Grantecan spectroscopic observations and confirmations of Planetary Nebulae candidates in the Northern Galactic Plane

We present Grantecan 10 m telescope (GTC) spectroscopic confirmations of 55 faint Planetary Nebulae (PNe) candidates discovered largely in the INT Photometric H$_\alpha$ Survey of the Northern Galactic Plane (IPHAS) by our pro-am collaboration. We confirm 46 of them as 'True' (T), 4 as 'Likely' (L) and 5 as 'Possible' (P) PNe and including 5 new PNe central star (CSPN) discoveries. This was from observations of 62 new candidates yielding a maximum PN discovery success rate of 89%. The sensitivity and longer wavelength coverage of IPHAS allows PNe to be found in regions of greater extinction and at these lower Galactic latitudes, including PNe in a more advanced evolutionary state and at larger distances compared to previously known Galactic PNe. We use an holistic set of observed characteristics and optical emission-line diagnostics to confirm candidates. Plasma properties have been determined in a self-consistent way using PyNeb. This work is facilitated by the functionality of our powerful, multi-wavelength database 'HASH' (Hong Kong, Australian Astronomical Observatory, Strasbourg Observatory H-alpha Planetary Nebula catalogue) that federates known imaging, spectroscopy and other pertinent data for all Galactic T, L, P PNe and the significant numbers of mimics. Reddenings, corrected radial velocities and PNe electron density and temperature estimates are provided for these new PNe where possible.Comment: Accepted for publication by MNRA

Contribution of HEP electronics techniques to the medical imaging field

présenté par P.-E. Vert, proceedings sous forme de CD Imagerie Médical

Electronics and Trigger developments for the Diffractive Physics Proposal at 220 m from LHC-ATLAS

The instrumentation consists of two sets of Roman Pots installed respectively at 216 and 224m on both sides from the ATLAS IP to measure with precision the position (< 10 micrometers) and the timing (< 5ps) of the two back to back diffracted protons tracks. Each Roman Pot is equipped with several planes of Silicon strips detectors read out by a new version of the ATLAS Silicon tracker ABCD readout chip with a longer latency (6.4 microseconds) and fast OR outputs defining a track segment. Theses inputs are to be combined in time with the ATLAS level 1 trigger accept signal. In addition, these tracks are time filtered with a very fast timing detector (MCP-PMT) allowing to constraint further at the level 2 the position of the IP within a one millimetre precision., The description of the electronics and trigger system as well as the various technical issues associated with such challenging experiments (clocks, cabling,, time monitoring) will be presented

V618 Sgr: Galactic eclipsing symbiotic nova detected in repeated outbursts

V618 Sgr was previously classified as an R CrB-type variable and later as a possible symbiotic star. Our study aims to analyse the nature of this target, which is currently undergoing significant brightening in properties similar to those of known symbiotic novae. We analyse literature information, photometric observations, and 35 new optical spectra. Our findings strongly suggest that V618 Sgr is an eclipsing symbiotic nova currently in outburst. Additionally, since the star has demonstrated at least two similar brightenings in the past, we propose that V618 Sgr could be the first known galactic symbiotic nova observed in repeated outbursts of this type and may host a relatively massive white dwarf.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, 1 table; accepted in MNRA

The use of 3D printing in the development of gaseous radiation detectors

Fused Deposition Modelling has been used to produce a small, single wire, Iarocci-style drift tube to demonstrate the feasibility of using the Additive Manufacturing technique to produce cheap detectors, quickly. Recent technological developments have extended the scope of Additive Manufacturing, or 3D printing, to the possibility of fabricating Gaseous Radiation Detectors, such as Single Wire Proportional Counters and Time Projection Chambers. 3D printing could allow for the production of customisable, modular detectors; that can be easily created and replaced and the possibility of printing detectors on-site in remote locations and even for outreach within schools. The 3D printed drift tube was printed using Polylactic acid to produce a gas volume in the shape of an inverted triangular prism; base length of 28 mm, height 24.25 mm and tube length 145 mm. A stainless steel anode wire was placed in the centre of the tube, mid-print. P5 gas (95% Argon, 5% Methane) was used as the drift gas and a circuit was built to capacitively decouple signals from the high voltage. The signal rate and average pulse height of cosmic ray muons were measured over a range of bias voltages to characterise and prove correct operation of the printed detector

New measurement of exotic decay of 225^{225}Ac by 14^{14}C emission

The branching ratio of $^{225}$Ac decay by emission of $^{14}$C was remeasured under improved experimental conditions by using a radioactive source produced at the ISOLDE mass-separator at CERN and a nuclear track detector technique. The result, B=$\lambda_{^{14}\textrm{C}} / \lambda_{\alpha} = (4.5 \pm 1.4) 10^{-12}$, is consistent with the anomalously high value obtained in the 1993 experiment thus confirming the importance of nuclear structure effects in this exotic decay