Cold and stable antimatter for fundamental physics

The field of cold antimatter physics has rapidly developed in the last 20 years, overlapping with the period of the Antiproton Decelerator (AD) at CERN. The central subjects are CPT symmetry tests and Weak Equivalence Principle (WEP) tests. Various groundbreaking techniques have been developed and are still in progress such as to cool antiprotons and positrons down to extremely low temperature, to manipulate antihydrogen atoms, to construct extremely high-precision Penning traps, etc. The precisions of the antiproton and proton magnetic moments have improved by six orders of magnitude, and also laser spectroscopy of antihydrogen has been realized and reached a relative precision of 2 × 10⁻¹² during the AD time. Antiprotonic helium laser spectroscopy, which started during the Low Energy Antiproton Ring (LEAR) time, has reached a relative precision of 8 × 10⁻¹⁰. Three collaborations joined the WEP tests inventing various unique approaches. An additional new post-decelerator, Extra Low ENergy Antiproton ring (ELENA), has been constructed and will be ready in 2021, which will provide 10–100 times more cold antiprotons to each experiment. A new era of the cold antimatter physics will emerge soon including the transport of antiprotons to other facilities.     

The matter‐antimatter interpretation of Kerr spacetime

Repulsive gravity is not very popular in physics. However, one comes across it in at least two main occurrences in general relativity: in the negative‐r region of Kerr spacetime, and as the result of the gravitational interaction between matter and antimatter, when the latter is assumed to be CPT‐transformed matter. Here we show how these two independent developments of general relativity are perfectly consistent in predicting gravitational repulsion and how the above Kerr negative‐r region can be interpreted as the habitat of antimatter. As a consequence, matter particles traveling along vortical geodesics can pass through the throat of a rotating black hole and emerge as antimatter particles (and vice versa). An experimental definitive answer on the gravitational behavior of antimatter is awaited in the next few years.

     

Reduction of lower symmetry terms to cos 3τ′ and sin 3τ′ for vibration-internal rotation-overall rotation interactions in −XY3 molecules

In the calculation of the S_t, S_tS_t, dependence of the inertia tensor and the S_t, dependence of the Coriolis coupling for internal rotation in −XY3 molecules, terms of lower symmetry than cos 3τ and sin 3τ appear when curvilinear internal coordinates are used for the internal rotation and other vibrations. This paper shows how these lower symmetry terms are reduced to zero after transformation to symmetry coordinates for the internal rotation and other vibrations.     

Laser cooling of molecules

Recently, laser cooling methods have been extended from atoms to molecules. The complex rotational and vibrational energy level structure of molecules makes laser cooling difficult, but these difficulties have been overcome and molecules have now been cooled to a few microkelvin and trapped for several seconds. This opens many possibilities for applications in quantum science and technology, controlled chemistry, and tests of fundamental physics. This article explains how molecules can be decelerated, cooled and trapped using laser light, reviews the progress made in recent years, and outlines some future applications.     

Orbital dynamics in the photogravitational restricted four-body problem: Lagrange configuration

We study the effect of the radiation parameter in the location, stability and orbital dynamics in the Lagrange configuration of the restricted four-body problem when one of the primaries is a radiating body. The equations of motion for the test particle are derived by assuming that the primaries revolve in the same plane with uniform angular velocity, lying at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The insertion of the radiation factor in the restricted four-body problem, let us model the dynamics of a test particle orbiting an astrophysical system with an active star. The dynamical mechanisms responsible for the smoothening on the basin structures of the configuration space is related to the decrease in the total number of fixed points with increasing values of the radiation parameter. In our model of the Sun-Jupiter-Trojan Asteroid system, it is found that despite the solar radiation pressure, there exist two stable libration points.     

Multiple lump molecules and interaction solutions of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation

In this paper, a modified version of the solution in form of a Gramian formula is employed to investigate a new type of multiple lump molecule solution of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation. The high-order multiple lump molecules consisting of M N-lump molecules are constructed by means of the Mth-order determinant and the non-homogeneous polynomial in the degree of 2N. The interaction solutions describing P line solitons radiating P of the M N-lump molecules are constructed. The dynamic behaviors of some specific solutions are analyzed through numerical simulation. All the results will enrich our understanding of the multiple lump waves of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation.     

A survey of heavy–heavy hadronic molecules

The spectrum of hadronic molecules composed of heavy–antiheavy charmed hadrons has been obtained in our previous work. The potentials are constants at the leading order, which are estimated from resonance saturation. The experimental candidates of hadronic molecules, say X(3872), Y(4260), three P_c states and P_cs(4459), fit the spectrum well. The success in describing the pattern of heavy–antiheavy hadronic molecules stimulates us to give more predictions for the heavy–heavy cases, which are less discussed in literature than the heavy–antiheavy ones. Given that the heavy–antiheavy hadronic molecules, several of which have strong experimental evidence, emerge from the dominant constant interaction from resonance saturation, we find that the existence of many heavy–heavy hadronic molecules is natural. Among these predicted heavy–heavy states we highlight the DD^* molecule and the ${D}^{(* )}{{\rm{\Sigma }}}_{c}^{(* )}$ molecules, which are the partners of the famous X(3872) and P_c states. Quite recently, LHCb collaboration reported a doubly charmed tetraquark state, T_cc, which is in line with our results for the DD^* molecule. With the first experimental signal of this new kind of exotic states, the upcoming update of the LHCb experiment as well as other experiments will provide more chances of observing the heavy–heavy hadronic molecules.     

Elastic scattering of electrons by hydrogen molecules

Elastic scattering of electrons by hydrogen molecules has been investigated in the intermediate energy range 100–2000 eV. The direct scattering amplitude consists of first Börn and second Börn minus distortion term. The contribution of exchange has been included through Ochkur approximation. The elastic differential cross-sections agree with experimental data.     

Towards selective detection of chiral molecules using SWNT sensors

Calculations are performed to demonstrate that chiral molecules should in principle be selectively detected on chiral semi-conducting single-walled carbon nanotubes. These nanotubes, when they are used in a resonator configuration, could discriminate the two enantiomers (left and right handed species) of an amino acid through the adsorption energy difference ΔW and through the resonance frequency shift ΔΔf directly connected to the permittivity change of the tubes due to the molecule adsorption. Application to the calculation of ΔW and ΔΔf for the adsorption of l and d-alanine on various chiral nanotubes defines the parameters which are crucial for an optimized detection.     

正反重强子对构成的强子分子态能谱

近二十年来,世界上众多高能物理实验发现了大量超出传统夸克模型的共振结构。为了理解 这些性质奇特的共振结构,科学家们提出了很多方法和模型。其中,因为实验上发现的这些奇特态 大多处在一对强子阈值附近,强子分子态的观点得到了很多关注。本文我们将以粲{反粲强子对为例 来探究哪些系统可以形成分子态,进而给出粲{反粲强子分子态的能谱。我们考虑了所有由 S 波粲 介子、粲重子以及窄的 P 波粲介子构成的粲{反粲强子对。我们假定它们之间的相互作用由介子交 换主导,在最低阶近似下可简化为常数。通过求解常数相互作用的 Bethe---Salpeter 方程,我们可以 找到振幅的极点进而确定该系统分子态的质量。最终我们发现,那些通过轻矢量介子交换在阈值附 近产生吸引力的系统,会存在一个靠近阈值的极点。不同的系统,由于其相互作用强度不同,极点 可能会处于能量复平面的第一黎曼面或者第二黎曼面,分别对应于束缚态或者虚态。我们总共发现 了 229 个强子分子态。很多实验上发现的那些位于粲---反粲强子对阈值附近的共振结构可以很好地 与我们的结果吻合。另外,我们需要强调所预言的一个 ΛcΛc  分子态,这个态可以很好地解释北京正负电子谱仪 (BESIII) 上测量的数据。     

Luminescence of complex organic molecules upon electron excitation

Pesults of investigation of the luminescence of complex organic compounds upon excitation with electrons of various energies are reported. Data on spectra of energy losses of electrons, fluorescence excitation cross sections and functions, fluorescence emission spectra, fluorescence kinetics, polarization, and energy yield, effects of impurity gases, and theoretical analysis of the processes taking place in the system are presented. Results of investigation of the luminescence of complex molecules in electric discharges (dc, pulsed, high-frequency, non-self-maintained, and plasma-beam) and in a condensed state (solutions, molecular crystals, and thin solid films) are discussed. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk 220072, Belarus. Transtated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 5, pp. 694–708, September–October, 1998.     

一种可控的Ioffe型冷分子表面微电阱

囚禁于阱中的粒子(原子或分子)可获得更长的相互作用时间,因而在精密测量中可获得更高的分辨率.阱中的粒子与外界隔离,从而可以被冷却到更低的温度.因此原子(或分子)阱已广泛应用到许多研究领域.然而中心电场强度为零的势阱会导致粒子发生非绝热跃迁,这是原子或分子损失的主要来源.该损失曾是制备原子玻色-爱因斯坦凝聚的最后一道障碍.本文提出了一种可控的Ioffe型表面微电阱,其电场强度处处不为零,可有效避免分子的非绝热损失.另外,通过调节电压等参数,势阱中心电场强度以及势阱中心距芯片表面的高度可以在较大范围内调节,例如在本文参数下,势阱中心电场强度可在0.15—5.5 kV/cm变化,势阱中心高度可在6.0—17.0μm变化.本文通过有限元软件计算了芯片表面微电阱的电场分布,并用Monte Carlo模拟验证了该方案的可行性.该表面微电阱不仅可用于分子芯片的集成,而且可用于表面量子简并气体的制备.为精密测量、量子计算、表面冷碰撞和冷化学等领域提供了一个平台.     

Symmetry coordinates of nonrigid molecules

Motivated by Altmann’s definition of symmetry groups of nonrigid molecules, Wigner’s method of obtaining the symmetry coordinates of a molecule is extended to nonrigid molecules with free internal rotations. The molecule BF₂ CH₃ is exemplified.     

Shock compression of simple molecules

A simple approach is developed to calculate shock compression of simple molecules. This approach is based upon an accurate analytic representation of the Lennard-Jones fluids in conjunction with the Enskog theory, which is used to calculate the molecular diameter as a function of temperature along the Hugoniot. The model permits rapid, yet reliable calculations. It is applied to N₂, O₂, H₂, D₂, CH₄, CO, and CO₂. The results are tested by the comparison with experimental data and with other calculations. The computed Hugoniots agree reasonably with experimental results for many (but not all) simple molecules and are comparable to those of more complicated models.     

Push–pull hyperbranched molecules. A theoretical study

The electronic properties of the ground state, unrelaxed and relaxed first excited states of push–pull hyperbranched molecules bearing amino and nitro terminal groups have been studied at BB1K/cc‐pvdz//HF/6‐31g(d), TD‐BB1K/cc‐pvdz//HF/6‐31g(d) and TD‐BB1K/cc‐pvdz//CIS/6‐31g(d) levels of theory, respectively. It was demonstrated that dendritic architecture of push–pull molecules favours the charge transfer in the excited state compared to linear molecules. The possibility of adopting a plane conformation is an important condition for the charge transfer in an excited state. According to the calculations 1:1 ratio of donor and acceptor groups is another important precondition for the manifestation of strong charge separation in the excited state. In case of excess of nitro groups over the amino, some of the excitations participating in the S0 → S1 transition favour the charge transfer in the excited state in the opposite directions, thus decreasing the charge separation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

模型化研究药物小分子阻滞细胞周期

基于扩散动力学与细胞信号传导动力学,研究药物小分子对细胞周期的阻滞特性.理论模型考虑药物小分子穿越细胞膜输运的动力学特性,以及进入细胞内的药物分子对细胞周期的阻滞效应.研究发现,穿越细胞膜内层进入细胞内的药物分子,将会在很大程度上决定药物分子对相关的靶向基因、蛋白的阻滞功效.细胞膜对药物分子的输运特性,是影响药物分子阻滞细胞周期的关键因素.另外,药物分子的降解程度,将会改变药物分子与靶向基因、蛋白作用时间,进而改变对相关细胞生长增殖的抑制效应.通过对模型中各参数的敏感度分析,我们确认了药物分子穿越细胞膜、进入细胞内过程的多种因素对细胞周期的抑制效应.本文理论结果符合模拟、实验观测,进一步深刻揭示了药物小分子阻滞细胞周期的物理机制,可为设计确切的疗法药物提供必要的参考和新方案.     

Low-energy vibrational excitation cross section of multilayers of CO molecules on graphite using electron scattering

This paper presents a low-energy study of the vibrational excitation cross section of 50 layers of CO molecules on graphite at 23 K using the electron energy loss spectroscopy technique. The vibrational excitation cross section or the excitation curve is presented for two different scattering angles. The results show an energy dependence of the vibrational excitation cross section, at both angles, which indicates the formation of negative ion resonance in this adsorbed phase of CO on graphite. The data show an oscillatory structure in the region between 0.5 and 3 eV that is associated with the excitation of the ²Π state.     

Formation of high-density cold molecules via electromagnetic trap

Preparation and control of cold molecules are advancing rapidly, motivated by many exciting applications ranging from tests of fundamental physics to quantum information processing. Here, we propose a trapping scheme to create high-density cold molecular samples by using a combination of electric and magnetic fields. In our theoretical analysis and numerical calculations, a typical alkaline-earth monofluoride, MgF, is used to test the feasibility of our proposal. A cold MgF molecular beam is first produced via an electrostatic Stark decelerator and then loaded into the proposed electromagnetic trap, which is composed of an anti-Helmholtz coil, an octupole, and two disk electrodes. Following that, a huge magnetic force is applied to the molecular sample at an appropriate time, which enables further compressing of the spatial distribution of the cold sample. Molecular samples with both higher number density and smaller volume are quite suitable for the laser confinement and other molecular experiments such as cold collisions in the next step.     

Classical molecules in two dimensions

The ground-state configurations and spectrum of two parallel two-dimensional classical atoms are obtained as a function of the inter-atomic distance ( ). The classical particles are confined by parabolic potentials and repel each other through a Coulomb potential. As a function of we find several configurational transitions which are of first or second order. For first- (second-) order transitions the first (second) derivative of the energy with respect to is discontinuous, the radial position of the particles changes discontinuously (continuously) and the frequency of the eigenmodes exhibit a jump (softening of a mode). In the limit of an infinite number of electrons the Wigner bilayer system is recovered which moves through five different stable crystalline phases as a function of . For unequal strength of parabolic confinement we find that the number of configurational transitions increases.