Drift Band Research Articles

Investigating the Unique Drift Behavior of PSR B2110+27 with FAST

Careful scrutiny of the single pulse emissions from PSR B2110+27 has been conducted through highly sensitive observations using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) at a central frequency of 1250 MHz. Our investigation revealed significant subpulse drift behavior and nulling in this pulsar. Moreover, we observed that the nulling events tend to be of short duration, with an estimated overall nulling fraction of approximately 27% ± 3%. It is noteworthy that the drift direction of the subpulses exhibits abrupt changes, occasionally transitioning into a steady state or displaying a low drift rate. Analysis using longitude resolved fluctuation spectra indicates the presence of two distinct repetition periods for the pulsar: P 3 = (10.8 ± 2.5)P and P 3 = (31.6 ± 4.2)P, where P denotes the pulsar period. Our investigation revealed that the subpulse separation remains consistent across different drift patterns, with P 2 = 2.°3 ± 0.°2. A more comprehensive analysis indicates that the unique drift behavior observed can be explained by a carousel model of the dipole field. Minor changes in P 2 and drift rate caused significant variations in the apparent P 3 and abrupt shifts in the drift direction, while the true repetition period (assuming first-order aliasing) changed by only ∼10%. We observe a drift band memory and apparent phase memory across the null state in this pulsar, as well as variations in the drift rate and drift direction across the null state, though we have not detected significant periodicity of the nulling itself. This suggests that these phenomena may arise from random null pulses intersecting with the frequently aliased drift bands.

Studying the nulling, subpulse drifting, and moding in PSR J1921+1948 with the FAST

ABSTRACT We reported the observations of nulling, subpulse drifting, and moding of radio radiation in pulsar (PSR) B1918+19 at 1250 MHz with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope. The nulling fraction is 2.6 ± 0.1 per cent and no periodicity of nulling can be seen. We confirmed the existence of three different drift modes (A, B, C) and a disordered mode (N) at 1250 MHz. Unlike the other three modes where the second component of the average pulse profile dominates, the first component of the average pulse profile in mode C is brighter than the other components, the second component shifts forward and the fourth component shifts backward. The bidrifting phenomenon is observed in PSR B1918+19, the drifting of the first and second components is positive, and the drift direction of the fourth component is negative. The drifting rate of the drift bands composed of the first and second components has an obvious evolutionary trend. Mode B has a short duration and no clear trend can be seen. But for mode A, the drift rate of each drift band starts relatively fast, then slows down to a steady state, and finally increases slowly until it enters either null or mode N. Further analysis shows that the emergence and significant variation in the drifting period of multidrifting subpulse emission modes for PSR B1918+19 may be due to the aliasing effect. The interesting subpulse emission phenomenon of PSR B1918+19 at different frequencies provides a unique opportunity to understand the switching mechanism of the multidrift mode of the pulsars.

OUP accepted manuscript

In this paper, we investigate the emission properties of PSR J1727-2739, whose mean pulse profile has two main components, by analysing five single-pulse observations made using the Parkes 64-m radio telescope with a central frequency of 1369 MHz between 2014 April and October. The total observation time is about 6.1 hours which contains 16718 pulses after removal of radio frequency interference (RFI). Previous studies reveal that PSR J1727-2739 exhibits both nulling and subpulse drifting. We estimate the nulling fraction to be 66%, which is consistent with previously published results. In addition to the previously known subpulse drifting in the leading component, we also explore the drifting properties for the trailing component. We observe two distinct drift modes whose vertical drift band separations ($P_{3}$) are consistent with earlier studies. We find that both profile components share the same drift periodicity $P_{3}$ in a certain drift mode, but the measured horizontal separations ($P_{2}$) are quite different for them. That is, PSR J1727-2739 is a pulsar showing both changes of drift periodicity $P_{3}$ between different drift modes and drift rate variations between components in a given drift mode. Pulsars exhibiting nulling along with drift mode changing, such as PSR J1727-2739, give an unique opportunity to investigate the physical mechanism of these phenomena.

The drifting subpulses of PSR B0031−07 and its synchronously modulated radio polarization

Abstract We establish that for PSR B0031−07 the orthogonal polarization modes switch at a single pulse level synchronously with the periodic drifting subpulses seen in total intensity. There are only four other pulsars known for which this phenomenon is observed. PSR B0031−07 is unique as it is the only source in this group which has multiple stable drift modes. For both drift modes visible at our observing frequency centered at 1369 MHz, the modulation of polarization modes is synchronous with the drifting subpulses. In one of the drift modes, a discontinuity in the modulation pattern of polarization properties occurs halfway through the pulse, coinciding with a slight change in the slope of the intensity drift band. In contrast to what has been suggested for this pulsar in the past, this, plus other differences in the polarization of the modulated emission observed for the two drift modes, suggests that a drift mode change is more than a change in the underlying carousel radius and that magnetospheric propagation effects play an important role. The ellipticity evolves asymmetrically in time during the modulation cycle, which in the framework of a carousel model implies that the polarized sub-beams are asymmetric with respect to the sense of circulation, something which is not observed for other pulsars. Birefringence in the magnetosphere, resulting in the orthogonal polarization modes to spatially separate, is not enough to explain these results. It is argued that more complex magnetospheric processes, which possibly allow conversion between orthogonal polarization modes, play a role.

Low-frequency Observations of the Subpulse Drifter PSR J0034−0721 with the Murchison Widefield Array

Abstract The phenomenon of subpulse drifting may hold the key to understanding the pulsar emission mechanism. Here, we report on new observations of PSR J0034−0721 (B0031−07) carried out with the Murchison Widefield Array at . We observe three distinct drift modes whose “vertical” drift band separations (P 3) and relative abundances are consistent with previous studies at similar and higher frequencies. The drift bands, however, are observed to change their slopes over the course of individual drift modes, which can be interpreted as a continuously changing drift rate. The implied acceleration of the intrinsic carousel rotation cannot easily be explained by plasma models based on drift. Furthermore, we find that methods of classifying the drift modes by means of P 3 measurements can sometimes produce erroneous identifications in the presence of a changing drift rate. The “horizontal” separation between drift bands (P 2) is found to be larger at later rotation phases within the pulse window, which is inconsistent with the established effects of retardation, aberration, and the motion of the visible point. Longer observations spanning at least ∼10,000 pulses are required to determine how the carousel rotation parameters change from one drift sequence to the next.

Theoretical investigations into the electronic structures and electron transport properties of fluorine and carbonyl end-functionalized quarterthiophenes

In this work, we concentrate on systematic investigation on the fluorination and carbonylation effect on electron transport properties of thiophene-based materials with the aim of seeking and designing electron transport materials. Some relative factors, namely, frontier molecular orbital (FMO), vertical electron affinity (VEA), electron reorganization energy (λele), electron transfer integral (tele), electron drift mobility (μele) and band structures have been calculated and discussed based on density functional theory. The results show that the introduction of fluorine atoms and carbonyl group especially for the latter could effectively increase EA and reduce λele, which is beneficial to the improvement of electron transport performance. Furthermore, these introductions could also affect the tele by changing molecular packing manner and distribution of FMO. Finally, according to our calculation, the 3d system is considered to be a promising electron transport material with small λele, high electron transport ability and good ambient stability.

Error field penetration in the presence of diamagnetic effects

The penetration of the magnetic field in a rotating inhomogeneous plasma is investigated with direct numerical simulations. The main focus of this work is to test the linear, singular-layer models when diamagnetic and finite Larmor radius effects are included. Our results confirm the existing analytical prediction when the plasma velocity at the resonant surface is outside the drift band, which is the band bounded by the electric drift velocity and the electron diamagnetic velocity. In the drift band, however, a revision of the theory is required. In this regime of velocity, the magnetic island radiates drift waves which can affect the dynamics of the system. Our results show that the penetration of the magnetic field occurs more easily than predicted by the theoretical models, which commonly neglect drift wave radiation effects.

Drifting bands of solar radio spikes

The solar flare (1N/C5.3) occurred in NOAA 8742 on October 27, 1999, and the accompanied complex radio burst was observed by the spectrometer with both high temporal (5 ms) and frequency (10 MHz) resolutions at Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO). It started at 04:27:42 UT, peaked at 04:28:42 UT and ended at 04:29:18 UT. The most significant feature of the event might be the sequential spikes in both time and frequency to form three slow drift bands over the frequency range of similar to 5 to >= 7.5 GHz with almost the same drift rate about 2.7 GHz/s. The relative bandwidth for the individual spikes varied from 1.6% to 4.9%, typically 3.3%. Based on electron cyclotron maser action driven by loss-cone anisotropy, the rare phenomena of slow drift band consisting of spikes were interpreted by spike source moving back and forth along the magnetic loop. Also, the estimations of the narrow bandwidths of spike given by electron cyclotron maser theory coincided well with the observations.

Results from multifrequency observations of PSR B0826−34

We report new results obtained from multi-frequency observations of PSR B0826-34 with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). (1) We find no evidence of weak emission during the typical long null state of this pulsar, simultaneously at 303 and 610 MHz, as well as individually at 157, 325, 610 and 1060 MHz at separate epochs. Our limit of non-detection is at ~ 1% or better of the peak of the active state profile, and corresponds to ~ 2 mJy at 610 MHz. (2) Significant correlation in the total intensity of the individual pulses between 303 and 610 MHz is reported from the simultaneous dual frequency observations, which is indicative of the broadband nature of the emission. We also report correlation between total energy in the main pulse and inter-pulse region from the high sensitivity single frequency observations at 610 and 1060 MHz. (3) Though we find the drift pattern to be very similar in the simultaneous 303 and 610 MHz data, we observe that the drift band separation (P2) evolves significantly between these two frequencies, and in a manner opposite to the average profile evolution. In addition, we confirm the dependence of P2 on pulse longitude at 303 MHz and find indications for the same at 610 MHz. We also present results for subpulse width at different frequencies, and as well as a function of pulse longitude. (4) As a natural out-come of the simultaneous dual frequency observations, we obtain an accurate DM value, equal to 52.2(6) pc/cc, for this pulsar.

DRIFT study of molecular and dissociative adsorption of light paraffins by HZSM-5 zeolite modified with zinc ions: methane adsorption

DRIFT study of methane adsorption by ZnZSM-5 zeolites prepared by incipient wetness impregnation or by chemical reaction of the initial hydrogen form with zinc vapor at 770 K indicated an unusually broad DRIFT band with a maximum at 2805 cm −1. This frequency is more than 200 cm −1 lower than the asymmetric ν 3 CH stretching mode of gaseous methane and more than 100 cm −1 lower than the symmetric ν 1 stretching frequency. Methane adsorption by zinc cations is much stronger than that by the bridging hydroxyl groups or sodium ions. At 473 K adsorbed methane is involved in heterolytic dissociation, resulting in formation of bridging hydroxyl groups and zinc alkyls. Such dissociative adsorption blocks the sites for subsequent molecular adsorption of methane or hydrogen. In accordance with our previous results on hydrogen adsorption, we conclude that the dissociative methane adsorption occurs on acid–base pairs with distantly separated Zn 2+ ions and basic oxygen atoms of the zeolite framework. Unusually large perturbation and dissociation of methane at the relatively low temperature are connected with only partial compensation of the positive electric charges of Zn 2+ ions at such sites.

Monte Carlo calculation of two-dimensional electron dynamics in GaN–AlGaN heterostructures

We present detailed Monte Carlo based calculations of the electron dynamics in GaN–AlGaN heterostructures in the presence of strain polarization fields. The model consists of a fully numerical self-consistent solution of the Schrödinger–Poisson equation with a Monte Carlo transport model. The two-dimensional sub-band energies, wave functions and carrier scattering mechanisms are computed numerically and included within a Monte Carlo simulation. The electron energy, steady-state and transient drift velocity and band occupancy are calculated as a function of electric field for different AlGaN–GaN heterostructure compositions. The effect of piezoelectrically induced strain fields on the transport dynamics is examined. A field dependent mobility model is also developed from the Monte Carlo results.

Reptation in linear systems

A model suitable for reptation in linear systems under a driving field is proposed. Its dynamics is based on the decoupling of opposite repton jumps, and is essentially different from reptation in higher dimensions, namely the Rubinstein-Duke model (RDM). The stationary density and correlation functions are calculated perturbatively in the driving field. A meaningful mean field theory is also derived. Diffusion exhibits a strong drift velocity and band collapse. Also a peculiar scaling behavior is found. The results address the sensitivity of reptation process to the rules of motion and the boundary conditions.

Electronic transport studies of bulk zincblende and wurtzite phases of GaN based on an ensemble Monte Carlo calculation including a full zone band structure

The ensemble Monte Carlo technique including the details of the first four conduction bands within the full Brillouin zone is used to calculate the basic electronic transport properties for both zincblende and wurtzite crystal phases of bulk gallium nitride. The band structure throughout the Brillouin zone is determined using the empirical pseudopotential method. Calculations of the electron steady-state drift velocity, average energy, valley occupancy and band occupancy in the range of electric fields up to 500 kV/cm are presented. It is found that the threshold electric field for intervalley transfer is greater and that the second conduction band is more readily occupied in wurtzite than in zincblende GaN over the range of electric fields examined here.

An Uncommon System for Manual Control of Olfactometer Air Relative Humidity1

Work done in this laboratory on mosquito attractants and repellents often involves the use of 8 dual-port olfactometers (Schreck, Gouck & Smith, 1967, J. Econ. Entomol. 60 : 1188–90). The olfactometers are supplied with a 661 liters/sec (1400 cfm) flow of conditioned, outside air, the humidity of which has been generated by a water spray and controlled by a mechanical, hair-type humidistat. Because of the original systemʼs excessive set point drift and control band width (± 10% RH), a new humidity generation, monitoring, and control system was developed.