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.     

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.     

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.     

Quantum Hall Quantized Cyclotron Entrance Channels

Quantum Hall plateaus are entered via quantized cyclotron (QC) cloud-chamber orbits that have Landau-level (LL) energies and uniquely-defined angular momenta. The conservation of angular momentum in the quantum Hall system requires both canonical and magnetic angular momentum components, which add together to form the invariant kinematic angular momentum. The only LL radial eigenfunctions that satisfy the conservation-law requirements of the QC to LL transition are the u _n,l eigenstates u _n,2n+1, where n = 0, 1, 2, .... These same eigenstates uniquely have the correct scaled sizes to tile the observed families of = 1/(2n + 1) Hall plateaus. Quantum Hall plateau formation is a direct consequence of this tiling.     

Instead of particles and fields: A micro realistic quantum “smearon” theory

A fully micro realistic, propensity version of quantum theory is proposed, according to which fundamental physical entities—neither particles nor fields—have physical characteristics which determine probabilistically how they interact with one another (rather than with measuring instruments). The version of quantum smearon theory proposed here does not modify the equations of orthodox quantum theory: rather it gives a radically new interpretation to these equations. It is argued that (i) there are strong general reasons for preferrring quantum smearon theory to orthodox quantum theory; (ii) the proposed change in physical interpretation leads quantum smearon theory to make experimental predictions subtly different from those of orthodox quantum theory. Some possible crucial experiments are considered.     

Are layered two-dimensional quasicrystals periodic in the third direction?

Two-dimensional quasicrystals have generally been believed to be quasiperiodic in theXY plane and periodic in the Z direction. This is not necessarily the case. A layered material with equidistantly spaced layers and a random tiling two-dimensional quasicrystal in each layer is shown to exhibit delta-function diffraction spots even when the phason strain fields in different layers are completely uncorrelated. Surprisingly, such a Z-aperiodic quasicrystal shows true-peaks, while a more ordered Z-periodic quasicrystal shows less sharp, power-law-decaying peaks.     

The use of time-dependent projection operators in the derivation of master equations

In this paper we generalize our previous work on the use of time-dependent projection operators for the derivation of master equations for general systems. Previously we had generalized the usual time-independent projection operator approach to include time-dependent projection operators, in which the relevant part of the full density operator is considered to be the uncorrelated part of the full density operator. The irrelevant part of the density operator was then the part describing the correlations between the coupled systems. In the present work we present new time-dependent projections operators which have the property that some correlations between the interacting subsystems are placed in the relevant part of the distribution function and the remaining correlations are placed in the irrelevant part of the distribution function.     

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.     

Nonstationary quantum mechanics. I. Time-irreversible noninstantaneous self-reduction to a stationary state of some quantal wave packets

It is shown that the formalism of quantum theory needs modification in the case of potential fields swiftly varying with time. The necessity of a time-irreversible master equation for such cases is discussed.The underlying idea is that any (sub)system will undergo a spontaneous transition to a state of definiteenergy in the process of separating spatially from the rest of the universe, assuming the universe is isolated and has a definite energy. This requires what might be termed a pragmatic interpretation of the wave function: If a composite, separated system is represented by a linear superposition of product states, we may say that the actual state of the composite system is represented by some particular component of the superpositionfor the purposes of statistical inferences relevant to each subsystem alone, but the entire superposition—and not the corresponding mixture of the product components—must be used to compute the statistics of correlations. The considerations are illustrated with thought experiments which are real enough to make the application of the usual quantum mechanical formalism possible. Cases of disagreement between conventional theory and experiment in the field of interest are indicated.     

Atomic versus ionized states in many-particle systems and the spectra of reduced density matrices: A model study

We study the spectrum of appropriate reduced density matrices for a model consisting of one quantum particle (electron) in a classical fluid (of protons) at thermal equilibrium. The quantum and classical particles interact by a shortrange, attractive potential such that the quantum particle can form atomic bound states with a single classical particle. We consider two models for the classical component: an ideal gas and the cell model of a fluid. We find that when the system is at low density the spectrum of the electron-proton pair density matrix has, in addition to a continuous part, a discrete part that is associated with atomic bound states. In the high-density limit the discrete eigenvalues disappear in the case of the cell model, indicating the existence of pressure ionization or a Mott effect according to a general criterion for characterizing bound and ionized electron-proton pairs in a plasma proposed recently by M. Girardeau. For the ideal gas model, on the other hand, eigenvalues remain even at high density.     

Cosmological surrealism: More than “eternal reality” is needed

Inflationary cosmology makes the universe eternal and provides for recurrent universe creation, ad infinitum — making it also plausible to assume that our Big Bang was also preceeded by others, etc.. However, GR tells us that in the parent universe's reference frame, the newborn universe's expansion will never start. Our picture of reality in spacetime has to be enlarged.Wolfson Distinguished Chair in Theoretical Physics.Also on leave from the University of Texas, Center for Particle Physics, Austin, Texas.     

Standpoint cosmology

An unorthodox cosmology is based on a notion of standpoint, distinguishing past from future, realized through Hilbert-space representation of the complex conformai group for 3+1spacetime and associated coherent states. Physical (approximate) symmetry attaches to eight-parameter complex Poincaré displacements, interpretable as growth of standpoint age (one parameter), boost of matter energy-momentum in standpoint rest frame (three parameters) and displacement of matter location in a compact U(1)O(4)/O(3) spacetime attached to standpoint (four parameters). An initial condition (at big bang) is characterized by a huge dimensionless parameter that breaks dilation invariance. Four major length scales are recognized, called Planck, particle, lab, and Hubble, with separations controlled by ; all physical concepts, including spacetime, depend on wideness of scale separation.     

General quantum measurements: Local transition maps

On the basis of four physically motivated assumptions, it is shown that a general quantum measurement of commuting observables can be represented by a local transition map, a special type of positive linear map on a von Neumann algebra. In the case that the algebra is the bounded operators on a Hilbert space, these local transition maps share two properties of von Neumann-type measurements: they decrease matrix elements of states and increase their entropy. It is also shown that local transition maps have all the properties of a conditional expectation of a von Neumann algebra onto a subalgebra except that their range is not restricted to the subalgebra. The notion of locality arises from requiring that a quantum measurement may be treated classically when restricted to the commutative algebra generated by the measured observables. The formalism established applies to observables with arbitrary spectrum. In the case that the spectrum is continuous we have only incomplete measurements.     

Hyperfine interactions in muonium-impurity complexes in silicon

The properties of paramagnetic complexes formed by muonium located near acceptor and donor impurities in silicon are calculated using the quantum chemical methods. The calculated data are compared to the experimentally observed characteristics of normal and anomalous muonium centers.     

Infrared lattice bands of some pearls

From analysis of anisotropical lattice bands properties of 50 reflection spectra both of the CO stretching and bending bands measured from some pearl (Ca⁺⁺CO ₃ ^–– or Ca⁺⁺HCO ₃ ^–– layer) we discussed following subjects.i) Quantized properties present both in reflectivity and in energy. ii) classifications of the Optical Activity. iii) Polar distributions of the CO₃ oscillators in Ca⁺⁺CO ₃ ^–– surface mono-layer. iv) Force constants of these oscillators. v) Step variation of the dipolemoment and their influences to the degree of Optical Activity. vi) Two types of hysteresis loops of the values of Y_N (M_2Jbend ()/M_1Jstret. ()) derived from the oscillators which are at innert-state, at weak active-state and at active-state.     

Observed difference between the probabilities of recoilless resonance absorptionf′ and reemissionf″ of gamma-quanta in single crystals of Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]·2 H2O

The recoilless absorption probability factor,f, and recoilless reemission,f, both measured on Na₂[Fe(CN)₅NO]·2 H₂O single crystals using the black filter technique, were found to be different. Unexpectedly, the results found weref>f. In the calculation off, selfabsorption in the scatterer, non-ideality of the black filter and the influence of non-resonant scattering processes have all been taken into account. By varying the scattering geometry for the incoming and outgoing -beam relative to the crystallographic axes only a change in the reemitted valuesf _a, f_b, f_c could be detected because of the long lifetime of the excited nucleus (10^–7 s) relative to the lattice vibration frequencies (10¹² Hz).     

Comparison of the structure of island deposits of gold on NaCl produced by thermal vaporization and by cathode sputtering

A comparison was made of island deposits of gold on NaCl, produced by thermal vaporization (thermal Au/NaClid) and cathode sputtering (cathode Au/NaClid). In thermal Au/NaClid, two orientations of the gold microcrystals with respect to the NaCl (100) shear face were observed; multiply twinned particles were formed. In cathode Au/NaClid, only one orientation is present and the formation of complex particles is not observed.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii Fizika, No. 11, pp. 46–50, November, 1971.     

The problem of the imperfection of a world,itself created by a perfect god

The two main arguments concern(1) the presence of an enlightened complementarity between philosophic (including scientific) and religious (not including mystic) thought, and(2) the necessity to postulate a threefold relationship whenever one is to gain knowledge of any kind. They are both inspired by physics (from Bohr's strict complementarity, resp. from Newton's fundamental postulate).God's perfection resides at least in Symmetry in a generalized (not restrictively spatial) sense. Yet, as the argument goes, Space does not exist as a thing. Consequently, the Great Geometer (God) cannot dwell within a World He creates, and it is wrong to speak about His (God's) existence; for, existence is bound to the temporal, and Time is, together with the World, part of God's creation. Thus the only possible creation consists in God separating World and Time from Himself: This is the paradigm of Symmetry-breaking.Polytheistic mythologies all assume such and such imperfection of their deities; hence perfection is meaningful for monotheism only. A relationship of a threefold (trinitary) nature must then obtain between God, World, and Time; this is analogous to Newton's postulate relating force, momentum and time. Just as the latter and its specific generalizations must be found true by verification, the said threefold relationship must also be found true: within philosophic thoughtmore geometrico (in a generalized sense), within religious thoughtmore hymnometrico. Yet the complementarity (called enlightened) arising between the two kinds of thought is of a higher nature than Bohr's strict complementarity. While it can be understood from the role assumed by language itself, it can however only be disposed of within mystic contemplation.Dedicated to Sir KARL POPPER on the occasion of his 90th birthday.     

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     

Edge Plasma Biasing Experiments on the CASTOR Tokamak: Spectroscopic Investigation and Microwave Measurements

The effects of edge plasma biasing have been recently investigated by different spectroscopic diagnostics on the CASTOR tokamak. Measurements in visible, VUV and XUV ranges complement the knowledge of processes during a biasing phase, and confirm the occurrence of several types of plasma biasing regimes — so called radiating regime, non-radiating regime, and reduced H regime. The use of edge plasma biasing to study the possibility of Electron Bernstein Wave conversion has been demonstrated.