Universal Torsion-Induced Interaction from Large Extra Dimensions

We consider the Kaluza-Klein (KK) scenario in which only gravity exists in the bulk. Without the assumption of symmetric connection, the presence of brane fermions induces torsion. The result is a universal axial contact interaction that dominates those induced by KK gravitons. This enhancement arises from a large spin density on the brane. Using a global fit to Z-pole observables, we find the 3 sigma bound on the scale of quantum gravity to be 28 TeV for n=2. If Dirac or light sterile neutrinos are present, the data from SN1987A increase the bound to \sqrt{n}M_S >= 210 TeV.Comment: 9 pages REVTeX, 1 postscript figure, uses axodraw.st

Dynamics of Two-Level System Interacting with Random Classical Field

The dynamics of a particle interacting with random classical field in a two-well potential is studied by the functional integration method. The probability of particle localization in either of the wells is studied in detail. Certain field-averaged correlation functions for quantum-mechanical probabilities and the distribution function for the probabilities of final states (which can be considered as random variables in the presence of a random field) are calculated. The calculated correlators are used to discuss the dependence of the final state on the initial state. One of the main results of this work is that, although the off-diagonal elements of density matrix disappear with time, a particle in the system is localized incompletely (wave-packet reduction does not occur), and the distribution function for the probability of finding particle in one of the wells is a constant at infinite time.Comment: 5 page

3D wedge filling and 2D random-bond wetting

Fluids adsorbed in 3D wedges are shown to exhibit two types of continuous interfacial unbinding corresponding to critical and tricritical filling respectively. Analytic solution of an effective interfacial model based on the transfer-matrix formalism allows us to obtain the asymptotic probability distribution functions for the interfacial height when criticality and tricriticality are approached. Generalised random walk arguments show that, for systems with short-ranged forces, the critical singularities at these transitions are related to 2D complete and critical wetting with random bond disorder respectively.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Europhysics Letter

On the Quantum Inverse Problem for the Closed Toda Chain

We reconstruct the canonical operators $p_i,q_i$ of the quantum closed Toda chain in terms of Sklyanin's separated variables.Comment: 16 page

Scaling in Complex Systems: Analytical Theory of Charged Pores

In this paper we find an analytical solution of the equilibrium ion distribution for a toroidal model of a ionic channel, using the Perfect Screening Theorem (PST). The ions are charged hard spheres, and are treated using a variational Mean Spherical Approximation (VMSA) . Understanding ion channels is still a very open problem, because of the many exquisite tuning details of real life channels. It is clear that the electric field plays a major role in the channel behaviour, and for that reason there has been a lot of work on simple models that are able to provide workable theories. Recently a number of interesting papers have appeared that discuss models in which the effect of the geometry, excluded volume and non-linear behaviour is considered. We present here a 3D model of ionic channels which consists of a charged, deformable torus with a circular or elliptical cross section, which can be flat or vertical (close to a cylinder). Extensive comparisons to MC simulations were performed. The new solution opens new possibilities, such as studying flexible pores, and water phase transformations inside the pores using an approach similar to that used on flat crystal surfaces

Effect of pulsed magnetic field pre-treatment of AISI 52100 steel on the coefficient of sliding friction and wear in pin-on-disk tests

Disc specimens manufactured from commercial bearing rollers (AISI 52100 steel, 62–63 HRC) in initial state and after pre-treatment by pulsed magnetic field (PMF) with a magnetic field strength of 1–7 MA/m were tested with sunflower oil using pin-on-disk apparatus. According to the obtained results the treatment causes a reduction in the coefficient of friction and wear. To explain the results, nano- and microhardness tests as well as optical and atomic force microscopy were used. Reasons of the effect of PMF on the friction and wear were discussed.Peer reviewe

A-site Ordering versus Electronic Inhomogeneity in CMR-Manganite Films

Epitaxial La3/4Ca1/4MnO3/MgO(100) (LCMO) thin films show unusual rhombohedral (R-3c) structure with a new perovskite superstructure due to unique ordering of La and Ca at the A-site positions. Very sharp insulator-metal and para-ferromagnetic phase transitions at temperatures up to TMI ~ TC=295 K were observed. The ordered films were electronically homogeneous down to 1 nm scale as revealed by scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy. In contrast, orthorhombic and A-site disordered LCMO demonstrate broadened phase transitions as well as mesoscopic phase separation for T<<TC. The unique La/Ca ordering suppresses cation mismatch stress within one super-cell, a~1.55 nm, enhancing electronic homogeneity. Phase separation scenario seems not to be a unique mechanism for CMR as very large CMR=500 % was also observed in A-site ordered films.Comment: We have added two references and additional sentence

Electron spectroscopy of carbon materials: Experiment and theory

We present a comparative spectroscopic study of carbon as graphite, diamond and C60 using C1s K-edge electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), X-ray emission spectroscopy, and theoretical modelling. The first principles calculations of these spectra are obtained in the local density approximation using a self-consistent Gaussian basis pseudo-potential method. Calculated spectra show excellent agreement with experiment and are able to discriminate not only between various carbon hybridisations but also local variation in environment. Core-hole effects on the calculated spectra are also investigated. For the first time, the EEL spectrum of carbyne is calculated