arXiv subjects

B. Roberts

Publications and source records attributed to B. Roberts.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

UCGretina GEANT4 Simulation of the GRETINA Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Array

UCGretina, a GEANT4 simulation of the GRETINA gamma-ray tracking array of highly-segmented high-purity germanium detectors is described. We have developed a model of the array, in particular of the Quad Module and the capsules, that gives good agreement between simulated and measured photopeak efficiencies over a broad range of gamma-ray energies and reproduces the shape of the measured Compton continuum. Both of these features are needed in order to accurately extract gamma-ray yields from spectra collected in in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements with beams traveling at $v/c \gtrsim 0.3$ at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. In the process of developing the model, we determined that millimeter-scale layers of passive germanium surrounding the active volumes of the simulated crystals must be included in order to reproduce measured photopeak efficiencies. We adopted a simple model of effective passive layers and developed heuristic methods of determining passive-layer thicknesses by comparison of simulations and measurements for a single crystal and for the full array. Prospects for future development of the model are discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

Violation of the equivalence principle from light scalar fields: from Dark Matter candidates to scalarized black holes

Tensor-scalar theory is a wide class of alternative theory of gravitation that can be motivated by higher dimensional theories, by models of dark matter or dark ernergy. In the general case, the scalar field will couple non-universally to matter producing a violation of the equivalence principle. In this communication, we review a microscopic model of scalar/matter coupling and its observable consequences in terms of universality of free fall, of frequencies comparison and of redshifts tests. We then focus on two models: (i) a model of ultralight scalar dark matter and (ii) a model of scalarized black hole in our Galactic Center. For both these models, we present constraints using recent measurements: atomic clocks comparisons, universality of free fall measurements, measurement of the relativistic redshift with the short period star S0-2 orbiting the supermassive black hole in our Galactic Center.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Parity non-conservation in rubidium atom

Currently the theoretical uncertainty limits the interpretation of the atomic parity non-conservation (PNC) measurements. We calculate the PNC $5s$ - $6s$ electric dipole transition amplitude in rubidium and demonstrate that rubidium is a good candidate to search for new physics beyond the standard model since accuracy of the atomic calculations in rubidium can be higher than in cesium. PNC in cesium is currently the best low-energy test of the standard model, therefore, similar measurements for rubidium present a good option for further progress in the field. We also calculate nuclear spin-dependent part of the parity non-conserving (PNC) amplitude which is needed for the extraction of the nuclear anapole moment from the PNC measurements.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2012

Revisiting parity non-conservation in cesium

We apply the sum-over-states approach to calculate partial contributions to the parity non-conservation (PNC) in cesium [Porsev {\em et al}, Phys. Rev. D {\bf 82}, 036008 (2010)]. We have found significant corrections to two non-dominating terms coming from the contribution of the core and highly excited states ($n>9$, the so called {\em tail}). When these differences are taken into account the result of Porsev {\em et al}, $E_{\rm PNC} = 0.8906\,(24) \times 10^{-11}i(-Q_W/N)$ changes to $0.8977\,(40)$, coming into good agreement with our previous calculations, $0.8980\,(45)$. The interpretation of the PNC measurements in cesium still indicates reasonable agreement with the standard model ($1.5\,\sigma$), however gives new constraints on physics beyond it.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2006

Two-wave interaction in ideal magnetohydrodynamics

The weakly nonlinear interaction of sound and linearly polarised Alfv{é}n waves propagating in the same direction along an applied magnetic field is studied. It is found that a sound wave is coupled to the Alfv{é}n wave with double period and wavelength when the sound and Alfv{é}n speeds are equal. The Alfv{é}n wave drives the sound wave through the ponderomotive force, while the sound wave returns energy back to the Alfv{é}n wave through the parametric (swing) influence. As a result, the two waves alternately exchange their energy during propagation. The process of energy exchange is faster for waves with stronger amplitudes. The phenomenon can be of importance in astrophysical plasmas, including the solar atmosphere and solar wind.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Resonant conversion of standing acoustic oscillations into Alfv{é}n waves in the $β~ 1$ region of the solar atmosphere

We show that 5-minute acoustic oscillations may resonantly convert into Alfv{é}n waves in the $β{\sim}1$ region of the solar atmosphere. Considering the 5-minute oscillations as pumping standing acoustic waves oscillating along unperturbed vertical magnetic field, we find on solving the ideal MHD equations that amplitudes of Alfv{é}n waves with twice the period and wavelength of acoustic waves exponentially grow in time when the sound and Alfv{é}n speeds are equal, i.e. $c_s \approx v_A$. The region of the solar atmosphere where this equality takes place we call a {\it swing layer}. The amplified Alfv{é}n waves may easily pass through the chromosphere and transition region carrying the energy of p-modes into the corona.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Asteroseismology of sdB stars with FUSE

The hot subdwarf B (sdB) stars form an homogeneous group populating an extension of the horizontal branch (HB) in the ($T_{\rm eff}$--$\log g$) diagram towards temperatures up to 40,000 K. The recent discovery that many of them are multimode pulsators has triggered a large observational and theoretical effort. We discuss the possibility of performing space-based asteroseismology with {\em FUSE}, and we demonstrate that periodic luminosity variations are already detectable in archival TTAG data of sdB stars. In particular, we report on the {\em FUSE} observation of the pulsator PF 1219+534, which shows the presence of periodic variations at 6.9 mHz and 7.8 mHz, consistent with those reported from ground--based observations.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

The mechanism of Swing Absorption of fast magnetosonic waves in inhomogeneous media

The recently suggested swing interaction between fast magnetosonic and Alfvén waves (2002) is generalized to inhomogeneous media. We show that the fast magnetosonic waves propagating across an applied non-uniform magnetic field can parametrically amplify the Alfvén waves propagating along the field through the periodical variation of the Alfvén speed. The resonant Alfvén waves have half the frequency and the perpendicular velocity polarization of the fast waves. The wavelengths of the resonant waves have different values across the magnetic field, due to the inhomogeneity in the Alfvén speed. Therefore, if the medium is bounded along the magnetic field, then the harmonics of the Alfvén waves, which satisfy the condition for onset of a standing pattern, have stronger growth rates. In these regions the fast magnetosonic waves can be strongly 'absorbed', their energy going in transversal Alfvén waves. We refer to this phenomenon as 'Swing Absorption'. This mechanism can be of importance in various astrophysical situations.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

'Swing Absorption' of fast magnetosonic waves in inhomogeneous media

The recently suggested swing interaction between fast magnetosonic and Alfven waves (Zaqarashvili and Roberts 2002) is generalized to inhomogeneous media. We show that the fast magnetosonic waves propagating across an applied non-uniform magnetic field can parametrically amplify the Alfven waves propagating along the field through the periodical variation of the Alfven speed. The resonant Alfven waves have half the frequency and the perpendicular velocity polarization of the fast waves. The wave lengths of the resonant waves have different values across the magnetic field, due to the inhomogeneity in the Alfven speed. Therefore, if the medium is bounded along the magnetic field, then the harmonics of the Alfven waves, which satisfy the condition for onset of a standing pattern, have stronger growth rates. In these regions the fast magnetosonic waves can be strongly 'absorbed', their energy going in transversal Alfven waves. We refer to this phenomenon as 'Swing Absorption'. This mechanism can be of importance in various astrophysical situations.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Swing wave-wave interaction: Coupling between fast magnetosonic and Alfv{é}n waves

We suggest a mechanism of energy transformation from fast magnetosonic waves propagating across a magnetic field to Alfv{é}n waves propagating along the field. The mechanism is based on {\it swing wave-wave interaction} [T.V. Zaqarashvili, Astrophys. J. Lett. {\bf 552}, 107 (2001)]. The standing fast magnetosonic waves cause a periodical variation in the Alfv{é}n speed, with the amplitude of an Alfv{é}n wave being governed by Mathieu's equation. Consequently, sub-harmonics of Alfv{é}n waves with a frequency half that of magnetosonic waves grow exponentially in time. It is suggested that the energy of nonelectromagnetic forces, which are able to support the magnetosonic oscillations, may be transmitted into the energy of purely magnetic oscillations. Possible astrophysical applications of the mechanism are briefly discussed.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2000

On-Orbit Performance of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) Satellite

Launch of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) has been followed by an extensive period of calibration and characterization as part of the preparation for normal satellite operations. Major tasks carried out during this period include initial coalignment, focusing and characterization of the four instrument channels, and a preliminary measurement of the resolution and throughput performance of the instrument. We describe the results from this test program, and present preliminary estimates of the on-orbit performance of the FUSE satellite based on a combination of this data and prelaunch laboratory measurements.

astro-ph↗