title: Main Parameters of the Linac-Ring Type Charm-Tau Factory

abstract:
  Main parameters of the linac-ring type charm-tau factory are discussed.
Different sets of parameters for an electron linac and a positron ring have
been considered. It is shown that L=10^33 cm-2 s-1 and even more can be
achieved. The physics goals of this machine in investigation for charmed
particles and tau lepton properties are briefly discussed. Advantages of the
proposed machine in comparison with standard (ring-ring) type charm-tau factory
proposals will be the possibility of the search for rare decays of tau lepton
and charm quark and study of D^0-D^-0 oscillations.


title: Focused X-shaped (Superluminal) pulses

abstract:
  The space-time focusing of a (continuous) succession of localized X-shaped
pulses is obtained by suitably integrating over their speed, i.e., over their
axicon angle, thus generalizing a previous (discrete) approach. First, new
Superluminal wave pulses are constructed, and then tailored in such a wave to
get them temporally focused at a chosen spatial point, where the wavefield can
reach for a short time very high intensities. Results of this kind may find
applications in many fields, besides electromagnetism and optics, including
acoustics, gravitation, and elementary particle physics.
  PACS nos.: 41.20.Jb; 03.50.De; 03.30.+p; 84.40.Az; 42.82.Et; 83.50.Vr;
62.30.+d; 43.60.+d; 91.30.Fn; 04.30.Nk; 42.25.Bs; 46.40.Cd; 52.35.Lv.
  Keywords: Localized solutions to Maxwell equations; Superluminal waves;
Bessel beams; Limited-diffraction pulses; Finite-energy waves; Electromagnetic
wavelets; X-shaped waves; Electromagnetism; Microwaves; Optics; Special
relativity; Localized acoustic waves; Seismic waves; Mechanical waves;
Elementary particle physics; Gravitational waves


title:
The effective inertial acceleration due to oscillations of the
  gravitational potential: footprints in the solar system

abstract:
  The conjecture is considered that every body induces the wave field which
imposes oscillations on the gravitational potential of a body. The function for
oscillations is chosen to prevent the gravitational collapse of the matter at
the nucleus energy density. Oscillations of the gravitational potential of a
body produce effective inertial outward acceleration for a particle orbiting
around the body. Footprints of the effective inertial acceleration due to
oscillations of the gravitational potentials of the Sun and Earth are
investigated. The conjecture allows to explain the anomalous shift of the
perihelion of Mercury and Icarus, the anomalous shift of the perigee of LAGEOS
II, the anomalous acceleration acting on Pioneer 10, 11, the anomalous increase
in the lunar semi-major axis. The advance of the Keplerian orbit for Earth,
Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus caused by the effective inertial acceleration due to
oscillations of the gravitational potential of the Sun is in agreement with the
observational bounds from the planetary ephemeris.


title: Phase Transition in Size- and Charge-Asymmetric Model Electrolytes

abstract:
  A theoretical model of vapor-liquid phase transition in a system of charged
hard cores of different diameters is suggested (with the parameters of the
transition obtained in a number of studies using the Monte Carlo method). The
model is based on the assumption that, in the neighborhood of the critical
point, the system of charged cores is a mixture of multipolarly interacting
neutral complexes.


title:
Evolution in the structural and bonding properties of Aluminum-Lithium
  clusters

abstract:
  We present a systematic study of the geometries, energetics, electronic
structure and bonding in various Al-Li clusters viz. AlnLin ($n$=1-11),
Al$_2^-$, Al$_2^{2-}$, Al$_2$Li, Al$_2$Li$^-$, and Al6Li8 using
Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics within the framework of density functional
theory. The growth pattern in these clusters is divided in two broad
categories: the first one consisting of a bent rhombus of Al2Li2 ($n$=2-4) and
the second one consisting of a pentagonal ring ($n$=7-9,11). A substantial
charge transfer is seen in nearly all clusters with the exception of Al2Li2
where the charge transfer is not significant. In clusters with more than six Al
atoms, the eigenvalue spectrum is divided into two groups: a lower group of
jellium-like states and a higher group of localized bonds formed through the
interaction of the $p$ electrons on each of the Al atoms. Finally, we have
discussed the tetravalent behavior of Al atoms arising due to a charge transfer
from the Li atoms to the Al atoms.


title: The Universe from Nothing: A Mathematical Lattice of Empty Sets

abstract:
  In this work, major principles of the mathematical constitution of space and
the principles of construction of the physical space are presented. Generalized
conceptions of distances and dimensionality evaluation are proposed, together
with their conditions of validity and range of application to topological
spaces. The existence of a Boolean lattice with fractal properties originating
from non-well-founded properties of the empty set is demonstrated. Space-time
emerges as an ordered sequence of mappings of closed 3-D Poincare sections of a
topological 4-space-time provided by the lattice of primary empty cells. The
fractal kernel stands for a particle and the reduction of its volume is
compensated by morphic changes of a finite number of surrounding cells. Quanta
of distances and quanta of fractality are demonstrated. It is shown that the
families of fractal deformations give rise to families of particle-like
structures. Deformation attributes associated to mass determine the inert mass
and the gravitational effects, as has previously been shown, but fractal
deformations of cells are responsible for the other fundamental
characteristics, namely: spin, charges, and electric and magnetic properties.


title: Microscopic study of the He2-SF6 trimers

abstract:
  The He2-SF6 trimers, in their different He isotopic combinations, are studied
both in the framework of the correlated Jastrow approach and of the Correlated
Hyperspherical Harmonics expansion method. The energetics and structure of the
He-SF6 dimers are analyzed, and the existence of a characteristic rotational
band in the excitation spectrum is discussed, as well as the isotopic
differences. The binding energies and the spatial properties of the trimers, in
their ground and lowest lying excited states, obtained by the Jastrow ansatz
are in excellent agreement with the results of the converged CHH expansion. The
introduction of the He-He correlation makes all trimers bound by largely
suppressing the short range He-He repulsion.
  The structural properties of the trimers are qualitatively explained in terms
of the shape of the interactions, Pauli principle and masses of the
constituents.


title: Democritus as Taoist

abstract:
  While similarities do naturally exist between tao and other philosophical
systems, for the specific case of Democritus we can argue also the
chronological parallels, the parallels in the posterior development (alchemy
and mathematics) and the textual parallelism.


title:
Lowest Open Channels, Bound States, and Narrow Resonances of
  Dipositronium

abstract:
  The constraints imposed by symmetry on the open channels of dipositronium has
been studied, and the symmetry-adapted lowest open channel of each quantum
state has been identified. Based on this study, the existence of two more 0^+
bound states has been theoretically confirmed, and a 0^+ narrow resonance has
been predicted. A variational calculation has been performed to evaluate the
critical strength of the repulsive interaction . Two 0^- states are found to
have their critical strengths very close to 1, they are considered as
candidates of new narrow resonances or loosely bound states .


title:
On different cascade-speeds for longitudinal and transverse velocity
  increments

abstract:
  We address the problem of differences between longitudinal and transverse
velocity increments in isotropic small scale turbulence. The relationship of
these two quantities is analyzed experimentally by means of stochastic
Markovian processes leading to a phenomenological Fokker- Planck equation from
which a generalization of the Karman equation is derived. From these results, a
simple relationship between longitudinal and transverse structure functions is
found which explains the difference in the scaling properties of these two
structure functions.


title:
Limits on temporal variation of fine structure constant, quark masses
  and strong interaction from atomic clock experiments

abstract:
  We perform calculations of the dependence of nuclear magnetic moments on
quark masses and obtain limits on the variation of the ratio of quark mass and
strong interaction scale (m_q/Lambda_{QCD}) from recent atomic clock
experiments with hyperfine transitions in H, Rb, Cs, Yb+, Hg+ and optical
transition in Hg+. Experiments with Cd+, deuterium/hydrogen, molecule SF_6,
  Zeeman transitions in He_3/Xe are also discussed.


title: Mass Boom Versus Big Bang: The Role of Planck's Constant

abstract:
  The Big Bang frame of work for cosmology is a theoretical construct based
upon one possible interpretation of the Hubble observation of the red shift
from distant galaxies. Almost all of the scientific experimental evidence has
been interpreted under the Big-Bang hypothesis. And the results have been very
promising though with a few important drawbacks. The main point in our present
work is to prove that the expansion of the Universe, the essence of the
Big-Bang, is based upon an apparent interpretation of the distance-red shift
relation found by Hubble. On the contrary, an absolute interpretation as we
give here results in a constant size Universe, together with a shrinking
quantum world. This is the role of Planck's constant: the red shift-distance
relation can be interpreted as evidence of an expanding Universe or,
alternatively, as evidence as evidence of a shrinking quantum world due to the
decrease of Planck's constant with cosmological time.


title:
Nondiffracting Optical Beams: physical properties, experiments and
  applications

abstract:
  The controversial term "nondiffracting beam" was introduced into optics by
Durnin in 1987. Discussions related to that term revived interest in problems
of the light diffraction and resulted in an appearance of the new research
direction of the classical optics dealing with the localized transfer of
electromagnetic energy. In the paper, the physical concept of the
nondiffracting propagation is presented and the basic properties of the
nondiffracting beams are reviewed. Attention is also focused to the
experimental realization and to applications of the nondiffracting beams.


title:
Dating of two Paleolithic human fossil bones from Romania by accelerator
  mass spectrometry

abstract:
  In this study we have dated two human fossil remains found in Romania, by the
method of radiocarbon using the technique of the accelerator mass spectrometry.
The human fossil remains from Woman's cave, Baia deFier, have been dated to the
age 30150 $\pm$ 800 years BP, and the skull from the Cioclovina cave has been
dated to the age 29000 $\pm$ 700 years BP. These are the most ancient dated
till now human fossil remains from Romania, possibly belonging to the upper
Paleolithic, the Aurignacian period.


title:
Energy spectrum of turbulent fluctuations in boundary driven reduced
  magnetohydrodynamics

abstract:
  The nonlinear dynamics of a bundle of magnetic flux ropes driven by
stationary fluid motions at their endpoints is studied, by performing numerical
simulations of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. The development of MHD
turbulence is shown, where the system reaches a state that is characterized by
the ratio between the Alfven time (the time for incompressible MHD waves to
travel along the field lines) and the convective time scale of the driving
motions. This ratio of time scales determines the energy spectra and the
relaxation toward different regimes ranging from weak to strong turbulence. A
connection is made with phenomenological theories for the energy spectra in MHD
turbulence.


title:
Electromagnetic vortex lines riding atop null solutions of the Maxwell
  equations

abstract:
  New method of introducing vortex lines of the electromagnetic field is
outlined. The vortex lines arise when a complex Riemann-Silberstein vector
$({\bm E} + i{\bm B})/\sqrt{2}$ is multiplied by a complex scalar function
$\phi$. Such a multiplication may lead to new solutions of the Maxwell
equations only when the electromagnetic field is null, i.e. when both
relativistic invariants vanish. In general, zeroes of the $\phi$ function give
rise to electromagnetic vortices. The description of these vortices benefits
from the ideas of Penrose, Robinson and Trautman developed in general
relativity.


title:
Three Interesting 15th and 16th Century Comet Sightings in Kashmiri
  Chronicles

abstract:
  This note is about three interesting 15th and 16th century sightings of
comets in Kashmiri chronicles. We provide reasons for their identification as
the 1468 S1, 1531 (Halley's), and 1533 M1 comets.


title:
An equilibrium model for RFP plasmas in the presence of resonant tearing
  modes with an application to particle and heat transport

abstract:
  The equilibrium of a finite-beta cylindrical RFP plasma in the presence of
saturated-amplitude tearing modes is investigated. The singularities arising
from the perturbative analysis of the MHD force balance equation JxB=grad(p)
are resolved through a proper regularization of the cylindrical symmetric
component of the pressure and parallel current density profiles, by setting to
zero their gradient at the modes rational surfaces. An equilibrium model, which
satisfies the regularization rule at the various rational surfaces, is
developed. The comparison with the experimental data from the Reversed Field
eXperiment (RFX) gives encouraging results. The model provides an easy tool to
extrapolate the magnetic data, ordinarily measured only at the plasma edge,
inside the plasma. As an application, we present the computation of the
particle and heat stochastic diffusion coefficient from the reconstructed
magnetic field profile.


title:
Bandgaps in the propagation and scattering of surface water waves over
  cylindrical steps

abstract:
  Here we investigate the propagation and scattering of surface water waves by
arrays of bottom-mounted cylindrical steps. Both periodic and random
arrangements of the steps are considered. The wave transmission through the
arrays is computed using the multiple scattering method based upon a recently
derived formulation. For the periodic case, the results are compared to the
band structure calculation. We demonstrate that complete band gaps can be
obtained in such a system. Furthermore, we show that the randomization of the
location of the steps can significantly reduce the transmission of water waves.
Comparison with other systems is also discussed.


title:
To the theory of quasi-phase-matched parametric amplification in
  periodically-poled optical nonlinear crystals

abstract:
  Theory of the optical parametric amplification at high-frequency pumping in
crystals with a regular space modulation of the sign of nonlinear coupling
coefficient of interacting waves is developed. By applying the matrix method,
the theory is based on a step-by-step approach. It is shown that, in the case
where the pumping intensity is less than some critical value, the spatial
dynamics of the signal intensity inside a separate layer with the constant
nonlinear coefficient has an oscillatory behavior and the change of the signal
intensity from layer to layer is defined, in general, by the power function.
The same law is valid for the change of variance of signal's quadrature
components. At large number of layers, these dependences can be reduced to the
well-known ones for homogeneous nonlinear optical crystals.


title:
Prediction and statistics of pseudoknots in RNA structures using exactly
  clustered stochastic simulations

abstract:
  Ab initio RNA secondary structure predictions have long dismissed helices
interior to loops, so-called pseudoknots, despite their structural importance.
Here, we report that many pseudoknots can be predicted through long time scales
RNA folding simulations, which follow the stochastic closing and opening of
individual RNA helices. The numerical efficacy of these stochastic simulations
relies on an O(n^2) clustering algorithm which computes time averages over a
continously updated set of n reference structures. Applying this exact
stochastic clustering approach, we typically obtain a 5- to 100-fold simulation
speed-up for RNA sequences up to 400 bases, while the effective acceleration
can be as high as 100,000-fold for short multistable molecules (<150 bases). We
performed extensive folding statistics on random and natural RNA sequences, and
found that pseudoknots are unevenly distributed amongst RNAstructures and
account for up to 30% of base pairs in G+C rich RNA sequences (Online RNA
folding kinetics server including pseudoknots : http://kinefold.u-strasbg.fr/
).


title: Maximum force and minimum distance: physics in limit statements

abstract:
  The newly discovered principle of maximum force makes it possible to
summarize special relativity, quantum theory\se, and general relativity in one
fundamental limit principle each. The three principles fully contain the three
theories and are fully equivalent to their standard formulations. In
particular, using a result by Jacobson based on the Raychaudhuri equation, it
is shown that a maximum force implies the field equations of general
relativity. The maximum force in nature is thus equivalent to the full theory
of general relativity. Taken together, the three fundamental principles imply a
bound for every physical observable, from acceleration to size. The new,
precise limit values differ from the usual Planck values by numerical
prefactors of order unity. They are given here for the first time. Among
others, a maximum force and thus a minimum length imply that the non-continuity
of space-time is an inevitable result of the unification of quantum theory and
relativity.


title: On the Use of Approximations in Statistical Physics

abstract:
  Two approximations are frequently used in statistical physics: the first one,
which we shall name the mean values approximation, is generally (and
improperly) named as "maximum term approximation". The second is the "Stirling
approximation". In this paper we demonstrate that the error introduced by the
first approximation is exactly compensated by the second approximation in the
calculation of mean values of multinomial distributions.


title: Reply to Comment by Holas and March

abstract:
  The accompanying Comment by A. Holas and N. H. March [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 66},
066501 (2002)] is concerned with the issue of whether or not kinetic energy can
be represented by an effective local potential, as required for an exact
Thomas-Fermi theory equivalent to Kohn-Sham density-functional theory. They
dispute [R.K. Nesbet, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 65}, 010502(R) (2001)], which concludes
that for more than two electrons the use by Kohn and Sham of the Schr\"odinger
kinetic energy operator is variationally correct, while the equivalent local
potential required for a valid Thomas-Fermi theory, a Fr\'echet functional
derivative of the Kohn-Sham ground-state kinetic energy functional, does not
exist. The argument of Holas and March is clearly invalid for the simple
example of the lowest triplet state of a two-electron atom with noninteracting
electrons. Why this fails, as do earlier arguments in the literature, has been
explained in recent publications, summarized here.

categories: physics.atom-ph cond-mat physics.chem-ph physics.comp-ph


title: Reply to Lindgren and Salomonson

abstract:
  In the accompanying Comment [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 67}, 056501 (2003)], I.
Lindgren and S. Salomonson claim to prove for the Kohn-Sham kinetic energy
functional of ground state electron density that a Fr\"echet functional
derivative exists, equivalent to a multiplicative local potential function. If
true, this result would imply an exact Thomas-Fermi theory for ground states of
noninteracting electrons. However, such a theory is not consistent with the
exclusion principle for more than one electron of each spin. The simplest
counterexample is the lowest triplet state of a noninteracting two-electron
atom. If only the total electron density were normalized, as in Thomas-Fermi
theory, the lowest state would collapse into a doubly-occupied $1s$
spin-orbital. Two independent parameters $\epsilon_{1s}$ and $\epsilon_{2s}$
are required to maintain independent subshell normalization. The argument
presented by these authors is discussed in the light of this unphysical
implication.


title:
Optical application and measurement of torque on microparticles of
  isotropic nonabsorbing material

abstract:
  We show how it is possible to controllably rotate or align microscopic
particles of isotropic nonabsorbing material in a TEM00 Gaussian beam trap,
with simultaneous measurement of the applied torque using purely optical means.
This is a simple and general method of rotation, requiring only that the
particle is elongated along one direction. Thus, this method can be used to
rotate or align a wide range of naturally occurring particles. The ability to
measure the applied torque enables the use of this method as a quantitative
tool--the rotational equivalent of optical tweezers based force measurement. As
well as being of particular value for the rotation of biological specimens,
this method is also suitable for the development of optically-driven
micromachines.


title:
Superluminal Phenomena as Instantaneous Transferring of Excitations in
  Correspondence with the Wigner Principle of Causality

abstract:
  It is shown that the transferring of light signal faster-than-c can take
place exclusively as the instantaneous quantum tunneling. Its extent (space
size of instanton) must be inversely relative to lack of energy till nearest
stable or resonant state. ''Superluminality'' leads to nonlocality ''in
small'', in a near field zone, and can be described by 4-vector $A_{\mu}$, the
$\mathbf{E}$ and $\mathbf{H}$ fields remain local.
  These assertions are proven, independently, in the frameworks of general
field theory and by the theory of time duration of scattering, with taking into
account the entropy growing. They are correlated with peculiarities of
tunneling and frustrated total reflection. The results correspond to the Wigner
formulation of causality: ''The scattered wave cannot escape a scatterer before
the initial wave reaches it'' and are conformed to experimental data on
superluminal transferring.


title:
An efficient Monte Carlo method for calculating ab initio transition
  state theory reaction rates in solution

abstract:
  In this article, we propose an efficient method for sampling the relevant
state space in condensed phase reactions. In the present method, the reaction
is described by solving the electronic Schr\"{o}dinger equation for the solute
atoms in the presence of explicit solvent molecules. The sampling algorithm
uses a molecular mechanics guiding potential in combination with simulated
tempering ideas and allows thorough exploration of the solvent state space in
the context of an ab initio calculation even when the dielectric relaxation
time of the solvent is long. The method is applied to the study of the double
proton transfer reaction that takes place between a molecule of acetic acid and
a molecule of methanol in tetrahydrofuran. It is demonstrated that calculations
of rates of chemical transformations occurring in solvents of medium polarity
can be performed with an increase in the cpu time of factors ranging from 4 to
15 with respect to gas-phase calculations.


title:
Near-field diffraction of fs and sub-fs pulses: super-resolutions of
  NSOM in space and time

abstract:
  The near-field diffraction of fs and sub-fs light pulses by nm-size slit-type
apertures and its implication for near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM)
is analyzed. The amplitude distributions of the diffracted wave-packets having
the central wavelengths in the visible spectral region are found by using the
Neerhoff and Mur coupled integral equations, which are solved numerically for
each Fourier's component of the wave-packet. In the case of fs pulses, the
duration and transverse dimensions of the diffracted pulse remain practically
the same as that of the input pulse. This demonstrates feasibility of the NSOM
in which a fs pulse is used to provide the fs temporal resolution together with
nm-scale spatial resolution. In the sub-fs domain, the Fourier spectrum of the
transmitted pulse experiences a considerable narrowing that leads to the
increase of the pulse duration in a few times. This imposes a limit on the
simultaneous resolutions in time and space.


title: Image processing as state reconstruction in optics

abstract:
  The image reconstruction of partially coherent light is interpreted as the
quantum state reconstruction. The efficient method based on maximum-likelihood
estimation is proposed to acquire information from registered intensity
measurements affected by noise. The connection with totally incoherent image
restoration is pointed out. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated
numerically. Spatial and correlation details significantly smaller than the
diffraction limit are revealed in the reconstructed pattern.


title: Indian Physics: Outline of Early History

abstract:
  Historians of science are generally unaware of the contributions of India to
physics. The main reason for this is that very little research has been done on
the subject in the recent past, a consequence of the fact that there are few
history of science departments in Indian universities. The objective of this
paper is to present a preliminary outline of early history of physics in India.
The schools of Vaisheshika and Samkhya, that were interested in general
principles of atomic theory and cosmology, are discussed. In particular, ideas
on atoms and molecules, the nature of sound, causality, universals, cosmology,
uniform and non-uniform motions are described.


title: Nonlinear guided waves and symmetry breaking in left-handed waveguides

abstract:
  We analyze nonlinear guided waves in a planar waveguide made of a left-handed
material surrounded by a Kerr-like nonlinear dielectric. We predict that such a
waveguide can support fast and slow symmetric and antisymmetric nonlinear
modes. We study the symmetry breaking bifurcation and asymmetric modes in such
a symmetric structure. We analyze nonlinear dispersion properties of the guided
waves, and show that the modes can be both forward and backward.


title: Optical torque controlled by elliptical polarization

abstract:
  We show theoretically and demonstrate experimentally that highly absorbing
particles can be trapped and manipulated in a single highly focused Gaussian
beam. Our studies of the effects of polarized light on such particles show that
they can be set into rotation by elliptically polarized light and that both the
sense and the speed of their rotation can be smoothly controlled.


title: Microscopic Origin of Spatial Cherence and Wolf Shifts

abstract:
  Wolf discovered how the spatial coherence characteristics of the source
affect the spectrum of the radiation in the far zone. In particular the spatial
coherence of the source can result either in red or blue shifts in the measured
spectrum.His predictions have been verified in a large number of different
classes of systems. Wolf and coworkers usually assume a given form of source
correlations and study its consequence. In this paper we consider microscopic
origin of spatial coherence and radiation from a system of atoms. We discuss
how the radiation is different from that produced from an independent system of
atoms. We show that the process of radiation itself is responsible for the
creation of spatial correlations within the source. We present different
features of the spectrum and other statistical properties of the radiation,
which show strong dependence on the spatial correlations. We show the existence
of a new type of two-photon resonance that arises as a result of such spatial
correlations. We further show how the spatial coherence of the field can be
used in the context of radiation generated by nonlinear optical processes. We
conclude by demonstrating the universality of Wolf shifts and its application
in the context of pulse propagation in a dispersive medium.


title: The Magnetism of Neutron States

abstract:
  The recent measurement by Bignami and co-workers of the magnetic field of a
neutron star for the first time gives a value that differs by about two orders
of magnitude from the expected value. The speculation has been that the nuclear
matter in the neutron stars exhibits some exotic behaviour. In this note we
argue that this exotic behaviour is an anomalous statistics obeyed by the
neutrons, and moreover these considerations lead to a value of the magnetic
field that agrees with the observation. The same considerations also correctly
give the magnetic fields of the earth and Jupiter.


title:
Compressible dynamics of magnetic field lines for incompressible MHD
  flows

abstract:
  It is demonstrated that the deformation of magnetic field lines in
incompressible magnetohydrodynamic flows results from a compressible mapping.
Appearance of zeroes for the mapping Jacobian correspond to the breaking of
magnetic field lines, associated with local blowup of the magnetic field. The
possibility of such events is found to be unlikely in two dimensions but not in
three dimensions.


title:
Focusing a radially polarized light beam to a significantly smaller spot
  size

abstract:
  We experimentally demonstrate for the first time that a radially polarized
field can be focussed to a spot size significantly smaller (0.16(1) lambda^2)
than for linear polarization (0.26 lambda^2). The effect of the vector
properties of light is shown by a comparison of the focal intensity
distribution for radially and azimuthally polarized input fields. For strong
focusing a radially polarized field leads to a longitudinal electric field
component at the focus which is sharp and centered at the optical axis. The
relative contribution of this component is enhanced by using an annular
aperture.


title: Most singular vortex structures in fully developed turbulence

abstract:
  Using high Reynolds number experimental data, we search for most dissipative,
most intense structures. These structures possess a scaling predicted by
log-Poisson model for the dissipation field $\epsilon_r$. The probability
distribution function for the exponents $\alpha$, $\epsilon_r\sim e^{\alpha
a}$, has been constructed, and compared with Poisson distribution. These new
experimental data suggest that the most intense structures have co-dimension
less than 2. The log-Poisson statistics is compared with log-binomial which
follows from the random $\beta$-model.


title: Quantum circa-rhythms

abstract:
  A class of solutions of nonlinear von Neumann equations exhibits rhythmic
properties analogous to those found for nonlinear kinetic equations employed in
phenomenological description of biochemical oscillations. As opposed to kinetic
equations, typically solved numerically and involving Hill-type nonlinearities,
our exact solutions are derived by means of soliton techniques and involve a
simple quadratic nonlinearity.

categories: physics.bio-ph nlin.AO nlin.SI q-bio.QM quant-ph


title: Comparative kinetics of the snowball respect to other dynamical objects

abstract:
  We examine the kinetics of a snowball that is gaining mass while is rolling
downhill. This dynamical system combines rotational effects with effects
involving the variation of mass. In order to understand the consequences of
both effects we compare its behavior with the one of some objects in which such
effects are absent. Environmental conditions are also included. We conclude
that the comparative velocity of the snowball is very sensitive to the hill
profile and the retardation factors. We emphasize that the increase of mass
(inertia), could surprisingly diminish the retardation effect due to the drag
force. Additionally, when an exponential trajectory is assumed, the maximum
velocity of the snowball can be reached at an intermediate step of the trip.


title:
Double-resonant extremely asymmetrical scattering of electromagnetic
  waves in periodic arrays separated by a gap

abstract:
  Two strong simultaneous resonances of scattering--double-resonant extremely
asymmetrical scattering (DEAS)--are predicted in two parallel, oblique,
periodic Bragg arrays separated by a gap, when the scattered wave propagates
parallel to the arrays. One of these resonances is with respect to frequency
(which is common to all types of Bragg scattering), and another is with respect
to phase variation between the arrays. The diffractional divergence of the
scattered wave is shown to be the main physical reason for DEAS in the
considered structure. Although the arrays are separated, they are shown to
interact by means of the diffractional divergence of the scattered wave across
the gap from one array into the other. It is also shown that increasing
separation between the two arrays results in a broader and weaker resonance
with respect to phase shift. The analysis is based on a recently developed new
approach allowing for the diffractional divergence of the scattered wave inside
and outside the arrays. Physical interpretations of the predicted features of
DEAS in separated arrays are also presented. Applicability conditions for the
developed theory are derived.


title: Multilevel Clustering Fault Model for IC Manufacture

abstract:
  A hierarchical approach to the construction of compound distributions for
process-induced faults in IC manufacture is proposed. Within this framework,
the negative binomial distribution is treated as level-1 models. The
hierarchical approach to fault distribution offers an integrated picture of how
fault density varies from region to region within a wafer, from wafer to wafer
within a batch, and so on. A theory of compound-distribution hierarchies is
developed by means of generating functions. A study of correlations, which
naturally appears in microelectronics due to the batch character of IC
manufacture, is proposed. Taking these correlations into account is of
significant importance for developing procedures for statistical quality
control in IC manufacture. With respect to applications, hierarchies of yield
means and yield probability-density functions are considered.


title:
The Potential of the Linac-Ring Type Colliders for Particle and Nuclear
  Physics

abstract:
  Linac-ring type colliders will open new windows for both energy frontier and
particle factories. Concerning the first direction, these machines seem to be a
sole way to TeV scale in lepton-hadron collisison at constituent level. An
essential advantage of the linac-ring type lepton-hadron colliders is the
possibility of the construction of gamma-p, gamma-A and FELgamma-A colliders
based on them. Today, eRHIC, THERA (TESLA on HERA)and Linac*LHC can be
considered as realistic candidates for future lepton-hadron and photon hadron
colliders. When it comes to factories, one can reach essentially higher
luminosities comparing to standard ring-ring type machines. For example,
L=10^34 cm^-2 s^-1 can be achieved for phi and charm-tau factories. In this
presentation we briefly discuss the parameters and physics search potential of
the linac-ring type machines.


title: Damping factors for the gap-tooth scheme

abstract:
  An important class of problems exhibits macroscopically smooth behaviour in
space and time, while only a microscopic evolution law is known. For such
time-dependent multi-scale problems, the gap-tooth scheme has recently been
proposed. The scheme approximates the evolution of an unavailable (in closed
form) macroscopic equation in a macroscopic domain; it only uses appropriately
initialized simulations of the available microscopic model in a number of small
boxes. For some model problems, including numerical homogenization, the scheme
is essentially equivalent to a finite difference scheme, provided we repeatedly
impose appropriate algebraic constraints on the solution for each box. Here, we
demonstrate that it is possible to obtain a convergent scheme without
constraining the microscopic code, by introducing buffers that "shield" over
relatively short times the dynamics inside each box from boundary effects. We
explore and quantify the behavior of these schemes systematically through the
numerical computation of damping factors of the corresponding coarse
time-stepper, for which no closed formula is available.


title: A microscopic, mechanical derivation for the adiabatic gas relation

abstract:
  It is shown that the ideal gas adiabatic relation, P*V^gamma=constant, can be
derived by considering the motion of a particle bouncing elastically between a
stationary wall and a moving wall.


title: The Thomas Precession Factor in Spin-Orbit Interaction

abstract:
  The origin of the Thomas factor 1/2 in the spin-orbit hamiltonian can be
understood by considering the case of a classical electron moving in crossed
electric and magnetic fields chosen such that the electric Coulomb force is
balanced by the magnetic Lorentz force.


title:
Using Absorption Imaging to Study Ion Dynamics in an Ultracold Neutral
  Plasma

abstract:
  We report optical absorption imaging of ultracold neutral plasmas.Images are
used to measure the ion absorption spectrum, which is Doppler-broadened.
Through the spectral width, we monitor ion equilibration in the first 250ns
after plasma formation. The equilibration leaves ions on the border between the
weakly coupled gaseous and strongly coupled liquid states. On a longer
timescale of microseconds, we observe radial acceleration of ions resulting
from pressure exerted by the trapped electron gas.


title: Close-Packing of Clusters: Application to Al_100

abstract:
  The lowest energy configurations of close-packed clusters up to N=110 atoms
with stacking faults are studied using the Monte Carlo method with Metropolis
algorithm. Two types of contact interactions, a pair-potential and a many-atom
interaction, are used. Enhanced stability is shown for N=12, 26, 38, 50, 59,
61, 68, 75, 79, 86, 100 and 102, of which only the sizes 38, 75, 79, 86, and
102 are pure FCC clusters, the others having stacking faults. A connection
between the model potential and density functional calculations is studied in
the case of Al_100. The density functional calculations are consistent with the
experimental fact that there exist epitaxially grown FCC clusters starting from
relatively small cluster sizes. Calculations also show that several other
close-packed motifs existwith comparable total energies.


title: Electrodynamics and the Mass-Energy Equivalence Principle

abstract:
  In this paper we investigate the link between classical electrodynamics and
the mass-energy equivalence principle, in view of the conclusions reached in
ref.[1]. A formula for the radius of a charged particle is derived. The formula
predicts the radius of the proton correctly. The radius of the electron turns
out to be a surprising quantity that solves the existing problems of
electrodynamics, particularly the problem of the infinite self-force of the
electron. In addition, the classical radius of the electron (2.82fm) will prove
to be not a "radius", but rather the mean distance through which the retarded
potentials of the self-force act. An important conclusion is that there is no
deficiency in the classical Abraham-Lorentz model of the self-force, but rather
the problem lies with our intuitive understanding of what an elementary
particle is. Other important conclusions are also discussed, including a
physically sound explanation for why electric charges must be quantized (as
opposed to Dirac's monopole theory).


title: A note on the use of the word 'likelihood' in statistics and meteorology

abstract:
  We highlight the different uses of the word 'likelihood' that have arisen in
statistics and meteorology, and make the recommendation that one of these uses
should be dropped to prevent confusion and misunderstanding.


title:
Five guidelines for the evaluation of site-specific medium range
  probabilistic temperature forecasts

abstract:
  Probabilistic temperature forecasts are potentially useful to the energy and
weather derivatives industries. However, at present, they are little used.
There are a number of reasons for this, but we believe this is in part due to
inadequacies in the methodologies that have been used to evaluate such
forecasts, leading to uncertainty as to whether the forecasts are really useful
or not and making it hard to work out which forecasts are best. To remedy this
situation we describe a set of guidelines that we recommend should be followed
when evaluating the skill of site-specific probabilistic medium range
temperature forecasts. If these guidelines are followed then the results of
validation can be used directly by forecast users to make decisions about which
forecasts to use. If they are not followed then the results of validation may
be interesting, but will not be practically useful for users. We find that none
of the published studies that evaluate such forecasts fall within our
guidelines, and that, as a result, none convey the information that the users
need to make appropriate decisions about which forecasts are best.


title: Optical trapping of absorbing particles

abstract:
  Radiation pressure forces in a focussed laser beam can be used to trap
microscopic absorbing particles against a substrate. Calculations based on
momentum transfer considerations show that stable trapping occurs before the
beam waist, and that trapping is more effective with doughnut beams. Such
doughnut beams can transfer angular momentum leading to rotation of the trapped
particles. Energy is also transferred, which can result in heating of the
particles to temperatures above the boiling point of the surrounding medium.


title:
Non-steady-state extremely asymmetrical scattering of waves in periodic
  gratings

abstract:
  Extremely asymmetrical scattering (EAS) is a highly resonant type of Bragg
scattering with a strong resonant increase of the scattered wave amplitude
inside and outside the grating. EAS is realized when the scattered wave
propagates parallel to the grating boundaries. We present a rigorous algorithm
for the analysis of non-steady-state EAS, and investigate the relaxation of the
incident and scattered wave amplitudes to their steady-state values.
Non-steady-state EAS of bulk TE electromagnetic waves is analyzed in narrow and
wide, slanted, holographic gratings. Typical relaxation times are determined
and compared with previous rough estimations. Physical explanation of the
predicted effects is presented.


title:
Band gaps and localization of water waves over one-dimensional
  topographical bottoms

abstract:
  In this paper, the phenomenon of band gaps and Anderson localization of water
waves over one-dimensional periodic and random bottoms is investigated by the
transfer matrix method. The results indicate that the range of localization in
random bottoms can be coincident with the band gaps for the corresponding
periodic bottoms. Inside the gap or localization regime, a collective behavior
of water waves appears. The results are also compared with acoustic and optical
situations.


title:
Is Second Law of Thermodynamics Violated for Electron Transition from
  Lower-Energy Level to Higher-Energy Level

abstract:
  Second law of thermodynamics is applied to a few electronic processes. It is
seen that the second law of thermodynamics holds good for all except one
mentioned here. The classical approach, based on exact equivalence of emission
and absorption spectra, for electron transition from lower energy level (first
orbit) to higher energy level (second orbit) violates the second law of
thermodynamics. But since second law which implies irreversibility and is
universally true, a new explanation of electron transition from lower to higher
energy level is proposed which leads to better understanding of several topics
such as Fraunhofer lines, Optical laser. Also, interestingly, it is shown that
widely different fields such as second law of thermodynamics and special
relativity are in fact closely linked to each other. Also, possible links
between supersymmetry and new concept of quaternion mass are mentioned.


title: Propagation of Fronts and Information in Dispersive Media

abstract:
  We present a general proof based on Kramers-Kronig relations that, in a
normal or anomalous dispersive linear medium, any (discontinuitynonanalytic
disturbance) in an electromagnetic pulse can not propagate faster than the
phase velocity, $c$. Consequently the information carried by the discontinuity
(nonanalytical disturbance) can not be transmitted superluminally.


title: Exact vortex solution of the Jacobs-Rebbi equation for ideal fluids

abstract:
  The Jacobs-Rebbi equation arises in many contexts where vortical motion in
two-dimensional ideal media is investigated. Alternatively, it can be derived
in the Abelian Higgs field theory. It is considered non-integrable and
numerical solutions have been found, consisting of localised, robust vortices.
We show in this work that the equation is integrable and provide the Lax pair.
The exact solution is obtained in terms of Riemann \emph{theta} functions.


title: A Pulsed Synchrotron for Muon Acceleration at a Neutrino Factory

abstract:
  A 4600 Hz pulsed synchrotron is considered as a means of accelerating cool
muons with superconducting RF cavities from 4 to 20 GeV/c for a neutrino
factory. Eddy current losses are held to less than a megawatt by the low
machine duty cycle plus 100 micron thick grain oriented silicon steel
laminations and 250 micron diameter copper wires. Combined function magnets
with 20 T/m gradients alternating within single magnets form the lattice. Muon
survival is 83%.


title:
A Comparison of Physical Properties and Fuel Cell Performance of Nafion
  and Zirconium Phosphate/Nafion Composite Membranes

abstract:
  The physio-chemical properties of Nafion 115 and a composite Nafion
115/Zirconium Phosphate (25wt%) membranes are compared. The composite membrane
takes up more water than Nafion at the same water activity. However, the proton
conductivity of the composite membrane is slightly less than that for Nafion
115. Small angle X-ray scattering shows the hydrophilic phase domains in the
composite membrane are spaced further apart than in Nafion 115, and the
composite membrane shows less restructuring with water uptake. Despite the
lower proton conductivity of the composite membranes they display better fuel
cell performance than Nafion 115 when the fuel cell is operated
under-humidified. It is suggested that the composite membrane has a greater
rigidity that accounts for its improved fuel cell performance.


title:
Creation, doubling, and splitting, of vortices in intracavity second
  harmonic generation

abstract:
  We demonstrate generation and frequency doubling of unit charge vortices in a
linear astigmatic resonator. Topological instability of the double charge
harmonic vortices leads to well separated vortex cores that are shown to
rotate, and become anisotropic, as the resonator is tuned across resonance.


title:
Alternans amplification following a two-stimulations protocol in a
  one-dimensional cardiac ionic model of reentry: from annihilation to
  double-wave quasiperiodic reentry

abstract:
  Electrical pacing is a common procedure that is used in both experimental and
clinical settings for studying and/or annihilating anatomical reentry. In a
recent study [Comtois and Vinet, Chaos 12, 903 (2002)], new ways to terminate
the one-dimensional reentry using a simple protocol consisting of only two
stimulations were discovered. The probability of annihilating the reentrant
activity is much more probable by these new scenarios than by the usual local
unidirectional block. This paper is an extension of the previous study in which
the sensitivity of the new scenarios of annihilation to the pathway length is
studied. It follows that reentry can be stopped over a limited interval of the
pathway length and that increasing the length beyond the upper limit of this
interval yields to a transition to sustained double-wave reentry. A similar
dynamical mechanism, labeled alternans amplification, is found to be
responsible for both behaviors.


title:
Role of Oxygen and Carbon Impurities in the Radiation Resistance of
  Silicon Detectors

abstract:
  The influence of oxygen and carbon impurities on the concentrations of
defects in silicon for detector uses, in complex fields of radiation (proton
cosmic field at low orbits around the Earth, at Large Hadron Collider and at
the next generation of accelerators as Super-LHC) is investigated in the frame
of the quantitative model developed previously by the authors. The generation
rate of primary defects is calculated starting from the projectile - silicon
interaction and from recoil energy redistribution in the lattice. The
mechanisms of formation of complex defects are explicitly analysed.
Vacancy-interstitial annihilation, interstitial and vacancy migration to sinks,
divacancy, vacancy and interstitial impurity complex formation and
decomposition are considered. Oxygen and carbon impurities present in silicon
could monitor the concentration of all stable defects, due to their interaction
with vacancies and interstitials. Their role in the mechanisms of formation and
decomposition of the following stable defects: VP, VO, V_2, V_2O, C_i, C_iO_i
and C_iC_s is studied. The model predictions could be a useful clue in
obtaining harder materials for detectors at the new generation of accelerators,
for space missions or for industrial applications.


title: All-optical reshaping of light pulses using $\chi^{(2)}$ media

abstract:
  We have developed a new method based on two cavities containing $\chi^{(2)}$
media to reshape optical pulses by an all-optical technique. The system is
entirely passive \emph{i.e.}, all the energy is brought by the incoming pulse
and uses two successive optical cavities with independent thresholds. The
output pulse is close to a rectangular shape. We show that this technique could
be extended to high bit rates and telecommunication wavelength using very small
cavities containing current nonlinear materials.


title:
The Dynamics of Deterministic Chaos in Numerical Weather Prediction
  Models

abstract:
  Atmospheric weather systems are coherent structures consisting of discrete
cloud cells forming patterns of rows/streets, mesoscale clusters and spiral
bands which maintain their identity for the duration of their appreciable life
times in the turbulent shear flow of the planetary Atmospheric Boundary Layer.
The existence of coherent structures (seemingly systematic motion) in turbulent
flows has been well established during the last 20 years of research in
turbulence. Numerical weather prediction models based on the inherently
non-linear Navier-Stokes equations do not give realistic forecasts because of
the following inherent limitations: (1) the non-linear governing equations for
atmospheric flows do not have exact analytic solutions and being sensitive to
initial conditions give chaotic solutions characteristic of deterministic chaos
(2) the governing equations do not incorporate the dynamical interactions and
co-existence of the complete spectrum of turbulent fluctuations which form an
integral part of the large coherent weather systems (3) limitations of
available computer capacity necessitates severe truncation of the governing
equations, thereby generating errors of approximations (4) the computer
precision related roundoff errors magnify the earlier mentioned uncertainties
exponentially with time and the model predictions become unrealistic. The
accurate modelling of weather phenomena therefore requires alternative concepts
and computational techniques. In this paper a universal theory of deterministic
chaos applicable to the formation of coherent weather structures in the ABL is
presented.


title:
Zero-Variance Zero-Bias Principle for Observables in quantum Monte
  Carlo: Application to Forces

abstract:
  A simple and stable method for computing accurate expectation values of
observable with Variational Monte Carlo (VMC) or Diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC)
algorithms is presented. The basic idea consists in replacing the usual
``bare'' estimator associated with the observable by an improved or
``renormalized'' estimator. Using this estimator more accurate averages are
obtained: Not only the statistical fluctuations are reduced but also the
systematic error (bias) associated with the approximate VMC or (fixed-node) DMC
probability densities. It is shown that improved estimators obey a
Zero-Variance Zero-Bias (ZVZB) property similar to the usual Zero-Variance
Zero-Bias property of the energy with the local energy as improved estimator.
Using this property improved estimators can be optimized and the resulting
accuracy on expectation values may reach the remarkable accuracy obtained for
total energies. As an important example, we present the application of our
formalism to the computation of forces in molecular systems. Calculations of
the entire force curve of the H$_2$,LiH, and Li$_2$ molecules are presented.
Spectroscopic constants $R_e$ (equilibrium distance) and $\omega_e$ (harmonic
frequency) are also computed. The equilibrium distances are obtained with a
relative error smaller than 1%, while the harmonic frequencies are computed
with an error of about 10%.


title:
Controllable Raman-like nonlinearities from non-stationary cascaded
  quadratic processes

abstract:
  We show that useful non-instantaneous nonlinear phase shifts can be obtained
from cascaded quadratic processes in the presence of group velocity mismatch.
The two-field nature of the process permits responses that can be effectively
advanced or retarded in time with respect to one of the fields. There is an
analogy to a generalized Raman-scattering effect, permitting both red and blue
shifts of short pulses. We expect this capability to have many applications in
short-pulse generation and propagation, such as the compensation of
Raman-induced effects and high-quality pulse compression, which we discuss.


title: The Stirred Tank Reactor Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

abstract:
  The design and operation of a differential Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM)
fuel cell is described. The fuel cell design is based on coupled Stirred Tank
Reactors (STR); the gas phase in each reactor compartment was well mixed. The
characteristic times for reactant flow, gas phase diffusion and reaction were
chosen so that the gas compositions at both the anode and cathode are uniform.
The STR PEM fuel cell is one-dimensional; the only spatial gradients are
transverse to the membrane. The STR PEM fuel cell was employed to examine fuel
cell start- up, and its dynamic responses to changes in load, temperature and
reactant flow rates. Multiple time scales in systems response are found to
correspond to water absorption by the membrane, water transport through the
membrane and stress-related mechanical changes of the membrane.


title:
On the applicability of Sato's equation to capacitative radio frequency
  sheaths

abstract:
  We show that the time dependent version of Sato's equation, when applied to
capacitative rf sheaths is no longer independent of the electric field of the
space charge, and discuss the use of the equation for a specific sheath model.


title: Magic Fountain

abstract:
  A new simply constructed, easy-to-make demonstration of Hero's fountain is
presented. The apparatus doesn't have a vessel above a fountain nozzle or a
pump and can be considered as one of the best demonstration of Pascal and
Bernoulli's principles. Its action is discussed on the basis of Pascal and
Bernoulli's principles.


title: All-optical switching with bacteriorhodopsin

abstract:
  All-optical, mirrorless switching and bistability is demonstrated with
bacteriorhodopsin (bR). A low-power, 532 nm laser beam modulates the
transmission of a cw laser beam at 635 nm that corresponds to peak absorption
of the O-excited state in the bR photocycle. The switch has features like a
NOT-gate; its switching contrast depends on the pulse width and average power
of the modulating laser. The phase of the switching characteristics can be
controlled by varying the pulse width and frequency of the modulating laser.
Simulations based on a rate equation approach considering a six-state model of
the bR photocycle successfully reproduce the experimental results.


title:
Investigation of Heterodiffusion in Molecular Crystals by the Method of
  Raman Effect

abstract:
  Using a method of a Raman effect of light the heterodiffusion in molecular
crystals is investigated by the example of p-dichlorobenzene in a
p-dibromobenzene. The installation diagram and a procedure of a determination
of diffusivities using this method is given. Changes of diffusivities in a cut
of a crystal perpendicularly to a direction of diffusion are found. Obtained
values of diffusivities are in good agreement with those obtained by other
methods.


title: Sound generated by rubbing objects

abstract:
  In the present paper, we investigate the properties of the sound generated by
rubbing two objects. It is clear that the sound is generated because of the
rubbing between the contacting rough surfaces of the objects. A model is
presented to account for the role played by the surface roughness. The results
indicate that tonal features of the sound can be generated due to the
finiteness of the rubbing surfaces. In addition, the analysis shows that with
increasing rubbing speed, more and more high frequency tones can be excited and
the frequency band gets broader and broader, a feature which appears to agree
with our intuition or experience.


title: Restoration of Many Electron Wave Functions from One-Electron Density

abstract:
  General theorem describing a relation between diagonal of one-electron
density matrix and a certain class of many-electron ensembles of determinant
states is proved. As a corollary to this theorem a constructive proof of
sufficiency of Coleman's representability conditions is obtained. It is shown
that there exist rigorous schemes for construction of energy of many-electron
system as functionals of one-electron density.


title: Isotope-selective photo-ionization for calcium ion trapping

abstract:
  We present studies of resonance-enhanced photo-ionization for
isotope-selective loading of Ca+ into a Paul trap. The 4s^2 ^1S_0 <-> 4s4p
^1P_1 transition of neutral calcium is driven by a 423nm laser and the atoms
are photo-ionized by a second laser at 389nm. Isotope-selectivity is achieved
by using crossed atomic and laser beams to reduce the Doppler width
significantly below the isotope shifts in the 423nm transition. The loading
rate of ions into the trap is studied under a range of experimental parameters
for the abundant isotope 40Ca+. Using the fluorescence of the atomic beam at
423nm as a measure of the Ca number density, we estimate a lower limit for the
absolute photo-ionization cross-section. We achieve loading and laser-cooling
of all the naturally occurring isotopes, without the need for enriched sources.
Laser-heating/cooling is observed to enhance the isotope-selectivity. In the
case of the rare species 43Ca+ and 46Ca+, which have not previously been
laser-cooled, the loading is not fully isotope-selective but we show that pure
crystals of 43Ca+ may nevertheless be obtained. We find that for loading 40Ca+
the 389nm laser may be replaced by an incoherent source.


title: Counting individual 41Ca atoms with a magneto-optical trap

abstract:
  Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA), a novel method based upon laser trapping and
cooling, is used to count individual atoms of 41Ca present in biomedical
samples with isotopic abundance levels between 10^-8 and 10^-10. ATTA is
calibrated against Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry, demonstrating a good
agreement between the two methods. The present ATTA system has a counting
efficiency of 2x10^-7. Within one hour of observation time, its 3-sigma
detection limit on the isotopic abundance of 41Ca reaches 4.5x10^-10.


title:
Two-dimensional trapping of dipolar molecules in time-varying electric
  fields

abstract:
  Simultaneous two-dimensional trapping of neutral dipolar molecules in low-
and high-field seeking states is analyzed. A trapping potential of the order of
20 mK can be produced for molecules like ND3 with time-dependent electric
fields. The analysis is in agreement with an experiment where slow molecules
with longitudinal velocities of the order of 20 m/s are guided between four 50
cm long rods driven by an alternating electric potential at a frequency of a
few kHz.


title: Development of Shashlyk Calorimeter for KOPIO

abstract:
  A Shashlyk calorimeter prototype for the KOPIO experiment has been
constructed and experimentally tested. The energy resolution of about
4%/sqrt(E(GeV)) for 0.5-2.0 GeV/c positrons was obtained. Based on this results
as well as on the results of special measurements, a Monte-Carlo model of the
Shashlyk module response was developed. This model, including the effects of
shower evolution, light collection in scintillator plates, light attenuation in
fibers, quantum efficiency of the photodetector, thresholds and noises in the
readout system is consistent with experimental results. Possible improvment of
the Shashlyk energy resolution up to 3%/sqrt(E(GeV)), the level required by
KOPIO experiment, are discussed.


title:
Symbol of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator in 2D diffraction problems
  with large wavenumber

abstract:
  We put forward a conjecture about an universal asymptotical behaviour of the
symbol of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator (considered as a pseudodifferential
operator) in the 2D exterior problem for the Hemholtz equation. The conjecture
is motivated by simple explicit examples and backed by numerical calculations,
even in the case of a non-convex obstacle. It implies (at a physical level of
rigor) Kirhhoff's approximation.


title: Ballistic trajectory: parabola, ellipse, or what?

abstract:
  Mechanics texts tell us that a particle in a bound orbit under gravitational
central force moves on an ellipse, while introductory physics texts approximate
the earth as flat, and tell us that the particle moves in a parabola. The
uniform-gravity, flat-earth parabola is clearly meant to be an approximation to
a small segment of the true central-force/ellipse orbit. To look more deeply
into this connection we convert earth-centered polar coordinates to
``flat-earth coordinates'' by treating radial lines as vertical, and by
treating lines of constant radial distance as horizontal. With the exact
trajectory and dynamics in this system, we consider such questions as whether
gravity is purely vertical in this picture, and whether the central force
nature of gravity is important only when the height or range of a ballistic
trajectory is comparable to the earth radius. Somewhat surprisingly, the
answers to both questions is ``no,'' and therein lie some interesting lessons.


title:
Model conception of quantum phenomena: logical structure and
  investigation methods

abstract:
  One can construct the model conception of quantum phenomena (MCQP) which
relates to the axiomatic conception of quantum phenomena (ACQP), (i.e. to the
conventional quantum mechanics) in the same way, as the statistical physics
relates to thermodynamics. Such a possibility is based on a new conception of
geometry, which admits one to construct such a deterministic space-time
geometry, where motion of free particles is primordially stochastic. The
space-time geometry can be chosen in such a way that statistical description of
random particle motion coincides with the quantum description. Transition from
ACQP to MCQP is a result of correction of some mistakes in the foundation of
ACQP. Methods of MCQP in investigation of quantum phenomena appear to be more
subtle and effective than, that of ACQP. For instance, investigation of the
free Dirac equation in framework of MCQP shows that the Dirac particle is in
reality a rotator, i.e. two particles rotating around their common center of
inertia. In the framework of MCQP one can discover the force field, responsible
for pair production, that is impossible in the framework of ACQP.


title:
Measurement of the Blackbody Radiation Shift of the 133Cs Hyperfine
  Transition in an Atomic Fountain

abstract:
  We used a Cs atomic fountain frequency standard to measure the Stark shift on
the ground state hyperfine transiton frequency in cesium (9.2 GHz) due to the
electric field generated by the blackbody radiation. The measures relative
shift at 300 K is -1.43(11)e-14 and agrees with our theoretical evaluation
-1.49(07)e-14. This value differs from the currently accepted one
-1.69(04)e-14. The difference has a significant implication on the accuracy of
frequency standards, in clocks comparison, and in a variety of high precision
physics tests such as the time stability of fundamental constants.


title:
Online Pattern Recognition for the ALICE High Level Trigger (tracking
  and compression techniques)

abstract:
  The ALICE High Level Trigger has to process data online, in order to select
interesting (sub)events, or to compress data efficiently by modeling
techniques. Focusing on the main data source, the Time Projection Chamber
(TPC), we present two pattern recognition methods under investigation: a
sequential approach (cluster finder and track follower) and an iterative
approach (track candidate finder and cluster deconvoluter). We show, that the
former is suited for pp and low multiplicity PbPb collisions, whereas the
latter might be applicable for high multiplicity PbPb collisions of dN/dy>3000.
Based on the developed tracking schemes we show that using modeling techniques
a compression factor of around 10 might be achievable.


title:
Relativistic analysis of Michelson-Morley experiments and Miller's
  cosmic solution for the Earth's motion

abstract:
  A simple relativistic treatment of Michelson-Morley type of experiments shows
the remarkable internal consistency of 1932 Miller's cosmic solution v_{earth}
\sim 208 km/s deduced from the experimental fringe shifts observed with his
apparatus. The same analysis of present-day experiments is in good agreement
with the existing data.


title:
Mean Velocity Equation for Turbulent Fluid Flow: An Approach via
  Classical Statistical Mechanics

abstract:
  The possibility to derive an equation for the mean velocity field in
turbulent flow by using classical statistical mechanics is investigated. An
application of projection operator technique available in the literature is
used for this purpose. It is argued that the hydrodynamic velocity defined
there, in situations where the fluid is turbulent, is to be interpreted as the
mean velocity field; in that case, the momentum component of the generalized
transport equation derived there is the mean velocity equation. In this paper,
stationary incompressible flow for constant mass density and temperature is
considered. The stress tensor is obtained as a nonlinear functional of the mean
velocity field, the linear part of which is the Stokes tensor. The formula
contains a time correlation function in local equilibrium. Presently, there
exists a microscopic theory for time correlations in total equilibrium only.
For this reason and as a preliminary measure, the formula has been expanded
into a power series in the mean velocity; though this limits the applicability
to low Reynolds number flow. The second order term has been evaluated in a
former paper of the author. For the third order term, the form of the kernel
function is derived. Its calculation with the aid of the mode-coupling theory
is completed; it will be reported in an separate paper. An numerical
application with the data of the circular jet is under way.


title:
Time and classical and quantum mechanics: Indeterminacy vs.
  discontinuity

abstract:
  It is postulated there is not a precise static instant in time underlying a
dynamical physical process at which the relative position of a body in relative
motion or a specific physical magnitude would theoretically be precisely
determined. It is concluded it is exactly because of this that time (relative
interval as indicated by a clock) and the continuity of a physical process is
possible, with there being a necessary trade off of all precisely determined
physical values at a time, for their continuity through time. This explanation
is also shown to be the correct solution to the motion and infinity paradoxes,
excluding the Stadium, originally conceived by the ancient Greek mathematician
Zeno of Elea. Quantum Cosmology, Imaginary Time and Chronons are also then
discussed, with the latter two appearing to be superseded on a theoretical
basis.


title:
Surface Analysis of OFE-Copper X-Band Accelerating Structures and
  Possible Correlation to RF Breakdown Events

abstract:
  X-band accelerator structures meeting the Next Linear Collider (NLC) design
requirements have been found to suffer vacuum surface damage caused by radio
frequency (RF) breakdown, when processed to high electric-field gradients.
Improved understanding of these breakdown events is desirable for the
development of structure designs, fabrication procedures, and processing
techniques that minimize structure damage. RF reflected wave analysis and
acoustic sensor pickup have provided breakdowns localization in RF structures.
Particle contaminations found following clean autopsy of four RF-processed
travelling wave structures, have been catalogued and analyzed. Their influence
on RF breakdown, as well as that of several other material-based properties,
will be discussed.


title:
Distortion-free tight confinement and step-like decay of fs pulses in
  free space

abstract:
  A method of formation of the tightly confined distortion-free fs pulses with
the step-like decreasing of intensity under the finite-length propagation in
free space is described. Such pulses are formed by the Fresnel source of a high
refraction-index waveguide. The source reproduces in free space a
propagation-invariant (distortion-free) pulse confined by the waveguide.
Converse to the case of material waveguides, when the pulse goes out from the
Fresnel (virtual) waveguide its shape is not changed, but the intensity
immediately drops down to the near-zero level.


title: On Michell-Laplace dark body

abstract:
  The dark body of Michell-Laplace has nothing to do with the relativistic
black hole.


title:
Comparing the ensemble mean and the ensemble standard deviation as
  inputs for probabilistic medium-range temperature forecasts

abstract:
  We ask the following question: what are the relative contributions of the
ensemble mean and the ensemble standard deviation to the skill of a
site-specific probabilistic temperature forecast? Is it the case that most of
the benefit of using an ensemble forecast to predict temperatures comes from
the ensemble mean, or from the ensemble spread, or is the benefit derived
equally from the two? The answer is that one of the two is much more useful
than the other.


title:
Do probabilistic medium-range temperature forecasts need to allow for
  non-normality?

abstract:
  The gaussian spread regression model for the calibration of site specific
ensemble temperature forecasts depends on the apparently restrictive assumption
that the uncertainty around temperature forecasts is normally distributed. We
generalise the model using the kernel density to allow for much more flexible
distribution shapes. However, we do not find any meaningful improvement in the
resulting probabilistic forecast when evaluated using likelihood based scores.
We conclude that the distribution of uncertainty is either very close to
normal, or if it is not close to normal, then the non-normality is not being
predicted by the ensemble forecast that we test.


title:
Scaling in long term data sets of geomagnetic indices and solar wind
  epsilon as seen by WIND spacecraft

abstract:
  We study scaling in fluctuations of the geomagnetic indices (AE, AU, and AL)
that provide a measure of magnetospheric activity and of the epsilon parameter
which is a measure of the solar wind driver. Generalized structure function
(GSF) analysis shows that fluctuations exhibit self-similar scaling up to about
1 hour for the AU index and about 2 hours for AL, AE and epsilon when the most
extreme fluctuations over 10 standard deviations are excluded. The scaling
exponents of the GSF are found to be similar for the three AE indices, and to
differ significantly from that of epsilon. This is corroborated by direct
comparison of their rescaled probability density functions.


title: Model reconstruction of nonlinear dynamical systems driven by noise

abstract:
  An efficient technique is introduced for model inference of complex nonlinear
dynamical systems driven by noise. The technique does not require extensive
global optimization, provides optimal compensation for noise-induced errors and
is robust in a broad range %of parameters of dynamical models. It is applied to
clinically measured blood pressure signal for the simultaneous inference of the
strength, directionality, and the noise intensities in the nonlinear
interaction between the cardiac and respiratory oscillations.


title: GNSS-R: Operational Applications

abstract:
  This paper provides an overview of operational applications of GNSS-R, and
describes Oceanpal, an inexpensive, all-weather, passive instrument for remote
sensing of the ocean and other water surfaces. This instrument is based on the
use of reflected signals emitted from GNSS, and it holds great potential for
future applications thanks to the growing, long term GNSS infrastructure. The
instrument exploits the fact that, at any given moment, several GNSS emitters
are simultaneously in view, providing separated multiple scattering points with
different geometries. Reflected signals are affected by surface roughness and
motion (i.e., sea state, orbital motion, and currents), mean surface height and
dielectric properties (i.e., salinity and pollution). Oceanpal is envisioned as
an accurate, "dry" tide gauge and surface roughness monitoring system, and as
an important element of a future distributed ocean remote sensing network
concept. We also report some results from the Starlab Coastpal campaign,
focusing on ground GNSS-R applications.


title: Expressing the electromagnetic interaction energy

abstract:
  The interaction energy of a given distribution of electric charges and
currents with an electromagnetic external field is expressed by the Cartesian
components of the multipole tensors of this distribution. Special attention is
paid to the reduction of these tensors to the symmetric traceless ones.
Although one uses the Cartesian tensor components in the explicit calculations,
the final results are given in consistent tensorial form.


title: Photonic crystal fiber design based on the V-parameter

abstract:
  Based on a recent formulation of the V-parameter of a photonic crystal fiber
we provide numerically based empirical expressions for this quantity only
dependent on the two structural parameters - the air hole diameter and the
hole-to-hole center spacing. Based on the unique relation between the
V-parameter and the equivalent mode field radius we identify how the parameter
space for these fibers is restricted in order for the fibers to remain single
mode while still having a guided mode confined to the core region.


title:
A relation between electromagnetically induced absorption resonances and
  nonlinear magneto-optics in Lambda-systems

abstract:
  Recent work on Lambda-resonances in alkali metal vapors (E. Mikhailov, I.
Novikova, Yu. V. Rostovtsev, and G. R. Welch, quant-ph/0309171, and references
therein) investigated a type of electromagnetically induced absorption
resonance that occurs in three-level systems under specific conditions normally
associated with electromagnetically induced transparency. In this note, we show
that these resonances have a direct analog in nonlinear magneto-optics, and
support this conclusion with a calculation for a J=1->J'=0 system interacting
with a single nearly circularly polarized light field in the presence of a weak
longitudinal magnetic field.


title: New proton and neutron magic numbers in neutron rich nuclei

abstract:
  It is now known that in neutron rich nuclei, old magic numbers disappear and
new ones appear. Single nucleon and double nucleon separation energies are
plotted here in all possible manner.Using this data it is shown here for the
first time that nuclei with pair of proton number Z and neutron number N (Z,N)
: (6,12), (8,16), (10,20), (11,22) and (12,24) exhibit exceptional stability or
magicity. As such these magic numbers appear in pairs. This correlation is
shown here to be indicative of predominance of tritons in the ground state of
these neutron rich nuclei. Thus ${^{30}_{10} Ne_{20}}$ has the structure of 10
$^{3}_{1} H_{2}$ in the ground state. This confirms the prediction of the
author that triton clustering in neutron rich nuclei as a new phenomenon.


title: Noise spectroscopy of non-linear magneto optical resonances in Rb vapor

abstract:
  Nonlinear magneto-optical (NMO) resonances occurring for near-zero magnetic
field are studied in Rb vapor using light-noise spectroscopy. With a balanced
detection polarimeter, we observe high contrast variations of the noise power
(at fixed analysis frequency) carried by diode laser light resonant with the
5S$_{1/2}(F=2) \to 5$P$_{1/2}(F=1) $ transition of $^{87}$Rb and transmitted
through a rubidium vapor cell, as a function of magnetic field $B$. A symmetric
resonance doublet of anti-correlated noise is observed for orthogonal
polarizations around $B=0 $ as a manifestation of ground state coherence. We
also observe sideband noise resonances when the magnetic field produces an
atomic Larmor precession at a frequency corresponding to one half of the
analysis frequency. The resonances on the light fluctuations are the
consequence of phase to amplitude noise conversion owing to nonlinear coherence
effects in the response of the atomic medium to the fluctuating field. A
theoretical model (derived from linearized Bloch equations) is presented that
reproduces the main qualitative features of the experimental signals under
simple assumptions.


title: Fundamental units: physics and metrology

abstract:
  The problem of fundamental units is discussed in the context of achievements
of both theoretical physics and modern metrology. On one hand, due to
fascinating accuracy of atomic clocks, the traditional macroscopic standards of
metrology (second, metre, kilogram) are giving way to standards based on
fundamental units of nature: velocity of light $c$ and quantum of action $h$.
On the other hand, the poor precision of gravitational constant $G$, which is
widely believed to define the ``cube of theories'' and the units of the future
``theory of everything'', does not allow to use $G$ as a fundamental
dimensional constant in metrology. The electromagnetic units in SI are actually
based on concepts of prerelativistic classical electrodynamics such as ether,
electric permitivity and magnetic permeability of vacuum. Concluding remarks
are devoted to terminological confusion which accompanies the progress in basic
physics and metrology.


title: Relaxation channels of two-vibron bound states in \alpha-helix proteins

abstract:
  Relaxation channels for two-vibron bound states in an anharmonic alpha-helix
protein are studied. It is pointed out that the relaxation originates in the
interaction between the dressed anharmonic vibrons and the remaining phonons.
This interaction is responsible for the occurrence of transitions between
two-vibron eigenstates mediated by both phonon absorption and phonon emission.
At biological temperature, it is shown that the relaxation rate does not
significantly depends on the nature of the two-vibron state involved in the
process. Therefore, the lifetime for both bound and free states is of the same
order of magnitude and ranges between 0.1 and 1.0 ps for realistic parameters.
By contrast, the relaxation channels strongly depend on the nature of the
two-vibron states which is a consequence of the breather-like behavior of the
two-vibron bound states.


title:
Secondary Electron Yield Measurements of TiN Coating and TiZrV Getter
  Film

abstract:
  In the beam pipe of the positron Main Damping Ring (MDR) of the Next Linear
Collider (NLC), ionization of residual gases and secondary electron emission
give rise to an electron cloud which can cause the loss of the circulating
beam. One path to avoid the electron cloud is to ensure that the vacuum wall
has low secondary emission yield and, therefore, we need to know the secondary
emission yield (SEY) for candidate wall coatings. We report on SEY measurements
at SLAC on titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium-zirconium-vanadium (TiZrV) thin
sputter-deposited films, as well as describe our experimental setup.


title:
Compressibility effects on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth
  between immiscible fluids

abstract:
  The linearized Navier-Stokes equations for a system of superposed immiscible
compressible ideal fluids are analyzed. The results of the analysis reconcile
the stabilizing and destabilizing effects of compressibility reported in the
literature. It is shown that the growth rate $n$ obtained for an inviscid,
compressible flow in an infinite domain is bounded by the growth rates obtained
for the corresponding incompressible flows with uniform and exponentially
varying density. As the equilibrium pressure at the interface $p_\infty$
increases (less compressible flow), $n$ increases towards the uniform density
result, while as the ratio of specific heats $\gamma$ increases (less
compressible fluid), $n$ decreases towards the exponentially varying density
incompressible flow result. This remains valid in the presence of surface
tension or for viscous fluids and the validity of the results is also discussed
for finite size domains. The critical wavenumber imposed by the presence of
surface tension is unaffected by compressibility. However, the results show
that the surface tension modifies the sensitivity of the growth rate to a
differential change in $\gamma$ for the lower and upper fluids. For the viscous
case, the linearized equations are solved numerically for different values of
$p_\infty$ and $\gamma$. It is found that the largest differences compared with
the incompressible cases are obtained at small Atwood numbers. The most
unstable mode for the compressible case is also bounded by the most unstable
modes corresponding to the two limiting incompressible cases.


title:
Ionization of clusters in intense laser pulses through collective
  electron dynamics

abstract:
  The motion of electrons and ions in medium-sized rare gas clusters (1000
atoms) exposed to intense laser pulses is studied microscopically by means of
classical molecular dynamics using a hierarchical tree code. Pulse parameters
for optimum ionization are found to be wavelength dependent. This resonant
behavior is traced back to a collective electron oscillation inside the charged
cluster. It is shown that this dynamics can be well described by a driven and
damped harmonic oscillator allowing for a clear discrimination against other
energy absorption mechanisms.


title: Lifetime measurement of the ^3P_2 metastable state of strontium atoms

abstract:
  We have measured the lifetime of the 5s5p ^3P_2 metastable state of strontium
atoms by magneto-optically trapping the decayed atoms to the ground state,
which allowed sensitive detection of the rare decay events. We found that the
blackbody radiation-induced decay was the dominant decay channel for the state
at T = 300 K. The lifetime was determined to be 500^{+280}_{-130} s in the
limit of zero temperature.


title:
Control of catalytic activity of proteins in vivo by nanotube ropes
  excited with infrared light

abstract:
  We discuss the possibility of controlling biological systems, by exciting in
the near infrared region {\it hybrid} metallic nanotube ropes, dressed with
proteins and embedded in the biosystems. If one nanotube, in a double-tube
rope, is filled with metallofullerenes and the other is empty, the two tubes
change their opposite equilibrium charging during the irradiation. The
resulting change of the local electric field can deform proteins attached to
the tubes, and change their catalytic properties.


title: Light Concentrators for Borexino and CTF

abstract:
  Light concentrators for the solar neutrino experiment Borexino and the
Counting Test Facility (CTF) have been developed and constructed. They increase
the light yield of these detectors by a factor of 2.5 and 8.8, respectively.
Technical challenges like long term stability in various media, high
reflectivity and radiopurity have been addressed and the concepts to overcome
these difficulties will be described. Gamma spectroscopy measurements of the
concentrators show an upper limit of 12e-6 Bq/g for uranium and a value of
120e-6 Bq/g for thorium. Upper limits on other possible contaminations like
26Al are presented. The impact of these results on the performance of Borexino
and the CTF are discussed and it is shown that the design goals of both
experiments are fulfilled.


title: The potential of the ground state of NaRb

abstract:
  The X$^{1}\Sigma ^{+}$ state of NaRb was studied by Fourier transform
spectroscopy. An accurate potential energy curve was derived from more than
8800 transitions in isotopomers $^{23}$Na$^{85}$Rb and $^{23}$Na$^{87}$Rb. This
potential reproduces the experimental observations within their uncertainties
of 0.003 \rcm to 0.007 \rcm. The outer classical turning point of the last
observed energy level ($v''=76$, $J''=27$) lies at $\approx 12.4$ \AA, leading
to a energy of 4.5 \rcm below the ground state asymptote.


title:
Diagnostic Setup for Characterization of Near-Anode Processes in Hall
  Thrusters

abstract:
  A diagnostic setup for characterization of near-anode processes in
Hall-current plasma thrusters consisting of biased and emissive electrostatic
probes, high-precision positioning system and low-noise electronic circuitry
was developed and tested. Experimental results show that radial probe insertion
does not cause perturbations to the discharge and therefore can be used for
accurate near-anode measurements.


title:
Do medium range ensemble forecasts give useful predictions of temporal
  correlations?

abstract:
  Medium range ensemble forecasts are typically used to derive predictions of
the conditional marginal distributions of future events on individual days. We
assess whether they can also be used to predict the conditional correlations
between different days.


title: Effect of Anode Dielectric Coating on Hall Thruster Operation

abstract:
  An interesting phenomenon observed in the near-anode region of a Hall
thruster is that the anode fall changes from positive to negative upon removal
of the dielectric coating, which is produced on the anode surface during the
normal course of Hall thruster operation. The anode fall might affect the
thruster lifetime and acceleration efficiency. The effect of the anode coating
on the anode fall is studied experimentally using both biased and emissive
probes. Measurements of discharge current oscillations indicate that thruster
operation is more stable with the coated anode.


title: Movoj sub newtona logaritma potencialo

abstract:
  A linear density of mass is assumed uniformly distributed along an infinitely
long straight line. All possible motions of a test particle are described,
under the newtonian logarithmic gravitational potential alone. Those most
interesting occur in planes normal to the line. An infinity of closed orbits
are found, and classified in terms of two positive integers.
  -----
  Maso kun uniforma linia denseco estas ordata sur nefinita rekto. /Gi
produktas newtona logaritma potencialo. /Ciu ebla movo de test-parteto estas
studata. La plej interesaj movoj okazas en plano normala al linio de maso.
Nefinita qvanto de fermaj trajektorioj estas findataj, kaj klasifikataj per du
pozitivaj entjeroj.


title: Interactions Between Stably Rolling Leukocytes In Vivo

abstract:
  We have characterized the two-dimensional spatial dependence of the
hydrodynamic interactions between two adhesively rolling leukocytes in a live
venule in the mouse cremaster muscle. Two rolling leukocytes were observed to
slow each other down when rolling together in close proximity, due to mutual
sheltering from the external blood flow in the vessel lumen. These results are
in agreement with a previous study of leukocyte rolling interactions using
carbohydrate-coated beads in a parallel-plate flow chamber and a detailed
computer model of adhesion in a multicellular environment.


title:
Molecular Discreteness in Reaction-Diffusion Systems Yields Steady
  States Not Seen in the Continuum Limit

abstract:
  We investigate the effects of spatial discreteness of molecules in
reaction-diffusion systems. It is found that discreteness within the so called
Kuramoto length can lead to a localization of molecules, resulting in novel
steady states that do not exist in the continuous case. These novel states are
analyzed theoretically as the fixed points of accelerated localized reactions,
an approach that was verified to be in good agreement with stochastic particle
simulations. The relevance of this discreteness-induced state to biological
intracellular processes is discussed.

categories: physics.chem-ph nlin.PS physics.bio-ph q-bio.SC


title:
Surfaces roughness effects on the transmission of Gaussian beams by
  anisotropic parallel plates

abstract:
  Influence of the plate surfaces roughness in precise ellipsometry experiments
is studied. The realistic case of a Gaussian laser beam crossing a uniaxial
platelet is considered. Expression for the transmittance is determined using
the first order perturbation theory. In this frame, it is shown that
interference takes place between the specular transmitted beam and the
scattered field. This effect is due to the angular distribution of the Gaussian
beam and is of first order in the roughness over wavelength ratio. As an
application, a numerical simulation of the effects of quartz roughness surfaces
at normal incidence is provided. The interference term is found to be strongly
connected to the random nature of the surface roughness.


title: Black Body Radiation Shift of the 133Cs Hyperfine Transition Frequency

abstract:
  We report the theoretical evaluations of the static scalar polarizability of
the 133Cs ground state and of the black body radiation shift induced on the
transition frequency between the two hyperfine levels with m_F = 0. This shift
is of fundamental importance in the evaluation of the accuracy of the primary
frequency standards based on atomic fountains and employed in the realization
of the SI second in the International Atomic Time (TAI) scale at the level of
1e-15. Our computed value for the polarizability is alpha_0=6.600(16)e-39
Cm^2/V in agreement at the level of 1e-3 with recent theoretical and
experimental values. As regards the black body radiation shift we .nd for the
relative hyper.ne transition frequency beta=-1.49 (7)e-14 at T = 300 K in
agreement with frequency measurements reported by our group and by Bauch and
Schroder [Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 622, (1997)]. This value is lower by 2e-15 than
that obtained with measurements based on the dc Stark shift and than the value
commonly accepted up to now.


title: Physics of Skiing: The Ideal-Carving Equation and Its Applications

abstract:
  Ideal carving occurs when a snowboarder or skier, equipped with a snowboard
or carving skis, describes a perfect carved turn in which the edges of the ski
alone, not the ski surface, describe the trajectory followed by the skier,
without any slipping or skidding. In this article, we derive the
"ideal-carving" equation which describes the physics of a carved turn under
ideal conditions. The laws of Newtonian classical mechanics are applied. The
parameters of the ideal-carving equation are the inclination of the ski slope,
the acceleration of gravity, and the sidecut radius of the ski. The variables
of the ideal-carving equation are the velocity of the skier, the angle between
the trajectory of the skier and the horizontal, and the instantaneous curvature
radius of the skier's trajectory. Relations between the slope inclination and
the velocity range suited for nearly ideal carving are discussed, as well as
implications for the design of carving skis and snowboards.


title: Dynamics of Crystal Formation in the Greenland NorthGRIP Ice Core

abstract:
  The North Greenland Ice Core Project (NorthGRIP) provides paleoclimatic
information back to at about 120 kyr before present (Dahl-Jensen and others,
2002). Each year, precipitation on the ice sheet covers it with a new layer of
snow, which gradually transforms into ice crystals as the layer sinks into the
ice sheet. The size distribution of ice crystals has been measured at selected
depths in the upper 880 m of the NorthGRIP ice core (Svensson and others,
2003b), which covers a time span of 5300 years. The distributions change with
time toward a universal curve, indicating a common underlying physical process
in the formation of crystals. We identify this process as an interplay between
fragmentation of the crystals and diffusion of their grain boundaries. The
process is described by a two-parameter differential equation to which we
obtain the exact solution. The solution is in excellent agreement with the
experimentally observed distributions.


title: Molecular dynamics study of molecular mobility in catenanes

abstract:
  Molecular machines described in this paper are meant to be such molecular
systems that make use of conformational mobility (i.e. hindered rotation around
chemical bonds and molecular construction deformations with formation and
breakage of nonvalent bonds). Components of molecular machines move mainly by
means of restricted diffusion. As an example of molecular machines of a
nonbiological nature catenanes (compounds with two interlocked molecular
rings)can be proposed. Thus, for example, model catenane
((2)-(cyclo-bis(paraquat-p-phenylene))-(1(2,6)-tetrathiafulvalena-16(1,5)naphta
lena-3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29-decaoxatnacontaphane)-catenane)
changes its redox status when an electric field is applied, and rotation of the
rings takes place. It occurs with fixation at certain moments of the influence.
To find out characteristic properties of rings movements under various external
conditions molecular dynamics simulation was carried out. Three cationic forms
of the catenane were first subjected to geometrical optimization and quantum
chemical calculation.


title:
Determination of absolute densities of B, Al, Ga and Si atoms in
  non-equilibrium plasmas from relative intensities in resonance multiplets
  distorted by reabsorption

abstract:
  The approach proposed recently as a spectroscopic tecnique of a boron density
determination in microwave plasma has been expanded for B, Al, Ga, Si atoms and
generalized. The method is based on measurements of relative intensities of
pairs of spectral lines belonging to resonance multiplets having common upper
level. It is shown that when the reabsorption of the lines within plasma is
sufficient, then the intensity ratios depend on the gas temperature T and the
product NL of total density of the ground state atoms N and a length of a
plasma column L.
  Thus in the case of the B, Al, Ga doublets the temperature T should be known.
The resonance multiplet of Si (three independent intensity ratios) provides an
opportunity to obtain both T and N and even to organize internal check of the
applicability of the proposed method to certain plasma conditions.
  The ratios were calculated for resonance lines of B, Al, Ga and Si under
T=300-2400 K and NL=10^7-10^15 cm^(-3) m. The results of numerical calculations
and ranges of applicability of the method are discussed.


title: Physical origin of "laser induced" molecule alignment effect

abstract:
  The alternative to dynamic alignment explanation of experimental results on
spatial-asymmetric dissociation of molecules in a laser field is proposed. The
concept of geometrical alignment is sufficient for explanation of these
results. In this case the spatial anisotropy of interaction of molecules with
laser radiation is transferred from one field to another through the ordinary
mechanism of nonlinear optical interactions. Thus laser radiation does not
create alignment, but only registers it. A physical basis of such nonlinear
processes is inequality of forward and reversed optical transitions that
corresponds to a concept of time invariance violation in electromagnetic
interactions. Directions of the further researches in the field of alignment
spectroscopy are discussed.


title:
Comments on "Geometric Phase Associated with Transformations of Optical
  Beams Bearing Orbital Angular Momentum"

abstract:
  In the present note I am presenting my point of view about the idea proposed
in the above said paper.


title: The GNSS-R Eddy Experiment I: Altimetry from Low Altitude Aircraft

abstract:
  We report results from the Eddy Experiment, where a synchronous GPS receiver
pair was flown on an aircraft to collect sampled L1 signals and their
reflections from the sea surface to investigate the altimetric accuracy of
GNSS-R. During the experiment, surface wind speed (U10) was of the order of 10
m/s, and significant wave heights of up to 2 m, as discussed further in a
companion paper. After software tracking of the two signals through despreading
of the GPS codes, a parametric waveform model containing the description of the
sea surface conditions has been used to fit the waveforms (retracking) and
estimate the temporal lapse between the direct GPS signals and their
reflections. The estimated lapses have then been used to estimate the sea
surface height (SSH) along the aircraft track using a differential geometric
model. As expected, the precision of GNSS-R ranges was of 3 m after 1 second
integration. More importantly, the accuracy of the GNSS-R altimetric solution
with respect to Jason-1 SSH and in situ GPS buoy measurements was of 10 cm,
which was the target with the used experimental setup. This new result confirms
the potential of GNSS-R for mesoscale altimetric monitoring of the ocean, and
provides an important milestone on the road to a space mission.