arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to F. De Paolis.
The diffraction effects on gravitational waves propagating through a stellar cluster are analyzed in the relevant approximation of Fresnel diffraction limit. We find that a gravitational wave scintillation effect - similar to the radio source scintillation effect - comes out naturally, implying that the gravitational wave intensity changes in a characteristic way as the observer moves.
We discuss the results of the MEGA microlensing campaign towards M31. Our analysis is based on an analytical evaluation of the microlensing rate, taking into account the observational efficiency as given by the MEGA collaboration. In particular, we study the spatial and time duration distributions of the microlensing events for several mass distribution models of the M31 bulge. We find that only for extreme models of the M31 luminous components it is possible to reconcile the total observed MEGA events with the expected self-lensing contribution. Nevertheless, the expected spatial distribution of self-lensing events is more concentrated and hardly in agreement with the observed distribution. We find it thus difficult to explain all events as being due to self-lensing alone. On the other hand, the small number of events does not yet allow to draw firm conclusions on the halo dark matter fraction in form of MACHOs.
MACHO-96-BLG-5 is a microlensing event observed towards the bulge of the Galaxy with exceptionally long duration of $\sim 970$ days. The microlensing parallax fit parameters were used to estimate the lens mass $M=6^{+10}_{-3}$ M$_{\odot}$ and its distance $d$ which results to be in the range 0.5 kpc - 2 kpc. The upper limit on the absolute brightness for main-sequence stars of the same mass is less than 1 $L_{\odot}$ so that the lens is a good black hole candidate. If it is so, the black hole would accrete by interstellar medium thereby emitting in the $X$-ray band. Here, the analysis of an {\it XMM} deep observation towards MACHO-96-BLG-5 lens position is reported. Only an upper limit (at 99.8% confidence level) to the $X$-ray flux from the lens position of $9.10\times 10^{-15}$-- $1.45\times 10^{-14}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ in the energy band $0.2-10$ keV has been obtained from that deep observation allowing to constrain the putative black hole accretion parameters.
Recently, Zakharov et al. (2005) considered the possibility of evaluating the spin parameter and the inclination angle for Kerr black holes in nearby galactic centers by using future advanced astrometrical instruments. A similar approach which uses the characteristic properties of gravitational retro-lensing images can be followed to measure the charge of Reissner-Nordstrom black hole. Indeed, in spite of the fact that their formation might be problematic, charged black holes are objects of intensive investigations. From the theoretical point of view it is well-known that a black hole is described by only three parameters, namely, its mass M, angular momentum J and charge Q. Therefore, it would be important to have a method for measuring all these parameters, preferably by model independent way. In this paper, we propose a procedure to measure the black hole charge by using the size of the retro-lensing images that can be revealed by future astrometrical missions. A discussion of the Kerr-Newmann black hole case is also offered.
We perform an analytical study and a Monte Carlo (MC) analysis of the main features for microlensing events in pixel lensing observations towards M31. Our main aim is to investigate the lens nature and location of the 14 candidate events found by the MEGA collaboration. Assuming a reference model for the mass distribution in M31 and the standard model for our galaxy, we estimate the MACHO-to-self lensing probability and the event time duration towards M31. Reproducing the MEGA observing conditions, as a result we get the MC event number density distribution as a function of the event full-width half-maximum duration $t_{1/2}$ and the magnitude at maximum $R_{\mathrm {max}}$. For a MACHO mass of $0.5 M_{\odot}$ we find typical values of $t_{1/2} \simeq 20$ day and $R_{\mathrm {max}} \simeq 22$, for both MACHO-lensing and self-lensing events occurring beyond about 10 arcminutes from the M31 center. A comparison of the observed features ($t_{1/2}$ and $R_{\mathrm {max}}$) with our MC results shows that for a MACHO mass $>0.1 M_{\odot}$ the four innermost MEGA events are most likely self-lensing events, whereas the six outermost events must be genuine MACHO-lensing events.
Pixel lensing is the gravitational microlensing of light from unresolved stars contributing to the luminosity flux collected by a single pixel. A star must be sufficiently magnified, that is, the lens impact parameter must be less than a threshold value $u_T$ if the excess photon flux in a pixel is to be detected over the background. Assuming the parameters of the Isaac Newton Telescope and typical observing conditions, we present maps in the sky plane towards M31 of threshold impact parameter, optical depth, event number and event time scale, analyzing in particular how these quantities depend on $u_T$ in pixel lensing searches. We use an analytical approach consisting of averaging on $u_T$ and the star column density the optical depth, microlensing rate and event duration time scale. An overall decrease in the expected optical depth and event number with respect to the classical microlensing results is found, particularly towards the high luminosity M31 inner regions. As expected, pixel lensing events towards the inner region of M31 are mostly due to self-lensing, while in the outer region dark events dominate even for a 20% MACHO halo fraction. We also find a far-disk/near-disk asymmetry in the expected event number, smaller than that found by \cite{Kerins04}. Both for self and dark lensing events, the pixel lensing time scale we obtain is $\simeq 1 - 7$ days, dark events lasting roughly twice as long as self-lensing events. The shortest events are found to occur towards the M31 South Semisphere. We also note that the pixel lensing results depend on $ $ and $ $ values and ultimately on the observing conditions and telescope capabilities.
Supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs) may exist in the centers of galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) and are expected to be fairly common in the Universe as a consequence of merging processes between galaxies. The existence of SMBHBs can be probed by looking for double nuclei in galaxy centers or, more easily, detecting periodic behavior in the observed radio light curves. In a recent paper, Sudou et al. \cite{sudou2003} announced the first direct observation of an SMBHB. Using VLBI observations they found that the unresolved radio core of the radio galaxy 3C66B shows a well defined elliptical motion with a period of $1.05\pm 0.03$ yrs, implying the presence of a couple of massive black holes in the center of the galaxy. In the present paper we study the astrophysical implications of the existence of such an SMBHB in 3C66B. In particular we focus on the information that can be obtained from detecting a signal periodicity either in the $X$-ray and/or $γ$-ray light curves as a consequence of the motion of the black holes. These observations could be used to extract further information on the physical parameters of the SMBHB and partially solve the system parameter degeneracy. The detection of the gravitational wave spectrum emitted by such system may be used to completely determine the physical parameters of the binary system.
Gravitational lensing is a well known phenomenon predicted by the General Theory of Relativity. It is now a well-developed observational technique in astronomy and is considered to be a fundamental tool for acquiring information about the nature and distribution of dark matter. In particular, gravitational lensing experiments may be used to search for black holes. It has been proposed that a Schwarzschild black hole may act as a retro-lens (Holz & Wheeler \cite{hw}) which, if illuminated by a powerful light source (e.g. the Sun), deflects light ray paths to large bending angles so that the light may reach the observer. Here, by considering the strong field limit in the deflection angle and confining our analysis to the black hole equatorial plane, we extend the Holz-Wheeler results to slowly spinning Kerr black holes. By considering the Holz-Wheeler geometrical configuration for the lens, source and observer we find that the inclusion of rotation does not substantially change the brightness of the retro-lensing images with respect to the Schwarzschild case. We also discuss the possibility that the next generation space-based telescopes may detect such retro-images and eventually put limits on the rotational parameter of the black hole.
Microlensing and pixel-lensing surveys play a fundamental role in the searches for galactic dark matter and in the study of the galactic structure. Recent observations suggest the presence of a population of old white dwarfs with high proper motion, probably in the galactic halo, with local mass density in the range $1.3\times 10^{-4}-4.4\times 10^{-3} M_{\odot}$ pc$^{-3}$, in addition to the standard galactic stellar disk and dark halo components. Investigation of the signatures on microlensing results towards the LMC of these different lens populations, with particular emphasis to white dwarfs, is the main purpose of the present paper. This is done by evaluating optical depth and microlensing rate of the various lens populations and then calculating through a Montecarlo program, the probability that a lens which has caused a microlensing event of duration $t_{\rm E}$ belongs to a certain galactic population. Data obtained by the MACHO Collaboration allow us to set an upper bound of $1.6\times 10^{-3} M_{\odot}$ pc$^{-3}$ to the local mass density of white dwarfs distributed in spheroidal models, while for white dwarfs in disk models all values for the local mass density are in agreement with observational results.
The possibility that some Markarian objects (e.g. Mkn 501, Mkn 421 and Mkn 766) host massive binary black hole systems with eccentric orbits at their centers has been considered. These systems could be sources of gravitational radiation for space-based gravitational wave interferometers like LISA and ASTROD. In the framework of the Lincoln -- Will approximation we simulate coalescence of such systems, calculate gravitational wave templates and discuss parameters of these binary black hole systems corresponding to the facilities of LISA and ASTROD. We discuss also the possibility to extract information about parameters of the binary black hole systems (masses, of components, distances between them, eccentricity and orbit inclination angle with respect to line of sight) from future gravitational wave measurements.
Holz & Wheeler (\cite{hw}) have recently proposed that a Schwarzschild black hole may act as a retro-lens which, if illuminated by a powerful light source, deflects light ray paths to large bending angles and a series of luminous arcs (or rings in the case of aligned objects) centered on the black hole may form. Obviously, the most convenient geometry to get retro-lensing images would be that of a very bright star close to a massive black hole, say the putative $\sim 4\times 10^6$ M$_{\odot}$ black hole at the galactic center. Recent observations of the galactic center region in the $K$-band have revealed the presence of a very bright main sequence star (labelled S2) with mass $\sim 15$ M$_{\odot}$ orbiting at close distance (130-1900 AU) from Sgr A$^*$. The relatively vicinity of S2 to the central massive black hole may offer a unique laboratory to test the formation of retro-lensing images. The next generation of space-based telescopes in the $K$-band (like NGST) may have high enough limiting magnitude necessary to observe such retro-lensing images.
Observations with the Extreme UltraViolet Explorer (EUVE) satellite have shown that the inner region of the Virgo cluster (centered in M87 galaxy) has a strong Extreme UltraViolet (EUV) emission (up to $13^{\prime}$) in excess to the low-energy tail expected from the hot, diffuse IntraCluster Medium (ICM). Detailed observations of large scale radio emission and upper limits for hard, non-thermal X-ray emission in the $2 - 10$ keV energy band have been also reported. Here we show that all available observations can be accounted for by the existence of two electron Populations (indicated as I and II) in the M87 Galaxy. The mildly relativistic Population I is responsible for the EUV excess emission via IC scattering of CBR and starlight photons. Population II electrons (with higher energy) are instead responsible for the radio emission through synchrotron mechanism. The same electrons also give rise to hard non-thermal X-ray emission (via IC scattering of CBR photons), but the resulting power is always below the upper bounds placed by present observations. The non-negligible energy budget of the two electron populations with respect to that associated with thermal electrons indicates that the M87 galaxy is not today in a quiescent (relaxed) phase. Nuclear activity and merging processes could have made available this energy budget that today is released in the form of relativistic electrons.
In a recent paper [Ruffa] it was proposed that the massive black hole at the Galactic center may act as a gravitational lens focusing gravitational wave energy to the Earth. Considering the gravitational wave signal emitted by galactic spinning pulsars, an enhancement in the gravitational wave intensity by a factor of a few thousand is found. For galactic and extra-galactic sources the intensity enhancement can be as high as 4,000 and 17,000, respectively. In this note we consider the probability of significant signal enhancement from galactic and extra-galactic pulsars by the proposed mechanism and find that it is actually negligible. The lensing effect due to a possible companion object (a star or the galactic center black hole) of the gravitational wave source is also investigated in the framework of the classical microlensing theory.
Some BL Lacertae objects show a periodic behaviour in their light curves that is often attributed to the orbital motion of a central binary black hole system. On this basis, and assuming a circular orbit, Rieger and Mannheim have recently proposed a method to determine the orbital parameters of the binary system from the observed quantities, {\it i.e.} the signal periodicity, the flux ratio between maximum and minimum signal and the power law spectral index of the photon flux. However, since these binary black holes are expected to originate from galactic mergers, they could well be on eccentric orbits, which might not circularize for a substantial time. We therefore generalize the treatment proposed by Rieger and Mannheim by taking into account the effect of the orbital eccentricity of the binary system. We apply the model to three well-observed Markarian objects: MKN 501, MKN 421 and MKN 766 that most likely host a binary system in their centers. Some astrophysical implications of this model are also investigated with particular emphasis to the gravitational radiation emission from the binary black holes. Under particular conditions (e.g. for some values of the orbital separation, eccentricity and Lorentz factor) one can obtain signals above the sensitivity threshold of the LISA detector.
We present the first results of the analysis of data collected during the 1998-99 observational campaign at the 1.3 meter McGraw-Hill Telescope, towards the Andromeda galaxy (M31), aimed to the detection of gravitational microlensing effects as a probe of the presence of dark matter in our and in M31 halo. The analysis is performed using the pixel lensing technique, which consists in the study of flux variations of unresolved sources and has been proposed and implemented by the AGAPE collaboration. We carry out a shape analysis by demanding that the detected flux variations be achromatic and compatible with a Paczynski light curve. We apply the Durbin-Watson hypothesis test to the residuals. Furthermore, we consider the background of variables sources. Finally five candidate microlensing events emerge from our selection. Comparing with the predictions of a Monte Carlo simulation, assuming a standard spherical model for the M31 and Galactic haloes, and typical values for the MACHO mass, we find that our events are only marginally consistent with the distribution of observable parameters predicted by the simulation.
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are expected to efficiently accelerate protons up to relativistic energies. High-energy photons can originate from decay of neutral pions produced by the interaction of these protons with the medium surrounding the source. In the same hadronic chain, high energy neutrinos are expected to be produced from decay of charged pions, as well as from decay of generated muons. Neutrinos can travel cosmological distances being much less absorbed than photons, thus providing a powerful tool for the investigation of cosmic sources. In the frame of a recently proposed hadronic model for the emission of high-energy gamma-rays, we estimate the neutrino emission from GRBs and calculate the neutrino fluxes at Earth as a function of the model parameters. The detectability of the expected signal by current and future experiments is also extensively discussed.
The nature of the massive object at the Galactic Center (Sgr A$^{*}$) is still unclear even if various observational campaigns led many authors to believe that our Galaxy hosts a super-massive black hole with mass $M\simeq 2.6\times 10^6$ M$_{\odot}$. However, the black hole hypothesis, which theoretically implies a luminosity $\simeq 10^{41}$ erg s$^{-1}$, runs into problems if one takes into account that the observed luminosity, from radio to $γ$-ray wavelengths, is below $10^{37}$ erg s$^{-1}$. In order to solve this blackness problem, alternative models have been recently proposed. In particular, it has been suggested that the Galactic Center hosts a ball made up by non-baryonic matter (e.g. massive neutrinos and anti-neutrinos) in which the degeneracy pressure of fermions balances their self-gravity. Requiring to be consistent with all the available observations towards the Galactic Center allows us to put severe astrophysical constraints on the neutrino ball parameters. The presence of such an object in the Galactic Center may be excluded if the constituent neutrino mass $m_ν$ is $\ut> 24$ keV, while if $m_ν\ut< 24$ keV observations can not give a definite answer.
Astrophysical implications of gravitational microlensing of gravitational waves emitted by rotating neutron stars (NSs) are investigated. In particular, attention is focused on the following situations: i) NSs in the galactic bulge lensed by a central black hole of $2.6\times 10^6 M_{\odot}$ or by stars and MACHOs distributed in the galactic bulge, disk and halo between Earth and the sources; ii) NSs in globular clusters lensed by a central black hole of $\sim 10^3 M_{\odot}$ or by stars and MACHOs distributed throughout the Galaxy. The detection of such kind of microlensing events will give a unique opportunity for the unambiguous mapping of the central region of the Galaxy and of globular clusters. In addition, the detection of such events will provide a new test of the General Theory of Relativity. Gravitational microlensing will, moreover, increase the challenge of detecting gravitational waves from NSs.