Spectral changes during six years of Scorpius X-1 monitoring with BeppoSAX Wide Field Cameras

We analyse a sample of fifty-five observations of Scorpius X-1 available in the BeppoSAX Wide Field Camera public archive and spanning over the six years of BeppoSAX mission life. Spectral changes are initially analysed by inspection of colour-colour and colour-intensity diagrams, we also discuss the shift of the Z tracks in these diagrams. Then we select two long observations for spectral fitting analysis, a secular shift is evident between the tracks in these observations. We finally extract spectra along the tracks and discuss the best fit model, the parameter variations along the track and between tracks, and their link to the accretion rate.Comment: 6 pages, 11 postscrpt figures.To appear in the conference proceedings of `Interacting Binaries: Accretion, Evolution & Outcomes' (Cefalu', July 4-10 2004

On the photon Green functions in curved space-time

Quantization of electrodynamics in curved space-time in the Lorenz gauge and with arbitrary gauge parameter makes it necessary to study Green functions of non-minimal operators with variable coefficients. Starting from the integral representation of photon Green functions, we link them to the evaluation of integrals involving Gamma functions. Eventually, the full asymptotic expansion of the Feynman photon Green function at small values of the world function, as well as its explicit dependence on the gauge parameter, are obtained without adding by hand a mass term to the Faddeev--Popov Lagrangian. Coincidence limits of second covariant derivatives of the associated Hadamard function are also evaluated, as a first step towards the energy-momentum tensor in the non-minimal case.Comment: 22 pages, plain Tex. All sections and appendices have been improve

Liquid actuated gravity experiments

We describe a new actuation technique for gravity experiments based on a liquid field mass. The Characterizing idea is to modulate the gravity force acting on a test mass by controlling the level of a liquid in a suitable container. This allows to obtain a periodical gravity force without moving parts (except the liquid level) close to the TM. We describe in detail the most relevant aspects of the liquid actuator and discuss how it can be used in gravity experiments. In particular we analyse an application to test the inverse square law in the mm to cm distance region

Feasibility of a magnetic suspension for second generation Gravitational Wave interferometers

This paper deals with the use of a magnetic levitation system as a part of a multi-stage seismic attenuator for gravitational wave interferometric antennas. The proposed configuration uses permanent magnets in attraction to balance the suspended weight, plus a closed loop position control to obtain a stable levitation. The system is analyzed using a MATLAB simulation code to compute the forces exerted by extended magnets. The validity of this model has been tested by a comparison with the experimental data from a levitated suspension prototype.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic

Towards weighing the condensation energy to ascertain the Archimedes force of vacuum

The force exerted by the gravitational field on a Casimir cavity in terms of Archimedes force of vacuum is discussed, the force that can be tested against observation is identified, and it is shown that the present technology makes it possible to perform the first experimental tests. The use of suitable high-Tc superconductors as modulators of Archimedes force is motivated. The possibility is analyzed of using gravitational wave interferometers as detectors of the force, transported through an optical spring from the Archimedes vacuum force apparatus to the gravitational interferometer test masses to maintain the two systems well separated. The use of balances to actuate and detect the force is also analyzed, the different solutions are compared, and the most important experimental issues are discussed.Comment: Revtex, 33 pages, 8 figures. In the final version, the title has been changed, and all sections have been improved, while 2 appendices have been adde

A quasi-complete mechanical model for a double torsion pendulum

We present a dynamical model for the double torsion pendulum nicknamed PETER, where one torsion pendulum hangs in cascade, but off-axis, from the other. The dynamics of interest in these devices lies around the torsional resonance, that is at very low frequencies (mHz). However, we find that, in order to properly describe the forced motion of the pendulums, also other modes must be considered, namely swinging and bouncing oscillations of the two suspended masses, that resonate at higher frequencies (Hz). Although the system has obviously 6+6 Degrees of Freedom, we find that 8 are sufficient for an accurate description of the observed motion. This model produces reliable estimates of the response to generic external disturbances and actuating forces or torques. In particular, we compute the effect of seismic floor motion (tilt noise) on the low frequency part of the signal spectra and show that it properly accounts for most of the measured low frequency noise.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figure

Quantum time delay in the gravitational field of a rotating mass

We examine quantum corrections of time delay arising in the gravitational field of a spinning oblate source. Low-energy quantum effects occurring in Kerr geometry are derived within a framework where general relativity is fully seen as an effective field theory. By employing such a pattern, gravitational radiative modifications of Kerr metric are derived from the energy-momentum tensor of the source, which at lowest order in the fields is modelled as a point mass. Therefore, in order to describe a quantum corrected version of time delay in the case in which the source body has a finite extension, we introduce a hybrid scheme where quantum fluctuations affect only the monopole term occurring in the multipole expansion of the Newtonian potential. The predicted quantum deviation from the corresponding classical value turns out to be too small to be detected in the next future, showing that new models should be examined in order to test low-energy quantum gravity within the solar system

Quantum time delay in the gravitational field of a rotating mass

We examine quantum corrections of time delay arising in the gravitational field of a spinning oblate source. Low-energy quantum effects occurring in Kerr geometry are derived within a framework where general relativity is fully seen as an effective field theory. By employing such a pattern, gravitational radiative modifications of Kerr metric are derived from the energy-momentum tensor of the source, which at lowest order in the fields is modelled as a point mass. Therefore, in order to describe a quantum corrected version of time delay in the case in which the source body has a finite extension, we introduce a hybrid scheme where quantum fluctuations affect only the monopole term occurring in the multipole expansion of the Newtonian potential. The predicted quantum deviation from the corresponding classical value turns out to be too small to be detected in the next future, showing that new models should be examined in order to test low-energy quantum gravity within the solar system