R. Fiorito

Spectral Index and Quasi-Periodic Oscillation Frequency Correlation in Black Hole Sources: Observational Evidence of Two Phases and Phase Transition in Black Holes

Recent studies have shown that strong correlations are observed between the low frequencies (1-10 Hz) of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) and the spectral power law index of several black hole (BH) candidate sources, in low (hard) states, steep power law (soft) states, and transitions between these states. The observations indicate that the X-ray spectra of such state (phases) show the presence of a power-law component and are sometimes related to simultaneous radio emission, indicating the probable presence of a jet. Strong QPOs (>20% rms) are present in the power density spectrum in the spectral range where the power-law component is dominant (i.e., 60%90%). This evidence contradicts the dominant, long-standing interpretation of QPOs as a signature of the thermal accretion disk. We present the data from the literature and our own data to illustrate the dominance of power-law index-QPO frequency correlations. We provide a model that identifies and explains the origin of the QPOs and how they are imprinted on the properties of the power-law flux component. We argue for the existence of a bounded compact coronal region that is a natural consequence of the adjustment of the Keplerian disk flow to the innermost sub-Keplerian boundary conditions near the central object and that ultimately leads to the formation of a transition layer (TL) between the adjustment radius and the innermost boundary. The model predicts two phases or states dictated by the photon upscattering produced in the TL: (1) a hard state, in which the TL is optically thin and very hot (kT approximately greater than 50 keV), producing photon upscattering via thermal Comptonization (the photon spectrum index Gamma approximates 1.7 for this state is dictated by gravitational energy release and Compton cooling in an optically thin shock near the adjustment radius), and (2) a soft state that is optically thick and relatively cold (kT approximately less than 5 keV the index for this state, Gamma approximates 2.8, is determined by soft-photon upscattering and photon trapping in a converging flow into the BH). In the TL model for the corona, the QPO frequency V(sub high) is related to the gravitational (close to Keplerian) frequency V(sub K) at the outer (adjustment) radius and v(sub low) is related to the TLs normal mode (magnetoacoustic) oscillation frequency v(sub MA) . The observed correlations between index and low and high QPO frequencies are readily explained in terms of this model. We also suggest a new method for evaluation of the BH mass using the index-frequency correlation.

Terahertz laser modulation of electron beams

The study of modulated electron beams is important because they can be used to produce coherent radiation, but the modulations can cause unwanted instabilities in some devices. Specifically, in a free electron laser, proper prebunching at the desired emission frequency can enhance performance, while bunching resulting from instabilities and bunch compression schemes can degrade performance. In a photoinjector accelerator, tailoring the shape of the drive laser pulse could be used as a technique to either enhance or mitigate the effect of these modulations. This work explores the possibility of creating deeply modulated electron beams at the photocathode by using a modified drive laser designed to produce multiple subpicosecond pulses repeated at terahertz frequencies. Longitudinal space charge forces can strongly influence the evolution of modulations by converting density modulations to energy modulations. Experiments at the Source Development Laboratory electron accelerator at Brookhaven National Laboratory and PARMELA simulations are employed to explore the dynamics of electron beams with varying charge and with varying initial modulation. Finally, terahertz light generated by a transition radiator is used to confirm the structure of the electron beam.

Is M82 X-1 Really an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole? X-Ray Spectral and Timing Evidence

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) with apparent luminosities up to hundreds of times the Eddington luminosity for a neutron star have been discovered in external galaxies. The existence of intermediate-mass black holes has been proposed to explain these sources. We present evidence for an intermediate-mass black hole in the ULX M82 X-1 based on the spectral features and timing (quasi-periodic oscillation [QPO]) properties of the X-radiation from this source. We revisited XMM-Newton and Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data for M82 X-1 obtained in 2001 and 1997 for XMM and RXTE, respectively. We show for these observations that the source is either in transition or in a high/soft state with photon spectral indices 2.1 and 2.7, respectively. We confirm the early determination of the QPO frequency ν ≈ 55 mHz in this source by Strohmayer & Mushotzky and identify this as the low-frequency QPO for the source. We apply a new method to determine the black hole mass of M82 X-1. The method uses the index-QPO low-frequency correlation that has been recently established in Galactic black hole candidates GRS 1915+105, XTE J1550-564, 4U 1630-47, and others. Using scaling arguments and the correlation derived from the consideration of Galactic black holes, we conclude that M82 X-1 is an intermediate black hole with a mass of the order of 1000 M☉.

AWAKE, The Advanced Proton Driven Plasma Wakefield Acceleration Experiment at CERN

The Advanced Proton Driven Plasma Wakefield Acceleration Experiment (AWAKE) aims at studying plasma wakefield generation and electron acceleration driven by proton bunches. It is a proof-of-principle R&D experiment at CERN and the world׳s first proton driven plasma wakefield acceleration experiment. The AWAKE experiment will be installed in the former CNGS facility and uses the 400 GeV/c proton beam bunches from the SPS. The first experiments will focus on the self-modulation instability of the long (rms ~12 cm) proton bunch in the plasma. These experiments are planned for the end of 2016. Later, in 2017/2018, low energy (~15 MeV) electrons will be externally injected into the sample wakefields and be accelerated beyond 1 GeV. The main goals of the experiment will be summarized. A summary of the AWAKE design and construction status will be presented.

Interference of Diffraction and Transition Radiation and Its Application as a Beam Divergence Diagnostic

We have observed the interference of optical diffraction radiation (ODR) and optical transition radiation (OTR) produced by the interaction of a relativistic electron beam with a micromesh foil and a mirror. The production of forward directed ODR from electrons passing through the holes and wires of the mesh and their separate interactions with backward OTR from the mirror are analyzed with the help of a simulation code. By careful choice of the micromesh properties, mesh-mirror spacing, observation wavelength and filter band pass, the interference of the ODR produced from the unperturbed electrons passing through the open spaces of the mesh and OTR from the mirror are observable above a broad incoherent background from interaction of the heavily scattered electrons passing through the mesh wires. These interferences (ODTRI) are sensitive to the beam divergence and can be used to directly diagnose this parameter. We compare experimental divergence values obtained using ODTRI, conventional OTRI, for the case when front foil scattering is negligible, and computed values obtained from transport code calculations and multiple screen beam size measurements. We obtain good agreement in all cases.

Vector electromagnetic theory of transition and diffraction radiation with application to the measurement of longitudinal bunch size

We have developed a novel method based on vector electromagnetic theory and Schellkunoffs principles to calculate the spectral and angular distributions of transtion radiation (TR) and diffraction radiation (DR) produced by a charged particle interacting with an arbitrary target. The vector method predicts the polarization and spectral angular distributions of the radiation at an arbitrary distance form the source, i.e. in both the near and far fields, and in any direction of observation. The radiation fields of TR and DR calculated with the commonly used scalar Huygens model are shown to be limiting forms of those predicted by the vector theory and the regime of validity of the scalar theory is explicitly shown. Calculations of TR and DR done using the vector model are compared to results available in the literature for various limiting cases and for cases of more general interest. Our theory has important applications in the design of TR and DR diagnostics particularly those that utilize coherent TR or DR to infer the longitudinal bunch size and shape. A new technique to determine the bunch length using the angular distribution of coherent TR or DR is proposed.

OTR measurements of the 10 keV electron beam at the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER)

We present strong evidence of the observation of optical transition radiation (OTR) from aluminized silicon targets intercepting the UMER 10 keV, 100 ns pulsed electron beam, using fast (300 ps and Ins rise time) photomultiplier tubes. An intensified gated (3 ns-lms) intensified CCD camera is used to image the beam using OTR and to study its time evolution throughout the beam pulse. A comparison of wave forms and time resolved OTR images is presented along with time integrated images obtained with phosphor screens for different initial conditions, i.e. beam currents and gun bias voltages.

Evolution of laser induced perturbation and experimental observation of space charge waves in the University Of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER)

The University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER) is a scaled model to investigate the transverse and longitudinal physics of space charge dominated beams. It uses a 10-keV electron beam along with other scaled beam parameters that model the larger machines but at a lower cost. Understanding collective behavior of intense, charged particle beams due to their space charge effects is crucial for advanced accelerator research and applications. This paper presents an experimental study of longitudinal dynamics of an initial density modulation on a space-charge dominated beam. A novel experimental technique of producing a perturbation using a laser is discussed.Using a laser to produce a perturbation provides the ability to launch a pure density modulation and to have better control over the amount of perturbation introduced. Collective effects like space charge waves and their propagation over long distances in a quadrupole channel are studied.A one dimensional cold fluid model is used for theoretical analysis and simulations are carried out in WARP-RZ.

Simulations and Experiments of Electron Beams Pre-Modulated at the Photocathode

The University of Maryland and the Source Development Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory have been collaborating on a project that explores the use of electron beam pre-modulation at the cathode to control the longitudinal structure of the electron beam. This technique could be applied to creating deliberate modulations which can lead to the generation of terahertz radiation, or creating a smooth profile in order to suppress radiation. This paper focuses on simulations that explore some of the pre-modulated cases achieved experimentally.

Multi-component measurements of the Jefferson Lab energy recovery linac electron beam using optical transition and diffraction radiation

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevSTAB.11.082801 High brightness electron accelerators, such as energy recovery linacs (ERL), often have complex particle distributions that can create difficulties in beam transport as well as matching to devices such as wigglers used to generate radiation from the beam. Optical transition radiation (OTR), OTR interferometry (OTRI) and optical diffraction-transition radiation interferometry (ODTRI) have proven to be effective tools for diagnosing both the spatial and angular distributions of charged particle beams. OTRI and ODTRI have been used to measure rms divergences and optical transverse phase space mapping has been demonstrated using OTRI. In this work we present the results of diagnostic experiments using OTR and ODR conducted at the Jefferson Laboratory 115 MeV ERL which show the presence of two separate components within the spatial and angular distributions of the beam. By assuming a correlation between the spatial and angular fe