arXiv subjects

Andre Gsponer

Publications and source records attributed to Andre Gsponer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

Nonlinear generalized functions and the Heisenberg-Pauli foundations of Quantum Field Theory

In 1929 Heisenberg and Pauli laid the foundations of QFT by quantizing the fields (method of canonical quantization). This general theory of quantized fields has remained undisputed up to now. We show how the unmodified Heisenberg-Pauli calculations make sense mathematically by using a theory of generalized functions adapted to nonlinear operations. By providing an appropriate mathematical setting, nonlinear generalized functions open doors for their understanding but there remains presumably very hard technical problems. (i) Domains of the interacting field operators: a priori the H-P calculations give time dependent dense domains, what is not very convenient; (ii) Calculations of the resulting matrix elements of the S operator: from the unitarity of the S operator as a whole there are no longer ``infinities,'' but a priori there is no other hope than heavy computer calculations; (iii) Connection with renormalization theory: it should provide an approximation when the coupling constant is small. The aim of this paper is to present, on the grounds of a standard mathematical model of QFT (a self interacting scalar boson field), a basis for improvement without significant prerequisites in mathematics and physics. It is an attempt to use nonlinear generalized functions in QFT, starting directly from the calculations made by physicists, in the same way as they have already been used in classical mechanics and general relativity.

math-ph↗

arXiv2007

On the electromagnetic momentum of static charge and steady current distributions

Faraday's and Furry's formulas for the electromagnetic momentum of static charge distributions combined with steady electric current distributions are generalised in order to obtain full agreement with Poynting's formula in the case where all fields are of class C^1, i.e., continuous and continuously differentiable, and the integration volume is of finite or infinite extent. These three formulas are further generalised to the case where singularities are allowed to exist at isolated points in the fields, and at surfaces separating domains in which the distributions are of class C^1. Applications are made to electric and magnetic, point-like and finite dipolar systems, with an emphasis on the impact of singularities on the magnitude and location of the electromagnetic momentum.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2007

Distributions in spherical coordinates with applications to classical electrodynamics

A general and rigorous method to deal with singularities at the origin of a polar coordinate system is presented. Its power derives from a clear distinction between the radial distance and the radial coordinate variable, which makes that all delta-functions and their derivatives are automatically generated, and insures that the Gauss theorem is correct for any distribution with a finite number of isolated point-like singularities. The method is applied to the Coulomb field, and to show the intrinsic differences between the dipole and dimonopole fields in classical electrodynamics. In all cases the method directly leads to the general expressions required by the internal consistency of classical electrodynamics.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2006

Fourth Generation Nuclear Weapons: Military effectiveness and collateral effects

The paper begins with a general introduction and update to Fourth Generation Nuclear Weapons (FGNW), and then addresses some particularly important military aspects on which there has been only limited public discussion so far. These aspects concern the unique military characteristics of FGNWs which make them radically different from both nuclear weapons based on previous-generation nuclear-explosives and from conventional weapons based on chemical-explosives: yields in the 1 to 100 tons range, greatly enhanced coupling to targets, possibility to drive powerful shaped-charge jets and forged fragments, enhanced prompt radiation effects, reduced collateral damage and residual radioactivity, etc.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2005

Integer-quaternion formulation of Lambek's representation of fundamental particles and their interactions

Lambek's unified classification of the elementary interaction-quanta of the ``Standard model'' is formulated in terms of the 24 units of the integer-quaternion ring, i.e., the tetrahedral group Q_{24}. An extension of Lambek's scheme to the octahedral group Q_{48} may enable to take all three generations of leptons and quarks into account, as well as to provide a quantitative explanation for flavor-mixing.

math-ph↗

arXiv2005

The B61-based "Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator:" Clever retrofit or headway towards fourth-generation nuclear weapons?

It is scientifically and technically possible to build an earth penetrating device that could bury a B61-7 warhead 30 meters into concrete, or 150 meters into earth, before detonating it. The device (based on knowledge and technology that are available since 50 years) would however be large and cumbersome. Better penetrator materials, components able to withstand larger stresses, higher impact velocities, and/or high-explosive driven penetration aids, can only marginally improve the device. It is concluded that the robust nuclear earth penetrator (RNEP) program may be as much motivated by the development of new technology directly applicable to next generation nuclear weapons, and by the political necessity to periodically reassess the role and utility of nuclear weapons, than by the perceived military need for a weapon able to destroy deeply buried targets.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2005

From the lab to the battlefield? Nanotechnology and fourth generation nuclear weapons

The paper addresses some major implications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) engineering and nanotechnology for the improvement of existing types of nuclear weapons, and the development of more robust versions of these weapons, as well as for the development of fourth generations nuclear weapons in which nanotechnology will play an essential role.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2005

Antimatter weapons (1946-1986): From Fermi and Teller's speculations to the first open scientific publications

We recall the early theoretical speculations on the possible explosive uses of antimatter, from 1946 to the first production of antiprotons, at Berkeley in 1955, and until the first capture of cold antiprotons, at CERN on July 17-18, 1986, as well as the circumstances of the first presentation at a scientific conference of the correct physical processes leading to the ignition of a large scale thermonuclear explosion using less than a few micrograms of antimatter as trigger, at Madrid on June 30th - July 4th, 1986.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2005

Lanczos - Einstein - Petiau: From Dirac's equation to nonlinear wave mechanics

In 1929 Lanczos showed how to derive Dirac's equation from a more fundamental system that predicted that spin 1/2 particles should come in pairs. Today, these pairs can unambiguously be interpreted as isospin doublets. From the same fundamental equation, Lanczos derived also the correct form of the wave equation of massive spin 1 particles that would be rediscovered in 1936 by Proca. Lanczos's fundamental system was put in Lagrangian form and generalized in 1933 by Einstein and Mayer, who used the semivector instead of the quaternion formalism. Although they not did study all possible solutions, Einstein and Mayer showed that the doublets consisted of particles with different mass and charge. In fact, there are two main classes of doublets: proton/neutron and electron/neutrino pairs.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2005

The physics of antimatter induced fusion and thermonuclear explosions

The possibility of using antihydrogen for igniting inertial confinement fusion pellets or triggering large-scale thermonuclear explosions is investigated. The number of antiproton annihilations required to start a thermonuclear burn wave in either DT or Li_2DT is found to be about 10^{21}/k^2, where k is the compression factor of the fuel to be ignited. We conclude that the financial and energy investments needed to produce such amounts of antiprotons would confine applications of antimatter triggered thermonuclear devices to the military domain.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2005

Antimatter underestimated

We warn of the potential nuclear proliferation's consequences of military applications of nano- or microgram amounts of antimatter, such as triggering of high-yield thermonuclear explosions, laser pumping, compact sources of energy, directed-energy beams, and portable sources of muons.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2005

Antimatter induced fusion and thermonuclear explosions

The feasibility of using antihydrogen for igniting inertial confinement fusion pellets or triggering large scale thermonuclear explosions is investigated. The number of antiproton annihilations required to start a thermonuclear burn wave in either DT or Li_2DT is found to be about 10^{21}/k^2, where k is the compression factor of the fuel to be ignited. In the second part, the technologies for producing antiprotons with high energy accelerator systems and the means for manipulating and storing microgram amounts of antihydrogen are examined. While there seems to be no theoretical obstacles to the production of 10^{18} antiprotons per day (the amount required for triggering one thermonuclear bomb), the construction of such a plant involves several techniques which are between 3 and 4 orders of magnitude away from present day technology.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2005

Cornelius Lanczos's derivation of the usual action integral of classical electrodynamics

The usual action integral of classical electrodynamics is derived starting from Lanczos's electrodynamics -- a pure field theory in which charged particles are identified with singularities of the homogeneous Maxwell's equations interpreted as a generalization of the Cauchy-Riemann regularity conditions from complex to biquaternion functions of four complex variables. It is shown that contrary to the usual theory based on the inhomogeneous Maxwell's equations, in which charged particles are identified with the sources, there is no divergence in the self-interaction so that the mass is finite, and that the only approximation made in the derivation are the usual conditions required for the internal consistency of classical electrodynamics. Moreover, it is found that the radius of the boundary surface enclosing a singularity interpreted as an electron is on the same order as that of the hypothetical "bag" confining the quarks in a hadron, so that Lanczos's electrodynamics is engaging the reconsideration of many fundamental concepts related to the nature of elementary particles.

math-ph↗

arXiv2005

The strange formula of Dr. Koide

We present a short historical and bibliographical review of the lepton mass formula of Yoshio Koide, as well as some speculations on its extensions to quark and neutrino masses, and its possible relations to more recent theoretical developments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

More on the early interpretation of the Schwarzschild solution

Lemaitre was apparently the first to make an explicit coordinate transformation resulting in the removal of the singularity at r = a = 2m in the Schwarzschild metric, while Lanczos was the first to express doubts on the physical reality of that singularity since it could be introduced or removed by a transformation of coordinates.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2004

Lanczos's functional theory of electrodynamics: A commentary on Lanczos's PhD dissertation

Lanczos's idea of classical electrodynamics as a biquaternionic field theory in which point singularities are interpreted as electrons is reevaluated. Using covariant quaternionic integration techniques developed by Paul Weiss in 1941, we show that the Lagrangian suggested by Lanczos in his thesis of 1919 is equivalent to the standard Lagrangian of classical electrodynamics. On the mathematical side, Lanczos's thesis contains the correct generalizations of the Cauchy-Riemann regularity conditions, and of Cauchy's formula, from complex numbers to quaternions. Lanczos therefore anticipated Moisil-Fueter's discovery of 1931 by more than 12 years.

math-ph↗

arXiv2004

ITER: The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and the nuclear weapons proliferation implications of thermonuclear-fusion energy systems

This report contains two parts: (1) A list of "points" highlighting the strategic-political and military-technical reasons and implications of the very probable siting of ITER (the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in Japan, which should be confirmed sometimes in early 2004. (2) A technical analysis of the nuclear weapons proliferation implications of inertial- and magnetic-confinement fusion systems substantiating the technical points highlighted in the first part, and showing that while full access to the physics of thermonuclear weapons is the main implication of ICF, full access to large-scale tritium technology is the main proliferation impact of MCF. The conclusion of the report is that siting ITER in a country such as Japan, which already has a large separated-plutonium stockpile, and an ambitious laser-driven ICF program (comparable in size and quality to those of the United States or France), will considerably increase its latent (or virtual) nuclear weapons proliferation status, and foster further nuclear proliferation throughout the world.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2003

What is spin?

This is a late answer to question #79 by R.I. Khrapko, "Does plane wave not carry a spin?," Am. J. Phys. /69/, 405 (2001), and a complement (on gauge invariance, massive spin 1 and 1/2, and massless spin 2 fields) to the paper by H.C. Ohanian, "What is spin?," Am. J. Phys. /54/, 500--505 (1985). In particular, it is confirmed that "spin" is a classical quantity which can be calculated for any field using its definition, namely that it is just the non-local part of the conserved angular momentum. This leads to explicit expressions which are bilinear in the fields and which agree with their standard "quantum" counterparts.

physics.class-ph↗