Can type II Semi-local cosmic strings form?

We present the simplest possible model for a semi-local string defect in which a U(1) gauged subgroup of an otherwise global SU(2) is broken to produce local cosmic strings endowed with current-carrying properties. Restricting attention to type II vortices for which the non current-carrying state is unstable, we show that a condensate must form microscopically and macroscopically evolve towards a chiral configuration. It has been suggested that such configurations could potentially exist in a stable state, thereby inducing large cosmological consequences based on equilibrium angular momentum supported loop configurations (vortons). Here we show that the current itself induces a macroscopic (longitudinal) instability: we conclude that type II semi-local cosmic strings cannot form in a cosmological context.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Prussian Blue-coated interdigitated array electrodes for possible analytical application

Thin films of iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) (Prussian Blue) were electrochemically deposited on interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes, yielding systems which can be considered as chemiresistors in sensing alkali metal ion concentrations in an adjacent electrolyte. This is due to the fact that the conductivity of the film being measured by a steady-state current on application of a voltage to the two-fingered electrodes of the IDA depends on both the redox stare of the film and the cation concentration in the electrolyte. From the dependence of the steady-state current on the electrode (bias) potential at variable cation concentrations for different alkali metal ions and for mixtures of alkali metal ions, the possibilities of analytical application were elucidated. In addition, by using the methods of staircase coulometry and scanning conductivity, the electron diffusion coefficient De was determined as a function of the redox state of Prussian Blue. It is concluded that Prussian Blue-coated IDA electrodes are, in principle, suitable as chemiresistors for the determination of alkali metal ion concentrations with increasing selectivity in the series Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs

THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF CHEMICAL USE RESTRICTIONS IN AGRICULTURE

Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries,

The influence of long-range hopping on ferromagnetism in the Hubbard model

The phase diagram of the Hubbard model in an external magnetic field is examined by extrapolation of small-cluster exact-diagonalization calculations. Using a general expression for the hopping matrix elements ($t_{ij}\sim q^{|i-j|}$) the influence of long-range hopping (band asymmetry) on ferromagnetism in this model is studied. It is found that the long-range hopping (nonzero $q$) stabilizes ferromagnetism in an external magnetic field for $n > 1$. In the opposite limit $n \leq 1$ the fully polarized ferromagnetic state is generally suppressed with increasing $q$. The critical value of magnetic field $h$ below which the ferromagnetic state becomes unstable is calculated numerically.Comment: 8 pages, 3 Postscript figures, Late