Posts Tagged proton

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Hadronic Gamma-Ray and Neutrino Emission from Cygnus X-3

Cygnus X-3 (Cyg X-3) is a remarkable Galactic microquasar (X-ray binary) emitting from radio to $\gamma$-ray energies. In this paper, we consider hadronic model of emission of $\gamma$-rays above 100 MeV and their implications. We focus here on the joint $\gamma$-ray and neutrino production resulting from proton-proton interactions within the binary system. We find that the required proton injection kinetic power, necessary to explain the $\gamma$-ray flux observed by AGILE and Fermi-LAT, is $L_p \sim 10^{38}\:\rm{erg\:s^{-1}}$, a value in agreement with the average bolometric luminosity of the hypersoft state (when Cygnus X-3 was repeatedly observed to produce transient $\gamma$-ray activity). If we assume an increase of the wind density at the superior conjunction, the asymmetric production of $\gamma$-rays along the orbit can reproduce the observed modulation. According to observational constraints and our modelling, a maximal flux of high-energy neutrinos would be produced for an initial proton distribution with a power-law index $\alpha=2.4$. The predicted neutrino flux is almost two orders of magnitude less than the 2-month IceCube sensitivity at $\sim$1 TeV. If the protons are accelerated up to PeV energies, the predicted neutrino flux for a prolonged "soft X-ray state" would be a factor of about 3 lower than the 1-year IceCube sensitivity at $\sim$10 TeV. This study shows that, for a prolonged soft state (as observed in 2006) possibly related with $\gamma$-ray activity and a hard distribution of injected protons, Cygnus X-3 might be close to being detectable by cubic-kilometer neutrino telescopes such as IceCube.

The Environment around the Young Massive Star Cluster RSGC 1 and HESS J1837-069

We report on Mopra observations toward the young massive star cluster RSGC 1, adjoined by, and possibly associated with the gamma-ray source HESS J1837-069. We measure the CO (J=1-0) distribution around the cluster and gamma-ray source, and find that the cluster is slightly higher than the velocity ranges associated with the Crux-Scutum arm. We reveal the cluster is associated with much less molecular gas compared with other young massive clusters in the Galaxy, Westerlund 1 (Wd 1) and 2 (Wd 2), which also radiate gamma-rays. We find no other structures that would otherwise indicate the action of supernova remnants, and due to the lack of material which may form gamma-rays by hadronic interaction, we conclude that the gamma-rays detected from HESS J1837-069 are not created through proton-proton interactions, and may more plausibly originate from the pulsar that was recently found near RSGC 1.

Supernova neutrinos and nucleosynthesis

Observations of metal-poor stars indicate that at least two different nucleosynthesis sites contribute to the production of r-process elements. One site is responsible for the production of light r-process elements Z<~50 while the other produces the heavy r-process elements. We have analyzed recent observations of metal-poor stars selecting only stars that are enriched in light r-process elements and poor in heavy r-process elements. We find a strong correlation between the observed abundances of the N=50 elements (Sr, Y and Zr) and Fe. It suggest that neutrino-driven winds from core-collapse supernova are the main site for the production of these elements. We explore this possibility by performing nucleosynthesis calculations based on long term Boltzmann neutrino transport simulations. They are based on an Equation of State that reproduces recent constrains on the nuclear symmetry energy. We predict that the early ejecta is neutron-rich with Ye ~ 0.48, it becomes proton rich around 4 s and reaches Ye = 0.586 at 9 s when our simulation stops. The nucleosynthesis in this model produces elements between Zn and Mo, including 92Mo. The elemental abundances are consistent with the observations of the metal-poor star HD 12263. For the elements between Ge and Mo, we produce mainly the neutron-deficient isotopes. This prediction can be confirmed by observations of isotopic abundances in metal-poor stars. No elements heavier than Mo (Z=42) and no heavy r-process elements are produced in our calculations.

Limits on Alpha Particle Temperature Anisotropy and Differential Flow from Kinetic Instabilities: Solar Wind Observations

Previous studies have shown that the observed temperature anisotropies of protons and alpha particles in the solar wind are constrained by theoretical thresholds for pressure-anisotropy-driven instabilities such as the Alfv\’en/ion-cyclotron (A/IC) and fast-magnetosonic/whistler (FM/W) instabilities. In this letter, we use a long period of in-situ measurements provided by the {\em Wind} spacecraft’s Faraday cups to investigate the combined constraint on the alpha-proton differential flow velocity and the alpha-particle temperature anisotropy due to A/IC and FM/W instabilities. We show that the majority of the data are constrained to lie within the region of parameter space in which A/IC and FM/W waves are either stable or have extremely low growth rates. In the minority of observed cases in which the growth rate of the A/IC (FM/W) instability is comparatively large, we find relatively higher values of $T_{\perp\alpha}/T_{\perp p}$ ($T_{\parallel\alpha}/T_{\parallel p}$) when alpha-proton differential flow velocity is small, where $T_{\perp\alpha}$ and $T_{\perp p}$ ($T_{\parallel\alpha}$ and $T_{\parallel p}$) are the perpendicular (parallel) temperatures of alpha particles and protons. We conjecture that this observed feature might arise from preferential alpha-particle heating which can drive the alpha particles beyond the instability thresholds.

Limits on Alpha Particle Temperature Anisotropy and Differential Flow from Kinetic Instabilities: Solar Wind Observations [Replacement]

Previous studies have shown that the observed temperature anisotropies of protons and alpha particles in the solar wind are constrained by theoretical thresholds for pressure-anisotropy-driven instabilities such as the Alfv\’en/ion-cyclotron (A/IC) and fast-magnetosonic/whistler (FM/W) instabilities. In this letter, we use a long period of in-situ measurements provided by the {\em Wind} spacecraft’s Faraday cups to investigate the combined constraint on the alpha-proton differential flow velocity and the alpha-particle temperature anisotropy due to A/IC and FM/W instabilities. We show that the majority of the data are constrained to lie within the region of parameter space in which A/IC and FM/W waves are either stable or have extremely low growth rates. In the minority of observed cases in which the growth rate of the A/IC (FM/W) instability is comparatively large, we find relatively higher values of $T_{\perp\alpha}/T_{\perp p}$ ($T_{\parallel\alpha}/T_{\parallel p}$) when alpha-proton differential flow velocity is small, where $T_{\perp\alpha}$ and $T_{\perp p}$ ($T_{\parallel\alpha}$ and $T_{\parallel p}$) are the perpendicular (parallel) temperatures of alpha particles and protons. We conjecture that this observed feature might arise from preferential alpha-particle heating which can drive the alpha particles beyond the instability thresholds.

Investigating of longitudinal development parameters through air shower simulation by different hadronic models

In this work the simulation of the Extensive Air Showers was performed by investigating the longitudinal development parameters (N and Xmax) by using a system for air shower simulation which is called AIRES version 2.6.0 at the energy range (10^14-10^19 eV) for different primary particles like (gamma, electron, positron, proton and iron nuclei) and different zenith angles. The comparison of simulated longitudinal profile was fulfilled for different hadronic models (SIBYLL, QGSJET99 and SIBYLL S16).

Symmetry energy, unstable nuclei, and neutron star crusts [Cross-Listing]

Phenomenological approach to inhomogeneous nuclear matter is useful to describe fundamental properties of atomic nuclei and neutron star crusts in terms of the equation of state of uniform nuclear matter. We review a series of researches that we have developed by following this approach. We start with more than 200 equations of state that are consistent with empirical masses and charge radii of stable nuclei and then apply them to describe matter radii and masses of unstable nuclei, proton elastic scattering and total reaction cross sections off unstable nuclei, and nuclei in neutron star crusts including nuclear pasta. We finally discuss the possibility of constraining the density dependence of the symmetry energy from experiments on unstable nuclei and even observations of quasi-periodic oscillations in giant flares of soft gamma-ray repeaters.

Particle acceleration and dynamics of double-double radio galaxies: theory vs. observations

In this paper we show that a small sample of radio galaxies with evidence for multiple epochs of jet activity (so-called double-double’ radio galaxies) have the same electron injection spectral index in the two activity episodes, a result which might be considered surprising given the very different lobe dynamics expected in the first and second episode. We construct models for the dynamics of radio galaxies, with an emphasis on their episodic behaviour, and show that hotspot formation and confinement of lobes for the inner double of double-double radio galaxies are possible even without any thermal matter in the outer cocoon. We argue that (i) the observed similar injection spectral indices are due to similar jet powers in the two episodes, (ii) the spectral index–radio power’ correlation of a flux limited sample of radio galaxies is the primary one, and not the spectral index–redshift correlation’, (iii) jets are made of pair plasma and not electron-proton, (iv) and the Lorentz factor of the spine of the jet should be $\gapp 10$ to explain the observations. Furthermore, we argue that the observations show that higher power radio galaxies do not have a higher jet bulk Lorentz factors, but instead simply have a higher number density of particles in the jet rest frame. A consequence of our models is that aligned double-double radio galaxies with very old ($\gapp10^8$ yr) outer doubles, or misaligned double-double radio galaxies, are statistically more likely to have dissimilar injection indices in two different episodes, as they will probably have different jet powers.

Measurements of cosmic rays at the highest energies with the Pierre Auger Observatory

This paper summarizes the status and the recent measurements from the Pierre Auger Observatory. The energy spectrum is described and its features discussed. We report searches for anisotropy of cosmic ray arrival directions on large scales and through correlation with catalogues of celestial objects. We also present the search for anisotropies in the data without the use of astronomical catalogues. The first measurement of the proton-air cross section around 10^{18} eV is discussed. Finally, the mass composition is addressed with measurements of the variation of the depth of shower maximum with energy and with the muon density at ground.

Constraints on the source of ultra-high energy cosmic rays using anisotropy vs chemical composition

The joint analysis of anisotropy signals and chemical composition of ultra-high energy cosmic rays offers strong potential for shedding light on the sources of these particles. Following up on an earlier idea, this paper studies the anisotropies produced by protons of energy >E/Z, assuming that anisotropies at energy >E have been produced by nuclei of charge Z, which share the same magnetic rigidity. We calculate the number of secondary protons produced through photodisintegration of the primary heavy nuclei. Making the extreme assumption that the source does not inject any proton, we find that the source(s) responsible for anisotropies such as reported by the Pierre Auger Observatory should lie closer than ~20-30, 80-100 and 180-200 Mpc if the anisotropy signal is mainly composed of oxygen, silicon and iron nuclei respectively. A violation of this constraint would otherwise result in the secondary protons forming a more significant anisotropy signal at lower energies. Even if the source were located closer than this distance, it would require an extraordinary metallicity >120, 1600, 1100 times solar metallicity in the acceleration zone of the source, for oxygen, silicon and iron respectively, to ensure that the concomitantly injected protons not to produce a more significant low energy anisotropy. This offers interesting prospects for constraining the nature and the source of ultra-high energy cosmic rays with the increase in statistics expected from next generation detectors.

Isospin dependence of entrainment in superfluid neutron stars in a relativistic model

We study the entrainment effect between superfluid neutrons and charge neutral fluid (called the proton fluid) which is made of protons and electrons in neutron star interior in a relativistic model where baryon-baryon interaction is mediated by the exchange of $\sigma$, $\omega$ and $\rho$ mesons. This model also includes scalar self interactions. The entrainment matrix and entrainment parameter are calculated using the parameter set of Glendenning (GL). The inclusion of $\rho$ meson strongly influences the entrainment parameter ($\epsilon_{mom}$) in a superfluid neutron star. It is constant at the core and drops to the surface. The entrainment parameter takes values within the physical range.

A variable absorption feature in the X-ray spectrum of a magnetar

Soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) and anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) are slowly rotating, isolated neutron stars that sporadically undergo episodes of long-term flux enhancement (outbursts) generally accompanied by the emission of short bursts of hard X-rays. This behaviour can be understood in the magnetar model, according to which these sources are mainly powered by their own magnetic energy. This is supported by the fact that the magnetic fields inferred from several observed properties of AXPs and SGRs are greater than – or at the high end of the range of – those of radio pulsars. In the peculiar case of SGR 0418+5729, a weak dipole magnetic moment is derived from its timing parameters, whereas a strong field has been proposed to reside in the stellar interior and in multipole components on the surface. Here we show that the X-ray spectrum of SGR 0418+5729 has an absorption line, the properties of which depend strongly on the star’s rotational phase. This line is interpreted as a proton cyclotron feature and its energy implies a magnetic field ranging from 2E14 gauss to more than 1E15 gauss.

UHECR correlations taking account of composition and Galactic magnetic deflections

We predict the arrival direction distribution of cosmic rays including their deflection in the Galactic magnetic field, for several combinations of source and composition hypotheses: the sources are hard X-ray AGNs or uniformly sample the matter distribution of galaxies, and the composition at the source is pure proton or is the Galactic cosmic ray composition measured by CREAM. We use the regular component of the Jansson-Farrar 2012 model for the GMF and allow for rigidities as low as 2 EeV. We report the correlations of published UHECRs, rescaling event energies so as to reconcile the spectra of the different experiments and taking the overall energy uncertainty into account; different composition hypotheses are considered. This work demonstrates the feasibility of calculating GMF deflections to low enough rigidities to allow for heavy composition in correlation studies, and that non-trivial arrival direction structure should be expected even for mixed or heavy composition, as long as UHECRs come from the local universe.

The Chemical Composition of Praesepe (M44)

Star clusters have long been used to illuminate both stellar evolution and Galactic evolution. They also hold clues to the chemical and nucleosynthetic processes throughout the history of the Galaxy. We have taken high signal-to-noise, high-resolution spectra of 11 solar-type stars in the Praesepe open cluster to determine the chemical abundances of 16 elements: Li, C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Y, and Ba. We have determined Fe from Fe I and Fe II lines and find [Fe/H] = +0.12 $\pm$0.04. We find that Li decreases with temperature due to increasing Li depletion in cooler stars; it matches the Li-temperature pattern found in the Hyades. The [C/Fe] and [O/Fe] abundances are below solar and lower than the field star samples due to the younger age of Praesepe (0.7 Gyr) than the field stars. The alpha-elements, Mg, Si, Ca, and Ti, have solar ratios with respect to Fe, and are also lower than the field star samples. The Fe-peak elements, Cr and Ni, track Fe and have solar values. The neutron capture element [Y/Fe] is found to be solar, but [Ba/Fe] is enhanced relative to solar and to the field stars. Three Praesepe giants were studied by Carrera and Pancino; they are apparently enhanced in Na, Mg, and Ba relative to the Praesepe dwarfs. The Na enhancement may indicate proton-capture nucleosynthesis in the Ne -> Na cycling with dredge-up into the atmospheres of the red giants.

Measurements of Charge Transfer Efficiency in a Proton-irradiated Swept Charge Device

Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) have been successfully used in several low energy X-ray astronomical satellite over the past two decades. Their high energy resolution and high spatial resolution make them an perfect tool for low energy astronomy, such as formation of galaxy clusters and environment of black holes. The Low Energy X-ray Telescope (LE) group is developing Swept Charge Device (SCD) for the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) satellite. SCD is a special low energy X-ray CCD, which could be read out a thousand times faster than traditional CCDs, simultaneously keeping excellent energy resolution. A test method for measuring the charge transfer efficiency (CTE) of a prototype SCD has been set up. Studies of the charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) have been performed at a temperature range of operation, with a proton-irradiated SCD.

AD 775 Pulse of Cosmogenic Radionuclides Production as Imprint of a Galactic Gamma-Ray Burst

We suggest an explanation of a sharp increase in the abundance of cosmogenic radiocarbon found in tree rings dated AD 775. The increase could originate from high-energy irradiation of the atmosphere by a galactic gamma-ray burst. We argue that, unlike a cosmic ray event, a gamma-ray burst does not necessarily result in a substantial increase in long-lived 10Be atmospheric production. At the same time, the 36Cl nuclide would be generated in the amounts detectable in the corresponding ice core samples from Greenland and Antarctica. These peculiar features allow experimental discrimination of nuclide effects caused by gamma-ray bursts and by powerful proton events.

Mass sensitivity in the radio lateral distribution function

Measuring the mass composition of ultra-high energy cosmic rays is one of the main tasks in the cosmic rays field. Here we are exploring the composition signature in the coherent electromagnetic emission from extensive air showers, detected in the MHz frequency range. One of the experiments that successfully detects radio events in the frequency band of 40-80 MHz is the LOPES experiment at KIT. It is a digital interferometric antenna array and has the important advantage of taking data in coincidence with the particle detector array KASCADE-Grande. A possible method to look at the composition signature in the radio data, predicted by simulations, concerns the radio lateral distribution function, since its slope is strongly correlated with Xmax. Recent comparison between REAS3 simulations and LOPES data showed a significantly improved agreement in the lateral distribution function and for this reason an analysis on a possible LOPES mass signature through the slope method is promising. Trying to reproduce a realistic case, proton and iron showers are simulated with REAS3 using the LOPES selection information as input parameters. The obtained radio lateral distribution slope is analyzed in detail. The lateral slope method to look at the composition signature in the radio data is shown here and a possible signature of mass composition in the LOPES data is discussed.

Detecting Local Deflection Patterns of Ultra-high Energy Cosmic Rays using the Principal Axes of the Directional Energy Distribution

From deflections in galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields energy dependent structures in the arrival directions of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) are expected. We propose to characterize these structures by the strength of collimation of energy along the principal axes in selected regions in the sky. While the strength of collimation are indicators of anisotropy in the arrival distribution of UHECR, the orientation of the principal system holds information about the direction of the deflections of UHECR. We discuss the method and present expected limits on the strength of deflection and density of sources using simulated scenarios of UHECR proton propagation.

Goldstone modes in the neutron star core [Cross-Listing]

We formulate a theory of Goldstone bosons and their interactions in the superfluid and superconducting phase of dense nucleonic matter at densities of relevance to the neutron star core. For typical neutron star temperatures in the range T = 10^6 to 10^9 K, the Goldstone mode associated with rotational symmetry, called angulons, couple weakly to each other and to electrons. Consequently, these modes have anomalously large mean free paths and can contribute to both diffusive and ballistic transport of heat and momentum. In contrast, the two Goldstone bosons associated with density oscillations of the neutron and electron + proton fluids, called superfluid phonons, mix and couple strongly to electrons. They have shorter mean free paths, and their contribution to transport is negligible. Long-wavelength superfluid phonons and angulons can play a role in neutron star seismology, and lead to interesting phenomenology as angulons couple to magnetic fields and have anisotropic dispersion relations.

Stochastic Heating, Differential Flow, and the Alpha-to-Proton Temperature Ratio in the Solar Wind

We extend previous theories of stochastic ion heating to account for the motion of ions along the magnetic field. We derive an analytic expression for the ion-to-proton perpendicular temperature ratio in the solar wind for any ion species, assuming that stochastic heating is the dominant ion heating mechanism. This expression describes how this temperature ratio depends upon the average velocity of the ions along the magnetic field direction and the ratio of the parallel proton pressure to the magnetic pressure. We compare our model with previously published measurements of alpha particles and protons from the WIND spacecraft. We find that stochastic heating offers a promising explanation for these measurements when the fractional cross helicity and Alfven ratio at the proton-gyroradius scale have values that are broadly consistent with solar-wind measurements.

Testing models of new physics with UHE air shower observations

Several air shower observatories have established that the number of muons produced in UHE air showers is significantly larger than that predicted by models. We argue that the only solution to this muon deficit, compatible with the observed Xmax distributions, is to reduce the transfer of energy from the hadronic shower into the EM shower, by reducing the production or decay of pi0s. We present four different models of new physics, each with a theoretical rationale, which can accomplish this. One has a pure proton composition and three have mixed composition. Two entail new particle physics and suppress pi0 production or decay above LHC energies. The other two are less radical but nonetheless require significant modifications to existing hadron production models — in one the changes are only above LHC energies and in the other the changes extend to much lower energies. We show that the models have distinctively different predictions for the correlation between the number of muons at ground and Xmax in hybrid events, so that with future hybrid data it should be possible to discriminate between models of new physics and disentangle the particle physics from composition.

Constraints on asymmetric dark matter from asteroseismology [Replacement]

We report recent results on the impact of asymmetric dark matter (DM) particles on low-mass stars. First, we found that the small convective core expected in stars with masses between 1.1 and 1.3 Msun is suppressed due to DM cooling. Moreover, stars with masses below 1 Msun have their central temperatures and densities more strongly influenced by DM than in the solar case. We were able to put limits to the DM mass and spin-dependent DM-proton scattering cross section by comparing the modelling of the nearby star Alpha Cen B with photometric, spectroscopic and asteroseismic observations.

Constraints on asymmetric dark matter from asteroseismology

We report recent results on the impact of asymmetric dark matter (DM) particles on low-mass stars. First, we found that the small convective core expected in stars with masses between 1.1 and 1.3 Msun is suppressed due to DM cooling. Moreover, stars with masses below 1 Msun have their central temperatures and densities more strongly influenced by DM than in the solar case. We were able to put limits to the DM mass and spin-dependent DM-proton scattering cross section by comparing the modelling of the nearby star Alpha Cen B with photometric, spectroscopic and asteroseismic observations.

Geomagnetic Backtracing: A comparison of Tsyganenko 1996 and 2005 External Field models with AMS-02 data

We used a backtracing code to reconstruct particle trajectory inside the Earth Magnetosphere during the last solar active period (2011 and 2012) when very high Solar Wind pressure values were measured. We compared our results on AMS-02 proton and electron data with 2 different External Field models, namely Tsyganenko 1996 (T96) and 2005 (T05), both for quiet (defined as the periods when the solar wind pressure is below the average value, set at 2nPa) and active periods. Although T05 has been specifically designed for storm events, at high energy the particle trajectory is similar for the two models. For instance at rigidities larger than 50 GV, the RMS of angular difference between reconstructed asymptotic direction outside the Magnetosphere is of the order of the millirad, while it increases at intermediate energies. We also confirmed, as a function of the pointing direction, the well known East-West effect on the trajectory of primary particles and on the access solid angle on the AMS detector.

NGC 362: another globular cluster with a split red giant branch

We obtained FLAMES GIRAFFE+UVES spectra for both first and second-generation red giant branch (RGB) stars in the globular cluster (GC) NGC 362 and used them to derive abundances of 21 atomic species for a sample of 92 stars. The surveyed elements include proton-capture (O, Na, Mg, Al, Si), alpha-capture (Ca, Ti), Fe-peak (Sc, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu), and neutron-capture elements (Y, Zr, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Dy). The analysis is fully consistent with that presented for twenty GCs in previous papers of this series. Stars in NGC 362 seem to be clustered into two discrete groups along the Na-O anti-correlation, with a gap at [O/Na] 0 dex. Na-rich, second generation stars show a trend to be more centrally concentrated, although the level of confidence is not very high. When compared to the classical second-parameter twin NGC 288, with similar metallicity, but different horizontal branch type and much lower total mass, the proton-capture processing in stars of NGC 362 seems to be more extreme, confirming previous analysis. We discovered the presence of a secondary RGB sequence, redder than the bulk of the RGB: a preliminary estimate shows that this sequence comprises about 6% of RGB stars. Our spectroscopic data and literature photometry indicate that this sequence is populated almost exclusively by giants rich in Ba, and probably rich in all s-process elements, as found in other clusters. In this regards, NGC 362 joins previously studied GCs like NGC 1851, NGC 6656 (M 22), and NGC 7089 (M 2).

UHECR: Signatures and Models

The signatures of Ultra High Energy (E >1 EeV) proton propagation through CMB radiation are pair-production dip and GZK cutoff. The visible characteristics of these two spectral features are ankle, which is intrinsic part of the dip, beginning of GZK cutoff in the differential spectrum and E_{1/2} in integral spectrum. Measured by HiRes and Telescope Array (TA) these characteristics agree with theoretical predictions. However, directly measured mass composition remains a puzzle. While HiRes and TA detectors observe the proton dominated mass composition, the data of Auger detector strongly evidence for nuclei mass composition becoming progressively heavier at energy higher than 4 EeV and reaching Iron at energy about 35 EeV. The models based on the Auger and HiRes/TA data are considered independently and classified using the transition from galactic to extragalactic cosmic rays. The ankle cannot provide this transition. since data of all three detector at energy (1 – 3) EeV agree with pure proton composition (or at least not heavier than Helium). If produced in Galaxy these particles result in too high anisotropy. This argument excludes or strongly disfavours all ankle models with ankle energy E_a > 3 EeV. The calculation of elongation curves, X_{\max}(E), for different ankle models strengthens further this conclusion. Status of other models, the dip, mixed composition and Auger based models are discussed.

The Pierre Auger Observatory: results on the highest energy particles

The Pierre Auger Observatory has been designed to investigate the most energetic particles known, the ultra high energy cosmic rays. The observatory, covering an area of 3000 km^2, combines two different detection techniques to study the huge particle showers created by the interaction of primary cosmic rays with the atmosphere. The analysis of the showers allows one to extract information on the nature of the primary cosmic rays, as well as their origin. Moreover, the study of the interaction of these particles with the atmosphere offers a unique window to study particle physics at an energy more than one order of magnitude above the current highest energy human-made accelerator. In this contribution selected results are presented, with a focus on the primary mass composition, the determination of the number of muons, which is sensitive to the shower hadronic interactions, and the measurement of the proton-air cross-section at sqrt(s) = 57 TeV. For the last topic, a link with the proton-proton cross-section measurements using accelerators will be made. Results on the cosmic ray energy spectrum and on searches for ultra high energy photons and neutrinos, will also be discussed.

Observational Test of Stochastic Heating in Low-$\beta$ Fast Solar Wind Streams

Spacecraft measurements show that protons undergo substantial perpendicular heating during their transit from the Sun to the outer heliosphere. In this paper, we use {\em Helios~2} measurements to investigate whether stochastic heating by low-frequency turbulence is capable of explaining this perpendicular heating. We analyze {\em Helios~2} magnetic-field measurements in low-$\beta$ fast-solar-wind streams between heliocentric distances $r=0.29$ AU and $r=0.64$ AU to determine the rms amplitude of the fluctuating magnetic field, $\delta B_{\rm p}$, near the proton gyroradius scale $\rho_{\rm p}$. We then evaluate the stochastic heating rate $Q_{\perp \rm stoch}$ using the measured value of $\delta B_{\rm p}$ and a previously published analytical formula for $Q_{\perp \rm stoch}$. Using {\em Helios} measurements we estimate the empirical’ perpendicular heating rate $Q_{\perp \rm emp} = (k_{\rm B}/m_{\rm p}) B V (d/dr) (T_{\perp \rm p}/B)$ that is needed to explain the $T_{\perp \rm p}$ profile. We find that $Q_{\perp \rm stoch} \sim Q_{\perp \rm emp}$, but only if a key dimensionless constant appearing in the formula for $Q_{\perp \rm stoch}$ lies within a certain range of values. This range is approximately the same throughout the radial interval that we analyze and is consistent with the results of numerical simulations of the stochastic heating of test particles in reduced magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. These results support the hypothesis that stochastic heating accounts for much of the perpendicular proton heating occurring in low-$\beta$ fast-wind streams.

Bi-Directional Energy Cascades and the Origin of Kinetic Alfv\'enic and Whistler Turbulence in the Solar Wind

The observed sub-proton scale turbulence spectrum in the solar wind raises the question of how that turbulence originates. Observations of keV energetic electrons during solar quite-time suggest them as possible source of free energy to drive the turbulence. Using particle-in-cell simulations, we explore how free energy in energetic electrons, released by an electron two-stream instability drives Weibel-like electromagnetic waves that excite wave-wave interactions. Consequently, both kinetic Alfv\’enic and whistler waves are excited that evolve through inverse and forward magnetic energy cascades.

A new physical phenomenon in ultra-high energy collisions [Cross-Listing]

We show that combining the published Pierre Auger Observatory measurements of the longitudinal_and_ lateral properties of UHE atmospheric showers, points to an unforeseen change in the nature of particle interactions at ultrahigh energy. A "toy model" of UHE proton-air interactions is presented which provides the first fully consistent description of air shower observations. It demonstrates that the observed energy dependence of the depth-of-shower-maximum distribution may not indicate a transition to a heavier composition, as commonly assumed. While fundamentally phenomenological, the model is based on considerations of how the normal vacuum of QCD might be vaporized and chiral symmetry restored by the extreme energy densities produced in UHE collisions. Whatever its origin, understanding this unexpected phenomenon opens exciting directions in particle physics and may impact Early Universe cosmology.

Instabilities Driven by the Drift and Temperature Anisotropy of Alpha Particles in the Solar Wind [Replacement]

We investigate the conditions under which parallel-propagating Alfv\’en/ion-cyclotron (A/IC) waves and fast-magnetosonic/whistler (FM/W) waves are driven unstable by the differential flow and temperature anisotropy of alpha particles in the solar wind. We focus on the limit in which $w_{\parallel \alpha} \gtrsim 0.25 v_{\mathrm A}$, where $w_{\parallel \alpha}$ is the parallel alpha-particle thermal speed and $v_{\mathrm A}$ is the Alfv\’en speed. We derive analytic expressions for the instability thresholds of these waves, which show, e.g., how the minimum unstable alpha-particle beam speed depends upon $w_{\parallel \alpha}/v_{\mathrm A}$, the degree of alpha-particle temperature anisotropy, and the alpha-to-proton temperature ratio. We validate our analytical results using numerical solutions to the full hot-plasma dispersion relation. Consistent with previous work, we find that temperature anisotropy allows A/IC waves and FM/W waves to become unstable at significantly lower values of the alpha-particle beam speed $U_\alpha$ than in the isotropic-temperature case. Likewise, differential flow lowers the minimum temperature anisotropy needed to excite A/IC or FM/W waves relative to the case in which $U_\alpha =0$. We discuss the relevance of our results to alpha particles in the solar wind near 1 AU.

Instabilities Driven by the Drift and Temperature Anisotropy of Alpha Particles in the Solar Wind [Cross-Listing]

We investigate the conditions under which parallel-propagating Alfv\’en/ion-cyclotron (A/IC) waves and fast-magnetosonic/whistler (FM/W) waves are driven unstable by the differential flow and temperature anisotropy of alpha particles in the solar wind. We focus on the limit in which $w_{\parallel \alpha} \gtrsim 0.25 v_{\mathrm A}$, where $w_{\parallel \alpha}$ is the parallel alpha-particle thermal speed and $v_{\mathrm A}$ is the Alfv\’en speed. We derive analytic expressions for the instability thresholds of these waves, which show, e.g., how the minimum unstable alpha-particle beam speed depends upon $w_{\parallel \alpha}/v_{\mathrm A}$, the degree of alpha-particle temperature anisotropy, and the alpha-to-proton temperature ratio. We validate our analytical results using numerical solutions to the full hot-plasma dispersion relation. Consistent with previous work, we find that temperature anisotropy allows A/IC waves and FM/W waves to become unstable at significantly lower values of the alpha-particle beam speed $U_\alpha$ than in the isotropic-temperature case. Likewise, differential flow lowers the minimum temperature anisotropy needed to excite A/IC or FM/W waves relative to the case in which $U_\alpha =0$. We discuss the relevance of our results to alpha particles in the solar wind near 1 AU.

Isospin-Violating Dark Matter Benchmarks for Snowmass 2013 [Replacement]

Isospin-violating dark matter (IVDM) generalizes the standard spin-independent scattering parameter space by introducing one additional parameter, the neutron-to-proton coupling ratio f_n/f_p. In IVDM the implications of direct detection experiments can be altered significantly. We review the motivations for considering IVDM and present benchmark models that illustrate some of the qualitatively different possibilities. IVDM strongly motivates the use of a variety of target nuclei in direct detection experiments.

Isospin-Violating Dark Matter Benchmarks for Snowmass 2013 [Cross-Listing]

Isospin-violating dark matter (IVDM) generalizes the standard spin-independent scattering parameter space by introducing one additional parameter, the neutron-to-proton coupling ratio f_n/f_p. In IVDM the implications of direct detection experiments can be altered significantly. We review the motivations for considering IVDM and present benchmark models that illustrate some of the qualitatively different possibilities. IVDM strongly motivates the use of a variety of target nuclei in direct detection experiments.

The Space-Based Gamma-Ray Telescope GAMMA-400 and Its Scientific Goals

The design of the new space-based gamma-ray telescope GAMMA-400 is presented. GAMMA-400 is optimized for the energy 100 GeV with the best parameters: the angular resolution ~0.01 deg, the energy resolution ~1%, and the proton rejection factor ~10E6, but is able to measure gamma-ray and electron + positron fluxes in the energy range from 100 MeV to 10 TeV. GAMMA-400 is aimed to a broad range of science topics, such as search for signatures of dark matter, studies of Galactic and extragalactic gamma-ray sources, Galactic and extragalactic diffuse emission, gamma-ray bursts, as well as high-precision measurements of spectra of cosmic-ray electrons + positrons, and nuclei.

Proton Radiation Damage Experiment on P-Channel CCD for an X-ray CCD camera onboard the Astro-H satellite

We report on a proton radiation damage experiment on P-channel CCD newly developed for an X-ray CCD camera onboard the Astro-H satellite. The device was exposed up to 10^9 protons cm^{-2} at 6.7 MeV. The charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) was measured as a function of radiation dose. In comparison with the CTI currently measured in the CCD camera onboard the Suzaku satellite for 6 years, we confirmed that the new type of P-channel CCD is radiation tolerant enough for space use. We also confirmed that a charge-injection technique and lowering the operating temperature efficiently work to reduce the CTI for our device. A comparison with other P-channel CCD experiments is also discussed.

The Scale of Dark QCD [Cross-Listing]

Most of the mass of ordinary matter has its origin from quantum chromodynamics (QCD). A similar strong dynamics, dark QCD, could exist to explain the mass origin of dark matter. Using infrared fixed points of the two gauge couplings, we provide a dynamical mechanism that relates the dark QCD confinement scale to our QCD scale, and hence provides an explanation for comparable dark baryon and proton masses. Together with a mechanism that generates equal amounts of dark baryon and ordinary baryon asymmetries in the early universe, the similarity of dark matter and ordinary matter energy densities can be naturally explained. For a large class of gauge group representations, the particles charged under both QCD and dark QCD, necessary ingredients for generating the infrared fixed points, are found to have masses at one to two TeV, which sets the scale for dark matter direct detection and novel collider signatures involving visible and dark jets.

Anisotropic Cosmic Ray Diffusion and its Implications for Gamma Ray Astronomy

Analyses of TeV-PeV cosmic ray (CR) diffusion around their sources usually assume either isotropic diffusion or anisotropic diffusion due to the regular Galactic magnetic field. We show that none of them is adequate on distances smaller than the maximal scale Lmax ~ 100 pc of fluctuations in the turbulent interstellar magnetic field. As a result, we predict anisotropic gamma-ray emissions around CR proton and electron sources, even for uniform densities of target gas. The centers of extended emission regions may have non-negligible offsets from their sources, leading to the risk of misidentifications. Gamma-rays from CR filaments have steeper energy spectra than those from surrounding regions. We point out that gamma-ray telescopes can be used in the future as a new way to probe and to deduce the parameters of the interstellar magnetic field.

Anisotropic Cosmic Ray Diffusion and its Implications for Gamma-Ray Astronomy [Replacement]

Analyses of TeV-PeV cosmic ray (CR) diffusion around their sources usually assume either isotropic diffusion or anisotropic diffusion due to the regular Galactic magnetic field. We show that none of them are adequate on distances smaller than the maximal scale Lmax ~ 100 pc of fluctuations in the turbulent interstellar magnetic field. As a result, we predict anisotropic gamma-ray emissions around CR proton and electron sources, even for uniform densities of target gas. The centers of extended emission regions may have non-negligible offsets from their sources, leading to risks of misidentification. Gamma-rays from CR filaments have steeper energy spectra than those from surrounding regions. We point out that gamma-ray telescopes can be used in the future as a new way to probe and deduce the parameters of the interstellar magnetic field.

Escape and propagation of UHECR protons and neutrons from GRBs, and the cosmic ray-neutrino connection [Replacement]

We present a model of ultra-high-energy cosmic ray (UHECR) production in the shock-accelerated fireball of a gamma-ray burst. In addition to the standard UHECR origin from neutron escape and decay into protons, our model considers direct proton emission through leakage from the edges of the accelerated baryon-loaded shells that make up the fireball. Depending on the optical thickness of the shells to photohadronic interactions, the source falls in one of three scenarios: the usual, optically thin source dominated by neutron escape, an optically thick source to neutron escape, or a "direct escape" scenario, where the main contribution to UHECRs comes from the leaked protons. The associated neutrino production will be different for each scenario, and we see that the standard "one neutrino per cosmic ray" assumption is valid only in the optically thin case, while more than one neutrino per cosmic ray is expected in the optically thick scenario. In addition, the extra direct escape component enhances the high-energy part of the UHECR flux, thus improving the agreement between the predictions and the observed flux.

Escape and propagation of UHECR protons and neutrons from GRBs, and the cosmic ray-neutrino connection

We present a model of ultra-high-energy cosmic ray (UHECR) production in the shock-accelerated fireball of a gamma-ray burst. In addition to the standard UHECR origin from neutron escape and decay into protons, our model considers direct proton emission through leakage from the edges of the accelerated baryon-loaded shells that make up the fireball. Depending on the optical thickness of the shells to photohadronic interactions, the source falls in one of three scenarios: the usual, optically thin source dominated by neutron escape, an optically thick source to neutron escape, or a "direct escape" scenario, where the main contribution to UHECRs comes from the leaked protons. The associated neutrino production will be different for each scenario, and we see that the standard "one neutrino per cosmic ray" assumption is valid only in the optically thin case, while more than one neutrino per cosmic ray is expected in the optically thick scenario. In addition, the extra direct escape component enhances the high-energy part of the UHECR flux, thus improving the agreement between the predictions and the observed flux.

A Spin-Dependent Interpretation for Possible Signals of Light Dark Matter [Cross-Listing]

Signals broadly compatible with light (7-10 GeV) dark matter have been reported in three direct detection experiments: CoGeNT, DAMA/LIBRA, and CDMS-II silicon. These possible signals have been interpreted in the context of spin-independent interactions between the target nuclei and dark matter, although there is tension with null results, particularly from xenon-based experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate that the CoGeNT and CDMS-II silicon results are also compatible assuming a spin-dependent neutron interaction, though this is in tension with xenon-based experiments and PICASSO. The tension with the null results from XENON100 and XENON10 is approximately the same as for the spin-independent coupling. All three experimental signals can be made compatible through a combination of spin-dependent interactions with both the proton and neutron, although such a scenario increases the conflict with the null results of other experiments.

Xenophobic Dark Matter [Cross-Listing]

We consider models of xenophobic dark matter, in which isospin-violating dark matter-nucleon interactions significantly degrade the response of xenon direct detection experiments. For models of near-maximal xenophobia, with neutron-to-proton coupling ratio $f_n / f_p \approx -0.64$, and dark matter mass near 8 GeV, the regions of interest for CoGeNT and CDMS-Si and the region of interest identified by Collar and Fields in CDMS-Ge data can be brought into agreement. This model may be tested in future direct, indirect, and collider searches. Interestingly, because the natural isotope abundance of xenon implies that xenophobia has its limits, we find that this xenophobic model may be probed in the near future by xenon experiments. Near-future data from the LHC and Fermi-LAT may also provide interesting alternative probes of xenophobic dark matter.

Ferromagnetism in neutron and neutron star matter [Cross-Listing]

Ferromagnetism in neutron as well as beta equilibrated charge neutral dense nuclear matter is investigated using a model of interacting baryons and mesons. The standard minimal couplings between the magnetic field and the particle charges, as well as the baryon dipole moments, are included in the Lagrangian density. Minimizing the energy density with respect to the magnetic field yields a self-consistent expression for the magnetic field. The ferromagnetic phase boundary is calculated by increasing the strength of the proton and neutron dipole moments by the same factor at a fixed baryon density till the energy density of magnetized matter is lower than that of unmagnetized matter. We find that, depending on the density, the ferromagnetic phase is preferred at around 35 times the value of the normal observed baryon dipole moments. Crossing the phase boundary also induces a magnetic field of the order of 10^{17} gauss in the matter. The phase boundary was found to be dependent on the details of the model.

Ferromagnetism in neutron and charge neutral beta-equilibrated nuclear matter [Replacement]

Ferromagnetism in infinite neutron matter as well as beta equilibrated charge neutral dense infinite nuclear matter is investigated using a model of interacting baryons and mesons. The standard minimal couplings between the magnetic field and the particle charges, as well as the baryon dipole moments, are included in the Lagrangian density. Minimizing the energy density with respect to the magnetic field yields a self-consistent expression for the magnetic field. The ferromagnetic phase boundary is calculated by increasing the strength of the proton and neutron dipole moments by the same factor at a fixed baryon density till the energy density of magnetized matter is lower than that of unmagnetized matter. We find that, depending on the density, the ferromagnetic phase is preferred at around 35 times the value of the normal observed baryon dipole moments. Crossing the phase boundary also induces a magnetic field of the order of 10^{17} gauss in the matter. The phase boundary was found to be dependent on the details of the model.

A test of unification towards the radio source PKS1413+135

We point out that existing astrophysical measurements of combinations of the fine-structure constant $\alpha$, the proton-to-electron mass ratio $\mu$ and the proton gyromagnetic ratio $g_p$ towards the radio source PKS1413+135 can be used to individually constrain each of these fundamental couplings. While the accuracy of the available measurements is not yet sufficient to test the spatial dipole scenario, our analysis serves as a proof of concept as new observational facilities will soon allow significantly more robust tests. Moreover, these measurements can also be used to obtain constraints on certain classes of unification scenarios, and we compare the constraints obtained for PKS1413+135 with those previously obtained from local atomic clock measurements.

Improving photon-hadron discrimination based on cosmic ray surface detector data

The search for photons at EeV energies and beyond has considerable astrophysical interest and will remain one of the key challenges for ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) observatories in the near future. Several upper limits to the photon flux have been established since no photon has been unambiguously observed up to now. An improvement in the reconstruction efficiency of the photon showers and/or better discrimination tools are needed to improve these limits apart from an increase in statistics. Following this direction, we analyze in this work the ability of the surface parameter Sb, originally proposed for hadron discrimination, for photon search. Semi-analytical and numerical studies are performed in order to optimize Sb for the discrimination of photons from a proton background in the energy range from 10^18.5 to 10^19.6 eV. Although not shown explicitly, the same analysis has been performed for Fe nuclei and the corresponding results are discussed when appropriate. The effects of different array geometries and the underestimation of the muon component in the shower simulations are analyzed, as well as the Sb dependence on primary energy and zenith angle.

7Be charge exchange between 7Be3+ ion and exotic long-lived negatively charged massive particle in big bang nucleosynthesis

The existence of an exotic long-lived negatively charged massive particle, i.e., X-, during big bang nucleosynthesis can affect primordial light element abundances. Especially, the final abundance of 7Li, mainly originating from the electron capture of 7Be, has been suggested to reduce by the 7Be destruction via the radiative X- capture of 7Be followed by the radiative proton capture of the bound state of X- and 7Be (7BeX). Although calculated 7Li abundances in the model including the X- particle can explain observed nuclear abundances in metal-poor stars, the required abundance of X- is considerably high. We suggest a new route of 7BeX formation, that is the 7Be charge exchange at the reaction of 7Be3+ ion and X-. We then show a possible importance of this reaction using a nuclear reaction network calculation. Quantum physical model calculations for related reactions are needed to precisely estimate the efficiency of this reaction in future.

7Be charge exchange between 7Be3+ ion and exotic long-lived negatively charged massive particle in big bang nucleosynthesis [Replacement]

The existence of an exotic long-lived negatively charged massive particle, i.e., X-, during big bang nucleosynthesis can affect primordial light element abundances. Especially, the final abundance of 7Li, mainly originating from the electron capture of 7Be, has been suggested to reduce by the 7Be destruction via the radiative X- capture of 7Be followed by the radiative proton capture of the bound state of 7Be and X- (7BeX). We suggest a new route of 7BeX formation, that is the 7Be charge exchange at the reaction of 7Be3+ ion and X-. The formation rate depends on the number fraction of 7Be3+ ion, the charge exchange cross section of 7Be3+, and the probability that produced excited states 7BeX* are converted to the ground state. We estimate respective quantities affecting the 7BeX formation rate, and find that this reaction pathway can be more important than ordinary radiative recombination of 7Be and X-. The effect of the charge exchange reaction is then shown in a latest nuclear reaction network calculation. Quantum physical model calculations for related reactions are needed to precisely estimate the efficiency of this pathway in future.

Super-Massive Stars as a Source of Abundance Anomalies of Proton-Capture Elements in Globular Clusters

We propose that the abundance anomalies of proton-capture elements in globular clusters, such as the C-N, Na-O, Mg-Al and Na-F anti-correlations, were produced by super-massive stars with M ~ 10,000 Msun. Such stars could form in the runaway collisions of massive stars that sank to the cluster center as a result of dynamical friction, or via the direct collapse of the low-metallicity gas cloud from which the cluster formed. To explain the observed abundance anomalies, we assume that the super-massive stars had lost significant fractions of their initial masses when only a small mass fraction of hydrogen, Delta X ~ 0.15, was transformed into helium. We speculate that the required mass loss might be caused by the super-Eddington radiation continuum-driven stellar wind or by the diffusive mode of the Jeans instability.