arXiv subjects

Ethan J. Gibson

Publications and source records attributed to Ethan J. Gibson.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A New Relativistic Model for Spectral Formation in Accretion-Powered X-ray Pulsars: Pulse Profiles and Phase-Averaged Spectra

We develop a new analytical model describing the radiative and dynamical structure of an accretion-powered X-ray pulsar, including relativistic effects and a detailed representation of the rotational and magnetic geometry of the neutron star and the two accretion columns. The model provides for the first time a simultaneous calculation of both the phase-averaged spectrum and the pulse profile for an accretion-powered X-ray pulsar. The X-ray continuum spectrum is calculated using the analytical model of Becker & Wolff (2022), which assumes a conical accretion column geometry. The trajectory of the radiation escaping from the two columns is tracked through the curved spacetime using the Schwarzschild metric. The angular distribution of the radiation escaping from the surfaces of the columns (the beaming pattern) is represented using a set of "laser-like" emission directions, with associated amplitudes, called weight coefficients, that each contribute "sub-profiles" to the observed pulse profile. The sub-profiles provide basis functions that are used to fit the observed pulse profile. This yields a set of weight coefficients that determine the beaming pattern of the emission from the accretion column. We use the new model to analyze NuSTAR data for Her X-1, allowing the determination of the temperature, accretion rate, and magnetic field strength, as well as the rotational inclination angle and the latitudes of the two magnetic poles. The method also yields the beaming pattern of the emission, hence providing for the first time a self-consistent phenomenological description of the physical and radiative structures of the two accretion columns.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Beyond Point Masses. II. Non-Keplerian Shape Effects are Detectable in Several TNO Binaries

About 40 transneptunian binaries (TNBs) have fully determined orbits with about 10 others being solved except for breaking the mirror ambiguity. Despite decades of study almost all TNBs have only ever been analyzed with a model that assumes perfect Keplerian motion (e.g., two point masses). In reality, all TNB systems are non-Keplerian due to non-spherical shapes, possible presence of undetected system components, and/or solar perturbations. In this work, we focus on identifying candidates for detectable non-Keplerian motion based on sample of 45 well-characterized binaries. We use MultiMoon, a non-Keplerian Bayesian inference tool, to analyze published relative astrometry allowing for non-spherical shapes of each TNB system's primary. We first reproduce the results of previous Keplerian fitting efforts with MultiMoon, which serves as a comparison for the non-Keplerian fits and confirms that these fits are not biased by the assumption of a Keplerian orbit. We unambiguously detect non-Keplerian motion in 8 TNB systems across a range of primary radii, mutual orbit separations, and system masses. As a proof of concept for non-Keplerian fitting, we perform detailed fits for (66652) Borasisi-Pabu, possibly revealing a $J_2 \approx 0.44$, implying Borasisi (and/or Pabu) may be a contact binary or an unresolved compact binary. However, full confirmation of this result will require new observations. This work begins the next generation of TNB analyses that go beyond the point mass assumption to provide unique and valuable information on the physical properties of TNBs with implications for their formation and evolution.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2020

Ab initio modeling and experimental investigation of Fe$_2$P by DFT and spin spectroscopies

Fe$_2$P alloys have been identified as promising candidates for magnetic refrigeration at room-temperature and for custom magnetostatic applications. The intent of this study is to accurately characterize the magnetic ground state of the parent compound, Fe$_2$P, with two spectroscopic techniques, $μ$SR and NMR, in order to provide solid bases for further experimental analysis of Fe$_2$P-type transition metal based alloys. We perform zero applied field measurements using both techniques below the ferromagnetic transition $T_C=220~\mathrm K$. The experimental results are reproduced and interpreted using first principles simulations validating this approach for quantitative estimates in alloys of interest for technological applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Spin dynamics and a nearly continuous magnetic phase transition in an entropy-stabilized oxide antiferromagnet

The magnetic order and the spin dynamics in the antiferromagnetic entropy-stabilized oxide (Mg$_{0.2}$Co$_{0.2}$Ni$_{0.2}$Cu$_{0.2}$Zn$_{0.2}$)O (MgO-ESO) have been studied using muon spin relaxation ($μ$SR) and inelastic neutron scattering. We find that antiferromagnetic order develops gradually in the sample volume as it is cooled below 140 K, becoming fully ordered around 100 K. The spin dynamics show a critical slowing down in the vicinity of the transition, and the magnetic order parameter grows continuously in the ordered state. These results indicate that the antiferromagnetic transition is continuous but proceeds with a Gaussian distribution of ordering temperatures. The magnetic contribution to the specific heat determined from inelastic neutron scattering likewise shows a broad feature centered around 120 K. High-resolution inelastic neutron scattering further reveals an initially gapped spectrum at low temperature which sees an increase in a quasielastic contribution upon heating until the ordering temperature.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗