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Federman, S. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Federman, S. R..

At least 19 records

Parsec-scale Variations in the {sup 7}Li i/{sup 6}Li i Isotope Ratio Toward IC 348 and the Perseus OB 2 Association

Measurements of the lithium isotopic ratio in the diffuse interstellar medium from high-resolution spectra of the Li i λ 6708 resonance doublet have now been reported for a number of lines of sight. The majority of the results for the {sup 7}Li/{sup 6}Li ratio are similar to the solar system ratio of 12.2, but the line of sight toward o Per, a star near the star-forming region IC 348, gave a ratio of about two, the expected value for gas exposed to spallation and fusion reactions driven by cosmic rays. To examine the association of IC 348 with cosmic rays more closely, we measured the lithium isotopic ratio for lines of sight to three stars within a few parsecs of o Per. One star, HD 281159, has {sup 7}Li/{sup 6}Li ≃ 2 confirming production by cosmic rays. The lithium isotopic ratio toward o Per and HD 281159 together with published analyses of the chemistry of interstellar diatomic molecules suggest that the superbubble surrounding IC 348 is the source of the cosmic rays.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Lifetimes and oscillator strengths for ultraviolet transitions in singly ionized lead

We present the results of lifetime measurements made using beam-foil techniques on levels of astrophysical interest in Pb ii producing lines at 1203.6 Å (6s6p{sup 2} {sup 2}D{sub 3/2}) and 1433.9 Å (6s{sup 2}6d {sup 2}D{sub 3/2}). We also report the first detection of the Pb ii λ1203 line in the interstellar medium (ISM) from an analysis of archival spectra acquired by the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The oscillator strengths derived from our experimental lifetimes for Pb ii λλ1203, 1433 are generally consistent with recent theoretical results, including our own relativistic calculations. Our analysis of high-resolution HST/STIS spectra helps to confirm the relative strengths of the Pb ii λλ1203, 1433 lines. However, the oscillator strength that we obtain for Pb ii λ1433 (0.321 ± 0.034) is significantly smaller than earlier theoretical values, which have been used to study the abundance of Pb in the ISM. Our revised oscillator strength for λ1433 yields an increase in the interstellar abundance of Pb of 0.43 dex over determinations based on the value given by Morton, indicating that the depletion of Pb onto interstellar dust grains is less severe than previously thought.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Observation of a new electronic state of CO perturbing W{sup 1}Π(υ=1)

We observe photoabsorption of the W(1) ← X(0) band in five carbon monoxide isotopologues with a vacuum-ultraviolet Fourier-transform spectrometer and a synchrotron radiation source. We deduce transition energies, integrated cross sections, and natural linewidths of the observed rotational transitions and find a perturbation affecting these. Following a deperturbation analysis of all five isotopologues, the perturbing state is assigned to the υ = 0 level of a previously unobserved {sup 1}Π state predicted by ab initio calculations to occur with the correct symmetry and equilibrium internuclear distance. We label this new state E{sup ″} {sup 1}Π. Both of the interacting levels W(1) and E{sup ″}(0) are predissociated, leading to dramatic interference effects in their corresponding linewidths.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

High-resolution oscillator strength measurements of the v' = 0,1 bands of the B-X, C-X, and E-X systems in five isotopologues of carbon monoxide

We report oscillator strengths for six strong vibrational bands between 105.0 and 115.2 nm, associated with transitions from the v = 0 level of the X {sup 1}Σ{sup +} ground state to the v = 0 and 1 levels of the B {sup 1}Σ{sup +}, C {sup 1}Σ{sup +}, and E {sup 1}Π states, in {sup 12}C{sup 16}O, {sup 12}C{sup 17}O, {sup 12}C{sup 18}O, {sup 13}C{sup 16}O, and {sup 13}C{sup 18}O. These measurements extend the development of a comprehensive database of line positions, oscillator strengths, and linewidths of photodissociating transitions for all astrophysically relevant CO isotopologues. The E-X bands, in particular, play central roles in CO photodissociation and fractionation models of interstellar clouds and circumstellar disks including the early solar nebula. The resolving powers of the room-temperature measurements, R = 300,000-400,000, allow for the analysis of individual line strengths within bands; the measurements reveal J-dependences in the branch intensities of the C(v = 0,1)-X(0) and E(v = 0,1)-X(0) bands in all isotopologues. Minimal or no isotopologue dependence was found in the f-values of the C(v = 0,1)-X(0) and E(v = 0,1)-X(0) bands at a ∼5% uncertainty level. Revised dissociation branching ratios for the C(v = 0,1) and E(v = 0,1) levels are computed based on these f-values. The weak isotopologue dependence of the f-values presented here eliminates this mechanism as an explanation for the large {sup 17}O enrichments seen in recent laboratory photolysis experiments on CO at wavelengths from 105 to 108 nm.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

OH{sup +} IN DIFFUSE MOLECULAR CLOUDS

Near ultraviolet observations of OH{sup +} and OH in diffuse molecular clouds reveal a preference for different environments. The dominant absorption feature in OH{sup +} arises from a main component seen in CH{sup +} (that with the highest CH{sup +}/CH column density ratio), while OH follows CN absorption. This distinction provides new constraints on OH chemistry in these clouds. Since CH{sup +} detections favor low-density gas with small fractions of molecular hydrogen, this must be true for OH{sup +} as well, confirming OH{sup +} and H{sub 2}O{sup +} observations with the Herschel Space Telescope. Our observed correspondence indicates that the cosmic ray ionization rate derived from these measurements pertains to mainly atomic gas. The association of OH absorption with gas rich in CN is attributed to the need for a high enough density and molecular fraction before detectable amounts are seen. Thus, while OH{sup +} leads to OH production, chemical arguments suggest that their abundances are controlled by different sets of conditions and that they coexist with different sets of observed species. Of particular note is that non-thermal chemistry appears to play a limited role in the synthesis of OH in diffuse molecular clouds.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Laboratory Astrophysics Division of the AAS (LAD)

The purpose of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) is to advance our understanding of the Universe through the promotion of fundamental theoretical and experimental research into the underlying processes that drive the Cosmos. LAD represents all areas of astrophysics and planetary sciences. The first new AAS Division in more than 30 years, the LAD traces its history back to the recommendation from the scientific community via the White Paper from the 2006 NASA-sponsored Laboratory Astrophysics Workshop. This recommendation was endorsed by the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee (AAAC), which advises the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on selected issues within the fields of astronomy and astrophysics that are of mutual interest and concern to the agencies. In January 2007, at the 209th AAS meeting, the AAS Council set up a Steering Committee to formulate Bylaws for a Working Group on Laboratory Astrophysics (WGLA). The AAS Council formally established the WGLA with a five-year mandate in May 2007, at the 210th AAS meeting. From 2008 through 2012, the WGLA annually sponsored Meetings in-a-Meeting at the AAS Summer Meetings. In May 2011, at the 218th AAS meeting, the AAS Council voted to convert the WGLA, at the end of its mandate, into a Division of the AAS and requested draft Bylaws from the Steering Committee. In January 2012, at the 219th AAS Meeting, the AAS Council formally approved the Bylaws and the creation of the LAD. The inaugural gathering and the first business meeting of the LAD were held at the 220th AAS meeting in Anchorage in June 2012. You can learn more about LAD by visiting its website at http://lad.aas.org/ and by subscribing to its mailing list.

Salama, Farid↗

Lifetimes and Oscillator Strengths for Ultraviolet Transitions in P II, Cl II and Cl III

Oscillator strengths for transitions in P II, Cl II and Cl III are derived from lifetimes and branching factions measured with beam-foil techniques. The focus is on the multiplets with a prominent interstellar line at 1153 A in P II which is seen in spectra of hot stars, and the lines at 1071 A in Cl II and 1011 A in Cl III whose lines are seen in spectra of diffuse interstellar clouds and the Io torus acquired with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer. These data represent the first complete set of experimental f-values for the lines in the multiplets. Our results for P II (lambda)1153 agree well with Curtis semi-empirical predictions, as well as the large scale computations by Hibbert and by Tayal. The data for Cl II (lambda)1071 also agree very well with the most recent theoretical effort and with Morton s newest recommendations. For Cl III, however, our f-values are significantly larger than those given by Morton; instead, they are more consistent with recent large-scale theoretical calculations. Extensive tests provide confirmation that LS coupling rules apply to the transitions for the multiplets in Cl II and Cl III.

Cheng, S.↗

Atomic Physics with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope: Oscillator Strengths for Neutral Carbon - III

High quality spectra of interstellar absorption from C I toward beta(sup 1) S(sub co), rho O(sub ph) A, and chi O(sub ph) were obtained with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on HST. Many weak lines were detected within the observed wavelength intervals: 1150-1200 A for beta(sup 1) S(sub co) and 1250-1290 A for rho O(sub ph) A and chi O(sub ph). Curve-of-growth analyses were performed in order to extract accurate column densities and Doppler parameters from lines with precise laboratory-based f-values. These column densities and b-values were used to obtain a self-consistent set of f-values for all the observed C I lines. A particularly important constraint was the need to reproduce data for more than one line of sight. For about 50% of the lines, the derived f-values differ appreciably from the values quoted by Morton.

Zsargo, J.↗

Probing the Photodissociation Region Toward HD200775

The illuminating source of the photodissociation region associated with the reflection nebula NGC7023 is HD200775. We probed the foreground atomic and molecular material through diagnostics observed in absorption against the background star.

abundance-ISM molecules reflection nebulae stars↗

Relative Band Oscillator Strengths for Carbon Monoxide: Alpha (1)Pi-Chi (1)Sigma(+) Transitions

Band oscillator strengths for CO transitions between the electronic states A (l)Pi and X(1)Sigma(+) were measured via absorption with a synchrotron radiation source. When referenced to the well-characterized (5,0) band oscillator strength, our relative values for the (7,0) to (11,0) bands are most consistent with the recent experiments of Chan et al. and the theoretical predictions of Kirby & Cooper. Since the results from various laboratory techniques and theory now agree, analyses of interstellar CO based on absorption from A-X bands are no longer hindered by uncertainties in oscillator strength.

Federman, S. R.↗

Atomic Physics with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope: Oscillator Strengths for Neutral Sulfur - No. 1

Interstellar spectra toward zeta Oph acquired with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph were used to obtain oscillator strengths for approximately two dozen S I lines. This analysis was possible because precisely determined experimental oscillator strengths are available for several multiplets, including one with a weak interstellar line. The self-consistent set of oscillator strengths then was obtained from a curve of growth based on line strengths spanning a range of a factor of 100. The derived f-values for a number of multiplets differ from values quoted by Morton (1991) but are generally consistent with the suite of available experimental and theoretical results.

Federman, S. R.↗

Vibrationally excited H2, HCl, and NO(+) in the diffuse clouds toward Zeta Ophiuchi

Absorption lines from vibrationally excited H2 and from HCl were detected in the ultraviolet spectrum of Zeta Oph with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Improved upper limits on NO(+) absorption were obtained as well. The data were analyzed with an updated version of a chemical model for diffuse clouds (van Dishoeck & Black 1986) as a guide to understanding this gaseous environment. The comparisons suggest that the flux of ultraviolet radiation impinging on the cloud surface is approximately 1-2 times the average interstellar radiation field, which is lower than once believed.

Federman, S. R.↗

Hubble Space Telescope observations of C2 molecules in diffuse interstellar clouds

Interstellar C2 F-X (1342 A) and D-X (2313 A) bands in the spectrum of zeta Oph were detected using the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The total C2 column density is (1.79 +/- 0.06) 10(exp 13)/sq cm for an adopted f-value of 0.0545 for the 2313 A band of the Mulliken (D-X) system. Relative f-values for the 0-0 F-X, 0-0 D-X, and 2-0 A-X (Phillips) bands are derived by combining ultraviolet and near-infrared spectra: f(sub 00 sup FX)/f(sub 00 sup DX) = 1.83 +/- 0.18 and f(sub 20 sup AX)/f(sub 00 sup DX) = 0.0226 +/- 0.0029. For the Mulliken system, lines are detected up to a rotational level J double prime = 24. The relative populations along the rotational ladder are shown to be consistent with the physical and environmental conditions suggested by other diagnostics. Interstellar C2 molecules were detected towards zeta Per (N(C2) = (0.80 +/- 0.23) 10(exp 13)) but not towards Beta(sup 1), pi, and omega(sup 1) Sco(N(C2) less than or equal to 0.17 x 10(exp 13)/sq cm.

Lambert, David L.↗

Intersystem transitions of interstellar carbon monoxide toward zeta Ophiuchi

Absorption from seven intersystem (triplet-singlet) transitions of interstellar (12)CO were detected in ultraviolet spectra of zeta Oph. The observed equivalent widths are approximately consistent with the transitions' predicted f-values and the (12) CO column density derived from the weakest of the observed A-X bands. These unsaturated intersystem transitions provide the opportunity to measure the (12)CO column density for heavily reddened (dense) sight lines. Laboratory measurements of oscillator strengths more precise than available ones will be needed to derive accurate column densities.

Federman, S. R.↗

Oscillator strengths of selected resonance transitions in neutral sulfur

Mean lives and branching ratios for the 4s (3)S(sup 0 sub 1) and 4s(double prime) (3)P(sup 0 sub 1, 2) levels of neutral sulfur were determined at the Toledo Heavy Ion Accelerator using beam-foil spectroscopic techniques. The mean lives obtained for the 4s (3)S(sup 0 sub 1) 4s(double prime) (3)P(sup 0 sub 1), and (3)P(sup 0 sub 2) levels, 1.875 +/- 0.094 ns, 2.034 +/- 0.102 ns, and 2.146 +/- 0.129 ns, respectively, represent the most accurate results available to date. Oscillator strengths for the transitions 3p(sup 4)(3)P(sub 2, 1, 0)-4s (3)S(sup 0 sub 1) and 3p(sup 4)(3)P(sub 2, 1, 0)-4s(double prime) (3)P(sup 0 sub 1, 2) were derived from these mean lives together with the measured branching ratios. For comparison with published results which present only multiplet f-values, such f-values were computed from the measured individual line oscillator strengths. The value obtained for the 3p(sup 4)(3)P-4s(sup 3)S(sup 0) multiplet at 1814 A is 0.088 +/- 0.005, in good agreement with the mean of previous experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. With the mean life for the 4s(double prime) 3P(sup 0 sub 0) level set equal to the mean of our determination for the other two 4s(double prime) (3)P(sup 0) levels (a valid assumption for LS coupling conditions, and consistent with the observed equality of the mean lives within the accuracy of our measurement), an oscillator strength for the 1299 A multiplet of 0.121 +/- 0.004 was found. Both results are in good agreement with recent large-scale theoretical calculations that incorporate the effects of configuration interaction.

Beideck, D. J.↗

Chemical transitions for interstellar C2 and CN in cloud envelopes

Observations were made of absorption from CH, C2, and CN toward moderately reddened stars in Sco, OB2, Ceo OB3, and Taurus/Auriga. For these directions, most of the reddening is associated with a single cloud complex, for example, the rho Ophiuchus molecular cloud, and as a result, the observations probe moderately dense material. When combined with avaliable data for nearby directions, the survey provides the basis for a comprehensive analysis of the chemistry for these species. The chemical transitions affecting C2 and CN in cloud envelopes were analyzed. The depth into a cloud at which a transition takes place was characterized by tau(sub uv), the grain optical depth at 1000 A. One transition at tau(sub uv) approx. = 2, which arises from, the conversion of C(+) into CO, affects the chemistries for both molecules because of the key role this ion plays. A second one involving production terms in the CN chemistry occurs at tau(sub uv) of approx. = 3; neutral reactions which C2 and CH is more important at larger values for tau(sub uv). The transition from photodissociation to chemical destruction takes place at tau(sub uv) approx. = 4.5 for C2 and CN. The observational data for stars in Sco OB2, Cep OB3, and Taurus/Auriga were studied with chemical rate equations containing the most important production and destruction mechanisms. Because the sample of stars in Sco OB2 includes sight lines with A(sub v) ranging from 1-4 mag, sight lines dominated by photochemistry could be analyzed separately from those controlled by gas-phase destruction. The analysis yielded values for two poorly known rate constants for reactions involved in the production of CN; the reactions are C2 + N yields CN + C and C(+) + NH yields all products. The other directions were analyzed with the inferred values. The predicted column densities for C2 and CN agree with the observed values to better than 50%, and in most instances 20%. When combining the estimates for density and temperature derived from chemical modeling and molecular excitation for a specific cloud, such as the rho Ophiuchus molecular cloud, the portion of the cloud envelope probed by C2 and CN absorption was found to be in pressure equilibrium.

Federman, S. R.↗

Interstellar carbon monoxide toward zeta Ophiuchi

Interstellar CO A-X bands in the spectrum of zeta Oph were recorded at high Sound-to-Noise (S/N) with grating G160M of the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. Isotopic fractionation of CO is severe: CO-12/CO-13 = 167, C(16)O/C(18)O approximately equal to 1550 and C(16)O/C(17)O is greater than 5900 are found where C-12/C-13 = 70, O-16/O-18 = 500, and O-16.O-17 = 2600 are observed or expected. Standard models of the zeta Oph cloud predict CO-12/CO-13 is less than or approximately 70. The higher observed ratio suggests that photodissociation of CO, not the isotopic charge exchange reaction ((13)C(+) + CO reversible reaction (12)C(+) + (13)(CO), is the dominant influence on the CO-12/CO-13 ratio.

Lambert, David L.↗

Detection of boron, cobalt, and other weak interstellar lines toward Zeta Ophiuchi

Numerous weak lines from interstellar atomic species toward Zeta Ophiuchi were observed with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph. Of particular note are the first interstellar detection of cobalt and the detection of boron in this sight line. These measurements provide estimates for the amount of depletion for the two elements. Boron, a volatile, and cobalt, a refractory element, display the depletion pattern found by Savage et al. (1992). The abundance of phosphorus in the H II region associated with the star was obtained from a detection of P III. Additional weak lines from S I, C I, Ni II, and Cu II were detected for the first time; these lines provide the basis for refinements in oscillator strength and column density. Analysis of the neutral sulfur data indicates that the atomic gas is more widely distributed than the molecular material in the main component.

Federman, S. R.↗