Engineering topics

Jin, Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Jin, Zhang.

10 records

DOE OSTI2013

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF GAMMA-RAY BURST OPTICAL EMISSION. II. AFTERGLOW ONSET AND LATE RE-BRIGHTENING COMPONENTS

We continue our systematic statistical study of various components of gamma-ray burst (GRB) optical light curves. We decompose the early onset bump and the late re-brightening bump with empirical fits and analyze their statistical properties. Among the 146 GRBs that have well-sampled optical light curves, the onset and re-brightening bumps are observed in 38 and 26 GRBs, respectively. It is found that the typical rising and decaying slopes for both the onset and re-brightening bumps are {approx}1.5 and {approx} - 1.15, respectively. No early onset bumps in the X-ray band are detected to be associated with the optical onset bumps, while an X-ray re-brightening bump is detected for half of the re-brightening optical bumps. The peak luminosity is anti-correlated with the peak time L{sub p}{proportional_to}t{sub p}{sup -1.81{+-}0.32} for the onset bumps and L{sub p}{proportional_to}t{sub p}{sup -0.83{+-}0.17} for the re-brightening bumps. Both L{sub p} and the isotropic energy release of the onset bumps are correlated with E{sub {gamma},iso}, whereas no similar correlation is found for the re-brightening bumps. These results suggest that the afterglow onset bumps are likely due to the deceleration of the GRB fireballs. Taking the onset bumps as probes for the properties of the fireballs and their ambient medium, we find that the typical power-law index of the relativistic electrons is 2.5 and the medium density profile behaves as n{proportional_to}r {sup -1} within the framework of the synchrotron external shock models. With the medium density profile obtained from our analysis, we also confirm the correlation between the initial Lorentz factor ({Gamma}{sub 0}) and E{sub iso,{gamma}} in our previous work. The jet component that produces the re-brightening bump seems to be on-axis and independent of the prompt emission jet component. Its typical kinetic energy budget would be about one order of magnitude larger than the prompt emission component, but with a lower {Gamma}{sub 0}, typically several tens.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2013

RADIATION MECHANISM AND JET COMPOSITION OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS AND GeV-TeV-SELECTED RADIO-LOUD ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and GeV-TeV-selected radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are compared based on our systematic modeling of the observed spectral energy distributions of a sample of AGNs with a single-zone leptonic model. We show that the correlation between the jet power (P{sub jet}) and the prompt gamma-ray luminosity (L{sub jet}) of GRBs is consistent, within the uncertainties, with the correlation between jet power and the synchrotron peak luminosity (L{sub s,jet}) of flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs). Their radiation efficiencies ({epsilon}) are also comparable (>10% for most sources), which increase with the bolometric jet luminosity (L{sub bol,jet}) for FSRQs and with the L{sub jet} for GRBs with similar power-law indices. BL Lac objects (BL Lacs) do not follow the P{sub jet}-L{sub s,jet} relation of FSRQs. They have lower {epsilon} and L{sub bol,jet} values than FSRQs, and a tentative L{sub bol,jet}-{epsilon} relation is also found, with a power-law index different from that of the FSRQs. The magnetization parameters ({sigma}) of FSRQs are on average larger than that of BL Lacs. They are anti-correlated with {epsilon} for the FSRQs, but positively correlated with {epsilon} for the BL Lacs. GeV narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies potentially share similar properties with FSRQs. Based on the analogy between GRBs and FSRQs, we suggest that the prompt gamma-ray emission of GRBs is likely produced by the synchrotron process in a magnetized jet with high radiation efficiency, similar to FSRQs. The jets of BL Lacs, on the other hand, are less efficient and are likely more matter-dominated.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2013

GammaPod-A new device dedicated for stereotactic radiotherapy of breast cancer

Purpose: This paper introduces a new external beam radiotherapy device named GammaPod that is dedicated for stereotactic radiotherapy of breast cancer. Methods: The design goal of the GammaPod as a dedicated system for treating breast cancer is the ability to deliver ablative doses with sharp gradients under stereotactic image guidance. Stereotactic localization of the breast is achieved by a vacuum-assisted breast immobilization cup with built-in stereotactic frame. Highly focused radiation is achieved at the isocenter due to the cross-firing from 36 radiation arcs generated by rotating 36 individual Cobalt-60 beams. The dedicated treatment planning system optimizes an optimal path of the focal spot using an optimization algorithm borrowed from computational geometry such that the target can be covered by 90%-95% of the prescription dose and the doses to surrounding tissues are minimized. The treatment plan is intended to be delivered with continuous motion of the treatment couch. In this paper the authors described in detail the gamma radiation unit, stereotactic localization of the breast, and the treatment planning system of the GammaPod system. Results: A prototype GammaPod system was installed at University of Maryland Medical Center and has gone through a thorough functional, geometric, and dosimetric testing. The mechanical and functional performances of the system all meet the functional specifications. Conclusions: An image-guided breast stereotactic radiotherapy device, named GammaPod, has been developed to deliver highly focused and localized doses to a target in the breast under stereotactic image guidance. It is envisioned that the GammaPod technology has the potential to significantly shorten radiation treatments and even eliminate surgery by ablating the tumor and sterilizing the tumor bed simultaneously.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2013

Dosimetric and geometric evaluation of a novel stereotactic radiotherapy device for breast cancer: The GammaPod Trade-Mark-Sign

Purpose: A dedicated stereotactic gamma irradiation device, the GammaPod Trade-Mark-Sign from Xcision Medical Systems, was developed specifically to treat small breast cancers. This study presents the first evaluation of dosimetric and geometric characteristics from the initial prototype installed at University of Maryland Radiation Oncology Department. Methods: The GammaPod Trade-Mark-Sign stereotactic radiotherapy device is an assembly of a hemi-spherical source carrier containing 36 {sup 60}Co sources, a tungsten collimator, a dynamically controlled patient support table, and the breast immobilization system which also functions as a stereotactic frame. The source carrier contains the sources in six columns spaced longitudinally at 60 Degree-Sign intervals and it rotates together with the variable-size collimator to form 36 noncoplanar, concentric arcs focused at the isocenter. The patient support table enables motion in three dimensions to position the patient tumor at the focal point of the irradiation. The table moves continuously in three cardinal dimensions during treatment to provide dynamic shaping of the dose distribution. The breast is immobilized using a breast cup applying a small negative pressure, where the immobilization cup is embedded with fiducials also functioning as the stereotactic frame for the breast. Geometric and dosimetric evaluations of the system as well as a protocol for absorbed dose calibration are provided. Dosimetric verifications of dynamically delivered patient plans are performed for seven patients using radiochromic films in hypothetical preop, postop, and target-in-target treatment scenarios. Results: Loaded with 36 {sup 60}Co sources with cumulative activity of 4320 Ci, the prototype GammaPod Trade-Mark-Sign unit delivers 5.31 Gy/min at the isocenter using the largest 2.5 cm diameter collimator. Due to the noncoplanar beam arrangement and dynamic dose shaping features, the GammaPod Trade-Mark-Sign device is found to deliver uniform doses to targets with good conformity. The spatial accuracy of the device to locate the radiation isocenter is determined to be less than 1 mm. Single shot profiles with 2.5 cm collimator are measured with radiochromic film and found to be in good agreement with respect to the Monte Carlo based calculations (congruence of FWHM less than 1 mm). Dosimetric verifications corresponding to all hypothetical treatment plans corresponding to three target scenarios for each of the seven patients demonstrated good agreement with gamma index pass rates of better than 97% (99.0%{+-} 0.7%). Conclusions: Dosimetric evaluation of the first GammaPod Trade-Mark-Sign stereotactic breast radiotherapy unit was performed and the dosimetric and spatial accuracy of this novel technology is found to be feasible with respect to clinical radiotherapy standards. The observed level of agreement between the treatment planning system calculations and dosimetric measurements has confirmed that the system can deliver highly complex treatment plans with remarkable geometric and dosimetric accuracy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2012

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF GAMMA-RAY BURST OPTICAL EMISSION. I. FLARES AND EARLY SHALLOW-DECAY COMPONENT

Well-sampled optical light curves of 146 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are compiled from the literature. By empirical fitting, we identify eight possible emission components and summarize the results in a 'synthetic' light curve. Both optical flare and early shallow-decay components are likely related to long-term central engine activities. We focus on their statistical properties in this paper. Twenty-four optical flares are obtained from 19 GRBs. The isotropic R-band energy is smaller than 1% of E{sub {gamma},iso}. The relation between the isotropic luminosities of the flares and gamma rays follows L{sup F}{sub R,iso}{proportional_to}L {sup 1.11{+-}0.27}{sub {gamma},iso}. Later flares tend to be wider and dimmer, i.e., w{sup F} {approx} t{sup F}{sub p}/2 and L{sup F}{sub R,iso}{proportional_to}[t{sup F}{sub p}/(1 + z)]{sup -1.15{+-}0.15}. The detection probability of the optical flares is much smaller than that of X-ray flares. An optical shallow-decay segment is observed in 39 GRBs. The relation between the break time and break luminosity is a power law, with an index of -0.78 {+-} 0.08, similar to that derived from X-ray flares. The X-ray and optical breaks are usually chromatic, but a tentative correlation is found. We suggest that similar to the prompt optical emission that tracks {gamma}-rays, the optical flares are also related to the erratic behavior of the central engine. The shallow-decay component is likely related to a long-lasting spinning-down central engine or piling up of flare materials onto the blast wave. Mixing of different emission components may be the reason for the diverse chromatic afterglow behaviors.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2012

RADIATION MECHANISMS AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GeV-TeV BL Lac OBJECTS

BL Lac objects are the best candidates to study the jet properties since their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) are less contaminated by the emission from the accretion disk and external Compton processes. We compile the broadband SEDs observed with Fermi/LAT and other instruments from literature for 24 TeV BL Lac objects. Two SEDs, which are identified as a low or high state according to its flux density at 1 TeV, are available for each of 10 objects. These SEDs can be explained well with the synchrotron+synchrotron-self-Compton model. We constrain the magnetic field strength (B) and the Doppler factor ({delta}) of the radiation region by incorporating the {chi}{sup 2}-minimization technique and the {gamma}-ray transparency condition. Twenty-four out of the 34 SEDs can constrain B and {delta} in the 1{sigma} significance level, and others only present the limits for both B and {delta}. The typical values of B and {delta} are 0.1-0.6 G and 10-35, respectively. The derived values of {gamma}{sub b} are significantly different among sources and even among the low and high states of a given source. Prominent flux variations with a clear spectral shift are observed, and a tentative correlation between the ratio of the flux density at 1 TeV and the ratio of {gamma}{sub b} in the low and high states is presented, likely indicating that the relativistic shocks for the electron acceleration may be responsible for the flux variations and the spectral shift. A weak anti-correlation between the jet power and the mass of the central black hole is observed, i.e., P{sub jet}{proportional_to}M{sup -1}{sub BH}, which disfavors the scenario of a pure accretion-driven jet. Implications for the blazar sequence and the intergalactic magnetic field from our results are also briefly discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2011

Micro- and nano-scale hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers by coaxial electrospinning: Preparation and gas sensing

We report the preparation of micro- and nano-scale hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers using a coaxial electrospinning technique and their gas sensing properties in terms of CO. The diameter of hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers can be controlled from 200 nm to several micrometers by changing the viscosity of electrospinning solutions. Lower viscosities produce slim hollow nanofibers. In contrast, fat hollow microfibers are obtained in the case of higher viscosities. A simple mathematical expression is presented to predict the change in diameter of hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers as a function of viscosity. The successful control over the diameter of hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers is expected to bring extensive applications. To test a potential use of hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers in chemical gas sensors, their sensing properties to CO are investigated at room temperature. - Graphical abstract: Microstructures of as-prepared and calcined hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers prepared by the electrospinning technique with a coaxial needle. Dynamic response at various CO concentrations for the sensor fabricated with the hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers. Highlights: > Hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers were synthesized using a coaxial electrospinning technique. > Their diameter can be controlled by changing the viscosity of electrospinning solutions. > Lower viscosities produce slim hollow nanofibers. > In contrast, fat hollow microfibers are obtained in the case of higher viscosities. > Successful control over the diameter of hollow TiO{sub 2} fibers will bring extensive applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2011

Instanton effects on the twist-three light-cone distribution amplitudes of pion and light scalar mesons above 1 GeV

By use of a single-instanton approximation the twist-three light-cone distribution amplitudes of the pion as well as the p-wave mesons, i.e., f{sub 0}(1370), K{sub 0}*(1430), and a{sub 0}(1450), are investigated within the framework of QCD moment sum rules with the inclusion of instanton effects based on the valence quark model. The results show that there is much change on light-cone distribution amplitudes due to the isospin- and chirality-dependent instanton contribution compared with the instanton-free ones. We find that the instanton-involved twist-three light-cone distribution amplitudes are non-positive-definite within some range of the momentum fraction and that there are rapid changes at two ends of the momentum fraction. To guarantee the convergence of moments using the method in this work, a low instanton density should be adopted; for instance, n{sub c}=(1/2) fm{sup -4}. Possible ingredients which might have an impact on the results are briefly discussed. These light-cone distribution amplitudes may be helpful to analyze exclusive heavy-flavored processes.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2010

CONSTRAINING GAMMA-RAY BURST INITIAL LORENTZ FACTOR WITH THE AFTERGLOW ONSET FEATURE AND DISCOVERY OF A TIGHT {Gamma}{sub 0}-E{sub {gamma},iso} CORRELATION

The onset of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow is characterized by a smooth bump in the early afterglow light curve as the GRB fireball is decelerated by the circumburst medium. We extensively search for GRBs with such an onset feature in their optical and X-ray light curves from the literature and from the catalog established with the Swift/XRT. Twenty optically selected GRBs and 12 X-ray-selected GRBs are obtained, among which 17 optically selected and 2 X-ray-selected GRBs have redshift measurements. We fit these light curves with a smooth broken power law and measure the width (w), rising timescale (t{sub r}), and decaying timescale (t{sub d}) at full width at half-maximum. Strong mutual correlations among these timescales and with the peak time (t{sub p}) are found. The ratio t{sub r}/t{sub d} is almost universal among bursts, but the ratio t{sub r}/t{sub p} varies from 0.3 to {approx}1. The optical peak luminosity in the R band (L{sub R,p}) is anti-correlated with t{sub p} and w in the burst frame, indicating a dimmer and broader bump peaking at a later time. The isotropic prompt gamma-ray energy (E{sub {gamma},iso}) is also tightly correlated with L{sub R,p} and t{sub p} in the burst frame. Assuming that the bumps signal the deceleration of the GRB fireballs in a constant density medium, we calculate the initial Lorentz factor ({Gamma}{sub 0}) and the deceleration radius (R{sub d}) of the GRBs with redshift measurements. The derived {Gamma}{sub 0} is typically a few hundreds, and the deceleration radius is R{sub dec} {approx} 2 x 10{sup 17} cm. More intriguingly, a tight correlation between {Gamma}{sub 0} and E{sub {gamma},iso} is found, namely {Gamma}{sub 0} {approx_equal} 182(E{sub {gamma},iso}/10{sup 52} erg){sup 0.25}. This correlation also applies to the small sample of GRBs which show the signature of the afterglow onset in their X-ray afterglow, and to two bursts (GRBs 990123 and 080319B) whose early optical emission is dominated by a reverse shock. The lower limits of {Gamma}{sub 0} derived from a sample of optical afterglow light curves showing a decaying feature from the beginning of the observation are also generally consistent with such a correlation. The tight lower limits of {Gamma}{sub 0} of GRBs 080916C and 090902B derived from the opacity constraints with Fermi/LAT observations are also consistent with the correlation at the 2{sigma} confidence level, but the short GRB 090510 is a clear outlier of this relation. This correlation may give insight to GRB physics and could serve as an indicator of {Gamma}{sub 0} for long GRBs without early afterglow detections. A comparison of the early X-ray and optical afterglow light curves shows that the early bright X-ray emission is usually dominated by a non-forward-shock component, but occasionally (for one case) the forward shock emission is observable, and an achromatic deceleration feature is observed. The superposition of the internal and external components in X-rays causes the diversity of the observed X-ray light curves.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2010

A novel solid-angle tomosynthesis (SAT) scanning scheme

Purpose: Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) recently gained extensive research interests in both diagnostic and radiation therapy fields. Conventional DTS images are generated by scanning an x-ray source and flat-panel detector pair on opposite sides of an object, with the scanning trajectory on a one-dimensional curve. A novel tomosynthesis method named solid-angle tomosynthesis (SAT) is proposed, where the x-ray source scans on an arbitrary shaped two-dimensional surface. Methods: An iterative algorithm in the form of total variation regulated expectation maximization is developed for SAT image reconstruction. The feasibility and effectiveness of SAT is corroborated by computer simulation studies using three-dimensional (3D) numerical phantoms including a 3D Shepp-Logan phantom and a volumetric CT image set of a human breast. Results: SAT is able to cover more space in Fourier domain more uniformly than conventional DTS. Greater coverage and more isotropy in the frequency domain translate to fewer artifacts and more accurately restored features in the in-plane reconstruction. Conclusions: Comparing with conventional DTS, SAT allows cone-shaped x-ray beams to project from more solid angles, thus provides more coverage in the spatial-frequency domain, resulting in better quality of reconstructed image.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗