The Gravitational wave burst high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)is a dedicated mission for monitoring high-energy transients.Here we report the design of the GECAM Scientific Ground Segment(...The Gravitational wave burst high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)is a dedicated mission for monitoring high-energy transients.Here we report the design of the GECAM Scientific Ground Segment(GSGS)in terms of the scientific requirements,including the architecture,the external interfaces,the main function,and workflow.Judging from the analysis and verification results during the commissioning phase,the GSGS functions well and is able to monitor the status of the payloads,adjust the parameters,develop the scientific observation plans,generate the scientific data products,analyze the data,etc.Thus,the on-orbit operation and scientific researches of GECAM are guaranteed.展开更多
In this work,we searched for short-timescale variations of polarizations in five magnetars observed by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer.Only 4U 0142+61 showed an indication of variations of polarization degree(P...In this work,we searched for short-timescale variations of polarizations in five magnetars observed by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer.Only 4U 0142+61 showed an indication of variations of polarization degree(PD),with the significance of 3.0σbetween the highest and lowest PDs,though no significant changes were observed in the polarization angle and emission features during this process.1RXS J170849.0−40091,SGR 1806−20,1E 2259+586 and 1E 1841−045 remained stable within the error ranges.To verify these results,we also performed simulations assuming constant polarization over their observation period.The results indicated that the probability of the detected PD of 4U 0142+61,being due to statistical fluctuations is only 5.8%.However,we cannot rule out the possibility of statistical fluctuations for 4U 0142+61,if the observed PD variation is indeed a real physical phenomenon,which would be necessary to be confirmed in future observations.展开更多
Scheduled for launch in 2030,the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarization(eXTP)telescope is a Chinese space-based mission aimed at studying extreme conditions and phenomena in astrophysics.eXTP will feature three main p...Scheduled for launch in 2030,the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarization(eXTP)telescope is a Chinese space-based mission aimed at studying extreme conditions and phenomena in astrophysics.eXTP will feature three main payloads:Spectroscopy Focusing Array(SFA),Polarimetry Focusing Array(PFA),and a Wide-field Camera(W2C).This white paper outlines observatory science,incorporating key scientific advances and instrumental changes since the publication of the previous white paper.We will discuss perspectives of eXTP on the research domains of flare stars,supernova remnants,pulsar wind nebulae,cataclysmic variables,X-ray binaries,ultraluminous X-ray sources,active galactic nucleus(AGN),and pulsar-based positioning and timekeeping.展开更多
The Einstein Probe(EP)is an interdisciplinary mission of time-domain and X-ray astronomy.Equipped with a wide-field lobstereye X-ray focusing imager,EP will discover cosmic X-ray transients and monitor the X-ray varia...The Einstein Probe(EP)is an interdisciplinary mission of time-domain and X-ray astronomy.Equipped with a wide-field lobstereye X-ray focusing imager,EP will discover cosmic X-ray transients and monitor the X-ray variability of known sources in 0.5-4 keV,at a combination of detecting sensitivity and cadence that is not accessible to the previous and current wide-field monitoring missions.EP can perform quick characterisation of transients or outbursts with a Wolter-I X-ray telescope onboard.In this paper,the science objectives of the EP mission are presented.EP is expected to enlarge the sample of previously known or predicted but rare types of transients with a wide range of timescales.Among them,fast extragalactic transients will be surveyed systematically in soft X-rays,which includeγ-ray bursts and their variants,supernova shock breakouts,and the predicted X-ray transients associated with binary neutron star mergers.EP will detect X-ray tidal disruption events and outbursts from active galactic nuclei,possibly at an early phase of the flares for some.EP will monitor the variability and outbursts of X-rays from white dwarfs,neutron stars and black holes in our and neighbouring galaxies at flux levels fainter than those detectable by the current instruments,and is expected to discover new objects.A large sample of stellar X-ray flares will also be detected and characterised.In the era of multi-messenger astronomy,EP has the potential of detecting the possible X-ray counterparts of gravitational wave events,neutrino sources,and ultra-high energyγ-ray and cosmic ray sources.EP is expected to help advance the studies of extreme objects and phenomena revealed in the dynamic X-ray universe,and their underlying physical processes.Besides EP's strength in time-domain science,its follow-up telescope,with excellent performance,will also enable advances in many areas of X-ray astronomy.展开更多
In this paper we present the science potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP)mission,in its new configuration,for studies of strongly magnetized compact objects.We discuss the scientific potential ...In this paper we present the science potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP)mission,in its new configuration,for studies of strongly magnetized compact objects.We discuss the scientific potential of eXTP for quantum electrodynamic(QED)studies,especially leveraging the recent observations made with the NASA IXPE mission.Given eXTP’s unique combination of timing,spectroscopy,and polarimetry,we focus on the perspectives for physics and astrophysics studies of strongly magnetized compact objects,such as magnetars and accreting X-ray pulsars.Developed by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,the eXTP mission is expected to launch in early 2030.展开更多
In this white paper,we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray timing and polarimetry(eXTP)mission to constrain the equation of state of dense matter in neutron stars,exploring regimes not directly accessible to t...In this white paper,we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray timing and polarimetry(eXTP)mission to constrain the equation of state of dense matter in neutron stars,exploring regimes not directly accessible to terrestrial experiments.By observing a diverse population of neutron stars—including isolated objects,X-ray bursters,and accreting systems—eXTP’s unique combination of timing,spectroscopy,and polarimetry enables high-precision measurements of compactness,spin,surface temperature,polarimetric signals,and timing irregularity.These multifaceted observations,combined with advances in theoretical modeling,pave the way toward a comprehensive description of the properties and phases of dense matter from the crust to the core of neutron stars.Under development by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,the eXTP mission is planned to be launched in early 2030.展开更多
In this paper,we present the current status of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission,which has been fully approved for launch in 2030.eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics u...In this paper,we present the current status of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission,which has been fully approved for launch in 2030.eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of matter density,gravity,and magnetism.The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density,measuring the effects of quantum electro-dynamics,and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity.In addition to investigating fundamental physics,the eXTP mission is poised to become a leading observatory for time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy in the 2030s,as well as providing observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects.After briefly introducing the history and a summary of the scientific objectives of the eXTP mission,this paper presents a comprehensive overview of:(1)the cutting-edge technology,technical specifications,and anticipated performance of the mission’s scientific instruments;(2)the full mission profile,encompassing spacecraft design,operational capabilities,and ground segment infrastructure.展开更多
As China's first X-ray astronomy satellite,the hard X-ray modulation telescope(Insight-HXMT)carries three sets of X-ray telescopes.The high energy X-ray telescope(Insight-HXMT/HE)could serve as an all-sky gamma-ra...As China's first X-ray astronomy satellite,the hard X-ray modulation telescope(Insight-HXMT)carries three sets of X-ray telescopes.The high energy X-ray telescope(Insight-HXMT/HE)could serve as an all-sky gamma-ray monitor with a detection area of up to 5000 cm2and energy range from about 200 ke V to 3 Me V.These characteristics,together with the high orbital inclination angle(43°)of the satellite,make the HE very suitable for detecting terrestrial gamma-ray flashes(TGFs).In this work,we implemented a dedicated TGF search algorithm for Insight-HXMT/HE,and identified 282 bright TGFs in its first four years of operation.We made a systematic study on the properties of these TGFs,including trigger time,duration,intensity,as well as the lightning association.We found that TGFs detected in mid-latitude regions(30°to 43°)are rare and they do not exhibit significantly different properties compared with TGFs in low-latitude(within 30°).Interestingly,the hardness ratio of TGF measured by Insight-HXMT/HE seems to be independent of the TGF duration,which differs from previous studies.These results show that,despite the dedicated design for astronomical observation,Insight-HXMT/HE is a versatile instrument to study energetic radiation phenomena from the Earth.展开更多
Finding the electromagnetic （EM） counterpart of binary compact star merger, especially the binary neutron star （BNS） merger, is critically important for gravitational wave （GW） astronomy, cosmology and fundament...Finding the electromagnetic （EM） counterpart of binary compact star merger, especially the binary neutron star （BNS） merger, is critically important for gravitational wave （GW） astronomy, cosmology and fundamental physics. On Aug. 17, 2017, Advanced LIGO and Fermi/GBM independently triggered the first BNS merger, GW170817, and its high energy EM counterpart, GRB 170817A, respectively, resulting in a global observation campaign covering gamma-ray, X-ray, UV, optical, IR, radio as well as neutrinos. The High Energy X-ray telescope （HE） onboard Insight-HXMT （Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope） is the unique high-energy gamma-ray telescope that monitored the entire GW localization area and especially the optical counterpart （SSS17a/AT2017gfo） with very large collection area （M000 cm2） and microsecond time resolution in 0.2-5 MeV. In addition, Insight-HXMT quickly implemented a Target of Opportunity （TOO） observation to scan the GW localization area for potential X-ray emission from the GW source. Although Insight-HXMT did not detect any significant high energy （0.2-5 MeV） radiation from GW170817, its observation helped to confirm the unexpected weak and soft nature of GRB 170817A. Meanwhile, Insight-HXMT/HE provides one of the most stringent constraints （-10-7 to 104 erg/cm2/s） for both GRB170817A and any other possible precursor or extended emissions in 0.2-5 MeV, which help us to better understand the properties of EM radiation from this BNS merger. Therefore the observation of Insight-HXMT constitutes an important chapter in the full context of multi-wavelength and multi-messenger observation of this historical GW event.展开更多
As China’s first X-ray astronomical satellite, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), which was dubbed as Insight-HXMT after the launch on June 15, 2017, is a wide-band(1-250 ke V) slat-collimator-based X-ray as...As China’s first X-ray astronomical satellite, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), which was dubbed as Insight-HXMT after the launch on June 15, 2017, is a wide-band(1-250 ke V) slat-collimator-based X-ray astronomy satellite with the capability of all-sky monitoring in 0.2-3 Me V. It was designed to perform pointing, scanning and gamma-ray burst(GRB)observations and, based on the Direct Demodulation Method (DDM), the image of the scanned sky region can be reconstructed.Here we give an overview of the mission and its progresses, including payload, core sciences, ground calibration/facility, ground segment, data archive, software, in-orbit performance, calibration, background model, observations and some preliminary results.展开更多
In this paper we present the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP. eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. The m...In this paper we present the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP. eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, measuring effects of QED, and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity. In addition to investigating fundamental physics, eXTP will be a very powerful observatory for astrophysics that will provide observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects. In particular, its wide field monitoring capabilities will be highly instrumental to detect the electro-magnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources.The paper provides a detailed description of:(1) the technological and technical aspects, and the expected performance of the instruments of the scientific payload;(2) the elements and functions of the mission, from the spacecraft to the ground segment.展开更多
The Medium Energy X-ray telescope(ME) is one of the three main telescopes on board the Insight hard X-ray modulation telescope(Insight-HXMT) astronomy satellite. ME contains 1728 pixels of Si-PIN detectors sensitive i...The Medium Energy X-ray telescope(ME) is one of the three main telescopes on board the Insight hard X-ray modulation telescope(Insight-HXMT) astronomy satellite. ME contains 1728 pixels of Si-PIN detectors sensitive in 5-30 ke V with a total geometrical area of 952 cm^2. The application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) chip, VA32TA6, is used to achieve low power consumption and low readout noise. The collimators define three kinds of field of views(FOVs) for the telescope, 1°×4°, 4°×4°,and blocked ones. Combination of such FOVs can be used to estimate the in-orbit X-ray and particle background components.The energy resolution of ME is ~3 ke V at 17.8 ke V(FWHM) and the time resolution is 255 μs. In this paper, we introduce the design and performance of ME.展开更多
In this White Paper we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP) mission for studies related to Observatory Science targets. These include flaring stars, supernova remnants, accreting wh...In this White Paper we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP) mission for studies related to Observatory Science targets. These include flaring stars, supernova remnants, accreting white dwarfs, low and high mass X-ray binaries, radio quiet and radio loud active galactic nuclei, tidal disruption events, and gamma-ray bursts. eXTP will be excellently suited to study one common aspect of these objects: their often transient nature. Developed by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Science, the eXTP mission is expected to be launched in the mid 2020s.展开更多
In this White Paper we present the potential of the Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP) mission for determining the nature of dense matter; neutron star cores host an extreme density regime which cannot be rep...In this White Paper we present the potential of the Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP) mission for determining the nature of dense matter; neutron star cores host an extreme density regime which cannot be replicated in a terrestrial laboratory. The tightest statistical constraints on the dense matter equation of state will come from pulse profile modelling of accretion-powered pulsars, burst oscillation sources, and rotation-powered pulsars. Additional constraints will derive from spin measurements, burst spectra, and properties of the accretion flows in the vicinity of the neutron star. Under development by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the eXTP mission is expected to be launched in the mid 2020 s.展开更多
Purpose The low-energy X-ray telescope(LE)is a main instrument of the Insight-HXMT mission and consists of 96 swept charge devices covering the 1–10 keV energy band.The energy gain and resolution are continuously cal...Purpose The low-energy X-ray telescope(LE)is a main instrument of the Insight-HXMT mission and consists of 96 swept charge devices covering the 1–10 keV energy band.The energy gain and resolution are continuously calibrated by analyzing Cassiopeia A(Cas A)and blank sky data,while the effective areas are also calibrated with the observations of the Crab Nebula.In this paper,we present the evolution of the in-orbit performances of LE in the first 5 years since launch.Methods The Insight-HXMT data analysis software package(HXMTDAS)is utilized to extract the spectra of Cas A,blank sky,and Crab Nebula using different good time interval selections.We fit a model with a power-law continuum and several Gaussian lines to different ranges of Cas A and blank sky spectra to get peak energies of their lines through xspec.After updating the energy gain calibration in CALibration DataBase(CALDB),we rerun the Cas A data to obtain the energy resolution.An empirical function is used to modify the simulated effective areas so that the background-subtracted spectrum of the Crab Nebula can best match the standard model of the Crab Nebula.Results The energy gain,resolution,and effective areas are calibrated every month.The corresponding calibration results are duly updated in CALDB,which can be downloaded and used for the analysis of Insight-HXMT data.Simultaneous observations with NuSTAR and NICER can also be used to verify our derived results.Conclusion LE is a well-calibrated X-ray telescope working in 1–10 keV band.The uncertainty of LE gain is less than 20eV in 2–9 keV band,and the uncertainty of LE resolution is less than 15eV.The systematic errors of LE,compared to the model of the Crab Nebula,are lower than 1.5%in 1–10 keV.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFF0711404,2021YFA0718500)International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(grant No.113111KYSB20190020)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,Grant No.U1938106)the open subject of the National HEP Data Center(E029S2S1)support from the Strategic Priority Research Program on Space Science,the Chinese Academy of Sciences(grant Nos.XDA15360102,XDA15360300,XDA15052700 and E02212A02S)。
文摘The Gravitational wave burst high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)is a dedicated mission for monitoring high-energy transients.Here we report the design of the GECAM Scientific Ground Segment(GSGS)in terms of the scientific requirements,including the architecture,the external interfaces,the main function,and workflow.Judging from the analysis and verification results during the commissioning phase,the GSGS functions well and is able to monitor the status of the payloads,adjust the parameters,develop the scientific observation plans,generate the scientific data products,analyze the data,etc.Thus,the on-orbit operation and scientific researches of GECAM are guaranteed.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(grant Nos.2023YFE0117200 and 2021YFA0718500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant Nos.12373041,12422306,12333007 and 12373051)+5 种基金the Program of Bagui Scholars Program(XF)supported by the Guangxi Talent Program(“Highland of Innovation Talents”)supported by the Italian Space Agency(Agenzia Spaziale Italiana,ASI)through contract ASI-INAF-2022-19-HH.0by the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica(INAF)in Italypartially supported by MAECI with grant CN24GR08“GRBAXP:Guangxi-Rome Bilateral Agreement for X-ray Polarimetry in Astrophysics.”supported by Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education(grant No.YCBZ2025065).
文摘In this work,we searched for short-timescale variations of polarizations in five magnetars observed by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer.Only 4U 0142+61 showed an indication of variations of polarization degree(PD),with the significance of 3.0σbetween the highest and lowest PDs,though no significant changes were observed in the polarization angle and emission features during this process.1RXS J170849.0−40091,SGR 1806−20,1E 2259+586 and 1E 1841−045 remained stable within the error ranges.To verify these results,we also performed simulations assuming constant polarization over their observation period.The results indicated that the probability of the detected PD of 4U 0142+61,being due to statistical fluctuations is only 5.8%.However,we cannot rule out the possibility of statistical fluctuations for 4U 0142+61,if the observed PD variation is indeed a real physical phenomenon,which would be necessary to be confirmed in future observations.
基金supported by the China’s Space Origins Exploration Program,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12273010,12333007,12433004,12233002,12373041,and 12422306)the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.113111KYSB20190020)+9 种基金the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA15020100)the Spanish MICIU(Grant Nos.PID2021-124581OB-I0,PID2024-155316NB-I00,and 2021SGR00426)the Ramon y Cajal Fellowship(Grant Nos.RYC2021-032718-I,and RYC2018-025950-I)the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR,the Spanish MINECO(Grant Nos.PID2022-136828NB-C44,and PID2023-148661NB-I00)the E.U.FEDER Funds,the AGAUR/Generalitat de Catalunya(Grant No.SGR-386/2021)the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation)-Projektnummer(Grant No.549824807)the Programma di Ricerca Fondamentale INAF 2023,the National SKA Program of China(Grant No.2020SKA0120300)the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2021YFA0718500)the Xinjiang Tianchi Program,the Hong Kong Government under HKU(Grant No.17304524)the Bagui Scholars Program.
文摘Scheduled for launch in 2030,the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarization(eXTP)telescope is a Chinese space-based mission aimed at studying extreme conditions and phenomena in astrophysics.eXTP will feature three main payloads:Spectroscopy Focusing Array(SFA),Polarimetry Focusing Array(PFA),and a Wide-field Camera(W2C).This white paper outlines observatory science,incorporating key scientific advances and instrumental changes since the publication of the previous white paper.We will discuss perspectives of eXTP on the research domains of flare stars,supernova remnants,pulsar wind nebulae,cataclysmic variables,X-ray binaries,ultraluminous X-ray sources,active galactic nucleus(AGN),and pulsar-based positioning and timekeeping.
基金supported by Strategic Priority Program on Space Science of Chinese Academy of Sciences,in collaboration with ESA,MPE and CNES(Grant Nos.XDA15310000,and XDA15052100)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61234003,61434004,and 61504141)CAS Interdisciplinary Project(Grant No.KJZD-EW-L11-04)。
文摘The Einstein Probe(EP)is an interdisciplinary mission of time-domain and X-ray astronomy.Equipped with a wide-field lobstereye X-ray focusing imager,EP will discover cosmic X-ray transients and monitor the X-ray variability of known sources in 0.5-4 keV,at a combination of detecting sensitivity and cadence that is not accessible to the previous and current wide-field monitoring missions.EP can perform quick characterisation of transients or outbursts with a Wolter-I X-ray telescope onboard.In this paper,the science objectives of the EP mission are presented.EP is expected to enlarge the sample of previously known or predicted but rare types of transients with a wide range of timescales.Among them,fast extragalactic transients will be surveyed systematically in soft X-rays,which includeγ-ray bursts and their variants,supernova shock breakouts,and the predicted X-ray transients associated with binary neutron star mergers.EP will detect X-ray tidal disruption events and outbursts from active galactic nuclei,possibly at an early phase of the flares for some.EP will monitor the variability and outbursts of X-rays from white dwarfs,neutron stars and black holes in our and neighbouring galaxies at flux levels fainter than those detectable by the current instruments,and is expected to discover new objects.A large sample of stellar X-ray flares will also be detected and characterised.In the era of multi-messenger astronomy,EP has the potential of detecting the possible X-ray counterparts of gravitational wave events,neutrino sources,and ultra-high energyγ-ray and cosmic ray sources.EP is expected to help advance the studies of extreme objects and phenomena revealed in the dynamic X-ray universe,and their underlying physical processes.Besides EP's strength in time-domain science,its follow-up telescope,with excellent performance,will also enable advances in many areas of X-ray astronomy.
基金supported by the China’s Space Origins Exploration Programthe National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No.2021YFA0718500)+10 种基金the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.12373051,12273028,12173103,12261141691,and 12003009)the support by the Italian MUR (grant PRIN 2022 - 2022LWPEXW grant,“An X-ray view of compact objects in polarized light”,CUP C53D23001180006)the German Research Foundation (DFG) grant WE 1312/59-1 for financial supportUKRI Stephen Hawking fellowshipthe support by UKRI STFC (Grant No.ST/W507891/1)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12333007)the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.113111KYSB20190020)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.XDA15020100)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.12373041,and 12422306)the Bagui Scholars Program (XF)supported by STFC (Grant No.ST/Y001060/1)。
文摘In this paper we present the science potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP)mission,in its new configuration,for studies of strongly magnetized compact objects.We discuss the scientific potential of eXTP for quantum electrodynamic(QED)studies,especially leveraging the recent observations made with the NASA IXPE mission.Given eXTP’s unique combination of timing,spectroscopy,and polarimetry,we focus on the perspectives for physics and astrophysics studies of strongly magnetized compact objects,such as magnetars and accreting X-ray pulsars.Developed by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,the eXTP mission is expected to launch in early 2030.
基金supported by China’s Space Origins Exploration Programsupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12273028)+36 种基金support from ERC Consolidator (Grant No.865768) AEONSsupport from NWO grant ENW-XL OCENW.XL21.XL21.038the support of the CNESsupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12333007)the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.113111KYSB20190020)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.XDA15020100)supported by the China National Postdoctoral Program for Innovation Talents (Grant No.BX20240223)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project (Grant No.2024M761948)support from a Ramon y Cajal fellowship (Grant No.RYC2021-032718-I) financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union Next Generation EU/PRTRsupported by the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Grant No.2023D01E20)the National SKA Program of China (Grant No.2020SKA0120300)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.12033001,and 12473039)supported by Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.LQ24A030002)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12003009)supported by the National SKA Program of China (Grant No.2020SKA0120200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12041303)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.1227303)supported by the National SKA Program of China (Grant No.2020SKA0120300)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation (Grant No.1242018)the Max Planck Partner Group Program funded by the Max Planck Societysupported by JSPS KAKENHI (the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science,Grantsin-Aid for Scientific Research) (Grant Nos.23K19056,and 25K17403)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12175109)support from FCT (Fundacao para a Ciência e a Tecnologia,I.P.,Portugal) (Grant Nos.UIDB/04564/2020,and 2022.06460.PTDC)supported from the program Unidad de Excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2020-001058-Mfrom the project PID2022-139427NB-I00 financed by the Spanish MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER,UE (FSE+)by the CRC-TR 211 “Strong-interaction matter under extreme conditions” -project Nr.315477589-TRR 211support from grant PID2021-124581OB-I0,PID2024-155316NB-I00,and 2021SGR00426supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12122513)supported in part by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant No.101020842)by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG,German Research Foundation)-Project-ID 279384907-SFB 1245support from the ERC Consolidator (Grant No.101002352) (LOVENEST)supported by the European Research Council (ERC) via the Consolidator Grant “MAGNESIA” (Grant No.817661)the Proof of Concept “Deep Space Pulse” (Grant No.101189496)the Catalan grant SGR2021-01269the Spanish grant ID2023-153099NA-I00the program Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu CEX2020-001058-Msupported by the Research Council of Finland (Grant No.354533).
文摘In this white paper,we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray timing and polarimetry(eXTP)mission to constrain the equation of state of dense matter in neutron stars,exploring regimes not directly accessible to terrestrial experiments.By observing a diverse population of neutron stars—including isolated objects,X-ray bursters,and accreting systems—eXTP’s unique combination of timing,spectroscopy,and polarimetry enables high-precision measurements of compactness,spin,surface temperature,polarimetric signals,and timing irregularity.These multifaceted observations,combined with advances in theoretical modeling,pave the way toward a comprehensive description of the properties and phases of dense matter from the crust to the core of neutron stars.Under development by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,the eXTP mission is planned to be launched in early 2030.
基金the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12333007)the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.113111KYSB20190020)+4 种基金the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA15020100)support by ASI,under the dedicated eXTP agreements and agreement ASI-INAF n.2017-14-H.O.by INAF and INFN under project REDSOXsupport from the Deutsche Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt,the German Aerospace Center(DLR)support from MINECO grant ESP2017-82674-R and FEDER funds.
文摘In this paper,we present the current status of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission,which has been fully approved for launch in 2030.eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of matter density,gravity,and magnetism.The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density,measuring the effects of quantum electro-dynamics,and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity.In addition to investigating fundamental physics,the eXTP mission is poised to become a leading observatory for time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy in the 2030s,as well as providing observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects.After briefly introducing the history and a summary of the scientific objectives of the eXTP mission,this paper presents a comprehensive overview of:(1)the cutting-edge technology,technical specifications,and anticipated performance of the mission’s scientific instruments;(2)the full mission profile,encompassing spacecraft design,operational capabilities,and ground segment infrastructure.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021YFA0718500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12273042)the Science Research Program of Dezhou University(2024xjrc142)。
文摘As China's first X-ray astronomy satellite,the hard X-ray modulation telescope(Insight-HXMT)carries three sets of X-ray telescopes.The high energy X-ray telescope(Insight-HXMT/HE)could serve as an all-sky gamma-ray monitor with a detection area of up to 5000 cm2and energy range from about 200 ke V to 3 Me V.These characteristics,together with the high orbital inclination angle(43°)of the satellite,make the HE very suitable for detecting terrestrial gamma-ray flashes(TGFs).In this work,we implemented a dedicated TGF search algorithm for Insight-HXMT/HE,and identified 282 bright TGFs in its first four years of operation.We made a systematic study on the properties of these TGFs,including trigger time,duration,intensity,as well as the lightning association.We found that TGFs detected in mid-latitude regions(30°to 43°)are rare and they do not exhibit significantly different properties compared with TGFs in low-latitude(within 30°).Interestingly,the hardness ratio of TGF measured by Insight-HXMT/HE seems to be independent of the TGF duration,which differs from previous studies.These results show that,despite the dedicated design for astronomical observation,Insight-HXMT/HE is a versatile instrument to study energetic radiation phenomena from the Earth.
基金supported by the National Program on Key Research and Development Project(Grant No.2016YFA0400800)from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(MOST)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB23040400)the Hundred Talent Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11233001,11503027,11403026,11473027,and11733009)
文摘Finding the electromagnetic （EM） counterpart of binary compact star merger, especially the binary neutron star （BNS） merger, is critically important for gravitational wave （GW） astronomy, cosmology and fundamental physics. On Aug. 17, 2017, Advanced LIGO and Fermi/GBM independently triggered the first BNS merger, GW170817, and its high energy EM counterpart, GRB 170817A, respectively, resulting in a global observation campaign covering gamma-ray, X-ray, UV, optical, IR, radio as well as neutrinos. The High Energy X-ray telescope （HE） onboard Insight-HXMT （Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope） is the unique high-energy gamma-ray telescope that monitored the entire GW localization area and especially the optical counterpart （SSS17a/AT2017gfo） with very large collection area （M000 cm2） and microsecond time resolution in 0.2-5 MeV. In addition, Insight-HXMT quickly implemented a Target of Opportunity （TOO） observation to scan the GW localization area for potential X-ray emission from the GW source. Although Insight-HXMT did not detect any significant high energy （0.2-5 MeV） radiation from GW170817, its observation helped to confirm the unexpected weak and soft nature of GRB 170817A. Meanwhile, Insight-HXMT/HE provides one of the most stringent constraints （-10-7 to 104 erg/cm2/s） for both GRB170817A and any other possible precursor or extended emissions in 0.2-5 MeV, which help us to better understand the properties of EM radiation from this BNS merger. Therefore the observation of Insight-HXMT constitutes an important chapter in the full context of multi-wavelength and multi-messenger observation of this historical GW event.
基金project funded by China National Space Administration(CNSA)and the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)support from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2016YFA0400800)+1 种基金the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant Nos.XDA04010202,XDA04010300,and XDB23040400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U1838201,and U1838102).
文摘As China’s first X-ray astronomical satellite, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), which was dubbed as Insight-HXMT after the launch on June 15, 2017, is a wide-band(1-250 ke V) slat-collimator-based X-ray astronomy satellite with the capability of all-sky monitoring in 0.2-3 Me V. It was designed to perform pointing, scanning and gamma-ray burst(GRB)observations and, based on the Direct Demodulation Method (DDM), the image of the scanned sky region can be reconstructed.Here we give an overview of the mission and its progresses, including payload, core sciences, ground calibration/facility, ground segment, data archive, software, in-orbit performance, calibration, background model, observations and some preliminary results.
基金support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences through the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA15020100)support by ASI, under the dedicated eXTP agreements and agreement ASI-INAF (Grant No. 2017-14-H.O.)+3 种基金by INAF and INFN under project REDSOXsupport from the Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, the German Aerospce Center (DLR)support of Science Centre (Grant No. 2013/10/M/ST9/00729)support from MINECO (Grant No. ESP2017-82674-R) and FEDER funds
文摘In this paper we present the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP. eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, measuring effects of QED, and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity. In addition to investigating fundamental physics, eXTP will be a very powerful observatory for astrophysics that will provide observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects. In particular, its wide field monitoring capabilities will be highly instrumental to detect the electro-magnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources.The paper provides a detailed description of:(1) the technological and technical aspects, and the expected performance of the instruments of the scientific payload;(2) the elements and functions of the mission, from the spacecraft to the ground segment.
基金the Strategic Priority Research Program on Space Science,the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA040102).
文摘The Medium Energy X-ray telescope(ME) is one of the three main telescopes on board the Insight hard X-ray modulation telescope(Insight-HXMT) astronomy satellite. ME contains 1728 pixels of Si-PIN detectors sensitive in 5-30 ke V with a total geometrical area of 952 cm^2. The application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) chip, VA32TA6, is used to achieve low power consumption and low readout noise. The collimators define three kinds of field of views(FOVs) for the telescope, 1°×4°, 4°×4°,and blocked ones. Combination of such FOVs can be used to estimate the in-orbit X-ray and particle background components.The energy resolution of ME is ~3 ke V at 17.8 ke V(FWHM) and the time resolution is 255 μs. In this paper, we introduce the design and performance of ME.
基金supported by the Royal Society,ERC Starting(Grant No.639217)he European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Global Fellowship(Grant No.703916)+10 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11233001,11773014,11633007,11403074,11333005,11503008,and 11590781)the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2015CB857100)NASA(Grant No.NNX13AD28A)an ARC Future Fellowship(Grant No.FT120100363)the National Science Foundation(Grant No.PHY-1430152)the Spanish MINECO(Grant No.AYA2016-76012-C3-1-P)the ICCUB(Unidad de Excelencia’Maria de Maeztu’)(Grant No.MDM-2014-0369)EU’s Horizon Programme through a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship(Grant No.702638)the Polish National Science Center(Grant Nos.2015/17/B/ST9/03422,2015/18/M/ST9/00541,2013/10/M/ST9/00729,and 2015/18/A/ST9/00746)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA15020100)the NWO Veni Fellowship(Grant No.639.041.647)
文摘In this White Paper we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP) mission for studies related to Observatory Science targets. These include flaring stars, supernova remnants, accreting white dwarfs, low and high mass X-ray binaries, radio quiet and radio loud active galactic nuclei, tidal disruption events, and gamma-ray bursts. eXTP will be excellently suited to study one common aspect of these objects: their often transient nature. Developed by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Science, the eXTP mission is expected to be launched in the mid 2020s.
基金support from ERC Starting (Grant No. 639217 CSINEUTRONSTAR)support from a Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) Vidi Fellowship+2 种基金suported by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Global Fellowship (Grant No. 703916)supported in part by the DFG through Grant SFB 1245 and the ERC (Grant No. 307986 STRONGINT)support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences through the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA15020100)
文摘In this White Paper we present the potential of the Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry(eXTP) mission for determining the nature of dense matter; neutron star cores host an extreme density regime which cannot be replicated in a terrestrial laboratory. The tightest statistical constraints on the dense matter equation of state will come from pulse profile modelling of accretion-powered pulsars, burst oscillation sources, and rotation-powered pulsars. Additional constraints will derive from spin measurements, burst spectra, and properties of the accretion flows in the vicinity of the neutron star. Under development by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the eXTP mission is expected to be launched in the mid 2020 s.
基金support from the National Program on Key Research and Development Project(Grant No.2021YFA0718500)from the Minister of Science and Technology of China(MOST)The authors thank supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grants 12273043,U1838201,U1838202,U1938102,and U1938108This work was partially supported by the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.113111KYSB20190020).
文摘Purpose The low-energy X-ray telescope(LE)is a main instrument of the Insight-HXMT mission and consists of 96 swept charge devices covering the 1–10 keV energy band.The energy gain and resolution are continuously calibrated by analyzing Cassiopeia A(Cas A)and blank sky data,while the effective areas are also calibrated with the observations of the Crab Nebula.In this paper,we present the evolution of the in-orbit performances of LE in the first 5 years since launch.Methods The Insight-HXMT data analysis software package(HXMTDAS)is utilized to extract the spectra of Cas A,blank sky,and Crab Nebula using different good time interval selections.We fit a model with a power-law continuum and several Gaussian lines to different ranges of Cas A and blank sky spectra to get peak energies of their lines through xspec.After updating the energy gain calibration in CALibration DataBase(CALDB),we rerun the Cas A data to obtain the energy resolution.An empirical function is used to modify the simulated effective areas so that the background-subtracted spectrum of the Crab Nebula can best match the standard model of the Crab Nebula.Results The energy gain,resolution,and effective areas are calibrated every month.The corresponding calibration results are duly updated in CALDB,which can be downloaded and used for the analysis of Insight-HXMT data.Simultaneous observations with NuSTAR and NICER can also be used to verify our derived results.Conclusion LE is a well-calibrated X-ray telescope working in 1–10 keV band.The uncertainty of LE gain is less than 20eV in 2–9 keV band,and the uncertainty of LE resolution is less than 15eV.The systematic errors of LE,compared to the model of the Crab Nebula,are lower than 1.5%in 1–10 keV.
