ABSTRACT
The red-giant branch (RGB) in globular clusters is extended to larger brightness if the degenerate helium core loses too much energy in "dark channels." Based on a large set of archival observations, we provide high-precision photometry for the Galactic globular cluster M5 (NGC 5904), allowing for a detailed comparison between the observed tip of the RGB with predictions based on contemporary stellar evolution theory. In particular, we derive 95% confidence limits of g(ae)<4.3×10(-13) on the axion-electron coupling and µ(ν)<4.5×10(-12)µ(B) (Bohr magneton µ(B)=e/2m(e)) on a neutrino dipole moment, based on a detailed analysis of statistical and systematic uncertainties. The cluster distance is the single largest source of uncertainty and can be improved in the future.
ABSTRACT
An 8.8M{â} electron-capture supernova was simulated in spherical symmetry consistently from collapse through explosion to essentially complete deleptonization of the forming neutron star. The evolution time (â¼9 s) is short because high-density effects suppress our neutrino opacities. After a short phase of accretion-enhanced luminosities (â¼200 ms), luminosity equipartition among all species becomes almost perfect and the spectra of ν{e} and ν{µ,τ} very similar, ruling out the neutrino-driven wind as r-process site. We also discuss consequences for neutrino flavor oscillations.
ABSTRACT
If large extra dimensions exist in nature, supernova (SN) cores will emit large fluxes of Kaluza-Klein gravitons, producing a cosmic background of these particles with energies and masses up to about 100 MeV. Radiative decays then give rise to a diffuse cosmic gamma-ray background with E(gamma) approximately less than 100 MeV which is well in excess of the observations if more than 0.5%-1% of the SN energy is emitted into the new channel. For two extra dimensions we derive a conservative bound on their radius of R approximately less than 0.9 x 10(-4) mm; for three extra dimensions it is R approximately less than 1.9 x 10(-7) mm.
