The Neutrino Telescope Antares

Whilst the number of observed astrophysical sources of γ-rays is now moderately high, only three astrophysical objects have been studied with neutrinos, namely the Sun, a supernova (SN1987A) and the Earth (its atmosphere). However, astro-neutrinos may give a new boost to astrophysics, similar to the impressive progress provided during the last decades by γ-rays. The ANTARES collaboration aims to build a large neutrino telescope under the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of 2500 m. To reach this goal, a remarkable effort of R&D has been performed in recent years that has culminated in the deployment, connection and operation of two prototype strings. The final detector will be composed of 12 strings and will be ready by 2007.     

Acoustic and optical variations during rapid downward motion episodes in the deep north-western Mediterranean Sea

An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was moored at the deep-sea site of the ANTARES neutrino telescope near Toulon, France, thus providing a unique opportunity to compare high-resolution acoustic and optical observations between 70 and 170 m above the sea bed at 2475 m. The ADCP measured downward vertical currents of magnitudes up to 0.03 m s⁻¹ in late winter and early spring 2006. In the same period, observations were made of enhanced levels of acoustic reflection, interpreted as suspended particles including zooplankton, by a factor of about 10 and of horizontal currents reaching 0.35 m s⁻¹. These observations coincided with high light levels detected by the telescope, interpreted as increased bioluminescence. During winter 2006 deep dense-water formation occurred in the Ligurian subbasin, thus providing a possible explanation for these observations. However, the 10-20 days quasi-periodic episodes of high levels of acoustic reflection, light and large vertical currents continuing into the summer are not direct evidence of this process. It is hypothesized that the main process allowing for suspended material to be moved vertically later in the year is local advection, linked with topographic boundary current instabilities along the rim of the ‘Northern Current’.     

旋转调制器用于成象并兼测能谱的研究

本文描述了用旋转调制器对天空X、γ射线源成象并兼测能谱的方法。它可以对大视场内的天空源测定位置、大小和强度。与常规准直器相比,它显示出多种优点。在硬X、γ射线波段,它不仅能对天空源成象,而且能测量其能谱和较强的谱线。     

Neutrinos and Non-proliferation in Europe

The main effort in Europe to evaluate the interest for IAEA of neutrinos detectors close to nuclear power stations is made within the Double Chooz experiments. Specific simulation of diversion scenarios as well as new experimental measurements of neutrinos emitted are underway. On behalf of a collective work by S. Cormon, M. Fallot, H. Faust, T. Lasserre, A. Letourneau, D. Lhuillier, V. Sinev from DAPNIA, Subatech and ILL.     

基于Jurkevich法CygX-1光变周期特性研究

针对天文观测数据不等间隔的特点,利用Jurkevich方法对黑洞候选体x射线双星CygX-1近16年的RossiX-rayTimingExplorer（RXTE）All-SkyMonitor（ASM）数据进行了频谱分析,并结合Kidger周期存在可信度的判据,发现CygX-1存在363±11．5d的光变周期,但没有发现420d的光变周期,而且150d的光变周期可能仅仅是51±1．4d光变周期的观测表象。     

Cosmic thermal neutrino background: Can it be detected?

The detection of the Cosmic Thermal Neutrino Background (CTNB) would provide the “cleanest” evidence for the hot big bang model of the early Universe. I discuss some recent thoughts on the possibility of detecting the CTNB (especially if neutrinos have a small mass of ~ few eV) by looking for certain CTNB-induced features in the extremely high energy (E ≳ 10²⁰ eV) cosmic neutrino spectrum that may become measurable in the future by some of the large-area extensive air-shower detectors being built for detecting extremely high energy cosmic rays. NAS/NRC Senior Research Associate on sabbatical leave from Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore 560 034, India.     

太阳活动区卫星黑子与高能耀斑

对十个活动区出现的卫星黑子进行分析,据它们不同的形态、发展状况及在耀斑活动中的作用大致分成三种类型。结果表明,高能耀斑与卫星黑子有密切关系。随着卫星黑子的出现,发展在活动区中可经常产生耀斑。如果卫星黑子是静止的,通常没有耀斑爆发。     

Influence of a strong magnetic field on the neutrino heating of a supernova shock

Based on the magnetorotational model of a supernova explosion with core collapse, we investigate the significant processes of neutrino heating of the supernova shock. These processes should be taken into account in self-consistent modeling, since the neutrino heating mechanism is capable of increasing the explosion efficiency. We show that, even in the presence of a strong magnetic field (B ～ 10¹⁵ G) in the shock formation region, the heating rate is determined with good accuracy by the absorption and emission of neutrinos in direct URCA processes. Moreover, the influence on them of a magnetic field is reduced to insignificant corrections.     

On detection of high-energy neutrinos from sources of gamma-ray bursts

We show that, contrary to a recent suggestion, fluxes of 30 GeV-1 TeV neutrinos that may accompany-ray bursts are at least a few orders of magnitude too weak to be detected by the current or planned neutrino detectors.     

Scintillating Oils and Compatible Materials for Next Generation of Electron Anti-neutrino Detectors, After Double Chooz

The Double Chooz reactor neutrino experiment will be built in the forthcoming years. Eventhough not dedicated to geo-neutrino detection, it is based on similar experimental methods. By pushing current technology to the limits an unprecedented precision will be reached due to careful reduction and control of systematic errors below the percent level. The experience and technical innovation achieved by this project could be valuable for future geo-neutrino experiments. After discussing the Double Chooz detector design we focus on progress achieved on scintillating oils and compatible materials.