Spin filtering implemented through Rashba and weak magnetic modulations

We present two theoretical schemes for spin filters in one-dimensional semiconductor quantum wires with spatially modulated Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) as well as weak magnetic potential. For case I, the SOC is periodic and the weak magnetic potential is applied uniformly along the wire. Full spin polarizations with opposite signs are obtained within two separated energy intervals. For case II, the weak magnetic potential is periodic while the SOC is uniform. An ideal negative/positive switching effect for spin polarization is realized by tuning the strength of SOC. The roles of SOC, magnetic potential, and their coupling on the spin filtering are analyzed.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Ideal switching effect in periodic spin-orbit coupling structures

An ideal switching effect is discovered in a semiconductor nanowire with a spatially-periodic Rashba structure. Bistable `ON' and `OFF' states can be realized by tuning the gate voltage applied on the Rashba regions. The energy range and position of `OFF' states can be manipulated effectively by varying the strength of the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and the unit length of the periodic structure, respectively. The switching effect of the nanowire is found to be tolerant of small random fluctuations of SOC strength in the periodic structure. This ideal switching effect might be applicable in future spintronic devices.Comment: 4 pages and 4 figure

Lyapunov Spectra in SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory

We develop a method for calculating the Lyapunov characteristic exponents of lattice gauge theories. The complete Lyapunov spectrum of SU(2) gauge theory is obtained and Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy is calculated. Rapid convergence with lattice size is found.Comment: 7pp, DUKE-TH-93-5

A tutorial task and tertiary courseware model for collaborative learning communities

RAED provides a computerised infrastructure to support the development and administration of Vicarious Learning in collaborative learning communities spread across multiple universities and workplaces. The system is based on the OASIS middleware for Role-based Access Control. This paper describes the origins of the model and the approach to implementation and outlines some of its benefits to collaborative teachers and learners

On orbit validation of solar sailing control laws with thin-film spacecraft

Many innovative approaches to solar sail mission and trajectory design have been proposed over the years, but very few ever have the opportunity to be validated on orbit with real spacecraft. Thin- Film Spacecraft/Lander/Rovers (TF-SL Rs) are a new class of very low cost, low mass space vehicle which are ideal for inexpensively and quickly testing in flight new approaches to solar sailing. This paper describes using TF- SLR based micro solar sails to implement a generic solar sail test bed on orbit. TF -SLRs are high area- to-mass ratio (A/m) spacecraft developed for very low cost consumer and scientific deep space missions. Typically based on a 5 μm or thinner metalised substrate, they include an integrated avionics and payload system -on-chip (SoC) die bonded to the substrate with passive components and solar cells printed or deposited by Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD). The avionics include UHF/S- band transceivers, processors, storage, sensors and attitude control provided by integrated magnetorquers and reflectivity control devices. Resulting spacecraft have a typical thickness of less than 50 μm, are 80 mm in diameter, and have a mass of less than 100 mg resulting in sail loads of less than 20 g/m 2 . TF -SLRs are currently designed for direct dispensing in swarms from free flying 0.5U Interplanetary CubeSats or dispensers attached to launch vehicles. Larger 160 mm, 320 mm and 640 mm diameter TF -SLRs utilizing a CubeSat compatible TWIST deployment mechanism that maintains the high A/m ratio are also under development. We are developing a mission to demonstrate the utility of these devices as a test bed for experimenting with a variety of mission designs and control laws. Batches of up to one hundred TF- SLRs will be released on earth escape trajectories, with each batch executing a heterogeneous or homogenous mixture of control laws and experiments. Up to four releases at different points in orbit are currently envisaged with experiments currently being studied in MATLAB and GMA T including managing the rate of separation of individual spacecraft, station keeping and single deployment/substantially divergent trajectory development. It is also hoped to be able to demonstrate uploading new experiment designs while in orbit and to make this capability available to researchers around the world. A suitable earth escape mission is currently being sought and it is hoped the test bed could be on orbit in 2017/18

Chaplygin Gravitodynamics

We consider a new approach for gravity theory coupled to Chaplygin matter in which the {\it{relativistic}} formulation of the latter is of crucial importance. We obtain a novel form of matter with dust like density $(\sim (volume)^{-1})$ and negative pressure. We explicitly show that our results are compatible with a relativistic generalization of the energy conservation principle, derived here.Comment: Title changed, Revised version,N o change in conclusions, Journal ref.: MPL A21 (2006)1511-151