Coupled ab initio potential energy surfaces for the two lowest 2A′ electronic states of the C2H molecule

Realistic two-valued potential energy surfaces for the reaction C(³P) + CH(X²Π) → C₂ + H have been constructed from a set of high level ab initio data describing the first two ²A′ electronic states of the C₂H system. These states have linear equilibrium configurations, known as the X ²Σ⁺ and A²Π states, and are coupled by a conical intersection. They lead to the formation of C₂(X¹Σ⁺ _g) and C₂(a³Π_u) considering an adiabatic dissociation process. The ab initio calculations are of the multireference configuration interaction variety and were carried out using a polarized triple-zeta basis set. Using the ab initio adiabatic energies and the matrix elements of the dipole moment, a 2 × 2 diabatic representation of the electronic Hamiltonian was built. Each element of this Hamiltonian matrix was expressed within the double many-body expansion (DMBE) scheme which is based, in this case, on the extended Hartree-Fock approximate correlation energy model (EHFACE). The analytical adiabatic potential energy surfaces are then obtained as the eigenvalues of this matrix, and display correctly the Σ/Π conical intersection. Moreover, the non-adiabatic couplings given by our analytical model are compared with the ab initio ones, and good qualitative agreement is observed.     

The Cosmological constant problem

Observational evidence seems to indicate that the expansion of the universe is currently accelerating. Such an acceleration strongly suggests that the content of the universe is dominated by a non-clustered form of matter, the so-called dark energy. The cosmological constant, introduced by Einstein to reconcile General Relativity with a closed and static Universe, is the most likely candidate for dark energy although other options such as a weakly interacting field, also known as quintessence, have been proposed. The fact that the dark energy density is some one hundred and twenty orders of magnitude lower than the energy scales present in the early universe constitutes the cosmological constant problem. We review various aspects of the cosmological constant problem and some interesting scenarios using supersymmetry or extra-dimensions attempting to solve one of the most puzzling issues in physics.     

Inter-comparison of 2 microm Heterodyne Differential Absorption Lidar, Laser Diode Spectrometer, LICOR NDIR analyzer and flasks measurements of near-ground atmospheric CO2 mixing ratio

Remote sensing and in situ instruments are presented and compared in the same location for accurate CO(2) mixing ratio measurements in the atmosphere: (1) a 2.064 microm Heterodyne DIfferential Absorption Lidar (HDIAL), (2) a field deployable infrared Laser Diode Spectrometer (LDS) using new commercial diode laser technology at 2.68 microm, (3) LICOR NDIR analyzer and (4) flasks. LDS, LICOR and flasks measurements were made in the same location, LICOR and flasks being taken as reference. Horizontal HDIAL measurements of CO(2) absorption using aerosol backscatter signal are reported. Using new spectroscopic data in the 2 microm band and meteorological sensor measurements, a mean CO(2) mixing ratio is inferred by the HDIAL in a 1 km long path above the 15m height location of the CO(2) in situ sensors. We compare HDIAL and LDS measurements with the LICOR data for 30 min of time averaging. The mean standard deviation of the HDIAL and the LDS CO(2) mixing ratio results are 3.3 ppm and 0.89 ppm, respectively. The bias of the HDIAL and the LDS measurements are -0.54 ppm and -0.99 ppm, respectively.     

Evaluation of a new maintenance concept for the preservation of highways

Asphalt roads gradually deteriorate over time and need mendingto remain in a good state. Inspections are performed to obtaininformation about the current state of the road; when the levelof damage reaches the established standards, the road is repairedthrough a maintenance action that is considered most cost-effective.Because of economies of scale, it is to a certain extent economicalto limit the number of maintenance services by integrating neighbouringsegments into a homogeneous section which is completely repaired.In this report we consider the question of whether it is economicallyjustified to adopt a maintenance concept in which the road isoccasionally regenerated from junction to junction with a distanceof several kilometers. The big advantage of junction-to-junctionmaintenance is that it can be done within special road barrierconstructions which reduce the road capacity only slightly,so that the road can be maintained 24 hours a day.     

Hydrodynamics and heat transfer in a plasma spouted bed reactor

The literature reveals very little intformation about plasma spouted bed hydrodynamics. Spouting of corindon particles with diameters ranging from 0.4 to 3.36 mm with argon plasma was conducted in a 90-mm-diameter column in the temperature range 300–1300°C. It was found that the maximum spoutable height (H_m) decreases with increasing particle diameter and decreasing mean bed temperature. A relation between the inlet plasma velocity and H_m is proposed. Concerning heat transport phenomena in the annulus, measurements and calculations indicate a large axial diffusivity but a poor radial mixing. Typical values of D_z and D_r are proposed on the basis of an identification procedure.Notation Ar Archimede number - Ar d ³ p (p — f) _f g ² - C_p specific heat - d_p particle diameter - d_e core diameter (or spout diameter) - D_i fluid inlet orifice diameter - D_e column diameter - D_r and D_z radial and axial diffusivity, respectively - g acceleration due to gravity - H packed static bed height - H_b bed height - H_m maximum spoutable bed height - P power     

Quark gluon scattering at higher orders in QCD

The infrared evolution equation which sums up leading logarithmic terms is solved for the partonic reactionqgqX in the elastic case i.e.M _X0. The results of the exactO( _s ³ ) calculation are reproduced.