Application of novel techniques for interferogram analysis to laser-plasma femtosecond probing

Recently, two novel techniques for the extraction of the phase-shift map (Tomassini {\it et.~al.}, Applied Optics {\bf 40} 35 (2001)) and the electronic density map estimation (Tomassini P. and Giulietti A., Optics Communication {\bf 199}, pp 143-148 (2001)) have been proposed. In this paper we apply both methods to a sample laser-plasma interferogram obtained with femtoseconds probe pulse, in an experimental setup devoted to laser particle acceleration studies.Comment: Submitted to Laser and Particle Beam

On maximal curves that are not quotients of the Hermitian curve

For each prime power ℓ the plane curve Xℓwith equation Yℓ2ℓ+1=Xℓ2-X is maximal over Fℓ6. Garcia and Stichtenoth in 2006 proved that X3is not Galois covered by the Hermitian curve and raised the same question for Xℓwith ℓ>3; in this paper we show that Xℓis not Galois covered by the Hermitian curve for any ℓ>3. Analogously, Duursma and Mak proved that the generalized GK curve Cℓnover Fℓ2nis not a quotient of the Hermitian curve for ℓ>2 and n≥5, leaving the case ℓ=2 open; here we show that C2nis not Galois covered by the Hermitian curve over F22nfor n≥5

Expanding Semiflows on Branched Surfaces and One-Parameter Semigroups of Operators

We consider expanding semiflows on branched surfaces. The family of transfer operators associated to the semiflow is a one-parameter semigroup of operators. The transfer operators may also be viewed as an operator-valued function of time and so, in the appropriate norm, we may consider the vector-valued Laplace transform of this function. We obtain a spectral result on these operators and relate this to the spectrum of the generator of this semigroup. Issues of strong continuity of the semigroup are avoided. The main result is the improvement to the machinery associated with studying semiflows as one-parameter semigroups of operators and the study of the smoothness properties of semiflows defined on branched manifolds, without encoding as a suspension semiflow

Complete (k,3)-arcs from quartic curves

Complete (Formula presented.) -arcs in projective planes over finite fields are the geometric counterpart of linear non-extendible Near MDS codes of length (Formula presented.) and dimension (Formula presented.). A class of infinite families of complete (Formula presented.) -arcs in (Formula presented.) is constructed, for (Formula presented.) a power of an odd prime (Formula presented.). The order of magnitude of (Formula presented.) is smaller than (Formula presented.). This property significantly distinguishes the complete (Formula presented.) -arcs of this paper from the previously known infinite families, whose size differs from (Formula presented.) by at most (Formula presented.)

Where next for the electricity distribution system operator? Evidence from a survey of European DSOs and National Regulatory Authorities

This paper seeks to shed light on the nature of optimal regulation of the electricity distribution system operator (DSO) over the period to 2025 and beyond, following the implementation of the EU Clean Energy Package and its constituent parts: Electricity Regulation (EU) 2019/943 and Electricity Directive (EU) 2019/944. We conducted two parallel surveys of DSOs and their national regulatory authorities (NRAs) across 39 European countries. This produced 39 responses from DSOs and 12 responses from NRAs covering, respectively, 40% and 78% of customers in those countries. We asked both DSOs and NRAs three sets of questions related to: (1) the definition and regulation of the future system operator function of the DSO; (2) lessons learned from transmission system operator (TSO) regulation that can be translated to the DSO; and (3) the way in which regulators support the capacity of the DSO to operate and coordinate the system. Our findings are consistent with the observation that the move towards a more active role for the DSO remains work in progress for both DSOs and their NRAs, given the fact that the Clean Energy Package has only passed into European Law relatively recently and some Member States are still implementing its provisions

Acceleration with Self-Injection for an All-Optical Radiation Source at LNF

We discuss a new compact gamma-ray source aiming at high spectral density, up to two orders of magnitude higher than currently available bremsstrahlung sources, and conceptually similar to Compton Sources based on conventional linear accelerators. This new source exploits electron bunches from laser-driven electron acceleration in the so-called self-injection scheme and uses a counter-propagating laser pulse to obtain X and gamma-ray emission via Thomson/Compton scattering. The proposed experimental configuration inherently provides a unique test-bed for studies of fundamental open issues of electrodynamics. In view of this, a preliminary discussion of recent results on self-injection with the FLAME laser is also given.Comment: 8 pages, 10 figures, 44 references - Channeling 2012 conferenc

New energy downstream. Emerging business models and innovative best practices: an economic, institutional, and behavioral focus

Thanks to policy pressure and technological progress, modern energy systems are going through an increasing decentralization and decarbonization process. Digitalization and decarbonization, in this context, represent key enablers, as they unlock new opportunities of actors across the value chain (i.e., consumers, prosumers, retailers, traders, producers, network operators, and policy makers), providing them with new solutions. The combination of digital technologies and renewable energy solutions is already playing a pivotal role in the energy sector. The increasing attention toward clean energy sources, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud, 5 G, and Blockchain technologies are influencing changes both in energy companies’ value creation strategies and in customer behavior as well as in policy and regulatory frameworks. This transition will define the economic and legal environment able to accommodate an ever-increasing number and variety of alternative business models and new solutions. All these new aspects are expected to have an impact on long-time established roles, particularly by creating trust and empowering consumers on one side, and by disrupting traditional business models on the other. Ideally, this transformative process should be able to set out cost-effective and economically productive pathway, resulting in a clean, dynamic, and resilient energy economy dominated by renewables – while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, providing universal energy access, and enabling robust economic growth