1,251 research outputs found
Impact of inter-correlated initial binary parameters on double black hole and neutron star mergers
The distributions of the initial main-sequence binary parameters are one of
the key ingredients in obtaining evolutionary predictions for compact binary
(BH-BH / BH-NS / NS-NS) merger rates. Until now, such calculations were done
under the assumption that initial binary parameter distributions were
independent. Here, we implement empirically derived inter-correlated
distributions of initial binary parameters primary mass (M1), mass ratio (q),
orbital period (P), and eccentricity (e). Unexpectedly, the introduction of
inter-correlated initial binary parameters leads to only a small decrease in
the predicted merger rates by a factor of 2 3 relative to the previously
used non-correlated initial distributions. The formation of compact object
mergers in the isolated classical binary evolution favors initial binaries with
stars of comparable masses (q = 0.5 1) at intermediate orbital periods (log
P (days) = 2 4). New distributions slightly shift the mass ratios towards
smaller values with respect to the previously used flat q distribution, which
is the dominant effect decreasing the rates. New orbital periods only
negligibly increase the number of progenitors. Additionally, we discuss the
uncertainty of merger rate predictions associated with possible variations of
the massive-star initial mass function (IMF). We argue that evolutionary
calculations should be normalized to a star formation rate (SFR) that is
obtained from the observed amount of UV light at wavelength 1500{\AA} (SFR
indicator). In this case, contrary to recent reports, the uncertainty of the
IMF does not affect the rates by more than a factor of 2. Any change to the IMF
slope for massive stars requires a change of SFR in a way that counteracts the
impact of IMF variations on the merger rates. In contrast, we suggest that the
uncertainty in cosmic SFR at low metallicity can be a significant factor at
play.Comment: accepted for publication in A&
Explaining LIGO's observations via isolated binary evolution with natal kicks
We compare binary evolution models with different assumptions about
black-hole natal kicks to the first gravitational-wave observations performed
by the LIGO detectors. Our comparisons attempt to reconcile merger rate,
masses, spins, and spin-orbit misalignments of all current observations with
state-of-the-art formation scenarios of binary black holes formed in isolation.
We estimate that black holes (BHs) should receive natal kicks at birth of the
order of (50) km/s if tidal processes do (not) realign
stellar spins. Our estimate is driven by two simple factors. The natal kick
dispersion is bounded from above because large kicks disrupt too many
binaries (reducing the merger rate below the observed value). Conversely, the
natal kick distribution is bounded from below because modest kicks are needed
to produce a range of spin-orbit misalignments. A distribution of misalignments
increases our models' compatibility with LIGO's observations, if all BHs are
likely to have natal spins. Unlike related work which adopts a concrete BH
natal spin prescription, we explore a range of possible BH natal spin
distributions. Within the context of our models, for all of the choices of
used here and within the context of one simple fiducial parameterized
spin distribution, observations favor low BH natal spin.Comment: 19 pages, 14 figures, as published in PR
Performance Studies of Prototype II for the CASTOR forward Calorimeter at the CMS Experiment
We present results of the performance of the second prototype of the CASTOR
quartz-tungsten sampling calorimeter, to be installed in the very forward
region of the CMS experiment at the LHC. The energy linearity and resolution,
as well as the spatial resolution of the prototype to electromagnetic and
hadronic showers are studied with E=20-200 GeV electrons, E=20-350 GeV pions,
and E=50,150 GeV muons from beam tests carried out at CERN/SPS in 2004. The
responses of the calorimeter using two different types of photodetectors
(avalanche photodiodes APDs, and photomultiplier tubes PMTs) are compared.Comment: 16 pages, 22 figs., submitted to EPJ-
CASTOR: The ALICE forward detector for identification of Centauros and Strangelets in Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions at the LHC
The physics motivation for a very forward detector for the ALICE heavy ion
experiment at the CERN LHC is discussed. A phenomenological model describing
the formation and decay of a Centauro fireball in nucleus-nucleus collisions is
presented. The CASTOR detector which is aimed to measure the hadronic and
photonic content of an interaction and to identify deeply penetrating objects
in the very forward, baryon-rich phase space 5.6 < eta < 7.2 in an
event-by-event mode is described. Results of simulations of the expected
response of the calorimeter, and in particular to the passage of strangelets,
are presented.Comment: Presented at XXVIII Int. Symp. on Multiparticle Dynamics, Delphi,
6-11 Sept. 1998. 9 pages, 11 figure
Formation of Centauro and Strangelets in Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions at the LHC and their Identification by the ALICE Experiment
We present a phenomenological model which describes the formation of a
Centauro fireball in nucleus-nucleus interactions in the upper atmosphere and
at the LHC, and its decay to non-strange baryons and Strangelets. We describe
the CASTOR detector for the ALICE experiment at the LHC. CASTOR will probe, in
an event-by-event mode, the very forward, baryon-rich phase space 5.6 < \eta <
7.2 in 5.5 A TeV central Pb + Pb collisions. We present results of simulations
for the response of the CASTOR calorimeter, and in particular to the traversal
of Strangelets.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the 26th ICR
CASTOR: Centauro and Strange Object Research in nucleus-nucleus collisions at LHC
We describe the CASTOR detector designed to probe the very forward,
baryon-rich rapidity region in nucleus-nucleus collisions at the LHC. We
present a phenomenological model describing the formation of a QGP fireball in
a high baryochemical potential environment, and its subsequent decay into
baryons and strangelets. The model explains Centauros and the long-penetrating
component and makes predictions for the LHC.
Simulations of Centauro-type events were done. To study the response of the
apparatus to new effects different exotic species (DCC, Centauros, strangelets
etc.) were passed through the deep calorimeter. The energy deposition pattern
in the calorimeter appears to be a new clear signature of the QGP.Comment: Talk given by E. Gladysz-Dziadus for the CASTOR group, Intern.
Workshop on Nuclear Theory, 10-15 June, 2002, Bulgaria, Rila Mountains, 15
pages, 14 figure
Speckle noise and dynamic range in coronagraphic images
This paper is concerned with the theoretical properties of high contrast
coronagraphic images in the context of exoplanet searches. We derive and
analyze the statistical properties of the residual starlight in coronagraphic
images, and describe the effect of a coronagraph on the speckle and photon
noise. Current observations with coronagraphic instruments have shown that the
main limitations to high contrast imaging are due to residual quasi-static
speckles. We tackle this problem in this paper, and propose a generalization of
our statistical model to include the description of static, quasi-static and
fast residual atmospheric speckles. The results provide insight into the
effects on the dynamic range of wavefront control, coronagraphy, active speckle
reduction, and differential speckle calibration. The study is focused on
ground-based imaging with extreme adaptive optics, but the approach is general
enough to be applicable to space, with different parameters.Comment: 31 pages, 18 figure
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