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2007-11-19
The MINERvA Neutrino Interaction Experiment
The MINERvA neutrino interaction experiment in the NuMI beam at Fermilab will measure several aspects of neutrino interactions in the few GeV energy region. We will make cross section and form factor measurements using a fine-grained fully active scintillator (CH) target, and also investigate nuclear effects on neutrino interactions as well as hadron rescattering using integral nuclear targets made of helium, carbon, iron, and lead. We will improve or add to existing measurements and address some specific questions that are important for current and upcoming neutrino oscillation experiments. This paper reports on the progress toward the design, construction, and calibration of the detector, which we expect will get its first neutrino beam in 2009.
0711.3029v1
2007-11-20
Beyond 1D: spectral line formation with 3D hydrodynamical model atmospheres of red giants
We present the results of realistic, 3D, hydrodynamical, simulations of surface convection in red giant stars with varying effective temperatures and metallicities. We use the convection simulations as time-dependent, hydrodynamical, model atmospheres to compute spectral line profiles for a number of ions and molecules under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). We compare the results with the predictions of line formation calculations based on 1D, hydrostatic, model stellar atmospheres in order to estimate the impact of 3D models on the derivation of elemental abundances. We find large negative 3D-1D LTE abundance corrections (typically -0.5 to -1 dex) for weak low-excitation lines from molecules and neutral species in the very low metallicity cases. Finally, we discuss the extent of departures from LTE in the case of neutral iron spectral line formation.
0711.3186v1
2007-11-22
Stroemgren metallicity calibration: the m1, b-y relation
We performed a new calibration of the Stroemgren metallicity index m1 based on the b-y color of cluster red giant stars. The current Metallicity-Index-Color relation is not linear in the color range 0.40 < b-y < 1.0, but provides iron abundances of cluster and field red giants with an accuracy of ~ 0.25 dex.
0711.3534v1
2007-11-29
Magnetoelectric Effects on Composite Nano Granular $Fe/TiO_{2-δ}$ Films
Employing a new experimental technique to measure magnetoelectric response functions, we have measured the magnetoelectric effect in composite films of nano granular metallic iron in anatase titanium dioxide at temperatures below 50 K. A magnetoelectric resistance is defined as the ratio of a transverse voltage to bias current as a function of the magnetic field. In contrast to the anomalous Hall resistance measured above 50 K, the magnetoelectic resistance below 50 K is significantly larger and exhibits an even symmetry with respect to magnetic field reversal $H\to -H$. The measurement technique required attached electrodes in the plane of the film composite in order to measure voltage as a function of bias current and external magnetic field. To our knowledge, the composite films are unique in terms of showing magnetoelectric effects at low temperatures, $<$ 50 K, and anomalous Hall effects at high temperatures, $>$ 50 K.
0711.4776v1
2007-12-03
Temporal evolution of magnetic elements
We study the structure and evolution of the magnetic field of the quiet Sun by investigating weak spectro-polarimetric signals. To this end, we observed a quiet region close to the disk center with the German VTT in Tenerife, July 07, 2006. We recorded 38 scans of the same area. Each scan was eight arcsec wide and observed within about 100 seconds. We used POLIS to simultaneously observe Stokes profiles of the neutral iron lines at 630.15 and 630.25 nm, the Stokes-I profile of the Ca II H line at 396.8 nm, and a continuum speckle channel at 500 nm. We witness two examples of magnetic flux cancellation of small-scale opposite-polarity patches, followed by an enhanced chromospheric emission. In each case, the two opposite-polarity patches gradually became smaller and, within a few minutes, the smaller one completely disappeared. The larger patch also diminished significantly. We provide evidence for a cancellation scenario in the photosphere which leaves minor traces at the chromospheric level.
0712.0234v1
2007-12-05
$θ_{13}$, $δ$ and the neutrino mass hierarchy at a $γ=350$ double baseline Li/B $β$-Beam
We consider a $\beta$-Beam facility where $^8$Li and $^8$B ions are accelerated at $\gamma = 350$, accumulated in a 10 Km storage ring and let decay, so as to produce intense $\bar \nu_e$ and $\nu_e$ beams. These beams illuminate two iron detectors located at $L \simeq 2000$ Km and $L \simeq 7000$ Km, respectively. The physics potential of this setup is analysed in full detail as a function of the flux. We find that, for the highest flux ($10 \times 10^{18}$ ion decays per year per baseline), the sensitivity to $\theta_{13}$ reaches $\sin^2 2 \theta_{13} \geq 2 \times10^{-4}$; the sign of the atmospheric mass difference can be identified, regardless of the true hierarchy, for $\sin^2 2 \theta_{13} \geq 4\times10^{-4}$; and, CP-violation can be discovered in 70% of the $\delta$-parameter space for $\sin^2 2 \theta_{13} \geq 10^{-3}$, having some sensitivity to CP-violation down to $\sin^2 2 \theta_{13} \geq 10^{-4}$ for $|\delta| \sim 90^\circ$.
0712.0796v3
2007-12-06
Editorial: Statistics and forensic science
Forensic science is usually taken to mean the application of a broad spectrum of scientific tools to answer questions of interest to the legal system. Despite such popular television series as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and its spinoffs--CSI: Miami and CSI: New York--on which the forensic scientists use the latest high-tech scientific tools to identify the perpetrator of a crime and always in under an hour, forensic science is under assault, in the public media, popular magazines [Talbot (2007), Toobin (2007)] and in the scientific literature [Kennedy (2003), Saks and Koehler (2005)]. Ironically, this growing controversy over forensic science has occurred precisely at the time that DNA evidence has become the ``gold standard'' in the courts, leading to the overturning of hundreds of convictions many of which were based on clearly less credible forensic evidence, including eyewitness testimony [Berger (2006)].
0712.0974v1
2007-12-16
Evidence of magnetic field wrapping around penumbral filaments
We employ high-spatial resolution spectropolarimetric observations from the Solar Optical Telescope on-board the Hinode spacecraft to investigate the fine structure of the penumbral magnetic fields. The Stokes vector of two neutral iron lines at 630 nm is inverted at every spatial pixel to retrieve the depth-dependence of the magnetic field vector, line-of-sight velocity and thermodynamic parameters. We show that the azimuthal angle of the magnetic field vector has opposite sign on both sides above the penumbral filaments. This is consistent with the wrapping of an inclined field around the horizontal filaments. The wrapping effect is stronger for filaments with larger horizontal extensions. In addition, we find that the external magnetic field can penetrate into the intraspines, leading to non-radial magnetic fields inside them. These findings shed some light on the controversial small-scale structure of the sunspot penumbra.
0712.2548v1
2007-12-18
Defect-induced ferromagnetism in fullerenes
Based on the ab initio electronic structure calculations the picture of ferromagnetism in polimerized C60 is proposed which seems to explain the whole set of controversial experimental data. We have demonstrated that, in contrast with cubic fullerene, in rhombohedral C60 the segregation of iron atoms is energetically unprofitable which is a strong argument in favor of intrinsic character of carbon ferromagnetism which can be caused by vacancies with unpaired magnetic electrons. It is shown that: (i) energy formation of the vacancies in the rhombohedral phase of C60 is essentially smaller than in the cubic phase, (ii) there is a strong ferromagnetic exchange interactions between carbon cages containing the vacancies, and (iii) the fusion of the magnetic vacancies into nonmagnetic bivacancy is energetically profitable. The latter can explain a fragility of the ferromagnetism.
0712.2928v2
2007-12-18
Metallicity estimates of Galactic Cepheids based on Walraven photometry
We present new empirical and theoretical calibrations of two photometric metallicity indices based on Walraven photometry. The empirical calibration relies on a sample of 48 Cepheids for which iron abundances based on high resolution spectra are available in the literature. They cover a broad range in metal abundance (-0.5 < [Fe/H] < +0.5) and the intrinsic accuracy of the Metallicity Index Color (MIC) relations is better than 0.2 dex. The theoretical calibration relies on a homogeneous set of scaled-solar evolutionary tracks for intermediate-mass stars and on pulsation predictions concerning the topology of the instability strip. The metal content of the adopted evolutionary tracks ranges from Z=0.001 to Z=0.03 and the intrinsic accuracy of the MIC relations is better than 0.1 dex.
0712.3006v1
2007-12-20
Determining element abundances of [WC]-type Central Stars for probing stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis
[WC]-type CSPNs are hydrogen-deficient Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae showing strong stellar winds and a carbon-rich chemistry. We have analyzed new high-resolution spectra of [WC]-type CSPNs with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) non-LTE expanding atmosphere models, using upgraded model atoms and atomic data. Previous analyses are repeated on the basis of the current models which account for iron-line blanketing. We especially focus on determining the chemical composition, including some trace elements like nitrogen which are of key importance for understanding the evolutionary origin of the hydrogen-deficient Central Stars.
0712.3453v1
2007-12-21
Criteria for mixing rules application for inhomogeneous astrophysical grains
The analysis presented in this paper verifies which of the mixing rules are best for real components of interstellar dust in possible wide range of wavelengths.The DDA method with elements of different components with various volume fractions has been used. We have considered 6 materials: ice, amorphous carbon, graphite, SiC, silicates and iron, and the following mixing rules: Maxwell-Garnett, Bruggeman, Looyenga, Hanay and Lichtenecker which must satisfy rigorous bounds. The porous materials have also been considered. We have assumed simplified spatial distribution, shape and size of inclusions. The criteria given by \citet{draine1988} have been used to determine the range of wavelengths for the considered mixtures in order to calculate the ${\rm Q_{ext}}$ using the DDA. From all chosen mixing rules for the examined materials in majority of cases (13 out of 20) the best results have been obtained using the Lichtenecker mixing rule. In 5 cases this rule is better for some volume fraction of inclusions.
0712.3796v3
2008-01-01
A Self-Consistent NLTE-Spectra Synthesis Model of FeLoBAL QSOs
We present detailed radiative transfer spectral synthesis models for the Iron Low Ionization Broad Absorption Line (FeLoBAL) active galactic nuclei (AGN) FIRST J121442.3+280329 and ISO J005645.1-273816. Detailed NLTE spectral synthesis with a spherically symmetric outflow reproduces the observed spectra very well across a large wavelength range. While exact spherical symmetry is probably not required, our model fits are of high quality and thus very large covering fractions are strongly implied by our results. We constrain the kinetic energy and mass in the ejecta and discuss their implications on the accretion rate. Our results support the idea that FeLoBALs may be an evolutionary stage in the development of more ``ordinary'' QSOs.
0801.0321v2
2008-01-03
Spin orbit precession damping in transition metal ferromagnets
We provide a simple explanation, based on an effective field, for the precession damping rate due to the spin-orbit interaction. Previous effective field treatments of spin-orbit damping include only variations of the state energies with respect to the magnetization direction, an effect referred to as the breathing Fermi surface. Treating the interaction of the rotating spins with the orbits as a perturbation, we include also changes in the state populations in the effective field. In order to investigate the quantitative differences between the damping rates of iron, cobalt, and nickel, we compute the dependence of the damping rate on the density of states and the spin-orbit parameter. There is a strong correlation between the density of states and the damping rate. The intraband terms of the damping rate depend on the spin-orbit parameter cubed while the interband terms are proportional to the spin-orbit parameter squared. However, the spectrum of band gaps is also an important quantity and does not appear to depend in a simple way on material parameters.
0801.0549v1
2008-01-04
Could the Ultra Metal-poor Stars be Chemically Peculiar and Not Related to the First Stars?
Chemically peculiar stars define a class of stars that show unusual elemental abundances due to stellar photospheric effects and not due to natal variations. In this paper, we compare the elemental abundance patterns of the ultra metal-poor stars with metallicities [Fe/H] $\sim -5 $ to those of a subclass of chemically peculiar stars. These include post-AGB stars, RV Tauri variable stars, and the Lambda Bootis stars, which range in mass, age, binarity, and evolutionary status, yet can have iron abundance determinations as low as [Fe/H] $\sim -5$. These chemical peculiarities are interpreted as due to the separation of gas and dust beyond the stellar surface, followed by the accretion of dust depleted-gas. Contrary to this, the elemental abundances in the ultra metal-poor stars are thought to represent yields of the most metal-poor supernova and, therefore, observationally constrain the earliest stages of chemical evolution in the Universe. The abundance of the elements in the photospheres of the ultra metal-poor stars appear to be related to the condensation temperature of that element; if so, then their CNO abundances suggest true metallicities of [X/H]~ -2 to -4, rather than their present metallicities of [Fe/H] < -5.
0801.0752v1
2008-01-14
The Effects of Mass Loss on the Evolution of Chemical Abundances in Fm Stars
Self-consistent stellar models including all effects of atomic diffusion and radiative accelerations as well as mass loss are evolved from the pre main sequence for stars of 1.35-1.5, M$_{\odot}$ at solar metallicity (Z=0.02). A mass loss rate similar to the solar mass loss rate is sufficient to reproduce observations of the star $\tau$UMa. We discuss the effect of mass loss on the iron convection zone that naturally appears beneath the main hydrogen convection zone of these stars. We also find that the effects of mass loss can be distinguished from those caused by turbulence, but are nevertheless able to explain the particularities of the AmFm phenomenon.
0801.2122v1
2008-01-16
Observing the strong gravity regime of accreting black holes with Simbol-X
The X-ray reflection features of irradiated accretion disks around black holes enable us to probe the effects of strong gravity. We investigate to which precision the reflection signs, i.e. the iron K-line and the Comptonized hump, can be observed with Simbol-X for nearby Seyfert galaxies. The simulations presented include accurate computations of the local reprocessed spectra and modifications due to general relativistic effects in the vicinity of the black hole. We discuss the impact of global black hole parameters and of the irradiation pattern of the disk on the resulting spectra as they will be detected by the Simbol-X mission.
0801.2450v2
2008-01-17
Abundances of Planetary Nebula NGC2392
The spectra of the planetary nebula NGC2392 is reanalysed using spectral measurements made in the mid-infrared with the Spitzer Space Telescope. The aim is to determine the chemical composition of this object. We also make use of IUE and ground based spectra. Abundances determined from the mid-infrared lines, which are insensitive to electron temperature, are used as the basis for the determination of the composition, which are found to differ somewhat from earlier results. The abundances found, especially the low value of helium and oxygen, indicate that the central star was originally of rather low mass. Abundances of phosphorus, iron, silicon and chlorine have been determined for the first time in this nebula. The variation of electron temperature in this nebula is very clear reaching quite high values close to the center. The temperature of the central star is discussed in the light of the high observed stages of ionization. The nebular information indicates the spectrum of the star deviates considerably from a blackbody.
0801.2767v1
2008-01-18
Spectra of W$^{39+}$-W$^{47+}$ in the 12 nm to 20 nm region observed with an EBIT light source
We observed spectra of highly ionized tungsten in the extreme ultraviolet with an electron beam ion trap (EBIT) and a grazing incidence spectrometer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Stages of ionization were distinguished by varying the energy of the electron beam between 2.1 keV and 4.3 keV and correlating the energies with spectral line emergence. The spectra were calibrated by reference lines of highly ionized iron produced in the EBIT. Identification of the observed lines was aided by collisional-radiative modeling of the EBIT plasma. Good quantitative agreement was obtained between the modeling results and the experimental observations. Our line identifications complement recent results for W$^{40+}$-W$^{45+}$ observed in a tokamak plasma by P\"{u}tterich {\it et al} (\jpb {\bf 38}, 3071, 2005). For most lines we agree with their assignment of ionization stage. Additionally, we present new identifications for some allowed and forbidden lines of W$^{39+}$, W$^{44+}$, W$^{46+}$, and W$^{47+}$. The uncertainties of our wavelengths range from 0.002 nm to 0.010 nm.
0801.2817v1
2008-01-24
Accretion discs, coronae and jets in black hole binaries: prospects for Simbol-X
The phenomenology of accretion disc, coronnae and jets in X-ray binaries is rather well established. However the structure of the accretion flow in the various spectral states is still debated and the connection between the hot flow and compact jet is far from being understood. Simbol-X should address these two important questions in several ways. First, it will provide us with the capability of producing high sensivity, broad band spectra and therefore constrain simultaneously the shape and luminosity of all spectral components (iron line, reflection bump, thermal disc and comptonised emission) which in turn provides information on the geometry of the accretion flow. It will also determine the exact contribution of jets to the X-ray band both in bright and quiescent states. Finally it will shed new lights on the underlying mechanisms triggering spectral state transitions by allowing us to follow in exquisite details the rapid spectral evolution and its correlation with the radio jet emission during those transitions.
0801.3767v1
2008-01-30
X-ray Emissions from Three-dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic Coronal Accretion Flows
We calculate the radiation spectrum and its time variability of the black hole accretion disk-corona system based on the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulation. In explaining the spectral properties of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), it is often assumed that they consist of a geometrically thin, optically thick disk and hot, optically thin corona surrounding the thin disk. As for a model of the corona, we adopt the simulation data of three-dimensional, non-radiative MHD accretion flows calculated by Kato and coworkers, while for a thin disk we assume a standard type disk. We perform Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations in the corona, taking into account the Compton scattering of soft photons from the thin disk by hot thermal electrons and coronal irradiation heating of the thin disk, which emits blackbody radiation. By adjusting the density parameter of the MHD coronal flow, we can produce the emergent spectra which are consistent with those of typical Seyfert galaxies. Moreover, we find rapid time variability in X-ray emission spectra, originating from the density fluctuation produced by the magnetorotational instability in the MHD corona. The features of reflection component including iron fluorescent line emission are also briefly discussed.
0801.4613v1
2008-01-30
Cosmic Ray Velocity and Electric Charge Measurements in the AMS experiment
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) is a particle physics detector designed to measure charged cosmic ray spectra with energies up to the TeV region and with high energy photon detection capability up to few hundred GeV. It will be installed on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2008 and will operate for more than three years. Due to its large acceptance, the flight duration and the state-of-art of particle identification techniques, AMS will have a remarkable sensitivity on antimatter and dark matter searches. The addition of different detector systems provide AMS with complementary and redundant electric charge and velocity measurements. The velocity of singly charged particles is expected to be measured with a precision of 0.1% and charge separation up to iron is attainable. The AMS capability of measuring a large range of electric charges and accurate velocities, will largely contribute to a better understanding of cosmic ray production, acceleration and propagation mechanisms in the galaxy.
0801.4656v1
2008-02-06
Chandra unveils a binary Active Galactic Nucleus in Mrk463
We analyse Chandra, XMM-Newton and HST data of the double-nucleus Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy (ULIRG), Mrk463. The Chandra detection of two luminous ($\mathrm{L}_\mathrm{2-10 keV}=1.5\times10^{43}$ and $3.8\times10^{42}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$), unresolved nuclei in Mrk~463 indicates that this galaxy hosts a binary AGN, with a projected separation of $\simeq3.8$ kpc ($3.83\pm0.01$ arcsec). While the East nucleus was already known to be a Seyfert 2 (and this is further confirmed by our Chandra detection of a neutral iron line), this is the first unambiguous evidence in favour of the AGN nature of the West nucleus. Mrk463 is therefore the clearest case so far for a binary AGN, after NGC6240.
0802.0825v1
2008-02-12
Detection of supernovae neutrinos with neutrino-iron scattering
The $\nu_e-^{56}$Fe cross section is evaluated in the projected quasiparticle random phase approximation (PQRPA). This model solves the puzzle observed in RPA for nuclei with mass around $^{12}$C, because it is the only RPA model that treats the Pauli principle correctly. The cross sections as a function of the incident neutrino energy are compared with recent theoretical calculations of similar models. The average cross section weighted with the flux spectrum yields a good agreement with the experimental data. The expected number of events in the detection of supernova neutrinos is calculated for the LVD detector leading to an upper limit for the electron neutrino energy of particular importance in this experiment
0802.1553v2
2008-02-12
Giant orbital moments are responsible for the anisotropic magnetoresistance of atomic contacts
We study here, both experimentally and theoretically, the anisotropy of magnetoresistance in atomic contacts. Our measurements on iron break junctions reveal an abrupt and hysteretic switch between two conductance levels when a large applied field is continuously rotated. We show that this behaviour stems from the coexistence of two metastable electronic states which result from the anisotropy of electronic interactions responsible for the enhancement of orbital magnetization. In both states giant orbital moments appear on the low coordinated central atom in a realistic contact geometry. However they differ by their orientation, parallel or perpendicular, with respect to the axis of the contact. Our explanation is totally at variance with the usual model based on the band structure of a monatomic linear chain, which we argue cannot be applied to 3d ferromagnetic metals.
0802.1595v1
2008-02-12
Electronic transport in iron atomic contacts: from the infinite wire to realistic geometries
We present a theoretical study of spin polarized transport in Fe atomic contacts using a self-consistent tight-binding Hamiltonian in a non-orthogonal $s$, $p$ and $d$ basis set, the spin-polarization being obtained from a non-collinear Stoner-like model and the transmission probability from the Fisher-Lee formula. The behaviour of an infinite perfect Fe wire is compared with that of an infinite chain presenting geometric defects or magnetic walls and with that of a finite chain connected to infinite one-dimensional or three-dimensional leads. In the presence of defects or contacts the transmission probability of $d$ electrons is much more affected than that of $s$ electrons, in particular, contact effects may suppress some transmission channels. It is shown that the behaviour of an infinite wire is never obtained even in the limit of long chains connected to electrodes. The introduction of the spin-orbit coupling term in the Hamiltonian enables us to calculate the anisotropy of the magneto-resistance. Finally whereas the variation of the magneto-resistance as a function of the magnetization direction is step-like for an infinite wire, it becomes smooth in the presence of defects or contacts.
0802.1598v1
2008-02-28
On the Cepheid Metallicity Dichotomy
With the aid of stellar atmosphere models, we derive iron abundances [Fe/H] from the OGLE B, V, I photometry on the Magellanic Cloud Cepheids. We show that in both clouds the average metallicities of the first overtone variables are lower than those of the fundamental ones (by ~0.2 and ~0.3 dex in the LMC and SMC, respectively). Consequently, there is a correlation between the overall [Fe/H] and luminosity; the lower luminosity stars tend to be also of lower metallicity. These metallicity dependencies are concordant with the ones derived for the two types of double-mode Cepheids from pulsation theory. Yet another support of this dichotomy comes from the evolution theories that require lower metallicities for blue-looping low-luminosity stars than for high-luminosity ones. We also comment on the possibility of using period-luminosity-color relations to derive more accurate metallicities.
0802.4166v1
2008-03-04
Magneto-Dielectric phenomena in charge and spin frustrated system of layered iron oxide
Dielectric and magnetic phenomena in spin and charge frustrated system RFe2O4 (R is a rare-earth metal ion) are studied. An electronic model for charge, spin and orbital degrees in a pair of triangular-lattice planes is derived. We analyze this model by utilizing the mean-field approximation and the Monte-Carlo simulation in a finite size cluster. A three fold-type charge ordered structure with charge imbalance between the planes is stabilized in finite temperatures. This polar charge order is reinforced by spin ordering of Fe ions. This novel magneto-dielectric phenomenon is caused by spin frustration and charge-spin coupling in the exchange interaction. We show cross-correlation effect in magnetic- and electric-field responses. Oxygen deficiency effect as an impurity effect in a frustrated charge-spin coupled system is also examined.
0803.0394v1
2008-03-04
Light Vector Mesons in the Nuclear Medium
The light vector mesons ($\rho$, $\omega$, and $\phi$) were produced in deuterium, carbon, titanium, and iron targets in a search for possible in-medium modifications to the properties of the $\rho$ meson at normal nuclear densities and zero temperature. The vector mesons were detected with the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) via their decays to $e^{+}e^{-}$. The rare leptonic decay was chosen to reduce final-state interactions. A combinatorial background was subtracted from the invariant mass spectra using a well-established event-mixing technique. The $\rho$ meson mass spectrum was extracted after the $\omega$ and $\phi$ signals were removed in a nearly model-independent way. Comparisons were made between the $\rho$ mass spectra from the heavy targets ($A > 2$) with the mass spectrum extracted from the deuterium target. With respect to the $\rho$-meson mass, we obtain a small shift compatible with zero. Also, we measure widths consistent with standard nuclear many-body effects such as collisional broadening and Fermi motion.
0803.0492v1
2008-03-05
Hall effect and magnetoresistance in the normal state of the superconductor LaO$_{0.9}$F$_{0.1-x}$FeAs
By using a two-step method, we successfully synthesized the iron based new superconductor LaO$_{0.9}$F$_{0.1-x}$FeAs. The Hall effect and magnetoresistance were measured in wide temperature region. A negative Hall coefficient R_H has been found implying a dominant conduction by electron-like charge carriers in this material. The charge carrier density determined at 100K is about 9.8E20 cm-3, which is close to the cuprate superconductors. It is further found that the magnetoresistance does not follow the Kohler's law. Meanwhile, the Hall coefficient, the resistivity at 0T, and magnetoresistance all have an anomalous property at about 240K, which may be induced by the multi-band effect or by some exotic scattering mechanism.
0803.0623v3
2008-03-06
Properties of the ultraviolet flux of type Ia supernovae: an analysis with synthetic spectra of SN 2001ep and SN 2001eh
The spectral properties of type Ia supernovae in the ultraviolet (UV) are investigated using the early-time spectra of SN 2001ep and SN 2001eh obtained using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). A series of spectral models is computed with a Monte Carlo spectral synthesis code, and the dependence of the UV flux on the elemental abundances and the density gradient in the outer layers of the ejecta is tested. A large fraction of the UV flux is formed by reverse fluorescence scattering of photons from red to blue wavelengths. This process, combined with ionization shifts due to enhanced line blocking, can lead to a stronger UV flux as the iron-group abundance in the outer layers is increased, contrary to previous claims.
0803.0871v2
2008-03-06
Tight-Binding Theory of Manganese and Iron Oxides
The electronic structure is found to be understandable in terms of free-atom term values and universal interorbital coupling parameters, since self-consistent tight-binding calculations indicate that Coulomb shifts of the d-state energies are small. Special-point averages over the bands are seen to be equivalent to treatment of local octahedral clusters. The cohesive energy per manganese for MnO, Mn2O3, and MnO2, in which manganese exists in valence states Mn2+, Mn3+, and Mn4+, is very nearly the same and dominated by the transfer of manganese s electrons to oxygen p states. There are small corrections, one eV per Mn in all cases, from couplings of minority-spin states. Transferring one majority-spin electron from an upper cluster state to a nonbonding oxygen state adds 1.67 eV to the cohesion for Mn2O3, and two transfers adds twice that for MnO2 . The electronic and magnetic properties are consistent with this description and appear to be understandable in terms of the same parameters.
0803.0994v1
2008-03-17
Point-Contact Spectroscopy of Iron-Based Layered Superconductor LaO$_{0.9}$F$_{0.1-δ}$FeAs
We present point-contact spectroscopy data for junctions between a normal metal and the newly discovered F-doped superconductor LaO$_{0.9}$F$_{0.1-\delta}$FeAs (F-LaOFeAs). A zero-bias conductance peak was observed and its shape and magnitude suggests the presence of Andreev bound states at the surface of F-LaOFeAs, which provides a possible evidence of an unconventional pairing symmetry with a nodal gap function. The maximum gap value $\Delta_0\approx3.9\pm0.7$meV was determined from the measured spectra, in good agreement with the recent experiments on specific heat and lower critical field.
0803.2405v3
2008-03-20
Bimodality in low luminosity E and S0 galaxies
Stellar population characteristics are presented for a sample of low luminosity early-type galaxies (LLEs) in order to compare them with their more luminous counterparts. Long-slit spectra of a sample of 10 LLEs were taken with the ESO New Technology Telescope, selected for their low luminosities. Line strengths were measured on the Lick standard system. Lick indices for these LLEs were correlated with velocity dispersion (sigma), alongside published data for a variety of Hubble types. The LLEs were found to fall below an extrapolation of the correlation for luminous ellipticals and were consistent with the locations of spiral bulges in plots of line strengths versus sigma. Luminosity weighted average ages, metallicities and abundance ratios were estimated from chi-squared fitting of 19 Lick indices to predictions from simple stellar population models. The LLEs appear younger than luminous ellipticals and of comparable ages to spiral bulges. These LLEs show a bimodal metallicity distribution, consisting of a low metallicity group (possibly misclassified dwarf spheroidal galaxies) and a high metallicity group (similar to spiral bulges). Finally, they have low alpha-element to iron-peak abundance ratios indicative of slow, extended star formation.
0803.3025v1
2008-03-22
Iron-based layered superconductor LaO$_{1-x}$F$_x$FeAs: an antiferromagnetic semimetal
We have studied the newly found superconductor compound LaO$_{1-x}$F$_x$FeAs through the first-principles density functional theory calculations. We find that the parent compound LaOFeAs is a quasi-2-dimensional antiferromgnetic semimetal with most carriers being electrons and with a magnetic moment of $2.3\mu_B$ located around each Fe atom on the Fe-Fe square lattice. Furthermore this is a commensurate antiferromagnetic spin density wave due to the Fermi surface nesting, which is robust against the F-doping. The observed superconduction happens on the Fe-Fe antiferromagnetic layer, suggesting a new superconductivity mechanism, mediated by the spin fluctuations. An abrupt change on the Hall measurement is further predicted for the parent compound LaOFeAs.
0803.3286v1
2008-03-23
Unconventional pairing originating from disconnected Fermi surfaces in superconducting LaFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_x$}
For a newly discovered iron-based high $T_c$ superconductor LaFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_x$, we have constructed a minimal model, where inclusion of all the five Fe $d$ bands is found to be necessary. Random-phase approximation is applied to the model to investigate the origin of superconductivity. We conclude that the multiple spin fluctuation modes arising from the nesting across the disconnected Fermi surfaces realize an extended s-wave pairing, while d-wave pairing can also be another candidate.
0803.3325v2
2008-03-24
Fast Variability of Nonthermal X-Ray Emission in Cassiopeia A: Probing Electron Acceleration in Reverse-Shocked Ejecta
Recent discovery of the year-scale variability in the synchrotron X-ray emission of the supernova remnant (SNR) RX J1713.7-3946 has initiated our study of multi-epoch X-ray images and spectra of the young SNR Cassiopeia A based on the Chandra archive data taken in 2000, 2002, and 2004. We have found year-scale time variations in the X-ray intensity for a number of X-ray filaments or knots associated with the reverse-shocked regions. The X-ray spectra of the variable filaments are characterized by a featureless continuum, and described by a power law with a photon index within 1.9-2.3. The upper limits on the iron K-line equivalent width are 110 eV, which favors a synchrotron origin of the X-ray emission. The characteristic variability timescale of 4 yr can be explained by the effects of fast synchrotron cooling and diffusive shock acceleration with a plausible magnetic field of 1 mG. The X-ray variability provides a new effective way of studying particle acceleration at supernova shocks.
0803.3410v1
2008-03-24
Atomic Processes in Planetary Nebulae and H II Regions
Spectroscopic studies of Planetary Nebulae (PNe) and H {\sc ii} regions have driven much development in atomic physics. In the last few years the combination of a generation of powerful observatories, the development of ever more sophisticated spectral modeling codes, and large efforts on mass production of high quality atomic data have led to important progress in our understanding of the atomic spectra of such astronomical objects. In this paper I review such progress, including evaluations of atomic data by comparisons with nebular spectra, detection of spectral lines from most iron-peak elements and n-capture elements, observations of hyperfine emission lines and analysis of isotopic abundances, fluorescent processes, and new techniques for diagnosing physical conditions based on recombination spectra. The review is directed toward atomic physicists and spectroscopists trying to establish the current status of the atomic data and models and to know the main standing issues.
0803.3457v1
2008-03-25
The effect of rotation on the abundances of the chemical elements of the A-type stars in the Praesepe cluster
We study how chemical abundances of late B-, A- and early F-type stars evolve with time, and we search for correlations between the abundance of chemical elements and other stellar parameters, such as effective temperature and Vsini. We have observed a large number of B-, A- and F-type stars belonging to open clusters of different ages. In this paper we concentrate on the Praesepe cluster (log t = 8.85), for which we have obtained high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of sixteen normal A- and F-type stars and one Am star, using the SOPHIE spectrograph of the Observatoire de Haute-Provence. For all the observed stars, we have derived fundamental parameters and chemical abundances. In addition, we discuss another eight Am stars belonging to the same cluster, for which the abundance analysis had been presented in a previous paper. We find a strong correlation between peculiarity of Am stars and Vsini. The abundance of the elements underabundant in Am stars increases with Vsini, while it decreases for the overabundant elements. Chemical abundances of various elements appear correlated with the iron abundance.
0803.3540v1
2008-03-26
Realistic calculations of nuclear disappearance lifetimes induced by neutron-antineutron oscillations
Realistic calculations of nuclear disappearance lifetimes induced by neutron-antineutron oscillations are reported for oxygen and iron, using antineutron nuclear potentials derived from a recent comprehensive analysis of antiproton atomic X-ray and radiochemical data. A lower limit of 3.3 x 10E8 s on the neutron-antineutron oscillation time is derived from the Super-Kamiokande I new lower limit of 1.77 x 10E32 yr on the neutron lifetime in oxygen. Antineutron scattering lengths in carbon and nickel, needed in trap experiments using ultracold neutrons, are calculated from updated antinucleon optical potentials at threshold, with results shown to be largely model independent.
0803.3696v3
2008-03-29
Superconductivity at 52 K in iron-based F-doped layered quaternary compound Pr[O1-xFx]FeAs
Since the discovery of copper oxide superconductor in 1986 [1], extensive efforts have been devoted to the search of new high-Tc superconducting materials, especially high-Tc systems other than cuprates. The recently discovered quaternary superconductor La[O1-xFx]FeAs with the superconducting critical transition Tc of 26 K [2], which has a much simple layered structure compared with cuprates, has attracted quick enthusiasm and is going to become a new high-Tc system [3-6]. Here we report the discovery of bulk superconductivity in the praseodymium-arsenide oxides Pr[O1-xFx]FeAs with an onset drop of resistivity as high as 52 K, and the unambiguous zero-resistivity and Meissner transition at low temperature, which will place these quaternary compounds to another high-Tc superconducting system explicitly.
0803.4283v1
2008-04-01
Structural identification of cubic iron-oxide nanocrystal mixtures: X-ray powder diffraction versus quasi-kinematic transmission electron microscopy
Two novel (and proprietary) strategies for the structural identification of a nanocrystal from either a single high-resolution (HR) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image or a single precession electron diffraction pattern are proposed and their advantages discussed in comparison to structural fingerprinting from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Simulations for cubic magnetite and maghemite nanocrystals are used as examples. This is an expanded and updated version of a conference paper that has been published in Suppl. Proc. of TMS 2008, 137th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Volume 1, Materials Processing and Properties, pp. 25-32.
0804.0063v1
2008-04-06
Mott State and Quantum Critical Points in Rare-Earth Oxypnictides $RO_{1-x}F_xFeAs$ ($R=La, Sm, Nd, Pr, Ce$)
We investigate the magnetic phase diagram of the newly discovered iron-based high temperature oxypnictide superconductors of the type RO$_{1-x}$F$_x $FeAs, with rare earths R=La, Sm, Nd, Pr and Ce by means of {\it ab initio} SGGA and SGGA+U density functional computations. We find undoped LaOFeAs to be a Mott insulator when incorporating electronic correlations via SGGA+U for any physically relevant value of $U$. The doped compounds are according to SGGA conductors with a transition from an antiferromagnetic to a non-magnetic state at a hole doping of concentration $x_c$=0.075 for R=Nd, Pr and at electron doping $x_c$=0.25 for Ce and 0.6 for Sm. Superconductivity in these rare-earth oxypnictides thus appears in the vicinity of a magnetic quantum critical point where electronic correlations are expected to play an important role because of the vicinity of a Mott insulating state at zero doping.
0804.0866v3
2008-04-07
The Wall and The Ball: A Study of Domain Referent Spreadsheet Errors
The Cell Error Rate in simple spreadsheets averages about 2% to 5%. This CER has been measured in domain free environments. This paper compares the CERs occurring in domain free and applied domain tasks. The applied domain task requires the application of simple linear algebra to a costing problem. The results show that domain referent knowledge influences participants' approaches to spreadsheet creation and spreadsheet usage. The conclusion is that spreadsheet error making is influenced by domain knowledge and domain perception. Qualitative findings also suggest that spreadsheet error making is a part of overall human behaviour, and ought to be analyzed against this wider canvas.
0804.0943v1
2008-04-10
Theory of magnetic excitations in iron-based layered superconductors
Based on the effective four-band model we analyze the spin response in the normal and superconducting states of the Fe-pnictide superconductors. While the normal state spin excitations are dominated by the continuum of the interorbital antiferromagnetic fluctuations and the intraband spin density wave fluctuations, the unconventional superconductivity yields different feedback. The resonance peak in form of the well-defined spin exciton occurs {\it only} for the interband scattering at the antiferromagnetic momentum ${\bf Q}_{AFM}$ for the $s_\pm$ (extended s-wave) superconducting order parameter and it disappears rapidly for ${\bf q} < {\bf Q}_{AFM}$. The resonance feature is extremely weak for the $d_{x^2 -y^2}$-wave order parameter due to specific Fermi surface topology of these compounds. The essential difference between $s_\pm$-wave and $d_{x^2 -y^2}$-wave symmetries for the magnetic excitations can be used for experimental determination of the superconducting wave function symmetry.
0804.1793v2
2008-04-16
Superconductivity and Phase Diagram in the Iron-based Arsenic-oxides ReFeAsO1-delta (Re = rare earth metal) without F-Doping
Here we report a new class of superconductors prepared by high pressure synthesis in the quaternary family ReFeAsO1-delta (Re = Sm, Nd, Pr, Ce, La) without fluorine doping. The onset superconducting critical temperature (Tc) in these compounds increases with the reduction of Re atom size, and the highest Tc obtained so far is 55 K in SmFeAsO1-delta. For the NdFeAsO1-delta system with different oxygen concentration a dome-shaped phase diagram was found.
0804.2582v3
2008-04-21
Probing protoneutron star density profile from neutrino signals
Supernovae of Type II is a phenomenon that occurs at the end of evolution of massive stars when the iron core of the star exceeds a mass limit. After collapse of the core under gravity the shock wave alone does not succeed in expelling the mass of the star and in this sense the role of neutrinos is the most important mechanism to do so. During the emission of neutrinos flavor conversion is possible, related the phenomenon of oscillations, which however depends directly on the particular density profile of the medium. In this paper we present results of numerical simulations of neutrino flavor conversion in protoneutron stars and after collapse. The probabilities of survival for a given flavor in a complete three-flavors framework is estimated through an algorithm which conserves unitarity to a high degree of accuracy. The sensitivity of the results to the different adopted models for the protoneutron star structure is examined in detail demonstrating how the neutrino signal could be used to check the validity of models.
0804.3247v1
2008-04-23
Superconductivity at 53.5 K in GdFeAsO1-delta
Here we report the fabrication and superconductivity of the iron-based arsenic-oxide GdFeAsO1-delta compound with oxygen-deficiency, which has an onset resistivity transition temperature at 53.5 K. This material has a same crystal structure as the newly discovered high-Tc ReFeAsO1-delta family (Re = rare earth metal) and a further reduced crystal lattice, while the Tc starts to decrease compared with the SmFeAsO1-delta system.
0804.3727v3
2008-04-28
Thorium-doping induced superconductivity up to 56 K in Gd1-xThxFeAsO
Following the discovery of superconductivity in an iron-based arsenide LaO1-xFxFeAs with a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 26 K[1], Tc was pushed up surprisingly to above 40 K by either applying pressure[2] or replacing La with Sm[3], Ce[4], Nd[5] and Pr[6]. The maximum Tc has climbed to 55 K, observed in SmO1-xFxFeAs[7, 8] and SmFeAsO1-x[9]. The value of Tc was found to increase with decreasing lattice parameters in LnFeAsO1-xFx (Ln stands for the lanthanide elements) at an apparently optimal doping level. However, the F- doping in GdFeAsO is particularly difficult[10,11] due to the lattice mismatch between the Gd2O2 layers and Fe2As2 layers. Here we report observation of superconductivity with Tc as high as 56 K by the Th4+ substitution for Gd3+ in GdFeAsO. The incorporation of relatively large Th4+ ions relaxes the lattice mismatch, hence induces the high temperature superconductivity.
0804.4290v2
2008-05-02
Commensurate Spin Density Wave in LaOFeAs: A Local Probe Study
We present a detailed study on the magnetic order in the undoped mother compound LaOFeAs of the recently discovered Fe-based superconductor LaO$_{1-x}$F$_x$FeAs. In particular, we present local probe measurements of the magnetic properties of LaOFeAs by means of $^{57}$Fe M\"ossbauer spectroscopy and muon spin relaxation in zero external field along with magnetization and resistivity studies. These experiments prove a commensurate static magnetic order with a strongly reduced ordered moment of 0.25(5) $\mu_B$ at the iron site below T_N = 138 K, well separated from a structural phase transition at T_N = 156 K. The temperature dependence of the sublattice magnetization is determined and compared to theory. Using a four-band spin density wave model both, the size of the order parameter and the quick saturation below T_N are reproduced.
0805.0264v2
2008-05-06
Flux-lattice melting in LaO$_{1-x}$F$_{x}$FeAs: first-principles prediction
We report the theoretical study of the flux-lattice melting in the novel iron-based superconductor $LaO_{0.9}F_{0.1}FeAs$ and $LaO_{0.925}F_{0.075}FeAs$. Using the Hypernetted-Chain closure and an efficient algorithm, we calculate the two-dimensional one-component plasma pair distribution functions, static structure factors and direct correlation functions at various temperatures. The Hansen-Verlet freezing criterion is shown to be valid for vortex-liquid freezing in type-II superconductors. Flux-lattice meting lines for $LaO_{0.9}F_{0.1}FeAs$ and $LaO_{0.925}F_{0.075}FeAs$ are predicted through the combination of the density functional theory and the mean-field substrate approach.
0805.0632v2
2008-05-06
Pulsation-Initiated Mass Loss in Luminous Blue Variables: A Parameter Study
Luminous blue variables (LBVs) are characterized by semi-periodic episodes of enhanced mass-loss, or outburst. The cause of these outbursts has thus far been a mystery. One explanation is that they are initiated by kappa-effect pulsations in the atmosphere caused by an increase in luminosity at temperatures near the so-called ``iron bump'' (T ~ 200,000 K), where the Fe opacity suddenly increases. Due to a lag in the onset of convection, this luminosity can build until it exceeds the Eddington limit locally, seeding pulsations and possibly driving some mass from the star. We present some preliminary results from a parameter study focusing on the conditions necessary to trigger normal S-Dor type (as opposed to extreme eta-Car type) outbursts. We find that as Y increases or Z decreases, the pulsational amplitude decreases and outburst-like behavior, indicated by a large, sudden increase in photospheric velocity, becomes likes likely.
0805.0764v1
2008-05-07
Processing and Characterization of Precision Microparts from Nickel-based Materials
The objective of this research was to study the influence of electroplating parameters on electrodeposit characteristics for the production of nickel (Ni) and nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) microparts by photoelectroforming. The research focused on the most relevant parameter for industry, which is the current density, because it determines the process time and the consumed energy. The results of the Ni and Ni-Fe characterisations can be divided into two aspects closely linked with each other ; the morphology and the hardness.
0805.0866v1
2008-05-09
Evidence for electromagnetic granularity in the polycrystalline iron-based superconductor LaO0.89F0.11FeAs
The new rare-earth arsenate superconductors are layered, low carrier density compounds with many similarities to the high-Tc cuprates. An important question is whether they also exhibit weak-coupling across randomly oriented grain-boundaries. In this work we show considerable evidence for such weak-coupling by study of the dependence of magnetization in bulk and powdered samples. Bulk sample magnetization curves show very little hysteresis while remanent magnetization shows almost no sample size dependence, even after powdering. We conclude that these samples exhibit substantial electromagnetic granularity on a scale approximating the grain size, though we cannot yet determine whether this is intrinsic or extrinsic.
0805.1282v1
2008-05-12
MOST detects SPBe pulsations in HD 127756 & HD 217543: Asteroseismic rotation rates independent of vsini
The MOST (Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars) satellite has discovered SPBe (Slowly Pulsating Be) oscillations in the stars HD 127756 (B1/B2 Vne) and HD 217543 (B3 Vpe). For HD 127756, 30 significant frequencies are identified from 31 days of nearly continuous photometry; for HD 217543, up to 40 significant frequencies from 26 days of data. In both cases, the oscillations fall into three distinct frequency ranges, consistent with models of the stars. The variations are caused by nonradial g-modes (and possibly r-modes) distorted by rapid rotation and excited by the opacity mechanism near the iron opacity bump. A comparison of pulsation models and observed frequency groups yields a rotation frequency for each star, independently of vsini. The rotation rates of these stars, as well as those of the SPBe stars previously discovered by MOST, HD 163868 and $\beta$ CMi, are all close to their critical values.
0805.1720v1
2008-05-14
Intrinsic Properties of Stoichiometric LaOFeP
DC and ac magnetization, resistivity, specific heat, and neutron diffraction data reveal that stoichiometric LaOFeP is metallic and non-superconducting above T = 0.35 K, with gamma = 12.5 mJ/mol*K. Neutron diffraction data at room temperature and T = 10 K are well described by the stoichiometric, tetragonal ZrCuSiAs structure and show no signs of structural distortions or long range magnetic ordering, to an estimated detectability limit of 0.07 uB/Fe. We propose a model, based on the shape of the iron-pnictide tetrahedron, that explains the differences between LaOFeP and LaOFeAs, the parent compound of the recently discovered high-Tc oxyarsenides, which, in contrast, shows both structural and spin density wave (SDW) transitions.
0805.2149v1
2008-05-14
Theory of the Magnetic Moment in Iron Pnictides
We show that the combined effects of spin-orbit, monoclinic distortion, and p-d hybridization in tetrahedrally coordinated Fe in LaOFeAs invalidates the naive Hund's rule filling of the Fe d-levels. The two highest occupied levels have one electron each but as a result of the p-d hybridization have very different on-site repulsions. As a result, electrons in the upper level are more itinerant while those in the lower level are more localized. It is the xy-projection of the spin in the lower level that orders antiferromagnetically as the z-components of the spins in the two levels is shown to be vanishingly small in the ground state. The resulting magnetic moment is highly anisotropic with an in-plane value of $0.25-0.35\mu_B$ per Fe and a z-projection of $0.06\mu_B$, both of which are in agreement with experiment. As a consequence, we arrive the minimal model that describes the electronic properties of LaOFeAs.
0805.2167v2
2008-05-14
MuSR studies of RE(O,F)FeAs (RE = La, Nd, Ce) and LaOFeP systems: possible incommensurate/stripe magnetism and superfluid density
Muon spin relaxation (MuSR) measurements in iron oxy-pnictide systems have revealed: (1) commensurate long-range order in undoped LaOFeAs; (2) Bessel function line shape in La(O0.97F0.03)FeAs which indicates possible incommensurate or stripe magnetism; (3) anomalous weak magnetism existing in superconducting LaOFeP, Ce(O0.84F0.16)FeAs, and Nd(O0.88F0.12)FeAs but absent in superconducting La(O0.92F0.08)FeAs; and (4) scaling of superfluid density and Tc in the Ce, La, and Nd-FeAs superconductors following a nearly linear relationship found in cuprates.
0805.2186v1
2008-05-19
Suzaku Observation of Group of Galaxies NGC 507: Temperature and Metal Distributions in the Intra-cluster Medium
Temperature and abundance distributions of the intra-cluster medium (ICM) in the NGC 507 group of galaxies were studied with Suzaku. Observed concentric annular spectra were well-represented by a two temperature model for ICM, and we found steeper abundance gradients for Mg, Si, S, and Fe compared with O in the central region. Abundance ratios of alpha-elements to iron were found to be similar to those in other groups and poor clusters. We calculated metal mass-to-light ratios for Fe, O and Mg (IMLR, OMLR, MMLR) for NGC 507, and values for different systems were compared. Hotter and richer systems tend to show higher values of IMLR, OMLR, and MMLR. OMLR and MMLR were measured to an outer region for the first time with Suzaku, while IMLR was consistent with that with ASCA. We also looked into 2-dimensional map of the hardness ratio, but found no significant deviation from the circular symmetry.
0805.2771v1
2008-05-19
Impact of impellers on the axisymmetric magnetic mode in the VKS2 dynamo experiment
In the VKS2 (von K\'arm\'an Sodium 2) successful dynamo experiment of September 2006, the magnetic field that was observed showed a strong axisymmetric component, implying that non axisymmetric components of the flow field were acting. By modeling the induction effect of the spiraling flow between the blades of the impellers in a kinematic dynamo code, we find that the axisymmetric magnetic mode is excited and becomes dominant in the vicinity of the dynamo threshold. % The control parameters are the magnetic Reynolds number of the mean flow, the coefficient measuring the induction effect, $\alpha$, and the type of boundary conditions (vacuum for steel impellers and normal field for soft iron impellers). We show that using realistic values of $\alpha$, the observed critical magnetic Reynolds number, $Rm^c \approx 32$, can be reached easily with ferromagnetic boundary conditions. We conjecture that the dynamo action achieved in this experiment may not be related to the turbulence in the bulk of the flow, but rather to the alpha effect induced by the impellers.
0805.2805v2
2008-05-19
Electromagnetic properties and electronic structure of iron-based layered superconductor LaOFeP
Structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of undoped and aliovalent-ion (Ca, F)-doped LaOFeP, which undergo superconducting transitions at transition temperatures (Tc) 4-7 K [Kamihara et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128, 10012, (2006)], were investigated. Tc of the samples varied from 2.4 to 5.5 K in the undoped samples, and was increased up to ~7 K by Ca- and F-doping. The Tc increases are correlated with a decrease in the lattice volume. LaOFeP exhibits paramagnetism in the normal conducting state. Photoemission spectroscopy combined with first-principle band calculations clarified that Fe 3d (dz2 + (dxz, dyz)) orbitals hybridized with P 3p to form a Fermi surface. The band calculations also suggest that the 3d electron of the Fe in LaOFeP is basically in the low-spin configuration, and that the spin moment of LaOFeP is almost quenched, leading to the paramagnetism of the itinerant electrons.
0805.2983v1
2008-05-21
A Numerical Renormalization Group Study of the Superconducting and Spin Density Wave Instabilities in MFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_x$ Compounds
We apply the fermion renormalization group method, implemented numerically by Honerkamp et.al., to a two-band model of FeAs-based materials. At half filling we find the $(\pi,0)$ or $(0,\pi)$ spin density wave order and a sub-dominant superconducting pairing tendency. Due to a topological reason, the spin density wave gap has nodes on the fermi surfaces. Away from half filling we find an unconventional s-wave and a sub-dominant $d_{x^2-y^2}$ pairing instability. The former has $s$ symmetry around the hole fermi surface but exhibits $s+d_{x^2-y^2}$ symmetry around the electron pockets where the 90 degree rotation is broken. The pairing mechanism is inter-pocket pair hopping. Interestingly, the same interaction also drives the antiferromagnetism.
0805.3343v3
2008-05-22
Pseudogap Value in the Energy Spectrum of LaOFeAs: Fixed Spin Moment Treatment
The experimental data available up to date in literature corresponding to the paramagnetic - spin density wave transition in nonsuperconducting LaOFeAs are discussed. In particular, we pay attention that upon spin density wave transition there is a relative decrease of the density of states on the Fermi level and a pseudogap formation. The values of these quantities are not properly described in frames of the density functional theory. The agreement of them with experimental estimations becomes more accurate with the use of fixed spin moment procedure when iron spin moment is set to experimental value. Strong electron correlations which are not included into the present calculation scheme may lead both to the decrease of spin moment and renormalization of energy spectrum in the vicinity of the Fermi level for correct description of discussed characteristics.
0805.3453v1
2008-05-22
The Araucaria Project: the Local Group Galaxy WLM--Distance and metallicity from quantitative spectroscopy of blue Supergiants
The quantitative analysis of low resolution spectra of A and B supergiants is used to determine a distance modulus of 24.99 +/- 0.10 mag (995 +/- 46 Kpc) to the Local Group galaxy WLM. The analysis yields stellar effective temperatures and gravities, which provide a distance through the Flux weighted Gravity--Luminosity Relationship (FGLR). Our distance is 0.07 mag larger than the most recent results based on Cepheids and the tip of the RGB. This difference is within the 1-sigma overlap of the typical uncertainties quoted in these photometric investigations. In addition, non-LTE spectral synthesis of the rich metal line spectra (mostly iron, chromium and titanium) of the A supergiants is carried out, which allows the determination of stellar metallicities. An average metallicity of -0.87 +/- 0.06 dex with respect to solar metallicity is found.
0805.3555v1
2008-05-30
Chemical Abundances in 35 Metal-Poor Stars. I. Basic Data
We carried out a homogeneous abundance study for various elements, including $\alpha$-elements, iron peak elements and $n$-capture elements for 35 metal-poor stars with a wide metallicity range ($-3.0\lesssim$[Fe/H]$\lesssim-0.5$). High-resolution ($R\simeq30$k), high signal-to-noise($S/N\geq110$) spectra with a wavelength range of 3800 to 10500 \AA using the Bohyunsan Optical Echelle Spectrograph (BOES). Equivalent widths were measured by means of the Gaussian-fitting method for numerous isolated weak lines of elements. Atmospheric parameters were determined by a self-consistent LTE analysis technique using Fe I and Fe II lines. In this study, we present the EWs of lines and atmospheric parameters for 35 metal-poor stars.
0805.4663v1
2008-06-03
Critical Fields and Anisotropy of NdO0.82F0.18FeAs Single Crystals
The newly discovered iron-based superconductors have stimulated enormous interests in the field of superconductivity. Since the new superconductor is a layered system, the anisotropy is a parameter with the first priority to know. Meanwhile any relevant message about the critical fields (upper critical field and irreversibility line) are essentially important. By using flux method, we have successfully grown the single crystals NdO0.82F0.18FeAs at ambient pressure. Resistive measurements reveal a surprising discovery that the anisotropy \Gamma = (mc/mab)^{1/2} is below 5, which is much smaller than the theoretically calculated results. The data measured up to 400 K show a continuing curved feature which prevents a conjectured linear behavior for an unconventional metal. The upper critical fields determined based on the Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg formula are H_{c2}^{H||ab}(T=0 K) = 304 T and H_{c2}^{H||c}(T=0 K)=62-70 T, indicating a very encouraging application of the new superconductors.
0806.0532v1
2008-06-04
Symmetry of superconducting states with two orbitals on a tetragonal lattice: application to $LaO_{1-x}F_{x}FeAs$
We use group theory to classify the superconducting states of systems with two orbitals on a tetragonal lattice. The orbital part of the superconducting gap function can be either symmetric or anti-symmetric. For the orbital symmetric state, the parity is even for spin singlet and odd for spin triplet; for the orbital anti-symmetric state, the parity is odd for spin singlet and even for spin triplet. The gap basis functions are obtained with the use of the group chain scheme by taking into account the spin-orbit coupling. In the weak pairing limit, the orbital anti-symmetric state is only stable for the degenerate orbitals. Possible application to iron-based superconductivity is discussed.
0806.0712v3
2008-06-04
Electronic structure of oxygen-free 38K superconductor Ba1-xKxFe2As2 in comparison with BaFe2As2 from first principles
Based on first-principles FLAPW-GGA calculation, we have investigated electronic structure of newly discovered oxygen-free 38K superconductor Ba1-xKxFe2As2 in comparison with parent phase - tetragonal ternary iron arsenide BaFe2As2. The density of states, magnetic properties, near-Fermi bands compositions, together with Sommerfeld coefficients and molar Pauli paramagnetic susceptibility are evaluated. The results allow us to classify these systems as quasi-two-dimensional ionic metals, where the conduction is strongly anisotropic, only happening on the (Fe-As) layers. According to our calculations, at the hole doping of BaFe2As2 the density of states at the Fermi level grows, and this can be a possible factor of occurrence of superconductivity for Ba1-xKxFe2As2. On the other hand, Ba1-xKxFe2As2 lays at the border of magnetic instability and the pairing interactions might involve magnetic or orbital fluctuations.
0806.0750v1
2008-06-04
Valence band and core level photoemission spectros-copy of LaFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_{x}$
We have investigated the electronic structure of LaFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_{x}$ (x = 0; 0.1; 0.2) by angle-integrated photoemission spectroscopy and local density approximation (LDA) based band structure calculations. The valence band consists of a low energy peak at E = -0.25 eV and a broad structure around E = -5 eV in qualitative agreement with LDA. From the photon energy dependence of these peaks we conclude that the former derives almost exclusively from Fe 3d states. This constitutes experimental evidence for the strong iron character of the relevant states in a broad window around EF and confirms theoretical predictions.
0806.0833v2
2008-06-06
Superconductivity in hole-doped (Sr$_{1-x}$K$_x$)Fe$_2$As$_2$
A series of layered (Sr$_{1-x}$K$_x$)Fe$_2$As$_2$ compounds with nominal x=0 to 0.40 are synthesized by solid state reaction method. Similar to other parent compounds of iron-based pnictide superconductors, the pure SrFe$_2$As$_2$ shows a strong resistivity anomaly near 210 K, which was ascribed to the spin-density-wave instability. The anomaly temperature is much higher than those observed in LaOFeAs and BaFe$_2$As$_2$, the two prototype parent compounds with ZrCuSiAs- and ThCr$_2$Si$_2$-type structures. K-doping strongly suppresses this anomaly and induces superconductivity. Like in the case of K-doped BaFe$_2$As$_2$, sharp superconducting transitions at T$_c\sim$38 K was observed. We performed the Hall coefficient measurement, and confirmed that the dominant carriers are hole-type. The carrier density is enhanced by a factor of 3 in comparison to F-doped LaOFeAs superconductor.
0806.1209v1
2008-06-09
Non-LTE Spectral Analysis of Extremely Hot Post-AGB Stars: Constraints for Evolutionary Theory
Spectral analysis by means of Non-LTE model-atmosphere techniques has arrived at a high level of sophistication: fully line-blanketed model atmospheres which consider opacities of all elements from H to Ni allow the reliable determination of photospheric parameters of hot, compact stars. Such models provide a crucial test of stellar evolutionary theory: recent abundance determinations of trace elements like, e.g., F, Ne, Mg, P, S, Ar, Fe, and Ni are suited to investigate on AGB nucleosynthesis. E.g., the strong Fe depletion found in hydrogen-deficient post-AGB stars is a clear indication of an efficient s-process on the AGB where Fe is transformed into Ni or even heavier trans iron-group elements. We present results of recent spectral analyses based on high-resolution UV observations of hot stars.
0806.1432v1
2008-06-16
Structural and magnetic phase diagram of CeFeAsO1-xFx and its relationship to high-temperature superconductivity
We use neutron scattering to study the structural and magnetic phase transitions in the iron pnictides CeFeAsO1-xFx as the system is tuned from a semimetal to a high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) superconductor through Fluorine (F) doping x. In the undoped state, CeFeAsO develops a structural lattice distortion followed by a stripe like commensurate antiferromagnetic order with decreasing temperature. With increasing Fluorine doping, the structural phase transition decreases gradually while the antiferromagnetic order is suppressed before the appearance of superconductivity, resulting an electronic phase diagram remarkably similar to that of the high-Tc copper oxides. Comparison of the structural evolution of CeFeAsO1-xFx with other Fe-based superconductors reveals that the effective electronic band width decreases systematically for materials with higher Tc. The results suggest that electron correlation effects are important for the mechanism of high-Tc superconductivity in these Fe pnictides.
0806.2528v1
2008-06-16
Antiferromagnetic transition in EuFe$_2$As$_2$: A possible parent compound for superconductors
Ternary iron arsenide EuFe$_2$As$_2$ with ThCr$_2$Si$_2$-type structure has been studied by magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, thermopower, Hall and specific heat measurements. The compound undergoes two magnetic phase transitions at about 200 K and 20 K, respectively. The former was found to be accompanied with a slight drop in magnetic susceptibility (after subtracting the Curie-Weiss paramagnetic contribution), a rapid decrease in resistivity, a large jump in thermopower and a sharp peak in specific heat with decreasing temperature, all of which point to a spin-density-wave-like antiferromagnetic transition. The latter was proposed to be associated with an A-type antiferromagnetic ordering of Eu$^{2+}$ moments. Comparing with the physical properties of the iso-structural compounds BaFe$_2$As$_2$ and SrFe$_2$As$_2$, we expect that superconductivity could be induced in EuFe$_2$As$_2$ through appropriate doping.
0806.2591v2
2008-06-16
Electronic structure and exotic exchange splitting in spin-density-wave states of BaFe$_2$As$_2$
The magnetic properties in the parent compounds are often intimately related to the microscopic mechanism of superconductivity. Here we report the first direct measurements on the electronic structure of a parent compound of the newly discovered iron-based superconductor, BaFe$_2$As$_2$, which provides a foundation for further studies. We show that the energy of the spin density wave (SDW) in BaFe$_2$As$_2$ is lowered through exotic exchange splitting of the band structure, rather than Fermi surface nesting of itinerant electrons. This clearly demonstrates that a metallic SDW state could be solely induced by interactions of local magnetic moments, resembling the nature of antiferromagnetic order in cuprate parent compounds.
0806.2627v2
2008-06-22
Thermodynamic properties of Ba1-xMxFe2As2 (M = La and K)
The specific heat $C(T)$ of BaFe$_2$As$_2$ single crystal, electron-doped Ba$_{0.7}$La$_{0.3}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ and hole-doped Ba$_{0.5}$K$_{0.5}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ polycrystals were measured. For undoped BaFe$_2$As$_2$ single crystal, a very sharp specific heat peak was observed at 136 K. This is attributed to the structural and antiferromagnetic transitions occurring at the same temperature. $C(T)$ of the electron-doped non-superconducting Ba$_{0.7}$La$_{0.3}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ also shows a small peak at 120 K, indicating a similar but weaker structural/antiferromagnetic transition. For the hole-doped superconducting Ba$_{0.5}$K$_{0.5}$Fe$_2$As$_2$, a clear peak of $C/T$ was observed at $T_c$ = 36 K, which is the highest peak seen at superconducting transition for iron-based high-$T_c$ superconductors so far. The electronic specific heat coefficient $\gamma$ and Debye temperature $\Theta_D$ of these compounds were obtained from the low temperature data.
0806.3573v2
2008-06-24
Electronic Structure and Electron Correlation in LaFeAsO_{1-x}F_x and LaFePO_{1-x}F_x
Photoemission spectroscopy is used to investigate the electronic structure of the newly discovered iron-based superconductors LaFeAsO_{1-x}F_x and LaFePO_{1-x}F_x. Line shapes of the Fe 2p core-level spectra suggest an itinerant character of Fe 3d electrons. The valence-band spectra are generally consistent with band-structure calculations except for the shifts of Fe 3d-derived peaks toward the Fermi level. From spectra taken in the Fe 3p -> 3d core-absorption region, we have obtained the experimental Fe 3d partial density of states, and explained it in terms of a band-structure calculation with a phenomenological self-energy correction, yielding a mass renormalization factor of ~< 2.
0806.3860v1
2008-06-26
High Energy Observations of AGN Jets and their Future Prospects
In next five years, dramatic progress is anticipated for the AGN studies, as we have two important missions to observe celestial sources in the high energy regime: GLAST and Suzaku. In this talk, I will summarize recent highlights in studies of AGN jets, focusing on the high-sensitivity X-ray observations that may shed new light on the forthcoming GLAST era. I will especially present some examples from most recent Suzaku observations of blazars, which provides important hints for the shock acceleration in sub-pc scale jets, as well as particle content in jets. Then I will focus on the neutral iron-line feature observed in some broad line radio galaxies, as a probe of jet launching and/or the disk-jet connection. Finally, I will discuss new results of large scale (kpc to Mpc) jets recently resolved with Chandra X-ray observatory. Simultaneous monitoring observations in various wavelengths will be particularly valuable for variable blazar sources, allowing the cross correlations of time series as well as detailed modeling of the spectral evolution between the X-ray and gamma-ray energy bands. Possible impacts of these new observations across the electromagnetic spectrum on various spatial scales are discussed to challenge the long-standing mystery of AGN jet sources.
0806.4240v1
2008-07-03
Coulomb Parameter U and Correlation Strength in LaFeAsO
First principles constrained density functional theory scheme in Wannier functions formalism has been used to calculate Coulomb repulsion U and Hund's exchange J parameters for iron 3d electrons in LaFeAsO. Results strongly depend on the basis set used in calculations: when O-2p, As-4p, and Fe-3d orbitals and corresponding bands are included, computation results in U=3-4 eV, however, with the basis set restricted to Fe-3d orbitals and bands only, computation gives parameters corresponding to F^0=0.8 eV, J=0.5 eV. LDA+DMFT (the Local Density Approximation combined with the Dynamical Mean-Field Theory) calculation with this parameters results in weakly correlated electronic structure that is in agreement with X-ray experimental spectra.
0807.0547v1
2008-07-04
Pressure Effect on Superconductivity of Iron-based Arsenic-oxide ReFeAsO0.85 (Re=Sm and Nd)
Here we report pressure effect on superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of ReFeAsO0.85 (Re= Sm and Nd) system without fluorine doping. In-situ measurements under high pressure showed that Tc of the two compounds decrease monotonously over the pressure range investigated. The pressure coefficients dTc/dP in SmFeAsO0.85 and Nd FeAsO0.85 were different, revealing the important influence of the deformation in layers on Tc. Theoretical calculations suggested that the electron density of states decrease with increasing pressure, following the same trend of experimental data.
0807.0675v2
2008-07-06
Momentum dependence of the superconducting gap in NdFeAsO1-xFx single crystals measured by angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy
We use angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to study the momentum dependence of the superconducting gap in NdFeAsO1-xFx single crystals. We find that the Gamma hole pocket is fully gapped below the superconducting transition temperature. The value of the superconducting gap is 15 +- 1.5 meV and its anisotropy around the hole pocket is smaller than 20% of this value. This is consistent with an isotropic or anisotropic s-wave symmetry of the order parameter or exotic d-wave symmetry with nodes located off the Fermi surface sheets. This is a significant departure from the situation in the cuprates, pointing to possibility that the superconductivity in the iron arsenic based system arises from a different mechanism.
0807.0815v1
2008-07-07
Optical spectroscopy of superconducting Ba{0.55}K{0.45}Fe2As2: evidence for strong coupling to low energy bosons
Optical spectroscopy on single crystals of the new iron arsenide superconductor Ba{0.55}K{0.45}Fe2As2 shows that the infrared spectrum consists of two major components: a strong metallic Drude band and a well separated mid infrared absorption centered at 0.7 eV. It is difficult to separate the two components unambiguously but several fits of Lorentzian peaks suggest a model with a Drude peak having a plasma frequency of 1.8 to 2.1 eV and a midinfrared peak with a plasma frequency of 2.5 eV. In contrast to the cuprate superconductors the scattering rate obtained from the extended Drude model saturates at 150 meV as compared to 500 meV for a typical cuprate. Detailed analysis of the frequency dependent scattering rate shows that the charge carriers interact with broad bosonic spectrum with a peak at 25 meV and a coupling constant lambda =approx 2 at low temperature. As the temperature increases this coupling weakens to lambda=0.6 at ambient temperature. This suggests a bosonic spectrum that is similar to what is seen in the lower Tc cuprates.
0807.1040v1
2008-07-08
Possibility of Unconventional Pairing Due to Coulomb Interaction in Fe-Based Pnictide Superconductors: Perturbative Analysis of Multi-Band Hubbard Models
Possibility of unconventional pairing due to Coulomb interaction in iron-pnictide superconductors is studied by applying a perturbative approach to realistic 2- and 5-band Hubbard models. The linearized Eliashberg equation is solved by expanding the effective pairing interaction perturbatively up to third order in the on-site Coulomb integrals. The numerical results for the 5-band model suggest that the eigenvalues of the Eliashberg equation are sufficiently large to explain the actual high Tc for realistic values of Coulomb interaction and the most probable pairing state is spin-singlet s-wave without any nodes just on the Fermi surfaces, although the superconducting order parameter changes its sign between the small Fermi pockets. On the other hand the 2-band model is quite insufficient to explain the actual high Tc.
0807.1168v2
2008-07-09
The chemical evolution of Manganese in different stellar systems
Aims. To model the chemical evolution of manganese relative to iron in three different stellar systems: the solar neighbourhood, the Galactic bulge and the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy, and compare our results with the recent and homogeneous observational data. Methods. We adopt three chemical evolution models well able to reproduce the main properties of the solar vicinity, the galactic Bulge and the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal. Then, we compare different stellar yields in order to identify the best set to match the observational data in these systems. Results. We compute the evolution of manganese in the three systems and we find that in order to reproduce simultaneously the [Mn/Fe] versus [Fe/H] in the Galactic bulge, the solar neighbourhood and Sagittarius, the type Ia SN Mn yield must be metallicity-dependent. Conclusions. We conclude that the different histories of star formation in the three systems are not enough to reproduce the different behaviour of the [Mn/Fe] ratio, unlike the situation for [alpha/Fe]; rather, it is necessary to invoke metallicity-dependent type Ia SN Mn yields, as originally suggested by McWilliam, Rich & Smecker-Hane in 2003.
0807.1463v1
2008-07-09
Lattice and magnetic instabilities in CaFe2As2: A single crystal neutron diffraction study
Neutron diffraction measurements of a high quality single crystal of CaFe2As2 are reported. A sharp transition was observed between the high temperature tetragonal and low temperature orthorhombic structures at TS = 172.5K (on cooling) and 173.5K (on warming). Coincident with the structural transition we observe a rapid, but continuous, ordering of the Fe moments, in a commensurate antiferromagnetic structure is observed, with a saturated moment of 0.80(5)muB/Fe directed along the orthorhombic a-axis. The hysteresis of the structural transition is 1K between cooling and warming and is consistent with previous thermodynamic, transport and single crystal x-ray studies. The temperature onset of magnetic ordering shifts rigidly with the structural transition providing the clearest evidence to date of the coupling between the structural and magnetic transitions in this material and the broader class of iron arsenides.
0807.1525v3
2008-07-10
Structural Chemistry, Spin Order, and the Distinction Between the Cuprate and Pnictide High-Temperature Superconductors
In the cuprate and iron-pnictide systems, valence changes induce high-temperature superconductivity while the local structural chemistry and local spin order both independently generate the attractive interactions responsible for the high transition temperature. We argue that together they favor d-wave singlet superconductivity in the cuprates but s-wave singlet in the pnictides. This difference arises from the existence of a large on-site repulsion between carriers in the cuprates largely absent in the pnictides. Fluorine is responsible for raising Tc significantly in some pnictides and in the cuprates to 155K-168K, the highest achieved at ambient pressure. We propose an experimental procedure for finding and fabricating the fluorinated cuprate phase having that exceptional property.
0807.1673v5
2008-07-15
Physical and kinematical properties of the X-ray absorber in the broad absorption line quasar APM 08279+5255
We have re-analyzed the X-ray spectra of the gravitational lensed high-redshift BAL QSO APM 08279+5255, observed with the XMM-Newton and Chandra observatories. Previous studies (Hasinger et al. 2002; Chartas et al. 2002) detected unusual, highly-ionized iron absorption features, but differed in their interpretation of these features, regarding the kinematical and ionization structure. We seek one physical model that can be successfully applied to both observations. For the first time we have performed detailed photoionization modeling on the X-ray spectrum of APM 08279+5255. The absorbing gas in APM 08279+5255 can be represented by a two-absorbers model with column densities N_H(1)~7x10^{22} cm^-2, N_H(2)~6x10^{22} cm^-2, and ionization parameters logxi(1)~1.5 and logxi(2)~3, with one of them (the high-ionization component) outflowing at v~0.18(\pm 0.01)c, carrying large amount of gas out of the system. We find that the Chandra spectrum of APM 08279+5255 requires the same Fe/O ratio overabundance (previously) indicated by the XMM-Newton observation, showing that both absorber components underwent similar chemical evolution and/or have similar origin.
0807.2372v1
2008-07-16
Columnar magnetic structure coupled with orthorhombic distortion in the antiferromagnetic iron arsenide SrFe$_2$As$_2$
Neutron powder diffraction experiments were carried out on polycrystalline SrFe$_2$As$_2$ in order to determine the magnetic structure and its relationship with the crystallographic one. Below $T_0$=205 K, magnetic reflections appear simultaneously with the onset of the orthorhombic distortion. From a detailed Rietveld analysis, the magnetic propagation vector of SrFe$_2$As$_2$ is determined to be {\textit{\textbf{q}}}=(1 0 1); the coupling of Fe moments is antiferromagnetic along the longer $a$ direction within the Fe-As layer, and the interlayer coupling is antiferromagnetic as well. The size of the Fe magnetic moment is deduced to be 1.01(3) ${\mu}_{\rm B}$ with an orientation parallel to the a-axis. The temperature dependence of the magnetic moment shows excellent agreement with not only that of the muon precession frequency but also with that of the structural distortion, revealing the strong coupling of the columnar magnetic order and the structural distortion in SrFe$_2$As$_2$.
0807.2608v1
2008-07-18
Pressure-induced volume-collapsed tetragonal phase of CaFe2As2 as seen via neutron scattering
Recent investigations of the superconducting iron-arsenide families have highlighted the role of pressure, be it chemical or mechanical, in fostering superconductivity. Here we report that CaFe2As2 undergoes a pressure-induced transition to a non-magnetic, volume "collapsed" tetragonal phase, which becomes superconducting at lower temperature. Spin-polarized total-energy calculations on the collapsed structure reveal that the magnetic Fe moment itself collapses, consistent with the absence of magnetic order in neutron diffraction.
0807.3032v3
2008-07-20
Electronic structure of LaFe1-xCoxAsO from first principle calculations
Based on the first-principles calculations, we have investigated the geometry, binding properties, density of states and band structures of the novel superconductor LaFe1-xCoxAsO and its parent compounds with the ZrCuSiAs structure. We demonstrate that La-O bond and TM-As (TM=Fe or Co) bond are both strongly covalent, while the LaO and TMAs layers have an almost ionic interaction through the Bader charge analysis. Partial substitution of iron with cobalt modify the Fermi level from a steep edge to a flat slope, which explains why in this system Co doping suppresses the spin density wave (SDW) transition.
0807.3153v2
2008-07-24
Evidence for Strong Itinerant Spin Fluctuations in the Normal State of CeFeAsO(0.89)F(0.11) Iron-Oxypnictides
The electronic structure in the normal state of CeFeAsO0.89F0.11 oxypnictide superconductors has been investigated with x-ray absorption and photoemission spectroscopy. All the data exhibit signatures of Fe d-electron itinerancy. Exchange multiplets appearing in the Fe 3s core level indicate the presence of itinerant spin fluctuations. These findings suggest that the underlying physics and the origin of superconductivity in these materials are likely to be quite different from those of the cuprate high-temperature superconductors. These materials provide opportunities for elucidating the role of magnetic fluctuations in high-temperature superconductivity.
0807.3781v2
2008-07-24
Modeling UX Ursae Majoris: An abundance of challenges
We present a system model for optical and far UV spectra of the nova-like variable UX UMa involving a white dwarf, secondary star, gas stream, hot spot and accretion disk using our code BINSYN and based on an initially adopted system distance. Calculated SED intensity data successfully fit successive tomographically-extracted annuli longward of the Balmer limit but require a postulated `iron curtain' shortward of the Balmer limit that is applied to the annulus section closest to the secondary star, while postulated recombination emission fills in the model SED shortward of the Balmer limit and is applied to the annulus section more remote from the secondary star. The same model fits $UBV$ 1954 light curves by Walker and Herbig. Fits to $HST$ $FOS$ spectra are approximate but require assumed time-variable changes in the SED. Comparable effects, possibly involving variable absorption, afflict $FUSE$ spectra.
0807.3920v1
2008-07-25
Superconductivity and Crystal Structures of (Ba1-xKx)Fe2As2 (x = 0 - 1)
We report on doping dependencies of structural parameters and superconducting transition temperatures in the solid solution (Ba1-xKx)Fe2As2. As the main effect of doping on the crystal structure, we find linear decreasing As-Fe-As bond angles and Fe-Fe distances, equivalent to an elongation of the FeAs4 tetrahedra along [001]. The structural changes are intimately coupled to the electronic states at the Fermi level, because the most relevant Fe-3dx2-y2 orbitals are strongly affected by the As-Fe-As bond angle. Superconductivity is present over the whole doping range in (Ba1-xKx)Fe2As2 with a maximum Tc of 38 K at x ~ 0.4. The superconducting transitions in the orthorhombic compounds (Ba0.9K0.1)Fe2As2 (Tc ~ 3 K) and (Ba0.8K0.2)Fe2As2 (Tc ~ 25 K) is strong evidence for the coexistence of superconductivity with the structurally distorted and potentially magnetically ordered state in the BaFe2As2 family of iron arsenide superconductors.
0807.4096v2
2008-07-28
Superconductivity at 27 K in tetragonal FeSe under high pressure
A huge enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature Tc was observed in tetragonal FeSe superconductor under high pressure. The onset temperature became as high as 27 K at 1.48 GPa and the pressure coefficient showed a huge value of 9.1 K/GPa. The upper critical field Hc2 was estimated to be ~ 72 T at 1.48 GPa. Because of the high Hc2, FeSe system may be a candidate for application as superconducting wire rods. Moreover, the investigation of superconductivity on simple structured FeSe may provide important clues to the mechanism of superconductivity in iron-based superconductors.
0807.4315v2
2008-07-29
Anisotropic pairing in the iron pnictides
We determine the anisotropy of the spin fluctuation induced pairing gap on the Fermi surface of the FeAs based superconductors as function of the exchange and Hund's coupling $J_{H}$. We find that for sufficiently large $J_{H}$, nearly commensurate magnetic fluctuations yield a fully gapped $s^{\pm}$-pairing state with small anisotropy of the gap amplitude on each Fermi surface sheet, but significant variations of the gap amplitude for different sheets of the Fermi surface. In particular, we obtain the large variation of the gap amplitude on different Fermi surface sheets, as seen in ARPES experiments. For smaller values of Hund's coupling incommensurate magnetic fluctuations yield an $s^{\pm}$-pairing state with line nodes. Such a state is also possible once the anisotropy of the material is reduced and three dimensional effects come into play.
0807.4566v2
2008-07-31
Evidence for Unconventional Superconductivity in Arsenic-Free Iron-Based Superconductor FeSe : A ^77Se-NMR Study
We report the results of $^{77}$Se--nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in $\alpha$-FeSe, which exhibits a similar crystal structure to the LaFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_x$ superconductor and shows superconductivity at 8 K. The nuclear-spin lattice relaxation rate $1/T_1$ shows $T^3$ behavior below the superconducting transition temperature $T_c$ without a coherence peak. The $T_1T=$ const. behavior, indicative of the Fermi liquid state, can be seen in a wide temperature range above $T_c$. The superconductivity in $\alpha$-FeSe is also an unconventional one as well as LaFeAsO$_{1-x}$F$_x$ and related materials. The FeAs layer is not essential for the occurrence of the unconventional superconductivity.
0808.0040v3
2008-08-03
Magnetic and Transport Studies on Electron-doped CeFeAsO1-xFx Superconductor
The magnetic and transport behaviors of cerium substituted iron oxy-arsenide superconductor with x = 0.1 to 0.4 fluoride (F) doping have been investigated in this report. Temperature dependent susceptibility and resistivity measurements showed the 0.1 F-doped sample (CeFeAsO0.9F0.1) has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of around 30 K. With increasing doping beyond x = 0.2 Tc saturates to around 40 K. Temperature dependent susceptibility measured in different magnetic fields for the under-doped sample showed Meissner effect in low field and the diamagnetism is still visible up to 1 Tesla, with an obvious magnetic transition below 5 K, perhaps originating from magnetic ordering of the rare earth cerium. The corresponding field dependent resistance versus temperature measurements indicated a broadening of less than 3 K for Tc at mid-point by increasing the field to 5 Tesla indicating rather low anisotropy. An estimated upper critical field of more than 48 Tesla and accordingly an estimated maximum coherence length of 2.6 nm were obtained confirming the high upper critical field with a short coherence length for this superconductor.
0808.0296v1
2008-08-04
Tellurium substitution effect on superconductivity of the alpha-phase Iron Selenide
We have carried out a systematic study of the PbO-type compound FeSe_{1-x}Te_x (x = 0~1), where Te substitution effect on superconductivity is investigated. It is found that superconducting transition temperature reaches a maximum of Tc=15.2K at about 50% Te substitution. The pressure-enhanced Tc of FeSe0.5Te0.5 is more than 10 times larger than that of FeSe. Interestingly, FeTe is no longer superconducting. A low temperature structural distortion changes FeTe from triclinic symmetry to orthorhombic symmetry. We believe that this structural change breaks the magnetic symmetry and suppresses superconductivity in FeTe.
0808.0474v2
2008-08-06
The correlation of black hole mass with metallicity index of host spheroid
We investigate the correlation between the mass of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and metal abundance, using existing data sets. The SMBH mass $M_{bh}$ is well correlated with integrated stellar feature of Mgb. For 28 galaxies, the best-fit $M_{bh}$-Mgb relation has a small scatter, which is an equivalent level with other well-known relation, such as a correlation between the stellar velocity dispersion and the mass. An averaged iron index $<$Fe$>$ also positively correlates with $M_{bh}$, but the best-fit $M_{bh}$-$<$Fe$>$ relation has a larger scatter. The difference comes from the synthesis and evolution mechanisms, and may be important for the SMBH and star formation history in the host spheroid.
0808.0769v1
2008-08-06
Granularity and vortex dynamics in LaO_0.92F_0.08FeAs as probed by harmonics of the AC magnetic susceptibility
Fundamental and higher harmonics of the AC magnetic susceptibility have been measured on a LaO_0.92F_0.08FeAs sample as a function of the temperature, at various amplitudes and frequencies of the AC magnetic field, with a small superimposed DC field parallel to the AC field. The granularity of the sample has been investigated and the inter-grain and intra-grain contributions have been clearly individuated looking at both the first and third harmonics. The vortex dynamics has been also analyzed, and a comparison with the magnetic behavior of both the MgB_2 and the cuprate superconductors has been performed. Some vortex dissipative phenomena, i.e. the thermally activated flux flow and the flux creep, have been detected in the presented measurements, similar to what obtained on YBCO. Nevertheless, although the general behavior is similar, several differences have been also evidenced between these different classes of superconductors, mainly in the third harmonics. We infer that different vortex dynamics have to be included into the analysis of the magnetic response in this iron-based new material.
0808.0804v1
2008-08-10
59-Co and 75-As NMR Investigation of Electron-Doped High Tc Superconductor BaFe(1.8)Co(0.2)As(2) (Tc = 22K)
We report an NMR investigation of the superconductivity in BaFe(2)As(2) induced by Co doping (Tc=22K). We demonstrate that Co atoms form an alloy with Fe atoms and donate carriers without creating localized moments. Our finding strongly suggests that the underlying physics of iron-pnictide superconductors is quite different from the widely accepted physical picture of high Tc cuprates as doped Mott insulators. We also show a crossover of electronic properties into a low temperature pseudo-gap phase with a pseudo-gap Delta 560K, where chi(spin) constant and resisitivty T. The NMR Knight shift below Tc decreases for both along the c-axis and ab-plane, and is consistent with the singlet pairing scenario.
0808.1420v2