Compatibility of neutron star masses and hyperon coupling constants

It is shown that the modern equations of state for neutron star matter based on microscopic calculations of symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter are compatible with the lower bound on the maximum neutron-star mass for a certain range of hyperon coupling constants, which are constrained by the binding energies of hyperons in symmetric nuclear matter. The hyperons are included by means of the relativistic Hartree-- or Hartree--Fock approximation. The obtained couplings are also in satisfactory agreement with hypernuclei data in the relativistic Hartree scheme. Within the relativistic Hartree--Fock approximation hypernuclei have not been investigated so far.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures. Dedicated to Prof. Georg Suessmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday. To be published in Zeitschrift fuer Naturforschung

Symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter in the relativistic approach at finite temperatures

The properties of hot matter are studied in the frame of the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory. The equations are solved self-consistently in the full Dirac space. For the interaction we used the potentials given by Brockmann and Machleidt. The obtained critical temperatures are smaller than in most of the nonrelativistic investigations. We also calculated the thermodynamic properties of hot matter in the relativistic Hartree--Fock approximation, where the force parameters were adjusted to the outcome of the relativistic Brueckner--Hartree--Fock calculations at zero temperature. Here, one obtains higher critical temperatures, which are comparable with other relativistic calculations in the Hartree scheme.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figures, submitted in a shorter version to Phys. Rev.

Discovery of the secondary eclipse of HAT-P-11 b

We report the detection of the secondary eclipse of HAT-P-11 b, a Neptune-sized planet orbiting an active K4 dwarf. Using all available short-cadence data of the Kepler mission, we derive refined planetary ephemeris increasing their precision by more than an order of magnitude. Our simultaneous primary and secondary transit modeling results in improved transit and orbital parameters. In particular, the precise timing of the secondary eclipse allows to pin down the orbital eccentricity to $0.26459_{-0.00048}^{+0.00069}$. The secondary eclipse depth of $6.09_{-1.11}^{+1.12}$ ppm corresponds to a $5.5\sigma$ detection and results in a geometric albedo of $0.39\pm0.07$ for HAT-P-11 b, close to Neptune's value, which may indicate further resemblances between these two bodies. Due to the substantial orbital eccentricity, the planetary equilibrium temperature is expected to change significantly with orbital position and ought to vary between $630^\circ$ K and $950^\circ$ K, depending on the details of heat redistribution in the atmosphere of HAT-P-11 b.Comment: Accepted by A&A, 27/10/201

A planetary eclipse map of CoRoT-2a. Comprehensive lightcurve modeling combining rotational-modulation and transits

We analyze the surface structure of the planet host star CoRoT-2a using a consistent model for both the `global' (i.e., rotationally modulated) lightcurve and the transit lightcurves, using data provided by the CoRoT mission. Selecting a time interval covering two stellar rotations and six transits of the planetary companion CoRoT-2b, we adopt a `strip' model of the surface to reproduce the photometric modulation inside and outside the transits simultaneously. Our reconstructions show that it is possible to achieve appropriate fits for the entire sub-interval using a low-resolution surface model with 36 strips. The surface reconstructions indicate that the brightness on the eclipsed section of the stellar surface is (6 +/- 1) % lower than the average brightness of the remaining surface. This result suggests a concentration of stellar activity in a band around the stellar equator similar to the behavior observed on the Sun.Comment: accepted by A&A on 12/09/200

Neutron star properties with relativistic equations of state

We study the properties of neutron stars adopting relativistic equations of state of neutron star matter, calculated in the framework of the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approximation for electrically charge neutral neutron star matter in beta-equilibrium. For higher densities more baryons (hyperons etc.) are included by means of the relativistic Hartree- or Hartree-Fock approximation. The special features of the different approximations and compositions are discussed in detail. Besides standard neutron star properties special emphasis is put on the limiting periods of neutron stars, for which the Kepler criterion and gravitation-reaction instabilities are considered. Furthermore the cooling behaviour of neutron stars is investigated, too. For comparison we give also the outcome for some nonrelativistic equations of state.Comment: 43 pages, 22 ps-figures, to be published in the International Journal of Modern Physics

R2D2 - a symmetric measurement of reactor neutrinos free of systematical errors

We discuss a symmetric setup for a reactor neutrino oscillation experiment consisting of two reactors separated by about 1 km, and two symmetrically placed detectors, one close to each reactor. We show that such a configuration allows a determination of $\sin^22\theta_{13}$ which is essentially free of systematical errors, if it is possible to separate the contributions of the two reactors in each detector sufficiently. This can be achieved either by considering data when in an alternating way only one reactor is running or by directional sensitivity obtained from the neutron displacement in the detector.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, clarifications added, some numbers in relation with the neutron displacement corrected, version to appear in JHE

Growth, micro-structuring, spectroscopy, and optical gain in as-deposited Al2O3:ErAl_2O_3:Er waveguides

Deposition and micro-structuring of $Al_2O_3:Er$ layers with low background losses (0.11 dB/cm) and lifetimes up to 7 ms have been optimized for active devices. Net gain of 0.7 dB/cm at 1533 nm has been measured.\ud \u

Planetary eclipse mapping of CoRoT-2a. Evolution, differential rotation, and spot migration

The lightcurve of CoRoT-2 shows substantial rotational modulation and deformations of the planet's transit profiles caused by starspots. We consistently model the entire lightcurve, including both rotational modulation and transits, stretching over approximately 30 stellar rotations and 79 transits. The spot distribution and its evolution on the noneclipsed and eclipsed surface sections are presented and analyzed, making use of the high resolution achievable under the transit path. We measure the average surface brightness on the eclipsed section to be (5\pm1) % lower than on the noneclipsed section. Adopting a solar spot contrast, the spot coverage on the entire surface reaches up to 19 % and a maximum of almost 40 % on the eclipsed section. Features under the transit path, i.e. close to the equator, rotate with a period close to 4.55 days. Significantly higher rotation periods are found for features on the noneclipsed section indicating a differential rotation of $\Delta \Omega > 0.1$. Spotted and unspotted regions in both surface sections concentrate on preferred longitudes separated by roughly 180 deg.Comment: Paper accepted by A&A 17/02/2010. For a better resolution paper please visit my homepage: http://www.hs.uni-hamburg.de/EN/Ins/Per/Huber/index.htm