0000000001331184
AUTHOR
C. Han
Search for the Higgs Boson inH→WW(*)Decays inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeV
We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson in H --> WW(*) decays with e+e-, e+/-mu-/+, and mu+mu- final states in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of square root of s = 1.96 TeV. The data, collected from April 2002 to June 2004 with the D0 detector, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 300-325 pb(-1), depending on the final state. The number of events observed is consistent with the expectation from backgrounds. Limits from the combination of all three channels on the Higgs boson production cross section times branching ratio sigma x BR(H --> WW(*) are presented.
Search for 3- and 4-body decays of the scalar top quark in pp- collisions at root s = 1.8 TeV
Abstract We have searched for the signature of 3- and 4-body decays of pair-produced scalar top quarks (stop) in the inclusive final state containing an electron, a muon, and significant missing transverse energy using a sample of p p events corresponding to 108.3 pb−1 of data collected with the DO detector at Fermilab. The search is done in the framework of the minimal supersymmetric standard model assuming that the neutralino ( χ 0 1 ) is the lightest supersymmetric particle and is stable. No evidence for a signal is found and we derive cross-section upper limits as a function of stop (t) and neutralino masses in different decay scenarios leading to the blν χ 0 1 final state.
Measurement of theΛb0Lifetime in the DecayΛb0→J/ψΛ0with the D0 Detector
We present measurements of the Lambda(b)(0) lifetime in the exclusive decay channel Lambda(b)(0)-> J/psi Lambda(0), with J/psi ->mu(+)mu(-) and Lambda(0)-> p pi(-), the B-0 lifetime in the decay B-0-> J/psi K-S(0) with J/psi ->mu(+)mu(-) and K-S(0)->pi(+)pi(-), and the ratio of these lifetimes. The analysis is based on approximately 250 pb(-1) of data recorded with the D0 detector in p (p) over bar collisions at root s = 1.96 TeV. The Lambda(b)(0) lifetime is determined to be tau(Lambda(b)(0))=1.22(-0.18)(+0.22)(stat)+/- 0.04(syst) ps, the B-0 lifetime tau(B-0)=1.40(-) (+0.11)(0.10)(stat)+/- 0.03(syst) ps, and the ratio tau(Lambda(b)(0))/tau(B-0)=0.87(-) (+0.17)(0.14)(stat)+/- 0.03(syst). I…
Search for right-handed W bosons in top quark decay
We present a measurement of the fraction f+ of right-handed W bosons produced in top quark decays, based on a candidate sample of $t\bar{t}$ events in the lepton+jets decay mode. These data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 230pb^-1, collected by the DO detector at the Fermilab Tevatron $p\bar{p}$ Collider at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV. We use a constrained fit to reconstruct the kinematics of the $t\bar{t}$ and decay products, which allows for the measurement of the leptonic decay angle $\theta^*$ for each event. By comparing the $\cos\theta^*$ distribution from the data with those for the expected background and signal for various values of f+, we find f+=0.00+-0.13(stat)+-0.07(syst). This …
Global age-sex-specific fertility, mortality, healthy life expectancy (HALE), and population estimates in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2019: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Background Accurate and up-to-date assessment of demographic metrics is crucial for understanding a wide range of social, economic, and public health issues that affect populations worldwide. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 produced updated and comprehensive demographic assessments of the key indicators of fertility, mortality, migration, and population for 204 countries and territories and selected subnational locations from 1950 to 2019. Methods 8078 country-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 938 surveys, 349 censuses, and 238 other sources were identified and used to estimate age-specific fertility. Spatiotemporal Gaussian…
Measurement ofσ(pp¯→Z)·Br(Z→ττ)ats=1.96 TeV
We present a measurement of the cross section for Z production times the branching fraction to tau leptons, sigma.Br(Z ->tau(+)tau(-)), in p (p) over bar collisions at root s=1.96 TeV in the channel in which one tau decays into mu nu(mu)nu(tau), and the other into hadrons+nu(tau) or e nu(e)nu(tau). The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 226 pb(-1) collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The final sample contains 2008 candidate events with an estimated background of 55%. From this we obtain sigma.Br(Z ->tau(+)tau(-)) = 237 +/- 15(stat)+/- 18(sys)+/- 15(lum)pb, in agreement with the standard model prediction.
Measurement of theBs0Lifetime in the Exclusive Decay ChannelBs0→J/ψϕ
Using the exclusive decay B-s(0)-->J/psi(mu(+)mu(-))phi(K+K-), we report the most precise single measurement of the B-s(0) lifetime. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of approximately 220 pb(-1) collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in 2002-2004. We reconstruct 337 signal candidates, from which we extract the B-s(0) lifetime, tau(B-s(0))=1.444(-0.090)(+0.098)(stat)+/-0.020(sys) ps. We also report a measurement for the lifetime of the B-0 meson using the exclusive decay B-0-->J/psi(mu(+)mu(-))K-*0(892)(K(+)pi(-)). We reconstruct 1370 signal candidates, obtaining tau(B-0)=1.473(-0.050)(+0.052)(stat)+/-0.023(sys) ps, and the ratio of lifetimes, …
Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Decorrelations at Central Rapidities inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeV
Correlations in the azimuthal angle between the two largest transverse momentum jets have been measured using the D0 detector in p (p) over bar collisions at a center-of-mass energy root s=1.96 TeV. The analysis is based on an inclusive dijet event sample in the central rapidity region corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 150 pb(-1). Azimuthal correlations are stronger at larger transverse momenta. These are well described in perturbative QCD at next-to-leading order in the strong coupling constant, except at large azimuthal differences where contributions with low transverse momentum are significant.
Search for the Flavor-Changing Neutral Current DecayBs0→μ+μ−inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeVwith the D0 Detector
We present the results of a search for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-s(0)-->mu(+)mu(-) using a data set with integrated luminosity of 240 pb(-1) of p (p) over bar collisions at roo ...
Search for large extra spatial dimensions in dimuon production with the D0 detector
We present the results of a search for the effects of large extra spatial dimensions in $p{\bar p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 1.96 TeV in events containing a pair of energetic muons. The data correspond to 246 \ipb of integrated luminosity collected by the \D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Good agreement with the expected background was found, yielding no evidence for large extra dimensions. We set 95% C.L. lower limits on the fundamental Planck scale between 0.85 TeV and 1.27 TeV within several formalisms. These are the most stringent limits achieved in the dimuon channel to date.
Measurement of the ratio of inclusive cross sectionsσ(pp¯→Z+b−quark jet)/σ(pp¯→Z+jet)ats=1.96 TeV
The ratio of the cross section for $p\bar{p}$ interactions producing a $Z$ boson and at least one $b$ quark jet to the inclusive $Z+{\rm jet}$ cross section is measured using $4.2\ {\rm fb}^{-1}$ of $p\bar{p}$ collisions collected with the \dzero\ detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider at $\sqrt{s}=1.96$ TeV. The $Z\rightarrow\ell^+\ell^-$ candidate events with at least one $b$ jet are discriminated from $Z+$ charm and light jet(s) events by a novel technique that exploits the properties of the tracks associated to the jet. The measured ratio is $0.0193\pm0.0027$ for events having a jet with transverse momentum $\pt > 20 \GeV$ and pseudorapidity $|\eta| \leq 2.5$, which is the most prec…
Search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking in diphoton events at D0
We report the results of a search for supersymmetry (SUSY) with gauge-mediated breaking in the missing transverse energy distribution of inclusive diphoton events using 263 pb$^{-1}$ of data collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in 2002--2004. No excess is observed above the background expected from standard model processes, and lower limits on the masses of the lightest neutralino and chargino of about 108 and 195 GeV, respectively, are set at the 95% confidence level. These are the most stringent limits to date for models with gauge-mediated SUSY breaking with a short-lived neutralino as the next-lightest SUSY particle.
The upgraded DO detector
The DØ experiment enjoyed a very successful data-collection run at the Fermilab Tevatron collider between 1992 and 1996. Since then, the detector has been upgraded to take advantage of improvements to the Tevatron and to enhance its physics capabilities. We describe the new elements of the detector, including the silicon microstrip tracker, central fiber tracker, solenoidal magnet, preshower detectors, forward muon detector, and forward proton detector. The uranium/liquid-argon calorimeters and central muon detector, remaining from Run I, are discussed briefly. We also present the associated electronics, triggering, and data acquisition systems, along with the design and implementation of s…
Study ofZγEvents and Limits on AnomalousZZγandZγγCouplings inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeV
We present a measurement of the Z gamma production cross section and limits on anomalous ZZ gamma and Z gamma gamma couplings for form-factor scales of Lambda=750 and 1000 GeV. The measurement is based on 138 (152) candidates in the ee gamma (mu mu gamma) final state using 320(290) pb(-1) of p (p) over bar collisions at root s=1.96 TeV. The 95% C.L. limits on real and imaginary parts of individual anomalous couplings are vertical bar h(10,30)(Z)vertical bar < 0.23, vertical bar h(20,40)(Z)vertical bar < 0.020, vertical bar h(10,30)(gamma)vertical bar < 0.23, and vertical bar h(20,40)(gamma)vertical bar < 0.019 for Lambda=1000 GeV.
Search for supersymmetry via associated production of charginos and neutralinos in final states with three leptons
A search for associated production of charginos and neutralinos is performed using data recorded with the D0 detector at a ppbar center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. This analysis considers final states with missing transverse energy and three leptons, of which at least two are electrons or muons. No evidence for supersymmetry is found in a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 320 pb-1. Limits on the product of the production cross section and leptonic branching fraction are set. For the minimal supergravity model, a chargino lower mass limit of 117 GeV at the 95% C.L. is derived in regions of parameter space with enhanced leptonic branching f…
Measurement of the Ratio ofB+andB0Meson Lifetimes
The ratio of the B+ and B-0 meson lifetimes was measured using data collected in 2002-2004 by the D0 experiment in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. These mesons were reconstructed in BRμ(+)ν D*-X decays, which are dominated by B-0 and BRμ(+)ν(D) over bar X-0 decays, which are dominated by B+. The ratio of lifetimes is measured to be τ(+)/τ(0)=1.080P 0.016(stat)P 0.014(syst).
Measurement of thepp¯→Wγ+Xcross section ats=1.96 TeV andWWγanomalous coupling limits
The WWgamma triple gauge boson coupling parameters are studied using p-pbar -> l nu gamma + X (l = e,mu) events at sqrt(s) = 1.96 TeV. The data were collected with the DO detector from an integrated luminosity of 162 pb^{-1} delivered by the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The cross section times branching fraction for p-pbar -> W(gamma) + X -> l nu gamma + X with E_T^{gamma} > 8 GeV and Delta R_{l gamma} > 0.7 is 14.8 +/- 1.6 (stat) +/- 1.0 (syst) +/- 1.0 (lum) pb. The one-dimensional 95% confidence level limits on anomalous couplings are -0.88 < Delta kappa_{gamma} < 0.96 and -0.20 < lambda_{gamma} < 0.20.
Observation and Properties of theX(3872)Decaying toJ/ψπ+π−inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeV
We report the observation of the X(3872) in the J/psipi(+)pi(-) channel, with J/psi decaying to mu(+)mu(-), in p (p) over bar collisions at roots=1.96 TeV. Using approximately 230 pb(-1) of data collected with the Run II D0 detector, we observe 522+/-100 X(3872) candidates. The mass difference between the X(3872) state and the J/psi is measured to be 774.9+/-3.1(stat)+/-3.0(syst) MeV/c(2). We have investigated the production and decay characteristics of the X(3872) and find them to be similar to those of the psi(2S) state.
Measurement of the isolated photon cross section in pp¯ collisions at s=1.96 TeV
The cross section for the inclusive production of isolated photons has been measured in p anti-p collisions at sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The photons span transverse momenta 23 to 300 GeV and have pseudorapidity |eta|<0.9. The cross section is compared with the results from two next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations. The theoretical predictions agree with the measurement within uncertainties.
Production ofWZEvents inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeVand Limits on AnomalousWWZCouplings
We present results from a search for WZ production with subsequent decay to l nu l'(l) over bar'(l and l' = e or mu) using 0.30 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment between 2002 and 2004 at the Fermilab Tevatron. Three events with WZ decay characteristics are observed. With an estimated background of 0.71 +/- 0.08 events, we measure the WZ production cross section to be 4.5(-2.6)(+3.8) pb, with a 95% C.L. upper limit of 13.3 pb. The 95% C.L. limits for anomalous WWZ couplings are found to be -2.0 <Delta kappa(Z)< 2.4 for form factor scale Lambda=1 TeV, and -0.48 <lambda(Z)< 0.48 and -0.49 <Delta g(1)(Z)< 0.66 for Lambda=1.5 TeV.
Search for anomalous heavy-flavor quark production in association with W bosons.
We present a search for anomalous production of heavy-flavor quark jets in association with a W boson at the Fermilab Tevatron ppbar Collider. This search is conducted through an examination of the exclusive jet spectrum of W+jets final states in which the heavy-flavor quark content has been enhanced by requiring at least one tagged jet in an event. Jets are tagged by the combined use of two algorithms, one based on semileptonic decays of b/c hadrons, and the other on their lifetimes. We compare data in e+jets (164 pb-1) and mu+jets (145 pb-1) channels, collected with the D0 detector at sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV, to expectations from the standard model, and set upper limits on anomalous production o…
Search for Large Extra Dimensions in theMonojet+E̸TChannel with the DØ Detector
We present a search for large extra dimensions (ED) in p (p) over bar collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.8 TeV using data collected by the DO detector at the Fermilab Tevatron in 1994-1996. Data corresponding to 78.8+/-3.9 pb(-1) are examined for events with large missing transverse energy, one high-p(T) jet, and no isolated muons. There is no excess observed beyond expectation from the standard model, and we place lower limits on the fundamental Planck scale of 1.0 and 0.6 TeV for 2 and 7 ED, respectively.
Measurement of the tt¯ production cross section in pp¯ collisions at s=1.96 TeV in dilepton final states
We present a measurement of the top quark pair ($t\bar{t}$) production cross section ($\sigma_{t\bar{t}}$) in $p\bar{p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=1.96$ TeV using 230 pb$^{-1}$ of data collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We select events with one charged lepton (electron or muon), missing transverse energy, and jets in the final state. We employ lifetime-based b-jet identification techniques to further enhance the $t\bar{t}$ purity of the selected sample. For a top quark mass of 175 GeV, we measure $\sigma_{t\bar{t}}=8.6^{+1.6}_{-1.5}(stat.+syst.)\pm 0.6(lumi.)$ pb, in agreement with the standard model expectation
A giant planet beyond the snow line in microlensing event OGLE-2011-BLG-0251
We present the analysis of the gravitational microlensing event OGLE-2011-BLG-0251. This anomalous event was observed by several survey and follow-up collaborations conducting microlensing observations towards the Galactic Bulge. Based on detailed modelling of the observed light curve, we find that the lens is composed of two masses with a mass ratio q=1.9 x 10^-3. Thanks to our detection of higher-order effects on the light curve due to the Earth's orbital motion and the finite size of source, we are able to measure the mass and distance to the lens unambiguously. We find that the lens is made up of a planet of mass 0.53 +- 0.21,M_Jup orbiting an M dwarf host star with a mass of 0.26 +- 0.…
Measurement of the lifetime difference in the B$_s^0$ system
We present a study of the decay B_s^0 -> J/psi phi We obtain the CP-odd fraction in the final state at time zero, R_perp = 0.16 +/- 0.10 (stat) +/- 0.02 (syst), the average lifetime of the (B_s, B_sbar) system, tau (B_s^0) =1.39^{+0.13}_{-0.16} (stat) ^{+0.01}_{-0.02} (syst) ps, and the relative width difference between the heavy and light mass eigenstates, Delta Gamma/Gamma = (Gamma_L - Gamma_H)/Gamma =0.24^{+0.28}_{-0.38} (stat) ^{+0.03}_{-0.04} (syst). With the additional constraint from the world average of the B_s^0$lifetime measurements using semileptonic decays, we find tau (B_s^0)= 1.39 +/- 0.06 ~ps and Delta Gamma/\Gamma = 0.25^{+0.14}_{-0.15}. For the ratio of the B_s^0 and B^0 li…
Five insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 provides a rules-based synthesis of the available evidence on levels and trends in health outcomes, a diverse set of risk factors, and health system responses. GBD 2019 covered 204 countries and territories, as well as first administrative level disaggregations for 22 countries, from 1990 to 2019. Because GBD is highly standardised and comprehensive, spanning both fatal and non-fatal outcomes, and uses a mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive list of hierarchical disease and injury causes, the study provides a powerful basis for detailed and broad insights on global health trends and emerging challenges. GBD …
Measurement of Inclusive Differential Cross Sections forΥ(1S)Production inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeV
We present measurements of the inclusive production cross sections of the Upsilon(1S) bottomonium state in p (p) over bar collisions at root s=1.96 TeV. Using the Upsilon(1S)->mu(+)mu(-) decay mode for a data sample of 159 +/- 10 pb(-1) collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider, we determine the differential cross sections as a function of the Upsilon(1S) transverse momentum for three ranges of the Upsilon(1S) rapidity: 0 <\y(Upsilon)\<= 0.6, 0.6 <\y(Upsilon)\<= 1.2, and 1.2 <\y(Upsilon)\<= 1.8.
Search for single top quark production in pp¯ collisions at s=1.96 TeV
We present a search for electroweak production of single top quarks in the s-channel and t-channel using neural networks for signal-background separation. We have analyzed 230 pb(-1) of data collected with the DO detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV and find no evidence for a single top quark signal. The resulting 95% confidence level upper limits on the single top quark production cross sections are 6.4 pb in the s-channel and 5.0 ph in the t-channel. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Search for Pair Production of Light Scalar Top Quarks inpp¯Collisions ats=1.8 TeV
Using 85.2+/-3.6 pb(-1) of p (p) over bar collisions collected at roots=1.8 TeV with the D0 detector at Fermilab's Tevatron Collider, we present the results of a search for direct pair production of scalar top quarks ((t) over bar), the supersymmetric partners of the top quark. We examined events containing two or more jets and missing transverse energy, the signature of light scalar top quark decays to charm quarks and neutralinos. After selections, we observe 27 events while expecting 31.1+/-6.4 events from known standard model processes. Comparing these results to next-to-leading-order production cross sections, we exclude a significant region of (t) over tilde and neutralino phase space…
Measurement of Semileptonic Branching Fractions ofBMesons to NarrowD**States
Using the data accumulated in 2002-2004 with the D0 detector in proton-antiproton collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron collider with a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV, the branching fractions of the decays B ->(D) over bar (0)(1)(2420)mu(+)nu(mu)X and B ->(D) over bar (*0)(2)(2460)mu(+)nu(mu)X and their ratio have been measured: B (b) over bar -> B)xB(B -> (D) over bar (0)(1)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (0)(1)-> D(*-)pi(+))=[0.087 +/- 0.007(stat)+/- 0.014(syst)]%; B((b) over bar -> B)xB(B ->(D) over bar (*0)(2)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (*0)(2)-> D(*-)pi(+))=[0.035 +/- 0.007(stat)+/- 0.008(syst)]% and [B(B ->(D) over bar (*0)(2)mu(+)nu(mu)X)xB((D) over bar (*0)(2)-> D(*-)pi(+))]/[B(B ->(…
Search for neutral supersymmetric higgs bosons in multijet events at s=1.96TeV
Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T20:06:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-10-07 We have performed a search for neutral Higgs bosons produced in association with bottom quarks in pp collisions, using 260pb-1 of data collected with the D0 detector in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The cross sections for these processes are enhanced in many extensions of the standard model (SM), such as in its minimal supersymmetric extension at large tanâ□¡Î. The results of our analysis agree with expectations from the SM, and we use our measurements to set upper limits on the production of neutral Higgs bosons in the mass range of 90 to 150 GeV. © 2005 The American Ph…
Search for Randall-Sundrum gravitons in dilepton and diphoton final states
We report the first direct search for the Kaluza-Klein (KK) modes of Randall-Sundrum gravitons using dielectron, dimuon, and diphoton events observed with the D0 detector operating at the Fermilab Tevatron ppbar Collider at sqrt(s) = 1.96 TeV. No evidence for resonant production of gravitons has been found in the data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately 260 pb^-1. Lower limits on the mass of the first KK mode at the 95% C.L. have been set between 250 and 785 GeV, depending on its coupling to SM particles.
Search for Doubly Charged Higgs Boson Pair Production in the Decay toμ+μ+μ−μ−inpp¯Collisions ats=1.96 TeV
A search for pair production of doubly charged Higgs bosons in the process p (p) over bar -->H++H---->mu(+)mu(+)mu(-)mu(-) is performed with the D0 run II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The analysis is based on a sample of inclusive dimuon data collected at an energy of roots=1.96 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 113 pb(-1). In the absence of a signal, 95% confidence level mass limits of M(H-L(+/-+/-))>118.4 GeV/c(2) and M(H-R(+/-+/-))>98.2 GeV/c(2) are set for left-handed and right-handed doubly charged Higgs bosons, respectively, assuming 100% branching into muon pairs.
Characterizing Lenses and Lensed Stars of High-magnification Single-lens Gravitational Microlensing Events with Lenses Passing over Source Stars
We present the analysis of the light curves of 9 high-magnification single-lens gravitational microlensing events with lenses passing over source stars, including OGLE-2004-BLG-254, MOA-2007-BLG-176, MOA-2007-BLG-233/OGLE-2007-BLG-302, MOA-2009-BLG-174, MOA-2010-BLG-436, MOA-2011-BLG-093, MOA-2011-BLG-274, OGLE-2011-BLG-0990/MOA-2011-BLG-300, and OGLE-2011-BLG-1101/MOA-2011-BLG-325. For all events, we measure the linear limb-darkening coefficients of the surface brightness profile of source stars by measuring the deviation of the light curves near the peak affected by the finite-source effect. For 7 events, we measure the Einstein radii and the lens-source relative proper motions. Among the…
Observation of diffractively produced W and Z bosons in p̄p collisions at √s = 1800 GeV
Using the DO detector, we have observed events produced in (p) over barp collisions that contain W or Z bosons in conjunction with very little energy deposition ("rapidity gaps") in large forward regions of the detector. The fraction of W boson events with a rapidity gap (a signature for diffraction) is 0.89 +/- (0.19)(0.17)% and the probability that the non-diffractive background fluctuated to yield the observed diffractive signal is 3 x 10(-14), corresponding to a significance of 7.5 sigma. The Z boson sample has a gap fraction of 1.44 +/- (0.61)(0.52)%, with a significance of 4.4 sigma. The diffractive events have very similar properties to the more common non-diffractive component. (C) …
Microlensing Discovery of a Population of Very Tight, Very Low Mass Binary Brown Dwarfs
Although many models have been proposed, the physical mechanisms responsible for the formation of low-mass brown dwarfs (BDs) are poorly understood. The multiplicity properties and minimum mass of the BD mass function provide critical empirical diagnostics of these mechanisms. We present the discovery via gravitational microlensing of two very low mass, very tight binary systems. These binaries have directly and precisely measured total system masses of 0.025 M [SUB]⊙[/SUB] and 0.034 M [SUB]⊙[/SUB], and projected separations of 0.31 AU and 0.19 AU, making them the lowest-mass and tightest field BD binaries known. The discovery of a population of such binaries indicates that BD binaries can …