2,010 research outputs found
Quantum processes, space-time representation and brain dynamics
The recent controversy of applicability of quantum formalism to brain
dynamics has been critically analysed. The prerequisites for any type of
quantum formalism or quantum field theory is to investigate whether the
anatomical structure of brain permits any kind of smooth geometric notion like
Hilbert structure or four dimensional Minkowskian structure for quantum field
theory. The present understanding of brain function clearly denies any kind of
space-time representation in Minkowskian sense. However, three dimensional
space and one time can be assigned to the neuromanifold and the concept of
probabilistic geometry is shown to be appropriate framework to understand the
brain dynamics. The possibility of quantum structure is also discussed in this
framework.Comment: Latex, 28 page
Implications of Gamma-Ray Transparency Constraints in Blazars: Minimum Distances and Gamma-Ray Collimation
We develop a general expression for the gamma-gamma absorption coefficient
for gamma-rays propagating in an arbitrary direction at an arbitrary point in
space above an X-ray emitting accretion disk. The X-ray intensity is assumed to
vary as a power law in energy and radius between the outer disk radius and the
inner radius, which is the radius of marginal stability for a Schwarzschild
black hole. We use our result for the absorption coefficient to calculate the
gamma-gamma optical depth for gamma-rays created at an arbitrary height and
propagating at an arbitrary angle relative to the disk axis. As an application,
we use our formalism to compute the minimum distance between the central black
hole and the site of production of the gamma-rays detected by EGRET during the
June 1991 flare of 3C 279. Our results indicate that the ``focusing'' of the
gamma-rays along the disk axis due to pair production is strong enough to
explain the observed degree of alignment in blazar sources. If the gamma-rays
are produced isotropically in gamma-ray blazars, then these objects should
appear as bright MeV sources when viewed along off-axis lines of sight.Comment: 23 pages, tex, figures available on request to [email protected]
Saving the Physics II: Who Needs to be Saved? It Depends on Your Metaphysics
Physics does not need to be saved. If anything, physics was rescued in the early twentieth century with the advancement of both the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. What needs to be saved is our world outlook or metaphysics because how a society acts and develops depends on what its belief systems are. Here we explore how a new metaphysics where consciousness is fundamental might just be what modern societies need
Fundamental Mathematics of Consciousness
We explore a mathematical formalism that ties together the observer with the observed in the view that Consciousness is primary, operating through three principles which apply at all levels, the essence of qualia of experience. The formalism is a simplified version of Hilbert space mathematics encountered in quantum mechanics. It does, however, go beyond specific interpretations of quantum mechanics and has strong philosophical foundations in Western philosophy as well as monistic systems of the East. The implications are explored and steps for the full development of this axiomatic mathematical approach to Consciousness are discussed
Multiwavelength Blazar Studies
The present report concerns the following projects \u27High energy emission from hot accretion disks from active galactic nuclei\u27; \u27OSSE spectral timing and monitoring observations of Cygnus X- 1\u27; \u27OSSE observations of blazars\u27; and \u27Search for correlated time variations of bright EGRET blazars\u27. The most favored model for the central engine inAGNs is the supermassive black hole hypothesis (Rees 1978). The observed luminosities range from approx. 10 logical and 44-45 erg /s for objects such as Mk 421 and Seyferts to as much as approx. 10logical and 47 for powerful QSOs such as 3C 273 and 3C 279, a large fraction of the observed bolometric luminosity being, in all likelihood, beamed. As such, these objects are strong X-ray emitters (cf. Makino et al. 1987) and often undergo gamma-ray flaring detected at the EGRET range (Hartman et al. 1992) and in the case of one of two known nearby BL Lacs, Mk 421, at TeV energies as well (Punch et al. 1992, Macomb et al. 1995). Previous campaigns emphasizing radio through X-ray and even gamma-ray observations have generally found that the multiwavelength spectrum is adequately fit by a standard synchrotron self-Compton (SSC-cf. Jones et al. 1974) model of a relativistic jet (e.g. Makino et al. 1987 and Macomb et al. 1995 for the BL Lac object Mk 421) or inhomogeneous relativistic jet (Mufson et al 1990). It also was examined the gamma-gamma transperency constraints in blazars
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