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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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NASA NTRS1979

X-ray emission from the region of gamma 195 plus 5

X-ray emission from the vicinity of the MeV gamma ray source, gamma 195+5, was observed with the HEAO-A2 detectors. A source with an intensity of (1.5 + pr - 0.5) x 10 to the -11th power erg/sq cm s (2-6 keV) was seen in each of two separate observations at a combined confidence level of 3.1 sigma. The location of the source is l2 = 194.56 degrees, b2 = 4.92 degrees with a 90% confidence error box of 1.4 square degrees, significantly smaller than the positional uncertainty of the gamma ray source, and consistent with its location. The chance overlap of such an X-ray source with the gamma ray region is estimated to be 9% and, therefore, they may be 9% and therefore they may be associated. The spectrum appears too steep to extrapolate simply to the 100 MeV flux value for gamma 195+5.

Worrall, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Optical monitoring of gamma-ray source fields

The three gamma-ray burst source fields GBS1028+46, GBS1205+24, and GBS2252-03 have been monitored for transient optical emission for a combined total of 52 hours. No optical events were seen. The limiting magnitude for the search was M sub V = 15.8 longer and M sub V = 17.0 for 6.0 s or longer.

Gehrels, N.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Search for the Identification of 3EG J1835+5918: Evidence for a New Type of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Source?

Most of the EGRET high-energy gamma-ray sources remain unidentified. It is highly likely that many of these are fainter blazars or pulsars, but there may also be new types of sources to be discovered. We have focussed our search for novel gamma-ray sources on 3EG 1835+5918, which is the brightest and most accurately positioned of the unidentified EGRET sources at high Galactic latitude (l, b = 89 deg, 25 deg). In this talk, we will summarize the results of X-ray, radio, and optical surveys of this location. In particular, we have made complete optical identifications of all of the ROSAT and ASCA sources in this region to a flux limit of approximately 1 x 10(exp -13) ergs/sq cm s. All of the X-ray sources within the EGRET error circle are radio-quiet quasars or coronally emitting stars. Previous radio pulsar searches have been unsuccessful. We set an upper limit of 3.8 mJy (at 1.4 GHz) on any possible radio counterpart to 3EG 1835+5918. We also find several quasars and white dwarfs using optical color selection, and we have monitored the entire field for variable optical objects on short and long time scales. Since no blazar-like or pulsar-like candidate has been found as a result of these searches, we assert that 3EG 1835+5918 must be lacking in one or more of the physically essential attributes of those classes of gamma-ray emitters. In particular, its radio flux is at least two orders of magnitude fainter than any of the securely identified EGRET blazars, and its soft X-ray flux is at least 30 times fainter than that of Geminga and other EGRET pulsars. If it is an AGN it lacks the beamed radio emission of blazars. If it is an isolated neutron star, it lacks both the thermal X-rays from a cooling surface and the magnetospheric non-thermal X-ray emission that is characteristic of all EGRET pulsars. As such, it is more problematic physically than Geminga, which is an ordinary pulsar that only lacks radio emission. As a pulsar, 3EG 1835+5918 would have to be either older or more distant than Geminga, and probably an even more efficient gamma-ray engine.

Mirabal, N.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Radio observations in the fields of COS-B gamma ray sources. IV - First quadrant sources

The field of five COS-B gamma-ray sources in the first galactic quadrant have been mapped using the Effelsberg radio telescope at several frequencies. Candidate objects as potential radio counterparts of gamma-ray sources are discussed in the light of current observations; however, mostly being due to the crowded nature of the radio fields, no clear identification has been possible.

Ozel, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Third EGRET Catalog of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources

The third catalog of high-energy gamma-ray sources detected by the EGRET telescope on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory includes data from 1991 April 22 to 1995 October 3 (Cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the mission). In addition to including more data than the second EGRET catalog and its supplement, this catalog uses completely reprocessed data (to correct a number of mostly minimal errors and problems). The 271 sources (E greater than 100 MeV) in the catalog include the single 1991 solar flare bright enough to be detected as a source, the Large Magellanic Cloud, five pulsars, one probable radio galaxy detection (Cen A), and 66 high-confidence identifications of blazars (BL Lac objects, flat-spectrum radio quasars, or unidentified flat-spectrum radio sources). In addition, 27 lower-confidence potential blazar identifications are noted. Finally, the catalog contains 170 sources not yet identified firmly with known objects, although potential identifications have been suggested for a number of those. A figure is presented that gives approximate upper limits for gamma-ray sources at any point in the sky, as well as information about sources listed in the second catalog and its supplement which do not appear in this catalog.

Hartman, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Third EGRET Catalog of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources

The third catalog of high-energy gamma-ray sources detected by the EGRET telescope on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory includes data from 1991 April 22 to 1995 October 3 (Cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the mission). In addition to including more data than the second EGRET catalog (Thompson et al. 1995) and its supplement (Thompson et al. 1996), this catalog uses completely reprocessed data (to correct a number of mostly minimal errors and problems). The 271 sources (E greater than 100 MeV) in the catalog include the single 1991 solar flare bright enough to be detected as a source, the Large Magellanic Cloud, five pulsars, one probable radio galaxy detection (Cen A), and 66 high-confidence identifications of blazars (BL Lac objects, flat-spectrum radio quasars, or unidentified flat-spectrum radio sources). In addition, 27 lower-confidence potential blazar identifications are noted. Finally, the catalog contains 170 sources not yet identified firmly with known objects, although potential identifications have been suggested for a number of those. A figure is presented that gives approximate upper limits for gamma-ray sources at any point in the sky, as well as information about sources listed in the second catalog and its supplement which do not appear in this catalog.

Hartman, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Lunar occultations for gamma-ray source measurements

The unambiguous association of discrete gamma-ray sources with objects radiating at other wavelengths, the separation of discrete sources from the extended emission within the Galaxy, the mapping of gamma-ray emission from nearby galaxies and the measurement of structure within a discrete source cannot presently be accomplished at gamma-ray energies. In the past, the detection processes used in high-energy gamma-ray astronomy have not allowed for good angular resolution. This problem can be overcome by placing gamma-ray detectors on the moon and using the horizon as an occulting edge to achieve arcsec resolution. For purposes of discussion, this concept is examined for gamma rays above 100 MeV for which pair production dominates the detection process and locally-generated nuclear gamma rays do not contribute to the background.

Koch, David G.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Two-mirror resonator for next-generation Compton gamma-ray source

The next-generation Compton gamma-ray sources (CGSs) based on storage rings require a high-power, well-focused laser beam as a photon driver, which can be realized using a Fabry-Perot cavity (FPC). In this work, we reexamine the behavior and performance of a two-mirror, nearly concentric resonator by introducing a new figure of merit representing the cavity’s proximity to instability. This figure of merit is used to analyze various aspects of the cavity design, including misalignment, beam coupling limitations, and beam size scaling. We then examine several factors affecting the gamma-ray flux, such as the interaction area, crossing angle for collision, frequency matching between the electron and laser beams, and intrabeam scattering effects. Using an example CGS, we demonstrate how to make improved design choices for a two-mirror resonator to enhance the gamma-ray beam flux. This work shows that simple two-mirror Fabry-Perot cavities are well suited as the laser driver for the next-generation storage ring-based CGS, while offering superior advantages in gamma-ray beam polarization control compared to more complex four-mirror, nonplanar resonators.

Delooze, Will↗
NASA NTRS2006

A Search for the X-ray Counterpart of the Unidentified Gamma-ray Source 3EG J2020+4017 (2CG078+2)

We report observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory of a field in the gamma-Cygni supernova remnant (SNR78.2+2.1) centered on the cataloged location of the unidentified, bright gamma-ray source 3EG J2020+4017. In this search for an X-ray counterpart to the gamma-ray source, we detected 30 X-ray sources. Of these, we found 17 strong-candidate counterparts in optical (visible through near-infrared) cataloged and an additional 3 through our optical observations. Based upon colors and (for several objects) optical spectra, nearly all the optically identified objects appear to be reddened main-sequence stars: None of the X-ray sources with an optical counterpart is a plausible X-ray counterpart to 3EG J2020+4017-if that gamma-ray source is a spin-powered pulsar. Many of the 10 X-ray sources lacking optical counterparts are likely (extragalactic) active galactic nuclei, based upon the sky density of such sources. Although one of the 10 optically unidentified X-ray sources could be the gamma-ray source, there is no auxiliary evidence supporting such an identification

Weisskopf, Martin↗
DOE OSTI2026

High Intensity Gamma-Ray Source(HIγS) Radiographic Experiments

High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIGS) is a Free-Electron Laser (FEL) based Compton back-scattering γ-ray source. The HIGS facility is located on the campus of Duke University and operated by Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1985

Galactic gamma-ray sources, SNOBs, and giant H2 regions

Progress towards understanding the nature of the COS-B galactic gamma-ray sources was made by two recent developments. The developments are: (1) the existence of extensive wide-latitude CO surveys, from the Northern Hemisphere, and from the Southern Hemisphere which give more precise information on molecular cloud population of the Perseus, Sagittarius, and Carina spiral arms; (2) the study of the time variability of gamma-ray sources in gamma-rays but also at other wavelengths, leading to the discovery of four new variable sources in addition to the already known Crab and Vela pulsars. Three classes of gamma-ray sources are found; invariable sources, active sources, and passive sources.

Montmerle, T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multiwavelength observations of unidentified high energy gamma ray sources

As was the case for COS B, the majority of high-energy (greater than 100 MeV) gamma-ray sources detected by the EGRET instrument on GRO are not immediately identifiable with cataloged objects at other wavelengths. These persistent gamma-ray sources are, next to the gamma-ray bursts, the least understood objects in the universe. Even a rudimentary understanding of their nature awaits identifications and follow-up work at other wavelengths to tell us what they are. The as yet unidentified sources are potentially the most interesting, since they may represent unrecognized new classes of astronomical objects, such as radio-quiet pulsars or new types of active galactic nuclei (AGN's). This two-year investigation is intended to support the analysis, correlation, and theoretical interpretation of data that we are obtaining at x ray, optical, and radio wavelengths in order to render the gamma-ray data interpretable. According to plan, in the first year concentration was on the identification and study of Geminga. The second year will be devoted to studies of similar unidentified gamma-ray sources which will become available in the first EGRET catalogs. The results obtained so far are presented in the two papers which are reproduced in the Appendix. In these papers, we discuss the pulse profiles of Geminga, the geometry and efficiency of the magnetospheric accelerator, the distance to Geminga, the implications for theories of polar cap heating, the effect of the magnetic field on the surface emission and environment of the neutron star, and possible interpretations of a radio-quiet Geminga. The implications of the other gamma-ray pulsars which were discovered to have high gamma-ray efficiency are also discussed, and the remaining unidentified COS B sources are attributed to a population of efficient gamma-ray sources, some of which may be radio quiet.

Halpern, Jules P.↗
DOE OSTI2021

International Workshop on Next Generation Gamma-Ray Source

A workshop on The Next Generation Gamma-Ray Sources , sponsored by the Office of Nuclear Physics at the Department of Energy, was held November 17--19, 2016 in Bethesda, Maryland. The goals of the workshop were to identify basic and applied research opportunities at the frontiers of nuclear physics that would be made possible by the beam capabilities of an advanced laser Compton beam facility. To anchor the scientific vision to realistically achievable beam specifications using proven technologies, the workshop brought together experts in the fields of electron accelerators, lasers, and optics to examine the technical options for achieving the beam specifications required by the most compelling parts of the proposed research programs. An international assembly of participants included current and prospective $\gamma$-ray beam users, accelerator and light-source physicists, and federal agency program managers. Sessions were organized to foster interactions between the beam users and facility developers, allowing for information sharing and mutual feedback between the two groups. The workshop findings and recommendations are summarized in this report.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1995

Multiwavelength observations of unidentified high energy gamma-ray sources

As was the case for COS B, the majority of high-energy (greater than 100 MeV) gamma-ray sources detected by the EGRET instrument on GRO are not immediately identifiable with catalogued objects at other wavelengths. These persistent gamma-ray sources are, next to the gamma-ray bursts, the least understood objects in the universe. This two year investigation is intended to support the analysis, correlation, and theoretical interpretation of data that we are obtaining at x-ray, optical, and radio wavelengths in order to render the gamma-ray data interpretable. This second year was devoted to studies of unidentified gamma-ray sources from the first EGRET catalog, similar to previous observations. Efforts have concentrated on the sources at low and intermediate Galactic latitudes, which are the most plausible pulsar candidates.

Halpern, Jules P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Detection of a flaring low-energy gamma-ray source

We report the detection of a flaring gamma-ray source by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) balloon-borne coded aperture gamma-ray telescope (DGT) on 1984 October 2. The source was detected at the significance level of 7.2 sigma over the energy range 160-2000 keV. The intensity in the range (160-200) keV was 1.1 Crab. The best-fit position of the source is given by R.A. = 3h 25.8m and Decl. = 67 deg 653 min and is located in the constellation of Camelopardia. The source was visible within the Field of View (FOV) of the telescope for approximately = 2 hr and exhibited signs of flaring. The derived photon spectrum can be equally fitted by an optically thin bremsstrahlung distribution of kT approximately = 52 keV or a power law of the form, dN(E)/dE = 3.7 x 10(exp -6) (E/400)(exp -4.5) photons/sq cm/keV. We compare its spectral characteristics ad energy output to various types of fast X-ray transients. No measurable flux could be detected from CG 135+1, the COS B source which was in the FOV and therefore, we present 2 sigma upper flux limits on its spectral emission over the energy range 160 keV to 9.3 MeV.

Bhattacharya, Dipen↗
NASA NTRS2001

A Possible X-Ray and Radio Counterpart of the High-Energy Gamma-Ray Source 3EG J2227+6122

The identity of the persistent EGRET sources in the Galactic plane is largely a mystery. For one of these, 3EG J2227+6122, our complete census of X-ray and radio sources in its error circle reveals a remarkable superposition of an incomplete radio shell with a flat radio spectrum, and a compact, power-law X-ray source with photon index Gamma = 1.5 and with no obvious optical counterpart. The radio shell is polarized at a level of approx. = 25%. The anomalous properties of the radio source prevent us from deriving a completely satisfactory theory as to its nature. Nevertheless, using data from ROSAT, ASCA, the VLA, and optical imaging and spectroscopy, we argue that the X-ray source may be a young pulsar with an associated wind-blown bubble or bow shock nebula, and an example of the class of radio-quiet pulsars which are hypothesized to comprise the majority of EGRET sources in the Galaxy. The distance to this source can be estimated from its X-ray absorption as 3 kpc. At this distance, the X-ray and gamma-ray luminosities would be approx. = 1.7 x 10(exp 33) and approx. = 3.7 x 10(exp 35) erg/s, respectively, which would require an energetic pulsar to power them. If, on the contrary, this X-ray source is not the counterpart of 3EG J2227+6122, then by process of elimination the X-ray luminosity of the latter must be less than 10(exp -4) of its gamma-ray luminosity, a condition not satisfied by any established class of gamma-ray source counterpart. This would require the existence of at least a quantitatively new type of EGRET source, as has been suggested in studies of other EGRET fields.

Halpern, Jules P.↗