Subleading Shape-Function Effects and the Extraction of |V_ub|

We derive a class of formulae relating moments of B -> Xu l nu to B -> Xs gamma in the shape function region, where m_X^2 ~ m_b Lambda_QCD. We also derive an analogous class of formulae involving the decay B -> Xs l+ l-. These results incorporate Lambda_QCD/m_b power corrections, but are independent of leading and subleading hadronic shape functions. Consequently, they enable one to determine |V_ub|/|V_tb V_ts*| to subleading order in a model-independent way.Comment: 23 page

Symmetric Triple Well with Non-Equivalent Vacua: Instantonic Approach

We show that for the triple well potential with non-equivalent vacua, instantons generate for the low lying energy states a singlet and a doublet of states rather than a triplet of equal energy spacing. Our energy splitting formulae are also confirmed numerically. This splitting property is due to the presence of non-equivalent vacua. A comment on its generality to multi-well is presented.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables; minor changes; added reference

Electron and orbital correlations in Ca_{2-x}Sr_{x}RuO_{4} probed by optical spectroscopy

The doping and temperature dependent optical conductivity spectra of the quasi-two-dimensional Ca_{2-x}Sr_xRuO_4 (0.0=<x=<2.0) system were investigated. In the Mott insulating state, two electron correlation-induced peaks were observed around 1.0 and 1.9 eV, which could be understood in terms of the 3-orbital Hubbard model. The low frequency peak showed a shift toward higher frequency as temperature was lowered, which indicated that electron-phonon interactions play an important role in the orbital arrangements. From the systematic analysis, it was suggested that the antiferro-orbital and the ferro-orbital ordering states could coexist.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figure

Specific heat of single crystal MgB_2: a two-band superconductor with two different anisotropies

Heat-capacity measurements of a 39 microgramm MgB_2 single crystal in fields up to 14 T and below 3 K allow the determination of the low-temperature linear term of the specific heat, its field dependence and its anisotropy. Our results are compatible with two-band superconductivity, the band carrying the small gap being isotropic, that carrying the large gap having an anisotropy of ~ 5. Three different upper critical fields are thus needed to describe the superconducting state of MgB2.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures - V2: Bibliography updated and some typo corrected. One reference added - V3: version accepted for publication in PRL, changes made in the tex

Cryogenic-coolant He-4-superconductor interaction

The thermodynamic and thermal interaction between a type 2 composite alloy and cryo-coolant He4 was studied with emphasis on post quench phenomena of formvar coated conductors. The latter were investigated using a heater simulation technique. Overall heat transfer coefficients were evaluated for the quench onset point. Heat flux densities were determined for phenomena of thermal switching between a peak and a recovery value. The study covered near saturated liquid, pressurized He4, both above and below the lambda transition, and above and below the thermodynamic critical pressure. In addition, friction coefficients for relative motion between formvar insulated conductors were determined

Two-photon absorption and broadband optical limiting with bis-donor stilbenes

Large two-photon absorptivities are reported for symmetrical bis-donor stilbene derivatives with dialkylamino or diphenylamino groups. These molecules exhibit strong optical limiting of nanosecond pulses over a broad spectral range in the visible. Relative to bis(di-n-butylamino)stilbene, bis(diphenylamino)stilbene exhibits a 90-nm red shift of its optical limiting band but only a minimal shift of ~13 nm of its lowest one-photon electronic absorption band. Mixtures of these compounds offer an unprecedented combination of broad optical limiting bandwidth and high linear transparency