Report discussing the transient magnetic behavior of a paramagnetic substance, after an initial disturbance, considered theoretically for a variety of situations in which the lattice temperature rises as a result of energy flow from the magnetic (electron spin) system. Next, the opposite extreme is considered - that in which the resonant and remaining modes are totally uncoupled. Finally, there is a consideration of the case of spins coupled only to the resonant phonons, which in turn are coupled to a constant temperature bath, whether this be the helium or the remaining modes.

Report reviewing the theoretical methods of optical pyrometry and the application of these methods at the National Bureau of Standards in realizing, maintaining and distributing the International Practical Temperature Scale above 1063 ºC is presented. In the theoretical presentation, the concepts of effective and mean effective wavelengths are introduced, and various equations relating these parameters to each other and other physical quantities are derived. The methods presentation discusses important features of precision visual optical pyrometers, experimental procedures, and results of primary and secondary calibrations of optical pyrometers.

Report presenting a bibliography on atomic transition probabilities. The papers are arranged according to elements and stages of ionization, and the method employed and class of transitions are indicated behind each reference. Only articles on discrete transitions, both permitted and forbidden, are listed. Also included is a supplementary list of papers dealing with transition probabilities from a general point of view, a table showing the availability of numerical material on the individual atoms and ions, and a table of conversion factors.

Report describing a gravimetric hygrometer that serves as the NBS standard instrument for the measurement of the moisture content of gases on an absolute basis in terms of mixing ratio (mass water vapor/ unit mass of dry gas). The National Bureau of Standards and other laboratory reference and working instruments are compared and calibrated with this instrument. The measuring operation involves the absorption of the water vapor from a water vapor-gas mixture by a solid desiccant and the determination of the mass of this water vapor by precision weighing; it also involves the determination of the volume of the associated gas of known density by counting the fillings of two calibrated stainless steel cylinders. The construction and operation of the instrument is described. Discussions of the tests and calibrations of component parts, and of the sources of errors also are included. There is also an analysis of the random and systematic errors effecting the overall accuracy in the determination of mixing ratio.

Report discussing the VLF, ELF propagation in the earth-ionosphere waveguide emphasizing the total field found by summing all modes which contribute appreciably. Solutions are given and calculations are made for a homogeneous isotropic ionosphere, a homogeneous ionosphere with a constant radial magnetic field imposed, and an ionosphere with a magnetic field of arbitrary dip angle.

Report compiling the work done in radio meteorology over the past ten years at the National Bureau of Standards' Central Radio Propagation Laboratory (CRPL). There is an emphasis upon the effects of the lower atmosphere on the propagation of radio waves. The CRPL group has concentrated upon the refraction of radio waves as well as the refractive index structure of the lower atmosphere on both synoptic and climatic scales. Additional chapters on radio-meteorological parameters and the absorption of radio waves by the various constituents of the lower atmosphere.