On the macroscopic theory of temperature-dependent van der Waals forces

We give a simple derivation of the van der Waals free energy of interaction between two semiinfinite media, including effects of nonzero temperature and retardation. The method, an extension of one used by van Kampen and co-workers at the short-distance and low-temperature limits, considers the free energy of electromagnetic surface modes in the region between the two media. The result is the same as derived by Lifshitz and co-workers using Green's function techniques.     

Multiparameter estimation using only a chaotic time series and its applications

An important extension to the techniques of synchronization-based parameter estimation is presented. Based on adaptive chaos synchronization, several methods are proposed to dynamically estimate multiple parameters using only a scalar chaotic time series. In comparison with previous schemes, the presented methods decrease the cost of parameter estimation and are more applicable in practice. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the presented methods. As an example application, an implementation of multichannel digital communication is proposed, where multiparameter modulation is used to simultaneously transmit more than one digital message. From a theoretical perspective, such an encoding increases the difficulty to directly read out the message from the transmitted signal and decreases the implementation cost.     

A Generalized Information-Theoretic Approach for Bounding the Number of Independent Sets in Bipartite Graphs

This paper studies the problem of upper bounding the number of independent sets in a graph, expressed in terms of its degree distribution. For bipartite regular graphs, Kahn (2001) established a tight upper bound using an information-theoretic approach, and he also conjectured an upper bound for general graphs. His conjectured bound was recently proved by Sah et al. (2019), using different techniques not involving information theory. The main contribution of this work is the extension of Kahn’s information-theoretic proof technique to handle irregular bipartite graphs. In particular, when the bipartite graph is regular on one side, but may be irregular on the other, the extended entropy-based proof technique yields the same bound as was conjectured by Kahn (2001) and proved by Sah et al. (2019).     

Exact quantization of Einstein-Rosen waves coupled to massless scalar matter

We show in this Letter that gravity coupled to a massless scalar field with full cylindrical symmetry can be exactly quantized by an extension of the techniques used in the quantization of Einstein-Rosen waves. This system provides a useful test bed to discuss a number of issues in quantum general relativity, such as the emergence of the classical metric, microcausality, and large quantum gravity effects. It may also provide an appropriate framework to study gravitational critical phenomena from a quantum point of view, issues related to black hole evaporation, and the consistent definition of test fields and particles in quantum gravity.     

微纳光学在LED芯片中应用研究的综述

LED以其高效节能、体积小、寿命长等优点被认为是最有可能进入普通照明领域的一种新型固态光源,但LED芯片的光提取效率仍较低。综述了LED外延片表面的各种基于微纳光学结构的加工技术,如通过在LED芯片表面上加工粗糙微结构、LED芯片表面双层微结构、二维光子晶体结构、双光栅结构等。介绍了通过各种加工技术对LED芯片微纳光学结构的加工提高了芯片的外量子效率,从而提高了LED的出光效率。     

Efficient coherent population transfer among three states in NO molecules by Stark-Chirped rapid adiabatic passage

We present the experimental demonstration of a novel, efficient, and selective technique to prepare population inversion. The technique is an extension of Stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage (SCRAP), i.e., SCRAP among three states. In this process a Lambda-type quantum system is driven by two laser pulses, the pump and Stokes pulses, which are appropriately detuned from transition frequencies. A third laser pulse induces a dynamic Stark shift in the upper energy level, and the timing of all three pulses is controlled in order to prepare population inversion between the two lower states in the Lambda-type level scheme. Our data on population transfer in nitric oxide (NO) molecules clearly show that SCRAP among three states provides an advantageous alternative to such techniques as stimulated Raman adiabatic passage.     

Solutions to initial value problems by use of finite elements—Unconstrained variational formulations

This paper presents a variational formulation which treats initial value problems and boundary problems in a unified manner. The basic ingredients of this theory are (1) adjoint variable and (2) unconstrained variations. It is an extension of the finite element unconstrained variational formulation used previously in solving several non-conservative stability problems. The technique which makes this extension possible is described. This formulation thus enables one to adapt such numerical techniques as the finite element method, which has had great success and popularity for solution of boundary value problems, for solutions of initial value problems as well. These formulations are given here for a forced vibration problem, a heat (mass) transfer problem and a wave propagation problem. Numerical calculations in conjunction with finite elements for two specific examples are obtained and compared with known exact solutions.     

ESEEM measurements with time-resolved detection of the entire ESE signal shape

In this work we discuss the extension of electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) measurements to the additional time dimension, the spin-echo coordinate. The time-resolved acquisition of the entire spin-echo signal shape retains information on the dependence of the ESEEM amplitude on the position within the ESE signal. Therefore, not only can such acquisition be completely substituted for the boxcar integration in ESEEM measurements, but it can also improve the performance of the ESEEM experiments in terms of obtaining correct modulation amplitudes and a better signal/noise ratio. Implementing such an acquisition in pulse-adjustable ESEEM measurements transforms these techniques into routine and convenient experiments used to increase the modulation amplitude.     

Projective Systems of Imprimitivity and Applications for the Galilei Group in 1+2 and 1+3 Dimensions

The study of the projective unitary irreducible representations of the Galilei group (in 1+3 and 1+2 dimensions) is usually done using firstly some group extensions techniques (in this way one is reduced to the study of true unitary representations) and then Mackey induction procedure. In this paper we reobtain these results using a different approach based on the notion of projective systems of imprimitivity due also to Mackey. This extension of the usual Mackey procedure is presented rather extensively and illustrated by detailed computations concerning the classification of the projective unitary irreducible representations.     

Direct computation of higher-order propagation modes using the imaginary-distance beam propagation method

In this paper we present an extension to the standard method of eigenmode-extraction using the imaginary-distance beam propagation method. We show that it is possible to directly extract higher-order propagation modes of arbitrary shaped waveguide structures by propagating the field along the imaginary axis when the parameters are chosen in an appropriate manner. This method requires an assumption of the propagation constant of the eigenmode. In many cases this value can be determined using fast approximate techniques like the effective index method. Additionally, the approximate mode shape may be introduced as a starting condition and can further accelerate the extraction of the eigenmode. The overall number of propagation steps needed to extract multiple eigenmodes is then significantly smaller than in the case when extracting the modes sequentially with the former method.     

Existence of a Meromorphic Extension of Spectral Zeta Functions on Fractals

We investigate the existence of the meromorphic extension of the spectral zeta function of a Laplacian on self-similar fractals using the results of Kigami and Lapidus (based on renewal theory) and the newer results by Hambly and Kajino based on heat kernel estimates and other probabilistic techniques. We also formulate conjectures which hold true for the examples that have been analyzed in the existing literature.     

In-process monitoring techniques for laser cleaning

Diverse in-process monitoring techniques based on acoustic, chromatic and intelligent approaches have been developed for laser cleaning not only to achieve the sound-cleaned surface but also to control the process in an automatic manner. The cleaning of various materials such as copper, marble, paper have also been carried out by using Q-switched Nd:YAG radiation. The process was successfully monitored by detecting the acoustic emission induced by laser–surface interactions during laser cleaning. Novel surface monitoring was achieved by chromatic modulation technique. The monitoring of laser fluence based on neural network logic was carried out by means of the recognition of acoustic spectrum patterns. The prediction system of surface damage has been also developed using fuzzy rule base in the same way as a human expert. These techniques may provide unique information for characterising the process as well as a promise of successful applications for laser cleaning techniques in real practical fields.     

Algebraic approach to the geometry of the (super-) string model

We discuss the extension of constraint algebras to include subsidiary constraints within a larger algebra. The interplay between various mathematical aspects of this procedure is described. Tools from Lie algebra cohomology and differential geometry are used to gain new insights into BRS techniques for nonabelian constrained systems. We show that cohomology considerations restrict our formalism to non-semisimple constraint algebras, such as the (super-) string model; we illustrate the ideas by presenting concrete results for this case.     

Hypercomplex extensions of the general linear groupGL (n,R)

Based on the concept of quaternionic extension of general linear group, we consider the case of group extensions using generalised hypercomplex systems such as the Clifford algebra, and the Grassman algebra.     

Generalization of the rainbow Airy theory to nonuniform spheres

Rainbow techniques permit measurement of refractive indices, and hence the temperatures of liquid droplets through determination of the absolute angular position of a rainbow interference image in space. The Airy theory, which is commonly used to explain the rainbow effect, permits the determination of a unique refractive-index value, even in the presence of nonuniformities in the droplet. An extension of this theory to spheres that exhibit internal refractive-index gradients is proposed. The case of burning droplets is considered as an example of such spheres, and the results obtained are successfully compared with those presented in the literature.     

On the Dirac spectrum of Riemannian foliations admitting a basic parallel 1-form

In this paper, in the special setting of a Riemannian foliation with basic, non-necessarily harmonic mean curvature we introduce a Weitzenböck-Lichnerowicz type formula which allows us to apply the classical Bochner-Lichnerowicz technique. We show that the lower bound for the eigenvalues of the basic Dirac operator can be calculated using only classical techniques. As another application, for general Riemannian foliations we calculate the above eigenvalue bound in the presence of a basic parallel 1-form, as an extension of a known result on a closed Riemannian manifold. Some results concerning the limiting case are obtained in the final part of the paper.     

Efficient determination of Hugoniot states using classical molecular simulation techniques

We present a methodology for the efficient calculation of the shock Hugoniot using standard molecular simulation techniques. The method is an extension of an equation of state methodology proposed by Erpenbeck [1992, Phys. Rev. A, 46, 6406] and is considered as an alternative to other methods that generate Hugoniot properties. We illustrate the methodology for shocked liquid N₂ using two different simulation methods: (a) the reactive Monte Carlo method for a reactive system; and (b) the molecular dynamics method for a non-reactive system. The method is shown to be accurate, stable and generally independent of the algorithm parameters. We find excellent agreement with results calculated by other previous simulation studies. The results show that the methodology provides a simulation tool capable of determining points on the shock Hugoniot from a single simulation in an efficient, straightforward manner. Further applications and extensions of the method are briefly discussed.     

Strain mapping of semiconductor specimens with nm-scale resolution in a transmission electron microscope

The last few years have seen a great deal of progress in the development of transmission electron microscopy based techniques for strain mapping. New techniques have appeared such as dark field electron holography and nanobeam diffraction and better known ones such as geometrical phase analysis have been improved by using aberration corrected ultra-stable modern electron microscopes. In this paper we apply dark field electron holography, the geometrical phase analysis of high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images, nanobeam diffraction and precession diffraction, all performed at the state-of-the-art to five different types of semiconductor samples. These include a simple calibration structure comprising 10-nm-thick SiGe layers to benchmark the techniques. A SiGe recessed source and drain device has been examined in order to test their capabilities on 2D structures. Devices that have been strained using a nitride stressor have been examined to test the sensitivity of the different techniques when applied to systems containing low values of deformation. To test the techniques on modern semiconductors, an electrically tested device grown on a SOI wafer has been examined. Finally a GaN/AlN superlattice was tested in order to assess the different methods of measuring deformation on specimens that do not have a perfect crystalline structure. The different deformation mapping techniques have been compared to one another and the strengths and weaknesses of each are discussed.     

Ultrasonic characterization of granites obtained from industrial quarries of Extremadura (Spain)

The industry of ornamental rocks, such as granites, represents one of the most important industrial activities in the region of Extremadura, SW Spain. A detailed knowledge of the intrinsic properties of this natural stone and its environmental evolution is a required goal in order to fully characterize its quality. In this work, two independent NDT acoustic techniques have been used to measure the acoustic velocity of longitudinal waves in different prismatic granitic-samples of industrial quarries. A low-frequency transceiver set-up, based on a high-voltage BPV Steinkamp instrument and two 50 kHz probes, has been used to measure pulse travel times by ultrasonic through-transmission testing. In complementary fashion, an Erudite MK3 test equipment with an electromagnetic vibrator and two piezoelectric sensors has also been employed to measure ultrasonic velocity by means of a resonance-based method, using the same types of granite varieties. In addition, a comprehensive set of physical/mechanical properties have also been analyzed, according to Spanish regulations in force, by means of alternative methods including destructive techniques such as strength, porosity, absorption, etc. A large number of samples, representing the most important varieties of granites from quarries of Extremadura, have been analyzed using the above-mentioned procedures. Some results obtained by destructive techniques have been correlated with those found using ultrasonic techniques. Our experimental setting allowed a complementary characterization of granite samples and a thorough validation of the different techniques employed, thus providing the industry of ornamental rocks with a non-destructive tool that will facilitate a more detailed insight on the properties of the rocks under study.     

NON-LINEAR MODELLING OF ROTOR DYNAMIC SYSTEMS WITH SQUEEZE FILM DAMPERS—AN EFFICIENT INTEGRATED APPROACH

Squeeze film dampers used in rotor assemblies such as aero-engines introduce non-linear damping forces into an otherwise linear rotor dynamic system. The steady state periodic response of such rotor dynamic systems to rotating out-of-balance excitation can be efficiently determined by using periodic solution techniques. Such techniques are essentially faster than time marching techniques. However, the computed periodic solutions need to be tested for stability and recourse to time marching is necessary if no periodic attractor exists. Hence, an efficient integrated approach, as presented in this paper, is necessary. Various techniques have been put forward in order to determine the periodic solutions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, a receptance harmonic balance method is proposed for such a purpose. In this method, the receptance functions of the rotating linear part of the system are used in the non-linear analysis of the complete system. The advantages of this method over current periodic solution techniques are two-fold: it results in a compact model, and the receptance formulation gives the designer the widest possible choice of modelling techniques for the linear part. Stability of these periodic solutions is efficiently tested by applying Floquet Theory to the modal equations of the system and time marching carried out on these equations, when necessary. The application of this integrated approach is illustrated with simulations and an experiment on a test rig. Excellent correlation was achieved between the periodic solution approach and time marching. Good correlation was also achieved with the experiment.