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At least 883 records · Page 49

ROTATIONAL CORRECTIONS TO NEUTRON-STAR RADIUS MEASUREMENTS FROM THERMAL SPECTRA

We calculate the rotational broadening in the observed thermal spectra of neutron stars spinning at moderate rates in the Hartle-Thorne approximation. These calculations accurately account for the effects of the second-order Doppler boosts as well as for the oblate shapes and the quadrupole moments of the neutron stars. We find that fitting the spectra and inferring the bolometric fluxes under the assumption that a star is not rotating causes an underestimate of the inferred fluxes and, thus, radii. The correction depends on the stellar spin, mass, radius, and the observer's inclination. For a 10 km, 1.4 M {sub ☉} neutron star spinning at 600 Hz, the rotational correction to the flux is ∼1%-4%, while for a 15 km neutron star with the same spin period, the correction ranges from 2% for pole-on sources to 12% for edge-on sources. We calculate the inclination-averaged corrections to inferred radii as a function of the neutron-star radius and mass and provide an empirical formula for the corrections. For realistic neutron-star parameters (1.4 M {sub ☉}, 12 km, 600 Hz), the stellar radius is on the order of 4% larger than the radius inferred under the assumption that the star is not spinning.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

ON THE GEOMETRIC NATURE OF LOW-FREQUENCY QUASI-PERIODIC OSCILLATIONS IN NEUTRON-STAR LOW-MASS X-RAY BINARIES

We report on a detailed analysis of the so-called ∼1 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in the eclipsing and dipping neutron-star low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748–676. This type of QPO has previously been shown to have a geometric origin. Our study focuses on the evolution of the QPO as the source moves through the color–color diagram in which it traces out an atoll-source-like track. The QPO frequency increases from ∼0.4 Hz in the hard state to ∼25 Hz as the source approaches the soft state. Combining power spectra based on QPO frequency reveals additional features that strongly resemble those seen in non-dipping/eclipsing atoll sources. We show that the low-frequency QPOs in atoll sources and the ∼1 Hz QPO in EXO 0748–676 follow similar relations with respect to the noise components in their power spectra. We conclude that the frequencies of both types of QPOs are likely set by (the same) precession of a misaligned inner accretion disk. For high-inclination systems like EXO 0748–676 this results in modulations of the neutron-star emission due to obscuration or scattering, while for lower-inclination systems the modulations likely arise from relativistic Doppler-boosting and light-bending effects.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

BEAMING AND RAPID VARIABILITY OF HIGH-ENERGY RADIATION FROM RELATIVISTIC PAIR PLASMA RECONNECTION

We report on the first study of the angular distribution of energetic particles and radiation generated in relativistic collisionless electron-positron pair plasma reconnection using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. We discover a strong anisotropy of the particles accelerated by reconnection and the associated strong beaming of their radiation. The focusing of particles and radiation increases with their energy; in this sense, this 'kinetic beaming' effect differs fundamentally from the relativistic Doppler beaming usually invoked in high-energy astrophysics, in which all photons are focused and boosted achromatically. We also present, for the first time, the modeling of the synchrotron emission as seen by an external observer during the reconnection process. The expected light curves comprise several bright symmetric sub-flares emitted by the energetic beam of particles sweeping across the line of sight intermittently, and exhibit super-fast time variability as short as about one-tenth of the system light-crossing time. The concentration of the energetic particles into compact regions inside magnetic islands and particle anisotropy explain the rapid variability. This radiative signature of reconnection can account for the brightness and variability of the gamma-ray flares in the Crab Nebula and in blazars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Broadband Stability of the Habitable Zone Planet Finder Fabry–Pérot Etalon Calibration System: Evidence for Chromatic Variation

The comblike spectrum of a white light–illuminated Fabry–Pérot etalon can serve as a cost-effective and stable reference for precise Doppler measurements. Understanding the stability of these devices across their broad (hundreds of nanometers) spectral bandwidths is essential to realizing their full potential as Doppler calibrators. However, published descriptions remain limited to small bandwidths or short time spans. We present an ∼6 month broadband stability monitoring campaign of the Fabry–Pérot etalon system deployed with the near-infrared Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF) spectrograph. We monitor the wavelengths of each of ∼3500 resonant modes measured in HPF spectra of this Fabry–Pérot etalon (free spectral range = 30 GHz, bandwidth = 820–1280 nm), leveraging the accuracy and precision of an electro-optic frequency comb reference. These results reveal chromatic structure in the Fabry–Pérot mode locations and their evolution with time. We measure an average drift on the order of 2 cm s{sup –1} day{sup −1}, with local departures up to ±5 cm s{sup –1} day{sup −1}. We discuss these behaviors in the context of the Fabry–Pérot etalon mirror dispersion and other optical properties of the system and the implications for the use of similar systems for precise Doppler measurements. Our results show that this system supports the wavelength calibration of HPF at the ≲10 cm s{sup −1} level over a night and the ≲30 cm s{sup −1} level over ∼10 days. Our results also highlight the need for long-term and spectrally resolved study of similar systems that will be deployed to support Doppler measurement precision approaching ∼10 cm s{sup −1}.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The influence of meridional shear on planetary waves. I - Nonsingular wind profiles. II - Critical latitudes

An attempt to define a relationship between the strength and curvature of the latitudinal wind shear and the planetary waves is presented. Previous work based on the WKB method is reviewed and compared with Galerkin's method, which is found to be effective when considering low-order modes. The WKB method, however, increases in accuracy with the mode number. Both methods are applied to a linear wind shear profile and the Galerkin method is determined to be significantly superior in predicting the lowest order, and is therefore suitable for formulating the latitudinal structure of quasi-stationary Rossby waves in the middle atmosphere. In a second paper the mean zonal wind is assumed to depend on latitude only, and the effects of critical latitudes, where the Doppler shifter frequency is zero, on planetary waves are shown to include shear-induced instability in Kelvin waves. Further research to assay the extent that baroclinity alters stable winds is indicated.

Boyd, J. P.↗

Limitations imposed by ionospheric turbulence on satellite-to-satellite Doppler measurement accuracy

For some time the possibility has been considered to perform an accurate survey from orbit of the earth gravity field by making use of low-low, satellite-to-satellite Doppler tracking with a radio link which operates in the frequency band in the range from 50 to 100 GHz. It is, therefore, of interest to discuss the upper bound in Doppler measurement accuracy imposed by the effects of ionospheric turbulence. The present investigation is concerned with the measurement error induced by ionospheric turbulence. The assumptin is made that the so-called ionospheric refractive 'bias' can be removed with one of the multifrequency methods of the current practice.

Grossi, M. D.↗

Image plane detector for the dynamics explorer Fabry-Perot interferometer

A compact twelve-channel photon-counting device based on existing Generation II imaging technology has been developed for use as the image-plane detector of the Dynamics Explorer Fabry-Perot interferometer. The device has an S-20 photocathode, three-microchannel plate electron multiplication stages, and an equal-area concentric-ring segmented anode whose geometry mimics that of the interference ring pattern produced by a plane etalon. The twelve channels sample equal and contiguous intervals in the spectrum. The purpose of the delopment has been to utilize the signal multiplex advantage of a multichannel detector in the measurement of Doppler shifts and line-broadening effects for naturally occurring atmospheric emission features of low intensity. The design, testing, calibration, and flight performance of the novel detector system are presented. In addition, measured emission line profiles at high resolution from the satellite instrument are presented to illustrate the operation of the device.

Killeen, T. L.↗

Deconvolution of diode-laser spectra

A new technique has been developed for deconvolving diode-laser spectra. This technique treats Doppler broadening, collisional broadening, and instrumental effects simultaneously. This technique is superior to previous deconvolution methods in the recovery of line-strength and transition-frequency information. A section of the ethane spectrum near 12 microns is used as an example. This new approach applies to any spectroscopy in which the instrumental resolution is narrower than actual linewidths.

Halsey, G. W.↗

Solar Doppler shifts - Sources of continuous spectra

Oscillation observations can be used to study nonoscillatory solar phenomena that exhibit Doppler shifts. The paper discusses several effects of these phenomena and their associated temporal and spatial power spectra: (1) they limit the signal-to-noise ratio and sometimes detectability of oscillation modes; (2) there is the potential for better understanding and/or detection of solar phenomena; (3) large-scale convection may spatially modulate oscillation modes, leading to a continuous background spectrum; and (4) in regions of the spectrum where the resolution to separate modes is lacking one can determine upper limits for the integrated effects of modes.

Duvall, T. L., Jr.↗

Simulation of electrostatic turbulence in the plasma sheet boundary layer with electron currents and bean-shaped ion beams

Plasma data from ISEE-1 show the presence of electron currents as well as energetic ion beams in the plasma sheet boundary layer. Broadband electrostatic noise and low-frequency electromagnetic bursts are detected in the plasma sheet boundary layer, especially in the presence of strong ion flows, currents, and steep spacial gradients in the fluxes of few-keV electrons and ions. Particle simulations have been performed to investigate electrostatic turbulence driven by a cold electron beam and/or ion beams with a bean-shaped velocity distribution. The simulation results show that the counterstreaming ion beams as well as the counterstreaming of the cold electron beam and the ion beam excite ion acoustic waves with a given Doppler-shifted real frequency. However, the effect of the bean-shaped ion velocity distributions reduces the growth rates of ion acoustic instability. The simulation results also show that the slowing down of the ion bean is larger at the larger perpendicular velocity. The wave spectra of the electric fields at some points of the simulations show turbulence generated by growing waves.

Nishikawa, K.-I.↗

Planar Laser Imaging of Sprays for Liquid Rocket Studies

A planar laser imaging technique which incorporates an optical polarization ratio technique for droplet size measurement was studied. A series of pressure atomized water sprays were studied with this technique and compared with measurements obtained using a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer. In particular, the effects of assuming a logarithmic normal distribution function for the droplet size distribution within a spray was evaluated. Reasonable agreement between the instrument was obtained for the geometric mean diameter of the droplet distribution. However, comparisons based on the Sauter mean diameter show larger discrepancies, essentially because of uncertainties in the appropriate standard deviation to be applied for the polarization ratio technique. Comparisons were also made between single laser pulse (temporally resolved) measurements with multiple laser pulse visualizations of the spray.

Lee, W.↗

A Method for Simulation of Rotorcraft Fly-In Noise for Human Response Studies

The low frequency content of rotorcraft noise allows it to be heard over great distances. This factor contributes to the disruption of natural quiet in national parks and wilderness areas, and can lead to annoyance in populated areas. Further, it can result in detection at greater distances compared to higher altitude fixed wing aircraft operations. Human response studies conducted in the field are made difficult since test conditions are difficult to control. Specifically, compared to fixed wing aircraft, the source noise itself may significantly vary over time even for nominally steady flight conditions, and the propagation of that noise is more variable due to low altitude meteorological conditions. However, it is possible to create the salient features of rotorcraft fly-in noise in a more controlled laboratory setting through recent advancements made in source noise synthesis, propagation modeling and reproduction. This paper concentrates on the first two of these. In particular, the rotorcraft source noise pressure time history is generated using single blade passage signatures from the main and tail rotors. These may be obtained from either acoustic source noise predictions or back-propagation of ground-based measurements. Propagation effects include atmospheric absorption, spreading loss, Doppler shift, and ground plane reflections.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗

Experimental study on the guillotine break accident of the main steam line with Atlas

A main steam line break (MSLB) accident is defined as a pipe break in the main steam system of a nuclear power plant. The MSLB accident is characterized as cool-down event due to the increased steam flow rate, which causes excessive energy removal from the steam generators and eventually reactor coolant system. This results in a decrease in reactor coolant temperature. The cool-down causes an increase in core reactivity due to the negative moderator and Doppler reactivity coefficients. The thermalhydraulic integral effect test was performed to simulate a double-ended guillotine break accident of the main steam line of a pressurized water reactor. With an aim of simulating the MSLB accident as realistically as possible, a pertinent scaling approach was taken, especially focusing on a break flow. The main objectives of this test were not only to provide physical insight into the system response of a nuclear power plant during the MSLB accident but also to produce an integral effect test data to validate the safety analysis codes. In the present test, asymmetric thermal-hydraulic behavior was clearly observed between the loops. In the cold leg-1A and -1B where the affected steam generator is connected, the flow rates were higher and the fluid temperatures were lower than those in the cold leg-2A and -2B. This could be attributed to the excessive heat removal in the cold leg-1A and -1B through the affected steam generator. This integral effect test data will be used to evaluate the prediction capability of existing safety analysis codes. Furthermore, this data can be utilized to identify any code deficiency for a MSLB simulation, especially for DVI-adapted plants. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Carrier and symbol synchronization system performance study

Results pertinent to predicting the performance of convolutionally encoded binary phase-shift keyed communication links were presented. The details of the development are provided in four sections. These sections are concerned with developing the bit error probability performance degradations due to PN despreading by a time-shared delay locked loop, the Costas demodulation process, symbol synchronization effects and cycle slipping phenomena in the Costas loop. In addition, Costas cycle slipping probabilities are studied as functions of Doppler count time and signal-to-noise conditions. The effect of cycle slipping in the symbol synchronizer is also studied as a function of channel Doppler and other frequency uncertainties.

Lindsey, W. C.↗

High resolution transmission spectroscopy as a diagnostic for Jovian exoplanet atmospheres: constraints from theoretical models

We present high resolution transmission spectra of giant planet atmospheres from a coupled three-dimensional (3D) atmospheric dynamics and transmission spectrum model that includes Doppler shifts which arise from winds and planetary motion. We model Jovian planets covering more than two orders of magnitude in incident flux, corresponding to planets with 0.9-55 day orbital periods around solar-type stars. The results of our 3D dynamical models reveal certain aspects of high resolution transmission spectra that are not present in simple one-dimensional (1D) models. We find that the hottest planets experience strong substellar to anti-stellar (SSAS) winds, resulting in transmission spectra with net blueshifts of up to 3 km s{sup –1}, whereas less irradiated planets show almost no net Doppler shifts. We find only minor differences between transmission spectra for atmospheres with temperature inversions and those without. Compared to 1D models, peak line strengths are significantly reduced for the hottest atmospheres owing to Doppler broadening from a combination of rotation (which is faster for close-in planets under the assumption of tidal locking) and atmospheric winds. Finally, high resolution transmission spectra may be useful in studying the atmospheres of exoplanets with optically thick clouds since line cores for very strong transitions should remain optically thick to very high altitude. High resolution transmission spectra are an excellent observational test for the validity of 3D atmospheric dynamics models, because they provide a direct probe of wind structures and heat circulation. Ground-based exoplanet spectroscopy is currently on the verge of being able to verify some of our modeling predictions, most notably the dependence of SSAS winds on insolation. We caution that interpretation of high resolution transmission spectra based on 1D atmospheric models may be inadequate, as 3D atmospheric motions can produce a noticeable effect on the absorption signatures.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Design of multi neutron-to-gamma converter array for measuring time resolved ion temperature of inertial confinement fusion implosions

The ion temperature varying during inertial confinement fusion implosions changes the amount of Doppler broadening of the fusion products, creating subtle changes in the fusion neutron pulse as it moves away from the implosion. A diagnostic design to try to measure these subtle effects is introduced—leveraging the fast time resolution of gas Cherenkov detectors along with a multi-puck array that converts a small amount of the neutron pulse into gamma-rays, one can measure multiple snapshots of the neutron pulse at intermediate distances. Further, precise measurements of the propagating neutron pulse, specifically the variation in the peak location and the skew, could be used to infer time-evolved ion temperature evolved during peak compression.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Effects of velocity averaging on the shapes of absorption lines

The velocity averaging of collision cross sections produces non-Lorentz line shapes, even at densities where Doppler broadening is not apparent. The magnitude of the effects will be described using a model in which the collision broadening depends on a simple velocity power law. The effect of the modified profile on experimental measures of linewidth, shift and amplitude will be examined and an improved approximate line shape will be derived.

Pickett, H. M.↗

A note on the use of coherent integration in periodogram analysis of MST radar signals

The effect of coherent integration on the periodogram method to estimate the power spectra of MST radar signals is examined. The spectrum estimate usually is biased, even when care is taken to reduce the aliasing effects. Due to this bias, the signal power for Doppler shifted signals is underestimated by as much as 4 dB. The use of coherent integration in reducing the effect of aliased power line harmonics is pointed out.

Rastogi, P. K.↗