Search

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(rho) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R-1 = 10.8(-1.7)(+2.0) km for the heavier star and R-2 = 10.7(-1.5)(+2.1) km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97 M-circle dot as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R-1 = 11.9(-1.4)(+1.4) km and R-2 = 11.9(-1.4)(+1.4) km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(rho) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5(-1.7)(+2.7) x 10(34) dyn cm(-2) at the 90% level.

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(rho) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R-1 = 10.8(-1.7)(+2.0) km for the heavier star and R-2 = 10.7(-1.5)(+2.1) km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97 M-circle dot as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R-1 = 11.9(-1.4)(+1.4) km and R-2 = 11.9(-1.4)(+1.4) km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(rho) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5(-1.7)(+2.7) x 10(34) dyn cm(-2) at the 90% level.

Excited states and decay properties of Pt-175 have been investigated using the Mo-92(Sr-86, 2pn) fusion-evaporation reaction. The JUROGAM I gamma-ray spectrometer and the GREAT spectrometer were used in conjunction with the gas-filled recoil separator RITU for the measurement of the radiation at the target and focal plane positions, respectively. Two new band structures, assigned to be based on the I-pi = (7/2(-)) ground state in Pt-175, have been established and the known yrast band has been extended up to I-pi = (49/2(+)). Rotational properties of the excited states in Pt-175 have been investigated within the cranked shell-model formalism. The low-frequency changes in the alignments of the positive-and negative-parity bands are interpreted as a sign of proton-pair excitations in the rotating core. Furthermore, the alpha-decay measurements reveal a candidate for a fourth alpha-decay branch in Pt-175, feeding a non-yrast state in Os-171., QC 20140625

Excited states of the nucleus Os-167 have been populated by the reaction Mo-92(Kr-78,2pn). The JUROGAM gamma-ray detector array has been used in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT spectrometer to observe prompt gamma rays in coincidence with recoiling fusion-evaporation residues and their subsequent decay by alpha particle emission. By correlating prompt gamma radiation with the characteristic alpha radioactivity of Os-167, it has been possible to extend the level scheme for this nucleus significantly. In particular, an extension of the yrast band and four previously unobserved bands are reported. In addition, the recoil distance Doppler-shift method was used to determine a lifetime of tau=20(4) ps for The I-pi=17/2(+) state in Os-167. Hence, the level of collectivity and magnitude of deformation of the low spin yrast band of this nucleus is established. ., QC 20100525

A series of electric and magnetic properties of hexafluorobenzene have been calculated, including the electric dipole polarizability, magnetizability, electric quadrupole moment, and nonlinear mixed electric dipole-magnetic dipole-electric quadrupole hyperpolarizabilities needed to obtain estimates of the Kerr, Cotton-Mouton, Buckingham, Jones, and magnetoelectric birefringences in the vapor phase. Time-dependent density-functional theory was employed for the calculation of linear-, quadratic, and cubic response functions. A number of density functionals have been considered, along with Sadlej's triple-zeta basis set and the augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence double zeta and augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence triple zeta basis sets. Comparisons have been made with experiment where possible. The analysis of results allows for an assessment of the capability of time-dependent density-functional theory for high-order electromagnetic properties of an electron-rich system such as hexafluorobenzene., QC 20100525

The static and dynamic properties of the alkaline-earth-metal atoms in their metastable state are computed in a configuration interaction approach with a semiempirical model potential for the core. Among the properties determined are the scalar and tensor polarizabilities, the quadrupole moment, some of the oscillator strengths, and the dispersion coefficients of the van der Waals interaction. A simple method for including the effect of the core on the dispersion parameters is described.

A new superdeformed rotational band has been observed in Er-154 using the Euroball Ge detector array. The new band and the one previously observed can be understood as based on coexisting superdeformed structures at prolate and triaxial shapes, respectively. The observation resolves long-standing difficulties in the theoretical interpretation of superdeformed states in Er-154., QC 20100525

A high-spin rotational band with 11 gamma -ray transitions has barn observed in Tc-91. The dynamical moment of inertia as well as the transition quadrupole moment of 8.1(-1.4)(+1.9) eb measured for this band show the characteristics of a superdeformed band. However, the shape is more elongated than in the neighbouring A = 80-90 superdeformed nuclei. Theoretical interpretations of the band within the cranked Strutinsky approach based on two different Woods-Saxon potential parameterisations are presented. Even though an unambiguous configuration assignment proved difficult, both calculations indicate a larger deformation and at least three additional high-N intruder orbitals occupied compared to the lighter SD nuclei. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved., QC 20100521