From introduction: The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe refracted-ray scanning in detail, to analyze it as a measurement system, to document a particular system for implementing it, and to show some exemplary results.

From preface: STARPAC documentation is being published as a series of Technical Notes. This Note is the first in the series. It gives an overview of the STARPAC library, defines conventions used in the documentation, provides an example using STARPAC subroutines, and presents general background material. This Note includes information which is essential for using the STARPAC library, and users should be familiar with its contents before attempting to use any STARPAC subroutine.

From preface: This Note documents 16 subroutines for nonlinear least squares regression. Twelve of these compute the least squares estimates, performing either weighted or unweighted analysis with either numerically approximated or user-supplied (analytic) derivatives. The other four are user-callable subroutines for two procedures used within the estimation code: the first selects optimum step sizes for approximating the partial derivatives of the model; and the second checks the validity of a user-supplied derivative subroutine.

Introduction: A reference step-like pulse generator is described which has been developed at NBS. This generator can be used for accurately characterizing the step response of various kinds of trap ient recording equipment (oscilloscopes, waveform recorders, transient digitizers, etc.). Basic design principles are given as well as complete circuit diagrams and descriptions. An analysis of the output stage of the generator is presented together with the circuit models for developing a time-domain computer simulation program using extended- SCEPTRE. Preliminary specifications indicate that the NBS Reference Flat Pulse Generator provides a negative-going reference transition duration (90 to 10 percent) of 600 ps, *20 percent with baseline perturbations of less than *2 percent for less than 5 ns.

From introduction: This note describes the design and error analysis of a WR10 thermal noise power standard. The standard is designed to operate at the boiling point of liquid nitrogen with a noise temperature accurate to plus or minus 1 K.

Forward: The purpose of this report is to summarize the results obtained from a brief investigation of supercritical fluid extraction principles and applications. This study was one portion of a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, contract nuriber DE-AI01076PR06010, in response to a preliminary proposal submitted by the authors. This report sometimes uses company trade naries to identify processes and patent holders. This usage implies no endorsement by HBS. Note also that some figures reproduced from other sources do not conform with NBS policy concerning SI units.

From introduction: This note describes the design and construction of a coaxial thermal noise standard. The standard is designed to operate at the boiling point of liquid nitrogen with a noise temperature accurate to t 1 K in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 12.4 GHz.

Abstract: This report describes a system based on electromagnetic-acoustic transducers (EMATs) as an approach to automated nondestructive evaluation of thick weldments (>25 mm). Good signal-to-noise ratios, often a problem with EMATs, were possibTe through careful design of the transducers and associated electronic circuits and the use of signal averaging. At 454 kHz, the transducers produce shear-horizontal waves of approximately 7-mm wavelength in steel. The long wavelength permits determination of through-thickness flaw depth from the amplitudes of scattered ultrasonic waves. A minicomputer controlled transducer positioning and acquired the digitized ultrasonic waveforms for synthetic aperture processing. The synthetic aperture technique further improved signal quality and yielded flaw localization through the weld thickness. Measurements on artificial flaws demonstrated a detectability threshold of 0.5 mm (through thickness) and sizing ability up to 2.5 mm, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Details include the design of the transducers and electronics, as well as the mechanical positioner, signal processing algorithms, and complete computer program listing.

Introduction: Small aperture theory is used to investigate the dual TEM cell. Analyzing coupling through an empty versus a loaded aperture leads to a model of dual TEM cell shielding effectiveness measurements. Small obstacle scattering yields results for both the field perturbation and the change in a cell's transmission line characteristics due to the presence of a test object in a TEM cell. In each case, theoretical values are compared to experimental data.

From introduction: Simple, precise expressions for lunar diameter, average brightness temperature, flux density, and shape factor are presented. An analysis of the relationship between these parameters and corresponding errors are included. For broadbeam (HPBW>d) antennas, results show that flux density and shape factor can be determined with errors less than 13 percent and 0.4 percent respectively at frequencies below 10 GHz. Extension of the analysis to higher frequencies is indicated.

From introduction: The feasibility of using a near-field array for electromagnetic susceptibility testing is studied. The basic objective is to control the element weightings such that a plane wave is generated within the test volume. The basic theory is developed for arbitrary array geometries, and numerical results are obtained for finite planar arrays. A general near-field array synthesis technique is developed, and the technique minimizes the mean square error in the test volume while constraining the array excitations. The constraint prevents large excitations and is useful in minimizing the fields outside the test volume. The basic idea looks promising, but some practical considerations, such as bandwidth and angular scanning limitations, require further theoretical and experimental investigation.

Abstract: A general theoretical approach is formulated to describe the complex electromagnetic environment of an N-element array. The theory reveals the element-to-element interactions and multiple reflections within the array. From the formulation, it is found that the interaction between an excited element and an open-circuited element can be viewed as the sum of terms describing all possible signal paths within the array environment which start from the radiating element and terminate on the element under observation. Within all paths except the most direct one, multiple reflections between subgroups of elements take place. The resulting solution is highly structured and recursive and is discussed in detail in the text. Illustrative examples are provided to facilitate understanding of these ideas.

Abstract: The problem of measuring and characterizing complicated multiple-source, multiple-frequency electromagnetic environments is becoming more important and more difficult as electrical devices proliferate. This paper outlines three general approaches to the problem which are currently under investigation at the National Bureau of Standards. The three approaches are: 1) a statistical treatment of the spatial distribution of electromagnetic field intensities, 2) a numerical computation using a finite-difference (or lattice) form of the electromagnetic action functional, and 3) use of a directional probe to scan a volume. All three methods are still in the development stage, but each appears promising.

from Introduction: The National Bureau of Standards has designed, constructed, and evaluated a standard for the support of very-high-frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) air navigation aids. The standard consists of two instruments: (1) a digital waveform signal generator for the composite VOR audio waveform, and (2) a standard phasemeter based on time series analysis of this waveform. Experimental results, a statistical analysis of them, and the principal software listings are included.

Abstract: In electromagnetic susceptibility testing of electronic equipment, the ideal incident field is a plane wave. To approximate this condition, a seven-element array of Yagi-Uda antennas has been constructed and tested at a frequency of 500 MHz. The element weightings are determined by a near-field synthesis technique which optimizes the uniformity of the field throughout a rectangular test volume in the near field of the array. The amplitude and phase of the electric field have been measured throughout the test volume with a short dipole probe, and the agreement with the theory is excellent.

Abstract: Custody transfer tables are presented for oxygen, argon, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen. The tables are based on standard reference data previously compiled by the National Bureau of Standards. Two sets of tables are provided for each fluid. Tables in engineering units cover the range -40 to 130*F with pressures from 100 to 10,000 prig. Tables in SI units (density versus pressure and temperature) cover the range 200 to 370 K with pressures from 0.5 to 70 MPa. The tables in engineering units are designed to provide a means of determining the volume of gas at standard conditions contained in a tank given the volume of the tank and the pressure and temperature of the gas within the tank. The publication also includes four examples of use of the tables in calculating tank quantities.

From abstract: I propose the use of a template method for quantitative, correct, and transparent measurement of signal power to additive noise power ratios (SNR) of digital signals and systems under full operating conditions. Outer guard chips of digital templates hold intersymbol interference fixed on inner target chips in realizations of the respective template patterns in traffic. The proposed template method needs to be developed and proven as a potentially valuable metrology capability; it can be especially important for real time online performance assessment and monitoring of digital communication systems.

Abstract: Selected publications of the Ion Storage Group of the Time and Frequency Division, NBS, Boulder, Colorado.

From abstract: This paper presents the conflicts in the design and gives a solution. The complete evaluation requires assembly of the proposed apparatus to assess final accuracy.

Abstract: Results of a research program to develop fitness-for-service criteria for assessing the significance of fatigue cracks in offshore structures are presented in five papers. Each paper describes the goals and approaches to a specific task and details the results of the study.

Abstract: An expression is developed for net power delivered to a load in terms of the indicated forward and reflected power and the system S-parameters and reflection coefficients. The dual directional coupler is treated as nonideal with power reflections assumed between all ports. The system itself is used to evaluate the major S-parameter terms in net power computation, and uncertainty in the computed power is derived from origins in the power meter readings and incompletely known S-parameters.

From introduction: In this report the following will he discussed: (1) design consideration of the broadband magnetic field sensor, (2) overall design of the magnetic field meter, (3) performance of the meter, (4) calibration and operating procedures, (5) alignment and adjustment procedures, and (6) summary and conclusions.

Abstract: Site attenuation is a measure of performance of an open test site used at frequencies below about 1 GHz for antenna calibration and equipment emission and susceptibility testing. These sites typically consist of a large, obstruction-free ground plane and the hemisphere above it. Site attenuation of an ideal site is calculated and compared to data measured using the 30 m by 60 m NBS ground screen.

Abstract: The preliminary design and testing of a planar circuit six-port with diode detectors is described. The planar circuit medium was chosen to be finline, and all preliminary work was done in WR-42 waveguide (18-26.5 GHz). The finline substrate was alumina, and initially commercial beam-lead diodes were bonded to the finline metalization. The goal is to design an integrated circuit which could be fabricated on one chip (with diode detectors) and used as part of a six port network analyzer in the waveguide bands above 18 GHz. Initial designs proved to b unsatisfactory because of high losses and reflections. Most of the problems have b en solved, and a usable integrated finline circuit is a good possibility for a millimeter wave six-port.