Utilizing the Updated Gamma-Ray Bursts and Type Ia Supernovae to Constrain the Cardassian Expansion Model and Dark Energy

We update gamma-ray burst (GRB) luminosity relations among certain spectral and light-curve features with 139 GRBs. The distance modulus of 82 GRBs at $z>1.4$ can be calibrated with the sample at $z\leq1.4$ by using the cubic spline interpolation method from the Union2.1 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) set. We investigate the joint constraints on the Cardassian expansion model and dark energy with 580 Union2.1 SNe Ia sample ($z<1.4$) and 82 calibrated GRBs data ($1.4<z\leq8.2$). In $\Lambda$CDM, we find that adding 82 high-\emph{z} GRBs to 580 SNe Ia significantly improves the constrain on $\Omega_{m}-\Omega_{\Lambda}$ plane. In the Cardassian expansion model, the best fit is $\Omega_{m}= 0.24_{-0.15}^{+0.15}$ and $n=0.16_{-0.52}^{+0.30}$ $(1\sigma)$, which is consistent with the $\Lambda$CDM cosmology $(n=0)$ in the $1\sigma$ confidence region. We also discuss two dark energy models in which the equation of state $w(z)$ is parametrized as $w(z)=w_{0}$ and $w(z)=w_{0}+w_{1}z/(1+z)$, respectively. Based on our analysis, we see that our Universe at higher redshift up to $z=8.2$ is consistent with the concordance model within $1\sigma$ confidence level.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables; accepted for publication in Advances in Astronomy, special issue on Gamma-Ray Burst in Swift and Fermi Era. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:0802.4262, arXiv:0706.0938 by other author

Illusion Media: Generating Virtual Objects Using Realizable Metamaterials

We propose a class of optical transformation media, illusion media, which render the enclosed object invisible and generate one or more virtual objects as desired. We apply the proposed media to design a microwave device, which transforms an actual object into two virtual objects. Such an illusion device exhibits unusual electromagnetic behavior as verified by full-wave simulations. Different from the published illusion devices which are composed of left-handed materials with simultaneously negative permittivity and permeability, the proposed illusion media have finite and positive permittivity and permeability. Hence the designed device could be realizable using artificial metamaterials.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, published in Appl. Phys. Lett