5,699 research outputs found
Subaperture sampling for digital-holography applications involving atmospheric turbulence
Using wave-optics simulations, this paper defines what subaperture sampling effectively means for digital-holography applications involving atmospheric turbulence. Throughout, we consider the on-axis phase shifting recording geometry (PSRG) and off-axis PSRG, both with the effects of sensor noise. The results ultimately show that (1) insufficient subaperture sampling manifests as an efficiency loss that limits the achievable signal-to-noise ratio and field-estimated Strehl ratio; (2) digital-holography applications involving atmospheric turbulence require at least three focal-plane array (FPA) pixels per Fried coherence length to meet the Maréchal criterion; and (3) off-axis PSRG is a valid and efficient implementation with minor losses, as compared to on-axis PSRG. Such results will inform future research efforts on how to efficiently use the available FPA pixels
Stresses in isostatic granular systems and emergence of force chains
Progress is reported on several questions that bedevil understanding of
granular systems: (i) are the stress equations elliptic, parabolic or
hyperbolic? (ii) how can the often-observed force chains be predicted from a
first-principles continuous theory? (iii) How to relate insight from isostatic
systems to general packings? Explicit equations are derived for the stress
components in two dimensions including the dependence on the local structure.
The equations are shown to be hyperbolic and their general solutions, as well
as the Green function, are found. It is shown that the solutions give rise to
force chains and the explicit dependence of the force chains trajectories and
magnitudes on the local geometry is predicted. Direct experimental tests of the
predictions are proposed. Finally, a framework is proposed to relate the
analysis to non-isostatic and more realistic granular assemblies.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, Corrected typos and clkearer text, submitted to
Phys. Rev. Let
Characterisation of the L-mode Scrape Off Layer in MAST: decay lengths
This work presents a detailed characterisation of the MAST Scrape Off Layer
in L-mode. Scans in line averaged density, plasma current and toroidal magnetic
field were performed. A comprehensive and integrated study of the SOL was
allowed by the use of a wide range of diagnostics. In agreement with previous
results, an increase of the line averaged density induced a broadening of the
midplane density profile.Comment: 30 pages, 11 figure
Very High Energy Gamma Rays from PSR1706-44
We have obtained evidence of gamma-ray emission above 1 TeV from PSR1706-44,
using a ground-based telescope of the atmospheric \v{C}erenkov imaging type
located near Woomera, South Australia. This object, a -ray source
discovered by the COS B satellite (2CG342-02), was identified with the radio
pulsar through the discovery of a 102 ms pulsed signal with the EGRET
instrument of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. The flux of the present
observation above a threshold of 1 TeV is 1 10
photons cm s, which is two orders of magnitude smaller than the
extrapolation from GeV energies. The analysis is not restricted to a search for
emission modulated with the 102 ms period, and the reported flux is for all
-rays from PSR1706-44, pulsed and unpulsed. The energy output in the
TeV region corresponds to about 10 of the spin down energy loss rate of
the neutron star.Comment: 13 pages, latex format (article), 2 figures include
Measured g factors and the tidal-wave description of transitional nuclei near A = 100
The transient-field technique has been used in both conventional kinematics
and inverse kinematics to measure the g factors of the 2+ states in the stable
even isotopes of Ru, Pd and Cd. The statistical precision of the g(2+) values
has been significantly improved, allowing a critical comparison with the
tidal-wave version of the cranking model recently proposed for transitional
nuclei in this region.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review C, April 201
Deconstructing Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPAs) - Analysis of Nepal and Pakistan LAPA initiatives
This paper analyses the organizational and implementation design strategies of two ongoing
Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) initiatives in Nepal and Pakistan. LAPA is considered
an answer for institutionalized local-level adaptation planning that aims to capture local needs
and direct resources to where, when and by whom these are most needed. While both Nepal and
Pakistan LAPAs have similar objectives of bottom-up planning, the operational and structural
designs of the two LAPAs are very distinct, leading to different outcomes. Different internal and
external factors such as age and size of LAPA, technology, local institutional arrangements, core
process and environment also exert significant structural tensions on the planned organizational
design of LAPAs that may inhibit delivery of their objectives
Inelastic neutron scattering studies of methyl chloride synthesis over alumina
Not only is alumina the most widely used catalyst support material in the world, it is also an important catalyst in its own right. One major chemical process that uses alumina in this respect is the industrial production of methyl chloride. This is a large scale process (650 000 metric tons in 2010 in the United States), and a key feedstock in the production of silicones that are widely used as household sealants. In this Account, we show how, in partnership with conventional spectroscopic and reaction testing methods, inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectroscopy can provide additional insight into the active sites present on the catalyst, as well as the intermediates present on the catalyst surface.<p></p>
INS spectroscopy is a form of vibrational spectroscopy, where the spectral features are dominated by modes involving hydrogen. Because of this, most materials including alumina are largely transparent to neutrons. Advantageously, in this technique, the entire “mid-infrared”, 0–4000 cm<sup>–1</sup>, range is accessible; there is no cut-off at 1400 cm<sup>–1</sup> as in infrared spectroscopy. It is also straightforward to distinguish fundamental modes from overtones and combinations. <p></p>
A key parameter in the catalyst’s activity is the surface acidity. In infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine, the shifts in the ring stretching modes are dependent on the strength of the acid site. However, there is a very limited spectral range available. We discuss how we can observe the low energy ring deformation modes of adsorbed pyridine by INS spectroscopy. These modes can undergo shifts that are as large as those seen with infrared inspectroscopy, potentially enabling finer discrimination between acid sites. <p></p>
Surface hydroxyls play a key role in alumina catalysis, but in infrared spectroscopy, the presence of electrical anharmonicity complicates the interpretation of the O–H stretch region. In addition, the deformations lie below the infrared cut-off. Both of these limitations are irrelevant to INS spectroscopy, and all the modes are readily observable. When we add HCl to the catalyst surface, the acid causes changes in the spectra. We can then deduce both that the surface chlorination leads to enhanced Lewis acidity and that the hydroxyl group must be threefold coordinated. <p></p>
When we react η-alumina with methanol, the catalyst forms a chemisorbed methoxy species. Infrared spectroscopy clearly shows its presence but also indicates the possible coexistence of a second species. Because of INS spectroscopy’s ability to discriminate between fundamental modes and combinations, we were able to unambiguously show that there is a single intermediate present on the surface of the active catalyst. This work represents a clear example where an understanding of the chemistry at the molecular level can help rationalize improvements in a large scale industrial process with both financial and environmental benefits. <p></p>
Shifting a Quantum Wire through a Disordered Crystal: Observation of Conductance Fluctuations in Real Space
A quantum wire is spatially displaced by suitable electric fields with
respect to the scatterers inside a semiconductor crystal. As a function of the
wire position, the low-temperature resistance shows reproducible fluctuations.
Their characteristic temperature scale is a few hundred millikelvin, indicating
a phase-coherent effect. Each fluctuation corresponds to a single scatterer
entering or leaving the wire. This way, scattering centers can be counted one
by one.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
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