Separation of variables in perturbed cylinders

We study the Laplace operator subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions in a two-dimensional domain that is one-to-one mapped onto a cylinder (rectangle or infinite strip). As a result of this transformation the original eigenvalue problem is reduced to an equivalent problem for an operator with variable coefficients. Taking advantage of the simple geometry we separate variables by means of the Fourier decomposition method. The ODE system obtained in this way is then solved numerically yielding the eigenvalues of the operator. The same approach allows us to find complex resonances arising in some non-compact domains. We discuss numerical examples related to quantum waveguide problems.Comment: LaTeX 2e, 18 pages, 6 figure

Origin of second-harmonic generation in the incommensurate phase of K2SeO4

We show that a ferroelectric phase transition takes place in the incommensurate phase of the K2SeO4 crystal. The ferroelectric character of the IC phase explains the second-harmonic generation observed in the corresponding temperature range.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur