Classical and quantum kinetic equations with exact conservation laws

Stationary and dynamic properties of reduced density matrices can be determined from formal or approximate closures of an infinite hierarchy of equations. The local macroscopic conservation laws place weak but important constraints on the reduced density matrices which should be respected by any closure. For pairwise additive forces conditions on the closure of the one- and two-particle equations are obtained that preserve the exact functional dependence of the conserved densities and their fluxes on the reduced density matrices. To illustrate the nature of these conditions, a closure approximation suitable for a quantum gas is given, yielding an extension of the time-dependent Hartree-Fock equations for the dynamics of a nuclear fluid to include collisions.     

High-pressure melting curves of argon, krypton, and xenon: deviation from corresponding states theory.

The melting curves of argon, krypton, and xenon were measured in a laser heated diamond-anvil cell to pressures of nearly 80 GPa reaching melting temperatures around 3300 K. For the three gases, we observed a considerable decrease in the melting slopes (dT/dP) from the predictions based on corresponding states scaling starting near 40, 30, and 20 GPa, respectively. The melting anomaly can be understood in terms of a model in which hcp stacking faults act as solutes in a binary system.     

Correlations in the quantum theory of plasma line broadening

A unified theory of plasma line broadening is obtained from a quantum kinetic equation, paralleling existing results for a classical plasma. The atom-electron interactions are shielded by equilibrium electron correlation functions and a frequency dependent dielectric function. A “ring” approximation is used to replace the classical plasma parameter expansion, for typical laboratory conditions. Atom-electron correlations are included as well as electron-electron correlations.     

Coating technology based on the vacuum arc-a review

An overview of the current state of vacuum-arc-based coating technology is presented, with particular emphasis on defining those areas where further investigation would reap the greatest benefits. Particular attention is given to the `continuous' cathodic arc, which is currently the best understood approach and which has been most successfully adapted for large-scale commercial coating in the United States. It is noted that the greatest promise of ion-based coating technology based on the vacuum arc is the potential for increased control over the coating process. Unlike the case for neutral coating atoms, the presence of a charge on coating ions gives a `handle' to exert forces on them using electrostatic fields. One can in theory control the trajectory of these ions between the coating source and part to be coated. One can also control the energy with which they impact the substrate. It may even be possible to control the extent of their reactivity