Gauge invariance and non-constant gauge couplings

It is shown that space-time dependent gauge couplings do not completely break gauge invariance. We demonstrate this in various gauge theories.Comment: 18 page

Threshold of Singularity Formation in the Semilinear Wave Equation

Solutions of the semilinear wave equation are found numerically in three spatial dimensions with no assumed symmetry using distributed adaptive mesh refinement. The threshold of singularity formation is studied for the two cases in which the exponent of the nonlinear term is either $p=5$ or $p=7$. Near the threshold of singularity formation, numerical solutions suggest an approach to self-similarity for the $p=7$ case and an approach to a scale evolving static solution for $p=5$.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure

Treating some solid state problems with the Dirac equation

The ambiguity involved in the definition of effective-mass Hamiltonians for nonrelativistic models is resolved using the Dirac equation. The multistep approximation is extended for relativistic cases allowing the treatment of arbitrary potential and effective-mass profiles without ordering problems. On the other hand, if the Schrodinger equation is supposed to be used, our relativistic approach demonstrate that both results are coincidents if the BenDaniel and Duke prescription for the kinetic-energy operator is implemented. Applications for semiconductor heterostructures are discussed.Comment: 06 pages, 5 figure

Quantum gravitational optics: the induced phase

The geometrical approximation of the extended Maxwell equation in curved spacetime incorporating interactions induced by the vacuum polarization effects is considered. Taking into account these QED interactions and employing the analogy between eikonal equation in geometrical optics and Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the particle motion, we study the phase structure of the modified theory. There is a complicated, local induced phase which is believed to be responsible for the modification of the classical picture of light ray. The main features of QGO could be obtained through the study of this induced phase. We discuss initial principles in conventional and modified geometrical optics and compare the results.Comment: 10 pages, REVTex forma

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

Equivalence between different classical treatments of the O(N) nonlinear sigma model and their functional Schrodinger equations

In this work we derive the Hamiltonian formalism of the O(N) non-linear sigma model in its original version as a second-class constrained field theory and then as a first-class constrained field theory. We treat the model as a second-class constrained field theory by two different methods: the unconstrained and the Dirac second-class formalisms. We show that the Hamiltonians for all these versions of the model are equivalent. Then, for a particular factor-ordering choice, we write the functional Schrodinger equation for each derived Hamiltonian. We show that they are all identical which justifies our factor-ordering choice and opens the way for a future quantization of the model via the functional Schrodinger representation.Comment: Revtex version, 17 pages, substantial change

Comment on "Plasma ionization by annularly bounded helicon waves" [Phys . Plasmas 13, 063501 (2006)]

The neoclassical calculation of the helicon wave theory contains a fundamental flaw. Use is made of a proportional relationship between the magnetic field and its curl to derive the Helmholtz equation describing helicon wave propagation; however, by the fundamental theorem of Stokes, the curl of the magnetic field must be perpendicular to that portion of the field contributing to the local curl. Reexamination of the equations of motion indicates that only electromagnetic waves propagate through a stationary region of constant pressure in a fully ionized, neutral medium.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, to be published in Phys. Plasmas, http://link.aip.org/link/?PHPAEN/16/054701/

Radiative effects of increased water vapor in the upper Saharan air layer associated with enhanced dustiness

The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is known as an elevated, well-mixed, warm, dry, frequently dusty layer and plays an important role in regional climate and dust transport. A new analysis of aircraft observations of haboob-driven dust events shows that although increased dustiness in the SAL is associated with drier conditions in the lower-SAL as expected, dustiness is also associated with increased moisture in the upper-SAL, likely originating from cold pool outflows driving the dust uplift. We assess the radiative effects of the observed dust and increased water vapor (WV). The observed WV in the upper-SAL affects the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) direct radiative effect (DRE), while lower-SAL WV affects the surface DRE and column atmospheric heating. TOA DRE is negative for dust-only, while including both the observed dust and WV reduces the magnitude of the negative TOA DRE by 17% (3.0±0.8 Wm-2) when AOD>0.6. The observed WV structure increases the magnitude of the negative surface DRE from dust by 8% (5.1±0.8 Wm-2) and increases atmospheric heating by 17% (8.0±0.6 Wm-2). These effects are driven by longwave (LW) radiation, whereby WV changes increase the positive TOA LW DRE, decrease the surface LW DRE and change the sign of LW atmospheric heating from negative to positive. WV leads to enhanced cooling in the moist upper-SAL and heating in the dry lower-SAL under dustier conditions. Increased WV in the SAL is consistent with other studies demonstrating increasing Saharan WV. This work demonstrates the importance of upper-SAL WV in determining the radiative effect of dust

Classical Physics and Quantum Loops

The standard picture of the loop expansion associates a factor of h-bar with each loop, suggesting that the tree diagrams are to be associated with classical physics, while loop effects are quantum mechanical in nature. We discuss examples wherein classical effects arise from loop contributions and display the relationship between the classical terms and the long range effects of massless particles.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figure