Asymptotic Completeness for Compton Scattering

Scattering in a model of a massive quantum-mechanical particle, an electron, interacting with massless, relativistic bosons, photons, is studied. The interaction term in the Hamiltonian of our model describes emission and absorption of photons by the electron; but electron-positron pair production is suppressed. An ultraviolet cutoff and an (arbitrarily small, but fixed) infrared cutoff are imposed on the interaction term. In a range of energies where the propagation speed of the dressed electron is strictly smaller than the speed of light, unitarity of the scattering matrix is proven, provided the coupling constant is small enough; (asymptotic completeness of Compton scattering). The proof combines a construction of dressed one–electron states with propagation estimates for the electron and the photons.Dedicated to Freeman Dyson on the occasion of his 80th birthdayWork partially supported by U.S. National Science Foundation grant DMS 01-00160.Acknowledgement. We thank V. Bach for his hospitality at the University of Mainz, where part of this work was done, and we are indebted to Gian Michele Graf for pointing out a serious gap in an earlier version of this paper. We also thank one of the referees for pointing out many typos and some small errors.     

Perturbed periodic Hamiltonians: Essential Spectrum and exponential decay of eigenfunctions

Spectral properties of – +V(x), whereV(x) lies in a neighbourhood of the periodic case and describes various models of disorder, are studied. We prove the exponential decay of generalized eigenfunctions corresponding to energies in the resolvent set of the unperturbed periodic Hamiltonian, as well as the stability of the essential spectrum for the dislocation disorder in two dimensions.     

On Average Properties of Inhomogeneous Fluids in General Relativity: Dust Cosmologies

For general relativistic spacetimes filled with irrotational dust a generalized form of Friedmann's equations for an effective expansion factor a _D of inhomogeneous cosmologies is derived. Contrary to the standard Friedmann equations, which hold for homogeneous-isotropic cosmologies, the new equations include the backreaction effect of inhomogeneities on the average expansion of the model. A universal relation between backreaction and average scalar curvature is also given. For cosmologies whose averaged spatial scalar curvature is proportional to a _D ^-2, the expansion law governing a generic domain can be found. However, as the general equations show, backreaction acts as to produce average curvature in the course of structure formation, even when starting with space sections that are spatially flat on average.     

On the relation between weak and strong invariance of differential equations

Some concepts of Lie algebra cohomology are used to systematize the search for differential equations invariant under a given Lie groupG. In particular, it is shown that if a strongly invariant equation exists, then all weakly invariant equations differ from it only by an arbitrary multiplicative factor. If no strongly invariant equation exists, then cohomology theory can be used to simplify the search for weakly invariant equations.     

Crossing relations derived from (Extended) Relativity

Recently, Special Relativity has been straightforwardly extended to Superluminal inertial frames and faster-than-light objects. The Extended Relativity theory not only allowed building up a self-consistent classical theory of tachyons, but reveals itself useful also for the understanding of standard (subluminal) physics, i.e. of usual particles. In this paper, it is shown that Extended Relativity allows: (i) deriving the usual Crossing Relations of elementary particle (high-energy) physics; and (ii) deriving the CPT-covariance theorem as a particular case of G-covariance (i.e., covariance under the new group of Generalised Lorentz transformations, both subluminal and Superluminal).In this framework, the Analyticity postulate is unnecessary: it is better substituted by the G-covariance requirement.Moreover, new crossing-type relations are predicted on the basis of mere Extended Relativity. They may well serve as a test for relativistic covariance of force fields like strong interactions and, particularly, weak interactions, and possible new interaction fields (whicha priori are not relativistically covariant).     

The Strange Story of the Concept which Inaugurated Modern Theoretical Physics

The strange Story of the Concept which inaugurated Modern Theoretical Physics is the title of a lecture which I delivered on the invitation of Professor Franco Selleri at the University of Bari about 20 years ago. Since Professor Selleri himself has written several interesting papers on this concept and since the centennial of the birth of modern theoretical physics will be celebrated soon, I found it appropriate to dedicate this essay, containing so far unpublished critical and historical comments on this concept, to Professor Selleri on the occasion of his 70th birthday. It should be emphasized that the critical comments in this essay are not intended to question the validity of the theory initiated by this concept, a theory which in the realm of its applicability is daily corroborated by numerous experiments in high-energy laboratories all over the world. Although these critical remarks refer almost exclusively to the first publication of this theory, a publication which has been hailed as the most important paper written in the 20th century, they discuss profound problems of general importance for the study of the foundations of physics.     

Analysis of signal-to-noise ratio of the laser Doppler velocimeter

The signal-to-shot-noise ratio of the photocurrent of a laser Doppler anemometer is calculated as a function of the parameters which describe the system. It is found that the S/N is generally a growing function of receiver area, that few large particles are better than many small ones, and that generally the fringe or differential mode configuration is equal to, or better than, the reference beam mode.     

Surface topology investigation for ancient coinage assessment using optical interferometry

In order to demonstrate the capabilities of white-light interferometry depth profiling (WLI-DP) for ancient coinage assessment, we investigated a series of notorious 1786 gold coins, bearing Louis XVIs horned effigy, and allegedly minted in Strasbourg. Scanning electron microscopy as well as WLI-DP observations unambiguously indicate that both previously differentiated single- and double-horned varieties originated from a unique minting tool. Moreover, from topological measurements, we infer that single-horned coins, rather than wearing out into double-horned coins, proceeded from the latter variety during minting by progressive failure of an already altered die. Whereas present observations do not exclude initial forgery, they suggest that protrusions resulted from progressive incidental in-service die deterioration. PACS 81.70.Fy; 07.60.Ly; 61.16.Bg; 81.40.Pq     

Some problems of quantum mechanics possessing a non-negative phase-space distribution function

In order to clarify physical consequences due to the presence of a set of auxiliary functions _k (q,t) in quantum mechanics with a non-negative phase-space distribution function, the simplest quantum-mechanical problems are solved. It is shown that _k (q,t) influence upon the results of a problem. Therefore it is supposed that _k (q, t) reflect some physical reality (subquantum situation), interacting with a mechanical system. In particular the subquantum situation determines the minimum coordinate and momentum uncertainties ((q)² and (p)²) as well as the coordinate distribution of a fixed system and the momentum distribution of a free system. These results provide the opportunity to formulate the notion of a stationary homogeneous isotropic subquantum situation. Supposing thatq andp are small an attempt is made to develop an approximate method of solutions (quasi-orthodox approximation). Energy spectrum of an electron in a hydrogen atom is found in the second order of this approximation.On leave of absence from Peoples' Friendship University, Chair of Theoretical Physics, 3, Ordjonikidze Street, B-302, Moscow, U.S.S.R.     

The many faces of a character

We prove an identity between three infinite families of polynomials which are defined in terms of bosonic, fermionic, and one-dimensional configuration sums. In the limit where the polynomials become infinite series, they give different-looking expressions for the characters of the two integrable representations of the affine su(2) algebra at level one. We conjecture yet another fermionic sum representation for the polynomials which is constructed directly from the Bethe-ansatz solution of the Heisenberg spin chain.     

Sampling in holography of diffused objects or with diffused illumination

Differentiation between a diffused hologram and a specular hologram is determined by criteria of the wavelength and the relief of the object. In a hologram where the object beam is diffused (due to diffused object illumination, or because the object surface is reflecting diffusively), every part in the holographic plane contains information about the whole object, but from a different angle of view. In a specular hologram, the recording is somewhere between the image recording and the diffused holography. The latter part is contributed mainly by the edges of the object.This paper describes properties of sampled diffused holograms in terms of resolution,S/N (contrast), angle of view, power spectrum and the ability of determination of the object.Different sampling functions are compared and experimentally examined, while the total diffracting areas are preserved constant.It was found that when the sampling areas were distributed over the entire plane and the observation distance was preserved, the resolution, the angle of view and the ability of determination of the object was close to the unsampled hologram. At the same conditions theS/N and the power spectrum were reduced.It seems that these techniques of sampling may be applied for multiplexing, subtracting and correlating between two adjacent recordings.     

Rational forms for twistings of enveloping algebras of simple Lie algebras

We give rational forms for twistings of classical enveloping algebras. We also remark a link with the generalized formalism of Gurevich, Manin, and Cartier.     

Integrable hierarchy underlying topological Landau-Ginzburg models of D-type

A universal integrable hierarchy underlying topological Landau-Ginzburg models of D-type is presented. Like the dispersionless Toda hierarchy, the new hierarchy has two distinct (positive and negative) sets of flows. Special solutions corresponding to topological Landau-Ginzburg models of D-type are characterized by a Riemann-Hilbert problem, which can be converted into a generalized hodograph transformation. This construction gives an embedding of the finite-dimensional small phase space of these models into the full space of flows of this hierarchy. One of flat coordinates in the small phase space turns out to be identical to the first negative time variable of the hierarchy, whereas the others belong to the positive flows.     

A formulation of linearised gravity

The formulation of linearised gravity in terms of the electric and magnetic gravitational fields is extended to take into account the presence of matter. The modes of radiation, the equations of motion and the potential in the static case are given. The relevant components of the superenergy tensor are calculated and a quantity named the superforce is introduced.     

Ultrageneralised complex analysis

The zero rest mass Euclidean Dirac equations in 2 (4) dimensions may be regarded as square roots of the second order harmonic equation, and give rise to the crucial integral theorem and integral formula of complex (quaternionic) analysis. Recently discovered 2rth root equations for the 2rth order harmonic equations are here shown to give rise to a similar integral theorem and integral formula.     

Nanocomposite Mullite/Mullite Powders by Spray Pyrolysis

A mullite/mullite nanocomposite powder has been synthesized, composed of nanometer-size 3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂ (3/2) mullite precipitates within a matrix of the high alumina 2Al₂O₃·SiO₂ (2:1) mullite. Historically, the transition from the metastable high-alumina phase to the thermodynamically stable 3:2 phase of mullite has been thought to be a continuous process, involving a continuous solid solution between the two forms of mullite. In contradiction to this widely held view, our high resolution transmission electron microscopic characterization confirms that a first order phase transition between two distinct mullites occurs. The high degree of interface coherence between the precipitates and the matrix allows us to speculate that the mechanical properties of the matrix could be enhanced by a process similar to the precipitation hardening of metals.     

Faux-boolean algebras,classical probability,and determinism

It is possible to define, for any quantum system, an algebra of definite-valued events—those events that are definitely occurrent or non-occurrent. It is shown that two different sets of constraints on the algebra of definite-valued events are each equivalent to the definition of that set as a certain pseudo-Boolean algebra.     

Characters of Finite-Dimensional Irreducible q(n) -Modules

The solution of the Kac character problem for thequeer series of Lie superalgebras q(n) is announced. An explicit algorithm which computes the character of an arbitrary finite-dimensional irreducible q(n)-module is presented. As an illustration, the correction terms to the generic character formula of Penkov (Monatsh. Math.118 (1994), 419) are written down for all finite-dimensional irreducible representations of q(n), for n4, with nongeneric character.     

A note on a paper by Atkin and Bastin

The paper A Homological Foundation for Scale Problems in Physics (Atkin & Bastin, 1970) is criticised on account of several inconsistencies in the argument. Possible applications of the general ideas used are then discussed in the context of a quantum logic type of framework.     

Long-lived fluorescence probes for studying lipid dynamics: A review

A great many studies have focused on the heterogeneous packing of lipids in the bilayer matrix. However, less attention has been directed toward the temporal aspects of these lipid-lipid interactions. Studies of lipid packing fluctuations, or gel-fluid exchange, using fluorescence probe methodologies have been limited. This limitation arises from thesubmicrosecond time scale over which the fluctuations are expected to occur. Traditionally, dynamic studies of lipid bilayers have been restricted to the nanosecond time regime, and the submicrosecond time window has not been explored in any great depth by fluorescence methods, although persistent lipid dynamics has been evident. Probes with long fluorescence lifetimes (several hundred nanoseconds) have the potential to expand this important time window, providing information on gel-fluid exchange rates and insights into how important biological effectors such as proteins, cholesterol, and anesthetics affect or modulate these fluctuations. Using the long-lived fluorescence probe coronene, combined with time-resolved fluorescence methods geared toward microheterogeneity, we present a view of bilayer dynamics in an alternate time domain. Fluorescence probes are expected to inhabit an equilibrium between fluid and gel environments. Some probes remain in their respective environments throughout their excited-state lifetime, while others reside in surroundings that will change (i.e., melt). Long-lived fluorescence membrane probes can provide direct estimates of submicrosecond lipid fluctuation or melt rates. Simple Landau modeling leads to adistribution of melt rates and provides an attractive alternative to a simplercompartmental model where a unique lipid fluctuation of gel-fluid exchange rate is measured. Thedistribution model is probe independent (defined by thermodynamic quantities) and can be applied generally to the rotational motions of fluorescence probes embedded in the lipid bilayer.Abbreviations DMPC l--dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine - DPH 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene - DPPC l--dipalmitoylphospha-tidylcholine - DSC differential scanning calorimetry - EA fluorescence emission anisotropy - LUV large unilamellar vesicles - SUV small unilamellar vesicles - T_c lipid phase transition temperature