A high efficiency, low background detector for measuring pair-decay branches in nuclear decay

We describe a high efficiency detector for measuring electron-positron pair transitions in nuclei. The device was built to be insensitive to gamma rays and to accommodate high overall event rates. The design was optimized for total pair kinetic energies up to about 7 MeV.Comment: Accepted for publication by Nucl. Inst. & Meth. in Phys. Res. A (NIM A

Probing Noncommutative Space-Time in the Laboratory Frame

The phenomenological investigation of noncommutative space-time in the laboratory frame are presented. We formulate the apparent time variation of noncommutativity parameter $\theta_{\mu\nu}$ in the laboratory frame due to the earth's rotation. Furthermore, in the noncommutative QED, we discuss how to probe the electric-like component $\overrightarrow{\theta_{E}}=(\theta_{01},\theta_{02},\theta_{03})$ by the process $e^-e^+\to\gamma\gamma$ at future $e^-e^+$ linear collider. We may determine the magnitude and the direction of $\overrightarrow{\theta_{E}}$ by detailed study of the apparent time variation of total cross section. In case of us observing no signal, the upper limit on the magnitude of $\overrightarrow{\theta_E^{}}$ can be determined independently of its direction.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, typos are corrected, one graph have been added in figure

Monopole and Berry Phase in Momentum Space in Noncommutative Quantum Mechanics

To build genuine generators of the rotations group in noncommutative quantum mechanics, we show that it is necessary to extend the noncommutative parameter $\theta$ to a field operator, which one proves to be only momentum dependent. We find consequently that this field must be obligatorily a dual Dirac monopole in momentum space. Recent experiments in the context of the anomalous Hall effect provide for a monopole in the crystal momentum space. We suggest a connection between the noncommutative field and the Berry curvature in momentum space which is at the origine of the anomalous Hall effect.Comment: 4 page

Effective Field Theories on Non-Commutative Space-Time

We consider Yang-Mills theories formulated on a non-commutative space-time described by a space-time dependent anti-symmetric field $\theta^{\mu\nu}(x)$. Using Seiberg-Witten map techniques we derive the leading order operators for the effective field theories that take into account the effects of such a background field. These effective theories are valid for a weakly non-commutative space-time. It is remarkable to note that already simple models for $\theta^{\mu\nu}(x)$ can help to loosen the bounds on space-time non-commutativity coming from low energy physics. Non-commutative geometry formulated in our framework is a potential candidate for new physics beyond the standard model.Comment: 22 pages, 1 figur

Noncommutativity, generalized uncertainty principle and FRW cosmology

We consider the effects of noncommutativity and the generalized uncertainty principle on the FRW cosmology with a scalar field. We show that, the cosmological constant problem and removability of initial curvature singularity find natural solutions in this scenarios.Comment: 8 pages, to appear in IJT

Time-Space Noncommutativity in Gravitational Quantum Well scenario

A novel approach to the analysis of the gravitational well problem from a second quantised description has been discussed. The second quantised formalism enables us to study the effect of time space noncommutativity in the gravitational well scenario which is hitherto unavailable in the literature. The corresponding first quantized theory reveals a leading order perturbation term of noncommutative origin. Latest experimental findings are used to estimate an upper bound on the time--space noncommutative parameter. Our results are found to be consistent with the order of magnitude estimations of other NC parameters reported earlier.Comment: 7 pages, revTe

2+1 gravity and Doubly Special Relativity

It is shown that gravity in 2+1 dimensions coupled to point particles provides a nontrivial example of Doubly Special Relativity (DSR). This result is obtained by interpretation of previous results in the field and by exhibiting an explicit transformation between the phase space algebra for one particle in 2+1 gravity found by Matschull and Welling and the corresponding DSR algebra. The identification of 2+1 gravity as a $DSR$ system answers a number of questions concerning the latter, and resolves the ambiguity of the basis of the algebra of observables. Based on this observation a heuristic argument is made that the algebra of symmetries of ultra high energy particle kinematics in 3+1 dimensions is described by some DSR theory.Comment: 8 pages Latex, no figures, typos correcte

A versatile computational pipeline for bacterial genome annotation improvement and comparative analysis, with Brucella as a use case

We present a bacterial genome computational analysis pipeline, called GenVar. The pipeline, based on the program GeneWise, is designed to analyze an annotated genome and automatically identify missed gene calls and sequence variants such as genes with disrupted reading frames (split genes) and those with insertions and deletions (indels). For a given genome to be analyzed, GenVar relies on a database containing closely related genomes (such as other species or strains) as well as a few additional reference genomes. GenVar also helps identify gene disruptions probably caused by sequencing errors. We exemplify GenVar's capabilities by presenting results from the analysis of four Brucella genomes. Brucella is an important human pathogen and zoonotic agent. The analysis revealed hundreds of missed gene calls, new split genes and indels, several of which are species specific and hence provide valuable clues to the understanding of the genome basis of Brucella pathogenicity and host specificity

Optical nanofibers and spectroscopy

We review our recent progress in the production and characterization of tapered optical fibers with a sub-wavelength diameter waist. Such fibers exhibit a pronounced evanescent field and are therefore a useful tool for highly sensitive evanescent wave spectroscopy of adsorbates on the fiber waist or of the medium surrounding. We use a carefully designed flame pulling process that allows us to realize preset fiber diameter profiles. In order to determine the waist diameter and to verify the fiber profile, we employ scanning electron microscope measurements and a novel accurate in situ optical method based on harmonic generation. We use our fibers for linear and non-linear absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of surface-adsorbed organic molecules and investigate their agglomeration dynamics. Furthermore, we apply our spectroscopic method to quantum dots on the surface of the fiber waist and to caesium vapor surrounding the fiber. Finally, towards dispersive measurements, we present our first results on building and testing a single-fiber bi-modal interferometer.Comment: 13 pages, 18 figures. Accepted for publication in Applied Physics B. Changes according to referee suggestions: changed title, clarification of some points in the text, added references, replacement of Figure 13