16,690 research outputs found
Fermi, Majorana and the statistical model of atoms
We give an account of the appearance and first developments of the
statistical model of atoms proposed by Thomas and Fermi, focusing on the main
results achieved by Fermi and his group in Rome. Particular attention is
addressed to the unknown contribution to this subject by Majorana, anticipating
some important results reached later by leading physicists.Comment: Latex, 16 pages, 2 figure
Fast wavelength-tunable ultra-violet laser source for confocal Fura-2AM imaging
We report a novel wavelength-flexible laser source for three-dimensional ultra-violet imaging. Based on supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fiber, the resultant broadband laser source extended from A = 331 nm into the visible region of the spectrum. Using an electronically-controlled filter wheel and filter set with a response time of approximately 50 ins, rapid wavelength selection was performed. The described scheme is capable of exciting the current range of ultra-violet-excited fluorophores and the simple and rapid wavelength control also provides a new approach for fast ratiometric imaging of Fura-2AM, facilitating an easy method of performing quantitative intracellular calcium concentration measurements
Boundary Operators in Quantum Field Theory
The fundamental laws of physics can be derived from the requirement of
invariance under suitable classes of transformations on the one hand, and from
the need for a well-posed mathematical theory on the other hand. As a part of
this programme, the present paper shows under which conditions the introduction
of pseudo-differential boundary operators in one-loop Euclidean quantum gravity
is compatible both with their invariance under infinitesimal diffeomorphisms
and with the requirement of a strongly elliptic theory. Suitable assumptions on
the kernel of the boundary operator make it therefore possible to overcome
problems resulting from the choice of purely local boundary conditions.Comment: 23 pages, plain Tex. The revised version contains a new section, and
the presentation has been improve
Radiation Induced Fermion Resonance
The Dirac equation is solved for two novel terms which describe the
interaction energy between the half integral spin of a fermion and the
classical, circularly polarized, electromagnetic field. A simple experiment is
suggested to test the new terms and the existence of radiation induced fermion
resonance.Comment: latex, 4 pages, no figure
Baryon asymmetry in the Universe resulting from Lorentz violation
We analyze the phenomenological consequences of a Lorentz violating
energy-momentum dispersion relation in order to give a simple explanation for
the baryon asymmetry in the Universe. By assuming very few hypotheses, we
propose a straightforward mechanism for generating the observed
matter-antimatter asymmetry which entails a Lorentz-breakdown energy scale of
the order of the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cut-off.Comment: 7 page
Helga Nowotny in Conversation with Elena Esposito
Helga Nowotny, Professor emerita of Science and Technology Studies at ETH Zurich, is a leading scholar in the social studies of science and technology. In her extensive publications she dealt, among other topics, with social and individual structuring of time, technological innovation, uncertainty, social effects of AI, and the interaction between biological life and social life. Always intensely engaged in research policy, Nowotny is one of the founding members of the European Research Council and was its President from 2010 to 2013. In this conversation with Elena Esposito, she talks about her scientific biography, the role of technologies in the experience of time, and the relationship between STS and sociology of science. Drawing on her experience in the organization and funding of science at EU level, she also reflects on the relationship between research and science policy and on the ongoing transformations in the way of doing research and in gender issues
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