arXiv subjects

Roberto Mignani

Publications and source records attributed to Roberto Mignani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

A puzzling 2-hour X-ray periodicity in the 1.5-hour orbital period black widow PSR J1311-3430

Time-domain analysis of an archival XMM-Newton observation unveiled a very unusual variability pattern in the soft X-ray emission of PSR J1311-3430, a black widow millisecond pulsar in a tight binary (P_B=93.8 min) with a very low-mass (M~0.01 Msun) He companion star, known to show flaring emission in the optical and in the X-rays. A series of six pulses with a regular recurrence time of ~124 min is apparent in the 0.2-10 keV light curve of the system, also featuring an initial, bright flare and a quiescent phase lasting several hours. The X-ray spectrum does not change when the pulses are seen and is consistent with a power law with photon index Gamma~1.6, also describing the quiescent emission. The peak luminosity of the pulses is of several 10^32 erg/s. Simultaneous observations in the U band with the Optical Monitor onboard XMM and in the g' band from the Las Cumbres Observatory do not show any apparent counterpart of the pulses and only display the well-known orbital modulation of the system. We consider different hypotheses to explain the recurrent pulses: we investigate their possible analogy with other phenomena already observed in this pulsar and in similar systems and we also study possible explanations related to the interaction of the energetic pulsar wind with intrabinary material, but we found none of these pictures to be convincing. We identify simultaneous X-ray observations and optical spectroscopy as a possible way to constrain the nature of the phenomenon.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Multi-Messenger Astrophysics with THESEUS in the 2030s

Multi-messenger astrophysics is becoming a major avenue to explore the Universe, with the potential to span a vast range of redshifts. The growing synergies between different probes is opening new frontiers, which promise profound insights into several aspects of fundamental physics and cosmology. In this context, THESEUS will play a central role during the 2030s in detecting and localizing the electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave and neutrino sources that the unprecedented sensitivity of next generation detectors will discover at much higher rates than the present. Here, we review the most important target signals from multi-messenger sources that THESEUS will be able to detect and characterize, discussing detection rate expectations and scientific impact.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2018

Physics and astrophysics of strong magnetic field systems with eXTP

In this paper we present the science potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) mission for studies of strongly magnetized objects. We will focus on the physics and astrophysics of strongly magnetized objects, namely magnetars, accreting X-ray pulsars, and rotation powered pulsars. We also discuss the science potential of eXTP for QED studies. Developed by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the eXTP mission is expected to be launched in the mid 2020s.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Multi-wavelength, Multi-Messenger Pulsar Science in the SKA Era

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is an integral part of the next-generation observatories that will survey the Universe across the electromagnetic spectrum, and beyond, revolutionizing our view of fundamental physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Owing to their extreme nature and clock-like properties, pulsars discovered and monitored by SKA will enable a broad range of scientific endeavour and play a key role in this quest. This chapter summarizes the pulsar-related science goals that will be reached with coordinated efforts among SKA and other next-generation astronomical facilities.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

The Hot and Energetic Universe: End points of stellar evolution

White dwarfs, neutron stars and stellar mass black holes are key laboratories to study matter in most extreme conditions of gravity and magnetic field. The unprecedented effective area of Athena+ will allow us to advance our understanding of emission mechanisms and accretion physics over a wide range of mass accretion rates, starting from lower and sub-luminous quiescent X-ray binaries up to super-Eddington ultra-luminous sources. Athena+ will measure stellar black hole spins in a much higher number of binaries than achievable now, opening the possibility to study how spin varies with black hole history. The high throughput and energy resolution of the X-IFU will be instrumental in establishing how disc wind properties depend on accretion state, in determining wind launching mechanism and in quantifying the impact of the wind induced mass loss on binary evolution and environment. Triggers and high quality optical and radio data originating from large wide field contemporaneous instruments will provide essential complementary information on jet launching mechanisms and on the physics of rotation powered pulsars, for instance. In addition, Athena+ will furnish multiple, independent measurements of the neutron star mass/radius relation in a wide range of environments and conditions so as to constrain the debated equation of state.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Optical Polarimetry of the Inner Crab Nebula and Pulsar

Time-resolved polarisation measurements of pulsars offer an unique insight into the geometry of their emission regions. Such measure\ ments provide observational constraints on the different models proposed for the pulsar emission mechanisms. Optical polarisation data of the Crab Nebula was obtained from the HST archive. The data set consists of a series of observations of the nebula taken with the HST/ACS. We produced polarisation vector maps of the inner nebula and measured, for the first time, the degree of linear polarisation (P.D.) and the position angle (P.A.) of the pulsar's integrated pulse beam, and of its nearby synchrotron knot. This yielded $\rm P.D.=5.2\pm0.3%$ and $\rm P.A.=105.1\pm1.6\degr$ for the pulsar, and $\rm P.D.=59.0\pm1.9%$ and $\rm P.A.=124.7\pm1.0\degr$ for the synchrotron knot. This is the first high-spatial resolution multi-epoch study of the polarisation of the inner nebula and pulsar. None of the main features in the nebula show evidence of significant polarisation evolution in the period covered by these observations. The results for the pulsar are consistent with those obtained by Słowikowska et al (2009) using the high-time resolution photo-polarimeter OPTIMA, once the DC component has been subtracted. Our results clearly prove that the knot is the main source of the DC component.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Chandra, Keck and VLA Observations of the Crab Nebula during the 2011-April Gamma-ray Flare

We present results from our analysis of Chandra X-ray Observatory, W. M. Keck Observatory, and Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) images of the Crab Nebula that were contemporaneous with the gamma-ray flare of 2011 April. Despite hints in the X-ray data, we find no evidence for statistically significant variations that pinpoint the specific location of the flares within the Nebula. The Keck observations extend this conclusion to the "inner knot", i.e., the feature within an arcsecond of the pulsar. The VLA observations support this conclusion. We also discuss theoretical implications of the gamma-ray flares and suggest that the most dramatic gamma-ray flares are due to radiation-reaction-limited synchrotron emission associated with sudden, dissipative changes in the current system sustained by the central pulsar.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2010

Piezonuclear Reactions

In this paper, we deal with the subject of piezonuclear reactions, namely nuclear reactions (of new type) triggered by pressure waves. We discuss the experimental evidences obtained in the last two decades, which can be summarized essentially as follows: experiments in cavitation of liquids, where transmutation of elements, creation of elements and emission of neutrons have been observed; emission of neutrons in brittle failure of solids subjected to mechanical pressure; alteration of the lifetime of un unstable element (thorium) subjected to cavitation. A theoretical model to explain these facts is proposed. Future perspectives of these experimental and theoretical investigations are also underlined.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2010

High Time Resolution Astrophysics in the Extremely Large Telescope Era : White Paper

High Time Resolution Astrophysics (HTRA) concerns itself with observations on short scales normally defined as being lower than the conventional read-out time of a CCD. As such it is concerned with condensed objects such as neutron stars, black holes and white dwarfs, surfaces with extreme magnetic reconnection phenomena, as well as with planetary scale objects through transits and occultations. HTRA is the only way to make a major step forward in our understanding of several important astrophysical and physical processes; these include the extreme gravity conditions around neutron stars and stable orbits around stellar mass black holes. Transits, involving fast timing, can give vital information on the size of, and satellites around exoplanets. In the realm of fundamental physics very interesting applications lie in the regime of ultra-high time resolution, where quantum-physical phenomena, currently studied in laboratory physics, may be explored. HTRA science covers the full gamut of observational optical/IR astronomy from asteroids to γ-rays bursts, contributing to four out of six of AstroNet's fundamental challenges described in their Science Vision for European Astronomy. Giving the European-Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) an HTRA capability is therefore importance. We suggest that there are three possibilities for HTRA and E-ELT. These are, firstly giving the E-ELT first light engineering camera an HTRA science capability. Secondly, to include a small HTRA instrument within another instrument. Finally, to have separate fibre feeds to a dedicated HTRA instrument. In this case a small number of fibres could be positioned and would provide a flexible and low cost means to have an HTRA capability. By the time of E-ELT first light, there should be a number of significant developments in fast detector arrays, in particular in the infra-red (IR) region.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2006

A Multi-wavelength study of the Pulsar PSR B1929+10 and its X-ray trail

We report on the emission properties of PSR B1929+10 and its putative X-ray trail from a multi-wavelength study performed with XMM-Newton, the ESO NTT, the HST, the Effelsberg 100m Radio Telescope and the Jodrell Bank Radio Observatory. The XMM-Newton observations confirm the existence of the diffuse emission with a trail morphology lying in a direction opposite to the transverse motion of the pulsar. The trail has a length of ~15 arcmin. Its spectrum is non-thermal and produced by electron-synchrotron emission in the shock between the pulsar wind and the surrounding medium. Assuming that the electron lifetime against synchrotron cooling is comparable to the source transit time over the X-ray trail length, the magnetic field strength in the trail emitting region is inferred to be ~5 uG. Inspecting data from the Effelsberg 11cm radio continuum survey of the Galactic plane we discovered an elongated feature apparently coincident with the X-ray trail. The emission properties observed from PSR 1929+10 are found to finally challenge the picture of the emission properties of old non-recycled rotation powered pulsars. Both, the temporal and spectral X-ray emission properties of PSR 1929+10 are in excellent agreement with a non-thermal and, thus, magnetospheric radiation dominated emission scenario. A flux contribution from the thermal emission of heated polar caps of ~7% is inferred from a best fitting composite Planckian and power law spectral model. The X-ray pulse profile is found to be markedly different from the broad sinusoidal pulse profile seen in the low statistic ROSAT data. Simulations in the framework of an outer-gap emission model are able to reproduce the observed X-ray pulse profile and its phase relation relative to the radio pulse.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Discovery and Monitoring of the likely IR Counterpart of SGR 1806-20 during the 2004 gamma-ray burst-active state

The sky region including the Chandra position of SGR 1806-20 was monitored in the IR band during 2004, following its increased high energy bursting activity. Observations were performed using NAOS-CONICA, the adaptive optics IR camera mounted on Yepun VLT, which provided images of unprecedented quality (FWHM better than 0.1"). After the 2004 December 27th giant flare, the source position has been nailed by VLA observations of its radio counterpart, reducing the positional uncertainty to 0.04". Using IR data from our monitoring campaign, we discovered the likely IR counterpart to SGR 1806-20 based on positional coincidence with the Chandra and VLA uncertainty regions and flux variability of a factor of about 2 correlated with that at higher energies. We compare our findings with other isolated neutron star classes thought to be related, at some level, with SGRs.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

A new pseudo-Kaluza-Klein scheme for geometrical description of interactions

We illustrate the main features of a new Kaluza-Klein-like scheme (Deformed Relativity in five dimensions). It is based on a five-dimensional Riemannian space in which the four-dimensional space-time metric is deformed (i.e. it depends on the energy) and energy plays the role of the fifth dimension. We review the solutions of the five-dimensional Einstein equations in vacuum and the geodetic equations in some cases of physical relevance. The Killing symmetries of the theory for the energy-dependent metrics corresponding to the four fundamental interactions (electromagnetic, weak, strong and gravitational) are discussed for the first time. Possible developments of the formalism are also briefly outlined.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

The electron mass from Deformed Special Relativity

Deformed Special Relativity (DSR) is a generalization of Special Relativity based on a deformed Minkowski space, i.e. a four-dimensional space-time with metric coefficients depending on the energy. We show that, in the DSR framework, it is possible to derive the value of the electron mass from the space-time geometry via the experimental knowledge of the parameter of local Lorentz invariance breakdown, and of the Minkowskian threshold energy $E_{0,em}$ for the electromagnetic interaction.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

A geometrical meaning to the electron mass from breakdown of Lorentz invariance

We discuss the problem of the electron mass in the framework of Deformed Special Relativity (DSR), a generalization of Special Relativity based on a deformed Minkowski space (i.e. a four-dimensional space-time with metric coefficients depending on the energy). We show that, by such a formalism, it is possible to derive the value of the electron mass from the space-time geometry via the experimental knowledge of the parameter of local Lorentz invariance breakdown, and of the Minkowskian threshold energy $E_{0,em}$ for the electromagnetic interaction. We put forward the suggestion that mass generation can be related, in DSR, to the possible dependence of mass on the metric background (relativity of mass).

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

Killing symmetries of generalized Minkowski spaces. 3-Space-time translations in four dimensions

In this paper, we continue the study of the Killing symmetries of a N-dimensional generalized Minkowski space, i.e. a space endowed with a (in general non-diagonal) metric tensor, whose coefficients do depend on a set of non-metrical coodinates. We discuss here the translations in such spaces, by confining ourselves (without loss of generality) to the four-dimensional case. In particular, the results obtained are specialized to the case of a ''deformed'' Minkowski space $\widetilde{M_{4}}$ (i.e. a pseudoeuclidean space with metric coefficients depending on energy).

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

Killing symmetries of generalized Minkowski spaces. 2-Finite structure of space-time rotation groups

In this paper, we continue the study of the Killing symmetries of a N-dimensional generalized Minkowski space, i.e. a space endowed with a (in general non-diagonal) metric tensor, whose coefficients do depend on a set of non-metrical coordinates. We discuss here the finite structure of the space-time rotations in such spaces, by confining ourselves (without loss of generality) to the four-dimensional case. In particular, the results obtained are specialized to the case of a ''deformed'' Minkowski space $% \widetilde{M_{4}}$ (i.e. a pseudoeuclidean space with metric coefficients depending on energy), for which we derive the explicit general form of the finite rotations and boosts in different parametric bases.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

Killing symmetries of generalized Minkowski spaces. 1-Algebraic-infinitesimal structure of space-time rotation groups

In this paper, we introduce the concept of N-dimensional generalized Minkowski space, i.e. a space endowed with a (in general non-diagonal) metric tensor, whose coefficients do depend on a set of non-metrical coodinates. This is the first of a series of papers devoted to the investigation of the Killing symmetries of generalized Minkowski spaces. In particular, we discuss here the infinitesimal-algebraic structure of the space-time rotations in such spaces. It is shown that the maximal Killing group of these spaces is the direct product of a generalized Lorentz group and a generalized translation group. We derive the explicit form of the generators of the generalized Lorentz group in the self-representation and their related, generalized Lorentz algebra. The results obtained are specialized to the case of a 4-dimensional, ''deformed'' Minkowski space $% \widetilde{M_{4}}$, i.e. a pseudoeuclidean space with metric coefficients depending on energy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

Boosts in an arbitrary direction and maximal causal velocities in a deformed Minkowski space

We discuss boosts in a deformed Minkowski space, i.e. a four-dimensional space-time with metric coefficients depending on non-metric coordinates (in particular on the energy). The general form of a boost in an arbitrary direction is derived in the case of space anisotropy. Two maximal 3-vector velocities are mathematically possible, an isotropic and an anisotropic one. However, only the anisotropic velocity has physical meaning, being invariant indeed under deformed boosts.

hep-th↗