Search results for "Theoretical physics"
showing 10 items of 751 documents
A Mechanistic Reading of Quantum Laser Theory
2015
Quantum laser theory proceeds in a way that seems at variance with the mechanistic model of explanation. First, as is typical for a complex systems theory, the detailed behavior of the component parts plays a surprisingly subordinate role. In particular, the so-called “enslaving principle” seems to defy a mechanistic reading. Moreover, being quantum objects, the “parts” of a laser are neither located in space nor describable as separate entities. I want to show that, despite these apparent obstacles, quantum laser theory constitutes a good example of a mechanistic explanation in a quantum physical setting, provided that one broadens the notion of mechanism. One may feel that such adjustment…
Evidence-based medicine is gaining momentum
2005
Analogical Modeling and Numerical Simulation for Sintering Phenomena
2013
In this paper the authors propose an approach for analogical modeling and numerical simulation of the phenomena of sintering, taking into account different cases depending on the type of energy used in the process of aggregation and the nature of the material powder, using a software which simulates the propagation and the control of the temperature. Many physical phenomena encountered in science and engineering can be described mathematically through partial differential equations (PDE) and ordinary differential equations (ODE) such as propagation phenomena, engineering applications, hydrotechnics, chemistry, pollution a.s.o. There may be situations when the exact establish of the analytic…
Parametrizations of density matrices
2011
This article gives a brief overview of some recent progress in the characterization and parametrization of density matrices of finite dimensional systems. We discuss in some detail the Bloch-vector and Jarlskog parametrizations and mention briefly the coset parametrization. As applications of the Bloch parametrization we discuss the trace invariants for the case of time dependent Hamiltonians and in some detail the dynamics of three-level systems. Furthermore, the Bloch vector of two-qubit systems as well as the use of the polarization operator basis is indicated. As the main application of the Jarlskog parametrization we construct density matrices for composite systems. In addition, some r…
Why a Quantum Tool in Classical Contexts?
2012
Reflections on the Nature of the Periodic Table of the Elements: Implications in Chemical Education
2014
The periodic table of the elements (PTE) results essential to understand our nature and place in the whole of beings. The same happens with our food, drugs, materials, etc. A series of questions were asked to introduce PTE and provide answers. The ideas in PTE should be valued by the number of questions that they generate. The PTE was related to electron configurations. The emergence of elements (nucleosynthesis) in physics was explained. The PTE results essential to understand our nature and place in the whole of beings. The same happens with our food, drugs, materials, etc. Schwarz and Rich asked a series of questions (Qs) to introduce PTE and provided answers. The ideas on PTE should be …
Multi-rogue waves solutions: from the NLS to the KP-I equation
2013
Our discovery of multi-rogue wave (MRW) solutions in 2010 completely changed the viewpoint on the links between the theory of rogue waves and integrable systems, and helped explain many phenomena which were never understood before. It is enough to mention the famous Three Sister waves observed in oceans, the creation of a regular approach to studying higher Peregrine breathers, and the new understanding of 2 + 1 dimensional rogue waves via the NLS-KP correspondence. This article continues the study of the MRW solutions of the NLS equation and their links with the KP-I equation started in a previous series of articles (Dubard et al 2010 Eur. Phys. J. 185 247–58, Dubard and Matveev 2011 Natur…
The Nuclear Mean Field and Many-Nucleon Configurations
2007
After the two preceding chapters, throughout impregnated with messy-looking, though necessary mathematics, we are finally entering the realm of basic concepts of nuclear structure physics. While the preceding chapters may have been a shock to the reader not familiar with the fine details of angular momentum coupling, the present chapter should offer a soothing soft landing to the basic philosophy behind the nuclear shell model, namely the nuclear mean field.
Spin crossover phenomena in Fe(ii) complexes
2000
The behaviour of spin crossover compounds is among the most striking and fascinating shown by relatively simple molecular species. This review aims to draw attention to the various ways in which spin crossover phenomena are manifested in iron(II) complexes, to offer some rationalisation for these, and to highlight their possible applications. Typical examples have been selected along with more recent ones in order to give an overall view of the scope and development of the area. The article is structured to provide the basic material for those who wish to enter the field of spin crossover.
The Mathematicians’ Happy Hunting Ground: Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity
2004
There is hardly any doubt that for physics special relativity theory is of much greater consequence than the general theory. The reverse situation prevails with respect to mathematics: there special relativity theory had comparatively little, general relativity theory very considerable, influence, above all upon the development of a general scheme for differential geometry. —Hermann Weyl, “Relativity as a Stimulus to Mathematical Research,” pp. 536–537.