, while legal frameworks are increasingly taking account of hydrogen networks, essential parts of the regulatory framework merely exist in draft form and/or require further elaboration in the years to come. Martha Roggenkamp’s substantive works on the regulation of natural gas networks will remain an important focal point for the development of a legal framework covering the ‘new world’ of hydrogen network

The `Trias` - A New Methodology For Energy Law

The article proposes a new methodology for energy regulation, the so called ‘Trias’ (hereinafter: trias). The trias consists of objectives principles and rules, which guide the legislator when regulating new energy technologies. It is argued that the discretion of the legislator in this field is actually more restricted than realized previously. This article uses the regulation of shale gas extraction as a case study to demonstrate the functioning of the trias and concludes that the methodology could be used for the regulation of other new energy technologies in the energy transition

The Hydrogen Revolution and Natural Gas:A New Dawn in the European Union?

This chapter will take a look at the European Union and its approach to a new gas world that will be dominated by hydrogen. What steps need to be taken to get there? What policy plans are in place? And what does the current legal framework say about all of this? The chapter will address these questions by providing a brief overview of the role of hydrogen in the future as a substitute and/or supplement for natural gas in the European gas system. It will then proceed to discuss hydrogen policy plans in the European Union across various sectors, such as industry, transport, energy infrastructure and construction, and provide an outlook on the required investments. Afterwards, it provides an overview of applicable European legislation before concluding with some observations on the interplay between policy and law in enhancing hydrogen usage in the European Union