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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

The evolution of dust mass in the ejecta of SN 1987A

We present a new analysis of the infrared (IR) emission from the ejecta of SN 1987A covering days 615, 775, 1144, 8515, and 9090 after the explosion. We show that the observations are consistent with the rapid formation of about 0.4 M{sub ⊙} of dust, consisting of mostly silicates (MgSiO{sub 3}), near day 615, and evolving to about 0.45 M{sub ⊙} of composite dust grains consisting of ∼0.4 M{sub ⊙} of silicates and ∼0.05 M{sub ⊙} of amorphous carbon after day ∼8500. The proposed scenario challenges previous claims that dust in supernova (SN) ejecta is predominantly carbon, and that it grew from an initial mass of ∼10{sup −3} M{sub ⊙}, to over 0.5 M{sub ⊙} by cold accretion. It alleviates several problems with previous interpretations of the data: (1) it reconciles the abundances of silicon, magnesium, and carbon with the upper limits imposed by nucleosynthesis calculations, (2) it eliminates the requirement that most of the dust observed around day 9000 grew by cold accretion onto the ∼10{sup −3} M{sub ⊙} of dust previously inferred for days 615 and 775 after the explosion, and (3) establishes the dominance of silicate over carbon dust in the SN ejecta. At early epochs, the IR luminosity of the dust is powered by the radioactive decay of {sup 56}Co, and at late times by at least (1.3–1.6) × 10{sup −4} M{sub ⊙} of {sup 44}Ti.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF DETECTABILITY AND CONTAMINATION IN DEEP RAPID OPTICAL SEARCHES FOR GRAVITATIONAL WAVE COUNTERPARTS

The first direct detection of gravitational waves (GWs) by the ground-based Advanced LIGO/Virgo interferometers is expected to occur within the next few years. These interferometers are designed to detect the mergers of compact object binaries composed of neutron stars and/or black holes to a fiducial distance of ∼200 Mpc and a localization region of ∼100 deg{sup 2}. To maximize the science gains from such GW detections it is essential to identify electromagnetic counterparts. Among the wide range of proposed counterparts, the most promising is optical/IR emission powered by the radioactive decay of r-process elements synthesized in the neutron-rich merger ejecta—a “kilonova.” Here we present detailed simulated observations that encompass a range of strategies for kilonova searches during GW follow-up. We utilize these simulations to assess both the detectability of kilonovae and our ability to distinguish them from a wide range of contaminating transients in the large GW localization regions. We find that if pre-existing deep template images for the GW localization region are available, then nightly observations to a depth of i ≈ 24 mag and z ≈ 23 mag are required to achieve a 95% detection rate; observations that commence within ∼12 hr of trigger will also capture the kilonova peak and provide stronger constraints on the ejecta properties. We also find that kilonovae can be robustly separated from other known and hypothetical types of transients utilizing cuts on color (i − z ≳ 0.3 mag) and rise time (t{sub rise} ≲ 4 days). In the absence of a pre-existing template the observations must reach ∼1 mag deeper to achieve the same kilonova detection rate, but robust rejection of contaminants can still be achieved. Motivated by the results of our simulations we discuss the expected performance of current and future wide-field telescopes in achieving these observational goals, and find that prior to LSST the Dark Energy Camera on the Blanco 4 m telescope and Hyper Suprime-Cam on the Subaru 8 m telescope offer the best potential for kilonova discovery.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

A biokinetic model for systemic technetium in adult humans

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) currently is updating its biokinetic and dosimetric models for internally deposited radionuclides. Technetium (Tc), the lightest element that exists only in radioactive form, has two important isotopes from the standpoint of potential risk to humans: the long-lived isotope 99 Tm(T 1/2 =2.1x10 5 y) is present in high concentration in nuclear waste, and the short-lived isotope 99m Tc (T 1/2 =6.02 h) is the most commonly used radionuclide in diagnostic nuclear medicine. This paper reviews data on the biological behavior of technetium and proposes a biokinetic model for systemic technetium in the adult human body for use in radiation protection. Compared with the ICRP s current occupational model for systemic technetium, the proposed model provides a more realistic description of the paths of movement of technetium in the body; provides greater consistency with experimental and medical data; and, for most radiosensitive organs, yields substantially different estimates of cumulative activity (total radioactive decays within the organ) following uptake of 99 Tm or 99 mTc to blood.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Dynamics, nucleosynthesis, and kilonova signature of black hole—neutron star merger ejecta

Here we investigate the ejecta from black hole—neutron star mergers by modeling the formation and interaction of mass ejected in a tidal tail and a disk wind. The outflows are neutron-rich, giving rise to optical/infrared emission powered by the radioactive decay of r-process elements (a kilonova). Here we perform an end-to-end study of this phenomenon, where we start from the output of a fully-relativistic merger simulation, calculate the post-merger hydrodynamical evolution of the ejecta and disk winds including neutrino physics, determine the final nucleosynthetic yields using post-processing nuclear reaction network calculations, and compute the kilonova emission with a radiative transfer code. We study the effects of the tail-to-disk mass ratio by scaling the tail density. A larger initial tail mass results in fallback matter becoming mixed into the disk and ejected in the subsequent disk wind. Relative to the case of a disk without dynamical ejecta, the combined outflow has lower mean electron fraction, faster speed, larger total mass, and larger absolute mass free of high-opacity Lanthanides or Actinides. In most cases, the nucleosynthetic yield is dominated by the heavy r-process contribution from the unbound part of the dynamical ejecta. A Solar-like abundance distribution can however be obtained when the total mass of the dynamical ejecta is comparable to the mass of the disk outflows. The kilonova has a characteristic duration of 1 week and a luminosity of ~ 10 41 erg s -1 , with orientation effects leading to variations of a factor ~2 in brightness. At early times (< 1 d) the emission includes an optical component from the (hot) Lanthanide-rich material, but the spectrum evolves quickly to the infrared thereafter.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Black hole-neutron star binaries near neutron star disruption limit in the mass regime of event GW230529

In May 2023, the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration reported the likely black hole-neutron star (BHNS) merger GW230529_181500. The signal was observed with high significance in only one detector, limiting constraints on the black hole spin and motivating our study of disruption in this mass regime. That event is expected to be the merger of a 2.5–4.5 M ⊙ primary with a secondary compact object of mass between 1.2–2.0 M ⊙ . This makes it the first BHNS merger with a significant potential for the production of electromagnetic (EM) counterparts, and provides further evidence for compact objects existing within the suspected lower mass gap. To produce post-merger EM transients, the component of the black hole spin aligned with the orbital angular momentum must be sufficiently high, allowing the neutron star to be tidally disrupted. The disrupting BHNS binary may then eject a few percent of a solar mass of matter, leading to an observable kilonova driven by radioactive decays in ejecta, and/or a compact-binary gamma-ray burst (cbGRB) resulting from the formation of an accretion disk and relativistic jet. Determining which mergers lead to disruption of the neutron star is necessary to predict the prevalence of EM signals from BHNS mergers, yet most BHNS simulations so far have been performed far from the minimum spin required for tidal disruption. Here, we use the Spectral Einstein Code to explore the behavior of BHNS mergers in a mass range consistent with GW230529_181500 close to that critical spin, and compare our results against the mass remnant model currently used by the LVK Collaboration to predict the probability of tidal disruption. Furthermore, our numerical results reveal the emergence of non-zero accretion disks even below the predicted NS disruption limit, of low mass but capable of powering cbGRBs. Our results also demonstrate that the remnant mass model underpredicts the disk mass for the DD2 equation of state, while they are within expected modeling errors for SFHo. The disruption limit itself, however, is not found to significantly differ from the predictions of the analytical model, unless remnant masses M rem ≲ 0.001 M ⊙ prove interesting observationally. In all of our simulations, any kilonova signal would be dim and most likely dominated by post-merger disk outflows.

GW230529_181500↗
DOE OSTI2025

Flow and thermal modelling of the argon volume in the DarkSide-20k TPC

The DarkSide-20k dark matter experiment, currently under construction at LNGS, features a dual-phase time projection chamber (TPC) with a ∼ 50 t argon target from an underground well. At this scale, it is crucial to optimise the argon flow pattern for efficient target purification and for fast distribution of internal gaseous calibration sources with lifetimes of the order of hours. To this end, we have performed computational fluid dynamics simulations and heat transfer calculations. The residence time distribution shows that the detector is well-mixed on time-scales of the turnover time (∼ 40 d). Notably, simulations show that despite a two-order-of-magnitude difference between the turnover time and the half-life of 83m Kr of 1.83 h, source atoms have the highest probability to reach the centre of the TPC 13 min after their injection, allowing for a homogeneous distribution before undergoing radioactive decay. We further analyse the thermal aspects of dual-phase operation and define the requirements for the formation of a stable gas pocket on top of the liquid. We find a best-estimate value for the heat transfer rate at the liquid-gas interface of 62 W with an upper limit of 144 W and a minimum gas pocket inlet temperature of 89 K to avoid condensation on the acrylic anode. This study also informs the placement of liquid inlets and outlets in the TPC. The presented techniques are widely applicable to other large-scale, noble-liquid detectors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

DES16C3cje: A low-luminosity, long-lived supernova

ABSTRACT We present DES16C3cje, a low-luminosity, long-lived type II supernova (SN II) at redshift 0.0618, detected by the Dark Energy Survey (DES). DES16C3cje is a unique SN. The spectra are characterized by extremely narrow photospheric lines corresponding to very low expansion velocities of ≲1500 km s−1, and the light curve shows an initial peak that fades after 50 d before slowly rebrightening over a further 100 d to reach an absolute brightness of Mr ∼ −15.5 mag. The decline rate of the late-time light curve is then slower than that expected from the powering by radioactive decay of 56Co, but is comparable to that expected from accretion power. Comparing the bolometric light curve with hydrodynamical models, we find that DES16C3cje can be explained by either (i) a low explosion energy (0.11 foe) and relatively large 56Ni production of 0.075 M⊙ from an ∼15 M⊙ red supergiant progenitor typical of other SNe II, or (ii) a relatively compact ∼40 M⊙ star, explosion energy of 1 foe, and 0.08 M⊙ of 56Ni. Both scenarios require additional energy input to explain the late-time light curve, which is consistent with fallback accretion at a rate of ∼0.5 × 10−8 M⊙ s−1.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Two years of optical and NIR observations of the superluminous supernova UID 30901 discovered by the UltraVISTA SN survey

ABSTRACT We present deep optical and near-infrared photometry of UID 30901, a superluminous supernova (SLSN) discovered during the UltraVISTA survey. The observations were obtained with VIRCAM (YJHKs) mounted on the VISTA telescope, DECam (griz) on the Blanco telescope, and SUBARU Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC; grizy). These multiband observations comprise +700 d making UID 30901 one of the best photometrically followed SLSNe to date. The host galaxy of UID 30901 is detected in a deep HST F814W image with an AB magnitude of 27.3 ± 0.2. While no spectra exist for the SN or its host galaxy, we perform our analysis assuming z = 0.37, based on the photometric redshift of a possible host galaxy found at a projected distance of 7 kpc. Fitting a blackbody to the observations, the radius, temperature, and bolometric light curve are computed. We find a maximum bolometric luminosity of 5.4 ± 0.34 × 1043 erg s−1. A flattening in the light curve beyond 600 d is observed and several possible causes are discussed. We find the observations to clearly favour an SLSN type I, and plausible power sources such as the radioactive decay of 56Ni and the spin-down of a magnetar are compared to the data. We find that the magnetar model yields a good fit to the observations with the following parameters: a magnetic field B = 1.4 ± 0.3 × 1014 G, spin period of P = 6.0 ± 0.1 ms, and ejecta mass $M_{\mathrm{ ej}} = 11.9^{+4.8}_{-6.4} \,\mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Opacities of singly and doubly ionized neodymium and uranium for kilonova emission modeling

ABSTRACT Even though the electromagnetic counterpart AT2017gfo to the binary neutron star merger GW170817 is powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei, only few tentative identifications of light r-process elements have been made so far. One of the major limitations for the identification of heavy nuclei is incomplete or missing atomic data. While substantial progress has been made on lanthanide atomic data over the last few years, for actinides there has been less emphasis, with the first complete set of opacity data only recently published. We perform atomic structure calculations of neodymium (Z = 60) as well as the corresponding actinide uranium (Z = 92). Using two different codes [flexible atomic code (fac) and hartree–fock-relativistic (hfr)] for the calculation of the atomic data, we investigate the accuracy of the calculated data (energy levels and electric dipole transitions) and their effect on kilonova opacities. For the fac calculations, we optimize the local central potential and the number of included configurations and use a dedicated calibration technique to improve the agreement between theoretical and available experimental atomic energy levels (AELs). For ions with vast amounts of experimental data available, the presented opacities agree quite well with previous estimations. On the other hand, the optimization and calibration method cannot be used for ions with only few available AELs. For these cases, where no experimental nor benchmarked calculations are available, a large spread in the opacities estimated from the atomic data obtained with the various atomic structure codes is observed. We find that the opacity of uranium is almost double the neodymium opacity.

Flörs, A. (ORCID:0000000320242819)↗
DOE OSTI2019

A luminosity distribution for kilonovae based on short gamma-ray burst afterglows

The combined detection of a gravitational-wave signal, kilonova, and short gamma-ray burst (sGRB) from GW170817 marked a scientific breakthrough in the field of multimessenger astronomy. But even before GW170817, there have been a number of sGRBs with possible associated kilonova detections. In this work, we re-examine these ‘historical’ sGRB afterglows with a combination of state-of-the-art afterglow and kilonova models. This allows us to include optical/near-infrared synchrotron emission produced by the sGRB as well as ultraviolet/optical/near-infrared emission powered by the radioactive decay of r-process elements (i.e. the kilonova). Fitting the light curves, we derive the velocity and the mass distribution as well as the composition of the ejected material. The posteriors on kilonova parameters obtained from the fit were turned into distributions for the peak magnitude of the kilonova emission in different bands and the time at which this peak occurs. From the sGRB with an associated kilonova, we found that the peak magnitude in H bands falls in the range [-16.2, -13.1] (95 percent of confidence) and occurs within 0.8-3.6d after the sGRB prompt emission. In g band instead we obtain a peak magnitude in range [-16.8, -12.3] occurring within the first 18 h after the sGRB prompt. From the luminosity distributions of GW170817/AT2017gfo, kilonova candidates GRB130603B, GRB050709, and GRB060614 (with the possible inclusion of GRB150101B, GRB050724A, GRB061201, GRB080905A, GRB150424A, and GRB160821B) and the upper limits from all the other sGRBs not associated with any kilonova detection we obtain for the first time a kilonova luminosity distribution in different bands.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Comparison of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s CAP88 PC versions 3.0 and 4.0

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) with the assistance of Georgia Regents University, completed a comparison of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) environmental dosimetry code CAP88 PC V3.0 with the recently developed V4.0. CAP88 is a set of computer programs and databases used for estimation of dose and risk from radionuclide emissions to air. At the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, CAP88 is used by SRNL for determining compliance with EPA's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40 CFR 61, Subpart H) regulations. Using standardized input parameters, individual runs were conducted for each radionuclide within its corresponding database. Some radioactive decay constants, human usage parameters, and dose coefficients changed between the two versions, directly causing a proportional change in the total effective 137 Cs, 3 H, 129 I, 239 Pu, and 90 Sr) is provided. In general, the total effective doses will decrease for alpha/beta emitters because of reduced inhalation and ingestion rates in V4.0. However, for gamma emitters, such as 60 Co and 137 Cs, the total effective doses will increase because of changes EPA made in the external ground shine calculations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Search for Dark Matter Induced Deexcitation of 180 Ta m

Weak-scale dark matter particles, in collisions with nuclei, can mediate transitions between different nuclear energy levels. In particular, owing to sizeable momentum exchange, dark matter particles can enable de-excitation of nuclear isomers that are extremely long lived with respect to regular radioactive decays. In this paper, we utilize data from a past experiment with 180 Ta m to search for γ-lines that would accompany dark matter induced de-excitation of this isomer. Non-observation of such transitions above background yields the first direct constraint on the lifetime of 180 Ta m against DM-initiated transitions: T 1/2 > 1.3 × 10 14 a at 90% C.I. Using this result, we derive novel constraints on dark matter models with strongly interacting relics, and on models with inelastic dark matter particles. Existing constraints are strengthened by this independent new method. As a result, the obtained limits are also valid for the Standard Model γ-decay of 180 Ta m .

150 ≤ A ≤ 189↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dark Matter Constraints from Isomeric 178⁢m Hf

In this article, we describe a first measurement of the radiation from a 178⁢m Hf sample to search for dark matter. The $\gamma$ flux from this sample, possessed by Los Alamos National Laboratory nuclear chemistry, was measured with a Ge detector at a distance of 1.2 m due to its high activity. We search for $\gamma$’s that cannot arise from the radioactive decay of 178⁢m Hf but might arise from the production of a nuclear state due to the inelastic scattering with dark matter. The limits obtained on this $\gamma$ flux are then translated into constraints on the parameter space of inelastic dark matter. Finally, we describe the potential reach of future studies with 178⁢m Hf.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Kilonova light-curve interpolation with neural networks

Kilonovae are the electromagnetic transients created by the radioactive decay of freshly synthesized elements in the environment surrounding a neutron star merger. To study the fundamental physics in these complex environments, kilonova modeling requires, in part, the use of radiative transfer simulations. The microphysics involved in these simulations results in high computational cost, prompting the use of emulators for parameter inference applications. Utilizing a training set of 22 248 high-fidelity simulations (composed of 412 unique ejecta parameter combinations evaluated at 54 viewing angles), we use a neural network to efficiently train on existing radiative transfer simulations and predict light curves for new parameters in a fast and computationally efficient manner. Our neural network can generate millions of new light curves in under a minute. We discuss our emulator's degree of off-sample reliability and parameter inference of the AT2017gfo observational data. Finally, we discuss tension introduced by multiband inference in the parameter inference results, particularly with regard to the neural network's recovery of viewing angle. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-I-56: High-Precision Gamma-Ray Analysis of Medical Isotopes

Purpose: Advanced, time-resolved, Compton-suppressed gamma-ray spectroscopy with germanium detectors is implemented for assaying medical isotopes to study the radioactive decay process leading to a more accurate appraisal of the received dose and treatment planning. Lowell’s Array for Radiological Assay (LARA), a detector array that is comprised of six Compton-suppressed high-purity germanium detectors, is currently under development at UMass-Lowell which combines Compton-suppression and time-and-angle correlations to allow for highly efficient and highly sensitive measurements. Methods: Two isotopes produced Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP) were investigated. {sup 82}Sr which is the parent isotope for producing {sup 82}Rb is often used in cardiac PET. {sup 82}Sr gamma-ray spectrum is dominated by the 511keV photons from positron annihilation which prevent precise measurement of co-produced contaminant isotopes. A second project was to investigate the production of platinum isotopes. Natural platinum was bombarded with protons from 53MeV to 200MeV. The resulting spectrum was complicated due to the large number of stable platinum isotopes in the target, the variety of open reaction channels (p,xn), (p,pxn), (p,axn). Results: By using face-to-face NaI(Tl) counters 90-degrees to the Compton-suppressed germaniums to detect the 511keV photons, a much cleaner and more sensitive measurement of {sup 85}Sr and other contaminants was obtained. For the platinum target, we identified the production of {sup 188–189–191–195}Pt, {sup 191–192–193–194–195–196}Au and {sup 186–188–189–190–192–194–189–190–192–194}Ir. For example, at the lower energies (53 and 65MeV), we measured {sup 191}Pt production cross-sections of 144mb and 157mb. Considerable care was needed in following the process of dissolving and diluting the samples to get consistent results. The new LARA array will help us better ascertain the absolute efficiency of the counting system and more reliable production cross-sections. Conclusion: Modern HPGe spectroscopic techniques provide enhanced sensitivity, promising precise quantification of the quality of radioisotopes used in medical physics. Using new decay information may have non-trivial impact on treatment planning and dose-assessment.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-03: Radiobiological Evaluation of a Directional Brachytherapy Device Surgically Implanted Following EBRT

Purpose: Preceding surgical implantation following external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) delivery, a radiobiological evaluation was performed for a new LDR Pd-103 directional brachytherapy device (CivaSheet). As this was the first case with the device used in combination with EBRT, there was concern to determine the appropriate prescription dose. Methods: The radiobiological model of Dale (1985, 1989) was used for a permanent LDR implant including radioactive decay. The biological effective dose (BED) was converted to the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) for comparison with EBRT prescription expectations. Given IMRT delivery of 50.4 Gy, an LDR brachytherapy dose of approximately 15–20 Gy EQD2 was desired. To be specific to the treatment site (leiomyosarcoma T2bN0M0, grade 2 with R1 surgical margin), the radiobiological model required several radiobiological parameters with values taken from the literature. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine their relative importance on the calculated BED and subsequent EQD2. The Pd-103 decay constant (λ=0.0017 h{sup −1}) was also used. DVHs were prepared for pre- and post-surgical geometries to glean the possible and realized implant geometric configuration. DVHs prepared in VariSeed9 were converted to BEDVHs and subsequently EQD2 values for each volume-element. Results: For a physical dose of 28 Gy to a 0.5 cm depth, BED=21.7 Gy and EQD2=17.6 Gy, which was near the center of the desired EQD2 range. Tumor bed (CTV=4 cm{sup 3}) coverage was 99.2% with 48 sources implanted. In order of decreasing importance from the sensitivity analysis, the radiobiological parameters were α=0.25 Gy{sup −1}, T{sub POT}=23 days, α/β=8.6 Gy, and T=1.5 h. Percentage variations in these values produced EQD2 variations of 40%, 20%, 18%, and 1%, respectively. Conclusion: This radiobiological evaluation indicated that prescription dose may be determined for comparison with the desired EQD2, and that radiobiologicalparameter uncertainties produce smaller EQD2 differences than had physical dose been simply added to EBRT dose. Research support provided in part by CivaTech Oncology, Inc. for Dr. Rivard.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗