Contextual quantum process theory

A logically complete interpretation of quantum mechanics is given in terms of a theory of quantum processes.Research performed during stays at Utrecht State University, at the Institute for the History and Foundations of Science and at the Department of Philosophy.     

New fir laser lines and frequency measurements from optically pumped13CD3OH3

We report the discovery of 57 new fir laser lines from¹³CD₃OH molecule optically pumped by a waveguide CO₂ laser of 300 MHz tunability. For all lines, precise frequency offset measurements between the CO₂ line center and the center of the absorbing¹³CD₃OH line were performed using the transferred Lamb-Dip technique. We have also measured directly the frequency of seven FIR laser lines by heterodyning with already known laser lines. We present a complete list of all known laser lines (134) and frequency measurements (24) for this molecule.Work supported by CNPq, FAPESP, FAEP-Brasil, and CNR-Italia     

CO-laser photoacoustic detection of phosgene (COCl2)

Detection of COCl₂, a highly toxic gas in chemical industry, using laser photoacoustic spectroscopy is presented. The spectrophone system used has a broad band LN₂ cooled CW CO laser as a source of radiation, which operates from 4.8–8.4 um in the mid-infrared. Using an extracavity open longitudinal resonant cell, absorption signals to about 30 CO laser lines in the 5.45 um region could be observed. detection sensitivity has been estimated to be ppb order.This work has been supported by the NSFC     

Computer-generated holograms from 3D-objects written on twisted-nematic liquid crystal displays

In order to optimize computer-generated holograms (CGHs) for three-dimensional objects, an extension of the well known Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm is used. Optical reconstructions using an electrically addressed twisted-nematic liquid crystal display are presented. For arbitrary CGHs, reconstructing 3D-objects, we will discuss the problems and solutions associated with periodic replication of holograms.     

Two-dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Beam-Plasma-Discharge

A two-dimensional self consistent model of the Beam-Plasma-Discharge (BPD) has been developed to calculate the discharge ignition of a bandlike electron beam in a discharge chamber. The discharge was considered in Argon with an initial concentration of 10¹⁴ cm^?3. The model allows calculation of the time evolution of perpendicular profiles of electron density, temperature and the potential.     

Multispectral imaging of Mars: ISM results

Summary Multispectral imaging of planets opens a new class of studies of atmospheric and surface signatures. With ISM experiment on board Phobos, the first IR multispectral imaging of Mars from space was achieved. In viem of the Future Omega experiment on board Mars 94, we present here a sample of data and results (and problems) which can be achieved by studying spectral reflectance. Paper presented at the V Cosmic Physics National Conference, S. Miniato, November 27–30, 1990.     

Weather Risk in Offshore Projects

Risk analysis tools have been used to help manage various projects. This paper describes a case study in which an extension to the stochastic project network model was developed for a risk analysis of an oil platform installation, quantifying the possible impact of the weather on the project's schedule. Examination of the weather data suggested the use of a Markov weather model combined with a separate residence time distribution for key states. The weather model was incorporated into the stochastic project network allowing the interactions of the various project uncertainties to be examined. While the weather introduced a significant additional risk to the project, analysis of management's options indicated that much of the risk might be avoided. In particular, the analysis quantified the benefits of scheduling the project start to take advantage of the seasonal variations and hiring heavy duty equipment to operate in more arduous conditions.     

The combined effects of evaporation and quench steps on asymmetric membrane formation by phase inversion

An analysis of the effects of combined evaporation and quench periods on the formation of asymmetric membranes by the phase inversion technique is presented. The model for the evaporation period assumes binary diffusion and includes composition dependence in the mutual diffusion coefficient and free convection mass transfer in the gas phase. The quench period model includes the use of 4 composition-dependent diffusion coefficients and incorporates a modified from of the interface jump mass balance which enables efficient numerical analysis of composition gradients in the film at the beginning of the quench period. Results for the effects of evaporation-period variable, including: evaporation time, initial cast film thickness, casting surface dimension, and vapor-phase composition, clearly indicate that significant effects of the evaporation period on membrane structure formation and its reproducibility occur within 20 seconds.     

The structure of the nematic-isotropic interface in polymer systems

The structure of the nematic-isotropic interfacial layer is studied theoretically for systems formed by rod-like and persistent macromolecules. It is shown that the width of interfacial layer is normally of the order of the straight part of a molecule. This allows us to use the approach which describes intermolecular interactions phenomenologically (i.e. it allows us to consider all interactions), at the same time this approach describes molecular flexibility microscopically (i.e. it allows us to study the effects of flexibility correctly). It was found, that non-monotonic gradient profiles in the surface layer of the order parameter or of the concentration of molecules as a function of the coordinate perpendicular to the interface are possible. For example, a thin layer with abnormal ordering of molecules along the surface may exist near the interface for some systems.