Disorder effects in NbTiN superconducting resonators

Disordered superconducting materials like NbTiN possess a high kinetic inductance fraction and an adjustable critical temperature, making them a good choice for low-temperature detectors. Their energy gap(D), critical temperature(T_(c)),and quasiparticle density of states(QDOS) distribution, however, deviate from the classical BCS theory due to the disorder effects. The Usadel equation, which takes account of elastic scattering, non-elastic scattering, and electro–phonon coupling,can be applied to explain and describe these deviations. This paper presents numerical simulations of the disorder effects based on the Usadel equation to investigate their effects on the △, Tc, QDOS distribution, and complex conductivity of the NbTiN film. Furthermore, NbTiN superconducting resonators with coplanar waveguide(CPW) structures are fabricated and characterized at different temperatures to validate our numerical simulations. The pair-breaking parameter α and the critical temperature in the pure state T_(c)^(P) of our NbTiN film are determined from the experimental results and numerical simulations. This study has significant implications for the development of low-temperature detectors made of disordered superconducting materials.

Updated Inventory of Carbon Monoxide in the Taurus Molecular Cloud

The most extensive survey of carbon monoxide(CO)gas in the Taurus molecular cloud relied on ^(12)CO and ^(13)CO J=1→0 emission only,distinguishing the region where ^(12)CO is detected without ^(13)CO(named mask 1 region)from the one where both are detected(mask 2 region)(Goldsmith et al.2008;Pineda et al.2010).We have taken advantage of recent ^(12)CO J=3→2 James Clerk Maxwell Telescope observations,where they include mask 1regions to estimate density,temperature,and N(CO)with a large velocity gradient model.This represents 1395 pixels out of~1.2 million in the mark 1 region.Compared to Pineda et al.(2010)results and assuming a Tkin of 30 K,we find a higher volume density of molecular hydrogen of 3.3×10^(3) cm^(-3),compared to their 250-700 cm^(-3),and a CO column density of 5.7×10^(15)cm^(-2),about a quarter of their value.The differences are important and show the necessity to observe several CO transitions to better describe the intermediate region between the dense cloud and the diffuse atomic medium.Future observations to extend the ^(12)CO J=3→2 mapping further away from the ^(13)COdetected region comprising mask 1 are needed to revisit our understanding of the diffuse portions of dark clouds.

A possible interrelation between Earth rotation and climatic variability at decadal time-scale

Using multichannel singular spectrum analysis(MSSA) we decomposed climatic time series into principal components, and compared them with Earth rotation parameters. The global warming trends were initially subtracted. Similar quasi 60 and 20 year periodic oscillations have been found in the global mean Earth temperature anomaly(Had CRUT4) and global mean sea level(GMSL). Similar cycles were also found in Earth rotation variation.Over the last 160 years multi-decadal change of Earth's rotation velocity is correlated with the 60-year temperature anomaly, and Chandler wobble envelope reproduces the form of the 60-year oscillation noticed in GMSL. The quasi 20-year oscillation observed in GMSL is correlated with the Chandler wobble excitation. So, we assume that Earth's rotation and climate indexes are connected. Despite of all the clues hinting this connection, no sound conclusion can be done as far as ocean circulation modelling is not able to correctly catch angular momentum of the oscillatory modes.

Micro-arcsecond Celestial Reference Frames:definition and realization——Impact of the recent IAU Resolutions

The adoption of the International Celestial Reference System (ICRS), based on Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations of extragalactic radiosources by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 1998 January 1, opened a new era for astronomy. The ICRS and the corresponding frame, the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF), replaced the Fundamental Catalog (FK5) based on positions and proper motions of bright stars, with the Hipparcos catalog being adopted as the primary realization of the ICRS in optical wavelengths. According to its definition, the ICRS is such that the barycentric directions of distant extragalactic objects show no global rotation with respect to these objects; this provides a quasi-inertial reference for measuring the positions and angular motions of the celestial objects. Other resolutions on reference systems were passed by the IAU in 2000 and 2006 and endorsed by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) in 2003 and 2007, respectively. These especially concern the definition and realization of the astronomical reference systems in the framework of general relativity and transformations between them. First, the IAU 2000 resolutions refined the concepts and definition of the astronomical reference systems and parameters for Earth's rotation, and adopted the IAU 2000 precession-nutation. Then, the IAU 2006 resolutions adopted a new precession model that is consistent with dynamical theories; they also addressed definition, terminology or orientation issues relative to reference systems and time scales that needed to be specified after the adoption of the IAU 2000 resolutions. An additional IUGG 2007 resolution defined the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) so that it strictly complies with the IAU recommendations. Finally, the IAU 2009 resolutions adopted a new system of astronomical constants and an improved realization of the ICRF. These fundamental changes have led to significant improvements in the fields of astrometry, celestial mechanics, geodynamics, geodesy, etc. Of special interest are the improvements in the model for variations in Earth's rotation, which, in turn, can provide better knowledge of the dynamics of the Earth's interior. These have also contributed to a significant improvement in the accuracy of the ephemerides of the solar system bodies as determined from modern measurements, with a large number of scientific applications. This paper recalls the main aspects of the recent IAU resolutions on reference systems as well as their consequences on the concepts, definitions, nomenclature and models that are suitable for the definition, realization and transformation of reference frames at a microarcsecond level.

Detecting exoplanets with FAST?

We briefly review the various proposed scenarios that may lead to nonthermal radio emissions from exoplanetary systems(planetary magnetospheres, magnetosphere-ionosphere and magnetospheresatellite coupling, and star-planet interactions), and the physical information that can be drawn from their detection. The latter scenario is especially favorable to the production of radio emission above 70 MHz. We summarize the results of past and recent radio searches, and then discuss FAST characteristics and observation strategy, including synergies. We emphasize the importance of polarization measurements and a high duty-cycle for the very weak targets that radio-exoplanets prove to be.

Comment on “Locating the source field lines of Jovian decametric radio emissions” by YuMing Wang et al.

In this comment on the article“Locating the source field lines of Jovian decametric radio emissions”by Wang YM et al.,2020,we discuss the assumptions used by the authors to compute the beaming angle of Jupiter’s decametric emissions induced by the moon Io.Their method,relying on multi-point radio observations,was applied to a single event observed on 14th March 2014 by Wind and both STEREO A/B spacecraft from~5 to~16 MHz.They have erroneously identified the emission as a northern(Io-B type)instead of a southern one(Io-D type).We encourage the authors to update their results with the correct hemisphere of origin and to test their method on a larger sample of Jupiter-Io emissions.

X-ray spectroscopy evidence for plasma shell formation in experiments modeling accretion columns in young stars

Recent achievements in laboratory astrophysics experiments with high-power lasers have allowed progress in our understanding of the early stages of star formation.In particular,we have recently demonstrated the possibility of simulating in the laboratory the process of the accretion of matter on young stars[G.Revet et al.,Sci.Adv.3,e1700982(2017)].The present paper focuses on x-ray spectroscopy methods that allow us to investigate the complex plasma hydrodynamics involved in such experiments.We demonstrate that we can infer the formation of a plasma shell,surrounding the accretion column at the location of impact with the stellar surface,and thus resolve the present discrepancies between mass accretion rates derived from x-ray and optical-radiation astronomical observations originating from the same object.In our experiments,the accretion column ismodeled by having a collimated narrow(1 mm diameter)plasma stream first propagate along the lines of a large-scale external magnetic field and then impact onto an obstacle,mimicking the high-density region of the stellar chromosphere.A combined approach using steady-state and quasi-stationarymodels was successfully applied tomeasure the parameters of the plasma all along its propagation,at the impact site,and in the structure surrounding the impact region.The formation of a hot plasma shell,surrounding the denser and colder core,formed by the incoming stream of matter is observed near the obstacle using x-ray spatially resolved spectroscopy.

Detailed characterization of a laboratory magnetized supercritical collisionless shock and of the associated proton energization

Collisionless shocks are ubiquitous in the Universe and are held responsible for the production of nonthermal particles and high-energy radiation.In the absence of particle collisions in the system,theory shows that the interaction of an expanding plasma with a pre-existing electromagnetic structure(as in our case)is able to induce energy dissipation and allow shock formation.Shock formation can alternatively take place when two plasmas interact,through microscopic instabilities inducing electromagnetic fields that are able in turn to mediate energy dissipation and shock formation.Using our platform in which we couple a rapidly expanding plasma induced by high-power lasers(JLF/Titan at LLNL and LULI2000)with high-strength magnetic fields,we have investigated the generation of a magnetized collisionless shock and the associated particle energization.We have characterized the shock as being collisionless and supercritical.We report here on measurements of the plasma density and temperature,the electromagnetic field structures,and the particle energization in the experiments,under various conditions of ambient plasma and magnetic field.We have also modeled the formation of the shocks using macroscopic hydrodynamic simulations and the associated particle acceleration using kinetic particle-in-cell simulations.As a companion paper to Yao et al.[Nat.Phys.17,1177–1182(2021)],here we show additional results of the experiments and simulations,providing more information to allow their reproduction and to demonstrate the robustness of our interpretation of the proton energization mechanism as being shock surfing acceleration.

Bounds on the Number of Light Neutrinos Species, <i>g'</i>₁Coupling and <i>Z - Z′</i>Mixing Angle in a U(1)_B-LModel

The constraints on the number of neutrinos generations, g'1 coupling and Z?- Z′ mixing angle through the invisible width method, and in the framework of a U(1)B-L model are obtained. Based on the experimental value reported by the LEP for the rate , we obtained a bound on the g'1 coupling, . In addition, we derive 90% C.L. bounds on the Z?- Z′ mixing angle , improving the existing bounds by one order of magnitude.

Tidal triggering of seismicity in the region of Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

This paper investigates the correlation between tidal stress and earthquakes for periods ranging from hours to months in the limited zone of the Palu region(Central Sulawesi,Indonesia).Through Schuster and binomial tests,we examined the relation between the seismicity(time density of seismic events)and tidal potential arising from the Moon and Sun,using all tidal components simultaneously and focusing on the estimation of specific terms.The results show significant correlations between the seismicity and tidal potential for S2(0.5 d)and O1(1.075 d)tidal components in the case of solely isolated earthquake events,particularly for shallow earthquakes.Meanwhile,there is a strong relationship between aftershocks and tidal components larger than the Mf period(13.661 d).Finally,the analysis of the temporal variation of the earthquake-tide relation reveals an optimal correlation for about six years before the 2018 great Palu earthquake.The correlation becomes insignificant afterwards.

Eclipses and Occultations of Galilean Satellites Observed at Yunnan Observatory in 2003

We describe and analyze observations of mutual events of Galilean satellites made at the Yunnan Observatory in February 2003 from CCD imaging for the first time in China. Astrometric positions were deduced from these photometric observations by modelling the relative motion and the photometry of the involved satellites during each event.

Multichannel singular spectrum analysis of the axial atmospheric angular momentum

Earth's variable rotation is mainly produced by the variability of the AAM(atmospheric angular momentum). In particular, the axial AAM component X_3, which undergoes especially strong variations,induces changes in the Earth's rotation rate. In this study we analysed maps of regional input into the effective axial AAM from 1948 through 2011 from NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. Global zonal circulation patterns related to the LOD(length of day) were described. We applied MSSA(Multichannel Singular Spectrum Analysis) jointly to the mass and motion components of AAM, which allowed us to extract annual, semiannual, 4-mo nth, quasi-biennial, 5-year, and low-frequency oscillations. PCs(Principal components) strongly related to ENSO(El Nino southern oscillation) were released. They can be used to study ENSO-induced changes in pressure and wind fields and their coupling to LOD. The PCs describing the trends have captured slow atmospheric circulation changes possibly related to climate variability.

太阳射电Ⅲ型爆发群的频谱分析

本文利用Nancay射电日象仪在5个频率上所获得的Ⅲ型爆发群的高时间分辨率和高灵敏度的总强度和圆偏振辐射及其源位置和大小的观测资料,采用Fourier变换频谱分析方法,对58个事件作了细致研究.研究进一步证实了在Ⅲ型爆发群中的确存在着周期性,绝大多数事件的周期性处于1秒到6秒之间,而且大部分事件还呈现出其置信度水平高于90%的多重周期性.尤其重要的是,我们分析出Ⅲ型爆发群可分为两个性质不同的类型:一类具有弱偏振,并在长至6秒的宽范围中呈现出周期性,而且具有较大尺度的爆发源;另一类则具有强偏振,且呈现出不长于2秒的短周期性,具有较小尺度的致密源.

A Multi-Wavelength Study of the 3B/X1.2 Flare Observed on 2003 October 26

We report results from a multi-wavelength study of the 3B/X1.2 tworibbon disk flare (S15E44), which was well observed by both ground-based and space-borne instruments. Two pairs of conjugate kernels - K1 and K4, and K2and K3 - in the Hα images are identified. These kernels are linked by two different systems of EUV loops. K1 and K4 correspond to the two 17 GHz and 34 GHz microwave sources observed by the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH), while K2and K3 have no corresponding microwave sources. Optical spectroscopic observations suggest that all the four kernels are possible precipitating sites of non-thermal electrons. Thus the energy of electron deposited in K2 and K3 should be less than 100 keV. Two-dimensional distributions of the full widths at half maximum (FWHM) of the Hα profiles and the line-of-sight (LOS) velocities derived from the Ca Ⅱ 8542 (A) profiles indicate that the largest FWHM and LOS velocity tends to be located near the outer edges of Hα kernels, which is consistent with the scenario of current two-ribbon flare models and previous results. When non-thermal electron bombardment is present, the observed Hα and Ca Ⅱ 8542 A profiles are similar to previous observational and theoretical results, while the He Ⅰ 10830 (A) profiles are different from the theoretical ones. This puts some constraints on future theoretical calculation of the He Ⅰ 10830 (A) line.

HⅠ emission from the red giant Y CVn with the VLA and FAST

Imaging studies with the Very Large Array(VLA) have revealed H I emission associated with the extended circumstellar shells of red giants. We analyze the spectral map obtained on Y CVn, a J-type carbon star on the Asymptotic Giant Branch. The H I line profiles can be interpreted with a model of a detached shell resulting from the interaction of a stellar outflow with the local interstellar medium.We reproduce the spectral map by introducing a distortion along a direction corresponding to the star's motion in space. We then use this fitting to simulate observations expected from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope(FAST), and discuss its potential for improving our description of the outer regions of circumstellar shells.

ALMA observations of the circumstellar envelope around EP Aqr

Atacama Large Millimetre/sub-millimetre Array(ALMA) observations of CO(1–0) and CO(2–1) emissions from the circumstellar envelope of the asymptotic giant branch(AGB) star EP Aqr have been made with four times better spatial resolution than previously available. They are analysed with emphasis on the de-projection in space of the effective emissivity and flux of matter using as input a prescribed configuration of the velocity field, assumed to be radial. The data are found to display an intrinsic axisymmetry with respect to an axis making a small angle with respect to the line of sight. A broad range of wind configurations, from prolate(bipolar) to oblate(equatorial) has been studied and found to be accompanied by significant equatorial emission. Qualitatively, the effective emissivity is enhanced near the equator to produce the central narrow component observed in the Doppler velocity spectra and its dependence on star latitude generally follows that of the wind velocity with the exception of an omni-present depression near the poles. In particular, large equatorial expansion velocities produce a flared disc or a ring of effective emissivity and mass loss. The effect on the determination of the orientation of the star axis of radial velocity gradients, and possibly competing rotation and expansion in the equatorial disc, is discussed. In general,the flux of matter is found to reach a broad maximum at distances of the order of 500 AU from the star.Arguments are given that may be used to favour one wind velocity distribution over another. As a result of the improved quality of the data, a deeper understanding of the constraints imposed on morphology and kinematics has been obtained.

On the central symmetry of the circumstellar envelope of RS Cnc

We present a phenomenological study of CO(1–0) and CO(2–1) emission from the circumstellar envelope(CSE) of the Asymptotic Giant Branch(AGB) star RS Cnc. It reveals departures from central symmetry that turn out to be efficient tools for the exploration of some of the properties of the CSE. We use a wind model including a bipolar flow with a typical wind velocity of ～8 km s-1that decreases to～2 km s-1near the equator. This wind model is used to describe Doppler velocity spectral maps obtained by merging data collected at the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer and Pico Veleta single dish radio telescope. Parameters describing the wind morphology and kinematics are obtained, together with the radial dependence of the gas temperature in the domain of the CSE probed by the CO observations.Significant north-south central asymmetries are revealed by the analysis, which we quantify using a simple phenomenological description. The origin of such asymmetries is unclear.

The properties of a large volume-limited sample of face-on low surface brightness disk galaxies

We select a large volume-limited sample of low surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs, 2021) to investigate in detail their statistical properties and their differences from high surface brightness galaxies (HSBGs, 3639). The distributions of stellar masses of LSBGs and HSBGs are nearly the same and they have the same median values. Thus this volume-limited sample has good completeness and is further removed from the effect of stellar masses on their other properties when we compare LSBGs to HSBGs. We found that LSBGs tend to have lower stellar metallicities and lower effective dust attenuations, indicating that they have lower dust than HSBGs. The LSBGs have relatively higher stellar mass-to-light ratios, higher gas fractions, lower star forming rates (SFRs), and lower specific SFRs than HSBGs. Moreover, with the decreasing surface brightness, gas fraction increases, but the SFRs and specific SFRs decrease rapidly for the sample galaxies. This could mean that the star formation histories between LSBGs and HSBGs are different, and HSBGs may have stronger star forming activities than LSBGs.

Tbit/s line-rate satellite feeder links enabled by coherent modulation and full-adaptive optics

Free-space optical(FSO)communication technologies constitute a solution to cope with the bandwidth demand of future satellite-ground networks.They may overcome the RF bottleneck and attain data rates in the order of Tbit/s with only a handful of ground stations.Here,we demonstrate single-carrier Tbit/s line-rate transmission over a free-space channel of 53.42 km between the Jungfraujoch mountain top(3700 m)in the Swiss Alps and the Zimmerwald Observatory(895 m)near the city of Bern,achieving net-rates of up to 0.94 Tbit/s.With this scenario a satellite-ground feeder link is mimicked under turbulent conditions.Despite adverse conditions high throughput was achieved by employing a full adaptive optics system to correct the distorted wavefront of the channel and by using polarization-multiplexed high-order complex modulation formats.It was found that adaptive optics does not distort the reception of coherent modulation formats.Also,we introduce constellation modulation–a new four-dimensional BPSK(4D-BPSK)modulation format as a technique to transmit high data rates under lowest SNR.This way we show 53 km FSO transmission of 13.3 Gbit/s and 210 Gbit/s with as little as 4.3 and 7.8 photons per bit,respectively,at a bit-error ratio of 1∙10−3.The experiments show that advanced coherent modulation coding in combination with full adaptive optical filtering are proper means to make next-generation Tbit/s satellite communications practical.

Importance of Relativistic Effects for Intermediate-Z Elements： Photoionization Process of Excited Na

用修改 R 矩阵代码，激动的 Na 的 fine-structure-resolved partialphotoionization 十字节(Z = 11 ) 在 Breit-Pauliapproximation 以内被计算。我们 Na+ 和 Na 的计算精力层次在对 theexperimental 的好同意在 1% 以内的价值和有在试验性的无常以内的最近的大小的解决 J 的部分生气的节 areconsistent 的分叉的比率。协议 areimpossible 将没有足够地一起考虑相对论的效果和 theelectron 关联，要获得。因此，为 intermediate-Z 元素弄平(例如有 Z=11 的 Na ) ，相对论的效果(主要纺纱轨道相互作用) 不应该被忽视。