Compact X-ray Source Research Articles

PSR J1907+0602: A RADIO-FAINT GAMMA-RAY PULSAR POWERING A BRIGHT TeV PULSAR WIND NEBULA

We present multiwavelength studies of the 106.6 ms γ-ray pulsar PSR J1907+06 near the TeV source MGRO J1908+06. Timing observations with Fermi result in a precise position determination for the pulsar of R.A. = 19h07m547(2), decl. = +06°02'16(2)'' placing the pulsar firmly within the TeV source extent, suggesting the TeV source is the pulsar wind nebula of PSR J1907+0602. Pulsed γ-ray emission is clearly visible at energies from 100 MeV to above 10 GeV. The phase-averaged power-law index in the energy range E > 0.1 GeV is Γ = 1.76 ± 0.05 with an exponential cutoff energy Ec = 3.6 ± 0.5 GeV. We present the energy-dependent γ-ray pulsed light curve as well as limits on off-pulse emission associated with the TeV source. We also report the detection of very faint (flux density of ≃ 3.4 μJy) radio pulsations with the Arecibo telescope at 1.5 GHz having a dispersion measure DM = 82.1 ± 1.1 cm−3 pc. This indicates a distance of 3.2 ± 0.6 kpc and a pseudo-luminosity of L1400 ≃ 0.035 mJy kpc2. A Chandra ACIS observation revealed an absorbed, possibly extended, compact (≲4'') X-ray source with significant nonthermal emission at R.A. = 19h07m5476, decl. = +06°02'146 with a flux of 2.3+0.6−1.4 × 10−14 erg cm−2 s−1. From archival ASCA observations, we place upper limits on any arcminute scale 2–10 keV X-ray emission of ∼1 × 10−13 erg cm−2 s−1. The implied distance to the pulsar is compatible with that of the supernova remnant G40.5 − 0.5, located on the far side of the TeV nebula from PSR J1907+0602, and the S74 molecular cloud on the nearer side which we discuss as potential birth sites.

Observation of pulsed x-ray trains produced by laser-electron Compton scatterings

X-ray generation based on laser-electron Compton scattering is one attractive method to achieve a compact laboratory-sized high-brightness x-ray source. We have designed, built, and tested such a source; it combines a 50 MeV multibunch electron linac with a mode-locked 1064 nm laser stored and amplified in a Fabry-Perot optical cavity. We directly observed trains of pulsed x rays using a microchannel plate detector; the resultant yield was found to be 1.2x10(5) Hz in good agreement with prediction. We believe that the result has demonstrated good feasibility of linac-based compact x-ray sources via laser-electron Compton scatterings.

Jets from Compact X-ray Sources

AbstractJets have been observed from both neutron stars and black holes in binary X-ray sources. The neutron star jets are typically 30 times weaker than the black-hole ones. Thus, the second have been studied more extensively. Contrary to common belief, jets from compact X-ray sources are not simply “fireworks” that emit radio waves. I will demonstrate that they play a central role in the observed phenomena in both neutron star and black-hole systems. In particular, for black-hole jets, a simple jet model can explain the very stringent correlations that have been found between the power-law X-ray spectrum and a) the time lag between hard and soft X-rays and b) the characteristic frequencies observed in the power spectra. Up to now, no other model has even attempted to explain these correlations. I will present the weaknesses of the model and the improvements that need to be done to it.

A neutron star with a carbon atmosphere in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant

The surface of hot neutron stars is covered by a thin atmosphere. If there is accretion after neutron-star formation, the atmosphere could be composed of light elements (H or He); if no accretion takes place or if thermonuclear reactions occur after accretion, heavy elements (for example, Fe) are expected. Despite detailed searches, observations have been unable to confirm the atmospheric composition of isolated neutron stars. Here we report an analysis of archival observations of the compact X-ray source in the centre of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. We show that a carbon atmosphere neutron star (with low magnetic field) produces a good fit to the spectrum. Our emission model, in contrast with others, implies an emission size consistent with theoretical predictions for the radius of neutron stars. This result suggests that there is nuclear burning in the surface layers and also identifies the compact source as a very young ( approximately 330-year-old) neutron star.

GAS ACCRETION BY STAR CLUSTERS AND THE FORMATION OF ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES FROM CUSPS OF COMPACT REMNANTS

Here we show that the overabundance of ultra-luminous, compact X-ray sources (ULXs) associated with moderately young clusters in interacting galaxies such as the Antennae and Cartwheel can be given an alternative explanation that does not involve the presence of intermediate mass black holes (IMBHs). We argue that gas density within these systems is enhanced by the collective potential of the cluster prior to being accreted onto the individual cluster members and, as a result, the aggregate X-ray luminosity arising from the neutron star cluster members can exceed $>10^{39} {\rm erg s^{-1}}$. Various observational tests to distinguish between IMBHs and accreting neutron star cusps are discussed.

Compact x‐ray sources for mammographic applications: Monte Carlo simulations of image quality

Thomson scattering x-ray sources can provide spectral distributions that are ideally suited for mammography with sufficient fluence rates. In this article, the authors investigate the effects of different spectral distributions on the image quality in simulated images of a breast mammographic phantom containing details of different compositions and thicknesses. They simulated monochromatic, quasimonochromatic, and polychromatic x-ray sources in order to define the energy for maximum figure of merit (signal-difference-to-noise ratio squared/mean glandular dose), the effect of an energy spread, and the effect of the presence of higher-order harmonics. The advantages of these sources with respect to conventional polychromatic sources as a function of phantom and detail thickness were also investigated. The results show that the energy for the figure of merit peak is between 16 and 27.4 keV, depending on the phantom thickness and detail composition and thickness. An energy spread of about 1 keV standard deviation, easily achievable with compact x-ray sources, does not appreciably affect the image quality.

Compton scattering monochromatic X-ray source based on X-band multi-bunch linac at the University of Tokyo

We are currently developing a compact monochromatic X-ray source based on laser–electron Compton scattering for the purpose of medical applications at the University of Tokyo. To realize remarkably compact-, high-intensity- and highly stable system, we adopt an X-band (11.424 GHz) multi-bunch linear accelerator (linac) and reliable Q-switch Nd:YAG laser. The injector of the system consists of a 3.5-cell X-band thermionic cathode RF-gun and an alpha magnet. So far, we have continued high-power experiment and beam generation on X-band thermionic cathode RF-gun. However, breakdown was frequently occurred at coaxial structure around the thermionic cathode. In order to resolve the breakdown, we adopt a choke structure around the thermionic cathode. In this paper, the details of Compton scattering X-ray source the University of Tokyo, the experimental results of the X-ray generation, and upgrade of the X-band thermionic cathode RF-gun will be presented.

Phase contrast medical imaging with compact X-ray sources at the Munich-Centre for Advance Photonics (MAP)

In this paper, the excellence cluster “Munich-Centre for Advance Photonics” (MAP) is presented. One of the aims of the project is the development of innovative X-ray-based diagnostics imaging techniques to be implemented at an ultra-compact high-energy and high-brilliance X-ray source. The basis of the project and the developments towards the clinical application of phase contrast imaging applied to mammography and cartilage studies will be presented and discussed.

First observation of multi-pulse X-ray train via multi-collision laser Compton scattering

A compact hard X-ray source via laser Compton scattering (LCS) has been developed for biological and medical applications at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan. The multi-collision LCS has been investigated in order to enhance the X-ray yields. The first observation of multi-pulse X-ray train with 6 pulses via the multi-collision LCS has been successfully demonstrated between the multi-bunch electron train with 6 bunches and the multi-pulse Ti:Sa laser train with 6 pulses. The 32 MeV electron train was generated from a Cs 2Te photocathode rf gun with a multi-pulse UV laser and the S-band linac. The Ti:Sa laser train was obtained with the chirp pulse amplification (CPA) including the modified regenerative amplifier. The X-ray train with 6 pulses with 12.6 ns spacing was observed with the micro-channel plate (MCP). The maximum energy of the X-ray is analytically estimated to be about 24 keV and the total number of generated photons was calculated to be about 1.8×10 6 photons/train.

Theoretical considerations for X-ray phase contrast mammography by Thomson source

The advent, in the near future, of compact X-ray sources like Thomson Back-Scattering (TBS) will allow the clinical application of advanced X-ray imaging techniques, such as phase contrast, with higher sensitivity and lower impact in terms of dose delivery. In this work, we theoretically investigated the possibility of using such sources for phase contrast imaging of micro-calcifications included in a breast tissue. In our study we analyzed the phase and amplitude distribution of the TBS source and we showed that this source can be used for phase contrast imaging since the source coherence at the sample position is sufficiently high for achieving good contrast and micrometer spatial resolution. Indeed the spatial coherence of a TBS source is closer to that of a synchrotron radiation source, and much better than that of a laboratory source. Moreover, we showed the advantages of phase imaging with respect to standard absorption imaging, in the specific case of micro-calcifications detection.

MIT inverse Compton source concept

A compact X-ray source based on inverse Compton scattering of a high-power laser on a high-brightness linac beam is described. The facility can operate in two modes: at high (MHz) repetition rate with flux and brilliance similar to that of a beamline at a large 2nd generation synchrotron, but with short ∼1 ps pulses, or as a 10 Hz high flux-per-pulse single-shot machine. It has a small footprint and low cost appropriate for university or industry laboratories. The key enabling technologies are a high average power laser and a superconducting accelerator. The cryo-cooled Yb:YAG laser amplifier generates ∼1 kW average power at 1 μm wavelength that pumps a coherent cavity up to 1 MW stored power. The high-brightness electron beam is produced by a superconducting RF photoinjector and linac operating in CW mode with up to 1 mA current. The photocathode laser produces electron pulses at either 100 MHz with 10 pc per bunch, or at 10 Hz with 1 nC per bunch in the two operating modes. The design of the facility is presented, including optimization of the laser and electron beams, major technical choices, and the resulting X-ray performance with a focus on the 100 MHz mode.

ACHANDRAX-RAY OBSERVATION OF L1251B

I report the results of a 60 ks X-ray observation of the L1251 dark cloud in Cepheus, which was acquired with the ACIS-I camera on board the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Forty-three compact X-ray sources were detected. The field of view was centered on the position of IRAS 22376+7455, an embedded Class 0/I protostar that is closely associated with the bright CO emission core, L1251B-Core E. A very intense impulsive X-ray flare was observed from a location within the formal error ellipse of the IRAS source and in close proximity (within 1'') to a thermal continuum radio source, VLA 3. Given their small spatial offsets, the radio, far-infrared, and X-ray objects appear to be identical and consequently the likely origin and driving source of high-velocity gas flows that are observed in L1251B.

XMMOBSERVATIONS OF TWO QUADRUPOLAR OUTFLOWS

X-ray images of two small dark clouds, L1455 and L723, have been obtained with the EPIC cameras on board the XMM-Newton telescope. Both regions contain multiple independent but overlapping bipolar flows in high-velocity CO, a collection of Herbig-Haro objects, and a number of filaments and knots of H2 emission. The field of view in each cloud was centered on the confluence of the nearly orthogonal CO flows. More than three dozen compact X-ray sources were detected. However, the Class 0/I protostars thought to be the driving sources of the flows in both clouds were not detected. Strong emission was observed from RNO 15, an optically visible, nebulous T Tauri star in the dense core of L1455. A thermal plasma model for the X-ray spectrum of RNO 15 gave a luminosity of L X ~ 1031.2 erg s–1. The heavily reddened Class II star L1455 IRS 5 in the same region was detected as a weak X-ray source. No emission was detected from IRS 1 or IRS 4, which have been suggested as the launch sites for separate outflows in L1455. X-ray emission was observed from IRAS 19156+1906 in L723. The thermal radio source VLA 2, which is offset ~10'' east of the IRAS position and is considered the most likely energy source for the strong east-west flow in L723, was not detected. The source of the more narrowly collimated north-south flow in L723 is unknown but may be an embedded infrared object at the X-ray and IRAS position.

Development of a Compact X-ray Source and Super-sensitization of Photo Resists for Soft X-ray Imaging

A compact soft X-ray source via inverse Compton scattering has been developed at Waseda University. The energies of the generated X-rays are within water window region (250 - 500 eV) and development of a soft X-ray microscope is expected which can get the elemental mapping of carbon and/or nitrogen without dehydration. We have studied to develop a high resolution soft X-ray imaging system with photo resists for nanoscale observation. However, the yield of generated X-rays had been too small for the practical use of the soft X-ray microscopy. To enhance the X-ray yield, we have upgraded the generation system and succeeded in increasing the detected photons 10-fold. Total generated photons were estimated to be over 1.5E+5 photons/s. Also, supersensitization of photo resists has been attempted to reduce the required X-ray amount. By irradiating quasi-monochromatic X-rays in the water window region from synchrotron radiation at BL12 of the SAGA-LS, the sensitivity of a deep-UV photo resist, TDUR-P722 (Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd) was evaluated. After UV light (including 254 nm) exposure up to the sensitivity threshold and baking as PEB process, it was found that the resist becomes more sensitive. This UV pre-exposure method reduced the required 400 eV X-ray amount by over 65 %.

Development of a Compact X-ray Source and Super-sensitization of Photo Resists for Soft X-ray Imaging

A compact soft X-ray source via inverse Compton scattering has been developed at Waseda University. The energies of the generated X-rays are within region (250 - 500 eV) and development of a soft X-ray microscope is expected which can get the elemental mapping of carbon and/or nitrogen without dehydration. We have studied to develop a high resolution soft X-ray imaging system with photo resists for nanoscale observation. However, the yield of generated X-rays had been too small for the practical use of the soft X-ray microscopy. To enhance the X-ray yield, we have upgraded the generation system and succeeded in increasing the detected photons 10-fold. Total generated photons were estimated to be over 1.5E+5 photons/s. Also, super-sensitization of photo resists has been attempted to reduce the required X-ray amount. By irradiating quasi-monochromatic X-rays in the water window region from synchrotron radiation at BL12 of the SAGA-LS, the sensitivity of a deep-UV photo resist, TDUR-P722 (Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd) was evaluated. After UV light (including 254 nm) exposure up to the sensitivity threshold and baking as PEB process, it was found that the resist becomes more sensitive. This UV pre-exposure method reduced the required 400 eV X-ray amount by over 65 %.

21 W, 18 ps SESAM-passively modelocked Nd:YAG oscillator with diode-side-pumped single laser head

A high-power semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM)-passively modelocked TEM00 Nd:YAG oscillator based on a diode-side-pumped single laser head is reported. This laser provides 21.4 W of average power at a repetition-rate of 82 MHz with 18 ps pulse duration. This laser could be an essential part in future high flux monochromatic compact X-ray source systems.

A continuous kilohertz Cu Kα source produced by submillijoule femtosecond laser pulses for phase contrast imaging

We report a continuously operated Cu Kα x-ray source produced by a commercial kilohertz submillijoule femtosecond laser system. The source has an x-ray conversion of ∼4×10−5 into Kα line emission at 8.05 keV. The microplasma x-ray source has a size of 8 μm (full width at half maximum) produced by focusing 260 μJ laser pulses on a moving Cu-wire target. An average photon flux of ∼1.1×109 photons/sr/s is obtained using the above laser pulses. The source has been used to record phase contrast images of test samples. This compact x-ray source can serve as a low cost operating system for phase contrast imaging in clinical applications.

Design of a mode separated RF photo cathode gun

Our group at the Laser Undulator Compact X-ray source facility (LUCX), KEK (High Energy Accelerator Research Organization) is performing experiments to generate X-rays by inverse Compton scattering. The system, to generate the X-rays requires a high intensity beam with low emittance. In this research we propose modifications to the existing system to achieve an acceleration of 200 nC in 100 bunches. Specifically, we seek to demonstrate that a new RF gun with high mode separation and high Q value will achieve a beam of good quality. A new RF power system with a modified power delivery scheme provides a good beam loading compensation with a high-intensity multi-bunch electron beam. The acceleration of 200 nC in 100 bunches with low emittance will help increase the intensity of X-rays by inverse Compton scattering.

High-power 1 kHz laser-plasma x-ray source for ultrafast x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy in the keV range

A high average power broadband x-ray source is developed in the multi-keV range, based on the thermal emission of plasmas produced with a 1 kHz fs laser focused on high Z element target. This compact ultrafast x-ray source is used to measure the x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy of aluminum K-edge (1.559 keV) with noise lower than 1% of the absorption edge when accumulating laser shots over a few tens of seconds. That demonstrates its suitability to study atomic and electronic structures of matter during ultrafast phase transitions among solid, liquid, or higher energy density states.

The quantum free-electron laser

A Free-Electron Laser (FEL) operating in the quantum regime can provide a compact and monochromatic X-ray source. Here we review the basic principles of a high-gain quantum FEL starting from noise, with special emphasis on the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) mode operation. In the first part, the full quantum theory of the N-particle and single-radiation-mode FEL Hamiltonian is presented. Quantum effects such as cooperative gain, discrete spectrum and line narrowing are described, both in the multi-particle and in the second quantization formalism. In the second part, propagation effects (i.e. slippage) are described and the main features of the quantum SASE regime are discussed. The broad and spiky radiation spectrum observed in the classical SASE reduces in the quantum regime to a series of narrow lines, associated to sequential transitions between adjacent momentum states. A simple interpretation of the discrete nature of the spectrum and of the line width of the single spike observed in the quantum regime is presented.