Search for Dark Matter Axions with CAST-CAPP.

The CAST-CAPP axion haloscope, operating at CERN inside the CAST dipole magnet, has searched for axions in the 19.74 µeV to 22.47 µeV mass range. The detection concept follows the Sikivie haloscope principle, where Dark Matter axions convert into photons within a resonator immersed in a magnetic field. The CAST-CAPP resonator is an array of four individual rectangular cavities inserted in a strong dipole magnet, phase-matched to maximize the detection sensitivity. Here we report on the data acquired for 4124 h from 2019 to 2021. Each cavity is equipped with a fast frequency tuning mechanism of 10 MHz/ min between 4.774 GHz and 5.434 GHz. In the present work, we exclude axion-photon couplings for virialized galactic axions down to gaγγ = 8 × 10-14 GeV-1 at the 90% confidence level. The here implemented phase-matching technique also allows for future large-scale upgrades.

Search for solar axions by the CERN axion solar telescope with 3He buffer gas: closing the hot dark matter gap.

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope has finished its search for solar axions with (3)He buffer gas, covering the search range 0.64 eV ≲ ma ≲ 1.17 eV. This closes the gap to the cosmological hot dark matter limit and actually overlaps with it. From the absence of excess x rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of gaγ ≲ 3.3 × 10(-10) GeV(-1) at 95% C.L., with the exact value depending on the pressure setting. Future direct solar axion searches will focus on increasing the sensitivity to smaller values of gaγ, for example by the currently discussed next generation helioscope International AXion Observatory.

Search for sub-eV mass solar axions by the CERN Axion Solar Telescope with 3He buffer gas.

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has extended its search for solar axions by using (3)He as a buffer gas. At T=1.8 K this allows for larger pressure settings and hence sensitivity to higher axion masses than our previous measurements with (4)He. With about 1 h of data taking at each of 252 different pressure settings we have scanned the axion mass range 0.39 eV≲m(a)≲0.64 eV. From the absence of excess x rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of g(aγ)≲2.3×10(-10) GeV(-1) at 95% C.L., the exact value depending on the pressure setting. Kim-Shifman-Vainshtein-Zakharov axions are excluded at the upper end of our mass range, the first time ever for any solar axion search. In the future we will extend our search to m(a)≲1.15 eV, comfortably overlapping with cosmological hot dark matter bounds.

First results from the CERN axion solar telescope.

Hypothetical axionlike particles with a two-photon interaction would be produced in the sun by the Primakoff process. In a laboratory magnetic field ("axion helioscope"), they would be transformed into x-rays with energies of a few keV. Using a decommissioned Large Hadron Collider test magnet, the CERN Axion Solar Telescope ran for about 6 months during 2003. The first results from the analysis of these data are presented here. No signal above background was observed, implying an upper limit to the axion-photon coupling g(agamma)<1.16x10(-10) GeV-1 at 95% C.L. for m(a) less, similar 0.02 eV. This limit, assumption-free, is comparable to the limit from stellar energy-loss arguments and considerably more restrictive than any previous experiment over a broad range of axion masses.

First Light Measurements of Capella with the Low-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer aboard the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

We present the first X-ray spectrum obtained by the Low-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS) aboard the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The spectrum is of Capella and covers a wavelength range of 5-175 Å (2.5-0.07 keV). The measured wavelength resolution, which is in good agreement with ground calibration, is Deltalambda approximately 0.06 Å (FWHM). Although in-flight calibration of the LETGS is in progress, the high spectral resolution and unique wavelength coverage of the LETGS are well demonstrated by the results from Capella, a coronal source rich in spectral emission lines. While the primary purpose of this Letter is to demonstrate the spectroscopic potential of the LETGS, we also briefly present some preliminary astrophysical results. We discuss plasma parameters derived from line ratios in narrow spectral bands, such as the electron density diagnostics of the He-like triplets of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, as well as resonance scattering of the strong Fe xvii line at 15.014 Å.

The X-Ray CCDs Developed for the Joint European X-Ray Telescope.

The charge coupled devices (CCDs) developed for the Joint European X-ray Telescope (JET-X) are described in detail. A history of the development program and device performance is given. We present results from a comprehensive study to characterize the x-ray response of the flight model focal plane detectors. The goal of the program is to calibrate the efficiency, energy resolution, gain, etc. down to a precision of ~1%. Final calibration data sets will be based on combinations of measurements and calculations. For example, the CCD quantum efficiency will be composed of discrete line measurements made at the University of Leicester test facility and calculation and synchrotron measurements from the Daresbury Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS). The absolute normalizations will be provided by x-ray long beam pipe measurements at the Max Planck Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik (MPE) Panter test facility in Munich. Using the available data, it is shown that it is possible to calibrate the quantum efficiency, the FWHM energy resolution, and the system gain of the flight devices to better than 1%.

Grazing incidence replica optics for astronomical and laboratory applications.

Replica technology was developed for manufacturing numerous low-cost grazing incidence x-ray mirrors for both laboratory and astrophysical experiments. About forty mirrors with apertures between 1.7 and 24 cm have so far been made. The results of tests both at optical and x-ray wavelengths indicate that replica optics is well suited for space and laboratory uses.

Optics for the x-ray imaging concentrators aboard the x-ray astronomy satellite SAX.

The scientific instrumentation onboard the Italian satellite for x-ray astronomy (SAX) foresees x-ray imaging concentrators operating in the 0.1-10-keV energy range with a spatial resolution of 1 min of arc. The optics is composed of thirty confocal-nested very thin double-cone mirrors. To achieve good optical quality and to allow the construction of several concentrators at an acceptable cost, a replica technique by electroforming the mirrors from masters is used. This paper presents the results obtained from a set of electroformed mirrors mounted on a concentrator prototype.

Transmission grating efficiencies for wavelengths between 5.4 A and 44.8 A.

Diffraction efficiencies of 44.8-5.4-A x rays by a free-standing gold transmission grating of 1.0-microm period have been measured, using characteristic line radiation. Partial transparency of the grating affects the efficiency at the shorter wavelengths and causes an increase in the efficiencies for orders m>/=1 over the longwavelength values. Model calculations for a trapezoidal wire cross section are in good agreement with the measured efficiencies and allow the wire cross section to be determined. Gratings of this type have a high efficiency for wavelengths as short as 5 A and are, therefore, well suited for applications both in x-ray and extreme uv astronomy.

Fabrication of transmission gratings for use in cosmic x-ray and XUV astronomy.

The manufacturing process of open transmission gratings with high efficiency and high line density is described. This process is developed by Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH in cooperation with the Max- Planck-Institut and involves two steps, the mechanical ruling of the original master and the photochemical replication of the individual grating facets. The freestanding transmission grating is added by a regular support structure obstructing about one-third of the grating area. For application in space astronomy, gratings have been subjected to vibration and acoustic-noise tests.

Aberrations of a facet-type transmission grating for cosmic x-ray and XUV spectroscopy.

The aberrations of various types of curved constant-period transmission gratings are discussed, using Fermat's principle. We show that optimal performance is achieved with a grating assembled from individual facets which form a nonclosed surface. For this geometry, primary coma and astigmatism are proportional to the facet size and, hence, may be adapted to the angular resolution of a Wolter-type telescope.

Properties of a transmission grating behind a grazing incidence telescope for cosmic x-ray spectroscopy.

Third-order aberrations are discussed of a transmission grating positioned behind a Wolter type I telescope, using Fermat's principle. We describe the conditions required to obtain a coma-free grating. The performance of a grating spectrometer for cosmic x-ray spectroscopy is discussed in some detail.

[Clinical experience in the use of Osyrol 100 and Osyrol for injection (author's transl)]. / Klinische Erfahrungen bei der Anwendung von Osyrol 100 und Osyrol pro injectione

The treatment of 34 patients with secondary aldosteronism with a new oral and parenteral preparation (Osyrol) is reported. On the strength of the clinical results with remissions of signs of heart failure and increase in the volume of urine, reduction of body weight and raising of serum potassium, the efficacy of the preparation with good general and local tolerance is described.