Supercam is a 345 GHz, 64-pixel heterodyne imaging array for the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope (HHSMT). By integrating SIS mixer devices with Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) in 8 -1x8 pixel modules, the size needed for the cryostat and the complexity of internal wiring is significantly reduced. All subsystems including the optics, cryostat, bias system, IF boxes, and spectrometer have been integrated for all 64 pixels. In the spring of 2012, SuperCam was installed on the HHSMT for an engineering run where it underwent system level tests and performed first light observations. In the fall of 2012 SuperCam will begin a 500 square degree survey of the Galactic Plane in 12 CO J=3-2. This large-scale survey will help answer fundamental questions about the formation, physical conditions, and energetics of molecular clouds within the Milky Way. The data set will be available via the web to all interested researchers.
Use the ground state Water line at 557 GHz to probe the formation of planetary systems. Goal 2: External Galaxies:Use the ground state Water line at 557 GHz to probe the chemistry and physical conditions in Normal, Starburst, & High z galaxies. Goal 3: Cosmic Evolution:Use the LiH line at 444 GHz to determine the lithium abundance along multiple lines of sight through the Galaxy.The Large Balloon Reflector (LBR) is a gamechanging concept to use the aluminized halfhemisphere of a balloon to form a 10 meter stratospheric observatory. The spherical balloon reflector is deployed within a larger carrier balloon that serves both as a launch vehicle and radome. Such a telescope could study the origins of stars, planets, molecular clouds, and galaxies; providing a much needed means of following-up on tantalizing results from recent successful missions such as Spitzer, Herschel, and SOFIA. LBR will perform high spectral/spatial resolution observations in astrophysically important atomic and molecular spectral lines only accessible from near space or from orbit. The proposed effort directly addresses NASA's Strategic Goals 2, 3, 5, and 6. Data Products:Spectroscopic data base of water and LiH lines toward a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects.
The University of Arizona has developed a new dish-based High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) system which is in the process of being commercialized by REhnu, Inc. The basic unit uses a paraboloidal glass reflector 3.1 m x 3.1 m square to bring sunlight to a high power point focus at a concentration of ~20,000x. A unique optical system at the focus reformats the concentrated sunlight so as to uniformly illuminate 36 triple junction cells at 1200x geometric concentration 1 . The relay optics and cells are integrated with an active cooling system in a self-contained Power Conversion Unit (PCU) suspended above the dish reflector. Only electrical connections are made to the PCU as the active cooling system within is completely sealed. Eight of these reflector/PCU units can be mounted on a single two axis tracking structure 2 .Our 1 st generation prototype reflector/PCU unit consistently generated 2.2 kW of power normalized to 1kW/m 2 DNI in over 200 hours of on-sun testing in 2011 3 . Here, we present on-sun performance results for our 2 nd generation prototype reflector/PCU unit, which has been in operation since June 2012. This improved system consistently generates 2.7 kW of power normalized to 1kW/m 2 DNI and has logged over 100 hours of on-sun testing. This system is currently operating at 28% DC net system efficiency with an operating cell temperature of only 20°C above ambient. Having proven this system concept, work on our 3 rd generation prototype is underway with a focus on manufacturability, lower cost, and DC efficiency target of 32% or better.
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