On the functional renormalization group for the scalar field on curved background with non-minimal interaction

The running of the non-minimal parameter (\xi) of the interaction of the real scalar field and scalar curvature is explored within the non-perturbative setting of the functional renormalization group (RG). We establish the RG flow in curved space-time in the scalar field sector, in particular derive an equation for the non-minimal parameter. The RG trajectory is numerically explored for different sets of initial data.Comment: LaTeX, 17 pages, 4 Figure

Extent and Type of Retirement Preparation Made by Middle-Aged Women in South Dakota

One purpose of this study was to examine the extent and type of preparation for retirement made by middle-age people, specifically women from 0 through 64 years of age, in South Dakota. These preparations were examined in terms of the several adjustments demands with which retired people are faced in American society. A further purpose of the study was to compare the age, level of education, and marital status of the subjects to their responses to questions dealing with the various aspects of preparation for retirement

Corporate Governance für KMU – Eine empirische Analyse und Konzeptualisierung für den Schweizer Markt

Although corporate governance (CG) is relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well, little is known about the application of CG principles in SMEs. This work analyses the implementation of CG in Swiss SMEs and contrasts it with theoretical principles in order to identify potential for improvement and to derive a conceptual framework for effective implementation and handling of CG. To cover the topic of CG holistically and gain a new and clear perspective on its complexities, the theoretical basics were divided into three dimensions: structural, content-related and prescriptive. All essential CG elements were introduced and discussed from the perspective of effectiveness. For expert interviews, an interview guideline was derived from these basics to realistically capture the implementation status in a wide range of SMEs. A two-stage sampling process with predefined criteria and a theoretical sampling phase was implemented to obtain a comprehensive picture of the existing heterogeneity of SMEs. Content-structuring qualitative content analysis was then conducted on the data by using a deductively derived and inductively supplemented category system. To identify characteristic features of the implementation of these CG systems, both different subgroups of SMEs were analysed, and a typology was developed. This analysis led to the conclusion that the design of the CG structures in the companies investigated could be divided into three types: 'CG specialists', 'CG optimizers' and 'CG beginners'. The implementation of CG in these companies was influenced by the following factors: 'interest', 'knowledge' and 'external influences'. As a result, a conceptual framework could be developed by considering potential for improvement in the general meetings of shareholders, staffing and development of the board of directors, internal control, risk management, and compliance. For research, further insights could be gained both for SMEs and their handling of CG by being close to the object of investigation. However, to be able to develop research tools and CG recommendations that are capable of meeting the needs of SMEs, the complexity of their characteristics must be addressed by a more differentiated structuring rather than solely via the number of employees

Phases of supersymmetric O(N) theories

We perform a global renormalization group study of O(N) symmetric Wess-Zumino theories and their phases in three euclidean dimensions. At infinite N the theory is solved exactly. The phases and phase transitions are worked out for finite and infinite short-distance cutoffs. A distinctive new feature arises at strong coupling, where the effective superfield potential becomes multi-valued, signalled by divergences in the fermion-boson interaction. Our findings resolve the long-standing puzzle about the occurrence of degenerate O(N) symmetric phases. At finite N, we find a strongly-coupled fixed point in the local potential approximation and explain its impact on the phase transition. We also examine the possibility for a supersymmetric Bardeen-Moshe-Bander phenomenon, and relate our findings with the spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry in other models.Comment: 23 pages, 18 figure

Tomographic readout of an opto-mechanical interferometer

The quantum state of light changes its nature when being reflected off a mechanical oscillator due to the latter's susceptibility to radiation pressure. As a result, a coherent state can transform into a squeezed state and can get entangled with the motion of the oscillator. The complete tomographic reconstruction of the state of light requires the ability to readout arbitrary quadratures. Here we demonstrate such a readout by applying a balanced homodyne detector to an interferometric position measurement of a thermally excited high-Q silicon nitride membrane in a Michelson-Sagnac interferometer. A readout noise of \unit{1.9 \cdot 10^{-16}}{\metre/\sqrt{\hertz}} around the membrane's fundamental oscillation mode at \unit{133}{\kilo\hertz} has been achieved, going below the peak value of the standard quantum limit by a factor of 8.2 (9 dB). The readout noise was entirely dominated by shot noise in a rather broad frequency range around the mechanical resonance.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Factorization of supersymmetric Hamiltonians in curvilinear coordinates

Planar supersymmetric quantum mechanical systems with separable spectral problem in curvilinear coordinates are analyzed in full generality. We explicitly construct the supersymmetric extension of the Euler/Pauli Hamiltonian describing the motion of a light particle in the field of two heavy fixed Coulombian centers. We shall also show how the SUSY Kepler/Coulomb problem arises in two different limits of this problem: either, the two centers collapse in one center - a problem separable in polar coordinates -, or, one of the two centers flies to infinity - to meet the Coulomb problem separable in parabolic coordinates.Comment: 13 pages. Based on the talk presented by M.A. Gonzalez Leon at the 7th International Conference on Quantum Theory and Symmetries (QTS7), August 07-13, 2011, Prague, Czech Republi

Magnetic flux jumps in textured Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+d)

Magnetic flux jumps in textured Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+d) have been studied by means of magnetization measurements in the temperature range between 1.95 K and Tc, in an external magnetic field up to 9 T. Flux jumps were found in the temperature range 1.95 K - 6 K, with the external magnetic field parallel to the c axis of the investigated sample. The effect of sample history on magnetic flux jumping was studied and it was found to be well accounted for by the available theoretical models. The magnetic field sweep rate strongly influences the flux jumping and this effect was interpreted in terms of the influence of both flux creep and the thermal environment of the sample. Strong flux creep was found in the temperature and magnetic field range where flux jumps occur suggesting a relationship between the two. The heat exchange conditions between the sample and the experimental environment also influence the flux jumping behavior. Both these effects stabilize the sample against flux instabilities, and this stabilizing effect increases with decreasing magnetic field sweep rate. Demagnetizing effects are also shown to have a significant influence on flux jumping.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, RevTeX4, submitted to Phys. Rev.