316 research outputs found
Sp(2)-Symmetric Lagrangian BRST Quantization
One Lagrangian BRST quantization principle is that of imposing correct
Schwinger-Dyson equations through the BRST Ward identities. In this paper we
show how to derive the analogous -symmetric quantization condition in
flat coordinates from an underlying -symmetric Schwinger-Dyson BRST
symmetry. We also show under what conditions this can be recast in the language
of triplectic quantization.Comment: LaTeX, 19 page
A Comparative Study of Laplacians and Schroedinger-Lichnerowicz-Weitzenboeck Identities in Riemannian and Antisymplectic Geometry
We introduce an antisymplectic Dirac operator and antisymplectic gamma
matrices. We explore similarities between, on one hand, the
Schroedinger-Lichnerowicz formula for spinor bundles in Riemannian spin
geometry, which contains a zeroth-order term proportional to the Levi-Civita
scalar curvature, and, on the other hand, the nilpotent, Grassmann-odd,
second-order \Delta operator in antisymplectic geometry, which in general has a
zeroth-order term proportional to the odd scalar curvature of an arbitrary
antisymplectic and torsionfree connection that is compatible with the measure
density. Finally, we discuss the close relationship with the two-loop scalar
curvature term in the quantum Hamiltonian for a particle in a curved Riemannian
space.Comment: 55 pages, LaTeX. v2: Subsection 3.10 expanded. v3: Reference added.
v4: Published versio
Non-Commutative Batalin-Vilkovisky Algebras, Homotopy Lie Algebras and the Courant Bracket
We consider two different constructions of higher brackets. First, based on a
Grassmann-odd, nilpotent \Delta operator, we define a non-commutative
generalization of the higher Koszul brackets, which are used in a generalized
Batalin-Vilkovisky algebra, and we show that they form a homotopy Lie algebra.
Secondly, we investigate higher, so-called derived brackets built from
symmetrized, nested Lie brackets with a fixed nilpotent Lie algebra element Q.
We find the most general Jacobi-like identity that such a hierarchy satisfies.
The numerical coefficients in front of each term in these generalized Jacobi
identities are related to the Bernoulli numbers. We suggest that the definition
of a homotopy Lie algebra should be enlarged to accommodate this important
case. Finally, we consider the Courant bracket as an example of a derived
bracket. We extend it to the "big bracket" of exterior forms and multi-vectors,
and give closed formulas for the higher Courant brackets.Comment: 42 pages, LaTeX. v2: Added remarks in Section 5. v3: Added further
explanation. v4: Minor adjustments. v5: Section 5 completely rewritten to
include covariant construction. v6: Minor adjustments. v7: Added references
and explanation to Section
The Vasimr Engine: Project Status and Recent Accomplishments
The development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) was initiated in the late 1970s to address a critical requirement for fast, high-power interplanetary space transportation. While not being a fusion rocket, it nevertheless borrows heavily from that technology and takes advantage of the natural topology of open-ended magnetic systems. In addition to its high power density and high exhaust velocity, VASIMR is capable of "constant power throttling" a feature, which allows in-flight mission-optimization of thrust and specific impulse to enhance performance and reduce trip time. A NASA-led, research team, involving industry, academia and government facilities is pursuing the development of this concept in the United States. The technology can be validated, in the near term, in venues such as the International Space Station, where it can also serve as both a drag compensation device and a plasma contactor for the orbital facility. Other near-Earth applications in the commercial and scientific satellite sectors are also envisioned. This presentation covers the evolution of the VASIMR concept to its present status, as well as recent accomplishments in our understanding of the physics. Approaches and collaborative programs addressing the major technical challenges will also be presented
Investigation of a Light Gas Helicon Plasma Source for the VASIMR Space Propulsion System
An efficient plasma source producing a high-density (approx.10(exp 19/cu m) light gas (e.g. H, D, or He) flowing plasma with a high degree of ionization is a critical component of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) concept. We are developing an antenna to apply ICRF power near the fundamental ion cyclotron resonance to further accelerate the plasma ions to velocities appropriate for space propulsion applications. The high degree of ionization and a low vacuum background pressure are important to eliminate the problem of radial losses due to charge exchange. We have performed parametric (e.g. gas flow, power (0.5 - 3 kW), magnetic field , frequency (25 and 50 MHz)) studies of a helicon operating with gas (H2 D2, He, N2 and Ar) injected at one end with a high magnetic mirror downstream of the antenna. We have explored operation with a cusp and a mirror field upstream. Plasma flows into a low background vacuum (<10(exp -4) torr) at velocities higher than the ion sound speed. High densities (approx. 10(exp 19/cu m) have been achieved at the location where ICRF will be applied, just downstream of the magnetic mirror
Dynamics with Infinitely Many Time Derivatives and Rolling Tachyons
Both in string field theory and in p-adic string theory the equations of
motion involve infinite number of time derivatives. We argue that the initial
value problem is qualitatively different from that obtained in the limit of
many time derivatives in that the space of initial conditions becomes strongly
constrained. We calculate the energy-momentum tensor and study in detail time
dependent solutions representing tachyons rolling on the p-adic string theory
potentials. For even potentials we find surprising small oscillations at the
tachyon vacuum. These are not conventional physical states but rather
anharmonic oscillations with a nontrivial frequency--amplitude relation. When
the potentials are not even, small oscillatory solutions around the bottom must
grow in amplitude without a bound. Open string field theory resembles this
latter case, the tachyon rolls to the bottom and ever growing oscillations
ensue. We discuss the significance of these results for the issues of emerging
closed strings and tachyon matter.Comment: 46 pages, 14 figures, LaTeX. Replaced version: Minor typos corrected,
some figures edited for clarit
Validating a Plasma Momentum Flux Sensor to an Inverted Pendulum Thrust Stand
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/76451/1/AIAA-35706-298.pd
Experimental evidence of parametric decay processes in the variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket (VASIMR) helicon plasma source
Decay waves have been observed in the megahertz range in the helium plasma generated by the variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket magnetoplasma thruster. They are measured using one of the tips of a triple probe connected to a 50âΩ input of a spectrum analyzer via a dc block (a small capacitor). The maximum amplitude of all waves is in the center of the plasma and does not appear correlated to the radial electron density or temperature profiles. The waves seem to be generated close to the helicon antenna that was 91âcm âupstreamâ from the measuring Langmuir probe. A possible explanation is parametric decay of the large amplitude helicon wave that also generates the plasma.This project was proudly supported by the International
Science Linkages programme established under the Australian
Governmentâs innovation statement Backing Australiaâs
Ability
ICP curve morphology and intracranial flow-volume changes: a simultaneous ICP and cine phase contrast MRI study in humans
Background: The intracranial pressure (ICP) curve with its different peaks has been extensively studied, but the exact physiological mechanisms behind its morphology are still not fully understood. Both intracranial volume change (ÎICV) and transmission of the arterial blood pressure have been proposed to shape the ICP curve. This study tested the hypothesis that the ICP curve correlates to intracranial volume changes. Methods: Cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed in neuro-intensive care patients with simultaneous ICP monitoring. The MRI was set to examine cerebral arterial inflow and venous cerebral outflow as well as flow of cerebrospinal fluid over the foramen magnum. The difference in total flow into and out from the cranial cavity (Flowtot) over time provides the ÎICV. The ICP curve was compared to the Flowtot and the ÎICV. Correlations were calculated through linear and logarithmic regression. Studentâs t test was used to test the null hypothesis between paired samples. Results: Excluding the initial ICP wave, P1, the mean R2 for the correlation between the ÎICV and the ICP was 0.75 for the exponential expression, which had a higher correlation than the linear (p = 0.005). The first ICP peaks correlated to the initial peaks of Flowtot with a mean R2 = 0.88. Conclusion: The first part, or the P1, of the ICP curve seems to be created by the first rapid net inflow seen in Flowtot while the rest of the ICP curve seem to correlate to the ÎICV
Characteristics and conditions of production of transient luminous events observed over a maritime storm
International audienceOn the night of 15/16 November 2007, cameras in southern France detected 30 transient luminous events (TLEs) over a storm located in the Corsican region (France). Among these TLEs, 19 were sprites, 6 were halos, and 5 were elves. For 26 of them, a positive âparentâ cloudâtoâground lightning (P+CG) flash was identified. The peak current of the P+CG flashes for the sprites had an average value of 63 kA and had a maximum value of 125 kA. The flashes for the halos and the elves had average values of 272 and 351 kA, respectively, and they had maximum values of 312 and 384 kA, respectively. No TLEs were detected after negative CG flashes with very large peak currents. Among the 26 P+CG flashes, 23 were located in a stratiform region with reflectivity values lower than 45 dBZ. The CG flashes in this region were classified into two groups according to the time interval separating them from the following flash: one group with values less than 2 s and one with values greater than 2 s. About 79% of all CGs were produced in a sequence of at least two flashes less than 2 s apart. For 65.5% of the sequences, the first flash was positive with an average peak current of 73 kA, while the later +CG flashes in a sequence had much lower peak currents. Several triangulated sprites were found to be shifted from their P+CG flashes by about 10 to 50 km and preferentially downstream. The observations suggest that the P+CG flashes can initiate both sprites and other CG flashes in a storm
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