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A. Mohapatra

Publications and source records attributed to A. Mohapatra.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Hall-MHD in driven turbulence FLASH simulations

The origin of magnetic fields in turbulent astrophysical systems has long been a central problem in plasma astrophysics. Fluctuation dynamos are a class of field amplification mechanisms that occur in turbulent magnetohydrodynamics whereby stochastically forced motions of plasma at sufficiently high magnetic Reynolds numbers exponentially amplify magnetic energy. For steady forcing, such dynamos saturate with magnetic energies at a sizable fraction of the turbulent kinetic energy. Although fluctuation dynamo is widely studied within the framework of resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and driven-turbulence numerical simulations, this work explores the difference when the Hall term is included in the magneto-fluid's generalized Ohm's law. The inclusion is motivated in part by recent high energy-density plasma experiments studying fluctuation dynamo that are governed by an extended magnetohydrodynamics (xMHD) ansatz, which includes the Hall term. We first discuss the details of the Hall-MHD implementation in the FLASH code, the tool we use to model xMHD fluctuation dynamo. We then investigate the influence of the Hall term on the fluctuation dynamo in a three-dimensional periodic box, driven with stochastic forcing at the box scale. We compare cases with a Hall term of varying magnitude to no-Hall cases with respect to the magnetic field growth rate, saturation level, and magnetic field structure. The Hall-MHD fluctuation dynamo is found to saturate at lower magnetic energies and with fewer small-scale magnetic structures than the no-Hall cases. Both findings are consistent with the interpretation that the Hall term acts as an additional, non-linear transport term, akin to an enhanced turbulent diffusivity.

physics.plasm-ph↗
arXiv2023

The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS) data release I: Stokes I image catalogs at 1-1.4 GHz

The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS) has observed 391 telescope pointings at L-band (900 - 1670 MHz) at $δ\lesssim$ $+20°$. We present radio continuum images and a catalog of 495,325 (240,321) radio sources detected at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) $>$5 over an area of 2289 deg$^2$ (1132 deg$^2$) at 1006 MHz (1381 MHz). Every MALS pointing contains a central bright radio source ($S_{1\,\mathrm{GHz}} \gtrsim 0.2$ Jy). The median spatial resolution is $12^{\prime\prime}$ ($8^{\prime\prime}$). The median rms noise away from the pointing center is 25 $μ$Jy beam$^{-1}$ (22 $μ$Jy beam$^{-1}$) and is within $\sim$ 15% of the achievable theoretical sensitivity. The flux density scale ratio and astrometric accuracy deduced from multiply observed sources in MALS are less than 1% (8% scatter) and $1^{\prime\prime}$, respectively. Through comparisons with NVSS and FIRST at 1.4 GHz, we establish the catalog's accuracy in the flux density scale and astrometry to be better than 6% (15% scatter) and $0.8^{\prime\prime}$, respectively. The median flux density offset is higher (9%) for an alternate beam model based on holographic measurements. The MALS radio source counts at 1.4 GHz are in agreement with literature. We estimate spectral indices ($α$) of a subset of 125,621 sources (SNR$>$8), confirm the flattening of spectral indices with decreasing flux density and identify 140 ultra steep-spectrum ($α<-1.3$) sources as prospective high-$z$ radio galaxies ($z>2$). We have identified 1308 variable and 122 transient radio sources comprising primarily of AGN that demonstrate long-term (26 years) variability in their observed flux densities. The MALS catalogs and images are publicly available at https://mals.iucaa.in.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2023

The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey: Homogeneous continuum catalogues towards a measurement of the cosmic radio dipole

The number counts of homogeneous samples of radio sources are a tried and true method of probing the large scale structure of the Universe, as most radio sources outside the galactic plane are at cosmological distances. As such they are expected to trace the cosmic radio dipole, an anisotropy analogous to the dipole seen in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Results have shown that although the cosmic radio dipole matches the direction of the CMB dipole, it has a significantly larger amplitude. This result challenges our assumption of the Universe being isotropic, which can have large repercussions for the current cosmological paradigm. Though significant measurements have been made, sensitivity to the radio dipole is generally hampered by systematic effects that can cause large biases in the measurement. Here we assess these systematics with data from the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS). We present the analysis of ten MALS pointings, focusing on systematic effects that could lead to an inhomogeneous catalogue. We describe the calibration and creation of full band continuum images and catalogues, producing a combined catalogue containing 16,313 sources and covering 37.5 square degrees of sky down to a sensitivity of 10 $μ$Jy/beam. We measure the completeness, purity, and flux recovery statistics for these catalogues using simulated data. We investigate different source populations in the catalogues by looking at flux densities and spectral indices, and how they might influence source counts. Using the noise characteristics of the pointings, we find global measures that can be used to correct for the incompleteness of the catalogue, producing corrected number counts down to 100 - 200 $μ$Jy. We show that we can homogenise the catalogues and properly account for systematic effects. We determine that we can measure the dipole to $3σ$ significance with 100 MALS pointings.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2023

PKS1413+135: OH and HI at z = 0.247 with MeerKAT

The BL Lac PKS 1413+135 was observed by the Large Survey Project "MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey" (MALS) in the L-band, at 1139 MHz and 1293-1379 MHz, targeting the HI and OH lines in absorption at z = 0.24671. The radio continuum is thought to come from a background object at redshift lower than 0.5, as suggested by the absence of gravitational images. The HI absorption line is detected at high signal-to-noise, with a narrow central component, and a red wing, confirming previous results. The OH 1720 MHz line is clearly detected in (maser) emission, peaking at a velocity shifted by -10 to -15 km/s with respect to the HI peak. The 1612 MHz line is lost due to radio interferences. The OH 1667 MHz main line is tentatively detected in absorption, but not the 1665 MHz one. Over 30 years, a high variability is observed in optical depths, due to the rapid changes of the line of sight, caused by the superluminal motions of the radio knots. The HI line has varied by 20 per cent in depth, while the OH-1720 MHz depth has varied by a factor 4. The position of the central velocity and the widths also varied. The absorbing galaxy is an early-type spiral (maybe S0) seen edge-on, with a prominent dust lane, covering the whole disk. Given the measured mass concentration, and the radio continuum size at centimeter wavelengths (100 mas corresponding to 400 pc at z = 0.25), the width of absorption lines from the nuclear regions are expected up to 250 km/S. The narrowness of the observed lines (< 15 km/s) suggest that the absorption comes from an outer gas ring, as frequently observed in S0 galaxies. The millimetric lines are even narrower (< 1 km/s), which corresponds to the continuum size restricted to the core. The core source is covered by individual 1 pc molecular clouds, of column density a few 10^22 cm-2, which is compatible with the gas screen detected in X-rays.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2022

Thermal Transport in Turbostratic Multilayer Graphene

The presence of twist angles between layers of two-dimensional materials has a profound impact on their physical properties. Turbostratic multilayer graphene is a system containing a distribution of rotational stacking faults, and these interfaces also have variable twist angles. In this work, we examine the influence of turbostratic single-layer graphene content on the in-plane thermal conductivity of a defect free multilayer graphene system with low defect density. Detailed Raman mode analysis is used to quantify the content of turbostratic single-layer graphene in the system while complementing insight is obtained from selected area electron diffraction studies. Thermal transport in these systems is investigated with Raman optothermal technique supported with finite element analysis simulations. Thermal conductivity of AB-stacked graphene diminishes by a factor of 2.59 for 1% of turbostratic single-layer graphene content, while the decrease at 19% turbostratic content is by an order in magnitude. Thermal conductivity broadly obeys the relation, $κ$ $\propto$ exp(-F), where F is the fraction of turbostratic single-layer graphene content in the system

cond-mat.mes-hall↗
arXiv2015

A novel application of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors in MPGD

We present a novel application of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors in the construction and characterisation of Micro Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD), with particular attention to the realisation of the largest triple (Gas electron Multiplier) GEM chambers so far operated, the GE1/1 chambers of the CMS experiment at LHC. The GE1/1 CMS project consists of 144 GEM chambers of about 0.5 m2 active area each, employing three GEM foils per chamber, to be installed in the forward region of the CMS endcap during the long shutdown of LHC in 2108-2019. The large active area of each GE1/1 chamber consists of GEM foils that are mechanically stretched in order to secure their flatness and the consequent uniform performance of the GE1/1 chamber across its whole active surface. So far FBGs have been used in high energy physics mainly as high precision positioning and re-positioning sensors and as low cost, easy to mount, low space consuming temperature sensors. FBGs are also commonly used for very precise strain measurements in material studies. In this work we present a novel use of FBGs as flatness and mechanical tensioning sensors applied to the wide GEM foils of the GE1/1 chambers. A network of FBG sensors have been used to determine the optimal mechanical tension applied and to characterise the mechanical tension that should be applied to the foils. We discuss the results of the test done on a full-sized GE1/1 final prototype, the studies done to fully characterise the GEM material, how this information was used to define a standard assembly procedure and possible future developments.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2014

Performance of a Large-Area GEM Detector Prototype for the Upgrade of the CMS Muon Endcap System

Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) technology is being considered for the forward muon upgrade of the CMS experiment in Phase 2 of the CERN LHC. Its first implementation is planned for the GE1/1 system in the $1.5 < \midη\mid < 2.2$ region of the muon endcap mainly to control muon level-1 trigger rates after the second long LHC shutdown. A GE1/1 triple-GEM detector is read out by 3,072 radial strips with 455 $μ$rad pitch arranged in eight $η$-sectors. We assembled a full-size GE1/1 prototype of 1m length at Florida Tech and tested it in 20-120 GeV hadron beams at Fermilab using Ar/CO$_{2}$ 70:30 and the RD51 scalable readout system. Four small GEM detectors with 2-D readout and an average measured azimuthal resolution of 36 $μ$rad provided precise reference tracks. Construction of this largest GEM detector built to-date is described. Strip cluster parameters, detection efficiency, and spatial resolution are studied with position and high voltage scans. The plateau detection efficiency is [97.1 $\pm$ 0.2 (stat)]\%. The azimuthal resolution is found to be [123.5 $\pm$ 1.6 (stat)] $μ$rad when operating in the center of the efficiency plateau and using full pulse height information. The resolution can be slightly improved by $\sim$ 10 $μ$rad when correcting for the bias due to discrete readout strips. The CMS upgrade design calls for readout electronics with binary hit output. When strip clusters are formed correspondingly without charge-weighting and with fixed hit thresholds, a position resolution of [136.8 $\pm$ 2.5 stat] $μ$rad is measured, consistent with the expected resolution of strip-pitch/$\sqrt{12}$ = 131.3 $μ$rad. Other $η$-sectors of the detector show similar response and performance.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2012

Beam Test Results for New Full-scale GEM Prototypes for a Future Upgrade of the CMS High-eta Muon System

The CMS GEM collaboration is considering Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) for upgrading the CMS forward muon system in the 1.5<|eta|<2.4 endcap region. GEM detectors can provide precision tracking and fast trigger information. They would improve the CMS muon trigger and muon momentum resolution and provide missing redundancy in the high-eta region. Employing a new faster construction and assembly technique, we built four full-scale Triple-GEM muon detectors for the inner ring of the first muon endcap station. We plan to install these or further improved versions in CMS during the first long LHC shutdown in 2013/14 for continued testing. These detectors are designed for the stringent rate and resolution requirements in the increasingly hostile environments expected at CMS after the second long LHC shutdown in 2018/19. The new prototypes were studied in muon/pion beams at the CERN SPS. We discuss our experience with constructing the new full-scale production prototypes and present preliminary performance results from the beam test. We also tested smaller Triple-GEM prototypes with zigzag readout strips with 2 mm pitch in these beams and measured a spatial resolution of 73 microns. This readout offers a potential reduction of channel count and consequently electronics cost for this system while maintaining high spatial resolution.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2011

Test beam results of the GE1/1 prototype for a future upgrade of the CMS high-$η$ muon system

Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) are an interesting technology under consideration for the future upgrade of the forward region of the CMS muon system, specifically in the $1.6<| η|<2.4$ endcap region. With a sufficiently fine segmentation GEMs can provide precision tracking as well as fast trigger information. The main objective is to contribute to the improvement of the CMS muon trigger. The construction of large-area GEM detectors is challenging both from the technological and production aspects. In view of the CMS upgrade we have designed and built the largest full-size Triple-GEM muon detector, which is able to meet the stringent requirements given the hostile environment at the high-luminosity LHC. Measurements were performed during several test beam campaigns at the CERN SPS in 2010 and 2011. The main issues under study are efficiency, spatial resolution and timing performance with different inter-electrode gap configurations and gas mixtures. In this paper results of the performance of the prototypes at the beam tests will be discussed.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2011

Construction and Performance of Large-Area Triple-GEM Prototypes for Future Upgrades of the CMS Forward Muon System

At present, part of the forward RPC muon system of the CMS detector at the CERN LHC remains uninstrumented in the high-ηregion. An international collaboration is investigating the possibility of covering the 1.6 < |η| < 2.4 region of the muon endcaps with large-area triple-GEM detectors. Given their good spatial resolution, high rate capability, and radiation hardness, these micro-pattern gas detectors are an appealing option for simultaneously enhancing muon tracking and triggering capabilities in a future upgrade of the CMS detector. A general overview of this feasibility study will be presented. The design and construction of small (10\times10 cm2) and full-size trapezoidal (1\times0.5 m2) triple-GEM prototypes will be described. During detector assembly, different techniques for stretching the GEM foils were tested. Results from measurements with x-rays and from test beam campaigns at the CERN SPS will be shown for the small and large prototypes. Preliminary simulation studies on the expected muon reconstruction and trigger performances of this proposed upgraded muon system will be reported.

physics.ins-det↗