Simultaneous X-ray Research Articles

Plasmoid Ejection by Alfvén Waves and the Fast Radio Bursts from SGR 1935+2154

Abstract Using numerical simulations we show that low-amplitude Alfvén waves from a magnetar quake propagate to the outer magnetosphere and convert to “plasmoids” (closed magnetic loops) that accelerate from the star, driving blast waves into the magnetar wind. Quickly after its formation, the plasmoid becomes a thin relativistic pancake. It pushes out the magnetospheric field lines, and they gradually reconnect behind the pancake, generating a variable wind far stronger than the normal spindown wind of the magnetar. Repeating ejections drive blast waves in the amplified wind. We suggest that these ejections generate the simultaneous X-ray and radio bursts detected from SGR 1935+2154. A modest energy budget of the magnetospheric perturbation ∼1040 erg is sufficient to produce the observed bursts. Our simulation predicts a narrow (a few milliseconds) X-ray spike from the magnetosphere, arriving almost simultaneously with the radio burst emitted far outside the magnetosphere. This timing is caused by the extreme relativistic motion of the ejecta.

Constraining the X-Ray–Infrared Spectral Index of Second-timescale Flares from SGR 1935+2154 with Palomar Gattini-IR

Abstract The Galactic magnetar SGR 1935+2154 has been reported to produce the first example of a bright millisecond-duration radio burst (FRB 200428) similar to the cosmological population of fast radio bursts (FRBs). The detection of a coincident bright X-ray burst represents the first observed multiwavelength counterpart of an FRB. However, the search for similar emission at optical wavelengths has been hampered by the high inferred extinction on the line of sight. Here, we present results from the first search for second-timescale emission from the source at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths using the Palomar Gattini-IR observing system in the J band, enabled by a novel detector readout mode that allows short exposure times of ≈0.84 s with 99.9% observing efficiency. With a total observing time of ≈12 hr (≈47,728 images) during its 2020 outburst, we place median 3σ limits on the second-timescale NIR fluence of ≲18 Jy ms (13.1 AB mag). The corresponding extinction-corrected limit is ≲125 Jy ms for an estimated extinction of A J = 2.0 mag. Our observations were sensitive enough to easily detect an NIR counterpart of FRB 200428 if the NIR emission falls on the same power law as observed across its radio to X-ray spectrum. We report nondetection limits from epochs of four simultaneous X-ray bursts detected by the Insight-HXMT and NuSTAR telescopes during our observations. These limits provide the most stringent constraints to date on fluence of flares at ∼1014 Hz, and constrain the fluence ratio of the NIR emission to coincident X-ray bursts to R NIR ≲ 0.025 (fluence index ≳0.35).

Investigation on Impact Induced Damage in Boron Carbide with Simultaneous X-ray Imaging and Diffraction

The macro-scale mechanical behaviors of materials under impact can be dominated by the meso and micro-scale deformation mechanisms and cracking patterns. In combination with the X-ray imaging and diffraction techniques, impact tests are performed on boron carbide (B4C) ceramic bulks with two different porosities by a miniature split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). After a transient quasi-elastic deformation process, catastrophic failure occurs in the high-porosity bulk, with a weak failure strength. Abundant tensile and shear cracks nucleate in the low porosity bulk, but cannot connect into a cracks network due to the high adhesive force, and finally the dissociative failure occurs with several main cracks penetrating. By analyzing the diffraction peak splitting phenomenon, the extent of shear deformation is quantitatively characterized to be 60-70% of the compression deformation. The damage extent is expressed by the voids volume induced by cracks. The macroscopic stress increment of B4C bulk under impact can be expressed by a function of the damage extent evolution.

Improving lung aeration in ventilated newborn preterm rabbits with a partially aerated lung.

Preterm newborns commonly receive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (iPPV) at birth, but the optimal approach that facilitates uniform lung aeration is unknown, particularly in a partially aerated lung. As both inflation time and exogenous surfactant facilitate uniform lung aeration, we investigated whether they can improve lung aeration and lung mechanics in a partially aerated lung immediately after birth. Preterm rabbit kittens (29 days of gestation, term ~32 days) were delivered by caesarean section and partial lung aeration was created by intubating and mechanically ventilating the right lung. The tube was then withdrawn to ventilate both lungs using inflation times of 0.2 s or 1.0 s, with or without exogenous surfactant (200 mg/kg; Curosurf) and a tidal volume (Vt) of 8 mL/kg. Simultaneous phase contrast X-ray imaging and plethysmography were used to measure lung aeration and mechanics. Kittens ventilated with longer inflation times (1.0 s) reached their target Vt with fewer inflations, required lower inflation pressures (28.5 ± 1.1 vs. 33.5 ± 1.3 cmH2O, P = 0.01) and had higher dynamic lung compliances (0.54 ± 0.3 vs. 0.40 ± 0.3 cmH2O·mL-1·kg-1, P = 0.003). Surfactant increased functional residual capacity (FRC; 31.9 ± 3.2 vs. 18.0 ± 3.9 mL/kg, P = 0.02) and the proportion of the Vt entering the previously unaerated lung but had no effect on dynamic lung compliance. Combining early surfactant treatment with longer inflation times increases FRC levels, improves dynamic lung compliance, reduces inflation pressures and markedly increases the proportion of the lungs being ventilated during iPPV in preterm kittens with a partially aerated lung.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preterm newborns commonly receive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (iPPV) at birth, but the optimal approach that facilitates uniform lung aeration is unknown, particularly in a partially aerated lung. Using phase contrast X-ray imaging, we showed that combining a long inflation time (1.0 s) with surfactant improved lung mechanics and aeration in the immediate newborn period. The current clinical practice of using short inflation times during iPPV might be suboptimal and a different approach is needed.

High-pressure crystal polymorph of the protic ionic liquid: Ethylammonium nitrate

A high pressure (HP) crystal polymorph was obtained for the protic ionic liquid ethylammonium nitrate (EAN). Crystal structures of the HP phases were determined by X-ray diffraction. The formation of either a single crystal or polycrystal depended on the temperature and pressure pathway. In a previous work, a low temperature (LT) crystal polymorph was identified, and multiple crystallization pathways were observed by simultaneous X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The non-reversible HP-crystal polymorph was different from the LT-one. Despite the simple molecular structure of EAN, HP-crystal polymorph is observed in addition to LT-crystal polymorph and multiple LT-crystallization pathways.

Bivariate Histogram Segmentation of Simultaneous Neutron and X-ray Tomography for Improved Compositional and Structural Determination of Source Rock Shales

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Neutron imaging for geomechanics: A review

During the last few decades, a number of advanced experimental techniques have provided an unprecedented insight into the behaviour of geomaterials. A notable example are the so-called full-field techniques such as x-ray and neutron imaging, which allow the non destructive characterisation of the 4D (3D+time) response of geomaterials undergoing hydro–chemo–thermo-mechanical loading. While x-ray tomography has over the last decade become a pillar in the domain, neutron imaging remains a relatively less known tool. The unique properties of a neutron beam, such as high sensitivity to hydrogen (e.g., water, hydrocarbons), high penetration into metals (allowing the imposition of extreme boundary conditions), and isotope sensitivity (e.g., D2O/H2O), make neutron imaging an extremely interesting tool for experimental geomechanics.This paper reviews the contribution of neutron imaging to geomechanics. A particular focus is given to the potential of some very recent developments, such as the combination with simultaneous x-rays and substantial improvements in spatial and temporal resolution.

Investigation of the Effect of Artificial Internal Defects on the Tensile Behavior of Laser Powder Bed Fusion 17-4 Stainless Steel Samples: Simultaneous Tensile Testing and X-Ray Computed Tomography.

Insufficient data are available to fully understand the effects of metal additive manufacturing (AM) defects for widespread adoption of the emerging technology. Characterization of failure processes of complex internal geometries and defects in metal AM can significantly enhance this understanding. We aim to demonstrate a complete experimental measurement process and failure analysis method to study the effects of AM defects. We utilized simultaneous implementation of tensile tests with high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) measurements on 17-4 stainless steel dog-bone samples with an intentional octahedron-shaped internal cavity included in the gauge length and also containing much smaller lack-of-fusion (LOF) defects, all generated by a Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing process. The LOF defects were introduced by intentionally changing the LPBF default processing parameters. XCT image-based linear elastic finite element (FE) simulations were used to interpret the data. The in-situ tensile tests combined with simultaneous XCT measurements revealed the details of the failure process initiated by additively manufactured rough internal surfaces and porous defect structures, which experienced high stress concentrations. Progressive collapse of ligaments leading to larger pores was clearly observed, and the resulting porosity evolution until failure was quantitatively analyzed. The high stress concentrations were also directly confirmed by the FE simulations. The experimental methods described in this paper enable the quantitative study of the complex failure mechanisms of additively manufactured metal parts, and the image-based FE simulation method is effective for identifying and/or confirming possible failure locations and features.

A helium mini-cryostat for the nanoprobe beamline ID16B at ESRF: characteristics and performance.

A helium mini-cryostat has been developed for the hard X-ray nanoprobe ID16B of the European Synchrotron to collect X-ray excited optical luminescence and X-ray fluorescence at low temperature (<10 K). The mini-cryostat has been specifically designed to fit within the strong space restrictions and high-demanding mechanical constraints imposed by the beamline to provide vibration-free operation and maximal thermal stability. This paper reports the detailed design, architecture and technical requirements of the mini-cryostat, and presents the first experimental data measured using the cryogenic equipment. The resulting cryo-system features ultimate thermal stability, fast cool-down and ultra-low vibrations. The simultaneous X-ray fluorescence and X-ray excited optical luminescence data acquired from bulk GaN and core/shell InGaN/GaN multi-quantum wells validated the excellent performance of the cryostat with ultimate resolution, stability and sensitivity.

Electron-impact recombination and excitation rates for charge-state-selected highly charged Si ions

Charge-state selective recombination rate coefficients were measured by time of flight (TOF) analyzed highly charged Si ions extracted from an electron-beam ion trap. Additionally, the combination of simultaneous TOF and x-ray measurements and a separation of the dielectronic recombination contribution in the x-ray spectra is used for extracting electron-impact excitation rate coefficients for several overlaying charge states. Experimentally derived dielectronic recombination spectra for XIII and XIV Si are compared and found in excellent agreement with the results of relativistic many-body perturbation theory calculations.

On the Nature of Charge-Injecting Contacts in Organic Field-Effect Transistors.

Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are key enabling devices for plastic electronics technology, which has a potentially disruptive impact on a variety of application fields, such as health, safety, and communication. Despite the tremendous advancements in understanding the OFET working mechanisms and device performance, further insights into the complex correlation between the nature of the charge-injecting contacts and the electrical characteristics of devices are still necessary. Here, an in-depth study of the metal-organic interfaces that provides a direct correlation to the performance of OFET devices is reported. The combination of synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, and theoretical simulations on two selected electron transport organic semiconductors with tailored chemical structures allows us to gain insights into the nature of the injecting contacts. This multiple analysis repeated at the different stages of contact formation provides a clear picture on the synergy between organic/metal interactions, interfacial morphology, and structural organization of the electrode. The simultaneous synchrotron X-ray experiments and electrical measurements of OFETs in operando uncovers how the nature of the charge-injecting contacts has a direct impact on the injection potential of OFETs.

Using simultaneous x-ray diffraction and velocity interferometry to determine material strength in shock-compressed diamond

We determine the strength of laser shock-compressed polycrystalline diamond at stresses above the Hugoniot elastic limit using a technique combining x-ray diffraction from the Linac Coherent Light Source with velocity interferometry. X-ray diffraction is used to measure lattice strains, and velocity interferometry is used to infer shock and particle velocities. These measurements, combined with density-dependent elastic constants calculated using density functional theory, enable determination of material strength above the Hugoniot elastic limit. Our results indicate that diamond retains approximately 20 GPa of strength at longitudinal stresses of 150–300 GPa under shock compression.

The Flare-dominated Accretion Mode of a Radio-bright Candidate Transitional Millisecond Pulsar

Abstract We report new simultaneous X-ray and radio continuum observations of 3FGL J0427.9−6704, a candidate member of the enigmatic class of transitional millisecond pulsars. These XMM-Newton and Australia Telescope Compact Array observations of this nearly edge-on, eclipsing low-mass X-ray binary were taken in the sub-luminous disk state at an X-ray luminosity of erg s−1. Unlike the few well-studied transitional millisecond pulsars, which spend most of their disk state in a characteristic high or low accretion mode with occasional flares, 3FGL J0427.9−6704 stayed in the flare mode for the entire X-ray observation of ∼20 hr, with the brightest flares reaching ∼2 × 1034 erg s−1. The source continuously exhibited flaring activity on timescales of ∼10–100 s in both the X-ray and optical/ultraviolet (UV). No measurable time delay between the X-ray and optical/UV flares is observed, but the optical/UV flares last longer, and the relative amplitudes of the X-ray and optical/UV flares show a large scatter. The X-ray spectrum can be well-fit with a partially absorbed power law (Γ ∼ 1.4–1.5), perhaps due to the edge-on viewing angle. Modestly variable radio continuum emission is present at all epochs, and is not eclipsed by the secondary, consistent with the presence of a steady radio outflow or jet. The simultaneous radio/X-ray luminosity ratio of 3FGL J0427.9−6704 is higher than any known transitional millisecond pulsars and comparable to that of stellar-mass black holes of the same X-ray luminosity, providing additional evidence that some neutron stars can be as radio-loud as black holes.

Unraveling the Complex Behavior of Mrk 421 with Simultaneous X-Ray and VHE Observations during an Extreme Flaring Activity in 2013 April *

Abstract We report on a multiband variability and correlation study of the TeV blazar Mrk 421 during an exceptional flaring activity observed from 2013 April 11 to 19. The study uses, among others, data from GLAST-AGILE Support Program (GASP) of the Whole Earth Blazar Telescope (WEBT), Swift, Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), Fermi Large Area Telescope, Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS), and Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC). The large blazar activity and the 43 hr of simultaneous NuSTAR and MAGIC/VERITAS observations permitted variability studies on 15 minute time bins over three X-ray bands (3–7 keV, 7–30 keV, and 30–80 keV) and three very-high-energy (VHE; &gt;0.1 TeV) gamma-ray bands (0.2–0.4 TeV, 0.4–0.8 TeV, and &gt;0.8 TeV). We detected substantial flux variations on multi-hour and sub-hour timescales in all of the X-ray and VHE gamma-ray bands. The characteristics of the sub-hour flux variations are essentially energy independent, while the multi-hour flux variations can have a strong dependence on the energy of the X-rays and the VHE gamma-rays. The three VHE bands and the three X-ray bands are positively correlated with no time lag, but the strength and characteristics of the correlation change substantially over time and across energy bands. Our findings favor multi-zone scenarios for explaining the achromatic/chromatic variability of the fast/slow components of the light curves, as well as the changes in the flux–flux correlation on day-long timescales. We interpret these results within a magnetic reconnection scenario, where the multi-hour flux variations are dominated by the combined emission from various plasmoids of different sizes and velocities, while the sub-hour flux variations are dominated by the emission from a single small plasmoid moving across the magnetic reconnection layer.

Synthesis of nano Mn-Zn ferrites by gel combustion method with three different fuels and investigation of their structure and properties

Abstract The purpose of studying the properties of zinc-manganese nanoferrite was to compare organic fuels that were produced in conditions created by the auto gel combustion method, using citric acid, glycine, and urea with different pH values: (citric acid = 6, glycine = 3 and urea = 0). The samples were prepared in stoichiometric ratios to gain Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, and all the samples were calcined in the same condition (500 °C and 30 minutes). It should be noted that the entire process of synthesis was photographed to analyze the effect of fuels during the combustion process. Combustion reactions were studied by simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), FT-IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), also the Rietveld method was used to determine the type and amount of crystalline phases. Magnetic properties of the samples were measured by vibration sample magnetometer (VSM), and their morphology and powder agglomeration was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Superior magnetic properties of the sample synthesized with glycine were achieved. Urea gave the smallest particle size, while citric acid produced intermediate properties.

Indentation response of a superlattice thin film revealed by in-situ scanning X-ray nanodiffraction

Nanocrystalline materials such as thin films, and in particular, multilayers with a periodicity in the nanometer range, i.e. superlattice films, possess properties that cannot be found in their coarse-grained bulk counterparts. Mechanical characterization of such structures is therefore of high interest, but also very challenging, due to the small length scales involved and has therefore most often been performed ex-situ using electron microscopy. In this work, however, we report on the first in-situ micromechanical analysis of a CrN-AlN superlattice thin film cross-section. The sample was deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering and sublayer thicknesses were chosen so as to stabilize AlN in its cubic crystal structure. Using a synchrotron X-ray nanoprobe, maps of internal stresses and morphological changes were tracked by means of wide-angle X-ray diffraction and simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering, while the sample was loaded to various degrees with a wedged diamond tip. The results reveal a high compressive strength of about 13 GPa, while through-thickness cracks form, following tensile stresses >1.4 GPa and thereby provide a relaxation mechanism. Layer rotation up to several degrees and significant layer compression up to 7% were also found, but along with the internal stress response, their nature is mostly elastic, meaning that in the post-loading state only a fraction of the effects observed under load remains.

A novel experimental approach for nanostructure analysis: simultaneous small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering.

Exploiting small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) on the same sample volume at the same time provides complementary nanoscale structural information in two different contrast situations. Unlike an independent experimental approach, the truly combined SAXS/SANS experimental approach ensures the exactness of the probed samples, particularly for in situ studies. Here, an advanced portable SAXS system that is dimensionally suitable for installation in the D22 zone of ILL is introduced. The SAXS apparatus is based on a Rigaku switchable copper/molybdenum microfocus rotating-anode X-ray generator and a DECTRIS detector with a changeable sample-to-detector distance of up to 1.6 m in a vacuum chamber. A case study is presented to demonstrate the uniqueness of the newly established method. Temporal structural rearrangements of both the organic stabilizing agent and organically capped gold colloidal particles during gold nanoparticle growth are simultaneously probed, enabling the immediate acquisition of correlated structural information. The new nano-analytical method will open the way for real-time investigations of a wide range of innovative nanomaterials and will enable comprehensive in situ studies on biological systems. The potential development of a fully automated SAXS/SANS system with a common control environment and additional sample environments, permitting a continual and efficient operation of the system by ILL users, is also introduced.

The 2019 super-Eddington outburst of RX J0209.6−7427: detection of pulsations and constraints on the magnetic field strength

ABSTRACT In 2019 November, MAXI detected an X-ray outburst from the known Be X-ray binary system RX J0209.6−7427 located in the outer wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud. We followed the outburst of the system with NICER, which led to the discovery of X-ray pulsations with a period of 9.3 s. We analysed simultaneous X-ray data obtained with NuSTAR and NICER, allowing us to characterize the spectrum and provide an accurate estimate of its bolometric luminosity. During the outburst, the maximum broad-band X-ray luminosity of the system reached (1–2) × 1039 erg s−1, thus exceeding by about one order of magnitude the Eddington limit for a typical 1.4 M⊙ mass neutron star (NS). Monitoring observations with Fermi/GBM and NICER allowed us to study the spin evolution of the NS and compare it with standard accretion torque models. We found that the NS magnetic field should be of the order of 3 × 1012 G. We conclude that RX J0209.6−7427 exhibited one of the brightest outbursts observed from a Be X-ray binary pulsar in the Magellanic Clouds, reaching similar luminosity level to the 2016 outburst of SMC X-3. Despite the super-Eddington luminosity of RX J0209.6−7427, the NS appears to have only a moderate magnetic field strength.

NeXT-Grenoble, the Neutron and X-ray tomograph in Grenoble

NeXT-Grenoble is a Neutron and X-ray Tomograph launched from the collaboration between the Universite Grenoble Alpes (UGA) and the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). The design started in February 2016 shortly followed by its construction at ILL. A first version of the instrument has been opened to users since October 2016.One of the peculiarities of the instrument is that, as suggested by the name, the instrument allows the acquisition of truly simultaneous Neutron and X-ray tomographies, taking advantage of the high complementarity of these two beams.Also by virtue of the uniquely high flux at the ILL, the instrument can provide unprecedented spatial resolution (around 4μm true resolution, in few tens of seconds) and acquisition speed (1.5 s tomographies).This contribution details the adopted technical solutions and performances achieved, reviews some of the key published results and outlines the future direction of the instrument.

Full strain tensor measurements with X-ray diffraction and strain field mapping: a simulation study.

Strain tensor measurements are important for understanding elastic and plastic deformation, but full bulk strain tensor measurement techniques are still lacking, in particular for dynamic loading. Here, such a methodology is reported, combining imaging-based strain field mapping and simultaneous X-ray diffraction for four typical loading modes: one-dimensional strain/stress compression/tension. Strain field mapping resolves two in-plane principal strains, and X-ray diffraction analysis yields volumetric strain, and thus the out-of-plane principal strain. This methodology is validated against direct molecular dynamics simulations on nanocrystalline tantalum. This methodology can be implemented with simultaneous X-ray diffraction and digital image correlation in synchrotron radiation or free-electron laser experiments.