Effects of semiclassical spiral fluctuations on hole dynamics

We investigate the dynamics of a single hole coupled to the spiral fluctuations related to the magnetic ground states of the antiferromagnetic J_1-J_2-J_3 Heisenberg model on a square lattice. Using exact diagonalization on finite size clusters and the self consistent Born approximation in the thermodynamic limit we find, as a general feature, a strong reduction of the quasiparticle weight along the spiral phases of the magnetic phase diagram. For an important region of the Brillouin Zone the hole spectral functions are completely incoherent, whereas at low energies the spectral weight is redistributed on several irregular peaks. We find a characteristic value of the spiral pitch, Q=(0.7,0.7)\pi, for which the available phase space for hole scattering is maximum. We argue that this behavior is due to the non trivial interference of the magnon assisted and the free hopping mechanism for hole motion, characteristic of a hole coupled to semiclassical spiral fluctuations.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Color superconducting matter in a magnetic field

We investigate the effect of a magnetic field on cold dense three-flavor quark matter using an effective model with four-Fermi interactions with electric and color neutrality taken into account. The gap parameters Delta_1, Delta_2, and Delta_3 representing respectively the predominant pairing between down and strange (d-s) quarks, strange and up (s-u) quarks, and up and down (u-d) quarks, show the de Haas-van Alphen effect, i.e. oscillatory behavior as a function of the modified magnetic field B that can penetrate the color superconducting medium. Without applying electric and color neutrality we find Delta_2 \approx Delta_3 >> Delta_1 for 2 e B / mu_q^2, where e is the modified electromagnetic coupling constant and mu_q is one third of the baryon chemical potential. Because the average Fermi surface for each pairing is affected by taking into account neutrality, the gap structure changes drastically in this case; we find Delta_1 >> Delta_2 \approx Delta_3 for 2 e B > mu_q^2. We point out that the magnetic fields as strong as presumably existing inside magnetars might induce significant deviations from the gap structure Delta_1 \approx Delta_2 \approx Delta_3 at zero magnetic field.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Towards a spin foam model description of black hole entropy

We propose a way to describe the origin of black hole entropy in the spin foam models of quantum gravity. This stimulates a new way to study the relation of spin foam models and loop quantum gravity.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur

Benefits from synergies and advanced technologies for an advanced-technology space station

A configuration for a second-generation advanced technology space station has been defined in a series of NASA-sponsored studies. Definitions of subsystems specifically addressed opportunities for beneficial synergistic interactions and those potential synergies and their benefits are identified. One of the more significant synergistic benefits involves the multi-function utilization of water within a large system that generates artificial gravity by rotation. In such a system, water not only provides the necessary crew life support, but also serves as counterrotator mass, as moveable ballast, and as a source for propellant gases. Additionally, the synergistic effects between advanced technology materials, operation at reduced artificial gravity, and lower cabin atmospheric pressure levels show beneficial interactions that can be quantified in terms of reduced mass to orbit

Integral D-Finite Functions

We propose a differential analog of the notion of integral closure of algebraic function fields. We present an algorithm for computing the integral closure of the algebra defined by a linear differential operator. Our algorithm is a direct analog of van Hoeij's algorithm for computing integral bases of algebraic function fields

Experimental demonstration of a mu=-1 metamaterial lens for magnetic resonance imaging

In this work a mu=-1 metamaterial (MM) lens for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is demonstrated. MRI uses surface coils to detect the radiofrequency(RF) energy absorbed and emitted by the nuclear spins in the imaged object. The proposed MM lens manipulates the RF field detected by these surface coils, so that the coil sensitivity and spatial localization is substantially improved. Beyond this specific application, we feel that the reported results are the experimental confirmation of a new concept for the manipulation of RF field in MRI, which paves the way to many other interesting applications.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figure