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At least 1,549 records · Page 86
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Dynamics of coupled simplest chaotic two-component electronic circuits and its potential application to random bit generation

We numerically investigate the possibility of using a coupling to increase the complexity in simplest chaotic two-component electronic circuits operating at high frequency. We subsequently show that complex behaviors generated in such coupled systems, together with the post-processing are suitable for generating bit-streams which pass all the NIST tests for randomness. The electronic circuit is built up by unidirectionally coupling three two-component (one active and one passive) oscillators in a ring configuration through resistances. It turns out that, with such a coupling, high chaotic signals can be obtained. By extracting points at fixed interval of 10 ns (corresponding to a bit rate of 100 Mb/s) on such chaotic signals, each point being simultaneously converted in 16-bits (or 8-bits), we find that the binary sequence constructed by including the 10(or 2) least significant bits pass statistical tests of randomness, meaning that bit-streams with random properties can be achieved with an overall bit rate up to 10×100 Mb/s =1Gbit/s (or 2×100 Mb/s =200 Megabit/s). Moreover, by varying the bias voltages, we also investigate the parameter range for which more complex signals can be obtained. Besides being simple to implement, the two-component electronic circuit setup is very cheap as compared to optical and electro-optical systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

MULTI-FILTER LIGHT CURVES OF 29 VERY SHORT PERIOD CANDIDATE CONTACT BINARIES

Light curves of 26 probable contact binary stars are made available, from a list of candidates with the shortest periods known. This is supplemented by sets of light curves of three previously studied systems. Photometry was obtained in the Johnson UBV, Cousins RI system. All stars but one were observed in four wavebands, either UBV R{sub C} or BV(RI){sub C}, depending on brightness. Tentative spectral classifications are given for 23 of the stars. Effective temperatures are derived from infrared and optical photometric indices, and from spectral types. These are generally in good agreement. The multicolor photometry, spectral typing, and estimated effective temperatures can be used to model these systems in detail. A preliminary study, based on Fourier coefficients of the light curves, suggests that all the systems are indeed eclipsing stars, with all but a handful probably in contact configurations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

A milliparsec supermassive black hole binary candidate in the galaxy SDSS J120136.02+300305.5

Galaxy mergers play a key role in the evolution of galaxies and the growth of their central supermassive black holes (SMBHs). A search for (active) SMBH binaries (SMBHBs) at the centers of the merger remnants is currently ongoing. Perhaps the greatest challenge is to identify the inactive SMBHBs, which might be the most abundant, but are also the most difficult to identify. Liu et al. predicted characteristic drops in the light curves of tidal disruption events (TDEs), caused by the presence of a secondary SMBH. Here, we apply that model to the light curve of the optically inactive galaxy SDSS J120136.02+300305.5, which was identified as a candidate TDE with XMM-Newton. We show that the deep dips in its evolving X-ray light curve can be well explained by the presence of a SMBHB at its core. A SMBHB model with a mass of the primary of M {sub BH} = 10{sup 7} M {sub ☉}, a mass ratio q ≅ 0.08, and a semi-major axis a {sub b} ≅ 0.6 mpc is in good agreement with the observations. Given that primary mass, introducing an orbital eccentricity is needed, with e {sub b} ≅ 0.3. Alternatively, a lower mass primary of M {sub BH} = 10{sup 6} M {sub ☉} in a circular orbit fits the light curve well. Tight binaries like this one, which have already overcome the 'final parsec problem', are prime sources of gravitational wave radiation once the two SMBHs coalesce. Future transient surveys, which will detect TDEs in large numbers, will place tight constraints on the SMBHB fraction in otherwise non-active galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

2MASS J20261584-2943124: AN UNRESOLVED L0.5 + T6 SPECTRAL BINARY

We identify the L dwarf 2MASS J20261584-2943124 as an unresolved spectral binary, based on low-resolution, near-infrared spectroscopy from IRTF/SpeX. The data reveal a peculiar absorption feature at 1.6 {mu}m, previously noted in the spectra of other very low-mass spectral binaries, which likely arises from overlapping FeH and CH{sub 4} absorption bands in the blended light of an L dwarf/T dwarf pair. Spectral template matching analysis indicates component types of L0.5 and T6, with relative brightness {Delta}H = 4.2 {+-} 0.6. Laser guide star adaptive optics imaging observations with Keck/NIRC2 fail to resolve the source, indicating a maximum separation at the observing epoch of 0.''25, or a projected separation of 9 AU assuming a distance of 36 {+-} 5 pc. With an age that is likely to be relatively older ({approx}>5 Gyr) based on the system's large V{sub tan} and mass ratio arguments, the relative motion of the potentially 'massive' (0.06-0.08 M{sub sun}) components of 2MASS J2026-2943 may be detectable through radial velocity variations, like its earlier-type counterpart 2MASS J03202839-0446358 (M8+T5), providing dynamical mass measurements that span the hydrogen burning limit.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

PERIOD CHANGES AND FOUR-COLOR LIGHT CURVES OF THE ACTIVE OVERCONTACT BINARY V396 MONOCEROTIS

This paper analyzes the first obtained four-color light curves of V396 Mon using the 2003 version of the W-D code. It is confirmed that V396 Mon is a shallow W-type contact binary system with a mass ratio q = 2.554({+-}0.004) and a degree of contact factor f = 18.9%({+-}1.2%). A period investigation based on all available data shows that the period of the system includes a long-term decrease (dP/dt = -8.57 x 10{sup -8} days yr{sup -1}) and an oscillation (A{sub 3} = 0.0160 day, T{sub 3} = 42.4 yr). They are caused by angular momentum loss and light-time effect, respectively. The suspect third body is possibly a small M-type star (about 0.31 solar mass). Though some observations indicate that this system has strong magnetic activity, by our analysis we found that the Applegate mechanism cannot explain the periodic changes. This binary is an especially important system according to Qian's statistics of contact binaries as its mass ratio lies near the proposed pivot point about which the physical structure of contact binaries supposedly oscillates.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

K-SHELL PHOTOABSORPTION OF MAGNESIUM IONS

X-ray photoabsorption cross sections have been computed for all magnesium ions with three or more electrons using the R-matrix method. A comparison with other available data for Mg II-Mg X shows good qualitative agreement in the resultant resonance shapes. However, for the lower ionization stages, and for singly ionized Mg II in particular, the previous R-matrix results overestimate the K-edge position due to the neglect of important orbital relaxation effects, and a global shift downward in photon energy of those cross sections is therefore warranted. We have found that the cross sections for Mg I and Mg II are further complicated by the M-shell (n = 3) occupancy. As a result, the treatment of spectator Auger decay of 1s → np resonances using a method based on multichannel quantum defect theory and an optical potential becomes problematic, making it necessary to implement an alternative, approximate treatment of Auger decay for neutral Mg I. The new cross sections are used to fit the Mg K edge in XMM-Newton spectra of the low-mass X-ray binary GS 1826-238, where most of the interstellar Mg is found to be in ionized form.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

SMALL-SCALE STRUCTURE OF THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM TOWARD {rho} Oph STARS: DIFFUSE BAND OBSERVATIONS

We present an investigation of small-scale structure in the distribution of large molecules/dust in the interstellar medium through observations of diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). High signal-to-noise optical spectra were recorded toward the stars {rho} Oph A, B, C, and DE using the University College London Echelle Spectrograph on the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The strengths of some of the DIBs are found to differ by about 5%-9% between the close binary stars {rho} Oph A and B, which are separated by a projected distance on the sky of only c. 344 AU. This is the first star system in which such small-scale DIB strength variations have been reported. The observed variations are attributed to differences between a combination of carrier abundance and the physical conditions present along each sightline. The sightline toward {rho} Oph C contains relatively dense, molecule-rich material and has the strongest {lambda}{lambda}5850 and 4726 DIBs. The gas toward DE is more diffuse and is found to exhibit weak ''C{sub 2}'' (blue) DIBs and strong yellow/red DIBs. The differences in diffuse band strengths between lines of sight are, in some cases, significantly greater in magnitude than the corresponding variations among atomic and diatomic species, indicating that the DIBs can be sensitive tracers of interstellar cloud conditions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1976

Transfer of X-rays through a spherically symmetric gas cloud

Approximate solutions are presented for the transfer of radiation through spherically symmetric gas clouds surrounding a point source of X-rays. The approach is similar to that of Tarter and Salpeter (1969) except that heating by Compton scattering and the Auger effect is included. The temperature and ionization structure are sensitive to the source spectrum, and the solutions are not unique if soft X-rays are deficient. The emergent spectrum is rich in optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray emission lines. The radiation force due to photoelectric absorption of X-rays may exceed the force due to Compton scattering by a factor of order 10 for the radiation fields and densities likely to be encountered in galactic binary X-ray sources.

Hatchett, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A 6 second periodic X-ray source in Carina

A serendipitous source, 1E 1048.1-5937, was discovered during Einstein imaging observations of the Carina nebula. On July 13, 1979, this source had an intensity of 0.14 IPC counts/s, and the signal was 65 percent pulsed with a period of 6.44 s. An earlier observation failed to detect any source with strength greater than 1/10 the above signal. The source is therefore highly variable, perhaps transient. An Exosat observation of this source on June 20, 1985 confirmed the pulse period and refined the source position to an accuracy of 10 arcsec. On the basis of the position, the source is tentatively identified with a V = 19 optical counterpart. The X-ray spectrum is best fitted by a power law with photon index = 2.26 and a column density of 1.6 x 10 to the 22nd atoms/sq cm. The X-ray characteristics are consistent with an accretion-powered Be star binary.

Seward, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Binary Operation Of A Liquid-Crystal Light Valve

Conditions for operation of commercially available liquid-crystal light valve as binary spatial light modulator discovered. In mode, modulator turns on sharply and then saturates as intensity of writing beam increases. Valve comprises photoconductive layer and liquid-crystal layer separated by dielectric mirror and sandwiched between two transparent electrodes. Potential applications include enhancement of images, optical recording, and holography.

Davis, Jeffrey A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Radar images of asteroid 1989 PB

Radar observations of the near-earth asteroid 1989 PB, made shortly after its optical discovery, yield a sequence of delay-Doppler images that reveal it to consist of two distinct lobes that appear to be in contact. It seems likely that the two lobes once were separate and that they collided to produce the current 'contact-binary' configuration.

Ostro, Steven J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Enhancing Soundtracks From Old Movies

Proposed system enhances soundtracks of old movies. Signal on optical soundtrack of film digitized and processed to reduce noise and improve quality; timing signals added, and signal recorded on compact disk. Digital comparator and voltage-controlled oscillator synchronizes speed of film-drive motor and compact disk motor. Frame-coded detector reads binary frame-identifying marks on film. Digital comparator generates error signal if marks on film do not match those on compact disk.

Frazer, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ginga observations of the dipping low-mass X-ray binaries XB 1916-053 and EXO 1748-676

Ginga observations of XB 1916-053 and EXO 0748-676, low-mass X-ray binaries with pronounced dips of variable depth and duration in their X-ray light curves, are reported. Periodicity studies of XB-1916-053 show results consistent with those from previous Ginga observations, specifically, that the derived X-ray period is shorter than the optical period by about 1 percent. This problem is discussed, and a more refined model for the system is described. Three bursts were detected during the observation of XB 1916-053, the second of which occurred during a dip. Spectral analysis suggests that the second burst caused an almost instantaneous ionization of the absorbing medium in the line of sight. This material then returned to its equilibrium state on the same time scale as the burst decay. Loose limits are placed upon the possible clumpiness of the material responsible for the accretion disk structure in XB 1916-053 and EXO 0748-676.

Smale, Alan P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A reprocessing model for the ultraviolet and optical light from 4U 1820-30

We show that the recently discovered optical and ultraviolet light from the X-ray burst source 4U 1820-30 in the globular cluster NGC 6624 is due to reprocessing of the X-rays in the outer regions of an optically thick, geometrically thin accretion disk. We suggest that observation of orbital modulation of the reprocessed light, due to the variable contribution made as the heated face of the companion turns toward and away from the observer, would provide constraints on the inclination of the binary orbit, and we suggest that detection in the reprocessed flux of the 'red noise' already observed in the X-rays would provide useful constraints on the geometry and physics of the accretion disk.

Arons, Jonathan↗
NASA NTRS1995

HST images of the eclipsing pulsar B1957+20

We have obtained images of the eclipsing pulsar binary PSR B1957+20 using the Planetary Camera of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The high spatial resolution of this instrument has allowed us to separate the pulsar system from a nearby background star which has confounded ground-based observations of this system near optical minimum. Our images limit the temperature of the backside of the companion to T less than or approximately = 2800 K, about a factor of 2 less than the average temperature of the side of the companion facing the pulsar, and provide a marginal detection of the companion at optical minimum. The magnitude of this detection is consistent with previous work which suggests that the companion nearly fills its Roche lobe and is supported through tidal dissipation.

Fruchter, Andrew S.↗
NASA NTRS1998

LISA Mission Concept Study, Laser Interferometer Space Antenna for the Detection and Observation of Gravitational Waves

This document presents the results of a design feasibility study for LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna). The goal of LISA is to detect and study low-frequency astrophysical gravitational radiation from strongly relativistic regions. Astrophysical sources potentially visible to LISA include extra-galactic massive black hole binaries at cosmological distances, binary systems composed of a compact star and a massive black hole, galactic neutron star-black hole binaries, and background radiation from the Big Bang. The LISA mission will comprise three spacecraft located five million kilometers apart forming an equilateral triangle in an Earth-trailing orbit. Fluctuations in separation between shielded test masses located within each spacecraft will be determined by optical interferometry which determines the phase shift of laser light transmitted between the test masses.

Folkner, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Characterizing the Small Scale Structure in Clusters of Galaxies

We studied galaxy clusters Abell 119, Abell 754, and Abell 1750, using data from the ASCA and ROSAT satellites. In addition, we completed the paper "Merging Binary Clusters". In this paper we study three prominent bi-modal X-ray clusters: A3528, A1750 and A3395. Since the sub-clusters in these systems have projected separations of 0.93, 1.00 and 0.67 Mpc respectively, we examine their X-ray and optical observations to investigate the dynamics and possible merging of these sub-clusters. Using data taken with ROSAT and ASCA, we analyze the temperature and surface brightness distributions. We also analyze the velocity distributions of the three clusters using new measurements supplemented with previously published data. We examined both the overall cluster properties as well as the two sub-cluster elements in each. These results were then applied to the determination of the overall cluster masses, that demonstrate excellent consistency between the various methods used. While the characteristic parameters of the sub-clusters are typical of isolated objects, our temperature results for the regions between the two sub-clusters clearly confirm the presence of merger activity that is suggested by the surface brightness distributions. These three clusters represent a progression of equal-sized sub-cluster mergers, starting from initial contact to immediately before first core passage.

Forman, William R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Monitoring and Detecting X-ray Transients with the Swift Observatory

Swift is a multi-wavelength observatory specifically designed to detect transients sources in the gamma-ray energy band 15-200 keV. The primary goals of the mission involve gamma ray burst (GRB) astronomy, namely to determine the origin of GRBs and their afterglows, and use bursts to probe the early Universe. However, Swift will also discover new X-ray transient sources, and it will be possible to bring Swift's considerable multi-wavelength capabilities to bear on these sources, and those discovered by other means. The Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) is a coded mask instrument sensitive to 15-200 keV gamma rays, and has a field of view which covers approximately 1/8th of the sky in a single pointing. Over a typical observing day, the almost the entire sky will be observed and monitored for new transient sources. Sources will be detected within several hours of observation. The two narrow field instruments, the X-ray Telescope and Ultra-Violet Optical Telescope, can provide sensitive simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy observations in the optical through soft X-ray bands. The Swift science operations team will entertain requests for targets of opportunity for sources which are astrophysically significant. Swift will be ideally suited for the detection of transients which produce hard X-rays, such as black hole binaries and some neutron star systems.

Markwardt, Craig↗