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At least 109 records · Page 6

A DECADE of dwarfs: first detection of weak lensing around spectroscopically confirmed low-mass galaxies

We present the first detection of weak gravitational lensing around spectroscopically confirmed dwarf galaxies, using the large overlap between DESI DR1 spectroscopic data and DECADE/DES weak lensing catalogs. A clean dwarf galaxy sample with well-defined redshift and stellar mass cuts enables excess surface mass density measurements in two stellar mass bins ($\log \rm{M}_*=[8.2, 9.2]~M_\odot$ and $\log \rm{M}_*=[9.2, 10.2]~M_\odot$), with signal-to-noise ratios of $5.6$ and $12.4$ respectively. This signal-to-noise drops to $4.5$ and $9.2$ respectively for measurements without applying individual inverse probability (IIP) weights, which mitigates fiber incompleteness from DESI's targeting. The measurements are robust against variations in stellar mass estimates, photometric shredding, and lensing calibration systematics. Using a simulation-based modeling framework with stellar mass function priors, we constrain the stellar mass-halo mass relation and find a satellite fraction of $\simeq 0.3$, which is higher than previous photometric studies but $1.5σ$ lower than $Λ$CDM predictions. We find that IIP weights have a significant impact on lensing measurements and can change the inferred $f_{\rm{sat}}$ by a factor of two, highlighting the need for accurate fiber incompleteness corrections for dwarf galaxy samples. Our results open a new observational window into the galaxy-halo connection at low masses, showing that future massively multiplexed spectroscopic observations and weak lensing data will enable stringent tests of galaxy formation models and $Λ$CDM predictions.

To, Chun-Hao [Chicago U., Astron. Astrophys. Ctr.;↗

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is a NASA Small Explorer mission that will carry the first focusing hard X-ray (5 - 80 keV) telescope to orbit. NuSTAR will offer a factor 50 - 100 sensitivity improvement compared to previous collimated or coded mask imagers that have operated in this energy band. In addition, NuSTAR provides sub-arcminute imaging with good spectral resolution over a 12-arcminute field of view. After launch, NuSTAR will carry out a two-year primary science mission that focuses on four key programs: studying the evolution of massive black holes through surveys carried out in fields with excellent multiwavelength coverage, understanding the population of compact objects and the nature of the massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way, constraining explosion dynamics and nucleosynthesis in supernovae, and probing the nature of particle acceleration in relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei. A number of additional observations will be included in the primary mission, and a. guest observer program will be proposed for an extended mission to expand the range of scientific targets. The payload consists of two co-aligned depth-graded multilayer coated grazing incidence optics focused onto solid state CdZnTe pixel detectors. To be launched in early 2012 on a Pegasus rocket into a low-inclination Earth orbit. NuSTAR largely avoids SAA passages, and will therefore have low and stable detector backgrounds. The telescope achieves a 10.15-meter focal length through on-orbit deployment of all mast. An aspect and alignment metrology system enable reconstruction of the absolute aspect and variations in the telescope alignment resulting from mast flexure during ground data processing. Data will be publicly available at GSFC's High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) following validation at the science operations center located at Caltech.

Harrison, Fiona A.↗

NuSTAR Bounds on Radiatively Decaying Particles from M82

Axions and other putative feebly interacting particles with a mass of tens to several hundreds of keVs can be produced in stellar cores with a Lorentz boost factor E a / m a ≲ 10 . Thus, starburst galaxies such as M82 are efficient factories of slow axions. Their decay a → γ γ would produce a large flux of x-ray photons, peaking around 100 keV and spread around the Galaxy by an angle that can be relatively large. We use observations of the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array mission to show that the absence of these features can constrain 30–500 keV axion masses into uncharted regions for axion-photon coupling of g a γ ∼ 10 − 10 – 10 − 12 GeV − 1 . Our argument can be applied to other heavy feebly interacting particles and astrophysical sources that are hot enough to produce them, yet cold enough to avoid large boost factors which slow down the decay. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Candón, Francisco R. (ORCID:0009000231999278)↗

Twists and turns: stacking and structure-dependent optical response in MoS 2 nanoscrolls

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanoscrolls (NSs), specifically MoS 2 NSs, present unique structural and optical properties, exhibiting prominent photoluminescence (PL) signals despite their multilayer nature. Here, this study investigates the structural and spectroscopic characteristics of MoS 2 NSs, correlating them to show the effects of reduced interlayer interactions on excitons of MoS 2 NSs. The reduction in interlayer interaction arises from two main factors: (1) symmetry-broken mixed stacking due to misalignment between layers and (2) a highly inhomogeneous strain profile generated by the Archimedean spiral geometry with positive eccentricity. Transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation measurements confirm these findings. Low-temperature PL spectroscopy explores the impact of reduced interlayer interactions on exciton properties such as exciton–phonon coupling and oscillator strength. This study provides crucial insights into the structure, stacking and unique optical properties of TMD NSs, advancing the understanding of interlayer interactions and their impacts in complex quasi-one-dimensional nanostructures.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Post-Perihelion Volatile Production and Release from Jupiter-Family Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková

High-resolution infrared spectra of Jupiter-family comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková were obtained with NIRSPEC at the W. M. Keck Observatory on two post- perihelion dates (UT 2017 February 13 and 19), when the comet was at heliocentric distances of 1.01 and 1.10 AU, respectively. On UT February 13, H2O was measured simultaneously with six trace parent molecules: CH3OH, C2H6, HCN, NH3, C2H2, and H2CO. On UT February 19, CH4 and CO were also targeted in addition to the species measured on UT February 13. Abundances of CO, CH4, and C2H2 relative to H2O are consistent with values obtained from IRTF/iSHELL observations of 45P in early January 2017 just after perihelion when the heliocentric distance was 0.55–0.56 AU. Differences are seen in H2CO/H2O, C2H6/H2O, CH3OH/H2O, and HCN/H2O in February compared to January. Additionally, NH3 abundances appear highly variable during the February measurements, suggesting possible fluctuations of a factor of ten; however, there is significant uncertainty in quantifying NH3 owing to the marginal detections of only one or two lines on each of the two dates. Combining all infrared spectroscopic observations of 45P in January and February 2017, a post-perihelion relationship of Q(H2O) = (2.81 ± 0.25) × 10(exp 27) [R(sub h) (sup −3.83 ± 0.18)] molecules/s is derived. However, all measurements suggest significant variability in H O production on timescales of hours and days. Compared to other comets, volatile abundances relative to H2O in 45P are as follows: CO (depleted relative to all measured comets), CH3OH (enriched/all comets), CH4 and C2H6 (typical/all comets, enriched/Jupiter-family comets), C2H2 (depleted/all comets, typical/Jupiter-family comets), H2CO (January: typical, February depleted/all comets), HCN (January: severely depleted, February: typical/Jupiter-family comets). The small geocentric distances of the comet in February 2017 provide high spatial resolution in the coma of 45P (~12 and 19 km/pixel on February 13 and 19, respectively). Overall, the spatial distributions of volatiles and dust suggest a relatively symmetric and uniform coma during the UT February 13 and 19 observations, with small spatial differences noted between some volatile species. Measured C2H2 and HCN abundances are consistent with HCN as the primary parent of CN and C2H2 as a significant but not primary parent for C2, based on C2 and CN 2017 and previous apparitions. Extracted spectra show an increase in the dust-to-gas ratio in 45P from February 13 to 19 in agreement with contemporaneous narrowband optical measurements.

Russo, Neil Dello↗

Spectroscopic and Computational Studies of Spin-Orbit Coupling of Lanthanide Oxides

Spin-orbit (SO) coupling makes it possible for spin forbidden transitions or reactions within non-relativistic quantum theory feasible. Thus, quantification of such interactions has important implications in photophysics and chemical catalysis. This work aims to quantify SO interactions using lanthanide (Ln) oxides as target molecular systems. Through these systems, we examine the impact on the SO coupling by electron configurations and 4f orbital occupancies of Ln elements and sizes of the metal oxides. By examining these factors, we explore how SO coupling is affected by the number of Ln 4f electrons for a given size of molecules and if the Ln 4f orbitals remain atomic in nature in these small clusters. Ln oxides are produced in laser ablation molecular beams, identified with time-of-fight mass spectrometry, and characterized with laser spectroscopy and relativistic quantum chemical computations. Spectroscopic measurements include mass-analyzed threshold ionization (MATI), zero electron kinetic energy, and slow electron velocity-map imaging spectroscopies. Relativistic computations treat scalar relativistic corrections, electron correlations, and SO interactions. The main results are SO terms and energies of the neutral molecules and singly charged cations, ionization energies of the neutral species, metal-metal and metal-oxygen vibrational frequencies of the ions and, in some cases, neutrals as well, and charge effects on the bonding and structures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Absorption parameters of very dense molecular spectra for the HITRAN compilation

Cross sections for the heavy molecules CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-13, CFC-14, CFC-22, CFC-113, CFC-114, CFC-115, CCl4, ClONO2, N2O5, HNO4, and HNO3 are included on the HITRAN 91 database. For many of these species, the cross sections vary by a factor of two between room temperature and temperatures near 210 K. The chemical importance of the heavy molecules, the quantitative accuracy of the HITRAN 91 cross sections, and the need for additional spectroscopic quantification are discussed.

Massie, S. T.↗

Coherence and its application in the beam-foil light source

The beam-foil light source is shown to be very useful in spectroscopic work. Not only the lifetimes of highly excited, multiply charged atoms can be measured in a straightforward way, but also the fine-structure and hyperfine-structure separations and the Lande factors can be obtained due to the fact that the coherent excitations are created in the impulsive beam-foil collision. The theories suggested to explain the origin of coherence are presently incomplete.

Liu, C. H.↗

Constraining the High-Energy Emission from Gamma-Ray Bursts with Fermi

We examine 288 GRBs detected by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope's Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) that fell within the field-of-view of Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT) during the first 2.5 years of observations, which showed no evidence for emission above 100 MeV. We report the photon flux upper limits in the 0.1-10 GeV range during the prompt emission phase as well as for fixed 30 s and 100 s integrations starting from the trigger time for each burst. We compare these limits with the fluxes that would be expected from extrapolations of spectral fits presented in the first GBM spectral catalog and infer that roughly half of the GBM-detected bursts either require spectral breaks between the GBM and LAT energy bands or have intrinsically steeper spectra above the peak of the nuF(sub v) spectra (E(sub pk)). In order to distinguish between these two scenarios, we perform joint GBM and LAT spectral fits to the 30 brightest GBM-detected bursts and find that a majority of these bursts are indeed softer above E(sub pk) than would be inferred from fitting the GBM data alone. Approximately 20% of this spectroscopic subsample show statistically significant evidence for a cut-off in their high-energy spectra, which if assumed to be due to gamma gamma attenuation, places limits on the maximum Lorentz factor associated with the relativistic outflow producing this emission. All of these latter bursts have maximum Lorentz factor estimates that are well below the minimum Lorentz factors calculated for LAT-detected GRBs, revealing a wide distribution in the bulk Lorentz factor of GRB outflows and indicating that LAT-detected bursts may represent the high end of this distribution.

Gehrels, Neil↗

A laser study of the blue electronic transitions of CaS

Three electronic transitions of CaS are observed in the blue region of the spectrum. The vibrational bands in these transitions span thousands per cm owing to a large change in geometry. Approximately 1000/cm portion of the spectrum containing these bands is recorded at high resolution by dye laser excitation spectroscopy and analyzed. The states all have Omega = 1, and are tentatively labeled G 1Pi, F 1Pi, and f 3Pi 1. Spectroscopic constants are generated for all three upper states and for the X 1Sigma(+) state from a fit to 4340 individual lines. These constants are used to generate potential curves and Franck-Condon factors.

Jarman, C. N.↗

SOHO Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) Mission Operations and Data Analysis

The scientific goal of UVCS is to obtain detailed empirical descriptions of the extended solar corona as it evolves from a period of minimum activity to maximum and to use these descriptions to identify and understand the physical processes responsible for coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, coronal mass ejections (CME's), and the phenomena that establish the plasma properties of the solar wind as measured by the CELIAS/SOHO experiment. We must observe a wide range of conditions (e.g., heating rate, impulsive mass ejections, magnetic field opening) in order to choose among competing theoretical explanations of the observed coronal structures and dynamics. During the first year of scientific observations (1 April 1996 through 31 March 1997), the LTVCS made the first extensive ultraviolet spectroscopic observations above the base of the solar corona. Those observations revealed extremely high most probable speeds along the line of sight for O(5+) in polar coronal holes above 2 solar radii from sun center and smaller such speeds for H(0) and protons. Doppler dimming and pumping diagnostics indicated that O(5+) and H(0) I reached supersonic outflow velocities within 2 solar radii. The observations appeared to be consistent with O95+) heating and direct momentum transfer by high frequency MHD waves through ion cyclotron resonance. Equatorial streamers were found to appear much different when observed in O VI, Fe XII and Mg X than when observed in H I Lyman-alpha or visible light. This led G. Noci to suggest that the elemental abundance of O, Fe, and Mg are lower in the dark center region of the O VI streamer image than it is in the brighter outer legs of the streamer. The O VI line ratio indicated a much smaller outflow speed in streamers than in the surrounding coronal holes. Spectroscopic observations of CME's in June and December 1996 showed large Doppler shifts indicating macroscopic flows of up to 200 km/s transverse to the apparent motion of the CME. The December event displayed factor of 500 intensity increases in H I Lyman lines and bright emissions in cool ion lines like C III 977 A indicating that the origin of some of the gas was a prominence. UVCS also observed two comets, several stars and interplanetary hydrogen. In the current reporting period, the initial results were published and detailed analyses including self consistent empirical models were developed. The research results were reported, published or submitted/accepted for publication. New observations were made to uncover additional information about the surprising results of the first year and other new observations revealed more surprises. A UVCS Tutorial was developed to familiarize potential users of UVCS data with the data products, analysis techniques and coronal models needed to analyze the data.

Kohl, John L.↗

Emission Spectroscopic Measurements with an Optical Probe in the NASA Ames IHF Arc Jet Facility

An optical probe was designed to measure radiation (from inside the arc heater) incident on a test sample immersed in the arc-heated stream. Currently, only crude estimates are available for this incident radiation. Unlike efforts of the past, where the probe line of sight was inclined to the nozzle centerline, the present development focuses on having the probe line of sight coincide with the nozzle centerline. A fiber-coupled spectrometer was used to measure the spectral distribution of incident radiation in the wavelength range of 225 to 900 nm. The radiation heat flux in this wavelength range was determined by integration of measured emission spectral intensity calibrated to incident irradiance from an integrating sphere. Two arc-heater conditions, corresponding to stream bulk enthalpy levels of 12 and 22 MJ/kg, were investigated in the 13-inch diameter nozzle of the Interaction Heating Facility at NASA Ames Research Center. With the probe placed at a distance of 10 inches from the nozzle exit plane, total radiative heat fluxes were measured to be 3.3 and 8.4 W/sq cm for the 12 and 22 MJ/kg conditions, respectively. About 17% of these radiative fluxes were due to bound-bound radiation from atoms and molecules, while the remaining 83% could be attributed to continua (bound-free and/or free-free). A comparison with spectral simulation based on CFD solutions for the arc-heater flow field and with spectroscopic measurements in the plenum region indicates that more than 95% of the measured radiation is generated in the arc region. The total radiative heat flux from the line radiation could increase by a factor of two through contributions from wavelengths outside the measured range, i.e., from the vacuum ultraviolet (wavelengths less than 225 nm) and the infrared (wavelengths greater than 900 nm). An extrapolation of the continuum radiation to these two wavelength regions was not attempted. In the tested configuration, the measured radiative heat flux accounts for only about 1.4% of the nominal heat flux on a flat face model and therefore is considered negligible. In the 6-inch diameter nozzle, on account of shorter path lengths, the radiation heat flux could be significant. Therefore, future tests in the 6-inch nozzle will have radiometers in addition to the optical probe.

Winter, Michael↗

A Multiwavelength Study of Cygnus X-1: The First Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Detection of Compact Jets

We report on a Spitzer/IRS (mid-infrared), RXTE /PCA+HEXTE (X-ray), and Ryle (radio) simultaneous multi-wavelength study of the micro quasar Cygnus X-I, which aimed at an investigation of the origin of its mid-infrared emission. Compact jets were present in two out of three observations, and we show that they strongly contribute to the mid-infrared continuum. During the first observation, we detect the spectral break - where the transition from the optically thick to the optically thin regime takes place - at about 2.9 x 10(exp 13) Hz. We then show that the jet's optically thin synchrotron emission accounts for the Cygnus X-1's emission beyond 400 keY, although it cannot alone explain its 3-200 keV continuum. A compact jet was also present during the second observation, but we do not detect the break, since it has likely shifted to higher frequencies. In contrast, the compact jet was absent during the last observation, and we show that the 5-30 micron mid-infrared continuum of Cygnus X-I stems from the blue supergiant companion star HD 226868. Indeed, the emission can then be understood as the combination of the photospheric Raleigh-Jeans tail and the bremsstrahlung from the expanding stellar wind. Moreover, the stellar wind is found to be clumpy, with a filling factor f(sub infinity) approx.= 0.09-0.10. Its bremsstrahlung emission is likely anti-correlated to the soft X-ray emission, suggesting an anticorrelation between the mass-loss and mass-accretion rates. Nevertheless, we do not detect any mid-infrared spectroscopic evidence of interaction between the jets and the Cygnus X-1's environment and/or companion star's stellar wind.

Rahoui, Farid↗

Rotational and vibrational spectra of ethynol from quantum-mechanical calculations

It is noted that ethynol (HCCOH), despite the theoretical prediction of its stability to tautomerization to ketene, has thus far not been observed. It is shown here that the identification of this unknown molecule, both in space and in the laboratory, can be aided by an ab initio calculation of spectroscopic parameters. At the HF/3-21G level, harmonic vibrational frequencies are computed by way of analytic second differentiation of the Hartee-Fock (HF) energy with respect to the nuclear coordinates. After applying an empirical scale factor, the resultant frequencies are (per cm) 473, 517, 773, 841, 1003, 1217, 2206, 3285, and 3418. The computed dipole moment at the CISD/DZ+P level is 1.79 D. At the CISD+Q/DZ+P level, the molecule's rotational constants are determined. After scaling by empirical correction factors, they are used in deriving the 4(04) - 3(03) frequency of 76.81 + or - 0.3 GHz with a triplet splitting of 0.30 + or - 0.01 GHz. The triplet splitting involves 4(14) - 3(13) and 4(13) - 3(12) relative to the 4(04) - 3(03) transition as the central line.

Defrees, D. J.↗

Advances in Detector Technology for Infrared Astronomy

Progress in semiconductor materials and processing technology has allowed the development of infrared detector arrays with unprecedented sensitivity, for imaging and spectroscopic applications in astronomy. The earlier discrete-detector approach has been replaced by large-element (up to 1024 x 1024 pixel), multiplexed devices. Progress has been made against a number of key limiting factors, such as quantum efficiency, noise, spectral response, linearity, and dark current. Future developments will focus on the need for even larger arrays, which operate at higher temperatures.

McCreight, Craig↗

An XMM-Newton Monitoring Campaign of the Accretion Flow in IGRJ16318-4848

This grant is associated to a successful XMM-Newton-AO3 observational proposal to monitor the spectrum of the X-ray loud component of the recently discovered binary system IGR J16138-4848, to study the conditions of the accretion flows (and their evolution) in binary system. All four EPIC-PN and MOS observations of the target have now been performed (the last one of the 4, only 3 months ago). The four observations were logarithmically spaced, so to cover timescales from days to months. Data from all four pointings have now been reduced, using the XMM-Newton data reduction pipeline, and spectra and lightcurves from the target have been extracted. For the first three observations we have already performed the observation-by-observation data analysis, by fitting the single EPIC spectra with spectral models that include an intrinsic continuum power law (reduced at low energy by neutral absorption), a 6.4 keV iron emission line (detected in all spectra with varying intensity) and a Compton-reflection component. A Compton reflection component is also detected in all spectra, although at lower significance. The analysis of the fourth and last observation of our monitoring campaign has just recently begun. Next, we will (1) stack together the four observations of IGR J16138-4848, to obtain high-accuracy estimates of the average spectral parameters of this object; and then (2) proceed to the time-evolving analysis, of the three spectral parameters: (a) Gamma (the slope of the intrinsic continuum), (b) W(FeK), the equivalent width of the 6.4 keV Iron emission line, and (c) R, the relative amount of Compton reflection. Through this time-resolved spectroscopic analysis we hope to constrain (a) the physical state of the accreting matter and its relation with the X-ray output, and (b) the evolution of the accretion flow geometry, distribution and covering factor.

Mushotzky, Richard↗

Spectroscopic analyses of Fe and water in clays: A Martian surface weathering study

Martian surface morphology suggests the presence of liquid H2O on Mars in the past. Reflectance spectra of the Martian surface include features which correspond to the crystal field transitions of iron, as well as features supporting the presence of ice and minerals containing structural OH and surface water. Researchers initiated further spectroscopic studies of surface iron and water and structural OH in clays in order to determine what remotely obtained spectra can indicate about the presence of clays on Mars based on a clearer understanding of the factors influencing the spectral features. Current technology allows researchers to better correlate the low frequency fundamental stretching and bending vibrations of O-H bonds with the diagnostic near infrared overtone and combination bands used in mineral characterization and identification.

Bishop, J. L.↗

Fundamental Properties of O-Type Stars

We present a comprehensive analysis of high-resolution, far-ultraviolet HST STIS, FUSE, and optical spectra of 18 O stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Our analysis is based on the OSTAR2002 grid of NLTE metal-line-blanketed model atmospheres calculated with our code TLUSTY. We systematically explore and present the sensitivity of various UV and optical lines to different stellar parameters. We have obtained consistent fits of the UV and the optical spectrum to derive the effective temperature, surface gravity, surface composition, and microturbulent velocity of each star. Stellar radii, masses, and luminosities follow directly. For stars of the same spectral subtype, we find a general good agreement between effective temperature determinations obtained with TLUSTY, CMFGEN, and FASTWIND models, which are all lower than the standard T(sub eff) calibration of O stars. We propose a new calibration between the spectral type and effective temperature based on our results from UV metal lines, as well as optical hydrogen and helium lines. The lower effective temperatures translate into ionizing luminosities that are smaller by a factor of 3 compared to luminosities inferred from previous standard calibrations. The chemical composition analysis reveals that the surface of about 80% of the program stars is moderately to strongly enriched in nitrogen, while showing the original helium, carbon, and oxygen abundances. Our results support the new stellar evolution models that predict that the surface of fast rotating stars becomes nitrogen-rich during the main-sequence phase because of rotationally induced mixing. Enrichment factors are, however, larger than predicted by stellar evolution models. Most stars exhibit the "mass discrepancy" problem, which we interpret as a result of fast rotation that lowers the measured effective gravity. Nitrogen enrichment and low spectroscopic masses are therefore two manifestations of fast rotation. Our study thus emphasizes the importance of rotation in our understanding of the properties of massive stars and provides a framework for investigating populations of low-metallicity massive stars at low and high redshifts.

Heap, Sara R.↗