1,152 research outputs found
Reverberation of pulsar wind nebulae (III): Modelling of the plasma interface empowering a long term radiative evolution
The vast majority of Pulsar Wind Nebulae (PWNe) present in the Galaxy is
formed by middle-aged systems characterized by a strong interaction of the PWN
itself with the supernova remnant (SNR). Unfortunately, modelling these systems
can be quite complex and numerically expensive, due to the non-linearity of the
PWN-SNR evolution even in the simple 1D / one-zone case when the reverse shock
of the SNR reaches the PWN, and the two begin to interact (and reverberation
starts).
Here we introduce a new numerical technique that couples the numerical
efficiency of the one-zone thin shell approach with the reliability of a full
``lagrangian'' evolution, able to correctly reproduce the PWN-SNR interaction
during the reverberation and to consistently evolve the particle spectrum
beyond. Based on our previous findings, we show that our novel strategy
resolves many of the uncertainties present in previous approaches, as the
arbitrariness in the SNR structure, and ensure a robust evolution, compatible
with results that can be obtained with more complex 1D dynamical approaches.
Our approach enable us for the first time to provide reliable spectral models
of the later compression phases in the evolution of PWNe. While in general we
found that the compression is less extreme than that obtained without such
detailed dynamical considerations, leading to the formation of less structured
spectral energy distributions, we still find that a non negligible fraction of
PWNe might experience a super-efficient phase, with the optical and/or X-ray
luminosity exceeding the spin-down one.Comment: 12 pages, 2 tables, 5 figure
Precursor Plerionic Activity and High Energy Gamma-Ray Emission in the Supranova Model of Gamma-Ray Bursts
The supranova model of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), in which the GRB event is
preceded by a supernova (SN) explosion by a few months to years, has recently
gained support from Fe line detections in X-ray afterglows. A crucial
ingredient of this model yet to be studied is the fast-rotating pulsar that
should be active during the time interval between the SN and the GRB, driving a
powerful wind and a luminous plerionic nebula. We discuss some observational
consequences of this precursor plerion, which should provide important tests
for the supranova model: 1) the fragmentation of the outlying SN ejecta
material by the plerion and its implications for Fe line emission; and 2) the
effect of inverse Compton cooling and emission in the GRB external shock due to
the plerion radiation field. The plerion-induced inverse Compton emission can
dominate in the GeV-TeV energy range during the afterglow, being detectable by
GLAST from redshifts and distinguishable from self-Compton
emission by its spectrum and light curve. The prospects for direct detection
and identification of the precursor plerion emission are also briefly
considered.Comment: ApJ vol.583, in pres
The Pulsar B2224+65 and Its Jets: A Two Epoch X-ray Analysis
We present an X-ray morphological and spectroscopic study of the pulsar
B2224+65 and its apparent jet-like X-ray features based on two epoch Chandra
observations. The main X-ray feature, which shows a large directional offset
from the ram-pressure confined pulsar wind nebula (Guitar Nebula), is broader
in apparent width and shows evidence for spectral hardening (at 95 percent
confidence) in the second epoch compared to the first. Furthermore, the sharp
leading edge of the feature is found to have a proper motion consistent with
that of the pulsar (~180 mas yr-1). The combined data set also provides
evidence for the presence of a counter feature, albeit substantially fainter
and shorter than the main one. Additional spectral trends along the major and
minor axes of the feature are only marginally detected in the two epoch data,
including softening counter to the direction of proper motion. Possible
explanations for the X-ray features include diffuse energetic particles being
confined by an organized ambient magnetic field as well as a simple ballistic
jet interpretation; however, the former may have difficulty in explaining
observed spectral trends between epochs and along the feature's major axis
whereas the latter may struggle to elucidate its linearity. Given the low
counting statistics available in the two epoch observations, it remains
difficult to determine a physical production scenario for these enigmatic X-ray
emitting features with any certainty.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, submitted to MNRAS; updated as per reviewer
comment
Electromagnetic dipole moments of charged baryons with bent crystals at the LHC
We propose a unique program of measurements of electric and magnetic dipole
moments of charm, beauty and strange charged baryons at the LHC, based on the
phenomenon of spin precession of channeled particles in bent crystals. Studies
of crystal channeling and spin precession of positively- and negatively-charged
particles are presented, along with feasibility studies and expected
sensitivities for the proposed experiment using a layout based on the LHCb
detector.Comment: 19 pages, 13 figure
Reverberation of pulsar wind nebulae (I): Impact of the medium properties and other parameters upon the extent of the compression
The standard approach to the long term evolution of pulsar wind nebulae
(PWNe) is based on one-zone models treating the nebula as a uniform system. In
particular for the late phase of evolved systems, many of the generally used
prescriptions are based on educated guesses for which a proper assessment
lacks. Using an advanced radiative code we evaluate the systematic impact of
various parameters, like the properties of the supernova ejecta, of the inner
pulsar, as well of the ambient medium, upon the extent of the reverberation
phase of PWNe. We investigate how different prescriptions shift the starting
time of the reverberation phase, how this affects the amount of the
compression, and how much of this can be ascribable to the radiation processes.
Some critical aspects are the description of the reverse shock evolution, the
efficiency by which at later times material from the ejecta accretes onto the
swept-up shell around the PWN, and finally the density, velocity and pressure
profiles in the surrounding supernova remnant. We have explicitly treated the
cases of the Crab Nebula, and of J1834.9--0846, taken to be representatives of
the more and the less energetic pulsars, respectively. Especially for the
latter object the prediction of large compression factors is confirmed, even
larger in the presence of radiative losses, also confirming our former
prediction of periods of super-efficiency during the reverberation phase of
some PWNe.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA
Experimental evidence of planar channeling in a periodically bent crystal
The usage of a Crystalline Undulator (CU) has been identified as a promising
solution for generating powerful and monochromatic -rays. A CU was
fabricated at SSL through the grooving method, i.e., by the manufacturing of a
series of periodical grooves on the major surfaces of a crystal. The CU was
extensively characterized both morphologically via optical interferometry at
SSL and structurally via X-ray diffraction at ESRF. Then, it was finally tested
for channeling with a 400 GeV/c proton beam at CERN. The experimental results
were compared to Monte Carlo simulations. Evidence of planar channeling in the
CU was firmly observed. Finally, the emission spectrum of the positron beam
interacting with the CU was simulated for possible usage in currently existing
facilities
Atlas occipitalisation associated with other anomalies in a 16th century skeleton from Sardinia (Italy)
Archaeological excavations carried out in the plague cemetery of 16th century Alghero (Sardinia) brought to light the skeleton of a male aged 35–45 years, showing anomalies of the atlas. A macroscopic and radiological study has been carried out. The first cervical vertebra is fused with the skull base, resulting in an occipitalisation of the atlas. Absence of the costal element of the left foramen transversarium, resulting in an open anterior foramen transversarium, and posterior arch defect are also observed. The atlanto-occipital junction is a complex structure, susceptible to develop different patterns of congenital defects. These anatomical variations of atlas should be considered in modern clinical practice in order to formulate a correct diagnosis and to conceive an appropriate treatment. Osteoarchaeological cases are important as, beside to ascertain the presence of congenital defects in past populations, allow an in-depth study in dry bones, which can help modern medicine in interpreting anatomical variations. We present an association of congenital anomalies of the atlanto-occipital junction, a condition rarely documented in ancient and modern human skeletal remains
Young core collapse supernova remnants and their supernovae
Massive star supernovae can be divided into four categories depending on the
amount of mass loss from the progenitor star and the star's radius: red
supergiant stars with most of the H envelope intact (SN IIP), stars with some H
but most lost (IIL, IIb), stars with all H lost (Ib, Ic), and blue supergiant
stars with a massive H envelope (SN 1987A-like). Various aspects of the
immediate aftermath of the supernova are expected to develop in different ways
depending on the supernova category: mixing in the supernova, fallback on the
central compact object, expansion of any pulsar wind nebula, interaction with
circumstellar matter, and photoionization by shock breakout radiation. The
observed properties of young supernova remnants allow many of them to be placed
in one of the supernova categories; all the categories are represented except
for the SN 1987A-like type. Of the remnants with central pulsars, the pulsar
properties do not appear to be related to the supernova category. There is no
evidence that the supernova categories form a mass sequence, as would be
expected in a single star scenario for the evolution. Models for young pulsar
wind nebulae expanding into supernova ejecta indicate initial pulsar periods of
10-100 ms and approximate equipartition between particle and magnetic energies.
Ages are obtained for pulsar nebulae, including an age of 2400 pm 500 yr for
3C58, which is not consistent with an origin in SN 1181. There is no evidence
that mass fallback plays a role in neutron star properties.Comment: 43 pages, ApJ, revised, discussion of 3C58 changed, in press for Feb.
1, 200
Spitzer Space Telescope Infrared Imaging and Spectroscopy of the Crab Nebula
We present 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, 8.0, 24, and 70 micron images of the Crab Nebula
obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope IRAC and MIPS cameras, Low- and
High-resolution Spitzer IRS spectra of selected positions within the nebula,
and a near-infrared ground-based image made in the light of [Fe II]1.644
micron. The 8.0 micron image, made with a bandpass that includes [Ar II]7.0
micron, resembles the general morphology of visible H-alpha and near-IR [Fe II]
line emission, while the 3.6 and 4.5 micron images are dominated by continuum
synchrotron emission. The 24 micron and 70 micron images show enhanced emission
that may be due to line emission or the presence of a small amount of warm dust
in the nebula on the order of less than 1% of a solar mass. The ratio of the
3.6 and 4.5 micron images reveals a spatial variation in the synchrotron power
law index ranging from approximately 0.3 to 0.8 across the nebula. Combining
this information with optical and X-ray synchrotron images, we derive a
broadband spectrum that reflects the superposition of the flatter spectrum jet
and torus with the steeper diffuse nebula, and suggestions of the expected
pileup of relativistic electrons just before the exponential cutoff in the
X-ray. The pulsar, and the associated equatorial toroid and polar jet
structures seen in Chandra and HST images (Hester et al. 2002) can be
identified in all of the IRAC images. We present the IR photometry of the
pulsar. The forbidden lines identified in the high resolution IR spectra are
all double due to Doppler shifts from the front and back of the expanding
nebula and give an expansion velocity of approximately 1264 km/s.Comment: 21 pages, 4 tables, 16 figure
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