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Ka Wai Ho

Publications and source records attributed to Ka Wai Ho.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

$\texttt{Aether.jl}$ : A High-Performance 3D MHD and Multifluid Dust Code Written in a Dynamic Language with an Interactive Human-AI Development Framework

We present $\texttt{Aether}$, a new finite-volume code for compressible hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, written in Julia and primarily designed for GPU systems. The code solves the MHD equations with constrained transport in Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical-polar coordinates, using standard high-order Godunov methods. An arbitrary number of dust fluids can be coupled to the gas through stiff mutual drag. It was developed from scratch with interactive Human-coding agent workflow; the paper documents the framework of this workflow alongside the numerical methods. Performance-critical kernel is written through $\texttt{KernelAbstractions}$, and supports runs on CPUs and GPUs from multiple vendors. $\texttt{Aether}$ can be ran either from an interactive notebook or batch scripts, keeping prototyping, production runs, and analysis in a single language. We verify the implementation through a series of hydrodynamic, MHD, and dust tests. Although written in a dynamic language, $\texttt{Aether}$ achieves comparable or even higher single-GPU throughput than C++ code on the same hardware. In weak scaling on Frontier, parallel efficiency stays above $93\%$S on 4096 GCDs. These results show that a dynamic language now supports production astrophysical MHD simulations on exascale systems. $\texttt{Aether}$ and its Jupyter notebook example suite are publicly available.

astro-ph.IM↗

The cosmic ray ionization rate from H3+ observations can be overestimated due to neglect of time-dependent chemistry

The cosmic ray ionization rate (CRIR) is a key parameter governing the physical, chemical and thermal evolution of the interstellar medium. The primary technique for measuring the CRIR in diffuse molecular clouds relies on observations of ${\rm H_3^+}$. Previous analyses of these observations have derived the CRIR under the assumption of steady-state chemistry. Here, we investigate the effect of time-dependent chemistry on the inferred CRIR from ${\rm H_3^+}$ observations. We perform 3D MHD simulations with coupled chemistry and driven turbulence. Following procedures similar to those used in the literature to analyze ${\rm H_3^+}$ observations, we conduct mock CRIR measurements by post-processing our simulations with different values of the CRIR to obtain steady-state abundances of ${\rm H_2}$ and ${\rm H_3^+}$. By comparing those with the abundances from time-dependent chemistry, we determine the best-fitting value of the CRIR. We find that the abundances of both ${\rm H_2}$ and ${\rm H_3^+}$ are higher in time-dependent chemistry simulations than in the steady-state case, especially in low-density regions. Furthermore, the inferred CRIR under the steady-state assumption is a factor of $\sim 2-5$ higher than the true CRIR, with a median value of $ζ_\mathrm{inferred}/ζ_\mathrm{true} \approx 3$. This bias increases with stronger magnetic fields, weaker FUV radiation fields, and stronger turbulence. Accounting for time-dependent chemistry, we report an average CRIR per ${\rm H_2}$ of $ζ_{H_2} = 2\times 10^{-17}~\mathrm{s^{-1}}$ from the ${\rm H_3^+}$ observations. The CRIR is consistent with a constant value over the column density range of $N=(2-6)\times10^{21}~\mathrm{cm^{-2}}$.

astro-ph.GA↗

$Ab$ $initio$ modeling of Galactic dust polarized CMB foreground

We present the analysis of high-resolution synthetic dust polarization maps derived from large-scale simulations of magnetized multiphase interstellar turbulence carried out with the AthenaK code on the $Frontier$ exascale supercomputer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Our turbulence model accurately captures spectral properties of the $E$- and $B$-modes measured by $Planck$ at 353 GHz. The simulations provide new insights into the physical origins of the observed $E/B$ asymmetry and positive $TE$ signal, facilitating the development of advanced models of Galactic foreground emission for current and future CMB experiments.

astro-ph.GA↗

Statistical signatures of interstellar turbulence in dust polarization maps

We present results from a high-resolution interstellar turbulence simulation and show that it closely reproduces recent $Planck$ measurements. Our model captures the scaling of $EE$ and $BB$ spectra, and the $EE/BB$ ratio in the inertial range. The probability density function of the dust polarization fraction is also consistent with observations. The $TE$ cross-correlation is in broad agreement with the $Planck$ sky. This simulation provides new insights into the physical origins of the observed $E/B$ asymmetry and positive $TE$ signal, facilitating the development of advanced Galactic dust emission models for current and future cosmic microwave background experiments.

astro-ph.GA↗

The stable "Unstable Natural Media" due to the presence of turbulence

The term "unstable neutral media" (UNM) has traditionally been used to describe the transient phase formed between the warm and cold neutral hydrogen (HI) phases and has not been the focus of HI studies. However, recent observations suggest that the UNM phase not only has a significantly longer-than-expected lifetime but also occupies at least 20\% to 40\% of both the volume and mass fraction of HI. In this paper, we argue that the existence and dominance of the UNM can be explained by the presence of strong turbulence using an energy balance argument. The mass fraction of UNM is directly proportional to the turbulent velocity dispersion $σ_v$: mass fraction of UNM $\propto σ_v^{\frac{2n}{1+n}}$, where $n$ is the absolute value of the adiabatic index in the unstable phase. We discuss the implications of long-lived unstable thermal phases on ISM physics, including cold dense filament formation, cosmic ray acceleration, and measurement of galactic foreground statistics.

astro-ph.GA↗

Tracing magnetic field in super-Alfvenic turbulence with Gradient Technique

Super-Alfvenic turbulence is important for many astrophysical objects, particularly galaxy clusters. In this paper, we explore the accuracy of Synchrotron Intensity Gradients (SIGs) and X-ray intensity gradients to map magnetic fields in super-Alfvenic turbulence for a set of astrophysically relevant parameters of turbulent driving. Analyzing our synthetic observations, we report a good accuracy for both techniques. Our results are suggestive that other types of Gradient Technique (GT) can be successfully employed to trace magnetic fields within super-Alfvenic sub-sonic turbulence.

astro-ph.GA↗

Applying the Velocity Gradient Technique in NGC 1333: Comparison with Dust Polarization Observations

Magnetic fields (B-fields) are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium (ISM), and they play an essential role in the formation of molecular clouds and subsequent star formation. However, B-fields in interstellar environments remain challenging to measure, and their properties typically need to be inferred from dust polarization observations over multiple physical scales. In this work, we seek to use a recently proposed approach called the Velocity Gradient Technique (VGT) to study B-fields in star-forming regions and compare the results with dust polarization observations in different wavelengths. The VGT is based on the anisotropic properties of eddies in magnetized turbulence to derive B-field properties in the ISM. We investigate that this technique is synergistic with dust polarimetry when applied to a turbulent diffused medium for the purpose of measuring its magnetization. Specifically, we use the VGT on molecular line data toward the NGC~1333 star-forming region ($\rm ^{12}CO$, $\rm ^{13}CO$, $\rm C^{18}O$, and $\rm N_{2}H^{+}$), and we compare the derived B-field properties with those inferred from 214 and 850~$μ$m dust polarization observations of the region using SOFIA/HAWC+ and JCMT/POL-2, respectively. We estimate both the inclination angle and the 3D Alfvénic Mach Number $M_A$ from the molecular line gradients. Crucially, testing this technique on gravitationally bound, dynamic, and turbulent regions, and comparing the results with those obtained from polarization observations at different wavelength, such as the plane-of-the-sky field orientation, is an important test on the applicability of the VGT in various density regimes of the ISM.

astro-ph.GA↗

Effects of Dust Coagulation on Streaming Instability

Streaming Instability (SI) in dust has long been thought to be a promising process in triggering planetesimal formation in the protoplanetary disks (PPDs). In this study, we present the first numerical investigation that models the SI in the vertically stratified disk together with the dust coagulation process. Our simulations reveal that, even with the initial small dust sizes, because dust coagulation promotes dust size growth, SI can eventually still be triggered. As such, the dust coagulation process broadens the parameter boundaries obtained from the previous SI studies using single dust species. We describe the various stages of dust dynamics along with their size evolution, and explore the impact of different dust fragmentation velocities. Implications of these results for realistic PPDs are also discussed.

astro-ph.EP↗

Cosmic Ray Feedback on Bi-stable ISM Turbulence

While cosmic rays $(E\gtrsim 1\,\mathrm{GeV})$ are well coupled to a galaxy's interstellar medium (ISM) at scales of $L>100\,\mathrm{pc}$, adjusting stratification and driving outflows, their impact on small scales is less clear. Based on calculations of the cosmic ray diffusion coefficient from observations of the grammage in the Milky Way, cosmic rays have little time to dynamically impact the ISM on those small scales. Using numerical simulations, we explore how more complex cosmic ray transport could allow cosmic rays to couple to the ISM on small scales. We create a two-zone model of cosmic ray transport, with the cosmic ray diffusion coefficient set at the estimated Milky Way value in cold gas but smaller in warm gas. We compare this model to simulations with a constant diffusion coefficient. Quicker diffusion through cold gas allows more cold gas to form compared to a simulation with a constant, small diffusion coefficient. However, slower diffusion in warm gas allows cosmic rays to take energy from the turbulent cascade anisotropically. This cosmic ray energization comes at the expense of turbulent energy which would otherwise be lost during radiative cooling. Finally, we show our two-zone model is capable of matching observational estimates of the grammage for some transport paths through the simulation.

astro-ph.HE↗

Neutral hydrogen filaments in interstellar media: Are they physical?

The trending term "filament" is extensively used in the interstellar medium (ISM) and the star formation community, and is believed to be one of the most important objects that gauge molecular cloud and star formation. However, the physical definition of these ubiquitous, elongated, high contrast features is poorly defined and still actively debated. Despite the absence of a unified consensus, filaments are believed to be involved in many important physical processes from galaxy structure formation to the emergence of protostellar objects. Therefore, understanding how filaments form, what constrains their growth, and their general physical properties, are extremely important for theorists and observers who study the dynamics of the ISM and consequent star formations. This review serves as a collection of the community's views and develops the concept of "filaments" in the context of the ISM and star-forming clouds. Observationally, filaments are seen across the entire sky and often carry an aspect ratio of the order of hundreds. In the context of the ISM, filaments are believed to form by stretching and tearing from magnetized ISM turbulence. ISM filaments are subjected to heating and cooling phases, and are likely to be magnetically aligned. Cold clouds are formed inside ISM due to turbulence instability. This review updates the understanding of ISM filaments in the community.

astro-ph.GA↗

Synchrotron Intensity Gradient Revealing Magnetic Fields in Galaxy Clusters

Magnetic fields and their dynamical interplay with matter in galaxy clusters contribute to the physical properties and evolution of the intracluster medium. However, the current understanding of the origin and properties of cluster magnetic fields is still limited by observational challenges. In this article, we map the magnetic fields at hundreds-kpc scales of five clusters RXC J1314.4 -2515, Abell 2345, Abell 3376, MCXC J0352.4 -7401, and El Gordo using the innovative synchrotron intensity gradient technique in conjunction with high-resolution radio observations from JVLA and MeerKAT. We demonstrate that magnetic field orientation of radio relics derived from synchrotron intensity gradients is in very good agreement with that obtained with synchrotron polarization. Most important, synchrotron intensity gradients is not limited by Faraday depolarization in the cluster central regions and allows us to map magnetic fields in the radio halos of RXC J1314.4 -2515 and El Gordo. We find that magnetic fields in radio halos exihibit a preferential direction along the major merger axis and show turbulent structures at higher angular resolution. Results are consistent with expectations from numerical simulations which predict turbulent magnetic fields in cluster mergers that are stirred and amplified by matter motions.

astro-ph.CO↗

Nature of Striation in 21 cm Channel Maps: Velocity Caustics

The alignment of striated intensity structures in thin neutral hydrogen (HI) spectroscopic channels with Galactic magnetic fields has been observed. However, the origin and nature of these striations are still debatable. Some studies suggest that the striations result solely from real cold-density filaments without considering the role of turbulent velocity fields, i.e., the velocity caustics effect in shaping the channel's intensity distribution. To determine the relative contribution of density and velocity in forming the striations in channel maps, we analyze synthetic observations of channel maps obtained with simulations that represent realistic magnetized multi-phase HI. We vary the thickness of the channel maps and apply the Velocity Decomposition Algorithm to separate the velocity and density contributions. In parallel, we analyze GALFA HI observations and compare the results. Our analysis shows that the thin channels are dominated by velocity contribution, and velocity caustics mainly generate the HI striations. We show that velocity caustics can cause a correlation between unsharp-masked HI structures and far-infrared emission. We demonstrate that the linear HI fibers revealed by the Rolling Hough Transform (RHT) in thin velocity channels originate from velocity caustics. As the thickness of channel maps increases, the relative contribution of density to fluctuations in channel maps also increases. As a result, more RHT-detected fibers tend to be perpendicular to the magnetic field. Conversely, the alignment with the magnetic field is the most prominent in thin channels. We conclude that similar to the Velocity Channel Gradients (VChGs) approach, RHT traces magnetic fields through the analysis of velocity caustics in thin channel maps.

astro-ph.GA↗

How the existence of unstable neutral media restricts the aspect ratio of cold neutral media?

The ubiquity of very thin and lengthy cold neutral media (CNM) has been reported by multiple authors in the HI community. Yet, the reason of how the CNM can be so long and lengthy is still in debate. In this paper, we recognize a new type of instability due to the attractive nature of the pressure force in the unstable phase. We provide a new estimation of the average CNM filament aspect ratio with the consideration of force balances at the phase boundary, which is roughly 5-20 in common CNM environment. We show that most of the cold filaments are less filamentary than what usually predicted via MHD turbulence theory or inferred from observations: The average length of CNM filament is roughly 1/2 of that in isothermal MHD turbulence with similar turbulence conditions. This suggests that the "cold filaments" that is identified in observations might not be in pressure equilibrium or generated via other mechanisms.

astro-ph.GA↗

Tracing of Magnetic field with gradients: Sub-Sonic Turbulence

Recent development of the velocity gradient technique shows the {\toreferee capability} of the technique in the way of tracing magnetic fields morphology in diffuse interstellar gas and molecular clouds. In this paper, we perform the numerical systemic study of the performance of velocity and synchrotron gradient for a wide range of magnetization in the sub-sonic environment. Addressing the studies of magnetic field in atomic hydrogen, we also study the formation of velocity caustics in the spectroscopic channel maps in the presence of the thermal broadening. We show that the velocity caustics can be recovered when applied to the Cold Neutral Medium (CNM) and the Gradient Technique (GT) can reliably trace magnetic fields there. Finally, we discuss the changes of the anisotropy of observed structure functions when we apply to the analysis the procedures developed within the framework of GT studies.

astro-ph.GA↗

Turbulent universal galactic Kolmogorov velocity cascade over 6 decades

We report the evidence for the existence of the universal, continuous turbulent cascade of velocity fluctuations with Kolmogorov -5/3 slope spanning 6 orders of length scales, from $10^4$ pc down to $10^{-2}$ pc. This was achieved by applying our innovative technique of separating density and velocity fluctuations to a set of spectroscopic surveys featuring various galactic spectral lines. This unified velocity cascade involves different interstellar phases from diffuse galactic media to dense self-gravitating clouds and persists despite interstellar phase transitions. However, the turbulent density fluctuations do not show this universality as the value of the spectral slope changes in different interstellar phases. This agrees with the expectation of compressible turbulence theory and demonstrates that the density is only an indirect tracer of interstellar turbulence. We report that the density fluctuations for clouds and filaments that are preferentially parallel to magnetic fields exhibit the spectral slope of -2. The universal grand turbulent velocity cascade that is established in our paper has significant implications for key galactic physical processes, including star formation, cosmic ray transport etc. We anticipate our result to be a starting point for in vitro models of multiphase interstellar turbulence studies with a significant impact for modeling of spiral galaxies.

astro-ph.GA↗

Correlation of velocity and density contributions to spectroscopic channel maps: Reality check on Kalberla et.al (2022)

The existence of magnetized turbulence in the interstellar HI is well accepted. A number of techniques to obtain turbulence spectrum and magnetic field direction and strength have been developed and successfully applied to HI spectroscopic data. To better separate the imprints of density and velocity fluctuations to the channel maps, a new theory-based technique, the Velocity Decomposition Algorithm (VDA,Yuen et.al 2021), has been created. The technique demonstrates that the intensity fluctuations are separated into a component pv that mostly arises from velocity fluctuations and pd that mostly arise from density fluctuations. The VDA helps to clarify the nature of the filamentary structure observed in channel maps. A recent publication (Kalberla et.al 2022,K22) claims that the application of VDA to HI4PI data provides negative correlation of pv and pd,which according to the authors invalidates the technique since it requires that pv and pd have zero correlation. However, the quantities pv and pd given by VDA are naturally orthogonal which can be trivially checked analytically or numerically. That means the correct application of the VDA to any data must provide zero correlation. This is the point that we clarify in this paper and search for the cause of the mistake in the application of the VDA in K22 that resulted in the erroneous conclusion. We prove analytically that by construction pv and pd are not correlated. We identify the likely mistake in the VDA expression that K22 used and reproduce their figures with the incorrect expression. We find that 14 out of 15 figures in K22 are invalid, and thus their criticism of the VDA is ill-founded and arises from their use of incorrect expressions. We conclude that the detrimental mistake that K22 made at their analysis completely invalidate their scientific claim that Y21 isnt compatible to observation.

astro-ph.GA↗

Is the recently discovered large scale filamentary feature Cattail in the cold or unstable phase?

A recent publication (Li et al. 2021) discovered one of the largest filamentary neutral hydrogen features dubbed Cattail from high resolution FAST observations that might be a new galactic arm of our own Milky Way. However in the analysis, it was suggested that this neutral hydrogen feature is cold despite having 12km/s total linewidth. We evaluate the probability whether the Cattail is actually cold neutral media via the newly developed Velocity Decomposition Algorithm (Yuen et al. 2021a) and Force Balancing Model (Ho et al. 2021a). We discovered that even with the inclusion of the galactic shear term, the feature is still at the unstable neutral media regime. Moreover, we also discover that the Cattail is two disjoint features in caustics space, suggesting that the Cattail might have two different turbulent systems. We check the spectra of the individual system separated via VDA to confirm this argument. We do not exclude the existence of smaller scale cold media being embedded within this structure.

astro-ph.GA↗

Intermittency of Fast MHD Modes and Regions of Anomalous Gradient Orientation in Low-beta Plasmas

The strong alignment of small-scale turbulent Alfvénic motions with the direction of the magnetic field that percolates the small-scale eddies and imprints the direction of the magnetic field is a property that follows from the MHD theory and the theory of turbulent reconnection. The Alfvénic eddies mix magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of the local magnetic field, and this type of motion is used to trace magnetic fields with the velocity gradient technique (VGT). The other type of turbulent motion, fast modes, induces anisotropies orthogonal to Alfvénic eddies and interferes with the tracing of the magnetic field with the VGT. We report a new effect, i.e., in a magnetically dominated low-βsubsonic medium, fast modes are very intermittent, and in a volume, with a small filling factor the fast modes dominate other turbulent motions. We identify these localized regions as the cause of the occasional change of direction of gradients in our synthetic observations. We show that the new technique of measuring the gradients of gradient amplitudes suppresses the contribution from the fast-mode-dominated regions, improving the magnetic field tracing. In addition, we show that the distortion of the gradient measurements by fast modes is also applicable to the synchrotron intensity gradients, but the effect is reduced compared to the VGT.

astro-ph.GA↗