arXiv subjects

Feng Tian

Publications and source records attributed to Feng Tian.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

The MUSCLES Treasury Survey III: X-ray to Infrared Spectra of 11 M and K Stars Hosting Planets

We present a catalog of panchromatic spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for 7 M and 4 K dwarf stars that span X-ray to infrared wavelengths (5 Å - 5.5 μm). These SEDs are composites of Chandra or XMM-Newton data from 5 - ~50 Å, a plasma emission model from ~50 - 100 Å, broadband empirical estimates from 100 - 1170 Å, HST data from 1170 - 5700 Å, including a reconstruction of stellar Lyα emission at 1215.67 Å, and a PHOENIX model spectrum from 5700 - 55000 Å. Using these SEDs, we computed the photodissociation rates of several molecules prevalent in planetary atmospheres when exposed to each star's unattenuated flux ("unshielded" photodissociation rates) and found that rates differ among stars by over an order of magnitude for most molecules. In general, the same spectral regions drive unshielded photodissociations both for the minimally and maximally FUV active stars. However, for ozone visible flux drives dissociation for the M stars whereas NUV flux drives dissociation for the K stars. We also searched for an FUV continuum in the assembled SEDs and detected it in 5/11 stars, where it contributes around 10% of the flux in the range spanned by the continuum bands. An ultraviolet continuum shape is resolved for the star ε Eri that shows an edge likely attributable to Si II recombination. The 11 SEDs presented in this paper, available online through the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes, will be valuable for vetting stellar upper-atmosphere emission models and simulating photochemistry in exoplanet atmospheres.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

The MUSCLES Treasury Survey I: Motivation and Overview

Ground- and space-based planet searches employing radial velocity techniques and transit photometry have detected thousands of planet-hosting stars in the Milky Way. The chemistry of these atmospheres is controlled by the shape and absolute flux of the stellar spectral energy distribution, however, flux distributions of relatively inactive low-mass stars are poorly known at present. To better understand exoplanets orbiting low-mass stars, we have executed a panchromatic (X-ray to mid-IR) study of the spectral energy distributions of 11 nearby planet hosting stars, the {\it Measurements of the Ultraviolet Spectral Characteristics of Low-mass Exoplanetary Systems} (MUSCLES) Treasury Survey. The MUSCLES program consists of contemporaneous observations at X-ray, UV, and optical wavelengths. We show that energetic radiation (X-ray and ultraviolet) is present from magnetically active stellar atmospheres at all times for stars as late as M5. Emission line luminosities of \ion{C}{4} and \ion{Mg}{2} are strongly correlated with band-integrated luminosities. We find that while the slope of the spectral energy distribution, FUV/NUV, increases by approximately two orders of magnitude form early K to late M dwarfs ($\approx$~0.01~to~1), the absolute FUV and XUV flux levels at their corresponding habitable zone distances are constant to within factors of a few, spanning the range 10~--~70 erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ in the habitable zone. Despite the lack of strong stellar activity indicators in their optical spectra, several of the M dwarfs in our sample show spectacular flare emission in their UV light curves. Finally, we interpret enhanced $L(line)$/$L_{Bol}$ ratios for \ion{C}{4} and \ion{N}{5} as tentative observational evidence for the interaction of planets with large planetary mass-to-orbital distance ratios ($M_{plan}$/$a_{plan}$) with the transition regions of their host stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Capture cross sections of 15N(n, γ)16N at astrophysical energies

We have reanalyzed reaction cross sections of 16N on 12C target. The nucleon density distribution of 16N, especially surface density distribution, was extracted using the modified Glauber model. On the basis of dilute surface densities, the discussion of 15N(n, γ)16N reaction was performed within the framework of the direct capture reaction mechanism. The calculations agreed quite well with the experimental data.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2016

Nonuniform sampling, reproducing kernels, and the associated Hilbert spaces

In a general context of positive definite kernels $k$, we develop tools and algorithms for sampling in reproducing kernel Hilbert space $\mathscr{H}$ (RKHS). With reference to these RKHSs, our results allow inference from samples; more precisely, reconstruction of an "entire" (or global) signal, a function $f$ from $\mathscr{H}$, via generalized interpolation of $f$ from partial information obtained from carefully chosen distributions of sample points. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for configurations of point-masses $δ_{x}$ of sample-points $x$ to have finite norm relative to the particular RKHS $\mathscr{H}$ considered. When this is the case, and the kernel $k$ is given, we obtain an induced positive definite kernel $\left\langle δ_{x},δ_{y}\right\rangle _{\mathscr{H}}$. We perform a comparison, and we study when this induced positive definite kernel has $l^{2}$ rows and columns. The latter task is accomplished with the use of certain symmetric pairs of operators in the two Hilbert spaces, $l^{2}$ on one side, and the RKHS $\mathscr{H}$ on the other. A number of applications are given, including to infinite network systems, to graph Laplacians, to resistance metrics, and to sampling of Gaussian fields.

math.FA↗

arXiv2016

Representations of the canonical commutation relations--algebra and the operators of stochastic calculus

We study a family of representations of the canonical commutation relations (CCR)-algebra (an infinite number of degrees of freedom), which we call admissible. The family of admissible representations includes the Fock-vacuum representation. We show that, to every admissible representation, there is an associated Gaussian stochastic calculus, and we point out that the case of the Fock-vacuum CCR-representation in a natural way yields the operators of Malliavin calculus. And we thus get the operators of Malliavin's calculus of variation from a more algebraic approach than is common. And we obtain explicit and natural formulas, and rules, for the operators of stochastic calculus. Our approach makes use of a notion of symmetric (closable) pairs of operators. The Fock-vacuum representation yields a maximal symmetric pair. This duality viewpoint has the further advantage that issues with unbounded operators and dense domains can be resolved much easier than what is possible with alternative tools. With the use of CCR representation theory, we also obtain, as a byproduct, a number of new results in multi-variable operator theory which we feel are of independent interest.

math.OA↗

arXiv2015

Transfer Operators, Induced Probability Spaces, and Random Walk Models

We study a family of discrete-time random-walk models. The starting point is a fixed generalized transfer operator $R$ subject to a set of axioms, and a given endomorphism in a compact Hausdorff space $X$. Our setup includes a host of models from applied dynamical systems, and it leads to general path-space probability realizations of the initial transfer operator. The analytic data in our construction is a pair $\left(h,λ\right)$, where $h$ is an $R$-harmonic function on $X$, and $λ$ is a given positive measure on $X$ subject to a certain invariance condition defined from $R$. With this we show that there are then discrete-time random-walk realizations in explicit path-space models; each associated to a probability measures $\mathbb{P}$ on path-space, in such a way that the initial data allows for spectral characterization: The initial endomorphism in $X$ lifts to an automorphism in path-space with the probability measure $\mathbb{P}$ quasi-invariant with respect to a shift automorphism. The latter takes the form of explicit multi-resolutions in $L^{2}$ of $\mathbb{P}$ in the sense of Lax-Phillips scattering theory.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Noncommutative analysis, Multivariable spectral theory for operators in Hilbert space, Probability, and Unitary Representations

Over the decades, Functional Analysis has been enriched and inspired on account of demands from neighboring fields, within mathematics, harmonic analysis (wavelets and signal processing), numerical analysis (finite element methods, discretization), PDEs (diffusion equations, scattering theory), representation theory; iterated function systems (fractals, Julia sets, chaotic dynamical systems), ergodic theory, operator algebras, and many more. And neighboring areas, probability/statistics (for example stochastic processes, Ito and Malliavin calculus), physics (representation of Lie groups, quantum field theory), and spectral theory for Schrödinger operators. We have strived for a more accessible book, and yet aimed squarely at applications; -- we have been serious about motivation: Rather than beginning with the four big theorems in Functional Analysis, our point of departure is an initial choice of topics from applications. And we have aimed for flexibility of use; acknowledging that students and instructors will invariably have a host of diverse goals in teaching beginning analysis courses. And students come to the course with a varied background. Indeed, over the years we found that students have come to the Functional Analysis sequence from other and different areas of math, and even from other departments; and so we have presented the material in a way that minimizes the need for prerequisites. We also found that well motivated students are easily able to fill in what is needed from measure theory, or from a facility with the four big theorems of Functional Analysis. And we found that the approach "learn-by-using" has a comparative advantage.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Graph Laplacians and discrete reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces from restrictions

We study kernel functions, and associated reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces $\mathscr{H}$ over infinite, discrete and countable sets $V$. Numerical analysis builds discrete models (e.g., finite element) for the purpose of finding approximate solutions to boundary value problems; using multiresolution-subdivision schemes in continuous domains. In this paper, we turn the tables: our object of study is realistic infinite discrete models in their own right; and we then use an analysis of suitable continuous counterpart problems, but now serving as a tool for obtaining solutions in the discrete world.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Induced representations arising from a character with finite orbit in a semidirect product

Making use of a unified approach to certain classes of induced representations, we establish here a number of detailed spectral theoretic decomposition results. They apply to specific problems from non-commutative harmonic analysis, ergodic theory, and dynamical systems. Our analysis is in the setting of semidirect products, discrete subgroups, and solenoids. Our applications include analysis and ergodic theory of Bratteli diagrams and their compact duals; of wavelet sets, and wavelet representations.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Extensions of Positive Definite Functions: Applications and Their Harmonic Analysis

We study two classes of extension problems, and their interconnections: (i) Extension of positive definite (p.d.) continuous functions defined on subsets in locally compact groups $G$; (ii) In case of Lie groups, representations of the associated Lie algebras $La\left(G\right)$ by unbounded skew-Hermitian operators acting in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) $\mathscr{H}_{F}$. Why extensions? In science, experimentalists frequently gather spectral data in cases when the observed data is limited, for example limited by the precision of instruments; or on account of a variety of other limiting external factors. Given this fact of life, it is both an art and a science to still produce solid conclusions from restricted or limited data. In a general sense, our monograph deals with the mathematics of extending some such given partial data-sets obtained from experiments. More specifically, we are concerned with the problems of extending available partial information, obtained, for example, from sampling. In our case, the limited information is a restriction, and the extension in turn is the full positive definite function (in a dual variable); so an extension if available will be an everywhere defined generating function for the exact probability distribution which reflects the data; if it were fully available. Such extensions of local information (in the form of positive definite functions) will in turn furnish us with spectral information. In this form, the problem becomes an operator extension problem, referring to operators in a suitable reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS). In our presentation we have stressed hands-on-examples. Extensions are almost never unique, and so we deal with both the question of existence, and if there are extensions, how they relate back to the initial completion problem.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Characterizing the Habitable Zones of Exoplanetary Systems with a Large Ultraviolet/Visible/Near-IR Space Observatory

Understanding the surface and atmospheric conditions of Earth-size, rocky planets in the habitable zones (HZs) of low-mass stars is currently one of the greatest astronomical endeavors. Knowledge of the planetary effective surface temperature alone is insufficient to accurately interpret biosignature gases when they are observed in the coming decades. The UV stellar spectrum drives and regulates the upper atmospheric heating and chemistry on Earth-like planets, is critical to the definition and interpretation of biosignature gases, and may even produce false-positives in our search for biologic activity. This white paper briefly describes the scientific motivation for panchromatic observations of exoplanetary systems as a whole (star and planet), argues that a future NASA UV/Vis/near-IR space observatory is well-suited to carry out this work, and describes technology development goals that can be achieved in the next decade to support the development of a UV/Vis/near-IR flagship mission in the 2020s.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Infinite networks and variation of conductance functions in discrete Laplacians

For a given infinite connected graph $G=(V,E)$ and an arbitrary but fixed conductance function $c$, we study an associated graph Laplacian $Δ_{c}$; it is a generalized difference operator where the differences are measured across the edges $E$ in $G$; and the conductance function $c$ represents the corresponding coefficients. The graph Laplacian (a key tool in the study of infinite networks) acts in an energy Hilbert space $\mathscr{H}_{E}$ computed from $c$. Using a certain Parseval frame, we study the spectral theoretic properties of graph Laplacians. In fact, for fixed $c$, there are two versions of the graph Laplacian, one defined naturally in the $l^{2}$ space of $V$, and the other in $\mathscr{H}_{E}$. The first is automatically selfadjoint, but the second involves a Krein extension. We prove that, as sets, the two spectra are the same, aside from the point 0. The point zero may be in the spectrum of the second, but not the first. We further study the fine structure of the respective spectra as the conductance function varies; showing now how the spectrum changes subject to variations in the function $c$.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Infinite weighted graphs with bounded resistance metric

We consider infinite weighted graphs $G$, i.e., sets of vertices $V$, and edges $E$ assumed countable infinite. An assignment of weights is a positive symmetric function $c$ on $E$ (the edge-set), conductance. From this, one naturally defines a reversible Markov process, and a corresponding Laplace operator acting on functions on $V$, voltage distributions. The harmonic functions are of special importance. We establish explicit boundary representations for the harmonic functions on $G$ of finite energy. We compute a resistance metric $d$ from a given conductance function. (The resistance distance $d(x,y)$ between two vertices $x$ and $y$ is the voltage drop from $x$ to $y$, which is induced by the given assignment of resistors when 1 amp is inserted at the vertex $x$, and then extracted again at $y$.) We study the class of models where this resistance metric is bounded. We show that then the finite-energy functions form an algebra of $\frac{1}{2}$-Lipschitz-continuous and bounded functions on $V$, relative to the metric $d$. We further show that, in this case, the metric completion $M$ of $(V,d)$ is automatically compact, and that the vertex-set $V$ is open in $M$. We obtain a Poisson boundary-representation for the harmonic functions of finite energy, and an interpolation formula for every function on $V$ of finite energy. We further compare $M$ to other compactifications; e.g., to certain path-space models.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Generalized Gramians: Creating frame vectors in maximal subspaces

A frame is a system of vectors $S$ in Hilbert space $\mathscr{H}$ with properties which allow one to write algorithms for the two operations, analysis and synthesis, relative to $S$, for all vectors in $\mathscr{H}$; expressed in norm-convergent series. Traditionally, frame properties are expressed in terms of an $S$-Gramian, $G_{S}$ (an infinite matrix with entries equal to the inner product of pairs of vectors in $S$); but still with strong restrictions on the given system of vectors in $S$, in order to guarantee frame-bounds. In this paper we remove these restrictions on $G_{S}$, and we obtain instead direct-integral analysis/synthesis formulas. We show that, in spectral subspaces of every finite interval $J$ in the positive half-line, there are associated standard frames, with frame-bounds equal the endpoints of $J$. Applications are given to reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces, and to random fields.

math.FA↗

arXiv2015

Photochemical Escape of Oxygen from Early Mars

Photochemical escape is an important process for oxygen escape from present Mars. In this work, a 1-D Monte-Carlo Model is developed to calculate escape rates of energetic oxygen atoms produced from O2+ dissociative recombination reactions (DR) under 1, 3, 10, and 20 times present solar XUV fluxes. We found that although the overall DR rates increase with solar XUV flux almost linearly, oxygen escape rate increases from 1 to 10 times present solar XUV conditions but decreases when increasing solar XUV flux further. Analysis shows that atomic species in the upper thermosphere of early Mars increases more rapidly than O2+ when increasing XUV fluxes. While the latter is the source of energetic O atoms, the former increases the collision probability and thus decreases the escape probability of energetic O. Our results suggest that photochemical escape be a less important escape mechanism than previously thought for the loss of water and/or CO2 from early Mars.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2015

Discrete reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces: Sampling and distribution of Dirac-masses

We study reproducing kernels, and associated reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHSs) $\mathscr{H}$ over infinite, discrete and countable sets $V$. In this setting we analyze in detail the distributions of the corresponding Dirac point-masses of $V$. Illustrations include certain models from neural networks: An Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is a neural network-configuration in which a hidden layer of weights are randomly sampled, and where the object is then to compute resulting output. For RKHSs $\mathscr{H}$ of functions defined on a prescribed countable infinite discrete set $V$, we characterize those which contain the Dirac masses $δ_{x}$ for all points $x$ in $V$. Further examples and applications where this question plays an important role are: (i) discrete Brownian motion-Hilbert spaces, i.e., discrete versions of the Cameron-Martin Hilbert space; (ii) energy-Hilbert spaces corresponding to graph-Laplacians where the set $V$ of vertices is then equipped with a resistance metric; and finally (iii) the study of Gaussian free fields.

math.FA↗

arXiv2014

Unbounded operators, Lie algebras, and local representations

We prove a number of results on integrability and extendability of Lie algebras of unbounded skew-symmetric operators with common dense domain in Hilbert space. By integrability for a Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$, we mean that there is an associated unitary representation $\mathcal{U}$ of the corresponding simply connected Lie group such that $\mathfrak{g}$ is the differential of $\mathcal{U}$. Our results extend earlier integrability results in the literature; and are new even in the case of a single operator. Our applications include a new invariant for certain Riemann surfaces.

math.FA↗

arXiv2014

Spectra of Some Weighted Composition Operators on $H^2$

We completely characterize the spectrum of a weighted composition operator $W_{ψ, φ}$ on $H^{2}(\mathbb{D})$ when $φ$ has Denjoy-Wolff point $a$ with $0<|φ'(a)|< 1$, the iterates, $φ_{n}$, converge uniformly to $a$, and $ψ$ is in $H^{\infty}(\mathbb{D})$ and continuous at $a$. We also give bounds and some computations when $|a|=1$ and $φ'(a)=1$ and, in addition, show that these symbols include all linear fractional $φ$ that are hyperbolic and parabolic non-automorphisms. Finally, we use these results to eliminate possible weights $ψ$ so that $W_{ψ, φ}$ is seminormal.

math.FA↗