The value of singularities

We point out that spacetime singularities play a useful role in gravitational theories by eliminating unphysical solutions. In particular, we argue that any modification of general relativity which is completely nonsingular cannot have a stable ground state. This argument applies both to classical extensions of general relativity, and to candidate quantum theories of gravity.This essay received the first award from the Gravity Research Foundation, 1995-Ed.     

Self-consistent hartree description of finite nuclei in a relativistic quantum field theory

Relativistic Hartree equations for spherical nuclei are derived from a relativistic nuclear quantum field theory using a coordinate-space Green function approach. The renormalizable field theory lagrangian includes the interaction of nucleons with σ, ω, ρ and π mesons and the photon. The Hartree equations represent the “mean-field” approximation for a finite nuclear system. Coupling constants and the σ-meson mass are determined from the properties of nuclear matter and the rms charge radius in ⁴⁰Ca, and pionic contributions are absent for static, closed-shell nuclei. Calculated charge densities, neutron densities, rms radii, and single-nucleon energy levels throughout the periodic table are compared with data and with results of non-relativistic calculations. Relativistic Hartree results agree with experiment at a level comparable to that of the most sophisticated non-relativistic calculations to date. It is shown that the Lorentz covariance of the relativistic formalism leads naturally to density-dependent interactions between nucleons. Furthermore, non-relativistic reduction reveals non-central and non-local aspects inherent in the Hartree formalism. The success of this simple relativistic Hartree approach is attributed to these features of the interaction.     

Directed flow in nonadiabatic stochastic pumps

We analyze the operation of a molecular machine driven by the nonadiabatic variation of external parameters. We derive a formula for the integrated flow from one configuration to another, obtain a "no-pumping theorem" for cyclic processes with thermally activated transitions, and show that in the adiabatic limit the pumped current is given by a geometric expression.     

Low energy charged particles interacting with amorphous solid water layers

The interaction of charged particles with condensed water films has been studied extensively in recent years due to its importance in biological systems, ecology as well as interstellar processes. We have studied low energy electrons (3-25 eV) and positive argon ions (55 eV) charging effects on amorphous solid water (ASW) and ice films, 120-1080 ML thick, deposited on ruthenium single crystal under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Charging the ASW films by both electrons and positive argon ions has been measured using a Kelvin probe for contact potential difference (CPD) detection and found to obey plate capacitor physics. The incoming electrons kinetic energy has defined the maximum measurable CPD values by retarding further impinging electrons. L-defects (shallow traps) are suggested to be populated by the penetrating electrons and stabilize them. Low energy electron transmission measurements (currents of 0.4-1.5 μA) have shown that the maximal and stable CPD values were obtained only after a relatively slow change has been completed within the ASW structure. Once the film has been stabilized, the spontaneous discharge was measured over a period of several hours at 103 ± 2 K. Finally, UV laser photo-emission study of the charged films has suggested that the negative charges tend to reside primarily at the ASW-vacuum interface, in good agreement with the known behavior of charged water clusters.     

Self-assembly of an octanethiol monolayer on a gold-stepped surface

We investigate the influence of the native staircase nanostructure of a Au(111) vicinal surface upon the self-assembly of alkylthiols. Through a comparison with standard alkylthiol SAMs deposited on Au(111) flat surfaces, we show that on the vicinal surface the octanethiol monolayer (OT SAM) reproduces the nanopatterned staircase structure, giving rise to a new kind of molecular layer self-ordered on the nanometer scale. The SAM's structure is determined by UHV STM and PM-IRRAS measurements and exhibits a specific behavior relative to the nanostructured substrate. The differences from the film grown on Au(111) are attributed to the influence of step edges on the molecular packing, leading to a specific 2D crystallographic order through the step edges.