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At least 91 records · Page 5

Detectability of QCD phase transitions in binary neutron star mergers: Bayesian inference with the next generation gravitational wave detectors

We study the detectability of postmerger QCD phase transitions in neutron star binaries with next-generation gravitational-wave detectors Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope. We perform numerical relativity simulations of neutron star mergers with equations of state that include a quark deconfinement phase transition through either a Gibbs or Maxwell construction. These are followed by Bayesian parameter estimation of the associated gravitational-wave signals using the nrpmw waveform model, with priors inferred from the analysis of the inspiral signal. We assess the ability of the model to measure the postmerger peak frequency $f$$^{peak}_{2}$ and identify aspects that should be improved in the model. We show that, even at postmerger signal to noise ratios as low as 10, the model can distinguish (at the 90% level) $f$$^{peak}_{2}$ between binaries with and without a phase transition in most cases. Phase-transition induced deviations in the $f$$^{peak}_{2}$ from the predictions of equation-of-state insensitive relations can also be detected if they exceed 1.6⁢σ. Our results suggest that next-generation gravitational wave detectors can measure phase transition effects in binary neutron star mergers. Furthermore, unless the phase transition is “strong,” disentangling it from other hadronic physics uncertainties will require significant theory improvements.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Birefringence tests of gravity with multimessenger binaries

Extensions to General Relativity (GR) allow the polarization of gravitational waves (GW) from astrophysical sources to suffer from amplitude and velocity birefringence, which respectively induce changes in the ellipticity and orientation of the polarization tensor. Here, we introduce a multi-messenger approach to test this polarization behavior of GWs during their cosmological propagation using binary sources, for which the initial polarization is determined by the inclination and orientation angles of the orbital angular momentum vector with respect to the line of sight. In particular, we use spatially resolved radio imaging of the jet from a binary neutron star (BNS) merger to constrain the orientation angle and hence the emitted polarization orientation of the GW signal at the site of the merger, and compare to that observed on Earth by GW detectors. For GW170817, using past measurements of the inclination angle, we constrain the deviation from GR due to amplitude birefringence to κ A = $-0.12^{+0.60}_ {-0.61}$, while the velocity birefringence parameter κ V remains unconstrained. The inability to constrain κ V is due to the low amplitude of GW170817 in the Virgo detector, and measurements of the polarization orientation require information from a combination of multiple detectors with different alignments. For this reason, we also mock future BNS mergers with resolved afterglow proper motion and project that κ V could be constrained to a precision of 5 rad (corresponding to an angular shift of the GW polarization of δ φV ≈ 0.2 rad for a BNS at 100 Mpc) by a future network of third-generation ground-based GW detectors such as Cosmic Explorer and the radio High Sensitivity Array. Crucially, this velocity birefringence effect cannot be constrained with dark binary mergers as it requires polarization information at the emission time, which can be provided only by electromagnetic emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Impact of dark matter on tidal signatures in neutron star mergers with the Einstein Telescope

If dark matter (DM) accumulates inside neutron stars (NS), it changes their internal structure and causes a shift of the tidal deformability from the value predicted by the dense-matter equation of state (EOS). In principle, this shift could be observable in the gravitational-wave (GW) signal of binary neutron star (BNS) mergers. We investigate the effect of fermionic, noninteracting DM when observing a large number of GW events from DM-admixed BNSs with the precision of the proposed Einstein telescope (ET). Specifically, we study the impact on the recovery of the baryonic EOS and whether DM properties can be constrained. For this purpose, we create event catalogs of BNS mock events with DM fraction up to 1%, from which we reconstruct the posterior uncertainties with the Fisher matrix approach. Using this data, we perform joint Bayesian inference on the baryonic EOS, DM particle mass, and DM particle fraction in each event. Here, our results reveal that when falsely ignoring DM effects, the EOS posterior is biased toward softer EOSs, though the offset is rather small. Further, we find that within our assumptions of our DM model and population, ET will likely not be able to test the presence of DM in BNSs, even when combining many events and adding Cosmic Explorer (CE) to the next-generation detector network. Likewise, the potential constraints on the DM particle mass will remain weak because of degeneracies with the fraction and EOS.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

X-Ray Performance of Critical-angle Transmission Grating Prototypes for the Arcus Mission

Arcus is a proposed Explorer Class soft X-ray grating spectrometer. It aims to explore cosmic feedback by mapping hot gases within and between galaxies and galaxy clusters and characterizing jets and winds from supermassive black holes and to investigate the dynamics of protoplanetary disks and stellar accretion. Arcus features 12 m focal-length grazing-incidence silicon pore optics (SPO) developed for the Athena mission. Critical-angle transmission (CAT) gratings efficiently disperse high diffraction orders onto CCDs. We report new and improved X-ray performance results for Arcus-like CAT gratings, including a record resolving power for two coaligned CAT gratings. Multiple Arcus prototype grating facets were illuminated by an SPO at the PANTER facility. The facets consist of 32 × 32.5 mm 2 patterned silicon membranes, bonded to metal frames. The bonding angle is adjusted according to the measured average tilt angle of the grating bars in the membrane. Two simultaneously illuminated facets show a minor broadening of the Al-K α doublet in the 18th and 21st orders with the best-fit record effective resolving power of ${R}_{G}\approx {1.3}_{-0.5}^{+\infty }\times {10}^{4}$ (3σ), about three to four times the Arcus requirement. We measured the diffraction efficiency of quasi-fully illuminated gratings at O-K wavelengths in orders 4–7 in an Arcus-like configuration and compare results with synchrotron spot measurements. After corrections for geometrical effects and bremsstrahlung continuum, we find agreement between full and spot illumination at the two different facilities, as well as with the models used for Arcus effective area predictions. We find that these flight-like gratings meet the diffraction efficiency and greatly exceed the resolving power Arcus requires.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Measuring the Hubble Constant with Dark Neutron Star–Black Hole Mergers

Abstract Detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from neutron star-black hole (NSBH) standard sirens provides local measurements of the Hubble constant (H 0 ), regardless of the detection of an electromagnetic (EM) counterpart, given that matter effects can be exploited to break the redshift degeneracy of the GW waveforms. The distinctive merger morphology and the high-redshift detectability of tidally disrupted NSBH make them promising candidates for this method. Also, the detection prospects of an EM counterpart for these systems will be limited toz< 0.8 in the optical, in the era of future GW detectors. Using recent constraints on the equation of state of NSs from multi-messenger observations of NICER and LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA, we show the prospects of measuringH 0 solely from GW observation of NSBH systems, achievable by the Einstein telescope (ET) and Cosmic Explorer (CE) detectors. We first analyze individual events to quantify the effect of high-frequency (≥500 Hz) tidal distortions on the inference of NS tidal deformability parameter (Λ) and hence onH 0 . We find that disruptive mergers can constrain Λ up to  ( 60 % ) more precisely than nondisruptive ones. However, this precision is not sufficient to place stringent constraints on theH 0 from individual events. By performing Bayesian analysis on simulated NSBH data (up toN= 100 events, corresponding to a day of observation) in the ET+CE detectors, we find that NSBH systems enable unbiased 4%–13% precision on the estimate ofH 0 (68% credible interval). This is a similar measurement precision found in studies analyzing NSBH mergers with EM counterparts in the LVKC O5 era.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Gravitational-wave and Gravitational-wave Memory Signatures of Core-collapse Supernovae

Abstract In this paper, we calculate the energy, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), detection range, and angular anisotropy of the matter, matter memory, and neutrino memory gravitational-wave (GW) signatures of 21 three-dimensional initially nonrotating core-collapse supernova (CCSN) models carried to late times. We find that inferred energy, SNR, and detection range are angle-dependent quantities, and that the spread of possible energy, signal to noise, and detection ranges across all viewing angles generally increases with progenitor mass. When examining the low-frequency matter memory and neutrino memory components of the signal, we find that the neutrino memory is the most detectable component of a CCSN GW signal, and that DECIGO is best equipped to detect both matter memory and neutrino memory. Moreover, we find that the polarization angle between the h + and h × strains serves as a unique identifier of matter and neutrino memory. Finally, we develop a Galactic density- and stellar mass-weighted formalism to calculate the rate at which we can expect to detect CCSN GW signals with the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (aLIGO). When considering only the matter component of the signal, the aLIGO detection rate is around 65% of the total Galactic supernova rate, but increases to 90% when incorporating the neutrino memory component. We find that all future detectors (Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer, DECIGO) will be able to detect CCSN GW signals from the entire Galaxy, and for the higher-mass progenitors even into the Local Group of galaxies.

Choi, Lyla (ORCID:0000000153860133)↗

How Bright in Gravitational Waves are Millisecond Pulsars for the Galactic Center GeV Gamma-Ray Excess? A Systematic Study

The existence of dark matter (DM) is supported by various macroscopic observations, but its microscopic nature remains elusive. The Galactic Center GeV gamma-ray excess (GCE) has been a leading candidate signal for particle dark matter annihilation. However, an unresolved population of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in the bulge provides the alternative explanation for the excess. Identifying these MSPs in electromagnetic bands is difficult due to source confusion, pulse broadening, and extinction. Gravitational waves (GWs) provide a complementary probe: a steadily rotating, non-axisymmetric MSP emits a nearly monochromatic GW signal in the sensitive band of ground-based detectors, with amplitude set by its ellipticity. In this work, we systematically investigate the GW emission from the MSP population proposed to explain the GCE and its detectability with current and future detectors. We consider three major scenarios for the origin of ellipticity and model the population properties of these MSPs. We also consider both isolated MSPs and MSPs in binary systems, as well as Doppler effects in the detection. We find that while the signal is below the reach of current interferometers, next-generation detectors such as the Einstein Telescope (ET) and Cosmic Explorer (CE) can detect a fraction of those MSPs, offering a novel test of the MSP interpretation of the GCE. Future directed searches toward the Galactic Center with continued improvements in sensitivities will either uncover this long-sought MSP population or place stringent limits on their ellipticities and abundance, with important implications for both the astrophysical and dark-matter interpretations of the GCE.

Lei, Ming-Yu [Purple Mountain Observ.; USTC, Hefei↗

Real-time attitude determination and gyro calibration

We present results for two real-time filters prototyped for the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE), the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE), and the next generation of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). Both real and simulated data were used to solve for attitude and gyro biases. These filters promise advantages over single-frame and batch methods for missions like GOES, where startup and transfer-orbit operations require quick knowledge of attitude and gyro biases.

Challa, M.↗

Overview of NASA's RESOURCE (Resource Exploration and Science of OUR Cosmic Environment) Project

The RESOURCE(Resource Exploration and Science of OUR Cosmic Environment) project is supported by NASA’s SSERVI (Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute) and is led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Jennifer L. Heldmann and Deputy PIs Dr. Matthew Deans and Dr. Alexander Sehlke at NASA Ames Research Center. RESOURCE is focused on enabling In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) near the sites of robotic and/or human missions to enable sustainable and affordable exploration of the Moon and near-Earth objects (NEOs). This year RESOURCE has supported the development of a summary of the current state of knowledge regarding lunar polar volatiles as well as a comprehensive catalog and analysis of NEOs. RESOURCE is developing advanced mission capabilities to enable rapid, collaborative operations for lunar resource exploration missions. Hardware testing has been conducted to evaluate potential contaminants released during lunar polar regolith heating. Volatiles and particulates are the two sources of contamination that will affect the requirements of a water cleanup system, and RESOURCE research has identified the requirement for filtration prior to electrolysis for ISRU. RESOURCE also supports development of next-generation planetary drilling systems with integrated instrumentation within the drill. RESOURCE is also deeply committed to sustained efforts to engage educators, students, and broadening participation among under represented groups, and has partnered with Howard University in Washington, DC to foster minoritized students’ interest in STEAMD (science, technology, engineering, arts, math, design) careers through direct and virtual experiences with NASA Subject Matter Experts.

Jennifer L Heldmann↗

Overview of NASA’s RESOURCE (Resource Exploration and Science of Our Cosmic Environment) Project

The RESOURCE (Resource Exploration and Science of OUR Cosmic Environment) project is supported by NASA’s SSERVI (Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute) and is led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Jennifer L. Heldmann and Deputy PI Dr. Alexander Sehlke at NASA Ames Research Center. RESOURCE is focused on enabling In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) near the sites of ro-botic and/or human missions to enable sustainable and affordable exploration of the Moon and near-Earth objects (NEOs).Below we highlight several RESOURCE activities over the past year.

Jennifer L Heldmann↗

COBE - Explorer of the primeval explosion

The Cosmic Background Explorer satellite will measure the diffuse microwave and infrared emission from the universe over the entire wavelength range from a few microns to 13 mm with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy. It will measure the spectrum and angular distribution of the cosmic background radiation thought to be remnant of the big bang explosion, and it may also detect the radiation produced by the primal stars and galaxies. Furthermore, it will gather a large body of data permitting detailed study of the distribution, spectra, and temperature of the interstellar and interplanetary dust.

Mather, J. C.↗