Astronomical instrumentation

Abstract:

We present the data processing and analysis techniques we are using to determine the structural and photometric properties of galaxies in our Gemini/HST Galaxy Cluster Project sample. The goal of this study is to understand cluster galaxy evolution in terms of scaling relations and structural properties of cluster galaxies at redshifts 0.15 < z < 1.0. To derive parameters such as total magnitude, half-light radius, effective surface brightness, and Sersic n, we fit r 1/4 law and Sersic function two-dimensional surface brightness profiles to each of the galaxies in our sample. Using simulated galaxies, we test how the assumed profile affects the derived parameters and how the uncertainties affect our Fundamental Plane results. We find that while fitting galaxies that have Sersic index n < 4 with r 1/4 law profiles systematically overestimates the galaxy radius and flux, the combination of profile parameters that enter the Fundamental Plane has uncertainties that are small. Average systematic offsets and associated random uncertainties in magnitude and log re for n>2 galaxies fitted with r 1/4 law profiles are -0.1±0.3 and 0.1±0.2, respectively. The combination of effective radius and surface brightness, log re - βlog 〈I〉e, that enters the Fundamental Plane produces offsets smaller than -0.02±0.10. This systematic error is insignificant and independent of galaxy magnitude or size. A catalog of photometry and surface brightness profile parameters is presented for three of the clusters in our sample, RX J0142.0+2131, RX J0152.7-1357, and RX J1226.9+3332 at redshifts 0.28, 0.83, and 0.89, respectively. © 2009. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

HSE challenges are substantial in sour gas projects; the poisonous nature of H2S introduces the risk of a toxic release with potential to cause multiple fatalities both inside and outside the site boundary. Learning from recent sour projects emphasises a "keep it in the pipe" philosophy: appropriate materials selection, use of high-integrity components for facilities, wells and flow lines, and removal of as many leak sources as is practicable. Effort is also required to reduce personnel exposure, either through minimum intervention / minimum manning, or by spacing facilities to minimise the impact of a toxic cloud. However, the implementation of these apparently simple elements involves a complex balance of HSE goals against operability, maintainability, availability and Capex/Opex targets. Conflicting factors include: • Very high costs associated with corrosion-resistant materials. • Potential maintainability / operability hindrance associated with removal of leak sources (valves, flanges, instrumentation). • Availability losses imposed by prohibiting online maintenance (forcing turnaround maintenance shutdowns). • Costs and operability difficulties associated with large-scale plant spacing. The solution lies in a design that optimises these elements to achieve risk levels that are as low as reasonably practicable, or ALARP. In doing so, it is important that the HSE Risk Assessment methodology aligns with the Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) premises, and that both are underpinned by the Operations Philosophy. This critically requires Operations input from a very early stage of the project. Emergency Response capability also needs to be considered early in sour projects, since this too will underpin fundamental design and Operations Philosophy decisions such as layout spacing and requirements for cascade air systems and safe refuges. As a result, H2S release detection mechanisms; personnel H2S response training and respiratory protective equipment will also play a critical role in the ALARP demonstration. Critically, Sour Gas developments should take an asset lifecycle view to understand the feasibility of incremental facility changes, field Simultaneous Operations (SimOps) and replacement of aging equipment. Finally, there must be a consistent and integrated approach to HSE in sour projects all along the value chain, since the chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and there are no second chances with H2S. "Sour Mindset" responsibility must be demonstrated during design, throughout construction and commissioning, and into operations, by both Company and Contractor personnel. Only by this means can ALARP really be achieved. Copyright 2009, International Petroleum Technology Conference.

Abstract:

We study the radiation tolerance of the silicon and GaAs PiN diodes that will be the part of the readout system of the upgraded ATLAS pixel detector. The components were irradiated by 200 MeV protons up to total accumulated dose 1.2×1015 p/cm2 and by 24 GeV protons up to 2.6×1015 p/cm2. Based on obtained results, we conclude that radiation hardness does not depend on the sensitive area or cut off frequency of PiN diodes. We identify two diodes that can be used for the SLHC upgrade.

Abstract:

The silicon trackers of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN (Geneva) use optical links for data transmission. An upgrade of the trackers is planned for the Super LHC (SLHC), an upgraded LHC with ten times higher luminosity. We study the radiation-hardness of VCSELs (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) and GaAs and silicon PINs using 24 GeV/c protons at CERN for possible application in the data transmission upgrade. The optical power of VCSEL arrays decreases significantly after the irradiation but can be partially annealed with high drive currents. The responsivities of the PIN diodes also decrease significantly after irradiation, but can be recovered by operating at higher bias voltage. This provides a simple mechanism to recover from the radiation damage.