Once again: Instanton method vs. WKB

A recent analytic test of the instanton method performed by comparing the exact spectrum of the Lam${\acute e}$ potential (derived from representations of a finite dimensional matrix expressed in terms of $su(2)$ generators) with the results of the tight--binding and instanton approximations as well as the standard WKB approximation is commented upon. It is pointed out that in the case of the Lam${\acute e}$ potential as well as others the WKB--related method of matched asymptotic expansions yields the exact instanton result as a result of boundary conditions imposed on wave functions which are matched in domains of overlap.Comment: 10 pages, no figures. References list revised according to JHE

Instanton Approach to Josephson Tunneling between Trapped Condensates

An instanton method is proposed to investigate the quantum tunneling between two weakly-linked Bose-Einstein condensates confined in double-well potential traps. We point out some intrinsic pathologies in the earlier treatments of other authors and make an effort to go beyond these very simple zero order models. The tunneling amplitude may be calculated in the Thomas-Fermi approximation and beyond it; we find it depends on the number of the trapped atoms, through the chemical potential. Some suggestions are given for the observation of the Josephson oscillation and the MQST.Comment: 20 pages, Revtex4, 6 figures. Abbreviated version accepted by Eur. Phys. J

A Primary Study of Heavy Baryons Lambda_Q, Xi_Q, Sigma_Q and Omega_Q

We perform a preliminary study of the 1/2+ and 3/2+ ground-state baryons containing a heavy quark in the framework of the chiral SU(3) quark model. By using the calculus of variations, masses of Lambda_Q, Sigma_Q, Xi_Q, Omega_Q, Sigma_Q^*, Xi_Q^* and Omega_Q^*, where Q means c or b quark, are calculated. With taking reasonable model parameters, the numerical results of established heavy baryons are generally in agreement with the available experimental data, except that those of Xi_Q are somewhat heavier. For Omega_b with undetermined experimental mass and nobserved Xi_b^*, Omega_b^*, reasonable theoretical predictions are obtained. Interactions inside baryons are also discussed.Comment: 5 page