Analysis of physical parameters associated with the measurement of high-energy x-ray penumbra

1984 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Dawson ◽  
J. M. Harper ◽  
A. C. Akinradewo
2019 ◽  
Vol 629 ◽  
pp. A143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Clerc ◽  
Edoardo Cucchetti ◽  
Etienne Pointecouteau ◽  
Philippe Peille

Context. X-ray observations of galaxy clusters provide insights into the nature of gaseous turbulent motions, their physical scales, and the fundamental processes to which they are related. Spatially-resolved, high-resolution spectral measurements of X-ray emission lines provide diagnostics on the nature of turbulent motions in emitting atmospheres. Since they are acting on scales comparable to the size of the objects, the uncertainty on these physical parameters is limited by the number of observational measurements, through sample variance. Aims. We propose a different and complementary approach to repeating numerical simulations for the computation of sample variance (i.e. Monte-Carlo sampling) by introducing new analytical developments for lines diagnosis. Methods. We considered the model of a “turbulent gas cloud”, consisting in isotropic and uniform turbulence described by a universal Kolmogorov power-spectrum with random amplitudes and phases in an optically thin medium. Following a simple prescription for the four-term correlation of Fourier coefficients, we derived generic expressions for the sample mean and variance of line centroid shift, line broadening, and projected velocity structure function. We performed a numerical validation based on Monte-Carlo simulations for two popular models of gas emissivity based on the β-model. Results. Generic expressions for the sample variance of line centroid shifts and broadening in arbitrary apertures are derived and match the simulations within their range of applicability. Generic expressions for the mean and variance of the structure function are provided and verified against simulations. An application to the Athena/X-IFU (Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics/X-ray Integral Field Unit) and XRISM/Resolve (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) instruments forecasts the potential of sensitive, spatially-resolved spectroscopy to probe the inertial range of turbulent velocity cascades in a Coma-like galaxy cluster. Conclusions. The formulas provided are of generic relevance and can be implemented in forecasts for upcoming or current X-ray instrumentation and observing programmes.


Author(s):  
JULIEN MALZAC

We discuss the nature of the X-ray emitting plasma of black hole binaries. It is well known that the temperature and optical depth of the Comptonising electrons of the X-ray corona of black hole binaries can be measured using spectroscopy in the 1 keV-1 MeV energy band. We emphasize recent developments in the modeling of high energy radiation processes which allow us to constrain other important physical parameters of the corona, such as the strength of magnetic field, or the temperature of the ions. The results appear to challenge current accretion models. In particular, standard advection dominated accretion flow do not match the observed properties of bright hard state X-ray binaries such as Cygnus X-1 or GX 339-4. On the other hand, we find that all the data would be consistent with a multi-zone magnetically dominated hot accretion flow model. We also emphasize that besides the usual spectral state transitions observed at luminosities above a few percent of Eddington, there is observational evidence for at least two additional, more subtle, radiative transitions occuring at lower luminosities.


1985 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
AF Moodie ◽  
SW Wilkins ◽  
TJ Bastow ◽  
P Hannaford

It is pointed out that the basic mathematical structure underlying the physical techniques of (i) two-beam X-ray (or high-energy electron) diffraction from crystals, (ii) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for a spin-i1/2 system and (iii) laser-induced optical transients from atoms is essentially the same. The simplicity of the formalism is such as to readily enable one to tabulate correspondences between the various physical parameters involved in the different techniques and to identify corresponding experimental configurations in many cases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 630 ◽  
pp. A131 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Middei ◽  
S. Bianchi ◽  
A. Marinucci ◽  
G. Matt ◽  
P.-O. Petrucci ◽  
...  

Context. The primary X-ray emission in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is widely believed to be due to Comptonisation of the thermal radiation from the accretion disc in a corona of hot electrons. The resulting spectra can, in first approximation, be modelled with a cut-off power law, the photon index and the high-energy roll-over encoding information on the physical properties of the X ray emitting region. The photon index and the high-energy curvature of AGNs (Γ, Ec) have been largely studied since the launch of X-ray satellites operating above 10 keV. However, high-precision measurements of these two observables have only been obtained in recent years thanks to the unprecedented sensitivity of NuSTAR up to 79 keV. Aims. We aim at deriving relations between Γ, Ec phenomenological parameters and the intrinsic properties of the X-ray-emitting region (the hot corona), namely the optical depth and temperature. Methods. We use MoCA (Monte Carlo code for Comptonisation in Astrophysics) to produce synthetic spectra for the case of an AGN with MBH = 1.5 × 108 M⊙ and ṁ = 0.1 and then compared them with the widely used power-law model with an exponential high-energy cutoff. Results. We provide phenomenological relations relating Γ and Ec with the opacity and temperature of the coronal electrons for the case of spherical and slab-like coronae. These relations give origin to a well defined parameter space which fully contains the observed values. Exploiting the increasing number of high-energy cut-offs quoted in the literature, we report on the comparison of physical quantities obtained using MoCA with those estimated using commonly adopted spectral Comptonisation models. Finally, we discuss the negligible impact of different black hole masses and accretion rates on the inferred relations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 627 ◽  
pp. A89 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Boccardi ◽  
G. Migliori ◽  
P. Grandi ◽  
E. Torresi ◽  
F. Mertens ◽  
...  

Context.In March 2018, the detection by VERITAS of very-high-energy emission (VHE >  100 GeV) from 3C 264 was reported. This is the sixth, and second most distant, radio galaxy ever detected in the TeV regime.Aims.In this article we present a radio and X-ray analysis of the jet in 3C 264. We determine the main physical parameters of the parsec-scale flow and explore the implications of the inferred kinematic structure for radiative models of thisγ-ray emitting jet.Methods.The radio data set is comprised of VLBI observations at 15 GHz from the MOJAVE program, and covers a time period of about two years. Through a segmented wavelet decomposition method (WISE code), we estimated the apparent displacement of individual plasma features; we then performed a pixel-based analysis of the stacked image to determine the jet shape. The X-ray data set includes all available observations from theChandra, XMM, andSwiftsatellites, and is used, together with archival data in the other bands, to build the spectral energy distribution (SED).Results.Proper motion is mostly detected along the edges of the flow, which appears strongly limb brightened. The apparent speeds increase as a function of distance from the core up to a maximum of ∼11.5 c. This constrains the jet viewing angle to assume relatively small values (θ ≲ 10°). In the acceleration region, extending up to a de-projected distance of ∼4.8 × 104Schwarzschild radii (∼11 pc), the jet is collimating (r ∝ z0.40 ± 0.04), as predicted for a magnetically-driven plasma flow. By assuming that the core region is indeed magnetically dominated (UB/Ue >  1), the SED and the jet power can be well reproduced in the framework of leptonic models, provided that the high-energy component is associated to a second emitting region. The possibility that this region is located at the end of the acceleration zone, either in the jet layer or in the spine, is explored in the modeling.


Author(s):  
E. B. Steel

High Purity Germanium (HPGe) x-ray detectors are now commercially available for the analytical electron microscope (AEM). The detectors have superior efficiency at high x-ray energies and superior resolution compared to traditional lithium-drifted silicon [Si(Li)] detectors. However, just as for the Si(Li), the use of the HPGe detectors requires the determination of sensitivity factors for the quantitative chemical analysis of specimens in the AEM. Detector performance, including incomplete charge, resolution, and durability has been compared to a first generation detector. Sensitivity factors for many elements with atomic numbers 10 through 92 have been determined at 100, 200, and 300 keV. This data is compared to Si(Li) detector sensitivity factors.The overall sensitivity and utility of high energy K-lines are reviewed and discussed. Many instruments have one or more high energy K-line backgrounds that will affect specific analytes. One detector-instrument-specimen holder combination had a consistent Pb K-line background while another had a W K-line background.


Author(s):  
James F. Mancuso ◽  
William B. Maxwell ◽  
Russell E. Camp ◽  
Mark H. Ellisman

The imaging requirements for 1000 line CCD camera systems include resolution, sensitivity, and field of view. In electronic camera systems these characteristics are determined primarily by the performance of the electro-optic interface. This component converts the electron image into a light image which is ultimately received by a camera sensor.Light production in the interface occurs when high energy electrons strike a phosphor or scintillator. Resolution is limited by electron scattering and absorption. For a constant resolution, more energy deposition occurs in denser phosphors (Figure 1). In this respect, high density x-ray phosphors such as Gd2O2S are better than ZnS based cathode ray tube phosphors. Scintillating fiber optics can be used instead of a discrete phosphor layer. The resolution of scintillating fiber optics that are used in x-ray imaging exceed 20 1p/mm and can be made very large. An example of a digital TEM image using a scintillating fiber optic plate is shown in Figure 2.


Author(s):  
A.J. Tousimis

An integral and of prime importance of any microtopography and microanalysis instrument system is its electron, x-ray and ion detector(s). The resolution and sensitivity of the electron microscope (TEM, SEM, STEM) and microanalyzers (SIMS and electron probe x-ray microanalyzers) are closely related to those of the sensing and recording devices incorporated with them.Table I lists characteristic sensitivities, minimum surface area and depth analyzed by various methods. Smaller ion, electron and x-ray beam diameters than those listed, are possible with currently available electromagnetic or electrostatic columns. Therefore, improvements in sensitivity and spatial/depth resolution of microanalysis will follow that of the detectors. In most of these methods, the sample surface is subjected to a stationary, line or raster scanning photon, electron or ion beam. The resultant radiation: photons (low energy) or high energy (x-rays), electrons and ions are detected and analyzed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Szafarska ◽  
J. Iwaszko ◽  
K. Kudła ◽  
I. Łegowik

The main aim of the study was the evaluation of magnesium alloy surface treatment effectiveness using high-energy heat sources, i.e. a Yb-YAG Disk Laser and the GTAW method. The AZ91 and AM60 commercial magnesium alloys were subject to surface layer modification. Because of the physicochemical properties of the materials studied in case of the GTAW method, it was necessary to provide the welding stand with additional equipment. A novel two-torch set with torches operating in tandem was developed within the experiment. The effectiveness of specimen remelting using a laser and the GTAW method was verified based on macro- and microscopic examinations as well as in X-ray phase analysis and hardness measurements. In addition, the remelting parameters were optimised. The proposed treatment methodology enabled the achieving of the intended result and effective modification of a magnesium alloy surface layer.


AIAA Journal ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 919-923
Author(s):  
U. Lienert ◽  
H. F. Poulsen ◽  
A. Kvick

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