31,369 research outputs found
Anderson localization on the Falicov-Kimball model with Coulomb disorder
The role of Coulomb disorder is analysed in the Anderson-Falicov-Kimball
model. Phase diagrams of correlated and disordered electron systems are
calculated within dynamical mean-field theory applied to the Bethe lattice, in
which metal-insulator transitions led by structural and Coulomb disorders and
correlation can be identified. Metallic, Mott insulator, and Anderson insulator
phases, as well as the crossover between them are studied in this perspective.
We show that Coulomb disorder has a relevant role in the phase-transition
behavior as the system is led towards the insulator regime
Polarimetry of Compact Symmetric Objects
We present multi-frequency VLBA observations of two polarized Compact
Symmetric Objects (CSOs), J0000+4054 and J1826+1831, and a polarized CSO
candidate, J1915+6548. Using the wavelength-squared dependence of Faraday
rotation, we obtained rotation measures (RMs) of -180 \pm 10 rad m^-2 and 1540
\pm 7 rad m^-2 for the latter two sources. These are lower than what is
expected of CSOs (several 1000 rad m^-2) and, depending on the path length of
the Faraday screens, require magnetic fields from 0.03 to 6 \mu G. These CSOs
may be more heavily affected by Doppler boosting than their unpolarized
counterparts, suggesting that a jet-axis orientation more inclined towards the
line of sight is necessary to detect any polarization. This allows for low RMs
if the polarized components are oriented away from the depolarizing
circumnuclear torus. These observations also add a fourth epoch to the proper
motion studies of J0000+4054 and J1826+1831, constraining their kinematic age
estimates to >610 yrs and 2600 \pm 490 yrs, respectively. The morphology,
spectrum, and component motions of J1915+6548 are discussed in light of its new
classification as a CSO candidate, and its angle to the line of sight (~50\deg)
is determined from relativistic beaming arguments.Comment: 29 pages, including 9 figures; Accepted by Astrophysical Journal, 16
Feb 0
Physical parameters in the hot spots and jets of Compact Symmetric Objects
We present a model to determine the physical parameters of jets and hot spots
of a sample of CSOs under very basic assumptions like synchrotron emission and
minimum energy conditions. Based on this model we propose a simple evolutionary
scenario for these sources assuming that they evolve in ram pressure
equilibrium with the external medium and constant jet power. The parameters of
our model are constrained from fits of observational data (radio luminosity,
hot spot radius and hot spot advance speed) versus projected linear size. From
these plots we conclude that CSOs evolve self-similarly and that their radio
luminosity increases with linear size along the first kiloparsec. Assuming that
the jets feeding CSOs are relativistic from both kinematical and
thermodynamical points of view, we use the values of the pressure and particle
number density within the hot spots to estimate the fluxes of momentum
(thrust), energy, and particles of these relativistic jets. The mean jet power
obtained in this way is within an order of magnitude that inferred for FRII
sources, which is consistent with CSOs being the possible precursors of large
doubles. The inferred flux of particles corresponds to, for a barionic jet,
about a 10% of the mass accreted by a black hole of at
the Eddington limit, pointing towards a very efficient conversion of accretion
flow into ejection, or to a leptonic composition of jets.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures. Accepted for publication in Astrophysical
Journa
Dating COINS: Kinematic Ages for Compact Symmetric Objects
We present multi-epoch VLBA observations of Compact Symmetric Objects (CSOs)
from the COINS sample (CSOs Observed In the Northern Sky). These observations
allow us to make estimates of, or place limits on, the kinematic ages for those
sources with well-identified hot spots. This study significantly increases the
number of CSOs with well-determined ages or limits. The age distribution is
found to be sharply peaked under 500 years, suggesting that many CSOs die
young, or are episodic in nature, and very few survive to evolve into FR II
sources like Cygnus A. Jet components are found to have higher velocities than
hot spots which is consistent with their movement down cleared channels. We
also report on the first detections of significant polarization in two CSOs,
J0000+4054 (2.1%) and J1826+1831 (8.8%). In both cases the polarized emission
is found in jet components on the stronger side of the center of activity.Comment: 34 pages including 7 figures, Accepted to ApJ on Dec 7, 200
A time of flight method to measure the speed of sound using a stereo sound card
We present an inexpensive apparatus for measuring the speed of sound, with a
time of flight method, using a computer with a stereo sound board. Students
measure the speed of sound by timing the delay between the arrivals of a pulse
to two microphones placed at different distances from the source. It can serve
as a very effective demonstration, providing a quick measurement of the speed
of sound in air; we have used it with great success in Open Days in our
Department. It can also be used for a full fledged laboratory determination of
the speed of sound in air.Comment: Accepted for publication in The Physics Teache
Improving the Knowledge on Seismogenic Sources in the Lower Tagus Valley for Seismic Hazard Purposes
The Lower Tagus Valley, that includes the metropolitan area of Lisbon, has been struck by several earthquakes which produced significant material damage and loss of lives. Their exact location remains unknown. Our goal is to shed some light into the seismogenic sources in the area using seismic reflection and geological data. In areas with no seismic coverage, potential-field data interpretation was carried out. Seismicity was overlaid to the potential seismogenic structures and high-resolution data was acquired in order to confirm which structures have been active into the Quaternary. Three major fault-zones affecting the Neogene were identified: V. F. Xira, Samora-Alcochete and Pinhal Novo. For the first fault, strong evidences suggest it is active. The other two fault-zones and other structures previously unknown can be correlated with several epicentres. Empirical relationships between maximum moment magnitude and fault area indicate that MW > 6.5 earthquakes can be expected for the larger structures
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