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K. Hamaguchi

Publications and source records attributed to K. Hamaguchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Suzaku Reveals Helium-burning Products in the X-ray Emitting Planetary Nebula BD+303639

BD+303639, the brightest planetary nebula at X-ray energies, was observed with Suzaku, an X-ray observatory launched on 2005 July 10. Using the X-ray Imaging Spectrometer, the K-lines from C VI, O VII, and O VIII were resolved for the first time, and C/O, N/O, and Ne/O abundance ratios determined. The C/O and Ne/O abundance ratios exceed the solar value by a factor of at least 30 and 5, respectively. These results indicate that the X-rays are emitted mainly by helium shell-burning products.

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On the origin of the X-ray emission from Herbig Ae/Be stars

We performed a systematic search for Chandra archival observations of Herbig Ae/Be stars. These stars are fully radiative and not expected to support dynamo action analogous to their convective lower-mass counterparts, the T Tauri stars. Their X-ray emission has remained unexplained. The superior spatial resolution of Chandra with respect to previous X-ray instrumentation has allowed us to examine the possible role of late-type companions in generating the observed X-rays. In the total sample of 17 Herbig Ae/Be stars, 8 are resolved from X-ray emitting faint companions or other unrelated X-ray bright objects within 10". The detection fraction of Herbig Ae/Be stars is 76 %, but lowers to 35 % if all emission is attributed to further known and unresolved companions. The spectral analysis confirms the high X-ray temperatures (~ 20 MK) and large range of fractional X-ray luminosities (log L_x/L_star) of this class derived from earlier studies of individual objects. Radiative winds are ruled out as emission mechanism on basis of the high temperatures. The X-ray properties of Herbig Ae/Be stars are not vastly different from those of their late-type companion stars (if such are known), nor from other young late-type stars used for comparison. Therefore, either a similar kind of process takes place on both classes of objects, or there must be as yet undiscovered companion stars.

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Eluding the BBN constraints on the stable gravitino

We investigate how late-time entropy production weakens the Big-Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) constraints on the gravitino as lightest superparticle with a charged slepton as next-to-lightest superparticle. We find that with a moderate amount of entropy production, the BBN constraints can be eluded for most of the parameter space relevant for the discovery of the gravitino. This is encouraging for experimental tests of supergravity at LHC and ILC.

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Chandra Deep X-ray Observation of a Typical Galactic Plane Region and Near-Infrared Identification

Using the Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer Imaging array (ACIS-I), we have carried out a deep hard X-ray observation of the Galactic plane region at (l,b) ~ (28.5, 0.0), where no discrete X-ray source had been reported previously. We have detected 274 new point X-ray sources (4 sigma confidence) as well as strong Galactic diffuse emission within two partially overlapping ACIS-I fields (~250 arcmin^2in total). Sum of all the detected point source fluxes accounts for only ~ 10 % of the total X-ray flux in the field of view. Even hypothesizing a new population of much dimmer and numerous Galactic point sources, the total observed X-ray flux cannot be explained. Therefore, we conclude that X-ray emission from the Galactic plane has truly diffuse origin. Only 26 point sources were detected both in the soft and hard bands, indicating that there are two distinct classes of the X-ray sources distinguished by the spectral hardness ratio. Surface number density of the hard sources is only slightly higher than that measured at the high Galactic latitude regions, indicating that majority of the hard sources are background AGNs. Following up the Chandra observation, we have performed a near-infrared (NIR) survey with SOFI at ESO/NTT. Almost all the soft X-ray sources have been identified in NIR and their spectral types are consistent with main-sequence stars, suggesting most of them are nearby X-ray active stars. On the other hand, only 22 % of the hard sources had NIR counterparts, which are presumably Galactic. From X-ray and NIR spectral study, they are most likely to be quiescent cataclysmic variables. We have also carried out a precise spectral study of the Galactic diffuse X-ray emission excluding the point sources.

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Signatures of Axinos and Gravitinos at Colliders

The axino and the gravitino are well-motivated candidates for the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) and also for cold dark matter in the Universe. Assuming that a charged slepton is the next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle (NLSP), we show how the NLSP decays can be used to probe the axino LSP scenario in hadronic axion models as well as the gravitino LSP scenario at the Large Hadron Collider and the International Linear Collider. We show how one can identify experimentally the scenario realized in nature. In the case of the axino LSP, the NLSP decays will allow one to estimate the value of the axino mass and the Peccei-Quinn scale.

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Enhanced X-ray variability from V1647 Ori, the young star in outburst illuminating McNeil's Nebula

We report a ~38 ks X-ray observation of McNeil's Nebula obtained with XMM on 2004 April 4. V1647 Ori, the young star in outburst illuminating McNeil's Nebula, is detected with XMM and appears variable in X-rays. We investigate the hardness ratio variability and time variations of the event energy distribution with quantile analysis, and show that the large increase of the count rate from V1647 Ori observed during the second half of the observation is not associated with any large plasma temperature variations as for typical X-ray flares from young low-mass stars. X-ray spectral fitting shows that the bulk (~75%) of the intrinsic X-ray emission in the 0.5-8 keV energy band comes from a soft plasma component (0.9 keV) reminiscent of the X-ray spectrum of the classical T Tauri star TW Hya, for which X-ray emission is believed to be generated by an accretion shock onto the photosphere of a low-mass star. The hard plasma component (4.2 keV) contributes ~25% of the total X-ray emission, and can be understood only in the framework of plasma heating sustained by magnetic reconnection events. We find a hydrogen column density of NH=4.1E22 cm-2, which points out a significant excess of hydrogen column density compared to the value derived from optical/IR observations, consistent with the picture of the rise of a wind/jet unveiled from ground optical spectroscopy. The X-ray flux observed with XMM ranges from roughly the flux observed by Chandra on 2004 March 22 (~10 times greater than the pre-outburst X-ray flux) to a value two times greater than that caught by Chandra on 2004 March 7 (~200 times greater than the pre-outburst X-ray flux). We have investigated the possibility that V1647 Ori displays a periodic variation in X-ray brightness as suggested by the combined Chandra+XMM data set (abridged).

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XMM-Newton Observations of the 2003 X-ray Minimum of Eta Carinae

The XMM-Newton X-ray observatory took part in the multi-wavelength observing campaign of the massive, evolved star Eta Carinae in 2003 during its recent X-ray minimum. This paper reports on the results of these observations, mainly from the aspect of spectral change. Hard X-ray emission from the point source of Eta Carinae was detected even during the minimum. During the minimum the observed flux above 3 keV was ~3e-12 ergs cm-2 s-1, which is about one percent of the flux before the minimum. Changes in the spectral shape revealed two X-ray emission components in the central point source. One component is non-variable and has relatively cool plasma of kT~1 keV and moderate absorption, NH~5e22 cm-2. The plasma is probably located far from the star, possibly produced by the high speed polar wind from Eta Carinae. The other high temperature component has kT~5 keV and is strongly variable. This component shows an increase in the apparent column density from 5e22 cm-2 to 2e23 cm-2, probably originating near the heart of the binary system. These changes in NH were smaller than expected if the minimum is produced solely by an increase of hydrogen column density. The X-ray minimum seems to be dominated by a decrease of the apparent emission measure, suggesting that the brightest part of the X-ray emitting region is completely obscured during the minimum in the form of an eclipse. A ``partial covering'' model might explain the residual emission seen during the minimum.

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Physics Interplay of the LHC and the ILC

Physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the International e+e- Linear Collider (ILC) will be complementary in many respects, as has been demonstrated at previous generations of hadron and lepton colliders. This report addresses the possible interplay between the LHC and ILC in testing the Standard Model and in discovering and determining the origin of new physics. Mutual benefits for the physics programme at both machines can occur both at the level of a combined interpretation of Hadron Collider and Linear Collider data and at the level of combined analyses of the data, where results obtained at one machine can directly influence the way analyses are carried out at the other machine. Topics under study comprise the physics of weak and strong electroweak symmetry breaking, supersymmetric models, new gauge theories, models with extra dimensions, and electroweak and QCD precision physics. The status of the work that has been carried out within the LHC / LC Study Group so far is summarised in this report. Possible topics for future studies are outlined.

hep-ph↗

An X-ray Outburst from the Rapidly Accreting Young Star That Illuminates McNeil's Nebula

Young, low-mass stars are luminous X-ray sources whose powerful X-ray flares may exert a profound influence over the process of planet formation. The origin of such emission is uncertain. Although many or perhaps most recently formed, low-mass stars emit X-rays as a consequence of solar-like coronal activity, it has also been suggested that X-ray emission may be a direct result of mass accretion onto the forming star. Here we report X-ray imaging spectroscopy observations which reveal a factor ~50 increase in the X-ray flux from a young star that is presently undergoing a spectacular optical/IR outburst. The outburst is thought to be due to the sudden onset of a phase of rapid accretion. The coincidence of a surge in X-ray brightness with the optical/IR eruption demonstrates that strongly enhanced high-energy emission from young stars can occur as a consequence of high accretion rates. We suggest that such accretion- enhanced X-ray emission from erupting young stars may be short-lived, because intense star-disk magnetospheric interactions are quenched rapidly by the subsequent accretion flood.

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A Chandra Deep X-ray Exposure on the Galactic Plane and Near Infrared Identification

Using the Chandra ACIS-I instruments, we have carried out a deep X-ray observation on the Galactic plane region at (l,b) ~ (28.5, 0.0), where no discrete X-ray sources have been known previously. We have detected, as well as strong diffuse emission, 274 new point X-ray sources (4 sigma confidence) within two partially overlapping fields (~250 arcmin^2 in total) down to the flux limit ~3 x 10^{-15} $ erg s^{-1} cm^{-2} (2 -- 10 keV) and ~ 7 x 10^{-16} erg s^{-1} cm^{-2} (0.5 -- 2 keV). We clearly resolved point sources and the Galactic diffuse emission, and found that ~ 90 % of the flux observed in our field of view originates from diffuse emission. Many point sources are detected either in the soft X-ray band (below 2 keV) or in the hard band (above 2 keV), and only a small number of sources are detected in both energy bands. On the other hand, most soft X-ray sources are considered to be nearby X-ray active stars. We have carried out a follow-up near-infrared (NIR) observation using SOFI at ESO/NTT. Most of the soft X-ray sources were identified, whereas only a small number of hard X-ray sources had counterparts in NIR. Using both X-ray and NIR information, we can efficiently classify the point X-ray sources detected in the Galactic plane. We conclude that most of the hard X-ray sources are background Active Galactic Nuclei seen through the Milky Way, whereas majority of the soft X-ray sources are nearby X-ray active stars.

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Waiting in the Wings: Reflected X-ray Emission from the Homunculus Nebula

We report the first detection of X-ray emission associated with the Homunculus Nebula which surrounds the supermassive star Eta Carinae. The emission is characterized by a temperature in excess of 100 MK, and is consistent with scattering of the time-delayed X-ray flux associated with the star. The nebular emission is bright in the northwestern lobe and near the central regions of the Homunculus, and fainter in the southeastern lobe. We also report the detection of an unusually broad Fe K fluorescent line, which may indicate fluorescent scattering off the wind of a companion star or some other high velocity outflow. The X-ray Homunculus is the nearest member of the small class of Galactic X-ray reflection nebulae, and the only one in which both the emitting and reflecting sources are distinguishable.

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Chandra Observation of the Trifid Nebula: X-ray emission from the O star complex and actively forming pre-main sequence stars

The Trifid Nebula, a young star-forming HII region, was observed for 16 hours by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We detected 304 X-ray sources, thirty percent of which are hard sources and seventy percent of of which have near-infrared counterparts. Chandra resolved the HD164492 multiple system into a number of discrete X-ray sources. X-ray emission is detected from components HD164492A (an O7.5III star which ionizes the nebula), B and C (a B6V star), and possibly D (a Be star). HD164492A has a soft spectrum (kT ~ 0.5 keV) while the component C blend shows much harder emission (kT ~ 6 keV). The soft spectrum of the O star is similar to emission seen from other single O stars and is probably produced by shocks within its massive stellar wind. Lack of hard emission suggests that neither a magnetically confined wind shock nor colliding wind emission is important in HD164492A. A dozen stars are found to have flares in the field and most of them are pre-main sequence stars (PMS). Six sources with flares have both optical and 2MASS counterparts. These counterparts are not embedded and thus it is likely that these sources are in a later stage of PMS evolution, possibly Class II or III. Two flare sources did not have any near-IR, optical, or radio counterparts. We suggest these X-ray flare stars are in an early pre-main sequence stage (Class I or earlier). We also detected X-ray sources apparently associated with two massive star forming cores, TC1 and TC4. The spectra of these sources show high extinction and X-ray luminosities of 2 - 5 x 10^{31} erg/s. If these sources are Class 0 objects, it is unclear if their X-ray emission is due to solar-type magnetic activities as in Class I objects, or some other mechanism.

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Gauge Couplings at High Temperature and the Relic Gravitino Abundance

In higher-dimensional supersymmetric theories gauge couplings of the effective four-dimensional theory are determined by expectation values of scalar fields. We find that at temperatures above a critical temperature $T_*$, which depends on the supersymmetry breaking mass scales, gauge couplings decrease like $T^{-\a}$, $\a > 1$. This has important cosmological consequences. In particular it leads to a relic gravitino density which becomes independent of the reheating temperature for $T_R > T_*$. For small gravitino masses, $m_{3/2} \ll m_{\gl}$, the mass density of stable gravitinos is essentially determined by the gluino mass. The observed value of cold dark matter, $Ø_{\rm CDM}h^2 \sim 0.1$, is obtained for gluino masses $m_{\gl} = {\cal O}(1 {\rm TeV})$.

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Nonanomalous Discrete R-Symmetry and Light Gravitino

We discuss nonanomalous R-symmetry in the supersymmetric grand unified theories. In particular, we explore anomaly-free solutions predicting the gravitino mass in the range of $10^{-3} eV \lsim m_{3/2} \lsim 1 TeV$ when the $μ$-parameter is fixed to be $μ\simeq 1 TeV$. In the minimal SU(5) GUT, we have shown that $μ\simeq 1 TeV$ is obtained only if the gravitino is ultralight with mass $m_{3/2} \sim 10^{-3} eV$. If extra fields ${\bf 5}\oplus{\bf 5^*}$ or ${\bf 10}\oplus{\bf 10^*}$ are introduced, many solutions predicting $m_{3/2} \gsim 10^{-3} eV$ are found. The R-parity is violated due to the vacuum expectation value of the superpotential, but it is controlled by the discrete R-symmetry. We find that the R-parity violating couplings are naturally suppressed much below the experimental bounds for some charge assignments. These charge assignments predict light gravitino with masses of order ${\cal O}(10^{-3} eV)$--${\cal O}(1 MeV)$. These discrete R-symmetries can be considered as solutions to the $μ$-problem in low energy supersymmetry breaking models such as the gauge mediation.

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Cosmological Baryon Asymmetry and Neutrinos: Baryogenesis via Leptogenesis in Supersymmetric Theories

Leptogenesis in supersymmetric model is discussed comprehensively and in detail. In the first half, we discuss several leptogenesis mechanisms by the decay of heavy right-handed neutrino, which include the standard thermal leptogenesis, leptogenesis via inflaton decay, and leptogenesis from the coherent oscillation of the right-handed sneutrino. In the second half, we perform a detailed analysis on the leptogenesis via the LHu flat direction (Affleck-Dine leptogenesis).

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Democratic (S)fermions and Lepton Flavor Violation

The democratic approach to account for fermion masses and mixing is known to be successful not only in the quark sector but also in the lepton sector. Here we extend this ansatz to supersymmetric standard models, in which the Kähler potential obeys underlying S_3 flavor symmetries. The requirement of neutrino bi-large mixing angles constrains the form of the Kähler potential for left-handed lepton multiplets. We find that right-handed sleptons can have non-degenerate masses and flavor mixing, while left-handed sleptons are argued to have universal and hence flavor-blind masses. This mass pattern is testable in future collider experiments when superparticle masses will be measured precisely. Lepton flavor violation arises in this scenario. In particular, μ\to e γis expected to be observed in a planning future experiment if supersymmetry breaking scale is close to the weak scale.

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Non-thermal Dark Matter from Affleck-Dine Baryogenesis

In this talk we discuss the origin and nature of the dark matter in the Affleck-Dine (AD) baryogenesis. The AD baryogenesis via most of the flat directions predict formations of large Q-balls, and a great number of the lightest supersymmetric particles (LSPs) are produced nonthermally via the late-time decays of these Q-balls. In order to avoid the overclosure of the universe by these nonthermally produced LSPs, an LSP with a large pair-annihilation cross section, like Higgsino- or Wino-like neutralino, is required, instead of the standard Bino-like neutralino. This reveals new cosmologically interesting parameter regions in various SUSY breaking models, which have not attracted much attention so far.

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