Cusp Structure Research Articles

Evidence of multiple reconnection lines at the magnetopause from cusp observations

Recent global hybrid simulations investigated the formation of flux transfer events (FTEs) and their convection and interaction with the cusp. Based on these simulations, we have analyzed several Polar cusp crossings in the Northern Hemisphere to search for the signature of such FTEs in the energy distribution of downward precipitating ions: precipitating ion beams at different energies parallel to the ambient magnetic field and overlapping in time. Overlapping ion distributions in the cusp are usually attributed to a combination of variable ion acceleration during the magnetopause crossing together with the time‐of‐flight effect from the entry point to the observing satellite. Most “step up” ion cusp structures (steps in the ion energy dispersions) only overlap for the populations with large pitch angles and not for the parallel streaming populations. Such cusp structures are the signatures predicted by the pulsed reconnection model, where the reconnection rate at the magnetopause decreased to zero, physically separating convecting flux tubes and their parallel streaming ions. However, several Polar cusp events discussed in this study also show an energy overlap for parallel‐streaming precipitating ions. This condition might be caused by reopening an already reconnected field line, forming a magnetic island (flux rope) at the magnetopause similar to that reported in global MHD and Hybrid simulations.

Longitudinal singular response of dusty plasma medium in weak and strong coupling limits

The longitudinal response of a dusty plasma medium in both weak and strong coupling limits has been investigated in detail using analytic as well as numerical techniques. In particular, studies on singular response of the medium have been specifically investigated here. A proper Galilean invariant form of the generalized hydrodynamic fluid model has been adopted for the description of the dusty plasma medium. For weak non-linear response, analytic reductive perturbative approach has been adopted. It is well known that in the weak coupling regime for the dusty plasma medium, such an analysis leads to the Korteweg-de Vries equation (KdV) equation and predicts the existence of localized smooth soliton solutions. We show that the strongly coupled dust fluid with the correct Galilean invariant form does not follow the KdV paradigm. Instead, it reduces to the form of Hunter-Saxton equation, which does not permit soliton solutions. The system in this case displays singular response with both conservative as well as dissipative attributes. At arbitrary high amplitudes, the existence and spontaneous formation of sharply peaked cusp structures in both weak and strong coupling regimes has been demonstrated numerically.

Probing deconfinement in a chiral effective model with Polyakov loop at imaginary chemical potential

The phase structure of the two-flavor Polyakov-loop extended Nambu-Jona-Lashinio model is explored at finite temperature and imaginary chemical potential with a particular emphasis on the confinement-deconfinement transition. We point out that the confined phase is characterized by a $\cos3\mu_I/T$ dependence of the chiral condensate on the imaginary chemical potential while in the deconfined phase this dependence is given by $\cos\mu_I/T$ and accompanied by a cusp structure induced by the Z(3) transition. We demonstrate that the phase structure of the model strongly depends on the choice of the Polyakov loop potential $\mathcal{U}$. Furthermore, we find that by changing the four fermion coupling constant $G_s$, the location of the critical endpoint of the deconfinement transition can be moved into the real chemical potential region. We propose a new parameter characterizing the confinement-deconfinement transition.

Kinematic cusps: Determining the missing particle mass at colliders

In many extensions of the SM, neutral massive stable particles (dark matter candidates) are produced at colliders in pairs due to an exact symmetry called a “parity”. These particles escape detection, rendering their mass measurement difficult. In the pair production of such particles via a specific (“antler”) decay topology, kinematic cusp structures are present in the invariant mass and angular distributions of the observable particles. Together with the end-points, such cusps can be used to measure the missing particle mass and the intermediate particle mass in the decay chain. Our simulation of a benchmark scenario in a Z′ supersymmetric model shows that the cusp feature survives under the consideration of detector simulation and the standard model backgrounds. This technique for determining missing particle masses should be invaluable in the search for new physics at the LHC and future lepton colliders.

SEISM: A 60 GHz cusp electron cyclotron resonance ion source

LPSC has been involved for several years in a challenging research and development program on the production of pulsed ions beams with high ionization efficiency primarily dedicated to radioactive ion beams. The generation of the high magnetic field requires the use of helix techniques developed at Laboratoire National des Champs Magnétiques Intenses. As a first approach, a cusp structure has been chosen. 3D simulations were used to define the geometry of the helices. The computer aided design of the mechanical parts of the magnetic structure has been performed at LPSC and was optimized to decrease the total volume of the source. The first 60 GHz magnetic structure (helices coils in their tanks, electrical, and water cooling environment) should be available before the end of 2009.

Capture of negative muons by hydrogen atoms at low collision energies

A rigorous quantum mechanical calculation is carried out for negative muon capture by atomic hydrogen (${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p+e$) by using the $R$-matrix method. The total and final-state selected capture cross sections are calculated at low collision energies ranging from 0.001 to 1 eV. The total capture cross section can, on average, be explained in terms of a previously obtained empirical formula [K. Sakimoto, Phys. Rev. A 66, 032506 (2002)]. However, the present result exhibits additional undulation and cusp structures, which stem from quantum phenomena. The muons are predominantly captured into the highest energetically possible state of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p$ in the present energy region. However, the ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p$ products having high angular momenta cannot be formed unless the collision energy becomes high.

Low-Energy Electron Attachment to the Dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2) Molecule

Results from a joint experimental study of electron attachment to dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl(2)F(2)) molecules in the gas phase are reported. In a high resolution electron beam experiment involving two versions of the laser photoelectron attachment method, the relative cross section for formation of the dominant anion Cl(-) was measured over the energy range 0.001-1.8 eV at the gas temperature T(G) = 300 K. It exhibits cusp structure at thresholds for vibrational excitation of the nu(3)(a(1)) mode due to interaction with the attachment channels. With reference to the thermal attachment rate coefficient k(T = 300 K) = 2.2(8) x 10(-9) cm(3) s(-1) (fitted average from several data), a new highly resolved absolute attachment cross section for T(G) = 300 K was determined. Partial cross sections for formation of the anions Cl(-), Cl(2)(-), F(-), ClF(-), and CCl(2)F(-) were measured over the range 0-12 eV, using three different electron beam experiments of medium energy resolution. The dependence of the attachment rate coefficient k(T(e);T(G) = 300 K) on electron temperature T(e) was calculated over the range 50-15 000 K, based on a newly constructed total cross section for anion formation at T(G) = 300 K. R-matrix calculations for Cl(-) production have been carried out for comparison with the experimental data. The R-matrix results are in line with the main experimental observations and predict the dependence of the DEA cross section on the initial vibrational level nu(3)() and on the vibrational temperature. Furthermore, the cross section for vibrational excitation of the nu(3) mode has been computed.

Interference effects in theX(4260)signal

We show that the long known puzzling branching ratios of open-charm decays in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation can be reasonably described with a simple form factor, which strongly suppresses open channels far above threshold. Application to the ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}J/\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ data on the $X(4260)$ enhancement recently reported by the BABAR Collaboration [B. Aubert (BABAR Collaboration), arXiv:0808.1543] allows a good fit with a simple nonresonant cusp structure around the ${D}_{s}^{*}{D}_{s}^{*}$ threshold. Moreover, we argue that a closer look at the data reveals an oscillatory pattern, which we model as an interference effect between a fast---OZI-allowed---and a slow---OZI-forbidden---$J/\ensuremath{\psi}{f}_{0}(980)$ mode. Other candidates for similar nonresonant enhancements are discussed.

Equilibrium states of magnetized toroid-central compact object systems

Equilibrium configurations of self-gravitating magnetized toroid–central compact object systems have been constructed in the framework of the Newtonian gravity. We have succeeded in including not only poloidal but also toroidal magnetic fields under the ideal magnetohydrodynamic approximation. We find two new and interesting results about the critical equilibrium states of such systems beyond which no equilibrium states are allowed to exist. First, there appear critical distances from the central compact objects to the inner surfaces of the magnetized toroids. Furthermore, these critical distances are much larger than the distances of the innermost stable circular orbits. It implies that even if these systems would be treated in the framework of general relativity, there would appear cusp structures of the effective total potential of the gravitational and magnetic forces for strongly magnetized toroids which are different from the general relativistic cusp structures. Secondly, since the strength of the magnetic field for the critical equilibrium configurations is roughly 10 15 G if the mass of the c

Three‐year clinical comparison of survival of endodontically treated teeth restored with either full cast coverage or with direct composite restoration†

Statement of problem Little information exists regarding the outcome of crown build-ups on endodontically treated teeth restored with metal-ceramic crowns or with only a direct-placed composite. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical success rate of endodontically treated premolars restored with fiber posts and direct composite restorations and compare that treatment with a similar treatment of full-coverage with metal-ceramic crowns. Material and methods Subjects included in this study had one maxillary or mandibular premolar for which endodontic treatment and crown build up was indicated and met specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Only premolars with Class II carious lesions and preserved cusp structure were included. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 2 experimental groups: (1) teeth endodontically treated and restored with adhesive techniques and composite or (2) teeth endodontically treated, restored with adhesive techniques and composite, and then restored with full-coverage metal-ceramic crowns. Sixty teeth were included in the first group and 57 in the second. All restorations were performed by one operator. Causes of failure were categorized as root fracture, post fracture, post decementation, clinical and/or radiographic evidence of marginal gap between tooth and restoration, and clinical and/or radiographic evidence of secondary caries contiguous with restoration margins. Subjects were examined for the listed clinical and radiographic causes of failure by 2 calibrated examiners at intervals of 1, 2, and 3 years. Exact 95% confidence intervals for the difference between the 2 experimental groups were calculated. Results At the 1-year recall, no failures were reported. The only failure modes observed at 2 and 3 years were decementations of posts and clinical and/or radiographic evidence of marginal gap between tooth and restoration. There was no difference in the failure frequencies of the 2 groups (95% confidence interval, -17.5 to 12.6). There was no difference between the number of failures caused by post decementations and the presence of marginal gaps observed in the 2 groups (95% confidence intervals, -9.7 to 16.2 and -17.8 to 9.27). Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, the results upheld the research hypothesis that the clinical success rates of endodontically treated premolars restored with fiber posts and direct composite restorations after 3 years of service were equivalent to a similar treatment of full coverage with metal-ceramic crowns.

Spectropolarimetery of umbral fine structures from Hinode: evidence for magnetoconvection

We present spectropolarimetric analysis of umbral dots and a light bridge fragment that show dark lanes in G-band images. Umbral dots show upflow as well as associated positive Stokes V area asymmetry in their central parts. Larger umbral dots show down flow patches in their surrounding parts that are associated with negative Stokes V area asymmetry. Umbral dots show weaker magnetic field in central part and higher magnetic field in peripheral area. Umbral fine structures are much better visible in total circularly polarized light than in continuum intensity. Umbral dots show a temperature deficit above dark lanes. The magnetic field inclination show a cusp structure above umbral dots and a light bridge fragment. We compare our observational findings with 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations.

Two measurements of ππ scattering lengths [formula omitted] and [formula omitted] from studies of [formula omitted] decays with the CERN-NA48/2 experiment

The NA48 experiment at the CERN SPS has used K L 0 and K S 0 kaons for the precise measurement of the direct CP violation parameter Re ( ɛ ′ / ɛ ) . In 2002 it was re-designed as NA48/2 to search for CP violation in K ± → 3 π decays. This configuration has also allowed studying several rare decay processes of charged kaons to test chiral perturbation theory. With data samples of ∼ 10 6 K ± → π ± π − e ± ν decays, precise values of a 0 and a 2 , the isospin I=0 and I=2 s -wave ππ scattering lengths, are extracted with an unprecedented experimental precision. The same scattering lengths are also measured using ∼ 60 × 10 6 K ± → π ± π 0 π 0 decays where a cusp structure in the Dalitz plot has been observed for the first time.

Ion-dispersion and rapid electron fluctuations in the cusp: a case study

Abstract. We present results from co-ordinated measurements with the low altitude REIMEI satellite and the ESR (EISCAT Svalbard Radar), together with other ground-based instruments carried out in February 2006. The results mainly relate to the dayside cusp where clear signatures of so-called ion-dispersion are seen in the satellite data. The cusp ion-dispersion is important for helping to understand the temporal and spatial structure of magnetopause reconnection. Whenever a satellite crosses boundaries of flux tubes or convection cells, cusp structures such as ion-dispersion will always be encountered. In our case we observed 3 distinct steps in the ion energy, but it includes at least 2 more steps as well, which we interpret as temporal features in relation to pulsed reconnection at the magnetopause. In addition, fast variations of the electron flux and energy occurring during these events have been studied in detail. The variations of the electron population, if interpreted as structures crossed by the REIMEI satellite, would map near the magnetopause to similar features as observed previously with the Cluster satellites. These were explained as Alfvén waves originating from an X-line of magnetic reconnection.

Solitary kinetic Alfvén waves in dusty plasmas

Solitary kinetic Alfvén waves in dusty plasmas are studied by considering the dust charge variation. The effect of the dust charge-to-mass ratio on the soliton solution is discussed. The Sagdeev potential is derived analytically with constant dust charge and then calculated numerically by taking the dust charge variation into account. We show that the dust charge-to-mass ratio plays an important role in the soliton properties. The soliton solutions are comprised of two branches. One branch is sub-Alfvénic and the soliton velocity is obviously smaller than the Alfvén speed. The other branch is super-Alfvénic and the soliton velocity is very close to or greater than the Alfvén speed. Both compressive and rarefactive solitons can exist. For the sub-Alfvénic branch, the rarefactive soliton is bell-shaped and it is much narrower than the compressive one. However, for the super-Alfvénic branch, the compressive soliton is bell-shaped and narrower, and the rarefactive one is broadened. When the charge-to-mass ratio of the dust grains is sufficiently high, the width of the rarefactive soliton, in the super-Alfvénic branch, will broaden extremely and a electron depletion will be observed. It is also shown that the bell-shaped soliton can transition to a cusped structure when the velocity is sufficiently high.

Low-energy electron attachment to chloroform (CHCl3) molecules: A joint experimental and theoretical study

Results from a joint experimental and theoretical study of electron attachment to chloroform (CHCl3) molecules in the gas phase are reported. In an electron swarm study involving a pulsed Townsend technique with equal gas and electron temperatures, accurate attachment rate coefficients were determined over the temperature range 295–373K; they show an Arrhenius-type rise with increasing temperature, corresponding to an activation energy of 0.11(1)eV. In a high resolution electron beam experiment involving two versions of the laser photoelectron attachment method, the relative cross section for Cl− formation from CHCl3 over the energy range 0.001–1.25eV at the gas temperature TG=300K was measured. It exhibits clear downward cusp structure at the threshold for excitation of one quantum of the vibrational symmetric deformation mode ν3, indicating that this mode is active in the primary attachment process. With reference to our thermal attachment rate coefficient k(T=300K)=3.9(2)×10−9cm3s−1, a new highly resolved absolute attachment cross section for TG=300K was determined. This cross section is extended to higher energies by measurements, carried out with a pulsed electron beam apparatus which also provided new data for the distinctly weaker fragment anions HCl2− and CCl2−. The resulting total absolute cross section for anion formation is used to calculate the dependence of the attachment rate coefficient k(Te;TG) on electron temperature Te over the range 50–15000K at the fixed gas temperature TG=300K. In addition, we report the dependence of the relative cross section for Cl− formation on gas temperature (TG=310–435K). For comparison with the experimental data, R-matrix calculations have been carried out for the dominant anion channel Cl−. The results recover the main experimental observations and predict the dependence of the DEA cross section on the initial vibrational level ν3 and on the vibrational temperature. Our results are compared with those of previous electron beam and electron swarm experiments.

The reconnection site of temporal cusp structures

The strong precipitating particle flux in the cusp regions is the consequence of magnetic reconnection between the interplanetary magnetic field and the geomagnetic field. Magnetic reconnection is thought to be the dominant process for mass, energy, and momentum transfer from the magnetosheath into the magnetosphere. Observations of downward precipitating cusp ions by polar orbiting satellites are instrumental in unlocking many questions about magnetic reconnection, e.g., their spatial and temporal nature and the location of the reconnection site at the magnetopause. In this study we combine cusp observations of structures in the precipitating ion‐energy dispersion by the Cluster satellites with Super Dual Auroral Radar Network radar observations to distinguish between the temporal and spatial magnetic reconnection processes at the magnetopause. The location of the cusp structures relative to the convection cells is interpreted as a temporal phenomenon caused by a change in the reconnection rate at the magnetopause. The 3‐D plasma observations of the Cluster Ion Spectrometry instruments onboard the Cluster spacecraft also provide the means to estimate the location of the reconnection site. While an earlier study of a spatial cusp structure event revealed bifurcated reconnection locations in different hemispheres as origins for the precipitating ions creating the cusp structures, the same method applied to the temporal cusp structures in this study shows only a single tilted reconnection line close to the subsolar point. Tracing the distance to the reconnection site provides not only the location of the reconnection line but can also be used to distinguish between spatial and temporal cusp structures.

Soliton patterns and breakup thresholds in hydrogen-bonded chains

The dynamics of protons in hydrogen-bonded quasi one-dimensional networks are studied using a diatomic lattice model of protons and heavy ions including a φ4 on-site substrate potential. It is shows that the model with linear and nonlinear coupling of the quartic type between lattice sites for the protons admits a richer dynamics that cannot be produced with linear couplings alone. Depending on two types of physical boundary conditions, namely of the drop or condensate type, and on conditions requiring the presence of linear and nonlinear dispersion terms, soliton patterns of compact support, whether with a peak, drop, bell, cusp, shock, kink, bubble or loop structure, are obtained within a continuum approximation. Phase trajectories as well as analytical studies provide information on the disintegration of soliton patterns upon reaching some critical values of the lattice parameters. The total energies of soliton patterns are computed exactly in the continuum limit. We also show that when anharmonic interactions of the phonon are taken into account, the width and energy of soliton patterns are in qualitative agreement with experimental data.

A question raised from the observation of dynamic cusp formation: When and where does particle acceleration occur?

We present observations of a C9.4 flare on 2002 June 2 in EUV (TRACE) and X-rays (RHESSI). The multiwavelength data reveal: (1) the involvement of a quadrupole magnetic configuration; (2) loop expansion and ribbon motion in the pre-impulsive phase; (3) gradual formation of a new compact loop with a long cusp at the top during the impulsive phase of the flare; (4) appearance of a large, twisted loop above the cusp expanding outward immediately after the hard X-ray peak; and (5) X-ray emission observed only from the new compact loop and the cusp. In particular, the gradual formation of an EUV cusp feature is very clear. The observations also reveal the timing of the cusp formation and particle acceleration: most of the impulsive hard X-rays (>25 keV) were emitted before the cusp was seen. This suggests that fast reconnection occurred during the restructuring of the magnetic configuration, resulting in more efficient particle acceleration, while the reconnection slowed after the cusp was completely formed and the magnetic geometry was stabilized. This observation is consistent with the observations obtained with Yohkoh/Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) that soft X-ray cusp structures only appear after the major impulsive energy release in solar flares. These observations have important implications for the modeling of magnetic reconnection and particle acceleration.

Eruption of an Active-Region Filament Driven by an Emerging Bipole

A section of an S-shaped filament underwent an eruption in a sigmoidal active region (AR 8027) with S-shaped coronal structure, which was clearly driven by a bipole emerging below the NW end of the filament. The bipole with two separating poles showed typical characteristics of emerging flux region (EFR) and its axis rotated counterclockwise. Two cancelling magnetic features (CMFs) were formed between the two poles and adjacent flux with opposite polarity and substantial flux cancellation occurred in them. Along with the bipole emergence the filament was strongly disturbed. Just before the filament eruption, two X-ray loops overlying the filament brightened, an axial X-ray structure and then a cusp structure appeared. During the eruption first the whole filament rose and then its SE end broke away from the chromosphere, while its NW end remained stationary. Helical structure and motion were observed in the filament body and downward mass motion in the two ends. After the eruption, a major part of the filament remained and slowly returned to quiescence, and an X-ray arcade and an axial structure formed. These observations suggest that the eruption resulted from the interaction between the bipole and the overlying loops. We provide evidence that steady photospheric reconnection between their footprints took place in the two CMFs during the bipole emergence.

Gutzwiller study of spin-1 bosons in an optical lattice under a magnetic field

We study spin-1 bosons in an optical lattice under a magnetic field with the Gutzwiller approximation for the Bose-Hubbard model. Phase boundary curves between superfluids and Mott insulators depend continuously on the magnetic field, and this provides better results than those obtained with the perturbative mean-field approximation. The phase boundary curve as a function of magnetic field has a sharp cusp structure under certain circumstances. In superfluid phases, both the spin magnetizations and fluctuations in the total number of bosons show strong magnetic field dependence, which is related to the fact that both first-and second-order transitions appear on the phase boundary curve according to the magnetic field.