Billiards and Teichmüller curves on Hilbert modular surfaces

This paper exhibits an infinite collection of algebraic curves isometrically embedded in the moduli space of Riemann surfaces of genus two. These Teichmüller curves lie on Hilbert modular surfaces parameterizing Abelian varieties with real multiplication. Explicit examples, constructed from L-shaped polygons, give billiard tables with optimal dynamical properties.

     

A high-speed high-sensitivity acoustic cell for in-line continuous monitoring of MOCVD precursor gases

We describe a continuous wave resonant acoustic sensor that has been optimized as a very sensitive in-line monitor for measuring the composition of precursor gases used in MOCVD processes. The precursor/carrier gas mixtures flow through a compact stainless steel acoustic chamber that is isolated from the acoustic transducers by a set of metallic diaphragms. The sensor has been successfully operated at supply line pressures from atmosphere down to 50 Torr with gas flow rates of up to 1600 sccm. The accuracy of the speed of sound measurement for hydrogen gas is better than 0.005%, even in a high noise and low pressure environment. Hydrogen, as well as nitrogen or argon carrier gases, are accommodated within the instrument's 1–5 kHz working frequency range. The instrument's sensitivity and stability are demonstrated with the laboratory data. Measurements of the dynamic response characteristics of the metalorganic bubbler lines at low pressure are also be presented. Application of the cell is general, encompassing any of the metalorganic and hydride materials typically used in MOCVD processes.     

Global and local optimization using radial basis function response surface models

The focus of this paper is the optimization of complex multi-parameter systems. We consider systems in which the objective function is not known explicitly, and can only be evaluated through computationally intensive numerical simulation or through costly physical experiments. The objective function may also contain many local extrema which may be of interest. Given objective function values at a scattered set of parameter values, we develop a response surface model that can dramatically reduce the required computation time for parameter optimization runs. The response surface model is developed using radial basis functions, producing a model whose objective function values match those of the original system at all sampled data points. Interpolation to any other point is easily accomplished and generates a model which represents the system over the entire parameter space. This paper presents the details of the use of radial basis functions to transform scattered data points, obtained from a complex continuum mechanics simulation of explosive materials, into a response surface model of a function over the given parameter space. Response surface methodology and radial basis functions are discussed in general and are applied to a global optimization problem for an explosive oil well penetrator.     

Novel antibiotics: second generation macrocyclic peptides designed to trap Holliday junctions

Described are the syntheses of 15 macrocyclic peptides designed to trap Holliday junctions (HJs) in bacteria during site-specific and homologous recombination. This leads to inhibiting bacterial growth. These second generation macrocycles were based on the C-2 symmetrical HJ. They were synthesized using a strategy that permits elucidation of the amino acid role in binding HJs. The syntheses of these macrocycles are an important step in the development of a new class of antibiotics.     

Partition Lattice q-Analogs Related to q-Stirling Numbers

We construct a family of partially ordered sets (posets) that are q-analogs of the set partition lattice. They are different from the q-analogs proposed by Dowling [5]. One of the important features of these posets is that their Whitney numbers of the first and second kind are just the q-Stirling numbers of the first and second kind, respectively. One member of this family [4] can be constructed using an interpretation of Milne [9] for S[n, k] as sequences of lines in a vector space over the Galois field F _q. Another member is constructed so as to mirror the partial order in the subspace lattice.     

‘Doing the right problem’ <Emphasis Type="Italic">versus</Emphasis> ‘doing the problem right’: problem structuring within a Land Force environment

The essential first step of any OR investigation is to ensure that the ‘right problem’ is studied. Our approach is to propose a set of six ‘rights’ or questions whereby achievement against particular aspects of a problem space is made and these provide the basis for scoping the context, understanding the system, and proposing sound options to the decision-maker. This style of problem structuring is an essential element of the Defence problem domain, and especially so for the Land Force, where there exist multiple degrees of freedom for poorly defined problems in an environment of uncertainty and ambiguity. Central to this is performing conceptual rather than analytical modelling, as perturbations then provide a basis for exploring a space, rather than solving a problem.     

Large area bolometers for millimeter-wave power calibration

An accurate monolithic power meter has been developed for millimeter-wave applications. The detector is a large-area Bismuth bolometer, integrated on a fused-Quartz substrate. It simply measures the temperature change caused by the absorption of millimeter-wave radiation. The power meter is simple to fabricate, inexpensive, and can be easily calibrated using a low-frequency network. The measured responsivity for a 50 bolometer, with an area of 1×1cm, at a bias of 1V. and a video modulation of 100Hz, is 1mV/W. The noise spectrum exhibits a 1/f rolloff till 1KHz, and is limited by the Johnson noise for higher frequencies. The NEP of the detector is 3WHz^–1/2 at a video modulation of 1KHz. It is possible to decrease the current NEP by fabricating bolometers with higher responsivities. Possible application areas are absolute power calibration and localized power density measurements at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths.