9,003 research outputs found
Worldline algorithms for Casimir configurations
We present improved worldline numerical algorithms for high-precision
calculations of Casimir interaction energies induced by scalar-field
fluctuations with Dirichlet boundary conditions for various Casimir geometries.
Significant reduction of numerical cost is gained by exploiting the symmetries
of the worldline ensemble in combination with those of the configurations. This
facilitates high-precision calculations on standard PCs or small clusters. We
illustrate our strategies using the experimentally most relevant sphere-plate
and cylinder-plate configuration. We compute Casimir curvature effects for a
wide parameter range, revealing the tight validity bounds of the commonly used
proximity force approximation (PFA). We conclude that data analysis of future
experiments aiming at a precision of 0.1% must no longer be based on the PFA.
Revisiting the parallel-plate configuration, we find a mapping between the
D-dimensional Casimir energy and properties of a random-chain polymer ensemble.Comment: 23 pages, 9 figure
Uniqueness of the electrostatic solution in Schwarzschild space
In this Brief Report we give the proof that the solution of any static test
charge distribution in Schwarzschild space is unique. In order to give the
proof we derive the first Green's identity written with p-forms on (pseudo)
Riemannian manifolds. Moreover, the proof of uniqueness can be shown for either
any purely electric or purely magnetic field configuration. The spacetime
geometry is not crucial for the proof.Comment: 3 pages, no figures, uses revtex4 style file
Casimir effect for curved geometries: PFA validity limits
We compute Casimir interaction energies for the sphere-plate and
cylinder-plate configuration induced by scalar-field fluctuations with
Dirichlet boundary conditions. Based on a high-precision calculation using
worldline numerics, we quantitatively determine the validity bounds of the
proximity force approximation (PFA) on which the comparison between all
corresponding experiments and theory are based. We observe the quantitative
failure of the PFA on the 1% level for a curvature parameter a/R > 0.00755.
Even qualitatively, the PFA fails to predict reliably the correct sign of
genuine Casimir curvature effects. We conclude that data analysis of future
experiments aiming at a precision of 0.1% must no longer be based on the PFA.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
An S-shaped outflow from IRAS 03256+3055 in NGC 1333
The IRAS source 03256+3055 in the NGC 1333 star forming region is associated
with extended sub-millimeter emission of complex morphology, showing multiple
clumps. One of these is found to coincide with the driving source of a bipolar
jet of S-shaped morphology seen in the emission lines of H_alpha and [SII] as
well as in the H2 emission lines in the K-band. Detailed images of the driving
source at the wavelengths of H_alpha and [SII] and in the I, J, H, and K bands
as well as a K-band spectrum and polarimetry are discussed. The near-infrared
morphology is characterized by a combination of line emission from the jet and
scattered light from a source with a steep continuum spectrum. The morphology
and proper motion of the jet are discussed in the context of a binary system
with a precessing disk. We conclude that the molecular core associated with
IRAS 03256+3055 consists of several clumps, only one of which shows evidence of
recent star formation at optical and near-infrared wavelengths.We also briefly
discuss a second, newly found near-infrared source associated with a compact
sub-millimeter continuum source near IRAS 03256+3055, and conclude that this
source may be physically unrelated the cluster of molecular clumps.Comment: 25 pages, including 5 figures. Accepted for publication in The
Astronomical Journa
On Matrix Product States for Periodic Boundary Conditions
The possibility of a matrix product representation for eigenstates with
energy and momentum zero of a general m-state quantum spin Hamiltonian with
nearest neighbour interaction and periodic boundary condition is considered.
The quadratic algebra used for this representation is generated by 2m operators
which fulfil m^2 quadratic relations and is endowed with a trace. It is shown
that {\em not} every eigenstate with energy and momentum zero can be written as
matrix product state. An explicit counter-example is given. This is in contrast
to the case of open boundary conditions where every zero energy eigenstate can
be written as a matrix product state using a Fock-like representation of the
same quadratic algebra.Comment: 7 pages, late
Quantum state tomography of molecular rotation
We show how the rotational quantum state of a linear or symmetric top rotor
can be reconstructed from finite time observations of the polar angular
distribution under certain conditions. The presented tomographic method can
reconstruct the complete rotational quantum state in many non-adiabatic
alignment experiments. Our analysis applies for measurement data available with
existing measurement techniques.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figur
A lattice evaluation of four-quark operators in the nucleon
Nucleon matrix elements of various four-quark operators are evaluated in
quenched lattice QCD using Wilson fermions. Some of these operators give rise
to twist-four contributions to nucleon structure functions. Furthermore, they
bear valuable information about the diquark structure of the nucleon. Mixing
with lower-dimensional operators is avoided by considering appropriate
representations of the flavour group. We find that for a certain flavour
combination of baryon structure functions, twist-four contributions are very
small. This suggests that twist-four effects for the nucleon might be much
smaller than m_p^2/Q^2.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figure
Consumer perception of food products involving genetic modification: Results from a qualitative study in four Nordic countries
1. The present study addresses consumer acceptance of food products involving the use of different applications of genetic modification in four Nordic countries. Three food products were used as examples: hard cheese, hard candy, and salmon. Three types of applications of genetic modification were investigated: modification of the raw material, use of genetic modification in enzyme production, and direct use of genetically modified microorganisms. In addition, three levels of presence of the genetically modified material in the final product were investigated: not present, present, and present and living/able to function. 2. The results from consumer samples in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden are remarkably similar, showing a strong stability in consumer reactions to the use of genetic modification in food production in these four countries. 3. Consumer perception is characterised by a basic dichotomy of GM and non-GM products. Being non-GM is regarded as a major benefit in itself. When a product involves genetic modification, this elicits numerous negative assocations, of which the strongest ones are ‘unhealthy’ and ‘uncertainty.’ 4. The level of presence of the genetically modified material in the final product has a clear impact on consumer acceptance. When the GM material is present and viable/able to function, acceptance is lowest. 5. The type of application of genetic modification has an impact on consumer acceptance as well, but it differs across products. Still, there is a clear tendency that acceptance of salmon products where the salmon itself was genetically modified was lowest among all products tested. 6. The consumer benefits which the application of GM brings about (e.g., improved taste, functional benefits, environmental benefits) are largely perceived, but cannot overcompensate for the negative associations to GM. In some cases, a supposed benefit (e.g., faster growth of salmon, leading to reduced energy costs) was actually perceived as a disadvantage. Benefits combining personal tangible benefits with societal relevance (e.g., a low calorie candy which can be consumed by people suffering from diabetes) may have most positive impact on consumer acceptance.Consumer behaviour; Buying behaviour; Food; Denmark; Norway; Sweden; Finland
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