1,826 research outputs found
Optical microrheology using rotating laser-trapped particles
We demonstrate an optical system that can apply and accurately measure the
torque exerted by the trapping beam on a rotating birefringent probe particle.
This allows the viscosity and surface effects within liquid media to be
measured quantitatively on a micron-size scale using a trapped rotating
spherical probe particle. We use the system to measure the viscosity inside a
prototype cellular structure.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. v2: bibliographic details, minor text correction
Design of the Pluto Event Generator
We present the design of the simulation package Pluto, aimed at the study of
hadronic interactions at SIS and FAIR energies. Its main mission is to offer a
modular framework with an object-oriented structure, thereby making additions
such as new particles, decays of resonances, new models up to modules for
entire changes easily applicable. Overall consistency is ensured by a plugin-
and distribution manager. Particular features are the support of a modular
structure for physics process descriptions, and the possibility to access the
particle stream for on-line modifications. Additional configuration and
self-made classes can be attached by the user without re-compiling the package,
which makes Pluto extremely configurable.Comment: Presented at the 17th International Conference on Computing in High
Energy and Nuclear Physic
Design of the Pluto Event Generator
We present the design of the simulation package Pluto, aimed at the study of
hadronic interactions at SIS and FAIR energies. Its main mission is to offer a
modular framework with an object-oriented structure, thereby making additions
such as new particles, decays of resonances, new models up to modules for
entire changes easily applicable. Overall consistency is ensured by a plugin-
and distribution manager. Particular features are the support of a modular
structure for physics process descriptions, and the possibility to access the
particle stream for on-line modifications. Additional configuration and
self-made classes can be attached by the user without re-compiling the package,
which makes Pluto extremely configurable.Comment: Presented at the 17th International Conference on Computing in High
Energy and Nuclear Physic
Design of the Pluto Event Generator
We present the design of the simulation package Pluto, aimed at the study of
hadronic interactions at SIS and FAIR energies. Its main mission is to offer a
modular framework with an object-oriented structure, thereby making additions
such as new particles, decays of resonances, new models up to modules for
entire changes easily applicable. Overall consistency is ensured by a plugin-
and distribution manager. Particular features are the support of a modular
structure for physics process descriptions, and the possibility to access the
particle stream for on-line modifications. Additional configuration and
self-made classes can be attached by the user without re-compiling the package,
which makes Pluto extremely configurable.Comment: Presented at the 17th International Conference on Computing in High
Energy and Nuclear Physic
Transverse Pressure and Strangeness Dynamics in Relativistic Heavy Ion Reactions
Transverse hadron spectra from proton-proton, proton-nucleus and
nucleus-nucleus collisions from 2 AGeV to 21.3 ATeV are investigated within two
independent transport approaches (HSD and UrQMD). For central Au+Au (Pb+Pb)
collisions at energies above 5 AGeV, the measured
transverse mass spectra have a larger inverse slope parameter than expected
from the default calculations. The additional pressure - as suggested by
lattice QCD calculations at finite quark chemical potential and
temperature - might be generated by strong interactions in the early
pre-hadronic/partonic phase of central Au+Au (Pb+Pb) collisions. This is
supported by a non-monotonic energy dependence of in the present
transport model.Comment: Proceedings of Strange Quark Matter 200
Resonances and fluctuations at SPS and RHIC
We perform an analysis of preliminary data on hadron yields and fluctuations
within the Statistical hadronization ansatz. We describe the theoretical
disagreements between different statistical models currently on the market, and
show how the simultaneous analysis of yields and fluctuations can be used to
determine if one of them can be connected to underlying physics. We perform
such an analysis on preliminary RHIC and SPS A-A data that includes particle
yields, ratios and event by event fluctuations. We show that the equilibrium
statistical model can not describe the fluctuation measured at RHIC and
SPS, unless an unrealistically small volume is assumed. Such small volume then
makes it impossible to describe the total particle multiplicity. The
non-equilibrium model,on the other hand, describes both the fluctuation
and yields acceptably due to the extra boost to the fluctuation provided
by the high pion chemical potential. We show, however, that both models
significantly over-estimate the fluctuation measured at the SPS, and
speculate for the reason behind this.Comment: Presented at Hot Quarks, 2006 In press, European Physical Journal
Globally-Linked Vortex Clusters in Trapped Wave Fields
We put forward the existence of a rich variety of fully stationary vortex
structures, termed H-clusters, made of an increasing number of vortices nested
in paraxial wave fields confined by trapping potentials. However, we show that
the constituent vortices are globally linked, rather than products of
independent vortices. Also, they always feature a monopolar global wave front
and exist in nonlinear systems, such as Bose-Einstein condensates. Clusters
with multipolar global wave fronts are non-stationary or at best flipping.Comment: 4 pages, 5 PostScript figure
Developing an intervention to facilitate family communication about inherited genetic conditions, and training genetic counsellors in its delivery.
Many families experience difficulty in talking about an inherited genetic condition that affects one or more of them. There have now been a number of studies identifying the issues in detail, however few have developed interventions to assist families. The SPRinG collaborative have used the UK Medical Research Council's guidance on Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions, to work with families and genetic counsellors (GCs) to co-design a psycho-educational intervention to facilitate family communication and promote better coping and adaptation to living with an inherited genetic condition for parents and their children (<18 years). The intervention is modelled on multi-family discussion groups (MFDGs) used in psychiatric settings. The MFDG was developed and tested over three phases. First focus groups with parents, young people, children and health professionals discussed whether MFDG was acceptable and proposed a suitable design. Using evidence and focus group data, the intervention and a training manual were developed and three GCs were trained in its delivery. Finally, a prototype MFDG was led by a family therapist and co-facilitated by the three GCs. Data analysis showed that families attending the focus groups and intervention thought MFDG highly beneficial, and the pilot sessions had a significant impact on their family' functioning. We also demonstrated that it is possible to train GCs to deliver the MFDG intervention. Further studies are now required to test the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness in improving family outcomes before implementing into genetic counselling practice.The National Institute of Health Research funded the study but any views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Authority. Funded by NIHR reference number: RP-DG-1211-10015
Shape-induced force fields in optical trapping
Advances in optical tweezers, coupled with the proliferation of two-photon polymerization systems, mean that it is now becoming routine to fabricate and trap non-spherical particles. The shaping of both light beams and particles allows fine control over the flow of momentum from the optical to mechanical regimes. However, understanding and predicting the behaviour of such systems is highly complex in comparison with the traditional optically trapped microsphere. In this Article, we present a conceptually new and simple approach based on the nature of the optical force density. We illustrate the method through the design and fabrication of a shaped particle capable of acting as a passive force clamp, and we demonstrate its use as an optically trapped probe for imaging surface topography. Further applications of the design rules highlighted here may lead to new sensors for probing biomolecule mechanics, as well as to the development of optically actuated micromachines
- …