Search

Spitzer 'hidden' observations of the background are used to construct a catalog of 4,090 spectra and examine the signature of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules and their connection to extinction by dust. A strong positive correlation is recovered between WISE12, E(B-V), and the 11.2 $\mu$m PAH band. For 0.06 $\leq$ E(B-V) $\leq$ 5.0, correlations of the 6.2, 11.2, and 12.7 $\mu$m PAH band are positive with E(B-V). Three dust temperature regimes are revealed. Correlations with WISE12 are well-constrained and that with 12.7/11.2 is flat. Decomposition with the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database reveals a tentative positive correlation between the 6.2/11.2 and the PAH ionization fraction, while that with 12.7/11.2 is slightly negative, suggesting PAH structural changes. The relation with PAH size and 6.2/11.2 is negative, while that with 12.7/11.2 is positive. Averaging spectra into five E(B-V) and three T$_{\rm dust}$ bins shows an evolution in PAH emission and variations in 12.7/11.2. Database-fits show an increase in $f_{\rm i}$ and the PAH ionization parameter $\gamma$, but a more stable large PAH fraction. While the largest $\gamma$s are associated with the highest T$_{\rm dust}$, there is no one-to-one correlation. The analysis is hampered by low-quality data at short wavelengths. There are indications that PAHs in the more-diffuse backgrounds behave differently from those in the general interstellar medium. However, they are often still associated with larger scale filamentary cloud-like structures. The spectra and auxiliary data have been made available through the Ames Background Interstellar Medium Spectral Catalog and may guide JWST programs.

In this work, we present the first experimental evidence of the presence of zonal flow (ZF) structures in the optimized stellarator Wendelstein 7-X. Using an assortment of diagnostics, flux surface-uniform, electrostatic flow oscillations have been measured, showing a radial scale in the range of tens of ion gyroradii. Such measurements show remarkable agreement with the ZF predicted by local and global non-linear gyrokinetic simulations. These results represent the first direct measurement of ZF in a large stellarator, suitable for the validation of models in reactor relevant conditions., Comment: Submitted to Physical Review Letters

Synthetically generated images can be used to create media content or to complement datasets for training image analysis models. Several methods have recently been proposed for the synthesis of high-fidelity face images; however, the potential biases introduced by such methods have not been sufficiently addressed. This paper examines the bias introduced by the widely popular StyleGAN2 generative model trained on the Flickr Faces HQ dataset and proposes two sampling strategies to balance the representation of selected attributes in the generated face images. We focus on two protected attributes, gender and age, and reveal that biases arise in the distribution of randomly sampled images against very young and very old age groups, as well as against female faces. These biases are also assessed for different image quality levels based on the GIQA score. To mitigate bias, we propose two alternative methods for sampling on selected lines or spheres of the latent space to increase the number of generated samples from the under-represented classes. The experimental results show a decrease in bias against underrepresented groups and a more uniform distribution of the protected features at different levels of image quality., Comment: Accepted to the BIAS 2023 ECML-PKDD Workshop

Mid-infrared emission features probe the properties of ionized gas, and hot or warm molecular gas. The Orion Bar is a frequently studied photodissociation region (PDR) containing large amounts of gas under these conditions, and was observed with the MIRI IFU aboard JWST as part of the "PDRs4All" program. The resulting IR spectroscopic images of high angular resolution (0.2") reveal a rich observational inventory of mid-IR emission lines, and spatially resolve the substructure of the PDR, with a mosaic cutting perpendicularly across the ionization front and three dissociation fronts. We extracted five spectra that represent the ionized, atomic, and molecular gas layers, and measured the most prominent gas emission lines. An initial analysis summarizes the physical conditions of the gas and the potential of these data. We identified around 100 lines, report an additional 18 lines that remain unidentified, and measured the line intensities and central wavelengths. The H I recombination lines originating from the ionized gas layer bordering the PDR, have intensity ratios that are well matched by emissivity coefficients from H recombination theory, but deviate up to 10% due contamination by He I lines. We report the observed emission lines of various ionization stages of Ne, P, S, Cl, Ar, Fe, and Ni, and show how certain line ratios vary between the five regions. We observe the pure-rotational H$_2$ lines in the vibrational ground state from 0-0 S(1) to 0-0 S(8), and in the first vibrationally excited state from 1-1 S(5) to 1-1 S(9). We derive H$_2$ excitation diagrams, and approximate the excitation with one thermal (~700 K) component representative of an average gas temperature, and one non-thermal component (~2700 K) probing the effect of UV pumping. We compare these results to an existing model for the Orion Bar PDR and highlight the differences with the observations., Comment: 26 pages, 12 figures, 3 tables. Submitted to A&A, under review (1st revision)

Most low-mass stars form in stellar clusters that also contain massive stars, which are sources of far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation. Theoretical models predict that this FUV radiation produces photo-dissociation regions (PDRs) on the surfaces of protoplanetary disks around low-mass stars, impacting planet formation within the disks. We report JWST and Atacama Large Millimetere Array observations of a FUV-irradiated protoplanetary disk in the Orion Nebula. Emission lines are detected from the PDR; modelling their kinematics and excitation allows us to constrain the physical conditions within the gas. We quantify the mass-loss rate induced by the FUV irradiation, finding it is sufficient to remove gas from the disk in less than a million years. This is rapid enough to affect giant planet formation in the disk.

Forty years ago it was proposed that gas phase organic chemistry in the interstellar medium was initiated by the methyl cation CH3+, but hitherto it has not been observed outside the Solar System. Alternative routes involving processes on grain surfaces have been invoked. Here we report JWST observations of CH3+ in a protoplanetary disk in the Orion star forming region. We find that gas-phase organic chemistry is activated by UV irradiation., Comment: Published in Nature

Water is a key ingredient for the emergence of life as we know it. Yet, its destruction and reformation in space remains unprobed in warm gas. Here, we detect the hydroxyl radical (OH) emission from a planet-forming disk exposed to external far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation with the James Webb Space Telescope. The observations are confronted with the results of quantum dynamical calculations. The highly excited OH infrared rotational lines are the tell-tale signs of H2O destruction by FUV. The OH infrared ro-vibrational lines are attributed to chemical excitation via the key reaction O+H=OH+H which seeds the formation of water in the gas-phase. We infer that the equivalent of the Earth ocean's worth of water is destroyed per month and replenished. These results show that under warm and irradiated conditions water is destroyed and efficiently reformed via gas-phase reactions. This process, assisted by diffusive transport, could reduce the HDO/H2O ratio in the warm regions of planet-forming disks., Comment: Version submitted to Nature Astronomy

(Abridged) We investigate the impact of radiative feedback from massive stars on their natal cloud and focus on the transition from the HII region to the atomic PDR (crossing the ionisation front (IF)), and the subsequent transition to the molecular PDR (crossing the dissociation front (DF)). We use high-resolution near-IR integral field spectroscopic data from NIRSpec on JWST to observe the Orion Bar PDR as part of the PDRs4All JWST Early Release Science Program. The NIRSpec data reveal a forest of lines including, but not limited to, HeI, HI, and CI recombination lines, ionic lines, OI and NI fluorescence lines, Aromatic Infrared Bands (AIBs including aromatic CH, aliphatic CH, and their CD counterparts), CO2 ice, pure rotational and ro-vibrational lines from H2, and ro-vibrational lines HD, CO, and CH+, most of them detected for the first time towards a PDR. Their spatial distribution resolves the H and He ionisation structure in the Huygens region, gives insight into the geometry of the Bar, and confirms the large-scale stratification of PDRs. We observe numerous smaller scale structures whose typical size decreases with distance from Ori C and IR lines from CI, if solely arising from radiative recombination and cascade, reveal very high gas temperatures consistent with the hot irradiated surface of small-scale dense clumps deep inside the PDR. The H2 lines reveal multiple, prominent filaments which exhibit different characteristics. This leaves the impression of a "terraced" transition from the predominantly atomic surface region to the CO-rich molecular zone deeper in. This study showcases the discovery space created by JWST to further our understanding of the impact radiation from young stars has on their natal molecular cloud and proto-planetary disk, which touches on star- and planet formation as well as galaxy evolution., Comment: 52 pages, 30 figures, submitted to A&A

A first look is taken at the NIRSpec 1-5 $\mu$m observations from JWST program 1591 that targets 7 objects along the low-mass stellar life cycle with PAH emission. Spectra extracted from a 1.5$^{\prime\prime}$ radius sized circular aperture are explored, showing a wealth of features, including the 3 $\mu$m PAH complex, the PAH-continuum, and atomic and molecular emission lines from HI, He, H$_{\rm 2}$, and other species. CO$_{\rm 2}$- and H$_{\rm 2}$O-ice absorption and CO emission is also seen. Focusing on the bright-PDR position in M17, the PAH CH stretch falls at 3.29 $\mu$m (FWHM=0.04 $\mu$m). Signs of its 1.68 $\mu$m overtone are confused by line emission in all targets. Multi-component decomposition reveals a possible aliphatic deuterated PAH feature centered at 4.65 $\mu$m (FWHM=0.02 $\mu$m), giving [D/H]$_{\rm alip.}$=31$\pm$12.7%. However, there is little sign of its aromatic counterpart between 4.36-4.43 $\mu$m. There is also little sign of PAH-nitrile emission between 4.34-4.39 $\mu$m. A PAH continuum rises from $\sim$1 to 3.2 $\mu$m, after which it jumps by about a factor of 2.5 at 3.6 $\mu$m, with bumps at 3.8, 4.04, and 4.34 $\mu$m adding structure. The CO$_{\rm 2}$ absorption band in M17 is matched with 10:1 H$_{\rm 2}$O:CO$_{\rm 2}$ ice at 10 K. The $v$=0 pure rotational molecular hydrogen population diagram reveals $>$2200 K UV-pumped gas. The hydrogen Pfund series runs from levels 10 to $>$30. Considering Br$\alpha$/Br$\beta$=0.381$\pm$0.01966 and Case B recombination results in A$_{\rm V}{\simeq}$8. CO emission in IRAS21282+5050 originates from 258 K gas. In-depth spectral-spatial analysis of all features and targets are planned for a series of forthcoming papers., Comment: 23 pages, 20 figures, to be published in ApJ

The JWST has captured the most detailed and sharpest infrared images ever taken of the inner region of the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star formation region, and a prototypical highly irradiated dense photo-dissociation region (PDR). We investigate the fundamental interaction of far-ultraviolet photons with molecular clouds. The transitions across the ionization front (IF), dissociation front (DF), and the molecular cloud are studied at high-angular resolution. These transitions are relevant to understanding the effects of radiative feedback from massive stars and the dominant physical and chemical processes that lead to the IR emission that JWST will detect in many Galactic and extragalactic environments. Due to the proximity of the Orion Nebula and the unprecedented angular resolution of JWST, these data reveal that the molecular cloud borders are hyper structured at small angular scales of 0.1-1" (0.0002-0.002 pc or 40-400 au at 414 pc). A diverse set of features are observed such as ridges, waves, globules and photoevaporated protoplanetary disks. At the PDR atomic to molecular transition, several bright features are detected that are associated with the highly irradiated surroundings of the dense molecular condensations and embedded young star. Toward the Orion Bar PDR, a highly sculpted interface is detected with sharp edges and density increases near the IF and DF. This was predicted by previous modeling studies, but the fronts were unresolved in most tracers. A complex, structured, and folded DF surface was traced by the H2 lines. This dataset was used to revisit the commonly adopted 2D PDR structure of the Orion Bar. JWST provides us with a complete view of the PDR, all the way from the PDR edge to the substructured dense region, and this allowed us to determine, in detail, where the emission of the atomic and molecular lines, aromatic bands, and dust originate.

(Abridged) Mid-infrared observations of photodissociation regions (PDRs) are dominated by strong emission features called aromatic infrared bands (AIBs). The most prominent AIBs are found at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.2 $\mu$m. The most sensitive, highest-resolution infrared spectral imaging data ever taken of the prototypical PDR, the Orion Bar, have been captured by JWST. We provide an inventory of the AIBs found in the Orion Bar, along with mid-IR template spectra from five distinct regions in the Bar: the molecular PDR, the atomic PDR, and the HII region. We use JWST NIRSpec IFU and MIRI MRS observations of the Orion Bar from the JWST Early Release Science Program, PDRs4All (ID: 1288). We extract five template spectra to represent the morphology and environment of the Orion Bar PDR. The superb sensitivity and the spectral and spatial resolution of these JWST observations reveal many details of the AIB emission and enable an improved characterization of their detailed profile shapes and sub-components. While the spectra are dominated by the well-known AIBs at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.2, and 12.7 $\mu$m, a wealth of weaker features and sub-components are present. We report trends in the widths and relative strengths of AIBs across the five template spectra. These trends yield valuable insight into the photochemical evolution of PAHs, such as the evolution responsible for the shift of 11.2 $\mu$m AIB emission from class B$_{11.2}$ in the molecular PDR to class A$_{11.2}$ in the PDR surface layers. This photochemical evolution is driven by the increased importance of FUV processing in the PDR surface layers, resulting in a "weeding out" of the weakest links of the PAH family in these layers. For now, these JWST observations are consistent with a model in which the underlying PAH family is composed of a few species: the so-called 'grandPAHs'., Comment: 25 pages, 10 figures, to appear in A&A

We examine the dependence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) band intensity ratios as a function of the average number of carbon atoms and assess their effectiveness as tracers for PAH size, utilising the data, models, and tools provided by the NASA Ames PAH Infrared Spectroscopic Database. To achieve this, we used spectra from mixtures of PAHs of different ionisation fractions, following a size distribution. Our work, congruent with earlier findings, shows that band ratios that include the 3.3 ${\mu}$m PAH band provide the best PAH size tracers for small-to-intermediate sized PAHs. In addition, we find that band ratios that include the sum of the 15-20 ${\mu}$m PAH features (I$_{\Sigma_{15-20}}$) and the 6.2 or 7.7 ${\mu}$m bands also serve as good tracers for PAH size in the case of small-to-intermediate sized PAHs, for objects under a similar PAH size distribution as with the presented models. For different PAH size distributions, the application of a scaling factor to the I$_{6.2}$/I$_{\Sigma_{15-20}}$ ratio can provide estimates for the size of the small-to-intermediate PAH population within sources. Employment of the I$_{6.2}$/I$_{\Sigma_{15-20}}$ and I$_{7.7}$/I$_{\Sigma_{15-20}}$ ratios can be of particular interest for JWST observations limited only to $\sim$ 5-28 ${\mu}$m MIRI(-MRS) coverage., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures; Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We examine the variations in the spectral characteristics and intensities of PAHs in two different scenarios of PAH processing (or formation): (1) small PAHs are being destroyed (or equivalently large PAHs are being formed, referred to as SPR i.e. small PAHs removed), and (2) large PAHs are being destroyed (or equivalently small PAHs are being formed referred to as LPR i.e. large PAHs removed). PAH emission was measured considering both the presence or absence of plateau components. The variation in the PAH band intensities as a function of the average number of carbon atoms has the highest dynamic range in the SPR case suggesting that smaller PAHs have higher impact on the PAH band strengths. The plateaus show overall declining emission with , and their higher dynamic range in the SPR case also suggests that smaller PAHs are mainly contributing to the plateau emission. The 7.7/(11.0+11.2) $\mu$m PAH band ratio presents the least amount of variance with the lowest dynamic range, rendering this ratio as the better choice for tracing PAH charge. The 3.3/(11.2+11.0) $\mu$m PAH band ratio is the only ratio that has both a monotonic variance and fully separated values among the SPR and LPR scenarios, highlighting its efficiency as PAH size tracer but also allowing the characterization of the dominant scenario of processing or formation in a given region or source. We present new PAH charge $-$ size diagnostic diagrams, which can provide insights on the average, maximum, or minimum N$_{C}$ within astrophysical sources., Comment: 20 pages, 14 figures, 1 table, Accepted for publication in MNRAS

The formation of the radial electric field, $E_{\rm r}$ in the SOL has been experimentally studied for attached divertor conditions in stellarator W7-X. The main objective of this study is to test the validity in a complex 3D island divertor of simple models, typically developed in tokamaks, relating $E_{\rm r}$ to the sheath potential drop gradient at the target. Additionally, we investigate the effect of the edge $E_{\rm r}$ shear on the reduction of density fluctuation amplitude, a well-established phenomenon according to the existing bibliography. The main diagnostic for measurements in the SOL is a V-band Doppler reflectometer that can provide the measurement of the $E_{\rm r}$ and density fluctuations with good spatial resolution. Three-dimensional measurements of divertor parameters has been carried out using infrared cameras, with $\lambda_{\rm q}$ resulting a suitable proxy for the model-relevant $\lambda_{\rm T}$. In the investigated attached regimes, it is shown for the first time that the formation of the $E_{\rm r}$ in the SOL depends on parameters at the divertor, following a $E_{\rm r} \propto T_{\rm e} /\lambda_q$ qualitatively similar to that found in a tokamak. Then, from the analyzed plasmas, the observed $E_{\rm r}$ shear at the edge is linked to a moderate local reduction of the amplitude of density fluctuations.

Utilizing the data and tools provided through the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database (PAHdb), we study the PAH component of over 900 Spitzer-IRS galaxy spectra. Employing a database-fitting approach, the average PAH size, the PAH size distribution, and PAH ionization fraction are deduced. In turn, we examine their connection with the properties of the host galaxy. We found that PAH population within galaxies consists of middle-sized PAHs with an average number of carbon atoms of $\bar{N_{C}}$ = 55, and a charge state distribution of $\sim$40% ionized - 60% neutral. We describe a correlation between the 6.2/11.2 $\mu$m PAH ratio with the ionization parameter ($\gamma\equiv(G_{0}/n_{\rm e})(T_{\rm gas} / 1\ \mathrm{K})^{0.5}$), a moderate correlation between the 8.6/11.2 $\mu$m PAH ratio and specific star-formation rate, and a weak anti-correlation between $\gamma$ and M$_{*}$. From the PAHdb decomposition we provide estimates for the 3.3 $\mu$m PAH band, not covered by Spitzer observations, and establish a correlation between the 3.3/11.2 $\mu$m PAH ratio with N$_{\mathrm{C}}$. We further deliver a library of mid-IR PAH template spectra parameterized on PAH size and ionization fraction, which can be used in galaxy spectral energy distribution fitting codes for the modeling of the mid-IR PAH emission component in galaxies., Comment: 28 pages, 19 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in ApJ

We present a detailed study on the spatially resolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission properties in the (circum)nuclear region (NR) and extranuclear regions (ENRs) of M51a using Spitzer-IRS observations. Correlations among PAH intensity ratios are examined with respect to each other, local physical parameters, galactocentric distance ($R_{g}$), and very small grain (VSG) emission. Additional comparison is performed with the mid-infrared emission features in the H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions of M33 and M83. The NR exhibits the strongest correlation among the PAH intensity ratios, whereas ENRs are showing increased scatter attributed to ISM emission. Overall, the radiation field hardness has a higher impact on PAH emission than metallicity, with the latter regulating PAH variance as a function of $R_{g}$. Specifically, the variance of PAH emission with respect to the different physical parameters suggests a higher rate of small/medium PAH processing compared to large PAHs and a higher ratio of small-to-large PAHs formed with increasing galactocentric distance. We find similarities between the 7.7 $\mu$m carriers in M51a's NR and M83's H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions, the 8.6 $\mu$m carriers in M51a's NR and M33 H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions, and both types of carriers between M51a's ENRs, M33's, and M83's H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions. We have identified a positive correlation between PAH/VSG and the PAH intensity ratios. We conclude that the relative abundance of PAHs and VSG is not solely driven by the hardness of the radiation field., Comment: 17 pages, 12 figures, 7 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Massive stars disrupt their natal molecular cloud material through radiative and mechanical feedback processes. These processes have profound effects on the evolution of interstellar matter in our Galaxy and throughout the Universe, from the era of vigorous star formation at redshifts of 1-3 to the present day. The dominant feedback processes can be probed by observations of the Photo-Dissociation Regions (PDRs) where the far-ultraviolet photons of massive stars create warm regions of gas and dust in the neutral atomic and molecular gas. PDR emission provides a unique tool to study in detail the physical and chemical processes that are relevant for most of the mass in inter- and circumstellar media including diffuse clouds, proto-planetary disks and molecular cloud surfaces, globules, planetary nebulae, and star-forming regions. PDR emission dominates the infrared (IR) spectra of star-forming galaxies. Most of the Galactic and extragalactic observations obtained with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will therefore arise in PDR emission. In this paper we present an Early Release Science program using the MIRI, NIRSpec, and NIRCam instruments dedicated to the observations of an emblematic and nearby PDR: the Orion Bar. These early JWST observations will provide template datasets designed to identify key PDR characteristics in JWST observations. These data will serve to benchmark PDR models and extend them into the JWST era. We also present the Science-Enabling products that we will provide to the community. These template datasets and Science-Enabling products will guide the preparation of future proposals on star-forming regions in our Galaxy and beyond and will facilitate data analysis and interpretation of forthcoming JWST observations., Comment: Submitted to PASP

A recent characterization of core turbulence carried out with a Doppler reflectometer in the optimized stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) found that discharges achieving high ion temperatures at the core featured an ITG-like suppression of density fluctuations driven by a reduction of the gradient ratio $\eta_i = L_n/L_{T_i}$ [D. Carralero et al., Nucl. Fusion, 2021]. In order to confirm the role of ITG turbulence in this process, we set out to establish experimentally the relation between core density fluctuations, turbulent heat flux and global confinement. With this aim, we consider the scenarios found in the previous work and carry out power balance analysis for a number of representative ones, including some featuring high ion temperature. As well, we evaluate the global energy confinement time and discuss it in the context of the ISS04 inter-stellarator scaling. We find that, when turbulence is suppressed as a result of a reduction of $\eta_i$, there is a reduction of ion turbulent transport, and global performance is improved as a result. This is consistent with ITG turbulence limiting the ion temperature at the core of W7-X. In contrast, when turbulence is reduced following a decrease in collisionality, no changes are observed in transport or confinement. This could be explained by ITG modes being combined with TEM turbulence when the later is destabilized at low collisionalities., Comment: Submitted to PPCF, 47th EPS special issue

We constrain the mass distribution in nearby, star-forming galaxies with the Star Formation Reference Survey (SFRS), a galaxy sample constructed to be representative of all known combinations of star formation rate (SFR), dust temperature, and specific star formation rate (sSFR) that exist in the Local Universe. An innovative two-dimensional bulge/disk decomposition of the 2MASS/$K_{s}$-band images of the SFRS galaxies yields global luminosity and stellar mass functions, along with separate mass functions for their bulges and disks. These accurate mass functions cover the full range from dwarf galaxies to large spirals, and are representative of star-forming galaxies selected based on their infra-red luminosity, unbiased by AGN content and environment. We measure an integrated luminosity density $j$ = 1.72 $\pm$ 0.93 $\times$ 10$^{9}$ L$_{\odot}$ $h^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-3}$ and a total stellar mass density $\rho_{M}$ = 4.61 $\pm$ 2.40 $\times$ 10$^{8}$ M$_{\odot}$ $h^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-3}$. While the stellar mass of the \emph{average} star-forming galaxy is equally distributed between its sub-components, disks globally dominate the mass density budget by a ratio 4:1 with respect to bulges. In particular, our functions suggest that recent star formation happened primarily in massive systems, where they have yielded a disk stellar mass density larger than that of bulges by more than 1 dex. Our results constitute a reference benchmark for models addressing the assembly of stellar mass on the bulges and disks of local ($z = 0$) star-forming galaxies., Comment: 33 pages, 21 figures, published in MNRAS, 504, 3831-3861 (2021)

We present new H$\alpha$ photometry for the Star-Formation Reference Survey (SFRS), a representative sample of star-forming galaxies in the local Universe. Combining these data with the panchromatic coverage of the SFRS, we provide calibrations of H$\alpha$-based star-formation rates (SFRs) with and without correction for the contribution of [$\rm N_{^{II}}$] emission. We consider the effect of extinction corrections based on the Balmer decrement, infrared excess (IRX), and spectral energy distribution (SED) fits. We compare the SFR estimates derived from SED fits, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hybrid indicators such as 24 $\mu$m + H$\alpha$, 8 $\mu$m + H$\alpha$, FIR + FUV, and H$\alpha$ emission for a sample of purely star-forming galaxies. We provide a new calibration for 1.4 GHz-based SFRs by comparing to the H$\alpha$ emission, and we measure a dependence of the radio-to-H$\alpha$ emission ratio based on galaxy stellar mass. Active galactic nuclei introduce biases in the calibrations of different SFR indicators but have only a minimal effect on the inferred SFR densities from galaxy surveys. Finally, we quantify the correlation between galaxy metallicity and extinction., Comment: 20 pages, 21 Figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

First results from the optimized helias Wendelstein 7-X stellarator (W7-X) have shown that core transport is no longer mostly neoclassical, as is the case in previous kinds of stellarators. Instead, turbulent transport poses a serious limitation to the global performance of the machine. Several studies have found this particularly relevant for ion transport, with core ion temperatures becoming clamped at relatively low values of $T_{i} \simeq 1.7$ keV, except in the few scenarios in which turbulence can be suppressed. In order to understand turbulent mechanisms at play, it is important to have a clear understanding of the parametric dependencies of turbulent fluctuations, and the relation between them and turbulent transport. In this work we use Doppler reflectometry measurements carried out during a number of relevant operational scenarios to provide a systematic characterization of ion-scale ($k_\perp\rho_i\simeq 1$) density fluctuations in the core of W7-X. Then, we study the relation between fluctuation amplitude and plasma profiles and show how distinct regimes can be defined for the former, depending on normalized gradients $a/L_{ne}$ and $a/L_{Ti}$. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of other potentially relevant parameters such as $T_e/T_i$, $E_r$ or collisionality. Comparing the different regimes, we find that turbulence amplitude depends generally on the gradient ratio $\eta_i=L_{ne}/L_{Ti}$, as would be expected for ITG modes, with the exception of a range of discharges, for which turbulence suppression may be better explained by an ITG to TEM transition triggered by a drop in collisionality. Finally, we show a number of scenarios under which $T_{i,core} > 1.7$ keV is achieved and how core fluctuations are suppressed in all of them, thus providing experimental evidence of microturbulence being the main responsible for the limited ion confinement in W7-X., Comment: Manuscript submitted to Nuclear Fusion in May 2021

X-ray luminosity ($L_X$) originating from high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) is tightly correlated with the host galaxy's star-formation rate (SFR). We explore this connection at sub-galactic scales spanning ${\sim}$7 dex in SFR and ${\sim}$8 dex in specific SFR (sSFR). There is good agreement with established relations down to ${\rm SFR {\simeq} 10^{-3}\,M_\odot \, yr^{-1}}$, below which an excess of X-ray luminosity emerges. This excess likely arises from low mass X-ray binaries. The intrinsic scatter of the $L_X$-SFR relation is constant, not correlated with SFR. Different star formation indicators scale with $L_X$ in different ways, and we attribute the differences to the effect of star formation history. The SFR derived from H$\alpha$ shows the tightest correlation with X-ray luminosity because H$\alpha$ emission probes stellar populations with ages similar to HMXB formation timescales, but the H$\alpha$-based SFR is reliable only for $\rm sSFR{>}10^{-12}\,M_\odot \, yr^{-1}/M_\odot$., Comment: 19 pages, 13 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS (2020-04-19)

We present a new method to accurately describe the ionization fraction and the size distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within astrophysical sources. To this purpose, we have computed the mid-infrared emission spectra of 308 PAH molecules of varying sizes, symmetries, and compactness, generated in a range of radiation fields. We show that the intensity ratio of the solo CH out-of-plane bending mode in PAH cations and anions (referred to as the 11.0 $\mu$m band, falling in the 11.0-11.3 $\mu$m region for cations and anions) to their 3.3 $\mu$m emission, scales with PAH size, similarly to the scaling of the 11.2/3.3 ratio with the number of carbon atoms (N$_{\mathrm{C}}$) for neutral molecules. Among the different PAH emission bands, it is the 3.3 $\mu$m band intensity which has the strongest correlation with N$_{\mathrm{C}}$, and drives the reported PAH intensity ratio correlations with N$_{\mathrm{C}}$ for both neutral and ionized PAHs. The 6.2/7.7 intensity ratio, previously adopted to track PAH size, shows no evident scaling with N$_{\mathrm{C}}$ in our large sample. We define a new diagnostic grid space to probe PAH charge and size, using the (11.2+11.0)/7.7 and (11.2+11.0)/3.3 PAH intensity ratios respectively. We demonstrate the application of the (11.2+11.0)/7.7 - (11.2+11.0)/3.3 diagnostic grid for galaxies M82 and NGC 253, for the planetary nebula NGC 7027, and the reflection nebulae NGC 2023 and NGC 7023. Finally, we provide quantitative relations for PAH size determination depending on the ionization fraction of the PAHs and the radiation field they are exposed to., Comment: 25 pages, 16 figures, 16 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We present a study of the integrated properties of the 835 galaxies in the CALIFA survey. To derive the main physical parameters of the galaxies we have fitted their UV-to-IR spectral energy distributions (SED) with sets of theoretical models using CIGALE. We perform a comparison of the integrated galaxy parameters derived from multi-band SED fitting with those obtained from modelling the Integral Field Unit (IFU) spectra and show the clear advantage of using the SED-derived star formation rates (SFR). A detailed analysis of galaxies in the SFR/Mstar plane as a function of their properties reveals that quenching of star formation is caused by a combination of gas deficiency and the inefficiency of the existing gas to form new stars. Exploring the plausible mechanisms that could produce this effect, we find a strong correlation with galaxy morphology and the build-up of central bulge. On the other hand, the presence of AGN and/or a stellar bar, as well as the local environment have only temporal effects on the current star formation, a result also consistent with their model-derived star formation histories., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We present multi-wavelength global star formation rate (SFR) estimates for 326 galaxies from the Star Formation Reference Survey (SFRS) in order to determine the mutual scatter and range of validity of different indicators. The widely used empirical SFR recipes based on 1.4 GHz continuum, 8.0 $\mu$m polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and a combination of far-infrared (FIR) plus ultraviolet (UV) emission are mutually consistent with scatter of $\raise{-0.8ex}\stackrel{\textstyle <}{\sim }$0.3 dex. The scatter is even smaller, $\raise{-0.8ex}\stackrel{\textstyle <}{\sim }$0.24 dex, in the intermediate luminosity range 9.3}5\times10^9$ L$_{\odot}$ or with implied far-UV extinction <1 mag, the UV spectral slope gives extinction corrections with 0.22~dex uncertainty., Comment: To be published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Data tables available at https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/irac/SFRS/ . V2 has minor clarifications from V1; no changes in data or results

We present mid-infrared (MIR) spectra of HII regions within star-forming galaxies M83 and M33. Their emission features are compared with Galactic and extragalactic HII regions, HII-type galaxies, starburst galaxies, and Seyfert/LINER type galaxies. Our main results are as follows: (i) the M33 and M83 HII regions lie in between Seyfert/LINER galaxies and HII-type galaxies in the 7.7/11.3 - 6.2/11.3 plane, while the different sub-samples exhibiting different 7.7/6.2 ratios; (ii) Using the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic database, we demonstrate that the 6.2/7.7 ratio does not effectively track PAH size, but the 11.3/3.3 PAH ratio does; (iii) variations on the 17 $\mu$m PAH band depends on object type; however, there is no dependence on metallicity for both extragalactic HII regions and galaxies; (iv) the PAH/VSG intensity ratio decreases with the hardness of the radiation field and galactocentric radius (Rg), yet the ionization alone cannot account for the variation seen in all of our sources; (v) the relative strength of PAH features does not change significantly with increasing radiation hardness, as measured through the [NeIII]/[NeII] ratio and the ionization index; (vi) We present PAH SFR calibrations based on the tight correlation between the 6.2, 7.7, and 11.3 $\mu$m PAH luminosities with the 24 $\mu$m luminosity and the combination of the 24 $\mu$m and H$\alpha$ luminosity; (vii) Based on the total luminosity from PAH and FIR emission, we argue that extragalactic HII regions are more suitable templates in modeling and interpreting the large scale properties of galaxies compared to Galactic HII regions., Comment: 26 pages, 24 figures, 6 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We present activity demographics and host-galaxy properties of infrared-selected galaxies in the local Universe, using the representative Star Formation Reference Survey (SFRS). Our classification scheme is based on a combination of optical emission-line diagrams (BPT) and IR-color diagnostics. Using the weights assigned to the SFRS galaxies based on its parent sample, a far-infrared-selected sample comprises 71\% H\,\textsc{ii} galaxies, 13\% Seyferts, 3\% Transition Objects (TOs), and 13\% Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission-Line Regions (LINERs). For the SFRS H\,\textsc{ii} galaxies we derive nuclear star-formation rates and gas-phase metallicities. We measure host-galaxy metallicities for all galaxies with available long-slit spectroscopy and abundance gradients for a subset of 12 face-on galaxies. The majority of H\,\textsc{ii} galaxies show a narrow range of metallicities, close to solar, and flat metallicity profiles. Based on their host-galaxy and nuclear properties, the dominant ionizing source in the far-infrared selected TOs is star-forming activity. LINERs are found mostly in massive hosts (median of $10^{10.5}$ M$_{\odot} $), median $L(60\mu m) = 10^{9}$ L$_{\odot}$, median dust temperatures of $ F60/F100 = 0.36 $, and median $L_{\textrm{H}\alpha}$ surface density of $ 10^{40.2} $ erg s$ ^{-1} $kpc$ ^{-2} $, indicating older stellar populations as their main ionizing source rather than AGN activity., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 24 pages, 21 figures, 8 tables