Casimir effect for the scalar field under Robin boundary conditions: a functional integral approach

In this work we show how to define the action of a scalar field such that the Robin boundary condition is implemented dynamically, i.e. as a consequence of the stationary action principle. We discuss the quantization of that system via functional integration. Using this formalism, we derive an expression for the Casimir energy of a massless scalar field under Robin boundary conditions on a pair of parallel plates, characterized by constants c(1) and c(2). Some special cases are discussed; in particular, we show that for some values of cl and c(2) the Casimir energy as a function of the distance between the plates presents a minimum. We also discuss the renormalization at one-loop order of the two-point Green function in the philambda(4) theory subject to the Robin boundary condition on a plate.

Hanbury-Brown-Twiss interferometry for sonoluminescence bubble

Two-photon correlation of the light pulse emitted from a sonoluminescence bubble is discussed. It is shown that several important features of the mechanism of light emission, such as the time scale and the shape of the emission region, could be obtained from Hanbury-Brown-Twiss interferometry. We also argue that such a measurement may serve to reject one of the two currently suggested emission mechanisms, i.e., the thermal process versus the dynamical Casimir effect.

Casimir energy density in closed hyperbolic universes

The original Casimir effect results from the difference in the vacuum energies of the electromagnetic field, between that in a region of space with boundary conditions and that in the same region without boundary conditions. In this paper we develop the theory of a similar situation, involving a scalar field in spacetimes with closed spatial sections of negative curvature.

Vacuum effects on massive spinor fields: S-1 x R-3 topology

The aim of this work was to investigate the role played by an external field on the Casimir energy density for massive fermions under S-1 x R-3 topology. Both twisted- and untwisted-spin connections are considered and the calculation in a closed form is performed using an alternative approach based on the combination of the analytic regularization method and the Euler-Maclaurin summation formula. It is shown that no mass scale appears in the final result and, therefore, Casimir effect arises only from the boundary conditions and vacuum fluctuations induced by the coupling with the external field.

Fluxos e densidades de energia negativa em teoria quântica de campos

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of robust torus on the dynamical transport

In the present work, we quantify the fraction of trajectories that reach a specific region of the phase space when we vary a control parameter using two symplectic maps: one non-twist and another one twist. The two maps were studied with and without a robust torus. We compare the obtained patterns and we identify the effect of the robust torus on the dynamical transport. We show that the effect of meandering-like barriers loses importance in blocking the radial transport when the robust torus is present.

Dynamical evolution of Saturn's F ring dust particles

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Dynamical erosion of asteroid groups in the region of the Phocaea family

In a previous paper, the current state of knowledge of the region containing the Phocaea dynamical family was revised. Here, the dynamical evolution and possible origin of the Phocaea dynamical family and asteroid groups in the region are investigated. First, I study the case of asteroids at high eccentricity (e > 0.31). I find that these objects are unstable because of encounters with Mars on time-scales of up to 270 Myr. The minimum time needed by members of the Phocaea classical family to reach the orbital locations of these objects, 370 Myr, can be used to set a lower limit on the age of the Phocaea family.Next, attention is focused on the chaotic layer previously identified near the nu(6) secular resonance border. Using analytical and numerical tools, I find that the presence of the nu(6) secular resonance forces asteroids with vertical bar g-g(6)vertical bar < 2.55 arcsec yr(-1) to reach eccentricities high enough to allow them to experience deep, close encounters with Mars. Results of the analytical model of Yoshikawa and of my numerical simulations fully explain the low-inclination chaotic region found by Carruba.Finally, I investigate the long-term stability of the minor families and clumps identified in the previous paper, with particular emphasis on a clump only identifiable in the domain of proper frequencies (n, g, g - s) around (6246) Komurotoru. I find that while the clumps identified in the space of proper elements quickly disperse when the Yarkovsky effect is considered, the family around (19536) is still observable for time-scales of more than 50 Myr. The (6246) clump, characterized by its interaction with the nu(5) + nu(16) and 2 nu(6) - nu(16) secular resonances, is robust on time-scales of 50 Myr. I confirm that this group may be the first clump ever detected in the frequency domain that can be associated with a real collisional event.

Chiral symmetry breaking in QCD-like gauge theories with a confining propagator and dynamical gauge boson mass generation

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of a frictional force on the Fermi-Ulam model

The dynamical properties of a classical particle bouncing between two rigid walls, in the presence of a drag force, are studied for the case where one wall is fixed and the other one moves periodically in time. The system is described in terms of a two-dimensional nonlinear map obtained by solution of the relevant differential equations. It is shown that the structure of the KAM curves and the chaotic sea is destroyed as the drag force is introduced. At high energy, the velocity of the particle decreases linearly with increasing iteration number, but with a small superimposed sinusoidal modulation. If the motion passes near enough to a fixed point, the particle approaches it exponentially as the iteration number evolves, with a speed of approach that depends on the strength of the drag force. For a simplified version of the model it is shown that, at low energies corresponding to the region of the chaotic sea in the non-dissipative model, the particle wanders in a chaotic transient that depends on the strength of the drag coefficient. However, the KAM islands survive in the presence of dissipation. It is confirmed that the fixed points and periodic orbits go over smoothly into the orbits of the well-known (non-dissipative) Fermi-Ulam model as the drag force goes to zero.

THE EFFECT of WEAK DISSIPATION IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL MAPPING

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Temperature Effect on the Structure and Formation Kinetics of Vinyltriethoxysilane-Derived Organic/Silica Hybrids

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

RELATIVISTIC 3-PARTICLE DYNAMICAL EQUATIONS .2. APPLICATION TO THE TRINUCLEON SYSTEM

We calculate the contribution of relativistic dynamics on the neutron-deutron scattering length and triton binding energy employing five sets trinucleon potential models and four types of three-dimensional relativistic three-body equations suggested in the preceding paper. The relativistic correction to binding energy may vary a lot and even change sign depending on the relativistic formulation employed. The deviations of these observables from those obtained in nonrelativistic models follow the general universal trend of deviations introduced by off- and on-shell variations of two- and three-nucleon potentials in a nonrelativistic model calculation. Consequently, it will be difficult to separate unambiguously the effect of off- and on-shell variations of two- and three-nucleon potentials on low-energy three-nucleon observables from the effect of relativistic dynamics. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.

A kinetic study of the effect of ultrasound power on the sonohydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate

A kinetic study of the ultrasound-stimulated and acid-catalyzed sonohydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in solventless TEOS-water heterogeneous mixtures was carried out by means of a calorimetric method as a function of the ultrasound power. The hydrolysis reaction starts in acidulated heterogeneous water-TEOS mixtures after an induction period under ultrasonic stimulation. The ultrasound power seems to play a role on the dynamical coupling of the system originating a continuum upward shifting of the base line during the induction period of sonication. The rate in which the base line is upward shifted diminishes with the power. The best coupling between the ultrasound and the reactant heterogeneous mixtures for this experimental setup was found to occur at 50 W, for which the gelation time was found to be a minimum. The kinetics of the heterogeneous TEOS sonohydrolysis was studied on the basis of a dissolution and reaction modeling. The heterogeneous reaction pathway as deduced from the kinetic study was drawn in a ternary diagram as a function of the ultrasound power. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Shielding quantum discord through continuous dynamical decoupling

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)