title:
A New Kinematical Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation and the
  Particle Description of Light

abstract:
  The Lorentz Transformation is derived from only three simple postulates:
  (i) a weak kinematical form of the Special Relativity Principle that requires
the equivalence of reciprocal space-time measurements by two different inertial
observers;
  (ii) Uniqueness, that is the condition that the Lorentz Transformation should
be a single valued function of its arguments;
  (iii) Spatial Isotropy.
  It is also shown that to derive the Lorentz Transformation for space-time
points lying along a common axis, parallel to the relative velocity direction,
of two inertial frames, postulates (i) and (ii) are sufficient. The kinematics
of the Lorentz Transformation is then developed to demonstrate that, for
consistency with Classical Electrodynamics, light must consist of massless (or
almost massless) particles: photons.


title: Advanced scenarios for ITER operation

abstract:
  An international experiment, ITER is proposed as the next essential and
critical step on the path to demonstrating the scientific and technological
feasibility of fusion energy. ITER would give unique opportunities to explore,
in reactor relevant conditions, the physics of α-particle heating, plasma
turbulence and turbulent transport, stability limits to the plasma pressure and
exhaust of power and particles. Improved understanding of the physical
processes occurring in tokamak plasmas give enhanced confidence in ITER
achieving its goals. In particular, progress has been made in research to raise
the performance of tokamaks, aimed to extend the discharge pulse length towards
steady-state operation (advanced scenarios). Advanced scenarios use a modified
current density profile, ranging from (i) plasmas that sustain a central region
with a flat current density profile (zero magnetic shear), capable of operating
stationary at high plasma pressure, to (ii) discharges with an off axis maximum
of the current density profile (reversed magnetic shear in the core), able to
form internal transport barriers, to increase the confinement of the plasma.
The physics of advanced tokamak discharges is described, together with an
overview of recent results from different tokamak experiments.


title: Ageing test of the ATLAS RPCs at X5-GIF

abstract:
  An ageing test of three ATLAS production RPC stations is in course at X5-GIF,
the CERN irradiation facility. The chamber efficiencies are monitored using
cosmic rays triggered by a scintillator hodoscope. Higher statistics
measurements are made when the X5 muon beam is available. We report here the
measurements of the efficiency versus operating voltage at different source
intensities, up to a maximum counting rate of about 700Hz/cm^2. We describe the
performance of the chambers during the test up to an overall ageing of 4 ATLAS
equivalent years corresponding to an integrated charge of 0.12C/cm^2, including
a safety factor of 5.


title:
Gravitation and Electromagnetic Wave Propagation with Negative Phase
  Velocity

abstract:
  Gravitation has interesting consequences for plane wave propagation in a
vacuum. The propagation of plane waves with phase velocity directed opposite to
the the time-averaged Poynting vector is investigated for a generally curved
spacetime. Conditions for such negative-phase-velocity (NPV) propagation are
established in terms of the metric components for general and special cases.
The negative energy density implications of NPV propagation are discussed.


title: Improved Nearside-Farside Decomposition of Elastic Scattering Amplitudes

abstract:
  A recently proposed technique is described that provides improved
nearside-farside (NF) decompositions of elastic scattering amplitudes. The
technique, involving a new resummation formula for Legendre partial wave
series, reduces the importance of unphysical contributions to NF subamplitudes,
which can appear in more conventional NF decompositions. Applications are made
to a strong absorption model that arises in chemical and nuclear physics, as
well as to a 16O + 16O optical potential at Elab = 132 MeV.


title:
Spectroscopic of atmospheric pressure air jet plasma in transverses arc
  discharge

abstract:
  Spectroscopic characterization of a specific case of the atmospheric pressure
air jet plasma in the transverse cw dc arc discharge of high voltage was done.
Within the spectrum of wavelengths from 200 to 1100 nm all remarkable emissions
were monitored, and all excited atomic lines of N, O, H and molecular bands of
NO, N2, O2, OH, CO, CN were identified. Using relative intensities of
analytical CuI lines 510.5, 515.3, 521.8 nm (the product of electrode emission)
and N2 2+ -system band at 337.1 nm (the dominating component of plasma-forming
gas), the temperature of electronic excitation of free atoms, Texc, and the
temperatures of excitation of vibrational and rotational states of molecules,
TV and TR, were determined. It was found that there is no local LTE in this arc
discharge air plasma during its space/time evolution, and effects of strong
non-izothermality have a place in this case.


title:
Scalings for ultra-relativistic laser plasmas and monoenergetic
  electrons

abstract:
  The similarity theory is derived for ultra-relativistic laser-plasma
interactions. First, it is shown that the most fundamental S-similarity is
valid for both under- and overdense plasmas. Then, the particular case of
tenious plasma is considered in great detail. It is shown that the electron
dynamics in this case has two characteristic scales. The fast scale corresponds
to relaxation to some attractor solution. The slow dynamics describes an
adiabatic evolution of this attractor. This leads to a remarkable wave breaking
exclusion rule in the 3D geometry. A similarity theory for the slow dynamics
allows obtaining simple ``engineering'' scalings for the maximum electron
energies, the number of accelerated electrons, the electron beam density, and
for the acceleration distance. These scalings are aimed at design of a
high-energy laser-plasma accelerator generating electron beams with superior
properties.


title: Electron as a Complex-Dynamical Interaction Process

abstract:
  A system of two initially homogeneous, physically real fields uniformly
attracted to each other is considered as the simplest basis of the
self-developing world structure. It is shown that the system is unstable
against periodic cycles of self-amplified, essentially nonlinear squeeze of its
extended part to a small volume around randomly chosen centre, followed by the
reverse extension. The resulting spatially random pulsation, or "quantum beat",
is observed as (massive) elementary particle such as the electron. The property
of mass is then universally and consistently defined as temporal rate of such
dynamically chaotic and essentially nonlinear quantum beat, without
introduction of any additional entities. The obtained picture can be considered
as complex-dynamical completion of the "double solution" concept of Louis de
Broglie. The dynamically emerging wave-particle duality, quantum discreteness,
indeterminacy, space, and time lead to the equations of special relativity and
quantum mechanics, providing their causal explanation and explicit unification.
The elementary particle structure, its intrinsic properties, quantum and
relativistic behaviour are obtained thus all together, within the unified
analysis of the unreduced interaction process leading to the universal concept
of dynamic complexity. The same complex-dynamical process accounts for the
universal gravitation and general relativity. The electromagnetic, weak, and
strong types of interaction between particles also constitute integral,
dynamically unified parts of quantum beat processes inside elementary
particles. The classical, dynamically localised behaviour emerges in a closed
system as a higher complexity level corresponding to formation of elementary
bound systems (like atoms).


title: Electromagnetic Pulse Propagation in Passive Media by the Lanczos Method

abstract:
  Maxwell's equations are cast in the form of the Schr\"{o}dinger equation.
  The Lanczos propagation method is used in combination with the fast Fourier
pseudospectral method to solve the initial value problem. As a result, a
time-domain, unconditionally stable, and highly efficient numerical algorithm
is obtained for the propagation and scattering of broad-band electromagnetic
pulses in dispersive and absorbing media. As compared to conventional
finite-difference time-domain methods, an important advantage of the proposed
algorithm is a dynamical control of accuracy: Variable time steps or variable
computational costs per time step with error control are possible. The method
is illustrated with numerical simulations of extraordinary transmission and
reflection in metal and dielectric gratings with rectangular and cylindrical
geometry.


title:
Lanczos Pseudospectral Propagation Method for Initial-Value Problems in
  Electrodynamics of Passive Media

abstract:
  Maxwell's equations for electrodynamics of dispersive and absorptive
(passive) media are written in the form of the Schr\"odinger equation with a
non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. The Lanczos time-propagation scheme is modified to
include non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and used, in combination with the Fourier
pseudospectral method, to solve the initial-value problem. The time-domain
algorithm developed is shown to be unconditionally stable. Variable time steps
and/or variable computational costs per time step with error control are
possible. The algorithm is applied to study transmission and reflection
properties of ionic crystal gratings with cylindric geometry in the infra-red
range.

categories: physics.comp-ph cond-mat.mtrl-sci math.NA physics.optics


title:
The role of electromagnetic trapped modes in extraordinary transmission
  in nanostructured materials

abstract:
  We assert that the physics underlying the extraordinary light transmission
(reflection) in nanostructured materials can be understood from rather general
principles based on the formal scattering theory developed in quantum
mechanics. The Maxwell equations in passive (dispersive and absorptive) linear
media are written in the form of the Schr\"{o}dinger equation to which the
quantum mechanical resonant scattering theory (the Lippmann-Schwinger
formalism) is applied. It is demonstrated that the existence of long-lived
quasistationary eigenstates of the effective Hamiltonian for the Maxwell theory
naturally explains the extraordinary transmission properties observed in
various nanostructured materials. Such states correspond to quasistationary
electromagnetic modes trapped in the scattering structure. Our general approach
is also illustrated with an example of the zero-order transmission of the
TE-polarized light through a metal-dielectric grating structure. Here a direct
on-the-grid solution of the time-dependent Maxwell equations demonstrates the
significance of resonances (or trapped modes) for extraordinary light
transmissio


title: The Energetics of Particle Acceleration Using High Intensity Lasers

abstract:
  We point out that even the most intense laser beams available today can
provide only a very small fraction of the beam energy required to reach the
design luminosity for a future e+e- linear collider. This fact seems to have
been overlooked in the extensive literature on laser acceleration of charged
particles.


title: Recurrence intervals between earthquakes strongly depend on history

abstract:
  We study the statistics of the recurrence times between earthquakes above a
certain magnitude M$ in California. We find that the distribution of the
recurrence times strongly depends on the previous recurrence time $\tau_0$. As
a consequence, the conditional mean recurrence time $\hat \tau(\tau_0)$ between
two events increases monotonically with $\tau_0$. For $\tau_0$ well below the
average recurrence time $\ov{\tau}, \hat\tau(\tau_0)$ is smaller than
$\ov{\tau}$, while for $\tau_0>\ov{\tau}$, $\hat\tau(\tau_0)$ is greater than
$\ov{\tau}$. Also the mean residual time until the next earthquake does not
depend only on the elapsed time, but also strongly on $\tau_0$. The larger
$\tau_0$ is, the larger is the mean residual time. The above features should be
taken into account in any earthquake prognosis.


title:
On the efficiency of exchange in parallel tempering Monte Carlo
  simulations

abstract:
  If accepted, the paper will be available at
http://pubs.acs.org/journals/jpcbfh/


title:
Nonlocal Nonlinear Electrostatic Gyrofluid Equations: A four-moment
  model

abstract:
  Extending a previous single-temperature model, an electrostatic gyrofluid
model that includes anisotropic temperatures (parallel and perpendicular) and
can treat general nonlinear situations is constructed. The model is based on a
Lagrangian formulation of gyrofluid dynamics, which leads to an exact energy
conservation law. Diamagnetic cancelations are inserted manually in such a way
that energy conservation is preserved. Comparison with previous models shows a
very good agreement for zero-Larmor-radius terms in the gyrofluid equations of
motion.


title:
Direct Photon Identification with Artificial Neural Network in the
  Photon Spectrometer PHOS

abstract:
  A neural network method is developed to discriminate direct photons from the
neutral pion background in the PHOS spectrometer of the ALICE experiment at the
LHC collider. The neural net has been trained to distinguish different classes
of events by analyzing the energy-profile tensor of a cluster in its eigen
vector coordinate system. Monte-Carlo simulations show that this method
diminishes by an order of magnitude the probability of $\pi^0$-meson
misidentification as a photon with respect to the direct photon identification
efficiency in the energy range up to 120 GeV.


title:
A new experimental technique for investigation of plasma generated with
  plasmotrons in electrophysical installations

abstract:
  A new experimental technique for investigating characteristics of plasma
generated with plasmotrons in electrophysical installations was proposed. The
technique involves a simultaneous registration of both radiation spectra and
images of plasma and consequent analysis of the registered data [1]. The
experimental technique proposed permits to acquire much more information about
plasma characteristics compared to common techniques of separate registration
of spectra and images and reveal possible correlation between spectral
parameters and image features of plasma [2]. The technique proposed was
experimentally realized using complex of apparatus fulfilling simultaneous
registration of both radiation spectra and images of plasma generated in
electrophysical installations designed for destruction of hazardous and harmful
substances [3]. Analysis of the data acquired using the proposed technique
permits to find both optimum operating conditions of existing plasmochemical
reactors and the optimum number and spatial arrangement of plasmotrons in
reactors being designed. Optimization here means attaining maximum
effectiveness of destruction of the substances, increasing destruction speed,
reducing consumption of electric power and consumable chemicals, and a whole
number of the other positive results. It is also possible to use output signals
of the registering apparatus to control plasmotrons'operating conditions in
real time i.e. to build plasmochemical reactor with feedback.


title:
Non-Linear Deformations of Liquid-Liquid Interfaces Induced by
  Electromagnetic Radiation Pressure

abstract:
  The idea of working with a near-critical phase-separated liquid mixture
whereby the surface tension becomes weak, has recently made the field of laser
manipulation of liquid interfaces a much more convenient tool in practice. The
deformation of interfaces may become as large as several tenths of micrometers,
even with the use of conventional laser power. This circumstance necessitates
the use of nonlinear geometrical theory for the description of surface
deformations. The present paper works out such a theory, for the surface
deformation under conditions of axial symmetry and stationarity. Good agreement
is found with the experimental results of Casner and Delville [A. Casner and J.
P. Delville, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 87}, 054503 (2001); Opt. Lett. {\bf 26},
1418 (2001); Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 90}, 144503 (2003)], in the case of moderate
power or a broad laser beam. In the case of large power and a narrow beam,
corresponding to surface deformations of about 50 micrometers or higher, the
theory is found to over-predict the deformation. Possible explanations of this
discrepancy are discussed.


title:
The Successful Operation of Hole-type Gaseous Detectors at Cryogenic
  Temperatures

abstract:
  We have demonstrated that hole-type gaseous detectors, GEMs and capillary
plates, can operate up to 77 K. For example, a single capillary plate can
operate at gains of above 10E3 in the entire temperature interval between 300
until 77 K. The same capillary plate combined with CsI photocathodes could
operate perfectly well at gains (depending on gas mixtures) of 100-1000.
Obtained results may open new fields of applications for capillary plates as
detectors of UV light and charge particles at cryogenic temperatures: noble
liquid TPCs, WIMP detectors or LXe scintillating calorimeters and cryogenic
PETs.


title: Studies of "Kapustinsky's" light pulser timing characteristics

abstract:
  We present the results of studies of a nanosecond light pulser built
following J.S.Kapustinsky et al original design and using bright InGaN/GaN
ultraviolet and blue LEDs produced by NICHIA CHEMICAL. It is shown how timing
characteristics of the pulser depend on the type of LED and the value of power
supply voltage.


title: Pixel Detectors for Tracking and their Spin-off in Imaging Applications

abstract:
  To detect tracks of charged particles close to the interaction point in high
energy physics experiments of the next generation colliders, hybrid pixel
detectors, in which sensor and read-out IC are separate entities, constitute
the present state of the art in detector technology. Three of the LHC detectors
as well as the BTeV detector at the Tevatron will use vertex detectors based on
this technology. A development period of almost 10 years has resulted in pixel
detector modules which can stand the extreme rate and timing requirements as
well as the very harsh radiation environment at the LHC for its full life time
and without severe compromises in performance. From these developments a number
of different applications have spun off, most notably for biomedical imaging.
Beyond hybrid pixels, a number of trends and possibilities with yet improved
performance in some aspects have appeared and presently developed to greater
maturity. Among them are monolithic or semi-monolithic pixel detectors which do
not require complicated hybridization but come as single sensor/IC entities.
The present state in hybrid pixel detector development for the LHC experiments
as well as for some imaging applications is reviewed and new trends towards
monolithic or semi-monolithic pixel devices are summarized.


title:
Study of charge-charge coupling effects on dipole emitter relaxation
  within a classical electron-ion plasma description

abstract:
  Studies of charge-charge (ion-ion, ion-electron, and electron-electron)
coupling properties for ion impurities in an electron gas and for a two
component plasma are carried out on the basis of a regularized electron-ion
potential without short-range Coulomb divergence. This work is motivated in
part by questions arising from recent spectroscopic measurements revealing
discrepancies with present theoretical descriptions. Many of the current
radiative property models for plasmas include only single electron-emitter
collisions and neglect some or all charge-charge interactions. A molecular
dynamics simulation of dipole relaxation is proposed here to allow proper
account of many electron-emitter interactions and all charge-charge couplings.
As illustrations, molecular dynamics simulations are reported for the cases of
a single ion imbedded in an electron plasma and for a two-component
ion-electron plasma. Ion-ion, electron-ion, and electron-electron coupling
effects are discussed for hydrogen-like Balmer alpha lines.


title: Climate sensitivity of Earth to solar irradiance: update

abstract:
  This paper is a continuation of a study by Douglass and Clader. We extend the
analysis through December 2003 using the latest updates of the observational
temperature and solar irradiance data sets in addition to a new volcano proxy
data set. We have re-determined the solar effect on the temperature from
satellite measurements of the solar irradiance and the temperature of the lower
troposphere the sensitivity to solar irradiance. This re-analysis calculates
two newly recognized dynamic and non-radiative flux factors which must be
applied to the observed sensitivity. The sensitivity is about twice that
expected from a no-feedback Stefan-Boltzmann radiation balance model, which
implies positive feedback. The sensitivity to volcano forcing is also
determined. Preliminary results indicate that negative feedback is present in
this case. Response times of fractions of a year are found for both solar and
volcano forcing. We note that climate models generally assume relaxation times
of 5 to 10 years and we comment on the consequences of this large disparity. We
also have determined a linear trend in the data.


title: Updating seismic hazard at Parkfield

abstract:
  The occurrence of the September 28, 2004 Mw=6.0 mainshock at Parkfield,
California, has significantly increased the mean and aperiodicity of the series
of time intervals between mainshocks in this segment of the San Andreas fault.
We use five different statistical distributions as renewal models to fit this
new series and to estimate the time-dependent probability of the next Parkfield
mainshock. Three of these distributions (lognormal, gamma and Weibull) are
frequently used in reliability and time-to-failure problems. The other two come
from physically-based models of earthquake recurrence (the Brownian Passage
Time Model and the Minimalist Model). The differences resulting from these five
renewal models are emphasized.


title:
Two-photon photo-ionization of the Ca 4s3d 1D2 level in an optical
  dipole trap

abstract:
  We report an optical dipole trap for calcium. The trap is created by focusing
a 488 nm argon-ion laser beam into a calcium magneto-optical trap. The
argon-ion laser photo-ionizes atoms in the trap because of a near-resonance
with the 4s4f 1F3 level. By measuring the dipole trap decay rate as a function
of argon-ion laser intensity, we determine the 1F3 photo-ionization cross
section at our wavelength to be approximately 230 Mb.


title: Acoustic scattering by periodic arrays of air-bubbles

abstract:
  This paper considers acoustic scattering by and propagation through line and
plane arrays of air-bubbles in liquid media. The self-consistent method is used
to derive the effective scattering function of a single bubble embedded in the
arrays, incorporating all multiple scattering processes. For the line case, an
exact result is derived. In the plane array situation, only an approximate
analytic result is possible. Numerical computations have been carried out to
show the multiple scattering effects on wave scattering. It is shown that
depending on the distance between bubbles the resonance peak of a single bubble
can either be broadened or narrowed due to multiple scattering and it shows an
oscillatory behavior as the distance changes. Meanwhile, the peak scattering
amplitude is also be either enhanced or reduced. The previously predicted
strong enhancement, however, is not evident. For plane arrays, the usual
resonant scattering of a single bubble in absence of other bubbles can be
suppressed by multiple scattering when the distance between bubbles is
sufficiently small. As the distance increases, the resonant scattering starts
to appear, and the resonance peak position is alternately shifted towards
higher and lower values. Moreover, it is predicted that wave propagation
through a plane bubble array can be significantly inhibited in a range of
frequencies slightly higher than the natural frequency of a single bubble,
possibly a useful feature for noise screening. The ambiguities in the previous
results are pointed out.


title: Drawing Particle Symbols and Feynman Diagrams with Office

abstract:
  Particle symbols and Feynman diagrams often used in particle physics can be
generated by a word document processor. Standard office packages have their
built in symbols such as solid-line, dashed-line, arrows, etc. which are also
used in particle physics. Three symbols corresponding to photon, gluon and
fermion line are not present in the standard office packages. By importing
these two symbols and using the built in symbols, tree-level Feynman diagrams
can be easily generated in an office program.


title:
The impact of epistemology on learning: A case study from introductory
  physics

abstract:
  We discuss a case study of the influence of epistemology on learning for a
student in an introductory college physics course. An analysis of videotaped
class work, written work, and interviews indicates that many of the student's
difficulties were epistemological in nature. Our primary goal is to show
instructors and curriculum developers that a student's epistemological stance -
her ideas about knowledge and learning - can have a direct, causal influence on
her learning of physics. This influence exists even when research-based
curriculum materials provide implicit epistemological support. For this reason,
curriculum materials and teaching techniques could become more effective by
explicitly attending to students' epistemologies.


title: A note on Dolby and Gull on radar time and the twin "paradox"

abstract:
  Recently a suggestion has been made that standard textbook representations of
hypersurfaces of simultaneity for the travelling twin in the twin "paradox" are
incorrect. This suggestion is false: the standard textbooks are in agreement
with a proper understanding of the relativity of simultaneity.


title: Basic Chemical Models of Nonideal Atomic Plasma

abstract:
  The concept of basic chemical models is introduced, which is new from the
standpoint of the physics of nonideal atomic plasma. This concept is based on
the requirement of full conformity of the expression for free energy in the
chemical model of plasma to exact asymptotic expansions obtained in the grand
canonical ensemble within the physical model of plasma. The thermodynamic
functions and equations of state and ionization equilibrium are obtained for
three basic chemical models differing from one another by the choice of the
atomic partition function. Comparison is made with the experimental results for
nonideal plasma of cesium and inert gases. It is demonstrated that the best fit
to experiment is shown by the results obtained using a basic chemical model
with atomic partition function in the nearest neighbor approximation with
classical determination of the size of excited atom.


title: Cold collisions in dissipative optical lattices

abstract:
  In the past, light-assisted cold collisions between laser cooled atoms have
been widely studied in magneto-optical atom traps (MOTs). We describe here
theoretical studies of dynamical interactions, specifically cold collisions,
between atoms trapped in near-resonant, dissipative optical lattices. The
developed quantum-mechanical model is based on Monte Carlo wave-function
simulations and combines atomic cooling and collision dynamics in a single
framework. It turns out, that the radiative heating mechanism affects the
dynamics of atomic cloud in a red-detuned lattice in a way that is not directly
expected from the MOT studies. The optical lattice and position dependent
light-matter coupling introduces selectivity of collision partners. Atoms,
which are most mobile and energetic, are strongly favored to participate in
collisions, and are more often ejected from the lattice, than the slow ones in
the laser parameter region selected for study. For blue-detuned lattices, we
study how optical shielding emerges as a natural part of the lattice and look
for ways to optimize the effect. The simulations are computationally very
demanding and would obviously benefit from the simplification schemes. We
present some steps to this direction by showing how it is possible to calculate
collision rates in near-resonant lattices in a fairly simple way.


title:
Water waves over a time-dependent bottom: Exact description for 2D
  potential flows

abstract:
  Two-dimensional potential flows of an ideal fluid with a free surface are
considered in situations when shape of the bottom depends on time due to
external reasons. Exact nonlinear equations describing surface waves in terms
of the so called conformal variables are derived for an arbitrary time-evolving
bottom parameterized by an analytical function. An efficient numerical method
for the obtained equations is suggested.


title:
Advances in the numerical treatment of grain-boundary migration:
  Coupling with mass transport and mechanics

abstract:
  This work is based upon a coupled, lattice-based continuum formulation that
was previously applied to problems involving strong coupling between mechanics
and mass transport; e.g. diffusional creep and electromigration. Here we
discuss an enhancement of this formulation to account for migrating grain
boundaries. The level set method is used to model grain-boundary migration in
an Eulerian framework where a grain boundary is represented as the zero level
set of an evolving higher-dimensional function. This approach can easily be
generalized to model other problems involving migrating interfaces; e.g. void
evolution and free-surface morphology evolution. The level-set equation is
recast in a remarkably simple form which obviates the need for spatial
stabilization techniques. This simplified level-set formulation makes use of
velocity extension and field re-initialization techniques. In addition, a
least-squares smoothing technique is used to compute the local curvature of a
grain boundary directly from the level-set field without resorting to
higher-order interpolation. A notable feature is that the coupling between mass
transport, mechanics and grain-boundary migration is fully accounted for. The
complexities associated with this coupling are highlighted and the
operator-split algorithm used to solve the coupled equations is described.


title:
Exact semi-relativistic model for ionization of atomic hydrogen by
  electron impact

abstract:
  We present a semi-relativistic model for the description of the ionization
process of atomic hydrogen by electron impact in the first Born approximation
by using the Darwin wave function to describe the bound state of atomic
hydrogen and the Sommerfeld-Maue wave function to describe the ejected
electron. This model, accurate to first order in $Z/c$ in the relativistic
correction, shows that, even at low kinetic energies of the incident electron,
spin effects are small but not negligible. These effects become noticeable with
increasing incident electron energies. All analytical calculations are exact
and our semi-relativistic results are compared with the results obtained in the
non relativistic Coulomb Born Approximation both for the coplanar asymmetric
and the binary coplanar geometries.


title:
Photo-Stimulated Electron Detrapping and the Two-State Model for
  Electron Transport in Nonpolar Liquids

abstract:
  In common nonpolar liquids, such as saturated hydrocarbons, a dynamic
equilibrium between trapped (localized) and quasifree (extended) states has
been postulated for the excess electron (the two-state model). Using
time-resolved dc conductivity, the effect of 1064 nm laser photoexcitation of
trapped electrons on the charge transport has been observed in liquid n-hexane
and methylcyclohexane. The light promotes the electron from the trap into the
conduction band of the liquid, instantaneously increasing the conductivity by
orders of magnitude. From the analysis of the two-pulse, two-color
photoconductivity data, the residence time of the electrons in traps has been
estimated as ca. 8.4 ps for n-hexane and ca. 13 ps for methylcyclohexane (at
295 K). The rate of detrapping decreases at lower temperature with an
activation energy of ca. 200 meV (280-320 K); the lifetime-mobility product for
quasifree electrons scales linearly with the temperature. We suggest that the
properties of trapped electrons in hydrocarbon liquids can be well accounted
for using the simple electron bubble (Wigner-Seiz spherical well) model. The
estimated localization time of the quasifree electron is 20-50 fs; both time
estimates are in good agreement with the "quasiballistic" model. This
localization time is significantly lower than the value of ca. 300 fs obtained
using time-domain terahertz (THz) spectroscopy for the same system [E. Knoesel
et al., J. Chem. Phys. 121, 394 (2004)]. We suggest that the THz signal
originates from the oscillations of electron bubbles rather than the
free-electron plasma; vibrations of these bubbles may be responsible for the
deviations from the Drude behavior observed below 0.4 THz. Various implications
of these results are discussed.


title:
Numerical Evaluation of Cuspoid and Bessoid Oscillating Integrals for
  Applications in Chemical Physics

abstract:
  Oscillating integrals often arise in the theoretical description of phenomena
in chemical physics, in particular in atomic and molecular collisions, and in
spectroscopy. A computer code for the numerical evaluation of the oscillatory
cuspoid canonical integrals and their first-order partial derivatives is
described. The code uses a novel adaptive contour algorithm, which chooses a
contour in the complex plane that avoids the violent oscillatory and
exponential natures of the integrand and modifies its choice as necessary.
Applications are made to the swallowtail canonical integral and to a bessoid
integral.


title:
Internal Gravity Waves in a Stratified Fluid with Smoothly Varying
  Bottom

abstract:
  The far field asymptotic of internal waves is constructed for the case when a
point source of mass moves in a layer of arbitrarily stratified fluid with
slowly varying bottom. The solutions obtained describe the far field both near
the wave fronts of each individual mode and away from the wave fronts and are
expansions in Airy or Fresnel waves with the argument determined from the
solution of the corresponding eikonal equation. The amplitude of the wave field
is determined from the energy conservation law along the ray tube. For model
distributions of the bottom shape and the stratification describing the typical
pattern of the ocean shelf exact analytic expressions are obtained for the
rays, and the properties of the phase structure of the wave field are analyzed.


title:
Non-exponential relaxation and hierarchically constrained dynamics in a
  protein

abstract:
  A scaling analysis within a model of hierarchically constrained dynamics is
shown to reproduce the main features of non-exponential relaxation observed in
kinetic studies of carbonmonoxymyoglobin.


title:
Investigation of Organic Nanocrystallic Films by the Method of Raman
  Spectroscopy

abstract:
  Investigation of organic molecular films by a method Raman of a spectroscopy
is carried out. It is shown, that values of frequencies of lines in a spectrum
of the lattice oscillations of the molecular films are depressed in comparison
with values of frequencies of similar lines in a monocrystal. Intensity of
padding lines will increase in a spectrum of films. Allocation of an impurity
in a film of an organic mixed crystal nonuniform. Examinations are lead by the
example of a p-dibromobenzene and the mixed crystal a p-dichlorobenzene /
p-dibromobenzene.


title:
Supersymmetric free-damped oscillators: Adaptive observer estimation of
  the Riccati parameter

abstract:
  A supersymmetric class of free damped oscillators with three parameters has
been obtained in 1998 by Rosu and Reyes through the factorization of the Newton
equation. The supplementary parameter is the integration constant of the
general Riccati solution. The estimation of the latter parameter is performed
here by employing the recent adaptive observer scheme of Besancon et al., but
applied in a nonstandard form in which a time-varying quantity containing the
unknown Riccati parameter is estimated first. Results of computer simulations
are presented to illustrate the good feasibility of this approach for a case in
which the estimation is not easily accomplished by other means


title:
Temperature dependent magnetic properties of FePt: effective spin
  Hamiltonian model

abstract:
  A model of magnetic interactions in the ordered ferromagnetic FePt is
proposed on the basis of first-principles calculations of non-collinear
magnetic configurations and shown to be capable of explaining recent
measurements of magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE). The site (Fe,Pt) resolved
contributions to the MAE have been distinguished with small Fe easy-plane and
large Pt easy-axis terms. This model has been tested against available
experimental data on the temperature dependence of MAE showing scaling of
uniaxial MAE (K$_{1}$(T)) with magnetization (M(T)) $K_{1}(T) \sim
M(T)^{\gamma}$ characterized by the unusual exponent of $\gamma= 2.1$. It is
shown that this unusual behavior of the FePt can be quantitatively explained
within the proposed model and originates from an effective anisotropic exchange
mediated by the induced Pt moment. The latter is expected to be a common
feature of 3d-5d(4d) alloys having 5d/4d elements with large spin-orbit
coupling and exchange enhanced Stoner susceptibility.


title:
Measurement of the Ion Drag Force in a Complex DC-Plasma Using the PK-4
  Experiment

abstract:
  The force on a microparticle in a complex plasma by streaming ions, the
so-called ion drag force, is not well known. However, it is important for the
understanding of interesting phenomena in complex plasmas such as the void
formation under microgravity conditions. The PK-4 experiment, which is
developed for a later use on board of the International Space Station, is
ideally suited for investigating this problem. In this experiment a complex
DC-plasma is created in a glass tube in which the microparticles flow from the
cathode to the anode. Measuring the microparticle velocities, the forces on the
particles for different particle sizes, pressures, and DC-currents can be
extracted by assuming force balance. Experiments have been performed in the
laboratory as well as under microgravity using parabolic flights. The results
of these experiments will be presented and compared to theoretical predictions.


title:
A discontinuous Galerkin method for strain gradient-dependent damage:
  Study of interpolations, convergence and two dimensional problems

abstract:
  A discontinuous Galerkin method has been developed for strain
gradient-dependent damage. The strength of this method lies in the fact that it
allows the use of $C^0$ interpolation functions for continuum theories
involving higher-order derivatives, while in a conventional framework at least
$C^1$ interpolations are required. The discontinuous Galerkin formulation
thereby offers significant potential for engineering computations with strain
gradient-dependent models. When using basis functions with a low degree of
continuity, jump conditions arise at element edges which are incorporated in
the weak form. In addition to the formulation itself, a detailed study of the
convergence properties of the method for various element types is presented, an
error analysis is undertaken, and the method is also shown to work in two
dimensions.


title:
Laser acceleration of ion bunches at the front surface of overdense
  plasmas

abstract:
  The acceleration of ions in the interaction of high intensity laser pulses
with overdense plasmas is investigated with particle-in-cell simulations. For
circular polarization of the laser pulses, high-density ion bunches moving into
the plasma are generated at the laser-plasma interaction surface. A simple
analytical model accounts for the numerical observations and provides scaling
laws for the ion bunch energy and generation time as a function of pulse
intensity and plasma density.


title: First scientific results from the Estonian Grid

abstract:
  We present first scientific results, technical details and recent
developments in the Estonian Grid. Ideas and concepts behind Grid technology
are described. We mention some most crucial parts of a Grid system, as well as
some unique possibilities in the Estonian situation. Scientific applications
currently running on Estonian Grid are listed. We discuss the first scientific
computations and results the Estonian Grid. The computations show that the
middleware is well chosen and the Estonian Grid has remarkable stability and
scalability. The authors present the collected results and experiences of the
development of the Estonian Grid and add some ideas of the near future of the
Estonian Grid.


title: Eigenmodes of index-modulated layers with lateral PMLs

abstract:
  Maxwell equations are solved in a layer comprising a finite number of
homogeneous isotropic dielectric regions ended by anisotropic perfectly matched
layers (PMLs). The boundary-value problem is solved and the dispersion relation
inside the PML is derived. The general expression of the eigenvalues equation
for an arbitrary number of regions in each layer is obtained, and both
polarization modes are considered. The modal functions of a single layer ended
by PMLs are found, and their orthogonality relation is derived. The present
method is useful to simulate scattering problems from dielectric objects as
well as propagation in planar slab waveguides. Its potential to deal with more
complex problems such as the scattering from an object with arbitrary cross
section in open space using the multilayer modal method is briefly discussed.


title: What is fair to ask Society to fund ?

abstract:
  Our world is strongly driven by technological developments that continuously
create new markets and shape individual taste and choice. The scale of
dissemination of the most recent technological breakthroughs and the capability
of creating them is what divides wealthy societies from poor ones. The
increasing sophistication of these developments make it harder and harder for
developing countries to actively contribute to these breakthroughs as well as
to acquire the right to benefit from them through the exchange of products
obtained through low-tech agriculture, industry and services.
  Thus, as new technological developments rely often on discoveries in
fundamental science and technology that have their origins, in some instances,
many decades ago, it is only through fostering the acquisition of the skills
necessary for innovation in basic science and technology that economical and
social progress can be insured on a long term basis. In this perspective,
funding of research is an investment for the future and clearly, just buying
technology is no short cut to create sustainable wealth.
  Furthermore, Society should fund fundamental research for cultural and
training reasons. Indeed, as a representative of a country or of a culture in a
given historical period, activities assertive of cultural and national
identities should be funded. These involve necessarily scientific developments
too. Moreover, experience shows that the best training for innovation is
acquired from individuals and institutions that have an active interest in
basic science and on its application to technology.


title: Energy controlled insertion of polar molecules in dense fluids

abstract:
  We present a method to search low energy configurations of polar molecules in
the complex potential energy surfaces associated with dense fluids. The search
is done in the configurational space of the translational and rotational
degrees of freedom of the molecule, combining steepest-descent and
Newton-Raphson steps which embed information on the average sizes of the
potential energy wells obtained from prior inspection of the liquid structure.
We perform a molecular dynamics simulation of a liquid water shell which
demonstrates that the method enables fast and energy-controlled water molecule
insertion in aqueous environments. The algorithm finds low energy
configurations of incoming water molecules around three orders of magnitude
faster than direct random insertion.
  This method is an important step towards dynamic simulations of open systems
and it may also prove useful for energy-biased ensemble average calculations of
the chemical potential.


title:
Laser induced birefringence in a wavelength-mismatched cascade system of
  inhomogeneously broadened Yb atoms

abstract:
  We report the observation of laser induced birefringence (LIB) in a
wavelength-mismatched cascade system (J=0 \leftrightarrow J=1 \leftrightarrow
J=0 transitions) of inhomogeneously broadened ytterbium atoms with strong pump
and probe fields. We investigate the transmission spectrum of two circular
polarization (\sigma_p^+ and \sigma_p^-) components of strong probe field at
fixed frequency, depending on the detuning of circularly polarized (\sigma_c^-)
coupling field from two-photon resonance. We find that \sigma_p^+ (\sigma_p^-)
polarized component exhibits a narrow electromagnetically induced absorption
(transparency) spectrum. Numerical solutions of density matrix equations show
qualitative agreement with experimental results. A Doppler-free dispersive LIB
signal is obtained by detecting the Stokes parameter of the probe field,
enabling us to stabilize the frequency of coupling laser without frequency
modulation.


title:
Structure of Unilamellar Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine Vesicle.
  Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

abstract:
  On the basis of the separated form-factor model, a code for fitting the
small-angle neutron scattering spectra of the polydispersed vesicle population
has been developed. Vesicle and membrane bilayer parameters are analyzed for
various hierarchical models of the neutron scattering length density across the
membrane. It is shown that hydration of vesicle can be described by a linear
distribution function of water molecules. For the first time, the average
radius and polydispersity of the vesicle population, thickness of the membrane
bilayer, thickness of hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of bilayer, and water
distribution function have been calculated from the SANS experiment, without
additional methods such as dynamic light scattering or freeze-fracture electron
microscopy. The results, obtained at two different spectrometers, are
discussed. The appropriate conditions of the SANS experiment on vesicles are
formulated as a necessity to collect the SANS curve in the region of scattering
vectors from qmin=0.0033 1/angstrom to qmax=0.56 1/angstrom.


title:
Investigation of electric conditions in the vicinity of carbon nanotubes
  grown in a DC plasma sheath

abstract:
  Carbon nanotubes (CNTs - long tubular carbon nanostructures) belong to the
best electron field emitting materials. Based on the experimentally determined
electron density in the dual hot filament/DC plasma deposition system the
electric field close to the substrate and ion energy flux were calculated. The
dependences of electric characteristics close to the nanotube tips on various
geometric and plasma parameters were numerically investigated. Taking into
account the field enhancement in the vicinity of the CNTs tips the force acting
on them was determined. The reliability of numeric computations was tested on a
model of conductive sphere placed in a homogeneous electric field, for which
theoretical predictions concerning electric forces and field emission currents
can be derived.


title:
Relativistic and QED corrections to the $2p\sigma_{u}(\upsilon = 1)$
  vibrational state of the $H^{+}_{2}$ molecular ion

abstract:
  Relativistic and QED corrections to the recently discovered first vibrational
$2p\sigma_u$ state are presented. This state has an extremely small
nonrelativistic binding energy $E_B=1.085045252(1)\times10^{-9}$ a.u. Its wave
functions has a maximum at $R\approx100$ a.u. and extends up to several
hundreds. It is shown that this state does not disappear if higher order
relativistic and QED corrections, including the Casimir--Polder effect, are
taken into account.


title: On the motion of a classical charged particle

abstract:
  We show that the Lorentz-Dirac equation is not an unavoidable consequence of
energy-momentum conservation for a point charge. What follows solely from
conservation laws is a less restrictive equation already obtained by Honig and
Szamosi. The latter is not properly an equation of motion because, as it
contains an extra scalar variable, it does not determine the future evolution
of the charge. We show that a supplementary constitutive relation can be added
so that the motion is determined and free from the troubles that are customary
in Lorentz-Dirac equation, i. e. preacceleration and runaways.


title: Optical coherence properties of planar microcavity emission

abstract:
  An analytical expression for the self coherence function of a microcavity and
partially coherent source is derived from first principles in terms of the
component self coherence functions. Excellent agreement between the model and
experimental measurements of two Resonant Cavity LEDs (RCLEDs) is evident. The
variation of coherence length as a function of numerical aperture is also
described by the model. This is explained by a microcavity's angular
sensitivity in filtering out statistical fluctuations of the underlying light
source. It is further demonstrated that the variable coherence properties of
planar microcavities can be designed by controlling the underlying coherences
of microcavity and emitter whereby coherence lengths ranging over nearly an
order of magnitude could be achieved.


title:
Blackbody Radiation, Conformal Symmetry, and the Mismatch Between
  Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism

abstract:
  The blackbody radiation problem within classical physics is reviewed. It is
again suggested that conformal symmetry is the crucial unrecognized aspect, and
that only scattering by classical electromagnetic systems will provide
equilibrium at the Planck spectrum. It is pointed out that the several
calculations of radiation scattering using nonlinear mechanical systems do not
preserve the Boltzmann distribution under adiabatic change of parameter, and
this fact seems at variance with our expectations in connection with
derivations of Wien's displacement theorem. By contrast, the striking
properties of charged particle motion in a Coulomb potential or in a uniform
magnetic field suggest the possiblity that these systems will fit with
classical thermal radiation. It may be possible to give a full scattering
calculation in the case of cyclotron motion in order to provide the needed test
of the connection between conformal symmetry and classical thermal radiation.


title: Chaotic particle dynamics in free-electron lasers with coaxial wiggler

abstract:
  The motion of a relativistic test electron in a free electron laser can be
altered significantly by an ideal coaxial wiggler field and uniform axial guide
field. I have investigated the group I, group II and group III (the new group
that, it is found in coaxial wiggler) orbits and finally have found that those
groups become chaotic at sufficiently high beam density and at sufficiently
high amplitude of wiggler field. The threshold value of the wiggler amplitude
for the onset of chaos is estimated analytically and confirmed by computer
simulation for spatial case where self-field effects are negligibly small. It
is shown that the electron dynamic is nonintegrable. There is evidence for
chaos from numerical calculations of Poincare maps and nonzero Lyaponov
exponents using different approaches of Benetin's method which are described
and compared. Moreover, it is shown that the particle motion becomes chaotic on
a time scale comparable with the beam transit time through a few wiggler
periods.


title: Particle simulation code for charge variable dusty plasmas

abstract:
  Charges on the dust grains immersed in a plasma vary in time. We follow the
hydrodynamic approach to obtain dispersion relations for some low frequency
electrostatic modes, taking into account charge fluctuation on the dust. We
have used the description of the one dimensional fully electromagnetic particle
code. There exists one spatial dimension and three velocity components. This is
usually referred to as a model. Our analysis shows that the presence of the
dust grains causes different effects in different frequency regimes.


title:
Influence of nitrogen impurities on an electron-excited helium atoms
  concentration in the self-sustained normal dc glow discharge at atmospheric
  pressure

abstract:
  The influence of nitrogen impurities on the parameters of the self-sustained
normal dc glow discharge at atmospheric pressure was studied. The
concentrations of the low-excited helium atoms in states 2_1s, 2_1p, 2_3s and
2_3p were determined in the atmospheric pressure glow discharge in helium
(99.98%He) and in helium with a nitrogen admixture. It was shown that the
adding of nitrogen into helium (less 5%) leads to the increase of both
interelectrode gap voltage and gas temperature. At the same time the
drastically reduction of concentration of the low-excited helium atoms in
cathode region even at nitrogen admixture of 0.5 % is occurred.


title: Linear media in classical electrodynamics and the Post constraint

abstract:
  The Maxwell equations are formulated in a generally covariant and metric-free
way in 1+3 and subsequently in 4 dimensions. For this purpose, we use the
excitations $\cal D$, $\cal H$ and the field strengths $E,B$. A local and
linear constitutive law between excitations and field strengths is assumed,
with a constitutive tensor $\chi^{ijkl}=-\chi^{jikl}=-\chi^{ijlk}$ of 36
components. The properties of this tensor are discussed. In particular, we
address the validity of the Post constraint, a subject that is very much under
discussion. In this connection, the Tellegen gyrator, the axion field, and the
``perfect electromagnetic conductor'' of Lindell & Sihvola are compared with
each other.

categories: physics.class-ph cond-mat.mtrl-sci gr-qc physics.gen-ph


title:
Discrete Scale Invariance in the Cascade Heart Rate Variability Of
  Healthy Humans

abstract:
  Evidence of discrete scale invariance (DSI) in daytime healthy heart rate
variability (HRV) is presented based on the log-periodic power law scaling of
the heart beat interval increment. Our analysis suggests multiple DSI groups
and a dynamic cascading process. A cascade model is presented to simulate such
a property.


title:
Influence of vacancies on phase transition in an organic molecular
  crystal

abstract:
  By the example of phase transition (alpha - beta) in p-dichlorobenzene it is
shown, that for phase transition presence of vacancies is necessary. In an
ideal crystal, such transition is improbable, that is confirmed with
calculations and their consent with experimental information on spectrums of
the lattice oscillations.


title:
Theoretical and experimental study of stimulated and cascaded Raman
  scattering in ultra-high-Q optical microcavities

abstract:
  Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in ultra-high-Q surface-tension-induced
spherical and chip-based toroid microcavities is considered both theoretically
and experimentally. These microcavities are fabricated from silica, exhibit
small mode volume (typically 1000 $\mu m^{3}$) and possess whispering-gallery
type modes with long photon storage times (in the range of 100 ns),
significantly reducing the threshold for stimulated nonlinear optical
phenomena. Oscillation threshold levels of less than 100 $\mu $% -Watts of
launched fiber pump power, in microcavities with quality factors of 100 million
are observed. Using a steady state analysis of the coupled-mode equations for
the pump and Raman whispering-gallery modes, the threshold, efficiencies and
cascading properties of SRS in UHQ devices are derived. The results are
experimentally confirmed in the telecommunication band (1550nm) using tapered
optical fibers as highly efficient waveguide coupling elements for both pumping
and signal extraction. The device performance dependence on coupling, quality
factor and modal volume are measured and found to be in good agreement with
theory. This includes analysis of the threshold and efficiency for cascaded
Raman scattering. The side-by-side study of nonlinear oscillation in both
spherical microcavities and toroid microcavities on-a-chip also allows for
comparison of their properties. In addition to the benefits of a wafer-scale
geometry, including integration with optical, electrical or mechanical
functionality, microtoroids on-a-chip exhibit single mode Raman oscillation
over a wide range of pump powers.


title: The Particle Problem in Classical Gravity: A historical note on 1941

abstract:
  This note is based on a relatively unknown paper of Albert Einstein published
in 1941 in the Revista de la Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. That work can be
regarded as the prequel of the one written in 1943 in collaboration with
Wolfgang Pauli, where, along the same lines, a proof of the non-existence of
certain non-singular solutions in Kaluza-Klein theory was given. More
generally, disproving the existence of regular solutions in classical unified
field theories became, specially after 1930, an important criterion leading
Einstein's investigations on unified field theory. This is the context in which
Einstein's paper of 1941 and its generalizations of 1943 and 1948 become
important.


title: Studies of Lanthanides 6s Ionization Energy

abstract:
  This work is aimed at the multi-configuration Hartree-Fock calculations of
the 6s ionization energies of lanthanides with configurations [Xe]4f^{N}6s^{2}.
Authors have used the ATSP MCHF version in which there are new codes for
calculation of spin-angular parts of matrix elements of the operators of
intraatomic interactions written on the basis of the methodology Gaigalas,
Rudzikas and Froese Fischer, based on the second quantization in coupled
tensorial form, the angular momentum theory in 3 spaces (orbital, spin and
quasispin), graphical technique of spin-angular integrations and reduced
coefficients (subcoefficients) of fractional parentage. This methodology allows
us to study the configurations with open f-shells without any restrictions,
thus providing the possibility to investigate heavy atoms and ions as well as
to obtain reasonably accurate values of spectroscopic data for such complex
many-electron systems.


title: Relativistic two-photon bremsstrahlung

abstract:
  An approximate approach for the description of the two-photon bremsstrahlung
emitted by a relativistic projectile scattered in a spherically-symmetric field
is developed. It based on the accurate treatment of the analytical structure of
the singularities in relativistic one-photon free-free matrix elements. For the
case of a Coulomb field the analytical expressions for the amplitude and cross
section of process are presented. Numerical results obtained within the
framework of the proposed approach are compared with the available experimental
data and with the results of simpler theories.


title:
Special Relativity: Einstein's Spherical Waves versus Poincare's
  Ellipsoidal Waves

abstract:
  We show that the image by the Lorentz transformation of a spherical
(circular) light wave, emitted by a moving source, is not a spherical
(circular) light wave but an ellipsoidal (elliptical) light wave. Poincare's
ellipsoid (ellipse) is the direct geometrical representation of Poincare's
relativity of simultaneity. Einstein's spheres (circles) are the direct
geometrical representation of Einstein's convention of synchronisation.
Poincare adopts another convention for the definition of space-time units
involving that the Lorentz transformation of an unit of length is directly
proportional to Lorentz transformation of an unit of time. Poincare's
relativistic kinematics predicts both a dilation of time and an expansion of
space as well.


title:
An Irrotational Flow Field That Approximates Flat Plate Boundary
  Conditions

abstract:
  An irrotational solution is derived for the steady-state Navier-Stokes
equations that approximately satisfies the boundary conditions for flow over a
finite flat plate. The nature of the flow differs substantially from boundary
layer flow, with severe numerical difficulties in some regions.


title:
Sans Study of the Unilamellar DMPC Vesicles. the Fluctuation Model of
  Lipid Bilayer

abstract:
  On the basis of the separated form-factors model, parameters of the
polydispersed unilamellar DMPC vesicle population are analyzed. The neutron
scattering length density across the membrane is simulated on the basis of
fluctuated model of lipid bilayer. The hydration of vesicle is described by
sigmoid distribution function of the water molecules. The results of fitting of
the experimental data obtained at the small angle spectrometer SANS-I, PSI
(Switzerland) are: average vesicle radius 272 angstrom, polydispersity of the
radius 27%, membrane thickness 50.6 angstrom, thickness of hydrocarbon chain
region 21.4 angstrom, number of water molecules located per lipid molecule 13,
and DMPC surface area 59. The calculated water distribution function across the
bilayer directly explains why lipid membrane is easy penetrated by water
molecules.


title: Probabilistic two-stage model of cell inactivation by ionizing particles

abstract:
  Model of biological effects of ionizing particles, especially of protons and
other ions, is proposed. The model is based on distinguishing the
single-particle and collective effects of the underlying radiobiological
mechanism. The probabilities of individual particles to form severe damages to
DNA, their synergetic or saturation combinations, and the effect of cellular
repair system are taken into account. The model enables to describe linear,
parabolic and more complex curves, including those exhibiting low-dose
hypersensitivity phenomena, in a systematic way. Global shape as well as
detailed structure of survival curves might be represented, which is crucial if
different fractionation schemes in radiotherapy should be assessed precisely.
Experimental cell-survival data for inactivation of V79 cells by low-energy
protons have been analyzed and corresponding detailed characteristics of the
inactivation mechanism have been derived for this case.


title: Soliton spiraling in optically-induced rotating Bessel lattices

abstract:
  We address soliton spiraling in optical lattices induced by multiple coherent
Bessel beams and show that the dynamical nature of such lattices make them able
to drag different soliton structures, setting them into rotation. The rotation
rate can be controlled by varying the topological charges of lattice-inducing
Bessel beams.


title:
Asymmetric polarity reversals, bimodal field distribution, and coherence
  resonance in a spherically symmetric mean-field dynamo model

abstract:
  Using a mean-field dynamo model with a spherically symmetric helical
turbulence parameter alpha which is dynamically quenched and disturbed by
additional noise, the basic features of geomagnetic polarity reversals are
shown to be generic consequences of the dynamo action in the vicinity of
exceptional points of the spectrum. This simple paradigmatic model yields long
periods of constant polarity which are interrupted by self-accelerating field
decays leading to asymmetric polarity reversals. It shows the recently
discovered bimodal field distribution, and it gives a natural explanation of
the correlation between polarity persistence time and field strength. In
addition, we find typical features of coherence resonance in the dependence of
the persistence time on the noise.


title: Charged State of a Spherical Plasma in Vacuum

abstract:
  The stationary state of a spherically symmetric plasma configuration is
investigated in the limit of immobile ions and weak collisions. Configurations
with small radii are positively charged as a significant fraction of the
electron population evaporates during the equilibration process, leaving behind
an electron distribution function with an energy cutoff. Such charged plasma
configurations are of interest for the study of Coulomb explosions and ion
acceleration from small clusters irradiated by ultraintense laser pulses and
for the investigation of ion bunches propagation in a plasma.


title:
Atomic Interferometer with Amplitude Gratings of Light and its
  Applications to Atom Based Tests of the Equivalence Principle

abstract:
  We have developed a matter wave interferometer based on the diffraction of
atoms from effective absorption gratings of light. In a setup with cold
rubidium atoms in an atomic fountain the interferometer has been used to carry
out tests of the equivalence principle on an atomic basis. The gravitational
acceleration of the two isotopes 85Rb and 87Rb was compared, yielding a
difference Dg/g =(1.2 +-1.7)x10^{-7}. We also perform a differential free fall
measurement of atoms in two different hyperfine states, and obtained a result
of Dg/g =(0.4 +-1.2)x10^{-7}.


title: Ion resonance instability in the Eltrap electron plasma

abstract:
  A small fraction of ions can destabilize the diocotron mode (off axis
rotation) of an electron plasma confined in a Malmberg-Penning trap. In this
paper a set of experimental measurements performed in the ELTRAP device on the
ions induced diocotron instability is presented. In particular, the dependence
of the instability on the electron energy has been analyzed, by heating the
plasma with a RF burst or by injecting into the trap electrons with different
energies. A simple experimental technique to limit the instability is also
described.


title: A possibility to measure elastic photon--photon scattering in vacuum

abstract:
  Photon--photon scattering in vacuum due to the interaction with virtual
electron-positron pairs is a consequence of quantum electrodynamics. A way for
detecting this phenomenon has been devised based on interacting modes generated
in microwave waveguides or cavities [G. Brodin, M. Marklund and L. Stenflo,
Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{87} 171801 (2001)]. Here we materialize these ideas,
suggest a concrete cavity geometry, make quantitative estimates and propose
experimental details. It is found that detection of photon-photon scattering
can be within the reach of present day technology.


title:
Scaling and singularity characteristics of solar wind and magnetospheric
  fluctuations

abstract:
  Preliminary results are presented which suggest that scaling and singularity
characteristics of solar wind and ground based magnetic fluctuations appear to
be a significant component in the solar wind - magnetosphere interaction
processes. Of key importance is the intermittence of the "magnetic turbulence"
as seen in ground based and solar wind magnetic data. The methods used in this
paper (estimation of flatness and multifractal spectra) are commonly used in
the studies of fluid or MHD turbulence. The results show that single
observatory characteristics of magnetic fluctuations are different from those
of the multi-observatory AE-index. In both data sets, however, the influence of
the solar wind fluctuations is recognizable. The correlation between the
scaling/singularity features of solar wind magnetic fluctuations and the
corresponding geomagnetic response is demonstrated in a number of cases. The
results are also discussed in terms of patchy reconnection processes in
magnetopause and forced or/and self-organized criticality (F/SOC) of internal
magnetosphere dynamics.


title:
A New Scintillator Tile/Fiber Preshower Detector for the CDF Central
  Calorimeter

abstract:
  A detector designed to measure early particle showers has been installed in
front of the central CDF calorimeter at the Tevatron. This new preshower
detector is based on scintillator tiles coupled to wavelength-shifting fibers
read out by multi-anode photomultipliers and has a total of 3,072 readout
channels. The replacement of the old gas detector was required due to an
expected increase in instantaneous luminosity of the Tevatron collider in the
next few years. Calorimeter coverage, jet energy resolution, and electron and
photon identification are among the expected improvements. The final detector
design, together with the R$&$D studies that led to the choice of scintillator
and fiber, mechanical assembly, and quality control are presented. The detector
was installed in the fall 2004 Tevatron shutdown and started collecting
colliding beam data by the end of the same year. First measurements indicate a
light yield of 12 photoelectrons/MIP, a more than two-fold increase over the
design goals.


title: Influence and Inference in Bell's Theorem

abstract:
  Jaynes' criticism of Bell's theorem is examined. It is found that Bell's
reasoning leading to his theorem is sound when properly interpreted. The nature
of physical influence and logical inference in quantum mechanics, and its
relationship with the notions of realism and locality, is discussed.


title: Wave-kinetic description of nonlinear photons

abstract:
  The nonlinear interaction, due to quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects,
between photons is investigated using a wave-kinetic description. Starting from
a coherent wave description, we use the Wigner transform technique to obtain a
set of wave-kinetic equations, the so called Wigner-Moyal equations. These
equations are coupled to a background radiation fluid, whose dynamics is
determined by an acoustic wave equation. In the slowly varying acoustic limit,
we analyse the resulting system of kinetic equations, and show that they
describe instabilities, as well as Landau-like damping. The instabilities may
lead to break-up and focusing of ultra-high intensity multi-beam systems, which
in conjunction with the damping may result in stationary strong field
structures. The results could be of relevance for the next generation of
laser-plasma systems.


title: CMS Inner Tracker Detector Modules

abstract:
  The production of silicon detector modules that will instrument the CMS Inner
Tracker has nowadays reached 1300 units out of the approximately 3700 needed in
total, with an overall yield close to 96%. A description of the module design,
the assembly procedures and the qualification tests is given. The results of
the quality assurance are presented and the experience gained is discussed.


title: Group velocity of the acoustic eigen-modes in sonic crystals

abstract:
  In this brief report, the group velocity of the eigen-modes in sonic crystals
is derived, and shown to equal the averaged energy velocity of the eigen-modes.
How the group velocity can be used to describe acoustic energy flows in sonic
crystals is discussed.


title: Pump process of the rotatory molecular motor and its energy efficiency

abstract:
  The pump process of the ratchet model inspired by the $F_o$ rotatory motor of
ATP synthase is investigated. In this model there are two kinds of
characteristic time. One is dynamical, the relaxation time of the system.
Others are chemical, the chemical reaction rates at which a proton binds to or
dissociates from the motor protein. The inequalities between them affect the
behavior of the physical quantities, such as the rotation velocity and the
proton pumping rates across the membrane. The energy transduction efficiency is
calculated and the condition under which the efficiency can become higher is
discussed. The proton pumping rate and the efficiency have a peak where a
certain set of inequalities between the chemical reaction rates and the
reciprocal of the relaxation time holds. The efficiency also has a peak for a
certain value of the load. The best efficiency condition for the pump process
is consistent with that for the motor process.


title:
Neural network prediction of geomagnetic activity: a method using local
  H\"{o}lder exponents

abstract:
  Local scaling and singularity properties of solar wind and geomagnetic time
series were analysed using H\"{o}lder exponents $\alpha$. It was shown that in
analysed cases due to multifractality of fluctuations $\alpha$ changes from
point to point. We argued there exists a peculiar interplay between regularity
/ irregularity and amplitude characteristics of fluctuations which could be
exploited for improvement of predictions of geomagnetic activity. To this end
layered backpropagation artificial neural network model with feedback
connection was used for the study of the solar wind - magnetosphere coupling
and prediction of geomagnetic $D_{st}$ index. The solar wind input was taken
from principal component analysis of interplanetary magnetic field, proton
density and bulk velocity. Superior network performance was achieved in cases
when the information on local H\"{o}lder exponents was added to the input
layer.


title:
Generation of angular-momentum-dominated electron beams from a
  photoinjector

abstract:
  Various projects under study require an angular-momentum-dominated electron
beam generated by a photoinjector. Some of the proposals directly use the
angular-momentum-dominated beams (e.g. electron cooling of heavy ions), while
others require the beam to be transformed into a flat beam (e.g. possible
electron injectors for light sources and linear colliders). In this paper, we
report our experimental study of an angular-momentum-dominated beam produced in
a photoinjector, addressing the dependencies of angular momentum on initial
conditions. We also briefly discuss the removal of angular momentum. The
results of the experiment, carried out at the Fermilab/NICADD Photoinjector
Laboratory, are found to be in good agreement with theoretical and numerical
models.


title: Hawking radiation in sonic black holes

abstract:
  I present a microscopic description of Hawking radiation in sonic black
holes. A one-dimensional Fermi-degenerate liquid squeezed by a smooth barrier
forms a transonic flow, a sonic analogue of a black hole. The quantum treatment
of the non-interacting case establishes a close relationship between the
Hawking radiation and quantum tunnelling through the barrier. Quasi-particle
excitations appear at the barrier and are then radiated with a thermal
distribution in exact agreement with Hawking's formula. The signature of the
radiation can be found in the dynamic structure factor, which can be measured
in a scattering experiment. The possibility for experimental verification of
this new transport phenomenon for ultra-cold atoms is discussed.


title:
Anharmonic force fields and thermodynamic functions using density
  functional theory

abstract:
  The very good performance of modern density functional theory for molecular
geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies has been well established. We
investigate the performance of density functional theory (DFT) for quartic
force fields, vibrational anharmonicity and rotation-vibration coupling
constants, and thermodynamic functions beyond the RRHO (rigid rotor-harmonic
oscillator) approximation of a number of small polyatomic molecules.
Convergence in terms of basis set, integration grid and the numerical step size
for determining the quartic force field by using central differences of
analytical second derivatives has been investigated, as well as the performance
of various exchange-correlation functionals. DFT is found to offer a
cost-effective approach with manageable scalability for obtaining anharmonic
molecular properties, and particularly as a source for anharmonic zero-point
and thermal corrections for use in conjunction with benchmark {\it ab initio}
thermochemistry methods.


title:
Reconnection in the Centre of the Near-Earth Plasma Sheet: Control by
  Plasma Drifts and Magnetic Flux Convection close to the Earth

abstract:
  Convection inside the magnetosphere can be regarded as the transfer of
magnetic flux and plasma from the magnetotail into the nightside and then
convection and drift from there to the dayside. As in many fluid flow
situations, the downstream flow (the convection and drift to the dayside) is an
important boundary condition for the upstream flow (reconnection and inflow
from the tail). Tail-like flux tubes in the near-earth plasma sheet block
inflow from the tail between reconnection events. However, the westward drift
of the energetic ions (curvature and gradient drift and ExB drift) removes
plasma energy from near midnight causing deflation and earthward flow in the
equatorial plane. (The process can be described as the westward drift of the
eastern of the plasma sheet / partial ring current.) The earthward flow removes
magnetic flux and plasma from the center of the thick plasma sheet and creates
a thin current sheet, which, in turn, favors the onset of reconnection. The X
line forms just tailward of the earthward-flow region. Initially, reconnection
occurs by the earthward propagation of the X line and the growth of a magnetic
island on its tailward side, since there is no downtail flow. Subsequently, the
system evolves towards lobe merging, and the X line propagates tailward
consistent with the standard picture of tail reconnection. The east-west width
of the local-time slot in which inflow and reconnection occur is determined by
the scale-length of the decrease in plasma energy at the eastern end of the
drifting ions. It is expected that the reconnection slot follows the westward
drift of the eastern end of the partial ring current. The model appears to be
consistent with bursty bulk flows, the westward traveling surge and many other
observed properties of substorms.


title: Two Common Misconceptions about the Theory of Special Relativity

abstract:
  Two common misconceptions about the theory of Special Relativity that are
actively taught in textbooks are discussed. It is shown, first, that the
Lorentz transformations are actually transformations of the coordinates of a
photon, not the coordinates of a particle as taught by some authors. Secondly,
a misconception concerning the relativistic Lagrangian is discussed. It is
shown that the currently accepted formulation of the Lagrangian is missing an
important constant of integration. By incorporating the missing constant of
integration, the new Lagrangian directly supports the conclusions reached
previously by the author concerning the mass-energy equivalence principle.


title: Study on high pressure plasma produced by ArF laser

abstract:
  When an ArF excimer laser beam was focused in a high pressure argon gas from
50 to 130 atm, the plasma development is observed by streak camera from side
window of chamber. The high pressure ArF laser plasma develops symmetrically
and the plasma produced by ArF excimer laser hardly develops as compared with
the plasma produced by XeCl. The photon energy of ArF laser light is higher
than the XeCl laser. The transmittance of ArF laser light was measured. Almost
all the laser light is transmitted as the frequency of laser light is higher
than the plasma frequency, and the energy of laser light is hardly working for
plasma development. The backward and forward plasma development produced by the
ArF laser was calculated by the breakdown wave and the radiation supported
shock wave, which agreed with the experimental one. The backward development
mechanism of high pressure ArF plasma is same as one of plasma produced by XeCl
laser. However, the forward development mechanism of ArF plasma differs from
one of plasma produced by XeCl laser.


title: Development behavior of liquid plasma produced by YAG laser

abstract:
  The laser induced plasma in liquid hasn't been studied enough. In liquid, the
laser induced plasma may be able to resolve the hazardous material called the
environment material. Then, the plasma produced in liquid by the laser light is
studied and the plasma development is observed by a streak camera. The ultra
pure water or the ultra pure water with a melted NaCl is used as a test liquid.
The liquid plasma is produced by the fundamental wave of YAG laser. When NaCl
concentration is varied, the plasma development behavior is obserbed by streak
camera. The liquid plasma develops backward. The plasma is produced from many
seeds and It consists of a group of plasmas. However, the liquid plasma
produced by second harmonic wave of YAG laser develops as a single plasma. The
development mechanism is investigated from the growth rate of backward plasma.
The backward plasma develops by breakdown wave and radiation supported shock
wave.


title: Optical response of strongly coupled metal nanoparticles in dimer arrays

abstract:
  The optical responses of structured array of noble-metal nanoparticle dimers
immersed in a glass matrix are investigated theoretically, motivated by the
recent experimental observation of the splitting of the surface plasmon bands
in silver arrays. To capture the strong electromagnetic coupling between the
two approaching particles in a silver dimer, the spectral representation of the
multiple image formula has been used, and a semiclassical description of the
silver dielectric function is adopted from the literature. The splitting of
plasmon resonance band of the incident longitudinal and transverse polarized
light is found to be strongly dependent on the particle diameter and their
separation. Our results are shown in accord with the recent experimental
observation. Moreover, a large redshift for the longitudinal polarization can
be reproduced. The reflectivity spectrum is further calculated for a dilute
suspension of dimer arrays.


title:
Geometrical approach to central molecular chirality: a chirality
  selection rule

abstract:
  Chirality is of primary importance in many areas of chemistry and has been
extensively investigated since its discovery. We introduce here the description
of central chirality for tetrahedral molecules using a geometrical approach
based on complex numbers. According to this representation, for a molecule
having n chiral centres, it is possible to define an index of chirality.
Consequently a chirality selection rule has been derived which allows the
characterization of a molecule as achiral, enantiomer or diastereoisomer.


title:
Quantum mechanical considerations on algebraic structure of central
  molecular chirality

abstract:
  The chiral algebra of tetrahedral molecules, derived from Fischer
projections, is discussed in the framework of quantum mechanics. A quantum
chiral algebra is obtained whose operators, acting as rotations or inversions,
commute with the Hamiltonian of the system. It is shown that energy and
chirality eigenstates are strictly related through the Heisenberg relations,
while chirality operators conserve parity eigenstates.


title:
Algebraic structure of central molecular chirality starting from Fischer
  projections

abstract:
  The construction of algebraic structure of central molecular chirality is
provided starting from the empirical Fischer projections for tetrahedrons. A
matrix representation is given and the algebra of O(4) orthogonal group for
rotations and inversions is identified. The result can be generalized to chains
of connected tetrahedrons.


title: Description of chiral tetrahedral molecules via an Aufbau approach

abstract:
  We propose a predictive building-up of tetrahedral molecules, based on a
previously derived chirality index, which characterizes a tetrahedral molecule,
with n chiral centers, as achiral, diastereoisomer, or enantiomer as a function
of the observed inversions (at most one for each center) under rotation and
superimposition to its mirror immage. The set of rules which is identified
allows the classification of the new molecule, obtained by the addition of
another chiral center, by the determination of the selection rule with respect
to the added center.


title:
Search for optimal 2D and 3D wave launching configurations for the
  largest acceleration of charged particles in a magnetized plasma, Resonant
  Moments Method

abstract:
  Optimal two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) wave launching
configurations are proposed for enhanced acceleration of charged particles in
magnetized plasmas. A primary wave is launched obliquely with respect to the
magnetic field and a secondary, low amplitude, wave is launched
perpendicularly. The effect of both the launching angle of the primary wave,
and the presence of the secondary wave is investigated. Theoretical predictions
of the highest performances of the three-dimensional (3D) configurations are
proposed using a Resonance Moments Method (RMM) based on estimates for the
moments of the velocity distribution function calculated inside the resonance
layers (RL). They suggest the existence of an optimal angle corresponding to
non parallel launching. Direct statistical simulations show that it is possible
to rise the mean electron velocity up to the order of magnitude as compared to
the primary wave launching alone. It is a quite promising result because the
amplitude of the secondary wave is ten times lower the one of the first wave.
The parameters used are related to magnetic plasma fusion experiments in
electron cyclotron resonance heating and electron acceleration in planetary
ionospheres and magnetospheres.


title:
Spectroscopic observation of resonant electric dipole-dipole
  interactions between cold Rydberg atoms

abstract:
  Resonant electric dipole-dipole interactions between cold Rydberg atoms were
observed using microwave spectroscopy. Laser-cooled Rb atoms in a
magneto-optical trap were optically excited to 45d Rydberg states using a
pulsed laser. A microwave pulse transferred a fraction of these Rydberg atoms
to the 46p state. A second microwave pulse then drove atoms in the 45d state to
the 46d state, and was used as a probe of interatomic interactions. The
spectral width of this two-photon probe transition was found to depend on the
presence of the 46p atoms, and is due to the resonant electric dipole-dipole
interaction between 45d and 46p Rydberg atoms.


title: Theoretical calculation of the surface energy of water

abstract:
  The estimation of the surface tension of water is theoretically dealt on the
basis of the dipole molecular model. It is known that the experimentally
determined surface tension of freshly exposed surface has a higher value than
the nominal value of 73 [mN/m]. We calculated the value corresponding to the
fresh surface where the reorientation of the molecules has not occurred.


title: A Sensitivity Study for a MICE Liquid Hydrogen Absorber

abstract:
  The International Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE) is devoted to a
study of a muon cooling channel capable of giving the desired performance for a
Neutrino Factory. One of the goals is achieving an absolute accuracy of
measurements of emittance reduction as high as 0.1%. The paper describes
results of a Monte Carlo study on allowed density variations of liquid hydrogen
corresponding to the desired accuracy of the measurements.


title:
Spectral Properties and Lifetimes of Neutral Spin-1/2-Fermions in a
  Magnetic Guide

abstract:
  We investigate the resonant motion of neutral spin-1/2-fermions in a magnetic
guide. A wealth of unitary and anti-unitary symmetries is revealed in
particular giving rise to a two-fold degeneracy of the energy levels. To
compute the energies and decay widths of a large number of resonances the
complex scaling method is employed. We discuss the dependence of the lifetimes
on the angular momentum of the resonance states. In this context the existence
of so-called quasi-bound states is shown. In order to approximately calculate
the resonance energies of such states a radial Schr\"odinger equation is
derived which improves the well-known adiabatic approximation. The effects of
an additionally applied homogeneous Ioffe field on the resonance energies and
decay widths are also considered. The results are applied to the case of the
$^6\text{Li}$ atom in the $F=1/2$ hyperfine ground state.


title: Mendeleev and the Periodic Table of Elements

abstract:
  This note presents reasons why Mendeleev chose Sanskrit names (now
superseded) for eight elements in the periodic table.


title:
Concept Mapping as an Instrument for Evaluating an Instruction Unit on
  Holography (Concept Maps als Evaluierungsinstrumente einer Unterrichtseinheit
  zur Holographie)

abstract:
  Due to its amazing three-dimensional effects, holography is a very
motivating, yet very demanding subject for physics classes at the upper level
in school. For this reason an instruction unit on holography that supplement
holographic experiments with computer-supported work sessions and a simulation
program was developed. The effects of the lessons on holography were determined
by a pre-post-test design. In addition to videotaping the lessons, knowledge
and motivational tests as well as student interviews, students were asked to
prepare concept maps, which were used to track processes of model construction.
The way this knowledge was applied largely depends on the students'
understanding of models. In particular it was shown that the participating
students' demonstrated capacity for distinguishing between the different models
of light is of great importance. Only students with a developed capacity for
distinguishing between models are able to reason in an problem-oriented manner.
They recognize the limits of models and are not only able to specifically
designate changes from models and levels of models, but also to apply these in
a physically correct manner.


title:
A High Position Resolution X-ray Detector: an Edge on Illuminated
  Capillary Plate Combined with a Gas Amplification Structure

abstract:
  We have developed and successfully tested a prototype of a new type of high
position resolution hybrid X-ray detector. It contains a thin wall lead glass
capillary plate converter of X-rays combined with a microgap parallel-plate
avalanche chamber filled with gas at 1 atm. The operation of these converters
was studied in a wide range of X-ray energies (from 6 to 60 keV) at incident
angles varying from 0-90 degree. The detection efficiency, depending on the
geometry, photon energy, incident angle and the mode of operation, was between
5-30 percent in a single step mode and up to 50 percent in a multi-layered
combination. Depending on the capillary geometry, the position resolution
achieved was between 0.050-0.250 mm in digital form and was practically
independent of the photon energy or gas mixture. The usual lead glass capillary
plates operated without noticeable charging up effects at counting rates of 50
Hz/mm2, and hydrogen treated capillaries up to 10E5 Hz/mm2. The developed
detector may open new possibilities for medical imaging, for example in
mammography, portal imaging, radiography (including security devices),
crystallography and many other applications.


title: Complex dynamics in double-diffusive convection

abstract:
  The dynamics of a small Prandtl number binary mixture in a laterally heated
cavity is studied numerically. By combining temporal integration, steady state
solving and linear stability analysis of the full PDE equations, we have been
able to locate and characterize a codimension-three degenerate Takens-Bogdanov
point whose unfolding describes the dynamics of the system for a certain range
of Rayleigh numbers and separation ratios near S=-1.


title:
Stability calculations for the ytterbium-doped fiber laser passively
  mode-locked through nonlinear polarization rotation

abstract:
  We investigate theoretically a fiber laser passively mode-locked with
nonlinear polarization rotation. A unidirectional ring cavity is considered
with a polarizer placed between two sets of a halfwave plate and a quarterwave
plate. A master equation is derived and the stability of the continuous and
mode-locked solutions is studied. In particular, the effect of the orientation
of the four phase plates and of the polarizer on the mode-locking regime is
investigated.


title: A Sketch for a Quantum Theory of Gravitity

abstract:
  The numerical quantum electronic structure for the energies of the states of
the hydrogen like atoms as given by Sommerfeld in 1915-16 is studied and is
shown to present a scheme that is able to express a unique observer point of
view. The perspective of this observer is essentially how he, if fixed on a
trapped electron, would see his and his electron's state of containment within
the full atomic quantum state. This particular internal view of a quantum state
is then shown to have strong analytic powers in the extremely different
numerical scale of gravitation theory. This unexpected analogy becomes possible
when it is recognised that a basic part of gravitation theory can be expressed
in terms completely analogous to the quantum relativistic electromagnetic
structure involved in Sommerfeld's formula for quantum state energy. The
introduction section brings together the essentials for the understanding of
the electromagnetic side of this analogy and contains a condensation of some
earlier work. The second section, Gravitation Analogy, develops a theory for
gravitation which closely follows the quantum form to give an exact analogy to
the Sommerfeld quantum theory of hydrogen atomic states. Quantum Galactic
Dynamics added October 2012


title: ELM triggering conditions for the integrated modeling of H-mode plasmas

abstract:
  Recent advances in the integrated modeling of ELMy H-mode plasmas are
presented. A model for the H-mode pedestal and for the triggering of ELMs
predicts the height, width, and shape of the H-mode pedestal and the frequency
and width of ELMs. Formation of the pedestal and the L-H transition is the
direct result of ExB flow shear suppression of anomalous transport. The
periodic ELM crashes are triggered by either the ballooning or peeling MHD
instabilities. The BALOO, DCON, and ELITE ideal MHD stability codes are used to
derive a new parametric expression for the peeling-ballooning threshold. The
new dependence for the peeling-ballooning threshold is implemented in the ASTRA
transport code. Results of integrated modeling of DIII-D like discharges are
presented and compared with experimental observations. The results from the
ideal MHD stability codes are compared with results from the resistive MHD
stability code NIMROD.


title:
Scaling and wavelet-based analyses of the long-term heart rate
  variability of the Eastern Oyster

abstract:
  Characterisations of the long-term behaviour of heart rate variability in
humans have emerged in the last few years as promising candidates to became
clinically significant tools. We present two different statistical analyses of
long time recordings of the heart rate variation in the Eastern Oyster. The
circulatory system of this marine mollusk has important anatomical and
physiological dissimilitudes in comparison to that of humans and it is exposed
to dramatically different environmental influences. Our results resemble those
previously obtained in humans. This suggests that in spite of the
discrepancies, the mechanisms of long--term cardiac control on both systems
share a common underlying dynamic.


title: Robust estimation of the exponent function in the Gompertz law

abstract:
  The estimation of the solution of a system of two differential equations
introduced by Norton (1976) that is equivalent to the Gompertz law is performed
by means of the recent adaptive scheme of Besancon and collaborators (2004).
Results of computer simulations illustrate the robustness of the approach


title:
On the jets, kinks, and spheromaks formed by a planar magnetized coaxial
  gun

abstract:
  Measurements of the various plasma configurations produced by a planar
magnetized coaxial gun provide insight into the magnetic topology evolution
resulting from magnetic helicity injection. Important features of the
experiments are a very simple coaxial gun design so that all observed
geometrical complexity is due to the intrinsic physical dynamics rather than
the source shape and use of a fast multiple-frame digital camera which provides
direct imaging of topologically complex shapes and dynamics. Three key
experimental findings were obtained: (1) formation of an axial collimated jet
[Hsu and Bellan, Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 334, 257 (2002)] that is consistent
with a magnetohydrodynamic description of astrophysical jets, (2)
identification of the kink instability when this jet satisfies the
Kruskal-Shafranov limit, and (3) the nonlinear properties of the kink
instability providing a conversion of toroidal to poloidal flux as required for
spheromak formation by a coaxial magnetized source [Hsu and Bellan, Phys. Rev.
Lett. 90, 215002 (2003)]. A new interpretation is proposed for how the n=1
central column instability provides flux amplification during spheromak
formation and sustainment, and it is shown that jet collimation can occur
within one rotation of the background poloidal field.


title:
Bragg-induced orbital angular-momentum mixing in paraxial high-finesse
  cavities

abstract:
  Numerical calculation of vector electromagnetic modes of plano-concave
microcavities reveals that the polarization-dependent reflectivity of a flat
Bragg mirror can lead to unexpected cavity field distributions for nominally
paraxial modes. Even in a rotationally symmetric resonator, certain pairs of
orbital angular momenta are necessarily mixed in an excitation-independent way
to form doublets. A characteristic mixing angle is identified, which even in
the paraxial limit can be designed to have large values. This correction to
Gaussian theory is zeroth-order in deviations from paraxiality. We discuss the
resulting nonuniform polarization fields. Observation will require small
cavities with sufficiently high Q. Possible applications are proposed.


title: Spatial snowdrift game with myopic agents

abstract:
  We have studied a spatially extended snowdrift game, in which the players are
located on the sites of two-dimensional square lattices and repeatedly have to
choose one of the two strategies, either cooperation (C) or defection (D). A
player interacts with its nearest neighbors only, and aims at playing a
strategy which maximizes its instant pay-off, assuming that the neighboring
agents retain their strategies. If a player is not content with its current
strategy, it will change it to the opposite one with probability $p$ next
round. Here we show through simulations and analytical approach that these
rules result in cooperation levels, which differ to large extent from those
obtained using the replicator dynamics.