Motivic torsors

The torsorP _δ=Hom^⊗ (H _DR,H _σ) under the motivic Galois groupG _σ=Aut^⊗ H _δ of the Tannakian category generated by one-motives related by absolute Hodge cycles over a field κ with an embedding σ:k↪ℂ is shown to be determined by its projectionP _σ→P _σ/G _σ ⁰ to a Gal( )-torsor, and by its localizationsP _σ⊕_k k _ξ at a dense subset of orderings ϕ of the field κ, provided κ has virtual cohomological dimension (vcd) one. This result is an application of a recent local-global principle for connected linear algebraic groups over a field κ of vcd ≤1.     

Weak values of electron spin in a double quantum dot

We propose a protocol for a controlled experiment to measure a weak value of the electron's spin in a solid state device. The weak value is obtained by a two step procedure--weak measurement followed by a strong one (postselection), where the outcome of the first measurement is kept provided a second postselected outcome occurs. The setup consists of a double quantum dot and a weakly coupled quantum point contact to be used as a detector. Anomalously large values of the spin of a two electron system are predicted, as well as negative values of the total spin. We also show how to incorporate the adverse effect of decoherence into this procedure.     

A graph-theoretic approach for comparing dimensions of components in simply-graded algebras

Any simple group-grading of a finite dimensional complex algebra induces a natural family of digraphs. We prove that in a digraph without parallel edges, the number of pairs of vertices having a common in-neighbor or a common out-neighbor is at least the number of edges. We deduce that for any simple group-grading, the dimension of the trivial component is maximal.     

Crack growth resistance of shape memory alloys by means of a cohesive zone model

Crack growth resistance of shape memory alloys (SMAs) is dominated by the transformation zone in the vicinity of the crack tip. In this study, the transformation toughening behavior of a slowly propagating crack in an SMA under plane strain conditions and mode I deformation is numerically investigated. A small-scale transformation zone is assumed. A cohesive zone model is implemented to simulate crack growth within a finite element scheme. Resistance curves are obtained for a range of parameters that specify the cohesive traction-separation constitutive law. It is found that the choice of the cohesive strength t₀ has a great influence on the toughening behavior of the material. Moreover, the reversibility of the transformation can significantly reduce the toughening of the alloy. The shape of the initial transformation zone, as well as that of a growing crack is determined. The effect of the Young's moduli ratio of the martensite and austenite phases is examined.     

On minimum power connectivity problems

Given a (directed or undirected) graph with edge costs, the power of a node is the maximum cost of an edge leaving it, and the power of the graph is the sum of the powers of its nodes. Motivated by applications for wireless networks, we present polynomial and improved approximation algorithms, as well as inapproximability results, for some classic network design problems under the power minimization criteria. Our main result is for the problem of finding a min-power subgraph that contains k internally-disjoint vs-paths from every node v to a given node s: we give a polynomial algorithm for directed graphs and a logarithmic approximation algorithm for undirected graphs. In contrast, we will show that the corresponding edge-connectivity problems are unlikely to admit even a polylogarithmic approximation.     

The number of infinite clusters in dynamical percolation

Summary. Dynamical percolation is a Markov process on the space of subgraphs of a given graph, that has the usual percolation measure as its stationary distribution. In previous work with O. H?ggstr?m, we found conditions for existence of infinite clusters at exceptional times. Here we show that for ℤ ^d , with p>p _c , a.s. simultaneously for all times there is a unique infinite cluster, and the density of this cluster is θ(p). For dynamical percolation on a general tree Γ, we show that for p>p _c , a.s. there are infinitely many infinite clusters at all times. At the critical value p=p _c , the number of infinite clusters may vary, and exhibits surprisingly rich behaviour. For spherically symmetric trees, we find the Hausdorff dimension of the set T ^k of times where the number of infinite clusters is k, and obtain sharp capacity criteria for a given time set to intersect T ^k . The proof of this capacity criterion is based on a new kernel truncation technique. Received: 5 May 1997 / In revised form: 24 November 1997     

On the Hausdorff dimension of fibres

It is well known that there are planar sets of Hausdorff dimension greater than 1 which are graphs of functions, i.e., all their vertical fibres consist of 1 point. We show this phenomenon does not occur for sets constructed in a certain “regular” fashion. Specifically, we consider sets obtained by partitioning a square into 4 subsquares, discarding 1 of them and repeating this on each of the 3 remaining squares, etc.; then almost all vertical fibres of a set so obtained have Hausdorff dimension at least 1/2. Sharp bounds on the dimensions of sets of exceptional fibres are presented. Partially supported by a grant from the Landau Centre for Mathematical Analysis.     

Points of increase for random walks

Say that a sequenceS ₀, ..., S_n has a (global) point of increase atk ifS _k is maximal amongS ₀, ..., S_k and minimal amongS _k, ..., S_n. We give an elementary proof that ann-step symmetric random walk on the line has a (global) point of increase with probability comparable to 1/logn. (No moment assumptions are needed.) This implies the classical fact, due to Dvoretzky, Erdős and Kakutani (1961), that Brownian motion has no points of increase. Research partially supported by NSF grant # DMS-9404391.     

Symmetry and “Magic” Numbers or from the pythagoreans to Eugene Wigner

I trace the evolution of the scientific world view in general and of the variational approach specifically, including transformation groups I then review the impact of these ideas at the atomic, nuclear and particle levels.     

Application of Banach limits to the study of sets of integers

The Kamae and Mendes France version of the Van der Corput equidistribution theorem is extended further to summability methods different from Cesàro summability and groups different from the circle. The theorem is shown to follow naturally from consideration of Banach limits and spectral theory.