Identified Hadron Spectra From pp, dA and AA collisions

The experimental data for identified hadron spectra from pp,d+A and AA collisions are reviewed. Three regions with different dominant production mechanisms are considered: soft region (pt <2 GeV/c) - with large degree of collectivity and thermalization, hard particle production which exhibits jet-quenching in Au+Au collisions at RHIC and intermediate region (2 < pt <5 GeV/c) with distinct baryon dynamics. Cronin effect, nuclear modification factors and jet-like correlations are studied with the goal of understanding the baryon dynamics at RHIC.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figures, Plenary talk at Quark Matter 2004, Oakland, Jan 11-1

Theoretical studies in tandem mirror physics

Recent developments in six areas of tandem-mirror theory are explored. Specifically, FLR terms (including electric-field drift) have been added to our 3-D paraxial MHD equilibrium code. Our low-frequency MHD stability analysis with FLR, which previously included only m/sub theta/ = 1 rigid perturbations, has been extended to incorporate moderate m/sub theta/, rotational drive, finite-beta effects on wall stabilization, and the well-digging effect of energetic electrons by using three computational techniques. In addition, we have examined the microstability of relativistic electrons with a loss-cone distribution, emphasizing the whistler and cyclotron-maser instabilities. We have also studied techniques for controlling radial transport, including the floating of segmented end plates and the tuning of transition-region coils, and have quantified the residual transport in a tandem mirror with axisymmetric throttle coils. Earlier work on the effect of ECRH on potentials in thermal-barrier cells has been extended. The transition between the weak- and strong-heating regimes has been examined using Fokker-Planck and Monte Carlo codes; an analytic model for the potentials relative to the end wall has been developed. Finally, our investigation of drift-frequency pumping of thermal-barrier ions has demonstrated that pumping is optimized when the magnetic fluctuation is perpendicular to both the unperturbed field and the thin fan, and that an adequate pumping rate is obtainable in future machines

Evaluation of the Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability emergency response model for explosive sources

The Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) uses a modeling system to calculate the impact of accidental radiological or toxic releases to the atmosphere anywhere in the world. Operated for the US Departments of Energy and Defense, ARAC has responded to over 60 incidents in the past 18 years, and conducts over 100 exercises each year. Explosions are one of the most common mechanisms by which toxic particulates are injected into the atmosphere during accidents. Automated algorithms with default assumptions have been developed to estimate the source geometry and the amount of toxic material aerosolized. The paper examines the sensitivity of ARAC`s dispersion model to the range of input values for explosive sources, and analyzes the model`s accuracy using two field measurement programs