Conceptual Problems in Scattering from Localized non-Hermitian Potentials

We highlight the conceptual issues that arise when one applies the quasi-Hermitian framework to analyze scattering from localized non-Hermitian potentials, in particular complex square-wells or delta-functions. When treated in the framework of conventional quantum mechanics, these potentials are generally considered as effective theories, in which probability is not conserved because of processes that have been ignored. However, if they are treated as fundamental theories, the Hilbert-space metric must be changed. In order for the newly-defined probability to be conserved, it must differ from the standard one, even at asymptotically large distances from the scattering centre, and the mechanism for this is the non-locality of the new metric, as we show in detail in the model of a single complex delta function. However, properties of distant bound-state systems, which do not interact physically with the non-Hermitian scattering potential, should not be affected. We analyze a model Hamiltonian that supports this contention.Comment: The emphasis has been changed from v1, recognizing that it makes physical sense that the wave functions of scattering states are fundamentally changed in the quasi-Hermitian framework. In contrast, bound states should not be significantly affected by the introduction of a distant non-Hermitian scattering potentia

Benchmark ultra-cool dwarfs in widely separated binary systems

Ultra-cool dwarfs as wide companions to subgiants, giants, white dwarfs and main sequence stars can be very good benchmark objects, for which we can infer physical properties with minimal reference to theoretical models, through association with the primary stars. We have searched for benchmark ultra-cool dwarfs in widely separated binary systems using SDSS, UKIDSS, and 2MASS. We then estimate spectral types using SDSS spectroscopy and multi-band colors, place constraints on distance, and perform proper motions calculations for all candidates which have sufficient epoch baseline coverage. Analysis of the proper motion and distance constraints show that eight of our ultra-cool dwarfs are members of widely separated binary systems. Another L3.5 dwarf, SDSS 0832, is shown to be a companion to the bright K3 giant Eta Cancri. Such primaries can provide age and metallicity constraints for any companion objects, yielding excellent benchmark objects. This is the first wide ultra-cool dwarf + giant binary system identified.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, conference, "New Technologies for Probing the Diversity of Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets", oral tal

Use of composite rotations to correct systematic errors in NMR quantum computation

We implement an ensemble quantum counting algorithm on three NMR spectrometers with 1H resonance frequencies of 500, 600 and 750 MHz. At higher frequencies, the results deviate markedly from naive theoretical predictions. These systematic errors can be attributed almost entirely to off-resonance effects, which can be substantially corrected for using fully-compensating composite rotation pulse sequences originally developed by Tycko. We also derive an analytic expression for generating such sequences with arbitrary rotation angles.Comment: 8 pages RevTex including 7 PostScript figures (18 subfigures

Synthesis and Structures of Co Bis-Trifluoromethylpyrazolate Complexes

Reactions of Co(PMe3)(3)Cl or CoCl2 with 3,5-(CF3)(2)-PzNa in hexane give Co(PMe3)(3)(3,5-(CF3)(2)-Pz) (1) and Co(PMe3)(3)(3,5-(CF3)(2)-Pz)(2) (2) respectively (3,5-(CF3)(2)-PzNa = sodium bis-trifluoromethylpyrazolate). Reaction of (3,5-(CF3)(2)-PzH) with Co(PMe3)(4) produces the unusual complex [cis-Co(PMe3)(4)H-2][Co(PMe3)(3,5-( CF3)(2)-Pz)(3)] (3) which formally contains a [Co(III)](+)[Co(II)](-) complex ion pair. Reaction of 3,5-(CF3)(2)-PzLi with an oxygenated suspension of CoCl2 and 3 equivalents of PMe3 gives (3,5-(CF3)(2)-Pz)(2)Co(mu-3,5-(CF3)(2)Pz)(mu-OPMe3)Li(OPMe3)(2) (4), while 2 reacts with LiOH to give [(PMe3)Co(mu-3,5-(CF3)(2)-Pz)(2)(mu(3)-OH)Li](2) (5). Both 2 and 3 react with O-2 in toluene solution to give Co(OPMe3)(2)(3,5-(CF3)(2)-Pz)(2) (6). All compounds have been characterized spectroscopically and by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.Welch Foundation F-816Petroleum Research Fund 47014-ACSNSF 0741973Chemistr

Production of Millisecond Dips in Sco X-1 Count Rates by Dead Time Effects

Chang et al. (2006) reported millisecond duration dips in the X-ray intensity of Sco X-1 and attributed them to occultations of the source by small trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We have found multiple lines of evidence that these dips are not astronomical in origin, but rather the result of high-energy charged particle events in the RXTE PCA detectors. Our analysis of the RXTE data indicates that at most 10% of the observed dips in Sco X-1 could be due to occultations by TNOs, and, furthermore, we find no positive or supporting evidence for any of them being due to TNOs. We therefore believe that it is a mistake to conclude that any TNOs have been detected via occultation of Sco X-1.Comment: Submitted to ApJ; uses emulateapj.cls, 8 pages with 8 figure

Orbit targeting specialist function: Level C formulation requirements

A definition of the level C requirements for onboard maneuver targeting software is provided. Included are revisions of the level C software requirements delineated in JSC IN 78-FM-27, Proximity Operations Software; Level C Requirements, dated May 1978. The software supports the terminal phase midcourse (TPM) maneuver, braking and close-in operations as well as supporting computation of the rendezvous corrective combination maneuver (NCC), and the terminal phase initiation (TPI). Specific formulation is contained here for the orbit targeting specialist function including the processing logic, linkage, and data base definitions for all modules. The crew interface with the software is through the keyboard and the ORBIT-TGT display