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COMPTEL observations of the 1.809 MeV gamma-ray line from galactic Al-26

The COMPTEL experiment on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) has been demonstrated to be capable of imaging the Galaxy within its field of view of about 1 steradian in the 1.809 MeV gamma-ray line originating from radioactive Al-26. The combined data from the CGRO sky survey in 1991/1992 have been analyzed to provide a first map of the inner Galaxy in this gamma-ray line. The 1.809 MeV emission appears extended along the inner 70 deg of the Galactic plane, with a relatively sharp falloff outside this regime. Correlations with massive stars and supernova remnants as possible tracers of the candidate Al-26 sources are discussed.

Diehl, R.↗

Understanding COMPTEL Al-26 1.8 MeV map features

The COMPTEL sky map of the 1.8 MeV line emission from Al-26 shows an extended diffuse distribution along the Galactic plane with a peculiar large scale asymmetry about the Galactic center (GC) and a clumpy structure with several noticeable hot spots. The most prominent hot spot at the GC appears shifted to positive longitude by about 2 deg. Nearby supernova remnants or Wolf-Rayet stars are plausible explanations for individual hot spots such as in the Vela region. We show that the global asymmetry and most hot spots can be understood by a more general model: the Al-26 sources are confined in the spiral arms of our Galaxy, and coagent star formation is responsible for additional clumpiness. The off-centered GC hot spot is probably due to the observed asymmetrically distributed circumnuclear molecular gas interacting with a central stellar bar, whose existence has been inferred from IR observations.

Chen, Wan↗

Diffuse continuum gamma rays from the Galaxy observed by COMPTEL

The diffuse Galactic continuum gamma-ray emission has been studied using the full Sky Survey from COMPTEL on the Compton Observatory CGRO. The diffuse emission appears to be visible in the whole 0.75-30 MeV range covered by the instrument, although a considerable contribution from unresolved point sources cannot be excluded. A correlation analysis using HI and CO surveys of the Galaxy is used to derive the Galactic emissivity spectrum, and this is consistent with a smooth continuation to the spectrum at higher energies derived by a similar analysis of COS-B data. The apparent conversion factor from integrated CO temperature to molecular hydrogen column density can also be determined from the correlation analysis. The value obtained is consistent with results from COS-B and other non-gamma-ray methods. Calculations of the emissivity spectrum from bremsstrahlung from a cosmic-ray electron spectrum based on propagation models are compared with the observations.

Strong, A. W.↗

COMPTEL observations of Ti-44 gamma-ray line emission from Cas A

The Compton Telescope (COMPTEL) telescope aboard the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) is capable of imaging gamma-ray line sources in the MeV region with a sensitivity of the order 10(exp -5) photons/(sq cm s). During two observations periods in July 1992 and February 1993 the Galactic plane in the region of the young supernova remnant Cas A was observed, showing evidence for line emission at 1.16 MeV from the decay of Ti-44 at a significance level of approximately 4 sigma. This is the first time a supernova remnant has been detected in the gamma-ray line from Ti-44 decay. Adopting a distance of 2.8 kpc to the Cas A remnant, the measured line flux (7.0 +/- 1.7) x 10(exp -5) photons/(sq cm s), can be translated into a Ti-44 mass ejected during the Cas A supernova explosion, between (1.4 +/- 0.4) x 10(exp -4) solar mass and (3.2 +/- 0.8) x 10(exp -4) solar mass, depending on the precise value of the Ti-44 mean life time and on the precise date of the event. Implications of this result for supernova nucleosynthesis models are discussed.

Iyudin, A. F.↗

COMPTEL upper limits on gamma-ray line emission from Supernova 1991T

The imaging Compton telescope COMPTEL on board the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) measures gamma-rays in the energy range 0.75-30 MeV with an energy resolution of 9.7% full width at half maximum (FWHM) at 1 MeV. From June 15 to 28, 1991 and again from October 3 to 17, 1991 the region containing the supernova SN 1991T was observed. A search for gamma-ray line emission from the supernova yields no detection of line emission from the supernova. 2 sigma upper limits for the two predicted lines at 847 keV and at 1.238 MeV of approximately equal to 3 x 10(exp -5) photons/(sq cm)(s) were derived. These limits are compared with the predictions of some theoretical models and constraints imposed by these limits on these models are discussed.

Lichti, G. G.↗

COMPTEL gamma-ray observations of the quasars CTA 102 and 3C 454.3

The blazar-type active galactic nuclei CTA 102 (QSO 2230+114) and 3C 454.3 (QSO 2251+158), located about 7 deg apart, were observed by the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory at four epochs in 1992. Both were detected by Energy Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET). The combined Compton Telescope (COMPTEL) observations in the 10-30 MeV energy range clearly indicate a source of MeV emission, which is likely due to a contribution from both quasars. These observations strongly suggest that the power-law spectra measured by EGRET above approximately 50 MeV flatten at lower MeV energies. A comparison with observations at other wavelengths shows that the power spectra of CTA 102 and 3C 454.3 peak at MeV energies. This behavior appears to be a common feature of gamma-ray active galactic nuclei (AGN).

Blom, J. J.↗

New COMPTEL results on the Orion/Monoceros region

Results from recent observations of the Orion/Monoceros region, acquired with the Compton telescope (COMPTEL), are summarized, confirming previously reported results of excessive 3 to 7 MeV emission which is probably due to nuclear de-excitation lines from C-12 and O-16 nuclei following energetic nuclear interactions. The emphasis is on findings concerning the extent of the emission region. It is found that the emission extends over the entire cloud complex, although it may result from a few localized source regions. A preliminary spectrum is presented which indicates that the emission is widely spread over the 3 to 7 MeV range, suggesting a dominantly broadline origin from energetic C and O nuclei. The spectrum shows features that may be due to the splitting of the C and O lines.

Bloemen, H.↗

Evidence for COMPTEL detections of low-energy gamma rays from HVC complexes

Observational evidence of extended MeV emissions that may be associated with high velocity clouds (HVCs) is reported on. Based on observations acquired between 1991 and 1996 with the Compton telescope (COMPTEL), evidence is found for intense gamma ray radiation at 0.75 to 3 MeV from the general direction of two HVC regions. One bright gamma ray excess is located between the HVC complexes M and A, adjacent to the Lockman hole and is seen to approximately cover a sky area of exceptionally low H I column densities. A second source is detected at the high velocity end of complex C near the Draco Nebula. Both gamma ray excesses appear to consist of a time variable source and a diffuse emission component. The enhanced diffuse soft X-rays seen by Rosat from both HVC regions may be closely related to the gamma ray emission in terms of bremsstrahlung arising from HVC interactions with the galactic disk or lower halo.

Blom, J. J.↗

COMPTEL upper limits for Al-26 and Fe-60 from M82

Gamma ray lines from radioactive isotopes produced in supernova explosions provide information concerning the nucleosynthesis processes in stars before and during the explosion. Regions with high star formation rate are good candidates for such gamma ray lines. Starburst galaxies are examples of such regions with an explosive formation of massive stars. The emission of the most prominent starburst galaxy M 82 is analyzed. Two methods for the determination of the upper limits of fluxes are used to derive 2sigma upper limits for the fluxes of Al-26 and Fe-60 from Compton Gamma Ray Observatory data. These are found to be above the estimated fluxes originating from a supernova rate of 0.1 per year in M 82. An estimation of the necessary observation time for the detection of these fluxes with the Ge spectrometer onboard the International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory is given.

Georgii, R.↗

Gamma-ray lines from the Orion complex

We show that the 4.44 and 6.13 MeV line emission observed with the Compton Telescope (COMPTEL) from Orion is consistent with gamma-ray spectra consisting of a mixture of narrow and broad lines or spectra containing only broad lines. We employed several accelerated particle compositions and showed that the current COMPTEL data in the 3-7 MeV region alone cannot distinguish between the various possibilities. However, the COMPTEL upper limits in the 1-3 MeV band favor a composition similar to that of the winds of Wolf-Rayet stars of spectral type WC. The power dissipated by the accelerated particles at Orion is about 4 x 10(exp 38) ergs/s. These particles are not expected to produce significant amounts of Al-26.

Ramaty, Reuven↗

The Crab nebula and pulsar in the MeV energy range

The imaging Compton Telescope (COMPTEL) is sensitive in the energy range of 0.75 to 30 MeV. COMPTEL observed the Crab several times during the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) sky survey and CGRO Phase II. Both the Crab pulsar and nebula are detected over the entire COMPTEL energy range. The phase-averaged energy spectra of the Crab Pulsar and Nebula are presented. The combined observations provide sufficient statistics for a phase-resolved analysis of the Crab pulsar spectrum.

Much, R.↗

CGRO Guest Investigator Program: Cycle 7: Exploring the Gamma-Ray Sky at 2.2 MeV - Pt. 1

The goal of this project was to search for a counterpart to an apparent point source of 2.2 MeV gamma-rays that had been detected using data from the COMPTEL experiment on CGRO. The source detected by COMPTEL was of marginal significance (less than 4(sigma)) and a further, independent, confirmation by OSSE was highly desired. Unfortunately, the planned CGRO observations (with both COMPTEL and OSSE) during cycle 7 were superseded by ToO observations of SN 1998bu.

McConnell, Mark L.↗

A Counterpart Search for a Source of 2.2 MeV Gamma-Rays

The goal of this project was to search for a counterpart to an apparent point source of 2.2 MeV gamma-rays that had been detected using data from the COMPTEL experiment on Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO). The source detected by Compton Telescope (COMPTEL) was of marginal significance (less than 4 sigma) and a further confirmation at low energies was highly desired. An observation of this region was Rossi X Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) performed on 04-Feb-1998. An analysis of the Proportional Counter Array (PCA) data from this observation yielded a negative result. Short discussions of the COMPTEL Source, RXTE Observations, RXTE Analysis results, other observations as well as future work are included.

McConnell, Mark L.↗

Cosmic Diffuse Analysis

The final analysis of the COMPTEL cosmic diffuse flux analysis is summarized in the accompanying figure. It shows the intensity of the cosmic diffuse flux spectrum measured jointly between the Virgo region and the South Galactic pole. This spectrum represents flux per unit solid angle over the range of 0.8 to 30 MeV. It contains the first positive measurement of the flux above 10 MeV. The spectrum merges smoothly with that measured with the EGRET instrument, starting at 30 MeV. It also merges smoothly with the latest results of the HEAO-1 measurements. However, the spectrum below is softer than the spectrum above the COMPTEL energy band. In the COMPTEL energy band there must exist a change in spectral shape as the source objects or processes change from the lower energy regime to the higher energy regime. The details of the analysis and the implications and meanings of the results are spelled out in the thesis of Dr. Cheenu Kappadath which is enclosed.

Ryan, James M.↗

The Connection Between Small Gamma-Ray Flares and SEPs with COMPTEL/CGRO

While it is clear that particle acceleration is occurring during flares, what is less clear is the connection between the neutral radiation observed concommitant with the flare and the in-situ observations of SEPs. For the largest SEP events, where current instruments possess the sensitivity to observe nuclear-related gamma-ray emission, the origin of SEPs is generally divided between an escaping accelerated flare population and a population of coronal particles (or some admixture) accelerated through CME-driven shocks. Small flares, as defined by their X-ray emission, have been found to correlate with the presence of small "impulsive" (enriched in electrons and heavy nuclei) SEP events, suggesting that small SEP events are originally flare particles. The difficulty with this interpretation is that small flares lack detectable nuclear-related gamma-ray emission. Whether this emission is there or not is unclear because current instruments capable of high-energy gamma-ray observations operate above the sensitivity threshold for observing gammaray emission from small flares (< C-class). The COMPton TELescope (COMPTEL) aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) provided unprecedented, and as yet unsurpassed, sensitivity to y rays in the 0.7 to 30 MeV energy range and neutrons in the 20 to 150 MeV energy range. This, combined with its nine years of operation, has produced a unique data set of observations for almost a complete solar cycle. The COMPTEL archival data offers the best possibility to investigate a connection between SEP observations in space and small-flare gamma-ray emission. We present preliminary results of a small-flare search within the COMPTEL archival data and discuss the correlation between already well-established compilations of SEP events and small impulsive or 3He-rich SEP events. Establishing a connection and determining the characterization of this connection, would signify an important development in our understanding of how and where flare particles are accelerated and how these very same particles escape into the interplanetary medium. Equally important would be demonstrating the inconsistencies or poor correlation between gamma-ray emission and small impulsive SEP events.

deNolfo, Georgia↗

A search for radiative neutrino decay from supernovae

This document presents the data analysis procedures proposed for use with the COMPTEL instrument aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) in the search for radiative neutrino decay from supernovae. The proposed analysis methodology is an extension of a standard procedure used by the COMPTEL team in searching for a variety of source types. We have applied the procedures to a set of simulated data to demonstrate the feasibility of the method to this project.

Miller, Richard S.↗

A search for radiative neutrino decay from supernovae

Two supernovae have been identified in the COMPTEL data base as being the best sources to investigate for evidence of gamma-ray emission caused by radiative neutrino decay. These are SN1987a and SN1993J. A detailed simulation has shown us that we can expect a gain in sensitivity 1-3 orders of magnitude (depending on neutrino mass) over previous results. Instrument response is now being modeled using a SPARC10 computer acquired for this study. A library of simulated gamma-ray lines is being produced for COMPTEL as a by-product of this effort.

Svoboda, Robert C.↗

Spectral and Temporal Properties of Galactic Black Hole Systems

Kusunose, Mineshige & Yamada (1996; hereafter KMY) extended the model of Kusunose & Mineshige (1995) to the Galactic black hole candidates by considering nonthermal electron injection with gamma(EQ\0(,\s\up2(less than),\s\do-l(_))) 10. The effects of pair escape and advection on the disk structure and general relativistic effects on the emission spectrum were also examined. They found that the energy spectral index (alpha)(sub x) of the power law X-rays is about-0.8 and-2.0 when 1(sub soft)/1 = 0.2 and 2, respectively, where 1(sub soft)/1 is the ratio of the compactness of the injected soft photons to that of the gravitational energy. The power law index was found to be nearly independent of the mass accretion which is consistent with the observed luminosity independence. The model with small 1(sub soft)/1 (less than 1) shows promise for explaining the low state observed in Galactic black hole candidates. Model fits were provided for GX339-4 and Cyg X- 1 data from COMPTEL and OSSE on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. The difference in emission spectra between thermal disks and the model of KMY appears only in the energy range greater than 100 keV. Li, Kusunose and Liang (1996) studied stochastic particle acceleration to produce nonthermal particle distributions which then were used in the model of Kusunose & Mineshige (1995) to model the spectrum above 1 Mev from GBHC's. Under certain conditions, stochastic electron acceleration overcame Coulomb and Compton losses resulting in a suprathermal electron population. Good fits were obtained by COMPTEL and OSSE observations of Cyg X-1 and GRO J0422+23. Kusunose & Mineshige (1996a) examined the role of electron-positron pairs in advection-dominated disks. They found that the results for advection-dominated disks without pairs are not qualitatively changed by including pairs. Summaries of work sponsored by this grant are given in Wheeler, Kim, Moscoso, Kusunose & Mineshige (1996) and Kusunose (1996) Work was also done on developing a model for an e(+-) pair wind from the inner disk region of a black hole. The model consists of three zones: a pair production/annihilation zone at the base of the wind, a pair annihilation zone slightly further out from the disk and a wind zone extending to infinity where no annihilation occurs. The model assumes an input X-ray / gamma-ray power-law spectrum as a function of photon energy and angular distribution. Pairs are created in the pair production/annihilation zone via photon-photon, photonparticle and particle-particle collisions. The bulk velocity of the pairs is obtained from the momentum component perpendicular to the disk taking into account the radiation pressure acceleration of the pairs. Energy balance in the pair production/annihilation zone is calculated by assuming that the momentum component parallel to the disk is thermalized and by taking into account heating/cooling via anisotropic thermal Compton scattering along with the cooling processes of bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation. The pair density is also calculated. The outer boundary of the pair production/annihilation zone is where the optical depth for photon-photon pair produciton is unity. Beyond this point only pair annihilation will occur in the pair annihilation zone. When the pair density becomes small, pair annihilation will be negligible and the pairs will flow freely to infinity. In this model we have found that the X-ray power-law spectral index, alpha(sub x) is the primary parameter which determines the density, temperature and velocity of the pair production/annihilation zone (Moscoso, Kusunose & Wheeler 1996).

Wheeler, J. Craig↗