Continuum states from time-dependent density functional theory

Linear response time-dependent density functional theory is used to study low-lying electronic continuum states of targets that can bind an extra electron. Exact formulas to extract scattering amplitudes from the susceptibility are derived in one dimension. A single-pole approximation for scattering phase shifts in three dimensions is shown to be more accurate than static exchange for singlet electron-He$^+$ scattering.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, J. Chem. Phys. accepte

Exoskeleton master controller with force-reflecting telepresence

A thorough understanding of the requirements for successful master-slave robotic systems is becoming increasingly desirable. Such systems can aid in the accomplishment of tasks that are hazardous or inaccessible to humans. Although a history of use has proven master-slave systems to be viable, system requirements and the impact of specifications on the human factors side of system performance are not well known. In support of the next phase of teleoperation research being conducted at the Armstrong Research Laboratory, a force-reflecting, seven degree of freedom exoskeleton for master-slave teleoperation has been concepted, and is presently being developed. The exoskeleton has a unique kinematic structure that complements the structure of the human arm. It provides a natural means for teleoperating a dexterous, possibly redundant manipulator. It allows ease of use without operator fatigue and faithfully follows human arm and wrist motions. Reflected forces and moments are remotely transmitted to the operator hand grip using a cable transmission scheme. This paper presents the exoskeleton concept and development results to date. Conceptual design, hardware, algorithms, computer architecture, and software are covered

Geological and site specific factors influencing earthquake hazard assessment for New Brunswick, Canada

Seismic hazard studies by Earthquakes Canada place most of New Brunswick in the moderate part of the hazard range. Limitations are identified with the documented earthquake database suggesting that revisions are necessary for location and magnitude of some of the known historical earthquakes. In addition, the disturbance from a given event magnitude can be modified by local geological conditions and site specific factors. This is particularly true for New Brunswick, where many of the communities were settled along river valleys and coastal areas, which are under-lain by thick deposits of glacial and alluvial sediments that can amplify ground motion. The historical documentation and paleoseismic studies that identify seismic-generated disturbances are reviewed in this paper. Ground motion from both moderate (4 MN) local and large (> 5 MN) regional earthquakes represents a hazard at some locations and particularly those sites adjacent to steep slopes or sites underlain by thick surficial deposits. Amplification of ground motion would be expected at sites overlying low shear wave velocity zones typical of alluvial sediments. This may explain the larger shaking effects experienced in the downtown area of Fredericton from distant earthquakes. Alteration of springs, rivers and groundwater supplies has happened as a result of earthquakes, although few effects remain permanent. Reports of earthquake-generated tsunamis and lake seiches are rare for New Brunswick. Earthquake-induced rock falls occurred along some rock slopes during moderate earthquakes in 1855 and 1937, and a landslide occurred in marine sediments possibly triggered by a minor unrecorded local tremor in 1977. This study identifies the need for future paleoseismic research and microzonation studies for the major communities within the province. RÉSUMÉ Des études de l’aléa sismique réalisées par Séismes Canada situent la majeure partie du Nouveau‑Brunswick au niveau moyen de l’échelle de l’aléa. La base de données sismologiques documentées fait part de restrictions laissant supposer la nécessité de révisions de l’emplacement et de la magnitude de certains des tremblements de terre passés connus. De plus, les secousses dues à la magnitude d’un séisme donné peuvent être modifiées par les conditions géologiques locales et par des facteurs propres à l’emplacement. C’est particulièrement le cas au Nouveau‑Brunswick où de nombreuses localités se sont implantées le long de vallées fluviales et de secteurs côtiers qui reposent sur des dépôts épais de sédiments glaciaires et alluvionnaires pouvant amplifier les mouvements du sol. Cet article passe en revue la documentation historique et les études paléosismiques qui définissent les secousses sismiques. Les mouvements du sol que produisent les tremblements de terre régionaux importants (> 5 MN) et locaux moyens (4 MN) représentent un aléa en certains endroits, particulièrement à proximité des pentes abruptes ou des secteurs reposant sur des dépôts superficiels épais. Une amplification des mouvements du sol peut être anticipée dans les secteurs recouvrant des zones de faible vitesse d’ondes transversales typiques des sédiments alluvionnaires. Une telle situation pourrait expliquer les secousses plus marquées vécues dans le centre‑ville de Fredericton par suite de tremblements de terre éloignés. Certains séismes ont modifié des ruisseaux, des rivières et des réserves d’eaux souterraines, mais de tels effets sont rarement permanents. Il est rare qu’on signale des tsunamis et des seiches sur des lacs dus à des tremblements de terre au Nouveau‑Brunswick. Des éboulements provoqués par des séismes sont survenus le long de certaines pentes rocheuses au cours de tremblements de terre moyens en 1855 et en 1937, et un glissement de terrain possiblement déclenché par une faible secousse sismique locale non enregistrée en 1977 s’est produit dans des sédiments marins. L’étude démontre la nécessité d’études de microzonation et de recherches paléosismiques futures visant les principales localités de la province. [Traduit par la redaction

Suppression of inelastic bound state resonance effects by the dimensionality of atom-surface scattering event

We develop a multidimensional coupled channel method suitable for studying the interplay of bound state resonance and phonon assisted scattering of inert gas atoms from solid surfaces in one, two and three dimensions. This enables us to get insight into the features that depend on the dimensionality of inelastic resonant processes typically encountered in low energy He atom scattering from surfaces, in general, and to elaborate on the observability of recently conjectured near threshold resonances in scattering from Einstein phonons, in particular.Comment: 2 figure

R-matrix Floquet theory for laser-assisted electron-atom scattering

A new version of the R-matrix Floquet theory for laser-assisted electron-atom scattering is presented. The theory is non-perturbative and applicable to a non-relativistic many-electron atom or ion in a homogeneous linearly polarized field. It is based on the use of channel functions built from field-dressed target states, which greatly simplifies the general formalism.Comment: 18 pages, LaTeX2e, submitted to J.Phys.

Half-Life of 14^{14}O

We have measured the half-life of $^{14}$O, a superallowed $(0^{+} \to 0^{+})$ $\beta$ decay isotope. The $^{14}$O was produced by the $^{12}$C($^{3}$He,n)$^{14}$O reaction using a carbon aerogel target. A low-energy ion beam of $^{14}$O was mass separated and implanted in a thin beryllium foil. The beta particles were counted with plastic scintillator detectors. We find $t_{1/2} = 70.696\pm 0.052$ s. This result is $1.5\sigma$ higher than an average value from six earlier experiments, but agrees more closely with the most recent previous measurement.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

Confinement effects in a guided-wave interferometer with millimeter-scale arm separation

Guided-wave atom interferometers measure interference effects using atoms held in a confining potential. In one common implementation, the confinement is primarily two-dimensional, and the atoms move along the nearly free dimension under the influence of an off-resonant standing wave laser beam. In this configuration, residual confinement along the nominally free axis can introduce a phase gradient to the atoms that limits the arm separation of the interferometer. We experimentally investigate this effect in detail, and show that it can be alleviated by having the atoms undergo a more symmetric motion in the guide. This can be achieved by either using additional laser pulses or by allowing the atoms to freely oscillate in the potential. Using these techniques, we demonstrate interferometer measurement times up to 72 ms and arm separations up to 0.42 mm with a well controlled phase, or times of 0.91 s and separations of 1.7 mm with an uncontrolled phase.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

K-T impact(s): Continental, oceanic or both

Although geochemical and mineralogical evidence indicate that a major accretionary event occurred at the K-T boundary, no impact crater of suitable size and age was recognized. The 35 km Manson Structure, Iowa, was suggested recently as a possibility and Ar-40/Ar-39 determinations indicate that its formation age is indistinguishable from that of the K-T boundary. In order to test a possible association between Manson and the K-T boundary clay, the geochemistry and mineralogy of the K-T boundary clays at the Scollard Canyon section, Alberta and the Starkville South section, Colorado are compared with three dominant lithologies affected by the Manson impact: Proterozoic red clastics, underlying late-state granites, and gneisses. The chemical and mineralogical makeup of the Scollard Canyon boundary clay and its clastic constituents are presented, commenting on the implications for impact models. An impact into crystalline material of continental affinity appears to be required to explain the mineralogy and chemistry of the Scollard Canyon (and other Western N. American K-T sections). The low REE abundances of some K-T boundary layers are unusual but perhaps attempts should be made to understand the contributions of individual crustal components (e.g., carbonates, arkoses) as well as the potential for alteration involving these and other elements during and after impact-induced vaporization, before mantle excavation is invoked. If further studies confirm the results of published studies of marine boundary clays that indicate an oceanic target, attention must be paid to the possibility that multiple impacts occurred at the K-T boundary - one or more on the continents and one or more in the ocean