847 research outputs found
Universal Local symmetries and non-superposition in classical mechanics
In the Hilbert space formulation of classical mechanics (CM), pioneered by
Koopman and von Neumann (KvN), there are potentially more observables that in
the standard approach to CM. In this paper we show that actually many of those
extra observables are not invariant under a set of universal local symmetries
which appear once the KvN is extended to include the evolution of differential
forms. Because of their non-invariance, those extra observables have to be
removed. This removal makes the superposition of states in KvN, and as a
consequence also in CM, impossible
Gas-Grain Simulation Facility: Fundamental studies of particle formation and interactions. Volume 2: Abstracts, candidate experiments and feasibility study
An overview of the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility (GGSF) project and its current status is provided. The proceedings of the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility Experiments Workshop are recorded. The goal of the workshop was to define experiments for the GGSF--a small particle microgravity research facility. The workshop addressed the opportunity for performing, in Earth orbit, a wide variety of experiments that involve single small particles (grains) or clouds of particles. Twenty experiments from the fields of exobiology, planetary science, astrophysics, atmospheric science, biology, physics, and chemistry were described at the workshop and are outlined in Volume 2. Each experiment description included specific scientific objectives, an outline of the experimental procedure, and the anticipated GGSF performance requirements. Since these experiments represent the types of studies that will ultimately be proposed for the facility, they will be used to define the general science requirements of the GGSF. Also included in the second volume is a physics feasibility study and abstracts of example Gas-Grain Simulation Facility experiments and related experiments in progress
Gas-Grain Simulation Facility: Fundamental studies of particle formation and interactions. Volume 1: Executive summary and overview
An overview of the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility (GGSF) project and its current status is provided. The proceedings of the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility Experiments Workshop are recorded. The goal of the workshop was to define experiments for the GGSF--a small particle microgravity research facility. The workshop addressed the opportunity for performing, in Earth orbit, a wide variety of experiments that involve single small particles (grains) or clouds of particles. The first volume includes the executive summary, overview, scientific justification, history, and planned development of the Facility
INTRINSIC MECHANISM FOR ENTROPY CHANGE IN CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM EVOLUTION
It is shown that the existence of a time operator in the Liouville space
representation of both classical and quantum evolution provides a mechanism for
effective entropy change of physical states. In particular, an initially
effectively pure state can evolve under the usual unitary evolution to an
effectively mixed state.Comment: 20 pages. For more information or comments contact E. Eisenberg at
[email protected] (internet)
Quantum dynamics and statistics of two coupled down-conversion processes
In the framework of Heisenberg-Langevin theory the dynamical and statistical
effects arising from the linear interaction of two nondegenerate
down-conversion processes are investigated. Using the strong-pumping
approximation the analytical solution of equations of motion is calculated. The
phenomena reminiscent of Zeno and anti-Zeno effects are examined. The
possibility of phase-controlled and mismatch-controlled switching is
illustrated.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figure
Dislocation screening in crystals with spherical topology
Whereas disclination defects are energetically prohibitive in two-dimensional
flat crystals, their existence is necessary in crystals with spherical
topology, such as viral capsids, colloidosomes or fullerenes. Such a
geometrical frustration gives rise to large elastic stresses, which render the
crystal unstable when its size is significantly larger than the typical lattice
spacing. Depending on the compliance of the crystal with respect to stretching
and bending deformations, these stresses are alleviated by either a local
increase of the intrinsic curvature in proximity of the disclinations or by the
proliferation of excess dislocations, often organized in the form of
one-dimensional chains known as "scars". The associated strain field of the
scars is such to counterbalance the one resulting from the isolated
disclinations. Here, we develop a continuum theory of dislocation screening in
two-dimensional closed crystals with genus one. Upon modeling the flux of scars
emanating from a given disclination as an independent scalar field, we
demonstrate that the elastic energy of closed two-dimensional crystals with
various degrees of asphericity can be expressed as a simple quadratic function
of the screened topological charge of the disclinations, both at zero and
finite temperature. This allows us to predict the optimal density of the excess
dislocations as well as the minimal stretching energy attained by the crystal
Exponential behavior of a quantum system in a macroscopic medium
An exponential behavior at all times is derived for a solvable dynamical
model in the weak-coupling, macroscopic limit. Some implications for the
quantum measurement problem are discussed, in particular in connection with
dissipation.Comment: 8 pages, report BA-TH/94-17
An Integrated XRF/XRD Instrument for Mars Exobiology and Geology Experiments
By employing an integrated x-ray instrument on a future Mars mission, data obtained will greatly augment those returned by Viking; details characterizing the past and present environment on Mars and those relevant to the possibility of the origin and evolution of life will be acquired. A combined x-ray fluorescence/x-ray diffraction (XRF/XRD) instrument was breadboarded and demonstrated to accommodate important exobiology and geology experiment objectives outlined for MESUR and future Mars missions. Among others, primary objectives for the exploration of Mars include the intense study of local areas on Mars to establish the chemical, mineralogical, and petrological character of different components of the surface material; to determine the distribution, abundance, and sources and sinks of volatile materials, including an assessment of the biologic potential, now and during past epoches; and to establish the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface. The XRF/XRD breadboard instrument identifies and quantifies soil surface elemental, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics and acquires data necessary to address questions on volatile abundance and distribution. Additionally, the breadboard is able to characterize the biogenic element constituents of soil samples providing information on the biologic potential of the Mars environment. Preliminary breadboard experiments confirmed the fundamental instrument design approach and measurement performance
Quantum Zeno effect in a probed downconversion process
The distorsion of a spontaneous downconvertion process caused by an auxiliary
mode coupled to the idler wave is analyzed. In general, a strong coupling with
the auxiliary mode tends to hinder the downconversion in the nonlinear medium.
On the other hand, provided that the evolution is disturbed by the presence of
a phase mismatch, the coupling may increase the speed of downconversion. These
effects are interpreted as being manifestations of quantum Zeno or anti-Zeno
effects, respectively, and they are understood by using the dressed modes
picture of the device. The possibility of using the coupling as a nontrivial
phase--matching technique is pointed out.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure
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