Attenuation and modal dispersion models for spatially multiplexed co-propagating helical optical channels in step index fibers: Comment

We comment on a recent paper [J Opt Laser Technol 43 (2011) 430–436] in which the authors introduce dispersion and attenuation models of spatially multiplexed channels in step index multimode fibers. We consider the theoretical explanation of the model given in the paper incorrect.     

Einstein-Hopf drag,Doppler shift of thermal radiation and blackbody drag: Three perspectives on quantum friction

The thermal friction force acting on an atom moving relative to a thermal photon bath has recently been calculated on the basis of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The thermal fluctuations of the electromagnetic field give rise to a drag force on an atom provided one allows for dissipation of the field energy via spontaneous emission. The drag force exists if the atomic polarizability has a nonvanishing imaginary part. Here, we explore alternative derivations. The damping of the motion of a simple harmonic oscillator is described by radiative reaction theory (result of Einstein and Hopf), taking into account the known stochastic fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. Describing the excitations of the atom as an ensemble of damped harmonic oscillators, we identify the previously found expressions as generalizations of the Einstein-Hopf result. In addition, we present a simple explanation for blackbody friction in terms of a Doppler shift of the thermal radiation in the inertial frame of the moving atom: The atom absorbs blue-shifted photons from the front and radiates off energy in all directions, thereby losing energy. The original plus the two alternative derivations provide for additional confirmation of an intriguing quantum friction effect, and leave no doubt regarding its existence.     

Quasielastic nucleon and hyperon production by neutrinos and antineutrinos with energies below 30 GeV

The cross sections of neutrino and antineutrino quasielastic reactions \(vn \to \mu ^ - p,\bar vp \to \mu ^ + n,\bar vp \to \mu ^ + \Lambda\) were studied in the neutrino energy range between 3 and 30 GeV. In comparison withV-A theory axial mass parameters ofM _A =(1.06±0.05±0.14) GeV/c² from neutrino andM _A =(0.71±0.10±0.20) GeV/c² from antineutrino data were found. The total cross-section for the hyperon production process can be described byM _A =1.0 GeV/c².     

Magnetic trapping of metastable helium atoms

Metastable helium atoms were efficiently transferred from a magneto-optical trap (MOT) to a magnetic quadrupole trap, producing samples of up to 3᎒⁷ magnetically trapped atoms at a temperature of about 1 mK. We observe purely exponential decay of the samples with time constants of 9-10 s and derive an upper bound for the rate coefficient of inelastic Penning collisions.     

Al and Cu NMR study in UCu5Al

We have studied the microscopic properties of the tetragonal UCu₅Al Kondo compound by ²⁷Al and ^63,65Cu NMR in the paramagnetic state. NMR and susceptibility measurements performed on the powdered sample, but oriented along the applied field, showed χ>χ. Plots of K(T) against χ(T) at temperatures T≥100 K yield the transferred hyperfine fields of +5.9 kOe/μ_B for ²⁷Al nuclei, and +5.3 and −7.0 kOe/μ_B for ⁶⁵Cu nuclei in crystallographically inequivalent Cu(2) and Cu(1) sites, respectively. The Knight shift vs. susceptibility plots for T<100 K exhibit a deviation from the linear behaviour (absolute values of shifts become smaller than expected). We attribute this finding to the crystalline electric field effect in similar way as it was reported for several Ce-based compounds. The random distribution of the Al and Cu(2) atoms in the crystal lattice we consider as a reason of an unusual broadening of the NMR spectra, particularly at low temperatures.     

Improving the dielectric constant of Al2O3 by cerium substitution for high-k MIM applications

Process compatible high-k dielectric thin films are one of the key solutions to develop high performance metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures for future microelectronic devices. Engineered cerium–aluminate (Ce_xAl_2–xO₃) thin films were deposited on titanium nitride metal electrodes by electron-beam co-evaporation of ceria and alumina in a molecular beam deposition chamber. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy clearly reveals that Ce cations can be stabilized in the 3+ valence state in Ce_xAl_2–xO₃ up to x = 0.7 by accommodation in the alumina host matrix. Higher Ce content was observed to result in cerium dioxide segregation in cerium aluminate matrix, probably due to the chemical tendency of Ce cations to exist rather in the 4+ than in the 3+ state. Electrical characterization of the X-ray amorphous Ce_0.7Al_1.3O₃ films reveals a dielectric constant value of about 11 and leakage current lower than 10^?4 A/cm². No parasitic low-k interface formation between the high-k Ce_0.7Al_1.3O₃ film and the TiN metal electrode is detected.     

Event excess in the MiniBooNE search for ¯νμ→¯νe oscillations

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports results from a search for ˉν_{μ}→ˉν_{e} oscillations, using a data sample corresponding to 5.66×102? protons on target. An excess of 20.9±14.0 events is observed in the energy range 475相似文献   

Sonochemical preparation of antimony subiodide

The substantiated isolation of the antimony subiodide (Sb₃I) is presented for the first time. It has been prepared using elemental Sb and I in ethanol under ultrasonic irradiation at 323 K. Its composition was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigations exhibit that the samples are made up of large quantity of nanoparticles with diameters smaller than 20 nm and single crystalline in nature. The interplanar spacings in Sb₃I that have been determined using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and HRTEM are very similar. Surprisingly, the registered XRD patterns are identical to the one reported earlier for Sb₄O₅I₂.     

Traffic noise reduction due to the porous road surface

Porous road surfaces reduce road traffic noise. A new method of noise reduction assessment is proposed. The noise generated by a few vehicles was measured two times: on an old surface with the dense asphalt and on a new surface with the porous asphalt. Subjective assessments of drive-by noise suggest that the sound exposure and the road surface coefficient can be used as the acoustical characteristics of a road surface. Their average values, with the average number of vehicles passing the receiver during a day or night, makes it possible to predict the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for the new road surface. This is the main objective of this paper.     

A numerical model of multimode fiber PON frequency response

Frequency response of passive optical network (PON) based on multimode fibers is investigated. The network comprises fibers, connectors and splitters/couplers. It is shown that due to mode filtering at splitters, the frequency response is different for different network nodes in otherwise symmetrical network.