arXiv subjects

Vishal Joshi

Publications and source records attributed to Vishal Joshi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Design and development of Fabry-Perot based wavelength calibration system for PARAS-2 spectrograph

Precise wavelength calibration is essential for high-precision radial velocity (RV) spectrographs, necessitating a stable calibrator that provides a dense grid of uniformly spaced lines to accurately determine stellar line positions and monitor instrumental drifts. In this work, we present the development of a cost-effective Fabry-Perot (FP) etalon-based wavelength calibrator designed to overcome the limitations of conventional sources such as hollow cathode lamps (HCLs) and iodine cells. This FP calibrator, combined with a Xenon (Xe) arc lamp assembly, has been integrated with the PARAS-2 spectrograph on the PRL 2.5m telescope at Mount Abu Observatory. Operated under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, the system generates a dense, comb-like spectrum covering 62 echelle orders with more than 10,000 well-defined and stable spectral lines, enabling precise measurement of instrumental drift. Initial results show that the free spectral range (FSR) varies from 0.16 \AA~near 4000 \AA~to 0.49 \AA~ near 7000 \AA, with a value of 0.3 \AA~around the central wavelength of 5500 \AA~. The estimated finesse ranges from 9 near 4000 \AA~to 19 near 6900 \AA, with an approximate value of 17 at 5500 \AA. The temperature and pressure stability tests demonstrate RMS variations of $0.002 ^\circ\mathrm{C}$ and $5\times10^{-4}$ mbar, respectively. Based on these values, the theoretical stability of the FP wavelength calibrator is estimated to be within 10 cm/s, establishing it as a reliable alternative to Laser Frequency Combs (LFCs) for high-resolution spectroscopic calibration. We present an initial assessment of the RV stability of the FP calibrator, yielding 40-70 cm/s of relative drifts, which are up for further investigations. The observed excess over the theoretically estimated limit is likely attributable to instabilities arising from arc wandering in the xenon arc lamp.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

Design and Development of Cassegrain Module for PARAS-2 Spectrograph (CAMPAS)

We present here the design and development of the CAMPAS, the Cassegrain Module for the PARAS-2 spectrograph. PARAS-2 is a high-resolution fiber-fed echelle spectrograph developed for the PRL 2.5m Telescope. The CAMPAS acts as a coupler between two optical systems, the PRL 2.5m telescope and the PARAS-2 spectrograph. It has primarily been developed for the precise injection of the light beam into the optical fibers of the PARAS-2 spectrograph. The CAMPAS consists of a focal reducer, beam-guiding optics, an atmospheric dispersion corrector, optical fiber mounts; a calibration unit incorporating calibration lamps and beam-guiding optics; and other auxiliary subsystems. It was developed in-house at PRL, Ahmedabad, between the years 2020-2022 and was installed at one of the two side ports of the PRL 2.5m telescope in March 2022. It is one of the first light instruments for the PRL 2.5m Telescope. The CAMPAS serves critical purposes of precise fiber feed, PSF estimation, and atmospheric dispersion correction.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Exploring Contact Binaries: Observational Analysis of four W Uma Binaries Using Photometry and Spectroscopy

We present the multi-band photometric and low-resolution spectroscopic analysis of four W Ursae Majoris eclipsing binaries (EWs) - J080510.1+141528 (hereinafter as J0805a), J080516.3+143138 (hereinafter as J0805b), J143358.7+053953 (hereinafter as J1433), and J143458.4+054143 (hereinafter as J1434). The multi-band ground based photometric data are collected using the 1.3-m Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope (DFOT) while we also make use of TESS photometric observations. The spectroscopic analysis is based on the low-resolution observations by 4-m Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST). The ephemeris of these systems are updated using the photometric data from TESS and other photometric surveys. The system J0805b shows a secular change in the orbital period with a period change rate of 4.2 ($\pm$ 0.1) $\times10^{-7}$ days per year while the orbital period change rate for J1433 is calculated as -1.1 ($\pm$ 0.1) $\times10^{-6}$ days per year. The mass-transfer rate for J0805b is found to be dM$_{1}$/dt = -1.56($\pm$0.07) $\times 10^{-6}$ M$_{\odot}$/year and dM$_{1}$/dt = -7.95($\pm$0.87) $\times 10^{-7}$ M$_{\odot}$/year for J1433. All the systems have inclination > 79$^{\circ}$ except J1433 which has inclination of 72.8$^{\circ}$. The mass-ratios (less massive to more massive component) for these targets are < 0.5. All the system except J0805b are A-subtype contact binaries. The absolute parameters of the systems are determined using GAIA DR3 parallax and reddening information. The LAMOST spectra are analyzed using spectral subtraction technique. A small excess emission is detected for J1433 in H$_{\alpha}$ and H$_{\beta}$ region. The systems are plotted on Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram and compared with previously studied systems. The mass-ratio vs radius-ratio relation is also investigated for these systems.

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arXiv2025

TOI-6038 A b: A dense sub-Saturn in the transition regime between the Neptunian ridge and savanna

We present the discovery and characterization of a sub-Saturn exoplanet, TOI-6038~A~b, using the PARAS-2 spectrograph. The planet orbits a bright ($m_V=9.9$), metal-rich late F-type star, TOI-6038~A, with $T_{\rm{eff}}=6110\pm100~\mathrm{K}$, $\log{g}=4.118^{+0.015}_{-0.025}$, and $[{\rm{Fe/H}}]=0.124^{+0.079}_{-0.077}$ dex. The system also contains a wide-orbit binary companion, TOI-6038~B, an early K-type star at a projected separation of $\approx3217$ AU. We combined radial velocity data from PARAS-2 with photometric data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) for joint modeling. TOI-6038~A~b has a mass of $78.5^{+9.5}_{-9.9}~M_\oplus$ and a radius of $6.41^{+0.20}_{-0.16}~R_\oplus$, orbiting in a circular orbit with a period of $5.8267311^{+0.0000074}_{-0.0000068}$ days. Internal structure modeling suggests that $\approx74\%$ of the planet's mass is composed of dense materials, such as rock and iron, forming a core, while the remaining mass consists of a low-density H/He envelope. TOI-6038~A~b lies at the transition regime between the recently identified Neptunian ridge and savanna. Having a density of $\rho_{\rm{P}}=1.62^{+0.23}_{-0.24}\rm~g\,cm^{-3}$, TOI-6038~A~b is compatible with the population of dense ridge planets ($\rho_{\rm{P}}\simeq$ 1.5-2.0 $\rm~g\,cm^{-3}$), which have been proposed to have reached their close-in locations through high-eccentricity tidal migration (HEM). First-order estimates suggest that the secular perturbations induced by TOI-6038~B may be insufficient to drive the HEM of TOI-6038~A~b. Therefore, it is not clear whether HEM driven by a still undetected companion, or early disk-driven migration, brought TOI-6038~A~b to its present-day close-in orbit. Its bright host star makes TOI-6038~A~b a prime target for atmospheric escape and orbital architecture observations, which will help us to better understand its overall evolution.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2024

Foreground Dust Properties towards the Cluster NGC 7380

Using starlight polarization, we present the properties of foreground dust towards cluster NGC 7380 embedded in H{\sc ii} region Sh 2-142. Observations of starlight polarization are carried out in four filters using an imaging polarimeter equipped with a 104-cm ARIES telescope. Polarization vectors of stars are aligned along the Galactic magnetic field. Towards the east and southeast regions, the dust structure appears much denser than in other regions (inferred from extinction contours and colour composite image) and is also reflected in polarization distribution. We find that the polarization degree and extinction tend to increase with distance and indication for the presence of a dust layer at a distance of around 1.2 $kpc$. We have identified eight potential candidates exhibiting intrinsic polarization by employing three distinct criteria to distinguish between stars of intrinsic polarization and interstellar polarized stars. For interstellar polarized stars, we find that the maximum polarization degree increases with the color excess and has a strong scatter, with the mean value of 1.71$\pm$0.57$\%$. The peak wavelength spans $0.40-0.88\mu$m with the mean value of 0.56$\pm$0.07 $\mu m$, suggesting similar grain sizes in the region as the average diffuse interstellar medium. The polarization efficiency is also found to decrease with visual extinction as $P_{max}/A_{V}\propto A_{V}^{-0.61}$. Our observational results are found to be consistent with the predictions by the radiative torque alignment theory.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

The PRL 2.5m Telescope and its First Light Instruments: FOC & PARAS-2

We present here the information on the design and performance of the recently commissioned 2.5-meter telescope at the PRL Mount Abu Observatory, located at Gurushikhar, Mount Abu, India. The telescope has been successfully installed at the site, and the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) was completed in October 2022. It is a highly advanced telescope in India, featuring the Ritchey-Chr$\acute{e}$tien optical configuration with primary mirror active optics, tip-tilt on side-port, and wave front correction sensors. Along with the telescope, its two first light instruments {namely Faint Object Camera (FOC) and PARAS-2} were also integrated and attached with it in the June 2022. {FOC is a} camera that uses a 4096 X 4112 pixels detector SDSS type filters with enhanced transmission and known as u', g', r', i', z'. It has a limiting magnitude of 21 mag in 10 minutes exposure in the r'-band. The other first light instrument PARAS-2 is a state-of-the-art high-resolution fiber-fed spectrograph operates in 380-690 nm wave-band, aimed to unveil the super-Earth like worlds. The spectrograph works at a resolution of $\sim$107,000, making it the highest-resolution spectrograph in Asia to date, which is under {ultra}-stable temperature and pressure environment, at 22.5 $\pm$ 0.001 $^{\circ}$C and 0.005 $\pm$ 0.0005 mbar, respectively. Initial calibration tests of the spectrograph using a Uranium Argon Hollow Cathode Lamp (UAr HCL) have yielded intrinsic instrumental RV stability down to 30 cm s$^{-1}$.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Polarimetric Approach Towards Membership Probability of Open Star Cluster NGC 2345

Using the linear polarimetric observations, we present a method to derive the membership probability of stars in cluster NGC 2345. The polarimetric observations of cluster NGC 2345 are performed using the instrument ARIES IMaging POLarimeter (AIMPOL) mounted as a backend of the 104-cm telescope of ARIES. Members of the cluster should exhibit comparable polarization since they are located nearly at the same distance. This concept is used to extract the membership probability of known member stars of cluster NGC 2345. The membership probability estimated using the polarimetric data for cluster NGC 2345 agrees with the membership probability derived from the proper motion method in the previous studies.

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arXiv2021

Optical and near-infrared spectroscopy of Nova V2891 Cygni: evidence for shock-induced dust formation

We present multi-epoch optical and near-infrared observations of the highly reddened, \pion{Fe}{ii} class slow nova V2891 Cygni. The observations span 15 months since its discovery. The initial rapid brightening from quiescence, and the presence of a $\sim$35 day long pre-maximum halt, is well documented. The evidence that the current outburst of V2891 Cyg has undergone several distinct episodes of mass ejection is seen through time-varying P Cygni profiles of the O\,{\sc i} 7773\,$Å$ line. A highlight is the occurrence of a dust formation event centred around $\sim$+273d, which coincides with a phase of coronal line emission. The dust mass is found to be $\sim0.83-1.25 \times 10^{-10} M_{\odot}$. There is strong evidence to suggest that the coronal lines are created by shock heating rather than by photoionization. The simultaneous occurrence of the dust and coronal lines (with varying velocity shifts) supports the possibility that dust formation is shock-induced. Such a route for dust formation has not previously been seen in a nova, although the mechanism has been proposed for dust formation in some core-collapse supernovae. Analysis of the coronal lines indicates a gas mass and temperature of 8.35--8.42$\times10^{-7}$ M$_\odot$ and $\sim(4.8-9.1)\times10^{5}$~K respectively, and an overabundance of aluminium and silicon. A Case B analysis of the hydrogen lines yields a mass of the ionized gas of ($8.60\pm1.73)\times10^{-5}$ M$_{\odot}$. The reddening and distance to the nova are estimated to be $E(B-V)$ = 2.21$\pm$0.15 and $d$ = 5.50 kpc respectively.

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arXiv2021

V838 Monocerotis as seen by ALMA: a remnant of a binary merger in a triple system

V838 Mon erupted in 2002 quickly becoming the prototype of a new type of stellar eruptions known today as (luminous) red novae. The red nova outbursts are thought to be caused by stellar mergers. The merger in V838 Mon took place in a triple or higher system involving two B-type stars. We mapped the merger site with ALMA at a resolution of 25 mas in continuum dust emission and in rotational lines of simple molecules, including CO, SiO, SO, SO$_2$, AlOH, and H$_2$S. We use radiative transfer calculations to reproduce the remnant's architecture at the epoch of the ALMA observations. For the first time, we identify the position of the B-type companion relative to the outbursting component of V838 Mon. The stellar remnant is surrounded by a clumpy wind with characteristics similar to winds of red supergiants. The merger product is also associated with an elongated structure, $17.6 \times 7.6$ mas, seen in continuum emission, and which we interpret as a disk seen at a moderate inclination. Maps of continuum and molecular emission show also a complex region of interaction between the B-type star (its gravity, radiation, and wind) and the flow of matter ejected in 2002. The remnant's molecular mass is about 0.1 M$_{\odot}$ and the dust mass is 8.3$\cdot$10$^{-3}$ M$_{\odot}$. The mass of the atomic component remains unconstrained. The most interesting region for understanding the merger of V838 Mon remains unresolved but appears elongated. To study it further in more detail will require even higher angular resolutions. ALMA maps show us an extreme form of interaction between the merger ejecta with a distant (250 au) companion. This interaction is similar to that known from the Antares AB system but at a much higher mass loss rate. The B-type star not only deflects the merger ejecta but also changes its chemical composition with an involvement of circumstellar shocks.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

Multi-wavelength view of the galactic black-hole binary GRS 1716-249

The origins of X-ray and radio emissions during an X-ray binary outburst are comparatively better understood than those of ultraviolet, optical and infrared radiation. This is because multiple competing mechanisms peak in these mid-energy ranges. Ascertaining the true emission mechanism and segregating the contribution of different mechanisms, if present, is important for correct understanding of the energetics of the system and hence its geometry. We have studied the multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution of the galactic X-ray binary GRS 1716-249 ranging from near infrared (0.0005 keV) to hard X-rays (120 keV) using observations from AstroSat, Swift, and Mount Abu Infrared Observatory. Broadband spectral fitting suggests that the irradiated accretion disk dominates emission in ultraviolet and optical regimes. The near infrared emission exhibits some excess than the prediction of the irradiated disk model, which is most likely due to Synchrotron emission from jets as suggested by radio emission. Irradiation of the inner disk by the hard X-ray emission from the Corona also plays a significant role in accounting for the soft X-ray emission.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

uGMRT detection of associated HI 21 cm absorption at $z \approx 3.5$

We report a uGMRT detection of HI 21-cm absorption associated with the radio source 8C 0604+728, at $z = 3.52965$. The source is at the highest redshift at which associated HI 21-cm absorption has been discovered to date, surpassing earlier known absorber at $z \approx 3.39$. We estimate ultraviolet luminosities of $\rm (3.2 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{23} W \ Hz^{-1}$ and $\rm (6.2 \pm 0.2) \times 10^{23} W \ Hz^{-1}$ , and ionising photon rates of $\rm (1.8 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{56} s^{-1}$ and $\rm (5.0 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{56} s^{-1}$, using data at different epochs; the source shows year-scale variability in both its luminosity and photon rate. The luminosity and photon rate at later epochs are $\approx 6.2$ and $\approx 1.7$ times higher than thresholds suggested in the literature above which all the neutral hydrogen in the AGN host galaxy is expected to be ionised. The detection demonstrates that neutral hydrogen can survive in the host galaxies of AGNs with high ultraviolet luminosities. We estimate a high equivalent width ratio of $15.2$ for the $\rm Ly α$ and HeII emission lines detected in the optical spectrum, that is consistent with AGN photoionisation models. However, a significant contribution from young stellar populations to the excess $\rm Ly α$ flux cannot be ruled out.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

UV spectroscopy confirms SU Lyn to be a symbiotic star

SU Lyn, a star that ostensibly appears to be an unremarkable late M type giant, has recently been proposed to be a symbiotic star largely based on its hard X-ray properties. The star does not display, in low-resolution optical spectra, the high excitation lines typically seen in the spectra of symbiotic stars. In the present work, UV, optical, and near-infrared observations are presented, aimed at exploring and strengthening the proposed symbiotic classification for this star. Our Far-UV 1300-1800$Å$ spectrum of SU Lyn, obtained with the ASTROSAT mission's UVIT payload, shows emission lines of Si IV, C IV, OIII and N III in a spectrum typical of symbiotic stars. The UV spectrum robustly confirms SU Lyn's symbiotic nature. The detection of high excitation lines in a high-resolution optical spectrum further consolidates its symbiotic nature. As is being recognized, the potential existence of other similar symbiotic systems could significantly impact the census of symbiotic stars in the galaxy.

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arXiv2019

PTF 14jg: The Remarkable Outburst and Post-Burst Evolution of a Previously Anonymous Galactic Star

We report the outbursting source PTF 14jg, which prior to the onset of its late 2013 eruption, was a faint, unstudied, and virtually uncatalogued star. The salient features of the PTF 14jg outburst are: (i) projected location near the W4 HII region and radial velocity consistent with physical association; (ii) a lightcurve that underwent a $\sim$6-7 mag optical (R-band) through mid-infrared (L-band) brightening on a few month time scale, that peaked and then faded by $\sim$3 mag, but plateaued still $>$3.5 mag above quiescence by $\sim$8 months post-peak, lasting to at least five years after eruption; (iii) strong outflow signatures, with velocities reaching -530 km/s; (iv) a low gravity and broad ($\sim$100-150 km/s FWHM) optical absorption line spectrum that systematically changes its spectral type with wavelength; (v) lithium; and (vi) ultraviolet and infrared excess. We tentatively identify the outburst as exhibiting characteristics of a young star FU Ori event. However, the burst would be unusually hot, with an absorption spectrum exhibiting high-excitation ($\sim$11,000-15,000 K) lines in the optical, and no evidence of CO in the near-infrared, in addition to exhibiting an unusual lightcurve. We thus also consider alternative scenarios including various forms of novae, nuclear burning instabilities, massive star events, and mergers -- finding them all inferior to the atypically hot FU Ori star classification. The source eventually may be interpreted as a new category of young star outburst with larger amplitude and shorter rise time than most FU Ori-like events. Continued monitoring of the lightcurve and spectral evolution will reveal its true nature.

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arXiv2018

DOTIFS: spectrograph optical and opto-mechanical design

Devasthal Optical Telescope Integral Field Spectrograph (DOTIFS) is a new multi-Integral Field Unit (IFU) instrument, planned to be mounted on the 3.6m Devasthal optical telescope in Nainital, India. It has eight identical, fiber-fed spectrographs to disperse light coming from 16 IFUs. The spectrographs produce 2,304 spectra over a 370-740nm wavelength range simultaneously with a spectral resolution of R=1200-2400. It is composed of all-refractive, all spherical optics designed to achieve on average 26.0% throughput from the telescope to the CCD with the help of high transmission spectrograph optics, volume phase holographic grating, and graded coated e2v 2K by 4K CCD. We present the optical and opto-mechanical design of the spectrograph as well as current development status. Optics and optomechanical components for the spectrographs are being fabricated.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2018

Early formation of carbon monoxide in the Centaurus A supernova SN 2016adj

We present near-infrared spectroscopy of the NGC 5128 supernova SN 2016adj in the first 2 months following discovery. We report the detection of first overtone carbon monoxide emission at $\sim58.2$ d after discovery, one of the earliest detections of CO in an erupting supernova. We model the CO emission to derive the CO mass, temperature and velocity, assuming both pure $^{12}$CO and a composition that includes $^{13}$CO; the case for the latter is the isotopic analyses of meteoritic grains, which suggest that core collapse supernovae can synthesise significant amounts of $^{13}$C. Our models show that, while the CO data are adequately explained by pure $^{12}$CO, they do not preclude the presence of $^{13}$CO, to a limit of $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C $> 3$, the first constraint on the $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C ratio determined from near-infrared observations. We estimate the reddening to the object, and the effective temperature from the energy distribution at outburst. We discuss whether the ejecta of SN 2016adj may be carbon-rich, what the infrared data tell us about the classification of this supernova, and what implications the early formation of CO in supernovae may have for CO formation in supernovae in general.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

A new photolithography based technique to mass produce microlens+fibre based integralfield units (IFUs) for 2D spectroscopy

We present a novel photolithography based technique to efficiently fabricate microlens-fibre based Integral Field Units (IFUs). These IFUs are being developed for Devasthal Optical Telescope Integral Field Spectrograph (DOTIFS) which offer sixteen deployable IFUs. In each IFU, a 12 x 12 microlens array is matched with a similar array of fibres to better than +/- 5 micron accuracy for each microlens-fibre pair in the array. A mask created on copper foils using photolithography, transfer the pupil spot pattern of each microlens array to a fibre array holder. The approach can be used for mass production of IFUs in an extremely efficient and cost-effective manner.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2018

Are DY\,Persei stars cooler cousins of R Coronae Borealis stars?

In this paper we present for the first time, the study of low resolution $H$- and $K$- band spectra of 7 DY\,Per type and suspects stars as well as DY\,Persei itself. We also observed $H$- and $K$- band spectra of 3 R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars, 1 hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) star and 14 cool carbon stars including normal giants as comparisons. High $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C and low $^{16}$O/$^{18}$O ratios are characteristic features of majority RCBs and HdCs. We have estimated $^{16}$O/$^{18}$O ratios of the programme stars from the relative strengths of the $^{12}$C$^{16}$O and $^{12}$C$^{18}$O molecular bands observed in $K$- band. Our preliminary analysis suggest that a quartet of the DY\,Per suspects along with DY\,Persei itself seems to show isotopic ratio strength consistent with the ones of RCB/HdC stars whereas two of them do not show significant $^{13}$C and $^{18}$O in their atmospheres. Our analysis provides further indications that DY\,Per type stars could be related to RCB/HdC class of stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

Nova Ophiuchus 2017 as a probe of $^{13}$C nucleosynthesis and carbon monoxide formation and destruction in classical novae

We present a series of near-infrared spectra of Nova Ophiuchus 2017 in the $K$ band that record the evolution of the first overtone CO emission in unprecedented detail. Starting from 11.7d after maximum, when CO is first detected at great strength, the spectra track the CO emission to +25.6d by which time it is found to have rapidly declined in strength by almost a factor of $\sim$ 35. The cause for the rapid destruction of CO is examined in the framework of different mechanisms for CO destruction viz. an increase in photoionizating flux, chemical pathways of destruction or destruction by energetic non-thermal particles created in shocks. From LTE modelling of the CO emission, the $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C ratio is determined to be 1.6 $\pm$ 0.3. This is consistent with the expected value of this parameter from nucleosynthesis theory for a nova eruption occuring on a low mass ($\sim$ 0.6 M$_\odot$) carbon-oxygen core white dwarf. The present $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C estimate constitutes one of the most secure estimates of this ratio in a classical nova.

astro-ph.SR↗