125,779 research outputs found
Cosmology with the lights off: Standard sirens in the Einstein Telescope era
We explore the prospects for constraining cosmology using gravitational-wave
(GW) observations of neutron-star binaries by the proposed Einstein Telescope
(ET), exploiting the narrowness of the neutron-star mass function. Double
neutron-star (DNS) binaries are expected to be one of the first sources
detected after "first-light" of Advanced LIGO and are expected to be detected
at a rate of a few tens per year in the advanced era. However the proposed ET
could catalog tens of thousands per year. Combining the measured source
redshift distributions with GW-network distance determinations will permit not
only the precision measurement of background cosmological parameters, but will
provide an insight into the astrophysical properties of these DNS systems. Of
particular interest will be to probe the distribution of delay times between
DNS-binary creation and subsequent merger, as well as the evolution of the
star-formation rate density within ET's detection horizon. Keeping H_0,
\Omega_{m,0} and \Omega_{\Lambda,0} fixed and investigating the precision with
which the dark-energy equation-of-state parameters could be recovered, we found
that with 10^5 detected DNS binaries we could constrain these parameters to an
accuracy similar to forecasted constraints from future CMB+BAO+SNIa
measurements. Furthermore, modeling the merger delay-time distribution as a
power-law, and the star-formation rate (SFR) density as a parametrized version
of the Porciani and Madau SF2 model, we find that the associated astrophysical
parameters are constrained to within ~ 10%. All parameter precisions scaled as
1/sqrt(N), where N is the number of cataloged detections. We also investigated
how precisions varied with the intrinsic underlying properties of the Universe
and with the distance reach of the network (which may be affected by the
low-frequency cutoff of the detector).Comment: 24 pages, 11 figures, 6 tables. Minor changes to reflect published
version. References updated and correcte
Multi-Frequency Synthesis of VLBI Images Using a Generalized Maximum Entropy Method
A new multi-frequency synthesis algorithm for reconstructing images from
multi-frequency VLBI data is proposed. The algorithm is based on a generalized
maximum-entropy method, and makes it possible to derive an effective spectral
correction for images over a broad frequency bandwidth, while simultaneously
reconstructing the spectral-index distribution over the source. The results of
numerical simulations demonstrating the capabilities of the algorithm are
presented.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figure
Wavelets and their use
This review paper is intended to give a useful guide for those who want to
apply discrete wavelets in their practice. The notion of wavelets and their use
in practical computing and various applications are briefly described, but
rigorous proofs of mathematical statements are omitted, and the reader is just
referred to corresponding literature. The multiresolution analysis and fast
wavelet transform became a standard procedure for dealing with discrete
wavelets. The proper choice of a wavelet and use of nonstandard matrix
multiplication are often crucial for achievement of a goal. Analysis of various
functions with the help of wavelets allows to reveal fractal structures,
singularities etc. Wavelet transform of operator expressions helps solve some
equations. In practical applications one deals often with the discretized
functions, and the problem of stability of wavelet transform and corresponding
numerical algorithms becomes important. After discussing all these topics we
turn to practical applications of the wavelet machinery. They are so numerous
that we have to limit ourselves by some examples only. The authors would be
grateful for any comments which improve this review paper and move us closer to
the goal proclaimed in the first phrase of the abstract.Comment: 63 pages with 22 ps-figures, to be published in Physics-Uspekh
Characterizing the Quantum Confined Stark Effect in Semiconductor Quantum Dots and Nanorods for Single-Molecule Electrophysiology
We optimized the performance of quantum confined Stark effect QCSE based
voltage nanosensors. A high throughput approach for single particle QCSE
characterization was developed and utilized to screen a library of such
nanosensors. Type II ZnSe CdS seeded nanorods were found to have the best
performance among the different nanosensors evaluated in this work. The degree
of correlation between intensity changes and spectral changes of the excitons
emission under applied field was characterized. An upper limit for the temporal
response of individual ZnSe CdS nanorods to voltage modulation was
characterized by high throughput, high temporal resolution intensity
measurements using a novel photon counting camera. The measured 3.5 us response
time is limited by the voltage modulation electronics and represents about 30
times higher bandwidth than needed for recording an action potential in a
neuron.Comment: 36 pages, 6 figure
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