Group leaders optimization algorithm

We present a new global optimization algorithm in which the influence of the leaders in social groups is used as an inspiration for the evolutionary technique which is designed into a group architecture. To demonstrate the efficiency of the method, a standard suite of single and multi-dimensional optimization functions along with the energies and the geometric structures of Lennard-Jones clusters are given as well as the application of the algorithm on quantum circuit design problems. We show that as an improvement over previous methods, the algorithm scales as N ^2.5 for the Lennard-Jones clusters of N-particles. In addition, an efficient circuit design is shown for a two-qubit Grover search algorithm which is a quantum algorithm providing quadratic speedup over the classical counterpart.     

The DOSY Toolbox: A new tool for processing PFG NMR diffusion data

The DOSY Toolbox is a free programme for processing PFG NMR diffusion data (sometimes loosely referred to as DOSY data), distributed under the GNU General Public License. NMR data from three major manufacturers can be imported and all processing is done in a user-friendly graphical user interface. The Toolbox is completely free-standing in the sense that all necessary basic processing of NMR data (e.g., Fourier transformation and phasing) is catered for within the programme, as well as a number of methods specific to DOSY data (e.g., DOSY and SCORE). The programme is written in MATLAB^® and as such can be run on any platform, but can also run independent of MATLAB^® in a free-standing compiled version for Windows, Mac, and Linux.     

Band topology and the quantum spin Hall effect in bilayer graphene

We consider bilayer graphene in the presence of spin-orbit coupling, in order to assess its behavior as a topological insulator. The first Chern number n for the energy bands of single-layer graphene and that for the energy bands of bilayer graphene are computed and compared. It is shown that for a given valley and spin, n for a Bernal-stacked bilayer is doubled with respect to that for the monolayer. This implies that this form of bilayer graphene will have twice as many edge states as single-layer graphene, which we confirm with numerical calculations and analytically in the case of an armchair terminated surface. Bernal-stacked bilayer graphene is a weak topological insulator, whose surface spectrum is susceptible to gap opening under spin-mixing perturbations. We assess the stability of the associated topological bulk state of bilayer graphene under various perturbations. In contrast, we show that AA-stacked bilayer graphene is not a topological insulator unless the spin-orbit coupling is bigger than the interlayer hopping. Finally, we consider an intermediate situation in which only one of the two layers has spin-orbit coupling, and find that although individual valleys have non-trivial Chern numbers for the case of Bernal stacking, the spectrum as a whole is not gapped, so the system is not a topological insulator.     

Covering by random intervals and one-dimensional continuum percolation

A brief historical introduction is given to the problem of covering a line by random overlapping intervals. The problem for equal intervals was first solved by Whitworth in the 1890s. A brief resume is given of his solution. The advantages of the present author's approach, which uses a Poisson process, are outlined, and a solution is derived by Laplace transforms. The method of Hammersley for dealing with a stochastic distribution of intervals is described, and a solution can still be derived by Laplace transforms. The asymptotic behavior as the line becomes long is calculated and is related to the one-dimensional continuum percolation problem. It is shown that as long as the mean interval size is finite, the probability of complete coverage decays exponentially, so that the critical percolation probabilityp _c =1. However, as soon as the mean interval size becomes infinite, the critical percolation probabilityp _c switches to 0. This is in accord with previous results for a lattice model by Chinese workers, but differs from those of Schulman. A possible reason for the discrepancy is a difference in boundary conditions.On sabbatical leave from Physics Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.     

The Wigner Functions for a Spin-1/2 Relativistic Particle in the Presence of Magnetic Field

This paper provides a study of Wigner functions for a spin-1/2 relativistic particle in the presence of magnetic field. Since the Dirac equation is described as a matrix equation, it is necessary to describe the Wigner function as a matrix function in phase space. What’s more, this function is then proved to satisfy the Dirac equation with ⋆-product. Finally, by solving the ⋆-product Dirac equation, the energy levels as well as the Wigner functions for a spin-1/2 relativistic particle in the presence of magnetic field are obtained.     

Characterisation of a nitrogen ECR plasma source for the MBE growth of the dilute nitride semiconductor GaAsN

The use of a nitrogen electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source has allowed the growth of GaAsN at GaAs substrate temperatures as high as 600 °C, unlike the case for growth using radio frequency (RF) plasma sources, for which there is significant loss of nitrogen at substrate temperatures as low as 480-520 °C. Photoluminescence (PL) intensities are significantly improved at a substrate temperature of 600 °C and are further improved slightly by using an ion trap to extract charged species from the beam. As the trap voltage is increased there is a reduction in the total nitrogen concentration, as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and a slight increase in the active nitrogen concentration, as measured by PL. These observations are consistent, for example, with charged and active nitrogen species together being involved in the formation of point defects, however more work is needed to clarify what may well prove to be a complex situation.     

A new microcontroller-based RADFET dosimeter reader

A new reader for radiation dose measurements using RADFET (pMOSFET) dosemeters has been developed. The threshold voltage (V_T) of the pMOSFETs is measured using a “one-point” method that determines V_T as the gate voltage for a given drain current. Using V_T, the absorbed dose, which is directly proportional to the threshold voltage shift, is calculated. The reader is based on a low cost 8-bit PIC 18F4520 microcontroller (MCU), and works independently of a personal computer, uses a touch screen and stores the data in microcontroller memory. Good agreement in threshold voltage values, obtained using a high-quality source-measure unit and the reader, was obtained. In addition, the reader can be used for threshold voltage measurement with other types of MOSFETs, especially in long duration experiments, as well as for the real-time measurements in radiotherapy, either as an autonomous system or integrated in a larger monitoring configuration.     

A Discussion on Finite Quasi-cardinals in Quasi-set Theory

Quasi-set theory Q is an alternative set-theory designed to deal mathematically with collections of indistinguishable objects. The intended interpretation for those objects is the indistinguishable particles of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, under one specific interpretation of that theory. The notion of cardinal of a collection in Q is treated by the concept of quasi-cardinal, which in the usual formulations of the theory is introduced as a primitive symbol, since the usual means of cardinal definition fail for collections of indistinguishable objects. In a recent work, Domenech and Holik have proposed a definition of quasi-cardinality in Q. They claimed their definition of quasi-cardinal not only avoids the introduction of that notion as a primitive one, but also that it may be seen as a first step in the search for a version of Q that allows for a greater representative power. According to them, some physical systems can not be represented in the usual formulations of the theory, when the quasi-cardinal is considered as primitive. In this paper, we discuss their proposal and aims, and also, it is presented a modification from their definition we believe is simpler and more general.     

Equality and Freedom as Uncertainty in Groups

In this paper, I investigate a connection between a common characterisation of freedom and how uncertainty is managed in a Bayesian hierarchical model. To do this, I consider a distributed factorization of a group’s optimization of free energy, in which each agent is attempting to align with the group and with its own model. I show how this can lead to equilibria for groups, defined by the capacity of the model being used, essentially how many different datasets it can handle. In particular, I show that there is a “sweet spot” in the capacity of a normal model in each agent’s decentralized optimization, and that this “sweet spot” corresponds to minimal free energy for the group. At the sweet spot, an agent can predict what the group will do and the group is not surprised by the agent. However, there is an asymmetry. A higher capacity model for an agent makes it harder for the individual to learn, as there are more parameters. Simultaneously, a higher capacity model for the group, implemented as a higher capacity model for each member agent, makes it easier for a group to integrate a new member. To optimize for a group of agents then requires one to make a trade-off in capacity, as each individual agent seeks to decrease capacity, but there is pressure from the group to increase capacity of all members. This pressure exists because as individual agent’s capacities are reduced, so too are their abilities to model other agents, and thereby to establish pro-social behavioural patterns. I then consider a basic two-level (dual process) Bayesian model of social reasoning and a set of three parameters of capacity that are required to implement such a model. Considering these three capacities as dependent elements in a free energy minimization for a group leads to a “sweet surface” in a three-dimensional space defining the triplet of parameters that each agent must use should they hope to minimize free energy as a group. Finally, I relate these three parameters to three notions of freedom and equality in human social organization, and postulate a correspondence between freedom and model capacity. That is, models with higher capacity, have more freedom as they can interact with more datasets.     

Isotope Studies of Hydrogen and Oxygen in Ground Ice - Experiences with the Equilibration Technique

Abstract

Equilibration technique suitable for a large amount ofsamples is described for hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses of ground ice, especially ice wedges, including the sampling strategy and the analytical procedure as well as the calibration of the Finnigan MAT Delta-S mass spectrometer in June, 1999. Since for future analyses of ice wedges, a higher sampling resolution with limited sample volume is required, the limit of the equliibration technique for small water samples size of between 0.05 and 5 ml was checked. For water samples smaller than 1ml, corresponding to a molar ratio [H₂O]/[H₂] of smaller than 0.994, a balance correction has to be applied. The experimental errors due to partial evaporation during evacuation, the balance calcultion of the isotope equilibration process, the linearity as well as memory effects of the mass spectrometer for smaples with large differences in δ¹⁸O and δD are tackled in this paper. In the polar regions of Northern Siberia without Late Pleistocene and Holocene glaciation, ground ice is used as an archive for paleoclimate studies. First results of stable isotope measurements on ice wedges clearly show a shift towards heavier isotopes and thus warmer winter temperatures as well as a change in the source of the precipitation between Late Pleistocene and Holocene. These results indicate the high potential of ground ice for paleoclimate studies.     

Magnetization curves of a spin- bilayer system (A2) (ApB1−p)1 (B)2 with disordered interfaces

A calculation is presented for the component magnetizations of an infinite multilayer Ising system, consisting periodically of two layers of spin- A ions, two layers of spin- B ions, and a disordered layer interface in between that is characterized by a random arrangement of A and B ions like a two-dimensional A_pB_1−p alloy. The system is a simple cubic Ising-type structure with a coordination number z = 6. The model is general for ferro- and for antiferromagnetic A-B exchange couplings. The A-A and B-B exchange couplings are regarded as ferromagnetic. An effective field theory that goes beyond mean field, is employed to calculate the bulk-like transition temperature, the different component magnetizations as well as the total bulk-like magnetization. The component magnetizations are calculated for different realistic model values of ferro- and antiferromagnetic A-B exchange constants, as a function of temperature and of the concentration parameter p that characterizes the disorder in the interface. We show that the presence of a disordered interface may significantly affect the component and total magnetizations. In particular, for the case of antiferromagnetic exchange couplings, it is shown that the system can acquire a compensation temperature for certain domains of values of the concentration parameter p in the disordered interface.     

Mean field methods for atomic and nuclear reactions: The link between time–dependent and time–independent approaches

Abstact: Three variants of mean field methods for atomic and nuclear reactions are compared with respect to both conception and applicability: The time–dependent Hartree–Fock method solves the equation of motion for a Hermitian density operator as initial value problem, with the colliding fragments in a continuum state of relative motion. With no specification of the final state, the method is restricted to inclusive reactions. The time–dependent mean field method, as developed by Kerman, Levit and Negele as well as by Reinhardt, calculates the density for specific transitions and thus applies to exclusive reactions. It uses the Hubbard–Stratonovich transformation to express the full time-development operator with two–body interactions as functional integral over one–body densities. In stationary phase approximation and with Slater determinants as initial and final states, it defines non–Hermitian, time–dependent mean field equations to be solved self–consistently as boundary value problem in time. The time–independent mean field method of Giraud and Nagarajan is based on a Schwinger–type variational principle for the resolvent. It leads to a set of inhomogeneous, non-Hermitian equations of Hartree–Fock type to be solved for given total energy. All information about initial and final channels is contained in the inhomogeneities, hence the method is designed for exclusive reactions. A direct link is established between the time–dependent and time–independent versions. Their relation is non–trivial due to the non–linear nature of mean field methods. Received: 7 January 1998 / Revised version: 20 April 1998     

Model study on disordered one-dimensional microstructures

Using a finite Kronig-Penney model the localization behavior is studied as a function of disorder and sample size for individual realizations as well as for ensembles. There is a number of effects typical for small disordered systems: e.g. level repulsion is found to be connected with resonant delocalization, and there is a pronounced N-odd/N-even effect in the transmission coefficient. Opposite to the thermodynamic limit the ensemble shows weakest fluctuation in the average transmission coefficient rather than in the average localization length. The 3-dimensional extension of the model which still behaves one-dimensional, demonstrates the importance of spatial correlations in addition to disorder strength.     

The sorption heat pipe—a new device for thermal control and active cooling

The sorption heat pipe (SHP) is a new heat transfer device, which can be used as a sorption cooler or as a heat pipe. The SHP has a sorbent bed (adsorber/desorber and evaporator) at one end and a condenser+evaporator at the other end. This device is insensitive to some “g” acceleration and could be suggested for space and ground application. The most crucial feature of this device is that in different cases it can be used, for example, as a loop heat pipe, because they have the same evaporator and condenser, or as a SHP. The SHP can be used also as a cryogenic cooler. The SHP is convenient for cryogenic fluid storage, when the system does not work at low pressure and room temperature, and for use in the active cryogenic thermal control systems of spacecraft in orbit (cold plates for infrared observation of the Earth or space), or as an efficient electronic component cooling device.     

Conductivity of a “colored” plane

The conductivity of a “colored” plane, i.e., a plane divided into domains differing in conductivity, is calculated. The exact relation between the effective conductivities of the cited and dual (with inverse conductivities) systems is derived for the isotropic case (i.e., the effective conductivity tensor is proportional to the unit matrix). The conductivity of two-colored systems such as a “chessboard” or triangular lattice is exactly calculated to give σ=(σ₁σ₂)^1/2. The particular case of a “hexagon, ” as well as the duality relations for anisotropic systems and for a system in a magnetic field are discussed.     

Field Theory Methods in Classical Dynamics

A Dirac picture perturbation theory is developed for the time evolution operator in classical dynamics in the spirit of the Schwinger–Feynman–Dyson perturbation expansion and detailed rules are derived for computations. Complexification formalisms are given for the time evolution operator suitable for phase space analyses, and then extended to a two-dimensional setting for a study of the geometrical Berry phase as an example. Finally a direct integration of Hamilton's equations is shown to lead naturally to a path integral expression, as a resolution of the identity, as applied to arbitrary functions of generalized coordinates and momenta.     

Rigorous upper bounds for transport due to passive advection by inhomogeneous turbulence

A variational procedure, due originally to Howard and explored by Busse and others for self-consistent turbulence problems, is employed to determine rigorous upper bounds for the advection of a passive scalar through an inhomogeneous turbulent slab with arbitrary generalized Reynolds number R and Kubo number K. In the basic version of the method, the steady-state energy balance is used as a constraint; the resulting bound, though rigorous, is independent of K. A pedagogical reference model (one dimension, K = ∞) is described in detail; the bound compares favorably with the exact solution. The direct-interaction approximation is also worked out for this model; it is somewhat more accurate than the bound, but requires considerably more labor to solve. For the basic bound, a general formalism is presented for several dimensions, finite correlation length, and reasonably general boundary conditions. Part of the general method, in which a Green's function technique is employed, applies to self-consistent as well as to passive problems and thereby generalizes previous results in the fluid literature. The formalism is extended for the first time to include time-dependent constraints, and a bound is deduced which explicitly depends on K and has the correct physical scalings in all regimes of R and K. Two applications from the theory of turbulent plasmas are described: flux in velocity space, and test particle transport in stochastic magnetic fields. For the velocity space problem, the simplest bound reproduces Dupree's original scaling for the strong turbulence diffusion coefficient. For the case of stochastic magnetic fields, the scaling of the bounds is described for the magnetic diffusion coefficient as well as for the particle diffusion coefficient in the so-called collisionless, fluid, and double-streaming regimes.     

PAN-based carbon fiber@SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> for highly reversible structural lithium-ion battery anode

The carbon fiber (CF) is frequently preferred because it is considered as a multifunctional lightweight composite, where the CF is not only acted as one completely integrated part of the device with high-performance structural reinforcement, but also served as one of the battery electrode to storage energy. However, the limitation of electrochemical capacity of commercial CFs for the structural lithium-ion battery (SLIB) is an urgent issue should be solved. Therefore, in this work, a novel strategy to fabricate CF@SnO₂ composite is developed by employing one-step tin tetrachloride solvothermal method. The performance of the CFs could be improved by growing the stannic oxide firmly on each CF to form a synergetic electrode. When tested as anode materials, a high reversible capacity of 510 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 100 mAh g^?1 is maintained without obvious decay up to 150 cycles (a huge increase as high as 637.5% than that of the pure CFs). Furthermore, our strategy reveals an attainable route, which could be as a promising way to make a sustainable anode for SLIBs and carbon-based multi-functional composite for other practical applications.     

Determination of relaxation constants of a quadrupole spin system with many energy levels

The two-frequency nuclear quadrupole resonance method is used to determine the relaxation time for all single-quantum transitions in a quadrupole spin system with many energy levels from the results obtained for a single transition, which is impossible in a one-frequency method. The accuracy is the same as in the measurement of relaxation time in the case of one-frequency pumping of the transition chosen as the “basis.” The results of measurements are presented and determination of relaxation constants for KReO₄ and NaReO₄ as well as SbCl₃ and SbBr₃ and their complexes at various temperatures with the help of the two-frequency NQR method.