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DOE OSTI2022

Lattice dynamics of high-pressure hydrides studied by inelastic neutron scattering

Due to the small mass and anomalously large neutron scattering cross-section of proton (about 80 barns compared to a few barns for other nuclei), inelastic neutron scattering is considered as one of the most effective tools in studying optical vibrations of hydrogen atoms in metal hydrides. The current review is focused on the binary hydrides of 3d- and 4d-metals of groups VI–VIII, which were produced at high hydrogen pressures of several gigapascals in relatively large quantities of hundreds of mg, quenched to low temperature and studied by INS ex situ at ambient pressure with high statistical accuracy. One of the unusual effects revealed by INS is a strong increase in the strength of the metal-hydrogen interactions with decreasing atomic number of the d-metal accompanied by an increase in the Me-H distance. Based on the available experimental results, the spectra g(E) of the phonon density of states and temperature dependencies CV(T) of the heat capacity at constant volume at T up to 1000 K have been derived in this paper and presented both in the figures and in digital form. This provides the reference data for the theoretical investigations of the crystal structures and compositions of new practically important hydrides giving the opportunity to validate calculation methods by comparing the calculated g(E) and CV(T) with the accurate experimental dependencies for the binary hydrides. Recent INS studies showed [R.A. Klein et al., J. Alloy. Compd. 894 (2022) 162381] that the fingerprints of anomalously short H-H separations of 1.6 Å violating the “2 Å rule” can be easily and unambiguously identified in the complex INS spectra of quaternary hydrides (La,Ce)NiInH 1+x . This makes neutron spectroscopy an attractive means for obtaining valuable data in the search for novel hydrides with a record high hydrogen capacity.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

DOE OSTI2012

CIRCUMBINARY MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC ACCRETION INTO INSPIRALING BINARY BLACK HOLES

We have simulated the magnetohydrodynamic evolution of a circumbinary disk surrounding an equal-mass binary comprising two non-spinning black holes during the period in which the disk inflow time is comparable to the binary evolution time due to gravitational radiation. Both the changing spacetime and the binary orbital evolution are described by an innovative technique utilizing high-order post-Newtonian approximations. Prior to the beginning of the inspiral, the structure of the circumbinary disk is predicted well by extrapolation from Newtonian results: a gap of roughly two binary separation radii is cleared, and matter piles up at the outer edge of this gap as inflow is retarded by torques exerted by the binary; the accretion rate is roughly half its value at large radius. During inspiral, the inner edge of the disk initially moves inward in coordination with the shrinking binary, but-as the orbital evolution accelerates-the inward motion of the disk edge falls behind the rate of binary compression. In this stage, the binary torque falls substantially, but the accretion rate decreases by only 10%-20%. When the binary separation is tens of gravitational radii, the rest-mass efficiency of disk radiation is a few percent, suggesting that supermassive binary black holes could be very luminous at this stage of their evolution. Inner disk heating is modulated at a beat frequency comparable to the binary orbital frequency. However, a disk with sufficient surface density to be luminous may be optically thick, suppressing periodic modulation of the luminosity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2015

PLANETS AROUND LOW-MASS STARS (PALMS). V. AGE-DATING LOW-MASS COMPANIONS TO MEMBERS AND INTERLOPERS OF YOUNG MOVING GROUPS

We present optical and near-infrared adaptive optics (AO) imaging and spectroscopy of 13 ultracool (>M6) companions to late-type stars (K7–M4.5), most of which have recently been identified as candidate members of nearby young moving groups (YMGs; 8–120 Myr) in the literature. Three of these are new companions identified in our AO imaging survey, and two others are confirmed to be comoving with their host stars for the first time. The inferred masses of the companions (∼10–100 M{sub Jup}) are highly sensitive to the ages of the primary stars; therefore we critically examine the kinematic and spectroscopic properties of each system to distinguish bona fide YMG members from old field interlopers. The new M7 substellar companion 2MASS J02155892–0929121 C (40–60 M{sub Jup}) shows clear spectroscopic signs of low gravity and, hence, youth. The primary, possibly a member of the ∼40 Myr Tuc-Hor moving group, is visually resolved into three components, making it a young low-mass quadruple system in a compact (≲100 AU) configuration. In addition, Li i λ6708 absorption in the intermediate-gravity M7.5 companion 2MASS J15594729+4403595 B provides unambiguous evidence that it is young (≲200 Myr) and resides below the hydrogen-burning limit. Three new close-separation (<1″) companions (2MASS J06475229–2523304 B, PYC J11519+0731 B, and GJ 4378 Ab) orbit stars previously reported as candidate YMG members, but instead are likely old (≳1 Gyr) tidally locked spectroscopic binaries without convincing kinematic associations with any known moving group. The high rate of false positives in the form of old active stars with YMG-like kinematics underscores the importance of radial velocity and parallax measurements to validate candidate young stars identified via proper motion and activity selection alone. Finally, we spectroscopically confirm the cool temperature and substellar nature of HD 23514 B, a recently discovered M8 benchmark brown dwarf orbiting the dustiest-known member of the Pleiades.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1977

OSO-8 X-ray observations of AM Herculis

Hard X-ray observations of the binary system AM Her were coincident with soft X-ray and ground-based optical measurements. In the 2-60 KeV band, variability was detected with an eclipse during phases 0.5 to 0.7 with respect to the 0. d 12892 period optical minima, synchronous with the known soft X-ray eclipse. The 2-60 KeV uneclipsed flux was 9.5 x 10 to the minus 10th power erg sq cm/sec, of which 86% lies above 10 keV. Thus AM Her contains a hard source located near the similarly eclipsed soft X-ray source. The X-ray data are interpreted in terms of thermal bremsstrahlung from accretion onto a white dwarf.

Swank, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Simultaneous X-ray and optical observations of rapid variability in Scorpius X-1

Copernicus and SAS-3 observations of Sco X-1 during very active states show strong and rapid X-ray flickering with time scales as short as 20 sec. Simultaneous optical photometry reveals similar and remarkably well correlated flickering of lower amplitude. The level of correlation decreases when the X-ray source becomes fainter, but optical and X-ray fluxes, averaged over 1 min, are usually well correlated for B magnitudes less than 12.9. Cross-correlation analysis of the data during periods of high activity shows no really significant time delay between X-ray and optical features, although the cross-correlation function peaks systematically for positive lag values (optical following X-rays). The amplitude of the X-ray flickering exhibits a strong energy-dependence consistent with the well-known intensity versus spectral-hardness relation derived from previous observations. The highly correlated optical activity is interpreted as due to reprocessing of X-ray photons in the binary system.

Ilovaisky, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Soft X-ray observations of degenerate dwarfs and cataclysmic variables

Observations in outburst of two dwarf novae, SS Cyg and U Gem, reveal soft, pulsed X-ray emission greatly enhanced over the emission present during the quiescent periods. In order to characterize the nature of the X-ray pulsations a random phase analysis was carried out, which indicated the phase of SS Cyg behaved like a random variable with zero mean and an r.m.s. value that increased with the square root of the time. Attention is also given to the properties of the detected dwarf novae during optical quiescences, to isolated white dwarfs, and to optical observations of AM Her. It is concluded that the dwarf novae, which occur in binary systems, appear to be controlled by the varying accretion of matter generated by the main sequence companion, and that the X-ray emission during outburst appears to consist of two separate components: a periodically varying (on about a 10 s timescale) soft component, together with a more slowly randomly varying hard component.

Garmire, G.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The optical identification of H2252-035 with a cataclysmic variable

An improved position is presented for the X-ray source H2252-033 using the Ariel V Sky Survey Instrument, and precise positioning using the Scanning Modulation Collimator on HEAO-1. The source is identified optically with a 13th magnitude emission-line object, which is probably a white dwarf binary with a well formed accretion disk, with similarities to the dwarf novae (e.g., SS Cyg) at minimum.

Griffiths, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Low-mass X-ray binaries

A review is given of current understanding of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), which are luminous X-ray sources composed of a late-type optical companion (mass less than about 1 solar mass) and a neutron star (or possibly a black hole). Thirty-two LMXBs have been identified with optical counterparts in the Galaxy and one in the Large Magellanic Cloud (Brad and McClintock, 1983). It is unlikely that there are more than about 100 active LMXBs in the Galaxy, compared with about 200,000 cataclysmic variables. Topics covered in the review are: typical X-ray and optical properties; orbital periods; the nature of the compact source; accretion disks; formation; mass transfer mechanisms; and globular clusters and bright bulge X-ray sources.

Mcclintock, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The orbital inclination of Cygnus XR-1 measured polarimetrically

The X-ray binary Cyg XR-1/HDE 226868 was observed polarimetrically over one orbit at three different optical wavelengths. The standard theory of Brown, et al. (1978) is used to derive an orbital inclination i = 62 deg (+5 deg, -37 deg), where the error is the 90-percent-confidence interval derived by the method of Simmons, et al. (1980). The value of the orbital inclination is significantly lower than values based on polarimetric observations. The difference is a result of the observational protocols used. A bias toward larger values of the inclination caused by the tidal distortion of the primary is still found in the present result. The inclination derived corresponds to a mass of the compact component of 6.3 solar masses, above the maximum mass of any degenerate configuration consistent with general relativity except a black hole.

Dolan, Joseph F.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The spectra of relativistic accretion disks - Application to A0620-00

The X-ray flux emitted from a geometrically thin, relativistic accretion disk in the steady state approximation is investigated in order to place limits on the quiescent state mass flow rate in the soft X-ray transient black hole candidate source A0620-00. Specific attention is focused on the effects associated with gravitational redshifts, Doppler shifts, and on the enhancement of the apparent accretion disk area due to gravitational light bending on the continuum spectrum. It is found that the upper limit to the mass flow rate within the inner regions of the disk, constrained by the lack of soft X-rays in the quiescent state, is about 2.8 x 10 to the -11th solar mass/yr for black hole masses greater than about 5.4 solar mass. The optical data are consistent with these upper limits provided that the inclination angle of the binary system is less than about 65 deg. The upper limits and the lack of a hard X-ray flux, together, suggest that the soft X-ray transient model based upon a mass transfer instability situated in the stellar envelope of the companion is inapplicable to A0620-00.

Fu, Albert↗

NASA NTRS1990

Symmetrical jet action in the R Aquarii binary system

Collimated mass flow in opposite directions is detected in the R Aqr binary-system jet by means of high-resolution long-slit spectroscopy of several optical emission lines. Also presented are images of the jet structure in the forbidden line of O III, which clearly show bipolar symmetry extending to distances of about 2750 AU on either side of the central Mira variable. The Mira light was greatly reduced by utilization of a vignetting disk on the window of the imaging CCD. This result confirms the recent report of morphological evidence for an R Aqr jet from the detection of bipolar radio continuum emission at 6 cm, and provides the necessary kinematical evidence to show that jet action is actually taking place.

Hollis, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Eta Carinae in the Context of the Most Massive Stars

Eta Car, with its historical outbursts, visible ejecta and massive, variable winds, continues to challenge both observers and modelers. In just the past five years over 100 papers have been published on this fascinating object. We now know it to be a massive binary system with a 5.54-year period. In January 2009, Car underwent one of its periodic low-states, associated with periastron passage of the two massive stars. This event was monitored by an intensive multi-wavelength campaign ranging from -rays to radio. A large amount of data was collected to test a number of evolving models including 3-D models of the massive interacting winds. August 2009 was an excellent time for observers and theorists to come together and review the accumulated studies, as have occurred in four meetings since 1998 devoted to Eta Car. Indeed, Car behaved both predictably and unpredictably during this most recent periastron, spurring timely discussions. Coincidently, WR140 also passed through periastron in early 2009. It, too, is a intensively studied massive interacting binary. Comparison of its properties, as well as the properties of other massive stars, with those of Eta Car is very instructive. These well-known examples of evolved massive binary systems provide many clues as to the fate of the most massive stars. What are the effects of the interacting winds, of individual stellar rotation, and of the circumstellar material on what we see as hypernovae/supernovae? We hope to learn. Topics discussed in this 1.5 day Joint Discussion were: Car: the 2009.0 event: Monitoring campaigns in X-rays, optical, radio, interferometry WR140 and HD5980: similarities and differences to Car LBVs and Eta Carinae: What is the relationship? Massive binary systems, wind interactions and 3-D modeling Shapes of the Homunculus & Little Homunculus: what do we learn about mass ejection? Massive stars: the connection to supernovae, hypernovae and gamma ray bursters Where do we go from here? (future directions) The Science Organizing Committee: Co-chairs: Augusto Damineli (Brazil) & Theodore R. Gull (USA). Members: D. John Hillier (USA), Gloria Koenigsberger (Mexico), Georges Meynet (Switzerland), Nidia Morrell (Chile), Atsuo T. Okazaki (Japan), Stanley P. Owocki (USA), Andy M.T. Pol- lock (Spain), Nathan Smith (USA), Christiaan L. Sterken (Belgium), Nicole St Louis (Canada), Karel A. van der Hucht (Netherlands), Roberto Viotti (Italy) and GerdWeigelt (Germany)

Gull, Theodore R.↗

DOE OSTI2016

DISCOVERY OF A POSSIBLE COOL WHITE DWARF COMPANION FROM THE AllWISE MOTION SURVEY

We present optical and near-infrared spectroscopy of WISEA J061543.91-124726.8, which we rediscovered as a high motion object in the AllWISE survey. The spectra of this object are unusual; while the red optical ( λ > 7000 Å) and near-infrared spectra exhibit characteristic TiO, VO, and H{sub 2}O bands of a late-M dwarf, the blue portion of its optical spectrum shows a significant excess of emission relative to late-M-type templates. The excess emission is relatively featureless, with the exception of a prominent and very broad Na i D doublet. We find that no single, ordinary star can reproduce these spectral characteristics. The most likely explanation is an unresolved binary system of an M7 dwarf and a cool white dwarf. The flux of a cool white dwarf drops in the optical red and near-infrared, due to collision-induced absorption, thus allowing the flux of a late-M dwarf to show through. This scenario, however, does not explain the Na D feature, which is unlike that of any known white dwarf, but which could perhaps be explained via unusual abundance or pressure conditions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2010

THE 2008 EXTREME OUTBURST OF THE YOUNG ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STAR EX LUPI

In early 2008, the young low-mass star EX Lupi, the prototype of the EXor class of eruptive variables, optically brightened by over 5 mag for a period of seven months. The previous time a change of such amplitude had been observed in EX Lup was over 50 years ago. In this Letter, we present new optical and near-IR high-resolution spectroscopy of EX Lup during the 2008 outburst. We investigate the physical characteristics of the outburst both soon after it began and some four months later, and consider the observed energetics and kinematics. Emission line strengths, widths, and profiles significantly changed between the two observations. Also, modeling of the 2.2935 {mu}m CO overtone band head emission suggests that an inner gap in the circumstellar gas disk around the star may be present and that it is from the inner edge of the gas disk that the CO overtone emission probably arises. We derive a mass accretion luminosity and rate during the extreme outburst of {approx}2 {+-} 0.5 L{sub sun} and {approx}(2 {+-} 0.5) x 10{sup -7} M{sub sun} yr{sup -1}, respectively, which suggests that this outburst was indeed one of the strongest witnessed in EX Lup, yet not as strong as those observed in FU Orionis stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1980

Detection of X-ray emission from the vicinity of two short-period RS CVn-like binaries

Two new soft X-ray sources H0118 + 067 and H0630 + 82 have been detected with a low energy detector of the HEAO A-2 experiment. Short-period RS CVn-like binaries UVPsc and SV Cam lie within the error boxes of these sources and are proposed as the optical identifications for the two X-ray sources. The light curve of H0118 + 067, identified with UV Psc, indicates an X-ray flare event which commenced on 1978 January 11.6 and persisted until at least January 12.7. It is suggested that H0118 + 067 and the flaring X-ray source H0123 + 075, detected by the medium and high energy detectors of the HEAO A-2 experiment, may be the same object. The observed X-ray luminosity of the sources are in the same range as observed for other RS CVn binaries. The X-ray emission is probably of coronal origin.

Agrawal, P. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Accretion disk coronae

Recent observations of partial X-ray eclipses from 4U1822-37 have shown that the central X-ray source in this system is diffused by a large Compton-thick accretion disk corona (ADC). Another binary, 4U2129-47, also displays a partial eclipse and contains an ADC. The possible origin of an ADC is discussed and a simple hydrostatic evaporated ADC model is developed which, when applied to 4U1822-37, 4U2129+47 and Cyg X-3, can explain their temporal and spectral properties. The quasi-sinusoidal modulation of all three sources can be reconciled with the partial occultation of the ADC by a bulge at the edge of the accretion disk which is caused by the inflowing material. The height of this bulge is an order of magnitude larger than the hydrostatic disk height and is the result of turbulence in the outer region of the disk. The spectral properties of all three sources can be understood in terms of Compton scattering of the original source spectrum by the ADC. Spectral variations with epoch in Cyg X-3 are probably caused by changes in the optical depth of the corona. A consequence of our model is that any accreting neutron star X-ray source in a semi-detached binary system which is close to its Eddington limit most likely contains an optically thick ADC.

White, N. E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Optical pattern recognition III; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 21, 22, 1992

Consideration is given to transitioning of optical processing into systems (TOPS), optical correlator hardware, phase-only optical correlation filters, optical distortion-invariant correlation filters, and optical neural networks. Particular attention is given to a test target for optical correlators, a TOPS electronic warfare channelizer program, a portable video-rate optical correlator, a joint transform correlator employing electron trapping materials, a novelty filtered optical correlator using a photorefractive crystal, a comparison of correlation performance of smart ternary phase-amplitude filters with gray-scale and binary input scenes, real-time distortion-tolerant composite filters for automatic target identification, landscaping the correlation surface, fast designing of a circular harmonic filter using simulated annealing, feature-based correlation filters for distortion invariance, automatic target recognition using a feature-based optical neural network, and a holographic inner-product processor for pattern recognition.

Casasent, David P.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Ultraviolet-excess selection of the counterpart to a globular cluster X-ray burster - Hubble Space Telescope images of the core of NGC 6712

Using the Planetary Camera on the Hubble Space Telescope, we have obtained high spatial resolution, multicolor images and photometry of the core of the globular cluster NGC 6712. A comparison of our blue and ultraviolet images unambiguously reveals a faint (B = 21), UV-excess object, 'star S', within the Einstein error box for the bursting X-ray source X1850-086. The unusual color of star S is immediately apparent even in a cursory visual comparison of the images, and is more quantitatively (U-B of about -1) confirmed via photometry. A variety of different candidate optical counterparts to the X-ray source have previously been suggested from ground-based work, but our images indicate that star S is almost certainly the only viable candidate brighter than U = 21. Compared with the mean values for low mass X-ray binaries in the field, star S has a typical (U-B) color, and a moderate-to-high X-ray-to-optical luminosity ratio, but its luminosity (MB = 5) is about 4 mag fainter than average.

Anderson, Scott F.↗