Quantum Polarization of D4-branes

The low energy effective field theory of type II D4-branes coupled to bulk supergravity fields is used to investigate {\it quantum} effects for D4-branes in the D0 supergravity background. Classically, the D4-branes are unaffected by this background. However, quantum (one-loop) effects are argued to lead to an induced density of D0-brane charge; e.g., D0-multipole moments on the D4-brane. The effect is divergent in field theory, but is expected to be cut-off naturally by stringy corrections.Comment: 15 pages, Some changes in the implications for string theory after discussions with Friedel Eppl

Counting Supertubes

The quantum states of the supertube are counted by directly quantizing the linearized Born-Infeld action near the round tube. The result is an entropy $S = 2\pi \sqrt{2 (Q_{D0}Q_{F1}-J)}$, in accord with conjectures in the literature. As a result, supertubes may be the generic D0-F1 bound state. Our approach also shows directly that supertubes are marginal bound states with a discrete spectrum. We also discuss the relation to recent suggestions of Mathur et al involving three-charge black holes.Comment: 15 pages, v2: reference corrected; v3: few corrections and explicit derivation of a relation are added to appendix

Very high quality factor measured in annealed fused silica

We present the results of quality factor measurements for rod samples made of fused silica. To decrease the dissipation we annealed our samples. The highest quality factor that we observed was $Q=(2.03\pm0.01)\times10^8$ for a mode at 384 Hz. This is the highest published value of $Q$ in fused silica measured to date.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figure

Supertubes, black strings and D-brane systems

In this dissertation, we focus on aspects of String Theory and General Relativity. The study of objects of various spatial dimensions, or branes, have become an intrinsic part of modern String Theory. Here, we focus on three concrete topics concerning the physics of branes: supertubes, quantum D-brane polarization, and the stability of black branes. We devote the final part of this work to the study of fast travel in 3+1 dimensional spherically symmetric configurations

Why is Brazil enriching uranium?

In Brazil construction began in 1971 on Angra 1, a 626 MW Westinghouse pressurized water reactor (PWR). It was completed in 1984. Later, Angra 2 (a Kraftwerk Union PWR) achieved commercial operation in 2000. Brazil is considering the construction of seven nuclear power plants over the next 15 years. In preparation for this nuclear industry expansion, Brazil is building a uranium enrichment facility to provide nuclear fuel for Angra 1 and 2 starting in 2010 at Resende in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and collated with nuclear fuel fabrication facilities. This paper investigates whether the Resende Enrichment Facility will be able to provide uranium enrichment services at a cost lower than the international market price. We find that while Brazil is unlikely to be internationally competitive in the enrichment market, the Resende Enrichment Facility completes the front end of Brazil's nuclear fuel cycle. This assures uninterrupted nuclear fuel to its currently operating light water reactors, while providing the option of expanding capacity, lowering cost, and competing in the international nuclear fuel market after 2020.