36662401
AN INITIAL MASS FUNCTION STUDY OF THE DWARF STARBURST GALAXY NGC 4214
The production rate of ionizing photons in young (≤8 Myr), unresolved stellar clusters in the nearby irregular galaxy NGC 4214 is probed using multi-wavelength Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 data. We normalize the ionizing photon rate by the cluster mass to investigate the upper end of the stellar initial mass function (IMF). We have found that within the uncertainties the upper end of the stellar IMF appears to be universal in this galaxy, and that deviations from a universal IMF can be attributed to stochastic sampling of stars in clusters with masses ≾ 10^3 M_☉. Furthermore, we have found that there does not seem to be a dependence of the maximum stellar mass on the cluster mass. We have also found that for massive clusters, feedback may cause an underrepresentation in Hα luminosities, which needs to be taken into account when conducting this type of analysis.
118174601
SLUG: A new way to Stochastically Light Up Galaxies
We present SLUG, a new code to "Stochastically Light Up Galaxies". SLUG populates star clusters by randomly drawing stars from an initial mass function (IMF) and then following their time evolution with stellar models and an observationally-motivated prescription for cluster disruption. For a choice of star formation history, metallicity, and IMF, SLUG outputs synthetic photometry for clusters and field stars with a proper treatment of stochastic star formation. SLUG generates realistic distributions of star clusters, demonstrating the range of properties that result from finite sampling of an IMF and a random distribution of ages. The simulated data sets provide a quantitative means to address open problems in studies of star formation in galaxies and clusters, such as a test for IMF variations that are suggested by the systematic deficiency in the H-alpha/UV ratio in outer disks or in dwarf galaxies. SLUG will be made publicly available through the website this http URL
15537902
The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011: Reverberation Mapping of Markarian 50
The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011 observing campaign was carried out over the course of 11 weeks in spring 2011. Here we present the first results from this program, a measurement of the broad-line reverberation lag in the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 50. Combining our data with supplemental observations obtained prior to the start of the main observing campaign, our data set covers a total duration of 4.5 months. During this time, Mrk 50 was highly variable, exhibiting a maximum variability amplitude of a factor of ~4 in the U-band continuum and a factor of ~2 in the Hβ line. Using standard cross-correlation techniques, we find that Hβ and Hγ lag the V-band continuum by τ_(cen) = 10.64^(+0.82)_(–0.93) and 8.43^(+1.30)_(–1.28) days, respectively, while the lag of He II λ4686 is unresolved. The Hβ line exhibits a symmetric velocity-resolved reverberation signature with shorter lags in the high-velocity wings than in the line core, consistent with an origin in a broad-line region (BLR) dominated by orbital motion rather than infall or outflow. Assuming a virial normalization factor of f = 5.25, the virial estimate of the black hole mass is (3.2 ± 0.5) × 10^7 M_☉. These observations demonstrate that Mrk 50 is among the most promising nearby active galaxies for detailed investigations of BLR structure and dynamics.
41990159
BROAD-LINE REVERBERATION IN THE KEPLER-FIELD SEYFERT GALAXY Zw 229-015
The Seyfert 1 galaxy Zw 229-015 is among the brightest active galaxies being monitored by the Kepler mission. In order to determine the black hole mass in Zw 229-015 from Hβ reverberation mapping, we have carried out nightly observations with the Kast Spectrograph at the Lick 3 m telescope during the dark runs from 2010 June through December, obtaining 54 spectroscopic observations in total. We have also obtained nightly V-band imaging with the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope at Lick Observatory and with the 0.9 m telescope at the Brigham Young University West Mountain Observatory over the same period. We detect strong variability in the source, which exhibited more than a factor of two change in broad Hβ flux. From cross-correlation measurements, we find that the Hβ light curve has a rest-frame lag of 3.86+0.69 –0.90 days with respect to the V-band continuum variations. We also measure reverberation lags for Hα and Hγ and find an upper limit to the Hδ lag. Combining the Hβ lag measurement with a broad Hβ width of σline = 1590 ± 47 km s–1 measured from the rms variability spectrum, we obtain a virial estimate of M BH = 1.00+0.19 –0.24 × 107 M ☉ for the black hole in Zw 229-015. As a Kepler target, Zw 229-015 will eventually have one of the highest-quality optical light curves ever measured for any active galaxy, and the black hole mass determined from reverberation mapping will serve as a benchmark for testing relationships between black hole mass and continuum variability characteristics in active galactic nuclei.
118557560
STOCHASTIC STAR FORMATION AND A (NEARLY) UNIFORM STELLAR INITIAL MASS FUNCTION
Recent observations indicate a lower H{alpha} to FUV ratio in dwarf galaxies than in brighter systems, a trend that could be explained by a truncated and/or steeper initial mass function (IMF) in small galaxies. However, at low star formation rates (SFRs), the H{alpha} to FUV ratio can vary due to stochastic sampling even for a universal IMF, a hypothesis that has, prior to this work, received limited investigation. Using SLUG, a fully stochastic code for synthetic photometry in star clusters and galaxies, we compare the H{alpha} and FUV luminosity in a sample of {approx}450 nearby galaxies with models drawn from a universal Kroupa IMF and a modified IMF, the integrated galactic initial mass function (IGIMF). Once random sampling and time evolution are included, a Kroupa IMF convolved with the cluster mass function (CMF) reproduces the observed H{alpha} distribution at all FUV luminosities, while a truncated IMF as implemented in current IGIMF models underpredicts the H{alpha} luminosity by more than an order of magnitude at the lowest SFRs. We conclude that the observed luminosity is the result of the joint probability distribution function of the SFR, CMF, and a universal IMF, consistent with parts of the IGIMF theory, but that amore » truncation in the IMF in clusters is inconsistent with the observations. Future work will examine stochastic star formation and its time dependence in detail to study whether random sampling can explain other observations that suggest a varying IMF.« less
55285186
SLUG – Stochastically Lighting Up Galaxies – II. Quantifying the effects of stochasticity on star formation rate indicators
The integrated light of a stellar population, measured through photometric filters that are sensitive to the presence of young stars, is often used to infer the star formation rate (SFR) for that population. However, these techniques rely on an assumption that star formation is a continuous process, whereas in reality stars form in discrete spatially and temporally correlated structures. This discreteness causes the light output to undergo significant time-dependent fluctuations, which, if not accounted for, introduce systematic errors in the inferred SFRs due to the intrinsic distribution of luminosities at any fix SFR. We use SLUG a code that Stochastically Lights Up Galaxies, to simulate galaxies undergoing stochastic star formation. We then use these simulations to present a quantitative analysis of these effects and provide tools for calculating probability distribution functions of SFRs given a set of observations. We show that, depending on the SFR tracer used, stochastic fluctuations can produce non-trivial errors at SFRs as high as 1  M⊙ yr−1 and biases ≳ 0.5 dex at the lowest SFRs. We emphasize that due to the stochastic behaviour of blue SFR tracers, one cannot assign a deterministic single value to the SFR of an individual galaxy, but we suggest methods by which future analyses that rely on integrated-light indicators can properly account for these stochastic effects.
118450072
Accurate and homogeneous abundance patterns in solar-type stars of the solar neighbourhood: a chemo-chronological analysis
Aims. We report the derivation of abundances of C, Na, Mg, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, Ce, Nd, and Sm in a sample of 25 solar-type stars of the solar neighbourhood, correlating the abundances with the stellar ages, kinematics, and orbital parameters. Methods. The spectroscopic analysis, based on data of high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio, was differential to the Sun and applied to atomic line equivalent widths supplemented by the spectral synthesis of C and C2 features. We also performed a statistical study by using the method of tree clustering analysis, searching for groups of stars sharing similar elemental abundance patterns. We derived the stellar parameters from various criteria, with average errors of 30 K, 0.13 dex, and 0.05 dex, respectively, for Teff, log g ,a nd [Fe/H]. The average error of the [X/Fe] abundance ratios is 0.06 dex. Ages were derived from theoretical HR diagrams and membership of the stars in known kinematical moving groups. Results. We identified four stellar groups: one having, on average, over-solar abundances (� [X/H]� =+ 0.26 dex), another with undersolar abundances (� [X/H]� = −0.24 dex), and two with intermediate values (� [X/H]� = −0.06 and +0.06 dex) but with distinct chemical patterns. Stars sharing solar metallicity, age, and Galactic orbit possibly have non-solar abundance ratios, a possible effect either of chemical heterogeneity in their natal clouds or migration. A trend of [Cu/Fe] with [Ba/Fe] seems to exist, in agreement with previous claims in the literature, and maybe also of [Sm/Fe] with [Ba/Fe]. No such correlation involving C, Na, Mn, and Zn is observed. The [X/Fe] ratios of various elements show significant correlations with age. [Mg/Fe], [Sc/Fe], and [Ti/Fe] increase with age. [Mn/Fe] and [Cu/Fe] display a more complex behaviour, first increasing towards younger stars up to the solar age, and then decreasing, a result we interpret as possibly related to time-varying yields of SN Ia and the weak s-process in massive stars. The steepest negative age relation is due to [Ba/Fe], but only for stars younger than the Sun, and a similar though less significant behaviour is seen for Zr, Ce, and Nd. [Sr/Fe] and [Y/Fe] show a linearly increasing trend towards younger stars. The [Cu/Ba] and [Sm/Ba] therefore decrease for younger stars. We found that [Ba/Mg], [Ba/Zn], and [Sr,Y,Ba/Sm] increase but only for stars younger than the Sun, whereas the [Sr/Mg], [Y/Mg], [Sr/Zn], and [Y/Zn] ratios increase linearly towards younger stars over the whole age range.
118403419
A method to identify and characterise binary candidates - a study of CoRoT data
The analysis of the CoRoT space mission data was performed aiming to test a method that selects, among the several light curves observed, the transiting systems that likely host a low-mass star orbiting the main target. The method identifies stellar companions by fitting a model to the observed transits. Applying this model, that uses equations like Kepler's third law and an empirical mass-radius relation, it is possible to estimate the mass and radius of the primary and secondary objects as well as the semimajor axis and inclination angle of the orbit. We focus on how the method can be used in the characterisation of transiting systems having a low-mass stellar companion with no need to be monitored with radial-velocity measurements or ground-based photometric observations. The model, which provides a good estimate of the system parameters, is also useful as a complementary approach to select possible planetary candidates. A list of confirmed binaries together with our estimate of their parameters are presented. The characterisation of the first twelve detected CoRoT exoplanetary systems was also performed and agrees very well with the results of their respective announcement papers. The comparison with confirmed systems validates our method, specially when the radius of the secondary companion is smaller than 1.5 Rjup, in the case of planets, or larger than 2 Rjup, in the case of low-mass stars. Intermediate situations are not conclusive.
118654190
Maximum Entropy Principle and the Higgs boson mass
A successful connection between Higgs boson decays and the Maximum Entropy Principle is presented. Based on the information theory inference approach we determine the Higgs boson mass as MH=125.04±0.25GeV, a value fully compatible to the LHC measurement. This is straightforwardly obtained by taking the Higgs boson branching ratios as the target probability distributions of the inference, without any extra assumptions beyond the Standard Model. Yet, the principle can be a powerful tool in the construction of any model affecting the Higgs sector. We give, as an example, the case where the Higgs boson has an extra invisible decay channel within a Higgs portal model.
121956644
A fast voltage preamplifier for use with MWPCs
Abstract We report the development of a voltage preamplifier for use with ionizing particles detection. It has been designed to match the requirements of a test station for muon Multiwire Proportional Chambers (MWPC) of the LHCb experiment at CERN. Simulation results and bench test measurements are presented, which exhibit the main circuit features: gain close to 500, rise time below 20 ns, bandwidth exceeding 30 MHz, input noise lower than 10 nV / Hz . Other results that demonstrate the applicability of the device in other contexts, specially with X-Ray imaging systems based on position sensitive detectors and proportional counters, are presented.
119512495
Mixed initial conditions to estimate the dynamic critical exponent in short-time Monte Carlo simulation
We explore the initial conditions in short-time critical dynamics to propose an alternative way to evaluate the dynamic exponent z. Estimates are obtained with high precision for the 2D Ising model and the 2D Potts model with three and four states by performing heat-bath Monte Carlo simulations.