6,462 research outputs found
Optical data processing using paraboloidal mirror segments
An optical data processing system using paraboloidal reflecting surfaces is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment the paraboloidal reflecting surfaces are segments of a paraboloidal mirror. A source of coherent light is in the focal plane of the first paraboloidal mirror segment which collimates the beam and reflects it toward a second paraboloidal mirror surface. The information to be analyzed, on a transparency for example, is placed in the collimated beam. The beam is reflected from the second paraboloidal mirror segment and focused on a Fourier transform plane. A photon detector could be placed in the Fourier transform plane or suitable spatial filters, with the filtered beam then being reflected from a third paraboloidal mirror segment to be focused on a reconstruction plane
Phase transition in quantum gravity
A fundamental problem with attempting to quantize general relativity is its
perturbative non-renormalizability. However, this fact does not rule out the
possibility that non-perturbative effects can be computed, at least in some
approximation. We outline a quantum field theory calculation, based on general
relativity as the classical theory, which implies a phase transition in quantum
gravity. The order parameters are composite fields derived from spacetime
metric functions. These are massless below a critical energy scale and become
massive above it. There is a corresponding breaking of classical symmetry.Comment: 5 pages (Latex), 1 eps figure. For Proceedings of the 8th. Canadian
Conference on General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysic
Two dimensional general covariance from three dimensions
A 3d generally covariant field theory having some unusual properties is
described. The theory has a degenerate 3-metric which effectively makes it a 2d
field theory in disguise. For 2-manifolds without boundary, it has an infinite
number of conserved charges that are associated with graphs in two dimensions
and the Poisson algebra of the charges is closed. For 2-manifolds with boundary
there are additional observables that have a Kac-Moody Poisson algebra. It is
further shown that the theory is classically integrable and the general
solution of the equations of motion is given. The quantum theory is described
using Dirac quantization, and it is shown that there are quantum states
associated with graphs in two dimensions.Comment: 10 pages (Latex), Alberta-Thy-19-9
A wearable headset for monitoring electromyography responses within spinal surgery
Purpose: This research examines an approach for enhancing the efficiency of spinal surgery utilising the technological capabilities and design functionalities of wearable headsets, in this case Google Glass. The aim was to improve the efficiency of the selective dorsal rhizotomy neurosurgical procedure initially through the use of Glass via an innovative approach to information design for an intraoperative monitoring display. Methods Utilising primary and secondary research methods the development of a new electromyography response display for a wearable headset was undertaken. Results: Testing proved that Glass was fit for purpose and that the new intraoperative monitor design provided an example platform for the innovative intraoperative monitoring display; however, alternative wearable headsets such as the Microsoft HoloLens could also be equally viable. Conclusion: The new display design combined with the appropriate wearable technology could greatly benefit the selective dorsal rhizotomy procedure
Quantum resolution of black hole singularities
We study the classical and quantum theory of spherically symmetric spacetimes
with scalar field coupling in general relativity. We utilise the canonical
formalism of geometrodynamics adapted to the Painleve-Gullstrand coordinates,
and present a new quantisation of the resulting field theory. We give an
explicit construction of operators that capture curvature properties of the
spacetime and use these to show that the black hole curvature singularity is
avoided in the quantum theory.Comment: 5 pages, version to appear in CQ
2+1 Gravity without dynamics
A three dimensional generally covariant theory is described that has a 2+1
canonical decomposition in which the Hamiltonian constraint, which generates
the dynamics, is absent. Physical observables for the theory are described and
the classical and quantum theories are compared with ordinary 2+1 gravity.Comment: 9 page
Note on flat foliations of spherically symmetric spacetimes
It is known that spherically symmetric spacetimes admit flat spacelike
foliations. We point out a simple method of seeing this result via the
Hamiltonian constraints of general relativity. The method yields explicit
formulas for the extrinsic curvatures of the slicings.Comment: 4 pages, to appear in PRD, reference added, typos correcte
Field and photon enhanced electron emission characteristics of cadmium sulphide field emitters
Field and photon enhanced electron emission characteristics of cadmium sulfide field emitter
Einstein's equations and the chiral model
The vacuum Einstein equations for spacetimes with two commuting spacelike
Killing field symmetries are studied using the Ashtekar variables. The case of
compact spacelike hypersurfaces which are three-tori is considered, and the
determinant of the Killing two-torus metric is chosen as the time gauge. The
Hamiltonian evolution equations in this gauge may be rewritten as those of a
modified SL(2) principal chiral model with a time dependent `coupling
constant', or equivalently, with time dependent SL(2) structure constants. The
evolution equations have a generalized zero-curvature formulation. Using this
form, the explicit time dependence of an infinite number of
spatial-diffeomorphism invariant phase space functionals is extracted, and it
is shown that these are observables in the sense that they Poisson commute with
the reduced Hamiltonian. An infinite set of observables that have SL(2) indices
are also found. This determination of the explicit time dependence of an
infinite set of spatial-diffeomorphism invariant observables amounts to the
solutions of the Hamiltonian Einstein equations for these observables.Comment: 22 pages, RevTeX, to appear in Phys. Rev.
Health and cancer prevention: knowledge and beliefs of children and young people
Objective: To collect information from children and young people about their knowledge of and attitudes towards cancer and their understanding of health and health related behaviours to inform future health promotion work. Design: Questionnaire survey of 15-16 year olds, and interviews with play materials with 9-10 year old children. Setting: Six inner city, suburban, and rural schools. Subjects: 226 children aged 15-16 years and 100 aged 9-10 years. Main outcome measures: Knowledge about different types of cancer; beliefs about health; sources of information; quality of research data obtainable from young children about cancer and health. Results: Both samples knew most about lung cancer, but there was also some knowledge of breast and skin cancer and leukaemia. Smoking, together with pollution and other environmental factors, were seen as the dominant causes of cancer. Environmental factors were mentioned more often by the inner city samples. Television and the media were the most important sources of information. Young people were more worried about unemployment than about ill health. More than half the young people did not describe their health as good, and most said they did not have a healthy lifestyle. Children were able to provide detailed information about their knowledge and understanding by using drawings as well as interviews. Conclusions: Children and young people possess considerable knowledge about cancer, especially about lung cancer and smoking, and show considerable awareness of predominant health education messages. Despite this knowledge, many lead less than healthy lifestyles. Health is not seen as the most important goal in life by many young people; the circumstances in which many children and young people live are not experienced as health promoting
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