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At least 1,459 records · Page 81

Guest Editorial

The design of X-ray optical systems is very different from that of conventional optical systems, whether it be for the peculiarities of synchrotron radiation or the grazing incidence operation of most X-ray optical components. Further, specific simulation tools are thus required to ensure that designs work as expected, and there is now a vibrant landscape of open-source, freely available software that can be used to that end, and explore new design concepts.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Low intensity X-ray and gamma-ray imaging device

A radiation to visible light converter is combined with a visible light intensifier. The converter is a phosphor or scintillator material which is modified to block ambient light. The intensifier includes fiber optics input and output face plates with a photocathode-microchannel plate amplifier-phosphor combination. Incoming radiation is converted to visible light by the converter which is piped into the intensifier by the input fiber optics face plate. The photocathode converts the visible light to electrons which are amplified by a microchannel plate amplifier. The electrons are converted back to light by a phosphor layer and piped out for viewing by the output fiber optics faces plate. The converter-intensifier combination may be further combined with its own radiation source or used with an independent source.

Yin, L. I.↗

SAS 2 observation of pulsed high-energy gamma radiation from Geminga

Following the detection of pulsed X-rays and gamma rays from Geminga, the 1972-1973 SAS 2 data which first revealed this source have been reanalyzed. The 237 ms periodicity is visible in those observations. The phase of the SAS 2 periodicity is consistent with that of COS B suggesting that the gamma-ray data allow an accounting for every revolution of the Geminga pulsar between 1972 and 1982.

Mattox, J. R.↗

Sensitive and robust thin film X-ray detector using 2D layered perovskite diodes

A radiation detector includes a p-i-n architecture including a p-type contact layer, an n-type contact layer, and an intrinsic layer between the p-type contact layer and the n-type contact layer. The intrinsic layer includes a thin film comprising a highly crystalline 2D layered perovskite material. The radiation detectors according to embodiments of the present disclosure generate high open circuit voltages, have good detecting photon density limits and high sensitivities, and can be self-powered.

Tsai, Hsinhan↗

First study of Hohlraum x-ray preheat asymmetry inside an ICF capsule

In indirect drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF), laser induced Hohlraum preheat radiation (so-called M-band, >1.8 keV) asymmetry will lead to asymmetric ablation front and ablator–fuel interface hydrodynamic instability growth in an imploding capsule. First experiments to infer the M-band asymmetries at the capsule were performed on the National Ignition Facility for high density carbon (HDC) ICF capsules in low density fill (0.3 mg/cc 4 He) Au Hohlraums by time resolved imaging of 2.3 keV fluorescence emission of a smaller Mo sphere placed inside the capsule. In this study, the measured Mo emission is pole hot (P 2 > 0) since M-band is generated mainly by the outer laser beams as their irradiance at the Hohlraum wall is 5× higher than for the inner beams. P 2 has a greater negative than positive swing vs time [Δ(P 2 /P 0 )/Δt ~ 0.2/ns], giving insight into laser heated Hohlraum dynamics. P 4 asymmetry is small at the sphere due to efficient geometric smoothing of Hohlraum asymmetries at large Hohlraum -to-capsule ratios. The M-band P 2 history is qualitatively reproduced by radiation hydrodynamic HYDRA simulations. The smaller P 2 than that calculated earlier suggests either less outer beam spot motion and/or preheat emission. At late times, the observed P 2 swing is larger and P 4 is more negative than simulated, which could be due to inner beams being stopped more in the outer beams wall plasma bubble than simulated. Asymmetry at the HDC capsule inner surface (“ice–ablator interface”) is also inferred from the Mo emission asymmetry by an analytic viewfactor model, accounting for the Mo/HDC radius difference and HDC capsule opacity.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

ROSAT Observations of a New X-ray Transient in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We describe ROSAT observations of a new X-ray transient and its probable optical companion in the Small Magellanic Cloud, The transient, designated RX J0117.6-7330, appeared at a position approx. 5 southeast of the X-ray pulsar, SMC X-1, in 1992 October 1-2 PSPC observations centered on the pulsar. It was detected again in a similar observation 246 days later at a counting rate diminished by a factor of 270, which corresponds to an average e-folding decay time of 44 days. No periodic pulsations have been detected. The average 1992 flux level would be produced by a source radiating isotropically with a luminosity of 1.6 x 10(exp 37) (D/50 kpc)(exp 2) ergs 1/s in the energy range 0.2-2.5 keV. The 5 radius positional error circle includes the probable optical counterpart in the form of a magnitude V = 14.2 star with the spectral characteristics of type Be.

Clark, George W.↗

ROSAT Observations of a New X-ray Transient in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We describe ROSAT observations of a new X-ray transient and its probable optical companion in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The transient, designated RX J0117.6-7330, appeared at a position approximately 5 min southeast of the X-ray pulsar, SMC X-1, in 1992 October 1-2 PSPC observations centered on the pulsar. It was detected again in a similar observation 246 days later at a counting rate diminished by a factor of 270, which corresponds to an average epsilon-folding decay time of 44 days. No periodic pulsations have been detected. The average 1992 flux level would be produced by a source radiating isotropically with a luminosity of 1.6 X 10(exp 37)(D/50 kpc)(exp 2) ergs/s in the energy range 0.2-2.5 keV. The 5 sec radius positional error circle includes the probable optical counterpart in the form of a magnitude V = 14.2 star with the spectral characteristics of type Be.

Clark, George W.↗

Ionizing-radiation resistance in the desiccation-tolerant cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis

The effect of X-ray irradiation on cell survival, induction, and repair of DNA damage was studied by using 10 Chroococcidiopsis strains isolated from desert and hypersaline environments. After exposure to 2.5 kGy, the percentages of survival for the strains ranged from 80 to 35%. In the four most resistant strains, the levels of survival were reduced by 1 or 2 orders of magnitude after irradiation with 5 kGy; viable cells were recovered after exposure to 15 kGy but not after exposure to 20 kGy. The severe DNA damage evident after exposure to 2.5 kGy was repaired within 3 h, and the severe DNA damage evident after exposure to 5 kGy was repaired within 24 h. The increase in trichloroacetic acid-precipitable radioactivity in the culture supernatant after irradiation with 2.5 kGy might have been due to cell lysis and/or an excision process involved in DNA repair. The radiation resistance of Chroococcidiopsis strains may reflect the ability of these cyanobacteria to survive prolonged desiccation through efficient repair of the DNA damage that accumulates during dehydration.

Non-NASA Center↗

High-energy emission from the eclipsing millisecond pulsar PSR 1957+20

The properties of the high-energy emission expected from the eclipsing millisecond pulsar system PSR 1957+20 are investigated. Emission is considered by both the relativistic shock produced by the pulsar wind in the nebula surrounding the binary and by the shock constraining the mass outflow from the companion star of PSR 1957+20. On the basis of the results of microscopic plasma physical models of relativistic shocks it is suggested that the high-energy radiation is produced in the range from X-rays to MeV gamma rays in the binary and in the range from 0.01 eV to about 40 keV in the nebula. Doppler boost of the emission in the radiating wind suggests the flux should vary on the orbital time scale, with the largest flux observed roughly coincident with the pulsar's radio eclipse.

Arons, Jonathan↗

Radiation-induced chromosomal instability in human mammary epithelial cells

Karyotypes of human cells surviving X- and alpha-irradiation have been studied. Human mammary epithelial cells of the immortal, non-tumorigenic cell line H184B5 F5-1 M/10 were irradiated and surviving clones isolated and expanded in culture. Cytogenetic analysis was performed using dedicated software with an image analyzer. We have found that both high- and low-LET radiation induced chromosomal instability in long-term cultures, but with different characteristics. Complex chromosomal rearrangements were observed after X-rays, while chromosome loss predominated after alpha-particles. Deletions were observed in both cases. In clones derived from cells exposed to alpha-particles, some cells showed extensive chromosome breaking and double minutes. Genomic instability was correlated to delayed reproductive death and neoplastic transformation. These results indicate that chromosomal instability is a radiation-quality-dependent effect which could determine late genetic effects, and should therefore be carefully considered in the evaluation of risk for space missions.

NASA Center JSC↗

New Dimensions in the Theory of Excited States and X-ray Spectra (Final Report)

This Final Technical Report briefly summarizes the achievements during the lifetime of our DOE BES grant DE-FG02-97ER45623. The long-term goal of this project has been the development of quantitative theories of the interaction between radiation and matter, with a focus on x-ray spectroscopies. X-ray spectra have long been among the most important probes of atomic-scale structure and properties of matter, ranging from atoms and molecular systems to condensed matter and exotic states. These spectroscopies are widely used in investigations at the major DOE synchrotron x-ray facilities and related centers world-wide. In addition to fundamental theory, a major goal of our project has been the development of computational software that implements the theory for calculations of x-ray spectra of various materials throughout the periodic table. Due to the complex nature of x-ray spectra, quantitative theory is essential for its interpretation. The theory is challenging since it involves excited state electronic structure and many-body correlation effects that go beyond independent particle approximations like DFT or Hartree-Fock. Moreover, the experimental investigations typically involve a broad range of energy, time, and temperature scales, from the UV-Vis to hard x-ray energies of order 10 4 eV, and temperatures T from ambient up to the warm-dense-matter regime where the Fermi energy kBTF is of order a few eV, i.e., temperatures of order 105 Kelvin. This broad range of experimental conditions has fostered many novel theoretical approaches and computational techniques, many of which we have developed systematically over the duration of the grant. In contrast to the traditional wave-function approach of quantum theory and electronic structure methods, our theoretical approach is based on modern Green's function techniques. This approach is better suited for aperiodic structures, excited states, and broad spectral ranges, since it avoids the computational bottlenecks of sum-over-states approaches, as in the Fermi golden rule. This theoretical framework has been incorporated into efficient, user-friendly x-ray spectroscopy software which is now used routinely worldwide to simulate and analyze spectra. These theoretical tools provide an essential complement to synchrotron and next-generation light sources, which are used to investigate complex materials with ever increasing precision. Moreover, the synergism between theory, computation and experiment contributed by our research enhances scientific understanding and creates opportunities for innovations in materials and energy science and in many fields. As documented in this Report, this research grant has been remarkably successful in achieving these goals. In particular, this grant has supported the development of the x-ray spectroscopy software suite known as FEFF (named for an effective scattering amplitude f eff in the theory). The FEFF codes have become one of the premier tools for quantitative simulations of x-ray spectra as documented by many thousands of citations in the Web of Science and Google-Scholar.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Five Years of Mid-Infrared Evolution of the Remnant of SN 1987A: The Encounter Between the Blast Wave and the Dusty Equatorial Ring

We have used the Spitzer satellite to monitor the laid-IR evolution of SN 1987A over a 5 year period spanning the epochs between days 6000 and 8000 since the explosion. The supernova (SN) has evolved into a supernova remnant (SNR) and its radiative output, is dominated by the interaction of the SN blast wave with the pre-existing equatorial ring (ER). The mid-IR spectrum is dominated by emission from approximately 180 K silicate dust, collisionally-heated by the hot X-ray emitting gas with a temperature and density of 5 x 10(exp 6) K and approximately 3 x 10(exp 4) per cubic centimeter, respectively. The mass of the radiating dust is approximately 1.2 x 10(exp -6) solar mass on day 7554, and scales linearly with IR flux. Comparison of the IR data with the soft X-ray flux derived from Chandra observations shows that the IR-to-X-ray flux ratio, IRX, is roughly constant with a value of 2.5. Gas-grain collisions therefore dominate the cooling of the shocked gas. The constancy of IRX is most consistent with the scenario that very little grain processing or gas cooling have occurred throughout this epoch. The shape of the dust spectrum remained unchanged during the observations while the total flux increased by a factor of approximately 5 with a time dependence of t(sup '0.87 plus or minus 0.20), t' being the time since the first encounter between the blast wave and the ER. These observations are consistent with the transitioning of the blast wave from free expansion to a Sedov phase as it propagates into the main body of the ER, as also suggested by X-ray observations. The constant spectral shape of they IR, emission provides strong constraints on the density and temperature of the shocked gas in which the interaction takes place. The IR spectra also suggest the presence of a secondary population of very small, hot (T greater than or equal to 350 K), featureless dust. If these grains spatially coexists with the silicates, then they must have shorter lifetimes. The data show slightly different rates of increase of their respective fluxes, lending some support to this hypothesis. However, the origin of this emission component and the exact nature of its relation to the silicate emission is still a major unsolved puzzle.

Dwek, Eli↗

Supplementing Gamma Sterilization with X-Ray and E-Beam Technologies: An International Industry and Academia Collaboration

Ionizing-technology–based industries are growing rapidly around the world. The expansion is driven mostly by the technology’s myriad applications, including polymer crosslinking, medical device sterilization, food pasteurization, and phytosanitary treatment. Ionization also is used in the manufacture of some healthcare products such as medical devices and biopharmaceuticals. Industrial sterilization methods render single-use products and manufacturing components safe and ready for their intended use. ISO11137-1 describes the validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices and mentions the three types of radiation considered under this scope: gamma, X-ray, and electron beam (e-beam)

gamma sterilization, electron beam sterilization, ↗

Chemical crystallography by serial femtosecond X-ray diffraction

Abstract Inorganic–organic hybrid materials represent a large share of newly reported structures, owing to their simple synthetic routes and customizable properties 1 . This proliferation has led to a characterization bottleneck: many hybrid materials are obligate microcrystals with low symmetry and severe radiation sensitivity, interfering with the standard techniques of single-crystal X-ray diffraction 2,3 and electron microdiffraction 4–11 . Here we demonstrate small-molecule serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (smSFX) for the determination of material crystal structures from microcrystals. We subjected microcrystalline suspensions to X-ray free-electron laser radiation 12,13 and obtained thousands of randomly oriented diffraction patterns. We determined unit cells by aggregating spot-finding results into high-resolution powder diffractograms. After indexing the sparse serial patterns by a graph theory approach 14 , the resulting datasets can be solved and refined using standard tools for single-crystal diffraction data 15–17 . We describe the ab initio structure solutions of mithrene (AgSePh) 18–20 , thiorene (AgSPh) and tethrene (AgTePh), of which the latter two were previously unknown structures. In thiorene, we identify a geometric change in the silver–silver bonding network that is linked to its divergent optoelectronic properties 20 . We demonstrate that smSFX can be applied as a general technique for structure determination of beam-sensitive microcrystalline materials at near-ambient temperature and pressure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

X-Ray Synchrotron Emission From 10-100 TeV Cosmic-Ray Electrons In The Supernova Remnant SN 1006

We present the results of a joint spectral analysis of RXTE PCA, ASCA SIS, and ROSAT PSPC data of the supernova remnant SN 1006. This work represents the first attempt to model both the thermal and nonthermal X-ray emission over the entire X-ray energy band from 0.12 to 17 key. The thermal flux is described by a nonequilibrium ionization model with an electron temperature kTe = 0.6 key, an ionization timescale n(sub 0)t = 9 x 10(exp 9)/cc s, and a relative elemental abundance of silicon that is 10 - 18 times larger than the solar abundance. The nonthermal X-ray spectrum is described by a broken power law model with low- and high-energy photon indices Gamma(sub 1) = 2.1 and Gamma(sub 2) = 3.0, respectively. Since the nonthermal X-ray spectrum steepens with increasing energy, the results of the present analysis corroborate previous claims that the nonthermal X-ray emission is produced by synchrotron radiation. We argue that the magnetic field strength is significantly larger than previous estimates of about 10 micro G and arbitrarily use a value of 40 micro G to estimate the parameters of the cosmic-ray electron, proton, and helium spectra of the remnant. The results for the ratio of the number densities of protons and electrons (R = 160 at 1 GeV), the total energy in cosmic rays (E(sub cr) = 1 x 10(exp 50) ergs), and the spectral index of the electrons at 1 GeV (Gamma(sub e) = 2.14 +/- 0.12) are consistent with the hypothesis that Galactic cosmic rays are accelerated predominantly in the shocks of supernova remnants. Yet, the remnant may or may not accelerate nuclei to energies as high as the energy of the "knee," depending on the reason why the maximum energy of the electrons is only 10 TeV.

Allen, G. E.↗

Ionized absorbers, ionized emitters, and the X-ray spectrum of active galactic nuclei

Broad absorption features are common in the X-ray spectrum of low-luminosity AGNs. The features have been modeled by leaky neutral absorbers or by highly ionized gas that completely occult the continuum source. Such models are incomplete since they do not take into account all the physical processes in the gas. In particular, no previous model included the X-ray emission by the ionized absorbing gas and the reflection of the continuum source radiation. The present work discusses the emission, absorption, and reflection properties of photoionized gases with emphasis on conditions thought to prevail in AGNs. It shows that such gas is likely to produce intense X-ray line and continuum radiation and to reflect a sizable fraction of the nonstellar continuum at all energies. If such gas is indeed responsible for the observed X-ray absorption, then absorption edges are much weaker than commonly assumed, and some residual X-ray continuum is likely to be observed even if the line of sight is completely blocked. Moreover, X-ray emission features may show up in sources not showing X-ray absorption. This has immense consequences for medium-resolution X-ray missions, such as BBXRT and Astro-D, and for the planned high-resolution experiments on board XMM and AXAF.

Netzer, Hagai↗

Development of nonintrusive, scatter-independent techniques for measurement of liquid density inside dense sprays

A nonintrusive optical technique for measuring the liquid density in sprays used to simulate LOX injector flows is under development. This manuscript is a report on work toward that development which is currently in progress. The technique is a scatter-independent, absorption-based approach which depends on the numerical inversion of a collection of absorption profiles. For the case in which visible radiation passes through liquid-gas interfaces so numerous in sprays, substantial reductions and alterations in the signal result from scattering even in the absence of absorption. To avoid these problems, X-Rays will be used as the absorbed radiation. The experimental process is simulated by integrating the absorption spectrum for a known distribution, adding instrument noise to this 'measurement', creating a projection from the 'measurement', filtering the projection, inverting the projection, and comparing the results with the original prescribed distribution.

Hartfield, Roy↗