Hiroshige Yoshida

Detection of D2H+ in the Dense Interstellar Medium

The 692 GHz para ground-state line of D2H+ has been detected at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory towards the pre-stellar core 16293E. The derived D2H+ abundance is comparable to that of H2D+, as determined by observations of the 372 GHz line of ortho-H2D+. This is an observational verification of recent theoretical predictions (Roberts, Herbst & Millar 2003), developed to explain the large deuteration ratios observed in cold, high-density regions of the interstellar medium associated with low mass pre-stellar cores and protostars. This detection confirms expectations that the multiply deuterated forms of H3+ were missing factors of earlier models. The inclusion of D2H+ and D3+ in the models leads to predictions of higher values of the D/H ratio in the gas phase.

CO line emission from circumstellar envelopes

Aims. We present the results of a multi-transition CO observational program conducted on a sample of AGB and post-AGB stars envelopes. We have collected maps and single pointing observations of these envelopes in 5 rotational transitions ranging from J = 1–0 to J = 6–5, including in particular new observations of the CO line at 691 GHz at the CSO. The use of such a set of mm and submm CO line on stellar envelopes is rare and limited to the work of some authors on IRC+10216. Methods. Using a model for the CO emission of an AGB circumstellar envelope, in combination with a standard LVG approach, we have conducted a systematic modelling analysis using the whole set of CO data collected for a sample of 12 sources. We simultaneously fit all five transitions, taking into account the spatial information provided by the maps. Results. We find mass-loss rates in the range 1 × 10 −7 to 4 × 10 −4 M� /yr, and envelope temperatures ranging from 20 K to 1000 K at a radius of 10 16 cm. There seem to be a general anti-correlation between mass loss rates and temperature, the high mass loss rate AGBs having low temperatures, and vice versa. We show that most AGB data can be fitted using a constant mass loss rate, at least within the calibration uncertainties associated with the data collected at different frequencies. For some cases though (e.g. CIT 6, R Hya, χ Cyg), a change in the mass loss rate history needs to be invoked to reconcile data at low- and high-J, a scenario already mentioned by several authors to explain observations of WX Psc.

PROBING THE MAGNETIC FIELD WITH MOLECULAR ION SPECTRA. II.

We present further observational evidence in support of our earlier proposal (Houde et al. 2000) for detecting the presence of the magnetic field in molecular clouds by comparing spectra of molecular ions with those of neutral molecules. The ion lines tend to be narrower and do not show the wings due to flows, when the magnetic field is sufficiently strong. We obtained spectra for the optically thin lines of the H13CN and H13CO+ species in a sample of ten molecular clouds and found the results to be in agreement with our previous observations of the main isotopic species, HCN and HCO+, made in OMC-1, OMC-2, OMC-3 and DR21OH, thus eliminating the possibility of optical depth effects playing a role in the ion line narrowing. HCS+ was also detected in four of these star forming regions. We also discuss previously published results by (Benson et al. 1998) of N2H+ detections in a large sample of dark clouds. We show that the similarity in line widths between ion and neutral species in their sample is consistent with the relatively small amount of turbulence and other flows observed in these clouds.

On the Measurement of the Magnitude and Orientation of the Magnetic Field in Molecular Clouds

We demonstrate that the combination of Zeeman, polarimetry, and ion-to-neutral molecular line width ratio measurements permits the determination of the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic field in the weakly ionized parts of molecular clouds. Zeeman measurements provide the strength of the magnetic field along the line of sight, polarimetry measurements give the field orientation in the plane of the sky, and the ion-to-neutral molecular line width ratio determines the angle between the magnetic field and the line of sight. We apply the technique to the M17 star-forming region using a HERTZ 350 μm polarimetry map and HCO+-to-HCN molecular line width ratios to provide the first three-dimensional view of the magnetic field in M17.

ROTATION STATE OF COMET 103P/HARTLEY 2 FROM RADIO SPECTROSCOPY AT 1 mm*

The nuclei of active comets emit molecules anisotropically from discrete vents. As the nucleus rotates, we expect to observe periodic variability in the molecular emission line profiles, which can be studied through millimeter/ submillimeter spectroscopy. Using this technique we investigated the HCN atmosphere of comet 103P/Hartley 2, the target of NASA’s EPOXI mission, which had an exceptionally favorable apparition in late 2010. We detected short-term evolution of the spectral line profile, which was stimulated by the nucleus rotation, and which provides evidence for rapid deceleration and excitation of the rotation state. The measured rate of change in the rotation period is +1.00 ± 0.15 minutes day−1 and the period itself is 18.32 ± 0.03 hr, both applicable at the epoch of the EPOXI encounter. Surprisingly, the spin-down efficiency is lower by two orders of magnitude than the measurement in comet 9P/Tempel 1 and the best theoretical prediction. This secures rotational stability of the comet’s nucleus during the next few returns, although we anticipate a catastrophic disruption from spin-up as its ultimate fate.

A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF HYDROGEN CHLORIDE IN THE GALAXY

We report new observations of the fundamental J = 1–0 transition of HCl (at 625.918 GHz) toward a sample of 27 galactic star-forming regions, molecular clouds, and evolved stars, carried out using the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. Fourteen sources in the sample are also observed in the corresponding H^(37)Cl J = 1–0 transition (at 624.978 GHz). We have obtained clear detections in all but four of the targets, often in emission. Absorptions against bright background continuum sources are also seen in nine cases, usually involving a delicate balance between emission and absorption features. From RADEX modeling, we derive gas densities and HCl column densities for sources with HCl emission. HCl is found in a wide range of environments, with gas densities ranging from 10^5 to 10^7 cm^(−3). The HCl abundance relative to H_2 is in the range of (3–30) × 10^(−10). Comparing with the chlorine abundance in the solar neighborhood, this corresponds to a chlorine depletion factor of up to ~400, assuming that HCl accounts for one-third of the total chlorine in the gas phase. The [^(35)Cl]/[^(37)Cl] isotopic ratio is rather varied, from unity to ~5, mostly lower than the terrestrial value of 3.1. Such variation is highly localized, and could be generated by the nucleosynthesis in supernovae, which predicts a ^(37)Cl deficiency in most models. The lower ratios seen in W3IRS4 and W3IRS5 likely confine the progenitors of the supernovae to stars with relatively large mass (≳25 M_⊙) and high metallicity (Z ~ 0.02).

THE DYNAMICAL STATE OF THE SERPENS SOUTH FILAMENTARY INFRARED DARK CLOUD

We present the results of N_2H^+ (J = 1-0) observations toward Serpens South, the nearest cluster-forming, infrared dark cloud. The physical quantities are derived by fitting the hyperfine structure of N_2H^+. The Herschel and 1.1 mm continuum maps show that a parsec-scale filament fragments into three clumps with radii of 0.1-0.2 pc and masses of 40-230 M_☉. We find that the clumps contain smaller-scale (~0.04 pc) structures, i.e., dense cores. We identify 70 cores by applying CLUMPFIND to the N_2H^+ data cube. In the central cluster-forming clump, the excitation temperature and line-width tend to be large, presumably due to protostellar outflow feedback and stellar radiation. However, for all the clumps, the virial ratios are evaluated to be 0.1-0.3, indicating that the internal motions play only a minor role in the clump support. The clumps exhibit no free fall but exhibit low-velocity infall, and thus the clumps should be supported by additional forces. The most promising force is the globally ordered magnetic field observed toward this region. We propose that the Serpens South filament was close to magnetically critical and ambipolar diffusion triggered the cluster formation. We find that the northern clump, which shows no active star formation, has a mass and radius comparable to the central cluster-forming clump and is therefore a likely candidate of a pre-protocluster clump. The initial condition for cluster formation is likely to be a magnetically supported clump of cold, quiescent gas. This appears to contradict the accretion-driven turbulence scenario, for which the turbulence in the clumps is maintained by the accretion flow.

The Alignment of the Magnetic Field and Collimated Outflows in Star-forming Regions: The Case of NGC 2071

The magnetic field is believed to play a crucial role in the process of star formation. From the support it provides during the initial collapse of molecular clouds to the creation of strong collimated jets responsible for large mass losses, current theories predict its importance in many different stages during the formation of stars. Here we report on observational evidence which tests one aspect that can be inferred from these theories: the alignment between the local magnetic field and collimated bipolar outflows in such environments. There is good evidence of an alignment in the case of NGC 2071.

A CSO submillimeter active optics system

Active surface correction of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) primary mirror has been accomplished. The Dish Surface Optimization System (DSOS) has been designed and built to operate at the CSO, on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The DSOS is the only active optics system of its kind in the world. There are 99 steel rod standoffs that interface the dish panels to its backing structure. Each standoff is now fitted with a heating/cooling assembly. Applying a controlled potential to each of the 99 assemblies adjusts the surface of the dish. Heating elongates and cooling shortens the standoffs, providing the push or pull on the primarys panel surface. The needed correction for each standoff, for a given elevation, is determined from prior holography measurements of the dish surface. Without the DSOS the optimum surface accuracy was 25-μm RMS, yielding a beam efficiency of 33% at the 350-μm-wavelength range. With the DSOS on, this has been improved to 10-μm RMS. The best beam efficiency obtained is 56%, with an average beam efficiency of 53%. The DSOS has been in operation on the CSO since February 2003. Observers using the SHARCII (a 384 pixel submillimeter high angular resolution camera) and the 850 GHz heterodyne receiver, have been able to detect new weak and/or distant objects including detection of an earth-massed planet in Fomalhaut with the help of this unique active optics system.

Performance of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory Dual-Color 180–720 GHz Balanced SIS Receivers

In this paper, we report on balanced SIS receivers covering the astronomical important 180-720 GHz submillimeter atmospheric window. To facilitate remote observations and automated spectral line surveys, fully synthesized local oscillators are employed. High-current-density Nb-AlN-Nb superconducting-insulating-superconducting (SIS) tunnel junctions are used as the mixing element. The measured double-sideband (DSB) 230 GHz receiver noise temperature, uncorrected for optics loss, ranges from 50 K at 185 GHz, 33 K at 246 GHz, to 51 K at 280 GHz. In this frequency range the mixer has a DSB conversion gain of 0 ±1.5 dB. The measured 460 GHz double-sideband receiver noise temperature, uncorrected for optics loss, is 32 K at 400 GHz, 34 K at 460 GHz, and 61 K at 520 GHz. Similar to the 230 GHz balanced mixer, the DSB mixer conversion gain is 1 ±1 dB. To help optimize performance, the mixer IF circuits and bias injection are entirely planar by design. Dual-frequency observation, by means of separating the incoming circular polarized electric field into two orthogonal components, is another important mode of operation offered by the new facility instrumentation. Instrumental stability is excellent supporting the LO noise cancellation properties of the balanced mixer configuration. In the spring of 2012 the dual-frequency 230/460 SIS receiver was successfully installed at Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO), Mauna Kea, HI, USA.