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Line shape modeling for the characterization of magnetized plasmas in fusion research and astrophysics

Sede A. Riccò Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania

In this talk, we report on a selection of issues present in the elaboration of spectroscopic models for magnetized plasma diagnostic. A focus is put on tokamak edge and white dwarf atmosphere plasma conditions. In both cases, the observed spectra exhibit clean lines, either in absorption or in emission, denoting the presence of neutral species (atoms). An analysis of the line shape and intensity yields information on the plasma parameters provided a suitable physical model is used. We first discuss in detail the physical mechanisms underlying the broadening of the spectral lines due to the plasma microfield (Stark effect), and we next report on models and codes that have been developed in our group at the PIIM laboratory. Applications to the fitting of observed spectra – both in magnetic fusion and astrophysics – are presented. Motivated by current research trends, we also discuss specific issues related to the presence of strong external magnetic field (Zeeman effect etc.) and report on some recent works done in atomic physics for the improvement of line shape models.

Elucidating diffuse Galactic synchrotron emission for precision 21cm and CMB cosmology

Sede A. Riccò Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania

The next generation of Cosmic Microwave Background experiments are poised to probe the inflationary period of the Universe through the measurement of primordial B-modes, whilst 21cm experiments are observing the reionization history of the early Universe and formation of Large-Scale Structure through the mapping of neutral hydrogen. These two complementary fields span the radio to microwave frequency regimes and share a pivotal data reduction task: foreground component separation.

Diffuse Galactic synchrotron emission is the dominant foreground for arcmin/degree scale cosmological surveys operating across MHz frequencies in intensity, and at all frequencies under 60 GHz in polarised intensity. In this talk I will present measurements of the synchrotron spectral index and curvature between 73 MHz and 1 GHz through the combined use of pilot MeerKLASS, Haslam, Maipu/MU and LWA data. I will discuss the advances that can be made to component separation algorithms thanks to more sophisticated foreground emission modelling and will present a spatially complex, all-sky model of the synchrotron spectral index formed using convolutional neural networks trained on sets of both high- and low-resolution empirical data. Such advances will, and already are, expanding our understanding of the spatial and spectral form of this complex emission; ameliorating component separation for both CMB and 21cm intensity mapping experiments.

Precision Meter-wavelength Polarimetry with the Very Large Array

Sede A. Riccò Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania

Accurate imaging polarimetry at meter wavelengths requires removal of the highly variable ionospheric Faraday rotation (IFRM) with an accuracy of 0.1 rad/m^2 or better. Models to estimate the VTEC using GNSS timing data, combined with global terrestrial magnetic field models have been developed over the past 25 years. Estimating the accuracy of these models requires observations of a source of known intrinsic electric vector position angle (EVPA) over a wide rage of ionospheric conditions.