A Combined Preconditioning Strategy for Nonsymmetric Systems

We present and analyze a class of nonsymmetric preconditioners within a normal (weighted least-squares) matrix form for use in GMRES to solve nonsymmetric matrix problems that typically arise in finite element discretizations. An example of the additive Schwarz method applied to nonsymmetric but definite matrices is presented for which the abstract assumptions are verified. A variable preconditioner, combining the original nonsymmetric one and a weighted least-squares version of it, is shown to be convergent and provides a viable strategy for using nonsymmetric preconditioners in practice. Numerical results are included to assess the theory and the performance of the proposed preconditioners.Comment: 26 pages, 3 figure

Resonance Contributions to η\eta Photoproduction on Protons Found Using Dispersion Relations and an Isobar Model

The contributions of the resonances $D_{13}(1520)$, $S_{11}(1535)$, $S_{11}(1650)$, $D_{15}(1675)$, $F_{15}(1680)$, $D_{13}(1700)$, $P_{11}(1710)$, $P_{13}(1720)$ to $\gamma p\to \eta p$ are found from the data on cross sections, beam and target asymmetries using two approaches: fixed-t dispersion relations and an isobar model. Utilization of the two approaches and comparison of the results obtained with different parametrizations of the resonance contributions allowed us to make conclusions about the model-dependence of these contributions. We conclude that the results for the contributions of the resonances $D_{13}(1520)$, $S_{11}(1535)$, $F_{15}(1680)$ to corresponding multipole amplitudes are stable. With this the results for $D_{13}(1520)$ and $F_{15}(1680)$, combined with their PDG photoexcitation helicity amplitudes, allowed us to find the branching ratios $Br (D_{13}(1520)\to \eta N)=0.05\pm 0.02$, $Br (F_{15}(1680)\to \eta N)=0.16\pm0.04$ which have significantly better accuracy than the PDG data. The total Breit-Wigner width of the $S_{11}(1535)$ is model-dependent, we have obtained $\Gamma (S_{11}(1520))=142 MeV$ and $195 MeV$ using dispersion relations and the isobar model, respectively. The results for the $S_{11}(1650)$, $D_{15}(1675)$, $P_{11}(1710)$, $P_{13}(1720)$ are model dependent, only the signs and orders of magnitude of their contributions to multipole amplitudes are determined. The results for the $D_{13}(1700)$ are strongly model-dependent.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figure

Cavity cooling a single charged nanoparticle

The development of laser cooling coupled with the ability to trap atoms and ions in electromagnetic fields, has revolutionised atomic and optical physics, leading to the development of atomic clocks, high-resolution spectroscopy and applications in quantum simulation and processing. However, complex systems, such as large molecules and nanoparticles, lack the simple internal resonances required for laser cooling. Here we report on a hybrid scheme that uses the external resonance of an optical cavity, combined with radio frequency (RF) fields, to trap and cool a single charged nanoparticle. An RF Paul trap allows confinement in vacuum, avoiding instabilities that arise from optical fields alone, and crucially actively participates in the cooling process. This system offers great promise for cooling and trapping a wide range of complex charged particles with applications in precision force sensing, mass spectrometry, exploration of quantum mechanics at large mass scales and the possibility of creating large quantum superpositions.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures Updated version includes additional references, new title, and supplementary information include

Forbidden Ca 2 in the sun unmasked by way of Venus

Eleven high-dispersion spectra of Venus, taken with blue Doppler shifts have permitted the unmasking of the 7323.88A forbidden line of Ca II from terrestrial absorption. An equivalent width is obtained of 7.4 + or - 0.4mA for this line in integrated sunlight. Our value of W sub lambda is smaller than previous values and much more accurate. The HSRA solar model gives a solar calcium abundance of A sub Ca = 6.21

Split-sideband spectroscopy in slowly modulated optomechanics

Optomechanical coupling between the motion of a mechanical oscillator and a cavity represents a new arena for experimental investigation of quantum effects on the mesoscopic and macroscopic scale.The motional sidebands of the output of a cavity offer ultra-sensitive probes of the dynamics. We introduce a scheme whereby these sidebands split asymmetrically and show how they may be used as experimental diagnostics and signatures of quantum noise limited dynamics. We show split-sidebands with controllable asymmetry occur by simultaneously modulating the light-mechanical coupling $g$ and $\omega_M$ - slowly and out of-phase. Such modulations are generic but already occur in optically trapped set-ups where the equilibrium point of the oscillator is varied cyclically. We analyse recently observed, but overlooked, experimental split-sideband asymmetries; although not yet in the quantum regime, the data suggests that split sideband structures are easily accessible to future experiments

Producing more rice with less water from irrigated systems

Irrigation management / Water use efficiency / Crop production / Water requirements / Water balance / Rice / Water distribution / Irrigated farming / Productivity / On-farm research / Irrigation scheduling / Groundwater / Conjunctive use / Rehabilitation / Modernization / Farmer participation / Farming systems / Irrigation systems / Crop-based irrigation / Asia / Philippines / Sri Lanka / Bangladesh / China / Malaysia / USA

Optomechanical cooling of levitated spheres with doubly-resonant fields

Optomechanical cooling of levitated dielectric particles represents a promising new approach in the quest to cool small mechanical resonators towards their quantum ground state. We investigate two-mode cooling of levitated nanospheres in a self-trapping regime. We identify a rich structure of split sidebands (by a mechanism unrelated to usual strong-coupling effects) and strong cooling even when one mode is blue detuned. We show the best regimes occur when both optical fields cooperatively cool and trap the nanosphere, where cooling rates are over an order of magnitude faster compared to corresponding single-sideband cooling rates.Comment: 8 Pages, 7 figure

Scaling study of Si/SiGe MODFETs for RF applications

Based on the successful calibration on a 0.25 /spl mu/m strained Si/SiGe n-type MODFET, this paper presents a gate length scaling study of double-side doped Si/SiGe MODFETs. Our simulations show that gate length scaling improves device RF performance. However, the short channel effects (SCE) along with the parasitic delays limit the device performance improvements. We find that it is necessary to consider scaling (dimensions and doping) of both the lateral and vertical architecture in order to optimize the device design

Who uses foodbanks and why? Exploring the impact of financial strain and adverse life events on food insecurity

Background Rising use of foodbanks highlights food insecurity in the UK. Adverse life events (e.g. unemployment, benefit delays or sanctions) and financial strains are thought to be the drivers of foodbank use. This research aimed to explore who uses foodbanks, and factors associated with increased food insecurity. Methods We surveyed those seeking help from front line crisis providers from foodbanks (N = 270) and a comparison group from Advice Centres (ACs) (N = 245) in relation to demographics, adverse life events, financial strain and household food security. Results About 55.9% of foodbank users were women and the majority were in receipt of benefits (64.8%). Benefit delays (31.9%), changes (11.1%) and low income (19.6%) were the most common reasons given for referral. Compared to AC users, there were more foodbank users who were single men without children, unemployed, currently homeless, experiencing more financial strain and adverse life events (P = 0.001). Food insecurity was high in both populations, and more severe if they also reported financial strain and adverse life events. Conclusions Benefit-related problems appear to be a key reason for foodbank referral. By comparison with other disadvantaged groups, foodbank users experienced more financial strain, adverse life events, both increased the severity of food insecurity

The 8^8B Neutrino Spectrum

Knowledge of the energy spectrum of $^8$B neutrinos is an important ingredient for interpreting experiments that detect energetic neutrinos from the Sun. The neutrino spectrum deviates from the allowed approximation because of the broad alpha-unstable $^8$Be final state and recoil order corrections to the beta decay. We have measured the total energy of the alpha particles emitted following the beta decay of $^8$B. The measured spectrum is inconsistent with some previous measurements, in particular with a recent experiment of comparable precision. The beta decay strength function for the transition from $^8$B to the accessible excitation energies in $^8$Be is fit to the alpha energy spectrum using the R-matrix approach. Both the positron and neutrino energy spectra, corrected for recoil order effects, are constructed from the strength function. The positron spectrum is in good agreement with a previous direct measurement. The neutrino spectrum disagrees with previous experiments, particularly for neutrino energies above 12 MeV.Comment: 15 pages, 13 figures, 4 tables, submitted to Phys. Rev. C, typos correcte