Showing papers in "Physics Today in 2008"
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that electromagnetic waves at the surface of a metal have the enormous bandwidth of a light pulse and can be channeled into circuit components smaller than the diffraction limit.
Abstract: Electromagnetic waves at the surface of a metal have the enormous bandwidth of a light pulse and can be channeled into circuit components smaller than the diffraction limit.
656 citations
TL;DR: Shapin's "The Scientific Life" as discussed by the authors is a history of the scientific career and character that encourages us to reconsider the very nature of the technical and moral worlds in which we now live.
Abstract: Who are scientists? What kind of people are they? What capacities and virtues are thought to stand behind their considerable authority? "The Scientific Life" is historian Steven Shapin's story about who scientists are, who we think they are, and why our sensibilities about such things matter. From the early twentieth-century origins of corporate research laboratories to the high-flying scientific entrepreneurship of the present, Shapin argues that the radical uncertainties of much contemporary science have made personal virtues more central to its practice than ever before, and he also reveals how radically novel aspects of late modern science have unexpectedly deep historical roots. His elegantly conceived history of the scientific career and character ultimately encourages us to reconsider the very nature of the technical and moral worlds in which we now live.
336 citations
TL;DR: Despite the potentially catastrophic consequences of storm surges, the physics of surge generation and propagation has historically been poorly understood, and many misconceptions about surges still exist as mentioned in this paper, which is why many misconceptions still exist.
Abstract: Despite the potentially catastrophic consequences of storm surges, the physics of surge generation and propagation has historically been poorly understood, and many misconceptions about surges still exist.
330 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present and future applications of electrical energy storage devices are stimulating research into innovative new materials and novel architectures, and they present a survey of the existing and potential applications of these devices.
Abstract: Present and future applications of electrical energy storage devices are stimulating research into innovative new materials and novel architectures.
211 citations
TL;DR: Relativity in atomic and molecular physics as mentioned in this paper, Relativity in molecular physics, Relativistic wave equations for free particles, The Dirac Equation, Quantum electrodynamics, Computational atomic structures, Computation of atomic properties.
Abstract: Relativity in atomic and molecular physics- Relativity in atomic and molecular physics- Foundations- Relativistic wave equations for free particles- The Dirac Equation- Quantum electrodynamics- Computational atomic and molecular structure- Analysis and approximation of Dirac Hamiltonians- Complex atoms- Computation of atomic structures- Computation of atomic properties- Continuum processes in many-electron atoms- Molecular structure methods- Relativistic calculation of molecular properties- Frequently used formulae and data- Frequently used formulae and data- Supplementary mathematics- Supplementary mathematics
204 citations
TL;DR: For instance, finding a needle in a stack of needles can be as hard as finding a haystack as mentioned in this paper, which is the case of finding the needle in the haystack.
Abstract: Determining how animals orient themselves using Earth’s magnetic field can be even more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack. It is like finding a needle in a stack of needles.
195 citations
TL;DR: Statistical analysis of interconnected groups can yield important clues about how they function and even offers predictions of their future behavior as mentioned in this paper, which can be used to predict the future behavior of humans.
Abstract: Statistical analysis of interconnected groups—of computers, animals, or people—yields important clues about how they function and even offers predictions of their future behavior.
136 citations
TL;DR: The computations for the first-ever numerical experiment were performed by a young woman named Mary Tsingou as mentioned in this paper, and it is time to recognize her contribution after decades of omission.
Abstract: The computations for the first-ever numerical experiment were performed by a young woman named Mary Tsingou. After decades of omission, it is time to recognize her contribution.
131 citations
TL;DR: Research focused in five related areas will allow unprecedented control over the microscopic world and could be the key to a sustainable future as mentioned in this paper, which will allow us to control the microscopic environment.
Abstract: Research focused in five related areas will allow unprecedented control over the microscopic world and could be the key to a sustainable future
113 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a model of entropy production and dissipation rates in the context of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and apply it to fluid dynamics applications such as thermal driving.
Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Some Clarification from Another Direction 3. The Probability Connection 4. Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics 5. The Presumed Extensivity of Entropy 6. Nonequilibrium States 7. Steady-State Processes 8. Sources and Time-Dependent Proceses 9. Thermal Driving 10. Application to Fluid Dynamics 11. Irreversibility, Relaxation, and the Approach to Equilibrium 12. Entropy Production and Dissipation Rates A. Perturbation Theory B. Dissipative Currents and Galilean Invariance C. Analytic Continuation of Covariance Functions
105 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Loy goes deeper into the mathematics of music and sound, beginning with digital audio, sampling, and binary numbers, as well as complex numbers and how they simplify representation of musical signals.
Abstract: Volume 2 of Musimathics continues the story of music engineering begun in Volume 1, focusing on the digital and computational domain. Loy goes deeper into the mathematics of music and sound, beginning with digital audio, sampling, and binary numbers, as well as complex numbers and how they simplify representation of musical signals. Chapters cover the Fourier transform, convolution, filtering, resonance, the wave equation, acoustical systems, sound synthesis, the short-time Fourier transform, and the wavelet transform. These subjects provide the theoretical underpinnings of today's music technology. The examples given are all practical problems in music and audio. Additional material can be found at http://www.musimathics.com.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the role of photoemission as a source of the bright electron beams required for free-electron lasers and particle-physics accelerators.
Abstract: Photoemission shines as a source of the bright electron beams required for free-electron lasers and particle-physics accelerators.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the changes in Earth's average surface temperature are directly linked to two distinctly different aspects of the Sun's dynamics: the short-term statistical fluctuations in the Sun’s irradiance and the longer-term solar cycles.
Abstract: The causes of global warming—the increase of approximately 0.8±0.1 °C in the average global temperature near Earth’s surface since 1900—are not as apparent as some recent scientific publications and the popular media indicate. We contend that the changes in Earth’s average surface temperature are directly linked to two distinctly different aspects of the Sun’s dynamics: the short-term statistical fluctuations in the Sun’s irradiance and the longer-term solar cycles. This argument for directly linking the Sun’s dynamics to the response of Earth’s climate is based on our research and augments the interpretation of the causes of global warming presented in the United Nations 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.1 The most debated issue in contemporary science is the cause or causes of global warming, with the popular media contending that the issue has been resolved and that the majority of scientists concur. The “majority opinion” is based on the analysis of global warming done using large-scale computer codes that incorporate all identified physical and chemical mechanisms into global circulation models (GCMs) in an attempt to recreate and understand the variability in Earth’s average temperature. The IPCC report1 concludes that the contribution of solar variability to global warming is negligible, to a certainty of 95%. It is reported that the “majority” believes the average warming observed since the beginning of the industrial era is due to the increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
TL;DR: With data provided by magnetic observatories, geophysicists can gain insights into our planet's interior and nearby space environment without even leaving the ground as mentioned in this paper, without even having to leave the ground.
Abstract: With data provided by magnetic observatories, geophysicists can gain insights into our planet’s interior and nearby space environment without even leaving the ground.With data provided by magnetic observatories, geophysicists can gain insights into our planet’s interior and nearby space environment without even leaving the ground.
TL;DR: A regional war involving 100 Hiroshima-sized weapons would pose a worldwide threat due to ozone destruction and climate change as discussed by the authors, and a superpower confrontation with a few thousand weapons would be catastrophic.
Abstract: A regional war involving 100 Hiroshima-sized weapons would pose a worldwide threat due to ozone destruction and climate change. A superpower confrontation with a few thousand weapons would be catastrophic.
TL;DR: Although exact descriptions of the quantum mechanics of molecules are computationally intractable, chemists and physicists have devised approximations that are efficient and accurate enough to be useful as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Although exact descriptions of the quantum mechanics of molecules are computationally intractable, chemists and physicists have devised approximations that are efficient enough to be practical and accurate enough to be useful.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a structure theory for simple Lie algebras based on matrix groups and Dykin diagrams, as well as root spaces, real forms, and Riemannian symmetric spaces.
Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Lie groups 3. Matrix groups 4. Lie algebras 5. Matrix algebras 6. Operator algebras 7. Exponentiation 8. Structure theory for Lie algebras 9. Structure theory for simple Lie algebras 10. Root spaces and Dykin diagrams 11. Real forms 12. Riemannian symmetric spaces 13. Contraction 14. Hydrogenic atoms 15. Maxwell's equations 16. Lie groups and differential equations References Index.
TL;DR: In this paper, power hybrid microelectronic design techniques have been developed to satisfy the requirements of 10-ampere 100-watt series voltage regulators, resulting in a package occupying roughly the same volume as a TO-63 power transistor, yet containing two 30-AMpere power transistors, selectable external components, and associated control circuitry.
Abstract: Power hybrid microelectronic design techniques have been developed to satisfy the requirements of 10-ampere 100-watt series voltage regulators. Application of these new techniques has resulted in a package occupying roughly the same volume as a TO-63 power transistor, yet containing two 30-ampere power transistors, selectable external components, and associated control circuitry.
TL;DR: The unprecedented control over the interactions and pairing of ultracold fermionic atoms provides insight into exotic strongly correlated phenomena and illuminates the physics of superfluidity in metals, nuclei, and neutron stars as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The unprecedented control over the interactions and pairing of ultracold fermionic atoms provides insight into exotic strongly correlated phenomena and illuminates the physics of superfluidity in metals, nuclei, and neutron stars.
TL;DR: The challenges of internal combustion require a broad collection of research discoveries to make the transition from hardware intensive, experience-based fuel development and engine design to simulation-intensive, science-based design as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The challenges of internal combustion require a broad collection of research discoveries to make the transition from hardware-intensive, experience-based fuel development and engine design to simulation-intensive, science-based design.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that whether a large polymer is linear, simply branched like a star, or multiply branches dramatically affects how it moves through a densely entangled polymer soup.
Abstract: Whether a large polymer is linear, simply branched like a star, or multiply branched dramatically affects how it moves through a densely entangled polymer soup
TL;DR: The imaging of unstained and fully hydrated biological specimens embedded in vitreous ice is leading to powerful advances in understanding the structural basis of biological phenomena.
Abstract: The imaging of unstained and fully hydrated biological specimens embedded in vitreous ice is leading to powerful advances in understanding the structural basis of biological phenomena.
TL;DR: The 2007 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group I presents a narrow view of the state of climate science as mentioned in this paper and neglects other important aspects of the impact of human activities on climate.
Abstract: The 2007 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group I presents a narrow view of the state of climate science.1 Attempts to significantly influence regional and local-scale climate based on controlling carbon dioxide emissions alone cannot succeed since humans are significantly altering the global climate in a variety of diverse ways beyond the radiative effect of CO2. The IPCC assessments have been too conservative in recognizing the importance of these human climate forcings as they alter regional and global climate. When the IPCC focuses its policy attention on CO2, it neglects other important aspects of the impact of human activities on climate.
TL;DR: The system of conduits found in a tree is far larger and more complex than any human-constructed microfluidic system as discussed by the authors, and it is the most complex and complex system known to exist.
Abstract: The system of conduits found in a tree is far larger and more complex than any human-constructed microfluidic system.
TL;DR: In the microwave background and the distribution of galaxies, relic imprints of primordial sound waves have contributed to an extraordinarily detailed history of the cosmos as mentioned in this paper, and they provide yardsticks for resolving a great mystery.
Abstract: In the microwave background and the distribution of galaxies, relic imprints of primordial sound waves have contributed to an extraordinarily detailed history of the cosmos. And they provide yardsticks for resolving a great mystery.
TL;DR: Experiments can measure, and theory explain, the energetics behind packaging a virus with DNA and the DNA injection into a cell as mentioned in this paper, and theory can explain the energy of DNA injection in a cell.
Abstract: Experiments can measure, and theory explain, the energetics behind packaging a virus with DNA and the DNA’s injection into a cell.
TL;DR: Water managers may no longer be safe in assuming that resources will remain within their historical range of uncertainty as mentioned in this paper, and therefore, they may not be safe to assume that water resources will be within the historical ranges of uncertainty.
Abstract: Water managers may no longer be safe in assuming that resources will remain within their historical range of uncertainty.
TL;DR: In this paper, high-energy neutrinos are used as messengers from extreme astrophysical environments to traverse cosmological distances without bending or energy loss, and they are known as high energy neutrino messengers.
Abstract: Traversing cosmological distances without bending or energy loss, high-energy neutrinos are messengers from extreme astrophysical environments.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that residential and commercial buildings constitute the largest energy consuming sector in the US and that implementing efficiency measures can be an economically viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Abstract: Residential and commercial buildings constitute the largest energy-consuming sector in the US Implementing efficiency measures can be an economically viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
TL;DR: With the interaction between a sharp tip and a surface tailored using combinations of static and time-dependent external fields, scanning probe techniques can image far more than topographic structure.
Abstract: With the interaction between a sharp tip and a surface tailored using combinations of static and time-dependent external fields, scanning probe techniques can image far more than topographic structure.