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At least 91 records · Page 5

On the direct and dissociative excitation of the O(3s 3S0) state by electron impact on atomic and molecular oxygen

The ratio of the cross sections for the direct and dissociative excitation of the OI(3s 3S0-2p 3P; 1304 A wavelength) transition, sigma A/sigma D, are accurately determined, and the sigma A/sigma D ratio is directly normalized to the ratio of the O(+) and O2(+) ionization cross sections using a high-density diffuse gas source, an electrostatically focused electron gun, a vacuum-ultraviolet monochromater, and a quadrupole mass spectrometer for simultaneous optical and composition measurements. Using revised sigma A(1304 A) values calculated with new calibration standards, the shape of the cross section for the excitation of the O(3s 3S0) state agrees well with previous results, though the absolute magnitude of sigma A(1304 A) is smaller than the results of Stone and Zipf (1974) by a factor of 2.8. The revised cross sections agree well with recent quantum calculations when cascade excitation of the 3s 3S0 state is taken into account.

Zipf, E. C.↗

Improvement of Atmospheric Objective Analysis Over Sloping Terrain and Its Impact on Shallow-Cumulus Clouds in Large-Eddy Simulations

Surface topography strongly impacts the regional atmospheric circulation dynamically and thermodynamically. Over the Great Plains in the United States, the gently tilted slope is an important factor that impacts clouds, convection and regional circulations. This study enhances an atmospheric constrained variational analysis by using a terrain-following sigma vertical coordinate and applies to the data collected at the Southern Great Plain (SGP) site of the Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program. Sensitivity studies are performed to examine the impact of the terrain effects on the derived large-scale atmospheric forcing fields and the simulated shallow-cumulus clouds in large-eddy simulation (LES) driven by the forcing. We found that the terrain impacts on the large-scale forcing fields are mainly at lower levels and are strongly controlled by up/downslope winds. The response of the derived forcing to the slope of the terrain is monotonic, but the response of the simulated shallow-cumulus clouds is more complex and depends on several factors. Overall, the terrain impact is small over SGP due to the small slope angle. However, the flat-surface assumption may cause larger biases in the large-scale forcing fields at locations with steeper terrain. The new sigma-coordinate algorithm, with its consideration of surface slope, should be more suitable to derive large-scale objective analysis over regions with steep terrain for application to force single-column models, cloud resolving models and LES models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

The absolute amplitude calibration of the SEASAT synthetic aperture radar - An intercomparison with other L-band radar systems

The absolute amplitude calibration of the spaceborne Seasat SAR data set is presented based on previous relative calibration studies. A scale factor making it possible to express the perceived radar brightness of a scene in units of sigma-zero is established. The system components are analyzed for error contribution, and the calibration techniques are introduced for each stage. These include: A/D converter saturation tests; prevention of clipping in the processing step; and converting the digital image into the units of received power. Experimental verification was performed by screening and processing the data of the lava flow surrounding the Pisgah Crater in Southern California, for which previous C-130 airborne scatterometer data were available. The average backscatter difference between the two data sets is estimated to be 2 dB in the brighter, and 4 dB in the dimmer regions. For the SAR a calculated uncertainty of 3 dB is expected.

Held, D.↗

Theoretical studies of solar-pumped lasers

The investigation of stimulated emission causing transitions from the B(1) pi sub u state of sodium to the overlapping 2(1) sigma(+) sub g electronic state has been continued. A new method of estimating the Franck-Condon factors has been developed which instead of fitting the molecular potential curves with Morse functions, estimates the V(r) dependence by interpolation from given potential curves. The results for the sum of the rates from one vibrational level in the upper state to all the levels in the lower state show good agreement with the previous method, implying that curve crossing by stimulated emission due to photons from the oven is an important mechanism in sodium.

Harries, Wynford L.↗

Evolution of Intrinsic Scatter in the SFR-Stellar Mass Correlation at 0.5 less than z Less Than 3

We present estimates of intrinsic scatter in the star formation rate (SFR)--stellar mass (M*) correlation in the redshift range 0.5 less than z less than 3.0 and in the mass range 10(exp 7) less than M* less than 10(exp 11) solar mass. We utilize photometry in the Hubble Ultradeep Field (HUDF12) and Ultraviolet Ultra Deep Field (UVUDF) campaigns and CANDELS/GOODS-S and estimate SFR, M* from broadband spectral energy distributions and the best-available redshifts. The maximum depth of the UDF photometry (F160W 29.9 AB, 5 sigma depth) probes the SFR--M* correlation down to M* approximately 10(exp 7) solar mass, a factor of 10-100 x lower in M* than previous studies, and comparable to dwarf galaxies in the local universe. We find the slope of the SFR-M* relationship to be near unity at all redshifts and the normalization to decrease with cosmic time. We find a moderate increase in intrinsic scatter with cosmic time from 0.2 to 0.4 dex across the epoch of peak cosmic star formation. None of our redshift bins show a statistically significant increase in intrinsic scatter approximately 100 Myr. Our results are consistent with a picture of gradual and self-similar assembly of galaxies across more than three orders of magnitude in stellar mass from as low as 10(exp 7) solar mass.

Kurczynski, Peter↗

Experimental differential and integral electron impact cross sections for the B /1-Sigma-u +/ state of H2 in the intermediate-energy region

Utilizing a crossed electron-beam-molecular-beam scattering technique, differential electron impact cross sections (DCS) for the excitation of the nu prime = 2 vibrational band of the B (1-Sigma-u +) state of H2 have been measured and are presented for the first time. These measurements were made at electron impact energies of 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 eV. At each energy, DCS between scattering angles of 10 and 135 deg were determined. They were then extrapolated to 0 and 180 deg scattering angles to obtain the integral cross sections. These integral cross sections and the Frank-Condon factor for the nu prime = 2 band were used to calculate the total cross sections for the excitation of the B (1-Sigma-u +).

Srivastava, S. K.↗

Toward the determination of 𝐶⁢𝑃-odd pion-nucleon couplings

The nucleon matrix elements (NMEs) associated with quark chromomagnetic dipole moments (cMDMs) play a crucial role in determining the 𝐶𝑃-odd pion-nucleon couplings induced by quark chromoelectric dipole moments. In recent years, it has been argued that the NMEs of cMDMs can be related to the third moment of the nucleon's higher-twist (specifically, twist-3) parton distribution function (PDF) 𝑒⁡(𝑥), which can, in principle, be measured through dihadron production in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering processes. By applying the spin-flavor expansion to the cMDM operators in the large-𝑁 𝑐 limit, where 𝑁 𝑐 is the number of quark colors, we show that the NMEs receive contributions not only from the twist-3 PDF 𝑒⁡(𝑥) but also from an additional, previously neglected nucleon form factor. Incorporating constraints from the spin-flavor expansion, recent experimental data on 𝑒⁡(𝑥), as well as model calculations of 𝑒⁡(𝑥), we estimate the NMEs of the cMDM operators. Our analysis indicates that the NMEs are dominated by the nucleon form factors, and the cMDM contributions to pion-nucleon couplings can be comparable to those from the quark sigma terms.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Studies of IRAS sources at high galactic latitudes. I - Source counts at /b/greater than 60 deg and evidence for a north-south anisotropy of cosmological significance

A study of the IRAS sky at b with an absolute value greater than 60 deg is conducted. Source counts at 12, 25, 60 and 100 microns are presented, and it is shown that emission from interstellar dust at 100 microns is localized to a few small areas of tathe galactic polar caps. At 12 and 25 microns, the sky is dominated by stars; at 60 and 100 microns, by galaxies. Comparison with the minisurvey source counts indicates the 12and 25-micron source denstiy is lower at the present latitude than at a latitude whereby the absolute value of b equals 10-40 deg. Due to the greatly reduced effects of emission from interstellar dust, the 100 micron survey reaches a factor 1.6 deeper in flux at the present latitude than the minisurvey. An anisotropy significant at the 4-sigma level was found between the north and south galactic polar caps at 60 and 100 microns, after exclusion of the Virgo cluster and of the few remaining areas significantly affected by interstellar-dust emission. It is suggested that this anisotropy represents a cosmologically significant anisotropy in the galaxy distribution. The scale of associated inhomogeneity is of the order of at least 100(50/H)Mpc.

Rowan-Robinson, M.↗

Gamma ray monitoring of a AGN and galactic black hole candidates by the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

The Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory's Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) has a powerful capability to provide nearly uninterrupted monitoring in the 25 keV-10 MeV range of both active galactic nuclei (AGN) and galactic black hole candidates (GBHC) such as Cygnus X-1, using the occultation of cosmic sources by the Earth. Since the Crab is detected by the BATSE Large Area Detectors with roughly 25(sigma) significance in the 15-125 keV range in a single rise or set, a variation by a factor of two of a source having one-tenth the strength of Cygnus X-1 should be detectable within a day. Methods of modeling the background are discussed which will increase the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of the results beyond those obtainable from a linear background fit with a single rise or set discontinuity.

Skelton, R. T.↗

Assessing and Ensuring GOES-R Magnetometer Accuracy

The GOES-R magnetometer accuracy requirement is 1.7 nanoteslas (nT). During quiet times (100 nT), accuracy is defined as absolute mean plus 3 sigma. During storms (300 nT), accuracy is defined as absolute mean plus 2 sigma. To achieve this, the sensor itself has better than 1 nT accuracy. Because zero offset and scale factor drift over time, it is also necessary to perform annual calibration maneuvers. To predict performance, we used covariance analysis and attempted to corroborate it with simulations. Although not perfect, the two generally agree and show the expected behaviors. With the annual calibration regimen, these predictions suggest that the magnetometers will meet their accuracy requirements.

Magnetometer↗

A quantitative comparison between velocity dependent SIDM cross-sections constrained by the gravothermal and isothermal models

One necessary step for probing the nature of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) particles with astrophysical observations is to pin down any possible velocity dependence in the SIDM cross-section. Major challenges for achieving this goal include eliminating, or mitigating, the impact of the baryonic components and tidal effects within the dark matter halos of interest – the effects of these processes can be highly degenerate with those of dark matter self-interactions at small scales. In this work, we select 9 isolated galaxies and brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) with baryonic components small enough such that the baryonic gravitational potentials do not significantly influence the halo gravothermal evolution processes. We then constrain the parameters of Rutherford and Møller scattering cross-section models with the measured rotation curves and stellar kinematics through the gravothermal fluid formalism and isothermal method. Cross-sections constrained by the two methods are consistent at $1\sigma$ confidence level, but the isothermal method prefers cross-sections greater than the gravothermal approach constraints by a factor of ~ 3.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Hidden amplitude zeros from the double-copy map

Recently, Arkani-Hamed proposed the existence of zeros in scattering amplitudes in certain quantum field theories including the cubic adjoint scalar theory Tr ( ϕ 3 ) , the S U ( N ) nonlinear sigma model and Yang-Mills theory. These hidden zeros are special kinematic points where the amplitude vanishes and factorizes into a product of lower-point amplitudes, similar to factorization near poles. In this paper, we show a close connection between the existence of such zeros and the double-copy map. In fact, compatibility with the Bern-Carrasco-Johansson relations requires the presence of these zeros. We also show that these zeros extend via the Kawai-Lewellen-Tye relations to special Galileon amplitudes and their corrections, evincing that these hidden zeros are also present in permutation-invariant amplitudes. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Bartsch, Christoph (ORCID:0000000174296682)↗

The ALMaQUEST Survey. VII. Star Formation Scaling Relations of Green Valley Galaxies

We utilize the ALMA-MaNGA QUEnch and STar formation (ALMaQUEST) survey to investigate the kpc-scale scaling relations, presented as the resolved star-forming MS (rSFMS: Σ SFR versus Σ * ), the resolved Schmidt–Kennicutt relation (rSK: Σ SFR versus ${{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$), and the resolved molecular gas MS (rMGMS: ${{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$ versus Σ * ), for 11,478 star-forming and 1414 retired spaxels (oversampled by a factor of ~20) located in 22 GV and 12 MS galaxies. For a given galaxy type (MS or GV), the retired spaxels are found to be offset from the sequences formed by the star-forming spaxels on the rSFMS, rSK, and rMGMS planes, toward lower absolute values of sSFR, SFE, and ${f}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$ by ~1.1, 0.6, and 0.5 dex. The scaling relations for GV galaxies are found to be distinct from that of the MS galaxies, even if the analyses are restricted to the star-forming spaxels only. It is found that, for star-forming spaxels, sSFR, SFE, and ${f}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$ in GV galaxies are reduced by ~0.36, 0.14, and 0.21 dex, respectively, compared to those in MS galaxies. Therefore, the suppressed sSFR/SFE/f gas in GV galaxies is associated with not only an increased proportion of retired regions in GV galaxies but also a depletion of these quantities in star-forming regions. Finally, the reduction of SFE and ${f}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$ in GV galaxies relative to MS galaxies is seen in both bulge and disk regions (albeit with larger uncertainties), suggesting that, statistically, quenching in the GV population may persist from the inner to the outer regions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Dissecting Nearby Galaxies with piXedfit. II. Spatially Resolved Scaling Relations among Stars, Dust, and Gas

We study spatially resolved scaling relations among stars, dust, and gas in ten nearby spiral galaxies. In a preceding paper, we have derived spatially resolved properties of the stellar population and dust by a panchromatic spectral energy distribution fitting using piXedfit. Now, we investigate resolved star formation (${{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$–ΣSFR–Σ * ) and dust scaling relations. While the relations with all subgalactic regions of the galaxies are reasonably tight (σ ≲ 0.3 dex), we find that most of the scaling relations exhibit galaxy-to-galaxy variations in normalization and shape. Only two relations of Σdust–Σgas and Σdust–${{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$ do not show noticeable galaxy-to-galaxy variations among our sample galaxies. We further investigate the correlations among the scaling relations. We find significant correlations among the normalization of the ${{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$–ΣSFR–Σ * relations, which suggest that the galaxies with higher levels of resolved H 2 fraction (${f}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$) tend to have higher levels of resolved star formation efficiency (SFE) and specific star formation rate (sSFR). We also observe that the galaxies with higher levels of resolved dust-to-stellar mass ratios tend to have higher levels of resolved sSFR, SFE, and ${f}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$. Moreover, we find that the galaxies with higher global sSFR and less compact morphology tend to have higher levels of the resolved sSFR, SFE, and ${f}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$, which can explain the variations in the normalization of the ${{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}$–ΣSFR–Σ * relationships. Overall, we observe indications of the contributions of both global and local factors in governing the star formation process in galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Comet Brorsen-Metcalf in the 3.5 micron region

Comet Brorsen-Metcalf was observed on UT 21 to 24 Aug. 1989 using the CRSP spectrometer and the 1.3 meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The cometary continuum was detected on all nights. The data are very noisy, due to the short observation window and the untried nature of the instrument. Low resolution (0.0227 micron) spectra show the 3.4 micron C-H stretch feature having a contrast of at most a factor of two to the neighboring continuum. High resolution (0.0031 micron) spectra between 3.4 and 3.6 microns show 1 sigma features that might be attributed to the nu 5 band of formaldehyde (H2CO). Similar spectra of the region between 3.2 and 3.4 microns show one 3 sigma line at 3.34 microns, which is as yet unidentified. Although the cometary spectra were more spatially extended than the spectra of standard stars, no extension of the line emission beyond the continuum was observed.

Storrs, A. D.↗

Large-angle cosmic microwave background anisotropies in an open universe

If the universe is open, scales larger than the curvature scale may be probed by observation of large-angle fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We consider primordial adiabatic perturbations and discuss power spectra that are power laws in volume, wavelength, and eigenvalue of the Laplace operator. Such spectra may have arisen if, for example, the universe underwent a period of `frustated' inflation. The resulting large-angle anisotropies of the CMB are computed. The amplitude generally increases as Omega is decreased but decreases as h is increased. Interestingly enough, for all three Ansaetze, anisotropies on angular scales larger than the curvature scale are suppressed relative to the anisotropies on scales smaller than the curvature scale, but cosmic variance makes discrimination between various models difficult. Models with 0.2 approximately less than Omega h approximately less than 0.3 appear compatible with CMB fluctuations detected by Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite (COBE) and the Tenerife experiment and with the amplitude and spectrum of fluctuations of galaxy counts in the APM, CfA, and 1.2 Jy IRAS surveys. COBE normalization for these models yields sigma(sub 8) approximately = 0.5 - 0.7. Models with smaller values of Omega h when normalized to COBE require bias factors in excess of 2 to be compatible with the observed galaxy counts on the 8/h Mpc scale. Requiring that the age of the universe exceed 10 Gyr implies that Omega approximately greater than 0.25, while requiring that from the last-scattering term in the Sachs-Wolfe formula, large-angle anisotropies come primarily from the decay of potential fluctuations at z approximately less than 1/Omega. Thus, if the universe is open, COBE has been detecting temperature fluctuations produced at moderate redshift rather than at z approximately 1300.

Kamionkowski, Marc↗

Inter-Comparison of Terra and Aqua MODIS

Nearly identical copies of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) have been operating on-board the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites since their launches in December 1999 and May 2002, respectively. Each MODIS has 20 reflective solar bands (RSB) with center wavelengths ranging from 0.41 to 2.1 micrometers and 16 thermal emissive bands (TEB) from 3.7 to 14.4 micrometers. The absolute radiometric accuracy requirements (1 sigma) at the typical spectral radiance levels are plus or minus 2% for the RSB for the RSB reflectance factors and plus or minus 5% for the RSB radiance products. With few exceptions, the TEB requirements are plus or minus 1%. The sensor's on-orbit radiometric calibration is performed by the on-board calibrators, including a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) system for the RSB and a V-groove flat panel blackbody (BB) for the TEB. In addition, the Moon has been extensively used by both Terra and Aqua MODIS to support their on-orbit calibration and characterization. This paper presents MODIS lunar calibration methodology and inter-comparison of Terra and Aqua MODIS in the VIS/NIR spectral regions. Current results from lunar observations show that the calibration difference between the two sensors is less than plus or minus 1%. Also discussed in this paper are the approaches and results of inter-comparison of Terra and Aqua MODIS in the TEB using closely matched thermal infrared (TIR) channels on the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) at 11 and 12 micrometers.

Xiong, X.↗

Beam dynamics corrections in the measurement of the anomalous precession frequency at the Muon $g-2$ experiment at Fermilab

The Muon $g-2$ experiment at Fermilab (E989) aims to measure the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon with an accuracy of 140 ppb (parts per billions). This accuracy, obtained by adding in quadrature a statistical and a systematic contribution of comparable value (100 ppb), will allow to reduce the experimental uncertainty (from the previous E821 experiment at BNL \cite{bnl}) of a factor of 4, and represents one of the most precise tests of the Standard Model (SM) theory of elementary particles. The first result on the Run-1 dataset \cite{prl} was released on April 7, 2021, showing a very good agreement with the previous result from BNL experiment, with a slightly better uncertainty. The corresponding experimental average increases the significance of the discrepancy between the measured and Standard Model prediction of 4.2$\sigma$ \cite{white_paper}.\\ \noindent The measured quantity is the muon magnetic anomaly a$_\mu$=$\frac{g_\mu-2}{2}$ where g$_\mu$ is the gyromagnetic factor of the muon. Dirac's equation predicts g$_\mu$ = 2, while radiative corrections, dominated by the QED contribution due to an exchange of a virtual photon, causes a per-mille correction on this quantity. By including all the SM contributions, a$_\mu$ is known at 370 ppb. The E989 experiment measures $a_\mu$ injecting positive muons with momentum of 3.1 GeV/$c$ polarized longitudinally in bunches (called $fills$) with an average rate of 12 Hz, in a storage ring of 14 meters diameter. Due to the parity violation in the weak muon decay, high energy positrons produced are emitted preferably in the muon's spin direction. By counting the number of positrons with energy greater then 1.7 GeV in function of the time, the frequency precession of the muon spin is measured, that together with the measurement of the magnetic field, allows to extract $a_\mu$. The positrons are detected with 24 electromagnetic calorimeters, that measure the energy and the arrival time of the positrons, each made of 54 crystals of lead fluoride (PbF$_2$) read by silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). Together with calorimeters, two tracking detectors are used to make non-destructive measurements of the muon beam characteristic by reconstructing the muon decay position extrapolating backward the decay positrons. The knowledge of the beam motion inside the ring plays a fundamental role in the analysis of $a_{\mu}$, where the measured anomalous precession frequency $\omega_a$ must be corrected for four main beam dynamics effects. A first correction is associated with the presence of an electric field responsible of the vertical focusing on the storage ring, where vertical direction is orthogonal to the orbit and horizontal direction is along the storage ring radius. Due to the oscillations in the vertical direction, the so called vertical betatron oscillations, a second correction is necessary to account for an average angle associated with the muon motion off the ideal orbit. A third correction is caused by lost muons in the ring which have a different spin phase at the injection respect to the decay ones. Finally, due to the correlation between the vertical and horizontal beam motion of the muons and the acceptance of the calorimeter, a correction (called ``phase-acceptance") arises. In Run1, due to the presence of two damaged resistors in one electrostatic quadrupole, this correction had a prominent role. The replacement of the damaged resistors before Run2 decreased this effect by one order of magnitude, and a further reduction in Run-3 was provided by an improved orbit.\\ \noindent The work of this Thesis focuses on the beam dynamics corrections on $\omega_a$. Due to the prominent role in Run-1 a special attention has been put to the phase-acceptance correction\footnote{The effect of this correction on the E821 BNL measurement of the $g-2$ has been evaluated to be within the quoted systematic error.}. Chapter \ref{ch:anomalous_magnetic_moment} introduces the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. Chapter \ref{ch:early_experiment} describes the history of the Muon $g-2$ experiments. Chapter \ref{ch:theory} discusses the Standard Model prediction and possible new physics scenario. Chapter \ref{ch:muon_g2_experiment} describes the E989 experiment, whose experimental technique and the apparatus are discussed focusing on the improvements needed to reach the final goal on $a_\mu$ measurement. The original work of the Thesis is discussed in the last 5 chapters. Chapter \ref{ch:experiment_technique} presents the analysis technique to extract $\omega_a$, Chapter \ref{ch:beam_dynamics} describes the beam dynamics in the E989 experiment, Chapter \ref{ch:beam_dynamics_correction} discusses the beam dynamics correction to $\omega_a$, and Chapter \ref{sec:pa_corr} focuses on the phase acceptance correction. Finally Chapter \ref{ch:run23_analysis_improvements} contains the Run-2/3 improvements which are expected to allow for an increased precision ons the beam dynamics co...

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗