30,635 research outputs found
Precision CW laser automatic tracking system investigated
Precision laser tracker capable of tracking a low acceleration target to an accuracy of about 20 microradians rms is being constructed and tested. This laser tracking has the advantage of discriminating against other optical sources and the capability of simultaneously measuring range
Quantum Fluctuations and Excitations in Antiferromagnetic Quasicrystals
We study the effects of quantum fluctuations and the excitation spectrum for
the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on a two-dimensional quasicrystal, by
numerically solving linear spin-wave theory on finite approximants of the
octagonal tiling. Previous quantum Monte Carlo results for the distribution of
local staggered magnetic moments and the static spin structure factor are
reproduced well within this approximate scheme. Furthermore, the magnetic
excitation spectrum consists of magnon-like low-energy modes, as well as
dispersionless high-energy states of multifractal nature. The dynamical spin
structure factor, accessible to inelastic neutron scattering, exhibits
linear-soft modes at low energies, self-similar structures with bifurcations
emerging at intermediate energies, and flat bands in high-energy regions. We
find that the distribution of local staggered moments stemming from the
inhomogeneity of the quasiperiodic structure leads to a characteristic energy
spread in the local dynamical spin susceptibility, implying distinct nuclear
magnetic resonance spectra, specific for different local environments.Comment: RevTex, 12 pages with 15 figure
Discovery of a Non-Thermal Galactic Center Filament (G358.85+0.47) Parallel to the Galactic Plane
We report the discovery of a new non-thermal filament, G358.85+0.47, the
``Pelican'', located ~225 pc in projection from SgrA, and oriented parallel to
the Galactic plane. VLA continuum observations at 20 cm reveal that this 7'
(17.5 pc) structure bends at its northern extension and is comprised of
parallel strands, most apparent at its ends. Observations at 6 and 3.6 cm
reveal that the Pelican is a synchrotron-emitting source and is strongly
linearly polarized over much of its extent. The spectral index of the filament
changes from alpha(20/6)=-0.8 to alpha(6/3.6)=-1.5. The rotation measures
exhibit a smooth gradient, with values ranging from -1000 rad/m2 to +500
rad/m2. The intrinsic magnetic field is well-aligned along the length of the
filament. Based on these properties, we classify the Pelican as one of the
non-thermal filaments unique to the Galactic center. Since these filaments
(most of which are oriented perpendicular to the Galactic plane) are believed
to trace the overall magnetic field in the inner Galaxy, the Pelican is the
first detection of a component of this field parallel to the plane. The Pelican
may thus mark a transition region of the magnetic field orientation in the
inner kiloparsec of the Galaxy.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, to appear in ApJ Letters; Figs. 2 & 3 are color
.ps files and best viewed in colo
A Four-Unit-Cell Periodic Pattern of Quasiparticle States Surrounding Vortex Cores in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+d
Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to image the additional quasiparticle
states generated by quantized vortices in the high-Tc superconductor
Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+d. They exhibit a Cu-O bond oriented 'checkerboard' pattern, with
four unit cell (4a0) periodicity and a ~30 angstrom decay length. These
electronic modulations may be related to the magnetic field-induced, 8a0
periodic, spin density modulations of decay length ~70 angstroms recently
discovered in La1.84Sr0.16CuO4. The proposed explanation is a spin density wave
localized surrounding each vortex core. General theoretical principles predict
that, in the cuprates, a localized spin modulation of wavelength L should be
associated with a corresponding electronic modulation of wavelength L/2, in
good agreement with our observations.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure
The challenges of blended learning using a media annotation tool
Blended learning has been evolving as an important approach to learning and teaching in tertiary education. This approach incorporates learning in both online and face-to-face modes and promotes deep learning by incorporating the best of both approaches. An innovation in blended learning is the use of an online media annotation tool (MAT) in combination with face-to-face classes. This tool allows students to annotate their own or teacher-uploaded video adding to their understanding of professional skills in various disciplines in tertiary education. Examination of MAT occurred in 2011 and included nine cohorts of students using the tool. This article canvasses selected data relating to MAT including insights into the use of blended learning focussing on the challenges of combining face-to-face and online learning using a relatively new online tool
PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS: AMERICANS KNOW NOT WHAT THEY EAT
Biotechnology stands to be a defining technology in the future of food and agriculture. Proponents argue that science and industry are poised to bring consumers a wide variety of products that have potential for meeting basic food needs, as well as delivering a wide-range of health, environmental and economic benefits. Opponents counter that the potential exists for unintended consequences, ranging from ecological disruption to adverse human health implications, and that these risks are not fully understood. Fundamental questions exist, however, regarding the general public's position on food products derived with the use of biotechnology. To address these questions, the Food Policy Institute addressed consumers using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) system, a public phone survey of a sample selection of 1203 U.S. residents was administered between March and April 2001. The questionnaire was developed to address perceived gaps in the current literature on American consumer awareness, acceptance, and perceptions of food biotechnology and to serve as the basis for a set of longitudinal studies that will be able to track public opinion over time.Consumer/Household Economics,
Coherent optical transfer of Feshbach molecules to a lower vibrational state
Using the technique of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) we have
coherently transferred ultracold 87Rb2 Feshbach molecules into a more deeply
bound vibrational quantum level. Our measurements indicate a high transfer
efficiency of up to 87%. As the molecules are held in an optical lattice with
not more than a single molecule per lattice site, inelastic collisions between
the molecules are suppressed and we observe long molecular lifetimes of about 1
s. Using STIRAP we have created quantum superpositions of the two molecular
states and tested their coherence interferometrically. These results represent
an important step towards Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of molecules in the
vibrational ground state.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure
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