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At least 1,297 records · Page 72

The Dark Energy Spectrometer (DESpec): A Multi-Fiber Spectroscopic Upgrade of the Dark Energy Camera and Survey for the Blanco Telescope

We describe an initiative to build and use the Dark Energy Spectrometer (DESpec), a wide-field spectroscopic survey instrument for the Blanco 4-meter telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile. A new system with about 4000 robotically positioned optical fibers will be interchangeable with the CCD imager of the existing Dark Energy Camera (DECam), accessing a field of view of 3.8 square degrees in a single exposure. The proposed instrument will be operated by CTIO and available for use by the astronomy community. Our collaboration proposes to use DESpec to conduct a wide, deep spectroscopic survey to study Dark Energy, sharing the survey products with the community, while providing community access to fibers in parallel with survey observations. In a survey of ~350 nights, the DESpec collaboration proposes to obtain spectroscopic redshifts for ~8 million galaxies over 5000 sq. deg. selected from precision imaging from the Dark Energy Survey (DES). This Dark Energy Spectroscopic Survey will advance our knowledge of cosmic expansion and structure growth significantly beyond that obtainable with imaging-only surveys. Since it adds a spectroscopic third dimension to the same sky as DES, the world’s largest and deepest photometric survey, DESpec will enable a powerful array of new, increasingly precise techniques to discriminate among alternative explanations of cosmic acceleration, such as Dark Energy and Modified Gravity. In the 2020 decade, a wider-area spectroscopic survey will enhance the science reach of the next-generation imaging project, LSST, by providing spectroscopy for tens of millions of galaxies and QSO’s over its 15,000-20,000 square degree survey area. DESpec will create a comprehensive, three dimensional, critically-sampled map of large scale cosmic structure – a database encompassing the “cosmic web” of galaxies and clusters over the entire, deeply-imaged southern sky – over most of cosmic history. DESpec will take advantage of the substantial hardware infrastructure recently built for DECam to achieve excellent science at low cost and low technical and schedule risk. It will be mounted in the DECam prime focus cage with its hexapod positioning system (recently installed on the Blanco Telescope) and will share the four largest DECam optical corrector elements. It will be routinely interchangeable with the DECam CCD imager and preserve f/8 secondary capability, to allow flexible use of the telescope. The robotically positioned optical fibers will feed 10 relatively simple, high-throughput spectrometers outfitted with existing, spare, red-sensitive, science-grade DECam CCDs. An Atmospheric Dispersion Compensator similar to existing designs can be accommodated in the existing DECam filter slot. Examples that meet requirements for all major subsystems are in existing or highly developed instruments, showing that cost, technical, and schedule risks are manageable.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Study of optical properties of asymmetric bipolar pulse DC magnetron sputtered Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin film as a function of oxygen content in deposition ambient

Tantalum penta-oxide thin films have been deposited by reactive sputtering technique using asymmetric bipolar pulsed DC source at various oxygen percentage viz. 0 to 50 %. The optical properties of the films have been studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. It has been observed that compact films with low void fraction, high refractive index and band gap can be obtained by the above technique with oxygen percentage in the range of 30–40%. The films deposited with zero or very low oxygen content have high deposition rate and yield metal rich films with large voids, defects, low band gap and high refractive index. Similarly films deposited with >40% oxygen content again contain voids and defects due to the presence of large amount of gas molecules in the sputtering ambient.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Role of oxygen on the optical properties of borate glass doped with ZnO

Lithium tungsten borate glass (0.56-x)B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-0.4Li{sub 2}O-xZnO-0.04WO{sub 3} (0{<=}x{<=}0.1 mol%) is prepared by the melt quenching technique for photonic applications. Small relative values of ZnO are used to improve the glass optical dispersion and to probe as well the role of oxygen electronic polarizability on its optical characteristics. The spectroscopic properties of the glass are determined in a wide spectrum range (200-2500 nm) using a Fresnel-based spectrophotometric technique. Based on the Lorentz-Lorenz theory, as ZnO content increases on the expense of B{sub 2}O{sub 3} the glass molar polarizability increased due to an enhanced unshared oxide ion 2p electron density, which increases ionicity of the chemical bonds of glass. The role of oxide ion polarizability is explained in accordance with advanced measures and theories such as optical basicity, O 1s binding energy, the outer most cation binding energy in Yamashita-Kurosawa's interionic interaction parameter and Sun's average single bond strength. FT-IR measurements confirm an increase in bridging oxygen bonds, as a result of replacement of ZnO by B{sub 2}O{sub 3}, which increase the UV glass transmission window and transmittance. - Graphical abstract: O1s, Yamashita-Kurosawa's parameter and average single bond strength of charge overlapping between electronic shells are used to explain enhanced oxide ion 2p electron density, which increases refractive index of glasses. Highlights: > New borate glass for photonic application is prepared. > The dispersion property of the glass is effectively controlled using small amounts of ZnO. > ZnO is used to probe the glass structure and investigate the role of oxygen on the obtained optical properties of the glasses. > Modern theories are used to explain enhanced unshared oxide ion 2p electron density, which increases ionicity of chemical bonds of the glass.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Velocity reconstruction in the era of DESI and Rubin/LSST. I. Exploring spectroscopic, photometric, and hybrid samples

Peculiar velocities of galaxies and halos can be reconstructed from their spatial distribution alone. This technique is analogous to the baryon acoustic oscillations reconstruction, using the continuity equation to connect density and velocity fields. The resulting reconstructed velocities can be used to measure imprints of galaxy velocities on the cosmic microwave background like the kinematic Sunyaev-Zel’dovich effect or the moving lens effect. As the precision of these measurements increases, characterizing the performance of the velocity reconstruction becomes crucial to allow unbiased and statistically optimal inference. In this paper, we quantify the relevant performance metrics: the variance of the reconstructed velocities and their correlation coefficient with the true velocities. We show that the relevant velocities to reconstruct for kSZ and moving lens are actually the halo—rather than galaxy—velocities. We quantify the impact of redshift-space distortions, photometric redshift errors, satellite galaxy fraction, incorrect cosmological parameter assumptions and smoothing scale on the reconstruction performance. Here, we also investigate hybrid reconstruction methods, where velocities inferred from spectroscopic samples are evaluated at the positions of denser photometric samples. We find that using exclusively the photometric sample is better than performing a hybrid analysis. The 2 Gpc/ℎ length simulations from abacussummit with realistic galaxy samples for DESI and Rubin LSST allow us to perform this analysis in a controlled setting. In the companion paper [B. Hadzhiyska, S. Ferraro, B. Ried Guachalla, and E. Schaan, companion paper, Phys. Rev. D 109, 103534 (2024).], we further include the effects of evolution along the light cone and give realistic performance estimates for DESI luminous red galaxies, emission line galaxies, and Rubin LSST-like samples.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Toward a Machine Learning Approach to Interpreting X-ray Spectra of Trace Impurities by Converting XANES to EXAFS

The fact that the photoabsorption spectrum of a material contains information about the atomic structure, commonly understood in terms of multiple scattering theory, is the basis of the popular extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) technique. How much of the same structural information is present in other complementary spectroscopic signals is not obvious. Here we use a machine learning approach to demonstrate that within theoretical models that accurately predict the EXAFS signal, the extended near-edge region does indeed contain the EXAFS-accessible structural information. We do this by exhibiting deep operator neural networks (DeepONets) that have learned the relationship between the extended and near edge portions of the X-ray absorption spectrum to predict the former from the latter. We find that we can accurately predict the EXAFS spectrum between 6 and 14 Å –1 from the first 6 Å –1 (≈100 eV) of the absorption spectrum of Cu 2 + substitutional defects in the Fe 3+ mineral hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ). This surprising finding implies that theoretical analyses of X-ray absorption spectra could be implemented that extract the same conclusions as high-quality EXAFS studies from spectra collected over a much smaller range of photon energies. This relaxes a host of experimental limitations related to the X-ray source and measurement sample, including collection time, minimum dopant concentration, source brilliance, and energy range. We describe the theoretical data sets and DeepONet construction and show that the resulting DeepONets produce EXAFS that recovers linear combination fits to experimental data with accuracy approaching the original ab initio calculations. We discuss the implications of our findings for minor constituent characterization and for understanding the information content of spectroscopic data more broadly, including how this approach might be applied to measured experimental spectra. In conclusion, to encourage similar efforts, the simulated X-ray spectra, machine learning, and fitting code are publicly available.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis Characterization and Electrospinning of Architecturally-Discrete Isotactic-Atactic-Isotactic Triblock Stereoblock Polypropene Elastomers

Stereochemically homogeneous and architecturally discrete isotactic-atactic-isotactic triblock stereoblock PP (sbPP) thermoplastic elastomers in which the block lengths for each domain type can be varied in programmed fashion while keeping total molecular weight and molecular weight polydispersity the same has been achieved for the first time. Five sbPP materials were prepared: sbPP-1 (6iso-88a-6iso), total isotactic content, 12%; sbPP-2 (12iso-76a-12iso), 24%; sbPP-3 (18iso-64a-18iso), 36%; sbPP-4 (24iso-50a-26iso), 50%; and sbPP-5 (20iso-64a-33iso), 53%. All five sbPP materials were successfully processed by solution-based electrospinning to provide fiberous mats with feature sizes on the nanometer to micrometer length scale. Extensive characterization by analytical (SEM, AFM, tensile testing, DSC,), spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman), and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques of bulk samples, electrospun fibers and solvent cast films of the sbPP samples revealed well-defined trends in elastic properties, morphologies and crystallinity that are associated with a higher degree of crystallinity that emerges with higher isotactic contents. The results of these investigations serve to provide an important foundation that can be used to potentially identify the best combination of stereoerror level incorporation within the isotactic domains and total isotactic content for these architecturally discrete sb-PP materials for maximizing desirable elastomeric traits and solution-based (electrospinning) processing methodology with the goal of achieving the best possible structural forms for potential product applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spin waves and spin-state transitions in a ruthenate high-temperature antiferromagnet

Ruthenium compounds serve as a platform for fundamental concepts such as spin-triplet superconductivity, Kitaev spin liquids and solid-state analogues of the Higgs mode in particle physics. However, basic questions about the electronic structure of ruthenates remain unanswered, because several key parameters (including Hund’s coupling, spin–orbit coupling and exchange interactions) are comparable in magnitude and their interplay is poorly understood, partly due to difficulties in synthesizing large single crystals for spectroscopic experiments. Here we introduce a resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) technique capable of probing collective modes in microcrystals of 4d electron materials. We observe spin waves and spin-state transitions in the honeycomb antiferromagnet SrRu 2 O 6 (ref. 10) and use the extracted exchange interactions and measured magnon gap to explain its high Néel temperature. We expect that the RIXS method presented here will enable momentum-resolved spectroscopy of a large class of 4d transition-metal compounds.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

VERITAS : A density-functional theory-based multiband kinetic model for understanding x-ray spectroscopy of dense plasmas

X-ray spectroscopy has long been a powerful diagnostic tool for hot, dilute plasmas, providing insights into plasma conditions by measuring line shifts and broadenings of atomic transitions. The technique critically depends on the accuracy of atomic physics models used to interpret spectroscopic measurements for inferring plasma properties such as free-electron density and temperature. Over the past decades, the atomic and plasma physics communities have developed robust atomic physics models to account for various processes in hot, dilute classical plasmas. While these models have been successful in that regime, their applicability becomes uncertain when interpreting x-ray spectroscopy experiments of above-solid-density plasmas. Given that finite-temperature density-functional theory (DFT) offers a more accurate description of dense plasma environments, we present the development of a DFT-based multi-band kinetic model, VERITAS, designed to improve the interpretation of x-ray spectroscopic measurements in high-density plasmas produced by laser-driven spherical implosions. This work details the VERITAS model and its application to both time-integrated and time-resolved x-ray spectra from implosion experiments on OMEGA. The advantages and limitations of the VERITAS model will also be discussed, along with potential directions for advancing x-ray spectroscopy of dense and superdense plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

LITHIUM ABUNDANCES IN CARBON-ENHANCED METAL-POOR STARS

Carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars are believed to show the chemical imprints of more massive stars (M {approx}> 0.8 M{sub Sun }) that are now extinct. In particular, it is expected that the observed abundance of Li should deviate in these stars from the standard Spite lithium plateau. We study here a sample of 11 metal-poor stars and a double-lined spectroscopic binary with -1.8 < [Fe/H] < -3.3 observed with the Very Large Telescope/UVES spectrograph. Among these 12 metal-poor stars, there are 8 CEMP stars for which we measure or constrain the Li abundance. In contrast to previous arguments, we demonstrate that an appropriate regime of dilution permits the existence of 'Li-Spite plateau and C-rich' stars, whereas some of the 'Li-depleted and C-rich' stars call for an unidentified additional depletion mechanism that cannot be explained by dilution alone. We find evidence that rotation is related to the Li depletion in some CEMP stars. Additionally, we report on a newly recognized double-lined spectroscopic binary star in our sample. For this star, we develop a new technique from which estimates of stellar parameters and luminosity ratios can be derived based on a high-resolution spectrum alone, without the need for input from evolutionary models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Optimization of spectroscopic surveys for testing non-Gaussianity

We investigate optimization strategies to measure primordial non-Gaussianity with future spectroscopic surveys. We forecast measurements coming from the 3D galaxy power spectrum and compute constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity parameters f{sub NL} and n{sub NG}. After studying the dependence on those parameters upon survey specifications such as redshift range, area, number density, we assume a reference mock survey and investigate the trade-off between number density and area surveyed. We then define the observational requirements to reach the detection of f{sub NL} of order 1. Our results show that power spectrum constraints on non-Gaussianity from future spectroscopic surveys can improve on current CMB limits, but the multi-tracer technique and higher order correlations will be needed in order to reach an even better precision in the measurements of the non-Gaussianity parameter f{sub NL}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

X-ray and electron spectroscopy of (photo)electrocatalysts: Understanding activity through electronic structure and adsorbate coverage

Electronic structure plays a critical role in the kinetics of (photo)electrocatalytic reactions. X-ray and electron spectroscopies provide key determinants—electronic structure, surface adsorbate speciation and coverage quantification, valence state, coordination chemistry, etc.—of catalytic activity and selectivity. Here, we provide an introduction to the fundamental physical concepts, capabilities, and limitations of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy as well as provide discussions of (photo)electrocatalysis-relevant publications utilizing each of these techniques. Our objective is to provide those new to x-ray and electron spectroscopies with sufficient information to assess which techniques probe desired material parameters, while also providing experts in each of these spectroscopic fields a bridge to view the importance of these spectroscopies to (photo)electrocatalysis research.

Carvalho, Oliver Quinn (ORCID:0000000344205203)↗

Time-Dependent Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum Using Advanced Electrochemical and Characterization Techniques

The time-dependent corrosion behavior of pure aluminum (Al) in a chloride-containing environment was investigated using various electrochemical and characterization techniques for up to 336 h. Transmission electron microscopic and secondary ion mass spectroscopic analysis revealed the continuous dissolution of the surface film over the immersion time. In the meantime, the increasing passive oxide thickness resulted in the surface film resistance enhancement over the immersion time, as indicated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis. The electrochemical noise measurements showed an increase in the corrosion kinetics with immersion time until 60 h because of the accelerated localized corrosion in the early stage of immersion. However, an inhibition in corrosion kinetics occurred after longer immersion times due to corrosion product deposition inside the pit.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Laser Spectroscopy of Exotic Atoms and Molecules Containing Octupole-Deformed Nuclei

This project investigated the nuclear, atomic, and molecular structure of exotic atoms and molecules containing actinide isotopes. These short-lived radioactive systems are challenging to produce and study in the laboratory, yet they offer unique opportunities for fundamental science. These nuclei are predicted to exhibit pear-shaped (octupole) deformation, a rare collective nuclear behavior that dramatically enhances their sensitivity to fundamental physics phenomena such as time-reversal- and parity-violating effects. Such enhancements make them ideal probes for exploring open questions in our understanding of the universe such as the origin of the matter–antimatter asymmetry of the universe. To realize these measurements, the project led the development of a new laser spectroscopy experiment at MIT, and later commissioned at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University: the Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy Experiment (RISE). RISE combines the spectroscopic precision of collinear laser spectroscopy with the sensitivity of particle-detection techniques, enabling measurements of rare isotopes produced at rates as low as a few ions per second. The beamline was designed, built, and installed, and was successfully commissioned at FRIB during the grant period. RISE is now a permanent capability of the FRIB facility, and has produced several results on the study of rare atoms and molecules for nuclear structure and fundamental symmetries. In parallel with the FRIB program, the project contributed to the first precision laser-spectroscopy measurements of short-lived radioactive molecules. Working with international collaborators at CERN's ISOLDE facility, the team conducted pioneering experiments on radium monofluoride (RaF) and actinium monofluoride (AcF). The results from this work have been published in major journals of science, including Nature, Science, Nature Physics, Nature Communications, and Physical Review Letters. These findings have guided future experiments on the laser cooling of radioactive molecules, opening a new platform for precision tests of fundamental symmetries.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Equilibrium and nonequilibrium electron density measurements in transient shock-heated hydrogen-helium plasmas

In the NASA planetary program, atmospheric entry probe missions to Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are potential programs now being planned for the 1980's. The work reported in this paper is concerned with predicting the electron density, and resulting radiative emission from the shock layer which must be accommodated by the entry probe heatshield. Within the hydrogen-helium plasma surrounding the forward heatshield, there are regions of near thermochemical equilibrium whose properties are predictable - however, there are uncertainties in these electron density calculations necessitating further measurements by H-beta line broadening and holographic interferometer fringe shift as reported here. There is good agreement between the results obtained from the holographic measurements and the spectroscopic measurements which lends confidence to each of the two completely independent diagnostic techniques. The equilibrium electron density determined from the experimental measurements is somewhat higher than that predicted.

Livingston, F. R.↗

X-ray astronomical spectroscopy

The elementary spectral signatures of fundamental physical processes that might be operable in galactic and extragalactic X-ray sources are reviewed. Some of the instrument limitations of experimental techniques used in X-ray astronomical spectroscopy are described. X-ray spectroscopic measurements are examined for various types of X-ray-emitting objects, including degenerate and nondegenerate stellar systems, supernova remnants, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and quasars.

Holt, S. S.↗

Preliminary orbital parallax catalog

The study is undertaken to calibrate the more reliable parallaxes derived from a comparison of visual and spectroscopic orbits and to encourage observational studies of other promising binaries. The methodological techniques used in computing orbital parallaxes are analyzed. Tables summarizing orbital data and derived system properties are then given. Also given is a series of detailed discussions of the 71 individual systems included in the tables. Data are listed for 57 other systems which are considered promising candidates for eventual orbital parallax determination.

Halliwell, M.↗

The Baade-Wesselink method applied to field RR Lyrae stars. II - SW Andromedae, SW Draconis, and SS Fornacis

The Baade-Wesselink method has been combined with previous photometry and radial velocities to yield distances of 520 + or - 50 pc, 840 + or - 50 pc, and 780 + or - 150 pc, and mean absolute magnitudes of 0.88 + or - 0.20, 0.86 + or - 0.20, and 0.73 + or - 0.50, for SW And, SW Dra, and SS For, respectively. The present technique is able to account for the problem of phase-lag between spectroscopically and photometrically determined radial displacements in SW Dra, the Blazhko effect in SW And, and both the phase-lag and Blazhko effects in SS For.

Cacciari, C.↗

Rotational Relaxation in Nonequilibrium Freejet Expansions of Heated Nitrogen

Rotational temperatures have been measured in rarefied, nonequilibrium, heated freejet expansions of nitrogen using the electron beam fluorescence technique at the University of California at Berkeley Low Density Wind Tunnel facility. Spectroscopic measurements of the (0,0) band of the first negative system of nitrogen reveal the nonequilibrium behavior in the flowfield upstream of, and through the Mach disk, which forms as the freejet expands into a region of finite back pressure. Results compare well with previous freejet expansion data and computations regarding location of the Mach disk and terminal rotational temperature in the expansion. Measurements are also presented for shock thickness based on the rotational temperature changes in the flow. Thickening shock layers, departures of rotational temperature from equilibrium in the expansion region, and downstream rotational temperature recovery much below that of an isentropic normal shock provide indications of the rarefied, nonequilibrium flow behavior. The data are analyzed to infer constant values of the rotational-relaxation collision number from 2.2 to 6.5 for the various flow conditions. Collision numbers are also calculated in a consistent manner for data from other investigations for which is seen a qualitative increase with increasing temperature. Rotational-relaxation collision numbers are seen as not fully descriptive of the rarefied freejet flows. This may be due to the high degree of nonequilibrium in the flowfields, and/or to the use of a temperature-insensitive rotational-relaxation collision number model in the data analyses.

Gochberg, Lawrence A.↗