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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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At least 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Unveiling the unseen with the Dark Energy Survey: gravitational waves and dark matter

In this thesis I show how large galaxy surveys, in particular the study of the properties of galaxies, can shed light on gravitational wave sources and dark matter. This is achieved using the latest data from the Dark Energy Survey, an on-going $5000 ~{\rm deg}^2$ optical survey. Galaxy properties such as photometric redshifts and stellar masses are derived through spectral energy distribution fitting methods. The results are used to study host galaxies of gravitational wave events and how light traces dark matter in galaxy clusters. Gravitational wave (GW) science, and particularly the electromagnetic follow up of these events, is transforming what had never been seen into a new astronomical field able to unveil the nature of cataclysmic events. Identifying the galaxies that host these events, and estimating their redshift, stellar mass, and star--formation rate, is crucial for cosmological analysis with gravitational waves, for follow up studies and to understand the format ion of the binary systems that are thought to produce observable gravitational wave signals. This thesis describes how host galaxies are important for the DES--GW pipeline used in identifying optical counterparts to GW events. In occasion of the exciting discovery of the first electromagnetic counterpart to a gravitational wave event by our DES--GW team among others, we showed how observations of NGC 4993, the galaxy host of the event, provide important information about possible formation scenarios for binary neutron stars. In particular, we find that NGC 4993 presents shell structures and we relate their formation to the binary formation. The same galaxy properties are used to derive an observable mass proxy for galaxy clusters. I show that this mass observable correlates well with the total mass of clusters, which is mainly composed of dark matter. It can therefore be used for cosmological studies with galaxy clusters. The measurement of stellar--to--halo mass relations i n clusters provides insights on the connection between the s! tar content and the total matter content in clusters, and how this evolves over cosmic time.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Accretion of matter and spectra of binary X-ray sources in massive gravity

We study low-mass binary X-ray sources involving stellar mass black holes within massive gravity. Regarding the accretion disk, we adopt the standard model for an optically thick, cool, and geometrically thin disk by Shakura–Sunyaev. For the gravitational field generated by the black hole, we consider the analogue of the Schwarzschild–de Sitter space–time of Einstein’s theory in massive gravity, for which we found an additional term linear in the radial coordinate. Then, we compute the radial velocity, the energy density and the pressure as a function of the radial coordinate, and the X-ray emission’s soft spectral component expected from the disk. We also investigated in detail the impact of this new geometry. Our result indicates that by using observed spectra from confirmed X-ray binaries involving astrophysical black holes, we can put strong constraints on alternative theories of gravity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2013

THE OPTICAL COMPANION TO THE INTERMEDIATE-MASS MILLISECOND PULSAR J1439-5501 IN THE GALACTIC FIELD

We present the identification of the companion star to the intermediate-mass binary pulsar (PSR) J1439-5501 obtained by means of ground-based deep images in the B, V, and I bands, acquired with FORS2 mounted at the European Southern Observatory (ESO)-Very Large Telescope (VLT). The companion is a massive white dwarf (WD) with B = 23.57 {+-} 0.02, V = 23.21 {+-} 0.01, and I = 22.96 {+-} 0.01, located at only {approx}0.''05 from the pulsar radio position. Comparing the WD location in the (B, B-V) and (V, V-I) color-magnitude diagrams with theoretical cooling sequences, we derived a range of plausible combinations of companion masses (1 M{sub Sun} {approx}< M{sub COM} {approx}< 1.3 M{sub Sun }), distances (d {approx}< 1200 pc), radii ({approx}< 7.810{sup -3} R{sub Sun }), and temperatures (T=31350{sup +21500}{sub -7400}). From the PSR mass function and the estimated mass range we also constrained the inclination angle i {approx}> 55 Degree-Sign and the pulsar mass (M{sub PSR} {approx}< 2.2 M{sub Sun }). The comparison between the WD cooling age and the spin-down age suggests that the latter is overestimated by a factor of about 10.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Optical and UV spectroscopy of the peculiar RS CVn system RT Lacertae

H-alpha and H-beta spectra of the peculiar double-lined RS CVn binary RT Lacertae have been obtained using the IUE, together with a ground-based coude-feed telescope at KPNO. The ground-based spectra show an asymmetry related to the orbital phase in the H-alpha profile. H-beta profiles showed excess emission in one hemisphere and excess absorption in the other, with a broad Gaussian emission component superposed on the excess H-alpha line. A radial velocity curve was derived to estimate the mass ratio and geometry of the system. It is shown that the component of RT Lac fills 80-90 percent of the equilibrium Roche surface. Low-resolution ultraviolet data show that the supposed cooler component is bluer than its companion, suggesting evidence of a scattering shell or a cloud produced by the splash of a gas stream. The phase behavior of the low resolution ultraviolet data support the conclusion that RT Lac is a mass transfer system and that mass transfer is the primary cause of its activity.

Huenemoerder, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and microwave observations of HR 5110

Near-IR JHKLM photometric data and VLBI and IUE radio burst data collected on the short-period spectroscopic binary HR 5110 are analyzed to classify the object. The observed broadband colors were indicative of an F2 IV primary and a spotted K0 IV secondary. The system is being viewed pole-on, so is observable in the UV since the K companion has filled its Roche lobe. In comparisons of such features of Algol and RS VCn stars as the mass ratio, orbital inclination, presence or absence of evidence for mass streams, accretion disks, and active regions, spectral signatures, etc., sufficient similarities are found to classify HR 5110 as an Algol system.

Little-Marenin, I. R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Multi-port, optically addressed RAM

A random access memory addressing system utilizing optical links between memory and the read/write logic circuits comprises addressing circuits including a plurality of light signal sources, a plurality of optical gates including optical detectors associated with the memory cells, and a holographic optical element adapted to reflect and direct the light signals to the desired memory cell locations. More particularly, it is a multi-port, binary computer memory for interfacing with a plurality of computers. There are a plurality of storage cells for containing bits of binary information, the storage cells being disposed at the intersections of a plurality of row conductors and a plurality of column conductors. There is interfacing logic for receiving information from the computers directing access to ones of the storage cells. There are first light sources associated with the interfacing logic for transmitting a first light beam with the access information modulated thereon. First light detectors are associated with the storage cells for receiving the first light beam, for generating an electrical signal containing the access information, and for conducting the electrical signal to the one of the storage cells to which it is directed. There are holographic optical elements for reflecting the first light beam from the first light sources to the first light detectors.

Johnston, Alan R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Structural Color Production in Melanin-Based Disordered Colloidal Nanoparticle Assemblies in Spherical Confinement

Melanin is a ubiquitous natural pigment that exhibits broadband absorption and high refractive index. Despite its widespread use in structural color production, how the absorbing material, melanin, affects the generated color is unknown. Using a combined molecular dynamics and finite-difference time-domain computational approach, here we investigates structural color generation in one-component melanin nanoparticle-based supraparticles (called supraballs) as well as binary mixtures of melanin and silica (nonabsorbing) nanoparticle-based supraballs. Experimentally produced one-component melanin and one-component silica supraballs, with thoroughly characterized primary particle characteristics using neutron scattering, produce reflectance profiles similar to the computational analogs, confirming that the computational approach correctly simulates both absorption and multiple scattering from the self-assembled nanoparticles. These combined approaches demonstrate that melanin's broadband absorption increases the primary reflectance peak wavelength, increases saturation, and decreases lightness factor. Additionally, the dispersity of nanoparticle size more strongly influences the optical properties of supraballs than packing fraction, as evidenced by the production of a larger range of colors when size dispersity is varied versus packing fraction. For binary melanin and silica supraballs, the chemistry-based stratification allows for more diverse color generation and finer saturation tuning than does the degree of mixing/demixing between the two chemistries.

broadband absorption↗
DOE OSTI2015

MULTI-WAVELENGTH OBSERVATIONS OF 3FGL J2039.6–5618: A CANDIDATE REDBACK MILLISECOND PULSAR

We present multi-wavelength observations of the unassociated γ-ray source 3FGL J2039.6−5618 detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope. The source γ-ray properties suggest that it is a pulsar, most likely a millisecond pulsar, for which neither radio nor γ-ray pulsations have been detected. We observed 3FGL J2039.6−5618 with XMM-Newton and discovered several candidate X-ray counterparts within/close to the γ-ray error box. The brightest of these X-ray sources is variable with a period of 0.2245 ± 0.0081 days. Its X-ray spectrum can be described by a power law with photon index Γ{sub X} = 1.36 ± 0.09, and hydrogen column density N{sub H} < 4 × 10{sup 20} cm{sup −2}, which gives an unabsorbed 0.3–10 keV X-ray flux of 1.02 × 10{sup −13} erg cm{sup −2} s{sup −1}. Observations with the Gamma-Ray Burst Optical/Near-Infrared Detector discovered an optical counterpart to this X-ray source, with a time-averaged magnitude g′ ∼ 19.5. The counterpart features a flux modulation with a period of 0.22748 ± 0.00043 days that coincides, within the errors, with that of the X-ray source, confirming the association based on the positional coincidence. We interpret the observed X-ray/optical periodicity as the orbital period of a close binary system where one of the two members is a neutron star. The light curve profile of the companion star, which has two asymmetric peaks, suggests that the optical emission comes from two regions with different temperatures on its tidally distorted surface. Based upon its X-ray and optical properties, we consider this source as the most likely X-ray counterpart to 3FGL J2039.6−5618, which we propose to be a new redback system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

DISCOVERY OF A NEW PHOTOMETRIC SUB-CLASS OF FAINT AND FAST CLASSICAL NOVAE

We present photometric and spectroscopic follow-up of a sample of extragalactic novae discovered by the Palomar 60 inch telescope during a search for 'Fast Transients In Nearest Galaxies' (P60-FasTING). Designed as a fast cadence (1 day) and deep (g < 21 mag) survey, P60-FasTING was particularly sensitive to short-lived and faint optical transients. The P60-FasTING nova sample includes 10 novae in M 31, 6 in M 81, 3 in M 82, 1 in NGC 2403, and 1 in NGC 891. This significantly expands the known sample of extragalactic novae beyond the Local Group, including the first discoveries in a starburst environment. Surprisingly, our photometry shows that this sample is quite inconsistent with the canonical maximum-magnitude-rate-of-decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae. Furthermore, the spectra of the P60-FasTING sample are indistinguishable from classical novae. We suggest that we have uncovered a sub-class of faint and fast classical novae in a new phase space in luminosity-timescale of optical transients. Thus, novae span two orders of magnitude in both luminosity and time. Perhaps the MMRD, which is characterized only by the white dwarf mass, was an oversimplification. Nova physics appears to be characterized by a relatively rich four-dimensional parameter space in white dwarf mass, temperature, composition, and accretion rate.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Multi-wavelength coverage of state transitions in the new black hole X-ray binary swift J1910.2-0546

Understanding how black holes accrete and supply feedback to their environment is one of the outstanding challenges of modern astrophysics. Swift J1910.2-0546 is a candidate black hole low-mass X-ray binary that was discovered in 2012 when it entered an accretion outburst. To investigate the binary configuration and the accretion morphology, we monitored the evolution of the outburst for ≅3 months at X-ray, UV, optical (B, V, R, I), and near-infrared (J, H, K) wavelengths using Swift and SMARTS. The source evolved from a hard to a soft X-ray spectral state with a relatively cold accretion disk that peaked at ≅0.5 keV. A Chandra/HETG spectrum obtained during this soft state did not reveal signatures of an ionized disk wind. Both the low disk temperature and the absence of a detectable wind could indicate that the system is viewed at relatively low inclination. The multi-wavelength light curves revealed two notable features that appear to be related to X-ray state changes. First, a prominent flux decrease was observed in all wavebands ≅ 1-2 weeks before the source entered the soft state. This dip occurred in (0.6-10 keV) X-rays ≅ 6 days later than at longer wavelengths, which could possibly reflect the viscous timescale of the disk. Second, about two weeks after the source transitioned back into the hard state, the UV emission significantly increased while the X-rays steadily decayed. We discuss how these observations may reflect changes in the accretion morphology, perhaps related to the quenching/launch of a jet or the collapse/recovery of a hot flow.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2015

1FGL J1417.7-4407: A Likely Gamma-Ray Bright Binary with A Massive Neutron Star and A Giant Secondary

We present multiwavelength observations of the persistent Fermi-Large Area Telescope unidentified gamma-ray source 1FGL J1417.7-4407, showing it is likely to be associated with a newly discovered X-ray binary containing a massive neutron star (nearly 2 solar mass) and a approximately 0.35 solar mass giant secondary with a 5.4 day period. SOAR optical spectroscopy at a range of orbital phases reveals variable double-peaked H alpha emission, consistent with the presence of an accretion disk. The lack of radio emission and evidence for a disk suggests the gamma-ray emission is unlikely to originate in a pulsar magnetosphere, but could instead be associated with a pulsar wind, relativistic jet, or could be due to synchrotron self-Compton at the disk-magnetosphere boundary. Assuming a wind or jet, the high ratio of gamma- ray to X-ray luminosity (approximately 20) suggests efficient production of gamma-rays, perhaps due to the giant companion. The system appears to be a low-mass X-ray binary that has not yet completed the pulsar recycling process. This system is a good candidate to monitor for a future transition between accretion-powered and rotational-powered states, but in the context of a giant secondary.

binaries: spectroscopic aEuro" gamma rays: general↗
NASA NTRS2014

X-Ray Observations of VY Scl-Type Nova-Like Binaries in the High and Low State

Four VY Scl-type nova-like systems were observed in X-rays during both the low- and the high-optical states. We examined Chandra, ROSAT, Swift and Suzaku archival observations of BZ Cam, MV Lyr, TT Ari and V794 Aql. The X-ray flux of BZ Cam is higher during the low state, but there is no supersoft X-ray source (SSS) as hypothesized in previous articles. No SSS was detected in the low state of the any of the other systems, with the X-ray flux decreasing by a factor between 2 and 50. The best fit to the Swift X-ray spectra is obtained with a multicomponent model of plasma in collisional ionization equilibrium. The high-state high-resolution spectra of TT Ari taken with Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS-S) and the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) shows a rich emission line spectrum, with prominent lines of Mg, Si, Ne and S. The complexity of this spectrum seems to have origin in more than one region, or more than one single physical mechanism. While several emission lines are consistent with a cooling flow in an accretion stream, there is at least an additional component. We discuss the origin of this component, which is probably arising in a wind from the system. We also examine the possibility that the VY Scl systems may be intermediate polars, and that while the boundary layer of the accretion disc emits only in the extreme ultraviolet, part of the X-ray flux may be due to magnetically driven accretion.

accretion↗
DOE OSTI2016

HIGH-PRECISION RADIO AND INFRARED ASTROMETRY OF LSPM J1314+1320AB. I. PARALLAX, PROPER MOTIONS, AND LIMITS ON PLANETS

We present multi-epoch astrometric radio observations with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) of the young ultracool-dwarf binary LSPM J1314+1320AB. The radio emission comes from the secondary star. Combining the VLBA data with Keck near-infrared adaptive-optics observations of both components, a full astrometric fit of parallax (π {sub abs} = 57.975 ± 0.045 mas, corresponding to a distance of d = 17.249 ± 0.013 pc), proper motion (μ {sub α} {sub cos} {sub δ} = −247.99 ± 0.10 mas yr{sup −1}, μ {sub δ} = −183.58 ± 0.22 mas yr{sup −1}), and orbital motion is obtained. Despite the fact that the two components have nearly identical masses to within ±2%, the secondary’s radio emission exceeds that of the primary by a factor of ≳30, suggesting a difference in stellar rotation history, which could result in different magnetic field configurations. Alternatively, the emission could be anisotropic and beamed toward us for the secondary but not for the primary. Using only reflex motion, we exclude planets of mass 0.7–10 M {sub jup} with orbital periods of 600–10 days, respectively. Additionally, we use the full orbital solution of the binary to derive an upper limit for the semimajor axis of 0.23 au for stable planetary orbits within this system. These limits cover a parameter space that is inaccessible with, and complementary to, near-infrared radial velocity surveys of ultracool dwarfs. Our absolute astrometry will constitute an important test for the astrometric calibration of Gaia .

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

OBSERVATIONS OF BINARY STARS WITH THE DIFFERENTIAL SPECKLE SURVEY INSTRUMENT. III. MEASURES BELOW THE DIFFRACTION LIMIT OF THE WIYN TELESCOPE

In this paper, we study the ability of CCD- and electron-multiplying-CCD-based speckle imaging to obtain reliable astrometry and photometry of binary stars below the diffraction limit of the WIYN 3.5 m Telescope. We present a total of 120 measures of binary stars, 75 of which are below the diffraction limit. The measures are divided into two groups that have different measurement accuracy and precision. The first group is composed of standard speckle observations, that is, a sequence of speckle images taken in a single filter, while the second group consists of paired observations where the two observations are taken on the same observing run and in different filters. The more recent paired observations were taken simultaneously with the Differential Speckle Survey Instrument, which is a two-channel speckle imaging system. In comparing our results to the ephemeris positions of binaries with known orbits, we find that paired observations provide the opportunity to identify cases of systematic error in separation below the diffraction limit and after removing these from consideration, we obtain a linear measurement uncertainty of 3-4 mas. However, if observations are unpaired or if two observations taken in the same filter are paired, it becomes harder to identify cases of systematic error, presumably because the largest source of this error is residual atmospheric dispersion, which is color dependent. When observations are unpaired, we find that it is unwise to report separations below approximately 20 mas, as these are most susceptible to this effect. Using the final results obtained, we are able to update two older orbits in the literature and present preliminary orbits for three systems that were discovered by Hipparcos.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

THE NOVA RATE IN M94 (NGC 4736)

A multi-epoch H{alpha} survey of the early-type spiral galaxy M94 (NGC 4736) has been completed as part of a program to establish the galaxy's nova rate. A total of four nova candidates were discovered in seven epochs of observation during the period from 2005 to 2007. After making corrections for temporal coverage and spatial completeness, a global nova rate of 5.0{sup +1.8}{sub -1.4} yr{sup -1} was determined. This rate corresponds to a specific-luminosity nova rate of 1.4 {+-} 0.5 novae per year per 10{sup 10} L{sub sun,K} when the K luminosity is determined from the B - K color, or 1.5 {+-} 0.4 novae per year per 10{sup 10} L{sub sun,K} when the K luminosity is derived from the Two Micron All Sky Survey. These values are slightly lower than that of other galaxies with measured nova rates, which typically lie in the range of 2-3 novae per year per 10{sup 10} L{sub sun} in the K band.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

THE EFFECT OF HOST GALAXIES ON TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE IN THE SDSS-II SUPERNOVA SURVEY

We present an analysis of the host galaxy dependences of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) from the full three year sample of the SDSS-II Supernova Survey. We re-discover, to high significance, the strong correlation between host galaxy type and the width of the observed SN light curve, i.e., fainter, quickly declining SNe Ia favor passive host galaxies, while brighter, slowly declining Ia's favor star-forming galaxies. We also find evidence (at between 2{sigma} and 3{sigma}) that SNe Ia are {approx_equal}0.1 {+-} 0.04 mag brighter in passive host galaxies than in star-forming hosts, after the SN Ia light curves have been standardized using the light-curve shape and color variations. This difference in brightness is present in both the SALT2 and MCLS2k2 light-curve fitting methodologies. We see evidence for differences in the SN Ia color relationship between passive and star-forming host galaxies, e.g., for the MLCS2k2 technique, we see that SNe Ia in passive hosts favor a dust law of R{sub V} = 1.0 {+-} 0.2, while SNe Ia in star-forming hosts require R{sub V} = 1.8{sup +0.2}{sub -0.4}. The significance of these trends depends on the range of SN colors considered. We demonstrate that these effects can be parameterized using the stellar mass of the host galaxy (with a confidence of >4{sigma}) and including this extra parameter provides a better statistical fit to our data. Our results suggest that future cosmological analyses of SN Ia samples should include host galaxy information.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

THE PROPERTIES OF TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA HOST GALAXIES FROM THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY

We investigate the properties and environments of Type Ia Supernova (SN Ia) host galaxies in the Stripe 82 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-II Supernova Survey centered on the celestial equator. Host galaxies are defined as the galaxy nearest to the supernova (SN) in terms of angular distance whose velocity difference from the SN is less than 1000 km s{sup -1}. Eighty seven SN Ia host galaxies are selected from the SDSS Main galaxy sample with the apparent r-band magnitude m{sub r} < 17.77, and compared with the SDSS Main galaxies. The SN Ia rates for early- and late-type galaxies are 0.81 {+-} 0.19 SN (100 yr){sup -1} and 0.99 {+-} 0.21 SN (100 yr){sup -1}, respectively. We find that the host galaxies have a color distribution consistent with that of the Main galaxies, regardless of their morphology. However, host galaxies are on average brighter than the Main galaxies by {approx}0.3 mag over the range of -18.3>M{sub r} > - 21.3. But the brighter ends of their luminosity distributions are similar. The distribution of the distance to the nearest neighbor galaxy shows that SNe Ia are more likely to occur in isolated galaxies without close neighbors. We also find that the SN Ia host galaxies are preferentially located in a region close to massive galaxy clusters compared to the Main galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

THE STRUCTURE OF THE {beta} LEONIS DEBRIS DISK

We combine nulling interferometry at 10 {mu}m using the MMT and Keck Telescopes with spectroscopy, imaging, and photometry from 3 to 100 {mu}m using Spitzer to study the debris disk around {beta} Leo over a broad range of spatial scales, corresponding to radii of 0.1 to {approx}100 AU. We have also measured the close binary star o Leo with both Keck and MMT interferometers to verify our procedures with these instruments. The {beta} Leo debris system has a complex structure: (1) relatively little material within 1 AU; (2) an inner component with a color temperature of {approx}600 K, fitted by a dusty ring from about 2-3 AU; and (3) a second component with a color temperature of {approx}120 K fitted by a broad dusty emission zone extending from about {approx}5 AU to {approx}55 AU. Unlike many other A-type stars with debris disks, {beta} Leo lacks a dominant outer belt near 100 AU.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗