On energy densities reached in heavy-ion collisions at the CERN SPS

We present a few estimates of energy densities reached in heavy-ion collisions at the CERN SPS. The estimates are based on data and models of proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus interactions. In all of these estimates the maximum energy density in central Pb+Pb interactions is larger than the critical energy density GeV/fm³ following from lattice gauge theory computations. In estimates which we consider as realistic the maximum energy density is about . In this way our analysis gives some support to claims that deconfined matter has been produced at the CERN SPS. Any definite statement requires a deeper understanding of formation times of partons and hadrons in nuclear collisions. We also compare our results with implicit energy estimates contained in earlier models of anomalous suppression in nuclear collisions. Received: 3 February 2003 / Revised version: 5 March 2003 / Published online: 5 May 2003     

Diffraction of the Electromagnetic Wave on a Small Obstacle of Elliptic Form in a Layer

The problem on the diffraction of the electromagnetic plane wave on a small obstacle included in a layer is investigated. The obstacle is assumed to be an elliptic cylinder whose diameter and focal distance are small in comparison with the length of the incident wave. It is proved that the small obstacle radiates as a point source, and its amplitude is proportional to the area of the cross-section and the jumps of the dielectric and magnetic constants on the interfaces. Bibliography: 5 titles.     

Effect of diffraction on the electrodynamic characteristics of two-dimensional coaxial Bragg resonators

The electrodynamic properties of coaxial two-dimensional Bragg resonators with two-dimensional distributed feedback are analyzed. These resonators are made of coaxial waveguide sections with doubly periodic corrugation, which provides coupling and mutual scattering of four partial waves. Two of them propagate along the waveguide, while the other two propagate in the transverse (azimuthal) direction. It is shown that the high azimuthal index selectivity of two-dimensional Bragg resonators may be related to a qualitative difference in topology of the dispersion characteristics of azimuth-symmetric and asymmetric normal waves propagating in infinite waveguides of such a geometry. For the finite-length systems used as two-dimensional Bragg resonators, the eigenmode spectrum is found for two types of boundary conditions that correspond to the limiting cases of perfectly matched (open) systems and, conversely, of systems closed for the extraction of transverse electromagnetic fluxes. Perimeter-to-length ratios of the resonator at which the Q factor of the fundamental azimuth-symmetric mode is greater than those of the other modes are determined. The applicability domain of the geometrical approach, which was earlier applied to two-dimensional Bragg resonators, is discussed.     

Effects of Moisture and Stresses on the Structure and Properties of Polyester Resin

The results of a complex study of structural changes in a cured Norpol 440 polyester resin under the action of damp environment and mechanical loading are presented. A considerable effect of absorbed moisture on the structure and some characteristics of the material is revealed by using thermophysical methods and X-ray diffractometry. The joint effect of moisture and mechanical stress is estimated by investigating the creep in stationary and nonstationary moisture conditions. The anisotropy of the material structure formed during creep is evaluated from the results of dilatometric measurements. It is found that the degree of anisotropy of the material after creep accompanied by moisture sorption is higher than that after creep in the conditions of moisture equilibrium with atmosphere. It is established that the aftercure and relaxation of the residual creep deformation come to an end at heating to 80-85°C. At a further rise in temperature and repeated heating, changes in the material structure are not observed.     

Heat polynomial analogues for equations with higher order time derivatives

We generalize the heat polynomials for the heat equation to more general partial differential equations, of higher order with respect to both the time variable and the space variables. Whereas the heat equation requires only one family of polynomials, for an equation of the ?th order with respect to time we introduce ? families of polynomials. These families correspond to the ? initial conditions specified by the Cauchy problem.     

1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindan as a Luminescent Additive to a Plastic Scintillator Based on Poly(methyl Methacrylate)

The luminescence and scintillation properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) containing 1,1,3-trimethyl-3-phenylindan were studied.     

Multilayer optics for XUV spectral region: technology fabrication and applications

We present research investigations in the field of multilayer optics in X-ray and extreme ultra-violet ranges (XUV), aimed at the development of optical elements for applications in experiments in physics and in scientific instrumentation. We discuss normal incidence multilayer optics in the spectral region of “water window”, multilayer optics for collimation and focusing of hard X-ray, multilayer dispersing elements for X-ray spectroscopy of high-temperature plasma, multilayer dispersing elements for analysis of low Z-elements. Our research pays special attention to optimization of multilayer optics for projection EUV-lithography (ψ-13nm) and short period multilayer optics.     

Precision of a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry device

The standard method to diagnose and follow-up osteoporosis is the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Manufacturers' manuals of DEXA devices state the intrascanner coefficient of variance is less than 0.01 g/cm². The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo coefficient of variance of a Lunar DPX scanner in male and female healthy adult subjects. Average BMD for females and males were 1.170±0.091 g/cm² and 1.272±0.115 g/cm², respectively. Monthly phantom measurements provided and controlled by the manufacturer were 1.243±0.008 g/cm² (range 1.222 to 1.257) and the coefficient of variance was 0.006. It is concluded that the in vivo coefficient of variance of DEXA devices can slightly be higher than that proposed by the manufacturer. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Computational Complexity in Algebraic Systems

Computability and computational complexity were first considered over the fields of real and complex numbers and generalized to arbitrary algebraic systems. This article approaches the theory of computational complexity over an arbitrary algebraic system by taking computability over the list extension for a computational model of it. We study the resultant polynomial complexity classes and mention some NP-complete problems.     

Exploring Little Higgs models with ATLAS at the LHC-

The European Physical Journal C - We discuss possible searches for the new particles predicted by Little Higgs Models at the LHC. By using a simulation of the ATLAS detector, we demonstrate how the...