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At least 235 records · Page 13

JWST’s PEARLS: A z ≃ 6 quasar in a train-wreck galaxy merger system

We present JWST NIRSpec integral field spectroscopy observations of the z = 5.89 quasar NDWFS J1425+3254 from 0.6–5.3 μm, covering the rest-frame ultraviolet and optical at a spectral resolution of R ∼ 100. The quasar has a black hole mass of M BH = (1.4 +3.1 −1.0 ) × 10 9 M ⊙ and an Eddington ratio of L Bol /L Edd = 0.3 +0.6 −0.2 , as implied from the broad Balmer Hα and Hβ lines. The quasar host has significant ongoing obscured star formation, as well as a quasar-driven outflow with velocity 6050 +460 −630 km s −1 and ionised outflow rate of 1650 +130 −1230 M ⊙ yr −1 . This is possibly one of the most extreme outflows in the early Universe. The data also reveal that two companion galaxies are merging with the quasar host. The north-eastern companion galaxy is relatively old and very massive, with a luminosity-weighted stellar age of 65 +9 −4 Myr, stellar mass of (3.6 +0.6 −0.3 #x00D7; 10 11 M ⊙ , and star-formation rate (SFR) of ∼15–30 M ⊙ yr −1 . A bridge of gas connects this companion galaxy and the host, confirming their ongoing interaction. A second merger is occurring between the quasar host and a much younger companion galaxy to the south, with a stellar age of 6.7 ± 1.8 Myr, stellar mass of (1.9 ± 0.4)×10 10 M ⊙ , and SFR of ∼40–65 M ⊙ yr −1 . There is also another galaxy in the field, likely in the foreground at z = 1.135, which could be gravitationally lensing the quasar with a magnification of 1 < μ < 2 and, thus, < 0.75 mag. Overall, the system is a ‘train-wreck’ merger of three galaxies, with star formation and extreme quasar activity that were likely triggered by these ongoing interactions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Understanding electronic structure tunability by metal dopants for promoting MgB 2 hydrogenation

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier, but its onboard application is limited by the need for compact, low-pressure storage solutions. Solid-state complex metal hydride systems, such as MgB 2 /Mg(BH 4 ) 2 , offer high storage capacities but suffer from sluggish kinetics and poor reversibility. One avenue for improving reactivity is to introduce metal dopants to alter electronic and atomic properties, but the role of these chemical additives remains poorly understood, particularly for the hydrogenation reaction. In this work, we used density functional theory calculations on model MgB 2 systems to rationalize the potential role of metal dopants in destabilizing B–B bonding within the MgB 2 lattice. We carried out detailed electronic structure analyses for 28 different metal dopant adatoms to identify properties that contribute to a dopant’s efficacy. Based on the simulation results, we propose that an intermediate ionic and covalent character of the bonds between adatoms and B atoms is desirable for facilitating charge redistribution, disrupting the B–B bond network, and promoting H 2 dissociation and H atom chemisorption on MgB 2 .

08 HYDROGEN↗

Electronic structure theory with molecular point group symmetries on quantum annealers

Quantum computation has the potential to revolutionize quantum chemistry through major speedups in computation times and an exponential reduction in computational resources. Here, we combine the symmetry-adapted Jordan–Wigner encoding based on the full Boolean symmetry group $\mathbb{Z}$$^{k}_{2}$ with our new implementation of the Xia–Bian–Kais (XBK) method for improving the efficiency of electronic structure theory calculations on quantum annealers, particularly by reducing the number of qubits needed to achieve the same accuracy. By providing a more extensive symmetry-adapted encoding (SAE) than previous work, we are able to simulate molecules larger than those previously reported that have been studied using methods developed for quantum annealers and without using an active space. We calculated the potential energy surfaces of H 2 , LiH, He 2 , H 2 O, O 2 , N 2 , Li 2 , F 2 , CO, BH 3 , NH 3 , and CH 4 , with the largest molecule in the STO-6G basis set requiring 16 qubits with our SAE, and compared them with full configuration interaction results. The application of SAE to the XBK method provides an exponential reduction in the size of the Hilbert space and scales well with the size of the problem. It does not introduce significant additional errors for even or large values of a key variational parameter that determines the number of ancilla qubits used in the XBK method’s Hamiltonian embedding, or for certain molecules such as He 2 and H 2 O. Here, we provide an explanation for this behavior and a recommendation on the usage of our method. In addition, we briefly discuss the potential of extracting electronic excited states from our method.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

On the functional dependence of transition-potential coupled cluster

Orbital relaxation of the core region is a primary source of error in the computation of core ionization and core excitation energies. Recently, Transition-Potential Coupled Cluster (TP-CC) methods have been used to explicitly treat orbital relaxation using non-variational molecular orbitals determined by reoccupation of orbitals optimized for a fractional core occupation. The amount of fractional occupation is governed by parameter λ, and recommended values for accurate TP-CCSD and XTP-CCSD computations of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine K edges were previously determined. Herein, we explore the performance of several density functionals for generating the fractionally occupied orbitals used in TP-CCSD. These functionals include HF, BP86, BH&HLYP, B3LYP, M06-2X, and ωB97m-V. The fractionally occupied orbitals computed across the various functionals were subsequently employed as the initial orbitals for our TP-CCSD calculations of organic K-edge x-ray absorption and photoelectron spectra. Regardless of the functional used to generate the fractionally occupied orbitals, the TP-CCSD calculations yield accurate and comparable core ionization energies, core excitation energies, and oscillator strengths.

Coupled-cluster methods↗

Bi-modal particle size distribution for high energy product hybrid Nd–Fe–B—Sm–Fe–N bonded magnets

In this work, we have demonstrated high energy product bonded magnet by leveraging the variation in sizes between Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Fe-N, as well as their hard magnetic properties. The hybrid anisotropic bonded magnets contain 70 vol% of magnet powder (Dy-free Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Fe-N) and 30 vol% of nylon. The objective of the work was to create bi-modal and bi-compositional bonded magnets in which the fine (3μm) particles of Sm-Fe-N would be used to fill the voids between the bigger Nd-Fe-B (105μm) particles, thus improve packing density. The magnetic hysteresis loop did not show significant signs of decoupled interactions between the magnetic phases. It was also found that the performance of the bonded magnet was most enhanced at 1:4 ratio of Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Fe-N. At that ratio, maximum density of 5 g/cm 3 and the highest (BH) max value of 18.5 MGOe were obtained, although the intrinsic coercivity decreased, relative to the trend seen for other ratios. This work advances the opportunity to expand the use of Sm-Fe-N in bonded magnet applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structural basis of transcription: RNA polymerase II substrate binding and metal coordination using a free-electron laser

Catalysis and translocation of multisubunit DNA-directed RNA polymerases underlie all cellular mRNA synthesis. RNA polymerase II (Pol II) synthesizes eukaryotic pre-mRNAs from a DNA template strand buried in its active site. Structural details of catalysis at near-atomic resolution and precise arrangement of key active site components have been elusive. Here, we present the free-electron laser (FEL) structures of a matched ATP-bound Pol II and the hyperactive Rpb1 T834P bridge helix (BH) mutant at the highest resolution to date. The radiation-damage-free FEL structures reveal the full active site interaction network, including the trigger loop (TL) in the closed conformation, bonafide occupancy of both site A and B Mg 2+ , and, more importantly, a putative third (site C) Mg 2+ analogous to that described for some DNA polymerases but not observed previously for cellular RNA polymerases. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the structures indicate that the third Mg 2+ is coordinated and stabilized at its observed position. TL residues provide half of the substrate binding pocket while multiple TL/BH interactions induce conformational changes that could allow translocation upon substrate hydrolysis. Consistent with TL/BH communication, a FEL structure and MD simulations of the T834P mutant reveal rearrangement of some active site interactions supporting potential plasticity in active site function and long-distance effects on both the width of the central channel and TL conformation, likely underlying its increased elongation rate at the expense of fidelity.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Radiation Damage Analysis of FNSF Components Using McCad and MCNP

The Fusion Energy System Studies Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FESS-FNSF) concept represents a transitional step between ITER and a commercial fusion power plant. The FNSF is a conceptualized D-T fueled tokamak with 518 MW of fusion power that has been extensively used to explore and optimize design features. The energetic 14.1-MeV neutrons can produce significant localized heating and activations, and can cause damage to plasma-facing components, which can determine maintenance/outage scheduling needs and also impact the lifetime of the device as a whole. This study illustrates a neutronics analysis that was conducted on a 22.5-degree symmetric sector of the FNSF with the goal of understanding the neutron heating and radiation damage that can be characterized by quantifying the displacements per atom (dpa). Concurrently, this study also focused on the development of analysis capabilities by converting a three-dimensional computer-aided design model of the FNSF into MCNP6.2 input using the McCad code. Accordingly, some confirmatory results on tritium production and the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) are provided to support model validation. The results produced by MCNP6.2 simulations showed that the highest heating and damage occurred in the outboard region, which concentrated approximately 290 MW of the total nuclear heating, in contrast to 97 MW within the inboard region. These results are consistent with previous studies that employed earlier versions of the FNSF concept and different modeling approaches. Furthermore, this study also provides additional details on neutron wall loading, as well as total heating from neutrons and gammas, results which show the total heating of the device (16 sectors) is approximately 477.83 ± 0.80% MW, indicating a neutron energy multiplication factor of 1.15. Additionally, the capability to calculate hydrogen and helium production, as well as dpa, is illustrated. Finally, the neutronics effects of using alternative materials to tungsten carbide were evaluated for the vacuum vessel, low-temperature shield, and structural ring components, which showed that compounds like YH 2 , Mg(BH 4 ) 2 , and ZrH 2 could reduce the total heating on the magnet and also reduce the TBR.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

SMBH seeds from dissipative dark matter

The existence of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) with masses greater than ~ 10 9 M ⊙ at high redshift ( z ≳ 7) is difficult to accommodate in standard astrophysical scenarios. We study the possibility that (nearly) totally dissipative self-interacting dark matter (tdSIDM)–in rare, high density dark matter fluctuations in the early Universe — produces SMBH seeds through catastrophic collapse. We use a semi-analytic model, tested and calibrated by a series of N-body simulations of isolated dark matter halos, to compute the collapse criteria and timescale of tdSIDM halos, where dark matter loses nearly all of its kinetic energy in a single collision in the center-of-momentum frame. Applying this model to halo merger trees, we empirically assign SMBH seeds to halos and trace the formation and evolution history of SMBHs. We make predictions for the quasar luminosity function, the M BH -σ v * relation, and cosmic SMBH mass density at high redshift and compare them to observations. We find that a dissipative dark matter interaction cross-section of σ/ m ~ 0.05 cm 2 /g is sufficient to produce the SMBHs observed in the early Universe while remaining consistent with ordinary SMBHs in the late Universe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Dark Energy Survey Identification of A Low-Mass Active Galactic Nucleus at Redshift 0.823 from Optical Variability

We report the identification of a low-mass active galactic nucleus (AGN), DES J0218−0430, in a redshift z = 0.823 galaxy in the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Supernova field. We select DES J0218−0430 as an AGN candidate by characterizing its long-term optical variability alone based on DES optical broad-band light curves spanning over 6 yr. An archival optical spectrum from the fourth phase of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey shows both broad Mg ii and broad H β lines, confirming its nature as a broad-line AGN. Archival XMM–Newton X-ray observations suggest an intrinsic hard X-ray luminosity of |$L_{{\rm 2-12\, keV}}\approx 7.6\pm 0.4\times 10^{43}$| erg s^−1, which exceeds those of the most X-ray luminous starburst galaxies, in support of an AGN driving the optical variability. Based on the broad H β from SDSS spectrum, we estimate a virial black hole (BH) mass of M_• ≈ 10^6.43–10^6.72 M_⊙ (with the error denoting the systematic uncertainty from different calibrations), consistent with the estimation from OzDES, making it the lowest mass AGN with redshift > 0.4 detected in optical. We estimate the host galaxy stellar mass to be M_* ≈ 10^10.5 ± 0.3 M_⊙ based on modelling the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution. DES J0218−0430 extends the M_•–M_* relation observed in luminous AGNs at z ∼ 1 to masses lower than being probed by previous work. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of using optical variability to identify low-mass AGNs at higher redshift in deeper synoptic surveys with direct implications for the upcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time at Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

How do central and satellite galaxies quench? – Insights from spatially resolved spectroscopy in the MaNGA survey

ABSTRACT We investigate how star formation quenching proceeds within central and satellite galaxies using spatially resolved spectroscopy from the SDSS-IV MaNGA DR15. We adopt a complete sample of star formation rate surface densities (ΣSFR), derived in Bluck et al. (2020), to compute the distance at which each spaxel resides from the resolved star forming main sequence (ΣSFR − Σ* relation): ΔΣSFR. We study galaxy radial profiles in ΔΣSFR, and luminosity weighted stellar age (AgeL), split by a variety of intrinsic and environmental parameters. Via several statistical analyses, we establish that the quenching of central galaxies is governed by intrinsic parameters, with central velocity dispersion (σc) being the most important single parameter. High mass satellites quench in a very similar manner to centrals. Conversely, low mass satellite quenching is governed primarily by environmental parameters, with local galaxy overdensity (δ5) being the most important single parameter. Utilizing the empirical MBH − σc relation, we estimate that quenching via AGN feedback must occur at $M_{\rm BH} \ge 10^{6.5-7.5} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, and is marked by steeply rising ΔΣSFR radial profiles in the green valley, indicating ‘inside-out’ quenching. On the other hand, environmental quenching occurs at overdensities of 10–30 times the average galaxy density at z∼ 0.1, and is marked by steeply declining ΔΣSFR profiles, indicating ‘outside-in’ quenching. Finally, through an analysis of stellar metallicities, we conclude that both intrinsic and environmental quenching must incorporate significant starvation of gas supply.

Bluck, Asa F. L.↗

A practicable estimation of opening angle of dust torus in Type-1.9 AGN with double-peaked broad Hα

In this manuscript, an independent method is proposed to estimate opening angle of dust torus in AGN, through unique properties of Type-1.9 AGN with double-peaked broad Hα (Type-1.9 DPAGN) coming from central accretion disc. Type-1.9 AGN without broad Hβ can be expected by the commonly accepted unified model of AGN, considering central BLRs seriously obscured by dust torus with its upper boundary in the line of sight. For the unique Type-1.9 DPAGN, accretion disc originations of double-peaked broad Hα can be applied to determine the inclination angle of the central accretion disc, which is well accepted as substitute of the half opening angle of the central dust torus. Then, among low redshift Type-1.9 DPAGN in SDSS, SDSS J1607+3319 at redshift 0.063 is collected, and the half opening angle of the central dust torus is determined to be around 46 ± 4°, after considering the disfavoured BBH system to explain the double-peaked broad Hα through long-term none variabilities and disfavoured local physical conditions to explain the disappearance of broad Hβ through virial BH mass properties. The results indicate that more detailed studying on dust torus of AGN can be appropriately done through Type-1.9 DPAGN in the near future.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Probing the rapid formation of black holes and their Galaxy hosts in QSOs

Using the modelling code x-cigale, we reproduced the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of 1359 SDSS quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) within the redshift range 0 < z < 4, for which we have NIR/MIR fluxes with the highest quality and spectral data characterizing their supermassive black hole (SMBHs). Consistent with a rapid formation of the host galaxies, the star formation histories (SFHs) have small e-folding, at most 750 Myr using an SFH function for spiral or 1000 Myr using one for elliptical. Above z ∼ 1.6, the two solutions are degenerate, the SEDs being dominated by the active galactic nucleus (AGN) continuum and high star formation rates (SFRs), typical of starburst galaxies, while at lower redshifts the starburst nature of the host, independent from its morphology, is better reproduced by a spiral SFH. In general, the SFR increases with the redshift, the mass of the bulge, the AGN luminosity, and Eddington ratio, suggesting there is no evidence of AGN quenching of star formation. Comparing the specific BH accretion rate (BHAR) with specific SFR, all the QSOs at any redshift trace a linear sequence below the Eddington luminosity, in parallel and above the one-to-one relation, implying that QSOs are in a special phase of evolution during which the growth in mass of their SMBH is more rapid than the growth in mass of their galaxy hosts. This particular phase is consistent with a scenario where the galaxy hosts of QSOs in the past grew in mass more rapidly than their SMBHs, suggesting that a high star formation efficiency during their formation was responsible in limiting their masses.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Massive black holes seeded by dark matter: Implications for little red dots and gravitational wave signatures

Observations of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) at high redshifts challenge standard seeding scenarios. We examine a dissipative self-interacting dark matter (dSIDM) model in which gravothermal collapse leads to the formation of massive BH seeds ab initio. We utilize a semianalytical framework to predict properties of the dSIDM-seeded SMBH population. Billion solar mass quasars are reproduced along with low-mass faint active galactic nuclei (known as little red dots) with SMBH-to-galaxy stellar mass ratios consistent with recent James Webb Space Telescope observations. To match the abundance of the observed bright quasars, a subpercent-level duty cycle is suggested, implying a large population of dormant SMBHs. The gravitational wave (GW) signals from mergers of these massive SMBHs can be detected by LISA while remaining within the NANOGrav constraints on the GW background. These results provide testable signatures of DM-driven SMBH formation, offering a pathway to probe hidden-sector physics through SMBH and GW observables.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Electronic excited states from a variance-based contracted quantum eigensolver

Electronic excited states of molecules are central to many physical and chemical processes, and yet they are typically more difficult to compute than ground states. Here, in this paper we leverage the advantages of quantum computers to develop an algorithm for the highly accurate calculation of excited states. We solve a contracted Schrödinger equation (CSE)—a contraction (projection) of the Schrödinger equation onto the space of two electrons—whose solutions correspond identically to the ground and excited states of the Schrödinger equation. While recent quantum algorithms for solving the CSE, known as contracted quantum eigensolvers (CQE), have focused on ground states, we develop a CQE based on the variance that is designed to optimize rapidly to a ground or excited state. We apply the algorithm to compute the ground and excited states of H 2 , H 4 , and BH.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Accurate machine-learning predictions of coercivity in high-performance permanent magnets

Increased demand for high-performance permanent magnets in the electric vehicle and wind-turbine industries has prompted the search for cost-effective alternatives. Discovering magnetic materials with the desired intrinsic and extrinsic permanent magnet properties presents a significant challenge to researchers because of issues with the global supply of rare-earth elements, material stability, and a low maximum magnetic energy product BH max . While first-principles density functional theory (DFT) predicts materials’ magnetic moments, magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants, and exchange interactions, it cannot compute extrinsic properties such as coercivity (H c ). Although it is possible to calculate H c theoretically with micromagnetic simulations, the predicted value is larger than the experiment by almost an order of magnitude due to the Brown paradox. To circumvent these issues, we employ machine-learning (ML) methods on an extensive database obtained from experiments, DFT calculations, and micromagnetic modeling. The use of a large experimental dataset enables realistic H c predictions for materials such as Ce-doped Nd 2 ⁢Fe 14 ⁢B, comparing favorably against micromagnetically simulated coercivities. Remarkably, our ML model accurately identifies uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy as the primary contributor to H c . With DFT calculations, we predict the Nd-site-dependent magnetic anisotropy behavior in Nd 2 ⁢Fe 14 ⁢B, confirming that Nd 4⁢g sites mainly contribute to uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and also calculate the Curie temperature (T c ). Finally, both calculated results are in good agreement with the experiments. The coupled experimental dataset and ML modeling with DFT input predict H c with far greater accuracy and speed than was previously possible using micromagnetic modeling. Further, we reverse engineer the grain-boundary and intergrain exchange coupling with micromagnetic simulations by employing the ML predictions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Signatures of deconfined quark phases in binary neutron star mergers

We investigate the quark deconfinement phase transition in the context of binary neutron star (BNS) mergers. We employ a new finite-temperature composition-dependent equation of state (EOS) with a first order phase transition between hadrons and deconfined quarks to perform numerical relativity simulations of BNS mergers. Here, the softening of the EOS due to the phase transition causes the merger remnants to be more compact and to collapse to a black hole (BH) at earlier times. The phase transition is imprinted on the postmerger gravitational wave (GW) signal duration, amplitude, and peak frequency. However, this imprint is only detectable for binaries with sufficiently long-lived remnants. Moreover, the phase transition does not result in significant deviations from quasi-universal relations for the postmerger GW peak frequency. We also study the impact of the phase transition on dynamical ejecta, remnant accretion disk masses, r-process nucleosynthetic yields and associated electromagnetic (EM) counterparts. While there are differences in the EM counterparts and nucleosynthesis yields between the purely hadronic models and the models with phase transitions, these can be primarily ascribed to the difference in remnant collapse time between the two. An exception is the non-thermal afterglow caused by the interaction of the fastest component of the dynamical ejecta and the interstellar medium, which is systematically boosted in the binaries with phase transition as a consequence of the more violent merger they experience.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Deep Learning Based Workflow for Accelerated Industrial X-Ray Computed Tomography

X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is an important tool for high-resolution non-destructive characterization of additively-manufactured metal components. XCT reconstructions of metal components may have beam hardening artifacts such as cupping and streaking which makes reliable detection of flaws and defects challenging. Furthermore, traditional workflows based on using analytic reconstruction algorithms require a large number of projections for accurate characterization - leading to longer measurement times and hindering the adoption of XCT for in-line inspections. In this paper, we introduce a new workflow based on the use of two neural networks to obtain high-quality accelerated reconstructions from sparse-view XCT scans of single material metal parts. The first network, implemented using fully-connected layers, helps reduce the impact of BH in the projection data without the need of any calibration or knowledge of the component material. The second network, a convolutional neural network, maps a low-quality analytic 3D reconstruction to a high-quality reconstruction. Using experimental data, we demonstrate that our method robustly generalizes across several alloys, and for a range of sparsity levels without any need for retraining the networks thereby enabling accurate and fast industrial XCT inspections.

Rahman, Obaid↗

Development of Dy-free Nd-Fe-B-based sintered magnet through grain boundary engineering using Pr-Cu alloys

For this study, Dy-free sintered magnets were fabricated by mixing Nd-Fe-B powder with various amounts of Pr-Cu powder followed by the common procedures for making Nd-Fe-B based sintered magnets. With the Pr-Cu addition increasing from 0 to 10 wt.%, the obtained magnets’ H cj increases from the original 14.5 kOe to 18.6 kOe. The highest (BH) max achieved was 35.0 MGOe with 7.5 wt.% PrCu. The distribution of the Pr and Cu elements was primarily at grain boundary and triple junctions, leading to a reduced coupling among grains, thus an enhanced H cj .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗