The Chemical Evolution of QSO Absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellison, Sara L.

2000-06-01

The chemical evolution of the high redshift intergalactic and interstellar media of galaxies is studied using QSO absorption lines. The redshift evolution of damped Lyman alpha (DLA) system metallicity is studied down to z=0.5, and no significant increase in metals is found. The CIV/HI ratio in the Lyman alpha forest is investigated at z approximately 3 and traces of are metals found in the low density HI gas with optical depth of around 1. Finally, a new survey for DLAs in a radio-selected sample of QSOs is presented, with the aim of determining whether a significant dust bias may have affected previous surveys.

A new detection of an UFO in the X-ray spectrum of a lensed QSO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadina, M.

2017-10-01

The discovery of the "M_{SMBH}-σ relation" indicated that a connection between the central black-hole and the hosting galaxies acted during the cosmic time. With the discovery in X-rays of the ultra-fast outflows in nearby AGN, we have most probably probed one of the ingredients that are needed to build-up this mechanism. At high-z, however, such measurements were possible only in an handful of objects and this was possible mainly for the presence of gravitational lenses that magnified otherwise X-ray weak QSO. Following this, we proposed a program to use XMM-Newton and gravitational lenses as telescopes to point bright, lensed and distant QSO to characterize in detail their X-ray spectrum and to detect blushifted absorption lines at E˜7-10 keV (rest frame). Here we present the preliminary results obtained for the z=2.64 QSO MG J0414+0534.

QSO Narrow [OIII] Line Width and Host Galaxy Luminosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonning, E. W.; Shields, G. A.; Salviander, S.

2004-05-01

Established correlations between galaxy bulge luminosity L, black hole mass MBH, and stellar velocity dispersion sigma in galaxies suggest a close relationship between the growth of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. Measurements of the MBH - sigma relationship as a function of cosmic time may shed light on the origin of this relationship. One approach is to derive MBH and sigma from the widths of QSO broad and narrow lines, respectively (Shields et al. 2003, ApJ, 583, 124; Nelson 2000, ApJ, 544, L91). We investigate the utility of using the velocity of the narrow line emitting gas as a surrogate for stellar velocity dispersion in QSOs by examining host magnitudes and [OIII] line widths for low redshift QSOs. For our limited range of L, the increase in sigma with L predicted by the Faber-Jackson relation is substantially obscured by scatter. However, sigma([O III]) is consistent in the mean with host galaxy luminosity. EWB is a NASA GSRP fellow. GAS and SS are supported under Texas Advanced Research Program grant 003658-0177-2001 and NSF grant AST-0098594.

Low redshift Lyman alpha absorption lines and the dark matter halos of disk galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maloney, Philip

1993-01-01

Recent observations using the Hubble Space Telescope of the z = 0.156 QSO 3C 273 have discovered a surprisingly large number of Ly-alpha absorption lines. In particular, Morris et al. found 9 certain and 7 possible Ly-alpha lines with equivalent widths above 25 mA. This is much larger (by a factor of 5-10) than the number expected from extrapolation of the high-redshift behavior of the Ly-alpha forest. Within the context of pressure-confined models for the Ly-alpha clouds, this behavior can be understood if the ionizing background declines sharply between z is approximately 2 and z is approximately 0. However, this requires that the ionizing photon flux drop as rapidly as the QSO volume emissivity; moreover, the absorbers must have a space density n(sub O) is approximately 2.6(N/10)h/((D/100 kpc)(sup 2)) Mpc(sup -3) where D is the present-day diameter of the absorbers. It is somewhat surprising that such necessarily fragile objects could have survived in such numbers to the present day. It is shown that it is plausible that the atomic hydrogen extents of spiral and irregular galaxies are large enough to produce the observed number of Ly-alpha absorption lines toward 3C 273, and that the neutral column densities and doppler b-values expected under these conditions fall in the range found by Morris et al. (1991).

A New Survey for Low-Redshift Damped Lyman-Alpha Lines in QSO MgII Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Sandhya

2000-07-01

Studies have shown that most of the observable neutral gas mass in the Universe resides in QSO damped LyAlpha {DLA} systems. However, at low redshift {z<1.65}, DLA can only be found by searching in the UV with HST. Such searches are crucial since z<1.65 corresponds to 3/4 of the age of the Universe. The identification of significant numbers of low- redshift DLA systems is imperative if we ever hope to effectively study this cosmologically massive component of neutral gas. To this end, we recently reported on the results of our initial HST survey to study low-redshift DLA absorbers in QSO MgII systems. We discovered 14 DLA systems and had a success rate of 14%. Now, based on these results and our improved understanding of the selection criteria for successful DLA searches, we propose a new survey for low-redshift DLA lines in QSO MgII systems. With our new revised selection criteria, we can empirically show that our success rate would be 35%. Specifically, we propose to observe the LyAlpha line of 55 MgII systems. We estimate that we will discover 19 new DLA systems with redshift z<1.65. Finding these systems will facilitate the type of research that can be done with DLA systems. By boot-strapping from the MgII statistics, we will be able to further improve the determination of the low- redshift statistical properties of DLA {their incidence and cosmological mass density} and open up new opportunities for studies at low redshift.

Variable X-Ray Absorption in the Mini-BAL QSO PG 1126-041

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giustini, M.; Cappi, M.; Chartas, G.; Dadina, M.; Eracleous, M.; Ponti, G.; Proga, D.; Tombesi, F.; Vignali, C.; Palumbo, G. G. C.

2011-01-01

Context. X-ray studies of AGN with powerful nuclear winds are important to constrain the physics of the inner accretion/ejection flow around SMBH, and to understand the impact of such winds on the AGN environment. Aims. Our main scientific goal is to constrain the properties of a variable outflowing absorber that is thought to be launched near the SMBH of the mini-BAL QSO PG 1126-041 using a multi-epoch observational campaign performed with XMM-Newton. Methods. We performed temporally resolved X-ray spectroscopy and simultaneous UV and X-ray photometry on the most complete set of observations and on the deepest X-ray exposure of a mini-BAL QSO to date. Results. We found complex X-ray spectral variability on time scales of both months and hours, best reproduced by means of variable massive ionized absorbers along the line of sight. As a consequence, the observed optical-to-X-ray spectral index is found to be variable with time. In the highest signal-to-noise observation we detected highly ionized X-ray absorbing material outflowing much faster (u(sub X) approx. 16 500 km/s) than the UV absorbing one (u(sub uv) approx. 5,000 km/s). This highly ionized absorber is found to be variable on very short (a few kiloseconds) time scales. Conclusions. Our findings are qualitatively consistent with line driven accretion disk winds scenarios. Our observations have opened the time-resolved X-ray spectral analysis field for mini-BAL QSOs; only with future deep studies will we be able to map the dynamics of the inner flow and understand the physics of AGN winds and their impact on the environment.

Radiation Pressure-Driven Magnetic Disk Winds in Broad Absorption Line Quasi-Stellar Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeKool, Martin; Begelman, Mitchell C.

1995-01-01

We explore a model in which QSO broad absorption lines (BALS) are formed in a radiation pressure-driven wind emerging from a magnetized accretion disk. The magnetic field threading the disk material is dragged by the flow and is compressed by the radiation pressure until it is dynamically important and strong enough to contribute to the confinement of the BAL clouds. We construct a simple self-similar model for such radiatively driven magnetized disk winds, in order to explore their properties. It is found that solutions exist for which the entire magnetized flow is confined to a thin wedge over the surface of the disk. For reasonable values of the mass-loss rate, a typical magnetic field strength such that the magnetic pressure is comparable to the inferred gas pressure in BAL clouds, and a moderate amount of internal soft X-ray absorption, we find that the opening angle of the flow is approximately 0.1 rad, in good agreement with the observed covering factor of the broad absorption line region.

Remeasurement of the H I Gunn-Peterson Effect toward QSO PKS 1937-101 with Keck Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yihu; Fan, Xiaoming; Tytler, David; Crotts, Arlin P. S.

1998-04-01

We present the first measurement of the H I Gunn-Peterson effect using the Keck 10 m telescope, observing the high-redshift QSO PKS 1937-101 (z = 3.787). The high-resolution echelle (HIRES) spectra, with FWHM ~15 km s-1 and a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) ~50 per spectral resolution element, allows us to resolve many weak lines down to NH I = 1012 cm-2, thus reducing the line-blanketing problem compared with previous data. Based on intensity-distribution analysis, we find that a maximum likelihood best fit yields a Gunn-Peterson type of opacity τGP = 0.113 +/- 0.020 in addition to a power-law Lyα absorption-line population with β of 1.7 down to NH I = 1012 cm-2. There remains systematic uncertainty in this result because of problems extrapolating the spectral continuum from the red side of the Lyα emission line. This is consistent with the previous study of the same QSO in low S/N data using weighted intensity function analysis (Fang & Crotts 1995). It indicates that this previous method succeeds in measuring the Lyα forest continuum level at low S/N, which is essential in extending the technique to possible fainter QSOs with minimum emission-line contamination for reliable continuum extrapolation. We further discuss problems of severe line blanketing, even in Keck spectra for QSOs at z >= 4.5, and show the effectiveness of the weighted intensity function method in measuring continuum levels in extremely crowded Lyα absorption spectra for redshifts as high as z > 5.

A SURVEY OF METAL LINES AT HIGH-REDSHIFT. I. SDSS ABSORPTION LINE STUDIES- THE METHODOLOGY AND FIRST SEARCH RESULTS FOR O VI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frank, S.; Mathur, S.; Pieri, M.

2010-09-15

We report the results of a systematic search for signatures of metal lines in quasar spectra of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data release 3 (DR3), focusing on finding intervening absorbers via detection of their O VI doublet. Here, we present the search algorithm and criteria for distinguishing candidates from spurious Ly{alpha} forest lines. In addition, we compare our findings with simulations of the Ly{alpha} forest in order to estimate the detectability of O VI doublets over various redshift intervals. We have obtained a sample of 1756 O VI doublet candidates with rest-frame equivalent width (EW) {>=}0.05 A inmore » 855 active galactic nuclei spectra (out of 3702 objects with redshifts in the accessible range for O VI detection). This sample is further subdivided into three groups according to the likelihood of being real and the potential for follow-up observation of the candidate. The group with the cleanest and most secure candidates is comprised of 145 candidates. Sixty-nine of these reside at a velocity separation {>=}5000 km s{sup -1} from the QSO and can therefore be classified tentatively as intervening absorbers. Most of these absorbers have not been picked up by earlier, automated QSO absorption line detection algorithms. This sample increases the number of known O VI absorbers at redshifts beyond z{sub abs{>=}} 2.7 substantially.« less

A Survey of Metal Lines at High-redshift. I. SDSS Absorption Line Studies—the Methodology and First Search Results for O VI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, S.; Mathur, S.; Pieri, M.; York, D. G.

2010-09-01

We report the results of a systematic search for signatures of metal lines in quasar spectra of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data release 3 (DR3), focusing on finding intervening absorbers via detection of their O VI doublet. Here, we present the search algorithm and criteria for distinguishing candidates from spurious Lyα forest lines. In addition, we compare our findings with simulations of the Lyα forest in order to estimate the detectability of O VI doublets over various redshift intervals. We have obtained a sample of 1756 O VI doublet candidates with rest-frame equivalent width (EW) >=0.05 Å in 855 active galactic nuclei spectra (out of 3702 objects with redshifts in the accessible range for O VI detection). This sample is further subdivided into three groups according to the likelihood of being real and the potential for follow-up observation of the candidate. The group with the cleanest and most secure candidates is comprised of 145 candidates. Sixty-nine of these reside at a velocity separation >=5000 km s-1 from the QSO and can therefore be classified tentatively as intervening absorbers. Most of these absorbers have not been picked up by earlier, automated QSO absorption line detection algorithms. This sample increases the number of known O VI absorbers at redshifts beyond z abs>= 2.7 substantially.

Physical conditions in broad and associated narrow absorption-line systems toward APM 08279+5255

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srianand, R.; Petitjean, P.

2000-05-01

Results of a careful analysis of the absorption systems with z_abs =~ z_em seen toward the bright, z_em ~ 3.91, gravitationally lensed quasar APM 08279+5255 are presented. Two of the narrow-line systems, at z_abs = 3.8931 and z_abs = 3.9135, show absorptions from singly ionized species with weak or no N v and O vi absorptions at the same redshift. Absorption due to fine structure transitions of C ii and S ii i (excitation energies corresponding to, respectively, 156mu m and 34mu m) are detected at z_abs = 3.8931. Excitation by IR radiation is favored as the column density ratios are consistent with the shape of APM 08279+5255 IR spectrum. The low-ionization state of the system favors a picture where the cloud is closer to the IR source than to the UV source, supporting the idea that the extension of the IR source is larger than ~ 200 pc. The absence of fine structure lines at z_abs = 3.9135 suggests that the gas responsible for this system is farther away from the IR source. Abundances are ~ 0.01 and 1 Zsun at z_abs = 3.913 and 3.8931 and aluminum could be over-abundant with respect to silicon and carbon by at least a factor of two and five. All this suggests that whereas the z_abs = 3.8931 system is probably located within 200 pc from the QSO and ejected at a velocity larger than 1000 km s-1, the z_abs = 3.9135 system is farther away and part of the host-galaxy. Several narrow-line systems have strong absorption lines due to C iv, O vi and N v and very low neutral hydrogen optical depths. This probably implies metallicities Z>= Z_sun although firm conclusion cannot be drawn as the exact value depends strongly on the shape of the ionizing spectrum. The C iv broad absorption has a complex structure with mini-BALs (width <= 1000 km s-1) and narrow components superposed on a continuous absorption of smaller optical depth. The continuous absorption is much stronger in O vi indicating that the corresponding gas-component is of higher ionization than the other components

H2, C I, Metallicity, and Dust Depletion in the Z = 2.34 Damped Lyα Absorption System toward QSO 1232+0815

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Jian; Bechtold, Jill; Kulkarni, Varsha P.

2001-01-01

We report the detection of strong molecular hydrogen (H2) absorption lines in the z=2.34 damped Lyα absorber (DLA) toward QSO 1232+0815. This is the second detection in our survey for high-redshift molecules. The new ultraviolet spectrum of the QSO 1232+0815 at 0.9 Å resolution, taken with the Multiple Mirror Telescope Blue Channel Spectrograph, shows the υ=0-0 up to 10-0 Lyman bands and also the Werner υ=0-0 band of H2 associated with the z=2.34 DLA. We have estimated the total H2 column density in this system. It ranges from ~3×1019 cm-2 to ~3×1017 cm-2 depending on the Doppler parameters, b=6 or 10 km s-1. Based on the best fit with b=6 km s-1, the estimated kinetic temperature is TK~80 K. The measurements of the abundance of zinc and iron in the same DLA show that the metallicity measured by the relatively undepleted element zinc is [Zn/H]=-0.86, while the relative abundance ratio [Fe/Zn] is -1.04, indicating dust depletion. Combining our work with previous results on H2 and relative heavy-element depletion, we find that there is a correlation between them, which suggests that the formation of H2 on dust grains is perhaps the dominant formation process in high-redshift DLAs. Detections of strong absorption from the ground and excited states of neutral carbon (C I) in the z=2.34 DLA are also presented. The excitation temperature between the two fine-structure levels of C I is 15.7+/-3.5 K, an upper limit for the cosmic microwave background radiation temperature at z=2.34. This value is consistent with the prediction by the standard big bang cosmology. Observations here were obtained with the Multiple Mirror Telescope, a joint facility of the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution.

Yet another UFO in the X-ray spectrum of a high-z lensed QSO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadina, M.; Vignali, C.; Cappi, M.; Lanzuisi, G.; Ponti, G.; Torresi, E.; De Marco, B.; Chartas, G.; Giustini, M.

2018-02-01

Aim. Ultra-fast outflows (UFO) appear to be common in local active galactic nuclei (AGN) and may be powerful enough (Ėkin ≥ 1% of Lbol) to effectively quench the star formation in their host galaxies. To test feedback models based on AGN outflows, it is mandatory to investigate UFOs near the peak of AGN activity, that is, at high-z where only a few studies are available to date. Methods: UFOs produce Fe resonant absorption lines measured above ≈7 keV. The most critical problem in detecting such features in distant objects is the difficulty in obtaining X-ray data with sufficient signal-to-noise. We therefore selected a distant QSO that gravitational lensing made bright enough for these purposes, the z = 2.64 QSO MG J0414+0534, and observed it with XMM-Newton for ≈78 ks. Results: The X-ray spectrum of MG J0414+0534 is complex and shows signatures of cold absorption (NH ≈ 4 × 1022 cm-2) and of the presence of an iron emission line (E ≈ 6.4 keV, EW = 95 ± 53 eV) consistent with it originating in the cold absorber. Our main result, however, is the robust detection (more than 5σ) of an absorption line at Eint ≈ 9.2 keV (Eobs ≈ 2.5 keV observer frame). If interpreted as due to FeXXVI, it implies gas outflowing at vout ≈ 0.3c. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of an UFO in a radio-loud quasar at z ≥ 1.5. We estimated that the UFO mechanical output is Ėkin ≈ 2.5Lbol with ṗout/ṗrad ≈ 17 indicating that it is capable of installing significant feedback between the super-massive black hole and the bulge of the host galaxy. We argue that this also suggests a magnetic driving origin of the UFO.

Search for correlated UV and x ray absorption of NGC 3516

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Christopher; Halpern, Jules P.; Kolman, Michiel

1991-01-01

NGC 3516, a low-luminosity Seyfert galaxy, is one of a small fraction of Seyfert galaxies that exhibit broad absorption in a resonance line. In order to determine whether the UV and x ray absorption in NGC 3516 are related, 5 IUE observations were obtained, quasi-simultaneously with 4 Ginga observations. The results are presented and discussed. The following subject areas are covered: short-term UV variability; emission lines; galactic absorption lines; the C IV, N V, and Si IV absorption features; lower limit on the carbon column density; estimate of the distance from the absorber to the continuum source; variability in the continuum and absorption; a comparison with BAL QSO's; and the x ray-UV connection.

XMM-Newton reveals a Seyfert-like X-ray spectrum in the z = 3.6 QSO B1422+231

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadina, M.; Vignali, C.; Cappi, M.; Lanzuisi, G.; Ponti, G.; De Marco, B.; Chartas, G.; Giustini, M.

2016-08-01

Context. Matter flows from the central regions of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) during their active phases are probably responsible for the properties of the super-massive black holes and those of the bulges of host galaxies. To understand how this mechanism works, we need to characterize the geometry and the physical state of the accreting matter at cosmological redshifts, when QSO activity is at its peak. Aims: We aim to use X-ray data to probe the matter inflow at the very center of a QSO at z = 3.62. While complex absorption, the iron K emission line, reflection hump, and high-energy cutoff are known to be almost ubiquitous in nearby active galactic nuclei (AGN), only a few distant objects are known to exhibit some of them. Methods: The few high-quality spectra of distant QSO were collected by adding sparse pointings of single objects obtained during X-ray monitoring campaigns. This could have introduced spurious spectral features due to source variability and/or microlensing. To avoid such problems, we decided to collect a single-epoch and high-quality X-ray spectrum of a distant AGN. We thus picked up the z = 3.62 QSO B1422+231, whose flux, enhanced by gravitationally lensing, is proven to be among the brightest lensed QSOs in X-rays (F2-10 keV ~ 10-12 erg s-1 cm-2). Results: The X-ray spectrum of B1422+231 is found to be very similar to the one of a typical nearby Seyfert galaxy. Neutral absorption is clearly detected (NH ~ 5 × 1021 cm-2 at the redshift of the source), while a strong absorption edge is measured at E ~ 7.5 keV with an optical depth of τ ~ 0.14. We also find hints of the FeKα line in emission at E ~ 6.4 keV line (EW ≲ 70 eV), and a hump is detected in the E ~ 15 - 20 keV energy band (rest frame) in excess of what is predicted by a simple absorbed power-law. Conclusions: The spectrum can best be modeled with two rather complex models; one assumes ionized and partially covering matter along the line of sight, the other is characterized by a

PHL 6625: A Minor Merger-associated QSO Behind NGC 247

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tao, Lian; Feng, Hua; Shen, Yue

2017-06-01

PHL 6625 is a luminous quasi-stellar object (QSO) at z = 0.3954 located behind the nearby galaxy NGC 247 ( z = 0.0005). Hubble Space Telescope observations revealed an arc structure associated with it. We report on spectroscopic observations with the Very Large Telescope and multiwavelength observations from the radio to the X-ray band for the system, suggesting that PHL 6625 and the arc are a close pair of merging galaxies, instead of a strong gravitational lens system. The QSO host galaxy is estimated to be (4–28) × 10{sup 10} M {sub ☉} and the mass of the companion galaxymore » is estimated to be M {sub *} = (6.8 ± 2.4) × 10{sup 9} M {sub ☉}, suggesting that this is a minor merger system. The QSO displays typical broad emission lines, from which a black hole mass of about (2–5) × 10{sup 8} M {sub ☉} and an Eddington ratio of about 0.01–0.05 can be inferred. The system represents an interesting and rare case where a QSO is associated with an ongoing minor merger, analogous to Arp 142.« less

The Physical Constraints on a New LoBAL QSO at z = 4.82

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yi, Weimin; Bai, Jin-Ming; Green, Richard

Very few low-ionization broad absorption line (LoBAL) QSOs have been found at high redshifts, to date. One high-redshift LoBAL QSO, J0122+1216, was recently discovered by the Lijiang 2.4 m Telescope, with an initial redshift determination of 4.76. Aiming to investigate its physical properties, we carried out follow-up observations in the optical and near-IR spectroscopy. Near-IR spectra from UKIRT and P200 confirm that it is a LoBAL, with a new redshift determination of 4.82 ± 0.01 based on the Mg ii emission-line. The new Mg ii redshift determination reveals strong blueshifts and asymmetry of the high-ionization emission lines. We estimate amore » black hole mass of ∼2.3 × 10{sup 9} M {sub ⊙} and Eddington ratio of ∼1.0 according to the empirical Mg ii-based single-epoch relation and bolometric correction factor. It is possible that strong outflows are the result of an extreme quasar environment driven by the high Eddington ratio. A lower limit on the outflowing kinetic power (>0.9% L {sub Edd}) is derived from both emission and absorption lines, indicating that these outflows play a significant role in the feedback process that regulates the growth of its black hole, as well as host galaxy evolution.« less

Measuring BAO and non-Gaussianity via QSO clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawangwit, U.; Shanks, T.; Croom, S. M.; Drinkwater, M. J.; Fine, S.; Parkinson, D.; Ross, Nicholas P.

2012-03-01

Our goals are (i) to search for BAO and large-scale structure in current quasi-stellar object (QSO) survey data and (ii) to use these and simulation/forecast results to assess the science case for a new, ≳10 times larger, QSO survey. We first combine the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), 2dF QSO Redshift Survey (2QZ) and 2dF-SDSS LRG and QSO (2SLAQ) surveys to form a survey of ≈60 000 QSOs. We find a hint of a peak in the QSO two-point correlation function, ξ(s), at the same scale (≈105 h-1 Mpc) as detected by Eisenstein et al. in their sample of Data Release 5 (DR5) Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs) but only at low statistical significance. We then compare these data with QSO mock catalogues from the Hubble Volume N-body light-cone simulation used by Hoyle et al. and find that both routes give statistical error estimates that are consistent at ≈100 h-1 Mpc scales. Mock catalogues are then used to estimate the nominal survey size needed for a 3-4σ detection of the Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) peak. We find that a redshift survey of ≈250 000 z < 2.2 QSOs is required over ≈3000 deg2. This is further confirmed by static lognormal simulations where the BAO are clearly detectable in the QSO power spectrum and correlation function. The nominal survey would on its own produce the first detection of, for example, discontinuous dark energy evolution in the so far uncharted 1 < z < 2.2 redshift range. We further find that a survey with ≈50 per cent higher QSO sky densities and 50 per cent bigger area will give an ≈6σ BAO detection, leading to an error ≈60 per cent of the size of the BOSS error on the dark energy evolution parameter, wa. Another important aim of a QSO survey is to place new limits on primordial non-Gaussianity at large scales. In particular, it is important to test tentative evidence we have found for the evolution of the linear form of the combined SDSS+2QZ+2SLAQ QSO ξ(s) at z≈ 1.6, which may be caused by the existence of non

QSO absorption spectroscopy and baryonic dark matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cirković, Milan M.

2005-04-01

The present book should serve a double purpose: first, as an introduction into the host of tightly related topics in astrophysics and cosmology all dealing with the history and evolution of the baryonic matter in the universe. Secondly, it gives argument for still somewhat controversial view that large baryonic reservoirs are present (at least in the low-redshift regime) in form of huge gaseous galactic haloes surrounding normal luminous galaxies, and manifesting through the Lyman-α absorption lines in spectra of background sources. If accepted, this view would profoundly impact our understanding of the galactic structure and evolution, and will deeply influence our views of the future evolution of galactic systems. After an introduction into cosmological jargon and symbols used throughout, and other important introductory material given in Chapter 1, the bulk of the argumentation is given in Chapter 2, which exposes phenomenology of Lyα absorption systems and various theories advanced to account for their physical origin. Chapter 3 deals with models of absorbing gas in the extended haloes of normal galaxies, and Chapter 4 gives a global discussion of main candidates for the reservoirs of the still elusive baryonic dark matter. A set of closely related technical issues which are used at several places in the main narrative are given in the appendices.

No Ly α emitters detected around a QSO at z = 6.4: Suppressed by the QSO?★

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, Tomotsugu; Utsumi, Yousuke; Kikuta, Satoshi; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Shiki, Kensei; Hashimoto, Tetsuya

2017-09-01

Understanding how quasars' (QSOs') ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects galaxy formation is vital to our understanding of the reionization era. Using a custom-made narrow-band filter, NB906, on Subaru/Suprime-Cam, we investigated the number density of Ly α emitters (LAEs) around a QSO at z = 6.4. To date, this is the highest redshift narrow-band observation, where LAEs around a luminous QSO are investigated. Due to the large field of view of Suprime-Cam, our survey area is ˜5400 cMpc2, much larger than previous studies at z = 5.7 (˜200 cMpc2). In this field, we previously found a factor of 7 overdensity of Lyman break galaxies. Based on this, we expected to detect ˜100 LAEs down to NB906 = 25 ABmag. However, our 6.4 h exposure found none. The obtained upper limit on the number density of LAEs is more than an order lower than the blank fields. Furthermore, this lower density of LAEs spans a large scale of 10 pMpc across. A simple argument suggests that a strong UV radiation from the QSO can suppress star formation in haloes with Mvir < 1010 M⊙ within a pMpc from the QSO, but the deficit at the edge of the field (5 pMpc) remains to be explained.

The Luminosity Function of QSO Host Galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamilton, Timothy S.; Casertano, Stefano; Turnshek, David A.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present some results from our HST archival image study of 71 QSO host galaxies. The objects are selected to have z less than or equal to 0.46 and total absolute magnitude M(sub v) less than or equal to -23 in our adopted cosmology (H(sub 0) = 50 kilometers per second Mpc(sup-1), q(sub 0) = 0.5, lambda = 0)). The aim of this initial study is to investigate the composition of the sample with respect to host morphology and radio loudness, as well as derive the QSO host galaxy luminosity function. We have analyzed available WFPC2 images in R or I band (U in one case), using a uniform set of procedures. The host galaxies span a narrow range of luminosities and are exceptionally bright, much more so than normal galaxies, usually L greater than L*(sub v). The QSOs are almost equally divided among three subclasses: radio-loud QSOs with elliptical hosts, radio-quiet QSOs with elliptical hosts, and radio-quiet QSOs with spiral hosts. Radio-loud QSOs with spiral hosts are extremely rare. Using a weighting procedure, we derive the combined luminosity function of QSO host galaxies. We find that the luminosity function of QSO hosts differs in shape from that of normal galaxies but that they coincide at the highest luminosities. The ratio of the number of quasar hosts to the number of normal galaxies at a luminosity L*(sub v) is R = (Lv/11.48L*(sub v))(sup 2.46), where L*(sub v) corresponds to M*(sub v)= -22.35, and a QSO is defined to be an object with total nuclear plus host light M(sub v) less than or equal to -23. This ratio can be interpreted as the probability that a galaxy with luminosity L(sub V) will host a QSO at redshift z approximately equal to 0.26.

Outskirts of Distant Galaxies in Absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsiao-Wen

QSO absorption spectroscopy provides a sensitive probe of both the neutral medium and diffuse ionized gas in the distant Universe. It extends 21 cm maps of gaseous structures around low-redshift galaxies both to lower gas column densities and to higher redshifts. Combining galaxy surveys with absorption-line observations of gas around galaxies enables comprehensive studies of baryon cycles in galaxy outskirts over cosmic time. This chapter presents a review of the empirical understanding of the cosmic neutral gas reservoir from studies of damped Lyα absorbers (DLAs). It describes the constraints on the star formation relation and chemical enrichment history in the outskirts of distant galaxies from DLA studies. A brief discussion of available constraints on the ionized circumgalactic gas from studies of lower column density Lyα absorbers and associated ionic absorption transitions is presented at the end.

Confining hot spots in 3C 196 - Implications for QSO-companion galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, R. L.; Broderick, J. J.; Mitchell, K. J.

1986-01-01

VLBI observations of the extremely compact hot spot in the northern radio lobe of the QSO 3C 196 reveal the angular size of its smallest substructure to be 0.065 arcsec x 0.045 arcsec or about 300 pc at the redshift distance. The morphology of the hot spot and its orientation relative to the more diffuse radio emission suggest that it is formed by an oblique interaction between the nuclear QSO jet and circum-QSO cloud. The inferred density in this cloud, together with its apparent size, imply that the cloud contains a galactic mass, greater than a billion solar masses of gas. The effect of the jet will be to hasten gravitational collapse of the cloud. If many QSOs such as 3C 196 are formed or found in gas-rich environments, the QSO radio phase may commonly stimulate the metamorphosis of circum-QSO gas to QSO-companion galaxies or it may play a significant part in catalyzing star formation in existing companions.

Far-ultraviolet absorption spectra of quasars: How to find missing hot gas and metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verner, D. A.; Tytler, David; Barthel, P. D.

1994-01-01

We show that some high-redshift QSO absorption systems that reveal only the H I Lyman series lines at wavelengths visible from the ground maybe a new class of ultra-high-ionization metal line systems, with metal lines in the far-UV region which is now being explored with satellites. At high temperatures or in intense radiation fields metal systems will not show the usual C IV absorption, and O VI will become the most prominent metal absorber. At still higher ionization, O IV also becomes weak and the strongest metal lines are from Ne VIII, Mg X and Si XII, which have doublets in the rangs 500-800 A. Hence very high ionization metal systems will not show metal lines in existing spectra. Recent X-ray observations show that galaxy halos contain hot gas, so we predict that far-UV spectra of QSOs will also show this gas.

Stellar Contrails in Quasi-stellar Objects: The Origin of Broad Absorption Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scoville, Nick; Norman, Colin

1995-10-01

maintained by ram pressure due to an ambient gas of modest density (˜102 cm-3). Each of the stellar contrails will have mean column density ˜1019-1021 cm-2, volume density ˜108-109 cm-3, and thickness 1011-1012 cm along the line of sight to the AGN corresponding to parameters deduced from observations of the BAL clouds. Assuming minimal expansion perpendicular to the line of sight at the speed of sound, the width of the trails is 1015-1016 cm, or 102-103 times the line-of-sight depth. Since the UV-emitting accretion disk probably has a radius of about 2 × 1016 cm, a single trail will only partially cover the continuum, but for the column densities quoted above the observed absorption lines (e.g., C IV) will be optically thick with τ > 10. Since the contrails are nearly radial just after leaving the star when the maximum outward acceleration occurs, a large range of velocities (˜4000 km s-1) will be seen in absorption of the QSO light from each trail, and only a few disk-crossing trails are needed to account for the full width of broad absorption line troughs.

EVIDENCE FOR PHOTOIONIZATION-DRIVEN BROAD ABSORPTION LINE VARIABILITY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Tinggui; Yang, Chenwei; Wang, Huiyuan

2015-12-01

We present a qualitative analysis of the variability of quasar broad absorption lines using the large multi-epoch spectroscopic data set of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 10. We confirm that variations of absorption lines are highly coordinated among different components of the same ion or the same absorption component of different ions for C iv, Si iv, and N v. Furthermore, we show that the equivalent widths (EWs) of the lines decrease or increase statistically when the continuum brightens or dims. This is further supported by the synchronized variations of emission and absorption-line EWs when the well-established intrinsicmore » Baldwin effect for emission lines is taken into account. We find that the emergence of an absorption component is usually accompanied by the dimming of the continuum while the disappearance of an absorption-line component is accompanied by the brightening of the continuum. This suggests that the emergence or disappearance of a C iv absorption component is only the extreme case, when the ionic column density is very sensitive to continuum variations or the continuum variability the amplitude is larger. These results support the idea that absorption-line variability is driven mainly by changes in the gas ionization in response to continuum variations, that the line-absorbing gas is highly ionized, and in some extreme cases, too highly ionized to be detected in UV absorption lines. Due to uncertainties in the spectroscopic flux calibration, we cannot quantify the fraction of quasars with asynchronized continuum and absorption-line variations.« less

WEAVE-QSO: A Massive Intergalactic Medium Survey for the William Herschel Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pieri, M. M.; Bonoli, S.; Chaves-Montero, J.; Pâris, I.; Fumagalli, M.; Bolton, J. S.; Viel, M.; Noterdaeme, P.; Miralda-Escudé, J.; Busca, N. G.; Rahmani, H.; Peroux, C.; Font-Ribera, A.; Trager, S. C.

2016-12-01

In these proceedings we describe the WEAVE-QSO survey, which will observe around 400,000 high redshift quasars starting in 2018. This survey is part of a broader WEAVE survey to be conducted at the 4.2m William Herschel Telescope. We will focus on chiefly on the science goals, but will also briefly summarise the target selection methods anticipated and the expected survey plan. Understanding the apparent acceleration in the expansion of the Universe is one of the key scientific challenges of our time. Many experiments have been proposed to study this expansion, using a variety of techniques. Here we describe a survey that can measure this acceleration and therefore help elucidate the nature of dark energy: a survey of the Lyα forest (and quasar absorption in general) in spectra towards z>2 quasars (QSOs). Further constraints on neutrino masses and warm dark matter are also anticipated. The same data will also shed light on galaxy formation via study of the properties of inflowing/outflowing gas associated with nearby galaxies and in a cosmic web context. Gas properties are sensitive to density, temperature, UV radiation, metallicity and abundance pattern, and so constraint galaxy formation in a variety of ways. WEAVE-QSO will study absorbers with a dynamic range spanning more than 8 orders of magnitude in column density, their thermal broadening, and a host of elements and ionization species. A core principal of the WEAVE-QSO survey is the targeting of QSOs with near 100% efficiency principally through use of the J-PAS (r < 23.2) and Gaia (r ≲ 20) data.

Do Atoms Really "Emit" Absorption Lines?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brecher, Kenneth

1991-01-01

Presents three absorption line sources that enhance student understanding of the phenomena associated with the interaction of light with matter and help dispel the misconception that atoms "emit" absorption lines. Sources include neodymium, food coloring and other common household liquids, and fluorescent materials. (MDH)

Photoionization-driven Absorption-line Variability in Balmer Absorption Line Quasar LBQS 1206+1052

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Luming; Zhou, Hongyan; Ji, Tuo; Jiang, Peng; Liu, Bo; Liu, Wenjuan; Pan, Xiang; Shi, Xiheng; Wang, Jianguo; Wang, Tinggui; Yang, Chenwei; Zhang, Shaohua; Miller, Lauren P.

2017-04-01

In this paper we present an analysis of absorption-line variability in mini-BAL quasar LBQS 1206+1052. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectrum demonstrates that the absorption troughs can be divided into two components of blueshift velocities of ˜700 and ˜1400 km s-1 relative to the quasar rest frame. The former component shows rare Balmer absorption, which is an indicator of high-density absorbing gas; thus, the quasar is worth follow-up spectroscopic observations. Our follow-up optical and near-infrared spectra using MMT, YFOSC, TSpec, and DBSP reveal that the strengths of the absorption lines vary for both components, while the velocities do not change. We reproduce all of the spectral data by assuming that only the ionization state of the absorbing gas is variable and that all other physical properties are invariable. The variation of ionization is consistent with the variation of optical continuum from the V-band light curve. Additionally, we cannot interpret the data by assuming that the variability is due to a movement of the absorbing gas. Therefore, our analysis strongly indicates that the absorption-line variability in LBQS 1206+1052 is photoionization driven. As shown from photoionization simulations, the absorbing gas with blueshift velocity of ˜700 km s-1 has a density in the range of 109 to 1010 cm-3 and a distance of ˜1 pc, and the gas with blueshift velocity of ˜1400 km s-1 has a density of 103 cm-3 and a distance of ˜1 kpc.

New Ground Based facilities in QSO research; The GTC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez Espinosa, J. M.

New ground based observing opportunities are becoming, or about to become, available to astronomers for QSO research. These, combined with state of the art focal plane instruments, provide unprecedented sensitivity for detecting faint surface brightness features. During the talk I will take the liberty of talking about one of these new large telescope facilities currently being built in Spain, and will discuss some of the advantages for QSO research offered by these new facilities.

The Dust-to-Gas Ratio in the Damped Ly alpha Clouds Towards the Gravitationally Lensed QSO 0957+561

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuo, Lin; Beaver, E. A.; Burbidge, E. Margaret; Cohen, Ross D.; Junkkarinen, Vesa T.; Lyons, R. W.

1997-01-01

We present HST/FOS spectra of the two bright images (A and B) of the gravitationally lensed QSO 0957+561 in the wavelength range 2200-3300 A. We find that the absorption system (Z(sub abs)) = 1.3911) near z(sub em) is a weak, damped Ly alpha system with strong Ly alpha absorption lines seen in both images. However, the H(I) column densities are different, with the line of sight to image A intersecting a larger column density. The continuum shapes of the two spectra differ in the sense that the flux level of image A increases more slowly toward shorter wavelengths than that of image B. We explain this as the result of differential reddening by dust grains in the damped Ly alpha absorber. A direct outcome of this explanation is a determination of the dust-to-gas ratio, k, in the damped Ly alpha system. We derive k = 0.55 + 0.18 for a simple 1/lambda extinction law and k = 0.31 + 0.10 for the Galactic extinction curve. For gravitationally lensed systems with damped Ly alpha absorbers, our method is a powerful tool for determining the values and dispersion of k, and the shapes of extinction curves, especially in the FUV and EUV regions. We compare our results with previous work.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Quasars narrow absorption lines from SDSS (Chen+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Z.-F.; Gu, Q.-S.; Chen, Y.-M.; Cao, Y.

2017-11-01

The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS: Eisenstein et al. 2011AJ....142...72E; Paris et al. 2012, Cat. VII/269) is the main dark-time legacy survey of the third stage of the SDSS, which used the same 2.5-m telescope (Gunn et al. 2006AJ....131.2332G; Ross et al. 2012, J/ApJS/199/3) as the first and second stages of the SDSS (hereafter SDSS-I/II). SDSS-I/II spectra have a wavelength coverage from 3800-9200Å with a spectral resolution of 1800-2200 (e.g. York et al. 2000AJ....120.1579Y). BOSS spectra span a range from 3600-10500Å at a resolution of 1300-2500 (Paris et al. 2012, Cat. VII/269). During the first two years, BOSS detected 87822 quasars over an area of 3275 deg2, including 7932 quasars that were observed by SDSS-I/II as well. Quasars observed by both SDSS-I/II and BOSS provide a remarkable chance to study the variabilities of absorption lines in a large population. Throughout this work, we take the quasar emission redshifts provided by Hewett & Wild (2010, J/MNRAS/405/2302, http://das.sdss.org/va/HewettWilddr7qso_newz/) directly. (2 data files).

Mapping the Lyα Emission around a z ˜ 6.6 QSO with MUSE: Extended Emission and a Companion at a Close Separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farina, Emanuele P.; Venemans, Bram P.; Decarli, Roberto; Hennawi, Joseph F.; Walter, Fabian; Bañados, Eduardo; Mazzucchelli, Chiara; Cantalupo, Sebastiano; Arrigoni-Battaia, Fabrizio; McGreer, Ian D.

2017-10-01

We utilize the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the Very Large Telescope to search for extended Lyα emission around the z ˜ 6.6 QSO J0305-3150. After carefully subtracting the point spread function, we reach a nominal 5σ surface-brightness limit of SB5σ = 1.9 × 10-18 erg s-1 cm-2 arcsec-2 over a 1 arcsec2 aperture, collapsing five wavelength slices centered at the expected location of the redshifted Lyα emission (I.e., at 9256 Å). Current data suggest the presence (5σ accounting for systematics) of a Lyα nebula that extends for 9 kpc around the QSO. This emission is displaced and redshifted by 155 km s-1 with respect to the location of the QSO host galaxy traced by the [{{C}} {{II}}] 158 μm emission line. The total luminosity is L({Ly}α ) = (3.0 ± 0.4) × 1042 erg s-1. Our analysis suggests that this emission is unlikely to rise from optically thick clouds illuminated by the ionizing radiation of the QSO. It is more plausible that the Lyα emission is due to the fluorescence of the highly ionized optically thin gas. This scenario implies a high hydrogen volume density of {n}{{H}}˜ 6 cm-3. In addition, we detect a Lyα emitter (LAE) in the immediate vicinity of the QSO, I.e., with a projected separation of ˜12.5 kpc and a line-of-sight velocity difference of 560 km s-1. The luminosity of the LAE is L({Ly}α ) = (2.1 ± 0.2) × 1042 erg s-1 and its inferred star-formation rate is SFR ˜ 1.3 M ⊙ yr-1. The probability of finding such a close LAE is one order of magnitude above the expectations based on the QSO-galaxy cross-correlation function. This discovery is in agreement with a scenario where dissipative interactions favor the rapid build-up of supermassive black holes at early cosmic times.

Photoionization-driven Absorption-line Variability in Balmer Absorption Line Quasar LBQS 1206+1052

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Luming; Zhou, Hongyan; Ji, Tuo

In this paper we present an analysis of absorption-line variability in mini-BAL quasar LBQS 1206+1052. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectrum demonstrates that the absorption troughs can be divided into two components of blueshift velocities of ∼700 and ∼1400 km s{sup −1} relative to the quasar rest frame. The former component shows rare Balmer absorption, which is an indicator of high-density absorbing gas; thus, the quasar is worth follow-up spectroscopic observations. Our follow-up optical and near-infrared spectra using MMT, YFOSC, TSpec, and DBSP reveal that the strengths of the absorption lines vary for both components, while the velocities do notmore » change. We reproduce all of the spectral data by assuming that only the ionization state of the absorbing gas is variable and that all other physical properties are invariable. The variation of ionization is consistent with the variation of optical continuum from the V -band light curve. Additionally, we cannot interpret the data by assuming that the variability is due to a movement of the absorbing gas. Therefore, our analysis strongly indicates that the absorption-line variability in LBQS 1206+1052 is photoionization driven. As shown from photoionization simulations, the absorbing gas with blueshift velocity of ∼700 km s{sup −1} has a density in the range of 10{sup 9} to 10{sup 10} cm{sup −3} and a distance of ∼1 pc, and the gas with blueshift velocity of ∼1400 km s{sup −1} has a density of 10{sup 3} cm{sup −3} and a distance of ∼1 kpc.« less

PROVIDING STRINGENT STAR FORMATION RATE LIMITS OF z ∼ 2 QSO HOST GALAXIES AT HIGH ANGULAR RESOLUTION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vayner, Andrey; Wright, Shelley A.; Do, Tuan

2016-04-10

We present integral field spectrograph (IFS) with laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS-AO) observations of z ∼ 2 quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) designed to resolve extended nebular line emission from the host galaxy. Our data was obtained with W. M. Keck and Gemini North Observatories, using OSIRIS and NIFS coupled with the LGS-AO systems, respectively. We have conducted a pilot survey of five QSOs, three observed with NIFS+AO and two observed with OSIRIS+AO at an average redshift of z = 2.2. We demonstrate that the combination of AO and IFSs provides the necessary spatial and spectral resolutions required to separate QSO emission from its host.more » We present our technique for generating a point-spread function (PSF) from the broad-line region of the QSO and performing PSF subtraction of the QSO emission to detect the host galaxy emission at a separation of ∼0.″2 (∼1.4 kpc). We detect Hα narrow-line emission for two sources, SDSS J1029+6510 (z{sub Hα} = 2.182) and SDSS J0925+0655 (z{sub Hα} = 2.197), that have evidence for both star formation and extended narrow-line emission. Assuming that the majority of narrow-line Hα emission is from star formation, we infer a star formation rate (SFR) for SDSS J1029+6510 of 78.4 M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} originating from a compact region that is kinematically offset by 290–350 km s{sup −1}. For SDSS J0925+0655 we infer a SFR of 29 M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} distributed over three clumps that are spatially offset by ∼7 kpc. The null detections on three of the QSOs are used to infer surface brightness limits and we find that at 1.4 kpc from the QSO the un-reddened star formation limit is ≲0.3 M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} kpc{sup −2}. If we assume typical extinction values for z = 2 type-1 QSOs, the dereddened SFR for our null detections would be ≲0.6 M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} kpc{sup −2}. These IFS observations indicate that while the central black hole is accreting mass at 10%–40% of the Eddington

Balmer Absorption Lines in FeLoBALs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, K.; Iwata, I.; Ohta, K.; Tamura, N.; Ando, M.; Akiyama, M.; Kiuchi, G.; Nakanishi, K.

2007-10-01

We discovered non-stellar Balmer absorption lines in two many-narrow-trough FeLoBALs (mntBALs) by the near-infrared spectroscopy with Subaru/CISCO. Presence of the non-stellar Balmer absorption lines is known to date only in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151; thus our discovery is the first cases for quasars. Since all known active galactic nuclei with Balmer absorption lines share similar characteristics, it is suggested that there is a population of BAL quasars which have unique structures at their nuclei or unique evolutionary phase.

Detection of very high energy gamma-ray emission from the gravitationally lensed blazar QSO B0218+357 with the MAGIC telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahnen, M. L.; Ansoldi, S.; Antonelli, L. A.; Antoranz, P.; Arcaro, C.; Babic, A.; Banerjee, B.; Bangale, P.; Barres de Almeida, U.; Barrio, J. A.; Becerra González, J.; Bednarek, W.; Bernardini, E.; Berti, A.; Biasuzzi, B.; Biland, A.; Blanch, O.; Bonnefoy, S.; Bonnoli, G.; Borracci, F.; Bretz, T.; Buson, S.; Carosi, A.; Chatterjee, A.; Clavero, R.; Colin, P.; Colombo, E.; Contreras, J. L.; Cortina, J.; Covino, S.; Da Vela, P.; Dazzi, F.; De Angelis, A.; De Lotto, B.; de Oña Wilhelmi, E.; Di Pierro, F.; Doert, M.; Domínguez, A.; Dominis Prester, D.; Dorner, D.; Doro, M.; Einecke, S.; Eisenacher Glawion, D.; Elsaesser, D.; Engelkemeier, M.; Fallah Ramazani, V.; Fernández-Barral, A.; Fidalgo, D.; Fonseca, M. V.; Font, L.; Frantzen, K.; Fruck, C.; Galindo, D.; García López, R. J.; Garczarczyk, M.; Garrido Terrats, D.; Gaug, M.; Giammaria, P.; Godinović, N.; Gora, D.; Guberman, D.; Hadasch, D.; Hahn, A.; Hayashida, M.; Herrera, J.; Hose, J.; Hrupec, D.; Hughes, G.; Idec, W.; Kodani, K.; Konno, Y.; Kubo, H.; Kushida, J.; La Barbera, A.; Lelas, D.; Lindfors, E.; Lombardi, S.; Longo, F.; López, M.; López-Coto, R.; Majumdar, P.; Makariev, M.; Mallot, K.; Maneva, G.; Manganaro, M.; Mannheim, K.; Maraschi, L.; Marcote, B.; Mariotti, M.; Martínez, M.; Mazin, D.; Menzel, U.; Miranda, J. M.; Mirzoyan, R.; Moralejo, A.; Moretti, E.; Nakajima, D.; Neustroev, V.; Niedzwiecki, A.; Nievas Rosillo, M.; Nilsson, K.; Nishijima, K.; Noda, K.; Nogués, L.; Paiano, S.; Palacio, J.; Palatiello, M.; Paneque, D.; Paoletti, R.; Paredes, J. M.; Paredes-Fortuny, X.; Pedaletti, G.; Peresano, M.; Perri, L.; Persic, M.; Poutanen, J.; Prada Moroni, P. G.; Prandini, E.; Puljak, I.; Garcia, J. R.; Reichardt, I.; Rhode, W.; Ribó, M.; Rico, J.; Saito, T.; Satalecka, K.; Schroeder, S.; Schweizer, T.; Shore, S. N.; Sillanpää, A.; Sitarek, J.; Snidaric, I.; Sobczynska, D.; Stamerra, A.; Strzys, M.; Surić, T.; Takalo, L.; Tavecchio, F.; Temnikov, P.; Terzić, T.; Tescaro, D.; Teshima, M.; Torres, D. F.; Toyama, T.; Treves, A.; Vanzo, G.; Verguilov, V.; Vovk, I.; Ward, J. E.; Will, M.; Wu, M. H.; Zanin, R.; Desiante, R.

2016-11-01

Context. QSO B0218+357 is a gravitationally lensed blazar located at a redshift of 0.944. The gravitational lensing splits the emitted radiation into two components that are spatially indistinguishable by gamma-ray instruments, but separated by a 10-12 day delay. In July 2014, QSO B0218+357 experienced a violent flare observed by the Fermi-LAT and followed by the MAGIC telescopes. Aims: The spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 can give information on the energetics of z 1 very high energy gamma-ray sources. Moreover the gamma-ray emission can also be used as a probe of the extragalactic background light at z 1. Methods: MAGIC performed observations of QSO B0218+357 during the expected arrival time of the delayed component of the emission. The MAGIC and Fermi-LAT observations were accompanied by quasi-simultaneous optical data from the KVA telescope and X-ray observations by Swift-XRT. We construct a multiwavelength spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 and use it to model the source. The GeV and sub-TeV data obtained by Fermi-LAT and MAGIC are used to set constraints on the extragalactic background light. Results: Very high energy gamma-ray emission was detected from the direction of QSO B0218+357 by the MAGIC telescopes during the expected time of arrival of the trailing component of the flare, making it the farthest very high energy gamma-ray source detected to date. The observed emission spans the energy range from 65 to 175 GeV. The combined MAGIC and Fermi-LAT spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 is consistent with current extragalactic background light models. The broadband emission can be modeled in the framework of a two-zone external Compton scenario, where the GeV emission comes from an emission region in the jet, located outside the broad line region.

Detection of very high energy gamma-ray emission from the gravitationally lensed blazar QSO B0218+357 with the MAGIC telescopes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahnen, M. L.; Ansoldi, S.; Antonelli, L. A.

QSO B0218+357 is a gravitationally lensed blazar located at a redshift of 0.944. The gravitational lensing splits the emitted radiation into two components that are spatially indistinguishable by gamma-ray instruments, but separated by a 10–12 day delay. In July 2014, QSO B0218+357 experienced a violent flare observed by the Fermi-LAT and followed by the MAGIC telescopes. The spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 can give information on the energetics of z ~ 1 very high energy gamma-ray sources. Furthermore, the gamma-ray emission can also be used as a probe of the extragalactic background light at z ~ 1. MAGIC performedmore » observations of QSO B0218+357 during the expected arrival time of the delayed component of the emission. The MAGIC and Fermi-LAT observations were accompanied by quasi-simultaneous optical data from the KVA telescope and X-ray observations by Swift-XRT. We construct a multiwavelength spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 and use it to model the source. The GeV and sub-TeV data obtained by Fermi-LAT and MAGIC are used to set constraints on the extragalactic background light. We detected very high energy gamma-ray emission from the direction of QSO B0218+357 by the MAGIC telescopes during the expected time of arrival of the trailing component of the flare, making it the farthest very high energy gamma-ray source detected to date. We also observed emission spans the energy range from 65 to 175 GeV. The combined MAGIC and Fermi-LAT spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 is consistent with current extragalactic background light models. The broadband emission can be modeled in the framework of a two-zone external Compton scenario, where the GeV emission comes from an emission region in the jet, located outside the broad line region.« less

Detection of very high energy gamma-ray emission from the gravitationally lensed blazar QSO B0218+357 with the MAGIC telescopes

DOE PAGES

Ahnen, M. L.; Ansoldi, S.; Antonelli, L. A.; ...

2016-11-04

QSO B0218+357 is a gravitationally lensed blazar located at a redshift of 0.944. The gravitational lensing splits the emitted radiation into two components that are spatially indistinguishable by gamma-ray instruments, but separated by a 10–12 day delay. In July 2014, QSO B0218+357 experienced a violent flare observed by the Fermi-LAT and followed by the MAGIC telescopes. The spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 can give information on the energetics of z ~ 1 very high energy gamma-ray sources. Furthermore, the gamma-ray emission can also be used as a probe of the extragalactic background light at z ~ 1. MAGIC performedmore » observations of QSO B0218+357 during the expected arrival time of the delayed component of the emission. The MAGIC and Fermi-LAT observations were accompanied by quasi-simultaneous optical data from the KVA telescope and X-ray observations by Swift-XRT. We construct a multiwavelength spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 and use it to model the source. The GeV and sub-TeV data obtained by Fermi-LAT and MAGIC are used to set constraints on the extragalactic background light. We detected very high energy gamma-ray emission from the direction of QSO B0218+357 by the MAGIC telescopes during the expected time of arrival of the trailing component of the flare, making it the farthest very high energy gamma-ray source detected to date. We also observed emission spans the energy range from 65 to 175 GeV. The combined MAGIC and Fermi-LAT spectral energy distribution of QSO B0218+357 is consistent with current extragalactic background light models. The broadband emission can be modeled in the framework of a two-zone external Compton scenario, where the GeV emission comes from an emission region in the jet, located outside the broad line region.« less

The low-metallicity QSO HE 2158 - 0107: a massive galaxy growing by accretion of nearly pristine gas from its environment?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husemann, B.; Wisotzki, L.; Jahnke, K.; Sánchez, S. F.

2011-11-01

The metallicities of active galactic nuclei (AGN) are usually well above solar in their narrow-line regions, often reaching up to several times solar in their broad-line regions independent of redshift. Low-metallicity AGN are rare objects that have so far always been associated with low-mass galaxies hosting low-mass black holes (MBH106M⊙). We present integral field spectroscopy data of the low-redshift (z = 0.212) quasi-stellar object (QSO) HE 2158 - 0107 for which we find strong evidence of sub-solar NLR metallicities associated with a massive black hole (MBH ~ 3 × 108M⊙). The QSO is surrounded by a large extended emission-line region reaching out to 30 kpc from the QSO in a tail-like geometry. We present optical and near-infrared images and investigate the properties of the host galaxy. The host of HE 2158 - 0107 is most likely a very compact bulge-dominated galaxy with a size of re ~ 1.4 kpc. The multi-colour spectral energy distribution (SED) of the host is quite blue, indicative of a significant young age stellar population formed within the last 1 Gyr. A 3σ upper limit of Lbulge,H < 4.5 × 1010L ⊙ ,H for the H-band luminosity and a corresponding stellar mass upper limit of Mbulge < 3.4 × 1010M⊙ show that the host is offset from the local black hole-bulge relations. This is independently supported by the kinematics of the gas. Although the stellar mass of the host galaxy is lower than expected, it cannot explain the exceptionally low metallicity of the gas. We suggest that the extended emission-line region and the galaxy growth are caused by the infall of nearly pristine gas from the environment of the QSO host. Minor mergers of low-metallicity dwarf galaxies or the theoretically predicted smooth accretion of cold (~ 104 K) gas are both potential drivers behind that process. Because the metallicity of the gas in the QSO narrow-line region is much lower than expected, we suspect that the external gas has already reached the galaxy centre and may

A multi-epoch spectroscopic study of the BAL quasar APM 08279+5255. II. Emission- and absorption-line variability time lags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saturni, F. G.; Trevese, D.; Vagnetti, F.; Perna, M.; Dadina, M.

2016-03-01

Context. The study of high-redshift bright quasars is crucial to gather information about the history of galaxy assembly and evolution. Variability analyses can provide useful data on the physics of quasar processes and their relation with the host galaxy. Aims: In this study, we aim to measure the black hole mass of the bright lensed BAL QSO APM 08279+5255 at z = 3.911 through reverberation mapping, and to update and extend the monitoring of its C IV absorption line variability. Methods: We perform the first reverberation mapping of the Si IV and C IV emission lines for a high-luminosity quasar at high redshift with the use of 138 R-band photometric data and 30 spectra available over 16 years of observations. We also cross-correlate the C IV absorption equivalent width variations with the continuum light curve to estimate the recombination time lags of the various absorbers and infer the physical conditions of the ionised gas. Results: We find a reverberation-mapping time lag of ~900 rest-frame days for both Si IV and C IV emission lines. This is consistent with an extension of the BLR size-to-luminosity relation for active galactic nuclei up to a luminosity of ~1048 erg s-1, and implies a black hole mass of 1010 M⊙. Additionally, we measure a recombination time lag of ~160 days in the rest frame for the C IV narrow absorption system, which implies an electron density of the absorbing gas of ~2.5 × 104 cm-3. Conclusions: The measured black hole mass of APM 08279+5255 indicates that the quasar resides in an under-massive host-galaxy bulge with Mbulge ~ 7.5MBH, and that the lens magnification is lower than ~8. Finally, the inferred electron density of the narrow-line absorber implies a distance of the order of 10 kpc of the absorbing gas from the quasar, placing it within the host galaxy.

Broad Balmer-Line Absorption in SDSS J172341.10+555340.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, Kentaro

2010-10-01

We present the discovery of Balmer-line absorption from Hα to H9 in an iron low-ionizaton broad absorption line (FeLoBAL) quasar, SDSS J172341.10+555340.5, by near-infrared spectroscopy with the Cooled Infrared Spectrograph and Camera for OHS (CISCO) attached to the Subaru Telescope. The redshift of the Balmer-line absorption troughs is 2.0530±0.0003, and it is blueshifted by 5370 km s-1 from the Balmer emission lines. It is more than 4000 km s-1 blueshifted from the previously known UV absorption lines. We detected relatively strong (EWrest = 20 Å) [OIII] emission lines that are similar to those found in other broad absorption line quasars with Balmer-line absorption. We also derived the column density of neutral hydrogen of 5.2 × 1017 cm-2 by using the curve of growth and taking account of Lyα trapping. We searched for UV absorption lines that had the same redshift with Balmer-line absorption, and found Ali III and Fe III absorption lines at z = 2.053 that correspond to previously unidentified absorption lines, and the presence of other blended troughs that were difficult to identify.

The effect of interstellar absorption on measurements of the baryon acoustic peak in the Lyman α forest

DOE PAGES

Vadai, Yishay; Poznanski, Dovi; Baron, Dalya; ...

2017-08-14

In recent years, the autocorrelation of the hydrogen Lyman α forest has been used to observe the baryon acoustic peak at redshift 2 < z < 3.5 using tens of thousands of QSO spectra from the BOSS survey. However, the interstellar medium of the Milky Way introduces absorption lines into the spectrum of any extragalactic source. These lines, while weak and undetectable in a single BOSS spectrum, could potentially bias the cosmological signal. In order to examine this, we generate absorption line maps by stacking over a million spectra of galaxies and QSOs. Here, we find that the systematics introducedmore » are too small to affect the current accuracy of the baryon acoustic peak, but might be relevant to future surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). We outline a method to account for this with future data sets.« less

The effect of interstellar absorption on measurements of the baryon acoustic peak in the Lyman α forest

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vadai, Yishay; Poznanski, Dovi; Baron, Dalya

In recent years, the autocorrelation of the hydrogen Lyman α forest has been used to observe the baryon acoustic peak at redshift 2 < z < 3.5 using tens of thousands of QSO spectra from the BOSS survey. However, the interstellar medium of the Milky Way introduces absorption lines into the spectrum of any extragalactic source. These lines, while weak and undetectable in a single BOSS spectrum, could potentially bias the cosmological signal. In order to examine this, we generate absorption line maps by stacking over a million spectra of galaxies and QSOs. Here, we find that the systematics introducedmore » are too small to affect the current accuracy of the baryon acoustic peak, but might be relevant to future surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). We outline a method to account for this with future data sets.« less

DISCOVERY OF THE TRANSITION OF A MINI-BROAD ABSORPTION LINE INTO A BROAD ABSORPTION LINE IN THE SDSS QUASAR J115122.14+020426.3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hidalgo, Paola Rodriguez; Eracleous, Michael; Charlton, Jane

We present the detection of a rare case of dramatic strengthening in the UV absorption profiles in the spectrum of the quasar J115122.14+020426.3 between observations {approx}2.86 yr apart in the quasar rest frame. A spectrum obtained in 2001 by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey shows a C IV ''mini-broad'' absorption line (FWHM = 1220 km s{sup -1}) with a maximum blueshift velocity of {approx}9520 km s{sup -1}, while a later spectrum from the Very Large Telescope shows a significantly broader and stronger absorption line, with a maximum blueshift velocity of {approx}12, 240 km s{sup -1} that qualifies as a broadmore » absorption line. A similar variability pattern is observed in two additional systems at lower blueshifted velocities and in the Ly{alpha} and N V transitions as well. One of the absorption systems appears to be resolved and shows evidence for partial covering of the quasar continuum source (C{sub f} {approx} 0.65), indicating a transverse absorber size of, at least, {approx}6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 16} cm. In contrast, a cluster of narrower C IV lines appears to originate in gas that fully covers the continuum and broad emission line sources. There is no evidence for changes in the centroid velocity of the absorption troughs. This case suggests that at least some of the absorbers that produce ''mini-broad'' and broad absorption lines in quasar spectra do not belong to intrinsically separate classes. Here, the ''mini-broad'' absorption line is most likely interpreted as an intermediate phase before the appearance of a broad absorption line due to their similar velocities. While the current observations do not provide enough constraints to discern among the possible causes for this variability, future monitoring of multiple transitions at high resolution will help achieve this goal.« less

Discovery of Associated Absorption Lines in an X-Ray Warm Absorber: Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph Observations of MR 2251-178

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monier, Eric M.; Mathur, Smita; Wilkes, Belinda; Elvis, Martin

2001-01-01

The presence of a 'warm absorber' was first suggested to explain spectral variability in an X-ray spectrum of the radio-quiet quasi-stellar object (QSO) MR 2251-178. A unified picture, in which X-ray warm absorbers and 'intrinsic' UV absorbers are the same, offers the opportunity to probe the nuclear environment of active galactic nuclei. To test this scenario and understand the physical properties of the absorber, we obtained a UV spectrum of MR 2251-178 with the Faint Object Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The HST spectrum clearly shows absorption due to Lyalpha, N v, and C IV, blueshifted by 300 km s(exp -1) from the emission redshift of the QSO. The rarity of both X-ray and UV absorbers in radio-quiet QSOs suggests these absorbers are physically related, if not identical. Assuming the unified scenario, we place constraints on the physical parameters of the absorber and conclude the mass outflow rate is essentially the same as the accretion rate in MR 2251-178.

Distance determination to Broad Line Absorbers in AGN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bautista, Manuel; Arav, N.; Dunn, J.; Edmonds, D.; Korista, K. T.; Moe, M.; Benn, C.; Ignacio, G.

2009-01-01

We present various techniques for the determination of the physical conditions (density, temperature, total hydrogen column density, and ionization structure), chemical composition, and distances of Broad Line Absorbers (BAL) to the central engine in AGN. We start by discussing various density diagnostics from absorption lines from species such as C II, Si II, and Fe III. On the other hand, lines from metastable levels Fe II are often affected by Bowen fluorescence by scattered C IV photons. Lines from metastable levels of Ni II are usually excited by continuum fluorescence and mostly sensitive to the strength of the radiation field shortward of the Lyman continuum and as such they cam be used as direct distance indicators. Further, we show how the total hydrogen density of the absorber, its ionization parameter and distance can be determined through photoionization modeling of the absorber. Finally, we present our results for outflows of three different quasars: QSO 2359-1241 and SDSS J0318-0600.

Narrow absorption lines complex I: one form of broad absorption line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wei-Jian; Lin, Ying-Ru

2018-03-01

We discover that some of the broad absorption lines (BALs) are actually a complex of narrow absorption lines (NALs). As a pilot study of this type of BAL, we show this discovery through a typical example in this paper. Utilizing the two-epoch observations of J002710.06-094435.3 (hereafter J0027-0944) from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we find that each of the C IV and Si IV BAL troughs contains at least four NAL doublets. By resolving the Si IV BAL into multiple NALs, we present the following main results and conclusions. First, all these NALs show coordinated variations between the two-epoch SDSS observations, suggesting that they all originate in the quasar outflow, and that their variations are due to global changes in the ionization condition of the absorbing gas. Secondly, a BAL consisting of a number of NAL components indicates that this type of BAL is basically the same as the intrinsic NAL, which tends to support the inclination model rather than the evolution model. Thirdly, although both the C IV and Si IV BALs originate from the same clumpy substructures of the outflow, they show different profile shapes: multiple absorption troughs for the Si IV BAL in a wider velocity range, while P-Cygni for the C IV BAL in a narrower velocity range. This can be interpreted by the substantial differences in fine structure and oscillator strength between the Si IVλλ1393, 1402 and C IVλλ1548, 1551 doublets. Based on the above conclusions, we consider that the decomposition of a BAL into NALs can serve as a way to resolve the clumpy structure for outflows, and it can be used to learn more about characteristics of the clumpy structure and to test the outflow model, when utilizing high-resolution spectra and photoionization model.

A survey of ultraviolet interstellar absorption lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bohlin, R. C.; Jenkins, E. B.; Spitzer, L., Jr.; York, D. G.; Hill, J. K.; Savage, B. D.; Snow, T. P., Jr.

1983-01-01

A telescope-spectrometer on the Copernicus spacecraft made possible the measurement of many ultraviolet absorption lines produced by the interstellar gas. The present survey provides data on ultraviolet absorption lines in the spectra of 88 early-type stars. The stars observed are divided into four classes, including reddened stars, unreddened bright stars, moderately reddened bright stars, and unreddened and moderately reddened faint stars. Data are presented for equivalent width, W, radial velocity V, and rms line width, D, taking into account some 10 to 20 lines of N I, O I, Si II, P II, S II, Cl I, Cl II, Mn II, Fe II, Ni II, Cu II, and H2. The data are based on multiple scans for each line. Attention is given to details of observations, the data reduction procedure, and the computation of equivalent width, mean velocity, and velocity dispersion.

The Hubble Space Telescope Quasar Absorption Line Key Project: The Unusual Absorption-Line System in the Spectrum of PG 2302+029--Ejected or Intervening?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jannuzi, B. T.; Hartig, G. F.; Kirhakos, S.; Sargent, W. L. W.; Turnshek, D. A.; Weymann, R. J.; Bahcall, J. N.; Bergeron, J.; Boksenberg, A.; Savage, B. D.;

Characterizing the Circumgalactic Medium of Nearby Galaxies with HST/COS and HST/STIS Absorption-line Spectroscopy. II. Methods and Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keeney, Brian A.; Stocke, John T.; Danforth, Charles W.; Shull, J. Michael; Pratt, Cameron T.; Froning, Cynthia S.; Green, James C.; Penton, Steven V.; Savage, Blair D.

2017-05-01

We present basic data and modeling for a survey of the cool, photoionized circumgalactic medium (CGM) of low-redshift galaxies using far-UV QSO absorption-line probes. This survey consists of “targeted” and “serendipitous” CGM subsamples, originally described in Stocke et al. (Paper I). The targeted subsample probes low-luminosity, late-type galaxies at z< 0.02 with small impact parameters (< ρ > =71 kpc), and the serendipitous subsample probes higher luminosity galaxies at z≲ 0.2 with larger impact parameters (< ρ > =222 kpc). Hubble Space Telescope and FUSE UV spectroscopy of the absorbers and basic data for the associated galaxies, derived from ground-based imaging and spectroscopy, are presented. We find broad agreement with the COS-Halos results, but our sample shows no evidence for changing ionization parameter or hydrogen density with distance from the CGM host galaxy, probably because the COS-Halos survey probes the CGM at smaller impact parameters. We find at least two passive galaxies with H I and metal-line absorption, confirming the intriguing COS-Halos result that galaxies sometimes have cool gas halos despite no on-going star formation. Using a new methodology for fitting H I absorption complexes, we confirm the CGM cool gas mass of Paper I, but this value is significantly smaller than that found by the COS-Halos survey. We trace much of this difference to the specific values of the low-z metagalactic ionization rate assumed. After accounting for this difference, a best-value for the CGM cool gas mass is found by combining the results of both surveys to obtain {log}(M/{M}⊙ )=10.5+/- 0.3, or ˜30% of the total baryon reservoir of an L≥slant {L}* , star-forming galaxy. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.

Discovery of Hα Absorption in the Unusual Broad Absorption Line Quasar SDSS J083942.11+380526.3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, Kentaro; Iwata, Ikuru; Ohta, Kouji; Ando, Masataka; Akiyama, Masayuki; Tamura, Naoyuki

2006-11-01

We discovered Hα absorption in the broad Hα emission line of an unusual broad absorption line quasar, SDSS J083942.11+380526.3, at z=2.318, through near-infrared spectroscopy with the Cooled Infrared Spectrograph and Camera for OHS (CISCO) on the Subaru telescope. The presence of nonstellar Hα absorption is known only in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 to date; thus, our discovery is the first case for quasars. The Hα absorption line is blueshifted by 520 km s-1 relative to the Hα emission line, and its redshift almost coincides with those of UV low-ionization metal absorption lines. The width of the Hα absorption (~340 km s-1) is similar to those of the UV low-ionization absorption lines. These facts suggest that the Hα and low-ionization metal absorption lines are produced by the same low-ionization gas, which has a substantial amount of neutral gas. The column density of the neutral hydrogen is estimated to be ~1018 cm-2 by assuming a gas temperature of 10,000 K from the analysis of the curve of growth. The continuum spectrum is reproduced by a reddened [E(B-V)~0.15 mag for the SMC-like reddening law] composite quasar spectrum. Furthermore, the UV spectrum of SDSS J083942.11+380526.3 shows a remarkable similarity to that of NGC 4151 in its low state, suggesting that the physical condition of the absorber in SDSS J083942.11+380526.3 is similar to that of NGC 4151 in the low state. As proposed for NGC 4151, SDSS J083942.11+380526.3 may also be seen through the edge of the obscuring torus. Based in part on data collected at Subaru Telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

Spectrophotometry of six broad absorption line QSOs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Junkkarinen, Vesa T.; Burbidge, E. Margaret; Smith, Harding E.

1987-01-01

Spectrophotometric observations of six broad absorption-line QSOs (BALQSOs) are presented. The continua and emission lines are compared with those in the spectra of QSOs without BALs. A statistically significant difference is found in the emission-line intensity ratio for (N V 1240-A)/(C IV 1549-A). The median value of (N V)/(C IV) for the BALQSOs is two to three times the median for QSOs without BALs. The absorption features of the BALQSOs are described, and the column densities and limits on the ionization structure of the BAL region are discussed. If the dominant ionization mechanism is photoionization, then it is likely that either the ionizing spectrum is steep or the abundances are considerably different from solar. Collisional ionization may be a significant factor, but it cannot totally dominate the ionization rate.

The X-rays of a bright QSO well within the epoch of reionization at z=7.54

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banados, Eduardo

2016-09-01

After almost a decade of intense search, our team has finally discovered a bright QSO well within the epoch of reionization, at z=7.54. This is by far the most distant QSO known (previous record: 7.08), at a cosmic age of 690 Myr, i.e., only 5% of our universe's current age. This is the first QSO whose spectrum shows clear evidence of an intergalactic medium that is >20% neutral and that reionization is underway. We propose Chandra observations of this unique object to (i) probe evolution of the X-ray-to-optical luminosity ratio (alpha-ox) to the highest accessible redshift; (ii) provide a more reliable estimate of the QSO's bolometric luminosity, and (iii) assess the feasibility of deeper Chandra and XMM observations for the upcoming cycles, which would allow us to test whether the first black holes are accreting at super-Eddington rates.

Intervening O vi Quasar Absorption Systems at Low Redshift: A Significant Baryon Reservoir.

PubMed

Tripp; Savage; Jenkins

2000-05-01

Far-UV echelle spectroscopy of the radio-quiet QSO H1821+643 (zem=0.297), obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) at approximately 7 km s-1 resolution, reveals four definite O vi absorption-line systems and one probable O vi absorber at 0.15QSO. In the case of the strong O vi system at zabs=0.22497, multiple components are detected in Si iii and O vi as well as H i Lyman series lines, and the differing component velocity centroids and b-values firmly establish that this is a multiphase absorption system. A weak O vi absorber is detected at zabs=0.22637, i.e., offset by approximately 340 km s-1 from the zabs=0.22497 system. Lyalpha absorption is detected at zabs=0.22613, but no Lyalpha absorption is significantly detected at 0.22637. Other weak O vi absorbers at zabs=0.24531 and 0.26659 and the probable O vi system at 0.21326 have widely diverse O vi/H i column density ratios with N(O vi)/N(H i) ranging from

Reddening and He i{sup ∗} λ 10830 Absorption Lines in Three Narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Shaohua; Zhou, Hongyan; Shi, Xiheng

We report the detection of heavy reddening and the He i* λ 10830 absorption lines at the active galactic nucleus (AGN) redshift in three narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies: SDSS J091848.61+211717.0, SDSS J111354.66+124439.0, and SDSS J122749.13+321458.9. They exhibit very red optical to near-infrared colors, narrow Balmer/Paschen broad emission lines and He i* λ 10830 absorption lines. The ultraviolet-optical-infrared nucleus continua are reddened by the SMC extinction law of E ( B − V ) ∼ 0.74, 1.17, and 1.24 mag for three objects, which are highly consistent with the values obtained from the broad-line Balmer decrements, but larger than those ofmore » narrow emission lines. The reddening analysis suggests that the extinction dust simultaneously obscures the accretion disk, the broad emission-line region, and the hot dust from the inner edge of the torus. It is possible that the dust obscuring the AGN structures is the dusty torus itself. Furthermore, the Cloudy analysis of the He i* λ 10830 absorption lines proposes the distance of the absorption materials to be the extend scale of the torus, which greatly increases probabilities of the obscure and absorption materials being the dusty torus.« less

Searching for Variability of NV Intrinsic Narrow Absorption Line Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodruck, Michael; Charlton, Jane; Ganguly, Rajib

2018-01-01

The majority of quasar absorption line systems with NV detected are found within the associated region (within 5000 km/s of the quasar redshift) and many/most are believed to be related to the quasar accretion disk wind or outflows. The most definite evidence that these NV absorbers are "intrinsic" is partial covering of the quasar continuum source and/or broad line region. Over 75 quasars containing NV narrow absorption lines have observations obtained at different times with the Keck/HIRES and the VLT/UVES spectrographs at high resolution. The interval between these observations range from months to a decade in the quasar rest frame. While variability is common for intrinsic broad and mini-broad absorption lines, intrinsic narrow absorption lines have been found to be less likely to vary, though systematic studies with large, high quality datasets have been limited. The variability timescales are useful for deriving gas densities and thus the distances from the central engines. This is important in mapping the quasar surroundings, understanding the accretion disk wind mechanism, and assessing the effect the wind has on the galaxy surroundings. We report on the results of a systematic study of variability of NV NALs, exploiting the overlap of targets for observations in the archives of Keck and VLT, and discuss the consequences for interpretation of the origin of intrinsic narrow absorption lines.

The X-ray spectrum of QSO 0241+622. [OSO-8 observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Worrall, D. M.; Boldt, E. A.; Holt, S. S.; Serlemitsos, P. J.

1980-01-01

Proportional counters on the OsO-8 spacecraft measured the X-ray spectrum of QSR 0241+622 in the range 2-50 keV. The best power law fit has a proton spectral index and 90 percent errors gamma = 1.93 (+0.5, -0.3) and low energy absorption consistent with reported gas column densities, but a thermal bremsstrahlung form with temperature 13.1 keV cannot be excluded. No indication of spectral variability is found in three observations of the source with HEAO-A2, although a possible 15-30 percent intensity change over a period of 6 months was observed. The quasar is similar to 3C 273 in the proportion of energy emitted in various bands, excluding the radio, if reported radiation above 50 keV from its direction is indeed associated with QSO 0241+622. The two quasars are compared and possible energy generation scenarios are discussed. Implications concerning quasar contributions to the diffuse background are discussed.

Cosmological test with the QSO Hubble diagram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Corredoira, M.; Melia, F.; Lusso, E.; Risaliti, G.

2016-03-01

A Hubble diagram (HD) has recently been constructed in the redshift range 0 ≲ z ≲ 6.5 using a nonlinear relation between the ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray luminosities of quasi stellar objects (QSOs). The Type Ia Supernovae (SN) HD has already provided a high-precision test of cosmological models, but the fact that the QSO distribution extends well beyond the supernova range (z ≲ 1.8), in principle provides us with an important complementary diagnostic whose significantly greater leverage in z can impose tighter constraints on the distance versus redshift relationship. In this paper, we therefore perform an independent test of nine different cosmological models, among which six are expanding, while three are static. Many of these are disfavored by other kinds of observations (including the aforementioned Type Ia SNe). We wish to examine whether the QSO HD confirms or rejects these earlier conclusions. We find that four of these models (Einstein-de Sitter, the Milne universe, the static universe with simple tired light and the static universe with plasma tired light) are excluded at the > 99% C.L. The quasi-steady state model is excluded at > 95% C.L. The remaining four models (ΛCDM/wCDM, the Rh = ct universe, the Friedmann open universe and a static universe with a linear Hubble law) all pass the test. However, only ΛCDM/wCDM and Rh = ct also pass the Alcock-Paczyński (AP) test. The optimized parameters in ΛCDM/wCDM are Ωm = 0.20-0.20+0.24 and wde = -1.2-∞+1.6 (the dark energy equation-of-state). Combined with the AP test, these values become Ωm = 0.38-0.19+0.20 and wde = -0.28-0.40+0.52. But whereas this optimization of parameters in ΛCDM/wCDM creates some tension with their concordance values, the Rh = ct universe has the advantage of fitting the QSO and AP data without any free parameters.

The Effect of Clustering on Estimations of the UV Ionizing Background from the Proximity Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascarelle, S. M.; Lanzetta, K. M.; Chen, H. W.

1999-09-01

There have been several determinations of the ionizing background using the proximity effect observed in the distibution of Lyman-alpha absorption lines in the spectra of QSOs at high redshift. It is usually assumed that the distribution of lines should be the same at very small impact parameters to the QSO as it is at large impact parameters, and any decrease in line density at small impact parameters is due to ionizing radiation from the QSO. However, if these Lyman-alpha absorption lines arise in galaxies (Lanzetta et al. 1995, Chen et al. 1998), then the strength of the proximity effect may have been underestimated in previous work, since galaxies are known to cluster around QSOs. Therefore, the UV background estimations have likely been overestimated by the same factor.

GALAXY CLUSTERS IN THE LINE OF SIGHT TO BACKGROUND QUASARS. III. MULTI-OBJECT SPECTROSCOPY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andrews, H.; Barrientos, L. F.; Padilla, N.

2013-09-01

We present Gemini/GMOS-S multi-object spectroscopy of 31 galaxy cluster candidates at redshifts between 0.2 and 1.0 and centered on QSO sight lines taken from Lopez et al. The targets were selected based on the presence of an intervening Mg II absorption system at a similar redshift to that of a galaxy cluster candidate lying at a projected distance <2 h{sub 71}{sup -1} Mpc from the QSO sight line (a {sup p}hotometric hit{sup )}. The absorption systems span rest-frame equivalent widths between 0.015 and 2.028 A. Our aim was three-fold: (1) to identify the absorbing galaxies and determine their impact parameters,more » (2) to confirm the galaxy cluster candidates in the vicinity of each quasar sightline, and (3) to determine whether the absorbing galaxies reside in galaxy clusters. In this way, we are able to characterize the absorption systems associated with cluster members. Our main findings are as follows. (1) We identified 10 out of 24 absorbing galaxies with redshifts between 0.2509 {<=} z{sub gal} {<=} 1.0955, up to an impact parameter of 142 h{sub 71}{sup -1} kpc and a maximum velocity difference of 280 km s{sup -1}. (2) We spectroscopically confirmed 20 out of 31 cluster/group candidates, with most of the confirmed clusters/groups at z < 0.7. This relatively low efficiency results from the fact that we centered our observations on the QSO location, and thus occasionally some of the cluster centers were outside the instrument field of view. (3) Following from the results above, we spectroscopically confirmed of 10 out of 14 photometric hits within {approx}650 km s{sup -1} from galaxy clusters/groups, in addition to two new ones related to galaxy group environments. These numbers imply efficiencies of 71% in finding such systems with MOS spectroscopy. This is a remarkable result since we defined a photometric hit as those cluster-absorber pairs having a redshift difference {Delta}z = 0.1. The general population of our confirmed absorbing galaxies have

Broad Absorption Lines in Qsos: Observations and Implications for Models.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnshek, David Alvin

Spectroscopic observations of fourteen broad absorption line (BAL) QSOs are presented and analyzed. Other observations are summarized. The following major conclusions are reached. Broad absorption lines (BALs) are probably present in 3 to 10 percent of the spectra of moderate to high redshift QSOs. The BALs exhibit a variety of velocity structures, from seemingly smooth, continuous absorption to complexes of individual absorption lines. Outflow velocities up to 40,000 km s(' -1) are observed. The level of ionization is high. The minimum total absorption column densities are 10('20) to 10('22) cm('-2). The emission line properties of BAL QSOs appear to be different from those of non-BAL QSOs. For example, N V emission is generally stronger in BAL QSOs and the emission near C III} (lamda)1909 is generally broader in BAL QSOs. The distribution of multiplicities for isolated absorption troughs suggests that the large -scale spatial distribution of BAL clouds is non-random, possibly described by a disk geometry. The BAL clouds are incapable of accounting for all of the observed broad emission lines, particularly C III} (lamda)1909 and Mg II (lamda)2798. Therefore, if the BAL clouds give rise to observable emission, the generally adopted (optically thick, single component) model for the emission line region must be incorrect. Also, photoionization models, which utilize solar abundances and take the ionizing continuum to be a simple power law, are incapable of explaining the level of ionization in the BAL clouds. By considering the observed percentage of QSOs with BALs and resonance line scattering models, it is found that the absorption covering factor in BAL QSOs is between 3 and 20 percent. This suggests that possibly all, but not less than 15 percent, of the QSOs have BAL clouds associated with them. The amount of observable emission and polarization expected to be produced by the BAL clouds from resonance line scattering and collisional excitation is considered in

Extreme Variability in a Broad Absorption Line Quasar

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stern, Daniel; Jun, Hyunsung D.; Graham, Matthew J.

CRTS J084133.15+200525.8 is an optically bright quasar at z = 2.345 that has shown extreme spectral variability over the past decade. Photometrically, the source had a visual magnitude of V ∼ 17.3 between 2002 and 2008. Then, over the following five years, the source slowly brightened by approximately one magnitude, to V ∼ 16.2. Only ∼1 in 10,000 quasars show such extreme variability, as quantified by the extreme parameters derived for this quasar assuming a damped random walk model. A combination of archival and newly acquired spectra reveal the source to be an iron low-ionization broad absorption line quasar withmore » extreme changes in its absorption spectrum. Some absorption features completely disappear over the 9 years of optical spectra, while other features remain essentially unchanged. We report the first definitive redshift for this source, based on the detection of broad H α in a Keck/MOSFIRE spectrum. Absorption systems separated by several 1000 km s{sup −1} in velocity show coordinated weakening in the depths of their troughs as the continuum flux increases. We interpret the broad absorption line variability to be due to changes in photoionization, rather than due to motion of material along our line of sight. This source highlights one sort of rare transition object that astronomy will now be finding through dedicated time-domain surveys.« less

The x ray properties of a large, uniform QSO sample: Einstein observations of the LBQS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margon, B.; Anderson, S. F.; Xu, X.; Green, P. J.; Foltz, C. B.

1992-01-01

Although there are large numbers of Quasi Stellar Objects (QSO's) now observed in X rays, extensive X-ray observations of uniformly selected, 'complete' QSO samples are more rare. The Large Bright QSO Survey (LBQS) consists of about 1000 objects with well understood properties, most brighter than B = 18.8 and thus amenable to X-ray detections in relatively brief exposures. The sample is thought to be highly complete in the range 0.2 less than z less than 3.3, a significantly broader interval than many other surveys. The Einstein IPC observed 150 of these objects, mostly serendipitously, during its lifetime. We report the results of an analysis of these IPC data, considering not only the 20 percent of the objects we find to have positive X-ray detections, but also the ensemble X-ray properties derived by 'image stacking'.

A Survey of Metal Lines at High Redshift. II. SDSS Absorption Line Studies—O VI Line Density, Space Density, and Gas Metallicity at z abs ~ 3.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, S.; Mathur, S.; Pieri, M.; York, D. G.

2010-09-01

We have analyzed a large data set of O VI absorber candidates found in the spectra of 3702 Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasars, focusing on a subsample of 387 active galactic nuclei sight lines with an average S/N >=5.0, allowing for the detection of absorbers above a rest-frame equivalent width limit of W r >= 0.19 Å for the O VI 1032 Å component. Accounting for random interlopers mimicking an O VI doublet, we derive for the first time a secure lower limit for the redshift number density ΔN/Δz for redshifts z abs >= 2.8. With extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we quantify the losses of absorbers due to blending with the ubiquitous Lyα forest lines and estimate the success rate of retrieving each individual candidate as a function of its redshift, the emission redshift of the quasar, the strength of the absorber, and the measured signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the spectrum by modeling typical Lyman forest spectra. These correction factors allow us to derive the "incompleteness and S/N-corrected" redshift number densities of O VI absorbers: ΔN O VI,c /Δzc (2.8 < z < 3.2) = 4.6 ± 0.3, ΔN O VI,c /Δzc (3.2 < z < 3.6) = 6.7 ± 0.8, and ΔN O VI,c /Δzc (3.6 < z < 4.0) = 8.4 ± 2.9. We can place a secure lower limit for the contribution of O VI to the closure mass density at the redshifts probed here: ΩO VI (2.8 < z < 3.2) >= 1.9 × 10-8 h -1. We show that the strong lines we probe account for over 65% of the mass in the O VI absorbers; the weak absorbers, while dominant in line number density, do not contribute significantly to the mass density. Making a conservative assumption about the ionization fraction, {O VI}/{O}, and adopting the Anders & Grevesse solar abundance values, we derive the mean metallicity of the gas probed in our search: ζ(2.8 < z < 3.2) >= 3.6 × 10-4 h, in good agreement with other studies. These results demonstrate that large spectroscopic data sets such as SDSS can play an important role in QSO absorption line studies, in spite of

Super-Eddington QSO RX J0439.6-5311 - II. Multiwavelength constraints on the global structure of the accretion flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Chichuan; Done, Chris; Ward, Martin; Gardner, Emma

2017-10-01

We present a detailed multiwavelength study of an unobscured, highly super-Eddington Type-1 QSO RX J0439.6-5311. We combine the latest XMM-Newton observation with all archival data from infrared to hard X-rays. The optical spectrum is very similar to that of 1H 0707-495 in having extremely weak [O III] and strong Fe II emission lines, although the black hole mass is probably slightly higher at 5-10 × 106 M⊙. The broad-band spectral energy distribution is uniquely well defined due to the extremely low Galactic and intrinsic absorption, so the bolometric luminosity is tightly constrained. The optical/UV accretion disc continuum is seen down to 900 Å, showing that there is a standard thin disc structure down to R ≥ 190-380 Rg and determining the mass accretion rate through the outer disc. This predicts a much higher bolometric luminosity than observed, indicating that there must be strong wind and/or advective energy losses from the inner disc, as expected for a highly super-Eddington accretion flow. Significant outflows are detected in both the narrow-line region (NLR) and broad-line region (BLR) emission lines, confirming the presence of a wind. We propose a global picture for the structure of a super-Eddington accretion flow where the inner disc puffs up, shielding much of the potential NLR material, and show how inclination angle with respect to this and the wind can explain very different X-ray properties of RX J0439.6-5311 and 1H 0707-495. Therefore, this source provides strong supporting evidence that 'simple' and 'complex' super-Eddington NLS1s can be unified within the same accretion flow scenario but with different inclination angles. We also propose that these extreme NLS1s could be the low-redshift analogues of weak emission-line quasars.

Low-redshift quasars in the SDSS Stripe 82: associated companion galaxies and signature of star formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bettoni, D.; Falomo, R.; Kotilainen, J. K.; Karhunen, K.

2017-04-01

We obtained optical spectroscopy of close (<80 kpc) companion objects of a sample of 12 low-redshift quasars (z < 0.3) selected from the SDSS Stripe82 area and that are in the subsample of 52 QSOs for which both multicolour host galaxies properties and galaxy environment were recently investigated in detail. We found that for 8 out of 12 sources the companion galaxy is associated with the QSO having a difference of radial velocity that is less than 400 km s-1. Many of these associated companions exhibit [OII] λ3727 Å emission lines suggestive of episodes of (recent) star formation possibly induced by past interactions. The star formation rate of the companion galaxies as derived from [O II] line luminosity is, however, modest, with a median value of 1.0 ± 0.8 M⊙ yr-1, and the emission lines are barely consistent with expectation from gas ionization by the QSO. The role of the QSO for inducing star formation in close companion galaxies appears meager. For three objects we also detect the starlight spectrum of the QSO host galaxy, which is characterized by absorption lines of old stellar population and [O II] emission line.

Spectroscopic observations of a major flare in QSO TXS0917+624.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyrzykowski, L.; Gromadzki, M.; Kozlowski, Sz.; Mroz, P.; Shahbandeh, M.; Hsiao, E.; Berton, M.; Ciroi, S.; Pastorello, A.; Chen, S.; Reguitti, A.

2018-01-01

We report on optical and near-IR spectroscopy of QSO TXS0917+624 (radio and gamma source) which showed a major 2 magnitude flare on 9th of December 2017 (Spiridonova, Moskvitin and Vlasyuk 2017, ATEL #11048).

A Statistical Study of the Southern Fermi Bubble in UV Absorption Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karim, Md. Tanveer; Fox, Andrew; Jenkins, Edward; Bordoloi, Rongmon; Wakker, Bart; Savage, Blair D.; Lockman, Felix; Crawford, Steve; Bland-Hawthorn, Joss; Jorgenson, Regina A.

2018-01-01

The Fermi Bubbles are two giant lobes of plasma situated at the center of the Milky Way, extending 55° above and below the Galactic Midplane. Although the Bubbles have been widely studied in multiple wavelengths, few studies have been done in UV absorption. Here we present a statistical study of the Southern Fermi Bubble using 17 QSO sightlines — 6 inside the Bubble, 11 outside — using UV absorption spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (HST/COS). We searched for high-velocity clouds (HVCs) in 11 metal lines from ions of Aluminium, Carbon and Silicon. We detected HVCs in 83% of the sightlines inside the Bubble and 64% outside the Bubble, showing an enhancement in the covering fraction of HVCs in the Southern Bubble region. We also observed a decrease in vLSR of the HVCs as a function of the galactic latitude, consistent with a scenario where the identified HVCs trace the Galactic nuclear outflow, as sightlines closer to the central engine are expected to show a higher velocity. Combined with previous studies, our analysis indicates that the Southern Fermi Bubble is a dynamic environment giving rise to complex absorption features.

Unveiling the X-ray/UV properties of AGN winds using Broad and mini-Broad Absorption Line Quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giustini, M.

2015-07-01

BAL/mini-BALs are observed in the UV spectra of ˜ 20-30% of optically selected AGN as broad absorption troughs blueshifted by several thousands km/s, indicative of powerful nuclear winds. They could be representative of the average AGN if their winds cover only 20-30% of the continuum source, and/or represent an evolutionary state analogous to the high-soft state of BHB, when the jet emission is quenched and strong X-ray absorbing equatorial disk winds are virtually ubiquitous. High-quality, possibly time-resolved X-ray/UV studies are crucial to assess the global amount and 'character' of absorption in BAL/mini-BAL QSOs and to constrain the physical mechanism responsible for the launch and acceleration of their winds, therefore placing them in the broader context of AGN geometry and evolution. I will review here the known X-ray properties of BAL/mini-BAL QSOs, and present new results from a comprehensive X-ray spectral analysis of all the Palomar-Green BAL/mini-BAL QSOs with available XMM-Newton observations, for a total of 51 pointings of 14 different sources. These will include the most recent results from a high-quality simultaneous XMM/HST observational campaign on the mini-BAL QSO PG 1126-041, that unveiled with stunning details the X-ray/UV connection in action in an AGN disk wind through correlated X-ray/UV absorption variability.

Multiphase gas in quasar absorption-line systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giroux, Mark L.; Sutherland, Ralph S.; Shull, J. Michael

1994-01-01

In the standard model for H I Lyman-limit (LL) quasar absorption-line systems, the absorbing matter is galactic disk and halo gas, heated and photoionized by the metagalactic radiation field produced by active galaxies. In recent Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations (Reimers et al. 1992; Vogel & Reimers 1993; Reimers & Vogel 1993) of LL systems along the line of sight to the quasar HS 1700+6416, surprisingly high He I/H I ratios and a wide distribution of column densities of C, N, and O ions are deduced from extreme ultraviolet absorption lines. We show that these observations are incompatible with photoionization equilibrium by a single metagalactic ionizing background. We argue that these quasar absorption systems possess a multiphase interstellar medium similar to that of our Galaxy, in which extended hot, collisionally ionized gas is responsible for some or all of the high ionization stages of heavy elements. From the He/H ratios we obtain -4.0 less than or = log U less than or = -3.0, while the CNO ions are consistent with hot gas in collisional ionization equilibrium at log T = 5.3 and (O/H) = -1.6. The supernova rate necessary to produce these heavy elements and maintain the hot-gas energy budget of approximately 10(exp 41.5) ergs/s is approximately 10(exp -2)/yr, similar to that which maintains the 'three-phase' interstellar medium in our own Galaxy. As a consequence of the change in interpretation from photoionized gas to a multiphase medium, the derived heavy-element abundances (e.g., O/C) of these systems are open to question owing to substantial ionization corrections for unseen C V in the hot phase. The metal-line ratios may also lead to erroneous diagnostics of the shape of the metagalactic ionizaing spectrum and the ionizing parameter of the absorbers.

THE NATURE OF A GALAXY ALONG THE SIGHT LINE TO PKS 0454+039

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takamiya, Marianne; Chun, Mark; Kulkarni, Varsha P.

2012-10-01

We report on the properties of a faint blue galaxy (G1) along the line of sight to the QSO PKS 0454+039 from spectroscopic and imaging data. We measured emission lines of H{alpha}, [S II] {lambda}{lambda}6716, 6732, and [N II] {lambda}6584 in the spectrum of G1 obtained with the Gemini/GMOS instrument. The spectroscopic redshift of G1 is z = 0.0715 {+-} 0.0002. From the extinction-corrected H{alpha} flux, we determine a modest star formation rate of SFR = 0.07 M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1} and a specific SFR of log (sSFR) -8.4. Using three different abundance indicators, we determine a nebular abundance 12more » + log (O/H) ranging from 7.6 to 8.2. Based on the velocity dispersion inferred from the emission line widths and the observed surface brightness profile, we estimate the virial mass of G1 to be M{sub vir} {approx} 6.7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 9} M{sub Sun} with an effective radius of 2.0 kpc. We estimate the stellar mass of G1 using spectral energy distribution fitting to be M{sub *} Almost-Equal-To 1.2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 7} M{sub Sun} and an r'-luminosity of L{sub r'} = 1.5x10{sup 8} L{sub Sun }. Overall, G1 is a faint, low-mass, low-metallicity Im/H II galaxy. We also report on the line flux limits of another source (G3) which is the most likely candidate for the absorber system at z = 0.8596. From the spectrum of the QSO itself, we report a previously undetected Mg II {lambda}{lambda}2796, 2803 absorption line system at z = 1.245.« less

Observations of Absorption Lines from Highly Ionized Atoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, E. B.

1984-01-01

In the ultraviolet spectra of hot stars, absorption lines can be seen from highly ionized species in the interstellar medium. Observations of these features which have been very influential in revising the perception of the medium's various physical states, are discussed. The pervasiveness of O 6 absorption lines, coupled with complementary observations of a diffuse background in soft X-rays and EUV radiation, shows that there is an extensive network of low density gas (n approx. fewX 0.001/cucm) existing at coronal temperatures, 5.3 or = log T or = 6.3. Shocks created by supernova explosions or mass loss from early-type stars can propagate freely through space and eventually transfer a large amount of energy to the medium. To create the coronal temperatures, the shocks must have velocities in excess of 150 km/sec; shocks at somewhat lower velocity 9v or = 100 km/sec) can be directly observed in the lines of Si3. Observations of other lines in the ultraviolet, such as Si 4V and C 5, may highlight the widespread presence of energetic uv radiation from very hot, dward stars. More advanced techniques in visible and X-ray astronomical spectroscopy may open up for inspection selected lines from atoms in much higher stages of ionization.

C IV absorption-line variability in X-ray-bright broad absorption-line quasi-stellar objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Ravi; Chand, Hum; Srianand, Raghunathan; Majumdar, Jhilik

2014-07-01

We report the kinematic shift and strength variability of the C IV broad absorption-line (BAL) trough in two high-ionization X-ray-bright quasi-stellar objects (QSOs): SDSS J085551+375752 (at zem ˜ 1.936) and SDSS J091127+055054 (at zem ˜ 2.793). Both these QSOs have shown a combination of profile shifts and the appearance and disappearance of absorption components belonging to a single BAL trough. The observed average kinematic shift of the whole BAL profile resulted in an average deceleration of ˜-0.7 ± 0.1, -2.0 ± 0.1 cm s-2 over rest-frame time-spans of 3.11 and 2.34 yr for SDSS J085551+375752 and SDSS J091127+055054, respectively. To our knowledge, these are the largest kinematic shifts known, exceeding by factors of about 2.8 and 7.8 the highest deceleration reported in the literature; this makes both objects potential candidates to investigate outflows using multiwavelength monitoring of their line and continuum variability. We explore various possible mechanisms to understand the observed profile variations. Outflow models involving many small self-shielded clouds, probably moving in a curved path, provide the simplest explanation for the C IV BAL strength and velocity variations, along with the X-ray-bright nature of these sources.

The absorption spectrum of the QSO PKS 2126-158 (z_em =3.27) at high resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Odorico, V.; Cristiani, S.; D'Odorico, S.; Fontana, A.; Giallongo, E.

1998-01-01

Spectra of the z_em = 3.268 quasar PKS 2126-158 have been obtained in the range lambda lambda 4300-6620 Angstroms with a resolution Rsmallimeq27000 and an average signal-to-noise ratio s/nsmallimeq 25 per resolution element. The list of the identified absorption lines is given together with their fitted column densities and Doppler widths. The modal value of the Doppler parameter distribution for the Lyalpha lines is smallimeq 25 km s(-1) . The column density distribution can be described by a power-law dn / dN ~ N(-beta ) with beta smallimeq 1.5. 12 metal systems have been identified, two of which were previously unknown. In order to make the column densities of the intervening systems compatible with realistic assumptions about the cloud sizes and the silicon to carbon overabundance, it is necessary to assume a jump beyond the He II edge in the spectrum of the UV ionizing background at z smallim 3 a factor 10 larger than the standard predictions for the integrated quasar contribution. An enlarged sample of C IV absorptions (71 doublets) has been used to analyze the statistical properties of this class of absorbers strictly related to galaxies. The column density distribution is well described by a single power-law, with beta =1.64 and the Doppler parameter distribution shows a modal value b_CIV smallimeq 14 km s(-1) . The two point correlation function has been computed in the velocity space for the individual components of C IV features. A significant signal is obtained for scales smaller than 200- 300 km s(-1) , xi (30< Delta v < 90 km\\ s(-1) ) = 33 +/- 3. A trend of decreasing clustering amplitude with decreasing column density is apparent, analogously to what has been observed for Lyalpha lines. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile (ESO No. 2-013-49K). Table 2 is only available in electronic from via anonymous ftp 130.79.128.5 or http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html

Statistical Fine Structure in Inhomogeneously Broadened Absorption Lines in Solids.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-22

the inhomogeneously broadened zero-phonon SijSo (0-0) absorption of pentacene molecules in crystals of p-terphenyl at liquid helium temperatures. SFS...structure (SFS) in the inhomogeneously broadened zero-phonon S, +- So (0-0) absorption of pentacene molecules in crystals of p-terphenyl at liquid helium...tile large multiplicity of local environments. Inhomogeneously broadened absorption lines are usually treated as smooth, Gaussian profiles. In recent

Relative f-values from interstellar absorption lines: advantages and pitfalls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Edward B.

2009-05-01

Interstellar absorption features seen in the ultraviolet and visible spectra of stars provide opportunities for comparing the strengths of different transitions out of the ground electronic states of atoms, ions and simple molecules. In principle, such measurements are straightforward since the radiative transfer is manifested as a simple exponential absorption law at any given radial velocity. Complications arise when the velocity structures of the lines are not completely resolved, or when the lines are either very strongly saturated or too weak to observe. Dynamic range limitations can compromise the comparisons of two transitions that have very different absorption f-values, but they can be mitigated if there are examples with very different column densities and transitions of intermediate strength that can help to bridge the large gap in line strengths. Attempts to unravel the effects of saturation include the use of a curve of growth when only equivalent widths are available, or the measurements of the 'apparent optical depth' when the line is mostly resolved by the instrument. Unfortunately, the application of the curve of growth for one constituent to that of another can sometimes create systematic errors, since the two may have different velocity structures. Likewise, unresolved fine velocity structures in features that have large optical depths can make the apparent optical depths misrepresent the smoothed versions of the true optical depths. One method to compare the strength of a very weak line to that of a very strong one is to measure the total absorption of the former and compare it with the strength of the damping wings of the latter. However in many circumstances, small amounts of gas at velocities well displaced from the line center can masquerade as damping wings. For this reason, it is important to check that these wings have the proper shape.

Line by Line Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Absorption for Predicting Global Warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. C.

2010-12-01

The anthropologic cause of global warming rests on the impact of CO2 on the green house effect. Previous derivations of the increase in the CO2 Forcing Function caused by doubling of atmospheric CO2 from 320 ppm to 640 ppm reported a value of 4 W/M2( Ramananathan,V,et al, J.of Geophysical Research Vol 84, C8,p4949, Aug.1979) This value leads to a calculated temperature rise of 1 deg.K (Charney,J. et al,”Carbon Dioxide and Climate: A Scientific Assessment”, National Academy of Science, Washington D.C., 1979). This increase in global temperature leads to an increase in water vapor if it is assumed that the relative humidity is constant. This ampflication leads to a calculated temperature rise of an additional 2 deg.K. Different arguments as to the effects of the earth’s albido change, clouds, and the oceans also impact the earths global warming with predictions of total temperature rise of as high as 6 deg.K { IPCC,2007 Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Sciences Basis. Contributions of Working Group 1 to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC [ Solomon,S,D. et al (eds)] Cambridge University Press, NY,USA}. Regardless of the other effects, the only way that man can be held responsible for global warming is by CO2 emissions and the resulting increase in the Forcing Function. This paper challenges the magnitude of the 4 W/M2 Forcing Function. The earth radiates in the 4 to 30 micron wavelength range. CO2 has absorption bands in the 4, 10, and 15 micron wavelengths (Hertzberg G. Molecular Spectra & Molecular Structure,Norstrand Co.,1960). McClatchey has tabulated the line stengths for all CO2 transitions and they are used to calculate the atmospheric absorption (McClatchey,R, et al “AFCRL Atmospheric Absorption Line Parameter Compilation”,AFCRL-TR-0096,1973). Detailed calculations of the CO2 line absorption in the 8 to 12 micron atmospheric window shows an increase of 0.3 W/M2 for CO2 doubling. The increase in absorbed fluence in

Optimal extraction of quasar Lyman limit absorption systems from the IUE archive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tytler, David

1992-01-01

The IUE archive contains a wealth of information on Lyman limit absorption systems (LLS) in quasar spectra. QSO spectra from the IUE data base were optimally extracted, coadded, and analyzed to yield a homogeneous samples of LLS at low red shifts. This sample comprise 36 LLS, twice the number previously analyzed low z samples. These systems are ideal for the determination of the origin, redshift evolution, ionization, velocity dispersions and the metal abundances of absorption systems. Two of them are also excellent targets for the primordial Deuterium to Hydrogen ratio.

The MUSE view of QSO PG 1307+085: an elliptical galaxy on the MBH-σ* relation interacting with its group environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husemann, B.; Bennert, V. N.; Scharwächter, J.; Woo, J.-H.; Choudhury, O. S.

2016-01-01

We report deep optical integral-field spectroscopy with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope of the luminous radio-quiet quasi-stellar object (QSO) PG 1307+085 obtained during commissioning. Given the high sensitivity and spatial resolution delivered by MUSE, we are able to resolve the compact (re ˜ 1.3 arcsec) elliptical host galaxy. After spectroscopic deblending of the QSO and host galaxy emission, we infer a stellar velocity dispersion of σ* = 155 ± 19 km s-1. This places PG 1307+085 on the local MBH-σ* relation within its intrinsic scatter but offset towards a higher black hole mass with respect to the mean relation. The MUSE observations reveal a large extended narrow-line region (ENLR) around PG 1307+085 reaching out to ˜30 kpc. In addition, we detect a faint ionized gas bridge towards the most massive galaxy of the galaxy group at 50 kpc distance. The ionized gas kinematics does not show any evidence for gas outflows on kpc scales despite the high QSO luminosity of Lbol > 1046 erg s-1. Based on the ionized gas distribution, kinematics and metallicity we discuss the origin of the ENLR with respect to its group environments including minor mergers, ram-pressure stripping or gas accretion as the likely scenarios. We conclude that PG 1307+085 is a normal elliptical host in terms of the scaling relations, but that the gas is likely affected by the environment through gravity or ambient pressure. It is possible that the interaction with the environment, seen in the ionized gas, might be responsible for driving sufficient gas to the black hole.

High Sensitivity Absorption Spectroscopy on Ti II VUV Resonance Lines of Astrophysical Interest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiese, Lm; Fedchak, Ja; Lawler, Je

2000-06-01

The neutral hydrogen regions of the Interstellar Medium (ISM) of our Galaxy and distant galaxies produce simple absorption spectra because most metals are singly ionized and in their ground fine structure level. Elemental abundance measurements and other studies of the ISM rely on accurate atomic oscillator strengths (f-values) for a few key lines in the second spectra of Ti and other metals. The Ti II VUV resonance lines at 1910.6 and 1910.9 Åare important in absorption line systems in which quasars provide the continuum and the ISM of intervening galaxies is observed. Some of these absorption line systems are redshifted to the visible and observed with ground based telescopes. We report the first laboratory measurement of these Ti II VUV resonance lines. Using High Sensitivity Absorption Spectroscopy, we determined f-values for the 1910 Ålines relative to well-known Ti II resonance lines at 3067 and 3384 ÅContinuum radiation from an Aladdin Storage Ring bending magnet at the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC) is passed through a discharge plasma containing Ti^+. The transmitted light is analyzed by our 3m vacuum echelle spectrometer equipped with VUV sensitive CCD array. The resolving power of our spectrometer/detector array is 300,000. F-values are determined to within 10%.

Detectability of cold streams into high-redshift galaxies by absorption lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goerdt, Tobias; Dekel, Avishai; Sternberg, Amiel; Gnat, Orly; Ceverino, Daniel

2012-08-01

Cold gas streaming along the dark matter filaments of the cosmic web is predicted to be the major source of fuel for disc buildup, violent disc instability and star formation in massive galaxies at high redshift. We investigate to what extent such cold gas is detectable in the extended circumgalactic environment of galaxies via Lyα absorption and selected low-ionization metal absorption lines. We model the expected absorption signatures using high-resolution zoom-in adaptive mesh refinement cosmological simulations. In the post-processing, we distinguish between self-shielded gas and unshielded gas. In the self-shielded gas, which is optically thick to Lyman continuum radiation, we assume pure collisional ionization for species with an ionization potential greater than 13.6 eV. In the optically-thin, unshielded gas, these species are also photoionized by the metagalactic radiation. In addition to absorption of radiation from background quasars, we compute the absorption line profiles of radiation emitted by the galaxy at the centre of the same halo. We predict the strength of the absorption signal for individual galaxies without stacking. We find that the Lyα absorption profiles produced by the streams are consistent with observations of absorption and emission Lyα profiles in high-redshift galaxies. Due to the low metallicities in the streams, and their low covering factors, the metal absorption features are weak and difficult to detect.

Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Extended [O III]λ 5007 Emission in Nearby QSO2s: New Constraints on AGN Host Galaxy Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Travis C.; Kraemer, S. B.; Schmitt, H. R.; Longo Micchi, L. F.; Crenshaw, D. M.; Revalski, M.; Vestergaard, M.; Elvis, M.; Gaskell, C. M.; Hamann, F.; Ho, L. C.; Hutchings, J.; Mushotzky, R.; Netzer, H.; Storchi-Bergmann, T.; Straughn, A.; Turner, T. J.; Ward, M. J.

2018-04-01

We present a Hubble Space Telescope survey of extended [O III] λ5007 emission for a sample of 12 nearby (z < 0.12), luminous Type 2 quasars (QSO2s), which we use to measure the extent and kinematics of their AGN-ionized gas. We find that the size of the observed [O III] regions scale with luminosity in comparison to nearby, less luminous Seyfert galaxies and radially outflowing kinematics to exist in all targets. We report an average maximum outflow radius of ∼600 pc, with gas continuing to be kinematically influenced by the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) out to an average radius of ∼1130 pc. These findings question the effectiveness of AGNs being capable of clearing material from their host bulge in the nearby universe and suggest that disruption of gas by AGN activity may prevent star formation without requiring evacuation. Additionally, we find a dichotomy in our targets when comparing [O III] radial extent and nuclear FWHM, where QSO2s with compact [O III] morphologies typically possess broader nuclear emission lines.

The Mean Metal-line Absorption Spectrum of Damped Ly α Systems in BOSS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mas-Ribas, Lluís; Miralda-Escudé, Jordi; Pérez-Ràfols, Ignasi

We study the mean absorption spectrum of the Damped Ly α (DLA) population at z ∼ 2.6 by stacking normalized, rest-frame-shifted spectra of ∼27,000 DLA systems from the DR12 of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS)/SDSS-III. We measure the equivalent widths of 50 individual metal absorption lines in five intervals of DLA hydrogen column density, five intervals of DLA redshift, and overall mean equivalent widths for an additional 13 absorption features from groups of strongly blended lines. The mean equivalent width of low-ionization lines increases with N {sub H} {sub i}, whereas for high-ionization lines the increase is much weaker.more » The mean metal line equivalent widths decrease by a factor ∼1.1–1.5 from z ∼ 2.1 to z ∼ 3.5, with small or no differences between low- and high-ionization species. We develop a theoretical model, inspired by the presence of multiple absorption components observed in high-resolution spectra, to infer mean metal column densities from the equivalent widths of partially saturated metal lines. We apply this model to 14 low-ionization species and to Al iii, S iii, Si iii, C iv, Si iv, N v, and O vi. We use an approximate derivation for separating the equivalent width contributions of several lines to blended absorption features, and infer mean equivalent widths and column densities from lines of the additional species N i, Zn ii, C ii*, Fe iii, and S iv. Several of these mean column densities of metal lines in DLAs are obtained for the first time; their values generally agree with measurements of individual DLAs from high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio spectra when they are available.« less

A resonant absorption line in the ASCA spectrum of NGC 985?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicastro, F.; Fiore, F.; Brandt, N.; Reynolds, C. S.

1999-01-01

We present timing and spectral analyses of the ASCA observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 985. The 0.6-10keV spectrum of this source is complex: large residuals are evident below 1keV when fitting the spectrum with a power-law model. Fitting a warm absorber model to the 0.6-2.5keV spectrum gives α=1.12+/-0.04, LogNWAH=21.97+/-0.08 and LogU=0.06+/-0.09, but the residuals continue to show a deficit of counts between 0.9 and 1keV. Adding an absorption line improves the fit, and the energy of the line is consistent with that of Kα NeIX-X resonant absorption lines. Hence, we confirm the presence of an ionized absorber along the line of sight to this source and interpret the further 1keV spectral feature as the first detection of a strong resonant absorption line associated with this system. The extrapolation of this model above 2.5keV produces large positive residuals above 3-4keV. Fitting the data with a broken power law plus warm absorber model gives an acceptable χ2 and Δα~0.5. A narrow iron line at 6.4keV (quasar frame) of equivalent width 138+64-110eV is also present in the ASCA data.

Galaxy Clusters in the Line of Sight to Background Quasars. III. Multi-object Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, H.; Barrientos, L. F.; López, S.; Lira, P.; Padilla, N.; Gilbank, D. G.; Lacerna, I.; Maureira, M. J.; Ellingson, E.; Gladders, M. D.; Yee, H. K. C.

2013-09-01

We present Gemini/GMOS-S multi-object spectroscopy of 31 galaxy cluster candidates at redshifts between 0.2 and 1.0 and centered on QSO sight lines taken from López et al. The targets were selected based on the presence of an intervening Mg II absorption system at a similar redshift to that of a galaxy cluster candidate lying at a projected distance <2 h_{71}^{-1} Mpc from the QSO sight line (a "photometric hit"). The absorption systems span rest-frame equivalent widths between 0.015 and 2.028 Å. Our aim was three-fold: (1) to identify the absorbing galaxies and determine their impact parameters, (2) to confirm the galaxy cluster candidates in the vicinity of each quasar sightline, and (3) to determine whether the absorbing galaxies reside in galaxy clusters. In this way, we are able to characterize the absorption systems associated with cluster members. Our main findings are as follows. (1) We identified 10 out of 24 absorbing galaxies with redshifts between 0.2509 <= z gal <= 1.0955, up to an impact parameter of 142\\ h_{71}^{-1} kpc and a maximum velocity difference of 280 km s-1. (2) We spectroscopically confirmed 20 out of 31 cluster/group candidates, with most of the confirmed clusters/groups at z < 0.7. This relatively low efficiency results from the fact that we centered our observations on the QSO location, and thus occasionally some of the cluster centers were outside the instrument field of view. (3) Following from the results above, we spectroscopically confirmed of 10 out of 14 photometric hits within ~650 km s-1 from galaxy clusters/groups, in addition to two new ones related to galaxy group environments. These numbers imply efficiencies of 71% in finding such systems with MOS spectroscopy. This is a remarkable result since we defined a photometric hit as those cluster-absorber pairs having a redshift difference Δz = 0.1. The general population of our confirmed absorbing galaxies have luminosities L_{B} \\sim L_{B}^{\\ast } and mean rest

SED Constraints on the Highest- z Blazar Jet: QSO J0906+6930

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

An, Hongjun; Romani, Roger W.

Here, we report on Gemini, NuSTAR, and eight years of Fermi observations of the most distant blazar QSO J0906+6930 (z = 5.48). We construct a broadband spectral energy distribution (SED) and model the SED using a synchro-Compton model. The measurements yield a mass of ~4 × 10 9 M ⊙ for the black hole and a spectral break at ~4 keV in the combined fit of the new NuSTAR and archival Chandra data. The SED fitting constrains the bulk Doppler factor δ of the jet to 9 +2.5 –3 for QSO J0906+6930. Similar, but weaker, constraints on δ are derivedmore » from SED modeling of the three other claimed z > 5 blazars. Together, these extrapolate to ~620 similar sources, fully 20% of the optically bright, high-mass active galactic nuclei expected at 5 < z < 5.5. This has interesting implications for the early growth of massive black holes.« less

SED Constraints on the Highest-z Blazar Jet: QSO J0906+6930

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Hongjun; Romani, Roger W.

2018-04-01

We report on Gemini, NuSTAR, and eight years of Fermi observations of the most distant blazar QSO J0906+6930 (z = 5.48). We construct a broadband spectral energy distribution (SED) and model the SED using a synchro-Compton model. The measurements yield a mass of ∼4 × 109 M ⊙ for the black hole and a spectral break at ∼4 keV in the combined fit of the new NuSTAR and archival Chandra data. The SED fitting constrains the bulk Doppler factor δ of the jet to 9+2.5 ‑3 for QSO J0906+6930. Similar, but weaker, constraints on δ are derived from SED modeling of the three other claimed z > 5 blazars. Together, these extrapolate to ∼620 similar sources, fully 20% of the optically bright, high-mass active galactic nuclei expected at 5 < z < 5.5. This has interesting implications for the early growth of massive black holes.

SED Constraints on the Highest- z Blazar Jet: QSO J0906+6930

DOE PAGES

An, Hongjun; Romani, Roger W.

2018-03-29

Here, we report on Gemini, NuSTAR, and eight years of Fermi observations of the most distant blazar QSO J0906+6930 (z = 5.48). We construct a broadband spectral energy distribution (SED) and model the SED using a synchro-Compton model. The measurements yield a mass of ~4 × 10 9 M ⊙ for the black hole and a spectral break at ~4 keV in the combined fit of the new NuSTAR and archival Chandra data. The SED fitting constrains the bulk Doppler factor δ of the jet to 9 +2.5 –3 for QSO J0906+6930. Similar, but weaker, constraints on δ are derivedmore » from SED modeling of the three other claimed z > 5 blazars. Together, these extrapolate to ~620 similar sources, fully 20% of the optically bright, high-mass active galactic nuclei expected at 5 < z < 5.5. This has interesting implications for the early growth of massive black holes.« less

Synthetic Absorption Lines for a Clumpy Medium: A Spectral Signature for Cloud Acceleration in AGN?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waters, Tim; Proga, Daniel; Dannen, Randall; Kallman, Timothy R.

2017-01-01

There is increasing evidence that the highly ionized multiphase components of AGN disc winds may be due to thermal instability. The ions responsible for forming the observed X-ray absorption lines may only exist in relatively cool clumps that can be identified with the so-called warm absorbers. Here we calculate synthetic absorption lines for such warm absorbers from first principles by combining 2D hydrodynamic solutions of a two-phase medium with a dense grid of photoionization models to determine the detailed ionization structure of the gas. Our calculations reveal that cloud disruption, which leads to a highly complicated velocity field (i.e. a clumpy flow), will only mildly affect line shapes and strengths when the warm gas becomes highly mixed but not depleted. Prior to complete disruption, clouds that are optically thin to the driving UV resonance lines will cause absorption at an increasingly blueshifted line-of-sight velocity as they are accelerated. This behavior will imprint an identifiable signature on the line profile if warm absorbers are enshrouded in an even broader absorption line produced by a high column of intercloud gas. Interestingly, we show that it is possible to develop a spectral diagnostic for cloud acceleration by differencing the absorption components of a doublet line, a result that can be qualitatively understood using a simple partial covering model. Our calculations also permit us to comment on the spectral differences between cloud disruption and ionization changes driven by flux variability. Notably, cloud disruption offers another possibility for explaining absorption line variability.

Detection of absorption lines in the spectra of X-ray bursts from X1608-52

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Norio; Inoue, Hajime; Tanaka, Yasuo

X-ray bursts from X 1608-52 were observed with the gas scintillation proportional counters on the Tenma satellite. Absorption features were detected in the spectra of three bursts among 17 bursts observed. These absorption features are consistent with a common absorption line at 4.1 keV. The energy and the properties of the absorption lines of the X 1608-52 bursts are very similar to those observed from the X 1636-53 bursts by Waki et al. (1984). Near equality of the absorption-line energies for X 1636-53 and X 1608-52 would imply that mass and radius of the neutron stars in these two systems are very similar to each other.

Impact of line parameter database and continuum absorption on GOSAT TIR methane retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, A.; Saitoh, N.; Nonogaki, R.; Imasu, R.; Shiomi, K.; Kuze, A.

2017-12-01

The current methane retrieval algorithm (V1) at wavenumber range from 1210 cm-1 to 1360 cm-1 including CH4 ν 4 band from the thermal infrared (TIR) band of Thermal and Near-infrared Sensor for Carbon Observation Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) onboard Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) uses LBLRTM V12.1 with AER V3.1 line database and MT CKD 2.5.2 continuum absorption model to calculate optical depth. Since line parameter databases have been updated and the continuum absorption may have large uncertainty, the purpose of this study is to assess the impact on {CH}4 retrieval from the choice of line parameter databases and the uncertainty of continuum absorption. We retrieved {CH}4 profiles with replacement of line parameter database from AER V3.1 to AER v1.0, HITRAN 2004, HITRAN 2008, AER V3.2, or HITRAN 2012 (Rothman et al. 2005, 2009, and 2013. Clough et al., 2005), we assumed 10% larger continuum absorption coefficients and 50% larger temperature dependent coefficient of continuum absorption based on the report by Paynter and Ramaswamy (2014). We compared the retrieved CH4 with the HIPPO CH4 observation (Wofsy et al., 2012). The difference from HIPPO observation of AER V3.2 was the smallest and 24.1 ± 45.9 ppbv. The differences of AER V1.0, HITRAN 2004, HITRAN 2008, and HITRAN 2012 were 35.6 ± 46.5 ppbv, 37.6 ± 46.3 ppbv, 32.1 ± 46.1 ppbv, and 35.2 ± 46.0 ppbv, respectively. Maximum {CH}4 retrieval differences were -0.4 ppbv at the layer of 314 hPa when we used 10% larger absorption coefficients of {H}2O foreign continuum. Comparing AER V3.2 case to HITRAN 2008 case, the line coupling effect reduced difference by 8.0 ppbv. Line coupling effects were important for GOSAT TIR {CH}4 retrieval. Effects from the uncertainty of continuum absorption were negligible small for GOSAT TIR CH4 retrieval.

Broad Absorption Line Quasar catalogues with Supervised Neural Networks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scaringi, Simone; Knigge, Christian; Cottis, Christopher E.

2008-12-05

We have applied a Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) algorithm to SDSS DR5 quasar spectra in order to create a large catalogue of broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs). We first discuss the problems with BALQSO catalogues constructed using the conventional balnicity and/or absorption indices (BI and AI), and then describe the supervised LVQ network we have trained to recognise BALQSOs. The resulting BALQSO catalogue should be substantially more robust and complete than BI-or AI-based ones.

Discovery of Variable Hydrogen Balmer Absorption Lines with Inverse Decrement in PG 1411+442

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Xi-Heng; Pan, Xiang; Zhang, Shao-Hua; Sun, Lu-Ming; Wang, Jian-Guo; Ji, Tuo; Yang, Chen-Wei; Liu, Bo; Jiang, Ning; Zhou, Hong-Yan

2017-07-01

We present new optical spectra of the well-known broad absorption line (BAL) quasar PG 1411+442, using the DBSP spectrograph at the Palomar 200 inch telescope in 2014 and 2017 and the YFOSC spectrograph at the Lijiang 2.4 m telescope in 2015. A blueshifted narrow absorption line system is clearly revealed in 2014 and 2015 consisting of hydrogen Balmer series and metastable He I lines. The velocity of these lines is similar to the centroid velocity of the UV BALs, suggesting that both originate from the outflow. The Balmer lines vary significantly between the two observations and vanished in 2017. They were also absent in the archived spectra obtained before 2001. The variation is thought to be driven by photoionization change. Besides, the absorption lines show inversed Balmer decrement, I.e., the apparent optical depths of higher-order Balmer absorption lines are larger than those of lower-order lines, which is inconsistent with the oscillator strengths of the transitions. We suggest that such anomalous line ratios can be naturally explained by the thermal structure of a background accretion disk, which allows the obscured part of the disk to contribute differently to the continuum flux at different wavelengths. High-resolution spectroscopic and photometric monitoring would be very useful to probe the structure of the accretion disk as well as the geometry and physical conditions of the outflow.

The line-locking hypothesis, absorption by intervening galaxies, and the z = 1.95 peak in redshifts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burbidge, G.

1978-01-01

The controversy over whether the absorption spectrum in QSOs is intrinsic or extrinsic is approached with attention to the peak of redshifts at z = 1.95. Also considered are the line-locking and the intervening galaxy hypotheses. The line locking hypothesis is based on observations that certain ratios found in absorption line QSOs are preferred, and leads inevitably to the conclusion that the absorption line systems are intrinsic. The intervening galaxy hypothesis is based on absorption redshifts resulting from given absorption cross-sections of galactic clusters and the intergalactic medium, and would lead to the theoretical conclusion that most QSOs show strong absorption, a conclusion which is not supported by empirical data. The 1.95 peak, on the other hand, is most probably an intrinsic property of QSOs. The peak is enhanced by redshift, and it is noted that both an emission and an absorption redshift peak are seen at 1.95.

On Local Ionization Equilibrium and Disk Winds in QSOs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereyra, Nicolas A.

2014-11-01

We present theoretical C IV λλ1548,1550 absorption line profiles for QSOs calculated assuming the accretion disk wind (ADW) scenario. The results suggest that the multiple absorption troughs seen in many QSOs may be due to the discontinuities in the ion balance of the wind (caused by X-rays), rather than discontinuities in the density/velocity structure. The profiles are calculated from a 2.5-dimensional time-dependent hydrodynamic simulation of a line-driven disk wind for a typical QSO black hole mass, a typical QSO luminosity, and for a standard Shakura-Sunyaev disk. We include the effects of ionizing X-rays originating from within the inner disk radius by assuming that the wind is shielded from the X-rays from a certain viewing angle up to 90° ("edge on"). In the shielded region, we assume constant ionization equilibrium, and thus constant line-force parameters. In the non-shielded region, we assume that both the line-force and the C IV populations are nonexistent. The model can account for P-Cygni absorption troughs (produced at edge on viewing angles), multiple absorption troughs (produced at viewing angles close to the angle that separates the shielded region and the non-shielded region), and for detached absorption troughs (produced at an angle in between the first two absorption line types); that is, the model can account for the general types of broad absorption lines seen in QSOs as a viewing angle effect. The steady nature of ADWs, in turn, may account for the steady nature of the absorption structure observed in multiple-trough broad absorption line QSOs. The model parameters are M bh = 109 M ⊙ and L disk = 1047 erg s-1.

ALMA Reveals a Compact Starburst Around a Hidden QSO at z˜5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilli, R.; Norman, C. A.; Vignali, C.

2015-12-01

We present ALMA 1.3mm observations of XID403, an SMG at z=4.75 in the Chandra Deep Field South hosting a heavily obscured, Compton-thick QSO. The ALMA data show that the dust heated by star formation is distributed within ˜0.9 kpc from the nucleus (effective radius). The SFR and dust temperature obtained from the Herschel+ALMA far-IR SED, reveal a warm and compact starburst with surface density of 200 M⊙ yr-1 kpc-2. Our analysis suggest that, besides the mass, SFR and gas consumption timescale, objects like XID403 have also the right size to be the progenitors of the compact quiescent massive galaxies seen at z˜3. It is finally shown that the density of the gas co-spatial with the dust provides a substantial contribution to the absorbing column density towards the QSO as measured from the X-rays.

QSO Broad Emission Line Asymmetries: Evidence of Gravitational Redshift?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbin, Michael R.

1995-07-01

The broad optical and ultraviolet emission lines of QSOs and active galactic nuclei (AGNs) display both redward and blueward asymmetries. This result is particularly well established for Hβ and C IV λ1549, and it has been found that Hβ becomes increasingly redward asymmetric with increasing soft X-ray luminosity. Two models for the origin of these asymmetries are investigated: (1) Anisotropic line emission from an ensemble of radially moving clouds, and (2) Two-component profiles consisting of a core of intermediate (˜1000-4000 km s-1) velocity width and a very broad (˜5000-20,000 km s-1) base, in which the asymmetries arise due to a velocity difference between the centroids of the components. The second model is motivated by the evidence that the traditional broad-line region is actually composed of an intermediate-line region (ILR) of optically thick clouds and a very broad line region (VBLR) of optically thin clouds lying closer to the central continuum source. Line profiles produced by model (1) are found to be inconsistent with those observed, being asymmetric mainly in their cores, whereas the asymmetries of actual profiles arise mainly from excess emission in their wings. By contrast, numerical fitting to actual Hβ and C IV λ1549 line profiles reveals that the majority can be accurately modeled by two components, either two Gaussians or the combination of a Gaussian base and a logarithmic core. The profile asymmetries in Hβ can be interpreted as arising from a shift of the base component over a range ˜6300 km s-1 relative to systemic velocity as defined by the position of the [O III] λ5007 line. A similar model appears to apply to C IV λ1549. The correlation between Hβ asymmetry and X-ray luminosity may thus be interpreted as a progressive red- shift of the VBLR velocity centroid relative to systemic velocity with increasing X-ray luminosity. This in turn suggests that the underlying effect is gravitational red shift, as soft X-ray emission

Discovery of Variable Hydrogen Balmer Absorption Lines with Inverse Decrement in PG 1411+442

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shi, Xi-Heng; Pan, Xiang; Zhang, Shao-Hua

We present new optical spectra of the well-known broad absorption line (BAL) quasar PG 1411+442, using the DBSP spectrograph at the Palomar 200 inch telescope in 2014 and 2017 and the YFOSC spectrograph at the Lijiang 2.4 m telescope in 2015. A blueshifted narrow absorption line system is clearly revealed in 2014 and 2015 consisting of hydrogen Balmer series and metastable He i lines. The velocity of these lines is similar to the centroid velocity of the UV BALs, suggesting that both originate from the outflow. The Balmer lines vary significantly between the two observations and vanished in 2017. Theymore » were also absent in the archived spectra obtained before 2001. The variation is thought to be driven by photoionization change. Besides, the absorption lines show inversed Balmer decrement, i.e., the apparent optical depths of higher-order Balmer absorption lines are larger than those of lower-order lines, which is inconsistent with the oscillator strengths of the transitions. We suggest that such anomalous line ratios can be naturally explained by the thermal structure of a background accretion disk, which allows the obscured part of the disk to contribute differently to the continuum flux at different wavelengths. High-resolution spectroscopic and photometric monitoring would be very useful to probe the structure of the accretion disk as well as the geometry and physical conditions of the outflow.« less

Evidence for active galactic nucleus feedback in the broad absorption lines and reddening of MRK 231 {sup ,}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leighly, Karen M.; Baron, Eddie; Lucy, Adrian B.

2014-06-20

We present the first J-band spectrum of Mrk 231, which reveals a large He I* λ10830 broad absorption line with a profile similar to that of the well-known Na I broad absorption line. Combining this spectrum with optical and UV spectra from the literature, we show that the unusual reddening noted by Veilleux et al. is explained by a reddening curve like those previously used to explain low values of total-to-selective extinction in Type Ia supernovae. The nuclear starburst may be the origin and location of the dust. Spatially resolved emission in the broad absorption line trough suggests nearly fullmore » coverage of the continuum emission region. The broad absorption lines reveal higher velocities in the He I* lines (produced in the quasar-photoionized H II region) compared with the Na I and Ca II lines (produced in the corresponding partially ionized zone). Cloudy simulations show that a density increase is required between the H II and partially ionized zones to produce ionic column densities consistent with the optical and IR absorption line measurements and limits, and that the absorber lies ∼100 pc from the central engine. These results suggest that the He I* lines are produced in an ordinary quasar BAL wind that impacts upon, compresses, and accelerates the nuclear starburst's dusty effluent (feedback in action), and the Ca II and Na I lines are produced in this dusty accelerated gas. This unusual circumstance explains the rarity of Na I absorption lines; without the compression along our line of sight, Mrk 231 would appear as an ordinary iron low-ionization, broad absorption line quasar.« less

SimBAL: A Spectral Synthesis Approach to Analyzing Broad Absorption Line Quasar Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terndrup, Donald M.; Leighly, Karen; Gallagher, Sarah; Richards, Gordon T.

2017-01-01

Broad Absorption Line quasars (BALQSOs) show blueshifted absorption lines in their rest-UV spectra, indicating powerful winds emerging from the central engine. These winds are essential part of quasars: they can carry away angular momentum and thus facilitate accretion through a disk, they can distribute chemically-enriched gas through the intergalactic medium, and they may inject kinetic energy to the host galaxy, influencing its evolution. The traditional method of analyzing BALQSO spectra involves measuring myriad absorption lines, computing the inferred ionic column densities in each feature, and comparing with the output of photonionization models. This method is inefficient and does not handle line blending well. We introduce SimBAL, a spectral synthesis fitting method for BALQSOs, which compares synthetic spectra created from photoionization model results with continuum-normalized observed spectra using Bayesian model calibration. We find that we can obtain an excellent fit to the UV to near-IR spectrum of the low-redshift BALQSO SDSS J0850+4451, including lines from diverse ionization states such as PV, CIII*, SIII, Lyalpha, NV, SiIV, CIV, MgII, and HeI*.

VARIABLE REDDENING AND BROAD ABSORPTION LINES IN THE NARROW-LINE SEYFERT 1 GALAXY WPVS 007: AN ORIGIN IN THE TORUS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leighly, Karen M.; Cooper, Erin; Grupe, Dirk

2015-08-10

We report the discovery of an occultation event in the low-luminosity narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy WPVS 007 in 2015 February and March. In concert with longer timescale variability, these observations place strong constraints on the nature and location of the absorbing material. Swift monitoring has revealed a secular decrease since ∼2010 accompanied by flattening of the optical and UV photometry that suggests variable reddening. Analysis of four Hubble Space Telescope COS observations since 2010, including a Director’s Discretionary time observation during the occultation, shows that the broad-absorption-line velocity offset and the C iv emission-line width both decrease as the reddeningmore » increases. The occultation dynamical timescale, the BAL variability dynamical timescale, and the density of the BAL gas show that both the reddening material and the broad-absorption-line gas are consistent with an origin in the torus. These observations can be explained by a scenario in which the torus is clumpy with variable scale height, and the BAL gas is blown from the torus material like spray from the crest of a wave. As the obscuring material passes into our line of sight, we alternately see high-velocity broad absorption lines and a clear view to the central engine, or low-velocity broad absorption lines and strong reddening. WPVS 007 has a small black hole mass, and correspondingly short timescales, and so we may be observing behavior that is common in BALQSOs, but is not typically observable.« less

The puzzling case of the radio-loud QSO 3C 186: a gravitational wave recoiling black hole in a young radio source?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiaberge, M.; Ely, J. C.; Meyer, E. T.; Georganopoulos, M.; Marinucci, A.; Bianchi, S.; Tremblay, G. R.; Hilbert, B.; Kotyla, J. P.; Capetti, A.; Baum, S. A.; Macchetto, F. D.; Miley, G.; O'Dea, C. P.; Perlman, E. S.; Sparks, W. B.; Norman, C.

2017-04-01

Context. Radio-loud active galactic nuclei with powerful relativistic jets are thought to be associated with rapidly spinning black holes (BHs). BH spin-up may result from a number of processes, including accretion of matter onto the BH itself, and catastrophic events such as BH-BH mergers. Aims: We study the intriguing properties of the powerful (Lbol 1047 erg s-1) radio-loud quasar 3C 186. This object shows peculiar features both in the images and in the spectra. Methods: We utilize near-IR Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images to study the properties of the host galaxy, and HST UV and Sloan Digital Sky Survey optical spectra to study the kinematics of the source. Chandra X-ray data are also used to better constrain the physical interpretation. Results: HST imaging shows that the active nucleus is offset by 1.3 ± 0.1 arcsec (I.e. 11 kpc) with respect to the center of the host galaxy. Spectroscopic data show that the broad emission lines are offset by -2140 ± 390 km s-1 with respect to the narrow lines. Velocity shifts are often seen in QSO spectra, in particular in high-ionization broad emission lines. The host galaxy of the quasar displays a distorted morphology with possible tidal features that are typical of the late stages of a galaxy merger. Conclusions: A number of scenarios can be envisaged to account for the observed features. While the presence of a peculiar outflow cannot be completely ruled out, all of the observed features are consistent with those expected if the QSO is associated with a gravitational wave (GW) recoiling BH. Future detailed studies of this object will allow us to confirm this type of scenario and will enable a better understanding of both the physics of BH-BH mergers and the phenomena associated with the emission of GW from astrophysical sources.

Absorption line indices in the UV. I. Empirical and theoretical stellar population models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maraston, C.; Nieves Colmenárez, L.; Bender, R.; Thomas, D.

2009-01-01

Aims: Stellar absorption lines in the optical (e.g. the Lick system) have been extensively studied and constitute an important stellar population diagnostic for galaxies in the local universe and up to moderate redshifts. Proceeding towards higher look-back times, galaxies are younger and the ultraviolet becomes the relevant spectral region where the dominant stellar populations shine. A comprehensive study of ultraviolet absorption lines of stellar population models is however still lacking. With this in mind, we study absorption line indices in the far and mid-ultraviolet in order to determine age and metallicity indicators for UV-bright stellar populations in the local universe as well as at high redshift. Methods: We explore empirical and theoretical spectral libraries and use evolutionary population synthesis to compute synthetic line indices of stellar population models. From the empirical side, we exploit the IUE-low resolution library of stellar spectra and system of absorption lines, from which we derive analytical functions (fitting functions) describing the strength of stellar line indices as a function of gravity, temperature and metallicity. The fitting functions are entered into an evolutionary population synthesis code in order to compute the integrated line indices of stellar populations models. The same line indices are also directly evaluated on theoretical spectral energy distributions of stellar population models based on Kurucz high-resolution synthetic spectra, In order to select indices that can be used as age and/or metallicity indicators for distant galaxies and globular clusters, we compare the models to data of template globular clusters from the Magellanic Clouds with independently known ages and metallicities. Results: We provide synthetic line indices in the wavelength range ~1200 Å to ~3000 Å for stellar populations of various ages and metallicities.This adds several new indices to the already well-studied CIV and SiIV absorptions

The Correlated Variations of {\\rm{C}}\\,{\\rm{IV}} Narrow Absorption Lines and Quasar Continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-Fu; Pang, Ting-Ting; He, Bing; Huang, Yong

2018-06-01

We assemble 207 variable quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, all with at least 3 observations, to analyze C IV narrow absorption doublets, and obtain 328 C IV narrow absorption line systems. We find that 19 out of 328 C IV narrow absorption line systems were changed by | {{Δ }}{W}rλ 1548| ≥slant 3{σ }{{Δ }{W}rλ 1548} on timescales from 15.9 to 1477 days at rest-frame. Among the 19 obviously variable C IV systems, we find that (1) 14 systems have relative velocities {\\upsilon }r> 0.01c and 4 systems have {\\upsilon }r> 0.1c, where c is the speed of light; (2) 13 systems are accompanied by other variable C IV systems; (3) 9 systems were changed continuously during multiple observations; and (4) 1 system with {\\upsilon }r = 16,862 km s‑1 was enhanced by {{Δ }}{W}rλ 1548=2.7{σ }{{Δ }{W}rλ 1548} in 0.67 day at rest-frame. The variations of absorption lines are inversely correlated with the changes in the ionizing continuum. We also find that large variations of C IV narrow absorption lines are form differently over a short timescale.

CHANDRA Detects Relativistic Broad Absorption Lines from APM 08279+5255

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chartas, G.; Brandt, W. N.; Gallagher, S. C.; Garmire, G. P.

2002-11-01

We report the discovery of X-ray broad absorption lines (BALs) from the BAL quasar APM 08279+5255 originating from material moving at relativistic velocities with respect to the central source. The large flux magnification by a factor of ~100 provided by the gravitational lens effect combined with the large redshift (z=3.91) of the quasar have facilitated the acquisition of the first high signal-to-noise X-ray spectrum of a quasar containing X-ray BALs. Our analysis of the X-ray spectrum of APM 08279+5255 places the rest-frame energies of the two observed absorption lines at 8.1 and 9.8 keV. The detection of each of these lines is significant at a greater than 99.9% confidence level based on the F-test. Assuming that the absorption lines are from Fe XXV Kα, the implied bulk velocities of the X-ray BALs are ~0.2c and ~0.4c, respectively. The observed high bulk velocities of the X-ray BALs combined with the relatively short recombination timescales of the X-ray-absorbing gas imply that the absorbers responsible for the X-ray BALs are located at radii of <~2×1017 cm, within the expected location of the UV absorber. With this implied geometry, the X-ray gas could provide the necessary shielding to prevent the UV absorber from being completely ionized by the central X-ray source, consistent with hydrodynamical simulations of line-driven disk winds. Estimated mass-outflow rates for the gas creating the X-ray BALs are typically less than a solar mass per year. Our spectral analysis also indicates that the continuum X-ray emission of APM 08279+5255 is consistent with that of a typical radio-quiet quasar with a spectral slope of Γ=1.72+0.06-0.05.

Search for gravitational redshifted absorption lines in LMXB Serpens X-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoneda, Hiroki; Done, Chris; Paerels, Frits; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Watanabe, Shin

2018-04-01

The equation of state for ultradense matter can be tested from observations of the ratio of mass to radius of neutron stars. This could be measured precisely from the redshift of a narrow line produced on the surface. X-rays bursts have been intensively searched for such features, but so far without detection. Here instead we search for redshifted lines in the persistent emission, where the accretion flow dominates over the surface emission. We discuss the requirements for narrow lines to be produced, and show that narrow absorption lines from highly ionized iron can potentially be observable in accreting low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs; low B field) that have either low spin or low inclination so that Doppler broadening is small. This selects Serpens X-1 as the only potential candidate persistent LMXB due to its low inclination. Including surface models in the broad-band accretion flow model predicts that the absorption line from He-like iron at 6.7 keV should be redshifted to ˜5.1-5.7 keV (10-15 km for 1.4 M⊙) and have an equivalent width of 0.8-8 eV for surface temperatures of 7-10 × 106 K. We use the high-resolution Chandra grating data to give a firm upper limit of 2-3 eV for an absorption line at ˜5 keV. We discuss possible reasons for this lack of detection (the surface temperature and the geometry of the boundary layer etc.). Future instruments with better sensitivity are required in order to explore the existence of such features.

Broad Absorption Line Quasars with Polar Outflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junxian

2005-10-01

It is widely accepted that the broad absorption line (BAL) outflow exists in most (if not all) quasars with a small covering factor. Various evidences show that equatorial outflows are responsible for the BALs in most BAL QSOs. By searching for radio variable quasars in SDSS, we built the first sample of 6 BAL QSOs with polar BAL outflows. It is very likely that polar outflows are associated with relativistic jets, and their origins should be different from the equatorial outflows in the majority of BAL QSOs. We propose an XMM snapshot survey to a) check whether strong X-ray absorption, one of the most prominent characteristics of most BAL QSOs, also exist in the polar outflows b) check whether face-on BAL QSOs are otherwise X-ray normal c) provide a baseline for future extensive X-ray studies.

Narrow absorption lines with two observations from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-Fu; Gu, Qiu-Sheng; Chen, Yan-Mei; Cao, Yue

2015-07-01

We assemble 3524 quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) with repeated observations to search for variations of the narrow C IV λ λ 1548,1551 and Mg II λ λ 2796,2803 absorption doublets in spectral regions shortward of 7000 Å in the observed frame, which corresponds to time-scales of about 150-2643 d in the quasar rest frame. In these quasar spectra, we detect 3580 C IV absorption systems with zabs = 1.5188-3.5212 and 1809 Mg II absorption systems with zabs = 0.3948-1.7167. In term of the absorber velocity (β) distribution in the quasar rest frame, we find a substantial number of C IV absorbers with β < 0.06, which might be connected to absorption of quasar outflows. The outflow absorption peaks at υ ≈ 2000 km s^{-1} and drops rapidly below this peak value. Among 3580 C IV absorption systems, 52 systems (˜1.5 per cent) show obvious variations in equivalent widths in the absorber rest frame (Wr): 16 enhanced, 16 emerged, 12 weakened and 8 disappeared systems, respectively. We find that changes in Wrλ1548 are related neither to the time-scales of the two SDSS observations nor to absorber velocities in the quasar rest frame. Variable absorption in low-ionization species is important to constrain the physical conditions of the absorbing gas. There are two variable Mg II absorption systems measured from SDSS spectra detected by Hacker et al. However, in our Mg II absorption sample, we find that neither shows variable absorption with confident levels of >4σ for λ2796 lines and >3σ for λ2803 lines.

An analysis of OH excited state absorption lines in DR 21 and K3-50

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, K. N.; Doel, R. C.; Field, D.; Gray, M. D.; Walker, R. N. F.

1992-10-01

We present an analysis of the OH absorption line zones observed toward the compact H II regions DR 21 and K3-50. Using as parameters the kinetic and dust temperatures, the H2 number density and the ratio of OH-H2 number densities to the velocity gradient, the model quantitatively reproduces the absorption line data for the six main line transitions in 2 Pi3/2 J = 5/2, 7/2, and 9/2. Observed upper limits for the absorption or emission in the satellite lines of 2 Pi3/2 J = 5/2 are crucial in constraining the range of derived parameters. Physical conditions derived for DR 21 show that the kinetic temperature centers around 140 K, the H2 number density around 10 exp 7/cu cm, and that the OH column density in the excited state absorption zone lies between 1 x 10 exp 15/sq cm and 2 x 10 exp 15/sq cm. Including contributions from a J = 3/2 absorption zone, the total OH column density is more than a factor of 2 lower than estimates based upon LTE (Walmsley et al., 1986). The OH absorption zone in K3-50 tends toward higher density and displays a larger column density, while the kinetic temperature is similar. For both sources, the dust temperature is found to be significantly lower than the kinetic temperature.

A Population of Faint Extended Line Emitters and the Host Galaxies of Optically Thick QSO Absorption Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauch, Michael; Haehnelt, Martin; Bunker, Andrew; Becker, George; Marleau, Francine; Graham, James; Cristiani, Stefano; Jarvis, Matt; Lacey, Cedric; Morris, Simon; Peroux, Celine; Röttgering, Huub; Theuns, Tom

2008-07-01

We have conducted a long-slit search for low surface brightness Lyα emitters at redshift 2.67 < z < 3.75. A 92 hr long exposure with the ESO VLT FORS2 instrument down to a 1 σ surface brightness detection limit of 8 × 10-20 erg cm-2 s-1 arcsec-2 per arcsec2 aperture yielded a sample of 27 single line emitters with fluxes of a few × 10-18 erg s-1 cm-2. We present arguments that most objects are indeed Lyα. The large comoving number density, 3 × 10-2 h370 Mpc-3, the large covering factor, dN/dz ~ 0.2-1, and the often extended Lyα emission suggest that the emitters can be identified with the elusive host population of damped Lyα systems (DLAS) and high column density Lyman limit systems (LLS). A small inferred star formation rate, perhaps supplemented by cooling radiation, appears to energetically dominate the Lyα emission, and is consistent with the low metallicity, low dust content, and theoretically inferred low masses of DLAS, and with the relative lack of success of earlier searches for their optical counterparts. Some of the line profiles show evidence for radiative transfer in galactic outflows. Stacking surface brightness profiles, we find emission out to at least 4''. The centrally concentrated emission of most objects appears to light up the outskirts of the emitters (where LLS arise) down to a column density where the conversion from UV to Lyα photon becomes inefficient. DLAS, high column density LLS, and the emitter population discovered in this survey appear to be different observational manifestations of the same low-mass, protogalactic building blocks of present-day L* galaxies. Based partly on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the Paranal Observatories under Program ID LP173.A-0440, and partly on observations obtained at the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the NSF on behalf of the Gemini partnership: the National Science

Composite Spectra of Broad Absorption Line Quasars in SDSS-III BOSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbst, Hanna; Hamann, Fred; Paris, Isabelle; Capellupo, Daniel M.

2017-01-01

We present preliminary results from a study of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars in the SDSS-III BOSS survey. We’re particularly interested in BALs because they arise from quasar outflows, which may be a source of feedback to the host galaxy. We analyze median composite spectra for BOSS QSOs in the redshift range 2.1 to 3.4 sorted by the strength of the BAL absorption troughs, parameterized by the Balnicity Index (BI), to study trends in the emission and absorption properties of BAL quasars. The wavelength coverage and high number of quasars observed in the BOSS survey allow us to examine BALs in the Lyman forest. Our main preliminary results when sorting the quasars by BI are 1) doublet absorption lines such as P V 1128A show a 1:1 ratio across all BI, indicating large column densities at all BI. This suggests that weaker BAL troughs result from smaller covering fractions rather than lower column densities. 2) The He II emission line, which is a measure of the far-UV/near-UV hardness of the ionizing continuum, is weaker in the larger BI composite spectra, indicating a far-UV spectral softening correlated with BI. This is consistent with the radiatively-driven BAL outflows being helped by intrinsically weaker ionizing continuum shapes (e.g., Baskin, Laor, and Hamann 2013). We also find a trend for slightly redder continuum slopes in the larger BI composite spectra, suggesting that the slope differences in the near-UV are also intrinsic.

Thomson Thick X-Ray Absorption in a Broad Absorption Line Quasar, PG 0946+301.

PubMed

Mathur; Green; Arav; Brotherton; Crenshaw; deKool; Elvis; Goodrich; Hamann; Hines; Kashyap; Korista; Peterson; Shields; Shlosman; van Breugel W; Voit

2000-04-20

We present a deep ASCA observation of a broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) PG 0946+301. The source was clearly detected in one of the gas imaging spectrometers, but not in any other detector. If BALQSOs have intrinsic X-ray spectra similar to normal radio-quiet quasars, our observations imply that there is Thomson thick X-ray absorption (NH greater, similar1024 cm-2) toward PG 0946+301. This is the largest column density estimated so far toward a BALQSO. The absorber must be at least partially ionized and may be responsible for attenuation in the optical and UV. If the Thomson optical depth toward BALQSOs is close to 1, as inferred here, then spectroscopy in hard X-rays with large telescopes like XMM would be feasible.

Interstellar Gas-phase Element Depletions in the Small Magellanic Cloud: A Guide to Correcting for Dust in QSO Absorption Line Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jenkins, Edward B.; Wallerstein, George, E-mail: ebj@astro.princeton.edu, E-mail: walleg@u.washington.edu

We present data on the gas-phase abundances for 9 different elements in the interstellar medium of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), based on the strengths of ultraviolet absorption features over relevant velocities in the spectra of 18 stars within the SMC. From this information and the total abundances defined by the element fractions in young stars in the SMC, we construct a general interpretation on how these elements condense into solid form onto dust grains. As a group, the elements Si, S, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn exhibit depletion sequences similar to those in the local part of our Galaxymore » defined by Jenkins. The elements Mg and Ti deplete less rapidly in the SMC than in the Milky Way, and Mn depletes more rapidly. We speculate that these differences might be explained by the different chemical affinities to different existing grain substrates. For instance, there is evidence that the mass fractions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the SMC are significantly lower than those in the Milky Way. We propose that the depletion sequences that we observed for the SMC may provide a better model for interpreting the element abundances in low-metallicity Damped Lyman Alpha (DLA) and sub-DLA absorption systems that are recorded in the spectra of distant quasars and gamma-ray burst afterglows.« less

Observations of absorption lines from highly ionized atoms. [of interstellar medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Edward B.

1987-01-01

In the ultraviolet spectra of hot stars, absorption lines can be seen from highly ionized species in the interstellar medium. Observations of these features which have been very influential in revising the perception of the medium's various physical states, are discussed. The pervasiveness of O 6 absorption lines, coupled with complementary observations of a diffuse background in soft X-rays and EUV radiation, shows that there is an extensive network of low density gas (n approx. few x 0.001/cu cm) existing at coronal temperatures log T = 5.3 or 6.3. Shocks created by supernova explosions or mass loss from early-type stars can propagate freely through space and eventually transfer a large amount of energy to the medium. To create the coronal temperatures, the shocks must have velocities in excess of 150 km/sec; shocks at somewhat lower velocity (v = 100 km/sec) can be directly observed in the lines of Si3. Observations of other lines in the ultraviolet, such as Si 4V and C 5, may highlight the widespread presence of energetic UV radiation from very hot, dwarf stars. More advanced techniques in visible and X-ray astronomical spectroscopy may open up for inspection selected lines from atoms in much higher stages of ionization.

Evidence of Primordial Clustering around the QSO SDSS J1030+0524 at z=6.28

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stiavelli, M.; Djorgovski, S. G.; Pavlovsky, C.; Scarlata, C.; Stern, D.; Mahabal, A.; Thompson, D.; Dickinson, M.; Panagia, N.; Meylan, G.

2005-03-01

We present tentative evidence of primordial clustering, manifested as an excess of color-selected objects in the field of the QSO SDSS J1030+0524 at redshift z=6.28. We have selected objects red in i775-z850 on the basis of Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging of a field centered on the QSO. Compared to data at comparable depth obtained by the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey, we find an excess of objects with i775-z850>=1.5 in the QSO field. The significance of the detection is estimated to be ~97% on the basis of the counts alone and increases to 99.4% if one takes into account the color distribution. If confirmed, this would represent the highest redshift example of galaxy clustering and would have implications on models for the growth of structure. Bias-driven clustering of first luminous objects forming in the highest peaks of the primordial density field is expected in most models of early structure formation. The redshift of one of the candidates has been found to be z=5.970 by our spectroscopy with the Keck I Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer, confirming the validity of our color selection. Based, in part, on data obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership between the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and NASA, and was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation.

Detection of an unprecedented outburst in IDV QSO TXS0917+624

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiridonova, O. I.; Moskvitin, A. S.; Vlasyuk, V. V.

2017-12-01

We report on an unprecedented optical flare of TXS0917+624 -- popular QSO (z=1.446) with effects of intraday variability in radio range. Our measurements, made with 1-meter telescope of SAO of RAS, equipped by UBVRI CCD photometer, showed that apparent magnitude of object in R-band increased up to 15.34 +/- 0.02 on December 8th, 2017 (MJD = 58096.5) and 15.31 +/- 0.03 on December 9th, 2017 (MJD = 58097.5).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: QSOs narrow absorption line variability (Hacker+, 2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hacker, T. L.; Brunner, R. J.; Lundgren, B. F.; York, D. G.

2013-06-01

Catalogues of 2,522 QAL systems and 33 variable NAL systems detected in SDSS DR7 quasars with repeat observations. The object identifiers, position coordinates, and plate-MJD-fibre designations are taken from the SpecObjAll table in the SDSS Catalogue Archive Server (CAS) while the quasar redshifts (zqso) are from Hewett & Wild (2010, Cat. J/MNRAS/405/2302). The absorption system redshift (zabs), system grade, and detected lines are outputs of the York et al. (2013, in. prep.) QAL detection pipeline. Some absorption lines are flagged based on alternate identifications (a), proximity of masked pixels (b), or questionable continuum fits (c). (3 data files).

DISENTANGLING THE CIRCUMNUCLEAR ENVIRONS OF CENTAURUS A. II. ON THE NATURE OF THE BROAD ABSORPTION LINE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Espada, D.; Matsushita, S.; Sakamoto, K.

2010-09-01

We report on atomic gas (H I) and molecular gas (as traced by CO(2-1)) redshifted absorption features toward the nuclear regions of the closest powerful radio galaxy, Centaurus A (NGC 5128). Our H I observations using the Very Long Baseline Array allow us to discern with unprecedented sub-parsec resolution H I absorption profiles toward different positions along the 21 cm continuum jet in the inner 0.''3 (or 5.4 pc). In addition, our CO(2-1) data obtained with the Submillimeter Array probe the bulk of the absorbing molecular gas with little contamination by emission, which was not possible with previous CO single-dishmore » observations. We shed light on the physical properties of the gas in the line of sight with these data, emphasizing the still open debate about the nature of the gas that produces the broad absorption line ({approx}55 km s{sup -1}). First, the broad H I line is more prominent toward the central and brightest 21 cm continuum component than toward a region along the jet at a distance {approx}20 mas (or 0.4 pc) further from the nucleus. This indicates that the broad absorption line arises from gas located close to the nucleus, rather than from diffuse and more distant gas. Second, the different velocity components detected in the CO(2-1) absorption spectrum match well with other molecular lines, such as those of HCO{sup +}(1-0), except the broad absorption line that is detected in HCO{sup +}(1-0) (and most likely related to that of the H I). Dissociation of molecular hydrogen due to the active galactic nucleus seems to be efficient at distances r {approx}< 10 pc, which might contribute to the depth of the broad H I and molecular lines.« less

The missing UV absorption lines of NGC 4151

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leech, K. J.; Penston, M. V.; Snijders, M. A. J.; Ward, M. J.; Gull, T. R.

1990-01-01

Near simultaneous high dispersion long and short wavelength International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 are discussed. Previous observations revealed a narrow absorption system in Mg II not present in Ly alpha or C IV. The new observations confirm the presence of this system in Mg II and its absence in the other lines. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Future Hubble Space Telescope studies of NGC 4151 are discussed.

A Catalog of Broad Absorption Line Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Third Data Release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trump, Jonathan R.; Hall, Patrick B.; Reichard, Timothy A.; Richards, Gordon T.; Schneider, Donald P.; Vanden Berk, Daniel E.; Knapp, Gillian R.; Anderson, Scott F.; Fan, Xiaohui; Brinkman, J.; Kleinman, S. J.; Nitta, Atsuko

2006-07-01

We present a total of 4784 unique broad absorption line quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Third Data Release. An automated algorithm was used to match a continuum to each quasar and to identify regions of flux at least 10% below the continuum over a velocity range of at least 1000 km s-1 in the C IV and Mg II absorption regions. The model continuum was selected as the best-fit match from a set of template quasar spectra binned in luminosity, emission line width, and redshift, with the power-law spectral index and amount of dust reddening as additional free parameters. We characterize our sample through the traditional ``balnicity'' index and a revised absorption index, as well as through parameters such as the width, outflow velocity, fractional depth, and number of troughs. From a sample of 16,883 quasars at 1.7<=z<=4.38, we identify 4386 (26.0%) quasars with broad C IV absorption, of which 1756 (10.4%) satisfy traditional selection criteria. From a sample of 34,973 quasars at 0.5<=z<=2.15, we identify 457 (1.31%) quasars with broad Mg II absorption, 191 (0.55%) of which satisfy traditional selection criteria. We also provide a supplementary list of 39 visually identified z>4.38 quasars with broad C IV absorption. We find that broad absorption line quasars may have broader emission lines on average than other quasars.

Discovery of an X-ray Violently Variable Broad Absorption Line Quasar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghosh, Kajal K.; Gutierrez, Carlos M.; Punsly, Brian; Chevallier, Loic; Goncalves, Anabela C.

2006-01-01

In this letter, we report on a quasar that is violently variable in the X-rays, XVV. It is also a broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) that exhibits both high ionization and low ionization UV absorption lines (LoBALQSO). It is very luminous in the X-rays (approximately 10(exp 46) ergs s(sup -l) over the entire X-ray band). Surprisingly, this does not over ionize the LoBAL outflow. The X-rays vary by a factor of two within minutes in the quasar rest frame, which is shorter than 1/30 of the light travel time across a scale length equal to the black hole radius. We concluded that the X-rays are produced in a relativistic jet beamed toward earth in which variations in the Doppler enhancement produce the XVV behavior.

Line by Line CO2 Absorption in the Atmosphere for Input Data to Calculate Global Warming, David C. Smith, DCS Lasers & Optics LLC, Old Saybrook CT 06475

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. C.

2012-12-01

Compter modeling of global climate change require an input (asssumption) of the forcing function for CO2 absorption. All codes use a long term forcing function of ~ 4 W/M2. (IPCC 2007 Summary for Policymakers. In:Climate Change 2007. The Physical Sciences Basis.Contributions of Working Group 1 to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC, Cambridge U. Press N.Y.)..This is based on a band model of the CO2 rotational/vibrational absorption where a band of absorption averages over all the rotational levels of the vibration transition. (Ramananathan,V.,et al, J. of Geophysical Research,Vol 84 C8,p4949,Aug.1979).. The model takes into account the line width,the spacing between lines and identifies 10 CO2 bands.. This approach neglects the possibility that the peak absorption transitions in a band can "use up" all of the earths IR radiation at that wavelength and does not contribute to global warming no matter how much the CO2 is increased. The lines in the wings of a band increase their absorption as the CO2 is increased. However, the lines that are lost are the strong absorbers and those that are added are the weaker absorption lines. When a band begins to use up the IR then the net result of increasing the atmospheric CO2 is a decrease in the absorption change. This presentation calculates the absorption of each line individualy using the Behr's Law Approach. The dependence of the absorption and line width of each transition as a function of altitude is accounted for. The temperature dependence of the absorption with altitude is not and an evaluation of this error is given. For doubling CO2 from 320ppm to 640 ppm, the calculation gives a forcing function of 1.1 W/M2. The results show the importance of using individual lines to calculate the CO2 contribution to global warming, We can speculate on the imact and anticipate a computer code calculation of a factor of 4 less global warming than the published results.

Highly ionized collimated outflow from HE 0238-1904

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzahid, S.; Srianand, R.; Savage, B. D.; Narayanan, A.; Mohan, V.; Dewangan, G. C.

2012-07-01

We present a detailed analysis of a highly ionized, multiphased and collimated outflowing gas detected through O V, O VI, Ne VIII and Mg X absorption associated with the QSO HE 0238-1904 (zem≃ 0.629). Based on the similarities in the absorption-line profiles and estimated covering fractions, we find that the O VI and Ne VIII absorption trace the same phase of the absorbing gas. Simple photoionization models can reproduce the observed ?, ? and ? from a single phase whereas the low-ionization species (e.g. N III, N IV and O IV) originate from a different phase. The measured ? ratio is found to be remarkably similar (within a factor of ˜2) in several individual absorption components kinematically spread over ˜1800 km s-1. Under photoionization this requires a fine-tuning between hydrogen density (nH) and the distance of the absorbing gas from the Quasi Stellar Object (QSO). Alternatively, this can also be explained by collisional ionization in hot gas with T≥ 105.7 K. Long-term stability favours the absorbing gas being located outside the broad-line region. We speculate that the collimated flow of such a hot gas could possibly be triggered by the radio jet interaction.

Atlas of absorption lines from 0 to 17 900 cm(-1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, J. H.; Rothman, L. S.; Rinsland, C. P.; Smith, M. A. H.; Richardson, D. J.; Larsen, J. C.

1981-01-01

Plots of absorption line strength versus line position for wavenumbers from 0 to 17,900 cm(-1) are shown for 20 atmospheric gases (H2O, CO2, O3, N2O, CO, CH4, O2, NO, SO2, NO2, NH3, HNO3, OH, HF, HCl, HBr, HI, ClO, OCS, H2CO). Also shown are similar plots of lower-state energy values for adsorption lines for the strongly adsorbing atmospheric gases (H2O, CO2, O3, and CH4) for wavenumbers from 0 to 5000 cm(-1).

A search for quasars in the Virgo cluster region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

He, X.-T.; Cannon, R. D.; Peacock, J. A.; Smith, M. G.; Oke, J. B.

1984-01-01

Using objective-prism plates taken with the 44-arcmin objective prism mounted on the UK Schmidt telescope, 53 emission-line quasar candidates and 29 ultraviolet-excess objects (possible low-redshift quasars) have been found in a 5 x 5-degree field centered on 12 h 27 m, + 13 deg 30 min (1950) in the Virgo cluster of galaxies. Eighteen of these 82 candidates were observed using the double spectrograph on the Palomar 5-meter telescope; 13 of the observed objects proved to be quasars. The broad-absorption-line QSO Q1232 + 134 is the first example of the class to show broad low-ionization absorption lines (such as Mg II 2798 A) in addition to the usual high-excitation lines such as Nv 1240 A. Although no conclusive evidence for quasar-galaxy associations is found in this field, there do exist nonuniformities in the distribution of the quasar candidates which may merit further investigation. These objects will provide a useful network of probes for absorbing material in the Virgo cluster. The lines-of-sight to two of the confirmed quasars pass very close to NGC galaxies; the respective projected QSO-galaxy separations are only 4 and 11 kpc at the assumed distance of the Virgo cluster.

Diode-Laser Absorption Sensor for Line-of-Sight Gas Temperature Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanders, Scott T.; Wang, Jian; Jeffries, Jay B.; Hanson, Ronald K.

2001-08-01

Line-of-sight diode-laser absorption techniques have been extended to enable temperature measurements in nonuniform-property flows. The sensing strategy for such flows exploits the broad wavelength-scanning abilities ( >1.7 nm ~ 30 cm-1 ) of a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) to interrogate multiple absorption transitions along a single line of sight. To demonstrate the strategy, a VCSEL-based sensor for oxygen gas temperature distributions was developed. A VCSEL beam was directed through paths containing atmospheric-pressure air with known (and relatively simple) temperature distributions in the 200 -700 K range. The VCSEL was scanned over ten transitions in the R branch of the oxygen A band near 760 nm and optionally over six transitions in the P branch. Temperature distribution information can be inferred from these scans because the line strength of each probed transition has a unique temperature dependence; the measurement accuracy and resolution depend on the details of this temperature dependence and on the total number of lines scanned. The performance of the sensing strategy can be optimized and predicted theoretically. Because the sensor exhibits a fast time response ( ~30 ms) and can be adapted to probe a variety of species over a range of temperatures and pressures, it shows promise for industrial application.

Narrow Quasar Absorption Lines and the History of the Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebscher, Dierck-Ekkehard

In order to get an estimation of the parameters of the cosmological model the statistics of narrow absorption lines in quasar spectra is evaluated. To this end a phenomenological model of the evolution of the corresponding absorbers in density, size, number and dimension is presented and compared with the observed evolution in the spectral density of the lines and their column density seen in the equivalent width. In spite of the wide range of possible models, the Einstein-deSitter model is shown to be unlikely because of the implied fast evolution in mass.

Interstellar Gas-phase Element Depletions in the Small Magellanic Cloud: A Guide to Correcting for Dust in QSO Absorption Line Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Edward B.; Wallerstein, George

2017-04-01

We present data on the gas-phase abundances for 9 different elements in the interstellar medium of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), based on the strengths of ultraviolet absorption features over relevant velocities in the spectra of 18 stars within the SMC. From this information and the total abundances defined by the element fractions in young stars in the SMC, we construct a general interpretation on how these elements condense into solid form onto dust grains. As a group, the elements Si, S, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn exhibit depletion sequences similar to those in the local part of our Galaxy defined by Jenkins. The elements Mg and Ti deplete less rapidly in the SMC than in the Milky Way, and Mn depletes more rapidly. We speculate that these differences might be explained by the different chemical affinities to different existing grain substrates. For instance, there is evidence that the mass fractions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the SMC are significantly lower than those in the Milky Way. We propose that the depletion sequences that we observed for the SMC may provide a better model for interpreting the element abundances in low-metallicity Damped Lyman Alpha (DLA) and sub-DLA absorption systems that are recorded in the spectra of distant quasars and gamma-ray burst afterglows. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and additional data obtained from the Data Archive at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Associations of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Incorporated, under NASA contract NAS5-26555. These observations are associated with program nr. 13778.

The extreme wings of atomic emission and absorption lines. [in low pressure gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dalgarno, A.; Sando, K. M.

1973-01-01

Consideration of the extreme wings of atomic and molecular emission and absorption lines in low pressure gases. Classical and semiclassical results are compared with accurate quantal calculations of the self-broadening of Lyman-alpha in the hydrogen absorption spectrum that arises from quasimolecular transition. The results of classical, quantal, and semiclassical calculations of the absorption coefficient in the red wing are shown for temperatures of 500, 200, and 100 K. The semiclassical and quantal spectra agree well in shape at 500 K. Various other findings are discused.

Absorption line profiles in a companion spectrum of a mass losing cool supergiant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodrigues, Liliya L.; Boehm-Vitense, Erika

1990-01-01

Cool star winds can best be observed in resonance absorption lines seen in the spectrum of a hot companion, due to the wind passing in front of the blue star. We calculated absorption line profiles that would be seen in the ultraviolet part of the blue companion spectrum. Line profiles are derived for different radial dependences of the cool star wind and for different orbital phases of the binary. Bowen and Wilson find theoretically that stellar pulsations drive mass loss. We therefore apply our calculations to the Cepheid binary S Muscae which has a B5V companion. We find an upper limit for the Cepheid mass loss of M less than or equal to 7 x 10(exp -10) solar mass per year provided that the stellar wind of the companion does not influence the Cepheid wind at large distances.

WPVS 007: Dramatic Broad Absorption Line Variability in a Narrow-line Seyfert 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Erin M.; Leighly, K.; Hamann, F. W.; Grupe, D.; Dietrich, M.

2014-01-01

Blue-shifted broad absorption lines are the manifestation of gaseous outflows in astrophysical phenomena. In active galaxies, these outflowing winds may play a key role in the central engine physics by removing angular momentum and in influencing host galaxy evolution by imparting energy and chemically enriched gas to the surrounding medium. AGN wind variability affords us a valuable tool to study this still poorly understood phenomenon. The existence of a high velocity broad line outflow in WPVS007 is especially extraordinary, as Seyfert-luminosity active galaxies are unexpected to produce them. With its lower luminosity and compact size, the NLS1 galaxy WPVS007 (M_V=-19.7, z=0.02882) provides us the ability to study even colossal variability on merely human timescales. Since its 1996 FOS observation, displaying miniBALs but no true broad absorption lines, WPVS007 has experienced a short but rich history of UV BAL variability. By the 2003 FUSE observation, WPVS007 had developed a BAL with v_max ~ 6000km/s, indicating an optically thick, high velocity outflow. We present the 2010 and 2013 June and December HST COS spectra. Between 2003 and 2010, both the maximum and minimum outflow velocity had increased substantially. As of 2013 June, the continuum emission has since dimmed by a factor of ~2 and the BALs have appeared to weaken, with both decreased maximum and minimum velocities. Such dramatic shifts in BAL velocity are unprecedented, as BAL variability is typically confined to changes in optical depth. What is the nature of the variability in this BAL wind? The upcoming (as of the writing of this abstract) December observation should give us more insight into tackling that question, whether it be the transient response of a continuous flow to a fluctuating continuum or perhaps the continued decline of a discrete outflow event.

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy of Doppler-broadened absorption line with sub-MHz absolute frequency accuracy.

PubMed

Cheng, C-F; Sun, Y R; Pan, H; Lu, Y; Li, X-F; Wang, J; Liu, A-W; Hu, S-M

2012-04-23

A continuous-wave cavity ring-down spectrometer has been built for precise determination of absolute frequencies of Doppler-broadened absorption lines. Using a thermo-stabilized Fabry-Pérot interferometer and Rb frequency references at the 780 nm and 795 nm, 0.1 - 0.6 MHz absolute frequency accuracy has been achieved in the 775-800 nm region. A water absorption line at 12579 cm(-1) is studied to test the performance of the spectrometer. The line position at zero-pressure limit is determined with an uncertainty of 0.3 MHz (relative accuracy of 0.8 × 10(-9)). © 2012 Optical Society of America

Using the Properties of Broad Absorption Line Quasars to Illuminate Quasar Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong, Suk Yee; King, Anthea L.; Webster, Rachel L.; Bate, Nicholas F.; O'Dowd, Matthew J.; Labrie, Kathleen

2018-06-01

A key to understanding quasar unification paradigms is the emission properties of broad absorption line quasars (BALQs). The fact that only a small fraction of quasar spectra exhibit deep absorption troughs blueward of the broad permitted emission lines provides a crucial clue to the structure of quasar emitting regions. To learn whether it is possible to discriminate between the BALQ and non-BALQ populations given the observed spectral properties of a quasar, we employ two approaches: one based on statistical methods and the other supervised machine learning classification, applied to quasar samples from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The features explored include continuum and emission line properties, in particular the absolute magnitude, redshift, spectral index, line width, asymmetry, strength, and relative velocity offsets of high-ionisation C IV λ1549 and low-ionisation Mg II λ2798 lines. We consider a complete population of quasars, and assume that the statistical distributions of properties represent all angles where the quasar is viewed without obscuration. The distributions of the BALQ and non-BALQ sample properties show few significant differences. None of the observed continuum and emission line features are capable of differentiating between the two samples. Most published narrow disk-wind models are inconsistent with these observations, and an alternative disk-wind model is proposed. The key feature of the proposed model is a disk-wind filling a wide opening angle with multiple radial streams of dense clumps.

Spectroscopic studies of Wolf-Rayet stars with absorption lines. VIII - HD 193793

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conti, P. S.; Dupre, D. Roussel; Massey, P.; Rensing, M.

1984-07-01

The authors present absorption-line velocities for the O type star spanning over 16 years and emission-line velocities for the WC star covering 10 years. They find no periodicities in either of these sets of data. In particular, they are unable to confirm the claim of Lamontagne, Moffat, and Seggewiss that the two stars are in orbit about one another. Rather, it seems that a generic relationship between the two components has not been established and one is dealing with a situation in which two stars are in the same line of sight.

MULTIMAGNON ABSORPTION IN MNF2-OPTICAL ABSORPTION SPECTRUM.

DTIC Science & Technology

The absorption spectrum of MnF2 at 4.2K in the 3900A region was measured in zero external fields and in high fields. Exciton lines with magnon ...sidebands are observed, accompanied by a large number of weak satellite lines. Results on the exciton and magnon absorptions are similar to those of...McClure et al. The satellite lines are interpreted as being multi- magnon absorptions, and it is possible to fit the energy of all the absorptions with

Confirming the gamma-ray blazar nature of the low energy counterpart QSO PKS1725+123 of 2FGL J1727.9+1220 with WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Massaro, F.; Paggi, A.; D'Abrusco, R.

2012-06-01

Following the near infrared NIR brightening of the QSO PKS1725+123 (=BZQJ1728+1215) (ATEL #4201), associated to the gamma-ray source 2FGL J1727.9+1220 in Nolan et al. (2012 ApJS, 199, 31), we searched in the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE; Wright et al. 2010 AJ, 140, 1868) catalog at the VLBI position of the QSO PKS1725+123 (R.A.(J2000): 17h28m07.0512s, Dec.(J2000): +12d15m39.485s) reported in Beasley et al.

ISO ammonia line absorption reveals a layer of hot gas veiling Sgr B2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceccarelli, C.; Baluteau, J.-P.; Walmsley, M.; Swinyard, B. M.; Caux, E.; Sidher, S. D.; Cox, P.; Gry, C.; Kessler, M.; Prusti, T.

2002-02-01

We report the first results of the unbiased spectral high resolution survey obtained towards Sgr B2 with the Long Wavelength Spectrometer on board ISO. The survey detected more than one hundreds lines from several molecules. Ammonia is the molecule with the largest number (21) of detected lines in the survey. We detected NH3 transitions from levels with energies from 45 to 500 cm-1. The detected transitions are from both para and ortho ammonia and metastable and non-metastable levels. All the ammonia lines are in absortion against the FIR continuum of Sgr B2. With such a large number of detected lines in such a large range of energy levels, we could very efficiently constrain the main parameters of the absorbing gas layer. The gas is at (700 +/- 100) K and has a density lower than 104 cm-3. The total NH3 column density in the layer is (3+/- 1) x 1016 cm-2, equally shared between ortho and para ammonia. Given the derived relatively high gas temperature and ammonia column density, our observations support the hypothesis previously proposed of a layer of shocked gas between us and Sgr B2. We also discuss previous observations of far infrared line absorption from other molecules, like H2O and HF, in the light of this hot absorbing layer. If the absorption is done by the hot absorbing layer rather than by the warm envelope surrounding Sgr B2, as was previously supposed in order to interpret the mentioned observations, the derived H2O and HF abundances are one order of magitude larger than previously estimated. Yet, the present H2O and HF observations do not allow one to disentangle the absorption from the hot layer against the warm envelope. Our conclusions are hence that care should be applied when interpreting the absorption observations in Sgr B2, as the hot layer clearly seen in the ammonia transitions may substantially contribute to the absorption. ISO is an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The

Absorption line studies of reflection from horizontally inhomogeneous layers. [in cloudy planetary atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Appleby, J. F.; Van Blerkom, D. J.

1975-01-01

The article details an inhomogeneous reflecting layer (IRFL) model designed to survey absorption line behavior from a Squires-like cloud cover (which is characterized by convection cell structure). Computational problems and procedures are discussed in detail. The results show trends usually opposite to those predicted by a simple reflecting layer model. Per cent equivalent width variations for the tower model are usually somewhat greater for weak than for relatively strong absorption lines, with differences of a factor of about two or three. IRFL equivalent width variations do not differ drastically as a function of geometry when the total volume of absorbing gas is held constant. The IRFL results are in many instances consistent with observed equivalent width variations of Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus.

Optimizing the night time with dome vents and SNR-QSO at CFHT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devost, Daniel; Mahoney, Billy; Moutou, Claire; CFHT QSO Team, CFHT software Group

2017-06-01

Night time is a precious and costly commodity and it is important to get everything we can out of every second of every night of observing. In 2012 the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope started operating 12 new vent doors installed on the dome over the course of the previous two years. The project was highly successful and seeing measurements show that venting the dome greatly enhances image quality at the focal plane. In order to capitalize on the gains brought by the new vents, the observatory started exploring a new mode of observation called SNR-QSO. This mode consist of a new implementation inside our Queued Service Observation (QSO) system. Exposure times are adjusted for each frame depending on the weather conditions in order to reach a specific depth, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) at a certain magnitude. The goal of this new mode is to capitalize on the exquisite seeing provided by Maunakea, complemented by the minimized dome turbulence, to use the least amount of time to reach the depth required by the science programs. Specific implementations were successfully tested on two different instruments, our wide field camera MegaCam and our high resolution spectrograph ESPaDOnS. I will present the methods used for each instrument to achieve SNR observing and the gains produced by these new observing modes in order to reach the scientific goals of accepted programs in a shorter amount of time.

[The backgroud sky subtraction around [OIII] line in LAMOST QSO spectra].

PubMed

Shi, Zhi-Xin; Comte, Georges; Luo, A-Li; Tu, Liang-Ping; Zhao, Yong-Heng; Wu, Fu-Chao

2014-11-01

At present, most sky-subtraction methods focus on the full spectrum, not the particular location, especially for the backgroud sky around [OIII] line which is very important to low redshift quasars. A new method to precisely subtract sky lines in local region is proposed in the present paper, which sloves the problem that the width of Hβ-[OIII] line is effected by the backgroud sky subtraction. The exprimental results show that, for different redshift quasars, the spectral quality has been significantly improved using our method relative to the original batch program by LAMOST. It provides a complementary solution for the small part of LAMOST spectra which are not well handled by LAMOST 2D pipeline. Meanwhile, This method has been used in searching for candidates of double-peaked Active Galactic Nuclei.

A Hot Gaseous Galaxy Halo Candidate with Mg X Absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Zhijie; Bregman, Joel N.

2016-12-01

The hot gas in galaxy halos may account for a significant fraction of missing baryons in galaxies, and some of these gases can be traced by high ionization absorption systems in QSO UV spectra. Using high S/N Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph spectra, we discovered a high ionization state system at z = 1.1912 in the sightline toward LBQS 1435-0134, and two-component absorption lines are matched for Mg x, Ne viii, Ne VI, O VI, Ne v, O v, Ne IV, O IV, N IV, O III, and H I. Mg x, detected for the first time (5.8σ), is a particularly direct tracer of hot galactic halos, as its peak ion fraction occurs near 106.1 K, about the temperature of a virialized hot galaxy halo of mass ˜ 0.5{M}* . With Mg x and Ne viii, a photoionization model cannot reproduce the observed column densities with path lengths of galaxy halos. For collisional ionization models, one or two-temperature models do not produce acceptable fits, but a three-temperature model or a power-law model can produce the observed results. In the power-law model, {dN}/{dT}={10}4.4+/- 2.2-[Z/X]{T}1.55+/- 0.41 with temperatures in the range of {10}4.39+/- 0.13 {{K}}\\lt T\\lt {10}6.04+/- 0.05 {{K}}, the total hydrogen column density is 8.2× {10}19(0.3 {Z}⊙ /Z) {{cm}}-2 and the positive power-law index indicates most of the mass is at the high temperature end. We suggest that this absorption system is a hot volume-filled galaxy halo rather than interaction layers between the hot halo and cool clouds. The temperature dependence of the column density is likely due to the local mixture of multiple phase gases.

Wavelength Locking to CO2 Absorption Line-Center for 2-Micron Pulsed IPDA Lidar Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Refaat, Tamer F.; Petros, Mulugeta; Antill, Charles W.; Singh, Upendra N.; Yu, Jirong

2016-01-01

An airborne 2-micron triple-pulse integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar is currently under development at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). This IPDA lidar system targets both atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) column measurements. Independent wavelength control of each of the transmitted laser pulses is a key feature for the success of this instrument. The wavelength control unit provides switching, tuning and locking for each pulse in reference to a 2-micron CW (Continuous Wave) laser source locked to CO2 line-center. Targeting the CO2 R30 line center, at 2050.967 nanometers, a wavelength locking unit has been integrated using semiconductor laser diode. The CO2 center-line locking unit includes a laser diode current driver, temperature controller, center-line locking controller and CO2 absorption cell. This paper presents the CO2 center-line locking unit architecture, characterization procedure and results. Assessment of wavelength jitter on the IPDA measurement error will also be addressed by comparison to the system design.

Self-absorption characteristics of measured laser-induced plasma line shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parigger, C. G.; Surmick, D. M.; Gautam, G.

2017-02-01

The determination of electron density and temperature is reported from line-of-sight measurements of laser-induced plasma. Experiments are conducted in standard ambient temperature and pressure air and in a cell containing ultra-high-pure hydrogen slightly above atmospheric pressure. Spectra of the hydrogen Balmer series lines can be measured in laboratory air due to residual moisture following optical breakdown generated with 13 to 14 nanosecond, pulsed Nd:YAG laser radiation. Comparisons with spectra obtained in hydrogen gas yields Abel-inverted line shape appearances that indicate occurrence of self-absorption. The electron density and temperature distributions along the line of sight show near-spherical rings, expanding at or near the speed of sound in the hydrogen gas experiments. The temperatures in the hydrogen studies are obtained using Balmer series alpha, beta, gamma profiles. Over and above the application of empirical formulae to derive the electron density from hydrogen alpha width and shift, and from hydrogen beta width and peak-separation, so-called escape factors and the use of a doubling mirror are discussed.

The theory of QSO absorption line systems and their relationship to the galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charlton, Jane

1993-01-01

The fundamental goal of this effort is to paint a picture of what the Ly-alpha forest clouds are and how they are distributed in space. Progress during the first phase of this program involved development of the 'Cheshire Cat Model' of Ly-alpha clouds in which systems over a large range of column densities are produced by disks with somewhat smaller column densities than those of normal galaxies. A prediction of the slab model of Ly-alpha clouds was confirmed by a new observational result, and the comparison of models to the new data allowed an estimate of the pressure of the intergalactic medium. This result should be forthcoming in pre-print form within the next month. The various results will now be described in more detail.

QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS THAT BL LACERTAE OBJECTS ARE QSO REMNANTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borra, E. F.

2014-11-20

We evaluate with numerical simulations the hypothesis that BL Lacertae objects (BLLs) are the remnants of quasi-stellar objects. This hypothesis is based on their highly peculiar redshift evolution. They have a comoving space density that increases with decreasing redshift, contrary to all other active galactic nuclei. We assume that relativistic jets are below detection in young radio-quiet quasars and increase in strength with cosmic time so that they eventually are detected as BLLs. Our numerical simulations fit very well the observed redshift distributions of BLLs. There are strong indications that only the high-synchrotron-peaked BLLs could be QSO remnants.

Evidence for ultra-fast outflows in radio-quiet AGNs. I. Detection and statistical incidence of Fe K-shell absorption lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tombesi, F.; Cappi, M.; Reeves, J. N.; Palumbo, G. G. C.; Yaqoob, T.; Braito, V.; Dadina, M.

2010-10-01

Context. Blue-shifted Fe K absorption lines have been detected in recent years between 7 and 10 keV in the X-ray spectra of several radio-quiet AGNs. The derived blue-shifted velocities of the lines can often reach mildly relativistic values, up to 0.2-0.4c. These findings are important because they suggest the presence of a previously unknown massive and highly ionized absorbing material outflowing from their nuclei, possibly connected with accretion disk winds/outflows. Aims: The scope of the present work is to statistically quantify the parameters and incidence of the blue-shifted Fe K absorption lines through a uniform analysis on a large sample of radio-quiet AGNs. This allows us to assess their global detection significance and to overcome any possible publication bias. Methods: We performed a blind search for narrow absorption features at energies greater than 6.4 keV in a sample of 42 radio-quiet AGNs observed with XMM-Newton. A simple uniform model composed by an absorbed power-law plus Gaussian emission and absorption lines provided a good fit for all the data sets. We derived the absorption lines parameters and calculated their detailed detection significance making use of the classical F-test and extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Results: We detect 36 narrow absorption lines on a total of 101 XMM-Newton EPIC pn observations. The number of absorption lines at rest-frame energies higher than 7 keV is 22. Their global probability to be generated by random fluctuations is very low, less than 3 × 10-8, and their detection have been independently confirmed by a spectral analysis of the MOS data, with associated random probability <10-7. We identify the lines as Fe XXV and Fe XXVI K-shell resonant absorption. They are systematically blue-shifted, with a velocity distribution ranging from zero up to ~0.3c, with a peak and mean value at ~0.1c. We detect variability of the lines on both EWs and blue-shifted velocities among different XMM-Newton observations

Is QSO 1146 + 111B,C due to lensing by a cosmic string?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gott, J. R., III

1986-01-01

A newly discovered lens candidate, QSO 1146 + 111B,C, is discussed which appears to consist of two images of equal brightness of a quasar at redshift 1.01 separated by 2.6 arcmin. If this is produced by a cosmic string, its mass per unit length is about 4.0 x 10 to the 23rd g/cm or more. This value is large enough to be interesting for string-assisted galaxy formation and near the upper limits implied by the isotropy of the cosmic microwave background and constraints on gravitational radiation.

Investigating the Luminous Environment of SDSS Data Release 4 Mg II Absorption Line Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caler, Michelle A.; Ravi, Sheth K.

2018-01-01

We investigate the luminous environment within a few hundred kiloparsecs of 3760 Mg II absorption line systems. These systems lie along 3760 lines of sight to Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 4 QSOs, have redshifts that range between 0.37 ≤ z ≤ 0.82, and have rest equivalent widths greater than 0.18 Å. We use the SDSS Catalog Archive Server to identify galaxies projected near 3 arcminutes of the absorbing QSO’s position, and a background subtraction technique to estimate the absolute magnitude distribution and luminosity function of galaxies physically associated with these Mg II absorption line systems. The Mg II absorption system sample is split into two parts, with the split occurring at rest equivalent width 0.8 Å, and the resulting absolute magnitude distributions and luminosity functions compared on scales ranging from 50 h-1 kpc to 880 h-1 kpc. We find that, on scales of 100 h-1 kpc and smaller, the two distributions differ: the absolute magnitude distribution of galaxies associated with systems of rest frame equivalent width ≥ 0.8 Å (2750 lines of sight) seems to be approximated by that of elliptical-Sa type galaxies, whereas the absolute magnitude distribution of galaxies associated with systems of rest frame equivalent width < 0.8 Å (1010 lines of sight) seems to be approximated by that of Sa-Sbc type galaxies. However, on larger scales greater than 200 h-1 kpc, both distributions are broadly consistent with that of elliptical-Sa type galaxies. We note that, in a broader context, these results represent an estimate of the bright end of the galaxy luminosity function at a median redshift of z ˜ 0.65.

ASAS-SN Discovery of an Unprecedented >2 Magnitude Optical Flare from QSO B2 1420+32

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanek, K. Z.; Kochanek, C. S.; Thompson, T. A.; Shappee, B. J.; Holoien, T. W.-S.; Prieto, J. L.; Dong, Subo; Dai, X.

2017-12-01

During the ongoing All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN, Shappee et al. 2014), using data from the quadruple 14-cm "Brutus" telescope in Haleakala, Hawaii, and the quadruple 14-cm "Leavitt" telescope in Fort Davis, Texas, we have discovered an unprecedented, factor of 10 optical brightening of QSO B2 1420+32 (SDSS J142230.37+322310.4, z=0.68).

Heterodyne detection of the 752.033-GHz H2O rotational absorption line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dionne, G. F.; Fitzgerald, J. F.; Chang, T. S.; Litvak, M. M.; Fetterman, H. R.

1980-01-01

A tunable high resolution two stage heterodyne radiometer was developed for the purpose of investigating the intensity and lineshape of the 752.033 GHz rotational transition of water vapor. Single-sideband system noise temperatures of approximately 45,000 K were obtained using a sensitive GaAs Schottky diode as the first stage mixer. First local oscillator power was supplied by a CO2 laser pumped formic acid laser (761.61 GHz), generating an X-band IF signal with theoretical line center at 9.5744 GHz. Second local oscillator power was provided by means of a 3 GHz waveguide cavity filter with only 9 dB insertion loss. In absorption measurements of the H2O taken from a laboratory simulation of a high altitude rocket plume, the center frequency of the 752 GHz line was determined to within 1 MHz of the reported value. A rotational temperature 75 K, a linewidth 5 MHz and a Doppler shift 3 MHz were measured with the line-of-sight intersecting the simulated-plume axis at a distance downstream of 30 nozzle diameters. These absorption data were obtained against continuum background radiation sources at temperatures of 1175 and 300 K.

ALMACAL - III. A combined ALMA and MUSE survey for neutral, molecular, and ionized gas in an H I-absorption-selected system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klitsch, A.; Péroux, C.; Zwaan, M. A.; Smail, I.; Oteo, I.; Biggs, A. D.; Popping, G.; Swinbank, A. M.

2018-03-01

Studying the flow of baryons into and out of galaxies is an important part of understanding the evolution of galaxies over time. We present a detailed case study of the environment around an intervening Ly α absorption line system at zabs = 0.633, seen towards the quasar J0423-0130 (zQSO = 0.915). We detect with ALMA the 12CO(2-1), 12CO(3-2), and 1.2 mm continuum emission from a galaxy at the redshift of the Ly α absorber at a projected distance of 135 kpc. From the ALMA detections, we infer interstellar medium conditions similar to those in low-redshift luminous infrared galaxies. Director's Discretionary Time (DDT) Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) integral field unit observations reveal the optical counterpart of the 12CO emission line source and three additional emission line galaxies at the absorber redshift, which together form a galaxy group. The 12CO emission line detections originate from the most massive galaxy in this group. While we cannot exclude that we miss a fainter host, we reach a dust-uncorrected star formation rate (SFR) limit of >0.3 M⊙yr-1 within 100 kpc from the sightline to the background quasar. We measure the dust-corrected SFR (ranging from 3 to 50 M⊙ yr-1), the morpho-kinematics and the metallicities of the four group galaxies to understand the relation between the group and the neutral gas probed in absorption. We find that the Ly α absorber traces either an outflow from the most massive galaxy or intragroup gas. This case study illustrates the power of combining ALMA and MUSE to obtain a census of the cool baryons in a bounded structure at intermediate redshift.

Constraining the variation of the fine-structure constant with observations of narrow quasar absorption lines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Songaila, A.; Cowie, L. L., E-mail: acowie@ifa.hawaii.edu

2014-10-01

The unequivocal demonstration of temporal or spatial variability in a fundamental constant of nature would be of enormous significance. Recent attempts to measure the variability of the fine-structure constant α over cosmological time, using high-resolution spectra of high-redshift quasars observed with 10 m class telescopes, have produced conflicting results. We use the many multiplet (MM) method with Mg II and Fe II lines on very high signal-to-noise, high-resolution (R = 72, 000) Keck HIRES spectra of eight narrow quasar absorption systems. We consider both systematic uncertainties in spectrograph wavelength calibration and also velocity offsets introduced by complex velocity structure inmore » even apparently simple and weak narrow lines and analyze their effect on claimed variations in α. We find no significant change in α, Δα/α = (0.43 ± 0.34) × 10{sup –5}, in the redshift range z = 0.7-1.5, where this includes both statistical and systematic errors. We also show that the scatter in measurements of Δα/α arising from absorption line structure can be considerably larger than assigned statistical errors even for apparently simple and narrow absorption systems. We find a null result of Δα/α = (– 0.59 ± 0.55) × 10{sup –5} in a system at z = 1.7382 using lines of Cr II, Zn II, and Mn II, whereas using Cr II and Zn II lines in a system at z = 1.6614 we find a systematic velocity trend that, if interpreted as a shift in α, would correspond to Δα/α = (1.88 ± 0.47) × 10{sup –5}, where both results include both statistical and systematic errors. This latter result is almost certainly caused by varying ionic abundances in subcomponents of the line: using Mn II, Ni II, and Cr II in the analysis changes the result to Δα/α = (– 0.47 ± 0.53) × 10{sup –5}. Combining the Mg II and Fe II results with estimates based on Mn II, Ni II, and Cr II gives Δα/α = (– 0.01 ± 0.26) × 10{sup –5}. We conclude that spectroscopic measurements

Surprises from a Deep ASCA Spectrum of the Broad Absorption Line Quasar PHL 5200

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, Smita; Matt, G.; Green, P. J.; Elvis, M.; Singh, K. P.

2002-01-01

We present a deep (approx. 85 ks) ASCA observation of the prototype broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) PHL 5200. This is the best X-ray spectrum of a BALQSO yet. We find the following: (1) The source is not intrinsically X-ray weak. (2) The line-of-sight absorption is very strong, with N(sub H) = 5 x 10(exp 23)/sq cm. (3) The absorber does not cover the source completely; the covering fraction is approx. 90%. This is consistent with the large optical polarization observed in this source, implying multiple lines of sight. The most surprising result of this observation is that (4) the spectrum of this BALQSO is not exactly similar to other radio-quiet quasars. The hard X-ray spectrum of PHL 5200 is steep, with the power-law spectral index alpha approx. 1.5. This is similar to the steepest hard X-ray slopes observed so far. At low redshifts, such steep slopes are observed in narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, believed to be accreting at a high Eddington rate. This observation strengthens the analogy between BALQSOs and NLS1 galaxies and supports the hypothesis that BALQSOs represent an early evolutionary state of quasars. It is well accepted that the orientation to the line of sight determines the appearance of a quasar: age seems to play a significant role as well.

The Suzaku Observation of NGC 3516: Complex Absorption and the Broad and Narrow Fe K Lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markowitz, Alex; Reeves, James N.; Miniutti, Giovanni; Serlemitsos, Peter; Kunieda, Hideyo; Taqoob, Tahir; Fabian, Andrew C.; Fukazawa, Yasushi; Mushotzky, Richard; Okajima, Takashi;

Patchy intergalactic He II absorption in HE 2347-4342. II. The possible discovery of the epoch of He-reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reimers, D.; Kohler, S.; Wisotzki, L.; Groote, D.; Rodriguez-Pascual, P.; Wamsteker, W.

1997-11-01

We report on observations of redshifted Heii303.8 Angstroms absorption in the high-redshift QSO HE2347-4342 (z=2.885, V=16.1) with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on board HST in its low resolution mode (bigtriangleup lambda = 0.7 Angstroms). With f_λ=3.6\\ 10(-15) ergcm(-2) s(-1) Angstroms(-1) at the expected position of Heii304 Angstroms absorption it is the most UV-bright high redshift QSO discovered so far. We show that the Heii opacity as a function of redshift is patchy showing spectral regions with low Heii opacity (``voids'') and regions with high Heii opacity (blacked-out ``troughs'') and no detectable flux. Combination with high-resolution optical spectra of the Lyalpha forest using CASPEC at the 3.6m telescope shows that the voids can be explained either exclusively by Lyalpha forest cloud absorption with a moderate N_{subs {He{sc ii}}}/N_{subs {H{sc i}}} ratio eta <=100 and turbulent line broadening or by a combination of Lyalpha forest with eta = 45 and thermal broadening plus a diffuse medium with tau_ {subs {GP}}({subs {He{sc ) ii}}} ~ 0.3. Since the latter is a minimum assumption for the Lyalpha forest, a strict upper limit to a diffuse medium is Omega_ {subs {diff}}<0.02 h50(-1.5) at z=2.8. In the troughs in addition to the Lyalpha forest opacity a continuous Heii 304 Angstroms opacity tau = 4.8(+infty }_{-2) is required. In case of photoionization, the troughs would require a diffuse component with a density close to Omega =~ 0.077(eta /45)(-0.5) h50(-1.5) , i.e. all baryons in the universe, which is inconsistent, however, with the observed absence of such a component in the voids. A tentative interpretation is that we observe the epoch of partial Heii reionization of the universe with patches not yet reionized. In that case a diffuse component with Omega_ {subs {diff}}>= 1.3\\ 10(-4) h(-1}_{50) would be sufficient to explain the ``trough'' opacity. The size of the 1163--1172 Angstroms trough is ~ 6 h50(-1) Mpc or ~ 2300 kms(-1

NARROW Na AND K ABSORPTION LINES TOWARD T TAURI STARS: TRACING THE ATOMIC ENVELOPE OF MOLECULAR CLOUDS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pascucci, I.; Simon, M. N.; Edwards, S.

2015-11-20

We present a detailed analysis of narrow Na i and K i absorption resonance lines toward nearly 40 T Tauri stars in Taurus with the goal of clarifying their origin. The Na i λ5889.95 line is detected toward all but one source, while the weaker K i λ7698.96 line is detected in about two-thirds of the sample. The similarity in their peak centroids and the significant positive correlation between their equivalent widths demonstrate that these transitions trace the same atomic gas. The absorption lines are present toward both disk and diskless young stellar objects, which excludes cold gas within themore » circumstellar disk as the absorbing material. A comparison of Na i and CO detections and peak centroids demonstrates that the atomic gas and molecular gas are not co-located, the atomic gas being more extended than the molecular gas. The width of the atomic lines corroborates this finding and points to atomic gas about an order of magnitude warmer than the molecular gas. The distribution of Na i radial velocities shows a clear spatial gradient along the length of the Taurus molecular cloud filaments. This suggests that absorption is associated with the Taurus molecular cloud. Assuming that the gradient is due to cloud rotation, the rotation of the atomic gas is consistent with differential galactic rotation, whereas the rotation of the molecular gas, although with the same rotation axis, is retrograde. Our analysis shows that narrow Na i and K i absorption resonance lines are useful tracers of the atomic envelope of molecular clouds. In line with recent findings from giant molecular clouds, our results demonstrate that the velocity fields of the atomic and molecular gas are misaligned. The angular momentum of a molecular cloud is not simply inherited from the rotating Galactic disk from which it formed but may be redistributed by cloud–cloud interactions.« less

A compact, metal-rich, kpc-scale outflow in FBQS J0209-0438: detailed diagnostics from HST/COS extreme UV observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finn, Charles W.; Morris, Simon L.; Crighton, Neil H. M.; Hamann, Fred; Done, Chris; Theuns, Tom; Fumagalli, Michele; Tejos, Nicolas; Worseck, Gabor

2014-06-01

We present HST/COS observations of highly ionized absorption lines associated with a radio-loud quasar (QSO) at z = 1.1319. The absorption system has multiple velocity components, with an overall width of ≈600 km s-1, tracing gas that is largely outflowing from the QSO at velocities of a few 100 km s-1. There is an unprecedented range in ionization, with detections of H I, N III, N IV, N V, O IV, O IV*, O V, O VI, Ne VIII, Mg X, S V and Ar VIII. We estimate the total hydrogen number density from the column density ratio N(OIV*) / N(OIV) to be log(nH/cm-3)˜3. Combined with constraints on the ionization parameter in the O IV bearing gas from photoionization equilibrium models, we derive a distance to the absorbing complex of 2.3≲R≲6.0kpc from the centre of the QSO. A range in ionization parameter, covering ˜two orders of magnitude, suggest absorption path lengths in the range 10-4.5≲labs≲1pc. In addition, the absorbing gas only partially covers the background emission from the QSO continuum, which suggests clouds with transverse sizes ltrans≲10-2.5 pc. Widely differing absorption path lengths, combined with covering fractions less than unity across all ions pose a challenge to models involving simple cloud geometries in associated absorption systems. These issues may be mitigated by the presence of non-equilibrium effects, which can be important in small, dynamically unstable clouds, together with the possibility of multiple gas temperatures. The dynamics and expected lifetimes of the gas clouds suggest that they do not originate from close to the active galactic nuclei, but are instead formed close to their observed location. Their inferred distance, outflow velocities and gas densities are broadly consistent with scenarios involving gas entrainment or condensations in winds driven by either supernovae, or the supermassive black hole accretion disc. In the case of the latter, the present data most likely does not trace the bulk of the outflow by mass

A summary of transition probabilities for atomic absorption lines formed in low-density clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morton, D. C.; Smith, W. H.

1973-01-01

A table of wavelengths, statistical weights, and excitation energies is given for 944 atomic spectral lines in 221 multiplets whose lower energy levels lie below 0.275 eV. Oscillator strengths were adopted for 635 lines in 155 multiplets from the available experimental and theoretical determinations. Radiation damping constants also were derived for most of these lines. This table contains the lines most likely to be observed in absorption in interstellar clouds, circumstellar shells, and the clouds in the direction of quasars where neither the particle density nor the radiation density is high enough to populate the higher levels. All ions of all elements from hydrogen to zinc are included which have resonance lines longward of 912 A, although a number of weaker lines of neutrals and first ions have been omitted.

AN INDEPENDENT MEASUREMENT OF THE INCIDENCE OF Mg II ABSORBERS ALONG GAMMA-RAY BURST SIGHT LINES: THE END OF THE MYSTERY?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cucchiara, A.; Prochaska, J. X.; Zhu, G.

2013-08-20

In 2006, Prochter et al. reported a statistically significant enhancement of very strong Mg II absorption systems intervening the sight lines to gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) relative to the incidence of such absorption along quasar sight lines. This counterintuitive result has inspired a diverse set of astrophysical explanations (e.g., dust, gravitational lensing) but none of these has obviously resolved the puzzle. Using the largest set of GRB afterglow spectra available, we reexamine the purported enhancement. In an independent sample of GRB spectra with a survey path three times larger than Prochter et al., we measure the incidence per unit redshift ofmore » {>=}1 A rest-frame equivalent width Mg II absorbers at z Almost-Equal-To 1 to be l(z) = 0.18 {+-} 0.06. This is fully consistent with current estimates for the incidence of such absorbers along quasar sight lines. Therefore, we do not confirm the original enhancement and suggest those results suffered from a statistical fluke. Signatures of the original result do remain in our full sample (l(z) shows an Almost-Equal-To 1.5 enhancement over l(z){sub QSO}), but the statistical significance now lies at Almost-Equal-To 90% c.l. Restricting our analysis to the subset of high-resolution spectra of GRB afterglows (which overlaps substantially with Prochter et al.), we still reproduce a statistically significant enhancement of Mg II absorption. The reason for this excess, if real, is still unclear since there is no connection between the rapid afterglow follow-up process with echelle (or echellette) spectrographs and the detectability of strong Mg II doublets. Only a larger sample of such high-resolution data will shed some light on this matter.« less

Airborne Lidar measurements of Atmospheric CO2 Column Absorption and Line Shapes from 3-11 km altitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abshire, J. B.; Riris, H.; Allan, G. R.; Weaver, C.; Mao, J.; Hasselbrack, W.

2009-04-01

Accurate measurements of tropospheric CO2 abundances with global-coverage are needed to quantify processes that regulate CO2 exchange with the land and oceans. The 2007 Decadal Survey for Earth Science by the US National Research Council recommended a space-based CO2 measuring mission called ASCENDS. We have been developing a technique for the remote measurement of tropospheric CO2 concentrations from aircraft and as a candidate for the ASCENDS mission. It uses the 1570-nm CO2 band and a dual channel laser absorption spectrometer (ie DIAL used in altimeter mode). It uses several tunable laser transmitters allowing simultaneous measurement of the absorption from a CO2 absorption line in the 1570 nm band, O2 extinction in the oxygen A-band, and surface height and aerosol backscatter in the same path. It directs the narrow co-aligned laser beams toward nadir, and measures the energy of the laser echoes reflected from land and water surfaces. During the measurement, the lasers are stepped in wavelength across the CO2 line and an O2 line (near 765 nm) at a ~ 1 kHz rate. The receiver uses a telescope and photon counting detectors, and measures the background light and energies of the laser echoes from the surface along with scattering from any aerosols in the path. The gas extinction and column densities for the CO2 and O2 gases are estimated from the ratio of the on- and off- line signals via the DIAL technique. We use pulsed laser signals and time gating to isolate the laser echo signals from the surface, and to reject photons scattered from thin clouds and aerosols in the path. Previously we had constructed breadboard versions of our CO2 and O2 sensors, using tunable diode lasers, fiber laser amplifiers and 20 cm diameter telescopes. We have used them to make measurements of gas absorptions over 0.2, 0.4 and 1.3 km long outdoor paths. We also have also calculated several characteristics of the technique for space and have performed an initial space mission

Confirming the gamma-ray blazar nature of the low energy counterpart QSO GB6 J1604+5714 of 2FGL J1604.6+5710 with WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Massaro, F.; D'Abrusco, R.; Paggi, A.

2012-06-01

Following the rapid optical variability detected in the QSO GB6 J1604+5714 (=BZQJ1604+5714) (ATEL #4184), associated to the gamma-ray source 2FGL J1604.6+5710 (=1FGL J1604.3+5710) in Nolan et al. (2012 ApJS, 199, 31), we searched in the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE; Wright et al. 2010 AJ, 140, 1868) catalog at the VLBI position of the QSO GB6 J1604+5714 (R.A.(J2000): 16h04m37.3546s, Dec.(J2000): +57d14m36.660s) reported in Beasley et al......

A Narrowband Imaging Search for [O III] Emission from Galaxies at z > 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teplitz, Harry I.; Malkan, Matthew A.; McLean, Ian S.

1999-03-01

We present the results of a narrowband survey of quasi-stellar-object (QSO) fields at redshifts that place the [O III] (5007 Å) emission line in the Δλ/λ~1% 2.16 μm filter. We have observed 3 arcmin2 and detected one emission-line candidate object in the field around PC 1109+4642. We discuss the possibilities that this object is a star-forming galaxy at the QSO redshift, zem=3.313, or a Seyfert galaxy. In the former case, we infer a star formation rate of 170 Msolar yr-1 for this K'=21.3 object. The galaxy has a compact but resolved morphology, with an FWHM=0.6" or 4.2 kpc at z=3.313 (H0=50 km s-1 Mpc-1 and q0=0.5). The comoving density of such objects in QSO environments appears to be 0.0033 Mpc-3, marginally lower (<=3 σ) than the density observed for Hα-emitters in absorption-line fields at z~2.5 but similar to the density of Lyman-break galaxies at z~3. If, on the other hand, most of the line emission is [O III] from a Seyfert 2 nucleus at z=3.31, then the high inferred volume density could imply a large evolution in the Seyfert 2 luminosity function from the current epoch. We find the field containing the object to also contain many faint extended objects in the K' image but little significant excess over the expected number-magnitude relation. We discuss the implication of the emission line being a longer wavelength line at a lower redshift.

A far wing line shape theory and its application to the foreign-broadened water continuum absorption. III

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Q.; Tipping, R. H.

1992-01-01

The far wing line shape theory developed previously and applied to the calculation of the continuum absorption of pure water vapor is extended to foreign-broadened continua. Explicit results are presented for H2O-N2 and H2O-CO2 in the frequency range from 0 to 10,000/cm. For H2O-N2 the positive and negative resonant frequency average line shape functions and absorption coefficients are computed for a number of temperatures between 296 and 430 K for comparison with available laboratory data. In general the agreement is very good.

The z = 0.8596 damped Ly-alpha absorbing galaxy toward PKS 0454+039

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steidel, Charles C.; Bowen, David V.; Blades, J. Chris; Dickenson, Mark

1995-01-01

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and ground-based data on the Z(sub abs) = 0.8596 metal-line absorption system along the line of sight to PKS 0454+0356. The system is a moderate-redshift damped Ly-alpha system, with N(H I) = (5.7 +/- 0.3) x 10(exp 20)/sq cm as measured from the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) spectrum. We also present ground-based images which we use to identify the galaxy which most probably gives rise to the damped system; the most likely candidate is relatively underluminous by QSO absorber standards M(sub B) approximately -19.0 for A(sub 0) = 0.5 and H(sub 0) = 50 km/s/Mpc) and lies approximately 8.5/h kpc in projection from the QSO sight line. Ground-based measurements of Zn II, Cr II, and Fe II absorption lines from this system allow us to infer abundances of (Zn/H) = -1.1, (Cr/H) = -1.2, and (Fe/H) = -1.2 indicating overall metallicity similar to damped systems at z is greater than 2, and that the depletion of Cr and Fe onto dust grains may be even less important than in many of the high-redshift systems of comparable metallicity. Limits previously placed on the 21 cm optical depth in the z = 0.8596 system, together with our new N(H I) measurement, suggest a very high spin temperature for the H I, T(sub s) is greater than 580 K.

QSO Emission Lines and the Black Hole-Galaxy Bulge Relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, G. A.; Gebhardt, K.; Salviander, S.; Wills, B. J.; Yuan, M.; Xie, B.; Dietrich, M.

2002-05-01

Supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei have masses closely related to the properties of the host galaxy bulge. In particular, MBH varies as the fourth power of σ , the stellar velocity dispersion (Tremaine et al. 2002, ApJ in press, and references therein). The origin of the black hole-bulge relation is unknown, although theoretical suggestions abound. An important clue would be provided by knowledge of how the relation has evolved over cosmic time. This requires measurement of black hole masses and galactic potentials at large look-back times, which is difficult to do directly. However, black hole masses may be derived from the continuum luminosity and the widths of the broad Balmer lines of QSOs (e.g., Kaspi et al. 2000, ApJ 533, 631), and σ may be derived from the widths of the narrow [O III] lines (Nelson 2000, ApJ, 544, L91). We have carried out this program for a set of published and unpublished observations of Seyfert galaxies and QSOs. Results for low redshift objects support the use of this method to derive MBH and σ . The few available measurements of high redshift QSOs are consistent little or no change in the MBH-σ relation between the present and redshifts up to z = 3.3, when the universe was only two billion years old. This material is based in part upon work supported by the Texas Advanced Research Program under Grant No. 003658-0177-2001.

Reconstruction of combustion temperature and gas concentration distributions using line-of-sight tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhirong; Sun, Pengshuai; Pang, Tao; Xia, Hua; Cui, Xiaojuan; Li, Zhe; Han, Luo; Wu, Bian; Wang, Yu; Sigrist, Markus W.; Dong, Fengzhong

2016-07-01

Spatial temperature and gas concentration distributions are crucial for combustion studies to characterize the combustion position and to evaluate the combustion regime and the released heat quantity. Optical computer tomography (CT) enables the reconstruction of temperature and gas concentration fields in a flame on the basis of line-of-sight tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (LOS-TDLAS). A pair of H2O absorption lines at wavelengths 1395.51 and 1395.69 nm is selected. Temperature and H2O concentration distributions for a flat flame furnace are calculated by superimposing two absorption peaks with a discrete algebraic iterative algorithm and a mathematical fitting algorithm. By comparison, direct absorption spectroscopy measurements agree well with the thermocouple measurements and yield a good correlation. The CT reconstruction data of different air-to-fuel ratio combustion conditions (incomplete combustion and full combustion) and three different types of burners (one, two, and three flat flame furnaces) demonstrate that TDLAS has the potential of short response time and enables real-time temperature and gas concentration distribution measurements for combustion diagnosis.

When galaxies collide: understanding the broad absorption-line radio galaxy 4C +72.26

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. J. B.; Simpson, C.; Swinbank, A. M.; Rawlings, S.; Jarvis, M. J.

2010-05-01

We present a range of new observations of the `broad absorption-line radio galaxy' 4C +72.26 (z ~ 3.5), including sensitive rest-frame ultraviolet integral field spectroscopy using the Gemini/GMOS-N instrument and Subaru/CISCO K-band imaging and spectroscopy. We show that 4C +72.26 is a system of two vigorously star-forming galaxies superimposed along the line of sight separated by ~1300 +/- 200 km s-1 in velocity, with each demonstrating spectroscopically resolved absorption lines. The most active star-forming galaxy also hosts the accreting supermassive black hole which powers the extended radio source. We conclude that the star formation is unlikely to have been induced by a shock caused by the passage of the radio jet, and instead propose that a collision is a more probable trigger for the star formation. Despite the massive starburst, the ultraviolet-mid-infrared spectral energy distribution suggests that the pre-existing stellar population comprises ~1012Msolar of stellar mass, with the current burst only contributing a further ~2 per cent, suggesting that 4C +72.26 has already assembled most of its final stellar mass.

IUE observations of extragalactic objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boksenberg, A.; Snijders, M. A. J.; Wilson, R.; Benvenuti, P.; Clavell, J.; Macchetto, F.; Penston, M.; Boggess, A.; Gull, T. R.; Gondhalekar, P.

1978-01-01

During the commissioning phase of IUE several extragalactic objects were observed spectrally at low dispersion in the UV range lambda lambda 1150-3200: the Seyfert galaxies NGC4151 and NGC1068, the QSO 3C273, the BL Lacertae object B2 1101+38, the giant elliptical galaxy M87 and the spiral galaxy M81. The results obtained are presented and a preliminary analysis given for all six objects, discussing the continuous spectrum, extinction, emission line spectrum and absorption line spectrum, where possible for each case. Several new or confirmatory astrophysical results are obtained.

Studies of Quasar Outflows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arav, Nahum

2002-01-01

The main aim of this research program is to determine the ionization equilibrium and abundances in quasar outflows. Especially in the broad absorption line QSO PG 0946+301. We find that the outflow's metalicity is consistent with being solar, while the abundance ratio of phosphorus to other metals is at least ten times solar. These findings are based on diagnostics that are not sensitive to saturation and partial covering effects in the BALs (Broad Adsorption Lines), which considerably weakened previous claims for enhanced metalicity. Ample evidence for these effects is seen in the spectrum.

ASAS-SN Discovery of an Unprecedented >1.5 Magnitude Optical Flare from QSO B0346-279

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallely, P.; Stanek, K. Z.; Kochanek, C. S.; Shields, J. V.; Thompson, T. A.; Shappee, B. J.; Holoien, T. W.-S.; Prieto, J. L.; Bersier, D.; Dong, Subo; Bose, S.; Chen, Ping; Stritzinger, M.

2018-02-01

During the ongoing All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN, Shappee et al. 2014), using data from the quadruple 14-cm "Brutus" telescope in Haleakala, Hawaii, the quadruple 14-cm "Leavitt" telescope in Fort Davis, Texas, the quadruple 14-cm "Payne-Gaposchkin" telescope in Sutherland, South Africa, and the quadruple 14-cm "Cassius" and "Paczynski" telescopes in Cerro Tololo, Chile, we have discovered an unprecedented optical brightening of QSO B0346-279 (z 0.9874).

A study of the discrepant QSO X-ray luminosity function from the HEAO-2 data archive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margon, B.

1986-01-01

Sensitive X-ray information for approximately 90 previously uncataloged Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSOs) in the redshift range 1.8 is less than or equal to z which is less than or equal to 3. Even with the longest esixting Einstein Observatory X-ray exposures, only 25% of these objects are positively detected in X-rays. The data were used to investigate the ensemble X-ray properties of high redshift QSOs, and the QSO population in general.

INVISIBLE ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI. II. RADIO MORPHOLOGIES AND FIVE NEW H i 21 cm ABSORPTION LINE DETECTORS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Ting; Stocke, John T.; Darling, Jeremy

2016-03-15

This is the second paper directed toward finding new highly redshifted atomic and molecular absorption lines at radio frequencies. To this end, we selected a sample of 80 candidates for obscured radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and presented their basic optical/near-infrared (NIR) properties in Paper I. In this paper, we present both high-resolution radio continuum images for all of these sources and H i 21 cm absorption spectroscopy for a few selected sources in this sample. A-configuration 4.9 and 8.5 GHz Very Large Array continuum observations find that 52 sources are compact or have substantial compact components with size <0.″5more » and flux densities >0.1 Jy at 4.9 GHz. The 36 most compact sources were then observed with the Very Long Baseline Array at 1.4 GHz. One definite and 10 candidate Compact Symmetric Objects (CSOs) are newly identified, which is a detection rate of CSOs ∼three times higher than the detection rate previously found in purely flux-limited samples. Based on possessing compact components with high flux densities, 60 of these sources are good candidates for absorption-line searches. Twenty-seven sources were observed for H i 21 cm absorption at their photometric or spectroscopic redshifts with only six detections (five definite and one tentative). However, five of these were from a small subset of six CSOs with pure galaxy optical/NIR spectra (i.e., any AGN emission is obscured) and for which accurate spectroscopic redshifts place the redshifted 21 cm line in a radio frequency intereference (RFI)-free spectral “window” (i.e., the percentage of H i 21 cm absorption-line detections could be as high as ∼90% in this sample). It is likely that the presence of ubiquitous RFI and the absence of accurate spectroscopic redshifts preclude H i detections in similar sources (only 1 detection out of the remaining 22 sources observed, 13 of which have only photometric redshifts); that is, H i absorption may well be present but is

A FOURTH H I 21 cm ABSORPTION SYSTEM IN THE SIGHT LINE OF MG J0414+0534: A RECORD FOR INTERVENING ABSORBERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanna, A.; Webb, J. K.; Curran, S. J.

2013-08-01

We report the detection of a strong H I 21 cm absorption system at z = 0.5344, as well as a candidate system at z = 0.3389, in the sight line toward the z = 2.64 quasar MG J0414+0534. This, in addition to the absorption at the host redshift and the other two intervening absorbers, takes the total to four (possibly five). The previous maximum number of 21 cm absorbers detected along a single sight line is two and so we suspect that this number of gas-rich absorbers is in some way related to the very red color of themore » background source. Despite this, no molecular gas (through OH absorption) has yet been detected at any of the 21 cm redshifts, although, from the population of 21 cm absorbers as a whole, there is evidence for a weak correlation between the atomic line strength and the optical-near-infrared color. In either case, the fact that so many gas-rich galaxies (likely to be damped Ly{alpha} absorption systems) have been found along a single sight line toward a highly obscured source may have far-reaching implications for the population of faint galaxies not detected in optical surveys, a possibility which could be addressed through future wide-field absorption line surveys with the Square Kilometer Array.« less

Laser diode absorption spectroscopy for accurate CO(2) line parameters at 2 microm: consequences for space-based DIAL measurements and potential biases.

PubMed

Joly, Lilian; Marnas, Fabien; Gibert, Fabien; Bruneau, Didier; Grouiez, Bruno; Flamant, Pierre H; Durry, Georges; Dumelie, Nicolas; Parvitte, Bertrand; Zéninari, Virginie

2009-10-10

Space-based active sensing of CO(2) concentration is a very promising technique for the derivation of CO(2) surface fluxes. There is a need for accurate spectroscopic parameters to enable accurate space-based measurements to address global climatic issues. New spectroscopic measurements using laser diode absorption spectroscopy are presented for the preselected R30 CO(2) absorption line ((20(0)1)(III)<--(000) band) and four others. The line strength, air-broadening halfwidth, and its temperature dependence have been investigated. The results exhibit significant improvement for the R30 CO(2) absorption line: 0.4% on the line strength, 0.15% on the air-broadening coefficient, and 0.45% on its temperature dependence. Analysis of potential biases of space-based DIAL CO(2) mixing ratio measurements associated to spectroscopic parameter uncertainties are presented.

HST Detection of Extended Neutral Hydrogen in a Massive Elliptical at z = 0.4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahedy, Fakhri S.; Chen, Hsiao-Wen; Rauch, Michael; Zabludoff, Ann

2017-09-01

We report the first detection of extended neutral hydrogen (H I) gas in the interstellar medium (ISM) of a massive elliptical galaxy beyond z˜ 0. The observations utilize the doubly lensed images of QSO HE 0047-1756 at {z}{QSO}=1.676 as absorption-line probes of the ISM in the massive ({M}{star}≈ {10}11 {M}⊙ ) elliptical lens at z = 0.408, detecting gas at projected distances of d = 3.3 and 4.6 kpc on opposite sides of the lens. Using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, we obtain UV absorption spectra of the lensed QSO and identify a prominent flux discontinuity and associated absorption features matching the Lyman series transitions at z = 0.408 in both sightlines. The H I column density is log N({{H}} {{I}})=19.6{--}19.7 at both locations across the lens, comparable to what is seen in 21 cm images of nearby ellipticals. The H I gas kinematics are well-matched with the kinematics of the Fe II absorption complex revealed in ground-based echelle data, displaying a large velocity shear of ≈360 {\\text{km s}}-1 across the galaxy. We estimate an ISM Fe abundance of 0.3-0.4 solar at both locations. Including likely dust depletions increases the estimated Fe abundances to solar or supersolar, similar to those of the hot ISM and stars of nearby ellipticals. Assuming 100% covering fraction of this Fe-enriched gas, we infer a total Fe mass of {M}{cool}({Fe})˜ (5{--}8)× {10}4 {M}⊙ in the cool ISM of the massive elliptical lens, which is no more than 5% of the total Fe mass observed in the hot ISM.

Laser-based measurements of pressure broadening and pressure shift coefficients of combustion-relevant absorption lines in the near-infrared region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bürkle, Sebastian; Walter, Nicole; Wagner, Steven

2018-06-01

A set of high-resolution absorption spectrometers based on TDLAS was used to determine the impact of combustion-relevant gases on the pressure shift and broadening of H2O, CO2, C2H2 and CH4 absorption lines in the near-infrared spectral region. In particular, self- and foreign-broadening coefficients induced by CO2, N2, O2, air, C2H2 and CH4 were measured. The absorption lines under investigation are suitable to measure the respective species in typical combustion environments via laser absorption spectroscopy. Additionally, species-dependent self- and foreign-induced pressure shift coefficients were measured and compared to the literature. The experiments were performed in two specifically designed absorption cells over a wide pressure range from 5 to 180 kPa. Different sources of uncertainty were identified and quantified to achieve relative measurement uncertainties of 0.7-1.5% for broadening coefficients and 0.6-1.6% for pressure shift coefficients.

First Time Rapid and Accurate Detection of Massive Number of Metal Absorption Lines in the Early Universe Using Deep Neural Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yinan; Ge, Jian; Yuan, Xiaoyong; Li, Xiaolin; Zhao, Tiffany; Wang, Cindy

2018-01-01

Metal absorption line systems in the distant quasar spectra have been used as one of the most powerful tools to probe gas content in the early Universe. The MgII λλ 2796, 2803 doublet is one of the most popular metal absorption lines and has been used to trace gas and global star formation at redshifts between ~0.5 to 2.5. In the past, machine learning algorithms have been used to detect absorption lines systems in the large sky survey, such as Principle Component Analysis, Gaussian Process and decision tree, but the overall detection process is not only complicated, but also time consuming. It usually takes a few months to go through the entire quasar spectral dataset from each of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data release. In this work, we applied the deep neural network, or “ deep learning” algorithms, in the most recently SDSS DR14 quasar spectra and were able to randomly search 20000 quasar spectra and detect 2887 strong Mg II absorption features in just 9 seconds. Our detection algorithms were verified with previously released DR12 and DR7 data and published Mg II catalog and the detection accuracy is 90%. This is the first time that deep neural network has demonstrated its promising power in both speed and accuracy in replacing tedious, repetitive human work in searching for narrow absorption patterns in a big dataset. We will present our detection algorithms and also statistical results of the newly detected Mg II absorption lines.

VLBI survey of compact broad absorption line quasars with balnicity index BI = 0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cegłowski, M.; Kunert-Bajraszewska, M.; Roskowiński, C.

2015-06-01

We present high-resolution observations, using both the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.7 GHz and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) at 5 and 8.4 GHz, to image radio structures of 14 compact sources classified as broad absorption line (BAL) quasars based on the absorption index (AI). All sources but one were resolved, with the majority showing core-jet morphology typical for radio-loud quasars. We discuss in detail the most interesting cases. The high radio luminosities and small linear sizes of the observed objects indicate they are strong young active galactic nuclei. Nevertheless, the distribution of the radio-loudness parameter, log RI, of a larger sample of AI quasars shows that the objects observed by us constitute the most luminous, small subgroup of the AI population. Additionally, we report that for the radio-loudness parameter, the distribution of AI quasars and that for those selected using the traditional balnicity index differ significantly. Strong absorption is connected with lower log RI and thus probably larger viewing angles. Since the AI quasars have on average larger log RI, the orientation can mean that we see them less absorbed. However, we suggest that the orientation is not the only parameter that affects the detected absorption. That the strong absorption is associated with the weak radio emission is equally important and worth exploring.

The Physical Nature of Polar Broad Absorption Line Quasars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghost, Kajal; Punsly, Brian

2007-01-01

It has been shown based on radio variability arguments that some BALQSOs (broad absorption line quasars) are viewed along the polar axis (o rthogonal to accretion disk) in the recent article of Zhou et a. Thes e arguments are based on the brightness temperature, T(sub b) exceedi ng 10(exp 12) K which leads to the well-known inverse Compton catastr ophe unless the radio jet is relativistic and is viewed along its axi s. In this letter, we expand the Zhou et al sample of polar BALQSOs u sing their techniques applied to SDSS DR5. In the process, we clarify a mistake in their calculation of brightness temperature. The expanded sample of high T(sub b) BALQSOS, has an inordinately large fraction of LoBALQSOs (low ionization BALQSOs). We consider this an important clue to understanding the nature of the polar BALQSOs. This is expec ted in the polar BALQSO analytical/numerical models of Punsly that pr edicted that LoBALQSOs occur when the line of sight is very close to the polar axis, where the outflow density is the highest.

Solar wind speed and He I (1083 nm) absorption line intensity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hakamada, Kazuyuki; Kojima, Masayoshi; Kakinuma, Takakiyo

1991-04-01

Since the pattern of the solar wind was relatively steady during Carrington rotations 1,748 through 1,752 in 1984, an average distribution of the solar windspeed on a so-called source surface can be constructed by superposed epoch analysis of the wind values estimated by the interplanetary scintillation observations. The average distribution of the solar wind speed is then projected onto the photosphere along magnetic field lines computed by a so-called potential model with the line-of-sight components of the photospheric magnetic fields. The solar wind speeds projected onto the photosphere are compared with the intensities of the He I (1,083 nm) absorptionmore » line at the corresponding locations in the chromosphere. The authors found that there is a linear relation between the speeds and the intensities. Since the intensity of the He I (1,083 nm) absorption line is coupled with the temperature of the corona, this relation suggests that some physical mechanism in or above the photosphere accelerates coronal plasmas to the solar wind speed in regions where the temperature is low. Further, it is suggested that the efficiency of the solar wind acceleration decreases as the coronal temperature increases.« less

THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY REVERBERATION MAPPING PROJECT: RAPID C iv BROAD ABSORPTION LINE VARIABILITY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grier, C. J.; Brandt, W. N.; Trump, J. R.

2015-06-10

We report the discovery of rapid variations of a high-velocity C iv broad absorption line trough in the quasar SDSS J141007.74+541203.3. This object was intensively observed in 2014 as a part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping Project, during which 32 epochs of spectroscopy were obtained with the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey spectrograph. We observe significant (>4σ) variability in the equivalent width (EW) of the broad (∼4000 km s{sup −1} wide) C iv trough on rest-frame timescales as short as 1.20 days (∼29 hr), the shortest broad absorption line variability timescale yet reported. The EW varied by ∼10%more » on these short timescales, and by about a factor of two over the duration of the campaign. We evaluate several potential causes of the variability, concluding that the most likely cause is a rapid response to changes in the incident ionizing continuum. If the outflow is at a radius where the recombination rate is higher than the ionization rate, the timescale of variability places a lower limit on the density of the absorbing gas of n{sub e} ≳ 3.9 × 10{sup 5} cm{sup −3}. The broad absorption line variability characteristics of this quasar are consistent with those observed in previous studies of quasars, indicating that such short-term variability may in fact be common and thus can be used to learn about outflow characteristics and contributions to quasar/host-galaxy feedback scenarios.« less

Beyond the single-atom response in absorption line shapes: probing a dense, laser-dressed helium gas with attosecond pulse trains.

PubMed

Liao, Chen-Ting; Sandhu, Arvinder; Camp, Seth; Schafer, Kenneth J; Gaarde, Mette B

2015-04-10

We investigate the absorption line shapes of laser-dressed atoms beyond the single-atom response, by using extreme ultraviolet (XUV) attosecond pulse trains to probe an optically thick helium target under the influence of a strong infrared (IR) field. We study the interplay between the IR-induced phase shift of the microscopic time-dependent dipole moment and the resonant-propagation-induced reshaping of the macroscopic XUV pulse. Our experimental and theoretical results show that as the optical depth increases, this interplay leads initially to a broadening of the IR-modified line shape, and subsequently, to the appearance of new, narrow features in the absorption line.

The TESIS Project: Are Type 2 QSO Hidden in X-Ray Emitting EROs?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severgnini, P.; Della Ceca, R.; Braito, V.; Saracco, P.; Longhetti, M.; Bender, R.; Drory, N.; Feulner, G.; Hopp, U.; Mannucci, F.; Maraston, C.

X-ray selected EROs are, on average, the hardest X-ray sources in medium and deep X-ray fields. This coupled with their extremely red colors (R-K > 5) suggest that they represent one of the most promising population where looking for high-luminosity (LX > 1044 erg s-1) and X-ray obscured (NH > 1022 cm-2) type2 AGNs, the so called QSO2 (e.g., [5]; [4]; Mignoli et al. submitted to A&A). These latter are predicted in large density by the synthesis model of the Cosmic X-ray background [9] even if only few observational evidences have been found so far (e.g., [1] and references therein; Caccianiga et al. A&A accepted).

Interstellar absorption in the Mg II resonance line k2 and h2 emissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boehm-Vitense, E.

1981-01-01

High-resolution (0.2 A) IUE spectra for the long wavelength range (1800-3000 A) have been studied. It is shown that narrow interstellar Mg II lines are seen in the center of the k2 and h2 emissions from nearby stars with large rotational velocities. For all observed stars, the radial velocity of the central k3 absorption component in the rest system of the star is strongly correlated with the mirror image of the radial velocity of the stars; this shows that a major fraction if not all of the k3 absorption is due to interstellar absorption in the solar neighborhood. The violet to red asymmetry of the k2 emission also correlates with the radial velocities of the star; this shows that the shift of k3 is due to the velocity shift of the local interstellar cloud with respect to the star.

Broad absorption line symbiotic stars: highly ionized species in the fast outflow from MWC 560

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucy, Adrian B.; Knigge, Christian; Sokoloski, J. L.

2018-07-01

In symbiotic binaries, jets and disc winds may be integral to the physics of accretion on to white dwarfs from cool giants. The persistent outflow from symbiotic star MWC 560 (≡V694 Mon) is known to manifest as broad absorption lines (BALs), most prominently at the Balmer transitions. We report the detection of high-ionization BALs from C IV, Si IV, N V, and He II in International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra obtained on 1990 April 29-30, when an optical outburst temporarily erased the obscuring `iron curtain' of absorption troughs from Fe II and similar ions. The C IV and Si IV BALs reached maximum radial velocities at least 1000 km s-1 higher than contemporaneous Mg II and He II BALs; the same behaviours occur in the winds of quasars and cataclysmic variables. An iron curtain lifts to unveil high-ionization BALs during the P Cygni phase observed in some novae, suggesting by analogy a temporary switch in MWC 560 from persistent outflow to discrete mass ejection. At least three more symbiotic stars exhibit broad absorption with blue edges faster than 1500 km s-1; high-ionization BALs have been reported in AS 304 (≡V4018 Sgr), while transient Balmer BALs have been reported in Z And and CH Cyg. These BAL-producing fast outflows can have wider opening angles than has been previously supposed. BAL symbiotics are short-time-scale laboratories for their giga-scale analogues, broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs), which display a similarly wide range of ionization states in their winds.

Broad absorption line symbiotic stars: highly ionized species in the fast outflow from MWC 560

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucy, Adrian B.; Knigge, Christian; Sokoloski, J. L.

2018-04-01

In symbiotic binaries, jets and disk winds may be integral to the physics of accretion onto white dwarfs from cool giants. The persistent outflow from symbiotic star MWC 560 (≡V694 Mon) is known to manifest as broad absorption lines (BALs), most prominently at the Balmer transitions. We report the detection of high-ionization BALs from C IV, Si IV, N V, and He II in International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra obtained on 1990 April 29 - 30, when an optical outburst temporarily erased the obscuring `iron curtain' of absorption troughs from Fe II and similar ions. The C IV and Si IV BALs reached maximum radial velocities at least 1000 km s-1 higher than contemporaneous Mg II and He II BALs; the same behaviors occur in the winds of quasars and cataclysmic variables. An iron curtain lifts to unveil high-ionization BALs during the P Cygni phase observed in some novae, suggesting by analogy a temporary switch in MWC 560 from persistent outflow to discrete mass ejection. At least three more symbiotic stars exhibit broad absorption with blue edges faster than 1500 km s-1; high-ionization BALs have been reported in AS 304 (≡V4018 Sgr), while transient Balmer BALs have been reported in Z And and CH Cyg. These BAL-producing fast outflows can have wider opening angles than has been previously supposed. BAL symbiotics are short-timescale laboratories for their giga-scale analogs, broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs), which display a similarly wide range of ionization states in their winds.

What Quasars Really Look Like: Unification of the Emission and Absorption Line Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elvis, Martin

2000-01-01

We propose a simple unifying structure for the inner regions of quasars and AGN. This empirically derived model links together the broad absorption line (BALS), the narrow UV/X-ray ionized absorbers, the BELR, and the 5 Compton scattering/fluorescing regions into a single structure. The model also suggests an alternative origin for the large-scale bi-conical outflows. Some other potential implications of this structure are discussed.

The Host Galaxies of Nearby, Optically Luminous, AGN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petric, Andreea

2016-01-01

Coevolution of galaxies and their central black holes (BH) has been the central theme of much of recent extragalactic astronomical research. Observations of the dynamics of stars and gas in the nuclear regions of nearby galaxies suggest that the majority of spheroidal galaxies in the local Universe contain massive BHs and that the masses of those central BH correlate with the velocity dispersions of the stars in the spheroid and the bulge luminosity. Cold ISM is the basic fuel for star-formation and BH growth so its study is essential to understanding how galaxies evolve.I will present high sensitivity observations taken with the Herschel Space Observatory to measure the cold dust content in a sample of 85 nearby (z <= 0.5) QSOs chosen from the optically luminous broad-line PG QSOs sample (QSO1s) and in a complementary sample of 85 narrow-line QSOs (QSO2s) chosen to match the redshift and optical luminosity distribution of the broad-line targets. The FIR data are combined with NIR and MIR measurements from the Two Micron All Sky Survey and the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer to determine their IR spectral energy distributions which we use to assess and compare the aggregate dust properties of QSO1s and QSO2s. I will also present NIR spectroscopy obtained with Gemini's Near-Infrared Spectrograph of a sub-sample of QSO2s and QSO1s which I use to compare the ratio of cold to warm H2 gas that emits in the NIR in the hosts of QSO1s and QSO2s.Finally I will present a comparison of star-formation in QSO1s and QSO2s. For both QSO1s and QSO2s 3stimates of star-formation rates that are based on the total IR continuum emission correlate with those based on the 11.3 micron PAH feature. However, for the QSO1s, star-formation rates estimated from the FIR continuum are higher than those estimated from the 11.3 micron PAH emission. This result can be attributed to a variety of factors including the possible destruction of the PAHs and that, in some sources, a fraction of the

Two-photon-absorption line strengths for nitric oxide: Comparison of theory and sub-Doppler, laser-induced fluorescence measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulatilaka, Waruna D.; Lucht, Robert P.

2017-03-01

We discuss the results of high-resolution, sub-Doppler two-photon-absorption laser-induced fluorescence (TPALIF) spectroscopy of nitric oxide at low pressure and room temperature. The measurements were performed using the single-longitudinal mode output of a diode-laser-seeded optical parametric generator (OPG) system with a measured frequency bandwidth of 220 MHz. The measurements were performed using a counter-propagating pump beam geometry, resulting in sub-Doppler TPALIF spectra of NO for various rotational transitions in the (0,0) vibrational band of the A2Σ+ - X2Π electronic transition. The experimental results are compared with the results of a perturbative treatment of the rotational line strengths for the 20 different rotational branches of the X2Π(v″ = 0) → A2Σ+(v' = 0) two-photon absorption band. In the derivation of the expressions for the two-photon transition absorption strength, the closure relation is used for rotational states in the intermediate levels of the two-photon transition in analogy with the Placzek treatment of Raman transitions. The theoretical treatment of the effect of angular momentum coupling on the two-photon rotational line strengths features the use of irreducible spherical tensors and 3j symbols. The final results are expressed in terms of the Hund's case (a) coupling coefficients aJ and bJ for the X2Π(v″ = 0) rotational level wavefunctions, which are intermediate between Hund's case (a) and case (b). Considerable physical insight is provided by this final form of the equations for the rotational line strengths. Corrections to the two-photon absorption rotational line strength for higher order effects such as centrifugal stretching can be included in a straightforward fashion in the analysis by incorporating higher order terms in these coupling coefficients aJ and bJ, although these corrections are essentially negligible for J < 50. The theoretical calculations of relative line intensities are in good agreement both

Doppler-free satellites of resonances of electromagnetically induced transparency and absorption on the D 2 lines of alkali metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sargsyan, A.; Sarkisyan, D.; Staedter, D.; Akulshin, A. M.

2006-11-01

The peculiarities of intra-Doppler structures that are observed in the atomic absorption spectrum of alkali metals with the help of two independent lasers have been studied. These structures accompany ultranarrow coherent resonances of electromagnetically induced transparency and absorption. With the D 2 line of rubidium taken as an example, it is shown that, in the scheme of unidirectional waves, the maximum number of satellite resonances caused by optical pumping selective with respect to the atomic velocity is equal to seven, while only six resonances are observed in the traditional scheme of saturated absorption with counterpropagating waves of the same frequency. The spectral position of the resonances and their polarity depend on the frequency of the saturating radiation, while their number and relative amplitude depend also on the experimental geometry. These features are of general character and should show themselves in the absorption spectrum on the D 2 lines of all alkali metals. An explanation of these features is given. The calculated spectral separations between the resonances are compared to the experimental ones, and their possible application is discussed.

Discovery of a Damped Lyα Absorber at z = 3.3 along a Galaxy Sight-line in the SSA22 Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mawatari, K.; Inoue, A. K.; Kousai, K.; Hayashino, T.; Cooke, R.; Prochaska, J. X.; Yamada, T.; Matsuda, Y.

2016-02-01

Using galaxies as background light sources to map the Lyα absorption lines is a novel approach to study Damped Lyα Absorbers (DLAs). We report the discovery of an intervening z = 3.335 ± 0.007 DLA along a galaxy sight-line identified among 80 Lyman Break Galaxy (LBG) spectra obtained with our Very Large Telescope/Visible Multi-Object Spectrograph survey in the SSA22 field. The measured DLA neutral hydrogen (H I) column density is log(NH I/cm-2) = 21.68 ± 0.17. The DLA covering fraction over the extended background LBG is >70% (2σ), yielding a conservative constraint on the DLA area of ≳1 kpc2. Our search for a counterpart galaxy hosting this DLA concludes that there is no counterpart galaxy with star formation rate larger than a few M⊙ yr-1, ruling out an unobscured violent star formation in the DLA gas cloud. We also rule out the possibility that the host galaxy of the DLA is a passive galaxy with M* ≳ 5 × 1010M⊙ or a heavily dust-obscured galaxy with E(B - V) ≳ 2. The DLA may coincide with a large-scale overdensity of the spectroscopic LBGs. The occurrence rate of the DLA is compatible with that of DLAs found in QSO sight-lines.

A far wing line shape theory and its application to the water continuum absorption in the infrared region. I

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Q.; Tipping, R. H.

1991-01-01

The present theory for the continuous absorption that is due to the far-wing contribution of allowed lines is based on the quasistatic approximation for the far wing limit and the binary collision approximation of one absorber molecule and one bath molecule. The validity of the theory is discussed, and numerical results of the water-continuum absorption in the IR region are presented for comparison with experimental data. Good agreement is obtained for both the magnitude and temperature dependence of the absorption coefficients.

Are we witnessing the epoch of reionisation at z = 7.1 from the spectrum of J1120+0641?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greig, Bradley; Mesinger, Andrei; Haiman, Zoltán; Simcoe, Robert A.

2017-04-01

We quantify the presence of Lyα damping wing absorption from a partially neutral intergalactic medium (IGM) in the spectrum of the z = 7.08 QSO, ULASJ1120+0641. Using a Bayesian framework, we simultaneously account for uncertainties in: (I) the intrinsic QSO emission spectrum; and (II) the distribution of cosmic H I patches during the epoch of reionization (EoR). For (I), we use a new intrinsic Lyα emission line reconstruction method, sampling a covariance matrix of emission line properties built from a large data base of moderate-z QSOs. For (II), we use the Evolution of 21-cm Structure (EOS; Mesinger et al.) simulations, which span a range of physically motivated EoR models. We find strong evidence for the presence of damping wing absorption redward of Lyα (where there is no contamination from the Lyα forest). Our analysis implies that the EoR is not yet complete by z = 7.1, with the volume-weighted IGM neutral fraction constrained to \\bar{x}_{H I} = 0.40^{+0.21 }_{ -0.19} at 1σ (\\bar{x}_{H I} = 0.40^{+0.41 }_{ -0.32} at 2σ). This result is insensitive to the EoR morphology. Our detection of significant neutral H I in the IGM at z = 7.1 is consistent with the latest Planck 2016 measurements of the CMB Thompson scattering optical depth.

Experimental Study of Temperature-Dependence Laws of Non-Voigt Absorption Line Shape Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilzewski, Jonas; Birk, Manfred; Loos, Joep; Wagner, Georg

2017-06-01

To improve the understanding of temperature-dependence laws of spectral line shape parameters, spectra of the ν_3 rovibrational band of CO_2 perturbed by 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mbar of N_2 were measured at nine temperatures between 190 K and 330 K using a 22 cm long single-pass absorption cell in a Bruker IFS125 HR Fourier Transform spectrometer. The spectra were fitted employing a quadratic speed-dependent hard collision model in the Hartmann-Tran implementation extended to account for line mixing in the Rosenkranz approximation by means of a multispectrum fitting approach developed at DLR This enables high accuracy parameter retrievals to reproduce the spectra down to noise level and we will present the behavior of line widths, shifts, speed-dependence-, collisional narrowing- and line mixing-parameters over this 140 K temperature range. Tran et al. JQSRT 129, 199-203 (2013); JQSRT 134, 104 (2014). Loos et al., 2014; http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11156. Ngo et al. JQSRT 29, 89-100 (2013); JQSRT 134, 105 (2014).

Neutral atomic absorption lines and far-UV extinction: Possible implications for depletions and grain parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welty, Daniel E.

1990-01-01

Researchers examine nine lines of sight within the Galaxy and one in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) for which data on both neutral atomic absorption lines (Snow 1984; White 1986; Welty, Hobbs, and York 1989) and far UV extinction (Bless and Savage 1972; Jenkins, Savage, and Spitzer 1986) are available, in order to test the assumption that variations in gamma/alpha will cancel in taking ratios of the ionization balance equation, and to try to determine to what extent that assumption has affected the aforementioned studies of depletions and grain properties.

Host galaxy properties of calcium II and sodium I quasar absorption-line systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherinka, Brian

Many questions remain within the areas of galaxy formation and evolution. Understanding the origin of gas in galaxy environments, whether as tidal debris, infalling High Velocity Clouds, galaxy outflows, or as gaseous material residing in galaxy disks, is an important step in answering those questions. Quasar absorption-lines can often be used to probe the environments of intervening galaxies. Traditionally, quasar absorption-lines are studied independently of the host galaxy but this method denies us the exploration of the connection between galaxy and environment. Instead, one can select pairs of known galaxies and quasars. This gives much more information regarding the host galaxy and allows us to better connect galaxy properties with associated absorbers. We use the seventh data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to generate a sample of spectroscopic galaxy-quasar pairs. We cross-correlated a sample of 105,000 quasars and ˜800,000 galaxies to produce ˜98,000 galaxy-quasar pairs, with the quasar projected within 100 kpc of the galaxy. Adopting an automated line-finding algorithm and using the galaxy redshift as a prior, we search through all quasar spectra and identify Ca II and Na I absorption due to the intervening galaxy. This procedure produced 1745 Ca II absorbers and 4500 Na I absorbers detected at or above 2σ. Stacking analysis of a subset of absorbers at z > 0.01, with significances at or above 3σ, showed strong Ca II and Na I features around external galaxies. Using the same subset of absorbers at z > 0.01, we looked for correlations between absorber and galaxy properties and examined differences in galaxy properties between the absorbers and non-absorbers. We found no correlations with absorber strength or differences between many galaxy properties at the 3σ level. The lack of correlations and differences between absorbers and non-absorbers suggest a ubiquitous nature for Ca II and Na I around all types of galaxies, with the absorbers showing

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Sgr B2 los molecular absorption line spectra (Corby+, 2018)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corby, J. F.; McGuire, B. A.; Herbst, E.; Remijan, A. J.

2017-11-01

Spectra covering transitions of c-C3H2, c-H1 SO, CCS, H2CS, HCS+, OH, SiO, 29SiO, H2CO, H2(13C)O, l-C3H, and l-C3H+ with line-of-sight absorption observed in the 1-50 GHz data from the PRebiotic Interstellar MOlecular Survey (PRIMOS) taken with the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Data were observed between 2001 and 2014, with the majority of the data obtained in 2007 in GBT Key Science project ID GBT07A-051. Spectra have been baseline-subtracted using best fit polynomials as described in the paper, and normalized by the continuum, so that the y-axis represents (T/TC-1). Data are provided in the FITS format; each FITS file contains all lines of a single molecule that are observed to have foreground absorption. Please refer to Table 1 of the paper to obtain molecular transition rest frequencies, energies, GBT beam sizes, and transition quantum numbers. (2 data files).

IUE and ROSAT monitoring of the bright QSO H1821+643

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, Jules; Kolman, Michiel; Shrader, Chris; Filippenko, Alexei

1991-01-01

The analysis is presented of IUE observations of the bright QSO H1821+643, obtained during the ROSAT All Sky Survey (the RIASS program). The objectives were: (1) to establish whether the UV and soft X ray radiation have the same physical origin; and (2) to determine if this physical origin is an accretion disk. Supporting ground based spectrophotometry was also obtained. The analysis shows that the shape and flux level of the UV continuum did not vary among the seven IUE observation spanning one month, to an upper limit of about 8 percent. So it is of great interest to determine whether the soft X ray flux varied during this period. Since X ray variability in AGNs is often more rapid and of higher amplitude than in the UV, detection of X ray variability in the ROSAT data could severely challenge the accretion disk model for the soft X ray excess.

New simulation of QSO X-ray heating during the Cosmic Dawn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, Hannah E.; Dixon, Keri; Iliev, Ilian; Mellema, Garrelt

2018-05-01

The upcoming radio interferometer Square Kilometre Array is expected to directly detect the redshifted 21-cm signal from the Cosmic Dawn for the first time. In this era temperature fluctuations from X-ray heating of the neutral intergalactic medium can impact this signal dramatically. Previously, in Ross et al. (2017), we presented the first large-volume, 244 h-1 Mpc=349 Mpc a side, fully numerical radiative transfer simulations of X-ray heating. This work is a follow-up where we now also consider QSO-like sources in addition to high mass X-ray binaries. Images of the two cases are clearly distinguishable at SKA1-LOW resolution and have RMS fluctuations above the expected noise. The inclusion of QSOs leads to a dramatic increase in non-Gaussianity of the signal, as measured by the skewness and kurtosis of the 21-cm signal. We conclude that this increased non-Gaussianity is a promising signature of early QSOs.

Absorption profiles of the potassium 4s-4p and 4p-5s lines perturbed by helium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allard, N. F.

2011-12-01

An accurate determination of the complete profile including the extreme far wing is required to model the contribution of strong alkali resonance lines to brown dwarf spectra. A unified theory of collisional line profiles has been applied for the evaluation of the absorption coefficients of potassium perturbed by helium. Results are reported here from the optical range to the near-infrared.

Temperature-dependence laws of absorption line shape parameters of the CO2 ν3 band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilzewski, J. S.; Birk, M.; Loos, J.; Wagner, G.

2018-02-01

To improve the understanding of temperature-dependence laws of spectral line shape parameters, spectra of the ν3 rovibrational band of CO2 perturbed by 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mbar of N2 were recorded at nine temperatures between 190 K and 330 K using a 22 cm long single-pass absorption cell in a Bruker IFS125 HR Fourier Transform spectrometer. The spectra were fitted employing a quadratic speed-dependent hard collision model in the Hartmann-Tran implementation extended to account for line mixing in the Rosenkranz approximation by means of a multispectrum fitting approach developed at DLR. This enables high accuracy parameter retrievals to reproduce the spectra down to noise level and we present the behavior of line widths, shifts, speed-dependence-, collisional narrowing- and line mixing-parameters over this 140 K temperature range.

UV spectroscopy including ISM line absorption: of the exciting star of Abell 35

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziegler, M.; Rauch, T.; Werner, K.; Kruk, J. W.

Reliable spectral analysis that is based on high-resolution UV observations requires an adequate, simultaneous modeling of the interstellar line absorption and reddening. In the case of the central star of the planetary nebula Abell 35, BD-22 3467, we demonstrate our current standard spectral-analysis method that is based on the Tübingen NLTE Model-Atmosphere Package (TMAP). We present an on- going spectral analysis of FUSE and HST/STIS observations of BD-22 3467.

Statistical Fine Structure of Inhomogeneously Broadened Absorption Lines.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-31

inhomogeneously broadened optical absorption of pentacene n p-terphenyl at liquid helium temperatures... SFS is the actual frequency- ependent, time...statistical fine structure (SFS) in the inhomogeneously broadened optical absorption of pentacene in p-terphenyl at liquid helium temperatures. SFS is the...quite difficult . -2- We have observed for the first time statistical fine structure in the inhomogeneously broadened optical absorption of pentacene

STELLAR SURFACE MAGNETO-CONVECTION AS A SOURCE OF ASTROPHYSICAL NOISE. I. MULTI-COMPONENT PARAMETERIZATION OF ABSORPTION LINE PROFILES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cegla, H. M.; Shelyag, S.; Watson, C. A.

2013-02-15

We outline our techniques to characterize photospheric granulation as an astrophysical noise source. A four-component parameterization of granulation is developed that can be used to reconstruct stellar line asymmetries and radial velocity shifts due to photospheric convective motions. The four components are made up of absorption line profiles calculated for granules, magnetic intergranular lanes, non-magnetic intergranular lanes, and magnetic bright points at disk center. These components are constructed by averaging Fe I 6302 A magnetically sensitive absorption line profiles output from detailed radiative transport calculations of the solar photosphere. Each of the four categories adopted is based on magnetic fieldmore » and continuum intensity limits determined from examining three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations with an average magnetic flux of 200 G. Using these four-component line profiles we accurately reconstruct granulation profiles, produced from modeling 12 Multiplication-Sign 12 Mm{sup 2} areas on the solar surface, to within {approx} {+-}20 cm s{sup -1} on a {approx}100 m s{sup -1} granulation signal. We have also successfully reconstructed granulation profiles from a 50 G simulation using the parameterized line profiles from the 200 G average magnetic field simulation. This test demonstrates applicability of the characterization to a range of magnetic stellar activity levels.« less

A study of ultraviolet absorption lines through the complete Galactic halo by the analysis of HST faint object spectrograph spectra of active Galactic nuclei, 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burks, Geoffrey S.; Bartko, Frank; Shull, J. Michael; Stocke, John T.; Sachs, Elise R.; Burbidge, E. Margaret; Cohen, Ross D.; Junkkarinen, Vesa T.; Harms, Richard J.; Massa, Derck

1994-01-01

The ultraviolet (1150 - 2850 A) spectra of a number of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) observed with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) have been used to study the properties of the Galactic halo. The objects that served as probes are 3C 273, PKS 0454-220, Pg 1211+143, CSO 251, Ton 951, and PG 1351+640. The equivalent widths of certain interstellar ions have been measured, with special attention paid to the C IV/C II and Si IV/Si II ratios. These ratios have been intercompared, and the highest values are found in the direction of 3C 273, where C IV/C II = 1.2 and Si IV/Si II greater than 1. These high ratios may be due to a nearby supernova remnant, rather than to ionized gas higher up in the Galactic halo. Our data give some support to the notion that QSO metal-line systems may arise from intervening galaxies which contain high supernova rates, galactic fountains, and turbulent mixing layers.

X-Ray Continua of Broad Absorption Line Quasars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, S.

1999-01-01

The targets for this program, PG1416-129 and LBQS 2212-1759 were known to be Broad Absorption Line Quasars (BALQSOs). BALQSOs are highly absorbed in soft X-rays. Good high energy response of Rossi-XTE made them ideal targets for observation. We observed LBQS 2212-1759 with PCA. We have now analyzed the data and found that the source was not detected. Since our target was expected to be faint, reliable estimate of background was very important. With the release of new FTOOLS (version 4.1) we were able to do so. We also analyzed a well known bright object and verified our results with the published data. This gave us confidence in the non-detection of our target LBQS 2212-1759. We are currently investigating the implications of this non-detection. Due to some scheduling problems, our second target PG1416-129 was not observed in A01. It was observed on 06/26/98. This target was detected with RXTE. We are now working on the spectral analysis with XSPEC.

Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping Project: Unraveling the Broad Line Region and the Intrinsic Absorption in NGC 5548

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriss, G.; Storm Team

2015-07-01

The Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping (STORM) project monitored the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 over a six-month period, obtaining 171 far-ultraviolet HST/COS spectra at approximately daily intervals. We find significant correlated variability in the continuum and broad emission lines, with amplitudes ranging from a factor of two in the emission lines to a factor of three in the continuum. The variations of all the strong emission lines lag behind those of the continuum, with He II lagging by ˜ 2.5 days and Ly&alpha,; C IV, and Si IV lagging by 5 to 6 days. The broad UV absorption lines discovered by Kaastra et al. (2014) and associated with the new soft X-ray obscurer are continuously present in the STORM campaign COS spectra. Their strength varies with the degree of soft X-ray obscuration as revealed by the Swift X-ray spectra. The narrow absorption lines associated with the historical warm absorber varied in response to the changing UV flux on a daily basis with lags of 3 to 8 days. The ionization response allows precise determinations of the locations, mass flux, and kinetic luminosities of the absorbers.

Laser line illumination scheme allowing the reduction of background signal and the correction of absorption heterogeneities effects for fluorescence reflectance imaging.

PubMed

Fantoni, Frédéric; Hervé, Lionel; Poher, Vincent; Gioux, Sylvain; Mars, Jérôme I; Dinten, Jean-Marc

2015-10-01

Intraoperative fluorescence imaging in reflectance geometry is an attractive imaging modality as it allows to noninvasively monitor the fluorescence targeted tumors located below the tissue surface. Some drawbacks of this technique are the background fluorescence decreasing the contrast and absorption heterogeneities leading to misinterpretations concerning fluorescence concentrations. We propose a correction technique based on a laser line scanning illumination scheme. We scan the medium with the laser line and acquire, at each position of the line, both fluorescence and excitation images. We then use the finding that there is a relationship between the excitation intensity profile and the background fluorescence one to predict the amount of signal to subtract from the fluorescence images to get a better contrast. As the light absorption information is contained both in fluorescence and excitation images, this method also permits us to correct the effects of absorption heterogeneities. This technique has been validated on simulations and experimentally. Fluorescent inclusions are observed in several configurations at depths ranging from 1 mm to 1 cm. Results obtained with this technique are compared with those obtained with a classical wide-field detection scheme for contrast enhancement and with the fluorescence by an excitation ratio approach for absorption correction.

Non-LTE line formation in a magnetic field. I. Noncoherent scattering and true absorption

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Domke, H.; Staude, J.

1973-08-01

The formation of a Zeeman-multiplet by noncoherent scattering and true absorption in a Milne-- Eddington atmosphere is considered assuming a homogeneous magnetic field and complete depolarization of the atomic line levels. The transfer equation for the Stokes parameters is transformed into a scalar integral equation of the Wiener-- Hopf type which is solved by Sobolev's method in closed form. The influence of the magnetic field on the mean scattering number in an infinite medium is discussed. The solution of the line formation problem is obtained for a Planckian source fruction. This solution may be simplified by making the ''finite fieldmore » approximation'', which should be sufficiently accurate for practical purposes. (auth)« less

MALS–NOT: Identifying Radio-bright Quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krogager, J.-K.; Gupta, N.; Noterdaeme, P.; Ranjan, A.; Fynbo, J. P. U.; Srianand, R.; Petitjean, P.; Combes, F.; Mahabal, A.

2018-03-01

We present a preparatory spectroscopic survey to identify radio-bright, high-redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey. The candidates have been selected on the basis of a single flux density limit at 1.4 GHz (>200 mJy), together with mid-infrared color criteria from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. Through spectroscopic observations using the Nordic Optical Telescope, we identify 72 quasars out of 99 candidates targeted. We measure the spectroscopic redshifts based on characteristic, broad emission lines present in the spectra. Of these 72 quasars, 64 and 48 objects are at sufficiently high redshift (z > 0.6 and z > 1.4) to be used for the L-band and UHF-band spectroscopic follow-up with the Square Kilometre Array precursor in South Africa: the MeerKAT.

NARROW LINE ABSORPTION IN CACO3.

DTIC Science & Technology

CARBONATES), (*CALCIUM COMPOUNDS, (*ABSORPTION SPECTRA, CALCITE), (*CALCITE, RADIATION EFFECTS), ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE, SINGLE CRYSTALS , NEUTRONS, X RAYS, GAMMA RAYS, IONS, CRYSTAL DEFECTS, PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE.

On the covering fraction variability in an EUV mini-BAL outflow from PG 1206+459

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzahid, S.; Srianand, R.; Charlton, J.; Eracleous, M.

2016-04-01

We report on the first detection of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) absorption variability in the Ne VIII λλ770, 780 mini-broad absorption line (mini-BAL) in the spectrum of the quasar (QSO) PG 1206+459. The observed equivalent width (EW) of the Ne VIII doublet shows a ˜4σ variation over a time-scale of 2.8 months in the QSO's rest frame. Both members of the Ne VIII doublet exhibit non-black saturation, indicating partial coverage of the continuum source. An increase in the Ne VIII covering fraction from fc = 0.59 ± 0.05 to 0.72 ± 0.03 is observed over the same period. The Ne VIII profiles are too highly saturated to be susceptible to changes in the ionization state of the absorbing gas. In fact, we do not observe any significant variation in the EW and/or column density after correcting the spectra for partial coverage. We, thus, propose transverse motions of the absorbing gas as the cause of the observed variability. Using a simple model of a transiting cloud we estimate a transverse speed of ˜1800 km s-1. For Keplerian motion, this corresponds to a distance between the absorber and the central engine of ˜1.3 pc, which places the absorber just outside the broad-line region. We further estimate a density of ˜5 × 106 cm-3 and a kinetic luminosity of ˜1043-1044 erg s-1. Such large kinetic powers suggest that outflows detected via EUV lines are potentially major contributors to active galactic nuclei feedback.

Effects of velocity-changing collisions on two-photon and stepwise-absorption spectroscopic line shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, P. F.; Bjorkholm, J. E.; Berman, P. R.

1980-06-01

We report the results of an experimental study of the effects of velocity-changing collisions on two-photon and stepwise-absorption line shapes. Excitation spectra for the 3S12-->3P12-->4D12 transitions of sodium atoms undergoing collisions with foreign gas perturbers are obtained. These spectra are obtained with two cw dye lasers. One laser, the pump laser, is tuned 1.6 GHz below the 3S12-->3P12 transition frequency and excites a nonthermal longitudinal velocity distribution of excited 3P12 atoms in the vapor. Absorption of the second (probe) laser is used to monitor the steady-state excited-state distribution which is a result of collisions with rare gas atoms. The spectra are obtained for various pressures of He, Ne, and Kr gases and are fit to a theoretical model which utilizes either the phenomenological Keilson-Störer or the classical hardsphere collision kernel. The theoretical model includes the effects of collisionally aided excitation of the 3P12 state as well as effects due to fine-structure state-changing collisions. Although both kernels are found to predict line shapes which are in reasonable agreement with the experimental results, the hard-sphere kernel is found superior as it gives a better description of the effects of large-angle scattering for heavy perturbers. Neither kernel provides a fully adequate description over the entire line profile. The experimental data is used to extract effective hard-sphere collision cross sections for collisions between sodium 3P12 atoms and helium, neon, and krypton perturbers.

ORIGIN OF THE COMPLEX RADIO STRUCTURE IN BAL QSO 1045+352

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kunert-Bajraszewska, Magdalena; Gawronski, Marcin P.; Janiuk, Agnieszka

2010-08-01

We present new, more sensitive, high-resolution radio observations of a compact broad absorption line (BAL) quasar, 1045+352, made with the EVN+MERLIN at 5 GHz. These observations allowed us to trace the connection between the arcsecond structure and the radio core of the quasar. The radio morphology of 1045+352 is dominated by a knotty jet showing several bends. We discuss possible scenarios that could explain such a complex morphology: galaxy merger, accretion disk instability, precession of the jet, and jet-cloud interactions. It is possible that we are witnessing an ongoing jet precession in this source due to internal instabilities within themore » jet flow; however, a dense environment detected in the submillimeter band and an outflowing material suggested by the X-ray absorption could strongly interact with the jet. It is difficult to establish the orientation between the jet axis and the observer in 1045+352 because of the complex structure. Nevertheless, taking into account the most recent inner radio structure, we conclude that the radio jet is oriented close to the line of sight, which can mean that the opening angle of the accretion disk wind can be large in this source. We also suggest that there is no direct correlation between the jet-observer orientation and the possibility of observing BALs.« less

Real-time trace gas sensor using a multimode diode laser and multiple-line integrated cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Karpf, Andreas; Rao, Gottipaty N

2015-07-01

We describe and demonstrate a highly sensitive trace gas sensor based on a simplified design that is capable of measuring sub-ppb concentrations of NO2 in tens of milliseconds. The sensor makes use of a relatively inexpensive Fabry-Perot diode laser to conduct off-axis cavity enhanced spectroscopy. The broad frequency range of a multimode Fabry-Perot diode laser spans a large number of absorption lines, thereby removing the need for a single-frequency tunable laser source. The use of cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy enhances the sensitivity of the sensor by providing a pathlength on the order of 1 km in a small volume. Off-axis alignment excites a large number of cavity modes simultaneously, thereby reducing the sensor's susceptibility to vibration. Multiple-line integrated absorption spectroscopy (where one integrates the absorption spectra over a large number of rovibronic transitions of the molecular species) further improves the sensitivity of detection. Relatively high laser power (∼400  mW) is used to compensate for the low coupling efficiency of a broad linewidth laser to the optical cavity. The approach was demonstrated using a 407 nm diode laser to detect trace quantities of NO2 in zero air. Sensitivities of 750 ppt, 110 ppt, and 65 ppt were achieved using integration times of 50 ms, 5 s, and 20 s respectively.

Thermodynamic derivatives of infrared absorptance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broersma, S.; Walls, W. L.

1974-01-01

Calculation of the concentration, pressure, and temperature dependence of the spectral absorptance of a vibrational absorption band. A smooth thermodynamic dependence was found for wavelength intervals where the average absorptance is less than 0.65. Individual rotational lines, whose parameters are often well known, were used as bases in the calculation of medium resolution spectra. Two modes of calculation were combined: well-separated rotational lines plus interaction terms, or strongly overlapping lines that were represented by a compound line of similar shape plus corrections. The 1.9- and 6.3-micron bands of H2O and the 4.3-micron band of CO2 were examined in detail and compared with experiment.

The methane absorption spectrum near 1.73 μm (5695-5850 cm-1): Empirical line lists at 80 K and 296 K and rovibrational assignments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghysels, M.; Mondelain, D.; Kassi, S.; Nikitin, A. V.; Rey, M.; Campargue, A.

2018-07-01

The methane absorption spectrum is studied at 297 K and 80 K in the center of the Tetradecad between 5695 and 5850 cm-1. The spectra are recorded by differential absorption spectroscopy (DAS) with a noise equivalent absorption of about αmin≈ 1.5 × 10-7 cm-1. Two empirical line lists are constructed including about 4000 and 2300 lines at 297 K and 80 K, respectively. Lines due to 13CH4 present in natural abundance were identified by comparison with a spectrum of pure 13CH4 recorded in the same temperature conditions. About 1700 empirical values of the lower state energy level, Eemp, were derived from the ratios of the line intensities at 80 K and 296 K. They provide accurate temperature dependence for most of the absorption in the region (93% and 82% at 80 K and 296 K, respectively). The quality of the derived empirical values is illustrated by the clear propensity of the corresponding lower state rotational quantum number, Jemp, to be close to integer values. Using an effective Hamiltonian model derived from a previously published ab initio potential energy surface, about 2060 lines are rovibrationnally assigned, adding about 1660 new assignments to those provided in the HITRAN database for 12CH4 in the region.

Radiometric observations of the 752.033-GHz rotational absorption line of H2O from a laboratory jet. [simulation of rocket plumes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dionne, G. F.; Fitzgerald, J. F.; Chang, T.-S.; Fetterman, H. R.; Litvak, M. M.

1980-01-01

With the aid of a high-resolution two-stage heterodyne radiometer, spectral absorption measurements of the 752.033 GHz line of water vapor were carried out, using a blackbody continuum as a background radiation source for investigating the absorptive properties of the H2O content of high altitude rocket plumes. To simulate this physical situation in a laboratory environment, a small steam jet was operated within a large high-vacuum chamber, with the H2O jet plume traversing the radiometer line of sight. The experiments verified that this rotational line is optically thick, with excitation temperatures below 100 K, in the downstream part of the plume, as predicted by theoretical modelling.

Broadband, high-resolution investigation of advanced absorption line shapes at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroeder, Paul J.; Cich, Matthew J.; Yang, Jinyu; Swann, William C.; Coddington, Ian; Newbury, Nathan R.; Drouin, Brian J.; Rieker, Gregory B.

2017-08-01

Spectroscopic studies of planetary atmospheres and high-temperature processes (e.g., combustion) require absorption line-shape models that are accurate over extended temperature ranges. To date, advanced line shapes, like the speed-dependent Voigt and Rautian profiles, have not been tested above room temperature with broadband spectrometers. We investigate pure water vapor spectra from 296 to 1305 K acquired with a dual-frequency comb spectrometer spanning from 6800 to 7200 c m-1 at a point spacing of 0.0033 c m-1 and absolute frequency accuracy of <3.3 ×10-6c m-1 . Using a multispectral fitting analysis, we show that only the speed-dependent Voigt accurately models this temperature range with a single power-law temperature-scaling exponent for the broadening coefficients. Only the data from the analysis using this profile fall within theoretical predictions, suggesting that this mechanism captures the dominant narrowing physics for these high-temperature conditions.

Galaxies Probing Galaxies in PRIMUS. I. Sample, Spectroscopy, and Characteristics of the z\\sim 0.5 Mg II–absorbing Circumgalactic Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin, Kate H. R.; Diamond-Stanic, Aleksandar M.; Coil, Alison L.; Crighton, Neil H. M.; Moustakas, John

2018-01-01

The spectroscopy of background QSO sightlines passing close to foreground galaxies is a potent technique for studying the circumgalactic medium (CGM). However, QSOs are effectively point sources, limiting their potential to constrain the size of circumgalactic gaseous structures. Here we present the first large Keck/Low-resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) and Very Large Telescope (VLT)/Focal Reducer/Low-dispersion Spectrograph 2 (FORS2) spectroscopic survey of bright ({B}{AB}< 22.3) background galaxies whose lines of sight probe Mg II λ λ 2796,2803 absorption from the CGM around close projected foreground galaxies at transverse distances 10 {kpc}< {R}\\perp < 150 {kpc}. Our sample of 72 projected pairs, drawn from the PRIsm MUlti-object Survey, includes 48 background galaxies that do not host bright active galactic nuclei, and both star-forming and quiescent foreground galaxies with stellar masses of 9.0< {log}{M}* /{M}ȯ < 11.2 at redshifts of 0.35< {z}{{f}/{{g}}}< 0.8. We detect Mg II absorption associated with these foreground galaxies with equivalent widths of 0.25 \\mathring{{A}} < {W}2796< 2.6 \\mathring{{A}} at > 2σ significance in 20 individual background sightlines passing within {R}\\perp < 50 {kpc} and place 2σ upper limits on W 2796 of ≲ 0.5 \\mathring{{A}} in an additional 11 close sightlines. Within {R}\\perp < 50 {kpc}, W 2796 is anticorrelated with R ⊥, consistent with analyses of Mg II absorption detected along background QSO sightlines. Subsamples of these foreground hosts divided at {log}{M}* /{M}ȯ =9.9 exhibit statistically inconsistent W 2796 distributions at 30 {kpc}< {R}\\perp < 50 {kpc}, with the higher-M * galaxies yielding a larger median W 2796 by 0.9 \\mathring{{A}} . Finally, we demonstrate that foreground galaxies with similar stellar masses exhibit the same median W 2796 at a given R ⊥ to within < 0.2 \\mathring{{A}} toward both background galaxies and toward QSO sightlines drawn from the literature. Analysis of these

The Role of Galaxies and AGN in Reionising the IGM - slowromancapi@: Keck Spectroscopy of 5 < z < 7 Galaxies in the QSO Field J1148+5251

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakiichi, Koki; Ellis, Richard S.; Laporte, Nicolas; Zitrin, Adi; Eilers, Anna-Christina; Ryan-Weber, Emma; Meyer, Romain A.; Robertson, Brant; Stark, Daniel P.; Bosman, Sarah E. I.

2018-05-01

We introduce a new method for determining the influence of galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) on the intergalactic medium (IGM) at high redshift and illustrate its potential via a first application to the field of the z = 6.42 QSO J1148+5251. Correlating spatial positions Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) with the Lyman alpha forest seen in the spectrum of a background QSO, we provide a statistical measure of the typical escape fraction of Lyman continuum photons. Using Keck DEIMOS spectroscopy to locate 7 colour-selected LBGs in the range 5.3 ≲ z ≲ 6.4 we examine the spatial correlation between this sample and Lyα/Lyβ transmission fluctuations in a Keck ESI spectrum of the QSO. Interpreting the statistical H I proximity effect as arising from faint galaxies clustered around the LBGs, we translate the observed mean Lyα transmitted flux into a constraint on the mean escape fraction ⟨fesc⟩ ≥ 0.08 at z ≃ 6. We also report individual transverse H I proximity effect for a z = 6.177 luminous LBG via a Lyβ transmission spike and two broad Lyα transmission spikes around the z = 5.701 AGN. We discuss the origin of such associations which suggest that while faint galaxies are primarily driving reionisation, luminous galaxies and AGN may provide important contributions to the UV background or thermal fluctuations of the IGM at z ≃ 6. Although a limited sample, our results demonstrate the potential of making progress using this method in resolving one of the most challenging aspects of the contribution of galaxies and AGN to cosmic reionisation.

Resolving Fe-rich Neutral ISM in a Massive Quiescent Galaxy at z 0.4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahedy, Fakhri

2016-10-01

Roughly 40% of elliptical galaxies are found to contain cool gas but exhibit no on-going star formation, indicating that some feedback mechanisms are at work. While AGN feedback is commonly thought to be responsible for quenching star formation in massive halos, recent work has reiterated the importance of feedback from old stellar populations, including Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). In Zahedy et al. (2016), we reported detections of ultra-strong MgII absorption (>3.6 Ang) at 1-2 effective radii of a massive quiescent lensing galaxy at z=0.408. Strong MgII, FeII, MgI, and CaII absorption are found at the lens redshift along two lensed QSO sightlines separated by 8 kpc. The absorbers are resolved into 15 components with line-of-sight velocity spread of 600 km/s. The large observed ionic column densities, N>1e14 cm^-2 suggest large neutral hydrogen column densities N(HI)>1e18 cm^-2 and a significant neutral gas fraction. The most striking feature is the uniformly large Fe/Mg ratio across the full 600 km/s velocity range, suggesting a large contribution in chemical enrichment from SNe Ia (>20%). Here we propose QSO absorption-line spectroscopy of this unique system using STIS and the G140L grating with the slit oriented along the two lensed QSOs. The goal is to determine N(HI) from observations of the full Lyman absorption series and gas-phase metallicity of the interstellar medium at two locations separated by 8 kpc in an elliptical galaxy beyond the local universe. With a modest investment of HST time, we will be able to examine the extent SNe Ia-driven feedback in a distant quiescent galaxy using this unique double-lens system.

Evaluation of Optical Depths and Self-Absorption of Strontium and Aluminum Emission Lines in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).

PubMed

Alfarraj, Bader A; Bhatt, Chet R; Yueh, Fang Yu; Singh, Jagdish P

2017-04-01

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a widely used laser spectroscopic technique in various fields, such as material science, forensic science, biological science, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In most LIBS work, the analysis is performed using radiative transitions from atomic emissions. In this study, the plasma temperature and the product [Formula: see text] (the number density N and the absorption path length [Formula: see text]) were determined to evaluate the optical depths and the self-absorption of Sr and Al lines. A binary mixture of strontium nitrate and aluminum oxide was used as a sample, consisting of variety of different concentrations in powder form. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy spectra were collected by varying various parameters, such as laser energy, gate delay time, and gate width time to optimize the LIBS signals. Atomic emission from Sr and Al lines, as observed in the LIBS spectra of different sample compositions, was used to characterize the laser induced plasma and evaluate the optical depths and self-absorption of LIBS.

SDSS J163459.82+204936.0: A Ringed Infrared-luminous Quasar with Outflows in Both Absorption and Emission Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wen-Juan; Zhou, Hong-Yan; Jiang, Ning; Wu, Xufen; Lyu, Jianwei; Shi, Xiheng; Shu, Xinwen; Jiang, Peng; Ji, Tuo; Wang, Jian-Guo; Wang, Shu-Fen; Sun, Luming

2016-05-01

SDSS J163459.82+204936.0 is a local (z = 0.1293) infrared-luminous quasar with L IR = 1011.91 {L}⊙ . We present a detailed multiwavelength study of both the host galaxy and the nucleus. The host galaxy, appearing as an early-type galaxy in the optical images and spectra, demonstrates violent, obscured star formation activities with SFR ≈ 140 {M}⊙ yr-1, estimated from either the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission or IR luminosity. The optical to NIR spectra exhibit a blueshifted narrow cuspy component in Hβ, He I λλ5876, 10830, and other emission lines consistently with an offset velocity of ≈900 {km} {{{s}}}-1, as well as additional blueshifting phenomena in high-ionization lines (e.g., a blueshifted broad component of He I λ10830 and the bulk blueshifting of [O III]λ5007), while there exist blueshifted broad absorption lines (BALs) in Na I D and He I λλ3889, 10830, indicative of the active galactic nucleus outflows producing BALs and emission lines. Constrained mutually by the several BALs in the photoionization simulations with Cloudy, the physical properties of the absorption line outflow are derived as follows: density 104 < n H ≲ 105 cm-3, ionization parameter 10-1.3 ≲ U ≲ 10-0.7 , and column density 1022.5 ≲ N H ≲ 1022.9 cm-2, which are similar to those derived for the emission line outflows. This similarity suggests a common origin. Taking advantages of both the absorption lines and outflowing emission lines, we find that the outflow gas is located at a distance of ˜48-65 pc from the nucleus and that the kinetic luminosity of the outflow is 1044-1046 {erg} {{{s}}}-1. J1634+2049 has a off-centered galactic ring on the scale of ˜30 kpc that is proved to be formed by a recent head-on collision by a nearby galaxy for which we spectroscopically measure the redshift. Thus, this quasar is a valuable object in the transitional phase emerging out of dust enshrouding as depicted by the co-evolution scenario invoking galaxy merger (or

An immortal cell line to study the role of endogenous CFTR in electrolyte absorption.

PubMed

Bell, C L; Quinton, P M

1995-01-01

The intact human reabsorptive sweat duct (RD) has been a reliable model for investigations of the functional role of "endogenous" CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) in normal and abnormal electrolyte absorptive function. But to overcome the limitations imposed by the use of fresh, intact tissue, we transformed cultured RD cells using the chimeric virus Ad5/SV40 1613 ori-. The resultant cell line, RD2(NL), has remained differentiated forming a polarized epithelium that expressed two fundamental components of absorption, a cAMP activated Cl- conductance (GCl) and an amiloride-sensitive Na+ conductance (GNa). In the unstimulated state, there was a low level of transport activity; however, addition of forskolin (10(-5) M) significantly increased the Cl- diffusion potential (Vt) generated by a luminally directed Cl- gradient from -15.3 +/- 0.7 mV to -23.9 +/- 1.1 mV, n = 39; and decreased the transepithelial resistance (Rt) from 814.8 +/- 56.3 omega.cm2 to 750.5 +/- 47.5 omega.cm2, n = 39, (n = number of cultures). cAMP activation, anion selectivity (Cl- > I- > gluconate), and a dependence upon metabolic energy (metabolic poisoning inhibited GCl), all indicate that the GCl expressed in RD2(NL) is in fact CFTR-GCl. The presence of an apical amiloride-sensitive GNa was shown by the amiloride (10(-5) M) inhibition of GNa as indicated by a reduction of Vt and equivalent short circuit current by 78.0 +/- 3.1% and 77.9 +/- 2.6%, respectively, and an increase in Rt by 7.2 +/- 0.8%, n = 36. In conclusion, the RD2(NL) cell line presents the first model system in which CFTR-GCl is expressed in a purely absorptive tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultraviolet Fe VII absorption and Fe II emission lines of central stars of planetary nebulae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Kwang-Ping; Feibelman, Walter A.; Bruhweiler, Frederick C.

1991-01-01

The SWP camera of the IUE satellite was used in the high-dispersion mode to search for Fe VII absorption and Fe II high-excitation emission lines in five additional very hot central stars of planetary nebulae. Some of the Fe VII lines were detected at 1208, 1239, and 1332 A in all the objects of this program, LT 5, NGC 6058, NGC 7094, A43, and Lo 1 (= K1-26), as well as some of the Fe II emission lines at A 1360, 1776, 1869, 1881, 1884, and 1975 A. Two additional objects, NGC 2867 and He 2-131, were obtained from the IUE archive and were evaluated. The present study probably exhausts the list of candidates that are sufficiently bright and hot to be reached with the high-dispersion mode of the IUE.

Ultraviolet Fe VII absorption and Fe II emission lines of central stars of planetary nebulae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Kwang-Ping; Feibelman, W.A.; Bruhweiler, F.C.

1991-08-01

The SWP camera of the IUE satellite was used in the high-dispersion mode to search for Fe VII absorption and Fe II high-excitation emission lines in five additional very hot central stars of planetary nebulae. Some of the Fe VII lines were detected at 1208, 1239, and 1332 A in all the objects of this program, LT 5, NGC 6058, NGC 7094, A43, and Lo 1 (= K1-26), as well as some of the Fe II emission lines at A 1360, 1776, 1869, 1881, 1884, and 1975 A. Two additional objects, NGC 2867 and He 2-131, were obtained from themore » IUE archive and were evaluated. The present study probably exhausts the list of candidates that are sufficiently bright and hot to be reached with the high-dispersion mode of the IUE. 17 refs.« less

Pulsed Airborne Lidar Measurements of Atmospheric CO2 Column Absorption and Line Shapes from 3-13 km Altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abshire, J. B.; Riris, H.; Allan, G. R.; Weaver, C.; Hasselbrack, W.; Sun, X.

2009-01-01

We have developed a lidar technique for measuring the tropospheric C02 concentrations as a candidate for NASA's planned ASCENDS mission. Our technique uses two pulsed laser transmitters allowing simultaneous measurement of a C02 absorption line in the 1570 nm band, 02 extinction in the Oxygen A-band and surface height and backscatter. The lidar measures the energy and time of flight of the laser echoes reflected from the atmosphere and surface. The lasers are stepped in wavelength across the C02 line and an 02 line region during the measurement. The receiver uses a telescope and photon counting detectors, and measures the background light and energies of the laser echoes from the surface along with scattering from any aerosols in the path. The gas extinction and column densities for the C02 and 02 gases are estimated from the ratio of the on- and off- line signals via the DIAL technique. Time gating is used to isolate the laser echo signals from the surface, and to reject laser photons scattered in the atmosphere. We have developed an airborne lidar to demonstrate the C02 measurement from the NASA Glenn Lear 25 aircraft. The airborne lidar steps the pulsed laser's wavelength across a selected C02 line with 20 steps per scan. The line scan rate is 450 Hz and laser pulse widths are I usec. The time resolved laser backscatter is collected by a 20 cm telescope, detected by a photomultiplier and is recorded by a photon counting system. We made initial airborne measurements on flights during October and December 2008. Laser backscatter and absorption measurements were made over a variety of land and water surfaces and through thin and broken clouds. Atmospheric C02 column measurements using the 1571.4, 1572.02 and 1572.33 nm C02 lines. Two flights were made above the DOE SGP ARM site at altitudes from 3-8 km. These nights were coordinated with DOE investigators who Hew an in-situ C02 sensor on a Cessna aircraft under the path. The increasing C02 line absorptions with

Lick slit spectra of thirty-eight objective prism quasar candidates and low metallicity halo stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tytler, David; Fan, Xiao-Ming; Junkkarinen, Vesa T.; Cohen, Ross D.

1993-01-01

Lick Observatory slit spectra of 38 objects which were claimed to have pronounced UV excess and emission lines are presented. Eleven QSOs, four galaxies at z of about 0.1, 22 stars, and one unidentified object with a low S/N spectrum were found. Of 11 objects which Zhan and Chen (1987, 1989) suggested were QSO with z(prism) not greater than 2.8; eight are QSOs. Six of the QSOs show absorption systems, including Q0000+027A with a relatively strong associated C IV absorption system, and Q0008+008 with a damped Ly-alpha system with an H I column density of 10 exp 21/sq cm. The equivalent widths of the Ca II K line, the G band, and the Balmer lines in 10 stars with the best spectra are measured, and metallicities are derived. Seven of them are in the range -2.5 to -1.7, while the others are less metal-poor.

Sub-millimeter detected z ~ 2 radio-quiet QSOs. Accurate redshifts, black hole masses, and inflow/outflow velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orellana, G.; Nagar, N. M.; Isaak, K. G.; Priddey, R.; Maiolino, R.; McMahon, R.; Marconi, A.; Oliva, E.

2011-07-01

Context. We present near-IR spectroscopy of a sample of luminous (MB - 27.5; Lbol > 1014 L⊙), sub-millimeter-detected, dusty (Md ~ 109 M⊙), radio-quiet quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) at z ~ 2. Aims: A primary aim is to provide a more accurate QSO redshift determination in order to trace kinematics and inflows/outflows in these sub-mm bright QSOs. Additionally, the Hα and continuum properties allow an estimation of the black hole mass and accretion rate, offering insights into the starburst-AGN connection in sub-mm bright QSOs. Methods: We measure the redshift, width, and luminosity of the Hα line, and the continuum luminosity near Hα. Relative velocity differences between Hα and rest-frame UV emission lines are used to study the presence and strength of outflows/inflows. Luminosities and line widths are used to estimate the black hole masses, bolometric luminosities, Eddington fractions, and accretion rates; these are compared to the star-formation-rate (SFR), estimated from the sub-mm derived far-infrared (FIR) luminosity. Finally our sub-mm-bright QSO sample is compared with other QSO samples at similar redshifts. Results: The Hα emission line was strongly detected in all sources. Two components - a very broad (≳5000 km s-1) Gaussian and an intermediate-width (≳1500 km s-1) Gaussian, were required to fit the Hα profile of all observed QSOs. Narrow (≲1000 km s-1) lines were not detected in the sample QSOs. The rest-frame UV emission lines in these sub-mm bright QSOs show larger than average blue-shifted velocities, potentially tracing strong - up to 3000 km s-1 - outflows in the broad line region. With the exception of the one QSO which shows exceptionally broad Hα lines, the black hole masses of the QSO sample are in the range log MBH = 9.0-9.7 and the Eddington fractions are between 0.5 and ~1. In black hole mass and accretion rate, this sub-mm bright QSO sample is indistinguishable from the Shemmer et al. (2004, ApJ, 614, 547) optically

Lick optical spectra of quasar HS 1946+7658 at 10 kilometers per second resolution Lyman-alpha forest and metal absorption systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, Xiao-Ming; Tytler, David

1994-01-01

We present optical spectra of the most luminous known quasi stellar object (QSO) HS 1946+7658 (z(sub em) = 3.051). Our spectra have both full wavelength coverage, 3240-10570 A, and in selected regions, either high signal-to-noise ratio, SNR approximately equals 40-100, or unusually high approximately 10 km/sec resolution, and in parts of the Ly alpha forest and to the red of Ly alpha emission they are among the best published. We find 113 Ly alpha systems and six metal-line systems, three of which are new. The metal systems at z(sub abs) = 2.844 and 3.050 have complex velocity structure with four and three prominent components, respectively. We find that the system at z(sub abs) = 2.844 is a damped Ly alpha absorption (DLA) system, with a neutral hydrogen column density of log N(H I) = 20.2 +/- 0.4, and it is the cause of the Lyman limit break at lambda approximately equals 3520 A. We believe that most of the H I column density in this system is in z(sub abs) = 2.8443 component which shows the strongest low-ionization absorption lines. The metal abundance in the gas phase of the system is (M/H) approximately equals -2.6 +/- 0.3, with a best estimate of (M/H) = -2.8, with ionizaion parameter log gamma = -2.75, from a photoionization model. The ratios of the logarithmic abundances of C, O, Al, and Si are all within a factor of 2 of solar, which is important for two reasons. First, we believe that the gas abundances which we measure are close to the total abundances, because the ratio of aluminum to other elements is near cosmic, and Al is a refractory element which depletes very readily like chromium, in the interstellar medium. Second, we do not see the enhancement of O with respect to C of (O/C) approximately equals 0.5-0.9 reported in three partial Lyman limit systems by Reimers et al. (1992) and Vogel & Reimers (1993); we measure (O/C) = -0.06 for observed ions and (O/C) approximately equals 0.2 after ionization corrections, which is consistent with solar

Resolving the Structure of Ionized Helium in the Intergalactic Medium with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer. 2.3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriss, G. A.; Shull, J. M.; Oegerle, W.; Zheng, W.; Davidsen, A. F.; Songaila, A.; Tumlinson, J.; Cowie, L. L.; Dehavreng, J.-M.; Friedman, S. D.

2001-01-01

The neutral hydrogen and the ionized helium absorption in the spectra of high-redshift quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) are unique probes of structure in the universe at epochs intermediate between the earliest density fluctuations seen in the cosmic background radiation and the distribution of galaxies visible today. We present Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) observations of the line of sight to the QSO HE2347-4342 in the 1000-1187 angstrom band at a resolving power of 15,000. Above redshift z = 2.7, the IGM is largely opaque in He II Ly-alpha (304 angstroms). At lower redshifts, the optical depth gradually decreases to a mean value tau = 1 at z = 2.4. We resolve the He II Ly-alpha absorption as a discrete forest of absorption lines in the z = 2.3 - 2.7 redshift range. Approximately 50% of these spectral features have H I counterparts with column densities N(sub HI) > 10(exp 12.3)/sq cm visible in a Keck spectrum. These account for most of the observed opacity in He II Ly-alpha. The remainder have N(sub HI) < 10(exp 12.3)/sq cm, below the threshold for current observations. A short extrapolation of the power-law distribution of H I column densities to lower values can account for these new absorbers. The He II to H I column density ratio eta averages approximately 80, consistent with photoionization of the IGM by a hard ionizing spectrum resulting from the integrated light of quasars at high redshift, but there is considerable scatter. Values of eta > 100 in many locations indicate that there may be localized contributions from starbursts or heavily filtered QSO radiation.

Analysis of molecular hydrogen absorption toward QSO B0642–5038 for a varying proton-to-electron mass ratio

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bagdonaite, J.; Ubachs, W.; Murphy, M. T.

2014-02-10

Rovibronic molecular hydrogen (H{sub 2}) transitions at redshift z {sub abs} ≅ 2.659 toward the background quasar B0642–5038 are examined for a possible cosmological variation in the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ. We utilize an archival spectrum from the Very Large Telescope/Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) with a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼35 per 2.5 km s{sup –1} pixel at the observed H{sub 2} wavelengths (335-410 nm). Some 111 H{sub 2} transitions in the Lyman and Werner bands have been identified in the damped Lyα system for which a kinetic gas temperature of ∼84 K and a molecular fraction log fmore » = –2.18 ± 0.08 are determined. The H{sub 2} absorption lines are included in a comprehensive fitting method, which allows us to extract a constraint on a variation of the proton-electron mass ratio Δμ/μ from all transitions at once. We obtain Δμ/μ = (17.1 ± 4.5{sub stat} ± 3.7{sub sys}) × 10{sup –6}. However, we find evidence that this measurement has been affected by wavelength miscalibration errors recently identified in UVES. A correction based on observations of objects with solar-like spectra gives a smaller Δμ/μ value and contributes to a larger systematic uncertainty: Δμ/μ = (12.7 ± 4.5{sub stat} ± 4.2{sub sys}) × 10{sup –6}.« less

A search for intervening HI absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeves, Sarah N.; Sadler, Elaine M.; Allison, James R.; Koribalski, Baerbel S.; Curran, Stephen J.

2013-03-01

HI absorption-line studies provide a unique probe of the gas distribution and kinematics in galaxies well beyond the local universe (z ≳ 0.3). HI absorption-line surveys with next-generation radio telescopes will provide the first large-scale studies of HI in a redshift regime which is poorly understood. However, we currently lack the understanding to infer galaxy properties from absorption-line observations alone. To address this issue, we are conducting a search for intervening HI absorption in a sample of 20 nearby galaxies. Our aim is to investigate how the detection rate varies with distance from the galaxy. We target sight-lines to bright continuum sources, which intercept known gas-rich galaxies, selected from the HIPASS Bright Galaxy Catalogue (Koribalski et al. 2004). In our pilot sample, six galaxies with impact parameters < 20 kpc, we do not detect any absorption lines - although all are detected in 21cm emission. This indicates that an absorption non-detection cannot simply be interpreted as an absence of neutral gas - see Fig. 1. Our detection rate is low compared to previous surveys e.g. Gupta et al. (2010). This is, at least partially, due to the high resolution of the observations reducing the flux of the background source, which will also be an issue in future surveys, such as ASKAP-FLASH.

Investigating broad absorption line quasars with SDSS and UKIDSS .

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maddox, Natasha; Hewett, P. C.

The SDSS contains the largest set of spectroscopically confirmed broad line quasars ever compiled. Upon its completion, the UKIDSS LAS will provide a near-infrared counterpart to the SDSS, reaching 3 magnitudes deeper than 2MASS over a 4000 square degree area within the SDSS footprint. Combining the SDSS optical and UKIDSS near-infrared data, allows a new insight into the photometric and spectroscopic properties of broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs) relative to the quasar population as a whole. An accurate estimate of the intrinsic BALQSO fraction is essential for determining the BAL cloud covering fraction and the implications for the co-evolution of accreting supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. Defining a K-band limited sample of quasars makes clear the significantly redder distribution of i-K colours of the BALQSOs. The BALQSO i-K colour distribution enables us to estimate a lower limit to the intrinsic BALQSO fraction, computed to be ˜ 30 percent, significantly larger than the optical fraction of 15-20 percent found by several authors. We combined the high-quality SDSS spectra of the quasar sample to make several composite spectra based on i-K colour, and the properties of these composites are compared to a composite spectrum of unreddened quasars. If the origin of the wavelength dependent differences between the red and unreddened objects is ascribed to attenuation by dust, we find that the extinction curve of the material is intermediate in form between the steep SMC-like extinction curve and the recent, empirically determined, extinction curve presented by Gaskell & Benker (2007).

Attosecond transient absorption of argon atoms in the vacuum ultraviolet region: line energy shifts versus coherent population transfer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cao, Wei; Warrick, Erika R.; Neumark, Daniel M.

Using attosecond transient absorption, the dipole response of an argon atom in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region is studied when an external electromagnetic field is present. An isolated attosecond VUV pulse populates Rydberg states lying 15 eV above the argon ground state. A synchronized few-cycle near infrared (NIR) pulse modifies the oscillating dipoles of argon impulsively, leading to alterations in the VUV absorption spectra. As the NIR pulse is delayed with respect to the VUV pulse, multiple features in the absorption profile emerge simultaneously including line broadening, sideband structure, sub-cycle fast modulations, and 5-10 fs slow modulations. These features indicatemore » the coexistence of two general processes of the light-matter interaction: the energy shift of individual atomic levels and coherent population transfer between atomic eigenstates, revealing coherent superpositions. Finally, an intuitive formula is derived to treat both effects in a unifying framework, allowing one to identify and quantify the two processes in a single absorption spectrogram.« less

Attosecond transient absorption of argon atoms in the vacuum ultraviolet region: line energy shifts versus coherent population transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Wei; Warrick, Erika R.; Neumark, Daniel M.; Leone, Stephen R.

2016-01-01

Using attosecond transient absorption, the dipole response of an argon atom in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region is studied when an external electromagnetic field is present. An isolated attosecond VUV pulse populates Rydberg states lying 15 eV above the argon ground state. A synchronized few-cycle near infrared (NIR) pulse modifies the oscillating dipoles of argon impulsively, leading to alterations in the VUV absorption spectra. As the NIR pulse is delayed with respect to the VUV pulse, multiple features in the absorption profile emerge simultaneously including line broadening, sideband structure, sub-cycle fast modulations, and 5-10 fs slow modulations. These features indicate the coexistence of two general processes of the light-matter interaction: the energy shift of individual atomic levels and coherent population transfer between atomic eigenstates, revealing coherent superpositions. An intuitive formula is derived to treat both effects in a unifying framework, allowing one to identify and quantify the two processes in a single absorption spectrogram.

Attosecond transient absorption of argon atoms in the vacuum ultraviolet region: line energy shifts versus coherent population transfer

DOE PAGES

Cao, Wei; Warrick, Erika R.; Neumark, Daniel M.; ...

2016-01-18

Using attosecond transient absorption, the dipole response of an argon atom in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region is studied when an external electromagnetic field is present. An isolated attosecond VUV pulse populates Rydberg states lying 15 eV above the argon ground state. A synchronized few-cycle near infrared (NIR) pulse modifies the oscillating dipoles of argon impulsively, leading to alterations in the VUV absorption spectra. As the NIR pulse is delayed with respect to the VUV pulse, multiple features in the absorption profile emerge simultaneously including line broadening, sideband structure, sub-cycle fast modulations, and 5-10 fs slow modulations. These features indicatemore » the coexistence of two general processes of the light-matter interaction: the energy shift of individual atomic levels and coherent population transfer between atomic eigenstates, revealing coherent superpositions. Finally, an intuitive formula is derived to treat both effects in a unifying framework, allowing one to identify and quantify the two processes in a single absorption spectrogram.« less

A Highly Doppler Blueshifted Fe-K Emission Line in the High-Redshift QSO PKS 2149-306.

PubMed

Yaqoob; George; Nandra; Turner; Zobair; Serlemitsos

1999-11-01

We report the results from an ASCA observation of the high-luminosity, radio-loud quasar PKS 2149-306 (redshift 2.345), covering the approximately 1.7-30 keV band in the quasar frame. We find the source to have a luminosity approximately 6x1047 ergs s-1 in the 2-10 keV band (quasar frame). We detect an emission line centered at approximately 17 keV in the quasar frame. Line emission at this energy has not been observed in any other active galaxy or quasar to date. We present evidence rejecting the possibility that this line is the result of instrumental artifacts or a serendipitous source. The most likely explanation is blueshifted Fe-K emission (the equivalent width is EW approximately 300+/-200 eV, quasar frame). Bulk velocities of the order of 0.75c are implied by the data. We show that Fe-K line photons originating in an accretion disk and Compton scattering off a leptonic jet aligned along the disk axis can account for the emission line. Curiously, if the emission-line feature recently discovered in another quasar (PKS 0637-752, z=0.654) at 1.6 keV in the quasar frame is due to blueshifted O vii emission, the Doppler blueshifting factor in both quasars is similar ( approximately 2.7-2.8).

Pulsed Airborne Lidar Measurements of Atmospheric CO2 Column Absorption and Line Shapes from 3-13 km Altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abshire, James; Riris, Haris; Allan, Graham; Weaver, Clark; Mao, Jianping; Sun, Xiaoli; Hasselbrack, William

2010-01-01

We have developed a pulsed lidar technique for measuring the tropospheric CO2 concentrations as a candidate for NASA's planned ASCENDS space mission. Our technique uses two pulsed laser transmitters allowing simultaneous measurement of a CO2 absorption line in the 1570 nm band, O2 extinction in the Oxygen A-band and surface height and backscatter. The lidar measures the energy and time of flight of the laser echoes reflected from the atmosphere and surface. The lasers are rapidly and precisely stepped in wavelength across the CO2 line and an O2 line region during the measurement. The direct detection receiver uses a telescope and photon counting detectors, and measures the background light and energies of the laser echoes from the surface along with scattering from any aerosols in the path. The gas extinction and column densities for the CO2 and O2 gases are estimated from the ratio of the on- and off- line signals via the DIAL technique. Time gating is used to isolate the laser echo signals from the surface, and to reject laser photons scattered in the atmosphere. The time of flight of the laser pulses are also used to estimate the height of the scattering surface and to identify cases of mixed cloud and ground scattering. We have developed an airborne lidar to demonstrate the CO2 measurement from the NASA Glenn Lear-25 aircraft. The airborne lidar steps the pulsed laser's wavelength across the selected CO2 line with 20 steps per scan. The line scan rate is 450 Hz, the laser pulse widths are 1 usec, and laser pulse energy is 24 uJ. The time resolved laser backscatter is collected by a 20 cm telescope, detected by a photomultiplier and is recorded by a photon counting system. We made initial airborne measurements on flights during fall 2008. Laser backscatter and absorption measurements were made over a variety of land and water surfaces and through thin clouds. The atmospheric CO2 column measurements using the 1572.33 nm CO2 lines. Two flights were made above the

X-RAYS FROM A RADIO-LOUD COMPACT BROAD ABSORPTION LINE QUASAR 1045+352 AND THE NATURE OF OUTFLOWS IN RADIO-LOUD BROAD ABSORPTION LINE QUASARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kunert-Bajraszewska, Magdalena; Katarzynski, Krzysztof; Siemiginowska, Aneta

2009-11-10

We present new results on X-ray properties of radio-loud broad absorption line (BAL) quasars and focus on broadband spectral properties of a high-ionization BAL (HiBAL) compact steep spectrum (CSS) radio-loud quasar 1045+352. This HiBAL quasar has a very complex radio morphology indicating either strong interactions between a radio jet and the surrounding interstellar medium or a possible re-start of the jet activity. We detected 1045+352 quasar in a short 5 ksec Chandra ACIS-S observation. We applied theoretical models to explain spectral energy distribution of 1045+352 and argue that non-thermal, inverse-Compton (IC) emission from the innermost parts of the radio jetmore » can account for a large fraction of the observed X-ray emission. In our analysis, we also consider a scenario in which the observed X-ray emission from radio-loud BAL quasars can be a sum of IC jet X-ray emission and optically thin corona X-ray emission. We compiled a sample of radio-loud BAL quasars that were observed in X-rays to date and report no correlation between their X-ray and radio luminosity. However, the radio-loud BAL quasars show a large range of X-ray luminosities and absorption columns. This is consistent with the results obtained earlier for radio-quiet BAL quasars and may indicate an orientation effect in BAL quasars or more complex dependence between X-ray emission, radio emission, and an orientation based on the radio morphology.« less

Temporal Variation of HCO+ 1_0 Galactic Absorption Lines Toward NRAO 150 and BL Lac

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Junghwan; Yun, Youngjoo; Park, Yong-Sun

2017-12-01

We present observations of HCO^+ 1-0 absorption lines toward two extragalactic compact radio sources, NRAO 150 and BL Lac with the Korean VLBI Network in order to investigate their time variation over 20 years by Galactic foreground clouds. It is found that the line shape of -17 km s^{-1} component changed marginally during 1993-1998 period and has remained unaltered thereafter for NRAO 150. Its behavior is different from that of H_2CO 1_{10}-1_{11}, suggesting chemical differentiation on ˜ 20 AU scale, the smallest ever seen. On the other hand, BL Lac exhibits little temporal variation for the HCO^+ and H_2CO lines. Our observation also suggests that Korea VLBI Network performs reliably in the spectrum mode in that the shapes of the new HCO^+ 1-0 spectra are in good agreement with the previous ones to an accuracy of a few percent except the time varying component toward NRAO 150.

Detection of High Velocity Absorption Components in the He I Lines of Eta Carinae near the Time of Periastron

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, Noel D.; St-Jean, Lucas; Gull, Theodore R.; Madura, Thomas; Hillier, D. John; Teodoro, Mairan; Moffat, Anthony; Corcoran, Michael; Damineli, Augusto

2014-01-01

We have obtained a total of 58 high spectral resolution (R90,000) spectra of the massive binary star eta Carinae since 2012 in an effort to continue our orbital and long-term echelle monitoring of this extreme binary (Richardson et al. 2010, AJ, 139, 1534) with the CHIRON spectrograph on the CTIO 1.5 m telescope (Tokovinin et al. 2013, PASP, 125, 1336) in the 45507500A region. We have increased our monitoring efforts and observation frequency as the periastron event of 2014 has approached. We note that there were multiple epochs this year where we observe unusual absorption components in the P Cygni troughs of the He I triplet lines. In particular, we note high velocity absorption components related to the following epochs for the following lines: He I 4713: HJD 2456754- 2456795 (velocity -450 to -560 kms) He I 5876: HJD 2456791- 2456819 (velocity -690 to -800 kms) He I 7065: HJD 2456791- 2456810 (velocity -665 to -730 kms) Figures: Note that red indicates a high-velocity component noted above. He I 4713: http:www.astro.umontreal.carichardson4713.png He I 5876: http:www.astro.umontreal.carichardson5876.png He I 7065: http:www.astro.umontreal.carichardson7065.png These absorptions are likely related to the wind-wind collision region and bow shock, as suggested by the high-velocity absorption observed by Groh et al. (2010, AA, 519, 9) in the He I 10830 Atransition. In these cases, we suspect that we look along an arm of the shock cone and that we will see a fast absorption change from the other collision region shortly after periastron. We suspect that this is related to the multiple-components of the He II 4686 line that was noted by Walter (ATel6334), and is confirmed in our data. Further, high spectral resolution data are highly encouraged,especially for resolving powers greater than 50,000.These observations were obtained with the CTIO 1.5 m telescope, operated by the SMARTS Consortium, and were obtained through both SMARTS and NOAO programs 2012A-0216,2012B-0194

Spectral line shapes of collision-induced light scattering (CILS) and collision-induced absorption (CIA) using isotropic intermolecular potential for H2-Ar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Kader, M. S. A.; Godet, J.-L.; El-Sadek, A. A.; Maroulis, G.

2017-10-01

Quantum mechanical line shapes of collision-induced light scattering at room temperature (295 K) and collision-induced absorption at T = 195 K are computed for gaseous mixtures of molecular hydrogen and argon using theoretical values for pair-polarisability trace and anisotropy and induced dipole moments as input. Comparison with other theoretical spectra of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering and measured spectra of absorption shows satisfactory agreement, for which the uncertainty in measurement of its spectral moments is seen to be large. Ab initio models of the trace and anisotropy polarisability which reproduce the recent spectra of scattering are given. Empirical model of the dipole moment which reproduce the experimental spectra and the first three spectral moments more closely than the fundamental theory are also given. Good agreement between computed and/or experimental line shapes of both absorption and scattering is obtained when the potential model which is constructed from the transport and thermo-physical properties is used.

Laser-based absorption spectroscopy as a technique for rapid in-line analysis of respired gas concentrations of O2 and CO2

PubMed Central

Cummings, Beth; Hamilton, Michelle L.; Ciaffoni, Luca; Pragnell, Timothy R.; Peverall, Rob; Ritchie, Grant A. D.; Hancock, Gus

2011-01-01

The use of sidestream analyzers for respired gas analysis is almost universal. However, they are not ideal for measurements of respiratory gas exchange because the analyses are both temporally dissociated from measurements of respiratory flow and also not generally conducted under the same physical conditions. This study explores the possibility of constructing an all optical, fast response, in-line breath analyzer for oxygen and carbon dioxide. Using direct absorption spectroscopy with a diode laser operating at a wavelength near 2 μm, measurements of expired carbon dioxide concentrations were obtained with an absolute limit of detection of 0.04% at a time resolution of 10 ms. Simultaneously, cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength near 760 nm was employed to obtain measurements of expired oxygen concentrations with an absolute limit of detection of 0.26% at a time resolution of 10 ms. We conclude that laser-based absorption spectroscopy is a promising technology for in-line analysis of respired carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations. PMID:21512147

Laser-based absorption spectroscopy as a technique for rapid in-line analysis of respired gas concentrations of O2 and CO2.

PubMed

Cummings, Beth; Hamilton, Michelle L; Ciaffoni, Luca; Pragnell, Timothy R; Peverall, Rob; Ritchie, Grant A D; Hancock, Gus; Robbins, Peter A

2011-07-01

The use of sidestream analyzers for respired gas analysis is almost universal. However, they are not ideal for measurements of respiratory gas exchange because the analyses are both temporally dissociated from measurements of respiratory flow and also not generally conducted under the same physical conditions. This study explores the possibility of constructing an all optical, fast response, in-line breath analyzer for oxygen and carbon dioxide. Using direct absorption spectroscopy with a diode laser operating at a wavelength near 2 μm, measurements of expired carbon dioxide concentrations were obtained with an absolute limit of detection of 0.04% at a time resolution of 10 ms. Simultaneously, cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength near 760 nm was employed to obtain measurements of expired oxygen concentrations with an absolute limit of detection of 0.26% at a time resolution of 10 ms. We conclude that laser-based absorption spectroscopy is a promising technology for in-line analysis of respired carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations.

All-optical laser spectral narrowing and line fixing at atomic absorption transition by injection competition and gain knock-down techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gacheva, Lazarina I.; Deneva, Margarita A.; Kalbanov, Mihail H.; Nenchev, Marin N.

2008-12-01

We present two original, all optical techniques, to produce a narrowline laser light, fixed at the frequency of a chosen reference atomic absorption transition. The first type of systems is an essential improvement of our method 3,4 for laser spectral locking using a control by two frequency scanned, competitive injections with disturbed power ratio by the absorption at the reference line. The new development eliminates the narrowing limiting problem, related with the fixed laser longitudinal mode structure. We have proposed an original new technique for continuously tunable single mode laser operation in combination with synchronously and equal continuous tuning of the modes of the amplifier. By adapting the laser differential rate equations, the system is analyzed theoretically in details and is shown its feasibility. The results are in agreement with previous our experiments. The essential advantage, except simplicity of realization, is that the laser line can be of order of magnitude and more narrowed than the absorption linewidth. The second system is based of the laser amplifier arrangement with a gain knock-down from the competitive frequency scanned pulse, except at the wavelength of the desired absorption reference line. The essential advantages of the last system are that the problem of fixing laser mode presence is naturally avoided. The theoretical modeling and the numerical investigations show the peculiarity and advantages of the system proposed. The developed approaches are of interest for applications in spectroscopy, in DIAL monitoring of the atmospheric pollutants, in isotope separation system and potentially - for creation of simple, all optical, frequency standards for optical communications. Also, the continuously tunable single mode laser (and the combination with the simultaneously tunable amplifier) presents itself the interest for many practical applications in spectroscopy, metrology, and holography. We compare the action and the

DISCOVERY OF A DAMPED Lyα ABSORBER AT z = 3.3 ALONG A GALAXY SIGHT-LINE IN THE SSA22 FIELD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mawatari, K.; Inoue, A. K.; Kousai, K.

2016-02-01

Using galaxies as background light sources to map the Lyα absorption lines is a novel approach to study Damped Lyα Absorbers (DLAs). We report the discovery of an intervening z = 3.335 ± 0.007 DLA along a galaxy sight-line identified among 80 Lyman Break Galaxy (LBG) spectra obtained with our Very Large Telescope/Visible Multi-Object Spectrograph survey in the SSA22 field. The measured DLA neutral hydrogen (H i) column density is log(N{sub H} {sub i}/cm{sup −2}) = 21.68 ± 0.17. The DLA covering fraction over the extended background LBG is >70% (2σ), yielding a conservative constraint on the DLA area of ≳1 kpc{sup 2}. Our search for a counterpartmore » galaxy hosting this DLA concludes that there is no counterpart galaxy with star formation rate larger than a few M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}, ruling out an unobscured violent star formation in the DLA gas cloud. We also rule out the possibility that the host galaxy of the DLA is a passive galaxy with M{sub *} ≳ 5 × 10{sup 10}M{sub ⊙} or a heavily dust-obscured galaxy with E(B − V) ≳ 2. The DLA may coincide with a large-scale overdensity of the spectroscopic LBGs. The occurrence rate of the DLA is compatible with that of DLAs found in QSO sight-lines.« less

Absorption line metrology by optical feedback frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkart, Johannes; Kassi, Samir

2015-04-01

Optical feedback frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy (OFFS-CRDS) is a near-shot-noise-limited technique combining a sensitivity of with a highly linear frequency axis and sub-kHz resolution. Here, we give an in-depth review of the key elements of the experimental setup encompassing a highly stable V-shaped reference cavity, an integrated Mach-Zehnder modulator and a tightly locked ring-down cavity with a finesse of 450,000. Carrying out a detailed analysis of the spectrometer performance and its limitations, we revisit the photo-electron shot-noise limit in CRDS and discuss the impact of optical fringes. We demonstrate different active schemes for fringe cancelation by varying the phase of parasitic reflections. The proof-of-principle experiments reported here include a broadband high-resolution spectrum of carbon dioxide at 1.6 µm and an isolated line-shape measurement with a signal-to-noise ratio of 80,000. Beyond laboratory-based absorption line metrology for fundamental research, OFFS-CRDS holds a considerable potential for field laser measurements of trace gas concentrations and isotopic ratios by virtue of its small sample volume and footprint, the robust cavity-locking scheme and supreme precision.

A study of the H2O absorption line shifts in the visible spectrum region due to air pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossmann, B. E.; Browell, E. V.; Bykov, A. D.; Kapitanov, V. A.; Korotchenko, E. A.

1990-01-01

Results of measured and calculated shift coefficients are presented for 170 absorption lines of H2O in five vibrational-rotational bands. The measurements have been carried out using highly sensitive laser spectrometers with a resolution of at least 0.01/cm; the calculations are based on the Anderson-Tsao-Curnutte-Frost method. Good agreement is obtained between the theoretical and experimental values of the shift coefficients of H2O lines due to N2, O2, and air pressure.

Surveying the CGM and IGM across 4 orders of magnitude in environmental density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burchett, Joseph

2017-08-01

Environment matters when it comes to galaxy evolution, and the mechanisms driving this evolution are reflected in the diffuse gas residing within the large-scale structures enveloping the cosmic galaxy population. QSO absorption lines effectively probe the circumgalactic medium (CGM) and intragroup and intracluster media, and work thus far hints at profound environmental effects on the CGM. However, sample sizes remain small, and a unifying picture of the gas characteristics across diverse environments has yet to emerge. Within the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we have identified a sample volume containing a remarkable diversity in large-scale environment with an array of voids, >10,000 groups, several filaments, and 5 clusters, including the Coma Supercluster and CfA Great Wall. Leveraging the Hubble Spectroscopic Legacy Archive (HSLA), we propose a study using >360 background QSOs probing this volume to study the effects of large-scale environment on CGM and intergalactic medium (IGM) gas. The z = 0.019-0.028 spectroscopic galaxy sample is uniformly complete to galaxies L > 0.03 L* and, with the HSLA, produces 200 galaxy/sightline pairs within 300-kpc impact parameters across a wide range of environmental densities and structures.Upon quantifying the galaxy environment and identifying/measuring the QSO absorption lines at z = 0.019-0.028, we will pursue the following primary science goals:1. Constrain the CGM/IGM physical conditions across four orders of magnitude in galaxy density2. Compare ionic abundances and ionization states in the CGM of galaxies in filaments vs. voids3. Statistically investigate the IGM/CGM gas properties from structure to structure

Impact of line parameter database, continuum absorption, full grind configuration, and L1B update on GOSAT TIR methane retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, A.; Saitoh, N.; Nonogaki, R.; Imasu, R.; Shiomi, K.; Kuze, A.

2016-12-01

The thermal infrared (TIR) band of Thermal and Near-infrared Sensor for Carbon Observation Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) onboard Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) observes CH4 profile at wavenumber range from 1210 cm-1 to 1360 cm-1 including CH4 ν4 band. The current retrieval algorithm (V1.0) uses LBLRTM V12.1 with AER V3.1 line database to calculate optical depth. LBLRTM V12.1 include MT_CKD 2.5.2 model to calculate continuum absorption. The continuum absorption has large uncertainty, especially temperature dependent coefficient, between BPS model and MT_CKD model in the wavenumber region of 1210-1250 cm-1(Paynter and Ramaswamy, 2014). The purpose of this study is to assess the impact on CH4 retrieval from the line parameter databases and the uncertainty of continuum absorption. We used AER v1.0 database, HITRAN2004 database, HITRAN2008 database, AER V3.2 database, and HITRAN2012 database (Rothman et al. 2005, 2009, and 2013. Clough et al., 2005). AER V1.0 database is based on HITRAN2000. The CH4 line parameters of AER V3.1 and V3.2 databases are developed from HITRAN2008 including updates until May 2009 with line mixing parameters. We compared the retrieved CH4 with the HIPPO CH4 observation (Wofsy et al., 2012). The difference of AER V3.2 was the smallest and 24.1 ± 45.9 ppbv. The differences of AER V1.0, HITRAN2004, HITRAN2008, and HITRAN2012 were 35.6 ± 46.5 ppbv, 37.6 ± 46.3 ppbv, 32.1 ± 46.1 ppbv, and 35.2 ± 46.0 ppbv, respectively. Compare AER V3.2 case to HITRAN2008 case, the line coupling effect reduced difference by 8.0 ppbv. Median values of Residual difference from HITRAN2008 to AER V1.0, HITRAN2004, AER V3.2, and HITRAN2012 were 0.6 K, 0.1 K, -0.08 K, and 0.08 K, respectively, while median values of transmittance difference were less than 0.0003 and transmittance differences have small wavenumber dependence. We also discuss the retrieval error from the uncertainty of the continuum absorption, the test of full grid

The Redshifted Hydrogen Balmer and Metastable He 1 Absorption Line System in Mini-FeLoBAL Quasar SDSS J112526.12+002901.3: A Parsec-scale Accretion Inflow?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Xi-Heng; Jiang, Peng; Wang, Hui-Yuan; Zhang, Shao-Hua; Ji, Tuo; Liu, Wen-Juan; Zhou, Hong-Yan

2016-10-01

The accretion of the interstellar medium onto central super-massive black holes is widely accepted as the source of the gigantic energy released by the active galactic nuclei. However, few pieces of observational evidence have been confirmed directly demonstrating the existence of the inflows. The absorption line system in the spectra of quasar SDSS J112526.12+002901.3 presents an interesting example in which the rarely detected hydrogen Balmer and metastable He I absorption lines are found redshifted to the quasar's rest frame along with the low-ionization metal absorption lines Mg II, Fe II, etc. The repeated SDSS spectroscopic observations suggest a transverse velocity smaller than the radial velocity. The motion of the absorbing medium is thus dominated by infall. The He I* lines present a powerful probe to the strength of ionizing flux, while the Balmer lines imply a dense environment. With the help of photoionization simulations, we find that the absorbing medium is exposed to the radiation with ionization parameter U ≈ 10-1.8, and the density is n({{H}})≈ {10}9 {{cm}}-3. Thus the absorbing medium is located ˜4 pc away from the central engine. According to the similarity in the distance and physical conditions between the absorbing medium and the torus, we strongly propose the absorption line system as a candidate for the accretion inflow, which originates in the inner surface of the torus.

A Candidate for an Intrinsic Dusty Absorber with a Metal-rich Damped Lyα Absorption Line System in the Quasar J170542.91+354340.2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Xiang; Zhou, Hongyan; Ge, Jian; Jiang, Peng; Yang, Bin; Lu, Honglin; Ji, Tuo; Zhang, Shaohua; Shi, Xiheng

2017-02-01

We present a detailed analysis of the unusual damped Lyα absorption line system (DLA) toward the quasar SDSS J170542.91+354340.2 at a redshift of 2, previously reported by Noterdaeme et al. as one of the very few CO absorbers known to date at high z. This DLA is exceptional in that: (1) its extinction curve is similar to peculiar Milky Way sightlines penetrating star formation regions; (2) its absorption components are redshifted at a speed of several hundred km s-1 compared to broad Balmer emission lines; (3) its gas-phase metallicity is super-solar as evaluated from more than 30 absorption lines; (4) detection of residual flux in the DLA trough and variability of {{C}} {{IV}} absorption is possible. Based on these facts, we argue that this dusty DLA is a good candidate for an intrinsic quasar 2175 Å absorber, and can originate from star formation regions of the quasar’s host galaxy. We discuss in detail the gas and dust properties, and the dust depletion. Follow-up observations, such as spectropolarimetry and optical/infrared spectroscopy, will help to confirm the system’s intrinsic nature and to explore how dust grains behave in the extreme environments proximate to quasars.

Highly Ionized Fe-K Absorption Line from Cygnus X-1 in the High/Soft State Observed with Suzaku

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, S.; Torii, S.; Mineshige, S.; Ueda, Y.; Kubota, A.; Gandhi, P.; Done, C.; Noda, H.; Yoshikawa, A.; Makishima, K.

2013-04-01

We present observations of a transient He-like Fe Kα absorption line in Suzaku observations of the black hole binary Cygnus X-1 on 2011 October 5 near superior conjunction during the high/soft state, which enable us to map the full evolution from the start to the end of the episodic accretion phenomena or dips for the first time. We model the X-ray spectra during the event and trace their evolution. The absorption line is rather weak in the first half of the observation, but instantly deepens for ~10 ks, and weakens thereafter. The overall change in equivalent width is a factor of ~3, peaking at an orbital phase of ~0.08. This is evidence that the companion stellar wind feeding the black hole is clumpy. By analyzing the line with a Voigt profile, it is found to be consistent with a slightly redshifted Fe XXV transition, or possibly a mixture of several species less ionized than Fe XXV. The data may be explained by a clump located at a distance of ~1010-12 cm with a density of ~10(- 13)-(- 11) g cm-3, which accretes onto and/or transits the line of sight to the black hole, causing an instant decrease in the observed degree of ionization and/or an increase in density of the accreting matter. Continued monitoring for individual events with future X-ray calorimeter missions such as ASTRO-H and AXSIO will allow us to map out the accretion environment in detail and how it changes between the various accretion states.

Brush border membrane vesicle and Caco-2 cell line: Two experimental models for evaluation of absorption enhancing effects of saponins, bile salts, and some synthetic surfactants

PubMed Central

Moghimipour, Eskandar; Tabassi, Sayyed Abolghassem Sajadi; Ramezani, Mohammad; Handali, Somayeh; Löbenberg, Raimar

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of absorption enhancers in the uptake of hydrophilic compounds. The permeation of the two hydrophilic drug models gentamicin and 5 (6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF) across the brush border membrane vesicles and Caco-2 cell lines were evaluated using total saponins of Acanthophyllum squarrosum, Quillaja saponaria, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium glycocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate, and Tween 20 as absorption enhancers. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement was utilized to assess the paracellular permeability of cell lines. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed to obtain images of the distribution of CF in Caco-2 cells. These compounds were able to loosen tight junctions, thus increasing paracellular permeability. CLSM confirmed the effect of these absorption enhancers on CF transport across Caco-2 lines and increased the Caco-2 permeability via transcellular route. It was also confirmed that the decrease in TEER was transient and reversible after removal of permeation enhancers. PMID:27429925

THE VIEWING ANGLES OF BROAD ABSORPTION LINE VERSUS UNABSORBED QUASARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DiPompeo, M. A.; Brotherton, M. S.; De Breuck, C.

2012-06-10

It was recently shown that there is a significant difference in the radio spectral index distributions of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars and unabsorbed quasars, with an overabundance of BAL quasars with steeper radio spectra. This result suggests that source orientation does play into the presence or absence of BAL features. In this paper, we provide more quantitative analysis of this result based on Monte Carlo simulations. While the relationship between viewing angle and spectral index does indeed contain a lot of scatter, the spectral index distributions are different enough to overcome that intrinsic variation. Utilizing two different models ofmore » the relationship between spectral index and viewing angle, the simulations indicate that the difference in spectral index distributions can be explained by allowing BAL quasar viewing angles to extend about 10 Degree-Sign farther from the radio jet axis than non-BAL sources, though both can be seen at small angles. These results show that orientation cannot be the only factor determining whether BAL features are present, but it does play a role.« less

Detection of blueshifted emission and absorption and a relativistic iron line in the X-ray spectrum of ESO323-G077

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Bailón, E.; Krongold, Y.; Bianchi, S.; Matt, G.; Santos-Lleó, M.; Piconcelli, E.; Schartel, N.

2008-12-01

We report on the X-ray observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO323-G077 performed with XMM-Newton. The EPIC spectra show a complex spectrum with conspicuous absorption and emission features. The continuum emission can be modelled with a power law with an index of 1.99 +/- 0.02 in the whole XMM-Newton energy band, marginally consistent with typical values of type I objects. An absorption component with an uncommonly high equivalent hydrogen column (nH = 5.82+0.12-0.11 × 1022cm-2) is affecting the soft part of the spectrum. Additionally, two warm absorption components are also present in the spectrum. The lower ionized one, mainly imprinting the soft band of the spectrum, has an ionization parameter of logU = 2.14+0.06-0.07 and an outflowing velocity of v = 3200+600-200kms-1. Two absorption lines located at ~6.7 and ~7.0keV can be modelled with the highly ionized absorber. The ionization parameter and outflowing velocity of the gas measured are logU = 3.26+0.19-0.15 and v = 1700+600-400kms-1, respectively. Four emission lines were also detected in the soft energy band. The most likely explanation for these emission lines is that they are associated with an outflowing gas with a velocity of ~2000kms-1. The data suggest that the same gas which is causing the absorption could also being responsible of these emission features. Finally, the XMM-Newton spectrum shows the presence of a relativistic iron emission line likely originated in the accretion disc of a Kerr black hole with an inclination of ~25°. We propose a model to explain the observed X-ray properties which invokes the presence of a two-phase outflow with cone-like structure and a velocity of the order of 2000- 4000kms-1. The inner layer of the cone would be less ionized, or even neutral, than the outer layer. The inclination angle of the source would be lower than the opening angle of the outflowing cone. Partially based on observations obtained with XMM-Newton, an ESA science mission with instruments and

Experimental Line List of Water Vapor Absorption Lines in the Spectral Ranges 1850 - 2280 CM-1 and 2390-4000 CM-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loos, Joep; Birk, Manfred; Wagner, Georg

2017-06-01

A new experimental line parameter list of water vapor absorption lines in the spectral ranges 1850 - 2280 cm-1 and 2390 - 4000 cm-1 is presented. The line list is based on the analysis of several transmittance spectra measured using a Bruker IFS 125 HR high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. A total of 54 measurements of pure water and water/air-mixtures at 296 K as well as water/air-mixtures at high and low temperatures were performed. A multispectrum fitting approach was used applying a quadratic speed-dependent hard collision line shape model in the Hartmann-Tran implementation extended to account for line mixing in the Rosenkranz approximation in order to retrieve line positions, intensities, self- and air-broadening parameters, their speed-dependence, self- and air-shifts as well as line mixing and in some cases collisional narrowing parameters. Additionally, temperature dependence parameters for widths, shifts and in a few cases line mixing were retrieved. For every parameter an extensive error estimation calculation was performed identifying and specifying systematic error sources. The resulting parameters are compared to the databases HITRAN12 as well as experimental values. For intensities, a detailed comparison to results of recent ab initio calculations performed at University College London was done showing an agreement within 2 % for a majority of the data. However, for some bands there are systematic deviations attributed to ab initio calculation errors. .H. Ngo et al. JQSRT 129, 89-100 (2013) doi:10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.05.034; JQSRT 134, 105 (2014) doi:10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.10.016. H. Tran et al. JQSRT 129, 199-203 (2013) doi:10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.06.015; JQSRT 134, 104 (2014) doi:10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.10.015. L.S. Rothman et al. JQSRT 130, 4-50 (2013) doi:10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.07.002. N. Jacquinet-Husson et al. JMS 112, 2395-2445 (2016) doi:10.1016/j.jms.2016.06.007.

Abundances of O, Mg, S, Cr, Mn, Ti, NI and Zn from absorption lines of neutral gas in the Large Magellanic Cloud in front of R136

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Boer, K. S.; Fitzpatrick, E. L.; Savage, B. D.

1985-11-01

The authors have searched six high-dispersion IUE spectra of R136 for weak absorption lines of C I, O I, Mg I, Mg II, Si I, Si II, P I, Cl I, Cr II, Mn II, Fe I, Ni II, Zn II, CO and C2. The absorption detected is from neutral gas in front of the 30 Doradus H II region. For the first time abundances of Mg, Cr, Mn, Ti, Ni, and Zn are determined for an extragalactic system. The LMC abundances from the absorption lines are a factor of 2 to 3 below those of the Milky Way, in agreement with general results from emission line studies. The density and temperature of the neutral gas are estimates from the observed excitation and ionization at approximately n(H) = 300 cm-3 and T = 100K, implying a gas pressure of about 3×104cm-3K.

Catalog of Narrow Mg II Absorption Lines in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-Fu; Gu, Qiu-Sheng; Chen, Yan-Mei

2015-12-01

Using the Data Release 9 Quasar spectra from the Baryonic Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, which does not include quasar spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7, we detect narrow Mg ii λλ2796, 2803 absorption doublets in the spectral data redward of 1250 Å (quasar rest frame) until the red wing of the Mg ii λ2800 emission line. Our survey is limited to quasar spectra with a median signal-to-noise ratio < {{S}}/{{N}}> ≥slant 4 pixel-1 in the surveyed spectral region, resulting in a sample that contains 43,260 quasars. We have detected a total of 18,598 Mg ii absorption doublets with 0.2933 ≤ zabs ≤ 2.6529. About 75% of absorbers have an equivalent width at rest frame of {W}rλ 2796≥slant 1 \\mathringA . About 75% of absorbers have doublet ratios ({DR}={W}rλ 2796/{W}rλ 2803) in the range of 1 ≤ DR ≤ 2, and about 3.2% lie outside the range of 1 - σDR ≤ DR ≤ 2 + σDR. We characterize the detection false positives/negatives by the frequency of detected Mg ii absorption doublets in the limits of the S/N of the spectral data. The S/N = 4.5 limit is assigned a completeness fraction of 53% and tends to be complete when the S/N is greater than 4.5. The redshift number densities of all of the detected Mg ii absorbers moderately increase from z ≈ 0.4 to z ≈ 1.5, which parallels the evolution of the cosmic star formation rate density. Limiting our investigation to those quasars whose emission redshift can be determined from narrow emission lines, the relative velocities (β) of Mg ii absorbers have a complex distribution which probably consists of three classes of Mg ii absorbers: (1) cosmologically intervening absorbers; (2) environmental absorbers that reside within the quasar host galaxies or galaxy clusters; (3) quasar outflow absorbers. After subtracting contributions from cosmologically intervening absorbers and environmental absorbers, the β distribution of the Mg iiabsorbers might mainly be contributed by the quasar outflow

Extent of warm haloes around medium-redshift galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burbidge, E. M.; Barlow, T. A.; Cohen, R. D.; Junkkarinen, V. T.; Womble, D. S.

1989-01-01

The properties of low-to-medium ionization gaseous haloes around galaxies are briefly reviewed. New observations concerning such haloes are presented. For the galaxy-QSO pair in the field of the radio source 3C303, the higher-redshift QSO has been found to show Mg II absorption at the lower redshift of the faint nearby galaxy. Secondly, new data are presented on one of the galaxies in the environment of the well-known BL Lac object AO 0235 + 164.

An accelerated line-by-line option for MODTRAN combining on-the-fly generation of line center absorption within 0.1 cm-1 bins and pre-computed line tails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, Alexander; Conforti, Patrick; Hawes, Fred

2015-05-01

A Line-By-Line (LBL) option is being developed for MODTRAN6. The motivation for this development is two-fold. Firstly, when MODTRAN is validated against an independent LBL model, it is difficult to isolate the source of discrepancies. One must verify consistency between pressure, temperature and density profiles, between column density calculations, between continuum and particulate data, between spectral convolution methods, and more. Introducing a LBL option directly within MODTRAN will insure common elements for all calculations other than those used to compute molecular transmittances. The second motivation for the LBL upgrade is that it will enable users to compute high spectral resolution transmittances and radiances for the full range of current MODTRAN applications. In particular, introducing the LBL feature into MODTRAN will enable first-principle calculations of scattered radiances, an option that is often not readily available with LBL models. MODTRAN will compute LBL transmittances within one 0.1 cm-1 spectral bin at a time, marching through the full requested band pass. The LBL algorithm will use the highly accurate, pressure- and temperature-dependent MODTRAN Padé approximant fits of the contribution from line tails to define the absorption from all molecular transitions centered more than 0.05 cm-1 from each 0.1 cm-1 spectral bin. The beauty of this approach is that the on-the-fly computations for each 0.1 cm-1 bin will only require explicit LBL summing of transitions centered within a 0.2 cm-1 spectral region. That is, the contribution from the more distant lines will be pre-computed via the Padé approximants. The status of the LBL effort will be presented. This will include initial thermal and solar radiance calculations, validation calculations, and self-validations of the MODTRAN band model against its own LBL calculations.

Monte Carlo simulations of the detailed iron absorption line profiles from thermal winds in X-ray binaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomaru, Ryota; Done, Chris; Odaka, Hirokazu; Watanabe, Shin; Takahashi, Tadayuki

2018-05-01

Blueshifted absorption lines from highly ionized iron are seen in some high inclination X-ray binary systems, indicating the presence of an equatorial disc wind. This launch mechanism is under debate, but thermal driving should be ubiquitous. X-ray irradiation from the central source heats disc surface, forming a wind from the outer disc where the local escape velocity is lower than the sound speed. The mass-loss rate from each part of the disc is determined by the luminosity and spectral shape of the central source. We use these together with an assumed density and velocity structure of the wind to predict the column density and ionization state, then combine this with a Monte Carlo radiation transfer to predict the detailed shape of the absorption (and emission) line profiles. We test this on the persistent wind seen in the bright neutron star binary GX 13+1, with luminosity L/LEdd ˜ 0.5. We approximately include the effect of radiation pressure because of high luminosity, and compute line features. We compare these to the highest resolution data, the Chandra third-order grating spectra, which we show here for the first time. This is the first physical model for the wind in this system, and it succeeds in reproducing many of the features seen in the data, showing that the wind in GX13+1 is most likely a thermal-radiation driven wind. This approach, combined with better streamline structures derived from full radiation hydrodynamic simulations, will allow future calorimeter data to explore the detail wind structure.

Detecting the highest redshift (z > 8) quasi-stellar objects in a wide, near-infrared slitless spectroscopic survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roche, Nathan; Franzetti, Paolo; Garilli, Bianca; Zamorani, Giovanni; Cimatti, Andrea; Rossetti, Emanuel

2012-02-01

We investigate the prospects of extending observations of high-redshift quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) from the current z˜ 7 to z > 8 by means of a very wide-area near-infrared slitless spectroscopic survey, considering as an example the planned survey with the European Space Agency's Euclid telescope (scheduled for a 2019 launch). For any QSOs at z > 8.06, the strong Lyman α line will enter the wavelength range of the Euclid Near-Infrared Spectometer and Imaging Photometer (NISP). We perform a detailed simulation of near infrared spectrometer and imaging photometer (Euclid) NISP slitless spectroscopy (with the parameters of the wide survey) in an artificial field containing QSO spectra at all redshifts up to z= 12 and to a faint limit H= 22.5. QSO spectra are represented with a template based on a Sloan Digital Sky Survey composite spectrum, with the added effects of absorption from neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium. The spectra extracted from the simulation are analysed with an automated redshift finder, and a detection rate estimated as a function of H magnitude and redshift (defined as the proportion of spectra with both correct redshift measurements and classifications). We show that, as expected, spectroscopic identification of QSOs would reach deeper limits for the redshift ranges where either ? (0.67 < z < 2.05) or Lyman α (z > 8.06) is visible. Furthermore, if photometrically selected z > 8 spectra can be re-examined and refitted to minimize the effects of spectral contamination, the QSO detection rate in the Lyman α window will be increased by an estimated ˜60 per cent and will then be better here than at any other redshift, with an effective limit H≃ 21.5. With an extrapolated rate of QSO evolution, we predict that the Euclid wide (15 000 ?) spectroscopic survey will identify and measure spectroscopic redshifts for a total of 20-35 QSOs at z > 8.06 (reduced slightly to 19-33 if we apply a small correction for missed weak-lined QSOs

Investigating the reasons of variability in Si IV and C IV broad absorption line troughs of quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stathopoulos, Dimitrios; Lyratzi, Evangelia; Danezis, Emmanuel; Antoniou, Antonios; Tzimeas, Dimitrios

2017-09-01

In this paper we analyze the C IV and Si IV broad absorption troughs of two BALQSOs (J101056.69+355833.3, J114548.38+393746.6) to the individual components they consist of. By analyzing a BAL trough to its components we have the advantage to study the variations of the individual absorbing systems in the line of sight and not just the variations of the whole absorption trough or the variations of selected portions of BAL troughs exhibiting changes. We find that the velocity shifts and FWHMs (Full Width at Half Maximum) of the individual components do not vary between an interval of six years. All variable components show changes in the optical depths at line centers which are manifested as variations in the EW (Equivalent Width) of the components. In both BALQSOs, over corresponding velocities, Si IV has higher incidence of variability than C IV. From our analysis, evidence is in favour of different covering fractions between C IV and Si IV. Finally, although most of our results favour the crossing cloud scenario as the cause of variability, there is also strong piece of evidence indicating changing ionization as the source of variability. Thus, a mixed situation where both physical mechanisms contribute to BAL variability is the most possible scenario.

Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping Project VI. Variations of the Intrinsic Absorption Lines in NGC 5548

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriss, Gerard A.; Agn Storm Team

2015-01-01

The AGN STORM collaboration monitored the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 over a six-month period, with observations spanning the hard X-ray to mid-infrared wavebands. The core of this campaign was an intensive HST COS program, which obtained 170 far-ultraviolet spectra at approximately daily intervals, with twice-per-day monitoring of the X-ray, near-UV, and optical bands during much of the same period using Swift. The broad UV absorption lines discovered by Kaastra et al. (2014) and associated with the new soft X-ray obscurer are continuously present in the STORM campaign COS spectra. Their strength varies with the degree of soft X-ray obscuration as revealed by the Swift X-ray spectra. The narrow associated absorption lines in the UV spectrum of NGC 5548 remain strong. The lower-ionization transitions that appeared concurrently with the soft X-ray obscuration vary in response to the changing UV flux on a daily basis. Their depths over the longer term, however, also respond to the strength of the soft X-ray obscuration, indicating that the soft X-ray obscurer has a significant influence on the ionizing UV continuum that is not directly tracked by the observable UV continuum itself.

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF 7 Using Absorption Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Alcantara, Dominic Z; Soliman, Ian Jerry S; Pobre, Romeric F; Naguib, Raouf N G

2017-07-01

We present an analysis of the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) with 3.3 MHz carrier frequency and modulated by audio resonant frequencies on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line in vitro using absorption spectroscopy. This involves a fluorescence dye called PrestoBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent and a spectrophotometry to test the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells under different PEMF treatment conditions in terms of the cell absorption values. The DNA molecule of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells has an electric dipole property that renders it sensitive and reactive to applied electromagnetic fields. Resonant frequencies derived from four genes mutated in MCF-7 breast cancer cells [rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARG), Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBN) and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2)] were applied in generating square pulsed electromagnetic waves. Effects were monitored through measurement of absorption of the samples with PrestoBlue™, and the significance of the treatment was determined using the t-test. There was a significant effect on MCF-7 cells after treatment with PEMF at the resonant frequencies of the following genes for specific durations of exposure: RICTOR for 10 min, PPARG for 10 min, NBN for 15 min, and CHEK2 for 5 min. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Vanishing absorption and blueshifted emission in FeLoBAL quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafiee, Alireza; Pirkola, Patrik; Hall, Patrick B.; Galati, Natalee; Rogerson, Jesse; Ameri, Abtin

2016-07-01

We study the dramatic decrease in iron absorption strength in the iron low-ionization broad absorption line quasar SDSS J084133.15+200525.8. We report on the continued weakening of absorption in the prototype of this class of variable broad absorption line quasar, FBQS J140806.2+305448. We also report a third example of this class, SDSS J123103.70+392903.6; unlike the other two examples, it has undergone an increase in observed continuum brightness (at 3000 Å rest frame) as well as a decrease in iron absorption strength. These changes could be caused by absorber transverse motion or by ionization variability. We note that the Mg II and UV Fe II lines in several FeLoBAL quasars are blueshifted by thousands of km s-1 relative to the H β emission line peak. We suggest that such emission arises in the outflowing winds normally seen only in absorption.

Laser absorption spectroscopy of water vapor confined in nanoporous alumina: wall collision line broadening and gas diffusion dynamics.

PubMed

Svensson, Tomas; Lewander, Märta; Svanberg, Sune

2010-08-02

We demonstrate high-resolution tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) of water vapor confined in nanoporous alumina. Strong multiple light scattering results in long photon pathlengths (1 m through a 6 mm sample). We report on strong line broadening due to frequent wall collisions (gas-surface interactions). For the water vapor line at 935.685 nm, the HWHM of confined molecules are about 4.3 GHz as compared to 2.9 GHz for free molecules (atmospheric pressure). Gas diffusion is also investigated, and in contrast to molecular oxygen (that moves rapidly in and out of the alumina), the exchange of water vapor is found very slow.

Iron Low-ionization Broad Absorption Line quasars - the missing link in galaxy evolution?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawther, Daniel Peter; Vestergaard, Marianne; Fan, Xiaohui

2015-08-01

A peculiar and rare type of quasar with strong low-ionization iron absorption lines - known as FeLoBAL quasars - may be the missing link between star forming (or starbursting) galaxies and quasars. They are hypothesized to be quasars breaking out of their dense birth blanket of gas and dust. In that case they are expected to have high rates of star formation in their galaxies. With the aim of addressing and settling this issue we have studied deep Hubble Space Telescope restframe UV and optical imaging of a subset of such quasars in order to characterize the host galaxy properties of these quasars. We present the results of this study along with simulations to characterize the uncertainties and robustness of our results.

Dependence of the Broad Absorption Line Quasar Fraction on Radio Luminosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shankar, Francesco; Dai, Xinyu; Sivakoff, Gregory R.

2008-11-01

We find that the fraction of classical broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs) among the FIRST radio sources in the Sloan Data Release 3, is 20.5+ 7.3-5.9% at the faintest radio powers detected (L1.4 GHz ~ 1032 erg s-1), and rapidly drops to lesssim8% at L1.4 GHz ~ 3 × 1033 erg s-1. Similarly, adopting the broader absorption index (AI) definition of Trump et al., we find the fraction of radio BALQSOs to be 44+ 8.1-7.8%, reducing to 23.1+ 7.3-6.1% at high luminosities. While the high fraction at low radio power is consistent with the recent near-IR estimates by Dai et al., the lower fraction at high radio powers is intriguing and confirms previous claims based on smaller samples. The trend is independent of the redshift range, the optical and radio flux selection limits, or the exact definition of a radio match. We also find that at fixed optical magnitude, the highest bins of radio luminosity are preferentially populated by non-BALQSOs, consistent with the overall trend. We do find, however, that those quasars identified as AI-BALQSOs but not under the classical definition do not show a significant drop in their fraction as a function of radio power, further supporting independent claims that these sources, characterized by lower equivalent width, may represent an independent class from the classical BALQSOs. We find the balnicity index, a measure of the absorption trough in BALQSOs, and the mean maximum wind velocity to be roughly constant at all radio powers. We discuss several plausible physical models which may explain the observed fast drop in the fraction of the classical BALQSOs with increasing radio power, although none is entirely satisfactory. A strictly evolutionary model for the BALQSO and radio emission phases requires a strong fine-tuning to work, while a simple geometric model, although still not capable of explaining polar BALQSOs and the paucity of FRII BALQSOs, is statistically successful in matching the data if part of the apparent radio

Toward Detecting the 2175 Å Dust Feature Associated with Strong High-redshift Mg II Absorption Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Peng; Ge, Jian; Zhou, Hongyan; Wang, Junxian; Wang, Tinggui

2011-05-01

We report detections of 39 2175 Å dust extinction bump candidates associated with strong Mg II absorption lines at z~ 1-1.8 on quasar spectra in Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR3. These strong Mg II absorption line systems are detected among 2951 strong Mg II absorbers with a rest equivalent width Wr λ2796> 1.0 Å at 1.0 < z < 1.86, which is part of a full sample of 7421 strong Mg II absorbers compiled by Prochter et al. The redshift range of the absorbers is chosen to allow the 2175 Å extinction features to be completely covered within the SDSS spectrograph operation wavelength range. An upper limit of the background quasar emission redshift at z = 2.1 is set to prevent the Lyα forest lines from contaminating the sensitive spectral region for the 2175 Å bump measurements. The FM90 parameterization is applied to model the optical/UV extinction curve in the rest frame of Mg II absorbers of the 2175 Å bump candidates. The simulation technique developed by Jiang et al. is used to derive the statistical significance of the candidate 2175 Å bumps. A total of 12 absorbers are detected with 2175 Å bumps at a 5σ level of statistical significance, 10 are detected at a 4σ level, and 17 are detected at a 3σ level. Most of the candidate bumps in this work are similar to the relatively weak 2175 Å bumps observed in the Large Magellanic Cloud LMC2 supershell rather than the strong ones observed in the Milky Way. This sample has greatly increased the total number of 2175 Å extinction bumps measured on SDSS quasar spectra. Follow-up observations may rule out some of the possible false detections and reveal the physical and chemical natures of 2175 Å quasar absorbers.

The Hubble Space Telescope quasar absorption line key project. 6: Properties of the metal-rich systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergeron, Jacqueline; Petitjean, Patrick; Sargent, W. L. W.; Bahcall, John N.; Boksenberg, Alec; Hartig, George F.; Jannuzi, Buell T.; Kirhakos, Sofia; Savage, Blair D.; Schneider, Donald P.

1994-01-01

We present an analysis of the properties of a sample of 18 metal-rich, low-redshift z(sub abs) much less than z(sub em) absorbers seen in low- and medium-resolution spectra obtained for the Quasar Absorption Line Key Project with the Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph (HST/FOS). For most of the C IV and Lyman-limit systems, observations in the optical wavelength range of the expected associated Mg II absorption are available. As at high redshift (z approximately 2), there are two subclasses of absorbers which are characterized by the presence or absence of MG II absorption. However, some low-redshift Mg II and Fe absorptions originate from regions optically thin to UV ionizing photons and thus, at low redshift, the low-ionization systems do not always trace high opacities, as is the case at high redshift. This implies that the mean ionization state of metal-rich, optically thin absorbing clouds falls with decreasing redshift, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the gas is photoionized by the metagalactic UV background radiation field. Two main constraints are derived from the analysis of the Lyman-limit sample, assuming photoionization models are valid. First, a low opacity to ionizing photons (tau(sub LL) approximately less than 1), as observed for several Mg II-Fe II systems at z approximately 0.5, sets limits on the ionization level of hydrogen, thus on the total hydrogen column density and the heavy element abundances, (Z/H) approximately -0.5 to -0.3. Second, the dimensions of individual Mg II clouds are smaller than at high redshift by a factor 3-10. At z approximately greater than 0.6, the O VI absorption doublet is detected in four of the five z(sub abs) much less than z(sub em) systems for which the O VI wavelength range has been observed, whereas the associated N V doublet is detected in only two cases. This suggests that the presence of a high-ionization O VI phase is a general property of z approximately 0.6-1 absorption systems

GAMMA–GAMMA ABSORPTION IN THE BROAD LINE REGION RADIATION FIELDS OF GAMMA-RAY BLAZARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Böttcher, Markus; Els, Paul, E-mail: Markus.Bottcher@nwu.ac.za

2016-04-20

The expected level of γγ absorption in the Broad Line Region (BLR) radiation field of γ -ray loud Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs) is evaluated as a function of the location of the γ -ray emission region. This is done self-consistently with parameters inferred from the shape of the spectral energy distribution (SED) in a single-zone leptonic EC-BLR model scenario. We take into account all geometrical effects both in the calculation of the γγ opacity and the normalization of the BLR radiation energy density. As specific examples, we study the FSRQs 3C279 and PKS 1510-089, keeping the BLR radiation energymore » density at the location of the emission region fixed at the values inferred from the SED. We confirm previous findings that the optical depth due to γγ absorption in the BLR radiation field exceeds unity for both 3C279 and PKS 1510-089 for locations of the γ -ray emission region inside the inner boundary of the BLR. It decreases monotonically, with distance from the central engine and drops below unity for locations within the BLR. For locations outside the BLR, the BLR radiation energy density required for the production of GeV γ -rays rapidly increases beyond observational constraints, thus making the EC-BLR mechanism implausible. Therefore, in order to avoid significant γγ absorption by the BLR radiation field, the γ -ray emission region must therefore be located near the outer boundary of the BLR.« less

Measurement of two-photon-absorption spectra through nonlinear fluorescence produced by a line-shaped excitation beam.

PubMed

Hasani, E; Parravicini, J; Tartara, L; Tomaselli, A; Tomassini, D

2018-05-01

We propose an innovative experimental approach to estimate the two-photon absorption (TPA) spectrum of a fluorescent material. Our method develops the standard indirect fluorescence-based method for the TPA measurement by employing a line-shaped excitation beam, generating a line-shaped fluorescence emission. Such a configuration, which requires a relatively high amount of optical power, permits to have a greatly increased fluorescence signal, thus avoiding the photon counterdetection devices usually used in these measurements, and allowing to employ detectors such as charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras. The method is finally tested on a fluorescent isothiocyanate sample, whose TPA spectrum, which is measured with the proposed technique, is compared with the TPA spectra reported in the literature, confirming the validity of our experimental approach. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.

Measurement of HCl absorption coefficients with a DF laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bair, C. H.; Allario, F.

1977-01-01

Absorption coefficients in the fundamental P-branch of HCl at several DF laser transitions from 2439.02/cm to 2862.87/cm have been measured experimentally. The 2-1 P(3) DF laser transition has been shown to overlap the P(6) HCl-37 absorption line within the halfwidth of an atmospherically broadened line. The absorption coefficient k was measured to be 5.64 plus or minus 0.28/(atm-cm) for a 0.27% mixture of HCl in N2 at a total pressure of 760 torr. A theoretical and experimental comparison of the pressure dependence of k showed that the 2-1 P(3) DF transition lies 1.32 plus or minus 0.15 GHz from the center of the P(6) HCl absorption line. Applications of these results to differential absorption lidar and to heterodyne detection are discussed.

Infrared line intensities of chlorine monoxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kostiuk, T.; Faris, J. L.; Mumma, M. J.; Deming, D.; Hillman, J. J.

1986-01-01

Absolute infrared line intensities of several ClO lines in the rotational-vibrational (1-0) band were measured using infrared heterodyne spectroscopy near 12 microns. A measurement technique using combined ultraviolet absorption and infrared line measurements near 9.5 microns and 12 microns permitted an accurate determination of the column densities of O3 and ClO in the absorption cell and thus improved ClO line intensities. Results indicate ClO line and band intensities approximately 2.4 times lower than previous experimental results. Effects of possible failure of local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions in the absorption cell and the implication of the results for stratospheric ClO measurements in the infrared are discussed.

The X-ray Absorber in the X-ray Transient NLS1 WPVS 007

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grupe, Dirk

This proposal is for a funding request for an approved XMM-Newton observations of the X-ray transient Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 galaxy WPVS 007. The request is for 4 month of salary for the PI for one year in order to do the data analysis, publish the results, and attend an international AGN meeting. XMM will observe WPVS 007 in June 2010 simultaneously with HST, Chandra, and Swift. The goal is to establish a tight connection between the UV broad absorption line troughs found in FUSE observations and the strong partial covering absorber feature found by Swift. WPVS 007 showed a dramatic transformation into a Broad Absorption line QSO like AGN between a 1996 HST observation and a 2003 FUSE observation. Several Swift monitoring observations have suggested that the absorber may have started to disappear. Therefore it is crucial for our HST COS UV spectroscopy to know what the status of the X-ray absorber is. The XMM observation will provide a well-exposed X-ray spectrum even if WPVS 007 will be in a low flux state. This spectrum will enable us to put constraints on the absorption column density and covering fraction of the partial covering absorber.

The dependence of C IV broad absorption line properties on accompanying Si IV and Al III absorption: relating quasar-wind ionization levels, kinematics, and column densities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Filiz Ak, N.; Brandt, W. N.; Schneider, D. P.

2014-08-20

We consider how the profile and multi-year variability properties of a large sample of C IV Broad Absorption Line (BAL) troughs change when BALs from Si IV and/or Al III are present at corresponding velocities, indicating that the line of sight intercepts at least some lower ionization gas. We derive a number of observational results for C IV BALs separated according to the presence or absence of accompanying lower ionization transitions, including measurements of composite profile shapes, equivalent width (EW), characteristic velocities, composite variation profiles, and EW variability. We also measure the correlations between EW and fractional-EW variability for Cmore » IV, Si IV, and Al III. Our measurements reveal the basic correlated changes between ionization level, kinematics, and column density expected in accretion-disk wind models; e.g., lines of sight including lower ionization material generally show deeper and broader C IV troughs that have smaller minimum velocities and that are less variable. Many C IV BALs with no accompanying Si IV or Al III BALs may have only mild or no saturation.« less

Wavelength locking of CW and Q-switched Er(3+) microchip lasers to acetylene absorption lines using pump-power modulation.

PubMed

Brunel, Marc; Vallet, Marc

2007-02-19

We show that modulating the diode-pump power of a microchip solid-state laser enables to lock its wavelength to a reference molecular line. The method is applied to two different types of Er,Yb:glass monolithic microchip lasers operating at 1.53 microm. First, wavelength locking of a continuous-wave dual-polarization microchip laser to acetylene absorption lines is demonstrated, without using any additional modulator, internal or external. We then show that, remarkably, this simple method is also suitable for stabilizing a passively Q-switched microchip laser. A pulsed wavelength stability of 10(-8) over 1 hour is readily observed. Applications to lidars and to microwave photonics are discussed.

Determination of mercury in fish tissue using a minianalyzer based on cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry at the 184.9 nm line.

PubMed

Rizea, Maria-Cristina; Bratu, Maria-Cristina; Danet, Andrei Florin; Bratu, Adrian

2007-09-01

A sensitive method was proposed and optimized for the determination of total mercury in fish tissue by using wet digestion, followed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) at the main resonance line of mercury (184.9 nm). The measurements were made using a new type of a non-dispersive mercury minianalyzer. This instrument was initially designed and built for atmospheric mercury-vapor detection. For determining mercury in aqueous samples, the minianalyzer was linked with a mercury/hydride system, Perkin Elmer Model MHS-10. To check the method, the analyzed samples were spiked with a standard solution of mercury. The recoveries of mercury spiked to wet fish tissue were >90% for 0.5 - 0.8 g samples. The results showed a better sensitivity (about 2.5 times higher) when using the mercury absorption line at 184.9 nm compared with the sensitivity obtained by conventional CVAAS at 253.7 nm.

On the nature of absorption features toward nearby stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohl, S.; Czesla, S.; Schmitt, J. H. M. M.

2016-06-01

Context. Diffuse interstellar absorption bands (DIBs) of largely unknown chemical origin are regularly observed primarily in distant early-type stars. More recently, detections in nearby late-type stars have also been claimed. These stars' spectra are dominated by stellar absorption lines. Specifically, strong interstellar atomic and DIB absorption has been reported in τ Boo. Aims: We test these claims by studying the strength of interstellar absorption in high-resolution TIGRE spectra of the nearby stars τ Boo, HD 33608, and α CrB. Methods: We focus our analysis on a strong DIB located at 5780.61 Å and on the absorption of interstellar Na. First, we carry out a differential analysis by comparing the spectra of the highly similar F-stars, τ Boo and HD 33608, whose light, however, samples different lines of sight. To obtain absolute values for the DIB absorption, we compare the observed spectra of τ Boo, HD 33608, and α CrB to PHOENIX models and carry out basic spectral modeling based on Voigt line profiles. Results: The intercomparison between τ Boo and HD 33608 reveals that the difference in the line depth is 6.85 ± 1.48 mÅ at the DIB location which is, however, unlikely to be caused by DIB absorption. The comparison between PHOENIX models and observed spectra yields an upper limit of 34.0 ± 0.3 mÅ for any additional interstellar absorption in τ Boo; similar results are obtained for HD 33608 and α CrB. For all objects we derive unrealistically large values for the radial velocity of any presumed interstellar clouds. In τ Boo we find Na D absorption with an equivalent width of 0.65 ± 0.07 mÅ and 2.3 ± 0.1 mÅ in the D2 and D1 lines. For the other Na, absorption of the same magnitude could only be detected in the D2 line. Our comparisons between model and data show that the interstellar absorption toward τ Boo is not abnormally high. Conclusions: We find no significant DIB absorption in any of our target stars. Any differences between modeled and

The Variable Fast Soft X-Ray Wind in PG 1211+143

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeves, J. N.; Lobban, A.; Pounds, K. A.

2018-02-01

The analysis of a series of seven observations of the nearby (z = 0.0809) QSO PG 1211+143, taken with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) onboard XMM-Newton in 2014, are presented. The high-resolution soft X-ray spectrum, with a total exposure exceeding 600 ks, shows a series of blueshifted absorption lines from the He and H-like transitions of N, O, and Ne, as well as from L-shell Fe. The strongest absorption lines are all systematically blueshifted by ‑0.06c, originating in two absorption zones from low- and high-ionization gas. Both zones are variable on timescales of days, with the variations in absorber opacity effectively explained by either column density changes or the absorber ionization responding directly to the continuum flux. We find that the soft X-ray absorbers probably exist in a two-phase wind at a radial distance of ∼1017–1018 cm from the black hole with the lower-ionization gas as denser clumps embedded within a higher-ionization outflow. The overall mass outflow rate of the soft X-ray wind may be as high as 2{M}ȯ yr‑1, close to the Eddington rate for PG 1211+143 and similar to that previously deduced from the Fe K absorption.

The Evolution of Quasar C IV and Si IV Broad Absorption Lines over Multi-year Timescales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibson, Robert R.; Brandt, W. N.; Gallagher, S. C.; Hewett, Paul C.; Schneider, Donald P.

2010-04-01

We investigate the variability of C IV λ1549 broad absorption line (BAL) troughs over rest-frame timescales of up to ≈7 yr in 14 quasars at redshifts z >~ 2.1. For nine sources at sufficiently high redshift, we also compare the C IV and Si IV λ1400 absorption variation. We compare shorter and longer term variability using spectra from up to four different epochs per source and find complex patterns of variation in the sample overall. The scatter in the change of absorption equivalent width (EW), ΔEW, increases with the time between observations. BALs do not, in general, strengthen or weaken monotonically, and variation observed over shorter (lsimmonths) timescales is not predictive of multi-year variation. We find no evidence for asymmetry in the distribution of ΔEW that would indicate that BALs form and decay on different timescales, and we constrain the typical BAL lifetime to be gsim30 yr. The BAL absorption for one source, LBQS 0022+0150, has weakened and may now be classified as a mini-BAL. Another source, 1235+1453, shows evidence of variable, blue continuum emission that is relatively unabsorbed by the BAL outflow. C IV and Si IV BAL shape changes are related in at least some sources. Given their high velocities, BAL outflows apparently traverse large spatial regions and may interact with parsec-scale structures such as an obscuring torus. Assuming BAL outflows are launched from a rotating accretion disk, notable azimuthal symmetry is required in the outflow to explain the relatively small changes observed in velocity structure over times up to 7 yr.

The Fundamental Quadrupole Band of (14)N2: Line Positions from High-Resolution Stratospheric Solar Absorption Spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rinsland, C. P.; Zander, R.; Goldman, A.; Murcray, F. J.; Murcray, D. G.; Grunson, M. R.; Farmer, C. B.

1991-01-01

The purpose of this note is to report accurate measurements of the positions of O- and S-branch lines of the (1-0) vibration-rotation quadrupole band of molecular nitrogen ((14)N2) and improved Dunham coefficients derived from a simultaneous least-squares analysis of these measurements and selected infrared and far infrared data taken from the literature. The new measurements have been derived from stratospheric solar occultation spectra recorded with Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) instruments operated at unapodized spectral resolutions of 0.002 and 0.01 /cm. The motivation for the present investigation is the need for improved N2 line parameters for use in IR atmospheric remote sensing investigations. The S branch of the N2 (1-0) quadrupole band is ideal for calibrating the line-of-sight airmasses of atmospheric spectra since the strongest lines are well placed in an atmospheric window, their absorption is relatively insensitive to temperature and is moderately strong (typical line center depths of 10 to 50% in high-resolution ground-based solar spectra and in lower stratospheric solar occultation spectra), and the volume mixing ratio of nitrogen is constant in the atmosphere and well known. However, a recent investigation has'shown the need to improve the accuracies of the N2 fine positions, intensities, air-broadened half-widths, and their temperature dependences to fully exploit this calibration capability (1). The present investigation addresses the problem of improving the accuracy of the N2 line positions.

21cm Absorption Line Zeeman Observations And Modeling Of Physical Conditions In M16

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiuchi, Furea; Brogan, C.; Troland, T.

2011-01-01

We present detailed 21 cm HI absorption line observations of M16 using the Very Large Array. The M16 "pillars of creation" are classic examples of the interaction of ISM with radiation from young, hot stars. Magnetic fields can affect these interactions, the 21 cm Zeeman effect reveals magnetic field strengths in the Photodissociation regions associated with the pillars. The present results yield a 3-sigma upper limit upon the line-of-sight magnetic field of about 300 microgauss. This limit is consistent with a total field strength of 500 microgauss, required in the molecular gas if magnetic energies and turbulent energies in the pillars are in equipartition. Most likely, magnetic fields do not play a dominant role in the dynamics of the M16 pillars. Another goal of this study is to determine the distribution of cold HI in the M16 region and to model the physical conditions in the neutral gas in the pillars. We used the spectral synthesis code Cloudy 08.00 for this purpose. We adopted the results of a published Cloudy HII region model and extended this model into the neutral gas to derive physical conditions therein.

First Detections of the [NII] 122 Micrometer Line at High Redshift: Demonstrating the Utility of the Line for Studying Galaxies in the Early Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferkinhoff, Carl; Brisbin, Drew; Nikola, Thomas; Parshley, Stephen C.; Stacey, Gordon J.; Phillips, Thomas G.; Falgarone, Edith; Benford, Dominic J.; Staguhn, Johannes G.; Tucker, Carol E.

2011-01-01

We report the first detections of the [NIl] 122 {\\mu} m line from a high redshift galaxy. The line was strongly (> 6{\\sigma}) detected from SMMJ02399-0136, and HI413+ 117 (the Cloverleaf QSO) using the Redshift(z) and Early Universe Spectrometer (ZEUS) on the CSO. The lines from both sources are quite bright with line-to-FIR continuum luminosity ratios that are approx.7.0x10(exp -4) (Cloverleaf) and 2.1x10(exp -3) (SMMJ02399). With ratios 2-10 times larger than the average value for nearby galaxies, neither source exhibits the line-to-continuum deficits seen in nearby sources. The line strengths also indicate large ionized gas fractions, approx.8 to 17% of the molecular gas mass. The [OIII]/[NII] line ratio is very sensitive to the effective temperature of ionizing stars and the ionization parameter for emission arising in the narrow-line region (NLR) of an AGN. Using our previous detection of the [01II] 88 {\\mu}m line, the [OIII]/ [NIl] line ratio for SMMJ02399-0136 indicates the dominant source of the line emission is either stellar HII regions ionized by 09.5 stars, or the NLR of the AGN with ionization parameter 10g(U) = -3.3 to -4.0. A composite system, where 30 to 50% of the FIR lines arise in the NLR also matches the data. The Cloverleaf is best modeled by a superposition of approx.200 M82like starbursts accounting for all of the FIR emission and 43% of the [NIl] line. The remainder may come from the NLR. This work demonstrates the utility of the [NIl] and [OIII] lines in constraining properties of the ionized medium.

Line identifications, line strengths, and continuum flux measurements in the ultraviolet spectrum of Arcturus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, K. G.; Wing, R. F.; Stencel, R. E.

1985-01-01

The ultraviolet spectrum of Arcturus has been observed at high resolution with the IUE satellite. Line identifications, mean absolute 'continuum' flux measurements, integrated absolute emission-line fluxes, and measurements of selected absorption line strengths are presented for the 2250-2930 A region. In the 1150-2000 A region, identifications are given primarily on the basis of low-resolution spectra. Chromospheric emission lines have been identified with low-excitation species including H I, C I, C II, O I, Mg I, Mg II, Al II, Si I, Si II, S I, and Fe II; there is no evidence for lines of C IV, N V, or other species requiring high temperatures. A search for molecular absorption features in the 2500-2930 A interval has led to several tentative identifications, but only OH could be established as definitely present. Iron lines strongly dominate the identifications in the 2250-2930 A region, Fe II accounting for about 86 percent of the emission features and Fe I for 43 percent of the identified absorption features.

C IV BROAD ABSORPTION LINE ACCELERATION IN SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY QUASARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grier, C. J.; Brandt, W. N.; Trump, J. R.

2016-06-20

We present results from the largest systematic investigation of broad absorption line (BAL) acceleration to date. We use spectra of 140 quasars from three Sloan Digital Sky Survey programs to search for global velocity offsets in BALs over timescales of ≈2.5–5.5 years in the quasar rest frame. We carefully select acceleration candidates by requiring monolithic velocity shifts over the entire BAL trough, avoiding BALs with velocity shifts that might be caused by profile variability. The C iv BALs of two quasars show velocity shifts consistent with the expected signatures of BAL acceleration, and the BAL of one quasar shows amore » velocity-shift signature of deceleration. In our two acceleration candidates, we see evidence that the magnitude of the acceleration is not constant over time; the magnitudes of the change in acceleration for both acceleration candidates are difficult to produce with a standard disk-wind model or via geometric projection effects. We measure upper limits to acceleration and deceleration for 76 additional BAL troughs and find that the majority of BALs are stable to within about 3% of their mean velocities. The lack of widespread acceleration/deceleration could indicate that the gas producing most BALs is located at large radii from the central black hole and/or is not currently strongly interacting with ambient material within the host galaxy along our line of sight.« less

TOWARD DETECTING THE 2175 A DUST FEATURE ASSOCIATED WITH STRONG HIGH-REDSHIFT Mg II ABSORPTION LINES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang Peng; Zhou Hongyan; Wang Junxian

2011-05-10

We report detections of 39 2175 A dust extinction bump candidates associated with strong Mg II absorption lines at z{approx} 1-1.8 on quasar spectra in Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR3. These strong Mg II absorption line systems are detected among 2951 strong Mg II absorbers with a rest equivalent width W{sub r} {lambda}2796> 1.0 A at 1.0 < z < 1.86, which is part of a full sample of 7421 strong Mg II absorbers compiled by Prochter et al. The redshift range of the absorbers is chosen to allow the 2175 A extinction features to be completely covered withinmore » the SDSS spectrograph operation wavelength range. An upper limit of the background quasar emission redshift at z = 2.1 is set to prevent the Ly{alpha} forest lines from contaminating the sensitive spectral region for the 2175 A bump measurements. The FM90 parameterization is applied to model the optical/UV extinction curve in the rest frame of Mg II absorbers of the 2175 A bump candidates. The simulation technique developed by Jiang et al. is used to derive the statistical significance of the candidate 2175 A bumps. A total of 12 absorbers are detected with 2175 A bumps at a 5{sigma} level of statistical significance, 10 are detected at a 4{sigma} level, and 17 are detected at a 3{sigma} level. Most of the candidate bumps in this work are similar to the relatively weak 2175 A bumps observed in the Large Magellanic Cloud LMC2 supershell rather than the strong ones observed in the Milky Way. This sample has greatly increased the total number of 2175 A extinction bumps measured on SDSS quasar spectra. Follow-up observations may rule out some of the possible false detections and reveal the physical and chemical natures of 2175 A quasar absorbers.« less

Atmospheric absorption of terahertz radiation and water vapor continuum effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slocum, David M.; Slingerland, Elizabeth J.; Giles, Robert H.; Goyette, Thomas M.

2013-09-01

The water vapor continuum absorption spectrum was investigated using Fourier Transform Spectroscopy. The transmission of broadband terahertz radiation from 0.300 to 1.500 THz was recorded for multiple path lengths and relative humidity levels. The absorption coefficient as a function of frequency was determined and compared with theoretical predictions and available water vapor absorption data. The prediction code is able to separately model the different parts of atmospheric absorption for a range of experimental conditions. A variety of conditions were accurately modeled using this code including both self and foreign gas broadening for low and high water vapor pressures for many different measurement techniques. The intensity and location of the observed absorption lines were also in good agreement with spectral databases. However, there was a discrepancy between the resonant line spectrum simulation and the observed absorption spectrum in the atmospheric transmission windows caused by the continuum absorption. A small discrepancy remained even after using the best available data from the literature to account for the continuum absorption. From the experimental and resonant line simulation spectra the air-broadening continuum parameter was calculated and compared with values available in the literature.

Atmospheric pressure and temperature profiling using near IR differential absorption lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korb, C. L.; Schwemmer, G. K.; Dombrowski, M.; Weng, C. Y.

1983-01-01

The present investigation is concerned with differential absorption lidar techniques for remotely measuring the atmospheric temperature and pressure profile, surface pressure, and cloud top pressure-height. The procedure used in determining the pressure is based on the conduction of high-resolution measurements of absorption in the wings of lines in the oxygen A band. Absorption with respect to these areas is highly pressure sensitive in connection with the mechanism of collisional line broadening. The method of temperature measurement utilizes a determination of the absorption at the center of a selected line in the oxygen A band which originates from a quantum state with high ground state energy.

Quasar 2175 Å dust absorbers - II. Correlation analysis and relationship with other absorption line systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jingzhe; Ge, Jian; Prochaska, J. Xavier; Zhang, Shaohua; Ji, Tuo; Zhao, Yinan; Zhou, Hongyan; Lu, Honglin; Schneider, Donald P.

2018-03-01

We present the cold neutral content (H I and C I gas) of 13 quasar 2175 Å dust absorbers (2DAs) at z = 1.6-2.5 to investigate the correlation between the presence of the UV extinction bump with other physical characteristics. These 2DAs were initially selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys I-III and followed up with the Keck-II telescope and the Multiple Mirror Telescope as detailed in our Paper I. We perform a correlation analysis between metallicity, redshift, depletion level, velocity width, and explore relationships between 2DAs and other absorption line systems. The 2DAs on average have higher metallicity, higher depletion levels, and larger velocity widths than Damped Lyman α absorbers (DLAs) or subDLAs. The correlation between [Zn/H] and [Fe/Zn] or [Zn/H] and logΔV90 can be used as alternative stellar mass estimators based on the well-established mass-metallicity relation. The estimated stellar masses of the 2DAs in this sample are in the range of ˜109 to ˜2 × 1011 M⊙ with a median value of ˜2 × 1010 M⊙. The relationship with other quasar absorption line systems can be described as (1) 2DAs are a subset of Mg II and Fe II absorbers, (2) 2DAs are preferentially metal-strong DLAs/subDLAs, (3) More importantly, all of the 2DAs show C I detections with logN(C I) > 14.0 cm-2, and (4) 2DAs can be used as molecular gas tracers. Their host galaxies are likely to be chemically enriched, evolved, massive (more massive than typical DLA/subDLA galaxies), and presumably star-forming galaxies.

Constraints on hydrodynamical subgrid models from quasar absorption line studies of the simulated circumgalactic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hummels, Cameron B.; Bryan, Greg L.; Smith, Britton D.; Turk, Matthew J.

2013-04-01

Cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy evolution are increasingly able to produce realistic galaxies, but the largest hurdle remaining is in constructing subgrid models that accurately describe the behaviour of stellar feedback. As an alternate way to test and calibrate such models, we propose to focus on the circumgalactic medium (CGM). To do so, we generate a suite of adaptive mesh refinement simulations for a Milky-Way-massed galaxy run to z = 0, systematically varying the feedback implementation. We then post-process the simulation data to compute the absorbing column density for a wide range of common atomic absorbers throughout the galactic halo, including H I, Mg II, Si II, Si III, Si IV, C IV, N V, O VI and O VII. The radial profiles of these atomic column densities are compared against several quasar absorption line studies to determine if one feedback prescription is favoured. We find that although our models match some of the observations (specifically those ions with lower ionization strengths), it is particularly difficult to match O VI observations. There is some indication that the models with increased feedback intensity are better matches. We demonstrate that sufficient metals exist in these haloes to reproduce the observed column density distribution in principle, but the simulated CGM lacks significant multiphase substructure and is generally too hot. Furthermore, we demonstrate the failings of inflow-only models (without energetic feedback) at populating the CGM with adequate metals to match observations even in the presence of multiphase structure. Additionally, we briefly investigate the evolution of the CGM from z = 3 to present. Overall, we find that quasar absorption line observations of the gas around galaxies provide a new and important constraint on feedback models.

Laser Atmospheric Absorption Studies.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-05-01

A. Modification of Commercial C09 Laser 50 B. CW HF/DF Laser System * 53 C. Microcomputer Data Link 55 D . Fourier Transform...improved accuracy are used [5]. c. The absorption coefficient is listed for each absorbing species separately which some codes require. d . A super...series of water vapor absorption measurements was planned. The results of the first four lines studied are presented here in Figures 33a- d . Figure

Nonlinear Color–Metallicity Relations of Globular Clusters. VII. Nonlinear Absorption-line Index versus Metallicity Relations and Bimodal Index Distributions of NGC 5128 Globular Clusters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Sooyoung; Yoon, Suk-Jin, E-mail: sjyoon0691@yonsei.ac.kr

Spectroscopy on the globular cluster (GC) system of NGC 5128 revealed bimodality in absorption-line index distributions of its old GCs. GC division is a widely observed and studied phenomenon whose interpretation has depicted host galaxy formation and evolution such that it harbors two distinct metallicity groups. Such a conventional view of GC bimodality has mainly been based on photometry. The recent GC photometric data, however, presented an alternative perspective in which the nonlinear metallicity-to-color transformation is responsible for color bimodality of GC systems. Here we apply the same line of analysis to the spectral indices and examine the absorption-line indexmore » versus metallicity relations for the NGC 5128 GC system. NGC 5128 GCs display nonlinearity in the metallicity-index planes, most prominently for the Balmer lines and by a non-negligible degree for the metallicity-sensitive magnesium line. We demonstrate that the observed spectroscopic division of NGC 5128 GCs can be caused by the nonlinear nature of the metallicity-to-index conversions and thus one does not need to resort to two separate GC subgroups. Our analysis incorporating this nonlinearity provides a new perspective on the structure of NGC 5128's GC system, and a further piece to the global picture of the formation of GC systems and their host galaxies.« less

First Detections of the [N II] 122 micron Line at High Redshift: Demonstrating the Utility of the Line for Studying Galaxies in the Early Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferkinhoff, Carl; Brisbin, Drew; Nikola, Thomas; Parshley, Stephen C.; Stacey, Gordon J.; Phillips, Thomas G.; Falgarone, Edith; Benford, Dominic J.; Staguhn, Johannes G.; Tucker, Carol E.

2011-01-01

We report the first detections of the [N II] 122 micron line from a high-redshift galaxy. The line was strongly (>6(sigma)) detected from SMMJ02399-0136, and H1413 + 117 (the Cloverleaf QSO) using the Redshift (zeta) and Early Universe Spectrometer on the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. The lines from both sources are quite bright with line to far-infrared (FIR) continuum luminosity ratios that are approx.7.0 x 10(exp -4) (Cloverleaf) and 2.1 x 10(exo -3) (SMMJ02399). With ratios 2-10 times larger than the average value for nearby galaxies, neither source exhibits the line to continuum deficits seen in nearby sources. The line strengths also indicate large ionized gas fractions, approx.8%-17% of the molecUlar gas mass. The [O III]/[N II] line ratio is very sensitive to the effective temperature of ionizing stars and the ionization parameter for emission arising in the narrow-line region (NLR) of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Using Our previous detection of the [O III] 88 micron line, the [O III]/[N II]line ratio for SMMJ02399-0136 indicates that the dominant source of the line emission is either stellar H II regions ionized by O9.5 stars, or the NLR of the AGN with ionization parameter log(U) = -3.3 to -4.0. A composite system, where 30%-50% of the FIR lines arise in the NLR also matches the data. The Cloverleaf is best modeled by a superposition of approx.200 M82-like starbursts accounting for all of the FIR emission and 43% of the [N II]line. The remainder may come from the NLR. This war!< demonstrates the utility of the [N II] and [O III] lines in constraining properties of the ionized medium.

Iron K Features in the Quasar E 1821+643: Evidence for Gravitationally Redshifted Absorption?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yaqoob, Tahir; Serlemitsos, Peter

2005-01-01

We report a Chandra high-energy grating detection of a narrow, redshifted absorption line superimposed on the red wing of a broad Fe K line in the z = 0.297 quasar E 1821+643. The absorption line is detected at a confidence level, estimated by two different methods, in the range approx. 2 - 3 sigma. Although the detection significance is not high enough to exclude a non-astrophysical origin, accounting for the absorption feature when modeling the X-ray spectrum implies that the Fe-K emission line is broad, and consistent with an origin in a relativistic accretion disk. Ignoring the apparent absorption feature leads to the conclusion that the Fe-K emission line is narrower, and also affects the inferred peak energy of the line (and hence the inferred ionization state of Fe). If the absorption line (at approx. 6.2 keV in the quasar frame) is real, we argue that it could be due to gravitationally redshifted Fe XXV or Fe XXVI resonance absorption within approx. 10 - 20 gravitational radii of the putative central black hole. The absorption line is not detected in earlier ASCA and Chandra low-energy grating observations, but the absorption line is not unequivocally ruled out by these data. The Chandra high-energy grating Fe-K emission line is consistent with an origin predominantly in Fe I-XVII or so. In an ASCA observation eight years earlier, the Fe-K line peaked at approx. 6.6 keV, closer to the energies of He-like Fe triplet lines. Further, in a Chandra low-energy grating observation the Fe-K line profile was double-peaked, one peak corresponding to Fe I-XVII or so, the other peak to Fe XXVI Ly alpha. Such a wide range in ionization state of Fe is not ruled out by the HEG and ASCA data either, and is suggestive of a complex structure for the line-emitter.

Discovery of the Most Ultra-Luminous QSO Using GAIA, SkyMapper, and WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Christian; Bian, Fuyan; Onken, Christopher A.; Schmidt, Brian P.; Tisserand, Patrick; Alonzi, Noura; Hon, Wei Jeat; Tonry, John L.

2018-06-01

We report the discovery of the ultra-luminous quasi-stellar object SMSS J215728.21-360215.1 with magnitude z = 16.9 and W4 = 7.42 at redshift 4.75. Given absolute magnitudes of M145, AB = -29.3, M300, AB = -30.12, and logLbol/Lbol, ⊙ = 14.84, it is the quasi-stellar object with the highest unlensed UV-optical luminosity currently known in the Universe. It was found by combining proper-motion data from Gaia DR2 with photometry from SkyMapper DR1 and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. In the GAIA database, it is an isolated single source and thus unlikely to be strongly gravitationally lensed. It is also unlikely to be a beamed source as it is not discovered in the radio domain by either NRAO-VLA Sky Survey or Sydney University Molonglo Southern Survey. It is classed as a weak-emission-line quasi-stellar object and possesses broad absorption line features. A lightcurve from ATLAS spanning the time from 2015 October to 2017 December shows little sign of variability.

Heat exchanger bypass system for an absorption refrigeration system

DOEpatents

Reimann, Robert C.

1984-01-01

A heat exchanger bypass system for an absorption refrigeration system is disclosed. The bypass system operates to pass strong solution from the generator around the heat exchanger to the absorber of the absorption refrigeration system when strong solution builds up in the generator above a selected level indicative of solidification of strong solution in the heat exchanger or other such blockage. The bypass system includes a bypass line with a gooseneck located in the generator for controlling flow of strong solution into the bypass line and for preventing refrigerant vapor in the generator from entering the bypass line during normal operation of the refrigeration system. Also, the bypass line includes a trap section filled with liquid for providing a barrier to maintain the normal pressure difference between the generator and the absorber even when the gooseneck of the bypass line is exposed to refrigerant vapor in the generator. Strong solution, which may accumulate in the trap section of the bypass line, is diluted, to prevent solidification, by supplying weak solution to the trap section from a purge system for the absorption refrigeration system.

The absorption of sound by perforated linings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, I. J.; Dowling, A. P.

1990-09-01

This paper describes a practical application for sound-absorbent perforated screen with a bias flow through the screen. It is postulated that, if a perforated liner with a bias flow of cooling air through the liner is inserted in the afterburner section of a jet engine, all the incident sound may be absorbed at a particular frequency. Experimental results are presented on the absorptive properties of plane liners with circular apertures, showing an agreement with the theoretical model.

The CO2 absorption spectrum in the 2.3 μm transparency window by high sensitivity CRDS: (II) Self-absorption continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondelain, D.; Vasilchenko, S.; Čermák, P.; Kassi, S.; Campargue, A.

2017-01-01

The CO2 absorption continuum near 2.3 μm is determined for a series of sub atmospheric pressures (250-750 Torr) by high sensitivity Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy. An experimental procedure consisting in injecting successively a gas flow of CO2 and synthetic air, keeping constant the gas pressure in the CRDS cell, has been developed. This procedure insures a high stability of the spectra baseline by avoiding changes of the optical alignment due to pressure changes. The CO2 continuum was obtained as the difference between the CO2 absorption coefficient and a local lines simulation using a Voigt profile truncated at ±25 cm-1. Following the results of the preceding analysis of the CO2 rovibrational lines (Vasilchenko S et al. J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transfer 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.07.002, a CO2 line list with intensities obtained by variational calculations and empirical line positions was preferred to the HITRAN line list. A quadratic pressure dependence of the absorption continuum is observed, with an average binary absorption coefficient increasing from 2 to 4×10-8 cm-1 amagat-2 between 4320 and 4380 cm-1. The obtained continuum is found in good agreement with a previous measurement using much higher densities (20 amagat) and a low resolution grating spectrograph and is consistent with values currently used in the analysis of Venus spectra.

Weak Hard X-Ray Emission from Two Broad Absorption Line Quasars Observed with NuStar: Compton-Thick Absorption or Intrinsic X-Ray Weakness?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luo, B.; Brandt, W. N.; Alexander, D. M.; Harrison, F. A.; Stern, D.; Bauer, F. E.; Boggs, S. E.; Christensen, F. E.; Comastri, A.; Craig, W. W..;

WEAK HARD X-RAY EMISSION FROM TWO BROAD ABSORPTION LINE QUASARS OBSERVED WITH NuSTAR: COMPTON-THICK ABSORPTION OR INTRINSIC X-RAY WEAKNESS?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luo, B.; Brandt, W. N.; Alexander, D. M.

We present Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) hard X-ray observations of two X-ray weak broad absorption line (BAL) quasars, PG 1004+130 (radio loud) and PG 1700+518 (radio quiet). Many BAL quasars appear X-ray weak, probably due to absorption by the shielding gas between the nucleus and the accretion-disk wind. The two targets are among the optically brightest BAL quasars, yet they are known to be significantly X-ray weak at rest-frame 2-10 keV (16-120 times fainter than typical quasars). We would expect to obtain Almost-Equal-To 400-600 hard X-ray ({approx}> 10 keV) photons with NuSTAR, provided that these photons are not significantlymore » absorbed (N{sub H} {approx}< 10{sup 24} cm{sup -2}). However, both BAL quasars are only detected in the softer NuSTAR bands (e.g., 4-20 keV) but not in its harder bands (e.g., 20-30 keV), suggesting that either the shielding gas is highly Compton-thick or the two targets are intrinsically X-ray weak. We constrain the column densities for both to be N{sub H} Almost-Equal-To 7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 24} cm{sup -2} if the weak hard X-ray emission is caused by obscuration from the shielding gas. We discuss a few possibilities for how PG 1004+130 could have Compton-thick shielding gas without strong Fe K{alpha} line emission; dilution from jet-linked X-ray emission is one likely explanation. We also discuss the intrinsic X-ray weakness scenario based on a coronal-quenching model relevant to the shielding gas and disk wind of BAL quasars. Motivated by our NuSTAR results, we perform a Chandra stacking analysis with the Large Bright Quasar Survey BAL quasar sample and place statistical constraints upon the fraction of intrinsically X-ray weak BAL quasars; this fraction is likely 17%-40%.« less

Foreign-gas broadening of nitrous oxide absorption lines.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tubbs, L. D.; Williams, D.

1972-01-01

We have measured the foreign-gas broadening coefficients for collisional broadening of lines in the nu-3 fundamental of N2O by He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, H2, D2, and CH4. These coefficients, which give the ratio of the line-broadening ability of these gases to the line-broadening ability of N2, can be used with recent measurements and calculations of N2 broadening to obtain optical collision cross sections.

Asymmetry between absorption and photoluminescence line shapes of TPD: spectroscopic fingerprint of the twisted biphenyl core.

PubMed

Scholz, Reinhard; Gisslén, Linus; Himcinschi, Cameliu; Vragović, Igor; Calzado, Eva M; Louis, Enrique; San Fabián Maroto, Emilio; Díaz-García, María A

2009-01-08

We analyze absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and resonant Raman spectra of N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (TPD), with the aim of providing a microscopic interpretation of a significant Stokes shift of about 0.5 eV that makes this material suitable for stimulated emission. The optical spectra were measured for TPD dissolved in toluene and chloroform, as well as for polystyrene films doped with varying amounts of TPD. In addition, we measured preresonant and resonant Raman spectra, giving direct access to the vibrational modes elongated in the relaxed excited geometry of the molecule. The experimental data are interpreted with calculations of the molecular geometry in the electronic ground state and the optically excited state using density functional theory. Several strongly elongated high-frequency modes within the carbon rings results in a vibronic progression with a calculated spacing of 158 meV, corroborated by the observation of vibrational sidebands in the PL spectra. The peculiarities of the potential energy surfaces related to a twisting around the central bond in the biphenyl core of TPD allow to quantify the asymmetry between the line shapes observed in absorption and emission.

Absorption spectra of deuterated water at DF laser wavelengths.

PubMed

Bruce, C W; Jelinek, A V

1982-11-15

Absorption coefficients for deuterated water have been measured at twenty-two deuterium fluoride (DF) laser wavelengths and presented for atmospheric conditions classified as midlatitude-summer (14.3 T water vapor, standard temperature, and pressure). The HDO vapor was produced from a liquid mixture of H(2)O and D(2)O. The proportions of the resulting equilibrium mixture involving these constituents and HDO were calculated using previously measured constants and produced strong HDO absorption at the 3.5-4.1-microm DF laser wavelengths relative to those of the H(2)O and D(2)O vapors. Predicted and measured pressure dependencies at constant mixing ratios are compared for several laser wavelengths having strong HDO absorption. Absorption coefficients are in fairly close agreement with those of the current Air Force Geophysical Laboratory line-by-line model for standard temperature and pressure conditions. At lower total pressures, the comparison is less satisfactory and suggests inaccurate line parameters in the predictive data base.

Modeling MgII Absorbers from SDSS Spectroscopic and Imaging Catalogs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rimoldini, L. G.; Menard, B.; Nestor, D. B.; Rao, S. M.; Sheth, R. K.; Turnshek, D. A.; Zibetti, S.; Feather, S.; Quider, A.

2005-12-01

The detection of more than 14,000 MgII absorption doublets along the sight-lines to SDSS DR4 QSOs (pursued by Turnshek, Nestor, Rao, and collaborators) has produced the largest sample of MgII absorbers to date in the redshift interval 0.37 < z < 2.30. The statistical relation between galaxies and MgII systems is investigated by cross-correlating the spectroscopic MgII catalog with the SDSS imaging catalog of galaxies in the neighborhood of QSO sight-lines. A model for MgII absorbers is derived to account for the measured MgII rest equivalent width distribution and the absorbing galaxy properties (e.g., luminosity, impact parameter, and morphological type). Some preliminary results of our analysis are presented. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. L.G.R. acknowledges further support from the Z. Daniel's Predoctoral Fellowship.

The different origins of high- and low-ionization broad emission lines revealed by gravitational microlensing in the Einstein cross

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braibant, L.; Hutsemékers, D.; Sluse, D.; Anguita, T.

2016-07-01

We investigate the kinematics and ionization structure of the broad emission line region of the gravitationally lensed quasar QSO2237+0305 (the Einstein cross) using differential microlensing in the high- and low-ionization broad emission lines. We combine visible and near-infrared spectra of the four images of the lensed quasar and detect a large-amplitude microlensing effect distorting the high-ionization CIV and low-ionization Hα line profiles in image A. While microlensing only magnifies the red wing of the Balmer line, it symmetrically magnifies the wings of the CIV emission line. Given that the same microlensing pattern magnifies both the high- and low-ionization broad emission line regions, these dissimilar distortions of the line profiles suggest that the high- and low-ionization regions are governed by different kinematics. Since this quasar is likely viewed at intermediate inclination, we argue that the differential magnification of the blue and red wings of Hα favors a flattened, virialized, low-ionization region whereas the symmetric microlensing effect measured in CIV can be reproduced by an emission line formed in a polar wind, without the need of fine-tuned caustic configurations. Based on observations made with the ESO-VLT, Paranal, Chile; Proposals 076.B-0197 and 076.B-0607 (PI: Courbin).

An Fe XXVI Absorption Line in the Persistent Spectrum of the Dipping Low Mass X-ray Binary 1A 1744-361

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gavriil, Fotis P.; Strohmayer, Tod E.; Bhattacharyya, Sudip

2009-01-01

We report on Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) High-Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra of the dipping Low Mass X-ray Binary (LMXB) 1A 1744-361 during its July 2008 outburst. We find that its persistent emission is well modeled by a blackbody (kT approx. 1.0 keV) plus power-law (Gamma approx. 1.7) with an absorption edge at 7.6 keV. In the residuals of the combined spectrum we find a significant absorption line at 6.961+/-0.002 keV, consistent with the Fe XXVI (hydrogen-like Fe) 2 - 1 transition. We place an upper limit on the velocity of a redshifted flow of v < 221 km/s. We find an equivalent width for the line of 27+2/-3 eV, from which we determine a column density of 7+/-1 x 10(exp 17)/sq cm via a curve-of-growth analysis. Using XSTAR simulations, we place a lower limit on the ionization parameter of > 10(exp 3.6) erg cm/s. The properties of this line are consistent with those observed in other dipping LMXBs. Using Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data accumulated during this latest outburst we present an updated color-color diagram which clearly shows that IA 1744-361 is an "atoll" source. Finally, using additional dips found in the RXTE and CXO data we provide an updated orbital period estimate of 52+/-5 minutes.

Accurate Theoretical Methane Line Lists in the Infrared up to 3000 K and Quasi-continuum Absorption/Emission Modeling for Astrophysical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rey, Michael; Nikitin, Andrei V.; Tyuterev, Vladimir G.

2017-10-01

Modeling atmospheres of hot exoplanets and brown dwarfs requires high-T databases that include methane as the major hydrocarbon. We report a complete theoretical line list of 12CH4 in the infrared range 0-13,400 cm-1 up to T max = 3000 K computed via a full quantum-mechanical method from ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces. Over 150 billion transitions were generated with the lower rovibrational energy cutoff 33,000 cm-1 and intensity cutoff down to 10-33 cm/molecule to ensure convergent opacity predictions. Empirical corrections for 3.7 million of the strongest transitions permitted line position accuracies of 0.001-0.01 cm-1. Full data are partitioned into two sets. “Light lists” contain strong and medium transitions necessary for an accurate description of sharp features in absorption/emission spectra. For a fast and efficient modeling of quasi-continuum cross sections, billions of tiny lines are compressed in “super-line” libraries according to Rey et al. These combined data will be freely accessible via the TheoReTS information system (http://theorets.univ-reims.fr, http://theorets.tsu.ru), which provides a user-friendly interface for simulations of absorption coefficients, cross-sectional transmittance, and radiance. Comparisons with cold, room, and high-T experimental data show that the data reported here represent the first global theoretical methane lists suitable for high-resolution astrophysical applications.

H I OBSERVATIONS OF THE Ca II ABSORBING GALAXIES Mrk 1456 AND SDSS J211701.26-002633.7

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cherinka, B.; Schulte-Ladbeck, R. E.; Rosenberg, J. L.

2009-12-15

In an effort to study Damped Ly{alpha} (DLA) galaxies at low redshift, we have been using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to identify galaxies projected onto quasi-stellar object (QSO) sight lines and to characterize their optical properties. For low-redshift galaxies, the H I 21 cm emission line can be used as an alternate tool for identifying possible DLA galaxies, since H I-emitting galaxies typically exhibit H I columns that are larger than the classical DLA limit. Here, we report on follow-up H I 21 cm emission-line observations of two DLA candidates that are both low-redshift spiral galaxies, Mrk 1456more » and SDSS J211701.26-002633.7. The observations were made using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and Arecibo telescope, respectively. Analysis of their H I properties reveal the galaxies to be about one and two M*{sub HI} galaxies, respectively, and to have average H I mass, gas richness, and gas-mass fraction for their morphological types. We consider Mrk 1456 and SDSS J211701.26-002633.7 to be candidate DLA systems based upon the strength of the Ca II absorption lines they cause in their QSO's spectra, and impact parameters to the QSO that are smaller than the stellar disk. Compared to the small numbers of other H I detected DLA and candidate DLA galaxies, Mrk 1456 and SDSS J211701.26-002633.7 have high H I masses. Mrk 1456 and SDSS J211701.26-002633.7 have also been found to lie in galaxy groups that are high in H I gas mass compared to the group containing SBS 1543+593, the only DLA galaxy previously known to be situated in a galaxy group. When compared with the expected properties of low-z DLAs from an H I-detected sample of galaxies, Mrk 1456 and SDSS J211701.26-002633.7 fall within the ranges for impact parameter and M{sub B} ; and the H I mass distribution for the H I-detected DLAs agrees with that of the expected H I mass distribution for low-z DLAs. Our observations support galaxy-evolution models in which high-mass galaxies make up an

Differential absorption lidar measurements of atmospheric temperature and pressure profiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korb, C. L.

1981-01-01

The theory and methodology of using differential absorption lidar techniques for the remote measurement of atmospheric pressure profiles, surface pressure, and temperature profiles from ground, air, and space-based platforms are presented. Pressure measurements are effected by means of high resolution measurement of absorption at the edges of the oxygen A band lines where absorption is pressure dependent due to collisional line broadening. Temperature is assessed using measurements of the absorption at the center of the oxygen A band line originating from a quantum state with high ground state energy. The population of the state is temperature dependent, allowing determination of the temperature through the Boltzmann term. The results of simulations of the techniques using Voigt profile and variational analysis are reported for ground-based, airborne, and Shuttle-based systems. Accuracies in the 0.5-1.0 K and 0.1-0.3% range are projected.

What Drives the Outflows in Broad Absorption Line QSOs?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begelman, Mitchell C.

1997-01-01

We have made progress in the areas related to the propulsion and confinement of gas responsible for broad absorption troughts in QSOs: Radiative Acceleration in BALQSOs; The "Ghost" of Lyman (alpha); and Magnetic Confinement of Absorbing Gas.

Temperature Dependences of Mechanisms Responsible for the Water-Vapor Continuum Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Qiancheng

2014-01-01

The water-vapor continuum absorption plays an important role in the radiative balance in the Earth's atmosphere. It has been experimentally shown that for ambient atmospheric conditions, the continuum absorption scales quadratically with the H2O number density and has a strong, negative temperature dependence (T dependence). Over the years, there have been three different theoretical mechanisms postulated: far-wings of allowed transition lines, water dimers, and collision-induced absorption. The first mechanism proposed was the accumulation of absorptions from the far-wings of the strong allowed transition lines. Later, absorption by water dimers was proposed, and this mechanism provides a qualitative explanation for the continuum characters mentioned above. Despite the improvements in experimental data, at present there is no consensus on which mechanism is primarily responsible for the continuum absorption.

Mars Ozone Absorption Line Shapes from Infrared Heterodyne Spectra Applied to GCM-Predicted Ozone Profiles and to MEX/SPICAM Column Retrievals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fast, Kelly E.; Kostiuk, T.; Annen, J.; Hewagama, T.; Delgado, J.; Livengood, T. A.; Lefevre, F.

2008-01-01

We present the application of infrared heterodyne line shapes of ozone on Mars to those produced by radiative transfer modeling of ozone profiles predicted by general circulation models (GCM), and to contemporaneous column abundances measured by Mars Express SPICAM. Ozone is an important tracer of photochemistry Mars' atmosphere, serving as an observable with which to test predictions of photochemistry-coupled GCMs. Infrared heterodyne spectroscopy at 9.5 microns with spectral resolving power >1,000,000 is the only technique that can directly measure fully-resolved line shapes of Martian ozone features from the surface of the Earth. Measurements were made with Goddard Space Flight Center's Heterodyne instrument for Planetary Wind And Composition (HIPWAC) at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii on February 21-24 2008 UT at Ls=35deg on or near the MEX orbital path. The HIPWAC observations were used to test GCM predictions. For example, a GCM-generated ozone profile for 60degN 112degW was scaled so that a radiative transfer calculation of its absorption line shape matched an observed HIPWAC absorption feature at the same areographic position, local time, and season. The RMS deviation of the model from the data was slightly smaller for the GCM-generated profile than for a line shape produced by a constant-with-height profile, even though the total column abundances were the same, showing potential for testing and constraining GCM ozone-profiles. The resulting ozone column abundance from matching the model to the HIPWAC line shape was 60% higher than that observed by SPICAM at the same areographic position one day earlier and 2.5 hours earlier in local time. This could be due to day-to-day, diurnal, or north polar region variability, or to measurement sensitivity to the ozone column and its distribution, and these possibilities will be explored. This work was supported by NASA's Planetary Astronomy Program.

Accurate Theoretical Methane Line Lists in the Infrared up to 3000 K and Quasi-continuum Absorption/Emission Modeling for Astrophysical Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rey, Michael; Tyuterev, Vladimir G.; Nikitin, Andrei V., E-mail: michael.rey@univ-reims.fr

Modeling atmospheres of hot exoplanets and brown dwarfs requires high- T databases that include methane as the major hydrocarbon. We report a complete theoretical line list of {sup 12}CH{sub 4} in the infrared range 0–13,400 cm{sup −1} up to T {sub max} = 3000 K computed via a full quantum-mechanical method from ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces. Over 150 billion transitions were generated with the lower rovibrational energy cutoff 33,000 cm{sup −1} and intensity cutoff down to 10{sup −33} cm/molecule to ensure convergent opacity predictions. Empirical corrections for 3.7 million of the strongest transitions permitted line positionmore » accuracies of 0.001–0.01 cm{sup −1}. Full data are partitioned into two sets. “Light lists” contain strong and medium transitions necessary for an accurate description of sharp features in absorption/emission spectra. For a fast and efficient modeling of quasi-continuum cross sections, billions of tiny lines are compressed in “super-line” libraries according to Rey et al. These combined data will be freely accessible via the TheoReTS information system (http://theorets.univ-reims.fr, http://theorets.tsu.ru), which provides a user-friendly interface for simulations of absorption coefficients, cross-sectional transmittance, and radiance. Comparisons with cold, room, and high- T experimental data show that the data reported here represent the first global theoretical methane lists suitable for high-resolution astrophysical applications.« less

An Fe XXIV Absorption Line in the Persistent Spectrum of the Dipping Low-mass X-Ray Binary 1A 1744-361

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavriil, Fotis P.; Strohmayer, Tod E.; Bhattacharyya, Sudip

2012-07-01

We report on Chandra X-ray Observatory (Chandra) High Energy Transmission Grating spectra of the dipping low-mass X-ray binary 1A 1744-361 during its 2008 July outburst. We find that its persistent emission is well modeled by a blackbody (kT ~ 1.0 keV) plus power law (Γ ~ 1.7) with an absorption edge. In the residuals of the combined spectrum, we find a significant absorption line at 6.961 ± 0.002 keV, consistent with the Fe XXVI (hydrogen-like Fe) 2-1 transition. We place an upper limit on the velocity of a redshifted flow of v < 221 km s-1. We find an equivalent width for the line of 27+2 - 3 eV, from which we determine a column density of (7 ± 1) × 1017 cm-2 via a curve-of-growth analysis. Using XSTAR simulations, we place a lower limit on the ionization parameter of >103.6 erg cm s-1. We discuss what implications the feature has on the system and its geometry. We also present Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer data accumulated during this latest outburst and, via an updated color-color diagram, clearly show that 1A 1744-361 is an "atoll" source.

An Fe XXIV Absorption Line in the Persistent Spectrum of the Dipping Low-Mass X-Ray Binary 1A 1744-361

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gavriil, Fotis P.; Strohmayer, Tod E.; Bhattacharyya, Sudip

2012-01-01

We report on Chandra X-ray Observatory (Chandra) High Energy Transmission Grating spectra of the dipping low-mass X-ray binary 1A 1744-361 during its 2008 July outburst. We find that its persistent emission is well modeled by a blackbody (kT approx. 1.0 keV) plus power law (Gamma approx. 1.7) with an absorption edge. In the residuals of the combined spectrum, we find a significant absorption line at 6.961 +/- 0.002 keV, consistent with the Fe xxvi (hydrogen-like Fe) 2-1 transition.We place an upper limit on the velocity of a redshifted flow of nu < 221 km/s. We find an equivalent width for the line of 27+2/-3 eV, from which we determine a column density of (7 +/- 1)×10(exp 17) /sq. cm via a curve-of-growth analysis. Using XSTAR simulations, we place a lower limit on the ionization parameter of >103.6 erg cm/s. We discuss what implications the feature has on the system and its geometry. We also present Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer data accumulated during this latest outburst and, via an updated color-color diagram, clearly show that 1A 1744-361 is an "atoll" source

A molecular Einstein ring: imaging a starburst disk surrounding a quasi-stellar object.

PubMed

Carilli, C L; Lewis, G F; Djorgovski, S G; Mahabal, A; Cox, P; Bertoldi, F; Omont, A

2003-05-02

Images of the molecular CO 2-1 line emission and the radio continuum emission from the redshift 4.12 gravitationally lensed quasi-stellar object (QSO) PSS J2322+1944 reveal an Einstein ring with a diameter of 1.5". These observations are modeled as a star-forming disk surrounding the QSO nucleus with a radius of 2 kiloparsecs. The implied massive star formation rate is 900 solar masses per year. At this rate, a substantial fraction of the stars in a large elliptical galaxy could form on a dynamical time scale of 108 years. The observation of active star formation in the host galaxy of a high-redshift QSO supports the hypothesis of coeval formation of supermassive black holes and stars in spheroidal galaxies.

Effects of fish with swim bladders on absorption and scintillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diachok, Orest

2004-10-01

Bioacoustic absorption spectroscopy (BAS) experiments, which were conducted in the Santa Barbara Channel in 2001 and 2002, were designed to investigate the effects of fish with swim bladders on absorption and scintillation. These experiments included a broadband source, which transmitted a sequence of 65-s-long tones between 0.25 and 10 kHz, and a vertical array which spanned most of the water column. The range was fixed. A fisheries echo sounder and trawls provided bio-acoustic parameters. Strongest absorption lines and highest values of the scintillation index were observed at night at about 1.1 kHz, the resonance frequency of 15 cm long sardines, when they were dispersed at an average depth of 13 m. Smaller absorption lines were correlated with other species. During the day sardines occupied a depth of about 50 m, where their extinction cross sections were diminished; some were dispersed and resonated at the frequency of individuals; others formed schools and resonated at collective frequencies. As a result of these phenomena, absorption lines due to sardines were much weaker, and the effect of this species on the scintillation index was not evident. [Work was supported by ONR.

First laboratory detection of an absorption line of the first overtone electric quadrupolar band of N2 by CRDS near 2.2 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čermák, P.; Vasilchenko, S.; Mondelain, D.; Kassi, S.; Campargue, A.

2017-01-01

The extremely weak 2-0 O(14) electric quadrupole transition of N2 has been detected by very high sensitivity Cavity Ring Down spectroscopy near 4518 cm-1. It is the first N2 absorption line in the first overtone band reported so far from laboratory experiments. By combining a feedback narrowed Distributed Feedback laser diode with a passive cell tracking technique, a limit of detection of αmin ∼ 1.2 × 10-11 cm-1 was achieved after one day of spectra averaging. The N2 2-0 O(14) line position and line intensity (about 1.5 × 10-30 cm/molecule) agree with calculated values provided in the HITRAN2012 database.

Dramatically Variable C IV Mini-Broad Absorption Line System in the Quasar HS 1603+3820

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Misawa, T.; Eracleous, M.; Charlton, J. C.; Chartas, G.; Kashikawa, N.

2008-10-01

We observed the quasar HS 1603+3820 (z_{em} = 2.542, first discovered by Dobrzycki et al. 1996) six times over an interval of 4.2 yrs (1.2 yrs in the quasar rest frame) using the High Dispersion Spectrograph on Subaru telescope. The purpose was to study the mini-broad absorption line (mini-BAL; FWHM ˜ 1,000 km s^{-1}) that is blue-shifted from the quasar by ˜ 9,500 km s^{-1}. We found significant time variability, which supported the physical association of the mini-BAL gas with an outflow from the quasar. We have narrowed down the cause of the variability to two possible scenarios. We also used archival Chandra x-ray data to study the x-ray properties of this quasar. The results constrain the location of the absorbing gas relative to the overall outflow.

How Do Inflows and Outflows from Galaxies Create Their Inner Circumgalactic Medium?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowen, David

2017-08-01

We propose using COS to observe 7 QSO sightlines within half a virial radius each of two galaxies in order to probe their circumgalactic mediums (CGMs) along multiple sightlines. Results from higher redshift QSO absorption line surveys suggest that this is the region where most metal line absorbing gas clouds reside, but their origin remains controversial. The two spiral galaxies studied in this proposal are NGC 4565 (the Needle Galaxy) which is highly inclined (i=86 degrees), and NGC 3184, which has a very low inclination (i=9 degrees). Their orientation makes them ideal targets for looking for kinematic and metallicity signatures from outflows along the minor axis, or inflows into the disk along the major axis. For both galaxies, we will measure how HI and metal line column densities change globally with radius, and how the ionzation structure of the absorbers varies with position. We predict that the HI column densities we detect will be similar to the Lyman Limit, or partial-Lyman Limit systems, and that we will be able to measure the gas metallicity in these clouds. These measurements can be used to infer whether the absorbing gas is flowing into the galaxy from the IGM (where the metallicity is lower than in the galaxy) or out of the galaxy (which should be metal enriched). Given that LLS and pLLS have been shown to have a bimodal distribution in their metallicity, we will see which of the two regimes the gas in our galaxies belong to, and even whether the bimodality can be seen in a single galaxy towards different sightlines.

Discovery of a cyclotron absorption line in the spectrum of the binary X-ray pulsar 4U 1538 - 52 observed by Ginga

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, George W.; Woo, Jonathan W.; Nagase, Fumiaki; Makishima, Kazuo; Sakao, Taro

1990-01-01

A cyclotron absorption line near 20 keV has been found in the spectrum of the massive eclipsing binary X-ray pulsar 4U 1538 - 52 in observations with the Ginga observatory. The line is detected throughout the 529 s pulse cycle with a variable equivalent width that has its maximum value during the smaller peak of the two-peak pulse profile. It is found that the profile of the pulse and the phase-dependence of the cyclotron line can be explained qualitatively by a pulsar model based on recent theoretical results on the properties of pencil beams emitted by accretion-heated slabs of magnetized plasma at the magnetic poles of a neutron star. The indicated field at the surface of the neutron star is 1.7 (1 + z) x 10 to the 12th G, where z is the gravitational redshift.

The metallicities of the broad emission line regions in the nitrogen-loudest quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batra, Neelam Dhanda; Baldwin, Jack A.

2014-03-01

We measured the metallicity Z in the broad emission-line regions (BELRs) of 43 Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasars with the strongest N IV] and N III] emission lines. These N-loud quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) have unusually low-black-hole masses. We used the intensity ratio of N lines to collisionally excited emission lines of other heavy elements to find metallicities in their BELR regions. We found that seven of the eight line-intensity ratios that we employed give roughly consistent metallicities as measured, but that for each individual QSO their differences from the mean of all metallicity measurements depend on the ionization potential of the ions that form the emission lines. After correcting for this effect, the different line-intensity ratios give metallicities that generally agree to within the 0.24 dex uncertainty in the measurements of the line-intensity ratios. The metallicities are very high, with mean log Z for the whole sample of 5.5 Z⊙ and a maximum of 18 Z⊙. Our results argue against the possibility that the strong N lines represent an overabundance only of N but not of all heavy elements. They are compatible with either that (1) the BELR gas has been chemically enriched by the general stellar population in the central bulge of the host galaxy, but the locally optimally emitting cloud model used in the analysis needs some fine tuning or (2) that instead this gas has been enriched by intense star formation on the very local scale of the active nucleus that has resulted in an abundance gradient within the BELR.

Study of the Many Fluorescent Lines and the Absorption Variability in GX 301-2 with XMM-Newton

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuerst, F.; Suchy, S.; Kreykenbohm, I.; Barragan, L.; Wilms, J.; Pottschmidt, K.; Caballero, I.; Kretschmar, P.; Ferrigno, C.; Rothschild, R. E.

2011-01-01

We present an in-depth study of the High Mass X-ray Binary (HMXB) GX 301-2 during its pre-periastron flare using data from the XMM-Newton satellite. The energy spectrum shows a power law continuum absorbed by a large equivalent hydrogen column on the order of 10(exp 24)/ sq cm and a prominent Fe K-alpha fluorescent emission line. Besides the Fe K-alpha line, evidence for Fe K-Beta, Ni K-alpha, Ni K-Beta, S K-alpha, Ar K-alpha, Ca K-alpha, and Cr K-alpha fluorescent lines is found. The observed line strengths are consistent with fluorescence in a cold absorber. This is the first time that Cr K-alpha is seen in emission in the X-ray spectrum of a HMXB. In addition to the modulation by the strong pulse period of approx 685 sec the source is highly variable and shows different states of activity. We perform time-resolved as well as pulse-to-pulse resolved spectroscopy to investigate differences between these states of activity. We find that fluorescent line fluxes are strongly variable and generally follow the overall flux. The N-H value is variable by a factor of 2, but not correlated to continuum normalization. We find an interval of low flux in the light curve in which the pulsations cease almost completely, without any indication of an increasing absorption column. We investigate this dip in detail and argue that it is most likely that during the dip the accretion ceased and the afterglow of the fluorescent iron accounted for the main portion of the X-ray flux. A similar dip was found earlier in RXTE data, and we compare our findings to these results.

The Mysterious 6565 Å Absorption Feature of the Galactic Halo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sethi, Shiv K.; Shchekinov, Yuri; Nath, Biman B.

2017-12-01

We consider various possible scenarios to explain the recent observation of what has been called a broad Hα absorption in our Galactic halo, with peak optical depth τ ≃ 0.01 and equivalent width W≃ 0.17 \\mathringA . We show that the absorbed feature cannot arise from the circumgalactic and ISM Hα absorption. As the observed absorption feature is quite broad ({{Δ }}λ ≃ 30 \\mathringA ), we also consider CNO lines that lie close to Hα as possible alternatives to explain the feature. We show that such lines could also not account for the observed feature. Instead, we suggest that it could arise from diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) carriers or polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) absorption. While we identify several such lines close to the Hα transition, we are unable to determine the molecule responsible for the observed feature, partly because of selection effects that prevent us from identifying DIBs/PAHs features close to Hα using local observations. Deep integration of a few extragalactic sources with high spectral resolution might allow us to distinguish between different possible explanations.

Intersstellar absorption lines between 2000 and 3000 A in nearby stars observed with BUSS. [Balloon Borne Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Boer, K. S.; Lenhart, H.; Van Der Hucht, K. A.; Kamperman, T. M.; Kondo, Y.

1986-01-01

Spectra obtained between 2000 and 3000 A with the Balloon Borne Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (BUSS) payload were examined for interstellar absorption lines. In bright stars, with spectral types between O9V and F5V, such lines were measured of Mg I, Mg II, Cr II, Mn II, Fe II and Zn II, with Cr II and Zn II data of especially high quality. Column densities were derived and interstellar abundances were determined for the above species. It was found that metal depletion increases with increasing E(B-V); Fe was most affected and Zn showed a small depletion for E(B-V) greater than 0.3 towards Sco-Oph. The metal column densities, derived for Alpha-And, Kappa-Dra, Alpha-Com, Alpha-Aql, and 29 Cyg were used to infer N(H I). It was shown that the ratio of Mg I to Na I is instrumental in determining the ionization structure along each line of sight. The spectra of Aql stars confirms the presence of large gas densities near Alpha-Oph. Moreover, data indicated that the Rho-Oph N(H I) value needs to be altered to 35 x 10 to the 20th/sq cm, based on observed ion ratios and analysis of the Copernicus L-alpha profile.

[The study of CO2 cavity enhanced absorption and highly sensitive absorption spectroscopy].

PubMed

Pei, Shi-Xin; Gao, Xiao-Ming; Cui, Fen-Ping; Huang, Wei; Shao, Jie; Fan, Hong; Zhang, Wei-Jun

2005-12-01

Cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) is a new spectral technology that is based on the cavity ring down absorption spectroscopy. In the present paper, a DFB encapsulation narrow line width tunable diode laser (TDL) was used as the light source. At the center output, the TDL radiation wavelength was 1.573 microm, and an optical cavity, which consisted of two high reflectivity mirrors (near 1.573 microm, the mirror reflectivity was about 0.994%), was used as a sample cell. A wavemeter was used to record the accurate frequency of the laser radiation. In the experiment, the method of scanning the optical cavity to change the cavity mode was used, when the laser frequency was coincident with one of the cavity mode; the laser radiation was coupled into the optical cavity and the detector could receive the light signals that escaped the optical cavity. As a result, the absorption spectrum of carbon dioxide weak absorption at low pressure was obtained with an absorption intensity of 1.816 x 10(-23) cm(-1) x (molecule x cm(-2)(-1) in a sample cell with a length of only 33.5 cm. An absorption sensitivity of about 3.62 x 10(-7) cm(-1) has been achieved. The experiment result indicated that the cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy has the advantage of high sensivity, simple experimental setup, and easy operation.

The -145 km/S Absorption System of Eta Carinae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vieira, G.; Gull, T. R.; Danks, A.; Johansson, S.

2002-01-01

With the STIS E230H mode (R-118,000) , we have identified about twenty absorption components in line of sight from Eta Carinae. Two components, one at -513 km/s and another at -145 W s , are quite different in character from the others, mostly at intermediate velocities. The -145 km/s component is significantly wider in fwhm, is seen in many more species, and the lower level can be above 20,000/cm, well above the 2000/cm noted in the -513 km/s component. In the spectral region from 2400 to 3160A, approximately 500 absorption lines have been identified. In this poster, we will present line identifications and atomic parameters of the measured lines, hopefully providing insight as to what levels are being excited and by what processes.

Abundance of nitrogen in QSOs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shields, G.A.

1976-03-01

Models of photoionized QSO emission-line regions show that measurements of O iii/N iv/C iv or N iii/C iii can yield the C/N/O ratios to an accuracy of a factor 2 or better. The N iii/C iii intensity ratios observed for the QSO PKS 1756+237 (z=1.72) implies a N/C abundance ratio 5 times larger than the solar value. This is comparable with the nitrogen overabundance in the nuclei of nearby galaxies, and it points to advanced chemical evolution in this QSO, with Zapproximately-greater-thanZ/sub sun/. Such a large abundance of nitrogen appears to be exceptional; composite spectra indicate that most QSOs havemore » (N/O) approximately one-fourth to one-half the solar value. (AIP)« less

Variable interstellar absorption lines in young stellar aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krełowski, J.; Strobel, A.; Vješnica, S.; Melekh, D.; Bondar, A.

2018-06-01

The variability of interstellar atomic lines, sporadically reported in the astronomical literature, has been confirmed both in the case of the nearby hot star δ Ori and the very young and violent star-forming region η Carinae, using high-resolution echelle spectra. The presented variability concerns the intensities and profiles of Na I, K I and Ca II. The time-scale of the above-mentioned variations clearly suggests very local phenomena as their cause. It is important to say that not all interstellar lines vary in unison.

[The Research for Trace Ammonia Escape Monitoring System Based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy].

PubMed

Zhang, Li-fang; Wang, Fei; Yu, Li-bin; Yan, Jian-hua; Cen, Ke-fa

2015-06-01

In order to on-line measure the trace ammonia slip of the commercial power plant in the future, this research seeks to measure the trace ammonia by using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy under ambient temperature and pressure, and at different temperatures, and the measuring temperature is about 650 K in the power plant. In recent years lasers have become commercially available in the near-infrared where the transitions are much stronger, and ammonia's spectroscopy is pretty complicated and the overlapping lines are difficult to resolve. A group of ammonia transitions near 4 433.5 cm(-1) in the v2 +v3 combination band have been thoroughly selected for detecting lower concentration by analyzing its absorption characteristic and considering other absorption interference in combustion gases where H2O and CO2 mole fraction are very large. To illustrate the potential for NH3 concentration measurements, predictions for NH3, H2O and CO2 are simultaneously simulated, NH3 absorption lines near 4 433.5 cm(-1) wavelength meet weaker H2O absorption than the commercial NH3 lines, and there is almost no CO2 absorption, all the parameters are based on the HITRAN database, and an improved detection limit was obtained for interference-free NH3 monitoring, this 2.25 μm band has line strengths several times larger than absorption lines in the 1.53 μm band which was often used by NH3 sensors for emission monitoring and analyzing. The measurement system was developed with a new Herriott cell and a heated gas cell realizing fast absorption measurements of high resolution, and combined with direct absorption and wavelenguh modulation based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy at different temperatures. The lorentzian line shape is dominant at ambient temperature and pressure, and the estimated detectivity is approximately 0.225 x 10(-6) (SNR = 1) for the directed absorption spectroscopy, assuming a noise-equivalent absorbance of 1 x 10(-4). The heated cell

High-temperature measurements of methane and acetylene using quantum cascade laser absorption near 8 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajid, M. B.; Javed, T.; Farooq, A.

2015-04-01

The mid-infrared wavelength region near 8 μm contains absorption bands of several molecules such as water vapor, hydrogen peroxide, nitrous oxide, methane and acetylene. A new laser absorption sensor based on the ν4 band of methane and the ν4+ν5 band of acetylene is reported for interference-free, time-resolved measurements under combustion-relevant conditions. A detailed line-selection procedure was used to identify optimum transitions. Methane and acetylene were measured at the line centers of Q12 (1303.5 cm-1) and P23 (1275.5 cm-1) transitions, respectively. High-temperature absorption cross sections of methane and acetylene were measured at peaks (on-line) and valleys (off-line) of the selected absorption transitions. The differential absorption strategy was employed to eliminate interference absorption from large hydrocarbons. Experiments were performed behind reflected shock waves over a temperature range of 1200-2200 K, between pressures of 1-4 atm. The diagnostics were then applied to measure the respective species time-history profiles during the shock-heated pyrolysis of n-pentane.

BATSE Gamma-Ray Burst Line Search. IV. Line Candidates from the Visual Search

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Band, D. L.; Ryder, S.; Ford, L. A.; Matteson, J. L.; Palmer, D. M.; Teegarden, B. J.; Briggs, M. S.; Paciesas, W. S.; Pendleton, G. N.; Preece, R. D.

1996-02-01

We evaluate the significance of the line candidates identified by a visual search of burst spectra from BATSE's Spectroscopy Detectors. None of the candidates satisfy our detection criteria: an F-test probability less than 10-4 for a feature in one detector and consistency among the detectors that viewed the burst. Most of the candidates are not very significant and are likely to be fluctuations. Because of the expectation of finding absorption lines, the search was biased toward absorption features. We do not have a quantitative measure of the completeness of the search, which would enable a comparison with previous missions. Therefore, a more objective computerized search has begun.

Selective absorption processes as the origin of puzzling spectral line polarization from the Sun.

PubMed

Trujillo Bueno, J; Landi Degl'Innocenti, E; Collados, M; Merenda, L; Manso Sainz, R

2002-01-24

Magnetic fields play a key role in most astrophysical systems, from the Sun to active galactic nuclei. They can be studied through their effects on atomic energy levels, which produce polarized spectral lines. In particular, anisotropic radiation 'pumping' processes (which send electrons to higher atomic levels) induce population imbalances that are modified by weak magnetic fields. Here we report peculiarly polarized light in the He I 10,830-A multiplet observed in a coronal filament located at the centre of the solar disk. We show that the polarized light arises from selective absorption from the ground level of the triplet system of helium, and that it implies the presence of magnetic fields of the order of a few gauss that are highly inclined with respect to the solar radius vector. This disproves the common belief that population imbalances in long-lived atomic levels are insignificant in the presence of inclined fields of the order of a few gauss, and opens up a new diagnostic window for the investigation of solar magnetic fields.

The fraction and mid-infrared properties of broad absorption line quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Xingting

2014-02-01

We present the results of a study which uses a sample of 1822 Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasars with reliable Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) detections in the redshift range 1.7≤ z≤4.38 to investigate the mid-infrared fraction of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars. The BAL quasars in the sample include both high-ionization BAL (HiBAL) quasars that show broad absorption from C iv and low-ionization BAL (LoBAL) quasars that show additional broad absorption from Mg ii. The fraction of C iv BAL quasars with nonzero absorption index (AI) is found to be 38.7±1.2 %, in good agreement with that derived for the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) sample. The C iv BAL quasar fractions remain constant with magnitude in the WISE 3.4 μm (W1) and 4.6 μm (W2) bands, and increase rapidly with decreasing magnitude in the WISE 12 μm (W3) and 22 μm (W4) bands. The nonzero AI fraction of 44.5±2.1 % determined in the WISE W4 band is more likely to represent the intrinsic BAL quasar fraction. No evidence that the fraction is a strong function of redshift is found. At 1.7≤ z≤2.15, the overall mid-infrared LoBAL fraction is and the fractions increase significantly with decreasing magnitude in all four of WISE bands. Moreover, it is found that the mean optical-to-WISE colors of BAL quasars are ≃0.2 mag redder than that of non-BAL quasars, while the traditional (nonzero balnicity) BAL quasars are redder than the nontraditional BAL quasars by ≃0.15 mag, which suggest a continuum of more reddening from non-BAL to nontraditional BAL to traditional BAL. No evidence that nontraditional BALs are a distinct class from traditional BALs is found. Finally, it is shown that the mean optical-to-WISE colors of LoBALs are ≃0.4 mag redder than that of HiBALs at 1.7≤ z≤2.15.

Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Study of Bond Constraints in Ge-Sb-Te Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-07

Ray Absorption Spectroscopy, or EXAFS. Using the spectroscopic capabilities provided by the MCAT line at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne...Absorption Spectroscopy, or EXAFS. Using the spectroscopic capabilities provided by the MCAT line at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National

Weak hard X-ray emission from broad absorption line quasars: evidence for intrinsic X-ray weakness

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luo, B.; Brandt, W. N.; Scott, A. E.

We report NuSTAR observations of a sample of six X-ray weak broad absorption line (BAL) quasars. These targets, at z = 0.148-1.223, are among the optically brightest and most luminous BAL quasars known at z < 1.3. However, their rest-frame ≈2 keV luminosities are 14 to >330 times weaker than expected for typical quasars. Our results from a pilot NuSTAR study of two low-redshift BAL quasars, a Chandra stacking analysis of a sample of high-redshift BAL quasars, and a NuSTAR spectral analysis of the local BAL quasar Mrk 231 have already suggested the existence of intrinsically X-ray weak BAL quasars,more » i.e., quasars not emitting X-rays at the level expected from their optical/UV emission. The aim of the current program is to extend the search for such extraordinary objects. Three of the six new targets are weakly detected by NuSTAR with ≲ 45 counts in the 3-24 keV band, and the other three are not detected. The hard X-ray (8-24 keV) weakness observed by NuSTAR requires Compton-thick absorption if these objects have nominal underlying X-ray emission. However, a soft stacked effective photon index (Γ{sub eff} ≈ 1.8) for this sample disfavors Compton-thick absorption in general. The uniform hard X-ray weakness observed by NuSTAR for this and the pilot samples selected with <10 keV weakness also suggests that the X-ray weakness is intrinsic in at least some of the targets. We conclude that the NuSTAR observations have likely discovered a significant population (≳ 33%) of intrinsically X-ray weak objects among the BAL quasars with significantly weak <10 keV emission. We suggest that intrinsically X-ray weak quasars might be preferentially observed as BAL quasars.« less

Determination of vibration-rotation lines intensities from absorption Fourier spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandin, J. Y.

1979-01-01

The method presented allows the line intensities to be calculated from either their equivalent widths, heights, or quantities deduced from spectra obtained by Fourier spectrometry. This method has proven its effectiveness in measuring intensities of 60 lines of the molecule H2O with a precision of 10%. However, this method cannot be applied to isolated lines.

The Impact of Starbursts on the Gaseous Halos of Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heckman, Timothy

2009-07-01

Perhaps the most important {yet uncertain} aspects of galaxy evolution are the processes by which galaxies accrete gas and by which the resulting star formation and black hole growth affects this accreting gas. It is believed that both the form of the accretion and the nature of the feedback change as a function of the galaxy mass. At low mass the gas comes in cold and the feedback is provided by massive stars. At high mass, the gas comes in hot, and the feedback is from an AGN. The changeover occurs near the mass where the galaxy population transitions from star-forming galaxies to red and dead ones. The population of red and dead galaxies is building with cosmic time, and it is believed that feedback plays an imporant role in this process: shutting down star formation by heating and/or expelling the reservoir of cold halo gas. To investigate these ideas, we propose to use COS far-UV spectra of background QSOs to measure the properties of the halo gas in a sample of galaxies near the transition mass that have undergone starbursts within the past 100 Myr to 1 Gyr. The galactic wind associated with the starburst is predicted to have affected the properties of the gaseous halo. To test this, we will compare the properties of the halos of the post-starburst galaxies to those of a control sample of galaxies matched in mass and QSO impact parameter. Do the halos of the post-starburst galaxies show a higher incidence rate of Ly-Alpha and metal absorption-lines? Are the kinematics of the halo gas more disturbed in the post-starbursts? Has the wind affected the ionization state and/or the metallicity of the halo? These data will provide fresh new insights into the role of feedback from massive stars on the evolution of galaxies, and may also offer clues about the properties of the QSO metal absorption-line systems at high-redshift.

The -145 km/s Absorption System of Eta Carinae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vieira, G.; Gull, Theodore R.; Danks, A.; Johansson, S.

2002-01-01

With the STIS E230H mode (R approx. 118,000), we have identified about twenty absorption components in line of sight from Eta Carinae. Two components, one at -513 km/s and another at -145 km/s, are quite different in character from the others, mostly at intermediate velocities. The -145 km/s component is significantly wider in fwhm, is seen in many more species, and the lower level can be above 20,000/cm, well above the 2000/cm noted in the -513 km/s component. In the spectral region from 2400 to 3160A, approximately 500 absorption lines have been identified. In this poster, we will present line identifications and atomic parameters of the measured lines, hopefully providing insight as to what levels are being excited and by what processes. Observations were accomplished through STScI under proposal 9242. Funding is through the STIS GTO resources.

[The Diagnostics of Detonation Flow External Field Based on Multispectral Absorption Spectroscopy Technology].

PubMed

Lü, Xiao-jing; Li, Ning; Weng, Chun-sheng

2016-03-01

Compared with traditional sampling-based sensing method, absorption spectroscopy technology is well suitable for detonation flow diagnostics, since it can provide with us fast response, nonintrusive, sensitive solution for situ measurements of multiple flow-field parameters. The temperature and concentration test results are the average values along the laser path with traditional absorption spectroscopy technology, while the boundary of detonation flow external field is unknown and it changes all the time during the detonation engine works, traditional absorption spectroscopy technology is no longer suitable for detonation diagnostics. The trend of line strength with temperature varies with different absorption lines. By increasing the number of absorption lines in the test path, more information of the non-uniform flow field can be obtained. In this paper, based on multispectral absorption technology, the reconstructed model of detonation flow external field distribution was established according to the simulation results of space-time conservation element and solution element method, and a diagnostic method of detonation flow external field was given. The model deviation and calculation error of the least squares method adopted were studied by simulation, and the maximum concentration and temperature calculation error was 20.1% and 3.2%, respectively. Four absorption lines of H2O were chosen and detonation flow was scanned at the same time. The detonation external flow testing system was set up for the valveless gas-liquid continuous pulse detonation engine with the diameter of 80 mm. Through scanning H2O absorption lines with a high frequency of 10 kHz, the on-line detection of detonation external flow was realized by direct absorption method combined with time-division multiplexing technology, and the reconstruction of dynamic temperature distribution was realized as well for the first time, both verifying the feasibility of the test method. The test results

Carbon Dioxide Line Shapes for Atmospheric Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Predoi-Cross, Adriana; Ibrahim, Amr; Wismath, Alice; Teillet, Philippe M.; Devi, V. Malathy; Benner, D. Chris; Billinghurst, Brant

2010-02-01

We present a detailed spectroscopic study of carbon dioxide in support of atmospheric remote sensing. We have studied two weak absorption bands near the strong ν2 band that is used to derive atmospheric temperature profiles. We have analyzed our laboratory spectra recorded with the synchrotron and globar sources with spectral line profiles that reproduce the absorption features with high accuracy. The Q-branch transitions exhibited asymmetric line shape due to weak line-mixing. For these weak transitions, we have retrieved accurate experimental line strengths, self- and air-broadening, self- and air-induced shift coefficients and weak line mixing parameters. The experimental precision is sufficient to reveal inherent variations of the width and shift coefficients according to transition quantum numbers.

Element abundances at high redshift

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, David M.; Welty, D. E.; York, D. G.

1989-01-01

Abundances of Si(+), S(+), Cr(+), Mn(+), Fe(_), and Zn(+) are considered for two absorption-line systems in the spectrum of the QSO PKS 0528 - 250. Zinc and sulfur are underabundant, relative to H, by a factor of 10 compared to their solar and Galactic interstellar abundances. The silicon-, chromium-, iron-, and nickel-to-hydrogen ratios are less than the solar values and comparable to the local interstellar ratios. A straightforward interpretation is that nucleosynthesis in these high-redshift systems has led to only about one-tenth as much heavy production as in the gas clouds around the sun, and that the amount of the observed underabundances attributable to grain depletion is small. The dust-to-gas ratio in these clouds is less than 8 percent of the Galactic value.

Study of Water Absorption Lines in the Near Infrared

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-02-17

the absorption coefficient is better approximated by the sum of Matcha -N«. oec short range contribution and W-BB dispersion contribution. The...and W. Byers Brown, Molecular Physics 2S, 1105 (1973). 5. R. L. Matcha and R. K. Nesbet, Phys. Rev. 1_6_0, 72 (1967). I H. B. Levine, Phys. Rev...reasurcrents of Ouren, ^eltqen Gaide, Helbing and Pauly. The dipole moment function is taken from ab initio 9 calculations of Matcha and Nesbet. With

Time-varying sodium absorption in the Type Ia supernova 2013gh

DOE PAGES

Ferretti, Raphael; Amanullah, R.; Goobar, A.; ...

2016-07-18

Context. Temporal variability of narrow absorption lines in high-resolution spectra of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) is studied to search for circumstellar matter. Time series which resolve the profiles of absorption lines such as Na I D or Ca II H&K are expected to reveal variations due to photoionisation and subsequent recombination of the gases. The presence, composition, and geometry of circumstellar matter may hint at the elusive progenitor system of SNe Ia and could also affect the observed reddening law. Aims. To date, there are few known cases of time-varying Na I D absorption in SNe Ia, all ofmore » which occurred during relatively late phases of the supernova (SN) evolution. Photoionisation, however, is predicted to occur during the early phases of SNe Ia, when the supernovae peak in the ultraviolet. We attempt, therefore, to observe early-time absorption-line variations by obtaining high-resolution spectra of SNe before maximum light. Methods. In this paper, we have obtained photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy of SNe Ia 2013gh and iPTF 13dge, to search for absorption-line variations. Furthermore, we study interstellar absorption features in relation to the observed photometric colours of the SNe. Results. Both SNe display deep Na I D and Ca II H&K absorption features. Furthermore, small but significant variations are detected in a feature of the Na I D profile of SN 2013gh. The variations are consistent with either geometric effects of rapidly moving or patchy gas clouds or photoionisation of Na I gas at R ≈ 10 19 cm from the explosion. Conclusions. Our analysis indicates that it is necessary to focus on early phases to detect photoionisation effects of gases in the circumstellar medium of SNe Ia. Different absorbers such as Na I and Ca II can be used to probe for matter at different distances from the SNe. Finally, the nondetection of variations during early phases makes it possible to put limits on the abundance of the species at those

Evidence for Ultra-Fast Outflows in Radio-Quiet AGNs. 2; Detailed Photoionization Modeling of Fe K-Shell Absorption Lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tombesi, Francesco; Clapp, M.; Reeves, J. N.; Palumbo, G. G. C.; Braito, V.; Dadina, M.

2011-01-01

X-ray absorption line spectroscopy has recently shown evidence for previously unknown Ultra-fast Outflows (UFOs) in radio-quiet AGNs. In the previous paper of this series we defined UFOs as those absorbers with an outflow velocity higher than 10,000km/s and assessed the statistical significance of the associated blue shifted FeK absorption lines in a large sample of 42 local radio-quiet AGNs observed with XMM-Newton. In the present paper we report a detailed curve of growth analysis and directly model the FeK absorbers with the Xstar photo-ionization code. We confirm that the frequency of sources in the radio-quiet sample showing UFOs is >35%. The outflow velocity distribution spans from \\sim10,000km/s (\\sim0.03c) up to \\siml00,000kmis (\\sim0.3c), with a peak and mean value of\\sim42,000km/s (\\sim0.14c). The ionization parameter is very high and in the range log\\xi 3-6 erg s/cm, with a mean value of log\\xi 4.2 erg s/cm. The associated column densities are also large, in the range N_H\\siml0(exp 22)-10(exp 24)/sq cm, with a mean value of N_H\\siml0(exp23)/sq cm. We discuss and estimate how selection effects, such as those related to the limited instrumental sensitivity at energies above 7keV, may hamper the detection of even higher velocities and higher ionization absorbers. We argue that, overall, these results point to the presence of extremely ionized and possibly almost Compton thick outflowing material in the innermost regions of AGNs. This also suggests that UFOs may potentially play a significant role in the expected cosmological feedback from AGNs and their study can provide important clues on the connection between accretion disks, winds and jets.

THE FIRST OBSERVATIONS OF LOW-REDSHIFT DAMPED Ly{alpha} SYSTEMS WITH THE COSMIC ORIGINS SPECTROGRAPH

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meiring, J. D.; Tripp, T. M.; Prochaska, J. X.

2011-05-01

We report on the first Cosmic Origins Spectrograph observations of damped Ly{alpha} systems (DLAs) and sub-damped Ly{alpha} systems (sub-DLAs) discovered in a new survey of the gaseous halos of low-redshift galaxies. From observations of 37 sightlines, we have discovered three DLAs and four sub-DLAs. We measure the neutral gas density {Omega}{sub HI}, and redshift density d N/d z, of DLA and sub-DLA systems at z < 0.35. We find d N/dz = 0.25{sup +0.24}-{sub 0.14} and {Omega}{sub HI} = 1.4{sup +1.3}{sub -0.7} x 10{sup -3} for DLAs, and d N/d z = 0.08{sup +0.19}{sub -0.06} with {Omega}{sub HI} = 4.2{supmore » +9.6}{sub -3.5} x 10{sup -5} for sub-DLAs over a redshift path {Delta}z = 11.9. To demonstrate the scientific potential of such systems, we present a detailed analysis of the DLA at z{sub abs} = 0.1140 in the spectrum of SDSS J1009+0713. Profile fits to the absorption lines determine log N(H I) = 20.68 {+-} 0.10 with a metallicity determined from the undepleted element sulfur of [S/H] = -0.62 {+-} 0.18. The abundance pattern of this DLA is similar to that of higher z DLAs, showing mild depletion of the refractory elements Fe and Ti with [S/Fe] = +0.24 {+-} 0.22 and [S/Ti] = +0.28 {+-} 0.15. Nitrogen is underabundant in this system with [N/H] = -1.40 {+-} 0.14, placing this DLA below the plateau of the [N/{alpha}] measurements in the local universe at similar metallicities. This DLA has a simple kinematic structure with only two components required to fit the profiles and a kinematic width of {Delta}v{sub 90} = 52 km s{sup -1}. Imaging of the QSO field with the Hubble Space Telescope/Wide Field Camera 3 reveals a spiral galaxy at very small impact parameter to the QSO and several galaxies within 10'', or 20 comoving kpc at the redshift of the DLA. Follow-up spectra with the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer on the Keck telescope reveal that none of the nearby galaxies are at the redshift of the DLA. The spiral galaxy is identified as the host galaxy of the

Luminescence in Primordial Helium Lines at the Pre-recombination Epoch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubrovich, V. K.; Grachev, S. I.

2018-04-01

The formation of luminescent subordinate He I lines by the absorption of radiation from a source in lines of the main He I series in an expanding Universe is considered. A burst of radiation in continuum is assumed to occur at some instant of time corresponding to redshift z 0. This radiation is partially absorbed at different z < z 0 in lines of the main He I series (different pumping channels) and then is partially converted into radiation in subordinate lines. If ν ik is the laboratory transition frequency of some subordinate line emerging at some z, then at the present epoch its frequency will be ν = ν ik /(1 + z). The quantum yield, i.e., the number of photons emitted in the subordinate line per initial excited atom, has been calculated for different z (and, consequently, for different ν). Several pumping channels have been considered. We show that the luminescent lines can be both emission and absorption ones; the same line can be an emission one for one of the pumping channels and an absorption one for another. For example, the 1s2s-1s2p (1S-1P*) line is an emission one for the 1s2-1s2p pumping and an absorption one for the 1s2-1s3p pumping. We show that in the frequency range 30-80 GHz the total quantum yield for the first and second of the above channels can reach +50 and -50%, respectively.

Interstellar lines in the spectra of four stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hobbs, L. M.

1979-01-01

Observations of optical interstellar absorption lines arising from Na I, K I, and/or Ca II are reported in the spectra of HD 72127, Iota(1) Sco, 102 Her, and 6 Cas. Line components showing strikingly large Ca II/Na I ratios are found toward HD 72127 and are verified for 102 Her. The absorption toward Iota(1) Sco and 6 Cas illustrates features of the local galactic distribution of interstellar gas.

Ultraviolet absorption by highly ionized atoms in the Orion Nebula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franco, J.; Savage, B. D.

1982-01-01

The International Ultraviolet Explorer was used to obtain high-resolution, far-UV spectra of theta 1 A, theta 1 C, theta 1 D, and theta 2 A Orionis. The interstellar absorption lines in these spectra are discussed with an emphasis on the high-ionization lines of C IV and Si IV. Theta 2 A Ori has interstellar C IV and Si IV absorption of moderate strength at the velocity found for normal H II region ions. Theta 1 C Ori has very strong interstellar C IV and Si IV absorption at velocities blueshifted by about 25 km/s from that found for the normal H II region ions. The possible origin of the high-ionization lines by three processes is considered: X-ray ionization, collisional ionization, and UV photoionization. It is concluded that the C IV and Si IV ions toward theta 2 A and theta 1 C Ori are likely produced by UV photoionization of surrounding nebular gas. In the case of theta 1 C Ori, the velocity shift of the high-ionization lines may be produced through the acceleration of high-density globules in the core of the nebula by the stellar wind of theta 1 C Ori.

Experimental studies of a zeeman-tuned xenon laser differential absorption apparatus.

PubMed

Linford, G J

1973-06-01

A Zeeman-tuned cw xenon laser differential absorption device is described. The xenon laser was tuned by axial magnetic fields up to 5500 G generated by an unusually large water-cooled dc solenoid. Xenon laser lines at 3.37 micro, 3.51 micro, and 3.99 micro were tuned over ranges of 6 A, 6 A, and 11 A, respectively. To date, this apparatus has been used principally to study the details of formaldehyde absorption lines lying near the 3 .508-micro xenon laser transition. These experiments revealed that the observed absorption spectrum of formaldehyde exhibits a sufficiently unique spectral structure that the present technique may readily be used to measure relative concentrations of formaldehyde in samples of polluted air.

Balmer line profiles for infalling T Tauri envelopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calvet, Nuria; Hartmann, Lee

1992-01-01

The possibility that the Balmer emission lines of T Tauri stars arise in infalling envelopes rather than winds is considered. Line profiles for the upper Balmer lines are presented for models with cone geometry, intended to simulate the basic features of magnetospheric accretion from a circumstellar disk. An escape probability treatment is used to determine line source functions in nonspherically symmetric geometry. Thermalization effects are found to produce nearly symmetric H-alpha line profiles at the same time the higher Balmer series lines exhibit inverse P Cygni profiles. The infall models produce centrally peaked emission line wings, in good agreement with observations of many T Tauri stars. It is suggested that the Balmer emission of many T Tauri stars may be produced in an infalling envelope, with blue shifted absorption contributed by an overlying wind. Some of the observed narrow absorption components with small blueshifts may also arise in the accretion column.

Temperature and pressure dependence of dichloro-difluoromethane (CF2C12) absorption coefficients for CO2 waveguide laser radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harward, C. N.

1977-01-01

Measurements were performed to determine the pressure and temperature dependence of CFM-12 absorption coefficients for CO2 waveguide laser radiation. The absorption coefficients of CFM-12 for CO2 waveguide laser radiation were found to have no spectral structure within small spectral bandwidths around the CO2 waveguide laser lines in the CO2 spectral band for pressures above 20 torr. All of the absorption coefficients for the CO2 laser lines studied are independent of pressure above 100 torr, except for the P(36) laser CO2 spectral band. The absorption coefficients associated with the P(42) line in the same band showed the greatest change with temperature, and it also has the largest value of all the lines studied.

The temperature measurement research for high-speed flow based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di, Yue; Jin, Yi; Jiang, Hong-liang; Zhai, Chao

2013-09-01

Due to the particularity of the high-speed flow, in order to accurately obtain its' temperature, the measurement system should has some characteristics of not interfereing with the flow, non-contact measurement and high time resolution. The traditional measurement method cannot meet the above requirements, however the measurement method based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology can meet the requirements for high-speed flow temperature measurement. When the near-infared light of a specific frequency is through the media to be measured, it will be absorbed by the water vapor molecules and then the transmission light intensity is detected by the detector. The temperature of the water vapor which is also the high-speed flow temperature, can be accurately obtained by the Beer-Lambert law. This paper focused on the research of absorption spectrum method for high speed flow temperature measurement with the scope of 250K-500K. Firstly, spectral line selection method for low temperature measurement of high-speed flow is discussed. Selected absorption lines should be isolated and have a high peak absorption within the range of 250-500K, at the same time the interference of the other lines should be avoided, so that a high measurement accuracy can be obtained. According to the near-infrared absorption spectra characteristics of water vapor, four absorption lines at the near 1395 nm and 1409 nm are selected. Secondly, a system for the temperature measurement of the water vapor in the high-speed flow is established. Room temperature are measured through two methods, direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) ,the results show that this system can realize on-line measurement of the temperature and the measurement error is about 3%. Finally, the system will be used for temperature measurement of the high-speed flow in the shock tunnel, its feasibility of measurement is analyzed.

Discovery of a Dwarf Poststarburst Galaxy near a High Column Density Local Lyα Absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stocke, John T.; Keeney, Brian A.; McLin, Kevin M.; Rosenberg, Jessica L.; Weymann, R. J.; Giroux, Mark L.

2004-07-01

We report the discovery of a dwarf (MB=-13.9) poststarburst galaxy coincident in recession velocity (within uncertainties) with the highest column density absorber (NHI=1015.85 cm-2 at cz=1586 km s- 1) in the 3C 273 sight line. This galaxy is by far the closest galaxy to this absorber, projected just 71h-170 kpc on the sky from the sight line. The mean properties of the stellar populations in this galaxy are consistent with a massive starburst ~3.5 Gyr ago, whose attendant supernovae, we argue, could have driven sufficient gas from this galaxy to explain the nearby absorber. Beyond its proximity on the sky and in recession velocity, the further evidence in favor of this conclusion includes both a match in the metallicities of absorber and galaxy and the fact that the absorber has an overabundance of Si/C, suggesting recent Type II supernova enrichment. Thus, this galaxy and its ejecta are in the expected intermediate stage in the fading dwarf evolutionary sequence envisioned by Babul & Rees to explain the abundance of faint blue galaxies at intermediate redshifts. While this one instance of a QSO metal-line absorber and a nearby dwarf galaxy is not proof of a trend, a similar dwarf galaxy would be too faint to be observed by galaxy surveys around more distant metal-line absorbers. Thus, we cannot exclude the possibility that dwarf galaxies are primarily responsible for weak (NHI=1014-1017 cm-2) metal-line absorption systems in general. If a large fraction of the dwarf galaxies expected to exist at high redshift had a similar history (i.e., they had a massive starburst that removed all or most of their gas), these galaxies could account for at least several hundred high-z metal-line absorbers along the line of sight to a high-z QSO. The volume-filling factor for this gas, however, would be less than 1%. ID="FN1"> 1Based on observations made with the Apache Point 3.5 m telescope, operated by the Astronomical Research Consortium, and the 2.6 m du Pont telescope of the

On the nitrogen-induced far-infrared absorption spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dore, P.; Filabozzi, A.

1987-01-01

The rototranslational absorption spectrum of gaseous N2 is analyzed, considering quadrupolar and hexadecapolar induction mechanisms. The available experimental data are accounted for by using a line-shape analysis in which empirical profiles describe the single-line translational profiles. Thus, a simple procedure is derived that allows the prediction of the N2 spectrum at any temperature. On the basis of the results obtained for the pure gas, a procedure to compute the far-infrared spectrum of the N2-Ar gaseous mixture is also proposed. The good agreement between computed and experimental N2-Ar data indicates that it is possible to predict the far-infrared absorption induced by N2 on the isotropic polarizability of any interacting partner.

Electronic structure of nickel silicide in subhalf-micron lines and blanket films: An x-ray absorption fine structures study at the Ni and Si L3,2 edge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naftel, S. J.; Coulthard, I.; Sham, T. K.; Xu, D.-X.; Erickson, L.; Das, S. R.

1999-05-01

We report a Ni and Si L3,2-edge x-ray absorption near edge structures (XANES) study of nickel-silicon interaction in submicron (0.15 and 0.2 μm) lines on a n-Si(100) wafer as well as a series of well characterized Ni-Si blanket films. XANES measurements recorded in both total electron yield and soft x-ray fluorescence yield indicate that under the selected silicidation conditions, the more desirable low resistivity phase, NiSi, is indeed the dominant phase in the subhalf-micron lines although the formation of this phase is less complete as the line becomes narrower and this is accompanied by a Ni rich surface.

Five-Channel Infrared Laser Absorption Spectrometer for Combustion Product Monitoring Aboard Manned Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Briggs, Ryan M.; Frez, Clifford; Borgentun, Carl E.; Bagheri, Mahmood; Forouhar, Siamak; May, Randy D.

2014-01-01

Continuous combustion product monitoring aboard manned spacecraft can prevent chronic exposure to hazardous compounds and also provides early detection of combustion events. As future missions extend beyond low-Earth orbit, analysis of returned environmental samples becomes impractical and safety monitoring should be performed in situ. Here, we describe initial designs of a five-channel tunable laser absorption spectrometer to continuously monitor combustion products with the goal of minimal maintenance and calibration over long-duration missions. The instrument incorporates dedicated laser channels to simultaneously target strong mid-infrared absorption lines of CO, HCl, HCN, HF, and CO2. The availability of low-power-consumption semiconductor lasers operating in the 2 to 5 micron wavelength range affords the flexibility to select absorption lines for each gas with maximum interaction strength and minimal interference from other gases, which enables the design of a compact and mechanically robust spectrometer with low-level sensitivity. In this paper, we focus primarily on absorption line selection based on the availability of low-power single-mode semiconductor laser sources designed specifically for the target wavelength range.

Microscopic Theory and Simulation of Quantum-Well Intersubband Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Jianzhong; Ning, C. Z.

2004-01-01

We study the linear intersubband absorption spectra of a 15 nm InAs quantum well using the intersubband semiconductor Bloch equations with a three-subband model and a constant dephasing rate. We demonstrate the evolution of intersubband absorption spectral line shape as a function of temperature and electron density. Through a detailed examination of various contributions, such as the phase space filling effects, the Coulomb many-body effects and the non-parabolicity effect, we illuminate the underlying physics that shapes the spectra. Keywords: Intersubband transition, linear absorption, semiconductor heterostructure, InAs quantum well

Temperature sensitivity of differential absorption lidar measurements of water vapor in the 720-nm region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Browell, Edward V.; Ismail, Syed; Grossmann, Benoist E.

1991-01-01

Recently measured properties of water vapor (H2O) absorption lines have been used in calculations to evalute the temperature sensitivity of differential absorption lidar (Dial) H2O measurements. This paper estimates the temperature sensitivity of H2O lines in the 717-733-nm region for both H2O mixing ratio and number density measurements, and discusses the influence of the H2O line ground state energies E-double-prime, the H2O absorption linewidths, the linewidth temperature dependence parameter, and the atmospheric temperature and pressure variations with altitude and location on the temperature sensitivity calculations. Line parameters and temperature sensitivity calculations for 67 H2O lines in the 720-nm band are given which can be directly used in field experiments. Water vapor lines with E-double-prime values in the 100-300/cm range were found to be optimum for Dial measurements of H2O number densities, while E-double-prime values in the 250-500/cm range were found to be optimum for H2O mixing ratio measurements.

H i Absorption in the Steep-Spectrum Superluminal Quasar 3C 216.

PubMed

Pihlström; Vermeulen; Taylor; Conway

1999-11-01

The search for H i absorption in strong compact steep-spectrum sources is a natural way to probe the neutral gas contents in young radio sources. In turn, this may provide information about the evolution of powerful radio sources. The recently improved capabilities of the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope have made it possible to detect a 0.31% (19 mJy) deep neutral atomic hydrogen absorption line associated with the steep-spectrum superluminal quasar 3C 216. The redshift (z=0.67) of the source shifts the frequency of the 21 cm line down to the ultra-high-frequency (UHF) band (850 MHz). The exact location of the H i-absorbing gas remains to be determined by spectral line VLBI observations at 850 MHz. We cannot exclude that the gas might be extended on galactic scales, but we think it is more likely to be located in the central kiloparsec. Constraints from the lack of X-ray absorption probably rule out obscuration of the core region, and we argue that the most plausible site for the H i absorption is in the jet-cloud interaction observed in this source.

Sound propagation and absorption in foam - A distributed parameter model.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manson, L.; Lieberman, S.

1971-01-01

Liquid-base foams are highly effective sound absorbers. A better understanding of the mechanisms of sound absorption in foams was sought by exploration of a mathematical model of bubble pulsation and coupling and the development of a distributed-parameter mechanical analog. A solution by electric-circuit analogy was thus obtained and transmission-line theory was used to relate the physical properties of the foams to the characteristic impedance and propagation constants of the analog transmission line. Comparison of measured physical properties of the foam with values obtained from measured acoustic impedance and propagation constants and the transmission-line theory showed good agreement. We may therefore conclude that the sound propagation and absorption mechanisms in foam are accurately described by the resonant response of individual bubbles coupled to neighboring bubbles.

The Nature of the UV/X-ray Absorber In PG 2302+029

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sabra, Bassem M.; Hamann, Fred; Jannuzi, Buell T.; George, Ian M.; Shields, Joseph C.

2003-01-01

We present Chandra X-ray observations of the radio-quiet QSO PG 2302+029. This quasar has a rare system of ultra-high velocity (-56,000 km s(exp -1) UV absorption lines that form in an outflow from the active nucleus. The Chandra data indicate that soft X-ray absorption is also present. We perform a joint UV and X-ray analysis, using photoionization calculations, to determine the nature of the absorbing gas. The UV and X-ray datasets were not obtained simultaneously. Nonetheless, our analysis suggests that the X-ray absorption occurs at high velocities in the same general region as the UV absorber. There are not enough constraints to rule out multi-zone models. In fact, the distinct broad and narrow UV line profiles clearly indicate that multiple zones are present. Our preferred estimates of the ionization and total column density in the X-ray absorber (logU = 1.6, N(sub eta) = 10(exp 22.4) cm (exp -2) over predict the O VI lambda lambda1032,1038 absorption unless the X-ray absorber is also outflowing at approximately 56,000 km s(exp-l), but they over predict the Ne VIII lambda lambda 770,780 absorption at all velocities. If we assume that the X-ray absorbing gas is outflowing at the same velocity of the UV-absorbing wind and that the wind is radiatively accelerated, then the outflow must be launched at a radius of less than or equal to 10(exp 15) cm from the central continuum source. The smallness of this radius casts doubts on the assumption of radiative acceleration.

Thermal Boundary Layer Effects on Line-of-Sight Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) Gas Concentration Measurements.

PubMed

Qu, Zhechao; Werhahn, Olav; Ebert, Volker

2018-06-01

The effects of thermal boundary layers on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) measurement results must be quantified when using the line-of-sight (LOS) TDLAS under conditions with spatial temperature gradient. In this paper, a new methodology based on spectral simulation is presented quantifying the LOS TDLAS measurement deviation under conditions with thermal boundary layers. The effects of different temperature gradients and thermal boundary layer thickness on spectral collisional widths and gas concentration measurements are quantified. A CO 2 TDLAS spectrometer, which has two gas cells to generate the spatial temperature gradients, was employed to validate the simulation results. The measured deviations and LOS averaged collisional widths are in very good agreement with the simulated results for conditions with different temperature gradients. We demonstrate quantification of thermal boundary layers' thickness with proposed method by exploitation of the LOS averaged the collisional width of the path-integrated spectrum.

High enthalpy arc-heated plasma flow diagnostics by tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xin; Chen, Lianzhong; Zeng, Hui; Ou, Dongbin; Dong, Yonghui

2017-05-01

This paper reports the laser absorption measurements of atomic oxygen in the FD04 arc-heater at China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA). An atomic oxygen absorption line at 777.19 nm is utilizied for detecting the population of electronically excited oxygen atom in an air plasma flow. A scanned-wavelength direct absorption mode is used in this study. The laser is scanned in wavelength across the absorption feature at a rate of 200 Hz. Under the assumption of thermal equilibrium, time-resolved temperature measurements are obtained on one line-of-sight in the arc-heater. The good agreement of the temperature inferred from the sonic throat method suggests the equilibrium assumption is valid. These results illustrate the feasibility of the diode laser sensors for flow parameters in high enthalpy arc-heated facilities.

Time-varying sodium absorption in the Type Ia supernova 2013gh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferretti, R.; Amanullah, R.; Goobar, A.; Johansson, J.; Vreeswijk, P. M.; Butler, R. P.; Cao, Y.; Cenko, S. B.; Doran, G.; Filippenko, A. V.; Freeland, E.; Hosseinzadeh, G.; Howell, D. A.; Lundqvist, P.; Mattila, S.; Nordin, J.; Nugent, P. E.; Petrushevska, T.; Valenti, S.; Vogt, S.; Wozniak, P.

2016-07-01

Context. Temporal variability of narrow absorption lines in high-resolution spectra of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) is studied to search for circumstellar matter. Time series which resolve the profiles of absorption lines such as Na I D or Ca II H&K are expected to reveal variations due to photoionisation and subsequent recombination of the gases. The presence, composition, and geometry of circumstellar matter may hint at the elusive progenitor system of SNe Ia and could also affect the observed reddening law. Aims: To date, there are few known cases of time-varying Na I D absorption in SNe Ia, all of which occurred during relatively late phases of the supernova (SN) evolution. Photoionisation, however, is predicted to occur during the early phases of SNe Ia, when the supernovae peak in the ultraviolet. We attempt, therefore, to observe early-time absorption-line variations by obtaining high-resolution spectra of SNe before maximum light. Methods: We have obtained photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy of SNe Ia 2013gh and iPTF 13dge, to search for absorption-line variations. Furthermore, we study interstellar absorption features in relation to the observed photometric colours of the SNe. Results: Both SNe display deep Na I D and Ca II H&K absorption features. Furthermore, small but significant variations are detected in a feature of the Na I D profile of SN 2013gh. The variations are consistent with either geometric effects of rapidly moving or patchy gas clouds or photoionisation of Na I gas at R ≈ 1019 cm from the explosion. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates that it is necessary to focus on early phases to detect photoionisation effects of gases in the circumstellar medium of SNe Ia. Different absorbers such as Na I and Ca II can be used to probe for matter at different distances from the SNe. The nondetection of variations during early phases makes it possible to put limits on the abundance of the species at those distances. Full Tables 2 and 3 are only

Confirmation Of Thick Whim At Z-0.1 In Sculptor Supercluster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicastro, Fabrizio

2005-01-01

This grant is associated to an XMM observation of the quasar QSO Q0056-363(PI: Dr. Roberto Maiolino), which is one of the brightest quasars in the X-ray sky, and it lies in the general direction of the Sculptor Supercluster, and behind it. We requested the observation to check a previous hint of existence of an absorption features by highly ionized gas at the redshift of the Supercluster, which we supposed to be the imprint of a Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium filament connecting the already virialized structures in the Supercluster. The observation suffered a high background, and so the net exposure was considerably reduced compared to the requested exposure. Additionally the quasar turned out to be in a quite low level of activity. These two unfortunate facts made it impossible to confirm or rule-out at high resolution (i.e. with the RGS) the existence of the previously hinted OW1 K-alpha resonant line at the redshift of the Sculptor Supercluster, the new RGS data being sensitive only to equivalent width of unresolved absorption lines of about 30-50 mA at 1-sigma. The data, however, shows a very strong absorption line in a position different from the OVII/OVIII K-alpha at the redshift of the Supercluster. If this line is interpreted as OVII/OVIII K-alpha absorption, the redshift of this WHIM filament would lie in a region of the Universe where no visible virialized concentrations are present. This would confirm the relatively high probability of detecting WHIM filaments in apparent 'void' regions of the Universe (as previously suggested by our first detection of WHIM filaments at z greater than 0 along the line of sight to the blazar Mkn 421). A paper on the non-detection of any WHIM filament at the redshift of the Sculptor Supercluster, as well as on the detection of this putative WHIM filament in a 'void', will be shortly submitted to the ApJ.

Complex Resonance Absorption Structure in the X-Ray Spectrum of IRAS 13349+2438

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sako, M.; Kahn, S. M.; Behar, E.; Kaastra, J. S.; Brinkman, A. C.; Boller, Th.; Puchnarewicz, E. M.; Starling, R.; Liedahl, D. A.; Clavel, J.

2000-01-01

The luminous infrared-loud quasar IRAS 13349+2438 was observed with the XMM - Newton Observatory as part of the Performance Verification program. The spectrum obtained by the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) exhibits broad (FWHM - 1400 km/s) absorption lines from highly ionized elements including hydrogen- and helium-like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and neon, and several iron L - shell ions (Fe XVII - XX). Also shown in the spectrum is the first astrophysical detection of a broad absorption feature around lambda = 16 - 17 A identified as an unresolved transition array (UTA) of 2p - 3d inner-shell absorption by iron M-shell ions in a much cooler medium; a feature that might be misidentified as an O VII edge when observed with moderate resolution spectrometers. No absorption edges are clearly detected in the spectrum. We demonstrate that the RGS spectrum of IRAS 13349+2438 exhibits absorption lines from two distinct regions, one of which is tentatively associated with the medium that produces the optical/UV reddening.

Intergalactic Helium Absorption toward High-Redshift Quasars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giroux, Mark L.; Fardal, Mark A.; Shull, J. Michael

1995-01-01

The recent Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of the z(q) = 3.286 quasar Q0302-003 (Jakobsen et at. 1994) and the z(q) = 3.185 quasar Q1935-67 by Tytler (1995) show absorption edges at the redshifted wavelength of He II 304 A. A key goal is to distinguish between contributions from discrete Ly-alpha forest clouds and a smoothly distributed intergalactic medium (IGM). We model the contributions from each of these sources of He II absorption, including the distribution of line Doppler widths and column densities, the 'He II proximity effect' from the quasar, and a self-consistent derivation of the He II opacity of the universe as a function of the spectrum of ionizing sources, with the assumption that both the clouds and the IGM are photoionized. The He II edge can be fully accounted for by He II line blanketing for reasonable distributions of line widths and column densities in the Ly-alpha forest, provided that the ionizing sources have spectral index alpha(s) greater than 1.5, and any He II proximity effect is neglected. Even with some contribution from a diffuse IGM, it is difficult to account for the edge observed by Jakobsen et al. (1994) with a 'hard' source spectrum (alpha(s) less than 1.3). The proximity effect modifies the relative contributions of the clouds and IGM to tau(He II) near the quasar (z approx. less than z(q)) and markedly increases the amount of He II absorption required. This implies, for example, that to account for the He II edge with line blanketing alone, the minimum spectral index alpha(s) must be increased from 1.5 to 1.9. We demonstrate the need for higher resolution observations that characterize the change in transmission as z approaches z(q) and resolve line-free gaps in the continuum. We set limits on the density of the diffuse IGM and suggest that the IGM and Ly-alpha clouds are likely to be a significant repository for dark baryons.

Laser-induced plasma characterization through self-absorption quantification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, JiaJia; Zhang, Lei; Zhao, Yang; Yan, Xingyu; Ma, Weiguang; Dong, Lei; Yin, Wangbao; Xiao, Liantuan; Jia, Suotang

2018-07-01

A self-absorption quantification method is proposed to quantify the self-absorption degree of spectral lines, in which plasma characteristics including electron temperature, elemental concentration ratio, and absolute species number density can be deduced directly. Since there is no spectral intensity involved in the calculation, the analysis results are independent of the self-absorption effects and the additional spectral efficiency calibration is not required. In order to evaluate the practicality, the limitation for application and the precision of this method are also discussed. Experimental results of aluminum-lithium alloy prove that the proposed method is qualified to realize semi-quantitative measurements and fast plasma characteristics diagnostics.

Measurement of temperature profiles in flames by emission-absorption spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simmons, F. S.; Arnold, C. B.; Lindquist, G. H.

1972-01-01

An investigation was conducted to explore the use of infrared and ultraviolet emission-absorption spectroscopy for determination of temperature profiles in flames. Spectral radiances and absorptances were measured in the 2.7-micron H2O band and the 3064-A OH band in H2/O2 flames for several temperature profiles which were directly measured by a sodium line-reversal technique. The temperature profiles, determined by inversion of the infrared and ultraviolet spectra, showed an average disagreement with line-reversal measurements of 50 K for the infrared and 200 K for the ultraviolet at a temperature of 2600 K. The reasons for these discrepancies are discussed in some detail.

Error Reduction Methods for Integrated-path Differential-absorption Lidar Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Jeffrey R.; Numata, Kenji; Wu, Stewart T.

2012-01-01

We report new modeling and error reduction methods for differential-absorption optical-depth (DAOD) measurements of atmospheric constituents using direct-detection integrated-path differential-absorption lidars. Errors from laser frequency noise are quantified in terms of the line center fluctuation and spectral line shape of the laser pulses, revealing relationships verified experimentally. A significant DAOD bias is removed by introducing a correction factor. Errors from surface height and reflectance variations can be reduced to tolerable levels by incorporating altimetry knowledge and "log after averaging", or by pointing the laser and receiver to a fixed surface spot during each wavelength cycle to shorten the time of "averaging before log".

Survey for C-Band High Spectral Lines with the Arecibo Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Wei Siang

High-mass stars have masses greater than 8 solar masses and are the main source of heavy elements such as iron in the interstellar medium. This type of stars form in giant molecular clouds. Studying the molecular environment in star-forming regions is crucial to understand the physical structure and conditions that lead to the formation of high-mass stars. This thesis presents observations conducted with the 305m Arecibo Telescope in Puerto Rico of twelve high-mass star forming regions. Every source was observed in multiple transitions of molecular species including CH, CH3OH, H2CS, and OH lines, and a radio recombination line. The observations were conducted with the C-Band High receiver of the Arecibo Telescope in the frequency range of 6.0 to 7.4GHz. The goals of the observations were to investigate the detectability of different molecular species (including new possible molecular masers) and obtain high sensitivity observations of the 6.7GHz CH3OH line to detect absorption and use it as a probe of the kinematics of the molecular material with respect to the ionized gas. Among the results of the observations, we report detection of 6.7GHz CH3OH masers toward nine regions, OH masers toward five sources, 6.7GHz CH3OH absorption toward four sources (including tentative detections), and detection of H2CS toward the star forming region G34.26+0.15. We also found a variable and recurrent 6.7GHz CH3OH maser in G45.12+0.13. The 6.7GHz CH 3OH and 6278.65MHz H2CS absorption lines were modeled using the radiative transfer code RADEX to investigate the physical conditions of the molecular clouds responsible for the absorption lines. Our analysis of the absorption lines supports the interpretation that the spectral lines are tracing molecular envelopes of HII regions. In the case of 6.7GHz CH 3OH absorption, our results and data from an extensive literature review indicate that absorption is rare, but that a population of 6.7GHz CH 3OH absorbers may be present at levels

Photoionization Modeling and the K Lines of Iron

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kallman, T. R.; Palmeri, P.; Bautista, M. A.; Mendoza, C.; Krolik, J. H.

2004-01-01

We calculate the efficiency of iron K line emission and iron K absorption in photoionized models using a new set of atomic data. These data are more comprehensive than those previously applied to the modeling of iron K lines from photoionized gases, and allow us to systematically examine the behavior of the properties of line emission and absorption as a function of the ionization parameter, density and column density of model constant density clouds. We show that, for example, the net fluorescence yield for the highly charged ions is sensitive to the level population distribution produced by photoionization, and these yields are generally smaller than those predicted assuming the population is according to statistical weight. We demonstrate that the effects of the many strongly damped resonances below the K ionization thresholds conspire to smear the edge, thereby potentially affecting the astrophysical interpretation of absorption features in the 7-9 keV energy band. We show that the centroid of the ensemble of K(alpha) lines, the K(beta) energy, and the ratio of the K(alpha(sub 1)) to K(alpha(sub 2)) components are all diagnostics of the ionization parameter of our model slabs.

Water-vapor foreign-continuum absorption in the 8-12 and 3-5 μm atmospheric windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimeshina, T. E.; Rodimova, O. B.

2015-08-01

The frequency and temperature dependence of the water vapor-nitrogen continuum in the 8-12 and 3-5 μm spectral regions obtained experimentally by CAVIAR and NIST is described with the use of the line contour constructed on the basis of asymptotic line shape theory. The parameters of the theory found from fitting the calculated values of the absorption coefficient to the pertinent experimental data enter into the expression for the classical potential describing the center-of-mass motion of interacting molecules and into the expression for the quantum potential of two interacting molecules. The frequency behavior of the line wing contours appears to depend on the band the lines of which make a major contribution to the absorption in a given spectral interval. The absorption coefficients in the wings of the band in question calculated with the line contours obtained for other bands are outside of experimental errors. The distinction in the line wing behavior may be explained by the difference in the quantum energies of molecules interacting in different vibrational states.

Airborne differential absorption lidar system for measurements of atmospheric water vapor and aerosols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Arlen F.; Allen, Robert J.; Mayo, M. Neale; Butler, Carolyn F.; Grossman, Benoist E.; Ismail, Syed; Grant, William B.; Browell, Edward V.; Higdon, Noah S.; Mayor, Shane D.;

SkyProbe: Real-Time Precision Monitoring in the Optical of the Absolute Atmospheric Absorption on the Telescope Science and Calibration Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuillandre, J.-C.; Magnier, E.; Sabin, D.; Mahoney, B.

2016-05-01

Mauna Kea is known for its pristine seeing conditions but sky transparency can be an issue for science operations since at least 25% of the observable (i.e. open dome) nights are not photometric, an effect mostly due to high-altitude cirrus. Since 2001, the original single channel SkyProbe mounted in parallel on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) has gathered one V-band exposure every minute during each observing night using a small CCD camera offering a very wide field of view (35 sq. deg.) encompassing the region pointed by the telescope for science operations, and exposures long enough (40 seconds) to capture at least 100 stars of Hipparcos' Tycho catalog at high galactic latitudes (and up to 600 stars at low galactic latitudes). The measurement of the true atmospheric absorption is achieved within 2%, a key advantage over all-sky direct thermal infrared imaging detection of clouds. The absolute measurement of the true atmospheric absorption by clouds and particulates affecting the data being gathered by the telescope's main science instrument has proven crucial for decision making in the CFHT queued service observing (QSO) representing today all of the telescope time. Also, science exposures taken in non-photometric conditions are automatically registered for a new observation at a later date at 1/10th of the original exposure time in photometric conditions to ensure a proper final absolute photometric calibration. Photometric standards are observed only when conditions are reported as being perfectly stable by SkyProbe. The more recent dual color system (simultaneous B & V bands) will offer a better characterization of the sky properties above Mauna Kea and should enable a better detection of the thinnest cirrus (absorption down to 0.01 mag., or 1%).

The variable He 10830 A line of Algol. [eclipsing binary star

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zirin, H.; Liggett, M. A.

1982-01-01

Spectra of several eclipses of Algol in the range 10500-11000 A where the line contribution of Algol B is important, are presented. Strong unshifted 10830 (2000 mA) absorption peaks at primary minimum but disappears between phases 0.3 and 0.7. At minimum the line must primarily arise in Algol B, but the presence of 10830 absorption just outside eclipse, when the contribution to the total light of Algol B is small, must be due to excitation of He in the atmosphere of the primary by X-ray irradiation from Algol B, a known X-ray source. A Si I line from Algol B is also detected, and the Pa-gamma line sometimes peaks during eclipse. Even if some of the 10830 absorption comes from Algol A, Algol B still has the strongest 10830 (3000 mA) yet measured in any star.

Spectral control of an alexandrite laser for an airborne water-vapor differential absorption lidar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponsardin, Patrick; Grossmann, Benoist E.; Browell, Edward V.

1994-01-01

A narrow-linewidth pulsed alexandrite laser has been greatly modified for improved spectral stability in an aircraft environment, and its operation has been evaluated in the laboratory for making water-vapor differential absorption lidar measurements. An alignment technique is described to achieve the optimum free spectral range ratio for the two etalons inserted in the alexandrite laser cavity, and the sensitivity of this ratio is analyzed. This technique drastically decreases the occurrence of mode hopping, which is commonly observed in a tunable, two-intracavity-etalon laser system. High spectral purity (greater than 99.85%) at 730 nm is demonstrated by the use of a water-vapor absorption line as a notch filter. The effective cross sections of 760-nm oxygen and 730-nm water-vapor absorption lines are measured at different pressures by using this laser, which has a finite linewidth of 0.02 cm(exp -1) (FWHM). It is found that for water-vapor absorption linewidths greater than 0.04 cm(exp -1) (HWHM), or for altitudes below 10 km, the laser line can be considered monochromatic because the measured effective absorption cross section is within 1% of the calculated monochromatic cross section. An analysis of the environmental sensitivity of the two intracavity etalons is presented, and a closed-loop computer control for active stabilization of the two intracavity etalons in the alexandrite laser is described. Using a water-vapor absorption line as a wavelength reference, we measure a long-term frequency drift (approximately 1.5 h) of less than 0.7 pm in the laboratory.

Matched-filtering line search methods applied to Suzaku data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, Naoto; Yamada, Shin'ya; Enoto, Teruaki; Axelsson, Magnus; Ohashi, Takaya

2016-12-01

A detailed search for emission and absorption lines and an assessment of their upper limits are performed for Suzaku data. The method utilizes a matched-filtering approach to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio for a given energy resolution, which could be applicable to many types of line search. We first applied it to well-known active galactic nuclei spectra that have been reported to have ultra-fast outflows, and find that our results are consistent with previous findings at the ˜3σ level. We proceeded to search for emission and absorption features in two bright magnetars 4U 0142+61 and 1RXS J1708-4009, applying the filtering method to Suzaku data. We found that neither source showed any significant indication of line features, even using long-term Suzaku observations or dividing their spectra into spin phases. The upper limits on the equivalent width of emission/absorption lines are constrained to be a few eV at ˜1 keV and a few hundreds of eV at ˜10 keV. This strengthens previous reports that persistently bright magnetars do not show proton cyclotron absorption features in soft X-rays and, even if they exist, they would be broadened or much weaker than below the detection limit of X-ray CCD.

Absorption cross sections of some atmospheric molecules for resonantly scattered O I 1304-A radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Starr, W. L.

1976-01-01

Absorption cross sections for O2, N2, CO2, CH4, N2O, and CO have been measured at each of the lines of the atomic oxygen triplet at 1302, 1305, and 1306 A. Radiation resonantly scattered from oxygen atoms at a temperature of about 300 K was used for the line source. Absorber temperatures were also near 300 K. Direct application of the Lambert-Beer absorption equation yielded pressure-dependent cross sections for carbon monoxide at each line of the O I triplet. Reasons for this apparent dependence are presented and discussed.

Resolving the Cygnus X-3 iron K line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kitamoto, Shunji; Kawashima, Kenji; Negoro, Hitoshi; Miyamoto, Sigenori; White, N. E.; Nagase, Fumiaki

1994-01-01

An Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) observation of Cygnus X-3 on 1993 June 11, in its X-ray high intensity state, has for the first time resolved the broad iron K line emission into three components: a He-like line at 6.67 +/- 0.01 keV, a H-like line at 6.96 +/- 0.02 keV, and a neutral line at 6.37 +/- 0.03 keV. The line intensities of the 6.67 keV and 6.96 keV lines are modulated with the 4.8 hr orbital period and are maximum when the continuum intensity is minimum. There is a sharp minimum of the line intensity on the rising phase of the continuum intensity. An iron absorption edge is observed at 7.19 +/- 0.02 keV. The optical depth of the absorption edge varies from 0.3 to 0.5 and is in anti-phase with the overall X-ray continuum modulation. The observed complexity of the iron K line region is greater than that had been assumed in previous spectral modeling based on observations with lower resolution detectors.

Carbon lines at limitedly low frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valtts, I. Y.

1983-01-01

Detection of several absorption recombination radio lines of carbon at 26 MHz in Cas A direction resulted in an attempt to select similar situations (a gas cloud projection on the intense source of the nonthermal radio emission) that are promising for detecting lines of such a kind. Recommendations are given for observations to be made.

Quantum quench of Kondo correlations in optical absorption.

PubMed

Latta, C; Haupt, F; Hanl, M; Weichselbaum, A; Claassen, M; Wuester, W; Fallahi, P; Faelt, S; Glazman, L; von Delft, J; Türeci, H E; Imamoglu, A

2011-06-29

The interaction between a single confined spin and the spins of an electron reservoir leads to one of the most remarkable phenomena of many-body physics--the Kondo effect. Electronic transport measurements on single artificial atoms, or quantum dots, have made it possible to study the effect in great detail. Here we report optical measurements on a single semiconductor quantum dot tunnel-coupled to a degenerate electron gas which show that absorption of a single photon leads to an abrupt change in the system Hamiltonian and a quantum quench of Kondo correlations. By inferring the characteristic power-law exponents from the experimental absorption line shapes, we find a unique signature of the quench in the form of an Anderson orthogonality catastrophe, induced by a vanishing overlap between the initial and final many-body wavefunctions. We show that the power-law exponent that determines the degree of orthogonality can be tuned using an external magnetic field, which unequivocally demonstrates that the observed absorption line shape originates from Kondo correlations. Our experiments demonstrate that optical measurements on single artificial atoms offer new perspectives on many-body phenomena previously studied using transport spectroscopy only.

AERONET derived (BC) aerosol absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinne, S.

2015-12-01

AERONET is a ground-based sun-/sky-photometer network with good annual statistics at more than 400 sites worldwide. Inversion methods applied to these data define all relevant column aerosol optical properties and reveal even microphysical detail. The extracted data include estimates for aerosol size-distributions and for aerosol refractive indices at four different solar wavelengths. Hereby, the imaginary parts of the refractive indices define the aerosol column absorption. For regional and global averages and radiative impact assessment with off-line radiative transfer, these local data have been extended with distribution patterns offered by AeroCom modeling experiments. Annual and seasonal absorption distributions for total aerosol and estimates for component contributions (such as BC) are presented and associated direct forcing impacts are quantified.

The Ionization and Metallicity of the Intervening O VI Absorber at z=0.1212 in the Spectrum of H1821+643

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tripp, Todd M.; Giroux, Mark L.; Stocke, John T.; Tumlinson, Jason; Oegerle, William R.; Fisher, Richard R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We use high-resolution UV (ultraviolet) spectra of the radio-quiet QSO (quasi-stellar object) H1821+643 (z(sub em) = 0.297), obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE), to study the ionization and metallicity of an intervening O VI absorption line system at z(sub abs) = 0.1212. This absorber has the following notable properties: (1) Several galaxies are close to the sight line at the absorber redshift, including an actively star-forming galaxy at a projected distance of 144 h(sub 75)(exp -1) kpc. (2) There is a complex cluster of H I Ly(alpha) absorption lines near the O VI redshift, including at least five components spread over a velocity range of approximately 700 km s(exp -1). (3) The strongest Ly(alpha) line in the cluster appears to be composed of a mildly saturated component with a typical b-value blended with a remarkably broad component with b approximately equals 85 km s(exp -1). (4) The O VI absorption is not aligned with the strongest (saturated) H I absorption, but instead is well-aligned with the very broad component. (5) The only detected species (at the 4(sigma) level) are O VI and H I despite coverage of strong transitions of abundant elements (e.g., C II, C III, and C IV). Based on these constraints, we find that the absorption line properties can be produced in collisionally ionized gas with 10(exp 5.3) is equal to or less than T is equal to or less than 10(exp 5.6) K and -1.8 is equal to or less than [O/H] is equal to or less than -0.6. However, we find that photoionization is also viable if the pathlength l through the absorbing gas is long enough; simple photoionization models require 85 is equal to or less than l is equal to or less than 1900 kpc and -1.1 is equal to or less than [O/H] is equal to or less than -0.3. We briefly discuss how observations of X-ray absorption lines due to O VII and O VIII could be used, in principle, to break the ionization mechanism

Unveiling the Diffuse, Neutral Interstellar Medium: Absorption Spectroscopy of Galactic Hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, Claire Elizabeth

The formation of stars and evolution of galaxies depends on the cycle of interstellar matter between supernova-expelled plasma and molecule-rich gas. At the center of this cycle is multiphase neutral hydrogen (HI), whose physical conditions provide key ingredients to theoretical models. However, constraints for HI properties require measurements of gas emission and absorption which have been severely limited by previous observational capabilities. In this thesis, I present the largest survey of Galactic HI absorption ever undertaken with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). The survey, 21 cm Spectral Line Observations of Neutral Gas with the VLA (21-SPONGE), is a statistical study of HI in all phases using direct absorption measurements. Leveraging novel calibration techniques, I demonstrate the capability of the VLA to detect a significant sample of 21 cm absorption lines from warm, diffuse HI. To maximize observational sensitivity, I stack the 21-SPONGE spectra and detect a pervasive signature of the warm neutral medium in absorption. The inferred excitation (or spin) temperature is consistent with existing estimates, yet higher than predictions from theoretical models of collisional HI excitation. This suggests that radiative feedback via resonant scattering of Lyalpha photons, known as the Wouthuysen-Field effect, is influential with important implications for cosmological 21 cm observations. Next, I compare 21-SPONGE with synthetic HI spectra from 3D numerical simulations using a new, objective decomposition and radiative transfer tool. I quantify the recovery of HI structures and their properties by Gaussian-fitted 21 cm spectral lines for the first time. I find that 21 cm absorption line shapes are sensitive to simulated physics, and demonstrate that my analysis method is a powerful tool for diagnosing neutral ISM conditions. Finally, I compare properties inferred from synthetic spectra with "true" simulation results to construct a bias correction

The detailed balance requirement and general empirical formalisms for continuum absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Q.; Tipping, R. H.

1994-01-01

Two general empirical formalisms are presented for the spectral density which take into account the deviations from the Lorentz line shape in the wing regions of resonance lines. These formalisms satisfy the detailed balance requirement. Empirical line shape functions, which are essential to provide the continuum absorption at different temperatures in various frequency regions for atmospheric transmission codes, can be obtained by fitting to experimental data.

Strong z ~ 0.5 OVI absorption towards PKS 0405-123: implications for ionization and metallicity of the Cosmic Web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howk, J. Christopher; Ribaudo, Joseph S.; Lehner, Nicolas; Prochaska, J. Xavier; Chen, Hsiao-Wen

2009-07-01

We present observations of the intervening OVI absorption-line system at zabs = 0.495096 towards the quasi-stellar object (QSO) PKS 0405-123 (zem = 0.5726) obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to strong OVI, with , and moderate HI, with , this absorber shows absorption from CIII, NIV, OIV and OV, with upper limits for another seven ions. The large number of available ions allows us to test ionization models usually adopted with far fewer constraints. We find that the observed ionic column densities cannot be matched by single-temperature collisional ionization models, in or out of equilibrium. Photoionization models can match all of the observed column densities, including OVI. If one assumes photoionization by an ultraviolet (UV) background dominated by QSOs, the metallicity of the gas is [O/H] ~ -0.15, while if one assumes a model for the UV background with contributions from ionizing photons escaping from galaxies the metallicity is [O/H] ~ -0.62. Both give [N/O] ~ -0.6 and [C/H] ~ -0.2 to ~-0.1, though a solar C/O ratio is not ruled out. The choice of ionizing spectrum is poorly constrained and leads to systematic abundance uncertainties of ~0.5 dex, despite the wide range of available ions. Multiphase models with a contribution from both photoionized gas (at T ~ 104 K) and collisionally ionized gas [at T ~ (1-3) × 105 K] can also match the observations for either assumed UV background giving very similar metallicities. We do not detect NeVIII or MgX absorption. The limit on NeVIII/OVI < 0.21 (3σ) is the lowest yet observed. Thus, this absorber shows no firm evidence of the `warm-hot intergalactic medium' at T ~ (0.5-3) × 106K thought to contain a significant fraction of the baryons at low redshift. The OVI in this system is not necessarily a reliable tracer of the warm-hot intergalactic medium given the ambiguity in its origins. We present limits on

Finding the Edge of the Galactic Wind's Influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werk, Jessica; Prochaska, J. Xavier; Tumlinson, Jason; Tripp, Todd; Thom, Christopher; Ford, Amanda Brady

2011-08-01

Brand new results from the HST Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the low-z IGM combined with low-resolution optical spectroscopy of galaxy absorbers indicate that there is a correlation between the total star formation rates of L* galaxies and the strength of the OVI absorption in their halos out to 150 kpc. That diffuse, highly-ionized metals surrounding L* galaxies are a sensitive function of recent star formation suggests we may be seeing the effects of feedback in action in the far reaches of a galaxy's halo. Here, we propose to examine this correlation over a broader range of parameters, for galaxies with luminosities ranging from 0.01 L* to L*, having data- rich QSO sightlines passing through their halos at impact parameters up to 300 kpc. Using a combination of GMOS-S imaging and multi-slit spectroscopy, we will determine the star formation rates and metallicities of galaxies from the recently-published LCO/WFCCD redshift survey. We will use existing UV spectral data for the 14 QSO sightlines to analyze the OVI absorption in the circumgalactic medium of the surveyed galaxies. Our goal is to measure the radius at which OVI absorption no longer correlates with galaxy SFR. This observational estimate for the extent to which galactic winds propagate will provide robust constraints on the simulations that model their effects.

Explore Full Range of QSO/AGN Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oliversen, Ronald (Technical Monitor); Wilkes, Belinda

2005-01-01

The goal of the proposal is to perform ISO spectroscopic studies, including data analysis and modeling, of star formation regions using an ensemble of archival space-based data from the Infrared Space Observatory s Long Wavelength Spectrometer and Short Wavelength Spectrometer, but including as well some other spectroscopic databases. Four kinds of regions are considered in the studies: (1) disks around more evolved objects; (2) young, low or high mass pre-main sequence stars in star formation regions; (3) star formation in external, bright IR galaxies; and (4) the galactic center. One prime focus of the program is the OH lines in the far infrared. The program had the following goals: 1) Refine the data analysis of IS0 observations to obtain deeper and better SNR results on selected sources. The IS0 data itself underwent "pipeline 10" reductions in early 2001, and additional "hands-on data reduction packages" were supplied by the IS0 teams in 2001. The Fabry-Perot database is particularly sensitive to noise and slight calibration errors. 2) Model the atomic and molecular line shapes, in particular the OH lines, using revised monte- carlo techniques developed by the SWAS team at the Center for Astrophysics; 3) Attend scientific meetings and workshops; 4) Do E&PO activities related to infrared astrophysics and/or spectroscopy.

Vacuum Ultraviolet Absorption Measurements of Atomic Oxygen in a Shock Tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Scott Andrew

1995-01-01

The absorption of vacuum ultraviolet light by atomic oxygen has been measured in the Electric Arc-driven Shock Tube (EAST) Facility at NASA-Ames Research Center. This investigation demonstrates the instrumentation required to determine atomic oxygen concentrations from absorption measurements in impulse facilities. A shock wave dissociates molecular oxygen, producing a high temperature sample of atomic oxygen in the shock tube. A probe beam is generated with a Raman-shifted ArF excimer laser. By suitable tuning of the laser, absorption is measured over a range of wavelengths in the region of the atomic line at 130.49 nm. The line shape function is determined from measurements at atomic oxygen densities of 3 x 10(exp 17) and 9 x 10(exp 17)/cu cm. The broadening coefficient for resonance interactions is deduced from this data, and this value is in accord with available theoretical models.

Vacuum Ultraviolet Absorption Measurements of Atomic Oxygen in a Shock Tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Scott Andrew

1995-01-01

The absorption of vacuum ultraviolet light by atomic oxygen has been measured in the Electric Arc-driven Shock Tube (EAST) Facility at NASA-Ames Research Center. This investigation demonstrates the instrumentation required to determine atomic oxygen concentrations from absorption measurements in impulse facilities. A shock wave dissociates molecular oxygen, producing a high temperature sample of atomic oxygen in the shock tube. A probe beam is generated with a Raman-shifted ArF excimer laser. By suitable tuning of the laser, absorption is measured over a range of wavelengths in the region of the atomic line at 130.49 nm. The line shape function is determined from measurements at atomic oxygen densities of 3x10(exp 17) and 9x10(exp 17) cm(exp -3). The broadening coefficient for resonance interactions is deduced from this data, and this value is in accord with available theoretical models.

Vacuum Ultraviolet Absorption Measurements of Atomic Oxygen in a Shock Tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Scott Andrew

1995-01-01

The absorption of vacuum ultraviolet light by atomic oxygen has been measured in the Electric Arc-driven Shock Tube (EAST) Facility at NASA-Ames Research Center. This investigation demonstrates the instrumentation required to determine atomic oxygen concentrations from absorption measurements in impulse facilities. A shock wave dissociates molecular oxygen, producing a high temperature sample of atomic oxygen in the shock tube. A probe beam is generated with a Raman-shifted ArF excimer laser. By suitable tuning of the laser, absorption is measured over a range of wavelengths in the region of the atomic line at 130.49 nm. The line shape function is determined from measurements at atomic oxygen densities of 3 x 10(exp 17) and 9 x 10(exp 17) cm(exp -3). The broadening coefficient for resonance interactions is deduced from this data, and this value is in accord with available theoretical models.

Ultraviolet absorption by highly ionized halo gas near the Galactic center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savage, B. D.; Massa, D.

1985-01-01

Initial results are presented for a program to survey highly ionized gas in the Milky Way disk and halo. High-resolution IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer) far-UV spectra were obtained for 12 stars at galactocentric distances less than 6 kpc. The stars are 0.7-2.2 kpc away from the plane. Most of the spectra contain exceedingly strong and broad interstellar absorption lines of weakly and highly ionized atoms. In addition to the normally strong lines of Si IV and C IV, strong interstellar NV lines have been detected in the spectra of eight stars. The detection of NV absorption (amounting to more than 10 times the predicted NV) provides an important new constraint on models for the origin of Galactic halo gas. A Galactic fountain operating in the presence of known UV and EUV radiation might explain the observations.