47 research outputs found
Weak-Lensing by Large-Scale Structure and the Polarization Properties of Distant Radio-Sources
We estimate the effects of weak lensing by large-scale density
inhomogeneities and long-wavelength gravitational waves upon the polarization
properties of electromagnetic radiation as it propagates from cosmologically
distant sources. Scalar (density) fluctuations do not rotate neither the plane
of polarization of the electromagnetic radiation nor the source image. They
produce, however, an appreciable shear, which distorts the image shape, leading
to an apparent rotation of the image orientation relative to its plane of
polarization. In sources with large ellipticity the apparent rotation is rather
small, of the order (in radians) of the dimensionless shear. The effect is
larger at smaller source eccentricity. A shear of 1% can induce apparent
rotations of around 5 degrees in radio sources with the smallest eccentricity
among those with a significant degree of integrated linear polarization. We
discuss the possibility that weak lensing by shear with rms value around or
below 5% may be the cause for the dispersion in the direction of integrated
linear polarization of cosmologically distant radio sources away from the
perpendicular to their major axis, as expected from models for their magnetic
fields. A rms shear larger than 5% would be incompatible with the observed
correlation between polarization properties and source orientation in distant
radio galaxies and quasars. Gravity waves do rotate both the plane of
polarization as well as the source image. Their weak lensing effects, however,
are negligible.Comment: 23 pages, 2 eps figures, Aastex 4.0 macros. Final version, as
accepted by ApJ. Additional references and some changes in the introduction
and conclusion
Comments on Non-Commutative Phenomenology
It is natural to ask whether non-commutative geometry plays a role in four
dimensional physics. By performing explicit computations in various toy models,
we show that quantum effects lead to violations of Lorentz invariance at the
level of operators of dimension three or four. The resulting constraints are
very stringent.Comment: Correction of an error in the U(1) and U(N) calculation leads to
stronger limits than those given previously Clarifying comments and reference
adde
Is there evidence for cosmic anisotropy in the polarization of distant radio sources?
Measurements of the polarization angle and orientation of cosmological radio
sources may be used to search for unusual effects in the propagation of light
through the universe. Recently, Nodland and Ralston (astro-ph/9704196) have
claimed to find evidence for a redshift- and direction-dependent rotation
effect in existing data. We re-examine these data and argue that there is no
statistically significant signal present. We are able to place stringent limits
on hypothetical chiral interactions of photons propagating through spacetime.Comment: 17 pages, including 7 figures. (Arithmetic error corrected, fixing
value of chi^2
Optical Activity of a Neutrino Gas
For photons that propagate through a gas of neutrinos with a non-zero
chemical potential, the left-handed and right-handed polarization modes acquire
different dispersion relations. This is due to the CP and CPT-odd terms induced
by such a background on the photon self-energy. We present a detailed
calculation of this effect, which does not depend on any physical assumptions
beyond those of the standard electroweak model. Some possible cosmological and
astrophysical implications of our results are considered in several contexts,
including the recent discussions regarding the rotation of the plane of
polarization of electromagnetic waves over cosmological distances.Comment: latex, axodra
Connecting the sustainable development goals by their energy inter-linkages
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide guide-posts to society as it attempts to respond to an array of pressing challenges. One of these challenges is energy; thus, the SDGs have become paramount for energy policy-making. Yet, while governments throughout the world have already declared the SDGs to be 'integrated and indivisible', there are still knowledge gaps surrounding how the interactions between the energy SDG targets and those of the non-energy-focused SDGs might play out in different contexts. In this review, we report on a large-scale assessment of the relevant energy literature, which we conducted to better our understanding of key energy-related interactions between SDGs, as well as their context-dependencies (relating to time, geography, governance, technology, and directionality). By (i) evaluating the nature and strength of the interactions identified, (ii) indicating the robustness of the evidence base, the agreement of that evidence, and our confidence in it, and (iii) highlighting critical areas where better understanding is needed or context dependencies should be considered, our review points to potential ways forward for both the policy making and scientific communities. First, we find that positive interactions between the SDGs outweigh the negative ones, both in number and magnitude. Second, of relevance for the scientific community, in order to fill knowledge gaps in critical areas, there is an urgent need for interdisciplinary research geared toward developing new data, scientific tools, and fresh perspectives. Third, of relevance for policy-making, wider efforts to promote policy coherence and integrated assessments are required to address potential policy spillovers across sectors, sustainability domains, and geographic and temporal boundaries. The task of conducting comprehensive science-to-policy assessments covering all SDGs, such as for the UN's Global Sustainable Development Report, remains manageable pending the availability of systematic reviews focusing on a limited number of SDG dimensions in each case
Numerical investigation of transient buoyant flow in a room with a displacement ventilation and chilled ceiling system
This paper presents the major findings of the PhD work of Rees, who wrote the paper and is the lead author