arXiv subjects

C. Mendoza

Publications and source records attributed to C. Mendoza.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Detection of cesium in the atmosphere of the hot He-rich white dwarf HD 149499B

We report the first detection of cesium (Z = 55) in the atmosphere of a white dwarf. Around a dozen absorption lines of Cs IV, Cs V, and Cs VI have been identified in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectrum of the He-rich white dwarf HD 149499B (Teff = 49,500 K, log g = 7.97). The lines have equivalent widths ranging from 2.3 to 26.9 mÅ. We performed a spectral synthesis analysis to determine the cesium content in the atmosphere. Non-LTE atmosphere models were computed by considering cesium explicitly in the calculations. For this purpose we calculated oscillator strengths for the bound-bound transitions of Cs IV-Cs VI with both AUTOSTRUCTURE (multiconfiguration Breit-Pauli) and GRASP2K (multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock) atomic structure codes as neither measured nor theoretical values are reported in the literature. We determined a cesium abundance of log N(Cs)/N(He) = -5.45(0.35), which can also be expressed in terms of the mass fraction log X(Cs) = -3.95(0.35).

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

Plasma environment effects on K lines of astrophysical interest. V. Universal formulae for ionization potential and K-threshold shifts

Aims. We calculate the plasma environment effects on the ionization potentials (IPs) and K-thresholds used in the modeling of K lines for all the ions belonging to the isonuclear sequences of abundant elements apart from oxygen and iron, namely: carbon, silicon, calcium, chromium, and nickel. These calculations are used to extend the data points for the fits of the universal formulae, first proposed in our fourth paper of this series, to predict the IP and K-threshold lowerings in any elemental ion. Methods. We used the fully relativistic multi-configuration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) method and approximated the plasma electron-nucleus and electron-electron screenings with a time-averaged Debye-Huckel potential. Results. We report the modified ionization potentials and K-threshold energies for plasmas characterized by electron temperatures and densities in the ranges of 10^5-10^7 K and 10^18-10^22 cm^-3 . In addition, the improved universal fitting formulae are obtained. Conclusions. We conclude that since explicit calculations of the atomic structures for each ion of each element under different plasma conditions is impractical, the use of these universal formulae for predicting the IP and K-threshold lowerings in plasma modeling codes is still recommended. However, their comparatively moderate to low accuracies may affect the predicted opacities with regard to certain cases under extreme plasma conditions that are characterized by a plasma screening parameter of μ> 0.2 a.u., especially for the K-thresholds.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Photoionization Models for High Density Gas

Relativistically broadened and redshifted 6.4 -- 6.9 keV iron K lines are observed from many accretion powered objects, including X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei (AGN). Existence of gas close to the central engine implies large radiation intensities and correspondingly large gas densities if the gas is to remain partially ionized. Simple estimates indicate that high gas densities are needed to allow survival of iron against ionization. These are high enough that rates for many atomic processes are affected by mechanisms related to interactions with nearby ions and electrons. Radiation intensities are high enough that stimulated processes can be important. Most models currently in use for interpreting relativistic lines use atomic rate coefficients designed for use at low densities and neglect stimulated processes. In our work so far we have presented atomic structure calculations with the goal of providing physically appropriate models at densities consistent with line-emitting gas near compact objects. In this paper we apply these rates to photoionization calculations, and produce ionization balance curves and X-ray emissivities and opacities which are appropriate for high densities and high radiation intensities. The final step in our program will be presented in a subsequent paper: Model atmosphere calculations which incorporate these rates into synthetic spectra.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

Silicon X-ray absorption in the Galactic ISM: the gaseous component

We present a detailed analysis of the gaseous component of the Si K edge using high-resolution Chandra spectra of low-mass X-ray binaries. We fit the spectra with amodified version of the ISMabs model, including new photoabsorption cross sectionscomputed for all Si ionic species. We estimate column densities for Si i, Si ii, Si iii, Si xii and Si xiii, which trace the warm, intermediate temperature and hot phases of the Galactic interstellar medium. We find that the ionic fractions of the first two phases are similar. This may be due to the physical state of the plasma determined by the temperature or to the presence of absorber material in the close vicinity of the sources. Our findings highlight the need for accurate modeling of the gaseous component before attempting to address the solid component.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

Plasma-environment effects on K lines of astrophysical interest III. IPs, K thresholds, radiative rates, and Auger widths in Fe ix - Fe xvi

Aims. In the context of black-hole accretion disks, we aim to compute the plasma-environment effects on the atomic parameters used to model the decay of K-vacancy states in moderately charged iron ions, namely Fe ix - Fe xvi. Methods. We used the fully relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) method approximating the plasma electron-nucleus and electron-electron screenings with a time-averaged Debye-Huckel potential. Results. We report modified ionization potentials, K-threshold energies, wavelengths, radiative emission rates, and Auger widths for plasmas characterized by electron temperatures and densities in the ranges $10^5$ - $10^7$ K and $10^{18}$ - $10^{22}$ cm$^{-3}$. Conclusions. This study confirms that the high-resolution X-ray spectrometers onboard the future XRISM and ATHENA space missions will be capable of detecting the lowering of the K edges of these ions due to the extreme plasma conditions occurring in accretion disks around compact objects.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Plasma environment effects on K lines of astrophysical interest. II. Ionization potentials, K thresholds, radiative rates and Auger widths in Ne- through He-like iron ions (Fe xvii - Fe xxv)

Aims. In the context of accretion disks around black holes, we estimate plasma-environment effects on the atomic parameters associated with the decay of K-vacancy states in highly charged iron ions, namely Fe xvii - Fe xxv. Methods. Within the relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) framework, the electron-nucleus and electron-electron plasma screenings are approximated with a time-averaged Debye-Huckel potential. Results. Modified ionization potentials, K thresholds, wavelengths, radiative emission rates and Auger widths are reported for astrophysical plasmas characterized by electron temperatures and densities respectively in the ranges 1E5 - 1E7 K and 1E18 - 1E22 cm-3 . Conclusions. We conclude that the high-resolution micro-calorimeters onboard future X-ray missions such as XRISM and ATHENA are expected to be sensitive to the lowering of the iron K edge due to the extreme plasma conditions occurring in accretion disks around compact objects.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

The Problem of the High Iron Abundance in Accretion Disks around Black Holes

In most accreting black-hole systems the copious X-rays commonly observed from the inner-most regions are accompanied by a reflection spectrum. The latter is the signature of energetic photons reprocessed by the optically thick material of an accretion disk. Given their abundance and fluorescence yield, the iron K-shell lines are the most prominent features in the X-ray reflected spectrum. Their line profiles can be grossly broadened and skewed by Doppler effects and gravitational redshift. Consequently, modeling the reflection spectrum provides one of the best methods to measure, among other physical quantities, the black-hole spin. At present the accuracy of the spin estimates is called into question because the data fits require very high iron abundances: typically several times the solar value. Concurrently no plausible physical explanation has been proffered for these black-hole systems to be so iron rich. The most likely explanation for the supersolar iron abundances is model shortfall at very high densities ($>10^{18}$ cm$^{-3}$) due to atomic data shortcomings in this regime. We review the current observational evidence for the iron supersolar abundance in many black-hole systems, and show the effects of high density in state-of-the-art reflection models. We also briefly discuss our current efforts to produce new atomic data for high-density plasmas, which are required to refine the photoionization models.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2018

Current State of Astrophysical Opacities: A White Paper

Availability of reliable atomic and molecular opacity tables is essential in a wide variety of astronomical modeling: the solar and stellar interiors, stellar and planetary atmospheres, stellar evolution, pulsating stars, and protoplanetary disks, to name a few. With the advancement of powerful research techniques such as helio-seismology and asteroseismology, solar neutrino-flux measurements, exoplanet survey satellites, three-dimensional hydrodynamic atmospheric simulations (including non-LTE and granulation effects), high-performance computing of atomic and molecular data, and innovative plasma experiments the accuracy and completeness of opacity tables is being taken to an unprecedented level. The goal of the second Workshop on Astrophysical Opacities was to gather opacity data producers and consumers from both the atomic and molecular sectors to contribute to solving outstanding problems and to develop more effective and integrated interfaces. In this review we attempt to summa- rize the discussion at the workshop and propose future directions for opacity research.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

K-shell photoabsorption and photoionization of trace elements. II. Isoelectronic sequences with electron number $12\leq N \leq 18$

We are concerned with improving the diagnostic potential of the K lines and edges of elements with low cosmic abundances that are observed in the X-ray spectra of supernova remnants, galaxy clusters and accreting black holes and neutron stars. Since accurate photoabsorption and photoionization cross sections are needed in their spectral models, they have been computed for isoelectronic sequences with electron number $12\leq N\leq 18$ using a multi-channel method. Target representations are obtained with the atomic structure code AUTOSTRUCTURE, and ground-state cross sections are computed with the Breit--Pauli $R$-matrix method (BPRM) in intermediate coupling, including damping (radiative and Auger) effects. The contributions from channels associated with the 2s-hole $[2{\rm s}]μ$ target configurations and those containing 3d orbitals are studied in the Mg and Ar isoelectronic sequences. Cross sections for the latter ions are also calculated in the isolated-resonance approximation as implemented in AUTOSTRUCTURE and compared with BPRM to test their accuracy. It is confirmed that the collisional channels associated with the $[2{\rm s}]μ$ target configurations must be taken into account owing to significant increases in the monotonic background cross section between the L and K edges. Target configurations with 3d orbitals give rise to fairly conspicuous unresolved transition arrays in the L-edge region, but to a much lesser extent in the K-edge which is our main concern; therefore, they have been neglected throughout owing to their computationally intractable channel inventory, thus allowing the computation of cross sections for all the ions with $12\leq N\leq 18$ in intermediate coupling with BPRM. We find that the isolated-resonance approximations performs satisfactorily.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

A benchmark of the He-like triplet for ions with $6\leq Z\leq 14$ in Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian plasmas

After an extensive assessment of the effective collision strengths available to model the He-like triplet of C V, N VI, O VII, Ne IX, Mg XI and Si XIII in collisionally dominated plasmas, new accurate effective collision strengths are reported for Ne IX. The uncertainty intervals of the density and temperature diagnostics due to the atomic data errors are also determined for both Maxwell-Boltzmann and $κ$ electron-energy distributions. It is shown that these uncertainty bands limit the temperature range where the temperature line-ratio diagnostic can be applied and its effectiveness to discern the electron-energy distribution type. These findings are benchmarked with Chandra and XMM-Newton spectra of stellar coronae and with tokamak measurements.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Response to: "Limitations of the Method of Lagrangian Descriptors" [arXiv:1510.04838]

This Response is concerned with the recent Comment of Ruiz-Herrera, "Limitations of the Method of Lagrangian Descriptors" [arXiv:1510.04838], criticising the method of Lagrangian Descriptors. In spite of the significant body of literature asserting the contrary, Ruiz-Herrera claims that the method fails to reveal the presence of stable and unstable manifolds of hyperbolic trajectories in incompressible systems and in almost all linear systems. He supports this claim by considering the method of Lagrangian descriptors applied to three specific examples. However in this response we show that Ruiz-Herrera does not understand the proper application and interpretation of the method and, when correctly applied, the method beautifully and unambiguously detects the stable and unstable manifolds of the hyperbolic trajectories in his examples.

math.DS↗

arXiv2015

IPOPv2 online service for the generation of opacity tables

In the framework of the present phase -- IPOPv2 -- of the international Opacity Project (OP), a new web service has been implemented based on the latest release of the OP opacities. The user may construct online opacity tables to be conveniently included in stellar evolution codes in the format most commonly adopted by stellar physicists, namely the OPAL format. This facility encourages the use and comparison of both the OPAL and OP data sets in applications. The present service allows for the calculation of multi-element mixtures containing the 17 species (H, He, C, N, O, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni) considered by the OP, and underpins the latest release of OP opacities. This new service provides tables of Rosseland mean opacites using OP atomic data. We provide an alternative to the OPAL opacity services allowing direct comparison as well as study of the effect of uncertainties in stellar modeling due to mean opacities.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

ISMabs: a comprehensive X-ray absorption model for the interstellar medium

We present an X-ray absorption model for the interstellar medium, to be referred to as ISMabs, that takes into account both neutral and ionized species of cosmically abundant elements, and includes the most accurate atomic data available. Using high-resolution spectra from eight X-ray binaries obtained with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer, we proceed to benchmark the atomic data in the model particularly in the neon K-edge region. Compared with previous photoabsorption models, which solely rely on neutral species, the inclusion of ions leads to improved spectral fits. Fit parameters comprise the column densities of abundant contributors that allow direct estimates of the ionization states. ISMabs is provided in the appropriate format to be implemented in widely used X-ray spectral fitting packages such as XSPEC, ISIS and SHERPA.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

Theoretical Modeling of Emission-Line galaxies: New Classification Parameters for Mid-Infrared and Optical Spectroscopy

We have carried out extensive and detailed photoionization modeling to successfully constrain the locations of different emission-line galaxies in optical and mid-infrared diagnostic diagrams. Our model grids cover a wide range in parameter space for the active galaxy continuum and starburst galaxies with different stellar population laws and metallicities. We compare the predicted AGN and star-formation mid-infrared line ratios [Ne III]15.56mm/[Ne II]12.81mm and [O IV]25.89mm/[Ne III]15.56mm to the observed values, and find that the best fit for the AGN is via a two-zone approximation. This two-zone approximation is a combination of a matter-bounded component, where [Ne III] and [O IV] are emitted efficiently, and a radiation-bounded component that maximizes [Ne II] emission. We overlay the predictions from this two-zone approximation onto the optical [O III]l5007/Hbeta and [N II]l6583/Halpha diagnostic diagram derived from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, to find that the high-density and low-ionization radiation-bounded component in our two-zone AGN approximation model provides a good lower limit for [N II] emission. This establishes a new theoretical demarcation line for the minimum AGN contribution in this diagram. This new classification results by a factor of ~1.4 in a higher AGN population than predictions derived from previous divisions of star-forming galaxies. Similarly, we define a maximum AGN contribution in the [O III]/Hbeta and [N II]/Halpha diagram by using a two-zone approximation within a parameter range typical of the narrow-line region.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Physical properties of the interstellar medium using high-resolution Chandra spectra: O K-edge absorption

Chandra high-resolution spectra toward eight low-mass Galactic binaries have been analyzed with a photoionization model that is capable of determining the physical state of the interstellar medium. Particular attention is given to the accuracy of the atomic data. Hydrogen column densities are derived with a broadband fit that takes into account pileup effects, and in general are in good agreement with previous results. The dominant features in the oxygen-edge region are O I and O II K$α$ absorption lines whose simultaneous fits lead to average values of the ionization parameter of $\logξ=-2.90$ and oxygen abundance of $A_{\rm O}=0.70$. The latter is relative to the standard by Grevesse & Sauval (1998), but a rescaling with the revision by Asplund et al. (2009) would lead to an average abundance value fairly close to solar. The low average oxygen column density ($N_{\rm O}=9.2 \times 10^{17}$ cm$^{-2}$) suggests a correlation with the low ionization parameters, the latter also being in evidence in the column density ratios OII/OI and OIII/OI that are estimated to be less than 0.1. We do not find conclusive evidence for absorption by any other compound but atomic oxygen.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2014

K-Shell Photoabsorption of Magnesium Ions

X-ray photoabsorption cross sections have been computed for all magnesium ions using the $R$-matrix method. A comparison with the other available data for Mg II-Mg X shows good qualitative agreement in the resultant resonance shapes. However, for the lower ionization stages, and for singly-ionized Mg II in particular, the previous $R$-matrix results (Witthoeft et al.2009; Witthoeft et al. 2011) overestimate the K-edge position due to the neglect of important orbital relaxation effects, and a global shift downward in photon energy of those cross sections is therefore warranted. We have found that the cross sections for Mg I and Mg II are further complicated by the M-shell ($n=3$) occupancy. As a result, the treatment of spectator Auger decay of $1s\rightarrow np$ resonances using a method based on multichannel quantum defect theory and an optical potential becomes problematic, making it necessary to implement an alternative, approximate treatment of Auger decay for neutral Mg. The new cross sections are used to fit the Mg K edge in XMM-Newton spectra of the low-mass X-ray binary GS 1826-238, where most of the interstellar Mg is found to be in ionized form.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

Testing the existence of non-Maxwellian electron distributions in H II regions after assessing atomic data accuracy

The classic optical nebular diagnostics [N II], [O II], [O III], [S II], [S III], and [Ar III] are employed to search for evidence of non-Maxwellian electron distributions, namely $κ$ distributions, in a sample of well-observed Galactic H II regions. By computing new effective collision strengths for all these systems and A-values when necessary (e.g. S II), and by comparing with previous collisional and radiative datasets, we have been able to obtain realistic estimates of the electron-temperature dispersion caused by the atomic data, which in most cases are not larger than $\sim 10$%. If the uncertainties due to both observation and atomic data are then taken into account, it is plausible to determine for some nebulae a representative average temperature while in others there are at least two plasma excitation regions. For the latter, it is found that the diagnostic temperature differences in the high-excitation region, e.g. $T_e$(O III), $T_e$(S III), and $T_e$(Ar III), cannot be conciliated by invoking $κ$ distributions. For the low excitation region, it is possible in some, but not all, cases to arrive at a common, lower temperature for [N II], [O II], and [S II] with $κ\approx 10$, which would then lead to significant abundance enhancements for these ions. An analytic formula is proposed to generate accurate $κ$-averaged excitation rate coefficients (better than 10% for $κ\geq 5$) from temperature tabulations of the Maxwell-Boltzmann effective collision strengths.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2013

A Comprehensive X-ray Absorption Model for Atomic Oxygen

An analytical formula is developed to represent accurately the photoabsorption cross section of O I for all energies of interest in X-ray spectral modeling. In the vicinity of the Kedge, a Rydberg series expression is used to fit R-matrix results, including important orbital relaxation effects, that accurately predict the absorption oscillator strengths below threshold and merge consistently and continuously to the above-threshold cross section. Further minor adjustments are made to the threshold energies in order to reliably align the atomic Rydberg resonances after consideration of both experimental and observed line positions. At energies far below or above the K-edge region, the formulation is based on both outer- and inner-shell direct photoionization, including significant shake-up and shake-off processes that result in photoionization-excitation and double photoionization contributions to the total cross section. The ultimate purpose for developing a definitive model for oxygen absorption is to resolve standing discrepancies between the astronomically observed and laboratory measured line positions, and between the inferred atomic and molecular oxygen abundances in the interstellar medium from XSTAR and SPEX spectral models.

astro-ph.IM↗