μSR studies in the heavy fermion systems UNi2Al3, UPd2Al3 and U2PtC2

We have performed Muon Spin Relaxation (SR) measurements of several heavy fermion systems: UNi₂Al₃ (single crystal), UPd₂Al₃ (single crystal) and U₂PtC₂ (polycrystal). ZF -SR measurements of UNi₂Al₃ show magnetic order below the Néel temperatureT _N=4.6K, with the muon precession frequency(T 0)=2.5MHz at low temperatures. The local field distribution obtained at low temperatures in UNi₂Al₃ resembles that of the incommensurate spin density wave (SDW) system (TMTSF)₂PF₆, suggesting an incommensurate spin arrangement in UNi₂Al₃. TF -SR measurements give the penetration depth(T 0)=6100Å for UPd₂Al₃ and(T 0)=7000Å for U₂PtC₂ respectively. Since UPd₂Al₃ and U₂PtC₂ are clean superconductors (/l-0), we can combine n _s/m^* with the Sommerfeld constant n _s ^1/3 m^* to calculate the Fermi temperatureT _F ^3/4–1/4, which represents the characteristic energy scale of the superconducting carriers. We obtainT _C/T_F 0.01 for both UPd₂Al₃ and U₂PtC₂, comparable to other exotic superconductors, but quite different from simple metal BCS superconductors, whereT _C/T_F 0.01.     

μ + SR studies of UM2Al3, M=Ni,Pd

Positive-muon spin rotation ( ⁺ SR) measurements have been carried out in the new heavy-fermion superconductors UM₂Al₃, M=Ni and Pd. In UNi₂Al₃ the observed ⁺ frequencies in zero applied field indicate commensurate antiferromagnetic (AF) ordering of U moments 0.1 _B /U atom. These moments coexist with superconductivity and have the highest values observed in an AF heavy-fermion superconductor. The absence of well-defined frequencies in zero-field ⁺ SR in the AF state of UPd₂Al₃ suggests symmetric ⁺ stopping sites. In this system ⁺ SR linewidths belowT _c yield a preliminary value of 8000 Å for the London penetration depth.     

Singularity theorems and the [General Relativity + additional matter fields] formulation of metric theories of gravitation

By using the [General Relativity + additional matter fields] formulation (which depends on a redefined metrich ) of metric theories of gravitation, the study of singularities characterized by incomplete nonspacelike geodesics is simplified, but may be used only if (at least) the non-spacelike geodesics of the original metricg are conserved under the transformation betweeng and the new metrich . In order that every class of geodesies of a diagonal Bianchi I metric correspond to the same class of geodesies of a diagonal metrich , it is necessary that the transformation between these two metrics be a constant (positive) conformal transformation. We analyse the implications of the previous results for the singularitiesg when the latter is a solution of theories with a quadratic or polynomial Lagrangian.     

Isotope dependence of particle-decay rates of muonic molecular ions (d3,4Heμ) J=1 below (dμ)1s-3,4He threshold

Rates of particle-emitting decay of the resonant state of the muonic molecular ion (dHe) _J=1 lying below the (d)_1s-He threshold can decay to the d-He scattering state. The resonant state is estimated by scattering calculations with the non-adiabatic coupled-rearrangement-channel method. Strong isotope dependence of the decay rates of (d³He) _J=1 and (d⁴He) _J=1 is predicted, though the calculated radiative decay rates of the states are almost the same. In (d³He) _J=1, the particle decay width is three times larger than the radiative decay width, while the two types of decay widths are almost the same in (d⁴He) _J=1. This results in a strong hindrance of the branching ratio of the radiative decay of (d³He) _J=1 compared with the case of (d⁴He) _J=1. This is consistent with a recent observation of the radiative decay of the two molecular states.     

Surviving extrema for the action on the twisted SU(∞) one point lattice

We give a simplified construction of twist eating configurations, based on a theorem due to Frobenius. These configurations are defined through the equation:U U U ⁺ U ⁺ =exp(2in /N) withU SU(N), =1 tod andn an antisymmetric matrix with integer entries. In the (Twisted)-Eguchi-Kawai model they yield extrema some of which survive forN. Comparison is made with the Monte Carlo data of the internal energy in the small coupling region.     

Experimental survey of the sticking problem in muon catalyzed dt fusion

The sticking process dt + n, which constitutes the most severe limit to the number of fusions which a muon can catalyze, is reviewed. Many attempts were made to determine by calculations and measurements the probability for initial sticking _s ⁰ (immediately after dt fusion) and for final sticking _s (after the came to rest). Previous results based on neutron disappearance rates and on the observation of -X-rays were controversial and also in some disagreement with theory. New data are reported from PSI on direct observation of final sticking, using a setup with the St. Petersburg ionization chamber. These data mark a significant improvement in reliability and may clarify questions concerning previous discrepancies. The new results is _s(0.56±0.04)%, lower than the theory prediction _s=(0.65±0.03)%, at medium density.     

Entropy andp-particle observables. I. The general program

An information-theoretic notion of entropy is proposed for a system ofN interacting particles which assesses an observer's limited knowledge of the state of the system, assuming that he or she can measure with arbitrary precision all one-particle observables and correlations involving some numberp of the particles but is completely ignorant of the form of any higher-order correlations involving more thanp particles. The idea is to define a generic measure of entropyS[ ] = –Tr log for an arbitrary density matrix or distribution function , and then, given the trueN-particle, to define a reduced _R ^P which reflects the observer's partial knowledge. The result, at any timet, is a chain of inequalitiesS[ _R ¹ ]S[ _R ² ]...S[ _R ^N ]S[], with true equalityS[ _R ^p ]=S[ _R ^p+1 ] if and only if the true factorizes exactly into a product of contributions involving all possiblep-particle groupings. It follows further than (1) if, at some initial timet ₀, the true factorizes in this way, thenS[ _R ^p (]S[ _R ^p (t ₀)] for all finite timest>t ₀, with equality if and only if the factorization is restored, and (2) the initial response of the system must be to increase itsp-particle entropy.     

Systematic study of muon transfer to sulphur dioxide

In a systematic study of the transfer process to sulphur dioxide, in seven different H₂ + SO₂ gas mixtures, the time spectra of the muonic sulphur X-rays yield muon transfer rates to the SO₂ molecule, deduced from the lifetimes of the p atoms, which agree all well with each other. The muonic oxygen time spectra show an additional structure as if p atoms of another kind were present. Reduced transfer rates_O are reproducible if one uses the model of ephemeral p atoms. The intensity ratios between the different kinds of p atoms are also discussed in the framework of this model and the one of black and white p atoms.     

Magnetic moments of Gd nuclei

Low temperature nuclear orientation experiments down to 2 mK on¹⁴⁷GdFe,¹⁴⁹GdFe,¹⁴⁹GdGd and¹⁵³GdGd have yielded the magnetic hyperfine interaction strength. Bhf as 31.0(1.6) _NT, 28.3(2.0) _NT, 33.8(4.7) _NT and 13.3(2.1) _NT respectively. From these values the respective ground state magnetic moments ¦¦ of¹⁴⁷Gd,¹⁴⁹Gd and¹⁵⁹Gd were deduced as 1.12(20) _N, 1.01(16) _N and 0.40(8) _N.     

The paramagnetic state (μ+e−) in silicon and tellurium at high temperature

The paramagnetic state (⁺e^–) in Si and Te was observed in a longitudinal magnetic field. The mean lifetimes of these states were obtained: _Si = 1.45(3) s, _Te = 12.5(8) s at 290 K, _Te = 12(2) s at 250 K.     

Quantization of the Maxwell field in linear conformal invariant gauges

It is shown that the generalized Lorentz gauges provide all linear conformal invariant gauges, i.e. gauges such that A =0.     

Poincaré Algebra and Space-Time Critical Dimensions for Paraspinnings Strings

In this paper, we paraquantize the spinning string theory in the Neveu-Shwarz model. Unlike the Ardalan and Mansouri work [Phys. Rev. D, Vol. 9, (1974) 3341], the paraquantum system is such that both the center of mass variables and the excitation modes of the string verify paracommutation relations. The commutators of the Poincaré algebra are satisfied, except the [p ,p ] one, since one can only write [p ,p ]= 0, for Q1. Because of the relation [x ,x ] =,0 and with the sole use of the trilinear relations, we find existence possibilities of spinning strings defined in a noncommutative space-time at space-time dimensions other than D=10.     

Investigation of Epithermal Molecular Formation and Hyperfine Interaction Effects on Kinetics of μCF

The role of epithermal effects in muon catalyzed fusion specially in the H/D/T mixture is investigated by Monte Carlo method. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation are used in the kinetics of CF in the steady-state condition. For this purpose we determine the values of thermalization rate (_th) and the probability of the dt molecular formation by epithermal t atoms during thermalization processes ( parameter). We have shown that including the epithermal effects in the kinetics of CF in different concentrations of hydrogen isotopes, increases the fusion yield per muon and it is not ignorable even in the D/T mixture. The reduction of the CF efficiency due to increasing the protium concentration is definitely confirmed here, even though the important effects such as the epithermal molecular formation, Ramsauer–Townsend effect and the hyperfine interactions are taken into account. We have shown that the epithermal effects disappear rapidly, whereas the unfavorable effects due to increasing protium, such as highly sticking probability in the pd and pt cycles, affect the fusion yield for a longer period of time. Recent experimental results at JINR in the H/D/T mixture are compatible with our conclusions.     

Final dt stickingω s using the “survived moun method”

A new direct measurement of the final dt sticking probability _s using a special data analysis called the survived muon method is presented. The data were obtained at PSI using a high pressure ionization chamber with H/D/T gas mixtures. The method can provide information on final sticking dt +n independent of theoretical models of stripping and initial sticking. It was found: _s=(0.57±0.07±0.02)%. The experiment and the analysis method are discussed in detail.     

μ+SR in magnetically ordered BCC metals: Local fields, μ+ sites,quantum diffusion,and strain effects

The paper gives a critical discussion of the procedures for extracting from the ⁺SR signals obtainable on magnetically ordered metals information on ⁺ sites, on local lattice distortions induced by the ⁺, on the local magnetic fields felt by the ⁺, and on quantum diffusion. Results for-Fe are: ⁺ occupy O sites, the tetragonality of the elastic double-force tensor isA–B 2eV, the dipolar magnetic field acting on the ⁺ isB _dip=(0.66±0.02)T. Using this information ⁺ hopping rates and diffusivities in Fe are deduced and compared with diffusivities obtained for hydrogen and deuterium. From this it is concluded that hydrogen in Fe diffuses via the adiabatic mechanism. In addition, the paper contains a brief summary of the theoretical background required for taking advantage of the rather large ¦A– B¦ values expected for ⁺ at O sites in bcc metals in order to gain information on the effects of energy asymmetries between neighbouring ⁺ sites on the ⁺ hopping rates.     

New cascade laser transitions in CH2F2 pumped with the 9R32 line of a cw CO2 laser

New cascade laser transitions of¹²CH₂F₂ at 172.50m, 208.83m, 220.44m, 223.99m and 250.61m are reported. A waveguide FIR laser was pumped with a quasi cw¹²C¹⁶O₂ laser operating on the 9R32 line. Together with the already known lines at 184.3m, 196.1m and 235.9m, the laser lines can be assigned to rotational transitions in the ₉ vibrational band of¹²CH₂F₂ and to refill transitions of the vibrational ground state ₀.     

Further investigations on ir pumping of CH3OD and CD3OD by a cw CO2 laser

Respectively, 41 and 36 new cw far-infrared lasing lines have been observed using a waveguide resonator in CH₃OD and CD₃OD pumped by a low-pressure CO₂ laser emitting in the 9.4, 10.4 m regular bands and in the 10.8 m hot band. The wavelength range was 46.6 m–1.67 mm in CH₃OD and 53.6 m–1 mm in CD₃OD.     

Laser damage in silicon photodiodes

Thermal damage of silicon photodiodes exposed to intense optical radiation is investigated. Damage thresholds of Si photodiodes irradiated by 1.06m laser pulses are reported for values of irradiation time,, ranging from 10^–8 to 1s. Threshold laser irradiation produces visible microscopic damage and a permanent degradation in photoresponse. The loss of responsivity is associated with degradation of the detector diode characteristics due to laser-induced heating. The time and wavelength dependence agree with the predictions of a thermal model which treats a semi-infinite material irradiated by a Gaussian laser beam. The energy density thresholds are independent of for short irradiation times and asymptotically approach a limiting behaviour which increases as for long times. They are given by the empirical relationE ₀=65[1+217/tan^–1(258)^1/2] J cm^–2 for 1.06m radiation. The thresholds at short irradiation times of detectors damaged by 1.06m radiation are about 25 times larger than those of detectors exposed to 0.6943m radiation. The greater susceptibility at 0.6943m is attributed to a larger optical absorption coefficient.     

Modified London model for the determination of λ and ζ in a high κ superconductor

We present a modified London model suggested by Brandt [1–3] which introduces a finite vortex core size appropriate for isotropic superconductors in which the average internal field is less than approximately (1/4)H _c2. TheSR lineshape resulting from this model possesses a distinctive shape due to the magnetic penetration depth and the vortex core diameter (approximately equal to twice the coherence length ). However, for a given lineshape, there is a large range of values of and which produce nearly the same lineshape. Lineshape smearing caused by disorder in the vortex lattice increases uncertainty in values for and . If well-determined values of either (T) or (T) are not available from another technique, both of them can be determined bySR measurements alone if runs in more than one applied field at the same temperature are fit with and as shared parameters. We also present our method of estimating the degree of disorder in the vortex lattice.     

The MPE/UCB far-infrared imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer (FIFI)

FIFI is an imaging spectrometer with two or three Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPI) in series for airborne astronomical observations in the far-infrared range (=40...200m). It employs 5×5 arrays of photoconducting detectors and offers spectral resolutions as small as 2km/s. Resolution and bandwidth can be set over a wide range to match a variety of astronomical sources. Cryogenic optics minimizes thermal background radiation and provides for in-flight step tunable spatial resolution. At 158 m wavelength the background-limited NEP is 3 × 10^-15W/Hz at 40 km/s resolution and with two FPI's; with three FPI's the expected NEP is 10^-15WHz at 5 km/s resolution.The frequency-chopping mode of the high-resolution Fabry-Perot allows for line detection in extended objects. Absolute internal flux calibration ensures adequate flat fielding of the array elements.