 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
New Sensor To Be A Boon To Scientists
Delft, Holland (SPX) Jan 26, 2007 A sensor developed by a Netherlands Ph.D. candidate is expected to provide astronomers with new information about the birth of star systems and planets. The tiny, super-sensitive, sensor is designed to help solve the mysteries of outer space by detecting the terahertz frequencies contained in cosmic radiation. Merlijn Hajenius developed the sensor for Delft University of Technology's Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, in cooperation with the Netherlands Institute for Space Research. He received his Ph.D. last week based on the research project. The detector, called a 'hot electron bolometer', is comprised of a small piece of superconducting niobiumnitride. A miniscule gold antenna catches the terahertz-radiation and sends it via the contacts to the small piece of niobiumnitride, which functions as an extremely sensitive thermometer. "By reading this thermometer, we can very accurately measure the terahertz radiation," Hajenius explained. The results have convinced astronomers to use the detectors for a new observatory in Antarctica and a new space mission has also been proposed. The "maiden flight" of Hajenius' detector is planned next year aboard a balloon to measure the molecules in the atmosphere above Brazil that influence the formation of the hole in the ozone layer.
Source: United Press International Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Making money out of watching earth from space today Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application
Space Technology Can Help Ailing Agri Sector: Kasturirangan
Hyderabad, India (PTI) Jan 26, 2007Calling for a national policy to use remote sensing to help agriculture sector, former ISRO Chairman K Kasturirangan said space technology can be used to improve land productivity. There is an alarming situation in agriculture production. But space technologies can be used to improve land productivity, he said while inaugurating a national symposium on Application of Space Technologies for Agricultural Development here. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
