Self consistent thermal wave model description of the transverse dynamics for relativistic charged particle beams in magnetoactive plasmas

Thermal Wave Model is used to study the strong self-consistent Plasma Wake Field interaction (transverse effects) between a strongly magnetized plasma and a relativistic electron/positron beam travelling along the external magnetic field, in the long beam limit, in terms of a nonlocal NLS equation and the virial equation. In the linear regime, vortices predicted in terms of Laguerre-Gauss beams characterized by non-zero orbital angular momentum (vortex charge). In the nonlinear regime, criteria for collapse and stable oscillations is established and the thin plasma lens mechanism is investigated, for beam size much greater than the plasma wavelength. The beam squeezing and the self-pinching equilibrium is predicted, for beam size much smaller than the plasma wavelength, taking the aberrationless solution of the nonlocal Nonlinear Schroeding equation.Comment: Poster presentation P5.006 at the 38th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics, Strasbourg, France, 26 June - 1 July, 201

Interrogation of fiber Bragg-grating resonators by polarization-spectroscopy laser-frequency locking.

We report on an optically-based technique that provides an efficient way to track static and dynamic strain by locking the frequency of a diode laser to a fiber Bragg-grating Fabry-Pérot cavity. For this purpose, a suitable optical frequency discriminator is generated exploiting the fiber natural birefringence and that resulting from the gratings inscription process. In our scheme, a polarization analyzer detects dispersive-shaped signals centered on the cavity resonances without need for additional optical elements in the resonator or any laser-modulation technique. This method prevents degradation of the resonator quality and maintains the configuration relatively simple, demonstrating static and dynamic mechanical sensing below the picostrain level

The role of the Berry Phase in Dynamical Jahn-Teller Systems

The presence/absence of a Berry phase depends on the topology of the manifold of dynamical Jahn-Teller potential minima. We describe in detail the relation between these topological properties and the way the lowest two adiabatic potential surfaces get locally degenerate. We illustrate our arguments through spherical generalizations of the linear T x h and H x h cases, relevant for the physics of fullerene ions. Our analysis allows us to classify all the spherical Jahn-Teller systems with respect to the Berry phase. Its absence can, but does not necessarily, lead to a nondegenerate ground state.Comment: revtex 7 pages, 2 eps figures include

The Planetary Nebulae Population in the Nuclear Regions of M31: the SAURON view

Following a first study of the central regions of M32 that illustrated the power of integral-field spectroscopy (IFS) in detecting and measuring the [O III]{\lambda}5007 emission of PNe against a strong stellar background, we turn to the very nuclear PN population of M31, within 80 pc of its centre. We show that PNe can also be found in the presence of emission from diffuse gas and further illustrate the excellent sensitivity of IFS in detecting extragalactic PNe through a comparison with narrowband images obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope. We find the nuclear PNe population of M31 is only marginally consistent with the generally adopted form of the PNe luminosity function (PNLF). In particular, this is due to a lack of PNe with absolute magnitude M5007 brighter than -3, which would only result from a rather unfortunate draw from such a model PNLF. We suggest that the observed lack of bright PNe in the nuclear regions of M31 is due to a horizontal-branch population that is more tilted toward less massive and hotter He-burning stars, so that its progeny consists mostly of UV-bright stars that fail to climb back up the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and only of few, if any, bright PNe powered by central post-AGB stars. These results are also consistent with recent reports on a dearth of bright post-AGB stars towards the nucleus of M31, and lend further support to the idea that the metallicity of a stellar population has an impact on the way the horizontal branch is populated and to the loose anticorrelation between the strength of the UV-upturn and the specific number of PNe that is observed in early-type galaxies. Finally, our investigation also serves to stress the importance of considering the same spatial scales when comparing the PNe population of galaxies with the properties of their stellar populations.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication on Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Societ

Adaptable transition systems

We present an essential model of adaptable transition systems inspired by white-box approaches to adaptation and based on foundational models of component based systems. The key feature of adaptable transition systems are control propositions, imposing a clear separation between ordinary, functional behaviours and adaptive ones. We instantiate our approach on interface automata yielding adaptable interface automata, but it may be instantiated on other foundational models of component-based systems as well. We discuss how control propositions can be exploited in the specification and analysis of adaptive systems, focusing on various notions proposed in the literature, like adaptability, control loops, and control synthesis

Inflationary Perturbations in Palatini Generalised Gravity

We examine the generation of primordial perturbations during an inflationary epoch in generalised theories of gravity when the equations of motion are derived using the Palatini variational principle. Both f(R) and Scalar-Tensor theories are considered and we compare our results with those obtained under the conventional metric formalism. Non-linear generalisations of the action lead to different theories under the two variational choices and we obtain distinct results for scalar and tensor spectral indices and their ratio. We find the following general result; inflation driven solely by f(R) modifications alone do not result in suitable curvature perturbations whilst Scalar-Tensor theories generate nearly scalar invariant curvature perturbations but no tensor modes.Comment: 9 page

Multiscale Composites: Assessment of a Feasible Manufacturing Process

A very interesting field of research on advanced composite materials is the possibility to integrate new functionalities and specific improvements acting on the matrix of the composite by means of a nanocharged resin. In this way, the composite becomes a so-called "multiscale composite" in which the different phases change from nano to macro scale. For example, the incorporation of nanoscale conductive fillers with intrinsically high electrical conductivity could allow a tailoring of this property for the final material. The properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) make them an effective candidate as fillers in polymer composite systems to obtain ultralight structural materials with advanced electrical and thermal characteristics. Nevertheless, several problems are related to the distribution in the matrix and to the processability of the systems filled with CNT. Existing liquid molding processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) can be adapted to produce carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) impregnated with CNT nanofilled resins. Unfortunately, the loading of more than 0.3-0.5% of CNT can lead to high resin viscosities that are unacceptable for such kind of processes. In addition to the viscosity issues that are related to the high CNT content, a filtration effect of the nanofillers caused by the fibrous medium may also lead to inadequate final component quality. This work describes the development of an effective manufacturing process of a fiber-reinforced multiscale composite panel, with a tetra-functional epoxy matrix loaded with carbon nanotubes to increase its electrical properties and with GPOSS to increase its resistance to fire. A first approach has been attempted with a traditional liquid infusion process. As already anticipated, this technique has shown considerable difficulties related both to the low level of impregnation achieved, due to the high viscosity of the resin, and to the filtration effects of the dispersed nanocharges. To overcome these problems, an opportunely modified process based on a sort of film infusion has been proposed. This modification has given an acceptable result in terms of impregnation and morphological arrangement of CNTs in nanofilled CFRP. Finally, the developed infiltration technique has been tested for the manufacture of a carbon fiber-reinforced panel with a more complex shape

Non-collinear quasi phase matching and annular profiles in difference frequency generation with focused Gaussian beams.

We present and experimentally test a simple model for difference frequency generation (DFG) in periodically-poled crystals with gaussian pumping beams. Focusing of input beams originates several non-collinear quasi-phase-matching configurations of the interacting wavevectors, which contribute to the idler output field. In this picture, we accurately describe a number of effects, such as the occurrence of annular idler intensity profiles and the asymmetric trend of DFG power vs temperature. Finally, we quantitatively test the model by means of an indirect measurement of the crystal poling period

Monitoring Networks through Multiparty Session Types

In large-scale distributed infrastructures, applications are realised through communications among distributed components. The need for methods for assuring safe interactions in such environments is recognized, however the existing frameworks, relying on centralised verification or restricted specification methods, have limited applicability. This paper proposes a new theory of monitored π-calculus with dynamic usage of multiparty session types (MPST), offering a rigorous foundation for safety assurance of distributed components which asynchronously communicate through multiparty sessions. Our theory establishes a framework for semantically precise decentralised run-time enforcement and provides reasoning principles over monitored distributed applications, which complement existing static analysis techniques. We introduce asynchrony through the means of explicit routers and global queues, and propose novel equivalences between networks, that capture the notion of interface equivalence, i.e. equating networks offering the same services to a user. We illustrate our static-dynamic analysis system with an ATM protocol as a running example and justify our theory with results: satisfaction equivalence, local/global safety and transparency, and session fidelity