34,920 research outputs found
Hadamard States and Two-dimensional Gravity
We have used a two-dimensional analog of the Hadamard state-condition to
study the local constraints on the two-point function of a linear quantum field
conformally coupled to a two-dimensional gravitational background. We develop a
dynamical model in which the determination of the state of the quantum field is
essentially related to the determination of a conformal frame. A particular
conformal frame is then introduced in which a two-dimensional gravitational
equation is established.Comment: 7 pages, no figur
On the choice of parameters in solar structure inversion
The observed solar p-mode frequencies provide a powerful diagnostic of the
internal structure of the Sun and permit us to test in considerable detail the
physics used in the theory of stellar structure. Amongst the most commonly used
techniques for inverting such helioseismic data are two implementations of the
optimally localized averages (OLA) method, namely the Subtractive Optimally
Localized Averages (SOLA) and Multiplicative Optimally Localized Averages
(MOLA). Both are controlled by a number of parameters, the proper choice of
which is very important for a reliable inference of the solar internal
structure. Here we make a detailed analysis of the influence of each parameter
on the solution and indicate how to arrive at an optimal set of parameters for
a given data set.Comment: 14 pages, 15 figures. Accepted for publication on MNRA
Classification of String-like Solutions in Dilaton Gravity
The static string-like solutions of the Abelian Higgs model coupled to
dilaton gravity are analyzed and compared to the non-dilatonic case. Except for
a special coupling between the Higgs Lagrangian and the dilaton, the solutions
are flux tubes that generate a non-asymptotically flat geometry. Any point in
parameter space corresponds to two branches of solutions with two different
asymptotic behaviors. Unlike the non-dilatonic case, where one branch is always
asymptotically conic, in the present case the asymptotic behavior changes
continuously along each branch.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures. To be published in Phys. Rev.
Correlated noise in networks of gravitational-wave detectors: subtraction and mitigation
One of the key science goals of advanced gravitational-wave detectors is to
observe a stochastic gravitational-wave background. However, recent work
demonstrates that correlated magnetic fields from Schumann resonances can
produce correlated strain noise over global distances, potentially limiting the
sensitivity of stochastic background searches with advanced detectors. In this
paper, we estimate the correlated noise budget for the worldwide Advanced LIGO
network and conclude that correlated noise may affect upcoming measurements. We
investigate the possibility of a Wiener filtering scheme to subtract correlated
noise from Advanced LIGO searches, and estimate the required specifications. We
also consider the possibility that residual correlated noise remains following
subtraction, and we devise an optimal strategy for measuring astronomical
parameters in the presence of correlated noise. Using this new formalism, we
estimate the loss of sensitivity for a broadband, isotropic stochastic
background search using 1 yr of LIGO data at design sensitivity. Given our
current noise budget, the uncertainty with which LIGO can estimate energy
density will likely increase by a factor of ~4--if it is impossible to achieve
significant subtraction. Additionally, narrowband cross-correlation searches
may be severely affected at low frequencies f < 45 Hz without effective
subtraction.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figure
The Devil is in the Detail: Hints for Practical Optimisation
Finding the minimum of an objective function, such as a least squares or negative log-likelihood function, with respect to the unknown model parameters is a problem often encountered in econometrics. Consequently, students of econometrics and applied econometricians are usually well-grounded in the broad differences between the numerical procedures employed to solve these problems. Often, however, relatively little time is given to understanding the practical subtleties of implementing these schemes when faced with illbehaved problems. This paper addresses some of the details involved in practical optimisation, such as dealing with constraints on the parameters, specifying starting values, termination criteria and analytical gradients, and illustrates some of the general ideas with several instructive examples.gradient algorithms, unconstrained optimisation, generalised method of moments.
High temperature thermoelectric efficiency in Ba8Ga16Ge30
The high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of Ba8Ga16Ge30 makes it one of the best n-type materials for thermoelectric power generation. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a Czochralski pulled single crystal of Ba8Ga16Ge30 and polycrystalline disks. Measurements of the electrical conductivity, Hall effect, specific heat, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient were performed up to 1173 K and compared with literature results. Dilatometry measurements give a coefficient of thermal expansion of 16Ă10^â6 K^â1 up to 1175 K. The trend in electronic properties with composition is typical of a heavily doped semiconductor. The maximum in the thermoelectric figure of merit is found at 1050 K with a value of 0.8. The correction of zT due to thermal expansion is not significant compared to the measurement uncertainties involved. Comparing the thermoelectric efficiency of segmented materials, the effect of compatibility makes Ba8Ga16Ge30 more efficient than the higher zT n-type materials SiGe or skutterudite CoSb3
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