3,711 research outputs found
Optical gyroscope system
Light beams pass in opposite directions through a single mode fiber optic wave guide that extends in a circle or coil in an optical gyroscope system which measures the rotation rate of the coil by measuring the relative phase shifts of the beams by interferometric techniques. Beam splitting and phase shifting of the light are facilitated by utilizing brief pulses of light and by using light-controlling devices which are operated for a brief time only when the light pulse passes in one direction through the device but not at a different time when the pulse is passing in the opposite direction through the device. High accuracy in rotation measurement is achieved at both very slow and very fast rotation rates, by alternately operating the system so that at zero rotation the interfering waves are alternately 90 out of phase and in phase. Linear polarization of the light beams is maintained by coiling the full length of the optic fiber in a single plane
Wilbur Norman Christiansen 1913-2007
W. N. ('Chris') Christiansen was an innovative and influential radio
astronomy pioneer. The hallmarks of his long and distinguished career in
science and engineering, spanning almost five decades, were his inventiveness
and his commitment to, and success with, large-scale projects. These projects
were the outcome of his innovative skill as physicist and engineer. Paralleling
this was his equal commitment to forging strong international links and
friendships, leading to his election as Vice-President of the International
Astronomical Union for the years 1964 to 1970, as President of the
International Union of Radio Science, URSI, from 1978 to 1981, and subsequently
as Honorary Life President in 1984, and as Foreign Secretary of the Australian
Academy of Science from 1981 to 1985. Major subsequent developments in radio
astronomy and wireless communications on the global scene stand as a legacy to
Chris's approach to his work and to the development of those who worked with
him.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figure
Laser pulse detection method and apparatus
A sensor is described for detecting the difference in phase of a pair of returned light pulse components, such as two components of a light pulse of an optical gyro. In an optic gyro, the two light components have passed in opposite directions through a coil of optical fiber, with the difference in phase of the returned light components determining the intensity of light shining on the sensor. The sensor includes a CCD (charge coupled device) that receives the pair of returned light components to generate a charge proportional to the number of photons in the received light. The amount of the charge represents the phase difference between the two light components. At a time after the transmission of the light pulse and before the expected time of arrival of the interfering light components, charge accumulating in the CCD as a result of reflections from components in the system, are repeatedly removed from the CCD, by transferring out charges in the CCD and dumping these charges
Bernard Yarnton Mills 1920-2011
Bernie Mills is remembered globally as an influential pioneer in the evolving
field of radio astronomy. His contributions with the 'Mills Cross' at the CSIRO
Division of Radiophysics and later at the University of Sydney's School of
Physics and the development of the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope
(MOST) were widely recognised as astronomy evolved in the years 1948-1985 and
radio astronomy changed the viewpoint of the astronomer as a host of new
objects were discovered
AN ECONOMIC MODEL FOR IRRIGATION WELL MANAGEMENT IN A DECLINING AQUIFER
A computerized model is developed that uses the aquifer characteristics and irrigation requirements to estimate hydraulic properties of a well pumping from an unconfined aquifer with a steadily declining water table. The model simulates electrically-powered well operation under the most economical conditions. High versatility of model inputs allows examination of many facets of well management. One example is the effect of electricity price on the ratio of energy cost of total cost of supplying water at different average total heads. At current electricity prices, energy accounted for 65 to 70 percent of total water costs. In a second example, as average annual efficiency decreased, average annual cost per acre-foot increased and average annual pumping volume decreased, leaving average annual total energy costs almost constant.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,
VLA observations of 6-cm excited OH
The VLA was used to determine precise positions for 4765-MHz OH maser
emission sources toward star-forming regions which had been observed about
seven months earlier with the Effelsberg 100-meter telescope. The observations
were successful for K3-50, DR21EX, W75N, and W49A. No line was detected toward
S255: this line had decreased to less than 5 per cent of the flux density
observed only seven months earlier. The time-variability of the observed
features during the past 30 years is summarised. In addition, to compare with
the Effelsberg observations, the 4750-MHz and 4660-MHz lines were observed in
W49A. These lines were found to originate primarily from an extended region
which is distinguished as an exceptional collection of compact continuum
components as well as by being the dynamical centre of the very powerful H_2 O
outflow.Comment: 11 pages, will require MN style file to process. MNRAS, accepted Oct
15, 200
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