28,969 research outputs found
Wave Function of a Brane-like Universe
Within the mini-superspace model, brane-like cosmology means performing the
variation with respect to the embedding (Minkowski) time before fixing
the cosmic (Einstein) time . The departure from Einstein limit is
parameterized by the 'energy' conjugate to , and characterized by a
classically disconnected Embryonic epoch. In contrast with canonical quantum
gravity, the wave-function of the brane-like Universe is (i) -dependent,
and (ii) vanishes at the Big Bang. Hartle-Hawking and Linde proposals dictate
discrete 'energy' levels, whereas Vilenkin proposal resembles -particle
disintegration.Comment: Revtex, 4 twocolumn pages, 3 eps figures (accepted for publication in
Class. Quan. Grav.
Dirac Quantization of the Pais-Uhlenbeck Fourth Order Oscillator
As a model, the Pais-Uhlenbeck fourth order oscillator with equation of
motion
is a quantum-mechanical prototype of a field theory containing both second and
fourth order derivative terms. With its dynamical degrees of freedom obeying
constraints due to the presence of higher order time derivatives, the model
cannot be quantized canonically. We thus quantize it using the method of Dirac
constraints to construct the correct quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian for the
system, and find that the Hamiltonian diagonalizes in the positive and negative
norm states that are characteristic of higher derivative field theories.
However, we also find that the oscillator commutation relations become singular
in the limit, a limit which corresponds to a prototype
of a pure fourth order theory. Thus the particle content of the theory cannot be inferred from that of the
theory; and in fact in the limit we find that all of
the negative norm states move off shell, with the
spectrum of asymptotic in and out states of the equal frequency theory being
found to be completely devoid of states with either negative energy or negative
norm. As a byproduct of our work we find a Pais-Uhlenbeck analog of the zero
energy theorem of Boulware, Horowitz and Strominger, and show how in the equal
frequency Pais-Uhlenbeck theory the theorem can be transformed into a positive
energy theorem instead.Comment: RevTeX4, 20 pages. Final version, to appear in Phys. Rev.
Why the Realist-Instrumentalist Debate about Rational Choice Rests on a Mistake
Within the social sciences, much controversy exists about which status should be ascribed to the rationality assumption that forms the core of rational choice theories. Whilst realists argue that the rationality assumption is an empirical claim which describes real processes that cause individual action, instrumentalists maintain that it amounts to nothing more than an analytically set axiom or âas ifâ hypothesis which helps in the generation of accurate predictions. In this paper, I argue that this realist-instrumentalist debate about rational choice theory can be overcome once it is realised that the rationality assumption is neither an empirical description nor an âas ifâ hypothesis, but a normative claim
Growth rate of Rayleigh-Taylor turbulent mixing layers with the foliation approach
For years, astrophysicists, plasma fusion and fluid physicists have puzzled
over Rayleigh-Taylor turbulent mixing layers. In particular, strong
discrepancies in the growth rates have been observed between experiments and
numerical simulations. Although two phenomenological mechanisms (mode-coupling
and mode-competition) have brought some insight on these differences,
convincing theoretical arguments are missing to explain the observed values. In
this paper, we provide an analytical expression of the growth rate compatible
with both mechanisms and is valide for a self-similar, low Atwood
Rayleigh-Taylor turbulent mixing subjected to a constant or time-varying
acceleration. The key step in this work is the introduction of {\it foliated}
averages and {\it foliated} turbulent spectra highlighted in our three
dimensional numerical simulations. We show that the exact value of the
Rayleigh-Taylor growth rate not only depends upon the acceleration history but
is also bound to the power-law exponent of the {\it foliated} spectra at large
scales
Davidson on SelfâKnowledge: A Transcendental Explanation
Davidson has attempted to offer his own solution to the problem of self-knowledge, but there has been no consensus between his commentators on what this solution is. Many have claimed that Davidsonâs account stems from his remarks on disquotational specifications of self-ascriptions of meaning and mental content, the account which I will call the âDisquotational Explanationâ. It has also been claimed that Davidsonâs account rather rests on his version of content externalism, which I will call the âExternalist Explanationâ. I will argue that not only are these explanations of self-knowledge implausible, but Davidson himself has already rejected them. Thus, neither can be attributed to Davidson as his suggested account of self-knowledge. I will then introduce and support what I take to be Davidsonâs official and independent account of self-knowledge, that is, his âTranscendental Explanationâ. I will defend this view against certain potential objections and finally against the objections made by William Child
Recommended from our members
Ancient Cosmic Dust from Triassic Halite
We describe the discovery of fossil micrometeorites in ancient Triassic rock salt; the first to be found in salt and the oldest complete micrometeorites found to date. We present an estimated flux rate of micrometeorites to Earth at this time
On rigidly rotating perfect fluid cylinders
The gravitational field of a rigidly rotating perfect fluid cylinder with
gamma- law equation of state is found analytically. The solution has two
parameters and is physically realistic for gamma in the interval (1.41,2].
Closed timelike curves always appear at large distances.Comment: 10 pages, Revtex (galley
Leptogenesis from Supersymmetry Breaking
We show that soft supersymmetry breaking terms involving the heavy sneutrinos
can lead to sneutrino-antisneutrino mixing and to new sources of CP violation,
which are present even if a single generation is considered. These terms are
naturally present in supersymmetric versions of leptogenesis scenarios, and
they induce indirect CP violation in the decays of the heavy sneutrinos,
eventually generating a baryon asymmetry. This new contribution can be
comparable to or even dominate over the asymmetry produced in traditional
leptogenesis scenarios.Comment: 4 pages; An improved discussion of the relevant numerical range of
the soft breaking terms (in agreement with hep-ph/0308031
On the He II Emission In Eta Carinae and the Origin of Its Spectroscopic Events
We describe and analyze Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of
transient emission near 4680 {\AA} in Eta Car, reported earlier by Steiner &
Damineli (2004). If, as seems probable, this is He II 4687, then it is
a unique clue to Eta Car's 5.5-year cycle. According to our analysis, several
aspects of this feature support a mass-ejection model of the observed
spectroscopic events, and not an eclipse model. The He II emission appeared in
early 2003, grew to a brief maximum during the 2003.5 spectroscopic event, and
then abruptly disappeared. It did not appear in any other HST spectra before or
after the event. The peak brightness was larger than previously reported, and
is difficult to explain even if one allows for an uncertainty factor of order
3. The stellar wind must provide a temporary larger-than-normal energy supply,
and we describe a special form of radiative amplification that may also be
needed. These characteristics are consistent with a class of mass-ejection or
wind-disturbance scenarios, which have implications for the physical structure
and stability of Eta Car.Comment: 47 pages (including all appendices, tabs, & figs), 9 figures, 3
tables; submitted to Astrophysical Journal (2005 March 29), accepted for
publication in Ap
- âŠ