(Quantum) Space-Time as a Statistical Geometry of Lumps in Random Networks

In the following we undertake to describe how macroscopic space-time (or rather, a microscopic protoform of it) is supposed to emerge as a superstructure of a web of lumps in a stochastic discrete network structure. As in preceding work (mentioned below), our analysis is based on the working philosophy that both physics and the corresponding mathematics have to be genuinely discrete on the primordial (Planck scale) level. This strategy is concretely implemented in the form of \tit{cellular networks} and \tit{random graphs}. One of our main themes is the development of the concept of \tit{physical (proto)points} or \tit{lumps} as densely entangled subcomplexes of the network and their respective web, establishing something like \tit{(proto)causality}. It may perhaps be said that certain parts of our programme are realisations of some early ideas of Menger and more recent ones sketched by Smolin a couple of years ago. We briefly indicate how this \tit{two-story-concept} of \tit{quantum} space-time can be used to encode the (at least in our view) existing non-local aspects of quantum theory without violating macroscopic space-time causality.Comment: 35 pages, Latex, under consideration by CQ

Modelling the atmosphere of the carbon-rich Mira RU Vir

Context. We study the atmosphere of the carbon-rich Mira RU Vir using the mid-infrared high spatial resolution interferometric observations from VLTI/MIDI. Aims. The aim of this work is to analyse the atmosphere of the carbon-rich Mira RU Vir, with state of the art models, in this way deepening the knowledge of the dynamic processes at work in carbon-rich Miras. Methods. We compare spectro-photometric and interferometric measurements of this carbon-rich Mira AGB star, with the predictions of different kinds of modelling approaches (hydrostatic model atmospheres plus MOD-More Of Dusty, self-consistent dynamic model atmospheres). A geometric model fitting tool is used for a first interpretation of the interferometric data. Results. The results show that a joint use of different kind of observations (photometry, spectroscopy, interferometry) is essential to shed light on the structure of the atmosphere of a carbon-rich Mira. The dynamic model atmospheres fit well the ISO spectrum in the wavelength range {\lambda} = [2.9, 25.0] {\mu}m. Nevertheless, a discrepancy is noticeable both in the SED (visible), and in the visibilities (shape and level). A possible explanation are intra-/inter-cycle variations in the dynamic model atmospheres as well as in the observations. The presence of a companion star and/or a disk or a decrease of mass loss within the last few hundred years cannot be excluded but are considered unlikely.Comment: 15 pages. Accepted in A&

(Quantum) Space-Time as a Statistical Geometry of Fuzzy Lumps and the Connection with Random Metric Spaces

We develop a kind of pregeometry consisting of a web of overlapping fuzzy lumps which interact with each other. The individual lumps are understood as certain closely entangled subgraphs (cliques) in a dynamically evolving network which, in a certain approximation, can be visualized as a time-dependent random graph. This strand of ideas is merged with another one, deriving from ideas, developed some time ago by Menger et al, that is, the concept of probabilistic- or random metric spaces, representing a natural extension of the metrical continuum into a more microscopic regime. It is our general goal to find a better adapted geometric environment for the description of microphysics. In this sense one may it also view as a dynamical randomisation of the causal-set framework developed by e.g. Sorkin et al. In doing this we incorporate, as a perhaps new aspect, various concepts from fuzzy set theory.Comment: 25 pages, Latex, no figures, some references added, some minor changes added relating to previous wor

Photocatalytical properties of TiO?nanotubes

2009-2010 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalAccepted ManuscriptPublishe