scholarly journals Cold electrons at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

2018 ◽  
Vol 616 ◽  
pp. A51 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. D. Engelhardt ◽  
A. I. Eriksson ◽  
E. Vigren ◽  
X. Valliéres ◽  
M. Rubin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Langmuir Probe ◽  
Impact Ionization ◽  
Electron Cooling ◽  
Gas Temperature ◽  
Total Electron Density ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Gas Density ◽  
Neutral Gas ◽  
Cold Electrons ◽  
Comet 67P

Context. The electron temperature of the plasma is one important aspect of the environment. Electrons created by photoionization or impact ionization of atmospheric gas have energies ~10 eV. In an active comet coma, the gas density is high enough for rapid cooling of the electron gas to the neutral gas temperature (a few hundred kelvin). How cooling evolves in less active comets has not been studied before. Aims. We aim to investigate how electron cooling varied as comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko changed its activity by three orders of magnitude during the Rosetta mission. Methods. We used in situ data from the Rosetta plasma and neutral gas sensors. By combining Langmuir probe bias voltage sweeps and mutual impedance probe measurements, we determined at which time cold electrons formed at least 25% of the total electron density. We compared the results to what is expected from simple models of electron cooling, using the observed neutral gas density as input. Results. We demonstrate that the slope of the Langmuir probe sweep can be used as a proxy for the presence of cold electrons. We show statistics of cold electron observations over the two-year mission period. We find cold electrons at lower activity than expected by a simple model based on free radial expansion and continuous loss of electron energy. Cold electrons are seen mainly when the gas density indicates that an exobase may have formed. Conclusions. Collisional cooling of electrons following a radial outward path is not sufficient to explain the observations. We suggest that the ambipolar electric field keeps electrons in the inner coma for a much longer time, giving them time to dissipate energy by collisions with the neutrals. We conclude that better models are required to describe the plasma environment of comets. They need to include at least two populations of electrons and the ambipolar field.

scholarly journals Observations of a mix of cold and warm electrons by RPC-MIP at 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

2020 ◽  
Vol 640 ◽  
pp. A110
Author(s):  
N. Gilet ◽  
P. Henri ◽  
G. Wattieaux ◽  
N. Traoré ◽  
A. I. Eriksson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Density Ratio ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Temperature Plasma ◽  
Total Electron Density ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Mutual Impedance ◽  
Impedance Probe ◽  
Resonance Principle ◽  
Cold Electrons

Context. The Mutual Impedance Probe (MIP) of the Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC) onboard the Rosetta orbiter which was in operation for more than two years, between August 2014 and September 2016 to monitor the electron density in the cometary ionosphere of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Based on the resonance principle of the plasma eigenmodes, recent models of the mutual impedance experiment have shown that in a two-electron temperature plasma, such an instrument is able to separate the two isotropic electron populations and retrieve their properties. Aims. The goal of this paper is to identify and characterize regions of the cometary ionized environment filled with a mix of cold and warm electron populations, which was observed by Rosetta during the cometary operation phase. Methods. To reach this goal, this study identifies and investigates the in situ mutual impedance spectra dataset of the RPC-MIP instrument that contains the characteristics of a mix of cold and warm electrons, with a special focus on instrumental signatures typical of large cold-to-total electron density ratio (from 60 to 90%), that is, regions strongly dominated by the cold electron component. Results. We show from the observational signatures that the mix of cold and warm cometary electrons strongly depends on the cometary latitude. Indeed, in the southern hemisphere of 67P, where the neutral outgassing activity was higher than in northern hemisphere during post-perihelion, the cold electrons were more abundant, confirming the role of electron-neutral collisions in the cooling of cometary electrons. We also show that the cold electrons are mainly observed outside the nominal electron-neutral collision-dominated region (exobase), where electrons are expected to have cooled down. This which indicates that the cold electrons have been transported outward. Finally, RPC-MIP detected cold electrons far from the perihelion, where the neutral outgassing activity is lower, in regions where no electron exobase was expected to have formed. This suggests that the cometary neutrals provide a more frequent or efficient cooling of the electrons than expected for a radially expanding ionosphere.

scholarly journals 2-D Simulation for focus of rotating and propagating ion beam in neutral gas

1990 ◽  
Vol 8 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Takayuki Aoki ◽  
Keishiro Niu
Keyword(s):  
Field Emission ◽  
Plasma Density ◽  
Impact Ionization ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Neutral Hydrogen ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Gas Density ◽  
Neutral Gas ◽  
Hybrid Code

Focusing processes of rotating and propagating proton beams in a neutral hydrogen gas are studied numerically by using a two-dimensional hybrid code. Processes including beam impact ionization, plasma avalanche and field emission are taken into consideration. The plasma formation time depends on the initial gas density and the beam intensity. When 2-Torr neutral gas is filled initially, enough plasma density is created by the rising part of the beam pulse, so that the main pulse is focused and forms a rotating and propagatingbeam configuration.

Revisiting the charge density analysis of 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone at 20 K

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 654-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijie Chua ◽  
Bartosz Zarychta ◽  
Christopher G. Gianopoulos ◽  
Vladimir V. Zhurov ◽  
A. Alan Pinkerton
Keyword(s):  
Charge Density ◽  
Electron Density ◽  
Topological Analysis ◽  
Diffraction Measurement ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Total Electron Density ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Structure Factors ◽  
Density Analysis ◽  
Experimental Charge Density

A high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurement of 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) at 20 K was carried out. The experimental charge density was modeled using the Hansen–Coppens multipolar expansion and the topology of the electron density was analyzed in terms of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Two different multipole models, predominantly differentiated by the treatment of the chlorine atom, were obtained. The experimental results have been compared to theoretical results in the form of a multipolar refinement against theoretical structure factors and through direct topological analysis of the electron density obtained from the optimized periodic wavefunction. The similarity of the properties of the total electron density in all cases demonstrates the robustness of the Hansen–Coppens formalism. All intra- and intermolecular interactions have been characterized.

scholarly journals Understanding the Dipole Moment of Liquid Water from a Self-Attractive Hartree Decomposition

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianyu Zhu ◽  
Troy Van Voorhis
Keyword(s):  
Dipole Moment ◽  
Dielectric Properties ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Bulk Water ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Total Electron Density ◽  
Total Electron

<p>The dipole moment of a single water molecule in liquid water has been a critical concept for understanding water’s dielectric properties. In this work, we investigate the dipole moment of liquid water through a self-attractive Hartree (SAH) decomposition of total electron density computed by density functional theory, on water clusters sampled from ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of bulk water. By adjusting one parameter that controls the degree of density localization, we reveal two distinct pictures of water dipoles that are consistent with bulk dielectric properties: a localized picture with smaller and less polarizable monomer dipoles, and a delocalized picture with larger and more polarizable monomer dipoles. We further uncover that the collective dipole-dipole correlation is stronger in the localized picture and is key to connecting individual dipoles with bulk dielectric properties. Based on these findings, we suggest considering both individual and collective dipole behaviors when studying the dipole moment of liquid water, and propose new design strategies for developing water models.</p>

scholarly journals Understanding the Dipole Moment of Liquid Water from a Self-Attractive Hartree Decomposition

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianyu Zhu ◽  
Troy Van Voorhis
Keyword(s):  
Dipole Moment ◽  
Dielectric Properties ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Bulk Water ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Total Electron Density ◽  
Total Electron

<p>The dipole moment of a single water molecule in liquid water has been a critical concept for understanding water’s dielectric properties. In this work, we investigate the dipole moment of liquid water through a self-attractive Hartree (SAH) decomposition of total electron density computed by density functional theory, on water clusters sampled from ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of bulk water. By adjusting one parameter that controls the degree of density localization, we reveal two distinct pictures of water dipoles that are consistent with bulk dielectric properties: a localized picture with smaller and less polarizable monomer dipoles, and a delocalized picture with larger and more polarizable monomer dipoles. We further uncover that the collective dipole-dipole correlation is stronger in the localized picture and is key to connecting individual dipoles with bulk dielectric properties. Based on these findings, we suggest considering both individual and collective dipole behaviors when studying the dipole moment of liquid water, and propose new design strategies for developing water models.</p>

scholarly journals Interpreting high spatial resolution line observations of planet-forming disks with gaps and rings: the case of HD 163296

2020 ◽  
Vol 642 ◽  
pp. A165
Author(s):  
Ch. Rab ◽  
I. Kamp ◽  
C. Dominik ◽  
C. Ginski ◽  
G. A. Muro-Arena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
High Spatial Resolution ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Back Side ◽  
Gas Temperature ◽  
Disk Model ◽  
Gas Density ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gas Properties

Context. Spatially resolved continuum observations of planet-forming disks show prominent ring and gap structures in their dust distribution. However, the picture from gas observations is much less clear and constraints on the radial gas density structure (i.e. gas gaps) remain rare and uncertain. Aims. We want to investigate the importance of thermo-chemical processes for the interpretation of high-spatial-resolution gas observations of planet-forming disks and their impact on the derived gas properties. Methods. We applied the radiation thermo-chemical disk code PRODIMO (PROtoplanetary DIsk MOdel) to model the dust and gas disk of HD 163296 self-consistently, using the DSHARP (Disk Substructure at High Angular Resolution) gas and dust observations. With this model we investigated the impact of dust gaps and gas gaps on the observables and the derived gas properties, considering chemistry, and heating and cooling processes. Results. We find distinct peaks in the radial line intensity profiles of the CO line data of HD 163296 at the location of the dust gaps. Our model indicates that those peaks are not only a consequence of a gas temperature increase within the gaps but are mainly caused by the absorption of line emission from the back side of the disk by the dust rings. For two of the three prominent dust gaps in HD 163296, we find that thermo-chemical effects are negligible for deriving density gradients via measurements of the rotation velocity. However, for the gap with the highest dust depletion, the temperature gradient can be dominant and needs to be considered to derive accurate gas density profiles. Conclusions. Self-consistent gas and dust thermo-chemical modelling in combination with high-quality observations of multiple molecules are necessary to accurately derive gas gap depths and shapes. This is crucial to determine the origin of gaps and rings in planet-forming disks and to improve the mass estimates of forming planets if they are the cause of the gap.

Comet P/Halley neutral gas density profile along the Vega-1 trajectory measured by the Neutral Gas Experiment

1988 ◽  
pp. 360-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. C. Curtis ◽  
C. Y. Fan ◽  
K. C. Hsieh ◽  
D. M. Hunten ◽  
W.-H. Ip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Density Profile ◽  
Gas Density ◽  
Neutral Gas ◽  
Vega 1

scholarly journals Solar flares observed by Rosetta at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

2019 ◽  
Vol 630 ◽  
pp. A49 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. T. Edberg ◽  
F. L. Johansson ◽  
A. I. Eriksson ◽  
D. J. Andrews ◽  
R. Hajra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Density ◽  
Solar Flares ◽  
Langmuir Probe ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Vantage Point ◽  
Spectral Model ◽  
Time Of Arrival ◽  
Observable Effect ◽  
Density Measurements ◽  
Comet 67P

Context. The Rosetta spacecraft made continuous measurements of the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) for more than two years. The plasma in the coma appeared very dynamic, and many factors control its variability. Aims. We wish to identify the effects of solar flares on the comet plasma and also their effect on the measurements by the Langmuir Probe Instrument (LAP). Methods. To identify the effects of flares, we proceeded from an existing flare catalog of Earth-directed solar flares, from which a new list was created that only included Rosetta-directed flares. We also used measurements of flares at Mars when at similar longitudes as Rosetta. The flare irradiance spectral model (FISM v.1) and its Mars equivalent (FISM-M) produce an extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) irradiance (10–120 nm) of the flares at 1 min resolution. LAP data and density measurements obtained with the Mutual Impedence Probe (MIP) from the time of arrival of the flares at Rosetta were examined to determine the flare effects. Results. From the vantage point of Earth, 1504 flares directed toward Rosetta occurred during the mission. In only 24 of these, that is, 1.6%, was the increase in EUV irradiance large enough to cause an observable effect in LAP data. Twenty-four Mars-directed flares were also observed in Rosetta data. The effect of the flares was to increase the photoelectron current by typically 1–5 nA. We find little evidence that the solar flares increase the plasma density, at least not above the background variability. Conclusions. Solar flares have a small effect on the photoelectron current of the LAP instrument, and they are not significant in comparison to other factors that control the plasma density in the coma. The photoelectron current can only be used for flare detection during periods of calm plasma conditions.

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