Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Graphene quantum dots from chemistry to applications

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been widely studied in recent years due to its unique structure-related properties, such as optical, electrical and optoelectrical properties. GQDs are considered new kind of quantum dots (QDs), as they are chemically and physically stable because of its intrinsic inert carbon property. Furthermore, GQDs are environmentally friendly due to its non-toxic and biologically inert properties, which have attracted worldwide interests from academic and industry. In this review, a number of GQDs preparation methods, such as hydrothermal method, microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, soft-template method, liquid exfoliation method, metal-catalyzed method and electron beam lithography method etc., are summarized. Their structural, morphological, chemical composition, optical, electrical and optoelectrical properties have been characterized and studied. A variety of elemental dopant, such as nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, fluorine and potassium etc., have been doped into GQDs to diversify the functions of the material. The control of its size and shape has been realized by means of preparation parameters, such as synthesis temperature, growth time, source concentration and catalyst etc. As far as energy level engineering is concerned, the elemental doping has shown an introduction of energy level in GQDs which may tune the optical, electrical and optoelectrical properties of the GQDs. The applications of GQDs in biological imaging, optoelectrical detectors, solar cells, light emitting diodes, fluorescent agent, photocatalysis, and lithium ion battery are described. GQD composites, having optimized contents and properties, are also discussed to extend the applications of GQDs. Basic physical and chemical parameters of GQDs are summarized by tables in this review, which will provide readers useful information

Multi-messenger Observations of a Binary Neutron Star Merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ∼ 1.7 {{s}} with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of {40}-8+8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 {M}ȯ . An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ∼ 40 {{Mpc}}) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One-Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ∼10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ∼ 9 and ∼ 16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC 4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta.</p

Effect of Mo on the High-Temperature Creep Resistance and Machinability of a Recycled Al-Alloy with High Iron Impurity

Reported work focuses on the effect of morphology of the Fe-rich intermetallic phases on the machinability of Al-alloy containing >2wt.% Fe, obtained from automotive scrap. Effect of Mo addition on the microstructure, high-temperature impression creep and thereby the machinability of the Al-recycled alloy were studied. The machinability of the recycled alloy was estimated by investigating the built-up-edge (BUE) and surface roughness (Ra). SEM-EDS and TEM-SADP studies have shown that the crystal structure (BCC) of the Al8Fe2Si phase remained unchanged; however, Mo replaced few Fe atoms with little effect on the lattice dimension. It has been found that the addition of Mo to the recycled alloy suppresses the formation of β-phase (Al5FeSi) by suppressing the peritectic transformation of α (Al8Fe2Si) phase. Such suppression is found to improve the high-temperature creep resistance and the machinability with the increase in the Mo addition level

SUBBASE: An Authentication Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on User Biometrics

To keep a network secure, a user authentication scheme that allows only authenticated users to access network services is required. However, the limited resources of sensor nodes make providing authentication a challenging task. We therefore propose a new method of security for a wireless sensor network (WSN). Our technique, Secure User Biometric Based Authentication Scheme (SUBBASe), is based on the user biometrics for WSNs. It achieves a higher security level as well as improved network performance. This solution consists of easy operations and light computations. Herein, the proposed technique is evaluated and compared with previous existing techniques. This scheme increases the performance of the network by reducing network traffic, defending against DOS attacks, and increasing the battery life of a node. Consequently, the functionality and performance of the entire network is improved

Effect of Mo on the High-Temperature Creep Resistance and Machinability of a Recycled Al-Alloy with High Iron Impurity

Reported work focuses on the effect of morphology of the Fe-rich intermetallic phases on the machinability of Al-alloy containing > 2wt.% Fe, obtained from automotive scrap. Effect of Mo addition on the microstructure, high-temperature impression creep and thereby the machinability of the Al-recycled alloy were studied. The machinability of the recycled alloy was estimated by investigating the built-up-edge (BUE) and surface roughness (R (a)). SEM-EDS and TEM-SADP studies have shown that the crystal structure (BCC) of the Al8Fe2Si phase remained unchanged; however, Mo replaced few Fe atoms with little effect on the lattice dimension. It has been found that the addition of Mo to the recycled alloy suppresses the formation of beta-phase (Al5FeSi) by suppressing the peritectic transformation of alpha (Al8Fe2Si) phase. Such suppression is found to improve the high-temperature creep resistance and the machinability with the increase in the Mo addition level.1113sciescopu