PSF and non-uniformity in a monolithic, fully depleted, 4T CMOS image sensor

Lateral charge diffusion is one of the main contributors to the Point Spread Function (PSF) in CMOS image sensors, due to the small depth to which they can be depleted. This can have an adverse effect on the spatial resolution of the sensor and the measured shape of the observed object. In this paper, PSF measurements are made on a novel CMOS detector capable of reverse bias and full depletion. The PSF is measured with the Virtual Knife Edge (VKE) technique at five wavelengths, from 470 nm to 940 nm, to ascertain wavelength dependence. The inter- and intra-pixel non-uniformity is examined to determine the difference between pixels as well as within the pixels themselves. Finally, the pixel structure is also evaluated using a 1 µm spot of light to examine the effect of the internal layout of a pixel on the sensitivity to light. These factors all impact precision astronomical measurements and so need to be understood before use in science missions

New techniques and measurements in ground-based infra-red astronomy

Imperial Users onl

Utilizing Family Talents to Promote Self-Advocacy for Family Members with a Disability

In this poster presentation I will present a project I completed with my family to make an inclusive environment for my daughter. Together we completed interviews, adapted books and calendars, read literary text about kids with disabilities, and discussed what least restrictive environment means and what it looks like. Through this presentation I will share how family members each have a unique trait and unique talents which can be utilized to support each other in leadership, self-advocacy, and improve quality of life. I will then share a literature review on the research to better support families when creating an inclusive family dynamic, improve quality of life for everyone, and support our family members to become self-advocates

Economic and Strategic Analysis of America\u27s Wastewater

Whether it be tap water from a home or bottled water from a grocery store, clean water is generally accessible in the United States. Unfortunately, this convenience deters people from learning about the complex processes that make this luxury possible. Awareness of the natural water cycle is widespread, as the simplest version is taught in grade school. It illustrates the flow of water as it changes state (liquid, to solid, to gas) in the environment. Not so commonly known is the urban water cycle which manifests residential daily use with the revolution of water. The urban water cycle is a six-step process enabling water used residentially to return to nature safely for reuse. Wastewater collection and treatment play an important role in this process. A clear understanding of these processes is established before discussing the wastewater industry. Wastewater is an important industry facing change. New expectations and policy requirements are shifting industry norms. Due to capital and resource limitations, water pricing, management, and investment decisions are under strict scrutiny. An external analysis, through the PESTEL framework, points out the highest impact forces affecting the wastewater industry. The top six forces currently shaping the industry are privatization, price structures, urbanization, aging infrastructure, climate change, and water laws. After analyzing these trends, a glimpse into the future direction of the industry will be summarized

Citizens\u27 Opinions Regarding a Checkout Bag Tax Proposal

The need to address single-use plastic bag damage to our environment has grown exponentially across the globe. States and communities are taking legislative action to address the harm produced through the form of taxation and/or plastic bag bans. This paper provides insight into the contradictory evidence that is cited in favor or opposition to such legislation across the globe. Further, this paper seeks to determine the positions of Illinois citizens on their willingness to support a state-wide tax or ban on all plastic shopping bags received from retail establishments through the use of public opinion polling. Finally, the impacts of such legislation on key demographic groups of citizens are provided along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic bag usage. This research provides a foundation for which environmental public policy can utilize citizens’ opinions to inform the decision-making process

GravityCam: higher resolution visible wide-field imaging

The limits to the angular resolution has, during the latest 70 years, been obtainable from the ground only through extremely expensive adaptive optics facilities at large telescopes, and covering extremely small spatial areas per exposure. Atmospheric turbulence therefore limits image quality to typically 1 arcsec in practice. We have developed a new concept of ground-based imaging instrument called GravityCam capable of delivering significantly sharper images from the ground than is normally possible without adaptive optics. The acquisition of visible images at high speed without significant noise penalty has been made possible by advances in optical and near IR imaging technologies. Images recorded at high speed can be aligned before combination and can yield a 3-5 fold improvement in image resolution, or be used separately for high-cadence photometry. Very wide survey fields are possible with widefield telescope optics. GravityCam is proposed to be installed at the 3.6m New Technology Telescope (NTT) at the ESO La Silla Observatory in Chile, where it will greatly accelerate the rate of detection of Earth sized planets by gravitational microlensing. GravityCam will also improve substantially the quality of weak shear studies of dark matter distribution in distant clusters of galaxies and provide a vast dataset for asteroseismology studies. In addition, GravityCam promises to generate a unique data set that will help us understand of the population of the Kuiper belt and possibly the Oort cloud

Development of Wearable Sensors for Gait Analysis

In an ongoing experiment being conducted at The Williamsburg Landing by The Center for Balance and Aging Studies (CBAS), gait analysis is being performed on senior citizens in order to identify gait characteristics that are predictive of an increased likelihood to fall. This thesis describes the design and analysis of wearable sensors meant to assist the Williamsburg Landing study by increasing the efficiency and breadth of data collection. These sensors collect distance data from the foot to the ground over the course of multiple steps and return an approximation of the average step cycle for the subject. From my analysis of the sensor data, I was able to determine key gait characteristics such as the step clearance and foot angle. Additionally, I created a mathematical gait model to compare with my data, using input parameters based on the subject\u27s gait. I found that my model called for an additional damping term in order to agree with my data, suggesting that the leg swing during a step is more controlled than previously expected. Improving the efficiency and reliability of data collection in this experiment is important, as determining fall likelihood is a crucial step in preventing falls that are incredibly dangerous to senior citizens