Free probability and the von Neumann algebrasof free groups

This short note summarizes the circumstances of the birth of free probability theory andsome of the recent achievements.     

A new approach to obtain the non-Condon factors in closed form for two one-dimensional harmonic oscillators

A simple algebraic approach to calculate general Franck-Condon overlaps is extended to evaluate non-Condon factors for two one-dimensional harmonic oscillators. The method is based on the use of eigenstates of the harmonic oscillator annihilation operator which allows to obtain in terms of a multi-dimensional Hermite polynomial the overlap of harmonic oscillator functions associated with different Born-Oppenheimer potentials. The presented approach is self-contained, only basic concepts of quantum mechanics associated with the harmonic oscillator system are needed. The obtained expression for the Franck-Condon overlaps is similar to the Ansbacher’s formula and equivalent to the one calculated by Malkin and Man’ko. However our final expression has the advantages that only real numbers are involved and it is straightforward to get the limit case of equal frequencies. Concerning the non-Condon factors two approaches leading to different formulas are considered, both of which reduce to triple sums of products of three Hermite polynomials.     

Closed-form solutions for a rectangular layer with central crack under anti-plane shear stress

We consider the problem of determining the stress distributionin a finite rectangular elastic layer containing a Griffithcrack which is opened by internal shear stress acting alongthe length of the crack. The mode III crack is assumed to belocated in the middle plane of the rectangular layer. The followingtwo problems are considered: (A) the central crack is perpendicularto the two fixed lateral surfaces and parallel to the othertwo stress-free surfaces; (B) all the lateral surfaces of therectangular layer are clamped and the central crack is parallelto the two lateral surfaces. By using Fourier transformations,we reduce the solution of each problem to the solution of dualintegral equations with sine kernels and a weight function whichare solved exactly. Finally, we derive closed-form expressionsfor the stress intensity factor at the tip of the crack andthe numerical values for the stress intensity factor at theedges of the cracks are presented in the form of tables.     

Visualization of rigorous sum rules for Franck–Condon factors: spectroscopic applications to Xe2

A fully quantum mechanical approach to the calculation and normalization of the Franck–Condon factors for diatomic species is described. The treatment is based on the fundamental demand of completeness of the energy eigenfunctions, which results in the rigorous sum rule for the Franck–Condon overlap integrals. The importance of this general rule has been discussed and thoroughly illustrated in the case of diatomic xenon molecules. Exactly solvable reference potentials for this system have been constructed and a complete basis of the actual energy eigenstates (including both bound and scattering states) has been created. Several direct spectroscopic applications to xenon excimers are presented, and their good agreement with relevant experimental data demonstrated. In particular, a kinetic model is proposed to explain the observed oscillatory structures in the fluorescence spectra of Xe₂^* [Chem. Phys. Lett. 117 (1985) 301] related to their classical left turning points. The same model gives a uniform explanation to the well-known first and second emission continua of rare gases.     

Membrane introduction mass spectrometry

An overview of membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) is presented and comparisons are made with other direct sample introduction techniques. Special attention is given to the unique advantages and the limitations of newer variants on the MIMS technique, including affinity MIMS, reverse-phase and trap MIMS. The salient features of the interfaces used in MIMS are summarized and the various membrane materials commonly used are delineated. The applicability of MIMS is illustrated via discussion of

1. (i) bioreactor monitoring (represented by yeast fermentation),

2. (ii) environmental monitoring (illustrated by analysis of contaminated ground water samples) and

3. (iii) on-line chemical reaction monitoring (exemplified by the photolysis of aryl esters).

The applicability of MIMS to the analysis of environmental samples, including complex mixtures in water, air and soil, is noted.     

Tests of quantum electrodynamics using ion traps

Experiments in ion traps on the g factors for the free and the bound electron in low-Z, hydrogen-like ions have provided the most accurate tests of quantum-electrodynamics calculations. Moreover they have been used to determine new and precise values for fundamental constants. Extensions to more stringent tests using ions of higher values of the nuclear charge Z are on the way. Also other QED tests such as Lamb shifts or hyperfine structures in H-like ions using traps will be feasible in the near future. The tests in bound systems, however, will be limited by nuclear structure effects which are difficult to calculate. Assuming the QED calculations as correct, the experimental results may be used to determine nuclear contributions and thus support nuclear models. Contribution presented at the TCP06, Vancouver Island, 2006.     

Transport of surface-modified iron nanoparticle in porous media and application to arsenic(III) remediation

The surface-modified iron nanoparticles (S-INP) were synthesized, characterized and tested for the remediation of arsenite (As(III)), a well known toxic groundwater contaminant of concern. The S-INP material was fully dispersed in the aqueous phase with a particle size distribution of 2–10 nm estimated from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that an Fe(III) oxide surface film was present on S-INP in addition to the bulk zero-valent Fe⁰ oxidation state. Transport of S-INP through porous media packed in 10 cm length column showed particle breakthroughs of 22.1, 47.4 and 60 pore volumes in glass beads, unbaked sand, and baked sand, respectively. Un-modified INP was immobile and aggregated on porous media surfaces in the column inlet area. Results using S-INP pretreated 10 cm sand-packed columns containing ∼2 g of S-INP showed that 100 % of As(III) was removed from influent solutions (flow rate 1.8 mL min⁻¹) containing 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ As(III) for 9, 7 and 4 days providing 23.3, 20.7 and 10.4 L of arsenic free water, respectively. In addition, it was found that 100% of As(III) in 0.5 mg/L solution (flow rate 1.8 mL min⁻¹) was removed by S-INP pretreated 50 cm sand packed column containing 12 g of S-INP for more than 2.5 months providing 194.4 L of arsenic free water. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed S-INP had transformed to elongated, rod-like shaped corrosion product particles after reaction with As(III) in the presence of sand. These results suggest that S-INP has great potential to be used as a mobile, injectable reactive material for in-situ sandy groundwater aquifer treatment of As(III).     

Electromagnetic properties of strange baryons in a relativistic quark model

We present some of our results for the electromagnetic properties of excited Σ hyperons, computed within the framework of the Bonn constituent-quark model, which is based on the Bethe-Salpeter approach. The seven parameters entering the model are fitted against the best-known baryon masses. Accordingly, the results for the form factors and helicity amplitudes are genuine predictions. We compare with the scarce experimental data available and discuss the processes in which Σ ^*'s may play an important role.     

管理人因素对风险项目期权估值的影响

本基于对风险项目及其“孪生证券”风险和收益特性的分析，认为真正的“孪生证券”实际中很难存在，进而提出利用“近似孪生证券”与无风险证券构造资产组合来复制实物期权收益特征，利用无风险套利分析确定项目实物期权价值的方法。但考虑到管理人因素造成的实物期权内部风险特征的不可复制性，本进一步提出利用“确定性等值”将内部风险价值V1具体化，从而实现对“近似孪生证券”方法进行修正。     

不确定性因素对我国农村居民现金消费支出的影响分析

本文根据1978—2003年中国农村居民现金消费支出数据,综合考虑影响消费的主要因素来研究中国农村居民的现金消费行为。与以往研究不同的是,对于影响消费支出的不确定性因素,本文不是采用某个具体变量进行近似替代,而是采用刻画不确定性的条件异方差来描述。文章的结论是农村居民现金消费支出的主要影响因素并非收入,而是利率和不确定性因素,不确定性因素在1996年后表现得尤为突出。