Higher-order supersymmetric quantum mechanics

We review the higher-order supersymmetric quantum mechanics (H-SUSY QM), which involves differential intertwining operators of order greater than one. The iterations of first-order SUSY transformations are used to derive in a simple way the higher-order case. The second order technique is addressed directly, and through this approach unexpected possibilities for designing spectra are uncovered. The formalism is applied to the harmonic oscillator: the corresponding H-SUSY partner Hamiltonians are ruled by polynomial Heisenberg algebras which allow a straight construction of the coherent states.Comment: 42 pages, 12 eps figure

Higgs Searches at CMS and ATLAS

A summary of the sensitivity of the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the LHC to discover a Standard Model Higgs boson is presented. Some prospects for Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model Higgs searches at LHC are also included.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figures, Proceedings for The XLIVth Rencontres de Moriond session devoted to QCD AND HIGH ENERGY INTERACTIONS. 14-21st March 2009, La Thuille, Ital

Timbs v. Indiana: The Constitutionality of Civil Forfeiture When Used by States

In Timbs v. Indiana, Petitioner Tyson Timbs asks the Supreme Court to incorporate the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment against the states, providing extra protection for individuals against fines and forfeiture that are “grossly disproportionate” to the harm caused. The decision to incorporate the Excessive Fines Clause and the guidelines for applying that incorporation would have a substantial effect on governments, which often rely on the revenue gained from forfeiture. This commentary argues that the Supreme Court of the United States should incorporate the Excessive Fines Clause based on historical support of an individual’s right to be free from excessive fines. Further, the Supreme Court should reaffirm its guidelines as described in Bajakajian, which weigh the harm caused, the maximum fines that could be levied against the defendant, and whether or not the defendant is meant to be targeted by the statute. These guidelines sufficiently protect individual rights but do not encroach on the established societal expectation regarding property seizure. The Supreme Court should remand the case back to the Indiana Supreme Court with instructions to apply the Excessive Fines Clause in a way that best weighs the Bajakajian factors

Phenomenological Psychopathology and Psychiatric Classification

In this chapter, I provide an overview of phenomenological approaches to psychiatric classification. My aim is to encourage and facilitate philosophical debate over the best ways to classify psychiatric disorders. First, I articulate phenomenological critiques of the dominant approach to classification and diagnosis—i.e., the operational approach employed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Second, I describe the type or typification approach to psychiatric classification, which I distinguish into three different versions: ideal types, essential types, and prototypes. I argue that despite their occasional conflation in the contemporary literature, there are important distinctions among these approaches. Third, I outline a new phenomenological-dimensional approach. I show how this approach, which starts from basic dimensions of human existence, allows us to investigate the full range of psychopathological conditions without accepting the validity of current diagnostic categories

Molding the flow of light through subwavelength devices

Patterning of subwavelength scale structures onto dielectrics allows engineering the local refractive index, dispersion and anisotropy of materials, thus opening new design possibilities which give unprecedented control of light shape in photonic integrated circuits. In this talk we will present an overview of our recent advances in subwavelength based devices of practical importance including fiber-chip couplers, ultra-broadband MMI devices, mode and polarization multiplexers and bragg deflectors.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech