204 research outputs found
The Entropy of a Binary Hidden Markov Process
The entropy of a binary symmetric Hidden Markov Process is calculated as an
expansion in the noise parameter epsilon. We map the problem onto a
one-dimensional Ising model in a large field of random signs and calculate the
expansion coefficients up to second order in epsilon. Using a conjecture we
extend the calculation to 11th order and discuss the convergence of the
resulting series
MaxEnt power spectrum estimation using the Fourier transform for irregularly sampled data applied to a record of stellar luminosity
The principle of maximum entropy is applied to the spectral analysis of a
data signal with general variance matrix and containing gaps in the record. The
role of the entropic regularizer is to prevent one from overestimating
structure in the spectrum when faced with imperfect data. Several arguments are
presented suggesting that the arbitrary prefactor should not be introduced to
the entropy term. The introduction of that factor is not required when a
continuous Poisson distribution is used for the amplitude coefficients. We
compare the formalism for when the variance of the data is known explicitly to
that for when the variance is known only to lie in some finite range. The
result of including the entropic measure factor is to suggest a spectrum
consistent with the variance of the data which has less structure than that
given by the forward transform. An application of the methodology to example
data is demonstrated.Comment: 15 pages, 13 figures, 1 table, major revision, final version,
Accepted for publication in Astrophysics & Space Scienc
Mode-Locking in Driven Disordered Systems as a Boundary-Value Problem
We study mode-locking in disordered media as a boundary-value problem.
Focusing on the simplest class of mode-locking models which consists of a
single driven overdamped degree-of-freedom, we develop an analytical method to
obtain the shape of the Arnol'd tongues in the regime of low ac-driving
amplitude or high ac-driving frequency. The method is exact for a scalloped
pinning potential and easily adapted to other pinning potentials. It is
complementary to the analysis based on the well-known Shapiro's argument that
holds in the perturbative regime of large driving amplitudes or low driving
frequency, where the effect of pinning is weak.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, RevTeX, Submitte
Quantum Computing of Quantum Chaos in the Kicked Rotator Model
We investigate a quantum algorithm which simulates efficiently the quantum
kicked rotator model, a system which displays rich physical properties, and
enables to study problems of quantum chaos, atomic physics and localization of
electrons in solids. The effects of errors in gate operations are tested on
this algorithm in numerical simulations with up to 20 qubits. In this way
various physical quantities are investigated. Some of them, such as second
moment of probability distribution and tunneling transitions through invariant
curves are shown to be particularly sensitive to errors. However,
investigations of the fidelity and Wigner and Husimi distributions show that
these physical quantities are robust in presence of imperfections. This implies
that the algorithm can simulate the dynamics of quantum chaos in presence of a
moderate amount of noise.Comment: research at Quantware MIPS Center http://www.quantware.ups-tlse.fr,
revtex 11 pages, 13 figs, 2 figs and discussion adde
A linear RFQ ion trap for the Enriched Xenon Observatory
The design, construction, and performance of a linear radio-frequency ion
trap (RFQ) intended for use in the Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) are
described. EXO aims to detect the neutrinoless double-beta decay of Xe
to Ba. To suppress possible backgrounds EXO will complement the
measurement of decay energy and, to some extent, topology of candidate events
in a Xe filled detector with the identification of the daughter nucleus
(Ba). The ion trap described here is capable of accepting, cooling, and
confining individual Ba ions extracted from the site of the candidate
double-beta decay event. A single trapped ion can then be identified, with a
large signal-to-noise ratio, via laser spectroscopy.Comment: 18 pages, pdflatex, submitted to NIM
A liquid xenon ionization chamber in an all-fluoropolymer vessel
A novel technique has been developed to build vessels for liquid xenon
ionization detectors entirely out of ultra-clean fluoropolymer. We describe the
advantages in terms of low radioactivity contamination, provide some details of
the construction techniques, and show the energy resolution achieved with a
prototype all-fluoropolymer ionization detector.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figure
Systematic study of trace radioactive impurities in candidate construction materials for EXO-200
The Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) will search for double beta decays of
136Xe. We report the results of a systematic study of trace concentrations of
radioactive impurities in a wide range of raw materials and finished parts
considered for use in the construction of EXO-200, the first stage of the EXO
experimental program. Analysis techniques employed, and described here, include
direct gamma counting, alpha counting, neutron activation analysis, and
high-sensitivity mass spectrometry.Comment: 32 pages, 6 figures. Expanded introduction, added missing table
entry. Accepted for publication in Nucl. Instrum. Meth.
Coronal Magnetic Field Evolution from 1996 to 2012: Continuous Non-potential Simulations
Coupled flux transport and magneto-frictional simulations are extended to simulate the continuous magnetic-field evolution in the global solar corona for over 15 years, from the start of Solar Cycle 23 in 1996. By simplifying the dynamics, our model follows the build-up and transport of electric currents and free magnetic energy in the corona, offering an insight into the magnetic structure and topology that extrapolation-based models cannot. To enable these extended simulations, we have implemented a more efficient numerical grid, and have carefully calibrated the surface flux-transport model to reproduce the observed large-scale photospheric radial magnetic field, using emerging active regions determined from observed line-of-sight magnetograms. This calibration is described in some detail. In agreement with previous authors, we find that the standard flux-transport model is insufficient to simultaneously reproduce the observed polar fields and butterfly diagram during Cycle 23, and that additional effects must be added. For the best-fit model, we use automated techniques to detect the latitude–time profile of flux ropes and their ejections over the full solar cycle. Overall, flux ropes are more prevalent outside of active latitudes but those at active latitudes are more frequently ejected. Future possibilities for space-weather prediction with this approach are briefly assessed
Physics of Solar Prominences: I - Spectral Diagnostics and Non-LTE Modelling
This review paper outlines background information and covers recent advances
made via the analysis of spectra and images of prominence plasma and the
increased sophistication of non-LTE (ie when there is a departure from Local
Thermodynamic Equilibrium) radiative transfer models. We first describe the
spectral inversion techniques that have been used to infer the plasma
parameters important for the general properties of the prominence plasma in
both its cool core and the hotter prominence-corona transition region. We also
review studies devoted to the observation of bulk motions of the prominence
plasma and to the determination of prominence mass. However, a simple inversion
of spectroscopic data usually fails when the lines become optically thick at
certain wavelengths. Therefore, complex non-LTE models become necessary. We
thus present the basics of non-LTE radiative transfer theory and the associated
multi-level radiative transfer problems. The main results of one- and
two-dimensional models of the prominences and their fine-structures are
presented. We then discuss the energy balance in various prominence models.
Finally, we outline the outstanding observational and theoretical questions,
and the directions for future progress in our understanding of solar
prominences.Comment: 96 pages, 37 figures, Space Science Reviews. Some figures may have a
better resolution in the published version. New version reflects minor
changes brought after proof editin
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