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Published work

111 published item(s)

preprint2026arXiv

Enhancing Train-Free Infinite-Frame Generation for Consistent Long Videos

Without incurring significant computational overhead, train-free long video generation aims to enable foundation video generation models to produce longer videos. Frame-level autoregressive frameworks, e.g., FIFO-diffusion, offer the advantage of generating infinitely long videos with constant memory consumption. However, the mismatch between training and inference, coupled with the challenge of maintaining long-term consistency, limits the effective utilization of foundation models. To mitigate these concerns, we propose \textbf{MIGA}, a novel infinite-frame long video generation method. Firstly, we propose an effective two-stage alignment mechanism that mitigates the training-inference gap by reducing the excessive noise span fed to the model. We then introduce an innovative dual consistency enhancement mechanism, where the self-reflection approach corrects early high-noise frames and the long-range frame guidance approach leverages later low-noise frames with broad coverage to steer generation, jointly improving temporal consistency. Extensive experiments on VBench and NarrLV demonstrate the state-of-the-art performance of MIGA. Our project page is available at https://xiaokunfeng.github.io/miga_homepage/.

preprint2026arXiv

Evidence for the rare decay $B^{+} \to \bar Λp μ^{+} μ^{-}$

A search for the rare decay $B^{+} \to \bar Λp μ^{+} μ^{-}$ is performed using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}= 13$ TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb$^-1$. An excess of events is found with respect to the background-only expectation, with a signal significance of 3.5 standard deviations, in the low invariant-mass region of $m(\bar Λp)<2.8$ GeV/$c^2$. The branching fraction is measured to be ${\cal B}_{\rm low}({B^{+}}\to {\bar Λp μ^{+} μ^{-}})=\left(1.70 ^{+0.65}_{-0.56}(\rm stat) \pm 0.17(\rm syst) \pm 0.14(\rm ext)\right) \times 10^{-8}$, where the last uncertainty is due to external inputs on ${\cal B}(B^+\to{J/ψ\bar Λp})\times {\cal B}({J/ψ}\to{μ^+μ^-})$. With no significant signal observed in the high $m(\bar Λp)$ region above 2.8 GeV/$c^2$, an upper limit is set to be ${\cal B}_{\rm high}(B^{+}\to {\bar Λp μ^{+} μ^{-}})<2.8\,(3.7) \times 10^{-9}$ at the $90\%$ ($95\%$) confidence level.

preprint2026arXiv

Evolution of chirality from transverse wobbling in $^{135}$Pr

Chirality is a distinct signature that characterizes triaxial shapes in nuclei. We report the first observation of chirality in the nucleus $^{135}$Pr using a high-statistics Gammasphere experiment with the $^{123}$Sb($^{16}$O,4n)$^{135}$Pr reaction. Two chiral-partner bands with the configuration $π(1h_{11/2})^1\otimesν(1h_{11/2})^{-2}$ have been identified in this nucleus. Angular distribution analyses of the $ΔI = 1$ transitions connecting the two bands reveal a dominant dipole character, and quasiparticle triaxial rotor model calculations show good agreement with the data. Since the simultaneous observation of chirality and transverse wobbling in $^{135}$Pr relies critically on these angular distribution results, we also address and refute the experimental and theoretical criticisms raised in a recent work by Lv et al., presenting additional evidence that further strengthens our interpretation. This marks the first observation of both hallmarks of triaxiality-chirality and wobbling-in the same nucleus.

preprint2026arXiv

Final SeaQuest results on the flavor asymmetry of the proton light-quark sea with proton-induced Drell-Yan process

The Fermilab E906/SeaQuest collaboration performed measurements of the Drell-Yan process using 120 GeV proton beams bombarding liquid hydrogen and liquid deuterium targets. A combined analysis of all collected data was performed to obtain the final results for the $σ_{pd}/2σ_{pp}$ Drell-Yan cross section ratio covering the kinematic region of $0.13 < x < 0.45$. The $x$-dependencies of $\bar{d}\left(x\right) / \bar{u}\left(x\right)$ and $\bar{d}\left(x\right) - \bar{u}\left(x\right)$ are extracted from these cross section ratios. It is found that $\bar{d}\left(x\right)$ is greater than $\bar{u}\left(x\right)$ over the entire measured $x$ range, with improved statistical accuracy compared to previous measurements. The new results on $\bar{d}\left(x\right) / \bar{u}\left(x\right)$ and $\bar{d}\left(x\right) - \bar{u}\left(x\right)$ are compared to various parton distribution functions and theoretical calculations.

preprint2026arXiv

Measurement of transverse $Λ$ and $\barΛ$ hyperon polarization in $p$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.02$ TeV

The transverse polarization of $Λ$ and $\barΛ$ hyperons is measured in $p$Pb collisions collected by the LHCb experiment at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of $5.02$ TeV. The polarization is averaged over hyperon transverse momentum in the ranges $0.15 < p_{T} < 6.00 $ GeV/$c$, and Feynman-$x$ in the ranges $0.005 < x_{F} < 0.040$ (forward region) and $-0.10 < x_{F} < -0.01$ (backward region) defined relative to the proton beam direction. The transverse polarization is found to be compatible with zero for both $Λ$ and $\barΛ$ hyperons. The results are also measured as a function of $p_{T}$ and $x_{F}$ with no significant dependence on these variables observed. The results are compared with previous experimental measurements at different center-of-mass energies and collision environments.

preprint2026arXiv

Search for lepton-number-violating $B^-\to D^{(*)+}μ^-μ^-$ decays

A search is performed for lepton-number-violating $B^-\to D^{(*)+}μ^-μ^-$ decays, using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb$^{-1}$. No significant signal is observed, and upper limits are set on the branching fractions, ${\cal B}(B^-\to D^{+}μ^-μ^-) < 4.6 \times 10^{-8}$ and ${\cal B}(B^-\to D^{*+}μ^-μ^-) < 5.9 \times 10^{-8}$, at the 95% confidence level.

preprint2026arXiv

Study of charm mixing and CP violation with $D^0\to K^\pmπ^\mpπ^\pmπ^\mp$ decays

A study of charm mixing and CP violation in $D^0\to K^\pmπ^\mpπ^\pmπ^\mp$ decays is performed using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions from 2015 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6$\text{fb}^{-1}$. The ratio of promptly produced $D^0\to K^+π^- π^+π^-$ to $D^0\to K^-π^+ π^-π^+$ decay rates is measured as a function of $D^0$ decay time, both inclusive over phase space and in bins of phase space. Taking external inputs for the $D^0 -\overline{D}^0$ mixing parameters $x$ and $y$ allows constraints to be obtained on the hadronic parameters of the charm decay. When combined with previous measurements from charm-threshold experiments and at LHCb, improved knowledge is obtained for these parameters, which is valuable for studies of the angle $γ$ of the Unitarity Triangle. An alternative analysis is also performed, in which external inputs are taken for the hadronic parameters, and the mixing parameters are determined, including $Δx$ and $Δy$, which are nonzero in the presence of CP violation. It is found that $x=\left(0.85^{+0.15}_{-0.24}\right)\%$, $y=\left( 0.21^{+0.29}{-0.27} \right)\%$, $Δx=\left( -0.02\pm {0.04} \right)\% $ and $Δy=\left( 0.02^{+0.04}_{-0.03} \right)\%$. These results are consistent with previous measurements and the hypothesis of CP conservation.

preprint2025arXiv

Coherent photoproduction of $ρ^0, ω$ and excited vector mesons in ultraperipheral PbPb collisions

The invariant-mass distribution for the coherent photoproduction of dipions in ultraperipheral PbPb collisions is measured using data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $224.6 \pm 9.6 μ$b$^{-1}$, collected by the LHCb experiment in 2018 at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV. In the mass range from 400 to 1200 MeV, the results are consistent with previous experiments, with the spectrum dominated by the $ρ^0$ meson, which interferes with a nonresonant component, together with a smaller $ω$ meson contribution. In an extended mass range up to 2300 MeV, models previously used do not fit the data and a consistent description requires the introduction of two resonances at masses of $1350\pm20$ MeV and $1790\pm20$ MeV with widths of about 300 MeV. The cross-section for each meson is measured differentially in twelve bins of rapidity from 2.05 to 4.90. The $ρ^0$ cross-section increases with rapidity from about 400 to 600 mb and is measured with a typical precision of 8\%, while the cross-section times branching fraction for the $ω,ρ^\prime$ and $ρ^{\prime\prime}$, with the statistical precision of the data, do not have a pronounced rapidity dependence and are between 0.5 and 1.5 mb, with uncertainties up to 30\%. A large nuclear suppression is observed for the $ρ^0$ meson compared to expectations based on photoproduction on the proton that use the impulse approximation. Significant suppression is also observed compared to that predicted by elastic scattering described in the Glauber approach, or with the addition of inelastic scattering in a Gribov--Glauber model.

preprint2023arXiv

Longitudinal and transverse spin transfer to $Λ$ and $\overlineΛ$ hyperons in polarized $p$+$p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 200$ GeV

The longitudinal and transverse spin transfers to $Λ$ ($\overlineΛ$) hyperons in polarized proton-proton collisions are expected to be sensitive to the helicity and transversity distributions, respectively, of (anti-)strange quarks in the proton, and to the corresponding polarized fragmentation functions. We report improved measurements of the longitudinal spin transfer coefficient, $D_{LL}$, and the transverse spin transfer coefficient, $D_{TT}$, to $Λ$ and $\overlineΛ$ in polarized proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The data set includes longitudinally polarized proton-proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 52 pb$^{-1}$, and transversely polarized proton-proton collisions with a similar integrated luminosity. Both data sets have about twice the statistics of previous results and cover a kinematic range of $|η_{Λ(\overlineΛ)}|$ $<$ 1.2 and transverse momentum $p_{T,{Λ(\overlineΛ)}}$ up to 8 GeV/$c$. We also report the first measurements of the hyperon spin transfer coefficients $D_{LL}$ and $D_{TT}$ as a function of the fractional jet momentum $z$ carried by the hyperon, which can provide more direct constraints on the polarized fragmentation functions.

preprint2023arXiv

Pattern of Global Spin Alignment of $ϕ$ and $K^{*0}$ mesons in Heavy-Ion Collisions

Notwithstanding decades of progress since Yukawa first developed a description of the force between nucleons in terms of meson exchange, a full understanding of the strong interaction remains a major challenge in modern science. One remaining difficulty arises from the non-perturbative nature of the strong force, which leads to the phenomenon of quark confinement at distances on the order of the size of the proton. Here we show that in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, where quarks and gluons are set free over an extended volume, two species of produced vector (spin-1) mesons, namely $ϕ$ and $K^{*0}$, emerge with a surprising pattern of global spin alignment. In particular, the global spin alignment for $ϕ$ is unexpectedly large, while that for $K^{*0}$ is consistent with zero. The observed spin-alignment pattern and magnitude for the $ϕ$ cannot be explained by conventional mechanisms, while a model with a connection to strong force fields, i.e. an effective proxy description within the Standard Model and Quantum Chromodynamics, accommodates the current data. This connection, if fully established, will open a potential new avenue for studying the behaviour of strong force fields.

preprint2022arXiv

A radiation tolerant clock generator for the CMS Endcap Timing Layer readout chip

We present the test results of a low jitter Phase Locked Loop (PLL) prototype chip for the CMS Endcap Timing Layer readout chip (ETROC). This chip is based on the improved version of a clock synthesis circuit named ljCDR from the Low-Power Gigabit Transceiver (lpGBT) project. The ljCDR is tested in its PLL mode. An automatic frequency calibration (AFC) block with the Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) register is developed for the LC-oscillator calibration. The chip was manufactured in a 65 nm CMOS process with 10 metal layers. The chip has been extensively tested, including Total Ionizing Dose (TID) testing up to 300 Mrad and Single Event Upset (SEU) testing with heavy ions possessing a Linear energy transfer (LET) from 1.3 to 62.5 MeV*cm^2/mg.

preprint2022arXiv

Beta decay of the very neutron-deficient $^{60}$Ge and $^{62}$Ge nuclei

We report here the results of a study of the $β$ decay of the proton-rich Ge isotopes, $^{60}$Ge and $^{62}$Ge, produced in an experiment at the RIKEN Nishina Center. We have improved our knowledge of the half-lives of $^{62}$Ge (73.5(1) ms), $^{60}$Ge (25.0(3) ms) and its daughter nucleus, $^{60}$Ga (69.4(2) ms). We measured individual $β$-delayed proton and $γ$ emissions and their related branching ratios. Decay schemes and absolute Fermi and Gamow-Teller transition strengths have been determined. The mass excesses of the nuclei under study have been deduced. A total $β$-delayed proton-emission branching ratio of 67(3)% has been obtained for $^{60}$Ge. New information has been obtained on the energy levels populated in $^{60}$Ga and on the 1/2$^-$ excited state in the $βp$ daughter $^{59}$Zn. We extracted a ground state to ground state feeding of 85.3(3)% for the decay of $^{62}$Ge. Eight new $γ$ lines have been added to the de-excitation of levels populated in the $^{62}$Ga daughter.

preprint2022arXiv

Centrality and transverse momentum dependence of higher-order flow harmonics of identified hadrons in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200 GeV

We present high-precision measurements of elliptic, triangular, and quadrangular flow $v_{2}$, $v_{3}$, and $v_{4}$, respectively, at midrapidity ($|η|<1.0$) for identified hadrons $π$, $p$, $K$, $φ$, $K_s$, $Λ$ as a function of centrality and transverse momentum in Au+Au collisions at the center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=$ 200 GeV. We observe similar $v_{n}$ trends between light and strange mesons which indicates that the heavier strange quarks flow as strongly as the lighter up and down quarks. The number-of-constituent-quark scaling for $v_{2}$, $v_{3}$, and $v_{4}$ is found to hold within statistical uncertainty for 0-10$\%$, 10-40$\%$ and 40-80$\%$ collision centrality intervals. The results are compared to several viscous hydrodynamic calculations with varying initial conditions, and could serve as an additional constraint to the development of hydrodynamic models.

preprint2022arXiv

Differential measurements of jet substructure and partonic energy loss in Au$+$Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} =200$ GeV

The STAR collaboration presents jet substructure measurements related to both the momentum fraction and the opening angle within jets in \pp and \AuAu collisions at \sqrtsn $= 200$ GeV. The substructure observables include SoftDrop groomed momentum fraction (\zg), groomed jet radius (\rg), and subjet momentum fraction (\zsj) and opening angle (\tsj). The latter observable is introduced for the first time. Fully corrected subjet measurements are presented for \pp collisions and are compared to leading order Monte Carlo models. The subjet \tsj~distributions reflect the jets leading opening angle and are utilized as a proxy for the resolution scale of the medium in \AuAu collisions. We compare data from \AuAu collisions to those from \pp which are embedded in minimum-bias \AuAu events in order to include the effects of detector smearing and the heavy-ion collision underlying event. The subjet observables are shown to be more robust to the background than \zg~and \rg. We observe no significant modifications of the subjet observables within the two highest-energy, back-to-back jets, resulting in a distribution of opening angles and the splittings that are vacuum-like. We also report measurements of the differential di-jet momentum imbalance ($A_{\rm{J}}$) for jets of varying \tsj. We find no qualitative differences in energy loss signatures for varying angular scales in the range $0.1 < $ \tsj $ < 0.3$, leading to the possible interpretation that energy loss in this population of high momentum di-jet pairs, is due to soft medium-induced gluon radiation from a single color-charge as it traverses the medium.

preprint2022arXiv

Disappearance of partonic collectivity in $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC

We report on the measurements of directed flow $v_1$ and elliptic flow $v_2$ for hadrons ($π^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $K_{S}^0$, $p$, $ϕ$, $Λ$ and $Ξ^{-}$) from Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3\,GeV and $v_{2}$ for ($π^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $p$ and $\overline{p}$) at 27 and 54.4\,GeV with the STAR experiment. While at the two higher energy midcentral collisions the number-of-constituent-quark (NCQ) scaling holds, at 3\,GeV the $v_{2}$ at midrapidity is negative for all hadrons and the NCQ scaling is absent. In addition, the $v_1$ slopes at midrapidity for almost all observed hadrons are found to be positive, implying dominant repulsive baryonic interactions. The features of negative $v_2$ and positive $v_1$ slope at 3\,GeV can be reproduced with a baryonic mean-field in transport model calculations. These results imply that the medium in such collisions is likely characterized by baryonic interactions.

preprint2022arXiv

Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and their $A$ Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-$π^0$s produced at forward pseudorapidities ($2.6<η<4.0$) in $p$+$p$, $p+$Al, and $p+$Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back $π^0$ pairs in $p+$Al and $p+$Au collisions compared to the $p$+$p$ data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in $p+$Au relative to $p+$Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale, $Q_s^2$, on the mass number, $A$. A linear scaling of the suppression with $A^{1/3}$ is observed with a slope of $-0.09$ $\pm$ $0.01$.

preprint2022arXiv

Experience With Machine Protection Systems At PIP2IT

The PIP-II Injector Test 1 PIP2IT facility accelerator was assembled in multiple stages in 2014 $-$ 2021 to test concepts and components of the future PIPII linac that is being constructed at Fermilab. In its final configuration, PIP2IT accelerated a 0.55 ms x 20 Hz x 2 mA H$-$ beam to 16 MeV. To protect elements of the beam line, a Machine Protection System MPS was implemented and commissioned. The beam was interrupted faster than 10$μ$s when excessive beam loss was detected. The paper describes the MPS architecture, methods of the loss detection, procedure of the beam interruption, and operational experience at PIP2IT.

preprint2022arXiv

First discoveries and localisations of Fast Radio Bursts with MeerTRAP: a real-time, commensal MeerKAT survey

We report on the discovery and localization of fast radio bursts (FRBs) from the MeerTRAP project, a commensal fast radio transient-detection programme at MeerKAT in South Africa. Our hybrid approach combines a coherent search with an average field-of-view of 0.4 $\rm deg^{2}$ with an incoherent search utilizing a field-of-view of $\sim$1.27 $\rm deg^{2}$ (both at 1284~MHz). Here, we present results on the first three FRBs: FRB 20200413A (DM=1990.05 pc cm$^{-3}$), FRB 20200915A (DM=740.65 pc cm$^{-3}$), and FRB 20201123A (DM=433.55 pc cm$^{-3}$). FRB 20200413A was discovered only in the incoherent beam. FRB 20200915A (also discovered only in the incoherent beam) shows speckled emission in the dynamic spectrum which cannot be explained by interstellar scintillation in our Galaxy or plasma lensing, and might be intrinsic to the source. FRB 20201123A shows a faint post-cursor burst about 200 ms after the main burst and warrants further follow-up to confirm whether it is a repeating FRB. FRB 20201123A also exhibits significant temporal broadening consistent with scattering by a turbulent medium. The broadening exceeds that predicted for medium along the sightline through our Galaxy. We associate this scattering with the turbulent medium in the environment of the FRB in the host galaxy. Within the approximately $1'$ localization region of FRB 20201123A, we identify one luminous galaxy ($r \approx 15.67$; J173438.35$-$504550.4) that dominates the posterior probability for a host association. The galaxy's measured properties are consistent with other FRB hosts with secure associations.

preprint2022arXiv

Global $Λ$-hyperon polarization in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}=3$ GeV

Global hyperon polarization, $\overline{P}_\mathrm{H}$, in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision energy, $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$, was recently measured and successfully reproduced by hydrodynamic and transport models with intense fluid vorticity of the quark-gluon plasma. While naïve extrapolation of data trends suggests a large $\overline{P}_\mathrm{H}$ as the collision energy is reduced, the behavior of $\overline{P}_\mathrm{H}$ at small $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}<7.7$ GeV is unknown. Operating the STAR experiment in fixed-target mode, we measured the polarization of $Λ$ hyperons along the direction of global angular momentum in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}=3$ GeV. The observation of substantial polarization of $4.91\pm0.81(\rm stat.)\pm0.15(\rm syst.)$% in these collisions may require a reexamination of the viscosity of any fluid created in the collision, of the thermalization timescale of rotational modes, and of hadronic mechanisms to produce global polarization.

preprint2022arXiv

High performance photonic microwave filters based on a 50GHz optical soliton crystal Kerr micro-comb

We demonstrate a photonic radio frequency (RF) transversal filter based on an integrated optical micro-comb source featuring a record low free spectral range of 49 GHz yielding 80 micro-comb lines across the C-band. This record-high number of taps, or wavelengths for the transversal filter results in significantly increased performance including a QRF factor more than four times higher than previous results. Further, by employing both positive and negative taps, an improved out-of-band rejection of up to 48.9 dB is demonstrated using Gaussian apodization, together with a tunable centre frequency covering the RF spectra range, with a widely tunable 3-dB bandwidth and versatile dynamically adjustable filter shapes. Our experimental results match well with theory, showing that our transversal filter is a competitive solution to implement advanced adaptive RF filters with broad operational bandwidths, high frequency selectivity, high reconfigurability, and potentially reduced cost and footprint. This approach is promising for applications in modern radar and communications systems.

preprint2022arXiv

Light Nuclei Collectivity from $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

In high-energy heavy-ion collisions, partonic collectivity is evidenced by the constituent quark number scaling of elliptic flow anisotropy for identified hadrons. A breaking of this scaling and dominance of baryonic interactions is found for identified hadron collective flow measurements in $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 3 GeV Au+Au collisions. In this paper, we report measurements of the first- and second-order azimuthal anisotropic parameters, $v_1$ and $v_2$, of light nuclei ($d$, $t$, $^{3}$He, $^{4}$He) produced in $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 3 GeV Au+Au collisions at the STAR experiment. An atomic mass number scaling is found in the measured $v_1$ slopes of light nuclei at mid-rapidity. For the measured $v_2$ magnitude, a strong rapidity dependence is observed. Unlike $v_2$ at higher collision energies, the $v_2$ values at mid-rapidity for all light nuclei are negative and no scaling is observed with the atomic mass number. Calculations by the Jet AA Microscopic Transport Model (JAM), with baryonic mean-field plus nucleon coalescence, are in good agreement with our observations, implying baryonic interactions dominate the collective dynamics in 3 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC.

preprint2022arXiv

Longitudinal double-spin asymmetry for inclusive jet and dijet production in polarized proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=510$ GeV

We report measurements of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, $A_{LL}$, for inclusive jet and dijet production in polarized proton-proton collisions at midrapidity and center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}$ = 510 GeV, using the high luminosity data sample collected by the STAR experiment in 2013. These measurements complement and improve the precision of previous STAR measurements at the same center-of-mass energy that probe the polarized gluon distribution function at partonic momentum fraction 0.015 $\lesssim x \lesssim$ 0.25. The dijet asymmetries are separated into four jet-pair topologies, which provide further constraints on the $x$ dependence of the polarized gluon distribution function. These measurements are in agreement with previous STAR measurements and with predictions from current next-to-leading order global analyses. They provide more precise data at low dijet invariant mass that will better constraint the shape of the polarized gluon distribution function of the proton.

preprint2022arXiv

Measurement of cold nuclear matter effects for inclusive $J/ψ$ in $p$+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\mathrm{NN}}}}$ = 200 GeV

Measurement by the STAR experiment at RHIC of the cold nuclear matter (CNM) effects experienced by inclusive $J/ψ$ at mid-rapidity in 0-100\% $p$+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\mathrm{NN}}}}$ = 200 GeV is presented. Such effects are quantified utilizing the nuclear modification factor, $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$, obtained by taking a ratio of $J/ψ$ yield in $p$+Au collisions to that in $p$+$p$ collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. The differential $J/ψ$ yield in both $p$+$p$ and $p$+Au collisions is measured through the dimuon decay channel, taking advantage of the trigger capability provided by the Muon Telescope Detector in the RHIC 2015 run. Consequently, the $J/ψ$ $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$ is derived within the transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm{T}}$) range of 0 to 10 GeV/$c$. A suppression of approximately 30% is observed for $p_{\mathrm{T}}<2$ GeV/$c$, while $J/ψ$ $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$ becomes compatible with unity for $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ greater than 3 GeV/$c$, indicating the $J/ψ$ yield is minimally affected by the CNM effects at high $p_{\mathrm{T}}$. Comparison to a similar measurement from 0-20% central Au+Au collisions reveals that the observed strong $J/ψ$ suppression above 3 Gev/$c$ is mostly due to the hot medium effects, providing strong evidence for the formation of the quark-gluon plasma in these collisions. Several model calculations show qualitative agreement with the measured $J/ψ$ $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$, while their agreement with the $J/ψ$ yields in $p$+$p$ and $p$+Au collisions is worse.

preprint2022arXiv

Measurement of inclusive electrons from open heavy-flavor hadron decays in $p$+$p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 200$ GeV with the STAR detector

We report a new measurement of the production cross section for inclusive electrons from open heavy-flavor hadron decays as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) at mid-rapidity ($|y|<$ 0.7) in $p$+$p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 200$ GeV. The result is presented for 2.5 $<p_{\rm T}<$ 10 GeV/$c$ with an improved precision above 6 GeV/$c$ with respect to the previous measurements, providing more constraints on perturbative QCD calculations. Moreover, this measurement also provides a high-precision reference for measurements of nuclear modification factors for inclusive electrons from open-charm and -bottom hadron decays in heavy-ion collisions.

preprint2022arXiv

Measurements of ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at \snn = 3.0\,GeV and 7.2\,GeV collected by the STAR experiment at RHIC, and the first measurement of ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ mid-rapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at \snn = 3.0\,GeV. ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be $221\pm15(\rm stat.)\pm19(\rm syst.)$\,ps for ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and $218\pm6(\rm stat.)\pm13(\rm syst.)$\,ps for ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$. The $p_T$-integrated yields of ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ is different for 0--10\% and 10--50\% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ yield well, while underestimating the ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (JAM) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (PHQMD) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured ${}^3_Λ\rm{H}$ and ${}^4_Λ\rm{H}$ yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

preprint2022arXiv

Measurements of Proton High Order Cumulants in 3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at 3.0 GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity ($y$) and transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) within $-0.5 < y<0$ and $0.4 < p_{\rm T} <2.0 $ GeV/$c$. In the most central 0--5\% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be $C_4/C_2=-0.85 \pm 0.09 ~(\rm stat.) \pm 0.82 ~(\rm syst.)$, which is less than unity, the Poisson baseline. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our $C_4/C_2$ in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in $C_4/C_2$ is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3\,GeV.

preprint2022arXiv

Monte-Carlo simulations for wall-bounded fluid flows via random vortex method

In this paper a Monte-Carlo method for simulating the motion of fluid flow moving along a solid wall is proposed. The random vortex method in the present paper is established by using the reflection technology and perturbation technique. The Monte-Carlo method based on this random vortex dynamic may be implemented, and several Monte-Carlo simulations are then carried out for the flows near the solid wall.

preprint2022arXiv

Observation of the toroidal rotation in a new designed compact torus system for EAST

Compact torus injection is considered as a high promising approach to realize central fueling in the future tokamak device. Recently, a compact torus injection system has been developed for the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, and the preliminary results have been carried out. In the typical discharges of the early stage, the velocity, electron density and particles number of the CT can reach 56.0 km/s, 8.73*10^20 m^(-3) and 2.4*10^18 (for helium), respectively. A continuous increase in CT density during acceleration was observed in the experiment, which may be due to the plasma ionized in the formation region may carry part of the neutral gas into the acceleration region, and these neutral gases will be ionized again. In addition, a significant plasma rotation is observed during the formation process which is introduced by the E*B drift. In this paper, we present the detailed system setup and the preliminary platform test results, hoping to provide some basis for the exploration of the CT technique medium-sized superconducting tokamak device in the future

preprint2022arXiv

Pre-launch characterization of the spectrometer of Hard X-ray Imager (HXI) onboard the ASO-S mission

As one of the three payloads of the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S), the pre-launch characterization of HXI includes the characterization of the collimator and the spectrometer. This article focuses on the pre-launch characterization of HXI's spectrometer, including detection efficiency, energy resolution, and energy to ADC channel (E-C) relationship. The detection efficiency characterization necessitates a sufficient number of calibrated energy points in the HXI observation energy range, with a refined measurement around the absorption edge of the lanthanum bromide crystal, and is calibrated with an X-ray beam. The characterization results are consistent with the simulations and show that the detection efficiency difference between detector modules is controlled within $\pm3\%$. Radioactive sources $^{133}\textrm{Ba}$ and $^{137}\textrm{Cs}$ are used to calibrate the energy resolution and E-C relationship. The characterization results show that all detector modules' energy resolutions are better than $26\%$ at 32 keV, meeting the design specification. And their E-C relationships vary regularly with voltage. All of the characterization results indicate that the flight model of the HXI spectrometer meets the performance requirements and is capable of performing on-orbit observation activities.

preprint2022arXiv

Probing Strangeness Canonical Ensemble with $K^{-}$, $ϕ(1020)$ and $Ξ^{-}$ Production in Au+Au Collisions at ${\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = \rm{3\,GeV}}$

We report the first multi-differential measurements of strange hadrons of $K^{-}$, $ϕ$ and $Ξ^{-}$ yields as well as the ratios of $ϕ/K^-$ and $ϕ/Ξ^-$ in Au+Au collisions at ${\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = \rm{3\,GeV}}$ with the STAR experiment fixed target configuration at RHIC. The $ϕ$ mesons and $Ξ^{-}$ hyperons are measured through hadronic decay channels, $ϕ\rightarrow K^+K^-$ and $Ξ^-\rightarrow Λπ^-$. Collision centrality and rapidity dependence of the transverse momentum spectra for these strange hadrons are presented. The $4π$ yields and ratios are compared to thermal model and hadronic transport model predictions. At this collision energy, thermal model with grand canonical ensemble (GCE) under-predicts the $ϕ/K^-$ and $ϕ/Ξ^-$ ratios while the result of canonical ensemble (CE) calculations reproduce $ϕ/K^-$, with the correlation length $r_c \sim 2.7$\,fm, and $ϕ/Ξ^-$, $r_c \sim 4.2$\,fm, for the 0-10\% central collisions. Hadronic transport models including high mass resonance decays could also describe the ratios. While thermal calculations with GCE work well for strangeness production in high energy collisions, the change to CE at $\rm{3\,GeV}$ implies a rather different medium property at high baryon density.

preprint2022arXiv

Probing the gluonic structure of the deuteron with $J/ψ$ photoproduction in d+Au ultra-peripheral collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultra-peripheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of $J/ψ$ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}}=200~\rm GeV$ in d$+$Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer $-t$ is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going Zero-Degree Calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the Color Glass Condensate saturation model and the gluon shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.

preprint2022arXiv

Sensitive Chandra coverage of a representative sample of weak-line quasars: revealing the full range of X-ray properties

We present deeper Chandra observations for weak-line quasars (WLQs) in a representative sample that previously had limited X-ray constraints, and perform X-ray photometric analyses to reveal the full range of X-ray properties of WLQs. Only 5 of the 32 WLQs included in this representative sample remain X-ray undetected after these observations, and a stacking analysis shows that these 5 have an average X-ray weakness factor of > 85. One of the WLQs in the sample that was known to have extreme X-ray variability, SDSS J1539+3954, exhibited dramatic X-ray variability again: it changed from an X-ray normal state to an X-ray weak state within ~ 3 months in the rest frame. This short timescale for an X-ray flux variation by a factor of $\gtrsim$ 9 further supports the thick disk and outflow (TDO) model proposed to explain the X-ray and multiwavelength properties of WLQs. The overall distribution of the X-ray-to-optical properties of WLQs suggests that the TDO has an average covering factor of the X-ray emitting region of ~ 0.5, and the column density of the TDO can range from $N_{\rm H}$ $\sim 10^{23-24}~{\rm cm}^{-2}$ to $N_{\rm H}$ $\gtrsim 10^{24}~{\rm cm}^{-2}$, which leads to different levels of absorption and Compton reflection (and/or scattering) among WLQs.

preprint2022arXiv

Study of the Isomeric State in $^{16}$N Using the $^{16}$N$^{g,m}$($d$,$^3$He) Reaction

The isomeric state of $^{16}$N was studied using the $^{16}$N$^{g,m}$($d$,$^3$He)~proton-removal reactions at \mbox{11.8~MeV/$u$} in inverse kinematics. The $^{16}$N beam, of which 24% was in the isomeric state, was produced using the ATLAS in-fight facility and delivered to the HELIOS spectrometer, which was used to analyze the $^{3}$He ions from the ($d$,$^{3}$He) reactions. The simultaneous measurement of reactions on both the ground and isomeric states, reduced the systematic uncertainties from the experiment and in the analysis. A direct and reliable comparison of the relative spectroscopic factors was made based on a Distorted-Wave Born Approximation approach. The experimental results suggest that the isomeric state of $^{16}$N is an excited neutron-halo state. The results can be understood through calculations using a Woods-Saxon potential model, which captures the effects of weak-binding.

preprint2022arXiv

Two-particle correlations on transverse rapidity in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV at STAR

Two-particle correlation measurements projected onto two-dimensional, transverse rapidity coordinates ($y_{T1},y_{T2}$), allow access to dynamical properties of the QCD medium produced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions that angular correlation measurements are not sensitive to. We report non-identified charged-particle correlations for Au + Au minimum-bias collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200 GeV taken by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC). Correlations are presented as 2D functions of transverse rapidity for like-sign, unlike-sign and all charged-particle pairs, as well as for particle pairs whose relative azimuthal angles lie on the near-side, the away-side, or at all relative azimuth. The correlations are constructed using charged particles with transverse momentum $p_T \geq 0.15$ GeV/$c$, pseudorapidity from $-$1 to 1, and azimuthal angles from $-π$ to $π$. The significant correlation structures that are observed evolve smoothly with collision centrality. The major correlation features include a saddle shape plus a broad peak with maximum near $y_T \approx 3$, corresponding to $p_T \approx$ 1.5 GeV/$c$. The broad peak is observed in both like- and unlike-sign charge combinations and in near- and away-side relative azimuthal angles. The all-charge, all-azimuth correlation measurements are compared with the theoretical predictions of {\sc hijing} and {\sc epos}. The results indicate that the correlations for peripheral to mid-central collisions can be approximately described as a superposition of nucleon + nucleon collisions with minimal effects from the QCD medium. Strong medium effects are indicated in mid- to most-central collisions.

preprint2021arXiv

Einstein@Home Discovery of the Gamma-ray Millisecond Pulsar PSR J2039-5617 Confirms Its Predicted Redback Nature

The Fermi Large Area Telescope gamma-ray source 3FGL J2039.6$-$5618 contains a periodic optical and X-ray source that was predicted to be a "redback" millisecond pulsar (MSP) binary system. However, the conclusive identification required the detection of pulsations from the putative MSP. To better constrain the orbital parameters for a directed search for gamma-ray pulsations, we obtained new optical light curves in 2017 and 2018, which revealed long-term variability from the companion star. The resulting orbital parameter constraints were used to perform a targeted gamma-ray pulsation search using the Einstein@Home distributed volunteer computing system. This search discovered pulsations with a period of 2.65 ms, confirming the source as a binary MSP now known as PSR J2039$-$5617. Optical light curve modelling is complicated, and likely biased, by asymmetric heating on the companion star and long-term variability, but we find an inclination $i > 60°$, for a low pulsar mass between $1.1 M_{\odot} < M_{\rm psr} < 1.6 M_{\odot}$ and a companion mass of 0.15--0.22 $M_{\odot}$, confirming the redback classification. Timing the gamma-ray pulsations also revealed significant variability in the orbital period, which we find to be consistent with quadrupole moment variations in the companion star, suggestive of convective activity. We also find that the pulsed flux is modulated at the orbital period, potentially due to inverse Compton scattering between high-energy leptons in the pulsar wind and the companion star's optical photon field.

preprint2021arXiv

The Asymmetry of Antimatter in the Proton

The fundamental building blocks of the proton, quarks and gluons, have been known for decades. However, we still have an incomplete theoretical and experimental understanding of how these particles and their dynamics give rise to the quantum bound state of the proton and its physical properties, such as for example its spin. The two up and the single down quarks that comprise the proton in the simplest picture account only for a few percent of the proton mass, the bulk of which is in the form of quark kinetic and potential energy and gluon energy from the strong force. An essential feature of this force, as described by quantum chromodynamics, is its ability to create matter-antimatter quark pairs inside the proton that exist only for a very short time. Their fleeting existence makes the antimatter quarks within protons difficult to study, but their existence is discernible in reactions where a matter-antimatter quark pair annihilates. In this picture of quark-antiquark creation by the strong force, the probability distributions as a function of momentum for the presence of up and down antimatter quarks should be nearly identical, since their masses are quite similar and small compared to the mass of the proton. In the present manuscript, we show evidence from muon pair production measurements that these distributions are significantly different, with more abundant down antimatter quarks than up antimatter quarks over a wide range of momentum. These results revive interest in several proposed mechanisms as the origin of this antimatter asymmetry in the proton that had been disfavored by the previous results and point to the future measurements that can distinguish between these mechanisms.

preprint2020arXiv

$β$-Decay Half-Lives of 55 Neutron-Rich Isotopes beyond the N=82 Shell Gap

The $β$-decay half-lives of 55 neutron-rich nuclei $^{134-139}$Sn, $^{134-142}$Sb, $^{137-144}$Te, $^{140-146}$I, $^{142-148}$Xe, $^{145-151}$Cs, $^{148-153}$Ba, $^{151-155}$La were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) employing the projectile fission fragments of $^{238}$U. The nuclear level structure, which relates to deformation, has a large effect on the half-lives. The impact of newly-measured half-lives on modeling the astrophysical origin of the heavy elements is studied in the context of $r$ process nucleosynthesis. For a wide variety of astrophysical conditions, including those in which fission recycling occurs, the half-lives have an important local impact on the second ($A$ $\approx$ 130) peak.

preprint2020arXiv

Cellular UAV-to-Device Communications: Trajectory Design and Mode Selection by Multi-agent Deep Reinforcement Learning

In the current unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) for sensing services, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) transmit their sensory data to terrestrial mobile devices over the unlicensed spectrum. However, the interference from surrounding terminals is uncontrollable due to the opportunistic channel access. In this paper, we consider a cellular Internet of UAVs to guarantee the Quality-of-Service (QoS), where the sensory data can be transmitted to the mobile devices either by UAV-to-Device (U2D) communications over cellular networks, or directly through the base station (BS). Since UAVs' sensing and transmission may influence their trajectories, we study the trajectory design problem for UAVs in consideration of their sensing and transmission. This is a Markov decision problem (MDP) with a large state-action space, and thus, we utilize multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to approximate the state-action space, and then propose a multi-UAV trajectory design algorithm to solve this problem. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can achieve a higher total utility than policy gradient algorithm and single-agent algorithm.

preprint2020arXiv

Cold Molecular Gas and Free-Free Emission from Hot, Dust-Obscured Galaxies at $z$~3

We report on observations of redshifted CO(1-0) line emission and observed-frame $\rm\sim$ 30GHz radio continuum emission from five ultra-luminous, mid-IR selected hot, Dust-Obscured Galaxies (Hot DOGs) at $z\rm\gtrsim$ 3 using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. We detect CO(1-0) line emission in all five Hot DOGs, with one of them at high signal to noise. We analyse FIR-radio spectral energy distributions, including dust, free-free and synchrotron emission for the galaxies. We find that most of the 115 GHz rest-frame continuum is mostly due to synchrotron or free-free emission, with only a potentially small contribution from thermal emission. We see a deficit in the rest-frame 115 GHz continuum emission compared to dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) and sub-millimetre galaxies (SMGs) at high redshift, suggesting that Hot DOGs do not have similar cold gas reserves compared with star-forming galaxies. One target, W2305-0039, is detected in the FIRST 1.4 GHz survey, and is likely to possess compact radio jets. We compare to the FIR-radio correlation, and find that at least half of the Hot DOGs in our sample are radio-quiet with respect to normal galaxies. These findings suggest that Hot DOGs have comparably less cold molecular gas than star-forming galaxies at lower, $z\rm\sim$ 2 redshifts, and are dominated by powerful, yet radio-quiet AGN.

preprint2020arXiv

Longitudinal Wobbling Motion in $^{187}$Au

The rare phenomenon of nuclear wobbling motion has been investigated for the nucleus $^{187}$Au. A longitudinal wobbling-bands pair has been identified and clearly distinguished from the associated signature-partner band on the basis of angular distribution measurements. Theoretical calculations in the framework of the Particle Rotor Model (PRM) are found to agree well with the experimental observations. This is the first experimental evidence for longitudinal wobbling bands where the expected signature partner band has also been identified, and establishes this exotic collective mode as a general phenomenon over the nuclear chart.

preprint2020arXiv

Molecular alignment echoes probe collision-induced rotational-speed changes

We show that the decays with pressure of the alignment echoes induced in N2O-He gas mixtures by two laser pulses with various delays bring detailed information on collision-induced changes of the rotational speed. Measurements and calculations demonstrate that collisions reduce the echo amplitude all the more efficiently when the echo appears late. We quantitatively explain this behavior by the filamentation of the classical rotational phase space induced by the first pulse and the progressive narrowing of the filaments with time. The variation of the echo decay thus reflects the ability of collisions to change the molecules' rotational speed by various amounts, enabling refined tests of models for the dissipation induced by intermolecular forces.

preprint2020arXiv

Scalable Interpretable Learning for Multi-Response Error-in-Variables Regression

Corrupted data sets containing noisy or missing observations are prevalent in various contemporary applications such as economics, finance and bioinformatics. Despite the recent methodological and algorithmic advances in high-dimensional multi-response regression, how to achieve scalable and interpretable estimation under contaminated covariates is unclear. In this paper, we develop a new methodology called convex conditioned sequential sparse learning (COSS) for error-in-variables multi-response regression under both additive measurement errors and random missing data. It combines the strengths of the recently developed sequential sparse factor regression and the nearest positive semi-definite matrix projection, thus enjoying stepwise convexity and scalability in large-scale association analyses. Comprehensive theoretical guarantees are provided and we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology through numerical studies.

preprint2020arXiv

Shape Coexistence at Zero Spin in 64Ni Driven by the Monopole Tensor Interaction

The low-spin structure of the semimagic 64Ni nucleus has been considerably expanded: combining four experiments, several 0+ and 2+ excited states were identified below 4.5 MeV, and their properties established. The Monte Carlo shell model accounts for the results and unveils an unexpectedly complex landscape of coexisting shapes: a prolate 0+ excitation is located at a surprisingly high energy (3463 keV), with a collective 2+ state 286 keV above it, the first such observation in Ni isotopes. The evolution in excitation energy of the prolate minimum across the neutron N = 40 subshell gap highlights the impact of the monopole interaction and its variation in strength with N.

preprint2020arXiv

Shape coexistence revealed in the $N=Z$ isotope $^{72}$Kr through inelastic scattering

The $N=Z=36$ nucleus $^{72}$Kr has been studied by inelastic scattering at intermediate energies. Two targets, $^{9}$Be and $^{197}$Au, were used to extract the nuclear deformation length, $δ_\text{N}$, and the reduced $E2$ transition probability, $B(E2)$. The previously unknown non-yrast $2^+$ and $4^+$ states as well as a new candidate for the octupole $3^-$ state have been observed in the scattering on the Be target and placed in the level scheme based on $γ-γ$ coincidences. The second $2^+$ state was also observed in the scattering on the Au target and the $B(E2;\;2^+_2 \rightarrow 0^+_1)$ value could be determined for the first time. Analyzing the results in terms of a two-band mixing model shows clear evidence for a oblate-prolate shape coexistence and can be explained by a shape change from an oblate ground state to prolate deformed yrast band from the first $2^+$ state. This interpretation is corroborated by beyond mean field calculations using the Gogny D1S interaction.

preprint2020arXiv

Simultaneous multi-telescope observations of FRB 121102

We present 11 detections of FRB 121102 in ~3 hours of observations during its 'active' period on the 10th of September 2019. The detections were made using the newly deployed MeerTRAP system and single pulse detection pipeline at the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Fortuitously, the Nancay radio telescope observations on this day overlapped with the last hour of MeerKAT observations and resulted in 4 simultaneous detections. The observations with MeerKAT's wide band receiver, which extends down to relatively low frequencies (900-1670 MHz usable L-band range), have allowed us to get a detailed look at the complex frequency structure, intensity variations and frequency-dependent sub-pulse drifting. The drift rates we measure for the full-band and sub-banded data are consistent with those published between 600-6500 MHz with a slope of -0.147 +/- 0.014 ms^-1. Two of the detected bursts exhibit fainter 'precursors' separated from the brighter main pulse by ~28 ms and ~34 ms. A follow-up multi-telescope campaign on the 6th and 8th October 2019 to better understand these frequency drifts and structures over a wide and continuous band was undertaken. No detections resulted, indicating that the source was 'inactive' over a broad frequency range during this time.

preprint2020arXiv

The High Time Resolution Universe Pulsar Survey -- XVI. Discovery and timing of 40 pulsars from the southern Galactic plane

We present the results of processing an additional 44% of the High Time Resolution Universe South Low Latitude (HTRU-S LowLat) pulsar survey, the most sensitive blind pulsar survey of the southern Galactic plane to date. Our partially-coherent segmented acceleration search pipeline is designed to enable the discovery of pulsars in short, highly-accelerated orbits, while our 72-min integration lengths will allow us to discover pulsars at the lower end of the pulsar luminosity distribution. We report the discovery of 40 pulsars, including three millisecond pulsar-white dwarf binary systems (PSRs J1537-5312, J1547-5709 and J1618-4624), a black-widow binary system (PSR J1745-23) and a candidate black-widow binary system (PSR J1727-2951), a glitching pulsar (PSR J1706-4434), an eclipsing binary pulsar with a 1.5-yr orbital period (PSR J1653-45), and a pair of long spin-period binary pulsars which display either nulling or intermittent behaviour (PSRs J1812-15 and J1831-04). We show that the total population of 100 pulsars discovered in the HTRU-S LowLat survey to date represents both an older and lower-luminosity population, and indicates that we have yet to reach the bottom of the luminosity distribution function. We present evaluations of the performance of our search technique and of the overall yield of the survey, considering the 94% of the survey which we have processed to date. We show that our pulsar yield falls below earlier predictions by approximately 25% (especially in the case of millisecond pulsars), and discuss explanations for this discrepancy as well as future adaptations in RFI mitigation and searching techniques which may address these shortfalls.

preprint2020arXiv

Validation of Sinus Drug Delivery Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling with In Vitro Gamma Scintigraphy

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and disruptive disease. Medical management including nasal steroid sprays is the primary treatment modality. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to characterize sinonasal airflow and intranasal drug delivery; however, variation in simulation methods indicates a need for large scale CFD model validation. Methods: Anatomic reconstructions of pre and post-operative CT scans of 3 functional endoscopic sinus surgery patients were created in Mimics(TM). Fluid analysis and drug particle deposition modeling were conducted using CFD methods with Fluent(TM) in 18 cases. Models were 3D printed and in vitro studies were performed using Tc99-labeled Nasacort(TM). Gamma scintigraphy signals and CFD-modeled spray mass were post-processed in a superimposed grid and compared. Statistical analysis using overlap coefficients (OCs) evaluated similarities between computational and experimental distributions and Kendall's tau rank correlation coefficient was employed to test independence. Results: OCs revealed strong agreement in percent deposition and grid profiles between CFD models and experimental results (mean [range] for sagittal, axial, and coronal grids were 0.69 [0.57], 0.61 [0.49], and 0.78 [0.44], respectively). Kendall's tau values showed strong agreement (average 0.73) between distributions, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05) apart from a single coronal grid in one model and two sagittal grids of another. Conclusions: CFD modeling demonstrates statistical agreement with in vitro experimental results. This validation study is one of the largest of its kind and supports the applicability of CFD in accurately modeling nasal spray drug delivery and using computational methods to investigate means of improving clinical drug delivery.

preprint2019arXiv

Detection and timing of gamma-ray pulsations from the $707$ Hz pulsar J0952$-$0607

The Low-Frequency Array radio telescope discovered the $707$ Hz binary millisecond pulsar (MSP) J0952$-$0607 in a targeted radio pulsation search of an unidentified $\textit{Fermi}$ gamma-ray source. This source shows a weak energy flux of $F_γ= 2.6 \times 10^{-12}\,\text{erg}\,\text{cm}^{-2}\,\text{s}^{-1}$ in the energy range between $100\,\text{MeV}$ and $100\,\text{GeV}$. Here we report the detection of pulsed gamma-ray emission from PSR$\,$J0952$-$0607 in a very sensitive gamma-ray pulsation search. The pulsar's rotational, binary, and astrometric properties are measured over seven years of $\textit{Fermi}$-Large Area Telescope data. For this we take into account the uncertainty on the shape of the gamma-ray pulse profile. We present an updated radio-timing solution now spanning more than two years and show results from optical modeling of the black-widow-type companion based on new multi-band photometric data taken with HiPERCAM on the Gran Telescopio Canarias on La Palma and ULTRACAM on the New Technology Telescope at ESO La Silla. PSR$\,$J0952$-$0607 is now the fastest-spinning pulsar for which the intrinsic spin-down rate has been reliably constrained ($\dot{P}_\text{int} \lesssim 4.6 \times 10^{-21}\,\text{s}\,\text{s}^{-1}$). The inferred surface magnetic field strength of $B_\text{surf} \lesssim 8.2 \times 10^{7}\,\text{G}$ is among the ten lowest of all known pulsars. This discovery is another example of an extremely fast spinning black-widow pulsar hiding within an unidentified $\textit{Fermi} gamma-ray source. In the future such systems might help to pin down the maximum spin frequency and the minimum surface magnetic field strength of MSPs.

preprint2019arXiv

When Do Complex Transport Dynamics Arise in Natural Groundwater Systems?

In a recent paper (Trefry et al., 2019) we showed that the interplay of aquifer heterogeneity and poroelasticity can produce complex transport in tidally forced aquifers, with significant implications for solute transport, mixing and reaction. However, what was unknown was how broadly these transport dynamics can arise in natural groundwater systems, and how these dynamics depend upon the aquifer properties, tidal and regional flow characteristics. In this study we answer these questions through parametric studies of these governing properties. We uncover the mechanisms that govern complex transport dynamics and the bifurcations between transport structures with changes in the governing parameters, and we determine the propensity for complex dynamics to occur in natural aquifer systems. These results clearly demonstrate that complex transport structures and dynamics may arise in natural tidally forced aquifers around the world, producing solute transport and mixing behaviour that is very different to that of the conventional Darcy flow picture. Key Points: * Transient Darcy flows can generate complex transport dynamics in heterogeneous compressible aquifers. * This complex transport can trap dispersing solutes for many years. * Global tidal maps indicate widespread potential for complex transport dynamics in coastal zones.

preprint2018arXiv

Tetrahedral amorphous carbon resistive memories with graphene-based electrodes

Resistive-switching memories are alternative to Si-based ones, which face scaling and high power consumption issues. Tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) shows reversible, non-volatile resistive switching. Here we report polarity independent ta-C resistive memory devices with graphene-based electrodes. Our devices show ON/OFF resistance ratios$\sim$4x$10^5$, ten times higher than with metal electrodes, with no increase in switching power, and low power density$\sim$14$μ$W/$μ$m$^2$. We attribute this to a suppressed tunneling current due to the low density of states of graphene near the Dirac point, consistent with the current-voltage characteristics derived from a quantum point contact model. Our devices also have multiple resistive states. This allows storing more than one bit per cell. This can be exploited in a range of signal processing/computing-type operations, such as implementing logic, providing synaptic and neuron-like mimics, and performing analogue signal processing in non-von-Neumann architectures

preprint2016arXiv

An invisible non-volatile solid-state memory

Information technologies require entangling data stability with encryption for a next generation of secure data storage. Current magnetic memories, ranging from low-density stripes up to high-density hard drives, can ultimately be detected using routinely available probes or manipulated by external magnetic perturbations. Antiferromagnetic resistors feature unrivalled robustness but the stable resistive states reported scarcely differ by more than a fraction of a percent at room temperature. Here we show that the metamagnetic (ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic) transition in intermetallic Fe0.50Rh0.50 can be electrically controlled in a magnetoelectric heterostructure to reveal or cloak a given ferromagnetic state. From an aligned ferromagnetic phase, magnetic states are frozen into the antiferromagnetic phase by the application of an electric field, thus eliminating the stray field and likewise making it insensitive to external magnetic field. Application of a reverse electric field reverts the antiferromagnetic state to the original ferromagnetic state. Our work demonstrates the building blocks of a feasible, extremely stable, non-volatile, electrically addressable, low-energy dissipation, magnetoelectric multiferroic memory.

preprint2016arXiv

Improving the energy-extraction efficiency of laser-plasma accelerator driven free-electron laser using transverse-gradient undulator with focusing optics and longitudinal tapering

It is reported that [Z. Huang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 204801 (2012)], high-gain free-electron laser (FEL) can be generated by transverse-dispersed electron beams from laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) using transverse-gradient undulator (TGU) assuming an ideal constant dispersion function without focusing optics. The constant dispersion function keeps electrons beyond the resonant energy bandwidth still being on resonant with the FEL radiation. Instead, in this paper, the case with focusing optics in an LPA-driven FEL using TGU is numerically studied, in which the dispersion function should be monotonously decreasing along the undulator. Even though the FEL resonance is not always satisfied for off-energy electrons in this case, through subtly optimizing the initial dispersion and focusing parameters, it is feasible to achieve a similar radiation power to the case assuming an ideal constant dispersion function without focusing optics, and meanwhile, to attain a good transverse coherence. Moreover, higher radiation power could be expected if longitudinally tapering, transverse-gradient variation in different sections are systematically conducted, which is demonstrated with intense global multiparameters optimizations based on GENESIS simulation.

preprint2016arXiv

New neutron-deficient isotopes from $^{78}$Kr fragmentation

In an experiment with the BigRIPS separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center, the fragmentation of a $^{78}$Kr beam allowed the observation of new neutron-deficient isotopes at the proton drip-line. Clean identification spectra could be produced and $^{63}$Se, $^{67}$Kr, and $^{68}$Kr were identified for the first time. In addition, $^{59}$Ge was also observed. Three of these isotopes, $^{59}$Ge, $^{63}$Se, and $^{67}$Kr, are potential candidates for ground-state two-proton radioactivity. In addition, the isotopes $^{58}$Ge, $^{62}$Se, and $^{66}$Kr were also sought but without success. The present experiment also allowed the determination of production cross sections for some of the most exotic isotopes. These measurements confirm the trend already observed that the empirical parameterization of fragmentation cross sections, EPAX, significantly overestimates experimental cross sections in this mass region.

preprint2016arXiv

The Braking Index of a Radio-quiet Gamma-ray Pulsar

We report the discovery and timing measurements of PSR J1208-6238, a young and highly magnetized gamma-ray pulsar, with a spin period of 440 ms. The pulsar was discovered in gamma-ray photon data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) during a blind-search survey of unidentified LAT sources, running on the distributed volunteer computing system Einstein@Home. No radio pulsations were detected in dedicated follow-up searches with the Parkes radio telescope, with a flux density upper limit at 1369 MHz of 30 $μ$Jy. By timing this pulsar's gamma-ray pulsations, we measure its braking index over five years of LAT observations to be $n = 2.598 \pm 0.001 \pm 0.1$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second estimates the bias due to timing noise. Assuming its braking index has been similar since birth, the pulsar has an estimated age of around 2,700 yr, making it the youngest pulsar to be found in a blind search of gamma-ray data and the youngest known radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsar. Despite its young age the pulsar is not associated with any known supernova remnant or pulsar wind nebula. The pulsar's inferred dipolar surface magnetic field strength is $3.8 \times 10^{13}$ G, almost 90% of the quantum-critical level. We investigate some potential physical causes of the braking index deviating from the simple dipole model but find that LAT data covering a longer time interval will be necessary to distinguish between these.

preprint2015arXiv

Dependable Structural Helath Monitoring Using Wireless Sensor Networks

As an alternative to current wired-based networks, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are becoming an increasingly compelling platform for engineering structural health monitoring (SHM) due to relatively low-cost, easy installation, and so forth. However, there is still an unaddressed challenge: the application-specific dependability in terms of sensor fault detection and tolerance. The dependability is also affected by a reduction on the quality of monitoring when mitigating WSN constrains (e.g., limited energy, narrow bandwidth). We address these by designing a dependable distributed WSN framework for SHM (called DependSHM) and then examining its ability to cope with sensor faults and constraints. We find evidence that faulty sensors can corrupt results of a health event (e.g., damage) in a structural system without being detected. More specifically, we bring attention to an undiscovered yet interesting fact, i.e., the real measured signals introduced by one or more faulty sensors may cause an undamaged location to be identified as damaged (false positive) or a damaged location as undamaged (false negative) diagnosis. This can be caused by faults in sensor bonding, precision degradation, amplification gain, bias, drift, noise, and so forth. In DependSHM, we present a distributed automated algorithm to detect such types of faults, and we offer an online signal reconstruction algorithm to recover from the wrong diagnosis. Through comprehensive simulations and a WSN prototype system implementation, we evaluate the effectiveness of DependSHM.

preprint2015arXiv

Enhanced Raman sideband cooling of caesium atoms in a vapour-loaded magneto-optical trap

We report enhanced three-dimensional degenerated Raman sideband cooling (3D DRSC) of caesium (Cs) atoms in a standard single-cell vapour-loading magneto-optical trap. Our improved scheme involves using a separate repumping laser and optimized lattice detuning. We load $1.5 \times 10^7$ atoms into the Raman lattice with a detuning of -15.5 GHz (to the ground F = 3 state). Enhanced 3D DRSC is used to cool them from 60 $μ$K to 1.7 $μ$K within 12 ms and the number of obtained atoms is about $1.2 \times 10^7$. A theoretical model is proposed to simulate the measured number of trapped atoms. The result shows good agreement with the experimental data. The technique paves the way for loading a large number of ultracold Cs atoms into a crossed dipole trap and efficient evaporative cooling in a single-cell system.

preprint2015arXiv

Holographic impurities and Kondo effect

Magnetic impurities are responsible for many interesting phenomena in condensed matter systems, notably the Kondo effect and quantum phase transitions. Here we present a holographic model of a magnetic impurity that captures the main physical properties of the large-spin Kondo effect. We estimate the screening length of the Kondo cloud that forms around the impurity from a calculation of entanglement entropy and show that our results are consistent with the g-theorem.

preprint2015arXiv

PSR J1906+0722: An Elusive Gamma-ray Pulsar

We report the discovery of PSR J1906+0722, a gamma-ray pulsar detected as part of a blind survey of unidentified Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) sources being carried out on the volunteer distributed computing system, Einstein@Home. This newly discovered pulsar previously appeared as the most significant remaining unidentified gamma-ray source without a known association in the second Fermi-LAT source catalog (2FGL) and was among the top ten most significant unassociated sources in the recent third catalog (3FGL). PSR J1906+0722 is a young, energetic, isolated pulsar, with a spin frequency of $8.9$ Hz, a characteristic age of $49$ kyr, and spin-down power $1.0 \times 10^{36}$ erg s$^{-1}$. In 2009 August it suffered one of the largest glitches detected from a gamma-ray pulsar ($Δf / f \approx 4.5\times10^{-6}$). Remaining undetected in dedicated radio follow-up observations, the pulsar is likely radio-quiet. An off-pulse analysis of the gamma-ray flux from the location of PSR J1906+0722 revealed the presence of an additional nearby source, which may be emission from the interaction between a neighboring supernova remnant and a molecular cloud. We discuss possible effects which may have hindered the detection of PSR J1906+0722 in previous searches and describe the methods by which these effects were mitigated in this survey. We also demonstrate the use of advanced timing methods for estimating the positional, spin and glitch parameters of difficult-to-time pulsars such as this.

preprint2015arXiv

Spin and orbital moments of nanoscale Fe3O4 epitaxial thin film on MgO/GaAs(100)

Nanoscale Fe3O4 epitaxial thin film has been synthesized on MgO/GaAs(100) spintronic heterostructure, and studied with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). We have observed a total magnetic moment of (3.32 +- 0.1) uB/f.u., retaining 83% of the bulk value. Unquenched orbital moment of (0.47 +- 0.05) uB/f.u. has been confirmed by carefully applying the sum rule. The results offer direct experimental evidence of the bulk-like total magnetic moment and a large orbital moment in the nanoscale fully epitaxial Fe3O4/MgO/GaAs(100) heterostructure, which is significant for spintronics applications.

preprint2015arXiv

The Physics of the B Factories

This work is on the Physics of the B Factories. Part A of this book contains a brief description of the SLAC and KEK B Factories as well as their detectors, BaBar and Belle, and data taking related issues. Part B discusses tools and methods used by the experiments in order to obtain results. The results themselves can be found in Part C. Please note that version 3 on the archive is the auxiliary version of the Physics of the B Factories book. This uses the notation alpha, beta, gamma for the angles of the Unitarity Triangle. The nominal version uses the notation phi_1, phi_2 and phi_3. Please cite this work as Eur. Phys. J. C74 (2014) 3026.

preprint2015arXiv

The Strikingly Uniform, Highly Turbulent Interstellar Medium of the Most Luminous Galaxy in the Universe

Observed at z = 4.601 and with L_bol = 3.5 x 10^14 Lsun, W2246-0526 is the most luminous galaxy known in the Universe, and hosts a deeply-buried active galactic nucleus (AGN)/super-massive black hole (SMBH). Discovered using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), W2246-0526 is classified as a Hot Dust Obscured Galaxy (Hot DOG), based on its luminosity and dust temperature. Here we present spatially resolved ALMA [CII]157.7um observations of W2246-0526, providing unique insight into the kinematics of its interstellar medium (ISM). The measured [CII]-to-far-infrared ratio is ~2 x 10^-4, implying ISM conditions that compare only with the most obscured, compact starbursts and AGN in the local Universe today. The spatially resolved [CII] line is strikingly uniform and very broad, 500-600 km/s wide, extending throughout the entire galaxy over about 2.5 kpc, with modest shear. Such a large, homogeneous velocity dispersion indicates a highly turbulent medium. W2246-0526 is unstable in terms of the energy and momentum that are being injected into the ISM, strongly suggesting that the gas is being blown away from the system isotropically, likely reflecting a cathartic state on its road to becoming an un-obscured quasar. W2246-0526 provides an extraordinary laboratory to study and model the properties and kinematics of gas in an extreme environment under strong feedback, at a time when the Universe was 1/10 of its current age: a system pushing the limits that can be reached during galaxy formation.

preprint2015arXiv

Twisted Simplicial Groups and Twisted Homology of Categories

Let $A$ be either a simplicial complex $K$ or a small category $\mathcal C$ with $V(A)$ as its set of vertices or objects. We define a twisted structure on $A$ with coefficients in a simplicial group $G$ as a function $$ δ\colon V(A)\longrightarrow \operatorname{End}(G), \quad v\mapsto δ_v $$ such that $δ_v\circ δ_w=δ_w\circ δ_v$ if there exists an edge in $A$ joining $v$ with $w$ or an arrow either from $v$ to $w$ or from $w$ to $v$. We give a canonical construction of twisted simplicial group as well as twisted homology for $A$ with a given twisted structure. Also we determine the homotopy type of of this simplicial group as the loop space over certain twisted smash product.

preprint2014arXiv

NuSTAR and XMM-Newton Observations of Luminous, Heavily Obscured, WISE-Selected Quasars at z ~ 2

We report on a NuSTAR and XMM-Newton program that has observed a sample of three extremely luminous, heavily obscured WISE-selected AGN at z~2 in a broad X-ray band (0.1 - 79 keV). The parent sample, selected to be faint or undetected in the WISE 3.4um (W1) and 4.6um (W2) bands but bright at 12um (W3) and 22um (W4), are extremely rare, with only ~1000 so-called W1W2-dropouts across the extragalactic sky. Optical spectroscopy reveals typical redshifts of z~2 for this population, implying rest-frame mid-IR luminosities of L(6um)~6e46 erg/s and bolometric luminosities that can exceed L(bol)~1e14 L(sun). The corresponding intrinsic, unobscured hard X-ray luminosities are L(2-10)~4e45 erg/s for typical quasar templates. These are amongst the most luminous AGN known, though the optical spectra rarely show evidence of a broad-line region and the selection criteria imply heavy obscuration even at rest-frame 1.5um. We designed our X-ray observations to obtain robust detections for gas column densities N(H)<1e24 /cm2. In fact, the sources prove to be fainter than these predictions. Two of the sources were observed by both NuSTAR and XMM-Newton, with neither being detected by NuSTAR and one being faintly detected by XMM-Newton. A third source was observed only with XMM-Newton, yielding a faint detection. The X-ray data require gas column densities N(H)>1e24 /cm2, implying the sources are extremely obscured, consistent with Compton-thick, luminous quasars. The discovery of a significant population of heavily obscured, extremely luminous AGN does not conform to the standard paradigm of a receding torus, in which more luminous quasars are less likely to be obscured. If a larger sample conforms with this finding, then this suggests an additional source of obscuration for these extreme sources.

preprint2014arXiv

Quantum and semiclassical phase-space dynamics of a wave packet in strong fields using initial-value representations

We assess the suitability of quantum and semiclassical initial value representations, exemplified by the coupled coherent states (CCS) method and the Herman Kluk (HK) propagator, respectively, for modeling the dynamics of an electronic wave packet in a strong laser field, if this wave packet is initially bound. Using Wigner quasiprobability distributions and ensembles of classical trajectories, we identify signatures of over-the-barrier and tunnel ionization in phase space for static and time-dependent fields and the relevant sets of phase-space trajectories in order to model such features. Overall, we find good agreement with the full solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) for Wigner distributions constructed with both initial-value representations. Our results indicate that the HK propagator does not fully account for tunneling and over-the-barrier reflections. However, it is able to partly reproduce features associated with the wave packet crossing classically forbidden regions, although the trajectories employed in its construction always obey classical phase-space constraints. We also show that the Coupled Coherent States (CCS) method represents a fully quantum initial value representation and accurately reproduces the results of a standard TDSE solver. Furthermore, we sow that both the HK propagator and the CCS approach may be successfully employed to compute the time-dependent dipole acceleration and high-harmonic spectra. Nevertheless, the semiclassical propagator exhibits a worse agreement with the TDSE than the outcome of the CCS method, as it neither fully accounts for tunneling nor for over-the-barrier reflections. This leads to a dephasing in the time-dependent wave function which becomes more pronounced for longer times.

preprint2013arXiv

Anomalous Raman Spectra and Thickness Dependent Electronic properties of WSe2

Typical Raman spectra of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) display two prominent peaks, E2g and A1g, that are well separated from each other. We find that these modes are degenerate in bulk WSe2 yielding one single Raman peak. As the dimensionality is lowered, the observed peak splits in two as a result of broken degeneracy. In contrast to our experimental findings, our phonon dispersion calculations reveal that these modes remain degenerate independent of the number of layers. Interestingly, for minuscule biaxial strain the degeneracy is preserved but once the crystal symmetry is broken by uniaxial strain, the degeneracy is lifted. Our calculated phonon dispersion for uniaxially strained WSe2 shows a perfect match to the measured Raman spectrum which suggests that uniaxial strain exists in WSe2 flakes possibly induced during the sample preparation and/or as a result of interaction between WSe2 and the substrate. Furthermore, we find that WSe2 undergoes an indirect to direct bandgap transition from bulk to monolayers which is ubiquitous for semiconducting TMDs. These results not only allow us to understand the vibrational properties of WSe2 but also provides detailed insight to their physical properties.

preprint2013arXiv

Bohmian trajectory analysis of high-order harmonic generation: ensemble averages, non-locality and quantitative aspects

We perform a Bohmian-trajectory analysis of high-order harmonic generation (HHG), focusing on the fact that typical HHG spectra are best reproduced by the Bohmian trajectory starting at the innermost part of the core [Phys. Rev. A \textbf{88}, 023415 (2013)]. Using ensemble averages around this central trajectory, we show that, for the high-plateau and cutoff harmonics, small ensembles of Bohmian trajectories are sufficient for a quantitative agreement with the numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE), while larger ensembles are necessary in the low-plateau region. Furthermore, we relate the Bohmian trajectories to the "short" and "long" trajectories encountered in the Strong-Field Approximation (SFA), and show that the time-frequency maps from the central Bohmian trajectory overestimate the contributions of the long SFA trajectory, in comparison to the outcome of the TDSE computations. We also discuss how the time-frequency profile of the central trajectory may be influenced nonlocally by degrading the wave-packet propagation far from the core.

preprint2013arXiv

Local dynamics in high-order harmonic generation using Bohmian trajectories

We investigate high-order harmonic generation from a Bohmian-mechanical perspective, and find that the innermost part of the core, represented by a single Bohmian trajectory, leads to the main contributions to the high-harmonic spectra. Using time-frequency analysis, we associate this central Bohmian trajectory to an ensemble of unbound classical trajectories leaving and returning to the core, in agreement with the three step model. In the Bohmian scenario, this physical picture builds up non-locally near the core via the quantum mechanical phase of the wavefunction. This implies that the flow of the wavefunction far from the core alters the central Bohmian trajectory. We also show how this phase degrades in time for the peripheral Bohmian trajectories as they leave the core region.

preprint2013arXiv

Measurement of the isotopic composition of hydrogen and helium nuclei in cosmic rays with the PAMELA experiment

The satellite-borne experiment PAMELA has been used to make new measurements of cosmic ray H and He isotopes. The isotopic composition was measured between 100 and 600 MeV/n for hydrogen and between 100 and 900 MeV/n for helium isotopes over the 23rd solar minimum from July 2006 to December 2007. The energy spectrum of these components carries fundamental information regarding the propagation of cosmic rays in the galaxy which are competitive with those obtained from other secondary to primary measurements such as B/C.

preprint2013arXiv

Probing the tunneling site of electrons in strong field enhanced ionization of molecules

Molecules show a much increased multiple ionization rate in a strong laser field as compared to atoms of similar ionization energy. A widely accepted model attributes this to the action of the joint fields of the adjacent ionic core and the laser on its neighbor inside the same molecule. The underlying physical picture for the enhanced ionization is that the up-field atom that gets ionized. However, this is still debated and remains unproven. Here we report an experimental verification of this long-standing prediction. This is accomplished by probing the two-site double ionization of ArXe, where the instantaneous field direction at the moment of electron release and the emission direction of the correlated ionizing center are measured by detecting the recoil sum- and relative-momenta of the fragment ions. Our results unambiguously prove the intuitive picture of the enhanced multielectron dissociative ionization of molecules and clarify a long-standing controversy.

preprint2013arXiv

Separation of spacetime and matter in polar oscillations of compact stars

In polar oscillations of compact stars dynamical changes in spacetime and matter are in general coupled together. Based on the theory of stellar pulsation proposed by Allen et al. [Phys. Rev. D 58, 124012 (1998)], we establish a feasible approximation scheme to separate spacetime from matter in such oscillations. Two independent second-order ordinary differential equations are obtained, which lead to accurate determination of p-mode and w-mode quasi-normal modes of compact stars, respectively.

preprint2013arXiv

The 72-Hour WEBT Microvariability Observation of Blazar S5 0716+714 in 2009

Context. The international whole earth blazar telescope (WEBT) consortium planned and carried out three days of intensive micro-variability observations of S5 0716+714 from February 22, 2009 to February 25, 2009. This object was chosen due to its bright apparent magnitude range, its high declination, and its very large duty cycle for micro-variations. Aims. We report here on the long continuous optical micro-variability light curve of 0716+714 obtained during the multi-site observing campaign during which the Blazar showed almost constant variability over a 0.5 magnitude range. The resulting light curve is presented here for the first time. Observations from participating observatories were corrected for instrumental differences and combined to construct the overall smoothed light curve. Methods. Thirty-six observatories in sixteen countries participated in this continuous monitoring program and twenty of them submitted data for compilation into a continuous light curve. The light curve was analyzed using several techniques including Fourier transform, Wavelet and noise analysis techniques. Those results led us to model the light curve by attributing the variations to a series of synchrotron pulses. Results. We have interpreted the observed microvariations in this extended light curve in terms of a new model consisting of individual stochastic pulses due to cells in a turbulent jet which are energized by a passing shock and cool by means of synchrotron emission. We obtained an excellent fit to the 72-hour light curve with the synchrotron pulse model.

preprint2013arXiv

Time dependence of the proton flux measured by PAMELA during the July 2006 - December 2009 solar minimum

The energy spectra of galactic cosmic rays carry fundamental information regarding their origin and propagation. These spectra, when measured near Earth, are significantly affected by the solar magnetic field. A comprehensive description of the cosmic radiation must therefore include the transport and modulation of cosmic rays inside the heliosphere. During the end of the last decade the Sun underwent a peculiarly long quiet phase well suited to study modulation processes. In this paper we present proton spectra measured from July 2006 to December 2009 by PAMELA. The large collected statistics of protons allowed the time variation to be followed on a nearly monthly basis down to 400 MV. Data are compared with a state-of-the-art three-dimensional model of solar modulation.

preprint2013arXiv

Upturn observed in heavy nuclei to iron ratios by the ATIC-2 experiment

The ratios of fluxes of heavy nuclei from sulfur (Z=16) to chromium (Z=24) to the flux of iron were measured by the ATIC-2 experiment. The ratios are decreasing functions of energy from 5 GeV/n to approximately 80 GeV/n, as expected. However, an unexpected sharp upturn in the ratios are observed for energies above 100 GeV/n for all elements from Z=16 to Z=24. Similar upturn but with lower amplitude was also discovered in the ATIC-2 data for the ratio of fluxes of abundant even nuclei (C, O, Ne, Mg, Si) to the flux of iron. Therefore the spectrum of iron is significantly different from the spectra of other abundant even nuclei.

preprint2012arXiv

Cryogenic loss monitors with FPGA TDC signal processing

Radiation hard helium gas ionization chambers capable of operating in vacuum at temperatures ranging from 5K to 350K have been designed, fabricated and tested and will be used inside the cryostats at Fermilab's Superconducting Radiofrequency beam test facility. The chamber vessels are made of stainless steel and all materials used including seals are known to be radiation hard and suitable for operation at 5K. The chambers are designed to measure radiation up to 30 kRad/hr with sensitivity of approximately 1.9 pA/(Rad/hr). The signal current is measured with a recycling integrator current-to-frequency converter to achieve a required measurement capability for low current and a wide dynamic range. A novel scheme of using an FPGA-based time-to-digital converter (TDC) to measure time intervals between pulses output from the recycling integrator is employed to ensure a fast beam loss response along with a current measurement resolution better than 10-bit. This paper will describe the results obtained and highlight the processing techniques used.

preprint2012arXiv

Mu2e Conceptual Design Report

Mu2e at Fermilab will search for charged lepton flavor violation via the coherent conversion process mu- N --> e- N with a sensitivity approximately four orders of magnitude better than the current world's best limits for this process. The experiment's sensitivity offers discovery potential over a wide array of new physics models and probes mass scales well beyond the reach of the LHC. We describe herein the conceptual design of the proposed Mu2e experiment. This document was created in partial fulfillment of the requirements necessary to obtain DOE CD-1 approval, which was granted July 11, 2012.

preprint2012arXiv

Multiorbital tunneling ionization of the CO molecule

We coincidently measure the molecular frame photoelectron angular distribution and the ion sum-momentum distribution of single and double ionization of CO molecules by using circularly and elliptically polarized femtosecond laser pulses, respectively. The orientation dependent ionization rates for various kinetic energy releases allow us to individually identify the ionizations of multiple orbitals, ranging from the highest occupied to the next two lower-lying molecular orbitals for various channels observed in our experiments. Not only the emission of a single electron, but also the sequential tunneling dynamics of two electrons from multiple orbitals are traced step by step. Our results confirm that the shape of the ionizing orbitals determine the strong laser field tunneling ionization in the CO molecule, whereas the linear Stark effect plays a minor role.

preprint2012arXiv

Simultaneous Planck, Swift, and Fermi observations of X-ray and gamma-ray selected blazars

We present simultaneous Planck, Swift, Fermi, and ground-based data for 105 blazars belonging to three samples with flux limits in the soft X-ray, hard X-ray, and gamma-ray bands. Our unique data set has allowed us to demonstrate that the selection method strongly influences the results, producing biases that cannot be ignored. Almost all the BL Lac objects have been detected by Fermi-LAT, whereas ~40% of the flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) in the radio, soft X-ray, and hard X-ray selected samples are still below the gamma-ray detection limit even after integrating 27 months of Fermi-LAT data. The radio to sub-mm spectral slope of blazars is quite flat up to ~70GHz, above which it steepens to <α>~-0.65. BL Lacs have significantly flatter spectra than FSRQs at higher frequencies. The distribution of the rest-frame synchrotron peak frequency (\nupS) in the SED of FSRQs is the same in all the blazar samples with <\nupS>=10^13.1 Hz, while the mean inverse-Compton peak frequency, <\nupIC>, ranges from 10^21 to 10^22 Hz. The distributions of \nupS and of \nupIC of BL Lacs are much broader and are shifted to higher energies than those of FSRQs and strongly depend on the selection method. The Compton dominance of blazars ranges from ~0.2 to ~100, with only FSRQs reaching values >3. Its distribution is broad and depends strongly on the selection method, with gamma-ray selected blazars peaking at ~7 or more, and radio-selected blazars at values ~1, thus implying that the assumption that the blazar power is dominated by high-energy emission is a selection effect. Simple SSC models cannot explain the SEDs of most of the gamma-ray detected blazars in all samples. The SED of the blazars that were not detected by Fermi-LAT may instead be consistent with SSC emission. Our data challenge the correlation between bolometric luminosity and \nupS predicted by the blazar sequence.

preprint2011arXiv

Cosmic-Ray Proton and Helium Spectra from the First CREAM Flight

Cosmic-ray proton and helium spectra have been measured with the balloon-borne Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass experiment flown for 42 days in Antarctica in the 2004-2005 austral summer season. High-energy cosmic-ray data were collected at an average altitude of ~38.5 km with an average atmospheric overburden of ~3.9 g cm$^{-2}$. Individual elements are clearly separated with a charge resolution of ~0.15 e (in charge units) and ~0.2 e for protons and helium nuclei, respectively. The measured spectra at the top of the atmosphere are represented by power laws with a spectral index of -2.66 $\pm$ 0.02 for protons from 2.5 TeV to 250 TeV and -2.58 $\pm$ 0.02 for helium nuclei from 630 GeV/nucleon to 63 TeV/nucleon. They are harder than previous measurements at a few tens of GeV/nucleon. The helium flux is higher than that expected from the extrapolation of the power law fitted to the lower-energy data. The relative abundance of protons to helium nuclei is 9.1 $\pm$ 0.5 for the range from 2.5 TeV/nucleon to 63 TeV/nucleon. This ratio is considerably smaller than the previous measurements at a few tens of GeV/nucleon.

preprint2011arXiv

Energy Spectra of Abundant Nuclei of Primary Cosmic Rays from the Data of ATIC-2 Experiment: Final Results

The final results of processing the data from the balloon-born experiment ATIC-2 (Antarctica, 2002-2003) for the energy spectra of protons and He, C, O, Ne, Mg, Si, and Fe nuclei, the spectrum of all particles, and the mean logarithm of atomic weight of primary cosmic rays as a function of energy are presented. The final results are based on improvement of the methods used earlier, in particular, considerably increased resolution of the charge spectrum. The preliminary conclusions on the significant difference in the spectra of protons and helium nuclei (the proton spectrum is steeper) and the non-power character of the spectra of protons and heavier nuclei (flattening of carbon spectrum at energies above 10 TeV) are confirmed. A complex structure of the energy dependence of the mean logarithm of atomic weight is found.

preprint2011arXiv

High-frequency behavior of w-mode pulsations of compact stars

We study the asymptotic behavior of the quasi-normal modes (QNMs) of w-mode pulsations of compact stars in the high-frequency regime. We observe that both the axial and polar w-mode QNMs attain similar asymptotic behaviors in spite of the fact that they are described by two totally different differential equation systems. We obtain robust asymptotic formulae relating w-mode QNMs of different polarities and different angular momenta. To explore the physical reason underlying such similarity, we first derive a high-frequency approximation for the polar w-mode oscillations to unify the descriptions for both cases. Then, we develop WKB-type analyses for them and quantitatively explain the observed asymptotic behaviors for polytropic stars and quark stars. We also point out that such asymptotic behaviors for realistic stars are strongly dependent on the equation of state near the stellar surface.

preprint2011arXiv

Observations of the December 13 and 14, 2006, Solar Particle Events in the 80 MeV/n - 3 GeV/n range from space with PAMELA detector

We present the space spectrometer PAMELA observations of proton and helium fluxes during the December 13 and 14, 2006 solar particle events. This is the first direct measurement of the solar energetic particles in space with a single instrument in the energy range from $\sim$ 80 MeV/n up to $\sim$ 3 GeV/n. In the event of December 13 measured energy spectra of solar protons and helium were compared with results obtained by neutron monitors and other detectors. Our measurements show a spectral behaviour different from those derived from the neutron monitor network. No satisfactory analytical fitting was found for the energy spectra. During the first hours of the December 13 event solar energetic particles spectra were close to the exponential form demonstrating rather significant temporal evolution. Solar He with energy up to ~1 GeV/n was recorded on December 13. In the event of December 14 energy of solar protons reached ~600 MeV whereas maximum energy of He was below 100 MeV/n. The spectra were slightly bended in the lower energy range and preserved their form during the second event. Difference in the particle flux appearance and temporal evolution in these two events may argue for a special conditions leading to acceleration of solar particles up to relativistic energies.

preprint2011arXiv

PAMELA Measurements of Cosmic-ray Proton and Helium Spectra

Protons and helium nuclei are the most abundant components of the cosmic radiation. Precise measurements of their fluxes are needed to understand the acceleration and subsequent propagation of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. We report precision measurements of the proton and helium spectra in the rigidity range 1 GV-1.2 TV performed by the satellite-borne experiment PAMELA. We find that the spectral shapes of these two species are different and cannot be well described by a single power law. These data challenge the current paradigm of cosmic-ray acceleration in supernova remnants followed by diffusive propagation in the Galaxy. More complex processes of acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays are required to explain the spectral structures observed in our data.

preprint2011arXiv

Planck early results. XV. Spectral energy distributions and radio continuum spectra of northern extragalactic radio sources

Spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and radio continuum spectra are presented for a northern sample of 104 extragalactic radio sources, based on the Planck Early Release Compact Source Catalogue (ERCSC) and simultaneous multifrequency data. The nine Planck frequencies, from 30 to 857 GHz, are complemented by a set of simultaneous observations ranging from radio to gamma-rays. This is the first extensive frequency coverage in the radio and millimetre domains for an essentially complete sample of extragalactic radio sources, and it shows how the individual shocks, each in their own phase of development, shape the radio spectra as they move in the relativistic jet. The SEDs presented in this paper were fitted with second and third degree polynomials to estimate the frequencies of the synchrotron and inverse Compton (IC) peaks, and the spectral indices of low and high frequency radio data, including the Planck ERCSC data, were calculated. SED modelling methods are discussed, with an emphasis on proper, physical modelling of the synchrotron bump using multiplecomponents. Planck ERCSC data also suggest that the original accelerated electron energy spectrum could be much harder than commonly thought, with power-law index around 1.5 instead of the canonical 2.5. The implications of this are discussed for the acceleration mechanisms effective in blazar shock. Furthermore in many cases the Planck data indicate that gamma-ray emission must originate in the same shocks that produce the radio emission.

preprint2011arXiv

Possible structure in the cosmic ray electron spectrum measured by the ATIC-2 and ATIC-4 experiments

A strong excess in a form of a wide peak in the energy range of 300-800 GeV was discovered in the first measurements of the electron spectrum in the energy range from 20 GeV to 3 TeV by the balloon-borne experiment ATIC (J. Chang et al. Nature, 2008). The experimental data processing and analysis of the electron spectrum with different criteria for selection of electrons, completely independent of the results reported in (J. Chang et al. Nature, 2008) is employed in the present paper. The new independent analysis generally confirms the results of (J. Chang et al. Nature, 2008), but shows that the spectrum in the region of the excess is represented by a number of narrow peaks. The measured spectrum is compared to the spectrum of (J. Chang et al. Nature, 2008) and to the spectrum of the Fermi/LAT experiment.

preprint2011arXiv

The cosmic-ray electron flux measured by the PAMELA experiment between 1 and 625 GeV

Precision measurements of the electron component in the cosmic radiation provide important information about the origin and propagation of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. Here we present new results regarding negatively charged electrons between 1 and 625 GeV performed by the satellite-borne experiment PAMELA. This is the first time that cosmic-ray electrons have been identified above 50 GeV. The electron spectrum can be described with a single power law energy dependence with spectral index -3.18 +- 0.05 above the energy region influenced by the solar wind (> 30 GeV). No significant spectral features are observed and the data can be interpreted in terms of conventional diffusive propagation models. However, the data are also consistent with models including new cosmic-ray sources that could explain the rise in the positron fraction.

preprint2011arXiv

The discovery of geomagnetically trapped cosmic ray antiprotons

The existence of a significant flux of antiprotons confined to Earth's magnetosphere has been considered in several theoretical works. These antiparticles are produced in nuclear interactions of energetic cosmic rays with the terrestrial atmosphere and accumulate in the geomagnetic field at altitudes of several hundred kilometers. A contribution from the decay of albedo antineutrons has been hypothesized in analogy to proton production by neutron decay, which constitutes the main source of trapped protons at energies above some tens of MeV. This Letter reports the discovery of an antiproton radiation belt around the Earth. The trapped antiproton energy spectrum in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) region has been measured by the PAMELA experiment for the kinetic energy range 60--750 MeV. A measurement of the atmospheric sub-cutoff antiproton spectrum outside the radiation belts is also reported. PAMELA data show that the magnetospheric antiproton flux in the SAA exceeds the cosmic-ray antiproton flux by three orders of magnitude at the present solar minimum, and exceeds the sub-cutoff antiproton flux outside radiation belts by four orders of magnitude, constituting the most abundant source of antiprotons near the Earth.

preprint2011arXiv

The upgraded data acquisition system for beam loss monitoring at the Fermilab Tevatron and Main Injector

A VME-based data acquisition system for beam-loss monitors has been developed and is in use in the Tevatron and Main Injector accelerators at the Fermilab complex. The need for enhanced beam-loss protection when the Tevatron is operating in collider-mode was the main driving force for the new design. Prior to the implementation of the present system, the beam-loss monitor system was disabled during collider operation and protection of the Tevatron magnets relied on the quench protection system. The new Beam-Loss Monitor system allows appropriate abort logic and thresholds to be set over the full set of collider operating conditions. The system also records a history of beam-loss data prior to a beam-abort event for post-abort analysis. Installation of the Main Injector system occurred in the fall of 2006 and the Tevatron system in the summer of 2007. Both systems were fully operation by the summer of 2008. In this paper we report on the overall system design, provide a description of its normal operation, and show a number of examples of its use in both the Main Injector and Tevatron.

preprint2010arXiv

A statistical procedure for the identification of positrons in the PAMELA experiment

The PAMELA satellite experiment has measured the cosmic-ray positron fraction between 1.5 GeV and 100 GeV. The need to reliably discriminate between the positron signal and proton background has required the development of an ad hoc analysis procedure. In this paper, a method for positron identification is described and its stability and capability to yield a correct background estimate is shown. The analysis includes new experimental data, the application of three different fitting techniques for the background sample and an estimate of systematic uncertainties due to possible inaccuracies in the background selection. The new experimental results confirm both solar modulation effects on cosmic-rays with low rigidities and an anomalous positron abundance above 10 GeV.

preprint2010arXiv

Calibration of the CREAM-I calorimeter

The Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM) calorimeter is designed to measure the spectra of cosmic-ray particles over the energy range from ~10^11 eV to ~10^15 eV. Its first flight as part of the CREAM-I balloon-borne payload in Antarctica during the 2004/05 season resulted in a recordbreaking 42 days of exposure. Calorimeter calibration using various beam test data will be discussed in an attempt to assess the uncertainties of the energy measurements.

preprint2010arXiv

Discrepant hardening observed in cosmic-ray elemental spectra

The balloon-borne Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM) experiment launched five times from Antarctica has achieved a cumulative flight duration of about 156 days above 99.5% of the atmosphere. The instrument is configured with complementary and redundant particle detectors designed to extend direct measurements of cosmic-ray composition to the highest energies practical with balloon flights. All elements from protons to iron nuclei are separated with excellent charge resolution. Here we report results from the first two flights of ~70 days, which indicate hardening of the elemental spectra above ~200 GeV/nucleon and a spectral difference between the two most abundant species, protons and helium nuclei. These results challenge the view that cosmic-ray spectra are simple power laws below the so-called knee at ~1015 eV. This discrepant hardening may result from a relatively nearby source, or it could represent spectral concavity caused by interactions of cosmic rays with the accelerating shock. Other possible explanations should also be investigated.

preprint2010arXiv

Elemental energy spectra of cosmic rays measured by CREAM-II

We present new measurements of the energy spectra of cosmic-ray (CR) nuclei from the second flight of the balloon-borne experiment CREAM (Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass). The instrument (CREAM-II) was comprised of detectors based on different techniques (Cherenkov light, specific ionization in scintillators and silicon sensors) to provide a redundant charge identification and a thin ionization calorimeter capable of measuring the energy of cosmic rays up to several hundreds of TeV. The data analysis is described and the individual energy spectra of C, O, Ne, Mg, Si and Fe are reported up to ~ 10^14 eV. The spectral shape looks nearly the same for all the primary elements and can be expressed as a power law in energy E^{-2.66+/-0.04}. The nitrogen absolute intensity in the energy range 100-800 GeV/n is also measured.

preprint2010arXiv

Elemental Spectra from the CREAM-I Flight

The Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM) is a balloon-borne experiment designed to measure the composition and energy spectra of cosmic rays of charge Z = 1 to 26 up to an energy of ~ 10^15 eV. CREAM had two successful flights on long-duration balloons (LDB) launched from Mc- Murdo Station, Antarctica, in December 2004 and December 2005. CREAM-I achieves a substantial measurement redundancy by employing multiple detector systems, namely a Timing Charge Detector and a Silicon Charge Detector (SCD) for particle identification, and a Transition Radiation Detector and a sampling tungsten/scintillating-fiber ionization calorimeter (CAL) for energy measurement. In this paper, preliminary energy spectra of various elements measured with CAL/SCD during the first 42-day flight are presented.

preprint2010arXiv

Energy cross-calibration from the first CREAM flight: transition radiation detector versus calorimeter

The Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM) balloon experiment had two successful flights in 2004/05 and 2005/06. It was designed to perform energy measurements from a few GeV up to 1000 TeV, taking advantage of different detection techniques. The first instrument, CREAM-1, combined a transition radiation detector with a calorimeter to provide independent energy measurements of cosmicraynuclei. Each detector was calibrated with particle beams in a limited range of energies. In order to assess the absolute energy scale of the instrument and to investigate the systematic effects of each technique, a cross-calibration was performed by comparing the two independent energy estimates on selected samples of oxygen and carbon nuclei.

preprint2010arXiv

Measurements of cosmic-ray energy spectra with the 2nd CREAM flight

During its second Antarctic flight, the CREAM (Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass) balloon experiment collected data for 28 days, measuring the charge and the energy of cosmic rays (CR) with a redundant system of particle identification and an imaging thin ionization calorimeter. Preliminary direct measurements of the absolute intensities of individual CR nuclei are reported in the elemental range from carbon to iron at very high energy.

preprint2010arXiv

Module Structure on Lie Powers and Natural Coalgebra-Split Sub Hopf Algebras of Tensor Algebras

In this article, we investigate the functors from modules to modules that occur as the summands of tensor powers and the functors from modules to Hopf algebras that occur as natural coalgebra summands of tensor algebras. The main results provide some explicit natural coalgebra summands of tensor algebras. As a consequence, we obtain some decompositions of Lie powers over the general linear groups.

preprint2010arXiv

On symmetric commutator subgroups, braids, links and homotopy groups

In this paper, we investigate some applications of commutator subgroups to homotopy groups and geometric groups. In particular, we show that the intersection subgroups of some canonical subgroups in certain link groups modulo their symmetric commutator subgroups are isomorphic to the (higher) homotopy groups. This gives a connection between links and homotopy groups. Similar results hold for braid and surface groups.

preprint2010arXiv

PAMELA results on the cosmic-ray antiproton flux from 60 MeV to 180 GeV in kinetic energy

The satellite-borne experiment PAMELA has been used to make a new measurement of the cosmic-ray antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio which extends previously published measurements down to 60 MeV and up to 180 GeV in kinetic energy. During 850 days of data acquisition approximately 1500 antiprotons were observed. The measurements are consistent with purely secondary production of antiprotons in the galaxy. More precise secondary production models are required for a complete interpretation of the results.

preprint2010arXiv

Performance of the CREAM calorimeter in accelerator beam test

The CREAM calorimeter, designed to measure the spectra of cosmic-ray nuclei from under 1 TeV to 1000 TeV, is a 20 radiation length (X0) deep sampling calorimeter. The calorimeter is comprised of 20 layers of tungsten interleaved with 20 layers of scintillating fiber ribbons, and is preceded by a pair of graphite interaction targets providing about 0.42 proton interaction lengths (λint). The calorimeter was placed in one of CERN's SPS accelerator beams for calibration and testing. Beams of 150 GeV electrons were used for calibration, and a variety of electron, proton, and nuclear fragment beams were used to test the simulation model of the detector. In this paper we discuss the performance of the calorimeter in the electron beam and compare electron beam data with simulation results.

preprint2010arXiv

Search for neutral Higgs bosons decaying into four taus at LEP2

A search for the production and non-standard decay of a Higgs boson, h, into four taus through intermediate pseudoscalars, a, is conducted on 683 pb-1 of data collected by the ALEPH experiment at centre-of-mass energies from 183 to 209 GeV. No excess of events above background is observed, and exclusion limits are placed on the combined production cross section times branching ratio, ξ^2 = σ(e+e- --> Zh)/σ_{SM}(e+e- --> Zh) x B(h --> aa)x B(a --> τ^+τ^-)^2. For mh < 107 GeV/c2 and 4 < ma < 10 GeV/c2, ξ^2 > 1 is excluded at the 95% confidence level.

preprint2009arXiv

Energy spectra of cosmic-ray nuclei at high energies

We present new measurements of the energy spectra of cosmic-ray (CR) nuclei from the second flight of the balloon-borne experiment Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM). The instrument included different particle detectors to provide redundant charge identification and measure the energy of CRs up to several hundred TeV. The measured individual energy spectra of C, O, Ne, Mg, Si, and Fe are presented up to $\sim 10^{14}$ eV. The spectral shape looks nearly the same for these primary elements and it can be fitted to an $E^{-2.66 \pm 0.04}$ power law in energy. Moreover, a new measurement of the absolute intensity of nitrogen in the 100-800 GeV/$n$ energy range with smaller errors than previous observations, clearly indicates a hardening of the spectrum at high energy. The relative abundance of N/O at the top of the atmosphere is measured to be $0.080 \pm 0.025 $(stat.)$ \pm 0.025 $(sys.) at $\sim $800 GeV/$n$, in good agreement with a recent result from the first CREAM flight.

preprint2009arXiv

Laser induced magnetization switching in films with perpendicular anisotropy: a comparison between measurements and a multi-macrospin model

Thermally-assisted ultra-fast magnetization reversal in a DC magnetic field for magnetic multilayer thin films with perpendicular anisotropy has been investigated in the time domain using femtosecond laser heating. The experiment is set-up as an optically pumped stroboscopic Time Resolved Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect magnetometer. It is observed that a modest laser fluence of about 0.3 mJ/square-cm induces switching of the magnetization in an applied field much less than the DC coercivity (0.8 T) on the sub-nanosecond time-scale. This switching was thermally-assisted by the energy from the femtosecond pump-pulse. The experimental results are compared with a model based on the Landau Lifschitz Bloch equation. The comparison supports a description of the reversal process as an ultra-fast demagnetization and partial recovery followed by slower thermally activated switching due to the spin system remaining at an elevated temperature after the heating pulse.

preprint2009arXiv

Strain engineering and one-dimensional organization of metal-insulator domains in single-crystal VO2 beams

Spatial phase inhomogeneity at the nano- to microscale is widely observed in strongly-correlated electron materials. The underlying mechanism and possibility of artificially controlling the phase inhomogeneity are still open questions of critical importance for both the phase transition physics and device applications. Lattice strain has been shown to cause the coexistence of metallic and insulating phases in the Mott insulator VO2. By continuously tuning strain over a wide range in single-crystal VO2 micro- and nanobeams, here we demonstrate the nucleation and manipulation of one-dimensionally ordered metal-insulator domain arrays along the beams. Mott transition is achieved in these beams at room temperature by active control of strain. The ability to engineer phase inhomogeneity with strain lends insight into correlated electron materials in general, and opens opportunities for designing and controlling the phase inhomogeneity of correlated electron materials for micro- and nanoscale device applications.

preprint2007arXiv

Relative abundances of cosmic ray nuclei B-C-N-O in the energy region from 10 GeV/n to 300 GeV/n. Results from ATIC-2 (the science flight of ATIC)

The ATIC balloon-borne experiment measures the energy spectra of elements from H to Fe in primary cosmic rays from about 100 GeV to 100 TeV. ATIC is comprised of a fully active bismuth germanate calorimeter, a carbon target with embedded scintillator hodoscopes, and a silicon matrix that is used as the main charge detector. The silicon matrix produces good charge resolution for protons and helium but only partial resolution for heavier nuclei. In the present paper, the charge resolution of ATIC was improved and backgrounds were reduced in the region from Be to Si by using the upper layer of the scintillator hodoscope as an additional charge detector. The flux ratios of nuclei B/C, C/O, N/O in the energy region from about 10 GeV/nucleon to 300 GeV/nucleon obtained from this high-resolution, high-quality charge spectra are presented, and compared with existing theoretical predictions.

preprint2006arXiv

Re-Identification of the `Enigmatic' X-ray Source 1RXS J114003.0+124112

The ROSAT X-ray source 1RXS J114003.0+124112 was identified as a starburst galaxy at redshift 0.177 by He et al. (2001). Meanwhile, the authors also noted that the source is almost two orders of magnitude brighter in X-ray than the X-ray-brightest starburst galaxy and it seems to be in a merging system, making this source an enigmatic system for further observations. This paper reports the re-identification of 1RXS J114003.0+124112 with the observations on the 2.6 m telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, Armenia and with the SDSS data. The results indicate that the starburst activity is associated with the brighter object in the system, while the fainter object is a typical Seyfert 1 galaxy at redshift 0.282. Therefore, the two objects are not in a merging system, and the Seyfert 1 galaxy naturally accounts for the high X-ray flux. Three more objects reside in the vicinity, but they are all too faint to be responsible for the high X-ray flux.

preprint2006arXiv

Strange baryon resonance production in $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV $p+p$ and $Au+Au$ collisions

We report the measurements of $Σ(1385)$ and $Λ(1520)$ production in $p+p$ and $Au+Au$ collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV from the STAR collaboration. The yields and the $p_{T}$ spectra are presented and discussed in terms of chemical and thermal freeze-out conditions and compared to model predictions. Thermal and microscopic models do not adequately describe the yields of all the resonances produced in central $Au+Au$ collisions. Our results indicate that there may be a time-span between chemical and thermal freeze-out during which elastic hadronic interactions occur.

preprint2006arXiv

The results of ATIC-2 experiment for elemental spectra of cosmic rays

The results of ATIC-2 baloon experiment (2002-2003) for energy spectra of protons, He, C, O, Ne, Mg, Si, Fe, some groups of nuclei, and all-particle spectrum in primary cosmic rays are presented in energy region 50GeV--200TeV. The conclusion is that the spectra of protons and helium nuclei are essentially different (the spectrum of protons is steeper) and the spectra of protons and heavy nuclei have no-power form.

preprint2005arXiv

Effect of Native Defects on Optical Properties of InxGa1-xN Alloys

The energy position of the optical absorption edge and the free carrier populations in InxGa1-xN ternary alloys can be controlled using high energy 4He+ irradiation. The blue shift of the absorption edge after irradiation in In-rich material (x > 0.34) is attributed to the band-filling effect (Burstein-Moss shift) due to the native donors introduced by the irradiation. In Ga-rich material, optical absorption measurements show that the irradiation-introduced native defects are inside the bandgap, where they are incorporated as acceptors. The observed irradiation-produced changes in the optical absorption edge and the carrier populations in InxGa1-xN are in excellent agreement with the predictions of the amphoteric defect model.