arXiv subjects

V. Valsan

Publications and source records attributed to V. Valsan.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Expanding RIFT: Improving performance for GW parameter inference

The Rapid Iterative FiTting (RIFT) parameter inference algorithm provides a framework for efficient, highly-parallelized parameter inference for GW sources. In this paper, we summarize essential algorithm enhancements and operating point choices for the RIFT iterative algorithm, including choices used for analysis of LIGO/Virgo O3 observations. We also describe other extensions to the RIFT algorithm and software ecosystem. Some extensions increase RIFT's flexibility to produce outputs pertinent to GW astrophysics. Other extensions increase its computational efficiency or stability. Using many randomly-selected sources, we assess code robustness with two distinct code configurations, one designed to mimic settings as of LIGO O3 and another employing several performance enhancements. We illustrate RIFT's capabilities with analysis of selected events.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Expected performances of a Laue lens made with bent crystals

In the context of the LAUE project devoted to build a Laue lens prototype for focusing celestial hard X-/soft gamma-rays, a Laue lens made of bent crystal tiles, with 20 m focal length, is simulated. The focusing energy passband is assumed to be 90--600 keV. The distortion of the image produced by the lens on the focal plane, due to effects of crystal tile misalignment and radial distortion of the crystal curvature, is investigated. The corresponding effective area of the lens, its point spread function and sensitivity are calculated and compared with those exhibited by a nominal Laue lens with no misalignment and/or distortion. Such analysis is crucial to estimate the optical properties of a real lens, in which the investigated shortcomings could be present.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2014

The LAUE project and its main results

We will describe the LAUE project, supported by the Italian Space Agency, whose aim is to demonstrate the capability to build a focusing optics in the hard X-/soft gamma-ray domain (80--600 keV). To show the lens feasibility, the assembling of a Laue lens petal prototype with 20 m focal length is ongoing. Indeed, a feasibility study, within the LAUE project, has demonstrated that a Laue lens made of petals is feasible. Our goal is a lens in the 80-600 keV energy band. In addition to a detailed description of the new LARIX facility, in which the lens is being assembled, we will report the results of the project obtained so far.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2014

Scientific prospects in soft gamma-ray astronomy enabled by the LAUE project

This paper summarizes the development of a successful project, LAUE, supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and devoted to the development of long focal length (up to 100 m) Laue lenses for hard X--/soft gamma--ray astronomy (80-600 keV). The apparatus is ready and the assembling of a prototype lens petal is ongoing. The great achievement of this project is the use of bent crystals. From measurements obtained on single crystals and from simulations, we have estimated the expected Point Spread Function and thus the sensitivity of a lens made of petals. The expected sensitivity is a few $\times10^{-8}$ photons cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ keV$^{-1}$. We discuss a number of open astrophysical questions that can settled with such an instrument aboard a free-flying satellite.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2012

Characterization of bent crystals for Laue lenses

In the context of the LAUE project devoted to build a long focal-length focusing optics for soft $γ$-ray astronomy (80 - 600 keV), we present the results of reflectivity measurements of bent crystals in different configurations, obtained by bending perfect or mosaic flat crystals. We also compare these results with those obtained using flat crystals. The measurements were performed using the K$α$ line of the Tungsten anode of the X-ray tube used in the LARIX facility of the University of Ferrara. These results are finalized to select the best materials and to optimize the thickness of the crystal tiles that will be used for building a Laue lens petal which is a part of an entire Laue lens, with 20 m focal length and 100-300 keV passband. The final goal of the LAUE project is overcome, by at least 2 orders of magnitude, the sensitivity limits of the current generation of $γ$-ray telescopes, and to improve the current $γ$-ray imaging capability.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2012

Development status of the LAUE project

We present the status of LAUE, a project supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and devoted to develop Laue lenses with long focal length (up to 100 meters), for hard X--/soft gamma--ray astronomy (80-600 keV). Thanks to their focusing capability, the design goal is to improve the sensitivity of the current instrumention in the above energy band by 2 orders of magnitude, down to a few times $10^{-8}$ photons/(cm$^2$ s keV).

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2011

Laue lenses for hard X-/soft Gamma-rays: new prototype results

We present the results obtained with the new Laue lens prototype built in the LARIX facility in the Physics Department of University of Ferrara. Following the results of the first prototype presented at the SPIE conference in Marseille, and also thanks to the methods adopted for improving the prototype (SPIE conference in San Diego, Ferrari et al. 2009) here we present the results of the new prototype with improved performances in terms of point spread function (PSF) and spectral response.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2011

The LAUE project for broadband gamma-ray focusing lenses

We present the LAUE project devoted to develop an advanced technology for building a high focal length Laue lens for soft gamma--ray astronomy (80-600 keV). The final goal is to develop a focusing optics that can improve the current sensitivity in the above energy band by 2 orders of magnitude.

astro-ph.IM↗