arXiv subjects

C. Schmid

Publications and source records attributed to C. Schmid.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Narrow-angle astrometry with PRIMA

The Extrasolar Planet Search with PRIMA project (ESPRI) aims at characterising and detecting extrasolar planets by measuring the host star's reflex motion using the narrow-angle astrometry capability of the PRIMA facility at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. A first functional demonstration of the astrometric mode was achieved in early 2011. This marked the start of the astrometric commissioning phase with the purpose of characterising the instrument's performance, which ultimately has to be sufficient for exoplanet detection. We show results obtained from the observation of bright visual binary stars, which serve as test objects to determine the instrument's astrometric precision, its accuracy, and the plate scale. Finally, we report on the current status of the ESPRI project, in view of starting its scientific programme.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2010

First results from fringe tracking with the PRIMA fringe sensor unit

The fringe sensor unit (FSU) is the central element of the phase referenced imaging and micro-arcsecond astrometry (PRIMA) dual-feed facility for the Very Large Telescope interferometer (VLTI). It has been installed at the Paranal observatory in August 2008 and is undergoing commissioning and preparation for science operation. Commissioning observations began shortly after installation and first results include the demonstration of spatially encoded fringe sensing and the increase in VLTI limiting magnitude for fringe tracking. However, difficulties have been encountered because the FSU does not incorporate real-time photometric correction and its fringe encoding depends on polarisation. These factors affect the control signals, especially their linearity, and can disturb the tracking control loop. To account for this, additional calibration and characterisation efforts are required. We outline the instrument concept and give an overview of the commissioning results obtained so far. We describe the effects of photometric variations and beam-train polarisation on the instrument operation and propose possible solutions. Finally, we update on the current status in view of the start of astrometric science operation with PRIMA.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2009

Revealing anyonic features in a toric code quantum simulation

Anyons are quasiparticles in two-dimensional systems that show statistical properties very distinct from those of bosons or fermions. While their isolated observation has not yet been achieved, here we perform a quantum simulation of anyons on the toric code model. By encoding the model in the multi-partite entangled state of polarized photons, we are able to demonstrate various manipulations of anyonic states and, in particular, their characteristic fractional statistics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1997

Distortions of the Harrison-Zel'dovich spectrum from the QCD transition

We investigate the effect of the cosmological QCD transition on the evolution of primordial density perturbations. If the phase transition is first order, the sound speed vanishes during the transition and density perturbations fall freely. The Harrison-Zel'dovich spectrum of density fluctuations develops large peaks on scales below the Hubble radius at the transition. These peaks above the primordial spectrum grow with wavenumber and produce cold dark matter clumps of masses less than $10^{-10} M_\odot$. At the horizon scale the amplification of overdensities is of order unity, and thus no $1 M_\odot$ black hole production is possible for a COBE normalized scale-invariant spectrum.

astro-ph↗