75 research outputs found
Compton Scattering and the Spin Structure of the Nucleon at Low Energies
We analyze polarized Compton scattering which provides information on the
spin-structure of the nucleon. For scattering processes with photon energies up
to 100 MeV the spin-structure dependence can be encoded into four independent
parameters-the so-called spin-polarizabilities of the
nucleon, which we calculate within the framework of the "small scale expansion"
in SU(2) baryon chiral perturbation theory. Specific application is made to
"forward" and "backward" spin- polarizabilities.Comment: 8 pages revtex file, separation between pion-pole and regular
contributions detailed + minor wording changes, results and conclusions
unchange
How Many CMEs Have Flux Ropes? Deciphering the Signatures of Shocks, Flux Ropes, and Prominences in Coronagraph Observations of CMEs
We intend to provide a comprehensive answer to the question on whether all
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have flux rope structure. To achieve this, we
present a synthesis of the LASCO CME observations over the last sixteen years,
assisted by 3D MHD simulations of the breakout model, EUV and coronagraphic
observations from STEREO and SDO, and statistics from a revised LASCO CME
database. We argue that the bright loop often seen as the CME leading edge is
the result of pileup at the boundary of the erupting flux rope irrespective of
whether a cavity or, more generally, a 3-part CME can be identified. Based on
our previous work on white light shock detection and supported by the MHD
simulations, we identify a new type of morphology, the `two-front' morphology.
It consists of a faint front followed by diffuse emission and the bright
loop-like CME leading edge. We show that the faint front is caused by density
compression at a wave (or possibly shock) front driven by the CME. We also
present high-detailed multi-wavelength EUV observations that clarify the
relative positioning of the prominence at the bottom of a coronal cavity with
clear flux rope structure. Finally, we visually check the full LASCO CME
database for flux rope structures. In the process, we classify the events into
two clear flux rope classes (`3-part', `Loop'), jets and outflows (no clear
structure). We find that at least 40% of the observed CMEs have clear flux rope
structures. We propose a new definition for flux rope CMEs (FR-CMEs) as a
coherent magnetic, twist-carrying coronal structure with angular width of at
least 40 deg and able to reach beyond 10 Rsun which erupts on a time scale of a
few minutes to several hours. We conclude that flux ropes are a common
occurrence in CMEs and pose a challenge for future studies to identify CMEs
that are clearly not FR-CMEs.Comment: 26 pages, 9 figs, to be published in Solar Physics Topical Issue
"Flux Rope Structure of CMEs
Effective theory of the Delta(1232) in Compton scattering off the nucleon
We formulate a new power-counting scheme for a chiral effective field theory
of nucleons, pions, and Deltas. This extends chiral perturbation theory into
the Delta-resonance region. We calculate nucleon Compton scattering up to
next-to-leading order in this theory. The resultant description of existing
p cross section data is very good for photon energies up to about 300
MeV. We also find reasonable numbers for the spin-independent polarizabilities
and .Comment: 29 pp, 9 figs. Minor revisions. To be published in PR
Generalized Polarizabilities of the Nucleon in Chiral Effective Theories
Using the techniques of chiral effective field theories we evaluate the so
called generalized polarizabilities of the nucleon, which characterize the
structure dependent components in virtual Compton scattering (VCS) as probed in
the electron scattering reaction e N \to e' N gamma. Results are given for both
spin-dependent and spin-independent structure effects to O(p^3) in SU(2) Heavy
Baryon Chiral Perturbation Theory and to O(epsilon^3) in the SU(2) Small Scale
Expansion. Finally we compare our calculations with results from the pioneering
VCS experiment on the proton from Mainz.Comment: 39 pages, 12 figures, revte
Real and Virtual Compton Scattering off the Nucleon
A review is given of the very recent developments in the fields of real and
virtual Compton scattering off the nucleon. Both real and virtual Compton
scattering reactions are discussed at low outgoing photon energy where one
accesses polarizabilities of the nucleon. The real Compton scattering at large
momentum transfer is discussed which is asymptotically a tool to obtain
information on the valence quark wave function of the nucleon. The rapid
developments in deeply virtual Compton scattering and associated meson
electroproduction reactions at high energy, high photon virtuality and small
momentum transfer to the nucleon are discussed. A unified theoretical
description of those processes has emerged over the last few years, which gives
access to new, generalized parton distributions. The experimental status and
perspectives in these fields are also discussed.Comment: 25 pages, 17 figure
Predictive powers of chiral perturbation theory in Compton scattering off protons
We study low-energy nucleon Compton scattering in the framework of baryon
chiral perturbation theory (BPT) with pion, nucleon, and (1232)
degrees of freedom, up to and including the next-to-next-to-leading order
(NNLO). We include the effects of order , and , with
MeV the -resonance excitation energy. These are
all "predictive" powers in the sense that no unknown low-energy constants enter
until at least one order higher (i.e, ). Estimating the theoretical
uncertainty on the basis of natural size for effects, we find that
uncertainty of such a NNLO result is comparable to the uncertainty of the
present experimental data for low-energy Compton scattering. We find an
excellent agreement with the experimental cross section data up to at least the
pion-production threshold. Nevertheless, for the proton's magnetic
polarizability we obtain a value of fm, in
significant disagreement with the current PDG value. Unlike the previous
PT studies of Compton scattering, we perform the calculations in a
manifestly Lorentz-covariant fashion, refraining from the heavy-baryon (HB)
expansion. The difference between the lowest order HBPT and BPT
results for polarizabilities is found to be appreciable. We discuss the chiral
behavior of proton polarizabilities in both HBPT and BPT with the
hope to confront it with lattice QCD calculations in a near future. In studying
some of the polarized observables, we identify the regime where their naive
low-energy expansion begins to break down, thus addressing the forthcoming
precision measurements at the HIGS facility.Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures, RevTeX4, revised version published in EPJ
The Physical Processes of CME/ICME Evolution
As observed in Thomson-scattered white light, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are manifest as large-scale expulsions of plasma magnetically driven from the corona in the most energetic eruptions from the Sun. It remains a tantalizing mystery as to how these erupting magnetic fields evolve to form the complex structures we observe in the solar wind at Earth. Here, we strive to provide a fresh perspective on the post-eruption and interplanetary evolution of CMEs, focusing on the physical processes that define the many complex interactions of the ejected plasma with its surroundings as it departs the corona and propagates through the heliosphere. We summarize the ways CMEs and their interplanetary CMEs (ICMEs) are rotated, reconfigured, deformed, deflected, decelerated and disguised during their journey through the solar wind. This study then leads to consideration of how structures originating in coronal eruptions can be connected to their far removed interplanetary counterparts. Given that ICMEs are the drivers of most geomagnetic storms (and the sole driver of extreme storms), this work provides a guide to the processes that must be considered in making space weather forecasts from remote observations of the corona.Peer reviewe
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