Double Ionisation in R-Matrix Theory Using a 2-electron Outer Region

We have developed a two-electron outer region for use within R-matrix theory to describe double ionisation processes. The capability of this method is demonstrated for single-photon double ionisation of He in the photon energy region between 80 eV to 180 eV. The cross sections are in agreement with established data. The extended RMT method also provides information on higher-order processes, as demonstrated by the identification of signatures for sequential double ionisation processes involving an intermediate He$^{+}$ state with $n=2$.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Reflection of Channel-Guided Solitons at Junctions in Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Schroedinger Equation

Solitons confined in channels are studied in the two-dimensional nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation. We study the dynamics of two channel-guided solitons near the junction where two channels are merged. The two solitons merge into one soliton, when there is no phase shift. If a phase difference is given to the two solitons, the Josephson oscillation is induced. The Josephson oscillation is amplified near the junction. The two solitons are reflected when the initial velocity is below a critical value.Comment: 3 pages, 2 figure

Kolmagorav Complexity, Complexity Cores, and the Distribution of Hardness

Problems that are complete for exponential space are provably intractable and known to be exceedingly complex in several technical respects. However, every problem decidable in exponential space is efficiently reducible to every complete problem, so each complete problem must have a highly organized structure. The authors have recently exploited this fact to prove that complete problems are, in two respects, unusually simple for problems in expontential space. Specifically, every complete problem must have unusually small complexity cores and unusually low space-bounded Kolmogorov complexity. It follows that the complete problems form a negligibly small subclass of the problems decidable in exponential space. This paper explains the main ideas of this work

Dual-purpose self-deliverable lunar surface PV electrical power system

A safe haven and work supported PV power systems on the lunar surface will likely be required by NASA in support of the manned outpost scheduled for the post-2000 lunar/Mars exploration and colonization initiative. Initial system modeling and computer analysis shows that the concept is workable and contains no major high risk technology issues which cannot be resolved in the circa 2000 to 2025 timeframe. A specific selection of the best suited type of electric thruster has not been done; the initial modeling was done using an ion thruster, but Rocketdyne must also evaluate arc and resisto-jets before a final design can be formulated. As a general observation, it appears that such a system can deliver itself to the Moon using many system elements that must be transported as dead payload mass in more conventional delivery modes. It further appears that a larger power system providing a much higher safe haven power level is feasible if this delivery system is implemented, perhaps even sufficient to permit resource prospecting and/or lab experimentation. The concept permits growth and can be expanded to include cargo transport such as habitat and working modules. In short, the combined payload could be manned soon after landing and checkout. NASA has expended substantial resources in the development of electric propulsion concepts and hardware that can be applied to a lunar transport system such as described herein. In short, the paper may represent a viable mission on which previous investments play an invaluable role. A more comprehensive technical paper which embodies second generation analysis and system size will be prepared for near-term presentation

On-demand single-photon state generation via nonlinear absorption

We propose a method for producing on-demand single-photon states based on collision-induced exchanges of photons and unbalanced linear absorption between two single-mode light fields. These two effects result in an effective nonlinear absorption of photons in one of the modes, which can lead to single photon states. A quantum nonlinear attenuator based on such a mechanism can absorb photons in a normal input light pulse and terminate the absorption at a single-photon state. Because the output light pulses containing single photons preserve the properties of the input pulses, we expect this method to be a means for building a highly controllable single photon source.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, to appear in PRA. To be published in PR

Interplay of Chemical Bonding and Magnetism in Fe_4N, Fe_3N, Fe_2N

Using spin density functional theory we have carried out a comparative study of chemical bonding and magnetism in Fe_4N, Fe_3N and Fe_2N. All of these compounds form close packed Fe lattices, while N occupies octahedral interstitial positions. High spin fcc Fe and hypothetical FeN with rock salt structure have been included in our study as reference systems. We find strong, covalent Fe-N bonds as a result of a substantial \sigma-type p-d hybridisation, with some charge transfer to N. Those Fe d orbitals which contribute to the p-d bonds, do no longer participate in the exchange splitting of the Fe d bands. Because of the large exchange fields, the majority spin d bands are always fully occupied, while the minority spin d bands are close to half-filling, thus optimizing the Fe d-d covalent bonding. As a consequence, in good approximation the individual Fe moments decrease in steps of 0.5 \mu_B from fcc iron (2.7 \mu_B) via Fe_4N (2.7 and 1.97 mu_B}), \chem{Fe_3N} (1.99 \mu_B) to \zeta - Fe_2N (1.43 \mu_B).Comment: 16 pages, 15 figure