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At least 163 records · Page 9

THE SOLAR ORIGIN OF SMALL INTERPLANETARY TRANSIENTS

In this paper, we present evidence for magnetic transients with small radial extents ranging from 0.025 to 0.118 AU measured in situ by the Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and the near-Earth Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) and Wind spacecraft. The transients considered in this study are much smaller (<0.12 AU) than the typical sizes of magnetic clouds measured near 1 AU ({approx}0.23 AU). They are marked by low plasma beta values, generally lower magnetic field variance, short timescale magnetic field rotations, and are all entrained by high-speed streams by the time they reach 1 AU. We use this entrainment to trace the origin of these small interplanetary transients in coronagraph images. We demonstrate that these magnetic field structures originate as either small or large mass ejecta. The small mass ejecta often appear from the tip of helmet streamers as arch-like structures and other poorly defined white-light features (the so-called blobs). However, we have found a case of a small magnetic transient tracing back to a small and narrow mass ejection erupting from below helmet streamers. Surprisingly, one of the small magnetic structures traces back to a large mass ejection; in this case, we show that the central axis of the coronal mass ejection is along a different latitude and longitude to that of the in situ spacecraft. The small size of the transient is related to the in situ measurements being taken on the edges or periphery of a larger magnetic structure. In the last part of the paper, an ejection with an arch-like aspect is tracked continuously to 1 AU in the STEREO images. The associated in situ signature is not that of a magnetic field rotation but rather of a temporary reversal of the magnetic field direction. Due to its 'open-field topology', we speculate that this structure is partly formed near helmet streamers due to reconnection between closed and open magnetic field lines. The implications of these observations for our understanding of the variability of the slow solar wind are discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Effects of the resistivity profile on the formation of a reversed configuration and single helicity states in compressible simulations of the reversed-field pinch

Compressible magnetohydrodynamics simulations of the reversed-field pinch (RFP) are presented. Previous simulations of the RFP, including density and pressure evolution, showed that a stationary state with a reversed toroidal magnetic field could not be obtained, contrary to the results produced with numerical codes neglecting density and pressure dynamics. The simulations described in the present paper show that including density and pressure evolution, a stationary RFP configuration can be obtained if the resistivity has a radial profile steeply increasing close to the wall. Such resistivity profile is more realistic than a uniform resistivity, since the temperature at the wall is lower than in the plasma core.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A Search for Neutron to Mirror Neutron Oscillation Using Neutron Electric Dipole Moment Measurements

Baryon number violation is a key ingredient of baryogenesis. It has been hypothesized that there could also be a parity-conjugated copy of the standard model particles, called mirror particles. The existence of such a mirror universe has specific testable implications, especially in the domain of neutral particle oscillation, viz. the baryon number violating neutron to mirror-neutron (n−n′) oscillation. Consequently, there were many experiments that have searched for n−n′ oscillation, and imposed constraints upon the parameters that describe it. Recently, further analysis on some of these results have identified anomalies which could point to the detection of n−n′ oscillation. All the previous efforts searched for n−n′ oscillation by comparing the relative number of ultracold neutrons that survive after a period of storage for one or both of the two cases: (i) comparison of zero applied magnetic field to a non-zero applied magnetic field, and (ii) comparison where the orientation of the applied magnetic field was reversed. However, n−n′ oscillations also lead to variations in the precession frequency of polarized neutrons upon flipping the direction of the applied magnetic field. Precession frequencies are measured, very precisely, by experiments searching for the electric dipole moment. For the first time, we used the data from the latest search for the neutron electric dipole moment to constrain n−n′ oscillation. After compensating for the systematic effects that affect the ratio of precession frequencies of ultracold neutrons and cohabiting 199Hg-atoms, chief among which was due to their motion in non-uniform magnetic field, we constrained any further perturbations due to n−n′ oscillation. We thereby provide a lower limit on the n−n′ oscillation time constant of τnn′/|cos(β)|>5.7s,0.36T′

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Field-free Magnetization Switching by Utilizing the Spin Hall Effect and Interlayer Exchange Coupling of Iridium

Magnetization switching by spin-orbit torque (SOT) via spin Hall effect represents as a competitive alternative to that by spin-transfer torque (STT) used for magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), as it doesn’t require high-density current to go through the tunnel junction. For perpendicular MRAM, however, SOT driven switching of the free layer requires an external in-plane field, which poses limitation for viability in practical applications. Here we demonstrate field-free magnetization switching of a perpendicular magnet by utilizing an Iridium (Ir) layer. The Ir layer not only provides SOTs via spin Hall effect, but also induce interlayer exchange coupling with an in-plane magnetic layer that eliminates the need for the external field. Such dual functions of the Ir layer allows future build-up of magnetoresistive stacks for memory and logic applications. Experimental observations show that the SOT driven field-free magnetization reversal is characterized as domain nucleation and expansion. Micromagnetic modeling is carried out to provide in-depth understanding of the perpendicular magnetization reversal process in the presence of an in-plane exchange coupling field.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Observations of reverse polarity flux transfer events at the earth's dayside magnetopause

High resolution plasma and magnetic field measurements made by the ISEE 1 and 2 spacecraft have provided the first definitive observations of magnetic reconnection at the dayside boundary, occurring either as a large-scale, quasisteady process enduring on time scales of at least tens of minutes or as a transient process localized in both temporal and spatial extent. Observations of flux transfer events (FTEs) at the earth's dayside magnetopause are presented which have plasma and magnetic field signatures reversed in sign from those previously reported. These FTEs are interpreted in terms of localized and transitory reconnection with the spacecraft located south of the reconnection site. They are associated with a previously reported interval of quasisteady reconnection which is similarly located, indicating that a close physical connection exists between the two processes.

Rijnbeek, R. P.↗

Triggering Process of the X1.0 Three-ribbon Flare in the Great Active Region NOAA 12192

The solar magnetic field in a flare-producing active region (AR) is much more complicated than theoretical models, which assume a very simple magnetic field structure. The X1.0 flare, which occurred in AR 12192 on 2014 October 25, showed a complicated three-ribbon structure. To clarify the trigger process of the flare and to evaluate the applicability of a simple theoretical model, we analyzed the data from Hinode /Solar Optical Telescope and the Solar Dynamics Observatory /Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, Atmospheric Imaging Assembly. We investigated the spatio-temporal correlation between the magnetic field structures, especially the non-potentiality of the horizontal field, and the bright structures in the solar atmosphere. As a result, we determined that the western side of the positive polarity, which is intruding on a negative polarity region, is the location where the flare was triggered. This is due to the fact that the sign of the magnetic shear in that region was opposite that of the major shear of the AR, and the significant brightenings were observed over the polarity inversion line (PIL) in that region before flare onset. These features are consistent with the recently proposed flare-trigger model that suggests that small reversed shear (RS) magnetic disturbances can trigger solar flares. Moreover, we found that the RS field was located slightly off the flaring PIL, contrary to the theoretical prediction. We discuss the possibility of an extension of the RS model based on an extra numerical simulation. Our result suggests that the RS field has a certain flexibility for displacement from a highly sheared PIL, and that the RS field triggers more flares than we expected.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Coercivity enhancement in heavy rare earth-free NdFeB magnets by grain boundary diffusion process

Grain boundary diffusion of a Pr 3 (Co,Cu) eutectic alloy has been performed for coercivity enhancement on Nd-lean Nd 10 Fe 84 B 6 nanocrystalline ribbons. The coercivity increases from 0.5 T to 2.5 T after 6 h of infiltration at 600 °C. High resolution electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that the excess α-Fe present in the initial samples diminishes during infiltration, giving rise to the formation of a Rare Earth-rich RE-Fe inter-boundary phase and a layer of (Nd,Pr) 2 Fe 14 B close to the surface of the hard magnetic grains. Such a microstructure favours the coercivity by increasing the nucleation field for reversal magnetization and providing magnetically isolated/decoupled hard grains.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Magnetic field diffusion and dissipation in reversed-field plasmas

A diffusion equation is derived which describes the evolution of a magnetic field in a plasma of arbitrary beta and resistivity. The equation is valid for a one-dimensional slab geometry, assumes the plasma remains in quasi-equilibrium throughout its evolution and does not include thermal transport. Scaling laws governing the rate of change of the magnetic energy, particle drift energy, and magnetic flux are calculated. It is found that the magnetic free energy can be substantially larger than the particle drift energy and can be an important energy reservoir in driving plasma instabilities (e.g., the lower-hybrid-drift instability). In addition, the effect of a spatially varying resistivity on the evolution of a reversed-field plasma is studied. The resistivity model used is based upon the anomalous transport properties associated with the nonlocal mode structure of the lower-hybrid-drift instability. The relevance of this research to laboratory plasmas (e.g., theta pinches, reversed-field theta pinches) and space plasmas (e.g., the earth's magnetotail) is discussed.

Drake, J. F.↗

Magnetization switching of rare earth orthochromite CeCrO{sub 3}

We report the synthesis of single phase rare earth orthochromite CeCrO{sub 3} and its magnetic properties. A canted antiferromagnetic transition with thermal hysteresis at T = 260 K is observed, and a magnetic compensation (zero magnetization) near 133 K is attributed to the antiparallel coupling between Ce{sup 3+} and Cr{sup 3+} moments. At low temperature, field induced magnetization reversal starting from 43 K for H = 1.2 kOe reveals the spin flip driven by Zeeman energy between the net moments and the applied field. These findings may find potential uses in magnetic switching devices such as nonvolatile magnetic memory which facilitates two distinct states of magnetization.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Final Report on Development of Optimized Field-Reversed Configuration Plasma Formation Techniques for Magnetized Target Fusion

The University of New Mexico (UNM) proposed a collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to develop and test methods for improved formation of field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas relevant to magnetized target fusion (MTF) energy research. MTF is an innovative approach for a relatively fast and cheap path to the production of fusion energy that utilizes magnetic confinement to assist in the compression of a hot plasma to thermonuclear conditions by an external driver. LANL is currently pursing demonstration of the MTF concept via compression of an FRC plasma by a metal liner z-pinch in conjunction with the Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM. A key physics issue for the FRC's ultimate success as an MTF target lies in the initial pre-ionization (PI) stage. The PI plasma sets the initial conditions from which the FRC is created. In particular, the PI formation process determines the amount of magnetic flux that can be trapped to form the FRC. A ringing theta pinch ionization (RTPI) technique, such as currently used by the FRX-L device at LANL, has the advantages of high ionization fraction, simplicity (since no additional coils are required), and does not require internal electrodes which can introduce impurities into the plasma. However RTPI has been shown to only trap 50% of the initial bias flux at best and imposes additional engineering constraints on the capacitor banks. The amount of trapped flux plays an important role in the FRC's final equilibrium, transport, and stability properties, and provides increased ohmic heating of the FRC through induced currents as the magnetic field decays. Increasing the trapped flux also provides the route to greatest potential gains in FRC lifetime, which is essential to provide enough time to translate and compress the FRC effectively. In conjunction with LANL we initially planned to develop and test a microwave break- down system to improve the initial PI plasma formation. The UNM team would design the microwave optics and oversee the fabrication and assembly of all components and assist with integration into the FRX-L machine control system. LANL would provide a preexisting 65 kW X-band microwave source and some associated waveguide hardware. Once constructed and installed, UNM would take the lead in operating the microwave breakdown system and conducting studies to optimize its use in FRC PI formation in close cooperation with the needs of the LANL MTF team. In conjunction with our LANL collaborators, we decided after starting the project to switch from a microwave plasma breakdown approach to a plasma gun technology to use for enhanced plasma formation in the FRX-L field-reversed configuration experiment at LANL. Plasma guns would be able to provide significantly higher density plasma with greater control over its distribution in time and space within the experiment. This would allow greater control and ne-tuning of the PI plasma formed in the experiment. Multiple plasma guns would be employed to fill a Pyrex glass test chamber (built at UNM) with plasma which would then be characterized and optimized for the MTF effort.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Study Of Dc Modulation Noise In Magnetic Recording Disks

Report discusses dc modulation noise in thin-film magnetic medium on magnetic recording disk. Presents study of statistical and spectral characteristics of noise and describes study of dependence of noise upon applied magnetic field, thickness of magnetic layer, and roughness of surface of layer. DC modulation noise attributed to nucleation of isolated regions of reversal of magnetization in recording medium, and to growth and coalescence of regions with increasing reverse applied magnetic field. Inhomogeneities in magnetic recording media, not roughnesses of surfaces, are dominant sources of noise.

Katti, Romney R.↗

Imaging orbital ferromagnetism in a moiré Chern insulator

Capturing exotic magnetism Ferromagnetism is associated with the breaking of time-reversal symmetry, most frequently by the spin degree of freedom. Although the orbital motion of electrons can also contribute to ferromagnetism, in most materials, it is small relative to the spin contribution. Tschirhart et al. showed that the reverse is true in an unusual magnetic state hosted by twisted bilayer graphene. Their scanning magnetometry measurements were consistent with ferromagnetism of predominantly orbital origin. Science , abd3190, this issue p. 1323

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Further rotation reversal studies in C-Mod L-mode plasmas

Studies of core toroidal rotation reversal phenomenology in C-Mod deuterium L-mode plasmas have been expanded to include details of the dependences on plasma current and toroidal magnetic field. Rotation reversal occurs at a critical density, and universal scaling indicates that the product of ncritq95R ∼ BT/2, with ncrit in 1020/m3, R in m, and BT in T. Measurements in H and He plasmas exhibit similar behavior, including a connection with the linear Ohmic confinement/saturated Ohmic confinement transition and the cutoff for non-diffusive heat transport. Electron density and ion cyclotron range of frequencies power modulation experiments suggest that the collisionality ν* is a unifying parameter. Strong impurity puffing causes the critical density to increase, indicating that the situation is more complicated than only collisionality, perhaps involving the details of the effects of dilution on ion temperature gradient mode stability.

Physics↗

The sn stars - Magnetically controlled stellar winds among the helium-weak stars

The paper reports observations of magnetically controlled stellar mass outflows in three helium-weak sn stars: HD 21699 = HR 1063; HD 5737 = Alpha Scl; and HD 79158 = 36 Lyn. IUE observations show that the C IV resonance doublet is variable on the rotational timescale but that there are no other strong-spectrum variations in the UV. Magnetic fields, which reverse sign on the rotational timescale, are present in all three stars. This phenomenology is interpreted in terms of jetlike mass loss above the magnetic poles, and these objects are discussed in the context of a general survey of the C IV and Si IV profiles of other more typical helium-weak stars.

Shore, Steven N.↗

Comparison of induced magnetospheres at Venus and Titan

Analyses of the similarities and differences of the magnetic tails of Venus and Titan are presented. Voyager 1 data showed that the Titan bipolar tail is produced by passage through the subsonic plasma flow of Saturn's magnetosphere. Venera 9 and 10 gathered data on the Venus tail, which is produced by the interaction of the Venus atmosphere and ionosphere with the solar wind. Both nonmagnetic bodies have induced two-lobe magnetic tails, field reversal in the tail and display characteristics of decreased energetic electron densities. The plasma flow is supersonic near the Venus tail boundary but not near Titan. Magnetic merging of the tail lobes is continuous behind Titan and irregular in the Venus tail.

Verigin, M. I.↗

Determination of the anisotropies and reversal process in exchange-bias bilayers using a rotational magnetization curve approach

Rotational magnetization curves of the exchange-bias bilayers were investigated based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth model, which can be grouped into three cases according to the magnetization reversal process. The unidirectional anisotropic field H{sub E} = 41.4 Oe, the uniaxial anisotropic field H{sub k} = 4.2 Oe and the accurate direction of the easy axis of our FeNi/FeMn exchange-bias bilayers were obtained by fitting their experimental rotational magnetization curves. During the rotational process the magnetization reversal of the bilayers is a coherent rotation with a critical magnetization reversal field H{sub 1} = 41.372 Oe.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Unexpected Magnetic Domain Behavior in LTP-MnBi

Low-temperature-phase MnBi (LTP-MnBi) has attracted much interest as a potential rare-earth-free permanent magnet material because of its high uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy at room temperature, K approximate to 10(7) ergs/cc, and the unusual increase of anisotropy with increasing temperature, with an accompanying increasing coercive force (H-C) with temperature. However, due to the complex Mn-Bi phase diagram, bulk samples of LTP-MnBi with the optimum saturation moment, similar to 75-76 emu/g have been achieved only with zone-refined single crystals. We have prepared polycrystalline samples of LTP-MnBi by induction melting and annealing at 300 degrees C. The moment in 70 kOe is 73.5 emu/g, but H-C is only 50 Oe. This is quite surprising-the high saturation moment indicates the dominating presence of LTP-MnBi. Therefore, an H-C c of some significant fraction of 2K/M-S approximate to 30 kOe would seem reasonable in this polycrystalline sample. By examining "Bitter" patterns, we show that the sample is composed of similar to 50 - 100 mu m crystallites. The randomly oriented crystallites exhibit the variety of magnetic domain structures and orientations expected from the hexagonal-structured MnBi with its strong uniaxial anisotropy. Clearly, the reversal of magnetization in the sample proceeds by the low-field nucleation of reversed magnetization in each crystallite, rather than by a wall-pinning mechanism. When the annealed sample was milled into fine particles, H-C increased by several orders of magnitude, as expected.

Nguyen, PK↗

Magnetized jets driven by the Sun: The structure of the heliosphere revisited—Updates

As the solar system moves through the interstellar medium, the solar wind is deflected forming the heliosphere. The standard picture of the heliosphere is a comet-shape like structure with the tail extending for 1000s of astronomical units. This standard picture stems from a view where magnetic forces are negligible and the solar magnetic field is convected passively down the tail. Recently, we showed that the magnetic tension of the solar magnetic field plays a crucial role on organizing the solar wind in the heliosheath into two jet-like structures. The two jets are separated by the interstellar medium that flows between them. The heliosphere then has a “croissant”-like shape where the distance to the heliopause downtail is almost the same as towards the nose. This new view of the heliosphere is in agreement with the energetic neutral atoms maps taken by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer and INCA/CASSINI. We developed as well an analytic model of the heliosheath in the axisymmetric limit that shows how the magnetic tension force is the driver for the north and south jets. We confirmed that the formation of these jets with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. The main reason why previous global MHD simulations did not see these jets is due to spurious magnetic dissipation that was present at the heliospheric current sheet. We instead kept the same polarity for the interplanetary (solar) magnetic field in both the northern and southern hemispheres, eliminating spurious magnetic dissipation effects at the heliospheric current sheet. In this paper, we extend these previous results to include additional cases where we used: (a) weaker solar magnetic field; (b) solar magnetic field that reverses polarity at the solar equator in the axisymmetric limit; and (c) slower motion through the interstellar system. We discuss as well future challenges regarding the structure of the heliosphere.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗