SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “compton scattering”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1998

Galaxy Cluster Shapes and Systematic Errors in the Hubble Constant as Determined by the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect

Imaging of the Sunyaev-Zei'dovich (S-Z) effect in galaxy clusters combined with the cluster plasma x-ray diagnostics can measure the cosmic distance scale to high accuracy. However, projecting the inverse-Compton scattering and x-ray emission along the cluster line-of-sight will introduce systematic errors in the Hubble constant, H$-O$, because the true shape of the cluster is not known. This effect remains present for clusters that are otherwise chosen to avoid complications for the S-Z and x-ray analysis, such as plasma temperature variations, cluster substructure, or cluster dynamical evolution. In this paper we present a study of the systematic errors in the value of H$-0$, as determined by the x-ray and S-Z properties of a theoretical sample of triaxial isothermal 'beta-model' clusters, caused by projection effects and observer orientation relative to the model clusters' principal axes. The model clusters are not generated as ellipsoids of rotation, but have three independent 'core radii', as well as a random orientation to the plane of the sky.

Sulkanen, Martin E.↗

NASA NTRS1998

A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Galactic Gamma-Ray Emission Resulting from Cosmic-Ray Interaction with the Interstellar Gas and Radiation Fields

This final report outlines the progress of the contractor's support for the analysis of data under ADP (NRA 96-ADP-08; Proposal No. 167-96 adp). The primary task object was to construct a 3-D model for the distribution of high-energy (20 MeV-30 GeV) gamma-ray emission in the Galactic disk. Under this task the contractor was to utilize data from the EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, HI and CO surveys, radio-continuum surveys at 408 MHz, 1420 MHz, 5 GHz, and 19 GHz, the COBE Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) all-sky maps from I to 240 um, and ground-based B,V, J, H and K photometry. The respective contributions to the high-latitude gamma-ray emission from cosmic ray-matter interactions, inverse Compton scattering, and extra-galactic emission were to be determined.

Sodraski, Thomas J.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Galaxy Cluster Shapes and Systematic Errors in H_0 as Determined by the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect

Imaging of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect in galaxy clusters combined with cluster plasma x-ray diagnostics promises to measure the cosmic distance scale to high accuracy. However, projecting the inverse-Compton scattering and x-ray emission along the cluster line-of-sight will introduce systematic error's in the Hubble constant, H_0, because the true shape of the cluster is not known. In this paper we present a study of the systematic errors in the value of H_0, as determined by the x-ray and SZ properties of theoretical samples of triaxial isothermal "beta-model" clusters, caused by projection effects and observer orientation relative to the model clusters' principal axes. We calculate three estimates for H_0 for each cluster, based on their large and small apparent angular core radii, and their arithmetic mean. We average the estimates for H_0 for a sample of 25 clusters and find that the estimates have limited systematic error: the 99.7% confidence intervals for the mean estimated H_0 analyzing the clusters using either their large or mean angular core r;dius are within 14% of the "true" (assumed) value of H_0 (and enclose it), for a triaxial beta model cluster sample possessing a distribution of apparent x-ray cluster ellipticities consistent with that of observed x-ray clusters.

Sulkanen, Martin E.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Multiwavelength Properties of Blazars

The multiwavelength spectra of blazars appear to be dominated by nonthermal emission from a relativistic jet oriented close to the line of sight. The recent detection of many blazars at gamma-ray energies strongly supports this scenario. High quality multiwavelength monitoring data for the brightest one or two blazars suggest the optical through X-ray continuum is synchrotron emission from an inhomogeneous jet. The gamma-rays are likely due to Compton scattering of lower energy photons, either from within the jet or from the surrounding gas. The physical properties of the jet and the way in which it is produced are still largely a mystery but are probably related in some way to accretion onto a central supermassive black hole. There is little direct observational evidence for accretion disks in blazars, although there is evidence for winds which might emanate from disks.

Urry, C. Megan↗

NASA NTRS1998

Multiwavelength Properties of Blazars

Urry, C. Megan↗

NASA NTRS1999

A Highly Doppler Blueshifted Fe-K Emission Line in the High-Redshift QSO PKS 2149-306

We report the results from an ASCA observation of the high-luminosity, radioloud quasar PKS 2149-306 (redshift 2.345), covering the approximately 1.7 - 30 keV band in the quasar-frame. We find the source to have a luminosity of approximately 6 x 10(exp 47) ergs/s in the 2 - 10 keV band (quasar frame). We detect an emission line centered at approximately 17 keV in the quasar frame. Line emission at this energy has not been observed in any other active galaxy or quasar to date. We present evidence rejecting the possibility that this line is the result of instrumental artifacts, or a serendipitous source. The most likely explanation is blueshifted Fe-K emission (the equivalent width, is EW approximately 300 +/- 200 eV, quasar frame). Bulk velocities of the order of 0.75c are implied by the data. We show that Fe-K line photons originating in an accretion disk and Compton-scattering off a leptonic jet aligned along the disk axis can account for the emission line. Curiously. if the emission-line feature recently discovered in another quasar (PKS 0637-752, z = 0.654) at 1.6 keV in the quasar frame, is due to blueshifted OVII emission, the Doppler blueshifting factor in both quasars is similar (approximately 2.7 - 2.8).

Yaqoob, Tahir↗

NASA NTRS1999

Multiwavelength Observations of Mkn 501 During the 1997 High State

During the observation period 1977, the close Blazar Mkn 501 showed extremely strong emission and high variability. We examine multiwavelength aspects of this event using Radio optical, soft and hard X-ray and TeV data. We concentrate on the medium-timescale variability of the broadband spectra averaged over 1-week intervals. We confirm the previously found correlation between soft and hard X-ray emission and the at TeV energies while the source shows only minor variability at radio and optical wavelengths. The non-linear correlation between hard X-ray and TeV fluxes is consistent with a simple analytic estimate based on an SSC model in which Klein-Nishina effects are important for the highest-energy electrons in the jet and flux; variations are caused by variations of the electron density and/or the spectral index of the electron injection spectrum. The time-averaged spectra are fitted with an SSC dominated leptonic jet model using the full Klein-Nishina cross section and following the self-consistent evolution of relativistic particles along the jet accounting for gamma gamma absorption and pair production within the source as well as due to the intergalactic infrared red background radiation. The contribution from external inverse-Compton scattering is tightly constrained by the low maximum EGRET flux and found co be negligible.

Petry, D.↗

NASA NTRS1999

X-Ray Spectral Studies of AGN with the ASCA Satellite

This project involved the interpretation of Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) observations of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), with emphasis on four different aspects of the AGN phenomenon: (1) Absorption by hot gas in blazars: This anomalous absorption was detected in several objects, notably the BL Lacertae (BL Lac) object 1426+428. (2) Separation of blazar and Seyfert components in superluminal radio galaxies and quasars: Both components were found in the radio galaxies samples, but with no clear trend in which dominates. (3) Detection of high energy Compton components in blazars: Both BL Lacs and quasars show hard X-ray spectra that represent the onset of the Compton-scattered gamma-ray component. (4) Correlation of X- and gamma-ray emission in blazars: Several multiwavelength monitoring campaigns showed a correlation between X- and gamma-rays in blazars.

Urry, C. Megan↗

NASA NTRS1999

Probing Blazar Structure Through Multiwavelength Variability

This was a project to understand the multiwavelength variability of blazars, via monitoring with the XTE satellite and many other space- and ground-based observatories. Blazars are dominated by strong nonthermal emission, we now know, due to relativistic beaming in an aligned jet. Thus they are ideal laboratories for studying jet physics. The physical scales of the inner, energetically dominant jets are generally too small to resolve with current or next-generation instruments, so we used variability to probe the balance between acceleration/injection of energetic particles and radiative/other losses, and to infer jet structure. Our work has shown that the radio through UV-X-ray emission is produced via synchrotron radiation, and that at the peak frequency and above, the emission region is approximately homogeneous. A separate gamma-ray component, which is often energetically dominant, varies in a correlated way but with larger amplitude, suggesting it is produced when the synchrotron-emitting electrons Compton scatter soft photons (though other possibilities remain viable). With RXTE we carried out two intensive monitoring campaigns on the blazar PKS2155-304, in May 1996 and November 1996. Analysis and interpretation of these data constituted the main activities under this grant. The results have been presented at several meetings, and a number of publications have resulted from this work. In addition, a final paper for a refereed publication is in final draft form, as are companion papers based on simultaneous Rosat and EUVE results.

Urry, C. Megan↗

NASA NTRS1999

SOLPOL: A Solar Polarimeter for Hard X-Rays and Gamma-Rays

Th goal of this project was to continue the development of a hard X-ray polarimeter for studying solar flares. In earlier work (funded by a previous SR&T grant), we had already achieved several goals, including the following: 1) development of a means of producing a polarized radiation source in the lab that could be used for prototype development; 2) demonstrated the basic Compton scatter polarimeter concept using a simple laboratory setup; 3) used the laboratory results to verify our Monte Carlo simulations; and 4) investigated various detector technologies that could be incorporated into the polarimeter design. For the current one-year program, we wanted to fabricate and test a laboratory science model based on our SOLPOL (Solar Polarimeter) design. The long-term goal of this effort is to develop and test a prototype design that could be used to study flare emissions from either a balloon- or space-borne platform. The current program has achieved its goal of fabricating and testing a science model of the SOLPOL design, although additional testing of the design (and detailed comparison with Monte Carlo simulations) is still desired. This one-year program was extended by six months (no-cost extension) to cover the summer of 1999, when undergraduate student support was available to complete some of the laboratory testing.

McConnell, Michael L.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Guest Investigator Program

This paper presents a final report for the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Guest Investigator Program from 06/01/91-07/31/97. The topics include: 1) Solar Flare Neutron Spectra and Accelerated Ions; 2) Gamma Ray Lines From The Orion Complex; 3) Implications of Nuclear Line Emission From The Orion Complex; 4) Possible Sites of Nuclear Line Emission From Massive OB Associations; 5) Gamma-Ray Burst Repitition and BATSE Position Uncertainties; 6) Effects of Compton Scattering on BATSE Gamma-Ray Burst Spectra; and 7) Selection Biases on the Spectral and Temporal Distribution of Gamma Ray Bursts.

Lingenfelter, Richard E.↗

NASA NTRS2000

A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Galactic Gamma-Ray Emission Resulting from Cosmic-Ray Interactions with the Interstellar Gas and Radiation Fields

The primary task objective is to construct a 3-D model for the distribution of high-energy (20 MeV - 30 GeV) gamma-ray emission in the Galactic disk. Under this task the contractor will utilize data from the EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, H I and CO surveys, radio-continuum surveys at 408 MHz, 1420 MHz, 5 GHz, and 19 GHz, the COBE Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) all-sky maps from 1 to 240 microns, and ground-based B, V, J, H, and K photometry. The respective contributions to the gamma-ray emission from cosmic ray/matter interactions, inverse Compton scattering, and extragalactic emission will be determined.

Sodroski, Thomas J.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Cosmic Rays and Their Radiative Processes in Numerical Cosmology

A cosmological hydrodynamic code is described, which includes a routine to compute cosmic ray acceleration and transport in a simplified way. The routine was designed to follow explicitly diffusive, acceleration at shocks, and second-order Fermi acceleration and adiabatic loss in smooth flows. Synchrotron cooling of the electron population can also be followed. The updated code is intended to be used to study the properties of nonthermal synchrotron emission and inverse Compton scattering from electron cosmic rays in clusters of galaxies, in addition to the properties of thermal bremsstrahlung emission from hot gas. The results of a test simulation using a grid of 128 (exp 3) cells are presented, where cosmic rays and magnetic field have been treated passively and synchrotron cooling of cosmic ray electrons has not been included.

Ryu, Dongsu↗

NASA NTRS1999

Revisit to the RXTE and ASCA Data for GRO J1655-40: Effects of Radiative Transfer in Corona and Color Hardening in the Disk

The results of spectral modeling of the data for a series of RXTE observations and four ASCA observations of GRO J1655-40 are presented. The thermal Comptonization model is used instead of the power-law model for the hard component of the two-component continuum spectra. The previously reported dramatic variations of the apparent inner disk radius of GRO J1655-40 during its outburst may be due to the inverse Compton scattering in the hot corona. A procedure is developed for making the radiative transfer correction to the fitting parameters from RXTE data and a more stable inner disk radius is obtained. A practical process of determining the color correction (hardening) factor from observational data is proposed and applied to the four ASCA observations of GRO J1655-40. We found that the color correction factor may vary significantly between different observations and the finally corrected physical inner disk radius remains reasonably stable over a large range of luminosity and spectral states.

Zhang, S. Nan↗

NASA NTRS2001

An XMM-Newton Study of 9SGR and the Lagoon Nebula

We report preliminary results of an XMM-Newton observation of the 04 V star 9 Sgr (= HD 164794). 9 Sgr is one of a few single OB stars that display a non-thermal radio emission attributed to synchrotron emission by relativistic electrons. Inverse Compton scattering of photospheric UV photons by these relativistic electrons is a priori expected to generate a non-thermal power-law tail in the X-ray spectrum. Our EPIC and RGS spectra of 9 Sgr suggest a more complex situation than expected from this 'simple' theoretical picture. Furthermore, soft-band EPIC images of the region around 9 Sgr reveal a number of point sources inside the Lagoon Nebula (M8). Most of these sources have optical counterparts inside the very young open cluster NGC 6530 and several X-ray sources are associated with low and intermediate mass pre-main sequence stars. Finally, we also detect (probably) diffuse X-ray emission from the Hourglass Region that might reveal a hot bubble blown by the stellar wind of Herschel 36, the ionizing star of the HG region.

Rauw, G.↗

NASA NTRS2001

A 3-Dimensional Analysis of the Galactic Gamma-Ray Emission Resulting from Cosmic-Ray Interactions with the Interstellar Gas and Radiation Fields

The contractor will provide support for the analysis of data under ADP (NRA 96-ADP- 09; Proposal No . 167-96adp). The primary task objective is to construct a 3-D model for the distribution of high-energy (20 MeV - 30 GeV) gamma-ray emission in the Galactic disk. Under this task the contractor will utilize data from the EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, H I and CO surveys, radio-continuum surveys at 408 MHz, 1420 MHz, 5 GHz, and 19 GHz, the COBE Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIME) all-sky maps from 1 to 240 p, and ground-based B, V, J, H, and K photometry. The respective contributions to the gamma-ray emission from cosmic ray/matter interactions, inverse Compton scattering, and extragalactic emission will be determined.

Sodroski, Thomas J.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Non-Thermal Hard X-Ray Emission in Galaxy Clusters Observed with the BeppoSAX PDS

We studied the X-ray emission in a sample of clusters using the BeppoSAX PDS instrument in the 20 -- 80 keV energy band. We estimated the non-thermal cluster emission (HXR) by modeling the thermal contribution from the cluster gas and the non-thermal contamination from the AGN in the field, and propagating the corresponding uncertainties. We also evaluated and propagated the systematic uncertainties due to the background fluctuations. The resulting non-thermal component is detected at a sigma level in approx. 50 % of the non-significantly AGN-contaminated clusters, i.e. in clusters A2142, A2256, A3376, Coma, Ophiuchus and Virgo. Furthermore, Virgo is detected at a 4 sigma level. All the clusters detected at a 2 sigma level exhibit some degree of merger signatures, i.e. deviations from the azimuthally symmetric brightness and temperature distributions, while the relaxed clusters are detected at a lower confidence. The data are consistent with a scenario whereby relaxed clusters have no non-thermal hard X-ray component, whereas merger clusters do, with a 20 -- 80 keV luminosity of approx. 10(exp 42-44)((h(sub 50))(exp -2))(erg/s). Consistent with merger boosting of cluster temperatures, the non-thermal luminosity increases by 2-3 orders of magnitude between the average cluster temperatures 2 and 10 keV, as L(sub NTE) is proportional to T(sup j) with j = 2.4+/-0.3. These results corroborate the assumption which is the essential element in most non-thermal hard X-ray emission models. The co-added spectrum of all non-significantly AGN-contaminated clusters indicates a power-law spectrum for the non-thermal component with a photon index of 1.5+/-0.25 at 1 sigma confidence level. Unless there is a high energy cut-off in the electron velocity distribution, the total spectrum implies that Inverse Compton scatter of Cosmic Microwave Background photons from electron population dominates over the non-thermal bremsstrahlung in producing hard X-rays in clusters on the merger shock acceleration of electrons in clusters.

Nevalainen, Jukka H.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Origin of Dips in 4U1915-05

This grant supported our participation in a proposal submitted by Didier Barret to conduct a study of the dipping LMXB 4U1915-05. In this Final Report, we summarize the Scientific Objectives of this investigation and the results achieved. Data analysis is still in progress and publication of results will be forthcoming.Our objectives in this work have been to study: 1. Spectra of dips in 4 Ul916-05: This low mass x-ray binary (LMXB) is a 50min binary system and the first to show x-ray dip behaviour. Our XMM observation was proposed to study the x-ray spectra of the dips to better constrain their physical properties. Of primary interest is the variation of the absorbing column density as a function of flux in the dip. We wish to isolate the absorption from Compton scattering components in the dip spectra, and to use the large throughput of XMM to better constrain short timescale variations of the spectrum in the dips. 2. Period of the dips and long-term ephemeris: We also seek to improve upon the long- term ephemeris of the dips by combining these more recent XMM data with earlier RXTE data to update the ephemeris for dips and the determination of the dip period to further test whether the dip period represents the true binary period of this LMXB. We shall extend the ephemeris published by Chou, Grindlay and Bloser 2001, ApJ, 549, 1135) to test the assertion of Retter, Chou et a1 2002, MNRAS, 330, 37 that the dips are indeed the binary period and not a precession period. 1 3 Results Achieved The observations for this program were delayed, presumably for reasons related to the general difficulty of scheduling XMM targets in this region moderately close to the Cygnus region. 4'171916-05 was finally observed (2lksec) on April 24, 2002, but the data have not been delivered. A second observation was conducted on September 9, 2002 (18ksec) and the data are still being analyzed. 4 Papers Presented and Published A paper is in preparation for Astronomy and Astrophysics in which the full results of this investigation will be reported. 1. Barret, D. et a1 2003, Astron. and Astophys.,in press. 2

Grindlay, Jonathan E.↗