The design of a numerically controlled drilling system using fluidic elements 1966/7

This report outlines the aims of the project and procedures used to bring it to a successful conclusion. It also summarises the results of an investigation into the parameters which govern the specification of a numerically controlled point to point drilling machine

Adaptive reflection and focusing of Bose-Einstein condensates

We report adjustable magnetic `bouncing' and focusing of a dilute $^{87}$Rb Bose gas. Both the condensate production and manipulation are realised using a particularly straight-forward apparatus. The bouncing region is comprised of approximately concentric ellipsoidal magnetic equipotentials with a centre that can be adjusted vertically. We extend, and discuss the limitations of, simple Thomas-Fermi and Monte-Carlo theoretical models for the bouncing, which at present find close agreement with the condensate's evolution. Very strong focusing has been inferred and the observation of atomic matter-wave diffraction should be possible. Prospects look bright for applications in matter-wave atom-optics, due to the very smooth nature of the mirror

Celebrating 40 Years of Professor Bill Atkin

This article traces Bill Atkin's contribution to family law in New Zealand, with a particular focus on his commitment to law reform

Theoretical perspectives on preventing fishing vessel accidents.

Despite the availability of new technologies, fishing vessels come to grief far too often. Prevention education is excessively functionalist and not sufficiently focused on human factors. The author interrogates the problem from contrasting theoretical perspectives and claims prevention educators should embrace subjective as well as objectivist ontologies and place power relations at the centre, not on the margins, of their efforts

Six Unique Years: why did Think Big happen?

This article addresses the question of what caused the 1980 growth strategy which led to investment in major energy projects in NewZealand. It argues that it was a rational policy response at the time. However, the political goal of self-sufficiency in transport fuels was costly and inefficient. Pressure on construction resources and inflation led to unacceptable cost overruns and the forecasting of future prices was astray. As a result, the ventures needed financial restructuring. Some lessons for the imminent investments to combat climate change are drawn

A simple extended-cavity diode laser

Operating a laser diode in an extended cavity which provides frequency-selective feedback is a very effective method of reducing the laser's linewidth and improving its tunability. We have developed an extremely simple laser of this type, built from inexpensive commercial components with only a few minor modifications, A 780 nm laser built to this design has an output power of 80 mW, a Linewidth of 350 kHz, and it has been continuously locked to a Doppler-free rubidium transition for several days