1,719 research outputs found
Strong lensing constraints on the velocity dispersion and density profile of elliptical galaxies
We use the statistics of strong gravitational lensing from the CLASS survey
to impose constraints on the velocity dispersion and density profile of
elliptical galaxies. This approach differs from much recent work, where the
luminosity function, velocity dispersion and density profile were typically
{\it assumed} in order to constrain cosmological parameters. It is indeed
remarkable that observational cosmology has reached the point where we can
consider using cosmology to constrain astrophysics, rather than vice versa. We
use two different observables to obtain our constraints (total optical depth
and angular distributions of lensing events). In spite of the relatively poor
statistics and the uncertain identification of lenses in the survey, we obtain
interesting constraints on the velocity dispersion and density profiles of
elliptical galaxies. For example, assuming the SIS density profile and
marginalizing over other relevant parameters, we find 168 km/s < sigma_* < 200
km/s (68% CL), and 158 km/s < sigma_* < 220 km/s (95% CL). Furthermore, if we
instead assume a generalized NFW density profile and marginalize over other
parameters, the slope of the profile is constrained to be 1.50 < beta < 2.00
(95% CL). We also constrain the concentration parameter as a function of the
density profile slope in these models. These results are essentially
independent of the exact knowledge of cosmology. We briefly discuss the
possible impact on these constraints of allowing the galaxy luminosity function
to evolve with redshift, and also possible useful future directions for
exploration.Comment: Uses the final JVAS/CLASS sample, more careful choice of ellipticals,
added discussion of possible biases. Final results essentially unchanged.
Matches the MNRAS versio
Study of Ni and Zn doped CeOFeAs: Effect on the structural transition and specific heat capacity
We have systematically studied the substitution of nonmagnetic Zn and
magnetic Ni at iron sites in Ce based oxypnictide. The parent compound
(CeOFeAs) shows an anomaly in resistivity around 150 K due to structural
transition from tetragonal (space group: P4/nmm) to orthorhombic structure
(space group: Cmma). Substitution of Zn suppresses this anomaly to lower
temperature (~130 K) but Ni substitution does not show any anomaly around this
temperature and the compound behaves like a metal. Further, we find that non
magnetic (Zn) doping leads to higher impurity scattering as compared to
magnetic Ni doping. Similar to the resistivity measurement, the specific heat
shows another jump near 4 K for CeOFeAs. This is attributed to the ordering of
Ce3+ moments. This peak shifts to 3.8 K for Zn substituted compound and there
is no change in the ordering temperature in the Ni substituted CeOFeAs. These
peaks are broadened in applied magnetic field (5 T) and the calculated magnetic
entropy tends to saturate at the same value for 0 T and 5 T external magnetic
field.Comment: 16 pages Text+Fig
Improved Cosmological Constraints from Gravitational Lens Statistics
We combine the Cosmic Lens All-Sky Survey (CLASS) with new Sloan Digital Sky
Survey (SDSS) data on the local velocity dispersion distribution function of
E/S0 galaxies, , to derive lens statistics constraints on
and . Previous studies of this kind relied on a
combination of the E/S0 galaxy luminosity function and the Faber-Jackson
relation to characterize the lens galaxy population. However, ignoring
dispersion in the Faber-Jackson relation leads to a biased estimate of
and therefore biased and overconfident constraints on the
cosmological parameters. The measured velocity dispersion function from a large
sample of E/S0 galaxies provides a more reliable method for probing cosmology
with strong lens statistics. Our new constraints are in good agreement with
recent results from the redshift-magnitude relation of Type Ia supernovae.
Adopting the traditional assumption that the E/S0 velocity function is constant
in comoving units, we find a maximum likelihood estimate of --0.78 for a spatially flat unvierse (where the range reflects uncertainty
in the number of E/S0 lenses in the CLASS sample), and a 95% confidence upper
bound of . If instead evolves in accord
with extended Press-Schechter theory, then the maximum likelihood estimate for
becomes 0.72--0.78, with the 95% confidence upper bound
. Even without assuming flatness, lensing provides
independent confirmation of the evidence from Type Ia supernovae for a nonzero
dark energy component in the universe.Comment: 35 pages, 15 figures, to be published in Ap
Handling and analysis of ices in cryostats and glove boxes in view of cometary samples
Comet nucleus sample return mission and other return missions from planets and satellites need equipment for handling and analysis of icy samples at low temperatures under vacuum or protective gas. Two methods are reported which were developed for analysis of small icy samples and which are modified for larger samples in cometary matter simulation experiments (KOSI). A conventional optical cryostat system was modified to allow for transport of samples at 5 K, ion beam irradiation, and measurement in an off-line optical spectrophotometer. The new system consists of a removable window plug containing nozzles for condensation of water and volatiles onto a cold finger. This plug can be removed in a vacuum system, changed against another plug (e.g., with other windows (IR, VIS, VUV) or other nozzles). While open, the samples can be treated under vacuum with cooling by manipulators (cut, removal, sample taking, irradiation with light, photons, or ions). After bringing the plug back, the samples can be moved to another site of analysis. For handling the 30 cm diameter mineral-ice samples from the KOSI experiments an 80x80x80 cm glove box made out of plexiglass was used. The samples were kept in a liquid nitrogen bath, which was filled from the outside. A stream a dry N2 and evaporating gas from the bath purified the glove box from impurity gases and, in particular, H2O, which otherwise would condense onto the samples
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