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At least 721 records · Page 40

Imaging Large Scale Structure in the X-ray Sky

We present the first results of a wide solid angle, moderately deep Chandra survey of the Lockman Hole North West Region. Our 9 ACIS-I fields cover an effective solid angle of 0.33 sq deg and reach a depth of 3 x 10(exp -16) erg/sq cm/s in the 0.4-2 keV band, and 3 x 10(exp -15) erg/sq cm/s in the 2-8 keV band. The best fit logN-logS for the entire field, the largest contiguous Chandra field yet observed, matches well onto that of the Chandra Deep Field North. This indicates that over 90% of the 2-8 keV X-ray background is resolved into point sources. We show that the full range of the 'cosmic variance' previously seen in different Chandra fields can be reproduced in a small region of the sky. The count-in-cells analysis shows that the 2-10 keV band sources have much larger angular correlation scale than that of the 0.4-2 keV band. We found the large difference is likely to be caused by a stronger spatial correlation in the hard band sources rather than the redshift effect.

Yang, Y.↗

Challenges for a QCD axion at the 10 MeV scale

We report on an interesting realization of the QCD axion, with mass in the range $\mathcal{O}$(10) MeV. It has previously been shown that although this scenario is stringently constrained from multiple sources, the model remains viable for a range of parameters that leads to an explanation of the Atomki experiment anomaly. In this article we study in more detail the additional constraints proceeding from recent low energy experiments and study the compatibility of the allowed parameter space with the one leading to consistency of the most recent measurements of the electron anomalous magnetic moment and the fine structure constant. We further provide an ultraviolet completion of this axion variant and show the conditions under which it may lead to the observed quark masses and CKM mixing angles, and remain consistent with experimental constraints on the extended scalar sector appearing in this Standard Model extension. In particular, the decay of the Standard Model-like Higgs boson into two light axions may be relevant and leads to a novel Higgs boson signature that may be searched for at the LHC in the near future.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

High-intensity source of extreme ultraviolet

High intensity ultraviolet radiation source was developed which is suitable for emission below 500 A. Source, useful for 100 to 1000 A range, is simple and inexpensive to construct, easy to operate, and very stable. Because of sufficiently intense output spectrum, source can be used with monochromator at wavelengths as low as 160 A.

Paresce, E.↗

Do the compact radio sources in NGC 253 and M82 fade over time?

The nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253 has been observed at a third epoch at 6 cm, and a second epoch at 3.6 cm, using the highest resolution configuration of the Very Large Array (VLA). Over a total time span of 4 yr between 1987 and 1991, no new compact radio sources have appeared. The flux density limit ranges from 3 mJy (3 times the power of Cas A) for most of the main body of the source to approximately 0.3 mJy off the diffuse source surrounding the nucleus. Furthermore, there is no evidence for significant source fading over 4 yr, in contrast to the result reported by Kronberg & Sramek (1985) for M82. More recent data suggest that, except for the strongest source in that galaxy, the compact radio sources in M82 may not be fading after all. If this suggestion proves correct, supernova rates of 0.2-0.3/yr in M82, estimated based on the assumed source fading, are incorrect. More accurate limits on source fading indicate that the current rate of production of radio supernovae in M82 is no greater than 0.1/yr, while that in NGC 253 is no greater than 0.25/yr.

Ulvestad, James S.↗

VerSoX B07-B: a high-throughput XPS and ambient pressure NEXAFS beamline at Diamond Light Source

The beamline optics and endstations at branch B of the Versatile Soft X-ray (VerSoX) beamline B07 at Diamond Light Source are described. B07-B provides medium-flux X-rays in the range 45-2200 eV from a bending magnet source, giving access to local electronic structure for atoms of all elements from Li to Y. It has an endstation for high-throughput X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) measurements under ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) conditions. B07-B has a second endstation dedicated to NEXAFS at pressures from UHV to ambient pressure (1 atm). The combination of these endstations permits studies of a wide range of interfaces and materials. The beamline and endstation designs are discussed in detail, as well as their performance and the commissioning process.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Design Basis Document / Owner’s Technical Specification for Nitrate Salt Systems in CSP Projects: Hypothesis of Hot Tank Failure

Work has begun on a Design Basis Document / Owner’s Technical Specification for parabolic trough and central receiver power plants using nitrate salt as the heat transport fluid and the thermal storage medium. A principal topic of recent interest is the failures of the hot salt tanks in central receiver projects. The paper outlines a hypothesis for the source of the failures, and discusses a range of possible solutions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Accurate radio positions with the Tidbinbilla interferometer

The Tidbinbilla interferometer (Batty et al., 1977) is designed specifically to provide accurate radio position measurements of compact radio sources in the Southern Hemisphere with high sensitivity. The interferometer uses the 26-m and 64-m antennas of the Deep Space Network at Tidbinbilla, near Canberra. The two antennas are separated by 200 m on a north-south baseline. By utilizing the existing antennas and the low-noise traveling-wave masers at 2.29 GHz, it has been possible to produce a high-sensitivity instrument with a minimum of capital expenditure. The north-south baseline ensures that a good range of UV coverage is obtained, so that sources lying in the declination range between about -80 and +30 deg may be observed with nearly orthogonal projected baselines of no less than about 1000 lambda. The instrument also provides high-accuracy flux density measurements for compact radio sources.

Batty, M. J.↗

Investigating Ozone Sources in California Using AJAX Airborne Measurements and Models: Implications for Stratospheric Intrusion and Long Range Transport

High ozone concentrations at low altitudes near the surface were detected from airborne Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) measurements on May 30, 2012. We investigate the causes of the elevated ozone concentrations using the airborne measurements and various models. GEOSchem and WRF-STILT model simulations show that the contribution from local sources is small. From MERRA reanalysis, it is found that high potential vorticity (PV) is observed at low altitudes. This high PV appears to be only partially coming through the stratospheric intrusions because the air inside the high PV region is moist, which shows that mixing appears to be enhanced in the low altitudes. Considering that diabatic heating can also produce high PV in the lower troposphere, high ozone is partially coming through stratospheric intrusion, but this cannot explain the whole ozone concentration in the target areas of the western U.S. A back-trajectory model is utilized to see where the air masses originated. The air masses of the target areas came from the lower stratosphere (LS), upper (UT), mid- (MT), and lower troposphere (LT). The relative number of trajectories coming from LS and UT is low (7.7% and 7.6%, respectively) compared to that from LT (64.1%), but the relative ozone concentration coming from LS and UT is high (38.4% and 20.95%, respectively) compared to that from LT (17.7%). The air mass coming from LT appears to be mostly coming from Asia. Q diagnostics show that there is sufficient mixing along the trajectory to indicate that ozone from the different origins is mixed and transported to the western U.S. This study shows that high ozone concentrations can be detected by airborne measurements, which can be analyzed by integrated platforms such as models, reanalysis, and satellite data.

gas composition↗

Automatic Locking of Laser Frequency to an Absorption Peak

An electronic system adjusts the frequency of a tunable laser, eventually locking the frequency to a peak in the optical absorption spectrum of a gas (or of a Fabry-Perot cavity that has an absorption peak like that of a gas). This system was developed to enable precise locking of the frequency of a laser used in differential absorption LIDAR measurements of trace atmospheric gases. This system also has great commercial potential as a prototype of means for precise control of frequencies of lasers in future dense wavelength-division-multiplexing optical communications systems. The operation of this system is completely automatic: Unlike in the operation of some prior laser-frequency-locking systems, there is ordinarily no need for a human operator to adjust the frequency manually to an initial value close enough to the peak to enable automatic locking to take over. Instead, this system also automatically performs the initial adjustment. The system (see Figure 1) is based on a concept of (1) initially modulating the laser frequency to sweep it through a spectral range that includes the desired absorption peak, (2) determining the derivative of the absorption peak with respect to the laser frequency for use as an error signal, (3) identifying the desired frequency [at the very top (which is also the middle) of the peak] as the frequency where the derivative goes to zero, and (4) thereafter keeping the frequency within a locking range and adjusting the frequency as needed to keep the derivative (the error signal) as close as possible to zero. More specifically, the system utilizes the fact that in addition to a zero crossing at the top of the absorption peak, the error signal also closely approximates a straight line in the vicinity of the zero crossing (see Figure 2). This vicinity is the locking range because the linearity of the error signal in this range makes it useful as a source of feedback for a proportional + integral + derivative control scheme that constantly adjusts the frequency in an effort to drive the error to zero. When the laser frequency deviates from the midpeak value but remains within the locking range, the magnitude and sign of the error signal indicate the amount of detuning and the control circuitry adjusts the frequency by what it estimates to be the negative of this amount in an effort to bring the error to zero.

Koch, Grady J.↗

Radio Sources in Galaxy Clusters at 28.5 GHz

We present serendipitous observations of radio sources at 28.5 GHz (1 cm), which resulted from our program to image thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect in 56 galaxy clusters. In a total area of about 0.8 degrees sq., we find 64 radio sources with fluxes down to - 0.4 mJy (> 4sigma,), and within 250" from the pointing centers. The spectral indices (S varies as v(sup -alpha) of 54 sources with published low frequency flux densities range from -0.6 approximately < alpha and alpha approximately < 2 with a mean of 0.77 +/- 0.06, and a median of 0.84. Extending low frequency surveys of radio sources towards galaxy clusters CL 0016+16, Abell 665, and Abell 2218 to 28.5 GHz, and selecting sources with S(sub l.4GHz) >/= 7 mJy to form an unbiased sample, we find a mean spectral index of 0.71 +/- 0.08 and a median of 0.71. We find 4 to 7 times more sources predicted from a low frequency survey in areas without galaxy clusters. This excess cannot be accounted for by gravitational lensing of a background radio population by cluster potentials, indicating most of the detected sources are associated with galaxy clusters. The differential source count slope, gamma is approximately 1.96 (dN/dS varies as S(exp -gamma)), is flatter than what is expected for a nonevolving Euclidean population (gamma = 2.5). For the cluster Abell 2218, the presence of unsubtracted radio sources with S(sub 28.5GHz) is approximately < 0.5 mJy (- 5 sigma), can only contribute to temperature fluctuations at a level of DeltaT is approximately 10 to 25 microK. The corresponding error due to radio point source contamination in the Hubble constant derived through a combined analysis of 28.5 GHz SZ images and X-ray emission observations ranges from 1% to 6%.

Cooray, Asantha R.↗

Diffraction properties of cylindrically bent KAP crystals in energy range of 2.3–7.5 keV using synchrotron radiation

Verification of physics models and computer simulations are heavily reliant upon the accuracy of experimental measurements. Calibration of instrument responses becomes an important step to achieve this goal. This paper presents systematic studies of bent potassium acid phthalate (KAP) crystals using Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, Advanced Light Source, beamline 9.3.1 in the energy range of 2.3 to 7.5 keV. A set of KAP crystals, gradually bent from flat up to a 50.8 mm cylindrical curvature. The measured integrated reflectivity for this set of KAP crystals shows good agreement with the X-ray Oriented Program (XOP) calculations when adjusting the Debye–Waller temperature factor and using the multilamellar model in the calculations. Significant differences in rocking curve profiles were observed between experimental measurements and theory. A forward convolution model and software code were developed to include experimental parameters, allowing the investigation of the difference between measurements and calculations. After considering the experimental parameters, good agreements were obtained for the rocking curve profiles for all bending radii with a unique set of parameters. Our results show that XOP can be a useful and reliable tool to predict performance of cylindrically bent KAP crystals in this energy range.

Wu, Ming↗

Investigation of Ozone Sources in California Using AJAX Airborne Measurements and Models: Implications for Stratospheric Intrusion and Long Range Transport

High ozone concentrations at low altitudes near the surface were detected from airborne Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) measurements on May 30, 2012. We investigate the causes of the elevated ozone concentrations using the airborne measurements and various models. GEOS-chem and WRF-STILT model simulations show that the contribution from local sources is small. From MERRA reanalysis, it is found that high potential vorticity (PV) is observed at low altitudes. This high PV appears to be only partially coming through the stratospheric intrusions because the air inside the high PV region is moist, which shows that mixing appears to be enhanced in the low altitudes. Considering that diabatic heating can also produce high PV in the lower troposphere, high ozone is partially coming through stratospheric intrusion, but this cannot explain the whole ozone concentration in the target areas of the western U.S. A back-trajectory model is utilized to see where the air masses originated. The air masses of the target areas came from the lower stratosphere (LS), upper (UT), mid- (MT), and lower troposphere (LT). The relative number of trajectories coming from LS and UT is low (7.7 and 7.6, respectively) compared to that from LT (64.1), but the relative ozone concentration coming from LS and UT is high (38.4 and 20.95, respectively) compared to that from LT (17.7). The air mass coming from LT appears to be mostly coming from Asia. Q diagnostics show that there is sufficient mixing along the trajectory to indicate that ozone from the different origins is mixed and transported to the western U.S. This study shows that high ozone concentrations can be detected by airborne measurements, which can be analyzed by integrated platforms such as models, reanalysis, and satellite data.

low altitude↗

Formation of the Aerosol of Space Origin in Earth's Atmosphere

The problem of formation of the aerosol of space origin in Earth s atmosphere is examined. Meteoroids of the mass range of 10-18-10-8 g are considered as a source of its origin. The lower bound of the mass range is chosen according to the data presented in literature, the upper bound is determined in accordance with the theory of Whipple s micrometeorites. Basing on the classical equations of deceleration and heating for small meteor bodies we have determined the maximal temperatures of the particles, and altitudes at which they reach critically low velocities, which can be called as velocities of stopping . As a condition for the transformation of a space particle into an aerosol one we have used the condition of non-reaching melting temperature of the meteoroid. The simplified equation of deceleration without earth gravity and barometric formula for the atmosphere density are used. In the equation of heat balance the energy loss for heating is neglected. The analytical solution of the simplified equations is used for the analysis.

Kozak, P. M.↗

Direct density modulation of photo-assisted field emission from an RF cold cathode

This paper explores direct density modulation of high-current electron beam emission from an RF cold cathode using optical excitation. We theoretically study the photo-assisted field emission of periodically bunched electron beams of various pulse shapes under the combined excitation of an RF field and an optical field, using an exact quantum model. Both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed optical fields are considered. The emission current pulse amplitude, pulse width, electron number density per pulse, as well as pulse shape and its harmonic contents are investigated in detail. For CW photon sources in the UV to NIR range (i.e., 200–1200 nm), increasing the optical intensity under an RF bias tends to change the current pulse from a Gaussian to sinusoidal-like shape, thus offering strong flexibility to control the frequency components in beam current emission. Pulsed photon sources combined with an RF field can produce sharp, high-current electron bunches with pulse duration comparable with or even less than that of the optical pulse. A contour map of the density modulation depth is constructed for different combinations of RF and laser fields. The results provide insight into unlocking new opportunities to achieve direct density modulation during electron current emission by optical means.

Physics↗

Flight Phasemeter on the Laser Ranging Interferometer on the GRACE Follow-On Mission

As the first inter-spacecraft laser interferometer, the Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI) on the GRACE Follow-On Mission will demonstrate interferometry technology relevant to the LISA mission. This paper focuses on the completed LRI Laser Ranging Processor (LRP), which includes heterodyne signal phase tracking at µcycle/vHz precision, differential wavefront sensing, offset frequency phase locking and Pound-Drever-Hall laser stabilization. The LRI design has characteristics that are similar to those for LISA: 1064nm NPRO laser source, science bandwidth in the mHz range, MHz-range intermediate frequency and Doppler shift, detected optical power of tens of picoWatts. Laser frequency stabilization has been demonstrated at a level below 30 Hz/vHz, better than the LISA requirement of 300 Hz/vHz. The LRP has completed all performance testing and environmental qualification and has been delivered to the GRACE Follow-On spacecraft. The LRI is poised to test the LISA techniques of tone-assisted time delay interferometry and arm-locking. GRACE Follow-On launches in 2017.

Bachman, B↗

Doppler radar observation of thunderstorm circulation in the 1977 trip program

Storm data obtained on August 1, 1977 are examined in an attempt to interpret the relationship between lightning occurrence and the thunderstorm inner dynamics and precipitation processes. Horizontal maps are presented which indicated the position of radiation sources detected by the Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) network, together with the horizontal motion fields and radar reflectivity data. Detailed inspection of these fields showed that, although radiation sources are found in the vicinity of precipitation cells, they are not located in the heavy precipitation areas, but rather on their rear side in regions where the configuration of the wind fields suggests the presence of updrafts.

Lhermitte, R. M.↗

Extreme and far ultraviolet astronomy from Voyagers 1 and 2

The instrumental characteristics, observational capabilities and scientific results of the Voyager 1 and 2 ultraviolet spectrometers are reviewed. These instruments provide current and ongoing access to low resolution spectra for a wide variety of astronomical sources in the 500 to 1700 A band. Observations of the brightest OB stars and hot subluminous stars as faint as V = 15 mag, are possible. In the EUV, at wavelengths shortward of 900 A, several new sources have been detected and a host of potential sources ruled out. In the far UV, particularly at wavelengths between 900 and 1200 A, Voyager is capable of observing a wide range of stellar and non-stellar sources. Such observations can often provide a valuable complement to IUE and other data sets at longer wavelengths. The Voyager spectrometers have proved remarkably stable photon counting instruments, capable of extremely long integration times. The long integration times, relatively large field of view, and location in the outer solar system also provide an ideal platform for observations of sources of faint diffuse emission, such as nebulae and the general sky background.

Holberg, J. B.↗