arXiv subjects

M. Kato

Publications and source records attributed to M. Kato.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2018

Breaking the habit - the peculiar 2016 eruption of the unique recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a

Since its discovery in 2008, the Andromeda galaxy nova M31N 2008-12a has been observed in eruption every single year. This unprecedented frequency indicates an extreme object, with a massive white dwarf and a high accretion rate, which is the most promising candidate for the single-degenerate progenitor of a type-Ia supernova known to date. The previous three eruptions of M31N 2008-12a have displayed remarkably homogeneous multi-wavelength properties: (i) From a faint peak, the optical light curve declined rapidly by two magnitudes in less than two days; (ii) Early spectra showed initial high velocities that slowed down significantly within days and displayed clear He/N lines throughout; (iii) The supersoft X-ray source (SSS) phase of the nova began extremely early, six days after eruption, and only lasted for about two weeks. In contrast, the peculiar 2016 eruption was clearly different. Here we report (i) the considerable delay in the 2016 eruption date, (ii) the significantly shorter SSS phase, and (iii) the brighter optical peak magnitude (with a hitherto unobserved cusp shape). Early theoretical models suggest that these three different effects can be consistently understood as caused by a lower quiescence mass-accretion rate. The corresponding higher ignition mass caused a brighter peak in the free-free emission model. The less-massive accretion disk experienced greater disruption, consequently delaying re-establishment of effective accretion. Without the early refueling, the SSS phase was shortened. Observing the next few eruptions will determine whether the properties of the 2016 outburst make it a genuine outlier in the evolution of M31N 2008-12a.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

M31N 2008-12a - the remarkable recurrent nova in M31: Pan-chromatic observations of the 2015 eruption

The Andromeda Galaxy recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a had been observed in eruption ten times, including yearly eruptions from 2008-2014. With a measured recurrence period of $P_\mathrm{rec}=351\pm13$ days (we believe the true value to be half of this) and a white dwarf very close to the Chandrasekhar limit, M31N 2008-12a has become the leading pre-explosion supernova type Ia progenitor candidate. Following multi-wavelength follow-up observations of the 2013 and 2014 eruptions, we initiated a campaign to ensure early detection of the predicted 2015 eruption, which triggered ambitious ground and space-based follow-up programs. In this paper we present the 2015 detection; visible to near-infrared photometry and visible spectroscopy; and ultraviolet and X-ray observations from the Swift observatory. The LCOGT 2m (Hawaii) discovered the 2015 eruption, estimated to have commenced at Aug. $28.28\pm0.12$ UT. The 2013-2015 eruptions are remarkably similar at all wavelengths. New early spectroscopic observations reveal short-lived emission from material with velocities $\sim13000$ km s$^{-1}$, possibly collimated outflows. Photometric and spectroscopic observations of the eruption provide strong evidence supporting a red giant donor. An apparently stochastic variability during the early super-soft X-ray phase was comparable in amplitude and duration to past eruptions, but the 2013 and 2015 eruptions show evidence of a brief flux dip during this phase. The multi-eruption Swift/XRT spectra show tentative evidence of high-ionization emission lines above a high-temperature continuum. Following Henze et al. (2015a), the updated recurrence period based on all known eruptions is $P_\mathrm{rec}=174\pm10$ d, and we expect the next eruption of M31N 2008-12a to occur around mid-Sep. 2016.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Strong electron correlation behind the superconductivity in Ce-free and Ce-underdoped high-Tc T'-cuprates

In order to investigate the electronic state of Ce-free and Ce-underdoped high-Tc cuprates with the so-called T' structure, we have performed muon-spin-relaxation (muSR) and specific-heat measurements of Ce-free T'-La_1.8_Eu_0.2_CuO_4+d_ (T'-LECO) polycrystals and Ce-underdoped T'-Pr_1.3-x_La_0.7_Ce_x_CuO_4+d_ (T'-PLCCO) single crystals with x=0.10. The muSR spectra of the reduced superconducting samples of both T'-LECO with Tc=15K and T'-PLCCO with x=0.10 and Tc=27K have revealed that a short-range magnetic order coexists with the superconductivity in the ground state. The formation of a short-range magnetic order due to a tiny amount of excess oxygen in the reduced superconducting samples strongly suggest that the Ce-free and Ce-underdoped T'-cuprates are regarded as strongly correlated electron systems.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

Resistive superconducting transition and effects of atmospheric exposure in the intercalation superconductor Ax(C2H8N2)yFe2-zSe2 (A = Li, Na)

We have succeeded in observing zero-resistivity in newly discovered intercalation superconductors Ax(C2H8N2)yFe2-zSe2 (A = Li, Na) with Tc = 45 K, using the sintered pellet samples. The electrical resistivity, \r{ho}, in the normal state is metallic and Tconset defined in the $ρ$ measurements, is as high as ~ 57 K. We have also investigated effects of the atmospheric exposure in Lix(C2H8N2)yFe2-zSe2. It has been found that both the crystal structure and superconductivity are maintained at least up to several days, indicating this material is comparatively resistant to the atmospheric exposure.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

New intercalation superconductor Lix(C6H16N2)yFe2-zSe2 with a very large interlayer-spacing and Tc = 38 K

A new iron-based superconductor, Lix(C6H16N2)yFe2-zSe2, with Tc = 38 K has successfully been synthesized via the intercalation of lithium and hexamethylenediamine into FeSe. The superconducting transition has been confirmed not only by magnetic susceptibility measurements but also by electrical resistivity ones. The interlayer spacing, namely, the dicstance between neighboring Fe layers, d, is 16.225(5) $\mathring{\text{A}}$, which is the largest among those of FeSe-based intercalation compounds. It has been found that the dependence of Tc on d in FeSe-based intercalation superconductors appears domic.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

A remarkable recurrent nova in M31: Discovery and optical/UV observations of the predicted 2014 eruption

The Andromeda Galaxy recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a had been caught in eruption eight times. The inter-eruption period of M31N 2008-12a is ~1 year, making it the most rapidly recurring system known, and a strong single-degenerate Type Ia Supernova progenitor candidate. Following the 2013 eruption, a campaign was initiated to detect the predicted 2014 eruption and to then perform high cadence optical photometric and spectroscopic monitoring using ground-based telescopes, along with rapid UV and X-ray follow-up with the Swift satellite. Here we report the results of a high cadence multicolour optical monitoring campaign, the spectroscopic evolution, and the UV photometry. We also discuss tantalising evidence of a potentially related, vastly-extended, nebulosity. The 2014 eruption was discovered, before optical maximum, on October 2, 2014. We find that the optical properties of M31N 2008-12a evolve faster than all Galactic recurrent novae known, and all its eruptions show remarkable similarity both photometrically and spectroscopically. Optical spectra were obtained as early as 0.26 days post maximum, and again confirm the nova nature of the eruption. A significant deceleration of the inferred ejecta expansion velocity is observed which may be caused by interaction of the ejecta with surrounding material, possibly a red giant wind. We find a low ejected mass and low ejection velocity, which are consistent with high mass-accretion rate, high mass white dwarf, and short recurrence time models of novae. We encourage additional observations, especially around the predicted time of the next eruption, towards the end of 2015.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

A remarkable recurrent nova in M 31: The predicted 2014 outburst in X-rays with Swift

The M 31 nova M31N 2008-12a was recently found to be a recurrent nova (RN) with a recurrence time of about 1 year. This is by far the fastest recurrence time scale of any known RNe. Our optical monitoring programme detected the predicted 2014 outburst of M31N 2008-12a in early October. We immediately initiated an X-ray/UV monitoring campaign with Swift to study the multiwavelength evolution of the outburst. We monitored M31N 2008-12a with daily Swift observations for 20 days after discovery, covering the entire supersoft X-ray source (SSS) phase. We detected SSS emission around day six after outburst. The SSS state lasted for approximately two weeks until about day 19. M31N 2008-12a was a bright X-ray source with a high blackbody temperature. The X-ray properties of this outburst were very similar to the 2013 eruption. Combined X-ray spectra show a fast rise and decline of the effective blackbody temperature. The short-term X-ray light curve showed strong, aperiodic variability which decreased significantly after about day 14. Overall, the X-ray properties of M31N 2008-12a are consistent with the average population properties of M 31 novae. The optical and X-ray light curves can be scaled uniformly to show similar time scales as those of the Galactic RNe U Sco or RS Oph. The SSS evolution time scales and effective temperatures are consistent with a high-mass WD. We predict the next outburst of M31N 2008-12a to occur in autumn 2015.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

A remarkable recurrent nova in M31 - The X-ray observations

Another outburst of the recurrent M31 nova M31N 2008-12a was announced in late November 2013. Optical data suggest an unprecedentedly short recurrence time of approximately one year. In this Letter we address the X-ray properties of M31N 2008-12a. We requested Swift monitoring observations shortly after the optical discovery. We estimated source count rates and extracted X-ray spectra from the resulting data. The corresponding ultraviolet (UV) data was also analysed. M31N 2008-12a was clearly detected as a bright supersoft X-ray source (SSS) only six days after the well-constrained optical discovery. It displayed a short SSS phase of two weeks duration and an exceptionally hot X-ray spectrum with an effective blackbody temperature of ~97 eV. During the SSS phase the X-ray light curve displayed significant variability that might have been accompanied by spectral variations. The very early X-ray variability was found to be anti-correlated with simultaneous variations in the UV flux. The X-ray properties of M31N 2008-12a coherently point towards a high-mass white dwarf in the nova system. This object might be a promising Type Ia supernova progenitor. We re-discovered additional X-ray detections of M31N 2008-12a that are consistent with our data and increase the number of known nova outbursts to seven. This nova is an exceptional object that merits further attention in the future.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Hybrid Monte Carlo on Lefschetz Thimbles -- A study of the residual sign problem

We consider a hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm which is applicable to lattice theories defined on Lefschetz thimbles. In the algorithm, any point (field configuration) on a thimble is parametrized uniquely by the flow-direction and the flow-time defined at a certain asymptotic region close to the critical point, and it is generated by solving the gradient flow equation downward. The associated complete set of tangent vectors is also generated in the same manner. Molecular dynamics is then formulated as a constrained dynamical system, where the equations of motion with Lagrange multipliers are solved by the second-order constraint-preserving symmetric integrator. The algorithm is tested in the lambda phi^4 model at finite density, by choosing the thimbles associated with the classical vacua for subcritical and supercritical values of chemical potential. For the lattice size L=4, we find that the residual sign factors average to not less than 0.99 and are safely included by reweighting and that the results of the number density are consistent with those obtained by the complex Langevin simulations.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2013

A Critical Examination on L/E Analysis in the Underground Detectors with a Computer Numerical Experiment Part 1

In the present paper we consider neutrino events due to quasi-elastic scattering (QEL) as the most reliable events among various candidate events to be analyzed, and have carried out the first step of an L/E analysis which aims to confirm the survival probability with a Numerical Computer Experiment. The most important factor in the survival probability is Lnu and Enu, but this cannot be measured for such neutral particles. Instead, Lmu and Emu is utilized in the L/E analysis, where Lnu, Lmu, Enu and Emu denote the flight path lengths of the incident neutrinos, those of the emitted leptons, the energies of the incident neutrinos and those of the emitted leptons, respectively. According to our Computer Numerical Experiment, the relation of Lnu/Enu is nearly equal to Lmu/Emu doesn't hold. In subsequent papers, we show the results on an L/E analysis with the Computer Numerical Experiment based on our results obtained in the present paper.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Evolution of the electronic state through the reduction annealing in electron-doped Pr_1.3-x_La_0.7_Ce_x_CuO_4+delta_ (x=0.10) single crystals: Antiferromagnetism, Kondo effect and superconductivity

The evolution of the electronic state through the reduction annealing has been investigated in electron-doped Pr_1.3-x_La_0.7_Ce_x_CuO_4+delta_ (x=0.10) single crystals with the so-called T' structure. From the ab plane and c axis electrical resistivity measurements in magnetic fields, it has been found that, through the reduction annealing, the strongly localized state of carriers accompanied by the antiferromagnetic (AF) pseudogap in the as-grown crystal changes to a metallic state bringing about the Kondo effect without AF pseudogap and to a superconducting state. These results are able to be understood in terms of a model based on the strong electron correlation. The complete removal of excess oxygen in the T'-cuprates is expected to result in the appearance of superconductivity in a wide range of the Ce concentration including the parent compound of x=0.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Specific-heat study of superconducting and normal states in FeSe1-xTex (0.6<=x<=1) single crystals: Strong-coupling superconductivity, strong electron-correlation, and inhomogeneity

The electronic specific heat of as-grown and annealed single-crystals of FeSe1-xTex (0.6<=x<=1) has been investigated. It has been found that annealed single-crystals with x=0.6-0.9 exhibit bulk superconductivity with a clear specific-heat jump at the superconducting (SC) transition temperature, Tc. Both 2Delta_0/kBTc [Delta_0: the SC gap at 0 K estimated using the single-band BCS s-wave model] and Delta C/(gamma_n-gamma_0)Tc [Delta C$: the specific-heat jump at Tc, gamma_n: the electronic specific-heat coefficient in the normal state, gamma_0: the residual electronic specific-heat coefficient at 0 K in the SC state] are largest in the well-annealed single-crystal with x=0.7, i.e., 4.29 and 2.76, respectively, indicating that the superconductivity is of the strong coupling. The thermodynamic critical field has also been estimated. gamma_n has been found to be one order of magnitude larger than those estimated from the band calculations and increases with increasing x at x=0.6-0.9, which is surmised to be due to the increase in the electronic effective mass, namely, the enhancement of the electron correlation. It has been found that there remains a finite value of gamma_0 in the SC state even in the well-annealed single-crystals with x=0.8-0.9, suggesting an inhomogeneous electronic state in real space and/or momentum space.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

On the Relation between the True Directions of Neutrinos and the Reconstructed Directions of Neutrinos in L/E Analysis Performed by Super-Kamiokande Collaboration Part1

It should be regarded that the confirmation of the maximum oscillation in neutrino oscillation through L/E analysis by Super-Kamiokande is a logical consequence of their establishment on the existence of neutrino oscillation through the analysis of the zenith angle distribution for atmospheric neutrino events. In the present paper (Part1) with the computer numerical experiment, we examine the assumption made by Super-Kamiokande Collaboration that the direction of the incident neutrino is approximately the same as that of the produced lepton, which is the cornerstone in their L/E analysis, and we find this approximation does not hold even approximately. In a subsequent paper (Part2), we apply the results from Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 to L/E analysis and conclude that one cannot obtain the maximum oscillation in L/E analysis in the single ring muon events due to quasi-elastic scattering reported by Super-Kamiokande which shows strongly the oscillation pattern from the neutrino oscillation.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

On the Relation between the True Directions of Neutrinos and the Reconstructed Directions of Neutrinos in L/E Analysis Performed by Super-Kamiokande Collaboration Part2

In the previous paper (Part1), we have verified that the SK assumption on the direction does not hold in the analysis of neutrino events occurred inside the SK detector, which is the cornerstone for their analysis of zenith angle distributions of neutrino events. Based on the correlation between L_nu and L_mu (Figures~16 to 18 in Part1) and the correlation between E_nu and E_mu (Figure19 in Part1), we have made four possible L/E analyses, namely L_nu/E_nu, L_nu/E_mu, L_mu/E_mu and L_mu/E_nu. Among four kinds of L/E analyses, we have shown that only L_nu/E_nu analysis can give the signature of maximum oscillations clearly, not only the first maximum oscillation but also the second and third maximum oscillation and etc., as they should be, while the L_mu/E_mu analysis which are really done by Super-Kamiokande Collaboration cannot give any maximum oscillation at all. It is thus concluded from those results that the experiments with the use of the cosmic-ray beam for neutrino oscillation, such as Super-Kamiokande type experiment, are unable to lead the maximum oscillation from their L/E analysis, because the incident neutrino cannot be observed due to its neutrality. Therefore, we would suggest Super-Kamiokande Collaboration to re-analyze the zenith angle distribution of the neutrino events which occur inside the detector carefully, since L_nu and L_mu are alternative expressions of the cosine of the zenith angle for the incident neutrino and that for the emitted muon, respectively.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

On the Sensitivity of L/E Analysis of Super-Kamiokande Atmospheric Neutrino Data to Neutrino Oscillation Part~2 --- Four Possible L/E Analyses for the Maximum Oscillation by the Numerical Computer Experiment ---

In the previous paper (Part~1), we have verified that the SK assumption on the direction does not hold in the analysis of neutrino events occurred inside the SK detector. We have made four possible L/E analyses, L_nu/E_nu, L_nu/E_mu, L_mu/E_nu and L_mu/E_mu. Among four kinds of L/E analyses, we have shown that only L_nu/E_nu analysis can give the signature of maximum oscillations clearly, while the L_mu/E_mu analysis which are really done by Super-Kamiokande Collaboration cannot give the maximum oscillation at all. It is thus concluded that Super-Kamiokande type experiment cannot find the maximum oscillation from L/E analysis. Therefore, we would suggest Super-Kamiokande Collaboration to re-analyze the zenith angle distribution of the neutrino events which occur inside the detector carefully.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

On the Sensitivity of L/E Analysis of Super-Kamiokande Atmospheric Neutrino Data to Neutrino Oscillation Part~1

It is said that the finding of the maximum oscillation in neutrino oscillation by Super-Kamiokande is one of the major achievements of the SK. In present paper, we examine the assumption made by Super-Kamiokande Collaboration that the direction of the incident neutrino is approximately the same as that of the produced lepton, which is the cornerstone in their L/E analysis and we find this approximation does not hold even approximately. In the Part 2 of the subsequent paper, we apply the results from Figures 12, 13 and 14 to L/E analysis and conclude that one cannot obtain the maximum oscillation in L/E analysis which shows strongly the oscillation pattern from the neutrino oscillation.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2008

Comprehensive Analysis of Neutrinos in SK part II -- L/E Analysis for Single Ring Muon Events I --

By referring to the procedures developed in the preceeding paper, we re-analyze the L/E distribution for Fully Contained Events resulting from quasi-elatic scattering (QEL) obtained from the Super-Kamiokande Experiment in relation to their assumption that the direction of the incident neutrino coincide with that of the produced leptons. As the result of it, we clarify that they do not measure L_nu/E_nu distribution itself, but L_mu/E_nu distribution, which cannot show the maximum oscillation existed in the original L_nu/E_nu distribution, because L_nu could not be approximated by L_mu due to the backscattering effect and the azimuthal angle effect in QEL.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2008

Comprehensive Analysis of Neutrinos in SK part 3 -- L/E Analysis for Single Ring Muon Events II --

Following the L_nu/E_nu analysis in the preceding paper of the Fully Contained Muon Events resulting from the quasi-elastic scattering obtained from our numerical computer experiment. In the present paper, we carry out the analyses of L_nu/E_mu, L_mu/E_nu and L_mu/E_mu among four possible combinations of L and E. As the result of it, we show that we can not find the characteristis of maximum oscillation for neutrino oscillation among two of three, L_mu/E_mu and L_mu/E_nu. Only the L_nu/E_mu distribution can show something like maximum oscillation, however it cannot be detected owing to the neutral character of L_nu. It is concluded that the Super-Kamiokande Experiment could not have found the existence of the maximum oscillation for neutrino oscillation.

hep-ex↗