Multi-band Light Research Articles

THE PECULIAR RADIO-LOUD NARROW LINE SEYFERT 1 GALAXY 1H 0323+342

We present a multi-wavelength study of the radio-loud narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy (NLSy1), 1H 0323+342, detected by Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope. Multi-band light curves show many orphan X-ray and optical flares having no corresponding {\gamma}-ray counterparts. Such anomalous variability behavior can be due to different locations of the emission region from the central source. During a large flare, {\gamma}-ray flux doubling time scale as small as $\sim$ 3 hours is noticed. We built spectral energy distribution (SED) during different activity states and modeled them using an one-zone leptonic model. The shape of the optical/UV component of the SEDs is dominated by accretion disk emission in all the activity states. In the X-ray band, significant thermal emission from the hot corona is inferred during quiescent and first flaring states, however, during subsequent flares, non-thermal jet component dominates. The {\gamma}-ray emission in all the states can be well explained by inverse-Compton scattering of accretion disk photons reprocessed by the broad line region. The source showed violent intra-night optical variability, coinciding with one of the high {\gamma}-ray activity states. An analysis of the overall X-ray spectrum fitted with an absorbed power-law plus relativistic reflection component hints for the presence of Fe K-{\alpha} line and returns a high black hole spin value of a=0.96 $\pm$ 0.14. We argue that 1H 0323+342 possesses dual characteristics, akin to flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) as well as radio-quiet NLSy1s, though at a low jet power regime compared to powerful FSRQs.

TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA HUBBLE RESIDUALS AND HOST-GALAXY PROPERTIES

Kim et al. (2013) [K13] introduced a new methodology for determining peak-brightness absolute magnitudes of type Ia supernovae from multi-band light curves. We examine the relation between their parameterization of light curves and Hubble residuals, based on photometry synthesized from the Nearby Supernova Factory spectrophotometric time series, with global host-galaxy properties. The K13 Hubble residual step with host mass is $0.013\pm 0.031$ mag for a supernova subsample with data coverage corresponding to the K13 training; at $\ll 1\sigma$, the step is not significant and lower than previous measurements. Relaxing the data coverage requirement the Hubble residual step with host mass is $0.045\pm 0.026$ mag for the larger sample; a calculation using the modes of the distributions, less sensitive to outliers, yields a step of 0.019 mag. The analysis of this article uses K13 inferred luminosities, as distinguished from previous works that use magnitude corrections as a function of SALT2 color and stretch parameters: Steps at $>2\sigma $ significance are found in SALT2 Hubble residuals in samples split by the values of their K13 $x(1)$ and $x(2)$ light-curve parameters. $x(1)$ affects the light-curve width and color around peak (similar to the $\Delta m_{15}$ and stretch parameters), and $x(2)$ affects colors, the near-UV light-curve width, and the light-curve decline 20 to 30 days after peak brightness. The novel light-curve analysis, increased parameter set, and magnitude corrections of K13 may be capturing features of SN~Ia diversity arising from progenitor stellar evolution.

SX Aurigae: A close binary at the early stage of contact phase

This study presents analysis of new multi-band light curves of β Lyrae-type eclipsing binary SX Aur. Radial velocities of both components of the system were collected from the literature and simultaneous light curve solutions made to determine the properties of the system and absolute elements of its components. The derived masses and radii of the components are M1=11.3±0.2M⊙, M2=6.9±0.1M⊙, R1=5.32±0.02R⊙ and R2=4.23±0.03R⊙, while the distance of the system is estimated at 1220±75pc. It was found that SX Aur is a shallow-contact binary and thus may be in the stage between β Lyrae and W UMa-type binaries. From O–C based period analysis of SX Aur, it is seen that the period of the system increases at a rate of 0.0055syr−1. The most plausible physical mechanism for this period variation is non-conservative mass transfer from the secondary to the primary component at a rate of 3.13×10−7M⊙yr−1.

Phase-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and spectral energy distribution of the X-ray soft polar RS Caeli

RS Cae is the third target in our series of XMM-Newton observations of soft X-ray-dominated polars. Our observational campaign aims to better understand and describe the multiwavelength data, the physical properties of the system components, and the short- and long-term behavior of the component fluxes in RS Cae. We employ stellar atmosphere, stratified accretion-column, and widely used X-ray spectral models. We fit the XMM-Newton spectra, model the multiband light curves, and opt for a mostly consistent description of the spectral energy distribution. Results. Our XMM-Newton data of RS Cae are clearly dominated by soft X-ray emission. The X-ray light curves are shaped by emission from the main accretion region, which is visible over the whole orbital cycle, interrupted only by a stream eclipse. The optical light curves are formed by cyclotron and stream emission. The XMM-Newton X-ray spectra comprise a black-body-like and a plasma component at mean temperatures of 36eV and 7keV. The spectral fits give evidence of a partially absorbing and a reflection component. Multitemperature models, covering a broader temperature range in the X-ray emitting accretion regions, reproduce the spectra appropriately well. Including archival data, we describe the spectral energy distribution with a combination of models based on a consistent set of parameters and derive a lower limit estimate of the distance d > 750pc. Conclusions. The high bolometric soft-to-hard flux ratios and short-term variability of the (X-ray) light curves are characteristic of inhomogeneous accretion. RS Cae clearly belongs in the group of polars that show a very strong soft X-ray flux compared to their hard X-ray flux. The different black-body fluxes and similar hard X-ray and optical fluxes during the XMM-Newton and ROSAT observations show that soft and hard X-ray emission are not directly correlated.

HIGH-PRECISION 2MASSJHKsLIGHT CURVES AND OTHER DATA FOR RR LYRAE STAR SDSS J015450 + 001501: STRONG CONSTRAINTS FOR NONLINEAR PULSATION MODELS

We present and discuss an extensive data set for the non-Blazhko ab-type RR Lyrae star SDSSJ015450+001501, including optical SDSS ugriz light curves and spectroscopic data, LINEAR and CSS unfiltered optical light curves, and infrared 2MASS JHKs and WISE W1 and W2 light curves. Most notably, light curves obtained by 2MASS include close to 9000 photometric measures collected over 3.3 years and provide exceedingly precise view of near-IR variability. These data demonstrate that static atmosphere models are insufficient to explain multi-band photometric light curve behavior and present strong constraints for non-linear pulsation models for RR Lyrae stars. It is a challenge to modelers to produce theoretical light curves that can explain data presented here, which we make publicly available.

The long-term evolution of the X-ray pulsar XTE J1814-338: A receding jet contribution to the quiescent optical emission?

We present a study of the quiescent optical counterpart of the Accreting Millisecond X-ray Pulsar XTE J1814-338, carrying out multiband (BVR) orbital phase-resolved photometry using the ESO VLT/FORS2. The optical light curves are consistent with a sinusoidal variability modulated with the orbital period, showing evidence for a strongly irradiated companion star, in agreement with previous findings. The observed colours cannot be accounted for by the companion star alone, suggesting the presence of an accretion disc during quiescence. The system is fainter in all analysed bands compared to previous observations. The R band light curve displays a possible phase offset with respect to the B and V band. Through a combined fit of the multi-band light curves we derive constraints on the companion star and disc fluxes, on the system distance and on the companion star mass. The irradiation luminosity required to account for the observed day-side temperature of the companion star is consistent with the spin-down luminosity of a millisecond radio pulsar. The flux decrease and spectral evolution of the quiescent optical emission observed comparing our data with previous observations, collected over 5 years, cannot be well explained with the contribution of an irradiated companion star and an accretion disc alone. The progressive flux decrease as the system gets bluer could be due to a continuum component evolving towards a lower, bluer spectrum. While most of the continuum component is likely due to the disc, we do not expect it to become bluer in quiescence. Hence we hypothesize that an additional component, such as synchrotron emission from a jet was contributing significantly in the earlier data obtained during quiescence and then progressively fading or moving its break frequency toward longer wavelengths.

Multi-band emission in a wide wavelength range from tin oxide/Au nanocomposites grown on porous anodic alumina substrate (AAO)

The photoluminescence (PL) properties of tin oxide nanostructures are investigated. Three samples of different morphology, induced by deposition process and various geometrical features of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate, are analyzed. X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals the presence of two forms of tin oxide on the surface of all studied samples: SnO and SnO2. The former form is typical for reduced surface with bridging oxygen atoms and every other row of in-plane oxygen atoms removed. The oxygen defects give rise to a strong emission in visible region. Two intense PL peaks are observed centered at about 540 (band I) and 620 (band II)nm. The origin of these bands was ascribed to the recombination of electrons from the conduction band (band I) and shallow traps levels (band II) to the surface oxygen vacancy levels. Upon deposition of Au nanoparticles on the top of tin oxide nanostructures the emission at 540 and 620nm disappears and a new band (band III) occurs in the range >760nm. The PL mechanism operating in the studied systems is discussed. The tin oxide/Au nanocomposites can be used as efficient multi-band light emitters in a wide (from visible to near infrared) wavelength range.

Type II-Plateau supernova radiation: dependences on progenitor and explosion properties

We explore the properties of Type II-Plateau (II-P) supernovae (SNe) together with their red supergiant (RSG) star progenitors. Using mesa star, we modulate the parameters (e.g. mixing length, overshoot, rotation, metallicity) that control the evolution of a 15 M⊙ main-sequence star to produce a variety of physical pre-SN models and SN II-P ejecta. We extend previous modelling of SN II-P radiation to include photospheric and nebular phases, as well as multiband light curves and spectra. Our treatment does not assume local thermodynamic equilibrium, is time dependent, treats explicitly the effects of line blanketing and incorporates non-thermal processes. We find that the colour properties of SNe II-P require large model atoms for Fe i and Fe ii, much larger than previously adopted. The colour properties also imply RSG progenitors of limited extent (∼500 R⊙) – larger progenitor stars produce an SN II-P radiation that remains too blue for too long. This finding calls for a reduction of RSG radii, perhaps through a strengthening of convective energy transport in RSG envelopes. Increased overshoot and rotation reduce the ratio of ejecta to helium-core mass, similarly to an increase in main-sequence mass, and thus complicate the inference of progenitor masses. In contrast to the great sensitivity on progenitor radius, SN II-P colour evolution appears insensitive to variations in explosion energy. Finally, we document the numerous SN II-P signatures that vary with progenitor metallicity, revealing their potential for metallicity determinations in the nearby and distant Universe.

THE NATURE OF γ-RAY LOUD NARROW-LINE SEYFERT I GALAXIES PKS 1502+036 AND PKS 2004–447

Variable gamma-ray emission has been discovered in five Radio-loud Narrow Line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) galaxies by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. This has clearly demonstrated that these NLSy1 galaxies do have relativistic jets similar to two other cases of gamma-ray emitting Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), namely blazars and radio galaxies. We present here our results on the multi-band analysis of two gamma-ray emitting NLSy1 galaxies namely PKS 1502+036 (z = 0.409) and PKS 2004-447 (z = 0.240) using archival data. We generate multi-band long term light curves of these sources, build their spectral energy distribution (SED) and model them using an one zone leptonic model. They resemble more to the SEDs of the flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) class of AGN. We then compare the SEDs of these two sources with two other Fermi detected AGN along the traditional blazar sequence, namely the BL Lac Mrk 421 (z = 0.03) and the FSRQ 3C 454.3 (z = 0.86). The SEDs of both PKS 1502+036 and PKS 2004-447 are found to be intermediate to the SEDs of Mrk 421 and 3C 454.3. In the gamma-ray spectral index v/s gamma-ray luminosity plane, both these NLSy1 galaxies occupy a distinct position, wherein, they have luminosity between Mrk 421 and 3C 454.3, however steep gamma-ray spectra similar to 3C 454.3. Their Compton dominance as well as their X-ray spectral slope also lie between Mrk 421 and 3C 454.3. We argue that the physical properties of both PKS 1502+036 and PKS 2004$-$447 are in general similar to blazars and intermediate between FSRQs and BL Lac objects and these sources thus could fit into the traditional blazar sequence.

MULTIBAND STUDIES OF THE OPTICAL PERIODIC MODULATION IN THE X-RAY BINARY SAX J1808.4–3658 DURING ITS QUIESCENCE AND 2008 OUTBURST

We report on time-resolved optical imaging of the X-ray binary SAX J1808.4-3658 during its quiescent state and 2008 outburst. The binary, containing an accretion-powered millisecond pulsar, has a large sinusoidal-like modulation in its quiescent optical emission. We employ a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique to fit our multi-band light curve data in quiescence with an irradiated star model, and derive a tight constraint of $50^{+6}_{-5}$ deg on the inclination angle $i$ of the binary system. The pulsar and its companion are constrained to have masses of $0.97^{+0.31}_{-0.22} M_{\sun}$ and $0.04^{+0.02}_{-0.01} M_{\sun}$ (both 1$\sigma$ ranges), respectively. The dependence of these results on the measurements of the companion's projected radial velocity is discussed. We also find that the accretion disk had nearly constant optical fluxes over a $\sim$500 day period in the quiescent state our data covered, but started brightening 1.5 months before the 2008 outburst. Variations in modulation during the outburst were detected in our four observations made 7-12 days after the start of the outburst, and a sinusoidal-like modulation with 0.2 mag amplitude changed to have a smaller amplitude of 0.1 mag. The modulation variations are discussed. We estimate the albedo of the companion during its quiescence and the outburst, which was approximately 0 and 0.8 (for isotropic emission), respectively. This large difference probably provides additional evidence that the neutron star in the binary turns on as a radio pulsar in quiescence.

THE UNUSUALLY LUMINOUS EXTRAGALACTIC NOVA SN 2010U

We present observations of the unusual optical transient SN 2010U, including spectra taken 1.03 days to 15.3 days after maximum light that identify it as a fast and luminous Fe II type nova. Our multi-band light curve traces the fast decline (t_2 = 3.5 days) from maximum light (M_V = -10.2 mag), placing SN 2010U in the top 0.5% of the most luminous novae ever observed. We find typical ejecta velocities of approximately 1100 km/s and that SN 2010U shares many spectral and photometric characteristics with two other fast and luminous Fe II type novae, including Nova LMC 1991 and M31N-2007-11d. For the extreme luminosity of this nova, the maximum magnitude vs. rate of decline relationship indicates a massive white dwarf progenitor with a low pre-outburst accretion rate. However, this prediction is in conflict with emerging theories of nova populations, which predict that luminous novae from massive white dwarfs should preferentially exhibit an alternate spectral type (He/N) near maximum light.

Dual-spectral plasmon electromagnetically induced transparency in planar metamaterials based on bright–dark coupling

The optical properties of a planar metamaterials, composed of asymmetric two gold wire pairs located at the two sides of the gold bar, have been investigated theoretically in this paper. The calculated results show that this structure can exhibit dual-spectral plasmonic electromagnetically-induced transparency analogous to the quantum optical phenomenon. The electric field distributions demonstrate that the double transparency windows originate from dual bright–dark coupling modes. Moreover, in accompany with the double tunable transparency windows modulated by the symmetry-reduced displacement, two large group indexes for multi-band slow light applications are also found.

Rare earth doped Si-rich ZnO for multiband near-infrared light emitting devices

We demonstrate a light emitting material platform based on rare-earth doping of Si-rich ZnO thin films by magnetron sputtering, and we investigate the near-infrared emission properties under both optical and electrical injection. Er and Nd radiative transitions were simultaneously activated due to energy transfer via the ZnO direct bandgap and its luminescent defect centers. Moreover, by incorporating Si atoms, we demonstrate Si-mediated enhancement of photoluminescence in Er-doped ZnO and electroluminescence. These results pave the way to novel Si-compatible light emitters that leverage the optically transparent and electrically conductive ZnO matrix for multiband near-IR telecom and bio-compatible applications.

Physical parameters and evolutionary route for the Large Magellanic Cloud interacting binary OGLE 05155332−6925581★

We analyze multicolor light curves and high resolution optical spectroscopy of the eclipsing binary and Double Periodic Variable OGLE 05155332-6925581. According to Mennickent et al., this system shows a significant change in the long non-orbital photometric cycle, a loop in the color-magnitude diagram during this cycle and discrete spectral absorption components that were interpreted as evidence of systemic mass loss. We find that the best fit to the multi-band light curves requires a circumprimary optically thick disc with a radius about twice the radius of the more massive star. The spectroscopy indicates a mass ratio of 0.21+-0.02 and masses for the hot and cool stars of 9.1+-0.5 and 1.9+-0.2 M_sun, respectively. A comparison with synthetic binary-star evolutionary models indicates that the system has an age of 4.76E7 years, is in the phase of rapid mass transfer, the second one in the life of this binary, in a Case-B mass-exchange stage. Donor-subtracted H_alpha profiles show the presence of double emission formed probably in an optically thin circumstellar medium, while the variable HeI profile and the H_beta absorption wings are probably formed in the optically thick circumprimary disc. The model that best fit the observations shows the system with a relatively large mass transfer rate of dM/dt = 3.1E-6 M_sun/yr. However, the orbital period remains relatively stable during almost 15 years. This observation suggests that the hot-spot mass-loss model proposed by other authors is not adequate in this case, and that some other mechanism is efficiently removing angular momentum from the binary. Furthermore, our observations suggest that the DPV phenomenon could have an important effect in the balance of mass and angular momentum in the system.

Reconstruction of the Structure of Accretion Disks in Dwarf Novae from the Multi-Band Light Curves of Early Superhumps

Abstract We propose a new method to reconstruct the structure of accretion disks in dwarf novae using multi-band light curves of early superhumps. Our model assumes that early superhumps are caused by the rotation effect of non-axisymmetrically flaring disks. We have developed a Bayesian model for this reconstruction, in which a smoother disk-structure tends to have a higher prior probability. We analyzed simultaneous optical and near-infrared photometric data of early superhumps of the dwarf nova, V455 And using this technique. The reconstructed disk has two flaring parts in the outermost region of the disk. These parts are responsible for the primary and secondary maxima of the light curves. The height-to-radius ratio is $ h/r$$ =$ 0.20–0.25 in the outermost region. In addition to the outermost flaring structures, flaring arm-like patterns can be seen in an inner region of the reconstructed disk. The overall profile of the reconstructed disk is reminiscent of the disk structure that is deformed by the tidal effect. However, an inner arm-like pattern, which is responsible for the secondary minimum in the light curve, cannot be reproduced only by the tidal effect. It implies the presence of another mechanism that deforms the disk structure. Alternatively, the temperature distribution of the disk could be non-axisymmetric. We demonstrate that the disk structure with weaker arm-like patterns is optimal in the model including the irradiation effect. However, the strongly irradiated disk gives quite blue colors, which may conflict with the observation. Our results suggest that the amplitude of early superhumps depends mainly on the height of the outermost flaring regions of the disk. We predict that early superhumps can be detected with an amplitude of $ \gt$ 0.02 mag in about 90% of WZ Sge stars.

The oEA stars QY Aql, BW Del, TZ Dra, BO Her and RR Lep: photometric analysis, frequency search and evolutionary status

New and complete multi-band light curves of the oEA stars QY Aql, BW Del, TZ Dra, BO Her and RR Lep were obtained and analysed with the Wilson-Devinney code. The light curves residuals were further analysed with the Fourier method in order to derive the pulsation characteristics of the oscillating components. All the reliable observed times of minimum light were used to examine orbital period irregularities. The orbital period analyses revealed secular changes for QY Aql and BW Del, while the Light-Time Effect seems to be the best explanation for the cyclic period changes in TZ Dra and BO Her. RR Lep has a rather steady orbital period. Light curve solutions provided the means to calculate the absolute parameters of the components of the systems, which subsequently were used to make an estimate of their present evolutionary status.

Analytical Evaluation of Tri-band Printed Antenna

Accepted: blished online: Abstract: Simulated design and analysis of a simple tri-band microstrip antenna is presented in this paper. A thin transmission line is used to excite the rectangular patch and FR4 epoxy with relative permittivity of 4.4 is used as substrate. To confirm the proficiency of proposed antenna, simulations have been performed in Ansoft HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator) a 3D electromagnetic field simulator, based on finite element method. Impedance bandwidths are determined on -10 dB at resonating frequencies of 2.4, 3.3 and 5.3 GHz. An introduced design covers the requisite bandwidth for IEEE Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards: 802.11 a/n, b/g (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, ZigBee, and 802.16e (WiMAX). Multiband functionality, small size, light weightiness, plain configuration and conformability are the advantages; making the proposed design a good contender for integration in handheld wireless devices.

Time-dependent radiative transfer calculations for supernovae

In previous papers we discussed results from fully time-dependent radiative transfer models for core-collapse supernova (SN) ejecta, including the Type II-peculiar SN 1987A, the more "generic" SN II-Plateau, and more recently Type IIb/Ib/Ic SNe. Here we describe the modifications to our radiative modeling code, CMFGEN, which allowed those studies to be undertaken. The changes allow for time-dependent radiative transfer of SN ejecta in homologous expansion. In the modeling we treat the entire SN ejecta, from the innermost layer that does not fall back on the compact remnant out to the progenitor surface layers. From our non-LTE time-dependent line-blanketed synthetic spectra, we compute the bolometric and multi-band light curves: light curves and spectra are thus calculated simultaneously using the same physical processes and numerics. These upgrades, in conjunction with our previous modifications which allow the solution of the time dependent rate equations, will improve the modeling of SN spectra and light curves, and hence facilitate new insights into SN ejecta properties, the SN progenitors and the explosion mechanism(s). CMFGEN can now be applied to the modeling of all SN types

A photometric study of the neglected eclipsing binaries: V405 Cep, V948 Her, KR Mon and UZ Sge

CCD multi-band light curves of the neglected eclipsing binaries V405 Cep, V948 Her, KR Mon and UZ Sge were obtained and analysed using the Wilson–Devinney code. New geometric and absolute parameters were derived and used to determine their current evolutionary state. V405 Cep, V948 Her and KR Mon are detached systems with their components in almost the same evolutionary stage. UZ Sge is a classical Algol system with a tertiary companion around it. Moreover, since the systems V405 Cep, V948 Her and UZ Sge contain an early type component, their light curves were examined for possible pulsation behaviour.

GRB 071112C: A CASE STUDY OF DIFFERENT MECHANISMS IN X-RAY AND OPTICAL TEMPORAL EVOLUTION

We present the study on GRB 071112C X-ray and optical light curves. In these two wavelength ranges, we have found different temporal properties. The R-band light curve showed an initial rise followed by a single power-law decay, while the X-ray light curve was described by a single power-law decay plus a flare-like feature. Our analysis shows that the observed temporal evolution cannot be described by the external shock model in which the X-ray and optical emission are produced by the same emission mechanism. No significant color changes in multi-band light curves and a reasonable value of the initial Lorentz factor ({\Gamma}0 = 275 \pm 20) in a uniform ISM support the afterglow onset scenario as the correct interpretation for the early R-band rise. The result suggests the optical flux is dominated by afterglow. Our further investigations show that the X-ray flux could be created by an additional feature related to energy injection and X-ray afterglow. Different theoretical interpretations indicate the additional feature in X-ray can be explained by either late internal dissipation or local inverse-Compton scattering in the external shock.