On the predictability of the positions of the convergence zones in the ocean

The disagreement between the experimental and calculated positions of the first convergence zone are known from many publications. The most probable cause for such a disagreement, namely, the incorrect specification of the input data for the calculations, is considered. The lack of simultaneity between the hydrological surveys of the region and the acoustic experiments is emphasized. The experimental data obtained by the author in five ocean regions are presented. These data characterize the diurnal variability of the distance from the source to the nearest boundary of the convergence zone. The relations proposed by different researchers for calculating the sound speed from the temperature, salinity, and hydrostatic pressure are analyzed. It is shown that these relations lead to a substantial difference in the estimated depth dependence of the hydrostatic gradient of the sound speed. The position of the first convergence zone is calculated for the propagation conditions determined by vertical temperature and salinity profiles with the subsequent recalculation of these profiles into sound speed profiles by using eight different formulas known from the literature. It is shown that different formulas lead to different values of the distance to the first zone; this difference is substantially greater than that between the calculations and experiment. The necessity of improving the recalculation relations in view of the experimental data on sound propagation in natural oceanic waveguides, including the data on the actual positions of the convergence zones, is emphasized.     

Set the controls for the heart of the Sun

In this paper we describe experiments conducted with high-power lasers that are attempting to replicate, for a very short time and in miniature, conditions found in the Sun. Experiments to date have reached conditions in the outer part of the Sun. To reach the Sun's centre requires compression of material to very much greater than solid density and heating to over ten million degrees. To achieve this, a new class of experiments and a new generation of high-power lasers are required.     

Hyperfine interactions: the past, the present and the future

Five major hyperfine interaction techniques, detected by nuclear radiation, originated in the short time span between 1950 and 1965. The coincidence with the demographic expansion, especially in Europe, of university education led to the creation of many new research laboratories applying these promising techniques in solid state physics, chemistry and biology. Since the turn of century many of the early pioneers are going into retirement, leading to a decline in activities in Europe, compensated in some degree by an increase in activities outside Europe. The organisation of the 2007 HI/NQI-conference was impeccable and took place in a superb setting. Thanks to all those involved in its organization.     

On the numerical solution of the biharmonic equation in the plane

The biharmonic equation arises in a variety of problems in applied mathematics, most notably in plane elasticity and in viscous incompressible flow. Integral equation methods are natural candidates for the numerical solution of such problems, since they discritize the boundary alone, are easy to apply in the case of free or moving boundaries, and achieve superalgebraic convergence rates on sufficiently smooth domains, regardless of shape. In this paper, we follow the work of Mayo and Greenbaum and make use of the Sherman-Lauricella integral equation which is a Fredholm equation with bounded kernel. We describe a fast algorithm for the evaluation of the integral operators appearing in that equation. When combined with a conjugate gradient like algorithm, we are able to solve the discretized integral equation in an amount of time proportional to N, where N is the number of nodes in the discretization of the boundary.     

On the relationship between the temperature and the geometry of the two-dimensional superconducting system

A set of vortices in the superconducting system being a two-dimensional region with a boundary has been considered. Here the system under study is described by the model of the Ginzburg-Landau potential in the dual point. This model predicts that in the bounded superconducting system non-interacting vortices appear. These vortices make the absolute minima of this potential. It turned out that in the thermodynamic equilibrium for the fixed number of vortices, the temperature of the system and the geometry of the boundary are related to each other. The simultaneous change of the temperature of the system and of the geometry of the boundary has been investigated under the assumption that the number of vortices is fixed. In the case of the flat disc the explicit form of the temperature vs. area relation has been obtained for two different boundary conditions.Received: 29 April 2004, Published online: 31 August 2004PACS: 74.25.Bt Thermodynamic properties - 74.25.Dw Superconductivity phase diagrams     

On the Locality of the No Hair Conjecture and the Measure of the Universe

We reanalize the recently proposed proof by Jensen and Stein-Schabes [1] of the No Hair Theorem for inhomogeneous spacetimes, putting a special emphasis on the asymptotic behaviour of the shear and curvature. We conclude that the theorem only holds locally and estimate the minimum size a region should be in order for it to inflate. We discuss in some detail the assumptions used in the theorem. In the last section we speculate about the possible measure of the set of spacetimes that would undergo inflation.     

Violations of the Pauli principle and the interior of the sun

The consequences of a violation of the Pauli principle for the physics of the solar interior are explored. It is found that a bound state of two protons becomes possible. This leads to an increase in the rate of hydrogen burning in the sun. Because a very large cross section for this reaction is in clear contradiction with the theory of stellar structure when compared with observations of solar luminosity, radius and mechanical oscillations, stringent limits on a violation of the Pauli principle in the two nucleon system can be given. However, a very small violation of the Pauli principle in the two nucléon system might solve the longstanding solar neutrino problem.     

Confronting the MSSM and the NMSSM with the discovery of a signal in the two photon channel at the LHC

We confront the discovery of a boson decaying into two photons, as reported recently by ATLAS and CMS, with the corresponding predictions in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) and the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM). We perform a scan over the relevant regions of parameter space in both models and evaluate the MSSM and NMSSM predictions for the dominant Higgs production channel and the photon–photon decay channel. Taking into account the experimental constraints from previous direct searches, flavor physics, electroweak measurements as well as theoretical considerations, we find that a Higgs signal in the two photon channel with a rate equal to, or above, the SM prediction is viable over the full mass range 123?M _H ?127 GeV, both in the MSSM and the NMSSM. We find that besides the interpretation of a possible signal at about 125 GeV in terms of the lightest $\mathcal {CP}$ -even Higgs boson, both the MSSM and the NMSSM permit also a viable interpretation where an observed state at about 125 GeV would correspond to the second-lightest $\mathcal {CP}$ -even Higgs boson in the spectrum, which would be accompanied by another light Higgs with suppressed couplings to W and Z bosons. We find that a significant enhancement of the γγ rate, compatible with the signal strengths observed by ATLAS and CMS, is possible in both the MSSM and the NMSSM, and we analyse in detail different mechanisms in the two models that can give rise to such an enhancement. We briefly discuss also our predictions in the two models for the production and subsequent decay into two photons of a $\mathcal {CP}$ -odd Higgs boson.     

Contributions of the cornea and the lens to the aberrations of the human eye

The relative contributions of optical aberrations of the cornea and the crystalline lens to the final image quality of the human eye were studied. The aberrations of the entire eye were obtained from pairs of double-pass retinal images, and the aberrations of the cornea were obtained from videokeratographic data. Third-order spherical aberration and coma were significantly larger for the cornea than for the complete eye, indicating a significant role of the lens in compensating for corneal aberrations. In a second experiment retinal images were recorded in an eye before and after we neutralized the aberrations of the cornea by having the subjects wear swimming goggles filled with saline water, providing a direct estimate of the optical performance of the crystalline lens.     

On the problem of the consistency of the high-temperature precipitation model with the classical nucleation theory

The adequacy of the model of high-temperature precipitation in dislocation-free silicon single crystals to the classical theory of nucleation and growth of second-phase particles in solids has been considered. It has been shown that the introduction and consideration of thermal conditions of crystal growth in the initial equations of the classical nucleation theory make it possible to explain the precipitation processes occurring in the high-temperature range and thus extend the theoretical basis of the application of the classical nucleation theory. According to the model of high-temperature precipitation, the smallest critical radius of oxygen and carbon precipitates is observed in the vicinity of the crystallization front. Cooling of the crystal is accompanied by the growth and coalescence of precipitates. During heat treatments, the nucleation of precipitates starts at low temperatures, whereas the growth and coalescence of precipitates occur with an increase in the temperature. It has been assumed that the high-temperature precipitation of impurities can determine the overall kinetics of defect formation in other dislocation-free single crystals of semiconductors and metals.     

产生旁瓣的激光波前功率谱密度与焦斑性能分析

讨论了在放置与不放置焦斑形态控制器件 KPP的两种情况下 ,采用功率谱密度模拟分析有旁瓣焦斑的激光束波前分布的特点 ,并由此探讨高功率激光驱动器在无旁瓣的聚焦情形下 ,对入射到打靶透镜的激光束波前畸变量的控制要求。     

产生旁瓣的激光波前功率谱密度与焦斑性能分析

 讨论了在放置与不放置焦斑形态控制器件KPP的两种情况下,采用功率谱密度模拟分析有旁瓣焦斑的激光束波前分布的特点,并由此探讨高功率激光驱动器在无旁瓣的聚焦情形下,对入射到打靶透镜的激光束波前畸变量的控制要求。     

On the Local Detectability of the Passage Through the Schwarzschild Horizon

Using the property of the simplest invariant built from the covariant derivatives of the curvature tensor to change sign on the Schwarzschild horizon, and the relativistic quadratic geodesic deviation equation to express the invariant in terms of locally measurable quantities, viz., separation, relative velocity and acceleration of test particles, a scheme is presented which can, in principle, be used by an imaginary observer to detect by local measurements the passage through the event horizon in the Schwarzschild spacetime.     

On the calculation of the bremsstrahlung in the region of the plasma frequency

On the basis of the classical theory of radiation produced in incomplete Coulomb interaction, a formula is derived for the coefficient of the bremsstrahlung of fully ionized plasma. In the region of rectilinear approximation a comparison is made with the results of the quantum formula derived from the Born approximation. Furthermore, the influence of dispersion upon the emission coefficient is taken into account; some relations for the region of dispersion are given.     

On the influence of the voltage pulse profile on the process of particle trapping in the adiabatic trap of the gyrotron

We analyze the process of stabilization of electron beam parameters in a gyrotron for different profiles of the front of the accelerating-voltage pulse and the case of a large space charge trapped in the adiabatic trap. The duration of the portion of the pulse front, within which the electrons are reflected from the magnetic mirror and trapped, is at least an order of magnitude shorter than the entire length of the pulse front and is comparable with the characteristic time of potential oscillation development in the trap at great values of the pitch factor. The results of numerical analysis of the electron beam within the framework of models with finite durations of the voltage pulse front and instantaneous switch-on of the voltage showed that the steady-state values of the beam parameters are only weakly dependent on the pro.le of the pulse front. __________ Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Radiofizika, Vol. 51, No. 5, pp. 425–433, May 2008.     

Design and analysis of the tunnel connecting the beamcorridor and the spectrum hall of the CSNS

There is a tunnel connecting the beamcorridor and the target station in the spectrum hall in the CSNS project. The length of the tunnel is about 20 m. The shielding design of the tunnel is very significant for the persons working in the spectrum hall because the tunnel is not covered by soil for shielding. In order to reduce the dose rate at the exit of the cable ducts, we use the ISIS construction, which is designed with four turnings, as a reference for the tunnel design. The thickness of the shielding is obtained by a simulation with the Monte Carlo Code FLUKA. The result is compared with the data obtained with Moyer Mode and the reliability of the simulation is proved. This paper provides the basis for the design of the tunnel.     

Determination of the exact solutions to the inhomogeneous burgers equation with the use of the darboux transformation

A method of determining the exact solutions to the Burgers equation on the basis of the Darboux transformation is described. It is shown that a single application of the Darboux transformation to the homogeneous Burgers equation transforms the latter into the inhomogeneous equation describing acoustic wave propagation against transonic flow in the de Laval nozzle. In this case, the contraction ratio of the nozzle is fixed and determined by the viscosity coefficient of the medium. Based on the exact solution of the homogeneous Burgers equation, for the aforementioned problem of the flow in the nozzle, all the possible regular steady-state solutions are presented and the evolution of nonstationary solutions is investigated. The algorithm of a multiple Darboux transformation, which allows an increase in the strength of inhomogeneity, i.e., in the contraction ratio of the nozzle, is determined. This approach leads to a discrete set of possible contraction ratios at which exact solutions can be obtained. The Crum’s theorem is used to derive a formula that allows determination of the exact solutions to the inhomogeneous Burgers equation from the solutions to the homogeneous heat transfer equation. It is noted that, in fact, the proposed algorithm of the multiple Darboux transformation makes it possible to decrease the viscosity coefficient of the medium in a discrete way.     

On the value of the metric tensor and the energy-momentum tensor components on the boundary of the R and T domains

The case of the presence of matter in the R domain near the R-T boundary is examined. Using the relations between fixed and nonsingular reference systems at the boundary, estimates are obtained for the behavior of the velocities and the metric tensor components in the fixed reference system on the boundary of the R and T domains. On this basis estimates are obtained for the behavior of the energy-momentum tensor components on the R and T boundary in the fixed reference system and the locally Lorentz reference system.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 3, pp. 94–98, March, 1978.In conclusion, we are grateful to Igor Dmitrievich Novikov for valuable remarks.     

On the reversibility of the Meissner effect and the angular momentum puzzle

It is generally believed that the laws of thermodynamics govern superconductivity as an equilibrium state of matter, and hence that the normal-superconductor transition in a magnetic field is reversible under ideal conditions. Because eddy currents are generated during the transition as the magnetic flux changes, the transition has to proceed infinitely slowly to generate no entropy. Experiments showed that to a high degree of accuracy no entropy was generated in these transitions. However, in this paper we point out that for the length of times over which these experiments extended, a much higher degree of irreversibility due to decay of eddy currents should have been detected than was actually observed. We also point out that within the conventional theory of superconductivity no explanation exists for why no Joule heat is generated in the superconductor to normal transition when the supercurrent stops. In addition we point out that within the conventional theory of superconductivity no mechanism exists for the transfer of momentum between the supercurrent and the body as a whole, which is necessary to ensure that the transition in the presence of a magnetic field respects momentum conservation. We propose a solution to all these questions based on the alternative theory of hole superconductivity. The theory proposes that in the normal-superconductor transition there is a flow and backflow of charge in direction perpendicular to the phase boundary when the phase boundary moves. We show that this flow and backflow explains the absence of Joule heat generated by Faraday eddy currents, the absence of Joule heat generated in the process of the supercurrent stopping, and the reversible transfer of momentum between the supercurrent and the body, provided the current carriers in the normal state are holes.     

On the NLO QCD corrections to the production of the heaviest neutral Higgs scalar in the MSSM

We present a calculation of the two-loop top–stop–gluino contributions to Higgs production via gluon fusion in the MSSM. By means of an asymptotic expansion in the heavy particle masses, we obtain explicit and compact analytic formulas that are valid when the Higgs and the top quark are lighter than stops and gluino, without assuming a specific hierarchy between the Higgs mass and the top mass. Being applicable to the heaviest Higgs scalar in a significant region of the MSSM parameter space, our results complement earlier ones obtained with a Taylor expansion in the Higgs mass, and can be easily implemented in computer codes to provide an efficient and accurate determination of the Higgs production cross section.