Quantum thermodynamic processes: A control theory for machine cycles

The minimal set of thermodynamic control parameters consists of a statistical (thermal) and a mechanical one. These suffice to introduce all the pertinent thermodynamic variables; thermodynamic processes can then be defined as paths on this 2-dimensional control plane. Putting aside coherence we show that for a large class of quantum objects with discrete spectra and for the cycles considered the Carnot efficiency applies as a universal upper bound. In the dynamic (finite time) regime renormalized thermodynamic variables allow to include non-equilibrium phenomena in a systematic way. The machine function ceases to exist in the large speed limit; the way, in which this limit is reached, depends on the type of cycle considered.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures, Replaced by version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal

Relevance of nucleon spin in amplitude analysis of reactions pi(-)p->pi(0)pi(0)n and pi(-)p->eta eta n

The measurements of reactions $\pi^- p \to \pi^- \pi^+ n$ and $\pi^+ n \to \pi^+ \pi^- p$ on polarized targets at CERN found a strong dependence of pion production amplitudes on nucleon spin. Analyses of recent measurements of $\pi^- p \to \pi^0\pi^0 n$ reaction on unpolarized targets by GAMS Collaboration at 38 GeV/c and BNL E852 Collaboration at 18 GeV/c use the assumption that pion production amplitudes do not depend on nucleon spin, in conflict with the CERN results on polarized targets. We show that measurements of $\pi^- p \to \pi^0\pi^0 n$ and $\pi^- p \to \eta\eta n$ on unpolarized targets can be analysed in a model independent way in terms of 4 partial-wave intensities and 3 independent interference phases in the mass region where $S$- and $D$-wave dominate. We also describe model-independent amplitude analysis of $\pi^- p \to \pi^0\pi^0 n$ reaction measured on polarized target, both in the absence and in the presence of $G$-wave amplitudes. We suggest that high statistics measurements of reactions $\pi^- p \to \pi^0 \pi^0 n$ and $\pi^- p \to \eta\eta n$ be made on polarized targets at Protvino IHEP and at BNL, and that model-independent amplitude analyses of this polarized data be performed to advance hadron spectroscopy on the level of spin dependent production amplitudes.Comment: 54 page

The Proterozoic evolution of northern Siberian Craton margin: a comparison of U–Pb–Hf signatures from sedimentary units of the Taimyr orogenic belt and the Siberian platform

Identifying the cratonic affinity of Neoproterozoic crust that surrounds the northern margin of the Siberian Craton (SC) is critical for determining its tectonic evolution and placing the Craton in Neoproterozoic supercontinental reconstructions. Integration of new U–Pb–Hf detrital zircon data with regional geological constraints indicates that distinct Neoproterozoic arc-related magmatic belts can be identified within the Taimyr orogen. Sedimentary rocks derived from 970 to 800 Ma arc-related suites reveal abundant Archean and Paleoproterozoic detritus, characteristic of the SC. The 720–600 Ma arc-related zircon population from the younger Cambrian sedimentary rocks is also complemented by an exotic juvenile Mesoproterozoic zircon population and erosional products of older arc-related suites. Nonetheless, numerous evidences imply that both arcs broadly reworked Siberian basement components. We suggest that the early Neoproterozoic (ca. 970–800 Ma) arc system of the Taimyr orogen evolved on the active margin of the SC and probably extended along the periphery of Rodinia into Valhalla orogen of NE Laurentia. We also suggest the late Neoproterozoic (750–550 Ma) arc system could have been part of the Timanian orogen, which linked Siberia and Baltica at the Precambrian/Phanerozoic transition