arXiv subjects

Michel Casse

Publications and source records attributed to Michel Casse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2007

Type Ia Supernova Rate in the Galactic Center Region

According to recent analyses of the type-Ia supernova rate as a function of redshift, delayed and prompt type-Ia supernovae (SN Ia) should explode respectively in the Galactic bulge and in the nuclear bulge, a gas rich structure with ongoing star formation, located in the central region of the Milky Way. We estimate the rate of type-Ia supernovae in the Galactic bulge and nuclear bulge. We show that this rate is insufficient by an order of magnitude to explain by positron escape from type-Ia supernovae envelopes alone the large positron injection rate into the Galactic central region, as re-observed recently by the Spectrometer on INTEGRAL, which amounts to 1.25 10^{43} e+ s^{-1} and would require 0.5 SN Ia explosions per century.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Soft gamma-ray background and light Dark Matter annihilation

The bulk of the extragalactic background between 10 keV and 10 GeV is likely to be explained by the emission of Seyfert galaxies, type Ia supernovae, and blazars. However, as revealed by the INTEGRAL satellite, the bulge of our galaxy is an intense source of a 511 keV gamma-ray line, indicating the production of a large number of positrons that annihilate. The origin of the latter is debated, and they could be produced, in particular, by the (S- or P-wave) annihilation of light Dark Matter particles into e+e-. In any case, the cumulated effect of similar sources at all redshifts could lead to a new background of hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray photons. On the basis of the hierarchical model of galaxy formation, we compute analytically the SNIa contribution to the background, and add it to Seyfert and blazars emission models. We find that any extra contribution to this unresolved background at 511 keV should be lower than about 4 keV/cm^2/s/sr. We also estimate analytically the extragalactic background due to Dark Matter annihilation, increasing the accuracy of the earlier computations. Indeed, we take into account the large positron escape fraction from low mass dark matter halos, unable to confine a dense and magnetized interstellar medium. Our new background estimate turns out to be one order of magnitude lower, so that the hypothesis of a light Dark Matter candidate remains compatible with the observed extragalactic background for a wider range of particle masses and cross-sections.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Light Dark Matter

The SPI spectrometer aboard of the INTEGRAL satellite has released a map of the e+e- annihilation emission line of unprecedented quality, showing that most of the photons arise from a region coinciding with the stellar bulge of the Milky Way. The impressive intensity (10^-3 photon/cm^2/s) and morphology (round and wide) of the emission is begging an explanation. Different classes of astrophysical objects could inject positrons in the interstellar medium of the bulge, but the only acceptable ones should inject them at energies low enough to avoid excessive bremsstrahlung emission in the soft gamma ray regime. Among the ~ MeV injectors, none seems generous enough to sustain the high level of annihilation observed. Even the most profuse candidate, namely the beta+ radioactivity of 56 Co nuclei created and expelled in the interstellar medium by explosive nucleosynthesis of type Ia supernovae, falls short explaining the phenomenon due to the small fraction of positrons leaking out from the ejecta (3 %), together with the low SNIa rate in the bulge (0.03 per century). It is therefore worth exploring alternative solutions, as for instance, the idea that the source of the positrons is the annihilation of light dark matter (LDM) particles of the kind recently proposed, totally independently, by Boehm and Fayet. Assuming that LDM is the culprit, crucial constraints on the characteristics (mass and annihilation cross-section) of the associated particle may be discussed, combining direct gamma ray observations and models of the early Universe. In particular, the mass of the LDM particles should be significantly less than 100 MeV, so that the e+ and e- resulting from their annihilations do not radiate exceedingly through bremsstrahlung in the interstellar gas of the galactic bulge.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Possible Evidence for MeV Dark Matter In Dwarf Spheroidals

It has been recently proposed that the observed 511 keV emission from the Galactic bulge could be the product of very light (1-100 MeV) annihilating dark matter particles. Other possible explanations for this signal are associated with stellar objects, such as hypernovae. In order to distinguish between annihilating light dark matter scenario and more conventional astrophysical sources for the bulge emission, we here propose the study of dwarf spheroidals such as Sagittarius. These galaxies have typical luminosities of $10^5 L_\odot$ but mass-to-light ratios of $\sim 100$. As there are comparatively few stars, the prospects for 511 keV emission from standard astrophysical scenarios are minimal. The dwarf spheroidals do, however, contain copious amounts of dark matter. INTEGRAL/SPI has observed the Sagittarius region. Analysis of this data for 511 keV emission will provide a test of MeV dark matter which can distinguish between annihilating dark matter and more standard astrophysics. The observation of such a signal from Sagittarius should be a ``smoking gun'' for MeV dark matter.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Hypernovae as possible sources of Galactic positrons

INTEGRAL/SPI has recently observed a strong and extended emission resulting from electron-positron annihilation located in the Galactic center region, consistent with the Galactic bulge geometry, without any counterpart at high gamma-ray energies, nor in the 1809 keV $^{26}$Al decay line. In order to explain the rate of positron injection in the Galactic bulge, estimated to more than 10$^{43}$ s$^{-1}$, the most commonly considered positron injection sources are type Ia supernovae. However, SN Ia rate estimations show that those sources fall short to explain the observed positron production rate, raising a challenging question about the nature of the Galactic positron source. In this context, a possible source of Galactic positrons could be supernova events of a new type, as the recently observed SN2003dh/GRB030329, an exploding Wolf-Rayet star (type Ic supernova) associated with a hypernova/gamma-ray burst; the question about the rate of this kind of events remains open, but could be problematically low. In this paper, we explore the possibility of positron production and escape by such an event in the framework of an asymmetric model, in which a huge amount of $^{56}$Ni is ejected in a cone with a very high velocity; the ejected material becomes quickly transparent to positrons, which spread out in the interstellar medium.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Gamma rays from the Galactic bulge and large extra dimensions

An intriguing feature of extra dimensions is the possible production of Kaluza--Klein gravitons by nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung in the course of core collapse of massive stars, as pointed out by Hannestad and Raffelt. In this event Kaluza--Klein gravitons are copiously produced and a significant fraction of them remains trapped around the newly born neutron stars. They slowly decay into 2 gamma rays, making neutron stars gamma-ray sources. In this letter, we strengthen considerably the limits on the radius of compactification of extra-dimensions for small number $n$ of them, or alternatively the fundamental scale of quantum gravity, considering the gamma-ray emission of the whole population of neutron stars sitting in the Galactic bulge, instead of the closest member of this category. For $n=1$ the constraint on the compactification radius is $R<400μ$m, overlapping with the distance ($180μ$m) at which Newtons law is directly measured. In addition, for n=1 and n=2, the fundamental energy scale of quantum gravity is far beyond the collider technology. These results imply that if $n\lesssim4$ and if strong gravity is around a TeV, the compactification topology is to be more complex than that of a torus.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2003

MeV Dark Matter: Has It Been Detected?

We discuss the possibility that the recent detection of 511 keV gamma-rays from the galactic bulge, as observed by INTEGRAL, is a consequence of low mass (~MeV) particle dark matter annihilations. We discuss the type of halo profile favored by the observations as well as the size of the annihilation cross section needed to account for the signal. We find that such a scenario is consistent with the observed dark matter relic density and other constraints from astrophysics and particle physics.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

A Re-examination of the $^{187}$Re Bound on the Variation of Fundamental Couplings

We reconsider the Re187 bound on the variation of the fine-structure constant. We combine the meteoritic measurement with several present-day lab measurements to firmly establish the quantitative upper limit to the time variation over the age of the solar system. We find that the relative change of the fine-structure constant between its present value and $α$ of \sim 4.6 Gyr ago is consistent with zero, Delta alpha/alpha = [-8\pm 8 (1σ)] x 10^{-7}. We also rederive this bound in models where all gauge and Yukawa couplings vary in an interdependent manner, as would be expected in unified theories.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

On the baryometric status of He3

Recent observations by Bania et al. (2002) measure He3 versus oxygen in Galactic HII regions, finding that He3/H is within a factor of 2 of the solar abundance for [O/H] > -0.6. These results are consistent with a flat behavior in this metallicity range, tempting one to deduce from these observations a primordial value for the He3 abundance, which could join D and Li7 as an indicator of the cosmic baryon density. However, using the same data, we show that it is not possible to obtain a strong constraint on the baryon density range. This is due to (i) the intrinsically weak sensitivity of the primordial He3 abundance to the baryon density; (ii) the limited range in metallicity of the sample; (iii) the intrinsic scatter in the data; and (iv) our limited understanding of the chemical and stellar evolution of this isotope. Consequently, the He3 observations correspond to an extended range of baryon-to-photon ratio, eta = (2.2 - 6.5) x 10^{-10}, which diminishes the role of He3 as a precision baryometer. On the other hand, once the baryon-to-photon ratio is determined by the CMB, D/H, or Li7/H, the primordial value of He3/H can be inferred. Henceforth new observations of Galactic He3, can in principle greatly improve our understanding of stellar and/or chemical evolution and reconcile the observations of the HII regions and those of the planetary nebulae.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Constraints on the Variations of the Fundamental Couplings

We reconsider several current bounds on the variation of the fine-structure constant in models where all gauge and Yukawa couplings vary in an interdependent manner, as would be expected in unified theories. In particular, we re-examine the bounds established by the Oklo reactor from the resonant neutron capture cross-section of 149Sm. By imposing variations in Λ_{QCD} and the quark masses, as dictated by unified theories, the corresponding bound on the variation of the fine-structure constant can be improved by about 2 orders of magnitude in such theories. In addition, we consider possible bounds on variations due to their effect on long lived α- and β-decay isotopes, particularly 147Sm and 187Re. We obtain a strong constraint on Δα/ α, comparable to that of Oklo but extending to a higher redshift corresponding to the age of the solar system, from the radioactive life-time of 187Re derived from meteoritic studies. We also analyze the astrophysical consequences of perturbing the decay Q values on bound state β-decays operating in the s-process.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Production of Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by Hypernovae

We investigate a possible nucleosynthetic signature of highly energetic explosions of C-O cores ("hypernovae," HNe) which might be associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We note that the direct impact of C- and O-enriched hypernova ejecta on the ambient hydrogen and helium leads to spallation reactions which can produce large amounts of the light nuclides lithium, beryllium, and boron (LiBeB). Using analytic velocity spectra of the hypernova ejecta, we calculate the LiBeB yields of different exploding C-O cores associated with observed hypernovae. The deduced yields are $\sim 10^3$ times higher than those produced by similar (direct) means in normal Type II supernovae, and are higher than the commonly used ones arising from shock wave acceleration induced by Type II supernova (SN) explosions. To avoid overproduction of these elements in our Galaxy, hypernovae should be rare events, with $\la 10^{-3}$ hypernovae per supernova, assuming a constant HN/SN ratio over time. This rate is in good agreement with that of long duration GRBs if we assume that the gamma-ray emission is focussed with a beaming factor $Ω/4π\la 10^{-2}$. This encouraging result supports the possible HN-GRB association. Thus, Galactic LiBeB abundance measurements offer a promising way to probe the HN rate history and the possible HN-GRB correlation. On the other hand, if hypernovae are associated to very massive pregalactic stars (Population III) they would produce a LiBeB pre-enrichment in proto-galactic gas, which could show up as a plateau in the lowest metallicities of the Be-Fe relation in halo stars.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

On the Possible Sources of D/H Dispersion at High Redshift

Recent observations suggest the existence of a white dwarf population in the Galactic halo, while others suggest that deuterium has been astrated in systems at high redshift and low metallicity. We propose that these observations could be signatures of an early population of intermediate-mass stars. Such a population requires a Population III initial mass function different from that of the solar neighborhood, as perhaps also suggested by the observed cosmic infrared background. Also, to avoid overproduction of C and N, it is required that the Z=0 yields of these stars have low ($\sim 10^{-3}$ solar) abundances as suggested by some recent calculations. Under these assumptions, we present a model which reproduces the observed D vs Si trend, and predicts a high cosmic Type Ia supernova rate, while producing a white dwarf population that accounts for only $\sim$ 1.5% of the dark halo. This scenario can be tested by observations of the cosmic supernova rate, and by confirmation and further studies of the putative white dwarf halo population.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Evolution of Lithium-Beryllium-Boron and Oxygen in the early Galaxy

Oxygen is a much better evolutionary index than iron to describe the history of Lithium-Beryllium-Boron (LiBeB) since it is the main producer of these light elements at least in the early Galaxy. The O-Fe relation is crucial to the determination of the exact physical process responsible for the LiBeB production. At low metallicity, if [O/Fe] vs [Fe/H] is flat, then the production mode is independent of the interstellar metallicity, BeB is proportional to oxygen, i.e. is of primary nature. If not, the production mode is function of the progressive enrichment in O of the interstellar medium, BeB varies rather as the square of O, i.e. is of secondary nature. In the first case, fast nuclei enriched into He, C and O injected by supernovae and accelerated in surrounding superbubbles would explain the primary trend. In the second case, the main spallative agent would be the standard galactic cosmic rays. Calculated nucleosynthetic yields of massive stars, estimates of the energy cost of production of beryllium nuclei, and above all recent observations reported in this meeting seem to favor the primary mechanism, at least in the early Galaxy.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

INTEGRAL and Nuclear Astrophysics

We briefly review the fundamentals of nuclear gamma-ray line astronomy (radioactive astronomy), focusing on its role to decipher the intimate physics of supernovae, either immediatly (via $^{56}Co)$ or after a time delay (via $^{44}Ti$). All kinds of supernovae can be in principle tested through their radioactivities and their associated gamma-ray lines. Dedicated to the spectroscopy and imaging of celestial sources in the 15 keV to 10 MeV band, the ESA scientific observatory INTEGRAL will open a golden age of nuclear astrophysics in Europe

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Big-bang nucleosynthesis with the NACRE compilation

We update the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) calculations on the basis of the recent NACRE compilation of reaction rates. In particular, we calculate the uncertainties related to the nuclear reaction rates on the abundances of 7Li and compare our results with an other recent analysis.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2000

Lithium-Beryllium-Boron and Oxygen in the early Galaxy

Oxygen is a much better evolutionary index than iron to follow the history of Lithium-Beryllium-Boron (LiBeB) since it is the main producer of these light elements at least in the early Galaxy. The O-Fe relation is crucial to the determination of the exact physical process responsible for the LiBeB production. Calculated nucleosynthetic yields of massive stars, estimates of the energy cost of Be production, and above all recent observations reported in this meeting seem to favor a mechanism in which fast nuclei enriched into He, C and O arising from supernovae are accelerated in superbubbles and fragment on H and He in the interstellar medium.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2000

Standard Cosmic Ray Energetics and Light Element Production

The recent observations of Be and B in metal poor stars has led to a reassessment of the origin of the light elements in the early Galaxy. At low it is metallicity ([O/H] < -1.75), it is necessary to introduce a production mechanism which is independent of the interstellar metallicity (primary). At higher metallicities, existing data might indicate that secondary production is dominant. In this paper, we focus on the secondary process, related to the standard Galactic cosmic rays, and we examine the cosmic ray energy requirements for both present and past epochs. We find the power input to maintain the present-day Galactic cosmic ray flux is about 1.5e41 erg/s = 5e50 erg/century. This implies that, if supernovae are the sites of cosmic ray acceleration, the fraction of explosion energy going to accelerated particles is about 30%, a value which we obtain consistently both from considering the present cosmic ray flux and confinement and from the present 9Be and 6Li abundances. Using the abundances of 9Be (and 6Li) in metal-poor halo stars, we extend the analysis to show the effect of the interstellar gas mass on the standard galactic cosmic ray energetic constraints on models of Li, Be, and B evolution. The efficiency of the beryllium production per erg may be enhanced in the past by a factor of about 10; thus the energetic requirement by itself cannot be used to rule out a secondary origin of light elements. Only a clear and undisputable observational determination of the O-Fe relation in the halo will discriminate between the two processes. (abridged)

astro-ph↗

arXiv2000

The Impact of the NACRE Compilation on the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

We update the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) calculations on the basis of the recent NACRE compilation of reaction rates. We estimate the uncertainties related to the nuclear reaction rates on the abundances of D, 3He, 4He, 6Li, 7Li, 9Be, 10B and 11B of cosmological and astrophysical interest. We use lithium as the main indicator of the baryon density of the Universe, rather than deuterium.

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