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Robust Cross-correlation-based Measurement of Clump Sizes in Galaxies

Stars form in molecular complexes that are visible as giant clouds (∼10{sup 5−6} M{sub ⊙}) in nearby galaxies and as giant clumps (∼10{sup 8−9} M{sub ⊙}) in galaxies at redshifts z≈1–3. Theoretical inferences on the origin and evolution of these complexes often require robust measurements of their characteristic size, which is hard to measure at limited resolution and often ill-defined due to overlap and quasi-fractal substructure. We show that maximum and luminosity-weighted sizes of clumps seen in star formation maps (e.g., Hα) can be recovered statistically using the two-point correlation function (2PCF) if an approximate stellar surface density map is taken as the normalizing random field. After clarifying the link between Gaussian clumps and the 2PCF analytically, we design a method for measuring the diameters of Gaussian clumps with realistic quasi-fractal substructure. This method is tested using mock images of clumpy disk galaxies at different spatial resolutions and perturbed by Gaussian white noise. We find that the 2PCF can recover the input clump scale at ∼20% accuracy, as long as this scale is larger than the spatial resolution. We apply this method to the local spiral galaxy NGC 5194, as well as to three clumpy turbulent galaxies from the DYNAMO-HST sample. In both cases, our statistical measurements of Hα clump size agree with previous measurements and with the estimated Jeans lengths. However, the new measurements are free from subjective choices when fitting individual clumps.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Accurate coarse-grained models for mixtures of colloids and linear polymers under good-solvent conditions

A coarse-graining strategy, previously developed for polymer solutions, is extended here to mixtures of linear polymers and hard-sphere colloids. In this approach, groups of monomers are mapped onto a single pseudoatom (a blob) and the effective blob-blob interactions are obtained by requiring the model to reproduce some large-scale structural properties in the zero-density limit. We show that an accurate parametrization of the polymer-colloid interactions is obtained by simply introducing pair potentials between blobs and colloids. For the coarse-grained (CG) model in which polymers are modelled as four-blob chains (tetramers), the pair potentials are determined by means of the iterative Boltzmann inversion scheme, taking full-monomer (FM) pair correlation functions at zero-density as targets. For a larger number n of blobs, pair potentials are determined by using a simple transferability assumption based on the polymer self-similarity. We validate the model by comparing its predictions with full-monomer results for the interfacial properties of polymer solutions in the presence of a single colloid and for thermodynamic and structural properties in the homogeneous phase at finite polymer and colloid density. The tetramer model is quite accurate for q ≲ 1 (q=R{sup ^}{sub g}/R{sub c}, where R{sup ^}{sub g} is the zero-density polymer radius of gyration and R{sub c} is the colloid radius) and reasonably good also for q = 2. For q = 2, an accurate coarse-grained description is obtained by using the n = 10 blob model. We also compare our results with those obtained by using single-blob models with state-dependent potentials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MODE CONVERSION BETWEEN DIFFERENT RADIAL ORDERS FOR SOLAR ACOUSTIC WAVES SCATTERED BY SUNSPOTS

We study the mode conversion between different radial orders for solar acoustic waves interacting with sunspots. Solar acoustic waves are modified in the presence of sunspots. The modification in the wave can be viewed as that the sunspot, excited by the incident wave, generates the scattered wave, and the scattered wave is added to the incident wave to form the total wave inside and around the sunspot. The wavefunction of the acoustic wave on the solar surface is computed from the cross-correlation function. The wavefunction of the scattered wave is obtained by subtracting the wavefunction of the incident wave from that of the total wave. We use the incident waves of radial order n = 0-5 to measure the scattered wavefunctions from n to another radial order n' for NOAAs 11084 and 11092. The strength of scattered waves decreases rapidly with |Δn|, where Δn ≡ n' – n. The scattered waves of Δn = ±1 are visible for n ≤ 1, and significant for n ≥ 2. For the scattered wave of Δn = ±2, only few cases are visible. None of the scattered waves of Δn = ±3 are visible. The properties of scattered waves for Δn = 0 and Δn ≠ 0 are different. The scattered wave amplitude relative to the incident wave amplitude decreases with n for Δn = 0, while it increases with n for Δn ≠ 0. The scattered wave amplitudes of Δn = 0 are greater for the larger sunspot, while those of Δn ≠ 0 are insensitive to the sunspot size.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Quantum groups as generalized gauge symmetries in WZNW models. Part I. The classical model

Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten (WZNW) models over compact Lie groups G constitute the best studied class of (two dimensional, 2D) rational conformal field theories (RCFTs). A WZNW chiral state space is a finite direct sum of integrable representations of the corresponding affine (current) algebra, and the correlation functions of primary fields are monodromy invariant combinations of left times right sector conformal blocks solving the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equation. However, even in this very well understood case of 2D RCFT, the “internal” (gauge) symmetry that governs the ensuing fusion rules remains unclear. On the other hand, the canonical approach to the classical chiral WZNW theory developed by Faddeev, Alekseev, Shatashvili, Gawedzki and Falceto reveals its Poisson-Lie symmetry. After a covariant quantization, the latter gives rise to an associated quantum group symmetry which naturally requires an extension of the state space. This paper contains a review of earlier work on the subject with a special emphasis, in the case G = SU(n), on the emerging chiral “WZNW zero modes” which provide an adequate algebraic description of the internal symmetry structure of the model. Combining further left and right zero modes, one obtains a specific dynamical quantum group, the structure of its Fock representation resembling the axiomatic approach to gauge theories in which a “restricted” quantum group plays the role of a generalized gauge symmetry.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Past and present cosmic structure in the SDSS DR7 main sample

We present a chrono-cosmography project, aiming at the inference of the four dimensional formation history of the observed large scale structure from its origin to the present epoch. To do so, we perform a full-scale Bayesian analysis of the northern galactic cap of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7 main galaxy sample, relying on a fully probabilistic, physical model of the non-linearly evolved density field. Besides inferring initial conditions from observations, our methodology naturally and accurately reconstructs non-linear features at the present epoch, such as walls and filaments, corresponding to high-order correlation functions generated by late-time structure formation. Our inference framework self-consistently accounts for typical observational systematic and statistical uncertainties such as noise, survey geometry and selection effects. We further account for luminosity dependent galaxy biases and automatic noise calibration within a fully Bayesian approach. As a result, this analysis provides highly-detailed and accurate reconstructions of the present density field on scales larger than ∼ 3 Mpc/h, constrained by SDSS observations. This approach also leads to the first quantitative inference of plausible formation histories of the dynamic large scale structure underlying the observed galaxy distribution. The results described in this work constitute the first full Bayesian non-linear analysis of the cosmic large scale structure with the demonstrated capability of uncertainty quantification. Some of these results will be made publicly available along with this work. The level of detail of inferred results and the high degree of control on observational uncertainties pave the path towards high precision chrono-cosmography, the subject of simultaneously studying the dynamics and the morphology of the inhomogeneous Universe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Frustration Properties of the 1D Ising Model

We analyze frustration properties of the Ising model for a 1D monatomic equidistant lattice in an external uniform magnetic field considering exchange interactions of atomic spins at the sites of the first (nearest) and second neighbors. Exact analytic expressions for thermodynamic and magnetic characteristics of the system, as well as for the Fourier transform of the pair spin–spin correlation function and magnetic diffused scattering wavevectors, were obtained by the method of the Kramers–Wannier transfer matrix considering the exchange interaction between spins at the nearest-neighbor sites in an external magnetic field, as well as the exchange interaction between spins at the second-neighbor sites in zero magnetic field. The criteria for the emergence of magnetic frustration in the presence of competition not only between exchange-interaction energies, but also between these energies and the external magnetic field energy are formulated. The frustration points and the values of frustration magnetic fields depending on the magnitudes and signs of the exchange interaction are determined. The distinguishing features of this model in the frustration regime and its vicinity are analyzed. The set of characteristic features inherent in observables for systems with magnetic frustrations is considered and analyzed. It is shown that the inclusion of competing exchange interactions at the first- and second-neighbor sites makes it possible to describe the behavior of the magnetic diffused scattering wavevector for commensurate, incommensurate, and lock-in structures.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Characterization of atomic-level structure in Fe-based amorphous and nanocrystalline alloy by experimental and modeling methods

The atomic structure of Fe{sub 70}Nb{sub 10}B{sub 20} alloy in “as-cast” state and after annealing was investigated using high-energy X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The HRTEM observations allowed to indicate some medium-range order (MRO) regions about 2 nm in size and formation of some kinds of short-range order (SRO) structures represented by atomic clusters with diameter ca. 0.5 nm. The Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) method basing on the results of XRD measurements was used in modeling the atomic structure of Fe-based alloy. The structural model was described by peak values of partial pair correlation functions and coordination numbers determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy investigations. The three-dimensional configuration box of atoms was obtained from the RMC simulation and the representative Fe-centered clusters were taken from the calculated structure. According to the Gonser et al. approach, the measured spectra of alloy studied were decomposed into 5 subspectra representing average Fe–Fe coordination numbers. Basing on the results of disaccommodation of magnetic permeability, which is sensitive to the short order of the random packing of atoms, it was stated that an occurrence of free volume is not detected after nanocrystallization process. - Highlights: • Atomic cluster model of amorphous structure was proposed for studied glassy alloy. • Short range order (ca. 0.5 nm) regions interpreted as clusters were identified by HREM. • Clusters correspond to coordination numbers (N = 4,6,8,9) calculated by using Gonser approach. • Medium-range order (ca. 2 nm) could be referred to few atomic clusters. • SRO regions are able to grow up as nuclei of crystalline bcc Fe and iron borides. • Crystalline particles have spherical morphology with an average diameter of 20 nm.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The spatial distribution of the young stellar clusters in the star-forming galaxy NGC 628

We present a study of the spatial distribution of the stellar cluster populations in the star-forming galaxy NGC 628. Using Hubble Space Telescope broadband WFC3/UVIS UV and optical images from the Treasury Program LEGUS (Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey), we have identified 1392 potential young (≲100 Myr) stellar clusters within the galaxy using a combination of visual inspection and automatic selection. We investigate the clustering of these young stellar clusters and quantify the strength and change of clustering strength with scale using the two-point correlation function. We also investigate how image boundary conditions and dust lanes affect the observed clustering. The distribution of the clusters is well fit by a broken power law with negative exponent α. We recover a weighted mean index of α∼−0.8 for all spatial scales below the break at 3.″3 (158 pc at a distance of 9.9 Mpc) and an index of α∼−0.18 above 158 pc for the accumulation of all cluster types. The strength of the clustering increases with decreasing age and clusters older than 40 Myr lose their clustered structure very rapidly and tend to be randomly distributed in this galaxy, whereas the mass of the star cluster has little effect on the clustering strength. This is consistent with results from other studies that the morphological hierarchy in stellar clustering resembles the same hierarchy as the turbulent interstellar medium.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Logarithmic Finite-Size Correction in Non-neutral Two-Component Plasma on Sphere

We consider a general two-component plasma of classical pointlike charges +e (e is say the elementary charge) and −Ze (valency Z=1,2,…), living on the surface of a sphere of radius R. The system is in thermal equilibrium at the inverse temperature β, in the stability region against collapse of oppositely charged particle pairs βe{sup 2}<2/Z. We study the effect of the system excess charge Qe on the finite-size expansion of the (dimensionless) grand potential βΩ. By combining the stereographic projection of the sphere onto an infinite plane, the linear response theory and the planar results for the second moments of the species density correlation functions we show that for any βe{sup 2}<2/Z the large-R expansion of the grand potential is of the form βΩ∼A{sub V}R{sup 2}+[χ/6−β(Qe){sup 2}/2]ln R, where A{sub V} is the non-universal coefficient of the volume (bulk) part and the Euler number of the sphere χ=2. The same formula, containing also a non-universal surface term proportional to R, was obtained previously for the disc domain (χ=1), in the case of the symmetric (Z=1) two-component plasma at the collapse point βe{sup 2}=2 and the jellium model (Z→0) of identical e-charges in a fixed neutralizing background charge density at any coupling βe{sup 2} being an even integer. Our result thus indicates that the prefactor to the logarithmic finite-size expansion does not depend on the composition of the Coulomb fluid and its non-universal part −β(Qe){sup 2}/2 is independent of the geometry of the confining domain.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Alcock-paczynski cosmological test

In order to test the expansion of the universe and its geometry, we carry out an Alcock-Paczyński cosmological test, that is, an evaluation of the ratio of observed angular size to radial/redshift size. The main advantage of this test is that it does not depend on the evolution of the galaxies but only on the geometry of the universe. However, the redshift distortions produced by the peculiar velocities of the gravitational infall also have an influence, which should be separated from the cosmological effect. We derive the anisotropic correlation function of sources in three surveys within the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS): galaxies from SDSS-III/Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 10 (BOSS-DR10) and QSOs from SDSS-II and SDSS-III/BOSS-DR10. From these, we are able to disentangle the dynamic and geometric distortions and thus derive the ratio of observed angular size to radial/redshift size at different redshifts. We also add some other values available in the literature. Then we use the data to evaluate which cosmological model fits them. We used six different models: concordance ΛCDM, Einstein-de Sitter, open-Friedman cosmology without dark energy, flat quasi-steady state cosmology, a static universe with a linear Hubble law, and a static universe with tired-light redshift. Only two of the six models above fit the data of the Alcock-Paczyński test: concordance ΛCDM and static universe with tired-light redshift, whereas the rest of them are excluded at a >95% confidence level. If we assume that ΛCDM is the correct one, the best fit with a free Ω {sub m} is produced for Ω{sub m}=0.24{sub −0.07}{sup +0.10}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

On squeezed limits in single-field inflation. Part I

The n-point correlation functions in single-field inflation obey a set of consistency conditions in the exact squeezed limit which are not present in multi-field models, and thus are powerful tools to distinguish between the two. However, these consistency conditions may be violated for a finite range of scales in single-field models, for example by departures from the Bunch-Davies state. These excited states may be the consequence of interactions during inflation, or may be a remnant of the era that preceded inflation. In this paper we analyze the bispectrum, and show that in the regime of theoretical control the resulting signal in the squeezed limit remains undetectably small in all known models which continuously excite the state. We also show that the signal remains undetectably small if the initial state is related to the Bunch-Davies state by a Bogoliubov transformation and the energy density in the state is small enough so that the usual slow-roll conditions are obeyed. Bogoliubov states that lead to violations of the slow-roll conditions, as well as more general excited states, require more careful treatment and will be discussed in a separate publication.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Predicted Structure, Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Li Ion Transport in LiAlF4 Glass

Materials with the LiAlF{sub 4} composition are of interest as protective electrode coatings in Li ion battery applications due to their high cationic conductivity. Here classical molecular dynamics calculations are used to produce amorphous model structures by simulating a quench from the molten state. These are analysed in terms of their individual pair correlation functions and atomic coordination environments. This indicates that amorphous LiAlF{sub 4} is formed of a network of corner sharing AlF{sub 6} octahedra. Li ions are distributed within this network, primarily associated with non-bridging fluorine atoms. The nature of the octahedral network is further analysed through intra- and interpolyhedral bond angle distributions and the relative populations of bridging and non-bridging fluorine ions are calculated. Network topology is considered through the use of ring statistics, which indicates that, although topologically well connected, LiAlF{sub 4} contains an appreciable number of corner-linked branch-like AlF{sub 6} chains. Thermal expansion values are determined above and below the predicted glass transition temperature of 1340 K. Finally, movement of Li ions within the network is examined with predictions of the mean squared displacements, diffusion coefficients and Li ion activation energy. Different regimes for lithium ion movement are identified, with both diffusive and sessile Li ions observed. For migrating ions, a typical trajectory is illustrated and discussed in terms of a hopping mechanism for Li transport.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Impact of cosmic variance on the galaxy-halo connection for Lyα emitters

In this paper we study the impact of cosmic variance and observational uncertainties in constraining the mass and occupation fraction, f{sub occ}, of dark matter (DM) halos hosting Lyα-emitting galaxies (LAEs) at high redshift. To this end, we construct mock catalogs from an N-body simulation to match the typical size of observed fields at z = 3.1 (∼1 deg{sup 2}). In our model a DM halo with mass in the range M{sub min}<M{sub h}<M{sub max} can only host one detectable LAE at most. We proceed to explore the parameter space determined by M{sub min}, M{sub max}, and f{sub occ} with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm using the angular correlation function and the LAEs’ number density as observational constraints. We find that the preferred minimum and maximum masses in our model span a wide range 10{sup 10.0}h{sup −1}M{sub ⊙}⩽M{sub min}⩽10{sup 11.1}h{sup −1}M{sub ⊙}, 10{sup 11.0}h{sup −1}M{sub ⊙}⩽M{sub max}⩽10{sup 13.0}h{sup −1}M{sub ⊙}, followed by a wide range in the occupation fraction 0.02⩽f{sub occ}⩽0.30. As a consequence, the median mass, M {sub 50}, of all the consistent models has a large uncertainty M{sub 50}=3.16{sub −2.37}{sup +9.34}×10{sup 10} h{sup −1}M{sub ⊙}. However, we find that the same individual models have a relatively tight 1σ scatter around the median mass ΔM{sub 1σ}=0.55{sub −0.31}{sup +0.11} dex. We are also able to show that f{sub occ} is uniquely determined by M{sub min}, regardless of M{sub max}. We argue that upcoming large surveys covering at least 25 deg{sup 2} should be able to put tighter constraints on M{sub min} and f{sub occ} through the LAE number density distribution width constructed over several fields of ∼1 deg{sup 2}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Dynamics of asymmetric non-polymeric binary glass formers—A nuclear magnetic resonance and dielectric spectroscopy study

We study a dynamically asymmetric binary glass former with the low-T{sub g} component m-tri-cresyl phosphate (m-TCP: T{sub g} = 206 K) and a spirobichroman derivative as a non-polymeric high-T{sub g} component (T{sub g} = 382 K) by means of {sup 1}H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), {sup 31}P NMR, and dielectric spectroscopy which allow component-selectively probing the dynamics. The entire concentration range is covered, and two main relaxation processes with two T{sub g} are identified, T{sub g1} and T{sub g2}. The slower one is attributed to the high-T{sub g} component (α{sub 1}-process), and the faster one is related to the m-TCP molecules (α{sub 2}-process). Yet, there are indications that a small fraction of m-TCP is associated also with the α{sub 1}-process. While the α{sub 1}-relaxation only weakly broadens upon adding m-TCP, the α{sub 2}-relaxation becomes extremely stretched leading to quasi-logarithmic correlation functions at low m-TCP concentrations—as probed by {sup 31}P NMR stimulated echo experiments. Frequency-temperature superposition does not apply for the α{sub 2}-process and it reflects an isotropic, liquid-like motion which is observed even below T{sub g1}, i.e., in the matrix of the arrested high-T{sub g} molecules. As proven by 2D {sup 31}P NMR, the corresponding dynamic heterogeneities are of transient nature, i.e., exchange occurs within the distribution G(lnτ{sub α2}). At T{sub g1} a crossover is found for the temperature dependence of (mean) τ{sub α2}(T) from non-Arrhenius above to Arrhenius below T{sub g1} which is attributed to intrinsic confinement effects. This “fragile-to-strong” transition also leads to a re-decrease of T{sub g2}(c{sub m−TCP}) at low concentration c{sub m−TCP}, i.e., a maximum is observed in T{sub g2}(c{sub m−TCP}) while T{sub g1}(c{sub m−TCP}) displays the well-known plasticizer effect. Although only non-polymeric components are involved, we re-discover essentially all features previously reported for polymer-plasticizer systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tuning the tetrahedrality of the hydrogen-bonded network of water: Comparison of the effects of pressure and added salts

Experiments and simulations demonstrate some intriguing equivalences in the effect of pressure and electrolytes on the hydrogen-bonded network of water. Here, we examine the extent and nature of equivalence effects between pressure and salt concentration using relationships between structure, entropy, and transport properties based on two key ideas: first, the approximation of the excess entropy of the fluid by the contribution due to the atom-atom pair correlation functions and second, Rosenfeld-type excess entropy scaling relations for transport properties. We perform molecular dynamics simulations of LiCl–H{sub 2}O and bulk SPC/E water spanning the concentration range 0.025–0.300 molefraction of LiCl at 1 atm and pressure range from 0 to 7 GPa, respectively. The temperature range considered was from 225 to 350 K for both the systems. To establish that the time-temperature-transformation behaviour of electrolyte solutions and water is equivalent, we use the additional observation based on our simulations that the pair entropy behaves as a near-linear function of pressure in bulk water and of composition in LiCl–H{sub 2}O. This allows for the alignment of pair entropy isotherms and allows for a simple mapping of pressure onto composition. Rosenfeld-scaling implies that pair entropy is semiquantitatively related to the transport properties. At a given temperature, equivalent state points in bulk H{sub 2}O and LiCl–H{sub 2}O (at 1 atm) are defined as those for which the pair entropy, diffusivity, and viscosity are nearly identical. The microscopic basis for this equivalence lies in the ability of both pressure and ions to convert the liquid phase into a pair-dominated fluid, as demonstrated by the O–O–O angular distribution within the first coordination shell of a water molecule. There are, however, sharp differences in local order and mechanisms for the breakdown of tetrahedral order by pressure and electrolytes. Increasing pressure increases orientational disorder within the first neighbour shell while addition of ions shifts local orientational order from tetrahedral to close-packed as water molecules get incorporated in ionic hydration shells. The variations in local order within the first hydration shell may underlie ion-specific effects, such as the Hofmeister series.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MAGiiCAT V. Orientation of outflows and accretion determine the kinematics and column densities of the circumgalactic medium

We investigate the dependence of gas kinematics and column densities in the Mg II-absorbing circumgalactic medium on galaxy color, azimuthal angle, and inclination to trace baryon cycle processes. Our sample of 30 foreground isolated galaxies at 0.3<z{sub gal}<1.0, imaged with the Hubble Space Telescope, is probed by background quasars within a projected distance of 20<D<110 kpc. From the high-resolution (Δv≃6.6 km s{sup −1}) quasar spectra, we quantify the extent of the absorber velocity structure with pixel-velocity two-point correlation functions. Absorbers with the largest velocity dispersions are associated with blue, face-on (i<57{sup ∘}) galaxies probed along the projected minor axis (Φ⩾45{sup ∘}), while those with the smallest velocity dispersions belong to red, face-on galaxies along the minor axis. The velocity structure is similar for edge-on (i⩾57{sup ∘}) galaxies regardless of galaxy color or azimuthal angle, for red galaxies with azimuthal angle, and for blue and red galaxies probed along the projected major axis (Φ<45{sup ∘}). The cloud column densities for face-on galaxies and red galaxies are smaller than for edge-on galaxies and blue galaxies, respectively. These results are consistent with biconical outflows along the minor axis for star-forming galaxies and accreting and/or rotating gas, which is most easily observed in edge-on galaxies probed along the major axis. Gas entrained in outflows may be fragmented with large velocity dispersions, while gas accreting onto or rotating around galaxies may be more coherent due to large path lengths and smaller velocity dispersions. Quiescent galaxies may exhibit little-to-no outflows along the minor axis, while accretion/rotation may exist along the major axis.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Quantum temporal probabilities in tunneling systems

We study the temporal aspects of quantum tunneling as manifested in time-of-arrival experiments in which the detected particle tunnels through a potential barrier. In particular, we present a general method for constructing temporal probabilities in tunneling systems that (i) defines ‘classical’ time observables for quantum systems and (ii) applies to relativistic particles interacting through quantum fields. We show that the relevant probabilities are defined in terms of specific correlation functions of the quantum field associated with tunneling particles. We construct a probability distribution with respect to the time of particle detection that contains all information about the temporal aspects of the tunneling process. In specific cases, this probability distribution leads to the definition of a delay time that, for parity-symmetric potentials, reduces to the phase time of Bohm and Wigner. We apply our results to piecewise constant potentials, by deriving the appropriate junction conditions on the points of discontinuity. For the double square potential, in particular, we demonstrate the existence of (at least) two physically relevant time parameters, the delay time and a decay rate that describes the escape of particles trapped in the inter-barrier region. Finally, we propose a resolution to the paradox of apparent superluminal velocities for tunneling particles. We demonstrate that the idea of faster-than-light speeds in tunneling follows from an inadmissible use of classical reasoning in the description of quantum systems. -- Highlights: •Present a general methodology for deriving temporal probabilities in tunneling systems. •Treatment applies to relativistic particles interacting through quantum fields. •Derive a new expression for tunneling time. •Identify new time parameters relevant to tunneling. •Propose a resolution of the superluminality paradox in tunneling.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Contrast and Temperature Dependence of Multi-epoch High-resolution Cross-correlation Exoplanet Spectroscopy

While high-resolution cross-correlation spectroscopy (HRCCS) techniques have proven effective at characterizing the atmospheres of transiting and nontransiting hot Jupiters, the limitations of these techniques are not well understood. We present a series of simulations of one HRCCS technique, which combines the cross-correlation functions from multiple epochs, to place temperature and contrast limits on the accessible exoplanet population for the first time. We find that planets approximately Saturn-sized and larger within ∼0.2 au of a Sun-like star are likely to be detectable with current instrumentation in the L band, a significant expansion compared with the previously studied population. Cooler (T {sub eq} ≤ 1000 K) exoplanets are more detectable than suggested by their photometric contrast alone as a result of chemical changes that increase spectroscopic contrast. The L-band CH{sub 4} spectrum of cooler exoplanets enables robust constraints on the atmospheric C/O ratio at T {sub eq} ∼ 900 K, which have proven difficult to obtain for hot Jupiters. These results suggest that the multi-epoch approach to HRCCS can detect and characterize exoplanet atmospheres throughout the inner regions of Sun-like systems with existing high-resolution spectrographs. We find that many epochs of modest signal-to-noise ratio (S/N{sub epoch} ∼ 1500) yield the clearest detections and constraints on C/O, emphasizing the need for high-precision near-infrared telluric correction with short integration times.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗