An exact self-similar solution for an expanding ball of radiation

We give an exact solution of the $5D$ Einstein equations which in 4D can be interpreted as a spherically symmetric dissipative distribution of matter, with heat flux, whose effective density and pressure are nonstatic, nonuniform, and satisfy the equation of state of radiation. The matter satisfies the usual energy and thermodynamic conditions. The energy density and temperature are related by the Stefan-Boltzmann law. The solution admits a homothetic Killing vector in $5D$, which induces the existence of self-similar symmetry in 4D, where the line element as well as the dimensionless matter quantities are invariant under a simple "scaling" group.Comment: New version expanded and improved. To appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys.

The Non-Relativistic Evolution of GRBs 980703 and 970508: Beaming-Independent Calorimetry

We use the Sedov-Taylor self-similar solution to model the radio emission from the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) 980703 and 970508, when the blastwave has decelerated to non-relativistic velocities. This approach allows us to infer the energy independent of jet collimation. We find that for GRB 980703 the kinetic energy at the time of the transition to non-relativistic evolution, t_NR ~ 40 d, is E_ST ~ (1-6)e51 erg. For GRB 970508 we find E_ST ~ 3e51 erg at t_NR ~ 100 d, nearly an order of magnitude higher than the energy derived in Frail, Waxman and Kulkarni (2000). This is due primarily to revised cosmological parameters and partly to the maximum likelihood fit we use here. Taking into account radiative losses prior to t_NR, the inferred energies agree well with those derived from the early, relativistic evolution of the afterglow. Thus, the analysis presented here provides a robust, geometry-independent confirmation that the energy scale of cosmological GRBs is about 5e51 erg, and additionally shows that the central engine in these two bursts did not produce a significant amount of energy in mildly relativistic ejecta at late time. Furthermore, a comparison to the prompt energy release reveals a wide dispersion in the gamma-ray efficiency, strengthening our growing understanding that E_gamma is a not a reliable proxy for the total energy.Comment: Submitted to ApJ; 13 pages, 6 figures, 1 table; high-resolution figures can be found at: http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~ejb/NR

An all-optical event horizon in an optical analogue of a Laval nozzle

Exploiting the fact that light propagation in defocusing nonlinear media can mimic the transonic flow of an equivalent fluid, we demonstrate experimentally the formation of an all-optical event horizon in a waveguide structure akin to a hydrodynamic Laval nozzle. The analogue event horizon, which forms at the nozzle throat is suggested as a novel platform for analogous gravity experiments

Pedagogical education quality rating system development in academic physical education discipline

© Copyright 2018 American Scientific Publishers. The study considers the academic education quality rating system development initiatives among the top-priority social and educational matters. In this context, an objective of the study was to offer the most efficient avenues for the university activities to develop the pedagogical education quality rating system applicable to the academic Physical Education discipline. The empirical data mining study performed for an academic year gave the grounds to rate progress of the ongoing academic project to rate the physical education quality. The stakeholders involved in the study appreciated practical benefits of the initiative. The study findings approximated with 5% error level gave the grounds to state that the difference of the data arrays prior to and after the initiative are not accidental. Therefore, the ongoing initiatives were found to be of positive effect on the academic education quality rates in the academic Physical Education discipline as verified by the cause-and-effect correlations analysed. The study made it possible to offer the most promising ways to improve the system, as follow: formalise the key education quality criteria by the relevant operable definitions; improve the education quality assurance culture to guarantee the stakeholders' interests being satisfied; and apply the education quality rating results to improve the education quality management and planning system

Spin resonance induced by a mechanical rotation of a polariton condensate

We study theoretically the polarization dynamics in a ring-shape bosonic condensate of exciton-polaritons confined in a rotating trap. The interplay between the rotating potential and TE-TM splitting of polariton modes offers a tool of control over the spin state and the angular momentum of the condensate. Specific selection rules describing the coupling of pseudospin and angular momentum are formulated. The resonant coupling between states having linear and circular polarizations leads to the polarization beats. The effect may be seen as a polariton analogy to the electronic magnetic resonance in the presence of constant and rotating magnetic fields. Remarkably, spin beats are induced by a purely mechanical rotation of the condensate

Persistent polarization oscillations in ring-shape polariton condensates

We predict the limit cycle solution for a ring-shape bosonic condensate of exciton-polaritons confined in an optically induced rotating trap. The limit cycle manifests itself with polarization oscillations on a characteristic timescale of tens of picoseconds. The effect arises due to the interplay between orbital motion and the polarization degree of freedom. It is specific to spinor bosonic condensates and would be absent in a scalar case, where a bi-stability of stationary solutions would be observed instead. This work offers a tool of initialisation and control of qubits based on superpositions of polariton condensates characterised by different topologic charges