The ISOCAM/LW Detector Dark Current Behaviour

We describe the calibration, measurements and data reduction, ofthe dark current of the ISOCAM/LW detector. We point-out theexistence of two significant drifts of the LW dark-current, onethroughout the ISO mission, on a timescale of days, another within each single revolution, on a timescale of hours. We alsoshow the existence of a dependence of the dark current on thetemperature of the ISOCAM detector.By characterizing all these effects through polynomial fittings,we build a model for the LW calibration dark, that depends onthe epoch of observation (parametrized with the revolutionnumber and the time elapsed in that given revolution since theactivation) and on the temperature of the ISOCAM detector. Themodel parameters are tuned for each of ISOCAM/LW pixel.We show that the modelling is very effective in taking intoaccount the dark-current variations and allows a much cleanerdark subtraction than using a brute average of severalcalibration dark images.The residuals of the LW model-dark subtraction are, on average,similar to the pre-launch expectation.     

Flux Calibration of the BATC Survey and Its Application for Checking the Consistency of the Oke—Gunn Standards

1 INTRODUCTIONThe B eij lug- Ahs ona~ TaiP ei- C onnect lout Color S urvey of t he S by (Hereaft er B AT C ) ut driesthe 15 intermediate band filters to make CCD forage photometric ohs~ion. The BATCphotometric system ties its maghtude zero P~Oint to the spectro-photometric AB maghtudesystem. The AB system is a monochro~ic fi system fort introduced by Oke in 1969 with aprovisional calibration designated AB69.The AB system selects F subdwarfs around visual magnitude 9 as standa…     

Solar Type III Bursts and the Generation of Backward Langmuir Wave

It is generally believed that the conversion of Langmuir wave (LW) to electromagnetic wave is the generating mechanism of solar type III bursts. The Langmuir wave can be easily excited by the instability of the electron-beam current, and the interaction of the forward and backward Langmuir waves is considered to be the cause for the second harmonic of a type III burst, but, so far, the dispersion equation and generating mechanism of the backward Langmuir wave have not yet been thoroughly studied. For the equation of two-stream instability with temperature included, an analytical solution is derived. It is found that the dispersion relation of the forward LW strongly depends on the beam-current speed, while that of the backward LW depends only on the thermal velocity, when the other parameters are fixed. These analytical results are partially confirmed by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. With the PIC simulation, the generating mechanism of the backward LW is studied, and it is revealed that the backward LW can not be excited directly by the electron-beam current, and that its energy is obtained basically from the scattering of the forward LW. However, the electron-beam current does cause a direct amplification of the second harmonic of the forward LW.     

Internal calibration device for the infrared imager of ISO

The imager of the infrared satellite ISO will allow spectral imaging under very low flux conditions in the two to-eighteen-microns range, close to the fundamental limit of the zodiacal background photon noise. To optimize the performance of the imager, we must use an internal calibration device, mainly to track changes in the responsivity of the pixels of the detectors arrays, the limit of detection greatly depending upon the quality of the flat field corrections in certain cases.The first section introduces ISO and its infrared imager and emphasizes the necessity of in-flight calibration. The following chapter presents the specifications for the internal calibration device. The chosen design for the flight model which consists of an infrared emitter and two integrating spheres, is presented in the third chapter. The last part describes the cryogenic bench dedicated to relative photometric tests, the absolute calibration is made in the camera. Endly we present the results obtained with this facility and final tests to achieve the qualification of the device.     

Herschel SPIRE fourier transform spectrometer: calibration of its bright-source mode

The Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) of the Spectral and Photometric Imaging REceiver (SPIRE) on board the ESA Herschel Space Observatory has two detector setting modes: (a) a nominal mode, which is optimized for observing moderately bright to faint astronomical targets, and (b) a bright-source mode recommended for sources significantly brighter than 500 Jy, within the SPIRE FTS bandwidth of 446.7–1544 GHz (or 194–671 microns in wavelength), which employs a reduced detector responsivity and out-of-phase analog signal amplifier/demodulator. We address in detail the calibration issues unique to the bright-source mode, describe the integration of the bright-mode data processing into the existing pipeline for the nominal mode, and show that the flux calibration accuracy of the bright-source mode is generally within 2 % of that of the nominal mode, and that the bright-source mode is 3 to 4 times less sensitive than the nominal mode.     

Occurrence of metal-free galaxies in the early Universe

The character of the first galaxies at redshifts z ≳ 10 strongly depends on their level of pre-enrichment, which is in turn determined by the rate of primordial star formation prior to their assembly. In order for the first galaxies to remain metal-free, star formation in minihaloes must be highly suppressed, most likely by H₂-dissociating Lyman–Werner (LW) radiation. We show that the build-up of such a strong LW background is hindered by two effects. First, the level of the LW background is self-regulated, being produced by the Population III (Pop III) star formation which it, in turn, suppresses. Secondly, the high opacity to LW photons which is built up in the relic H  ii regions left by the first stars acts to diminish the global LW background. Accounting for a self-regulated LW background, we estimate a lower limit for the rate of Pop III star formation in minihaloes at z ≳ 15. Further, we simulate the formation of a 'first galaxy' with virial temperature   T _vir≳ 10⁴ K  and total mass  ≳10⁸ M_⊙  at z ≳ 10, and find that complete suppression of previous Pop III star formation is unlikely, with stars of  ≳100 M_⊙  (Pop III.1) and  ≳10 M_⊙  (Pop III.2) likely forming. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for the nature of the first galaxies, which may be observed by future missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope .     

The Na i D resonance lines in main-sequence late-type stars

We study the sodium D lines (D1: 5895.92 Å; D2: 5889.95 Å) in late-type dwarf stars. The stars have spectral types between F6 and M5.5 ( B − V between 0.457 and 1.807) and metallicity between  [Fe/H]=−0.82  and 0.6. We obtained medium-resolution echelle spectra using the 2.15-m telescope at the Argentinian observatory Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO). The observations have been performed periodically since 1999. The spectra were calibrated in wavelength and in flux. A definition of the pseudo-continuum level is found for all our observations. We also define a continuum level for calibration purposes. The equivalent width of the D lines is computed in detail for all our spectra and related to the colour index ( B − V ) of the stars. When possible, we perform a careful comparison with previous studies. Finally, we construct a spectral index  ( R '_D)  as the ratio between the flux in the D lines and the bolometric flux. We find that, once corrected for the photospheric contribution, this index can be used as a chromospheric activity indicator in stars with a high level of activity. Additionally, we find that combining some of our results, we obtain a method to calibrate in flux stars of unknown colour.     

Radio source calibration for the Very Small Array and other cosmic microwave background instruments at around 30 GHz

Accurate calibration of data is essential for the current generation of cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. Using data from the Very Small Array (VSA), we describe procedures which will lead to an accuracy of 1 per cent or better for experiments such as the VSA and CBI. Particular attention is paid to the stability of the receiver systems, the quality of the site and frequent observations of reference sources. At 30 GHz the careful correction for atmospheric emission and absorption is shown to be essential for achieving 1 per cent precision.
The sources for which a 1 per cent relative flux density calibration was achieved included Cas A, Cyg A, Tau A and NGC 7027 and the planets Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. A flux density, or brightness temperature in the case of the planets, was derived at 33 GHz relative to Jupiter which was adopted as the fundamental calibrator. A spectral index at ∼30 GHz is given for each.
Cas A, Tau A, NGC 7027 and Venus were examined for variability. Cas A was found to be decreasing at 0.394 ± 0.019 per cent yr⁻¹ over the period 2001 March to 2004 August. In the same period Tau A was decreasing at 0.22 ± 0.07 per cent yr⁻¹. A survey of the published data showed that the planetary nebula NGC 7027 decreased at 0.16 ± 0.04 per cent yr⁻¹ over the period 1967–2003. Venus showed an insignificant (1.5 ± 1.3 per cent) variation with Venusian illumination. The integrated polarization of Tau A at 33 GHz was found to be 7.8 ± 0.6 per cent at position angle =148°± 3°.     

A search for periodicities in the radio emission from XTE J1118+480

A search for modulation of the 15-GHz radio flux density at the orbital period from the X-ray nova XTE J1118+480 during its outburst in 2000 April–June found no signal ≳ a few per cent of the mean. No orbital modulation was found in the RXTE ASM data over the same interval.     

ASO-S卫星HXI量能器探测单元的标定

先进天基太阳天文台卫星(Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory, ASO-S)是中国科学院第2批空间科学先导专项之一,其主要目标是同时观测太阳磁场、耀斑和日冕物质抛射,并对3者之间的相互关系和内在联系进行研究.硬X射线成像仪(HXI)是ASOS卫星的3大载荷之一,它通过对太阳活动发射的硬X射线进行傅里叶调制成像,实现高空间分辨率和高时间分辨率的太阳能谱成像观测.量能器单机是HXI的关键单机之一,其主要任务是精准测量通过每对光栅后太阳硬X射线的能量和通量.主要介绍了量能器单机的工作原理及其关键指标要求、标定设备及标定方案,最后给出了标定结果,从而验证了量能器单机方案设计的合理性.     

The Gaia spectrophotometric standard stars survey: II. Instrumental effects of six ground‐based observing campaigns

The Gaia SpectroPhotometric Standard Stars (SPSS) survey started in 2006, was awarded almost 450 observing nights and accumulated almost 100000 raw data frames with both photometric and spectroscopic observations. Such large observational effort requires careful, homogeneous, and automatic data reduction and quality control procedures. In this paper, we quantitatively evaluate instrumental effects that might have a significant (i.e., ≥1 %) impact on the Gaia SPSS flux calibration. The measurements involve six different instruments, monitored over the eight years of observations dedicated to the Gaia flux standards campaigns: DOLORES@TNG in La Palma, EFOSC2@NTT and ROSS@REM in La Silla, CAFOS@2.2m in Calar Alto, BFOSC@Cassini in Loiano, and LaRuca@1.5m in San Pedro Mártir. We examine and quantitatively evaluate the following effects: CCD linearity and shutter times, calibration frames stability, lamp flexures, second order contamination, light polarization, and fringing. We present methods to correct for the relevant effects which can be applied to a wide range of observational projects at similar instruments. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The Herschel-PACS photometer calibration

This paper provides an overview of the PACS photometer flux calibration concept, in particular for the principal observation mode, the scan map. The absolute flux calibration is tied to the photospheric models of five fiducial stellar standards (α Boo, α Cet, α Tau, β And, γ Dra). The data processing steps to arrive at a consistent and homogeneous calibration are outlined. In the current state the relative photometric accuracy is ～2 % in all bands. Starting from the present calibration status, the characterization and correction for instrumental effects affecting the relative calibration accuracy is described and an outlook for the final achievable calibration numbers is given. After including all the correction for the instrumental effects, the relative photometric calibration accuracy (repeatability) will be as good as 0.5 % in the blue and green band and 2 % in the red band. This excellent calibration starts to reveal possible inconsistencies between the models of the K-type and the M-type stellar calibrators. The absolute calibration accuracy is therefore mainly limited by the 5 % uncertainty of the celestial standard models in all three bands. The PACS bolometer response was extremely stable over the entire Herschel mission and a single, time-independent response calibration file is sufficient for the processing and calibration of the science observations. The dedicated measurements of the internal calibration sources were needed only to characterize secondary effects. No aging effects of the bolometer or the filters have been found. Also, we found no signs of filter leaks. The PACS photometric system is very well characterized with a constant energy spectrum νF _ν = λF _λ = const as a reference. Colour corrections for a wide range of sources SEDs are determined and tabulated.     

15-GHz variability of 9C sources

We present results from a 3-yr study of the 15-GHz variability of 51 9C sources. 48 of these sources make up a subsample of a larger one complete to 25 mJy in 9C, and as the sources are selected pseudo-randomly the results should be representative of the complete sample. 29 per cent of this subsample are found to be variable above the flux calibration uncertainties of ∼6 per cent. 50 per cent of the flat-spectrum objects are variable whilst none of the steep-spectrum objects or the objects with convex spectra peaking below 5 GHz are variable. Nine of the objects studied have convex spectra and peak frequencies above 5 GHz; eight of these were found to vary at 15 GHz, suggesting that the high-frequency peaking class in this sample is largely populated by objects with jets aligned close to the line of sight whose emission is dominated by beamed components.     

明安图射电频谱日像仪图像的强度定标方法

明安图射电频谱日像仪(Mingantu Spectral Radioheliograph, MUSER)能够在0.4--15GHz超宽频带内实现高时间、高空间、高频率分辨率的太阳射电成像. 而射电亮温度是描述太阳物理过程的一个重要的参数, 在研究不同射电辐射机制、太阳磁场以及太阳爆发过程中非热粒子加速等问题上有着非常重要的作用, 因此必须对MUSER观测的图像进行亮温度定标. 将介绍一种适用于射电日像仪图像强度定标的方法. 太阳射电图像中包含着太阳圆盘的结构信息, 利用射电日像仪短基线的可视度函数拟合第一类贝塞尔函数, 可以得到图像中宁静太阳圆盘的射电半径和强度, 再利用瑞利-金斯定律和每天的太阳射电流量可以计算得到每天图像的定标因子$G_c$, 从而实现对MUSER图像强度的定标. 将该方法应用到MUSER的实际观测数据中, 包括宁静太阳和有太阳射电爆发等不同的情况, $G_c$的误差基本不超过10%, 得到的宁静太阳亮温度与其他宁静太阳的结果具有较高的相关性, 表明了此方法的可行性和有效性.     

High Resolution Spectroscopy of Halo Stars in the Near UV and Blue Region I. Spectra in the Wavelength Region 3550-5000 A

An atlas of high resolution (R = 60 000) CCD-spectra in the wavelength range 3500-5000A is presented for four objects in metallicity range -3.0 < [Fe/H] < -0.6, temperature range 4750 < Teff < 5900 K, and surface gravity range 1.6 < lgg < 5.0. We describe the calibration of the stellar atmospheric parameters using Alonso's formula based on the method of infrared flux and outline the determination of the abundances of a total number of 25 chemical elements. An analysis of the abundance determination errors for different chemical elements is carried out, and a method is provided for the observations and reduction of spectral material. Properties of the method of producing an atlas of spectra and line identifications are described.     

On the Relationship between Flux Emergence and CME Initiation

We present in this paper a statistical study aimed at understanding the possible relationship between surface magnetic field variation and CME initiation. The three samples studied comprise 189 CME-source regions, 46 active regions, and 15 newly emerging active regions. Both large-scale and small-scale variations of longitudinal magnetic fields of these regions are studied. To quantitatively study these variations, three physical quantities are calculated: the average total magnetic flux (ATF), the flux variation rate (FVR), and the normalized flux variation rate (NFVR). Our results show that 60% of the CME-source regions are found to have magnetic flux increases during 12 hours before CME eruptions and 40% are found to have magnetic flux decreases. The NFVR of CME-source regions are found to be statistically identical to those of active regions, averaged over 111 hours, and significantly smaller than those of newly emerging active regions. In addition 91% of the CME-source regions are found to have small-scale flux emergence, whereas small-scale flux emergences are also easily identified in active regions during periods with no solar surface activity. Our study suggests that the relationship between flux emergence and CME eruption is complex and the appearance of flux emergence alone is not unique for the initiation of CME eruption.     

The radiometric performances of the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer for Mars exploration

The Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS) is a Fourier transform interferometer, operating in the range 1.2–45 μm. The instrument, previously included in the payload of the failed mission Mars ′96, is proposed for the future space mission Mars Express, under study by ESA. The present paper is aimed at presenting the radiometric performances of PFS. The two channels (LW and SW) forming PFS were analysed and characterised in terms of sensitivity and noise equivalent brightness. To cover the wide spectral range of PFS, different blackbodies were used for calibration. The built-in blackbodies, needed for the in-flight calibrations, were also characterised. The results show that the LW channel is comparable with IRIS Mariner 9 in terms of noise equivalent brightness. The SW channel performances, while satisfactorily, could be improved by lowering the sensor operative temperature. A simple model of the Mars radiance is used in order to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio on the spectra in typical observation conditions. The computed signal-to-noise ratio for the LW channel varies between 430 and 40, while for the SW channel it ranges from 150 to 30. The radiometric analyses confirm that PFS performances are compliant with the design requirements of the instrument. PFS is fully validated for future remote exploration of the atmosphere and the surface of Mars.     

Accuracy Analysis of the Pointing and Focusing Calibration of the 5 m Terahertz Telescope for Dome A in Antarcticatwo

Pointing calibration and sub-reflector focusing are an important task of antenna measurement, which significantly contributes to the observational performance of a radio telescope. According to the requirements on the pointing accuracy and defocusing gain loss of the 5 m Dome A Terahertz Explorer (DATE5), this paper has derived the requirements of signal-to-noise ratio for the pointing and sub-reflector focusing calibration observations, and selected several astronomical radio sources suitable for the pointing and focusing calibrations at the terahertz waveband in Antarctica, which include planets and ultra-compact HII regions. The effects of the atmospheric absorption and the source angular diameter on the accuracy of calibration measurements are analyzed. Simulations show that when the telescope operates in Antarctica, these sources can provide sufficient flux densities for verifying the pre-established pointing model and focusing model.