Gravitational Lensing Statistics in Universes Dominated by Dark Energy

We study lens statistics in flat, low-density universes with different equations of state $w=p_Q/\rho_Q$ for the dark energy component. Dark energy modifies the distance-redshift relation and the mass function of dark matter halos leading to changes in the lensing optical depth as a function of image separation. Those effects must, however, be distinguished from effects associated with the structure of dark matter halos. Baryonic cooling causes galaxy-mass halos to have different central density profiles than group- and cluster-mass halos, which causes the distribution of normal arcsecond-scale lenses to differ from the distribution of ``wide-separation'' (\Delta\theta \gtrsim 4\arcsec) lenses. Fortunately, the various parameters related to cosmology and halo structure have very different effects on the overall image separation distribution: (1) the abundance of wide-separation lenses is exremely sensitive (by orders of magnitude) to the distribution of ``concentration'' parameters for massive halos modeled with the Navarro-Frenk-White profile; (2) the transition between normal and wide-separation lenses depends mainly on the mass scale where baryonic cooling ceases to be efficient; and (3) dark energy has effects at all image separation scales. While current lens samples cannot usefully constrain all of the parameters, ongoing and future imaging surveys should discover hundreds or thousands of lenses and make it possible to disentangle the various effects and constrain all of the parameters simultaneously. (abridged)Comment: 15 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in Ap

The UCSD Radio-Selected Quasar Survey for Damped Lyman alpha System

As large optical quasar surveys for damped Lya become a reality and the study of star forming gas in the early Universe achieves statistical robustness, it is now vital to identify and quantify the sources of systematic error. Because the nature of optically-selected quasar surveys makes them vulnerable to dust obscuration, we have undertaken a radio-selected quasar survey for damped Lya systems to address this bias. We present the definition and results of this survey. We then combine our sample with the CORALS dataset to investigate the HI column density distribution function f(N) of damped Lya systems toward radio-selected quasars. We find that f(N) is well fit by a power-law f(N) = k_1 N^alpha_1, with log k_1 = 22.90 and alpha_1 = -2.18. This power-law is in excellent agreement with that of optically-selected samples at low N(HI), an important yet expected result given that obscuration should have negligible effect at these gas columns. However, because of the relatively small size of the radio-selected sample, 26 damped Lya systems in 119 quasars, f(N) is not well constrained at large N(HI) and the first moment of the HI distribution function, Omega_g, is, strictly speaking, a lower limit. The power-law is steep enough, however, that extrapolating it to higher column densities implies only a modest, logarithmic increase in Omega_g. The radio-selected value of Omega_g = 1.15 x 10^-3, agrees well with the results of optically-selected surveys. While our results indicate that dust obscuration is likely not a major issue for surveys of damped Lya systems, we estimate that a radio-selected sample of approximately 100 damped Lya systems will be required to obtain the precision necessary to absolutely confirm an absence of dust bias.Comment: 12 pages, 9 Figures. Accepted to ApJ April 11, 200

Redshifts of CLASS Radio Sources

Spectroscopic observations of a sample of 42 flat-spectrum radio sources from the Cosmic Lens All-Sky Survey (CLASS) have yielded a mean redshift of $= 1.27$ with an RMS spread of 0.95, at a completeness level of 64%. The sample consists of sources with a 5-GHz flux density of 25-50 mJy, making it the faintest flat-spectrum radio sample for which the redshift distribution has been studied. The spectra, obtained with the Willam Herschel Telescope (WHT), consist mainly of broad-line quasars at $z>1$ and narrow-line galaxies at $z<0.5$. Though the mean redshift of flat-spectrum radio sources exhibits little variation over more than two orders of magnitude in radio flux density, there is evidence for a decreasing fraction of quasars at weaker flux levels. In this paper we present the results of our spectroscopic observations, and discuss the implications for constraining cosmological parameters with statistical analyses of the CLASS survey.Comment: 10 pages, AJ accepte

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

A multi-epoch VLBI survey of the kinematics of CFJ sources

Context. This is the second in a series of papers presenting VLBI observations of the 293 Caltech-Jodrell Bank Flat-spectrum (hereafter CJF) sources and their analysis. Aims. We obtain a consistent motion dataset large enough to allow the systematic properties of the population to be studied. Methods. We present detailed kinematic analysis of the complete flux-density limited CJF survey. We computed 2D kinematic models based on the optimal model-fitting parameters of multi-epoch VLBA observations. This allows us to calculate not only radial, but also orthogonal motions, and thus to study curvature and acceleration. Statistical tests of the motions measured and their reliability were performed. A correlation analysis between the derived apparent motions, luminosities, spectral indices, and core dominance and the resulting consequences is described. Results. With at least one velocity in each of the 237 sources, this sample is much larger than any available before, so it allows a meaningful statistical investigation of apparent motions and any possible correlations with other parameters in AGN jets. The main results to emerge are as follows: - In general motions are not consistent with a single uniform velocity applicable to all components along a jet. - We find a slight trend towards a positive outward acceleration and also adduce some evidence for greater acceleration in the innermost regions. - We find a lack of fast components at physical distances less than a few pc from the reference feature. - Only ~4% of the components from galaxies and <2% of those from quasars undergo large bends i.e. within 15° of ± 90°. - The distribution of radial velocities shows a broad distribution of velocities (apparent velocities up to 30 c). Fifteen percent of the best-sampled jet components exhibit low velocities that may need to be explained in a different manner to the fast motions. - Some negative superluminal motions are seen, and in 15 cases (6%) these are definitely significant. - We find a strong correlation between the 5 GHz luminosity and the apparent velocity. - The CJF galaxies, on average, show slower apparent jet-component velocities than the quasars. - The mean velocity in the VLBA 2 cm survey (Kellermann et al. 2004, ApJ, 609, 539) is substantially higher than in the CJF survey, the ratio could be roughly a factor of 1.5-2. This supports the observed trend toward increasing apparent velocity with increasing observing frequency. Conclusions. This AGN survey provides the basis for any statistical analysis of jet and jet-component properties

Redshifts and Neutral Hydrogen Observations of Compact Symmetric Objects in the COINS Sample

Compact Symmetric Objects (CSOs) are young radio galaxies whose jet axes lie close to the plane of the sky, and whose appearance is therefore not dominated by relativistic beaming effects. The small linear sizes of CSOs make them valuable for studies of both the evolution of radio galaxies and testing unified schemes for active galactic nuclei (AGN). A parsec-scale region of gas surrounding the central engine is predicted by both accretion and obscuration scenarios. Working surfaces, or ``hot spots,'' and the radio jets of CSOs are close enough to the central engines that this circumnuclear gas can be seen in absorption. The CSOs Observed in the Northern Sky (COINS) sample is comprised of 52 CSO candidates identified in three VLBI surveys. Of these, 27 have now been confirmed as CSOs. Optical redshifts are available in the literature for 28 of the CSO candidates, and HI absorption has been detected toward four. We present new optical spectroscopic redshifts for three of the candidates and summarize the current status of optical identifications. We further report on the discovery of HI in absorption towards the CSO J1816+3457 and summarize the results of neutral hydrogen absorption studies of the sources in this sample.Comment: 12 pages, Accepted for publication in Ap

Contrasting Decollement and Prism Properties over the Sumatra 2004-2005 Earthquake Rupture Boundary

Styles of subduction zone deformation and earthquake rupture dynamics are strongly linked, jointly influencing hazard potential. Seismic reflection profiles across the trench west of Sumatra, Indonesia, show differences across the boundary between the major 2004 and 2005 plate interface earthquakes, which exhibited contrasting earthquake rupture and tsunami generation. In the southern part of the 2004 rupture, we interpret a negative-polarity sedimentary reflector ~500 meters above the subducting oceanic basement as the seaward extension of the plate interface. This predécollement reflector corresponds to unusual prism structure, morphology, and seismogenic behavior that are absent along the 2005 rupture zone. Although margins like the 2004 rupture zone are globally rare, our results suggest that sediment properties influence earthquake rupture, tsunami hazard, and prism development at subducting plate boundaries

3D seismic imaging of buried Younger Dryas mass movement flows: Lake Windermere, UK

Windermere is a glacially overdeepened lake located in the southeastern Lake District, UK. Using the threedimensional(3D) Chirp subbottom profiler, we image mass movement deposits related to the Younger Dryas(YD) within a decimetre-resolution 3D seismic volume, documenting their internal structure and interactionwith preexisting deposits in unprecedented detail. Three distinct flow events are identified and mappedthroughout the 3D survey area. Package structures and seismic attributes classify them as: a small (totalvolume of c. 1500 m3) debris flow containing deformed translated blocks; a large (inferred total volume ofc. 500,000 m3), homogeneous fine-grained mass flow deposit; and a debris flow (inferred total volume ofc. 60,000 m3) containing small (c. 8.0×2.0 m) deformed translated blocks. Geomorphological mapping oftheir distribution and interaction with preexisting sediments permit the reconstruction of a depositionalhistory for the stratigraphic units identified in the seismic volume.<br/

Causes and Consequences of Diachronous V-Shaped Ridges in the North Atlantic Ocean

In the North Atlantic Ocean, the geometry of diachronous V‐shaped features that straddle the Reykjanes Ridge is often attributed to thermal pulses which advect away from the center of the Iceland plume. Recently, two alternative hypotheses have been proposed: rift propagation and buoyant mantle upwelling. Here we evaluate these different proposals using basin‐wide geophysical and geochemical observations. The centerpiece of our analysis is a pair of seismic reflection profiles oriented parallel to flow lines that span the North Atlantic Ocean. V‐shaped ridges and troughs are mapped on both Neogene and Paleogene oceanic crust, enabling a detailed chronology of activity to be established for the last 50 million years. Estimates of the cumulative horizontal displacement across normal faults help to discriminate between brittle and magmatic modes of plate separation, suggesting that crustal architecture is sensitive to the changing planform of the plume. Water‐loaded residual depth measurements are used to estimate crustal thickness and to infer mantle potential temperature which varies by ±25°C on timescales of 3–8 Ma. This variation is consistent with the range of temperatures inferred from geochemical modeling of dredged basaltic rocks along the ridge axis itself, from changes in Neogene deep‐water circulation, and from the regional record of episodic Cenozoic magmatism. We conclude that radial propagation of transient thermal anomalies within an asthenospheric channel that is 150 ± 50 km thick best accounts for the available geophysical and geochemical observations

CDM and Strong Lensing: Concord or Conflict?

(Abridged) Using the number and sizes of observed gravitational lenses, I derive upper limits on the dark matter content of elliptical galaxies. Galaxies built from Cold Dark Matter (CDM) mass distributions are too concentrated to comfortably satisfy these limits; SCDM is ruled out, and LCDM is only marginally consistent with the data. Thus, lensing adds to the evidence that CDM mass distributions are too concentrated on kiloparsec scales to agree with real galaxies, and extends the argument to elliptical galaxies. By contrast, the lack of central images in radio lenses implies that the central densities of CDM galaxies are too low on ~10 parsec scales, even if supermassive black holes are included. Self-interacting dark matter, or any other modification to regular cold dark matter, must simultaneously reduce the densities on kiloparsec scales and increase the densities on parsec scales in order to satisfy the unique constraints from lensing.Comment: 16 pages, emulateapj5; accepted in ApJ; minor changes from original versio