High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena (astro-ph.HE)

Abstract: In this project, we have implemented our basic understanding of Pulsar Astronomy to calculate the Time Period of Vela Pulsar. Our choice of pulsar rests on the fact that it is the brightest object in the high-energy gamma-ray sky. The simplistic data set consisting of only voltage signals makes our preliminary attempt as closely accurate as possible. The observations had been made at 326.5 MHz through a cylindrically paraboloid telescope at Ooty. A higher frequency creates a much lower delay in the arrival time of pulses and makes our calculations even more accurate. Being an already widely studied celestial body, it gives us the opportunity to compare our findings and make necessary modifications.

Abstract: Based on two very large samples of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs), i.e. FRB 20121102A and FRB 20201124A observed by the FAST telescope, we study the statistical properties of energy and waiting time. The bent power-law (BPL) model, thresholded power-law (TPL) model and Band function are used to fit the distribution of energy, and the BPL model and exponential (EXP) model are used to fit the distribution of waiting time. It is found that no single model can fit the distribution of energy or waiting time well in the full range. To investigate the possible temporal evolution, we divide the full samples into several subsamples according to the observing sessions. We find that the distribution of energy for all subsamples can be well fitted by both BPL model and TPL model, while the distribution of waiting time for all subsamples can be well fitted by both BPL model and EXP model. Importantly, for the distribution of energy, the BPL index $\beta$ of all the subsamples is almost invariant, but the median value parameter $x_b$ varies significantly. Similar situation happens in the distribution of waiting time. Furthermore, for the distribution of waiting time, the occurrence rate parameter $\lambda$ in EXP model varies significantly. These features show that there may be a common emission mechanism for repeating FRBs, but the burst energy and occurrence rate are temporally evolving.

Abstract: This study investigates the antineutrinos production by $\beta$-decay of $r$-process nuclei in two astrophysical sites that are capable of producing gamma-ray bursts (GRBs): binary neutron star mergers (BNSMs) and collapsars, which are promising sites for heavy element nucleosynthesis. We employ a simplified method to compute the $\beta$-decay $\bar\nu_e$ energy spectrum and consider two representative thermodynamic trajectories for $r$-process simulations, each with four sets of $Y_e$ distribution. The time evolution of the $\bar\nu_e$ spectrum is derived for both the dynamical ejecta and the disk wind for BNSMs and collapsar outflow, based on approximated mass outflow rates. Our results show that the $\bar\nu_e$ has an average energy of approximately 3 to 9~MeV, with a high energy tail of up to 20 MeV. The $\bar\nu_e$ flux evolution is primarily determined by the outflow duration, and can thus remain large for $\mathcal{O}(10)$~s and $\mathcal{O}(100)$~s for BNSMs and collapsars, respectively. For a single merger or collapsar at 40~Mpc, the $\bar\nu_e$ flux is $\mathcal{O}(10-100)$~cm$^{-2}$~s$^{-1}$, indicating a possible detection horizon up to $0.1-1$~Mpc for Hyper-kamiokande. We also estimate their contributions to the diffuse $\bar\nu_e$ background. Our results suggest that although the flux from BNSMs is roughly 4--5 orders of magnitude lower than that from the regular core-collapse supernovae, those from collapsars can possibly contribute a non-negligible fraction to the total diffuse $\bar\nu_e$ flux at energy $\lesssim 1$~MeV, with a large uncertainty depending on the unknown rate of collapsars capable of hosting the $r$-process.

Abstract: Delayed "pair echo" signal from interactions of very-high-energy gamma rays in the intergalactic medium can be used for detection of the inter-galactic magnetic field (IGMF). We use the data of Fermi/LAT telescope coupled with LHAASO observatory measurements to confirm the presence of IGMF along the line of sight to the gamma-ray burst GRB221009A. Comparing the Fermi/LAT measurements with the expected level of the pair echo flux, set by the multi-TeV LHAASO detection, we derive a lower bound $10^{-19}$ G on the IGMF with correlation length $l$ larger than 1 Mpc, improving as $l^{-1/2}$ for shorter correlation lengths. This provides an independent verification of existence of a lower bound on IGMF in the voids of the Large Scale Structure, previously derived from the observations of active galactic nuclei.

Abstract: Detecting Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) with frequency-dependent intensity remains a challenge, as existing search algorithms do not account for the spectral shape and might have resulted in non-detections. We propose a novel detection statistic, which we call the Kalman detector, that improves the sensitivity of FRB signal detection by incorporating spectral shape information. The detection statistic is based on an optimal matched filter, marginalizing over all possible intensity functions, weighted by a random walk probability distribution, considering some decorrelation bandwidth. Our analysis of previously detected FRBs demonstrates that the Kalman score provides a comparable yet independent source of information for bursts with significant spectral structure and the sensitivity improvement is of the order of 0-200%, with a median improvement of 20%. We also apply the Kalman detector to existing data from FRB 20201124A and detect two new repeat bursts which were previously missed. Furthermore, we suggest a practical implementation for real-time surveys by employing a low significance soft-trigger from initial integration-based detection algorithms. The Kalman detector has the potential to significantly enhance FRB detection capabilities and enable new insights into the spectral properties of these enigmatic astrophysical phenomena.

Abstract: We present a series of high-resolution echelle spectra of SN~2023ixf in M101, obtained nightly during the first week or so after discovery using PEPSI on the LBT. NaID absorption in these spectra indicates a reddening of $E(B-V)$=0.031~mag and a systemic velocity of $+$7~km~s$^{-1}$ relative to the average redshift of M101. Dramatic changes are seen in in the strength and shape of strong emission lines emitted by CSM, including HeII4686, CIV5801,5811, H$\alpha$, and NIV7109,7123. In general, these narrow lines broaden to become intermediate-width lines before disappearing from the spectrum within a few days, indicating a limited extent to the dense CSM of around 20-30 AU (or $\la$10$^{14.7}$ cm). H$\alpha$ persists in the spectrum for about a week as an intermediate-width emission line with P~Cyg absorption at 700-1300 km s$^{-1}$ arising in the post-shock shell of swept-up CSM. Early narrow emission lines are blueshifted and indicate an expansion speed in the pre-shock CSM of about 115 km s$^{-1}$, but with even broader emission in higher ionization lines. This is faster than the normal winds of red supergiants, suggesting some mode of eruptive mass loss from the progenitor or radiative acceleration of the CSM. A lack of narrow blueshifted absorption suggests that most of the CSM is not along our line of sight. This and several other clues indicate that the CSM of SN~2023ixf is significantly aspherical. We find that CSM lines disappear after a few days because the asymmetric CSM is engulfed by the SN photosphere.