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Denis Leahy

Publications and source records attributed to Denis Leahy.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
arXiv2014

"Anti-glitches" in the Quark-Nova model for AXPs

In the Quark-Nova model, AXPs are quark stars surrounded by a degenerate iron-rich Keplerian ring (a few stellar radii away). AXP bursts are caused by accretion of chunks from the inner edge of the ring following magnetic field penetration. For bright bursts, the inner disk is prone to radiation induced warping which can tilt it into counter-rotation (i.e. retrograde). For AXP 1E2259+586, the 2002 burst satisfies the condition for the formation of a retrograde inner ring. We hypothesize the 2002 burst reversed the inner ring setting the scene for the 2012 outburst and "anti-glitch" when the retrograde inner ring was suddenly accreted leading to the basic observed properties of the 2012 event.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2014

Specific predictions for SN 2014J in the context of the Quark Nova Ia model

The exact mechanism behind Type Ia supernovae (SNe-Ia) and the nature of the progenitors is poorly understood, although several theories vie for supremacy. Their secured importance to the study of cosmology necessitates a resolution to this problem. Observations of nearby SNe-Ia are therefore critical to determine which theory, if any, is the correct one. SN 2014J discovered at a relatively close 3.5 Mpc in the galaxy M82 provides such an opportunity. In this paper we give specific predictions for SN 2014J in the context of the Quark Nova Ia (QN-Ia) model. Predictions include X-ray luminosities just prior and hundreds of days after the explosion, light curve "glitches", neutrino emission, heavy element creation, and gravitational signatures.

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arXiv2013

Quark-Novae Ia in the Hubble diagram: Implications For Dark Energy

The accelerated expansion of the Universe was proposed through the use of Type-Ia SNe as standard candles. The standardization depends on an empirical correlation between the stretch/color and peak luminosity of the light curves. The use of Type Ia SN as standard candles rests on the assumption that their properties (and this correlation) do not vary with red-shift. We consider the possibility that the majority of Type-Ia SNe are in fact caused by a Quark-Nova detonation in a tight neutron-star-CO-white-dwarf binary system; a Quark-Nova Ia. The spin-down energy injected by the Quark Nova remnant (the quark star) contributes to the post-peak light curve and neatly explains the observed correlation between peak luminosity and light curve shape. We demonstrate that the parameters describing Quark-Novae Ia are NOT constant in red-shift. Simulated Quark-Nova Ia light curves provide a test of the stretch/color correlation by comparing the true distance modulus with that determined using SN light curve fitters. We determine a correction between the true and fitted distance moduli which when applied to Type-Ia SNe in the Hubble diagram recovers the Omega_M = 1 cosmology. We conclude that Type-Ia SNe observations do not necessitate the need for an accelerating expansion of the Universe (if the observed SNe-Ia are dominated by QNe-Ia) and by association the need for Dark Energy.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2013

SN 2009ip and SN 2010mc as dual-shock Quark-Novae

In recent years a number of double-humped supernovae have been discovered. This is a feature predicted by the dual-shock Quark-Nova model where a SN explosion is followed (a few days to a few weeks later) by a Quark-Nova explosion. SN 2009ip and SN 2010mc are the best observed examples of double-humped SNe. Here, we show that the dual-shock Quark-Nova model naturally explains their lightcurves including the late time emission, which we attribute to the interaction between the mixed SN and QN ejecta and the surrounding CSM. Our model applies to any star (O-stars, LBVs, WRs etc.) provided that the SN explosion mass is ~ 20M_sun which point to the conditions for forming a Quark-Nova.

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arXiv2012

A Spallation Model for 44Ti production in Core Collapse Supernovae

Current cc-SN models predict overproduction of 44Ti compared to observations. We present a model for an alternative channel where a cc-SN explosion is followed by a neutron star detonation (Quark Nova or QN), resulting in a spallation reaction of SN ejecta that produces 44Ti. We can achieve a 44Ti production of ~ 10^-4 Msun with our model under the right time delay between the QN and the SN. Our model also produces unique signals not found in standard, cc-SN nucleosynthesis models. Some of these unique signals include a significantly large production of 7Be and 22Na. We discuss some of these signals by analyzing the late time light curve and gamma spectroscopy of our model.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2012

Quark Nova Signatures in Super-luminous Supernovae

Recent observational surveys have uncovered the existence of super-luminous supernovae (SLSNe). While several possible explanations have been put forth, a consensus description for SLSNe has yet to be found. In this work we study the light curves of eight SLSNe in the context of dual-shock quark novae. We find that progenitor stars in the range of 25-35 $M_{\sun}$ provide ample energy to power each light curve. An examination into the effects of varying the physical properties of a dual-shock quark nova on light curve composition is undertaken. We conclude that the wide variety of SLSN light curve morphologies can be explained predominantly by variations in the length of time between supernova and quark nova. Our analysis shows that a singular H$α$ spectral profile found in three SLSNe can be naturally described in the dual-shock quark nova scenario. Predictions of spectral signatures unique to the dual-shock quark nova are presented.

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arXiv2012

Spectral Analysis of the 13 keV Feature in XTE J1810-197: Implications for AXP Models

During 2003 and 2004 the Anomalous X-Ray Pulsar XTE J1810-197 went through a series of four bursts. The spectrum in the tail of one of these bursts shows a strong, significant emission feature ~13 keV, thereby encoding a wealth of information about the environment surrounding this object. In this paper we analyse this emission feature considering both cyclotron and atomic emission processes and weigh our findings against three leading AXP models: the Magnetar model, Fall-back disk model and the Quark nova model. We find that atomic emission from Rubidium within a Keplerian ring ($\sim$15 km from a compact object of $\sim 2M_\odot$) is the most consistent scenario with the observations, supporting the Quark nova model. Cyclotron emission from an atmosphere a few hundred meters thick also fits the feature well, but is ruled out on account of its positional coincidence in three separate AXP sources.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2012

Quark nova imprint in the extreme supernova explosion SN 2006gy

The extremely luminous supernova 2006gy (SN 2006gy) is among the most energetic ever observed. The peak brightness was 100 times that of a typical supernova and it spent an unheard of 250 days at magnitude -19 or brighter. Efforts to describe SN 2006gy have pushed the boundaries of current supernova theory. In this work we aspire to simultaneously reproduce the photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2006gy using a quark nova model. This analysis considers the supernova explosion of a massive star followed days later by the quark nova detonation of a neutron star. We lay out a detailed model of the interaction between the supernova envelope and the quark nova ejecta paying special attention to a mixing region which forms at the inner edge of the supernova envelope. This model is then fit to photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2006gy. This QN model naturally describes several features of SN 2006gy including the late stage light curve plateau, the broad Hα line and the peculiar blue Hα absorption. We find that a progenitor mass between 20Msun and 40Msun provides ample energy to power SN 2006gy in the context of a QN.

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arXiv2012

The peculiar case of the "double-humped" super-luminous supernova SN2006oz

SN2006oz is a super-luminous supernova with a mysterious bright precursor that has resisted explanation in standard models. However, such a precursor has been predicted in the dual-shock quark nova (dsQN) model of super-luminous supernovae -- the precursor is the SN event while the main light curve of the SLSN is powered by the Quark-Nova (QN; explosive transition of the neutron star to a quark star). As the SN is fading, the QN re-energizes the SN ejecta, producing a "double-humped" light curve. In this paper, we show the dsQN model successfully reproduces the observed light curve of SN2006oz.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2012

Distances of the TeV SNR complex CTB 37 towards the Galactic Bar

Three supernova remnants form the CTB 37 complex: CTB 37A (G348.5+0.1, associated with the TeV $γ$-ray source HESS J1714-385), CTB 37B (G348.7+0.3, associated with HESS J1713-381 and the magnetar CXOU J171405.7.381031), and G348.5-0.0. We use 21 cm HI absorption measurements to constrain the kinematic distances to these SNRs, which have not previously been determined well. We revise the kinematic distance for CTB 37A to be in the range 6.3 to 9.5 kpc (previously $\sim$11.3 kpc) because it is beyond the near 3-kpc arm and in front of the far side of the CO cloud at -145 km s$^{-1}$ towards $l$=348.5. G348.5-0.0 has a HI column density (N$_{HI}$ $\sim6.1\times10^{21}$ cm$^{-2}$) lower than CTB 37A ($\sim7.1\time10^{21}$ cm$^{-2}$). Also, G348.5-0.0 does not have the major absorption feature at -107 km s$^{-1}$ that CTB 37A shows. This is caused by the near 3-kpc arm, so G348.5-0.0 is at a distance of $\le$ 6.3 kpc. CTB 37B is at a distance of $\sim$13.2 kpc (previously 5 to 9 kpc) based on: 1) it has an absorption feature at -10$\pm$5 km s$^{-1}$ from the far 3-kpc arm, so CTB 37B is behind it; 2) there is absorption at -30 km s$^{-1}$ but not at -26 km s$^{-1}$, which yields the distance value; 3) the HI column density towards CTB 37B ($\sim8.3\times10^{21}$ cm$^{-2}$) is larger than CTB 37A. In summary, CTB 37A, CTB 37B and G348.5+0.0 are all at different distances and are only by chance nearby each other on the sky. In addition, we conclude that CTB 37 A and B are not associated with the historical Supernova AD 393.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2011

A Spallation Model for the Titanium-rich Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A

Titanium-rich subluminous supernovae are rare and challenge current SN nucleosynthesis models. We present a model in which ejecta from a standard Supernova is impacted by a second explosion of the neutron star (a Quark-nova), resulting in spallation reactions that lead to 56Ni destruction and 44Ti creation under the right conditions. Basic calculations of the spallation products shows that a delay between the two explosions of ~ 5 days reproduces the observed abundance of 44Ti in Cas A and explains its low luminosity as a result of the destruction of 56Ni. Our results could have important implications for lightcurves of subluminous as well as superluminous supernovae.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2011

SGR 0418+5729 as an evolved Quark-Nova compact remnant

Soft gamma repeaters and anomalous X-ray pulsars are believed to be magnetars, i.e. neutron stars powered by extreme magnetic fields, B~10^(14)-10^(15) Gauss. The recent discovery of a soft gamma repeater with low magnetic field (< 7.5x10^(12) Gauss), SGR 0418+5729, which shows bursts similar to those of SGRs, implies that a high surface dipolar magnetic field might not be necessary for magnetar-like activity. We show that the quiescent and bursting properties of SGR 0418+5729 find natural explanations in the context of low-magnetic field Quark-Nova (detonative transition from a neutron star to a quark star) remnants, i.e. an old quark star surrounded by degenerate (iron-rich) Keplerian ring/debris ejected during the Quark-Nova explosion. We find that a 16 Myr old quark star surrounded by a ~ 10^(-10)xM_sun ring, extending in radius from ~ 30 km to 60 km, reproduces many observed properties of SGR 0418+5729. The SGR-like burst is caused by magnetic penetration of the inner part of the ring and subsequent accretion. Radiation feedback results in months-long accretion from the ring's non-degenerate atmosphere which matches well the observed decay phase. We make specific predictions (such as an accretion glitch of Delta P/P ~ - 2x10^(-11) during burst and a sub-keV proton cyclotron line from the ring) that can be tested by sensitive observations.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2010

Radio and X-ray observations of Five TeV SNRs

We briefly summarize recent results of five TeV SNRs from radio and X-ray observations. We focus on remeasuring kinematic distances of 5 TeV SNRs, i.e. HESS J1732-347/SNR G353.6-0.7 (3.2 kpc), HESS J1834-087/G23.3-0.3 (also W41, 4.0 kpc), HESS J1833-105/G21.5-0.9 (4.8 kpc), HESS J1846-029/G29.7-0.3 (Kes 75, 6.3 kpc) and TeV SNR G54.1-0.3 (6.5 kpc), and studying non-thermal X-ray emissions from two old SNRs (G353.6-0.7 and W41). These not only allow constraining the TeV SNR basic physical properties, but also help reveal acceleration mechanisms of TeV Gamma-rays in the SNRs which are either related with the SNRs or the pulsar wind nebulae.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2010

Quark-nova remnants IV: Application to radio emitting AXP transients

(Abridged) XTE J1810-197 and 1E 1547.0-5408 are two transient AXPs exhibiting radio emission with unusual properties. In addition, their spin down rates during outburst show opposite trends, which so far has no explanation. Here, we extend our quark-nova model for AXPs to include transient AXPs, in which the outbursts are caused by transient accretion events from a Keplerian (iron-rich) degenerate ring. For a ring with inner and outer radii of 23.5 km and 26.5 km, respectively, our model gives a good fit to the observed X-ray outburst from XTE J1810-197 and the behavior of temperature, luminosity, and area of the two X-ray blackbodies with time. The two blackbodies in our model are related to a heat front (i.e. Bohm diffusion front) propagating along the ring's surface and an accretion hot spot on the quark star surface. Radio pulsations in our model are caused by dissipation at the light cylinder of magnetic bubbles, produced near the ring during the X-ray outburst. The delay between X-ray peak emission and radio emission in our model is related to the propagation time of these bubbles to the light cylinder. We predict a ~1 year and ~1 month delay for XTE J1810-197 and 1E 1547.0-5408, respectively. The observed flat spectrum, erratic pulse profile, and the pulse duration are all explained in our model as a result of X-point reconnection events induced by the dissipation of the bubbles at the light cylinder. The spin down rate of the central quark star can either increase or decrease depending on how the radial drift velocity of the magnetic islands changes with distance from the central star. We suggest an evolutionary connection between transient AXPs and typical AXPs in our model.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2010

Using observations of millisecond pulsars to measure mass and radius of neutron stars and implications for equation of state of matter at high density

Millisecond pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars where general relativity plays a strong role in the propagation of light from the neutron star to observer. The observed X-ray pulse shapes carry information on the mass, radius and surface shape of the neutron star. Comparison of theoretical calculations of pulse shapes with observed pulse shapes can give useful constraints on neutron star properties. Then comparison with calculated properties giving an assumed equation of state (EOS) can confirm or rule out the assumed EOS.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2010

Distance to the SNR CTB 109/AXP 1E 2259+586 by HI absorption and self-absorption

We suggest a revised distance to the supernova remnant (SNR) G109.1-1.0 (CTB 109) and its associated anomalous X-ray pulsar (AXP) 1E 2259+586 by analyzing 21cm HI-line and 12CO-line spectra of CTB 109, HII region Sh 152, and the adjacent molecular cloud complex. CTB 109 has been established to be interacting with a large molecular cloud (recession velocity at v=-55 km s^-1). The highest radial velocities of absorption features towards CTB 109 (-56 km s^-1) and Sh 152 (-65 km s^-1) are larger than the recombination line velocity (-50 km s^-1) of Sh 152 demonstrating the velocity reversal within the Perseus arm. The molecular cloud has cold HI column density large enough to produce HI self-absorption (HISA) and HI narrow self-absorption (HINSA) if it was at the near side of the velocity reversal. Absence of both HISA and HINSA indicates that the cloud is at the far side of the velocity reversal within the Perseus Arm, so we obtain a distance for CTB 109 of 4+/-0.8 kpc. The new distance still leads to a normal explosion energy for CTB 109/AXP 1E 2259+586.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2009

Predictions for signatures of the quark-nova in superluminous supernovae

[Abridged] Superluminous Supernovae (SN2006gy, SN2005gj, SN2005ap, SN2008fz, SN2003ma) have been a challenge to explain by standard models. We present an alternative scenario involving a quark-nova (QN), an explosive transition of the newly born neutron star to a quark star in which a second explosion (delayed) occurs inside the already expanding ejecta of a normal SN. The reheated SN ejecta can radiate at higher levels for longer periods of time primarily due to reduced adiabatic expansion losses, unlike the standard SN case. Our model is successfully applied to SN2006gy, SN2005gj, SN2005ap, SN2008fz, SN2003ma with encouraging fits to the lightcurves. There are four predictions in our model: (i) superluminous SNe optical lightcurves should show a double-hump with the SN hump at weaker magnitudes occurring days to weeks before the QN; (ii) Two shock breakouts should be observed vis-a-vis one for a normal SN. Depending on the time delay, this would manifest as two distinct spikes in the X-ray region or a broadening of the first spike for extremely short delays; (iii) The QN deposits heavy elements of mass number A> 130 at the base of the preceeding SN ejecta. These QN r-processed elements should be visible in the late spectrum (few days-weeks in case of strong ejecta mixing) of the superluminous SN; (iv) The QN yield will also contain lighter elements (Hydrogen and Helium). We expect the late spectra to include H_alpha emission lines that should be distinct in their velocity signature from standard H_alpha emission.

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