Ian Veenendaal

The Herschel Comprehensive (U)LIRG Emission Survey (HERCULES): CO Ladders, Fine Structure Lines, and Neutral Gas Cooling

(Ultra) luminous infrared galaxies ((U)LIRGs) are objects characterized by their extreme infrared (8-1000 mu m) luminosities (L-LIRG > 10(11) L-circle dot and L-ULIRG > 10(12) L-circle dot). The Herschel Comprehensive ULIRG Emission Survey (PI: van derWerf) presents a representative flux-limited sample of 29 (U)LIRGs that spans the full luminosity range of these objects (10(11)L(circle dot) <= L-IR <= 10(13)L(circle dot)). With the Herschel Space Observatory, we observe [CII] 157 mu m, [O I] 63 mu m, and [O I] 145 mu m line emission with Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer, CO J = 4-3 through J = 13-12, [C I] 370 mu m, and [C I] 609 mu m with SPIRE, and low-J CO transitions with ground-based telescopes. The CO ladders of the sample are separated into three classes based on their excitation level. In 13 of the galaxies, the [O I] 63 mu m emission line is self absorbed. Comparing the CO excitation to the InfraRed Astronomical Satellite 60/100 mu m ratio and to far infrared luminosity, we find that the CO excitation is more correlated to the far infrared colors. We present cooling budgets for the galaxies and find fine-structure line flux deficits in the [C II], [Si II], [O I], and [C I] lines in the objects with the highest far IR fluxes, but do not observe this for CO 4 <= J(upp) <= 13. In order to study the heating of the molecular gas, we present a combination of three diagnostic quantities to help determine the dominant heating source. Using the CO excitation, the CO J = 1-0 linewidth, and the active galactic nucleus (AGN) contribution, we conclude that galaxies with large CO linewidths always have high-excitation CO ladders, and often low AGN contributions, suggesting that mechanical heating is important.

Performance of a cryogenic test facility for 4 K interferometer delayline investigations

The next generation of space-borne instruments for far infrared astronomical spectroscopy will utilize large diameter, cryogenically cooled telescopes in order to achieve unprecedented sensitivities. Low background, ground-based cryogenic facilities are required for the cryogenic testing of materials, components and subsystems. The University of Lethbridge Test Facility Cryostat (TFC) is a large volume, closed cycle, 4 K cryogenic facility, developed for this purpose. This paper discusses the design and performance of the facility and associated metrology instrumentation, both internal and external to the TFC. Additionally, an apparatus for measuring the thermal and mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers is presented.

In-orbit performance of the Herschel/SPIRE imaging Fourier transform spectrometer: lessons learned

The Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) is one of three scientific instruments on board the European Space Agencys Herschel Space Observatory which ended its operational phase on 29 April 2013. The low to medium resolution spectroscopic capability of SPIRE is provided by an imaging Fourier transform spectrometer (iFTS) of the Mach-Zehnder configuration. With their high throughput, broad spectral coverage, and variable resolution, coupled with their well-defined instrumental line shape and intrinsic wavelength and intensity calibration, iFTS are becoming increasingly common in far-infrared space astronomy missions. The performance of the SPIRE imaging spectrometer will be reviewed and example results presented. The lessons learned from the measured performance of the spectrometer as they apply to future missions will be discussed.

A fibre-fed laser interferometer for optical metrology at cryogenic temperatures

Nature is such that observations at far-infrared wavelengths are optimal for exploring both the nearby and distant Universe. The minute amount of energy carried by far-infrared photons, however, requires extremely sensitive instrumentation for their detection. Moreover, the instrumentation itself must be cooled to <4 K to avoid an unwanted photon noise component from self-emission, and often requires precision metrology at these temperatures. A variety of cryogenic metrology techniques have been used successfully on previous space astronomy missions, each having its own limitations. In this paper we present a fiber-based laser metrology system, designed for optical position metrology at cryogenic temperatures.

A novel design for a cryogenic, angle-scanned, Fabry-Pérot interferometer

We present the design and performance of a cryogenic, angle-scanned Fabry-Pérot interferometer for far infrared astronomical spectroscopy. Novel features of the design are discussed, and the spectral response of the instrument is modeled. Experimental methods being developed to validate the spectral response are presented.

Composite material evaluation at cryogenic temperatures for applications in space-based far-infrared astronomical instrumentation

Over half of the light incident on the Earth from the Universe falls within the Far-Infrared (FIR) region of the spectrum. Due to the deleterious effects of the Earths atmosphere and instrument self-emission, astronomical measurements in the FIR require space-borne instrumentation operating at cryogenic temperatures. These instruments place stringent constraints on the mechanical and thermal properties of the support structures at low temperatures. With high stiffness, tensile strength, strength-to-mass ratio, and extremely low thermal conductivity, carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are an important material for aerospace and FIR astronomical applications, however, little is known about their properties at cryogenic temperatures. We have developed a test facility for exploring CFRP properties down to 4 K. We present results from our ongoing study in which we compare and contrast the performance of CFRP samples using different materials, and multiple layup configurations. Current results include an evaluation of a cryostat dedicated for materials testing and a custom cryogenic metrology system, and preliminary cryogenic thermal expansion measurements. The goal of this research is to explore the feasibility of making CFRP-based, lightweight, cryogenic astronomical instruments.

CFRP mirror technology for cryogenic space interferometry: review and progress to date

The FP7 project, FISICA (Far Infrared Space Interferometer Critical Assessment), called for the investigation into the suitability of Carbon fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for a 2m primary mirror. In this paper, we focus on the major challenge for application, the development of a mirror design that would maintain its form at cryogenic temperatures. In order to limit self-emission the primary is to be cooled to 4K whilst not exceeding a form error of 275nm PV. We then describe the development of an FEA model that utilizes test data obtained from a cryogenic test undertaken at the University of Lethbridge on CFRP samples. To conclude, suggestions are made in order to advance this technology to be suitable for such an application in order to exploit the low density and superior specific properties of polymeric composites.

A 4 K FTS demonstrator for future cooled space telescopes

A commercial Fourier transform spectrometer scanning mechanism has been modified for operation at cryogenic temperatures. When installed in a 4 K cryostat with a multiple component blackbody calibration source and sensitive sub-Kelvin detector, the spectrometer will allow the evaluation of different scanning methods, metrology options and data compression techniques. It will also enable the study of the performance of critical optical components such as beam splitters and filters at their intended operating temperatures.

Effects of Spacecraft Pointing Errors on Future Astronomical Far-infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometers

Future far-infrared space astronomy missions will feature cryogenically cooled telescopes that will enable over 100x increase in sensitive over previous missions. The effects of pointing errors on FTS observations in this environment are discussed.

Line Asymmetry in Herschel SPIRE FTS Spectra

The SPIRE instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory employed an imaging FTS. The instrumental line shape exhibited a slight asymmetry, constant throughout the mission and virtually independent of wavelength, both suggesting an instrumental origin.