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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

A unified lense-thirring precession model for optical and X-ray quasi-periodic oscillations in black hole binaries

Recent observations of accreting black holes reveal the presence of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO) in the optical power density spectra. The corresponding oscillation periods match those found in X-rays, implying a common origin. Among the numerous suggested X-ray QPO mechanisms, some may also work in the optical. However, their relevance to the broadband—optical through X-ray—spectral properties have not been investigated. For the first time, we discuss the QPO mechanism in the context of the self-consistent spectral model. We propose that the QPOs are produced by Lense-Thirring precession of the hot accretion flow, whose outer parts radiate in optical wavelengths. At the same time, its innermost parts are emitting X-rays, which explains the observed connection of QPO periods. We predict that the X-ray and optical QPOs should be either in phase or shifted by half a period, depending on the observer position. We investigate the QPO harmonic content and find that the variability amplitudes at the fundamental frequency are larger in the optical, while the X-rays are expected to have strong harmonics. We then discuss the QPO spectral dependence and compare the expectations to the existing data.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1993

Optoelectronic Inner-Product Neural Associative Memory

Optoelectronic apparatus acts as artificial neural network performing associative recall of binary images. Recall process is iterative one involving optical computation of inner products between binary input vector and one or more reference binary vectors in memory. Inner-product method requires far less memory space than matrix-vector method.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗
NASA NTRS2005

Optical vector receiver operating near the quantum limit

An optical receiver concept or binary signals with performance approaching the quantum limit at low average signal background photons has been devised by Dolinar, however this receiver requires ideal optical combining and complicated real-time shaping of the local field, hence tends to be difficult to implement at high data rates. A simpler nulling receiver that approaches the quantum limit without complex optical processing, suitable for high-rate operation has been suggested earlier by Kennedy. Here we formulate a vector receiver concept that incorporates the Kennedy receiver together with a physical beamsplitter, but also utilizes the reflected signal component to improve signal detection. It is found that augmenting the Kennedy receiver with classical coherent detection at the auxiliary beamsplitter output, and optimally processing the vector observations, always improves on the performance of the Kennedy receiver alone, significantly so at low average photon rates. This is precisely the region of operation where modern codes approach channel capacity. It is also shown that the addition of background radiation has little effect on the performance of the coherent receiver component, suggesting a viable approach for near quantum-limited performance in high background environments

Lau, Chi-Wung↗
DOE OSTI2016

The mass of the black hole in the X-ray binary Nova Muscae 1991

The optical counterpart of the black hole soft X-ray transient Nova Muscae 1991 has brightened by ΔV ≈ 0.8 mag since its return to quiescence 23 yr ago. We present the first clear evidence that the brightening of soft X-ray transients in quiescence occurs at a nearly linear rate. This discovery, and our precise determination of the disk component of emission obtained using our simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic data, has allowed us to identify and accurately model archival ellipsoidal light curves of the highest quality. The simultaneity, and the strong constraint it provides on the component of disk emission, is a key element of our work. Based on our analysis of the light curves, and our earlier measurements of the mass function and mass ratio, we have obtained for Nova Muscae 1991 the first accurate estimates of its systemic inclination i = 43.2{sub −2.7}{sup +2.1} deg, and black hole mass M = 11.0{sub −1.4}{sup +2.1} M{sub ⊙}. Based on our determination of the radius of the secondary, we estimate the distance to be D = 4.95{sub −0.65}{sup +0.69} kpc. We discuss the implications of our work for future dynamical studies of black hole soft X-ray transients.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

COMPACT OPTICAL COUNTERPARTS OF ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES

Using archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging data, we report the multiband photometric properties of 13 ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) that have a unique compact optical counterpart. Both magnitude and color variation are detected at timescales of days to years. The optical color, variability, and X-ray to optical flux ratio indicate that the optical emission of most ULXs is dominated by X-ray reprocessing on the disk, similar to that of low-mass X-ray binaries. For most sources, the optical spectrum is a power law, F{sub {nu}}{proportional_to}{nu}{sup {alpha}} with {alpha} in the range 1.0-2.0 and the optically emitting region has a size on the order of 10{sup 12} cm. Exceptions are NGC 2403 X-1 and M83 IXO 82, which show optical spectra consistent with direct emission from a standard thin disk, M101 ULX-1 and M81 ULS1, which have X-ray to optical flux ratios more similar to high-mass X-ray binaries, and IC 342 X-1, in which the optical light may be dominated by the companion star. Inconsistent extinction between the optical counterpart of NGC 5204 X-1 and the nearby optical nebulae suggests that they may be unrelated.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

KIC 7177553: A QUADRUPLE SYSTEM OF TWO CLOSE BINARIES

KIC 7177553 was observed by the Kepler satellite to be an eclipsing eccentric binary star system with an 18-day orbital period. Recently, an eclipse timing study of the Kepler binaries has revealed eclipse timing variations (ETVs) in this object with an amplitude of ∼100 s and an outer period of 529 days. The implied mass of the third body is that of a super-Jupiter, but below the mass of a brown dwarf. We therefore embarked on a radial velocity (RV) study of this binary to determine its system configuration and to check the hypothesis that it hosts a giant planet. From the RV measurements, it became immediately obvious that the same Kepler target contains another eccentric binary, this one with a 16.5-day orbital period. Direct imaging using adaptive optics reveals that the two binaries are separated by 0.″4 (∼167 AU) and have nearly the same magnitude (to within 2%). The close angular proximity of the two binaries and very similar γ velocities strongly suggest that KIC 7177553 is one of the rare SB4 systems consisting of two eccentric binaries where at least one system is eclipsing. Both systems consist of slowly rotating, nonevolved, solar-like stars of comparable masses. From the orbital separation and the small difference in γ velocity, we infer that the period of the outer orbit most likely lies in the range of 1000–3000 yr. New images taken over the next few years, as well as the high-precision astrometry of the Gaia satellite mission, will allow us to set much narrower constraints on the system geometry. Finally, we note that the observed ETVs in the Kepler data cannot be produced by the second binary. Further spectroscopic observations on a longer timescale will be required to prove the existence of the massive planet.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

MULTI-WAVELENGTH STUDY OF THE Be/X-RAY BINARY MXB 0656-072

We present and analyze the optical photometric and spectroscopic data of the Be/X-ray binary MXB 0656-072 from 2006 to 2009. A 101.2 day orbital period is found, for the first time, from the present public X-ray data (Swift/BAT and RXTE/ASM). The anti-correlation between the H{alpha} emission and the UBV brightness of MXB 0656-072 during our 2007 observations indicates that a mass ejection event took place in the system. After the mass ejection, a low-density region might develop around the Oe star. With the outward motion of the circumstellar disk, the outer part of the disk interacted with the neutron star around its periastron passage and a series of X-ray outbursts were triggered between MJD 54350 and MJD 54850. The Proportional Counter Array-HEXTE spectra during the 2007-2008 X-ray outbursts could be well fitted by a cutoff power law with low-energy absorption, together with an iron line around 6.4 keV, and a broad cyclotron resonance feature around 30 keV. The same variability of the soft and hard X-ray colors in 2.3-21 keV indicated that there were no overall changes in the spectral shape during the X-ray outbursts, which might only be connected with the changes of the mass accretion rate onto the neutron star.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

A SINGLE DEGENERATE PROGENITOR MODEL FOR TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE HIGHLY EXCEEDING THE CHANDRASEKHAR MASS LIMIT

Recent observations of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) suggest that some of the progenitor white dwarfs (WDs) had masses up to 2.4-2.8 M{sub Sun }, highly exceeding the Chandrasekhar mass limit. We present a new single degenerate model for SN Ia progenitors, in which the WD mass possibly reaches 2.3-2.7 M{sub Sun }. Three binary evolution processes are incorporated: optically thick winds from mass-accreting WDs, mass stripping from the binary companion star by the WD winds, and WDs being supported by differential rotation. The WD mass can increase by accretion up to 2.3 (2.7) M{sub Sun} from the initial value of 1.1 (1.2) M{sub Sun }, consistent with high-luminosity SNe Ia, such as SN 2003fg, SN 2006gz, SN 2007if, and SN 2009dc. There are three characteristic mass ranges of exploding WDs. In the extreme massive case, differentially rotating WDs explode as an SN Ia soon after the WD mass exceeds 2.4 M{sub Sun} because of a secular instability at T/|W| {approx} 0.14. For the mid-mass range of M{sub WD} = 1.5-2.4 M{sub Sun }, it takes some time (spinning-down time) until carbon is ignited to induce an SN Ia explosion after the WD mass has reached maximum, because it needs a loss or redistribution of angular momentum. For the lower mass case of rigidly rotating WDs, M{sub WD} = 1.38-1.5 M{sub Sun }, the spinning-down time depends on the timescale of angular momentum loss from the WD. The difference in the spinning-down time may produce the 'prompt' and 'tardy' components. We also suggest that the very bright super-Chandrasekhar mass SNe Ia are born in a low-metallicity environment.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1979

The optical counterpart of GX 339-4, a possible black hole X-ray source

Optical studies of the galactic X-ray source GX 339-4 (4U 1658-48), which led to its recent identification as reported by Doxsey et al. (1979), are presented. Reddening and distance estimates are given, as well as evidence for optical variability on differing time scales. The emission-line spectra and UBV photometry suggest that GX 339-4 may be at about 8 kpc and have a main-sequence B star binary companion. Both the optical spectrum and optical/X-ray luminosity ratio for GX 339-4 may be similar to Cir X-1.

Grindlay, J. E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Binary pseudo-random array standards for calibration of 3D optical surface profilers used for metrology with significantly curved x-ray optics

High-accuracy metrology is vitally important in manufacturing ultra-high-quality free-form mirrors designed to manipulate X-ray light with nanometer-scale wavelengths. The current capabilities and possibility for improvements in X-ray mirror manufacturing are limited by inherent imperfections of the integrated metrology tools. In the case of Fizeau interferometry, metrology tools are currently calibrated with super-polished flat test-standard/reference mirrors. This is acceptable for measuring slightly curved X-ray optics. However, for even moderately curved aspherical X-ray mirrors the flat-reference calibration is not sufficiently accurate and stitching Fizeau interferometer-based surface metrology is used to mitigate the problem. But still, the retrace and aberration errors, as well as the limited spatial resolution, described with the instrument transfer function (ITF), can be transferred into the optical surface topography of X-ray mirrors obtained in stitching metrology. For ITF calibration, we have developed an original technique, based on test standards structured as two-dimensional (2D) highly-randomized (HR) binary pseudo-random arrays (BPRAs). The technique employs the unique properties of the HR BPRA patterns in the spatial frequency domain., i.e. the inherent 2D power spectral density of the HR BPRA pattern has a deterministic white-noise-like character that allows direct determination of the ITF with uniform sensitivity over the entire spatial frequency range and field-of-view of an instrument. Here, we explore technological, metrological, and analytical aspects essential for calibration of the retrace and aberration errors of Fizeau interferometers using different types of tilted test samples, including a super-polished reference mirror for the re-trace calibration and the uniformly redundant array (URA) BPRA standards for the geometrical distortion (aberration) calibration. While the first method was previously demonstrated by researchers at DIAMOND Light Source, a method based on the URA BPRA is described and demonstrated here for the first time. We outline the design and fabrication process used in fabrication of URA BPRA test standards, and present the results of application of the URA BPRA standards demonstrating the high efficacy of our approach to geometrical distortion calibration of Fizeau interferometers. We also discuss the possible sources of unexpected peculiarities of the systematic errors, including an astigmatic character of the retrace error, observed with Fizeau interferometers at the Advanced Light Source X-Ray Optics Laboratory.

Munechika, Keiko↗
NASA NTRS1983

Time-resolved ultraviolet and optical spectroscopy of the pulsating X-ray source H2252-035

UV spectrophotometry and and optical spectroscopy of H2252-035, a close binary featuring a spinning, magnetized star, were carried out with instrumentation on the IUE satellite, in addition to ground-based observations from the Lick Observatory. An excess reddening was determined, with E(B-V) equal to 0.10. The spectrum from 1200-22,000 A was decomposed into a blackbody with a temperature of 13,400 K and a power law wavelength component, where the exponent is 2.74, which fits the excess UV and IR excesses. The exponent value is noted to be amenable to a disk model with a slight curvature because of its finite extent. The emission-line intensities were found to vary by a factor of two, with some of the variations accountable by a modulation in-phase with the optical continuum binary modulation.

Cordova, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Binary stars as X-ray sources.

The idea that many if not most of the powerful galactic X-ray sources are generated in binary star systems containing at least one exotic object with gas is examined. Past studies lending support to this hypothesis are reviewed, and major features of galactic X-ray sources that require explanations are delineated. Attention is given to conclusions gained from optical studies of close binaries and to promising areas of further investigation stemming from the concept of binary stars as X-ray sources.

Burbidge, G.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Binary Orbits as the Driver of Gamma-Ray Emission and Mass Ejection in Classical Novae

Classical novae are the most common astrophysical thermonuclear explosions, occurring on the surfaces of white dwarf stars accreting gas from companions in binary star systems. Novae typically expel about 10 (sup -4) solar masses of material at velocities exceeding 1,000 kilometers per second.However, the mechanism of mass ejection in novae is poorly understood, and could be dominated by the impulsive flash of thermonuclear energy, prolonged optically thick winds or binary interaction with the nova envelope. Classical novae are now routinely detected at giga-electronvolt gamma-ray wavelengths, suggesting that relativistic particles are accelerated by strong shocks in the ejecta. Here we report high-resolution radio imaging of the gamma-ray-emitting nova V959 Mon. We find that its ejecta were shaped by the motion of the binary system: some gas was expelled rapidly along the poles as a wind from the white dwarf, while denser material drifted out along the equatorial plane, propelled by orbital motion..At the interface between the equatorial and polar regions, we observe synchrotron emission indicative of shocks and relativistic particle acceleration, thereby pinpointing the location of gamma-ray production. Binary shaping of the nova ejecta and associated internal shocks are expected to be widespread among novae, explaining why many novae are gamma-ray emitters.

binary orbits as the driver of gamma-ray↗
DOE OSTI2015

KNOW THE STAR, KNOW THE PLANET. V. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STELLAR COMPANION TO THE EXOPLANET HOST STAR HD 177830

HD 177830 is an evolved K0IV star with two known exoplanets. In addition to the planetary companions it has a late-type stellar companion discovered with adaptive optics imagery. We observed the binary star system with the PHARO near-IR camera and the Project 1640 coronagraph. Using the Project 1640 coronagraph and integral field spectrograph we extracted a spectrum of the stellar companion. This allowed us to determine that the spectral type of the stellar companion is a M4 ± 1 V. We used both instruments to measure the astrometry of the binary system. Combining these data with published data, we determined that the binary star has a likely period of approximately 800 years with a semimajor axis of 100–200 AU. This implies that the stellar companion has had little or no impact on the dynamics of the exoplanets. The astrometry of the system should continue to be monitored, but due to the slow nature of the system, observations can be made once every 5–10 years.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

Structural simulations of nanomaterials self-assembled from ionic macrocycles.

Recent research at Sandia has discovered a new class of organic binary ionic solids with tunable optical, electronic, and photochemical properties. These nanomaterials, consisting of a novel class of organic binary ionic solids, are currently being developed at Sandia for applications in batteries, supercapacitors, and solar energy technologies. They are composed of self-assembled oligomeric arrays of very large anions and large cations, but their crucial internal arrangement is thus far unknown. This report describes (a) the development of a relevant model of nonconvex particles decorated with ions interacting through short-ranged Yukawa potentials, and (b) the results of initial Monte Carlo simulations of the self-assembly binary ionic solids.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

High-aperture binary axicons for the formation of the longitudinal electric field component on the optical axis for linear and circular polarizations of the illuminating beam

Diffraction of uniformly polarized laser beams with vortex phase singularity is theoretically analyzed using the plane wave expansion. It is shown that for a high numerical aperture, an intense longitudinal electric field component is formed on the optical axis in this case. It is numerically demonstrated that an analogous effect is ensured for diffraction of a conventional Gaussian beam from asymmetric binary axicons. The field intensity on the optical axis can be varied either by rotating the optical element or by changing the direction of polarization of radiation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗