title: Molecular chirality and the orbital angular momentum of light

abstract:
  Optical beams with a new and distinctive type of helicity have become the
subject of much recent interest. While circularly polarised light comprises
photons with spin angular momentum, these optically engineered 'twisted beams'
(optical vortices) are endowed with orbital angular momentum. Here, the wave-
front surface of the electromagnetic fields assumes helical form. To date,
optical vortices have generally been studied only in their interactions with
achiral matter. This study assesses what new features, if any, can be expected
when such beams are used to interrogate a chiral system.


title: An RFQ injection system for the HRIBF

abstract:
  At the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF) at Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (ORNL), molecular ions extracted from a positive ion source and
subsequently broken up in a charge exchange cell produce Radioactive Ion Beams
(RIBs) with several hundred eV energy spread, preventing effective magnetic
isobar separation. In order to perform magnetic isobar separation prior to
charge exchange, a multi-harmonic buncher and a 12 MHz RFQ (Radio-Frequency
Quadrupole) is proposed to supplement the present 300 kV injection system for
the 25 MV tandem electrostatic accelerator. The RFQ will be mounted on a
variable high voltage platform to accelerate ions with masses from 10 to 150
amu.


title:
Physics of Propagation in Left-Handed Guided Wave Structures at
  Microwave and Millimeter Wave Frequencies

abstract:
  Guided wave propagation through a left-handed medium has been studied, and
new physics discovered. The results are based upon ab initio Green's function
calculations. Numerically generated dispersion diagrams and field distribution
plots are provided.


title: Software Scalability Issues in Large Clusters

abstract:
  The rapid development of large clusters built with commodity hardware has
highlighted scalability issues with deploying and effectively running system
software in large clusters. We describe here our experiences with monitoring,
image distribution, batch and other system administration software tools within
the 1000+ node Linux cluster currently in production at the RHIC Computing
Facility.


title: Paradoxical aspects of the kinetic equations

abstract:
  Two paradoxical aspects of the prevailing kinetic equations are presented.
One is related to the usual understanding of distribution function and the
other to the usual understanding of the phase space. With help of simple
counterexamples and direct analyses, involved paradoxes manifest themselves.


title: The GRID and the Linux Farm at the RCF

abstract:
  The emergence of the GRID architecture and related tools will have a large
impact in the operation and design of present and future large clusters. We
present here the ongoing efforts to equip the Linux Farm at the RHIC Computing
Facility with Grid-like capabilities.


title: On the Compound Structures of the Neutrino Mass and Charge

abstract:
  The mass and charge of a particle correspond to the most diverse form of the
same regularity of the nature of this field. As a consequence, each of all
possible types of charges testifies in favor of the existence of a kind of
inertial mass. Therefore, to investigate these features, we have established
the compound structures of mass and charge. They can explain also the
availability of fundamental differences in the masses as well as in the charges
of Dirac and Majorana neutrinos.


title: On the Anomalous Structures of the Vector Leptonic Currents

abstract:
  Each of the existing types of the electric charges come forwards in the
system as the source of a kind of the dipole moment. Therefore, to investigate
these regularities, we have established the compound structures of Dirac and
Pauli form factors. They state that the electron possesses as well as the
anomalous electric charge.


title:
First Description of Discrete Stars Composing the Milk Way in Thomas
  Watson's Hekatompathia (1582)

abstract:
  We note that the first unambiguous description of the Milk Way as being
composed of a large number of discrete stars is in Sonnet 31 of Thomas Watson's
(d 1592) Hekatompathia (1582), nearly 30 years before Galileo's description. We
discuss implications of this early description.


title: What is osmosis? Explanation and understanding of a physical phenomenon

abstract:
  Although osmosis is a familiar phenomenon, and of pivotal importance in
natural systems, it is seldom explained how it might work on the molecular
level (if treated at all in physics text books). The standard treatment of
osmosis in thermodynamics employs the concept of the chemical potential and
does not give any clues how the process "really" works. On the other hand one
may also encounter conflicting qualitative and molecular explanations of
osmosis. We use the case of osmosis in the present paper to elucidate different
ways to "explain" and "understand" physical phenomena. The role of qualitative
understanding of physical phenomena is emphasized. However, as the case of
osmosis demonstrates, there may be a big gap between the abstract macroscopic
theory and molecular conceptions of the mechanism.


title: Vortex lines of the electromagnetic field

abstract:
  Relativistic definition of the phase of the electromagnetic field, involving
two Lorentz invariants, based on the Riemann-Silberstein vector is adopted to
extend our previous study [I. Bialynicki-Birula, Z. Bialynicka-Birula and C.
Sliwa, Phys. Rev. A 61, 032110 (2000)] of the motion of vortex lines embedded
in the solutions of wave equations from Schroedinger wave mechanics to Maxwell
theory. It is shown that time evolution of vortex lines has universal features;
in Maxwell theory it is very similar to that in Schroedinger wave mechanics.
Connection with some early work on geometrodynamics is established. Simple
examples of solutions of Maxwell equations with embedded vortex lines are
given. Vortex lines in Laguerre-Gaussian beams are treated in some detail.


title: Multiscale Trend Analysis

abstract:
  This paper introduces a multiscale analysis based on optimal piecewise linear
approximations of time series. An optimality criterion is formulated and on its
base a computationally effective algorithm is constructed for decomposition of
a time series into a hierarchy of trends (local linear approximations) at
different scales. The top of the hierarchy is the global linear approximation
over the whole observational interval, the bottom is the original time series.
Each internal level of the hierarchy corresponds to a piecewise linear
approximation of analyzed series. Possible applications of the introduced
Multiscale Trend Analysis (MTA) go far beyond the linear interpolation problem:
This paper develops and illustrates methods of self-affine, hierarchical, and
correlation analyses of time series.


title: The United Theory of the Two Fields of the Electric and Magnetic Nature

abstract:
  Each of electrically charged particles testifies in favor of the existence of
a kind of the magnetically charged monoparticle. As a consequence, only the
corresponding mononeutrinos answer for quantization of the electric charges of
all neutrinos. Therefore, to understand the nature of matter at the fundamental
level, one must use the electromagnetic field as the field of the unified
system of the photon and monophoton where the electric and magnetic forces of
the nature are united. Some logical and laboratory confirmations of the
availability of compound structure of gauge invariance have been listed which
say also about the connection between the states of elementary particles and
monoparticles.


title:
Addendum: On the Type of the Spin Polarization Dependence of the
  Neutrino Mass and Charge

abstract:
  We discuss the characteristic features of the latent nature of the neutrino
mass, according to which, all components of leptonic current can appear in the
interaction type dependence. Such a regularity, however, requires the
modification of the some denotations in the corresponding formulas of the paper
{\it On the type of the spin polarization dependence of the neutrino mass and
charge} [1]. We will also include in a given letter the full version of the
original article with necessary replacements of the structural variables. They
of course do not change our implications.


title: Monitoring the Digital Divide

abstract:
  It is increasingly important to support the large numbers of scientists
working in remote areas and having low -bandwidth access to the Internet. This
will continue to be the case for years to come since there is evidence from
PingER performance measurements that the, so-called, digital divide is not
decreasing. In this work, we review the collaborative work of The Abdus Salam
International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste -a leading
organization promoting science dissemination in the developing world- and SLAC
in Stanford, to monitor by PingER, Universities and Research Institutions all
over the developing world following the recent Recommendations of Trieste to
help bridge the digital divide. As a result, PingER's deployment now covers the
real-time monitoring of worldwide Internet performance and, in particular, West
and Central Africa for the first time. We report on theresults from the ICTP
sites and quantitatively identify regions with poor performance, identify
trends, discuss experiences and future work.


title: FEATHER: A Fast Intra-pulse Feedback System for the JLC

abstract:
  Ground motion at the Future JLC detector may affect beam alignment and cause
huge luminosity loss. The FEATHER (FEedback AT High Energy Requirements)
project addresses this problem by designing a fast intra-pulse feedback system
that will correct the observed beam offset.


title: Bayesian inference of nanoparticle-broadened x-ray line profiles

abstract:
  A single and self-contained method for determining the crystallite-size
distribution and shape from experimental x-ray line profile data is presented.
We have shown that the crystallite-size distribution can be determined without
assuming a functional form for the size distribution, determining instead the
size distribution with the least assumptions by applying the Bayesian/MaxEnt
method. The Bayesian/MaxEnt method is tested using both simulated and
experimental CeO$_{2}$ data. The results demonstrate that the proposed method
can determine size distributions, while making the least number of assumptions.
The comparison of the Bayesian/MaxEnt results from experimental CeO$_2$ with
TEM results is favorable


title: Fitting a Sum of Exponentials to Numerical Data

abstract:
  A finite sum of exponential functions may be expressed by a linear
combination of powers of the independent variable and by successive integrals
of the sum. This is proved for the general case and the connection between the
parameters in the sum and the coefficients in the linear combination is
highlighted. The fitting of exponential functions to a given data- set is
therefore reduced to a multilinear approximation procedure. The results of this
approximation do not only provide the necessary information to compute the
factors in the exponents and the weights of the exponential terms but also they
are used to estimate the errors in the factors.


title: Wigner distribution transformations in high-order systems

abstract:
  By combining the definition of the Wigner distribution function (WDF) and the
matrix method of optical system modeling, we can evaluate the transformation of
the former in centered systems with great complexity. The effect of stops and
lens diameter are also considered and are shown to be responsible for
non-linear clipping of the resulting WDF in the case of coherent illumination
and non-linear modulation of the WDF when the illumination is incoherent. As an
example, the study of a single lens imaging systems illustrates the
applicability of the method.


title:
Diamagnetic Suppression of Component Magnetic Reconnection at the
  Magnetopause

abstract:
  We present particle-in-cell simulations of collisionless magnetic
reconnection in a system (like the magnetopause) with a large density asymmetry
across the current layer. In the presence of an ambient component of the
magnetic field perpendicular to the reconnection plane the gradient creates a
diamagnetic drift that advects the X-line with the electron diamagnetic
velocity. When the relative drift between the ions and electrons is of the
order the Alfven speed the large scale outflows from the X-line necessary for
fast reconnection cannot develop and the reconnection is suppressed. We discuss
how these effects vary with both the plasma beta and the shear angle of the
reconnecting field and discuss observational evidence for diamagnetic
stabilization at the magnetopause.


title: Analytic solution of Hubbell's model of local community dynamics

abstract:
  Recent theoretical approaches to community structure and dynamics reveal that
many large-scale features of community structure (such as species-rank
distributions and species-area relations) can be explained by a so-called
neutral model. Using this approach, species are taken to be equivalent and
trophic relations are not taken into account explicitly. Here we provide a
general analytic solution to the local community model of Hubbell's neutral
theory of biodiversity by recasting it as an urn model i.e.a Markovian
description of states and their transitions. Both stationary and time-dependent
distributions are analysed. The stationary distribution -- also called the
zero-sum multinomial -- is given in closed form. An approximate form for the
time-dependence is obtained by using an expansion of the master equation. The
temporal evolution of the approximate distribution is shown to be a good
representation for the true temporal evolution for a large range of parameter
values.


title: Purely-long-range bound states of He$(2s ^3S)+$He$(2p ^3P)$

abstract:
  We predict the presence and positions of purely-long-range bound states of
$^4$He$(2s ^3S)+{}^4$He$(2p ^3P)$ near the $2s ^3S_1+2p ^3P_{0,1}$ atomic
limits. The results of the full multichannel and approximate models are
compared, and we assess the sensitivity of the bound states to atomic
parameters characterizing the potentials. Photoassociation to these
purely-long-range molecular bound states may improve the knowledge of the
scattering length associated with the collisions of two ultracold
spin-polarized $^4$He$(2s ^3S)$ atoms, which is important for studies of
Bose-Einstein condensates.


title: Concept of Quaternion Mass for Wave-Particle Duality : A Novel Approach

abstract:
  Mass is in the central theme everywhere from atom to galaxy. But what is mass
? Is it scalar or vector ? Apparently it appears that mass is scalar; but
relativistic mass is velocity dependent and moving mass such as photon is
vector boson. In the present paper a new concept is introduced that in general,
mass is neither scalar nor vector rather, mass is a quaternion quantity (scalar
+ vector). The concept of quaternion mass suggests that the total mass M of a
moving body is quaternion sum of : (i) the scalar(grain or rest mass) mass mg
establishing its particle behavior and (ii) the vector(photonic) mass mp
governing its wave properties. Mathematically, total quaternion mass as M = mg
+ mp, its magnitude being the Pythagorean sum as |M| = (mg2+mp2)1/2 . The
theory proposed here explains the wave-particle duality more clearly &
conceptually and gives a mathematical blend to de-Broglie hypothesis. It also
explains successfully several effects such as Compton effect and refraction of
light which could not be explained otherwise by a single theory of wave or
particle. Also explained are: Doppler effect of light, Photo-electric effect,
Uncertainty principle and Relativity. The quaternion mass concept proposed in
this paper is novel & is of fundamental importance; this could prove to be a
revolutionary concept in physics and possibly lead to new directions.


title: The imaging X-ray detector for Lobster-ISS

abstract:
  Lobster-ISS is a revolutionary astrophysical X-ray all-sky monitor scheduled
for deployment as an attached payload on the International Space Station (ISS)
in 2009. Using a new wide field-of-view focusing optic, Lobster-ISS provides an
order-of-magnitude improvement in the sensitivity of all-sky monitors in the
soft X-ray band (0.1-3.0 keV). This lobster-eye optic presents unique
challenges to the imaging X-ray detector at its focus. Micro-patterned imaging
proportional counters, with thier mechanical simplicity and high performance,
are the most practical means of meeting the requirements. We describe our
design for the Lobster-ISS imaging detector based on direct-imaging micro-well
proportional counters and the expected performance.


title: Wide angle near-field diffraction and Wigner distribution

abstract:
  Free-space propagation can be described as a shearing of the Wigner
distribution function in the spatial coordinate; this shearing is linear in
paraxial approximation but assumes a more complex shape for wide-angle
propagation. Integration in the frequency domain allows the determination of
near-field diffraction, leading to the well known Fresnel diffraction when
small angles are considered and allowing exact prediction of wide-angle
diffraction. The authors use this technique to demonstrate evanescent wave
formation and diffraction elimination for very small apertures.


title: Fission and Fusion Come to San Diego

abstract:
  I will describe some of the events that led to the creation of General
Atomic, a research and development organization founded in San Diego in 1956.


title:
Fractional Fourier approximations for potential gravity waves on deep
  water

abstract:
  In the framework of the canonical model of hydrodynamics, where fluid is
assumed to be ideal and incompressible, waves are potential, two-dimensional,
and symmetric, the authors have recently reported the existence of a new type
of gravity waves on deep water besides well studied Stokes waves (Phys. Rev.
Lett., 2002, v. 89, 164502). The distinctive feature of these waves is that
horizontal water velocities in the wave crests exceed the speed of the crests
themselves. Such waves were found to describe irregular flows with stagnation
point inside the flow domain and discontinuous streamlines near the wave
crests. Irregular flows produce a simple model for describing the initial stage
of the formation of spilling breakers when a localized jet is formed at the
crest following by generating whitecaps.
  In the present work, a new highly efficient method for computing steady
potential gravity waves on deep water is proposed to examine the above results
in more detail. The method is based on the truncated fractional approximations
for the velocity potential in terms of the basis functions
$1/\bigr(1-\exp(y_0-y-ix)\bigl)^n$, $y_0$ being a free parameter. The
non-linear transformation of the horizontal scale $x = \chi - \gamma \sin\chi,
0<\gamma<1,$ is additionally applied to concentrate a numerical emphasis on the
crest region of a wave for accelerating the convergence of the series.
Fractional approximations were employed for calculating both steep Stokes waves
and irregular flows. For lesser computational time, the advantage in accuracy
over ordinary Fourier expansions in terms the basis functions $\exp\bigl(n
(y+ix)\bigr)$ was found to be from one to ten decimal orders depending on the
wave steepness and flow parameters.


title:
Dynamical ordering induced by preferential transitions in Planar Arrays
  of Superheated Superconducting granules

abstract:
  We perform simulations of planar arrays of superheated superconducting
granules (PASS) under an external magnetic field, analyzing transitions
undergone by the system when the external field is slowly increased from zero.
We observe, for high concentrations, the existence of an interval of external
fields for which no transitions are induced. This effect is analogous to a "hot
border zone" identified in the response of Superheated Superconducting Granule
detectors. We explain such behaviour as produced by a geometrical ordering
dynamically induced in the system by transitions in preferential sites due to
diamagnetic interactions.


title: Electronegativity Scale from Path Integral Formulation

abstract:
  In the framework of the density functional theory a new electronegativity
formulation via the Feynman-Kleinert path integral formalism in the markovian
limit is proposed. The computation of the electronic density follows, in terms
of partition function, the same procedure of the Levy constrained-search for
the wave function. The obtained electronegativity scale seems to respect the
main criteria largely used for its acceptability.


title:
Evidence for parallel confinement in resonant charge transfer of
  negative hydrogen ion near metal surfaces

abstract:
  Using a wave packet propagation approach, we find that the resonant charge
transfer process of H^- near a Cu(111) surface is strongly influenced by
transient hybrid states. These states originate from an ion-induced confinement
parallel to the surface together with the surface-localization character of the
metal potential along the surface normal. The lowest members of these states
have lifetimes of the order of interaction times in typical particle-surface
scattering experiments. The propagation of the electron probability density
provides clear evidence for this effect in visualizing the evolution and the
decay of these transient states.


title:
Giant Goos-Hanchen effect at the reflection from left-handed
  metamaterials

abstract:
  We study the beam reflection from a layered structure with a left-handed
metamaterial. We predict a giant lateral (Goos-Hanchen) shift and splitting of
the beam due to the resonant excitation of surface polaritons with a
vortex-like energy flow between the right- and left-handed materials.


title:
The particle-in-cell model for ab initio thermodynamics: implications
  for the elastic anisotropy of the Earth's inner core

abstract:
  We assess the quantitative accuracy of the particle-in-cell (PIC)
approximation used in recent ab initio predictions of the thermodynamic
properties of hexagonal-close-packed iron at the conditions of the Earth's
inner core. The assessment is made by comparing PIC predictions for a range of
thermodynamic properties with the results of more exact calculations that avoid
the PIC approximation. It is shown that PIC gives very accurate results for
some properties, but that it gives an incorrect treatment of anharmonic lattice
vibrations. In addition, our assessment does not support recent PIC-based
predictions that the hexagonal c/a ratio increases strongly with increasing
temperature, and we point out that this casts doubt on a proposed
re-interpretation of the elastic anisotropy of the inner core.


title:
Characteristic Parameters in Integrated Photoelasticity: An Application
  of Poincare's Equivalence Theorem

abstract:
  The Poincare Equivalence Theorem states that any optical element which
contains no absorbing components can be replaced by an equivalent optical model
which consists of one linear retarder and one rotator only, both of which are
uniquely determined. This has many useful applications in the field of Optics
of Polarized Light. In particular, it arises naturally in attempts to
reconstruct spatially varying refractive tensors or dielectric tensors from
measurements of the change of state of polarization of light beams passing
through the medium, a field which is known as Tensor Tomography. A special case
is Photoelasticity, where the internal stress of a transparent material may be
reconstructed from knowledge of the local optical tensors by using the
stress-optical laws. - We present a rigorous approach to the Poincare
Equivalence Theorem by explicitly proving a matrix decomposition theorem, from
which the Poincare Equivalence Theorem follows as a corollary. To make the
paper self-contained we supplement a brief account of the Jones matrix
formalism, at least as far as linear retarders and rotators are concerned. We
point out the connection between the parameters of the Poincare-equivalent
model to previously introduced notions of the Characteristic Parameters of an
optical model in the engineering literature. Finally, we briefly illustrate how
characteristic parameters and Poincare-equivalent models naturally arise in
Photoelasticity.


title: Ramifications of Non Commutative Spacetime

abstract:
  We review Cantorian and Non Commutative Spacetime, work which has occupied El
Naschie in the past several years. These concepts are now the subject of
intense research, thanks to Quantum Gravity, Quantum Super String Theory and a
few other approaches. It now appears that we are on the verge of a breakthrough
in finding solutions to longstanding problems, like the unification of
gravitation with other fundamental interactions and the question of the mass
spectrum, another recent area of El Naschie's work.


title: The supermassive centre of our galaxy - et cetera

abstract:
  We show that the supermassive celestial body at the centre of the Milky Way
and the two supermassive celestial bodies at the centre of the distant galaxy
NGC 6240 cannot be black holes.


title:
Signs of Lorentz violation in electrodynamics: variable speed of light
  and the photon mass

abstract:
  Recent studies of spacetime anisotropy in the context of local Lorentz
invariance (LLI) based on classical Michelson-Morley experiments, as well
Kennedy-Thorndyke tests, pointed out the existence of terms first order in v/c
and of angular signatures independent of v. This contribution replaces the
Lorentz symmetry by a velocity gauge transformation following an argument
centred on observability. Results show even and odd order terms and indicate
that motion is always underestimated in the spatiotemporal platform. Though LLI
is not recovered in exact special relativistic terms, the alternative looks
compatible with the relational aspects of general relativity (GR) with variable
speed of light models as well a nonzero photon mass. This raises the hypothesis
that Einstein equivalence principle, and consequently LLI, is a cornerstone of
GR, but not necessarily a fundamental one of SR


title: Exo-interferometric Phase Determination of X rays

abstract:
  The time-dependent phase change of x rays after transmission through a sample
has been determined experimentally. We used an x-ray interferometer with a
reference sample containing sharp nuclear resonances to prepare a
phase-controlled x-ray beam. A sample with similar resonances was placed in the
beam but outside of the interferometer; hence our use of the term
``exo-interferometric.'' We show that the phase change of the x rays due to the
sample can be uniquely determined from the time-dependent transmitted
intensities. The energy response of the sample was reconstructed from the phase
and the intensity data with a resolution of 23neV.


title: Selective nanomanipulation using optical forces

abstract:
  We present a detailed theoretical study of the recent proposal for selective
nanomanipulation of nanometric particles above a substrate using near-field
optical forces [Chaumet {\it et al.} Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 88}, 123601 (2002)].
Evanescent light scattering at the apex of an apertureless near-field probe is
used to create an optical trap. The position of the trap is controlled on a
nanometric scale via the probe and small objects can be selectively trapped and
manipulated. We discuss the influence of the geometry of the particles and the
probe on the efficiency of the trap. We also consider the influence of multiple
scattering among the particles on the substrate and its effect on the
robustness of the trap.


title:
Hyperbolic reflections as fundamental building blocks for multilayer
  optics

abstract:
  We reelaborate on the basic properties of lossless multilayers by using
bilinear transformations. We study some interesting properties of the
multilayer transfer function in the unit disk, showing that hyperbolic geometry
turns out to be an essential tool for understanding multilayer action. We use a
simple trace criterion to classify multilayers into three classes that
represent rotations, translations, or parallel displacements. Moreover, we show
that these three actions can be decomposed as a product of two reflections in
hyperbolic lines. Therefore, we conclude that hyperbolic reflections can be
considered as the basic pieces for a deeper understanding of multilayer optics.


title: Nematic Ordering of Rigid Rods in a Gravitational Field

abstract:
  The isotropic-to-nematic transition in an athermal solution of long rigid
rods subject to a gravitational (or centrifugal) field is theoretically
considered in the Onsager approximation. The new feature emerging in the
presence of gravity is a concentration gradient which coupled with the nematic
ordering. For rodlike molecules this effect becomes noticeable at centrifugal
acceleration g ~ 10^3--10^4 m/s^2, while for biological rodlike objects, such
as tobacco mosaic virus, TMV, the effect is important even for normal
gravitational acceleration conditions. Rods are concentrated near the bottom of
the vessel which sometimes leads to gravity induced nematic ordering. The
concentration range corresponding to phase separation increases with increasing
g. In the region of phase separation the local rod concentration, as well as
the order parameter, follow a step function with height.


title:
Coupled Dipole Method Determination of the Electromagnetic Force on a
  Particle over a Flat Dielectric Substrate

abstract:
  We present a theory to compute the force due to light upon a particle on a
dielectric plane by the Coupled Dipole Method (CDM). We show that, with this
procedure, two equivalent ways of analysis are possible, both based on
Maxwell's stress tensor. The interest in using this method is that the nature
and size or shape of the object, can be arbitrary. Even more, the presence of a
substrate can be incorporated. To validate our theory, we present an analytical
expression of the force due to the light acting on a particle either in
presence, or not, of a surface. The plane wave illuminating the sphere can be
either propagating or evanescent. Both two and three dimensional calculations
are studied.


title:
Time averaged total force on a dipolar sphere in an electromagnetic
  field

abstract:
  We establish the time averaged total force on a subwavelength sized particle
in a time harmonic varying field. Our analysis is not restrictive about the
spatial dependence of the incident field. We discuss the addition of the
radiative reaction term in the polarizability in order to correctly deal with
the scattering force. As a consequence and illustration, we assess the degree
of accuracy of several polarizability models previously established.


title:
Electromagnetic force on a metallic particle in presence of a dielectric
  surface

abstract:
  By using a method, previously established to calculate electromagnetic
fields, we compute the force of light upon a metallic particle. This procedure
is based on both Maxwell's Stress Tensor and the Couple Dipole Method. With
these tools, we study the force when the particle is over a flat dielectric
surface. The multiple interaction of light between the particle and the surface
is fully taken into account. The wave illuminating the particle is either
evanescent or propagating depending an whether or not total internal reflection
takes place. We analyze the behaviour of this force on either a small or a
large particle in terms of the wavelength. A remarkable result obtained for
evanescent field illumination, is that the force on a small silver particle can
be either attractive or repulsive depending on the wavelength. This behaviour
also varies as the particle becomes larger.


title:
Optical binding of particles with or without the presence of a flat
  dielectric surface

abstract:
  Optical fields can induce forces between microscopic objects, thus giving
rise to new structures of matter. We study theoretically these optical forces
between two spheres, either isolated in water, or in presence of a flat
dielectric surface. We observe different behavior in the binding force between
particles at large and at small distances (in comparison with the wavelength)
from each other. This is due to the great contribution of evanescent waves at
short distances. We analyze how the optical binding depends of the size of the
particles, the material composing them, the wavelength and, above all, on the
polarization of the incident beam. We also show that depending on the
polarization, the force between small particles at small distances changes its
sign. Finally, the presence of a substrate surface is analyzed showing that it
only slightly changes the magnitudes of the forces, but not their qualitative
nature, except when one employs total internal reflection, case in which the
particles are induced to move together along the surface.


title:
Optical Trapping and Manipulation of Nano-objects with an Apertureless
  Probe

abstract:
  We propose a novel way to trap and manipulate nano-objects above a dielectric
substrate using an apertureless near-field probe. A combination of evanescent
illumination and light scattering at the probe apex is used to shape the
optical field into a localized, three dimensional optical trap. We use the
coupled-dipole method and the Maxwell stress tensor to provide a
self-consistent description of the optical force, including retardation and the
influence of the substrate. We show that small objects can be selectively
captured and manipulated under realistic conditions.


title: Local Solutions for Generic Multidimensional Resonant Wave Conversion

abstract:
  In more than one spatial dimension, resonant linear conversion from one wave
type to another can have a more complex geometry than the familiar 'avoided
crossing' of one-dimensional problems. In previous work we have shown that
helical ray shapes are generic in a mathematical sense. Here we briefly
describe how the local field structure can be computed.


title: Computational universes

abstract:
  Suspicions that the world might be some sort of a machine or algorithm
existing ``in the mind'' of some symbolic number cruncher have lingered from
antiquity. Although popular at times, the most radical forms of this idea never
reached mainstream. Modern developments in physics and computer science have
lent support to the thesis, but empirical evidence is needed before it can
begin to replace our contemporary world view.


title: Spectral element simulations of buoyancy-driven flow

abstract:
  This paper is divided in two parts. In the first part, a brief review of a
spectral element method for the numerical solution of the incompressible
Navier-Stokes equations is given. The method is then extended to compute
buoyant flows described by the Boussinesq approximation. Free convection in
closed two-dimensional cavities are computed and the results are in very good
agreement with the available reference solutions.


title: Coulomb scattering in plasma revised

abstract:
  A closed expression for the momentum evolution of a test particle in
weakly-coupled plasma is derived, starting from quantum many particle theory.
The particle scatters from charge fluctuations in the plasma rather than in a
sequence of independent binary collisions. Contrary to general belief, Bohr's
(rather than Bethe's) Coulomb logarithm is the relevant one in most plasma
applications. A power-law tail in the distribution function is confirmed by
molecular dynamics simulation.


title: Generalization of the coupled dipole method to periodic structures

abstract:
  We present a generalization of the coupled dipole method to the scattering of
light by arbitrary periodic structures. This new formulation of the coupled
dipole method relies on the same direct-space discretization scheme that is
widely used to study the scattering of light by finite objects. Therefore, all
the knowledge acquired previously for finite systems can be transposed to the
study of periodic structures.


title: Linear Stability and Subcritical Turbulence in Rotating Shear Flows

abstract:
  The relation between rotating plane Couette and Taylor-Couette flows is
clarified. The identity of their linear stability limits is explained by
considering the effect of the Coriolis force in the rotating frame.
Experimental data are used to quantify the behavior of the minimum Reynolds
number for subcritical turbulence as a function of rotation and curvature. This
last dependence is understood through a phenomenological analysis, which also
implies that the Coriolis force reduces the efficiency of subcritical turbulent
transport with respect to nonrotating flows, as observed numerically.


title:
Pressure-driven Instabilities in Cylindrical Geometry: A New General
  Criterion

abstract:
  A new criterion for pressure-driven interchange instabilities in cylindrical
geometry is derived, based on an alternate use of the Energy Principle. This
criterion is inequivalent to Suydam's criterion and does not contain the
magnetic shear. In fact, it is shown that Suydam's criterion relates to the
instability of the slow magnetosonic branch, while the present criterion
relates to the Alfv\'enic one, which is the most dangerous of the two. These
findings explain why pressure-driven modes nearly always exist even if Suydam's
criterion is satisfied by a large margin.


title: Self Consistent Molecular Field Theory for Packing in Classical Liquids

abstract:
  Building on a quasi-chemical formulation of solution theory, this paper
proposes a self consistent molecular field theory for packing problems in
classical liquids, and tests the theoretical predictions for the excess
chemical potential of the hard sphere fluid. Results are given for the self
consistent molecular fields obtained, and for the probabilities of occupancy of
a molecular observation volume. For this system, the excess chemical potential
predicted is as accurate as the most accurate prior theories, particularly the
scaled particle (Percus-Yevick compressibility) theory. It is argued that the
present approach is particularly simple, and should provide a basis for a
molecular-scale description of more complex solutions.


title: Forecasting characteristic earthquakes in a minimalist model

abstract:
  Using error diagrams, we quantify the forecasting of
characteristic-earthquake occurrence in a recently introduced minimalist model.
Initially we connect the earthquake alarm at a fixed time after the ocurrence
of a characteristic event. The evaluation of this strategy leads to a
one-dimensional numerical exploration of the loss function. This first strategy
is then refined by considering a classification of the seismic cycles of the
model according to the presence, or not, of some factors related to the
seismicity observed in the cycle. These factors, statistically speaking,
enlarge or shorten the length of the cycles. The independent evaluation of the
impact of these factors in the forecast process leads to two-dimensional
numerical explorations. Finally, and as a third gradual step in the process of
refinement, we combine these factors leading to a three-dimensional
exploration. The final improvement in the loss function is about 8.5%.


title: New approach to deriving gas dynamics equations

abstract:
  We derive the gas dynamics equations considering changes of velocity
distribution function on the scale of a molecule free path. We define the
molecule velocity distribution function in a specific form so that only
molecule velocities after intermolecular collisions in a chosen fixed volume
are taken into account. The obtained equations differ from the well-known
Navier-Stoks equations and contain the new terms. The continuity equation
includes the second derivatives of dynamical viscosity. The equation of
momentum conservation does not include the volume viscosity and the equation of
energy conservation describes the transformation of gas mass velocity into the
gas thermal energy. One can expect that these new equations of motion allow to
construct a description of macroscopic physical phenomena in more complicated
situations than the standard gas dynamics equations do.


title:
Raman Photoassociation of Bose-Fermi Mixtures and the Subsequent
  Prospects for Atom-Molecule Cooper Pairing

abstract:
  We theoretically investigate Raman photoassociation of a degenerate
Bose-Fermi mixture of atoms and the subsequent prospect for anomalous (Cooper)
pairing between atoms and molecules. Stable fermionic molecules are created via
free-bound-bound stimulated Raman adiabatic passage which, in contrast to
purely bosonic systems, can occur in spite of collisions. With the leftover
atomic condensate to enhance intrafermion interactions, the superfluid
transition to atom-molecule Cooper pairs occurs at a temperature that is
roughly an order of magnitude below what is currently feasible.

categories: physics.atom-ph cond-mat.soft cond-mat.supr-con nucl-th physics.chem-ph quant-ph


title:
Going forth and back in time: a fast and parsimonious algorithm for
  mixed initial/final-value problems

abstract:
  We present an efficient and parsimonious algorithm to solve mixed
initial/final-value problems. The algorithm optimally limits the memory storage
and the computational time requirements: with respect to a simple forward
integration, the cost factor is only logarithmic in the number of time-steps.
As an example, we discuss the solution of the final-value problem for a
Fokker-Planck equation whose drift velocity solves a different initial-value
problem -- a relevant issue in the context of turbulent scalar transport.


title:
Two adaptation processes in auditory hair cells together can provide an
  active amplifier

abstract:
  The hair cells of the vertebrate inner ear convert mechanical stimuli to
electrical signals. Two adaptation mechanisms are known to modify the ionic
current flowing through the transduction channels of the hair bundles: a rapid
process involves calcium ions binding to the channels; and a slower adaptation
is associated with the movement of myosin motors. We present a mathematical
model of the hair cell which demonstrates that the combination of these two
mechanisms can produce `self-tuned critical oscillations', i.e. maintain the
hair bundle at the threshold of an oscillatory instability. The characteristic
frequency depends on the geometry of the bundle and on the calcium dynamics,
but is independent of channel kinetics. Poised on the verge of vibrating, the
hair bundle acts as an active amplifier. However, if the hair cell is
sufficiently perturbed, other dynamical regimes can occur. These include slow
relaxation oscillations which resemble the hair bundle motion observed in some
experimental preparations.


title: The Role of the Basis Set: Assessing Density Functional Theory

abstract:
  When developing and assessing density functional theory methods, a finite
basis set is usually employed. In most cases, however, the issue of basis set
dependency is neglected. Here, we assess several basis sets and functionals. In
addition, the dependency of the semiempirical fits to a given basis set for a
generalised gradient approximation and a hybrid functional is investigated. The
resulting functionals are then tested for other basis sets, evaluating their
errors and transferability.


title:
Ionization of hydrogen atoms by electron impact at 1eV, 0.5eV and 0.3eV
  above threshold

abstract:
  We present here triple differential cross sections for ionization of hydrogen
atoms by electron impact at 1eV, 0.5eV and 0.3eV energy above threshold,
calculated in the hyperspherical partial wave theory. The results are in very
good agreement with the available semiclassical results of Deb and Crothers
\cite{DC02} for these energies. With this, we are able to demonstrate that the
hyperspherical partial wave theory yields good cross sections from 30 eV
\cite{DPC03} down to near threshold for equal energy sharing kinematics.


title:
Capacitors can radiate - some consequences of the two-capacitor problem
  with radiation

abstract:
  We fill a gap in the arguments of Boykin et al [American Journal of Physics,
Vol 70 No. 4, pp 415-420 (2002)] by not invoking an electric current loop (i.e.
magnetic dipole model) to account for the radiation energy loss, since an
obvious corollary of their results is that the capacitors should radiate
directly even if the connecting wires are shrunk to zero length. That this is
so is shown here by a direct derivation of capacitor radiation using an
oscillating electric dipole radiator model for the capacitors as well as the
alternative less widely known magnetic 'charge' current loop representation for
an electric dipole [see for example "Electromagnetic Waves" by S.A.Schlekunoff,
van Nostrand (1948)]. Implications for Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) issues
as well as novel antenna designs further motivate the purpose of this paper.


title:
Dimension Compactification -- a Possible Explanation for Superclusters
  and for Empirical Evidence Usually Interpreted as Dark Matter

abstract:
  According to modern quantum physics, at the microlevel, the dimension of
space-time is at least 11; we only observe 4 dimensions because the others are
compactified: the size along each of the other dimensions is much smaller than
the macroscale. There is no universally accepted explanation of why exactly 4
dimensions remain at the microscopic level. A natural suggestion is: maybe
there is no fundamental reason why exactly 4 dimensions should remain, maybe
when we go to even larger scales, some of the 4 dimensions will be compactified
as well? In this paper, we explore the consequences of the compactification
suggestion, and we show that -- on the qualitative level -- these consequences
have actually been already observed: as superclusters and as evidence that is
usually interpreted as justifying dark matter. Thus, we get a new possible
explanation of both superclusters and dark matter evidence -- via dimension
compactification.


title: Phase and transport velocities in particle and electromagnetic beams

abstract:
  In a coherent monoenergetic beam of non-interacting particles, the phase
velocity and the particle transport velocity are functions of position, with
the strongest variation being in the focal region. These velocities are
everywhere parallel to each other, and their product is constant in space. For
a coherent monochromatic electromagnetic beam, the energy transport velocity is
never greater than the speed of light, and can even be zero. The phase
velocities (one each for the non-zero components of the electric and magnetic
fields, in general) can be different from each other and from the energy
transport velocity, both in direction and in magnitude. The phase velocities at
a given point are independent of time, for both particle and electromagnetic
beams. The energy velocity is independent of time for the particle beam, but in
general oscillates (with angular frequency 2w) in magnitude and direction about
its mean value at a given point in the electromagnetic beam. However, there
exist electromagnetic steady beams, within which the energy flux, energy
density and energy velocity are all independent of time.


title: Polarization of tightly focused laser beams

abstract:
  The polarization properties of monochromatic light beams are studied. In
contrast to the idealization of an electromagnetic plane wave, finite beams
which are everywhere linearly polarized in the same direction do not exist.
Neither do beams which are everywhere circularly polarized in a fixed plane. It
is also shown that transversely finite beams cannot be purely transverse in
both their electric and magnetic vectors, and that their electromagnetic energy
travels at less than c. The electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic
beam have different polarization properties in general, but there exists a
class of steady beams in which the electric and magnetic polarizations are the
same (and in which energy density and energy flux are independent of time).
Examples are given of exactly and approximately linearly polarized beams, and
of approximately circularly polarized beams.


title:
Relativistic effects in Sr, Dy, YbII and YbIII and search for variation
  of the fine structure constant

abstract:
  A possibility for fundamental constants to vary in time is suggested by
theories unifying gravity with other interactions. In this article we examine
proposals to use optical transitions of Sr, Dy, YbII and YbIII for the search
of the time variation of the fine structure constant $\alpha$. Frequencies of
atomic transitions are calculated using relativistic Hartree-Fock method and
configuration interaction technique. The effect of variation of $\alpha$ on the
frequencies is studied by varying $\alpha$ in computer codes. Accuracy of
measurements needed to improve current best limit on the time variation of
$\alpha$ is discussed.


title: Towards Landslide Predictions: Two Case Studies

abstract:
  In a previous work [Helmstetter, 2003], we have proposed a simple physical
model to explain the accelerating displacements preceding some catastrophic
landslides, based on a slider-block model with a state and velocity dependent
friction law. This model predicts two regimes of sliding, stable and unstable
leading to a critical finite-time singularity. This model was calibrated
quantitatively to the displacement and velocity data preceding two landslides,
Vaiont (Italian Alps) and La Clapi\`ere (French Alps), showing that the former
(resp. later) landslide is in the unstable (resp. stable) sliding regime. Here,
we test the predictive skills of the state-and-velocity-dependent model on
these two landslides, using a variety of techniques. For the Vaiont landslide,
our model provides good predictions of the critical time of failure up to 20
days before the collapse. Tests are also presented on the predictability of the
time of the change of regime for la Clapi\`ere landslide.


title: Isotope shift calculations for atoms with one valence electron

abstract:
  This work presents a method for the ab initio calculation of isotope shift in
atoms and ions with one valence electron above closed shells. As a zero
approximation we use relativistic Hartree-Fock and then calculate correlation
corrections. The main motivation for developing the method comes from the need
to analyse whether different isotope abundances in early universe can
contribute to the observed anomalies in quasar absorption spectra. The current
best explanation for these anomalies is the assumption that the fine structure
constant, alpha, was smaller at early epoch. We test the isotope shift method
by comparing the calculated and experimental isotope shift for the alkali and
alkali-like atoms Na, MgII, K, CaII and BaII. The agreement is found to be
good. We then calculate the isotope shift for some astronomically relevant
transitions in SiII and SiIV, MgII, ZnII and GeII.


title: HEP Applications on the Grid Canada Testbed

abstract:
  A Grid testbed has been established using resources at 12 sites across Canada
involving researchers from particle physics as well as other fields of science.
We describe our use of the testbed with the BaBar Monte Carlo production and
the ATLAS data challenge software. In each case the remote sites have no
application-specific software stored locally and instead access the software
and data via AFS and/or GridFTP from servers located in Victoria. In the case
of BaBar, an Objectivity database server was used for data storage. We present
the results of a series of initial tests of the Grid testbed using both BaBar
and ATLAS applications. The initial results demonstrate the feasibility of
using generic Grid resources for HEP applications.


title:
The VLQ Calorimeter of H1 at HERA: A Highly Compact Device for
  Measurements of Electrons and Photons under Very Small Scattering Angles

abstract:
  In 1998, the detector H1 at HERA has been equipped with a small backward
spectrometer, the Very Low Q^2 (VLQ) spectrometer comprising a silicon tracker,
a tungsten - scintillator sandwich calorimeter, and a Time-of-Flight system.
The spectrometer was designed to measure electrons scattered under very low
angles, equivalent to very low squared four - momentum transfers Q^2, and high
energy photons with good energy and spatial resolution. The VLQ was in
operation during the 1999 and 2000 run periods. This paper describes the design
and construction of the VLQ calorimeter, a compact device with a fourfold
projective energy read-out, and its performance during test runs and in the
experiment.


title:
Relation of Atmosphere Surface Pressure Fluctuations with Geomagnetic
  and Cosmic Factors

abstract:
  We present results of the digital spectral analysis of the time series
containing the daily samples of the atmosphere surface pressure measured at
Saratov city from Jan 1, 1995 to Dec 31, 1999. We calculated also cross
correlation functions between the pressure fluctuations and the planetary
geomagnetic indices, Ap and Cp, and cross correlation function between these
fluctuations and the cosmic-ray intensity. Two peaks detected in the calculated
power spectrum are related, probably, with the atmosphere tidal waves. The
relation of the pressure fluctuations with the Ap index of the geomagnetic
activity is statistically insignificant. The cross correlation function between
the pressure fluctuations and the Cp index has the maximal value 0.044+-0.023
at the pressure time delay 4 days. The statistically significant negative
correlation is discovered between the surface pressure fluctuations and the
cosmic-ray intensity. The cross correlation function has two minima: at the
zero time delay with the value -0.068+-0.023, and at the pressure time delay 12
days with the value -0.087+-0.023. The negative correlation between the
pressure and the cosmic-ray intensity is observed at the pressure time delay as
long as 17 days and can be explained by the so-called condensation mechanism of
an interaction of the cosmic rays with the atmosphere.


title: Feeding upon negative entropy in a thermal-equilibrium environment

abstract:
  The validity of the Second Law of thermodynamics, indisputable in the
macroscopic world, is challenged at the mesoscopic level: a mesoscopic isolated
system, possessing spatial dimensions of the order of a few microns, is
capable, as shown by a straightforward kinetic analysis, to exhibit a perpetuum
mobile behavior associated with large negative variations of the Clausius
entropy of the system. This violation of the Second Law is expedient for
devising a cyclic process through which an isolated system can extract energy
from a surrounding thermal bath.


title:
High-Precision Optical Measurement of the 2S Hyperfine Interval in
  Atomic Hydrogen

abstract:
  We have applied an optical method to the measurement of the 2S hyperfine
interval in atomic hydrogen. The interval has been measured by means of
two-photon spectroscopy of the 1S-2S transition on a hydrogen atomic beam
shielded from external magnetic fields. The measured value of the 2S hyperfine
interval is equal to 177 556 860(15) Hz and represents the most precise
measurement of this interval to date. The theoretical evaluation of the
specific combination of 1S and 2S hyperfine intervals D_21 is in moderately
good agreement with the value for D_21 deduced from our measurement.


title: High precision measurement of the static dipole polarizability of cesium

abstract:
  The cesium 6S_1/2 scalar dipole polarizability alpha_0 has been determined
from the time-of-flight of laser cooled and launched cesium atoms traveling
through an electric field. We find alpha_0 = 6.611+-0.009 x 10^-39 C m^2/V=
59.42+-0.08 x 10^-24 cm^3 = 401.0+-0.6 a_0^3. The 0.14% uncertainty is a factor
of fourteen improvement over the previous measurement. Values for the 6P_1/2
and 6P_3/2 lifetimes and the 6S_1/2 cesium-cesium dispersion coefficient C_6
are determined from alpha_0 using the procedure of Derevianko and Porsev [Phys.
Rev. A 65, 053403 (2002)].


title: Neutrinos from San Marco and Below

abstract:
  Order of magnitude estimates of radiogenic heat and antineutrino production
are given, using the San Marco cathedral as an example. Prospects of
determining the radiogenic contribution to terrestrial heat by detection of
antineutrinos from natural radioactivity (geoneutrinos) are discussed. A three
kton scintillator detector in three years can clearly discriminate among
different models of terrestrial heat production. In addition, the study of
geoneutrinos offers a possibility of improving the determination of neutrino
mass and mixing, by exploiting the knowledge of Th/U abundance in the Earth.


title:
On the self-induced charge currents in electromagnetic materials and its
  effects in the torsion balance experiment

abstract:
  We concern ourselves with the self-induced charge currents in electromagnetic
materials and some related topics on its effects in the present paper. The
contribution of self-induced charge currents of metamaterial media to photon
effective rest mass is briefly discussed. We concentrate primarily on the
torque, which is caused by the interaction of self-induced charge currents in
dilute plasma with interstellar magnetic fields, acting on the torsion balance
in the torsion balance experiment. It is shown by our evaluation that the muons
and alpha-particles in secondary cosmic rays will contribute an effective rest
mass about 10^{-54} Kg to the photon, which is compared to the newly obtained
upper limit on photon rest mass in Luo's rotating torsion balance experiment.


title: General unit-disk representation for periodic multilayers

abstract:
  We suggest a geometrical framework to discuss periodic layered structures in
the unit disk. The band gaps appear when the point representing the system
approaches the unit circle. We show that the trace of the matrix describing the
basic period allows for a classification in three families of orbits with quite
different properties. The laws of convergence of the iterates to the unit
circle can be then considered as universal features of the reflection.


title:
Long-term persistence and multifractality of river runoff records:
  Detrended fluctuation studies

abstract:
  We study temporal correlations and multifractal properties of long river
discharge records from 41 hydrological stations around the globe. To detect
long-term correlations and multifractal behaviour in the presence of trends, we
apply several recently developed methods [detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA),
wavelet analysis, and multifractal DFA] that can systematically detect and
overcome nonstationarities in the data at all time scales. We find that above
some crossover time that usually is several weeks, the daily runoffs are
long-term correlated, being characterized by a correlation function C(s) that
decays as C(s) ~ s^(gamma). The exponent gamma varies from river to river in a
wide range between 0.1 and 0.9. The power-law decay of C(s) corresponds to a
power-law increase of the related fluctuation function F_2(s) ~ s^H where H =
1-gamma/2. We also find that in most records, for large times, weak
multifractality occurs. The Renyi exponent tau(q) for q between -10 and +10 can
be fitted to the remarkably simple form tau(q) = -ln(a^q+b^q) /ln 2, with
solely two parameters a and b between 0 and 1 with a+b >= 1. This type of
multifractality is obtained from a generalization of the multiplicative cascade
model.


title:
Multifractality of river runoff and precipitation: Comparison of
  fluctuation analysis and wavelet methods

abstract:
  We study the multifractal temporal scaling properties of river discharge and
precipitation records. We compare the results for the multifractal detrended
fluctuation analysis method with the results for the wavelet transform modulus
maxima technique and obtain agreement within the error margins. In contrast to
previous studies, we find non-universal behaviour: On long time scales, above a
crossover time scale of several months, the runoff records are described by
fluctuation exponents varying from river to river in a wide range. Similar
variations are observed for the precipitation records which exhibit weaker, but
still significant multifractality. For all runoff records the type of
multifractality is consistent with a modified version of the binomial
multifractal model, while several precipitation records seem to require
different models.


title:
Comment on "Scaling of atmosphere and ocean temperature correlations in
  observations and climate models"

abstract:
  In a recent letter [K. Fraedrich and R. Blender, Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 108501
(2003)], Fraedrich and Blender studied the scaling of atmosphere and ocean
temperature. They analyzed the fluctuation functions F(s) ~ s^alpha of monthly
temperature records (mostly from grid data) by using the detrended fluctuation
analysis (DFA2) and claim that the scaling exponent alpha over the inner
continents is equal to 0.5, being characteristic of uncorrelated random
sequences. Here we show that this statement is (i) not supported by their own
analysis and (ii) disagrees with the analysis of the daily observational data
from which the grid monthly data have been derived. We conclude that also for
the inner continents, the exponent is between 0.6 and 0.7, similar as for the
coastline-stations.


title: AMANDA - first running experiment to use GRID in production

abstract:
  The Grid technologies are in ongoing development. Using current Grid toolkits
like the Globus toolkit gives one the possibility to build up virtual
organizations. Although these tookits are in still under development and do not
feature all functionality, they can already now be used to set up an efficient
computing environment for physics collaborations with only moderate work. We
discuss in this paper the use of such a computing structure in two running
experiments - the AMANDA (AMANDA = Antarctic muon and neutrino detector array)
neutrino telescope and the D0 experiment at Tevatron, Fermilab. One of the main
features of our approach is to avoid reprogramming of the existing software
which is based on several programming languages (FORTRAN, C/C++, JAVA). This
was realized with software layers around the collaboration software taking care
about in- and output, user notification, tracking of running jobs, etc. A
further important aspect is the resolution of library dependencies, which occur
when a user runs self-compiled jobs on machines, where these libraries are not
installed. These dependencies are also resolved with this layers.


title: Mie Coefficients in Double-layered Sphere Irradiated by a Planar Wave

abstract:
  Both the Mie coefficients and the electromagnetic field distributions in the
two-layered sphere containing left-handed media irradiated by a planar
electromagnetic wave are presented.


title: A Few Exactly Solvable Models For Riccati Type Equations

abstract:
  We consider the Ricatti equation in the context of population dynamics,
quantum scattering and a more general context. We examine some exactly solvable
cases of real life interest.


title:
Two-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Tomographic Microscopy using
  Ferromagnetic Probes

abstract:
  We introduce the concept of computerized tomographic microscopy in magnetic
resonance imaging using the magnetic fields and field gradients from a
ferromagnetic probe. We investigate a configuration where a two-dimensional
sample is under the influence of a large static polarizing field, a small
perpendicular radio-frequency field, and a magnetic field from a ferromagnetic
sphere. We demonstrate that, despite the non-uniform and non-linear nature of
the fields from a microscopic magnetic sphere, the concepts of computerized
tomography can be applied to obtain proper image reconstruction from the
original spectral data by sequentially varying the relative sample-sphere
angular orientation. The analysis shows that the recent proposal for atomic
resolution magnetic resonance imaging of discrete periodic crystal lattice
planes using ferromagnetic probes can also be extended to two-dimensional
imaging of non-crystalline samples with resolution ranging from micrometer to
Angstrom scales.


title: Nonlinear Bessel beams

abstract:
  The effect of the Kerr nonlinearity on linear non-diffractive Bessel beams is
investigated analytically and numerically using the nonlinear Schr\"odinger
equation. The nonlinearity is shown to primarily affect the central parts of
the Bessel beam, giving rise to radial compression or decompression depending
on whether the nonlinearity is focusing or defocusing, respectively. The
dynamical properties of Gaussian-truncated Bessel beams are also analysed in
the presence of a Kerr nonlinearity. It is found that although a condition for
width balance in the root-mean-square sense exists, the beam profile becomes
strongly deformed during propagation and may exhibit the phenomena of global
and partial collapse.


title: Tracking Simulations Near Half-Integer Resonance at PEP-II

abstract:
  Beam-beam simulations predict that PEP-II luminosity can be increased by
operating the horizontal betatron tune near and above a half-integer resonance.
However, effects of the resonance and its synchrotron sidebands significantly
enhance betatron and chromatic perturbations which tend to reduce dynamic
aperture. In the study, chromatic variation of horizontal tune near the
resonance was minimized by optimizing local sextupoles in the Interaction
Region. Dynamic aperture was calculated using tracking simulations in LEGO
code. Dependence of dynamic aperture on the residual orbit, dispersion and
distortion of beta function after correction was investigated.


title: Multiple Folding Pathways of the SH3 domain

abstract:
  Experimental observations suggest that proteins follow different pathways
under different environmental conditions. We perform molecular dynamics
simulations of a model of the SH3 domain over a broad range of temperatures,
and identify distinct pathways in the folding transition. We determine the
kinetic partition temperature --the temperature for which the SH3 domain
undergoes a rapid folding transition with minimal kinetic barriers-- and
observe that below this temperature the model protein may undergo a folding
transition via multiple folding pathways. The folding kinetics is characterized
by slow and fast pathways and the presence of only one or two intermediates.
Our findings suggest the hypothesis that the SH3 domain, a protein for which
only two-state folding kinetics was observed in previous experiments, may
exhibit intermediates states under extreme experimental conditions, such as
very low temperatures. A very recent report (Viguera et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 100:5730--5735, 2003) of an intermediate in the folding transition of
the Bergerac mutant of the alpha-spectrin SH3 domain protein supports this
hypothesis.

categories: physics.bio-ph cond-mat.soft physics.chem-ph q-bio


title:
Lattice with Smaller Momentum Compaction Factor for PEP-II High Energy
  Ring

abstract:
  At present, the PEP-II bunch length and vertical beta function at the
Interaction Point (IP) are about of the same size. To increase luminosity, it
is planned to gradually reduce the IP beta function. For the maximum effect,
bunch length has to be also reduced to minimize luminosity loss caused by the
hourglass effect at IP. One of the methods to achieve a smaller bunch length is
to reduce momentum compaction factor. This paper discusses a lattice option for
the High Energy Ring, where the nominal 60 degree cells in four arcs are
replaced by 90 degree cells to reduce momentum compaction factor by 30% and
bunch length by 16%. The increased focusing in 90 degree cells results in 40%
stronger arc quadrupoles and 150% stronger arc sextupoles due to reduced
dispersion and larger chromaticity. Tracking simulations predict that dynamic
aperture for this lattice will be more than 10 times the rms size of a fully
coupled beam for a horizontal emittance of 30 nm and IP beta function of 1cm.
The lattice modification and results of simulations are presented.


title:
Empirical Distributions of Log-Returns: between the Stretched
  Exponential and the Power Law?

abstract:
  A large consensus now seems to take for granted that the distributions of
empirical returns of financial time series are regularly varying, with a tail
exponent close to 3. We revisit this results and use standard tests as well as
develop a battery of new non-parametric and parametric tests (in particular
with stretched exponential (SE) distributions) to characterize the
distributions of empirical returns of financial time series, with application
to the 100 years of daily return of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and over 1
years of 5-minutes returns of the Nasdaq Composite index. Based on the
discovery that the SE distribution tends to the Pareto distribution in a
certain limit such that the Pareto (or power law) distribution can be
approximated with any desired accuracy on an arbitrary interval by a suitable
adjustment of the parameters of the SE distribution, we demonstrate that Wilks'
test of nested hypothesis still works for the non-exactly nested comparison
between the SE and Pareto distributions. The SE distribution is found
significantly better over the whole quantile range but becomes unnecessary
beyond the 95% quantiles compared with the Pareto law. Similar conclusions hold
for the log-Weibull model with respect to the Pareto distribution. Our main
result is that the tails ultimately decay slower than any stretched exponential
distribution but probably faster than power laws with reasonable exponents.
Implications of our results on the ``moment condition failure'' and for risk
estimation and management are presented.


title:
Comment on ``New Experimental Limit on the Photon Rest Mass with a
  Rotating Torsion Balance''

abstract:
  During the last three decades, photon rest mass problem captured special
attention of many investigators who have reported several experimental upper
limits on the photon mass by using various methods. More recently, Luo et al.
obtained the most new upper limit on photon rest mass of $1.2\times 10^{-54}$
Kg by means of rotating torsion balance experiment. Although Luo et al.'s
experiment is excellent, here we have a supplement to their result, since our
evaluation shows that the photon effective rest mass due to the self-induced
charge currents in the environmental dilute plasma (e.g., the muon component
and other charged particles in secondary cosmic ray flux) is just the same
order of magnitude as Luo's obtained upper limit on photon mass.


title:
Digital Spectrometry Signal Treatment Applied to a Fiber Optic Resonant
  Gyroscope for Rate Measurements

abstract:
  The FORG (Fibre Optic Resonant Gyroscope) opeeration principle uses a
recirculating ring resonant cavity to get a rotation-induced Sagnac effect
enhancement (cited by Ezekiel and Balsamo). It grants to a FORG a comparable
sensitivity in relation an I-FOG (Interferometric Fibre Optic Gyroscope)that
has the fiber lenght equal a half of finesse factor times longer. Other
advantages is despite of thermal drift because the FORG uses less quantity of
fibre than the I-FOG, giving to the first less thermal drift sensitivity than
the last. The proposal of this work is to show a applied to a FORG technique
that simplifies the signal treatment, employing all digital setup, resulting in
a maximally flat scale factor. In this investigation are presented over the
simulations results, employing the modified digital FM spectrometry techniques
by decimation and interpolation techniques over a ring resonator that pursuit a
10 meters SM-PM lenght fiber coil and 10 centimeters of diameter, with a 1550
nanometers laser source. The advantages of these techniques are to simplify the
electronic circuitry, offering an upgrade facility, using only one DSP (Digital
Signal Processor), realizing all needed functions. The investigation of this
method is based in a optical field switching scheme and digital frequency
domain spectrometry.


title:
Lorentz invariant relativistic electrodynamics in the Clifford algebra
  formalism. The formulation with bivector field F

abstract:
  In this paper we present the formulation of relativistic electrodynamics
(independent of the reference frame and of the chosen system of coordinates in
it) that uses the Faraday bivector field F. This formulation with F field is a
self-contained, complete and consistent formulation that dispenses with either
electric and magnetic fields or the electromagnetic potentials. All physical
quantities are defined without reference frames or, when some basis is
introduced, every quantity is represented as a coordinate-based geometric
quantity comprising both components and a basis. The new, observer independent,
expressions for the stress-energy vector T(n), the energy density U, the
Poynting vector S and the momentum density g, the angular momentum density M
and the Lorentz force K are directly derived from the field equations with F.


title: Power-Law Persistence in the Atmosphere: Analysis and Applications

abstract:
  This paper has been withdrawn by the author(s), due to double submission. You
can find it under: physics/0208019


title: YBCO Transition Edge Sensors Used For Very Low Noise Thermal Control

abstract:
  In electrically substituted radiometers, the ultra low noise control of the
temperature is required. In this framework, we present results dedicated to the
temperature regulation of copper plates, 3 cm diameter and 1 mm thick, using
YBa2Cu3O7-d (YBCO) transition edge sensors (TES). One of the TES was used as
the active thermometer of the temperature control unit, whereas the two others
measured the plate temperature behavior. Two heating resistors were wound along
a spiral pattern, just underneath the copper plate, to minimize the heating
delay. The correlation between the two TES was clearly highlighted by applying
a small heat perturbation through the second distributed resistor, the path of
which closely follows that of the main resistor. Calibrated temperature
oscillations of 30 microK rms at 10mHz together with spectral analysis were
measured and a temperature resolution in the range of a few microK rms was
achieved.


title: Visualizing the Mass and Width Spectrum of Unstable Particles

abstract:
  Several graphical representations of the mass and width spectrum of unstable
subatomic particles are presented. Such plots are useful tools for introducing
students to the particle zoo and provide students an alternate way to organize
conceptually what can seem like an overwhelming amount of data. In particular,
such graphs highlight phenomenological features of unstable particles
characteristic of different energy and time scales.


title:
Pt-based metallization of PMOS devices for the fabrication of monolithic
  semiconducting/YBa2Cu3O7-d superconducting devices on silicon

abstract:
  Mo, Pt, Pt/Mo and Pt/Ti thin films have been deposited onto Si and SiO2
substrates by RF sputtering and annealed in the YBa2Cu3O7-d growth conditions.
The effect of annealing on the sheet resitance of unpatterned layers was
measured. A Pt-based multilayered metallization for the PMOS devices was
proposed and tested for the monolithic integration of PMOS devices and YBCO
sensors on the same silicon substrate. The best results were obtained with a
Pt/Ti/Mo-silicide structure showing (0.472 \Omega_{\Box}) interconnect sheet
resistivity and $ 2 \times 10^{-4} \Omega \cdot cm^{2}$ specific contact
resistivity after annealing for (60) minutes at (700^{\circ})C in (0.5) mbar
O(_{2}) pressure.


title:
Computational Techniques for Simulating Light Propagation in High-Energy
  Neutrino Telescopes

abstract:
  To maximize the accuracy of background simulation and event reconstruction,
high-energy neutrino telescopes require detailed knowledge of light propagation
over a large volume of detection medium. If light scattering and absorption
leng ths in the medium are of the same scale as the detector size, this problem
can only be handled numerically. Any inhomogeneity of optical properties in the
medium further complicates the problem, requiring large computational
resources. We present a treatment based on combining ray-tracing Monte Carlo
and neural network techniques which offers a reasonable compromise between
solution accuracy, computer memory and CPU usage.


title:
A generalisation of classical electrodynamics for the prediction of
  scalar field effects

abstract:
  Within the framework of Classical Electrodynamics (CED) it is common practice
to choose freely an arbitrary gauge condition with respect to a gauge
transformation of the electromagnetic potentials. The Lorenz gauge condition
allows for the derivation of the inhomogeneous potential wave equations (IPWE),
but this also means that scalar derivatives of the electromagnetic potentials
are considered to be \emph{unphysical}. However, these scalar expressions might
have the meaning of a new physical field, $\mathsf S$. If this is the case,
then a generalised CED is required such that scalar field effects are predicted
and such that experiments can be performed in order to verify or falsify this
generalised CED. The IPWE are viewed as a generalised Gauss law and a
generalised Ampe\`re law, that also contain derivatives of $\mathsf S$, after
reformulating the IPWE in terms of fields.
  Some recent experiment show positive results that are in qualitative
agreement with the presented predictions of scalar field effects, but further
quantitative tests are required in order to verify or falsify the presented
theory. The importance of Nikola Tesla's pioneering research, with respect to
the predicted effects, cannot be overstated.


title:
Dynamical system analysis and forecasting of deformation produced by an
  earthquake fault

abstract:
  We present a method of constructing low-dimensional nonlinear models
describing the main dynamical features of a discrete 2D cellular fault zone,
with many degrees of freedom, embedded in a 3D elastic solid. A given fault
system is characterized by a set of parameters that describe the dynamics,
rheology, property disorder, and fault geometry. Depending on the location in
the system parameter space we show that the coarse dynamics of the fault can be
confined to an attractor whose dimension is significantly smaller than the
space in which the dynamics takes place. Our strategy of system reduction is to
search for a few coherent structures that dominate the dynamics and to capture
the interaction between these coherent structures. The identification of the
basic interacting structures is obtained by applying the Proper Orthogonal
Decomposition (POD) to the surface deformations fields that accompany
strike-slip faulting accumulated over equal time intervals. We use a
feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) architecture for the
identification of the system dynamics projected onto the subspace (model space)
spanned by the most energetic coherent structures. The ANN is trained using a
standard back-propagation algorithm to predict (map) the values of the observed
model state at a future time given the observed model state at the present
time. This ANN provides an approximate, large scale, dynamical model for the
fault.


title:
A mathematical model for top-shelf vertigo: the role of sedimenting
  otoconia in BPPV

abstract:
  Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a mechanical disorder of the
vestibular system in which calcite particles called otoconia interfere with the
mechanical functioning of the fluid-filled semicircular canals normally used to
sense rotation. Using hydrodynamic models, we examine the two mechanisms
proposed by the medical community for BPPV: cupulolithiasis, in which otoconia
attach directly to the cupula (a sensory membrane), and canalithiasis, in which
otoconia settle through the canals and exert a fluid pressure across the
cupula. We utilize known hydrodynamic calculations and make reasonable
geometric and physical approximations to derive an expression for the
transcupular pressure $\Delta P_c$ exerted by a settling solid particle in
canalithiasis. By tracking settling otoconia in a two-dimensional model
geometry, the cupular volume displacement and associated eye response
(nystagmus) can be calculated quantitatively. Several important features
emerge: 1) A pressure amplification occurs as otoconia enter a narrowing duct;
2) An average-sized otoconium requires approximately five seconds to settle
through the wide ampulla, where $\Delta P_c$ is not amplified, which suggests a
mechanism for the observed latency of BPPV; and 3) An average-sized otoconium
beginning below the center of the cupula can cause a volumetric cupular
displacement on the order of 30 pL, with nystagmus of order $2^\circ$/s, which
is approximately the threshold for sensation. Larger cupular volume
displacement and nystagmus could result from larger and/or multiple otoconia.


title: A schlieren method for ultra-low angle light scattering measurements

abstract:
  We describe a self calibrating optical technique that allows to perform
absolute measurements of scattering cross sections for the light scattered at
extremely small angles. Very good performances are obtained by using a very
simple optical layout similar to that used for the schlieren method, a
technique traditionally used for mapping local refraction index changes. The
scattered intensity distribution is recovered by a statistical analysis of the
random interference of the light scattered in a half-plane of the scattering
wave vectors and the main transmitted beam. High quality data can be obtained
by proper statistical accumulation of scattered intensity frames, and the
static stray light contributions can be eliminated rigorously. The
potentialities of the method are tested in a scattering experiment from non
equilibrium fluctuations during a free diffusion experiment. Contributions of
light scattered from length scales as long as Lambda=1 mm can be accurately
determined.


title: Heterodyne Near-Field Scattering

abstract:
  We describe an optical technique based on the statistical analysis of the
random intensity distribution due to the interference of the near-field
scattered light with the strong transmitted beam. It is shown that, from the
study of the two-dimensional power spectrum of the intensity, one derives the
scattered intensity as a function of the scattering wave vector. Near-field
conditions are specified and discussed. The substantial advantages over
traditional scattering technique are pointed out, and is indicated that the
technique could be of interest for wave lengths other than visible light.


title:
Ab initio density functional investigation of B_24 cluster: Rings,
  Tubes, Planes, and Cages

abstract:
  We investigate the equilibrium geometries and the systematics of bonding in
various isomers of a 24-atom boron cluster using Born-Oppenheimer molecular
dynamics within the framework of density functional theory. The isomers studied
are the rings, the convex and the quasiplanar structures, the tubes and, the
closed structures. A staggered double-ring is found to be the most stable
structure amongst the isomers studied. Our calculations reveal that a 24-atom
boron cluster does form closed 3-d structures. All isomers show staggered
arrangement of nearest neighbor atoms. Such a staggering facilitates $sp^2$
hybridization in boron cluster. A polarization of bonds between the peripheral
atoms in the ring and the planar isomers is also seen. Finally, we discuss the
fusion of two boron icosahedra. We find that the fusion occurs when the
distance between the two icosahedra is less than a critical distance of about
6.5a.u.


title:
Deterministic Chaos: A signature of Quantumlike Mechanics in
  Self-Organized Adaptive Network

abstract:
  The observed long-range spatiotemporal correlations of real world dynamical
systems is governed by quantumlike mechanics with inherent non-local
connections. In summary, microscopic scale local fluctuations form a unified
self-organized adaptive network manifested as the macro-scale dynamical system
with implicit ordered energy flow between the larger and smaller scales. Such a
concept of ladder networks may find applications in the design of artificial
intelligence systems.


title: New classes of exact solutions for magnetic reconnective annihilation

abstract:
  Analytical solutions for reconnective annihilation in curvilinear geometry
are presented. These solutions are characterized by current density
distributions varying both along the radial and azimuthal coordinates. They
represent an extension of previously proposed models, based on purely radially
dependent current densities. Possible applications of these solutions to the
modeling of solar flares are also discussed.


title:
Transverse Impedance Bench Measurements in NLC/JLC Accelerating
  Structures

abstract:
  The wire method is a more rapid and less costly method to measure impedances
of RF components compared to methods using a beam. A setup using a single
displaced wire to excite and measure transverse resonant modes in accelerating
structures for the Next Linear Collider/ Japanese Linear Collider (NLC/JLC) has
been built. The RF signal is coupled into and out of the structure using two
matching sections with a broadband frequency from 11 to 18 GHz. Their
contribution to the scattering parameter is minimized by a calibration
technique. A standing wave structure has been measured. Difficulties in
accurately predicting the modal loss factors were encountered related to the
approximations made and to experimental issues. The measurements are presented
and comparisons with simulations are made.


title:
Impact of the Wiggler Coherent Synchrotron Radiation Impedance on the
  Beam Instability

abstract:
  Coherent Synchrotron Radiation (CSR) can play an important role by not only
increasing the energy spread and emittance of a beam, but also leading to a
potential instability. Previous studies of the CSR induced longitudinal
instability were carried out for the CSR impedance due to dipole magnets.
However, many storage rings include long wigglers where a large fraction of the
synchrotron radiation is emitted. This includes high-luminosity factories such
as DAPHNE, PEP-II, KEK-B, and CESR-C as well as the damping rings of future
linear colliders. In this paper, the instability due to the CSR impedance from
a wiggler is studied assuming a large wiggler parameter $K$. The primary
consideration is a low frequency microwave-like instability, which arises near
the pipe cut-off frequency. Detailed results are presented on the growth rate
and threshold for the damping rings of several linear collider designs.
Finally, the optimization of the relative fraction of damping due to the
wiggler systems is discussed for the damping rings.


title:
Neutron-gravity interferometry experiment: testing Earth's rotating
  frequency fluctuations via neutron Berry's phases due to spin-rotation
  couplings

abstract:
  Neutron spin can be coupled to the Earth's rotating frequency. Once if the
Earth's rotating frequency is time-dependent, then the neutron will acquire a
Berry's topological phase (cyclic adiabatic geometric phase). So, a potential
method to investigate the Earth's time-varying rotating frequency by measuring
the phase difference between geometric phases of neutron spin polarized
vertically down and up is proposed.


title: Spontaneous emission of a small source of light

abstract:
  The usual computation of the spontaneous emission uses a mixture of classical
and quantum postulates. A purely classical computation shows that a source of
electromagnetic field absorbs light in the eigenmode it is able to emit. Thus
in an excitation by an other mode, the component of this mode on the eigenmode
is absorbed, while the remainder is scattered. This loss of energy does not
apply to the zero point field which has its regular energy in the eigenmode, so
that the zero point field seems more effective than the other fields for the
stimulation of light emission.


title: Ultrahigh harmonics from laser-assisted ion-atom collisions

abstract:
  We present a theoretical analysis of high-order harmonic generation from
ion-atom collisions in the presence of linearly polarized intense laser pulses.
Photons with frequencies significantly higher than in standard atomic
high-harmonic generation are emitted. These harmonics are due to two different
mechanisms: (i) collisional electron capture and subsequent laser-driven
transfer of an electron between projectile and target atom; (ii) reflection of
a laser-driven electron from the projectile leading to recombination at the
parent atom.


title:
Effects of boundary roughness on a Q-factor of whispering-gallery-mode
  lasing microdisk cavities

abstract:
  We perform numerical studies of the effect of sidewall imperfections on the
resonant state broadening of the optical microdisk cavities for lasing
applications. We demonstrate that even small edge roughness causes a drastic
degradation of high-Q whispering gallery (WG) mode resonances reducing their
Q-values by many orders of magnitude. At the same time, low-Q WG resonances are
rather insensitive to the surface roughness. The results of numerical
simulation obtained using the scattering matrix technique, are analyzed and
explained in terms of wave reflection at a curved dielectric interface combined
with the examination of Poincare surface of sections in the classical ray
picture.


title: Streamer branching rationalized by conformal mapping techniques

abstract:
  Spontaneous branching of discharge channels is frequently observed, but not
well understood. We recently proposed a new branching mechanism based on
simulations of a simple continuous discharge model in high fields. We here
present analytical results for such streamers in the Lozansky-Firsov limit
where they can be modelled as moving equipotential ionization fronts. This
model can be analyzed by conformal mapping techniques which allow the reduction
of the dynamical problem to finite sets of nonlinear ordinary differential
equations. The solutions illustrate that branching is generic for the intricate
head dynamics of streamers in the Lozansky-Firsov-limit.


title: The hydration state of HO$^-$(aq)

abstract:
  The HO$^-$(aq) ion participates in myriad aqueous phase chemical processes of
biological and chemical interest. A molecularly valid description of its
hydration state, currently poorly understood, is a natural prerequisite to
modeling chemical transformations involving HO$^-$(aq). Here it is shown that
the statistical mechanical quasi-chemical theory of solutions predicts that
$\mathrm{HO\cdot[H_2O]_3{}^-}$ is the dominant inner shell coordination
structure for HO$^-$(aq) under standard conditions. Experimental observations
and other theoretical calculations are adduced to support this conclusion.
Hydration free energies of neutral combinations of simple cations with
HO$^-$(aq) are evaluated and agree well with experimental values.


title: Some peculiarities of equilibrium between springs and charges

abstract:
  A simple two charge system, one charge being suspended on a spring, exhibits
complex behavior including bistability, hysteresis and catastrophic response to
gradual variation of the external parameters. We discuss these complex features
(that can be related, e.g., to membrane electroporation and voltage gating of
ion channels) using only high school physics. Similar properties are displayed
by a system comprised of magnets and springs. Using this analogy, a simple
demonstration model was designed in collaboration with John Griffin, using
components of the "Rogers Connections" magnetic construction toy.


title: Study of Near-Field Vibration Sources for the NLC Linac Components

abstract:
  The vibration stability requirements for the Next Linear Collider (NLC) are
far more stringent than for the previous generation of Colliders. To meet these
goals, it is imperative that the effects of vibration on NLC Linac components
from near-field sources (e.g. compressors, high vacuum equipment, klystrons,
modulators, pumps, fans, etc) be well understood. The civil construction
method, whether cut-and-cover or parallel bored tunnels, can determine the
proximity and possible isolation of noise sources. This paper presents a brief
summary and analysis of recently completed and planned studies for
characterization of near-field vibration sources under either construction
method. The results of in-situ vibration measurements will also be included.


title:
The complete modulational instability gain spectrum of nonlinear QPM
  gratings

abstract:
  We consider plane waves propagating in quadratic nonlinear slab waveguides
with nonlinear quasi-phase-matching gratings. We predict analytically and
verify numerically the complete gain spectrum for transverse modulational
instability, including hitherto undescribed higher order gain bands.


title: Modern Michelson-Morley experiment using cryogenic optical resonators

abstract:
  We report on a new test of Lorentz invariance performed by comparing the
resonance frequencies of two orthogonal cryogenic optical resonators subject to
Earth's rotation over 1 year. For a possible anisotropy of the speed of light
c, we obtain 2.6 +/- 1.7 parts in 10^15. Within the Robertson-Mansouri-Sexl
test theory, this implies an isotropy violation parameter beta - delta - 1/2 of
-2.2 +/- 1.5 parts in 10^9, about three times lower than the best previous
result. Within the general extension of the standard model of particle physics,
we extract limits on 7 parameters at accuracies down to a part in 10^15,
improving the best previous result by about two orders of magnitude.


title: Free Energy of Nonideal Atomic Plasma

abstract:
  An expression is derived for the free energy of nonideal atomic plasma, which
corresponds to exact asymptotic expansions. The analytical dependence of
correction for the interaction of free charges on the partition function of
atom is found. It is demonstrated that the consistent inclusion of the
contribution by excited atomic states to the thermodynamic functions of
nonideal atomic plasma brings about a significant modification of the
conventionally employed equation of state and equation of ionization
equilibrium.


title:
The Universal Dynamic Complexity as Extended Dynamic Fractality:
  Causally Complete Understanding of Living Systems Emergence and Operation

abstract:
  The universal concept of complexity by the dynamic redundance paradigm and
the ensuing concept of extended dynamic fractality (physics/9806002) are
applied here to higher levels of complexity corresponding to living systems.
After recalling the framework of unreduced dynamic complexity and dynamically
probabilistic fractality (see also physics/0211071), we concentrate on the
novelties they propose for the case of living systems with respect to the
conventional, dynamically single-valued theory. The phenomenon of life can now
be demystified and consistently understood as a particular case of the
universal symmetry of complexity realised by unreduced complexity
transformation from dynamic information into (extended) entropy that preserves
the total complexity amount and involves its high enough levels. This
intrinsically creative, and therefore realistic, version of bio-physical
'reductionism' reveals the explicit, dynamical source of adaptability and
qualitatively new entity emergence and leads to essential, well substantiated
changes in the strategy of research in such fields as evolution theory,
genetics and medicine, allowing for the unique and efficient solution of the
accumulated 'difficult' problems.


title: Uranio impoverito: perch\'e? (Depleted uranium: why?)

abstract:
  In this paper we develop a simple model of the penetration process of a long
rod through an uniform target. Applying the momentum and energy conservation
laws, we derive an analytical relation which shows how the penetration depth
depends upon the density of the rod, given a fixed kinetic energy. This work
was sparked off by the necessity of understanding the effectiveness of high
density penetrators (e.g. depleted uranium penetrators) as anti-tank weapons.


title: Generalized Additive Entropies in Fully Developed Turbulence

abstract:
  We explore a possible application of the additive generalization of the
Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy proposed in [A.N. Gorban, I.V. Karlin, Phys.
Rev. E, 67:016104 (2003)] to fully developed turbulence. The predicted
probability distribution functions are compared with those obtained from
Tsallis' entropy and with experimental data. Consequences of the existence of
hidden subsystems are illustrated.

categories: physics.flu-dyn cond-mat.mtrl-sci math-ph math.MP


title: Lorentz Invariance of Neutrino Oscillations

abstract:
  It is shown that, in spite of the appearances, the standard expression for
the oscillation probability of ultrarelativistic neutrinos is Lorentz
invariant.


title: On stability of renormalized classical electrodynamics

abstract:
  It is shown that the total energy of the static "field + particle" system,
defined in the framework of classical, renormalized electrodynamics of
particles and fields, depends in an unstable way upon the field boundary data.
It is argued that this phenomenon may be also an origin of the unstable
dynamical behaviour of the system (i.e. existence of "runaway solutions"). It
is proved that a suitable polarization mechanism of the particle restores the
stability, at least on the level of statics. Whether or not it restores also
the full, dynamical stability of the theory is still an open question.


title:
Excitation Of A Funnel-Shape Optical Near Field By The Laguarre-Gaussian
  Doughnut Beam

abstract:
  Optical near field has been generated by Laguarre-Gaussian doughnut beam on
inner surface of "atom funnel". The resulting optical near field has been
measured with the help of fiber probe and a consequent effect on cold atoms-
released from MOT, has been estimated. Atoms with temperature less than 10
micro_kelvin can be reflected by the optical near field.