arXiv subjects

J. Lozano

Publications and source records attributed to J. Lozano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Multi-band optical photometric variability of the blazar OJ 287 from 2015 to 2025

We present the most densely sampled multi-band optical photometric observations of the peculiar BL Lacertae object OJ 287 from 2015 to 2025 with a focus on its optical activity on diverse timescales. We present a total of 2296, 10927, 11484, and 2982 data points in B, V, R, and I bands, respectively. The densely sampled observations allow us to keep track of the source evolution that it has exhibited since the start of the predicted major optical flaring activity at the end of 2015. The study reveals clear and persistent bluer when brighter trends in both the long-term and short-term variations. Different bands were cross-correlated with discrete correlation functions, which peak at zero lag, implying co-spatial emission. Using eight optical spectra in the low flux states of OJ 287 taken from 2017 October 21 to 2017 November 22, from Steward Observatory, we estimate the central black hole mass to be at least 3.89 $\times \ \rm{10}^{9} \ \rm{M}_{\odot}$ from the [O III] line width. The emission mechanism of the binary black hole blazar, and its possible implication in various aspects of multi-messenger astronomy are briefly discussed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Next-day observation processing for the LST-1 and MAGIC

The MAGIC and LST-1 telescopes, located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, operate dedicated On-Site Analysis (OSA) pipelines that provide rapid, automated processing of observational data. These systems produce high-level data products just a few hours after observations are completed, enabling quick-look analyses, next-day data quality assessments, and rapid-response science such as flare detection and Target of Opportunity follow-ups. OSA pipelines have been in continuous operation since 2012 for MAGIC and since 2021 for LST-1, automatically processing nightly data using the standard analysis chain. The experience gained from both systems provides essential lessons for the development of Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory's (CTAO's) on-site analysis, demonstrating the practical and scientific benefits of fast data processing in Cherenkov telescopes.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2020

Nuclear dependence of light neutral meson production in p-A collisions at 400 GeV with NA60

The NA60 experiment has studied low-mass muon pair production in proton-nucleus collisions with a system of Be, Cu, In, W, Pb and U targets, using a 400 GeV proton beam at the CERN SPS. The transverse momentum spectra of the $ρ/ω$ and $ϕ$ mesons are measured in the full $p_\mathrm{T}$ range accessible, from $p_\mathrm{T} = 0$ up to 2 GeV/$c$. The nuclear dependence of the production cross sections of the $η$, $ω$ and $ϕ$ mesons has been found to be consistent with the power law $σ_\mathrm{pA} \propto \mathrm{A}^α$, with the $α$ parameter increasing as a function of $p_\mathrm{T}$ for all the particles, and an approximate hierarchy $α_η\approx α_ϕ> α_ω$. The cross section ratios $σ_η/σ_ω$, $σ_ρ/σ_ω$ and $σ_ϕ/σ_ω$ have been studied as a function of the size A of the production target, and an increase of the $η$ and $ϕ$ yields relative to the $ω$ is observed from p-Be to p-U collisions.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2020

Finite volume corrections to forward Compton scattering off the nucleon

We calculate the spin-averaged amplitude for doubly virtual forward Compton scattering off nucleons in the framework of manifestly Lorentz invariant baryon chiral perturbation theory at complete one-loop order $O(p^4)$. The calculations are carried out both in the infinite and in a finite volume. The obtained results allow for a detailed estimation the finite-volume corrections to the amplitude which can be extracted on the lattice using the background field technique.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2011

J/psi production in proton-nucleus collisions at 158 and 400 GeV

The NA60 experiment has studied J/psi production in p-A collisions at 158 and 400 GeV, at the CERN SPS. Nuclear effects on the J/psi yield have been estimated from the A-dependence of the production cross section ratios sigma_{J/psi}^{A}/sigma_{J/psi}^{Be} (A=Al, Cu, In, W, Pb, U). We observe a significant nuclear suppression of the J/psi yield per nucleon-nucleon collision, with a larger effect at lower incident energy, and we compare this result with previous observations by other fixed-target experiments. An attempt to disentangle the different contributions to the observed suppression has been carried out by studying the dependence of nuclear effects on x_2, the fraction of nucleon momentum carried by the interacting parton in the target nucleus.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2011

A comparative measurement of $ϕ\rightarrow K^+K^-$ and $ϕ\rightarrow μ^+μ^-$ in In-In collisions at the CERN SPS

The NA60 experiment at the CERN SPS has studied $ϕ$ meson production in In-In collisions at 158A GeV via both the $K^+K^-$ and the $μ^+μ^-$ decay channels. The yields and inverse slope parameters of the $m_T$ spectra observed in the two channels are compatible within errors, different from the large discrepancies seen in Pb-Pb collisions between the hadronic (NA49) and dimuon (NA50) decay channels. Possible physics implications are discussed.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2010

ArDM: a ton-scale LAr detector for direct Dark Matter searches

The Argon Dark Matter (ArDM-1t) experiment is a ton-scale liquid argon (LAr) double-phase time projection chamber designed for direct Dark Matter searches. Such a device allows to explore the low energy frontier in LAr with a charge imaging detector. The ionization charge is extracted from the liquid into the gas phase and there amplified by the use of a Large Electron Multiplier in order to reduce the detection threshold. Direct detection of the ionization charge with fine spatial granularity, combined with a measurement of the amplitude and time evolution of the associated primary scintillation light, provide powerful tools for the identification of WIMP interactions against the background due to electrons, photons and possibly neutrons if scattering more than once. A one ton LAr detector is presently installed on surface at CERN to fully test all functionalities and it will be soon moved to an underground location. We will emphasize here the lessons learned from such a device for the design of a large LAr TPC for neutrino oscillation, proton decay and astrophysical neutrinos searches.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

First results on light readout from the 1-ton ArDM liquid argon detector for dark matter searches

ArDM-1t is the prototype for a next generation WIMP detector measuring both the scintillation light and the ionization charge from nuclear recoils in a 1-ton liquid argon target. The goal is to reach a minimum recoil energy of 30\,keVr to detect recoiling nuclei. In this paper we describe the experimental concept and present results on the light detection system, tested for the first time in ArDM on the surface at CERN. With a preliminary and incomplete set of PMTs, the light yield at zero electric field is found to be between 0.3-0.5 phe/keVee depending on the position within the detector volume, confirming our expectations based on smaller detector setups.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2010

The ArDM experiment

The aim of the ArDM project is the development and operation of a one ton double-phase liquid argon detector for direct Dark Matter searches. The detector measures both the scintillation light and the ionization charge from ionizing radiation using two independent readout systems. This paper briefly describes the detector concept and presents preliminary results from the ArDM R&D program, including a 3 l prototype developed to test the charge readout system.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2009

Highlights from NA60

NA60 measured dimuon production in p-A and In-In collisions at the CERN SPS. This paper presents a high statistics measurement of $ϕ$ meson production in In-In collisions at 158 AGeV. Both the transverse momentum, rapidity, decay angular distributions and the absolute yield were measured as a function of centrality. The results are compared to previous measurements in order to shed light on the long standing $ϕ$ puzzle. In addition, highlights on $η$ meson production and on the dimuon excess below the J/$ψ$ mass are presented.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2009

Development of wavelength shifter coated reflectors for the ArDM argon dark matter detector

To optimise the design of the light readout in the ArDM 1-ton liquid argon dark matter detector, a range of reflector and WLS coating combinations were investigated in several small setups, where argon scintillation light was generated by radioactive sources in gas at normal temperature and pressure and shifted into the blue region by tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB). Various thicknesses of TPB were deposited by spraying and vacuum evaporation onto specular 3M{\small\texttrademark}-foil and diffuse Tetratex{\small\textregistered} (TTX) substrates. Light yields of each reflector and TPB coating combination were compared. Reflection coefficients of TPB coated reflectors were independently measured using a spectroradiometer in a wavelength range between 200 and 650 nm. WLS coating on the PMT window was also studied. These measurements were used to define the parameters of the light reflectors of the ArDM experiment. Fifteen large $120\times 25$ cm$^2$ TTX sheets were coated and assembled in the detector. Measurements in argon gas are reported providing good evidence of fulfilling the light collection requirements of the experiment.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2008

First results on angular distributions of thermal dileptons in nuclear collisions

The NA60 experiment at the CERN SPS has studied dimuon production in 158A GeV In-In collisions. The strong excess of pairs above the known sources found in the complete mass region 0.2<M<2.6 GeV has previously been interpreted as thermal radiation. We now present first results on the associated angular distributions. Using the Collins-Soper reference frame, the structure function parameters λ, μand νare measured to be zero, and the projected distributions in polar and azimuth angles are found to be uniform. The absence of any polarization is consistent with the interpretation of the excess dimuons as thermal radiation from a randomized system.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2008

Evidence for the production of thermal muon pairs with masses above 1 GeV/c^2 in 158A GeV Indium-Indium Collisions

The yield of muon pairs in the invariant mass region 1<M<2.5 GeV/c^2 produced in heavy-ion collisions significantly exceeds the sum of the two expected contributions, Drell-Yan dimuons and muon pairs from the decays of D meson pairs. These sources properly account for the dimuons produced in proton-nucleus collisions. In this paper, we show that dimuons are also produced in excess in 158 A GeV In-In collisions. We furthermore observe, by tagging the dimuon vertices, that this excess is not due to enhanced D meson production, but made of prompt muon pairs, as expected from a source of thermal dimuons specific to high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. The yield of this excess increases significantly from peripheral to central collisions, both with respect to the Drell-Yan yield and to the number of nucleons participating in the collisions. Furthermore, the transverse mass distributions of the excess dimuons are well described by an exponential function, with inverse slope values around 190 MeV. The values are independent of mass and significantly lower than those found at masses below 1 GeV/c^2, rising there up to 250 MeV due to radial flow. This suggests the emission source of thermal dimuons above 1 GeV/c^2 to be of largely partonic origin, when radial flow has not yet built up.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2008

NA60 results on thermal dimuons

The NA60 experiment at the CERN SPS has measured muon pairs with unprecedented precision in 158A GeV In-In collisions. A strong excess of pairs above the known sources is observed in the whole mass region 0.2 rho -> mu+mu- annihilation. The associated rho spectral function shows a strong broadening, but essentially no shift in mass. For M>1 GeV, the excess is found to be prompt, not due to enhanced charm production, with pronounced differences to Drell-Yan pairs. The slope parameter Teff associated with the transverse momentum spectra rises with mass up to the rho, followed by a sudden decline above. The rise for M<1 GeV is consistent with radial flow of a hadronic emission source. The seeming absence of significant flow for M>1 GeV and its relation to parton-hadron duality is discussed in detail, suggesting a dominantly partonic emission source in this region. A comparison of the data to the present status of theoretical modeling is also contained. The accumulated empirical evidence, including also a Planck-like shape of the mass spectra at low pT and the lack of polarization, is consistent with a global interpretation of the excess dimuons as thermal radiation. We conclude with first results on omega in-medium effects.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2007

Characterization of large area photomultipliers and its application to dark matter search with noble liquid detectors

There is growing interest in the use of noble liquid detectors to study particle properties and search for new phenomena. In particular, they are extremely suitable for performing direct searches for dark matter. In this kind of experiments, the light produced after an interaction within the sensitive volume is usually read-out by photomultipliers. The need to go to masses in the tonne scale to explore deeper regions of the parameter space, calls for the use of large area photomultipliers. In this paper we address the need to perform laboratory calibration measurements of these large photomultipliers, in particular to characterize its behaviour at cryogenic temperatures where no reference from the manufacturer is available. We present comparative tests of phototubes from two companies. The tests are performed in conditions similar to those of operation in a real experiment. Measurements of the most relevant phototube parameters (quantum efficiency, gain, linearity, etc.) both at room and liquid Argon temperatures are reported. The results show that the studied phototubes comply with the stringent requirements posed by current dark matter searches performed with noble-liquid detectors.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Highlights from the NA60 experiment

The NA60 experiment is a fixed-target experiment at the CERN SPS. It has measured the dimuon yield in Indium--Indium collisions with an In beam of 158 AGeV/c and in p-A collisions with a proton beam of 400 and 158 AGeV/c. The results allow to address three important physics topics, namely the study of the rho spectral function in nuclear collisions, the clarification of the origin of the dimuon excess measured by NA50 in the intermediate mass range, and the J/psi suppression pattern in a collision system different from Pb-Pb. An overview of these results will be given in this paper.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2007

J/$ψ$ suppression in In-In collisions at 158 GeV/nucleon

The NA60 experiment has studied J/$ψ$ production in Indium-Indium collisions at 158 A$\cdot$GeV. In this paper we present an updated set of results obtained with the complete set of available statistics and an improved alignment of the vertex tracker. The centrality dependence of the J/$ψ$ production, obtained with an analysis technique based only on the J/$ψ$ sample, indicates that a suppression beyond that induced by nuclear absorption is present in In-In collisions, setting in at $\sim$80 participant nucleons. A first study of the systematic errors related with this measurement is discussed. We also present preliminary results on the J/$ψ$ azimuthal distributions.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2006

Low Mass Dimuon Production in Indium-Indium Collisions at the CERN SPS

NA60 is a fixed-target experiment at the CERN SPS which measured dimuon production in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions. In this paper we report on a precision measurement of low-mass muon pairs in 158 AGeV indium-indium collisions. A significant excess of pairs is observed above the yield expected from neutral meson decays. The excess can be isolated by subtraction of expected sources, thanks to the excellent mass resolution and large sample size.

nucl-ex↗