The boundary is mixed

We show that in Oeckl’s boundary formalism the boundary vectors that do not have a tensor form represent, in a precise sense, statistical states. Therefore the formalism incorporates quantum statistical mechanics naturally. We formulate general-covariant quantum statistical mechanics in this language. We illustrate the formalism by showing how it accounts for the Unruh effect. We observe that the distinction between pure and mixed states weakens in the general covariant context, suggesting that local gravitational processes are naturally statistical without a sharp quantal versus probabilistic distinction.     

Fast perturbation Monte Carlo method for photon migration in heterogeneous turbid media

We present a two-step Monte Carlo (MC) method that is used to solve the radiative transfer equation in heterogeneous turbid media. The method exploits the one-to-one correspondence between the seed value of a random number generator and the sequence of random numbers. In the first step, a full MC simulation is run for the initial distribution of the optical properties and the "good" seeds (the ones leading to detected photons) are stored in an array. In the second step, we run a new MC simulation with only the good seeds stored in the first step, i.e., we propagate only detected photons. The effect of a change in the optical properties is calculated in a short time by using two scaling relationships. By this method we can increase the speed of a simulation up to a factor of 1300 in typical situations found in near-IR tissue spectroscopy and diffuse optical tomography, with a minimal requirement for hard disk space. Potential applications of this method for imaging of turbid media and the inverse problem are discussed.     

Interfacial studies using the EAM and MEAM

A brief review of our current applications of the Embedded Atom Method (EAM) and Modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM) is given in this paper as they relate to the structure of interfaces in materials. The EAM is used to consider the effect of hydrogen on the structure and properties of boundaries in nickel and nickel aluminide (Ni₃Al). In both cases hydrogen segregates to the boundary causing a reduction in the cohesive strength. Next, the EAM is applied to describe the equilibrium and dynamic structure of a dissociated 3(112) boundary in copper. Comparison is made to recent experimental observations which show good agreement with the modeled behavior. Finally, the MEAM is used to help understand the properties of both the nickel/silicon and aluminum/sapphire systems.     

Quantum NOT operation and integrability in two-level systems

We demonstrate the surprising integrability of the classical Hamiltonian associated to a spin 1/2 system under periodic external fields. The one-qubit rotations generated by the dynamical evolution is, on the one hand, close to that of the rotating wave approximation (RWA), on the other hand to two different “average” systems, according to whether a certain parameter is small or large. Of particular independent interest is the fact that both the RWA and the averaging theorem are seen to hold well beyond their expected region of validity. Finally, we determine conditions for the realization of the quantum NOT operation by means of classical stroboscopic maps.     

Activities of Selenia Spazio

Summary Selenia Spazio was involved since its beginning, more than twenty years ago, in scientific space missions, like almost all space industries in the world. In fact the European space organizations were mainly devoted to the development of autonomous launchers and to scientific research in the nearby and in the far away space. First programs in which Selenia Spazio had a role, designing and manufacturing space electronic equipment, were scientific satellites and ELDO launchers, followed by COSB and other cosmic research missions. In all these years cosmic physics and related research programs continued to receive technological support and see full involvement by space industry. To speed up publication, the proofs were not sent to the authors and were supervised by the Scientific Committee.     

NMR Analysis of a Complex Spin System from a Siruo-Chamigrene

The compound 2,10-dibromo-3-chloro-8-hydroxy-β-chamigrene was analysed in detail by NMR Spectroscopy. the complete assignment of the signals in the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra and the determination of the relative configurations were achieved by 2D NMR techniques, AM1 data and ¹H spectrum simulation. Comparisons of the results with related spiro chamigrene systems are also presented.     

Results from DAMA/LIBRA at Gran Sasso

The DAMA project is an observatory for rare processes and it is operative deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. In particular, the DAMA/LIBRA (Large sodium Iodide Bulk for RAre processes) set-up consists of highly radiopure NaI(Tl) detectors for a total sensitive exposed mass of ?250 kg. Recent results, obtained by this set-up by exploiting the model independent annual modulation signature of Dark Matter (DM) particles, have confirmed and improved those obtained by the former DAMA/NaI experiment. A model independent evidence for the presence of Dark Matter particles in the galactic halo is cumulatively obtained at 8.2?σ C.L. No systematics or side reactions able to account for the measured modulation amplitude and to contemporaneously satisfy all the many specific requirements of the signature have been found or suggested by anyone over more than a decade. An example of one of the many possible model dependent corollary quests for the candidate particles and for the related astrophysical, nuclear and particle physics scenarios is presented considering the whole cumulative exposure. Future perspectives are shortly addressed.     

The behaviour of alkylcobalt carbonyls under “oxo” conditions

Both normal and secondary alkylcobalt carbonyls are shown not to undergo isomerization under catalytic “oxo” conditions, and the relevance of this obervation for the mechanism of the “oxo” reaction is discussed.