A new procedure for thin-film deposition by solution spraying

The major reasons for the low photovoltaic efficiency of Cu₂S/CdS cells, in which the CdS film is deposited by spraying, are due to small film thicknesses which do not exceed 4 m and the small average grain size which ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 m.A new experimental solution spraying procedure is described that prevents both restrictions by controlling the substrate temperature. Average grain sizes of more than 1 m are obtained.Work supported by Ministere Pubblica Istruzione and Centro Regionale Ricerche Nucleari e di Struttura della Materia     

Intersubjectivity,relativistic covariance,and conditionals: response to C. I. J. M. Stuart

A misunderstanding persists between Stuart and me, which I do my best to clarify. Bayesian inverse subjectivities versus relativistic covariance and physical intersubjectivity are discussed. A joint number of chances formalism taking care of the propagation of the probability of causes is proposed.     

Weak “phase transitions” in asymptotic properties of lattice sums

Two classes ofn-dimensional lattice sums are shown to exhibit a weak form of a phase transition in their asymptotic properties. Both classes depend on two parameters such that the leading term in an asymptotic limit of one parameter is independent of the structure of the lattice in one domain of the second parameter and dependent on the structure in an adjacent domain, with a boundary point, or transition temperature, between the two domains.     

Some properties of topological geons

We investigate the Finkelstein-Misner geons for a non-simply-connected space-time manifold (M, g ₀). We use relations between different Lorentzian structures unequivalent tog ₀ and topological properties ofM given by the Morse theory. It implies that to some pieces of geons we have to associate Wheeler's worm-holes. Geons that correspond to time-orientable Lorentz structures are related tog ₀ by Morse functions that describe the attaching of a handle of index one. In the case of geons associated to time-nonorientable Lorentzian structures, appropriate handles are related to loops along which the notion of time reverses. If we assume electromagnetic properties of geons, then only four species, v, e, p, m, of different geons can exist and geon m has to decay according to mv+p+e.     

Quantum-Monte-Carlo simulations for fermionic systems

The paper gives a general idea of Quantum-Monte-Carlo simulations for fermionic systems in higher dimensions. A basic trick is provided to avoid the minus-sign problems which in some form lead to unsurmountable difficulties in simulations, for example at lower temperatures and for larger system sizes.     

A free-electron laser pumped by the soliton laser

We propose a scheme for building a free-electron laser in the soft X-ray region pumped by the soliton laser. Making use of soliton laser wave evolution shape and single-pass small signal analysis, we find that this laser has two special advantages over the previous electromagnetic wave undulator free-electron lasers. One is a very small mass-shift effect because of the special characteristics of soliton laser; the other is that it has an additional frequency tuning effect based on the conventional free-electron laser's tunability. We also obtain the small signal gain and present some discussion.     

Dark body and black hole horizons

The formula for the horizon of a Newtonian dark body is given and compared to that of a relativistic black hole: a Newtonian dark body has at least one hair.     

Strengthening of some spinodal binary and pseudobinary copper alloys

Age hardening and microstructure (TEM) in the Cu-Ni-Sn and Cu-Ti alloys is studied. The annealing curves with a plateau and a double peak are discussed with respect to the structure development.     

Calculation of the force-dipole tensor for hydrogen in palladium and platinum

The force-dipole tensorP , also known as the elastic dipole and the double-force tensor, is calculated for hydrogen dissolved in palladium and platinum, using a microscopic model for the interaction potentials; the so-called effective medium theory. The force-dipole tensor describes the long range displacement field induced by hydrogen dissolved in the host metal lattice in the dilute limit. It can be related to the mean elastic hydrogen-hydrogen interaction energy and the critical temperatureT _c for the gas-liquid phase transition observed in systems such as PdH _x and NbH _x . Comparison show a fair agreement between theoretical and experimental values for the force-dipole tensor.     

New two-color dimer models with critical ground states

We define two new models on the square lattice in which each allowed configuration is a superposition of a covering by white dimers and one by black dimers. Each model maps to a solid-on-solid (SOS) model in which the height field is two dimensional. Measuring the stiffness of the SOS fluctuations in the rough phase provides critical exponents of the dimer models. Using this height representation, we have performed Monte Carlo simulations. They confirm that each dimer model has critical correlations and belongs to a new universality class. In the dimer-loop model (which maps to a loop model) one height component is smooth, but has unusual correlated fluctuations; the other height component is rough. In the noncrossing-dimer model the heights are rough, having two different elastic constants; an unusual form of its elastic theory implies anisotropic critical correlations.     

Singularity and unanimity

Examples are adduced which lead one to ask if the following rule of unanimity makes sense: Given, a classical dynamical problem. Given, that all solutions of the equations of motion (a) run into a singularity [or (b) are free of singularity], except a set of measure zero. Then (rule of unanimity), all solutions of the corresponding quantum mechanical problem are (a) singular [or (b) free of singularity]. If valid, this rule would imply that quantization of Einstein's standard general relativity model for a closed universe gives no escape from the singularity of gravitational collapse.Dedicated to Achille Papapetrou on the occasion of his retirement.     

Superconformal Interpretation of BPS States in AdS Geometries

We carry out a general analysis of the representations of the superconformal algebras SU(2, 2/N), OSp(8/4, ), and OSp(8*/2N) and give their realization in superspace. We present a construction of their UIRs by multiplication of the different types of massless superfields (supersingletons). Particular attention is paid to the so-called short multiplets. Representations undergoing shortening have protected dimension and may correspond to BPS states in the dual supergravity theory in anti-de Sitter space. These results are relevant for the classification of multitrace operators in boundary conformally invariant theories as well as for the classification of AdS black holes preserving different fractions of supersymmetry.     

Is the Free Electromagnetic Field a Consequence of Maxwell's Equations or a Postulate?

It is generally accepted that solutions of so called free Maxwell equations for = 0 (null charge density at every point of the whole space) describe a free electromagnetic field for which flux lines neither begin nor end in a charge). In order to avoid ambiguities and unacceptable approximation which have place in the conventional approach in respect to the free field concept, we explicitly consider three possible types of space regions: (i) isolated charge-free region, where a resultant electric field with the flux lines which either begin or end in a charge is zero in every point, for example, inside a hollow conductor of any shape or in a free-charge universe; (ii) non-isolated charge-free region, where this electric [see (i)] field is not zero in every point; and (iii) charge-neutral region, where point charges exist but their algebraic sum is zero. According to these definitions a strict mathematical interpretation of Maxwell's equations gives following conclusions: (1) In isolated charge-free regions electric free field cannot be unconditionally understood neither as a direct consequence of Maxwell's equations nor as a valid approximation: it may be introduced only as a postulate; nevertheless, this case is compatible is the existence of a time-independent background magnetic field. (2) In both charge-neutral and non-isolated charge-free regions, where the condition = function or = 0 respectively holds, Maxwell's equation for the total electric field have non-zero solutions, as in the conventional approach. However, these solution cannot be strictly identified with the electric free field. This analysis gives rise to the reconsideration of the free-electromagnetic field concept and leads to the simplest implications in respect to charge-neutral universe.     

Methodological imperfection and formalizations of scientific activity

Any mathematical formalization of scientific activity allows for imperfections in the methodology that is formalized. These can be of three types, dirty, rotten, and dammed. Restricting mathematical attention to those methods that cannot be construed to be imperfect drastically reduces the class of objects that must be analyzed, and relates all other objects to these more regular ones. Examples are drawn from empirical logic.     

On some frequent but controversial statements concerning the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations

Quite often the compatibility of the EPR correlations with the relativity theory has been questioned; it has been stated that the first in time of two correlated measurements instantaneously collapses the other subsystem; it has been suggested that a causal asymmetry is built into the Feynman propagator. However, the EPR transition amplitude, as derived from the S matrix, is Lorentz andCPT invariant; the correlation formula is symmetric in the two measurements irrespective of their time ordering, so that the link of the correlations is the Feynman zigzag, and that causality isCPT invariant at the microlevel; finally, although the Feynman propagator has theP andCT symmetries, no causal asymmetry follows from that. As for Stapp's views concerning process and becoming, and his Whiteheadean concept of an advancing front, I object that they belong to factlike macrophysics, and are refuted at the microlevel by the EPR phenomenology, which displays direct Fokker-like space-time connections. The reason for this is a radical one. The very blending of a space-time picture and of a probability calculus is a paradox. The only adequate paradigm is one denying objectivity to space-time—but this, of course, is also required by the complementary of the x and the k pictures, which only look compatible at the macrolevel. Therefore, the classical objectivity must yield in favor of intersubjectivity. Only the macroscopic preparing and measuring devices have factlike objectivity; the transition of the quantal system takes place beyond both thex and thek 4-spaces. Then, the intrinsic symmetries between retarded and advanced waves, and statistical prediction and retrodiction, entails that the future has no less (but no more) existence than the past. It is the future that is significant in creative process, the elementary forms of which should be termed precognition or psychokinesis—respectively symmetric to the factlike taboos that we can neither know into the future nor act into the past. It is gratifying that Robert Jahn, at the Engineering School of Princeton University, is conducting (after others) conclusive experiments demonstrating low level psychokinesis—a phenomenon implied by the very symmetry of the negentropy-information transition. So, what pierces the veil of maya is the (rare) occurrence of paranormal phenomena. The essential severance between act and potentia is not a spacelike advancing front, but the out of and the into factlike space-time. Finally, I do not feel that an adequate understanding of the EPR phenomenology requires going beyond the present status of relativistic quantum mechanics. Rather, I believe that the potentialities of this formalism have not yet been fully exploited.     

Surfaces and Peierls contours: 3-d wetting and 2-d Ising percolation

A natural model of a discrete random surface lying above a two-dimensional substrate is presented and analyzed. An identification of the level curves of the surface with the Peierls contours of Ising spin configurations leads to an exactly solvable free energy, with logarithmically divergent specific heat. The thermodynamic critical point is shown to be a wetting transition at which the surface height diverges. This is so even though the surface has no downward fingers and hence no entropic repulsion from the substrate.Dedicated to Roland DobrushinResearch supported in part by NSF Grant No. DMS-8514834 and AFOSR Contract No. F49620-86-C0130 under the U.R.I. program     

Quasigroups Connected with Clifford Groups

In Clifford groups, a nonassociative product is defined which leads to the definition of nonassociative groups. These nonassociative groups have matrix representations on the condition that the row by column product of two matrices is replaced by the column by column product. A nonassociative group of transformations connected with the Lorentz group is determined, together with its irreducible, double-valued matrix representation, whose matrices undergo the column by column product.     

Statistical thermodynamic formalism in the solution of information theory problems

This is the first of several papers dealing with the application of statistical thermodynamic methodology to the solution of coding and communication theory problems. Emphasis is placed on the various ensemble techniques of statistical mechanics, the words or samples of a message taking the place of molecules in the prototype physical system. Analogs of temperature, internal energy, pressure, chemical potential, volume, entropy, etc., are developed. The isomorphism with thermodynamics is complete and these quantities transform (for example, by partial differentiation) in exactly the same way as the prototype physical quantities. The methods are nicely applicable to coding cases involving sources with memory, in which case, correlation can be discussed in terms of analog coupling energies between signals or words so that the store of many-body-problem techniques can be used. In addition, the manipulative freedom stemming from the possibility of choosing from a multiplicity of ensembles constrained by intensive parameters proves a distinct advantage. A concrete example dealing with the choice of a compact code for a nonextended source with memory is presented. The compact code is derived, and some discussion is given concerning the breadth of its power spectrum. In a following paper, its autocorrelation function within the framework of pulse code modulation is derived and transformed by Wiener theory so that the power spectrum is directly exhibited (along with the spectra for several other cases).Research supported under AFOSR Grant No. 70-1877. The present work is contribution No. 2643 of the Department of Chemistry, University of California-Los Angeles.     

On the fifth forces

We discuss the possibility of fifth forces in relativistic gravitation theories of fourth order. The fifth force may be an analog to the weak forces in the theories of electroweak interactions.     

Stiff magnetic field lines. I. A geometrical foundation

It is shown that the foliation of a space-time manifold of codimension 2 provides a basis for the study of the deformation of magnetic field lines. It is found that the fluid flow vector and the curvature vector of a nongeodesic stiff magnetic field line are always orthogonal. Further, it is shown that the metric tensor of the 2-space orthogonal to the Maxwellian string is Lie-transported along the magnetic field lines when the magnetic field lines are stiff. If there exists a spacelike Killing vector field parallel to the magnetic field, then the magnetic field lines must be stiff.