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M. Fischer

Publications and source records attributed to M. Fischer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Coexisting stochastic and coherence resonance in a mean-field dynamo model for Earth's magnetic field reversals

Using a spherical symmetric mean field alpha^2-dynamo model for Earth's magnetic field reversals, we show the coexistence of the noise-induced phenomena coherence resonance and stochastic resonance. Stochastic resonance has been recently invoked to explain the 100 kyr periodicity in the distribution of the residence time between reversals. The comparison of the resulting residence time distribution with the paleomagnetic one allows for some estimate of the effective diffusion time of the Earth's core which may be 100 kyr or slightly below rather than 200 kyr as it would result from the molecular resistivity.

astro-ph↗

High-precision wavelength calibration of astronomical spectrographs with laser frequency combs

We describe a possible new technique for precise wavelength calibration of high-resolution astronomical spectrographs using femtosecond-pulsed mode-locked lasers controlled by stable oscillators such as atomic clocks. Such `frequency combs' provide a series of narrow modes which are uniformly spaced according to the laser's pulse repetition rate and whose absolute frequencies are known a priori with relative precision better than 10^{-12}. Simulations of frequency comb spectra show that the photon-limited wavelength calibration precision achievable with existing echelle spectrographs should be ~1 cm/s when integrated over a 4000A range. Moreover, comb spectra may be used to accurately characterise distortions of the wavelength scale introduced by the spectrograph and detector system. The simulations show that frequency combs with pulse repetition rates of 5-30GHz are required, given the typical resolving power of existing and possible future echelle spectrographs. Achieving such high repetition rates, together with the desire to produce all comb modes with uniform intensity over the entire optical range, represent the only significant challenges in the design of a practical system. Frequency comb systems may remove wavelength calibration uncertainties from all practical spectroscopic experiments, even those combining data from different telescopes over many decades.

astro-ph↗

Photoionization Broadening of the 1S-2S Transition in a Beam of Atomic Hydrogen

We consider the excitation dynamics of the two-photon \sts transition in a beam of atomic hydrogen by 243 nm laser radiation. Specifically, we study the impact of ionization damping on the transition line shape, caused by the possibility of ionization of the 2S level by the same laser field. Using a Monte-Carlo simulation, we calculate the line shape of the \sts transition for the experimental geometry used in the two latest absolute frequency measurements (M. Niering {\it et al.}, PRL 84, 5496 (2000) and M. Fischer {\it et al.}, PRL 92, 230802 (2004)). The calculated line shift and line width are in excellent agreement with the experimentally observed values. From this comparison we can verify the values of the dynamic Stark shift coefficient for the \sts transition for the first time on a level of 15%. We show that the ionization modifies the velocity distribution of the metastable atoms, the line shape of the \sts transition, and has an influence on the derivation of its absolute frequency.

quant-ph↗

Charge density waves in Sr_14-xCa_xCu_24O_41: electron correlations vs. structural effects

We report inelastic light scattering experiments in the spin-chain and ladder system Sr_14-xCa_xCu_24O_41. A depletion of an electronic background is observed for 0 < x < 5 at low temperatures and with light polarization both parallel to the leg and rung directions. This points to the formation of 2D charge density wave in the ladders. Furthermore, the Ca-substitution dependence of the 305- and 249-cm-1 modes, sensitive to the lattice modulations of the respective chain and ladder system, suggests that the charge dynamics in the ladders is strongly influenced by the structural incommensurability.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Outflanking and securely using the PIN/TAN-System

The PIN/TAN-system is an authentication and authorization scheme used in e-business. Like other similar schemes it is successfully attacked by criminals. After shortly classifying the various kinds of attacks we accomplish malicious code attacks on real World Wide Web transaction systems. In doing so we find that it is really easy to outflank these systems. This is even supported by the users' behavior. We give a few simple behavior rules to improve this situation. But their impact is limited. Also the providers support the attacks by having implementation flaws in their installations. Finally we show that the PIN/TAN-system is not suitable for usage in highly secure applications.

cs.CR↗

Semi-inclusive decays Lambda_b -> X_c + D_s^* at O(alpha_s) including Lambda_b and D_s^* polarization effects

In the leading order of the (1/m_b)-expansion in HQET the dominant contribution to the semi-inclusive decays of polarized Lambda_b baryons into the charm-strangeness mesons D_s and D_s^* is given by the partonic process b(up) -> c + (D_s^-, D_s^{*-}). Using standard values for the parameters of the process one expects a rather large branching ratio of approx. 8% into these two channels. In the factorization approximation the semi-inclusive decay of a polarized Lambda_b is governed by three unpolarized and four polarized structure functions for which we determine the nonperturbative O(1/m_b^2) corrections and the O(alpha_s) radiative corrections. We find that the perturbative and nonperturbative corrections amount to approx. 10% and approx. 3%, respectively. The seven structure functions can be measured through an analysis of the joint decay distributions of the process involving the polarization of the Lambda_b and the decays D_s^{*-} -> D_s^- + gamma and D_s^{*-} -> D_s^- + pi^0 for which we provide explicit forms. We also provide numerical results for the Cabibbo suppressed semi-inclusive decays Lambda_b -> X_u + (D_s, D_s^*).

hep-ph↗

New Limits to the Drift of Fundamental Constants from Laboratory Measurements

We have remeasured the absolute $1S$-$2S$ transition frequency $ν_{\rm {H}}$ in atomic hydrogen. A comparison with the result of the previous measurement performed in 1999 sets a limit of $(-29\pm 57)$ Hz for the drift of $ν_{\rm {H}}$ with respect to the ground state hyperfine splitting $ν_{\rm {Cs}}$ in $^{133}$Cs. Combining this result with the recently published optical transition frequency in $^{199}$Hg$^+$ against $ν_{\rm {Cs}}$ and a microwave $^{87}$Rb and $^{133}$Cs clock comparison, we deduce separate limits on $\dotα/α= (-0.9\pm 2.9)\times 10^{-15}$ yr$^{-1}$ and the fractional time variation of the ratio of Rb and Cs nuclear magnetic moments $μ_{\rm {Rb}}/μ_{\rm {Cs}}$ equal to $(-0.5 \pm 1.7)\times 10^{-15}$ yr$^{-1}$. The latter provides information on the temporal behavior of the constant of strong interaction.

physics.optics↗

Astrophysical constraints on hypothetical variability of fundamental constants

(Abridged) Many-multiplet (MM) method applied to three inhomogeneous samples of Keck/HIRES quasar absorption spectra gives a shift in the value of the fine-structure constant of Delta alpha/alpha = (-5.4+/-1.2) 10^{-6} in the redshift range 0.2 < z < 3.7 (Murphy et al. 2003).The 1sigma error is, however, much too small and cannot be maintained by current observations of quasars. We present a modified MM method to set an upper limit on Delta alpha/alpha from a homogeneous sample of FeII lines identified in the up-to-date best quality VLT/UVES spectrum of HE 0515-4414. Our result is Delta alpha/alpha = (1.1+/-1.1) 10^{-5} at z = 1.149. Theoretical models of the fundamental physical interactions predict that the proton-to-electron mass ratio (mu = m_p/m_e) may relate to the shift in Delta alpha/alpha as Delta mu/mu = R Delta alpha/alpha. We use VLT/UVES high-resolution observations of molecular hydrogen H2 ultraviolet absorption lines at z = 3.025 toward Q 0347-3818 to bound the value of R. The obtained constraints on Delta ln mu = (2.1+/-3.6) 10^{-5} and on Delta ln alpha = (1.1+/-1.1) 10^{-5} rule out vary large values of |R| > 6.

astro-ph↗

High-Precision Optical Measurement of the 2S Hyperfine Interval in Atomic Hydrogen

We have applied an optical method to the measurement of the 2S hyperfine interval in atomic hydrogen. The interval has been measured by means of two-photon spectroscopy of the 1S-2S transition on a hydrogen atomic beam shielded from external magnetic fields. The measured value of the 2S hyperfine interval is equal to 177 556 860(15) Hz and represents the most precise measurement of this interval to date. The theoretical evaluation of the specific combination of 1S and 2S hyperfine intervals D_21 is in moderately good agreement with the value for D_21 deduced from our measurement.

physics.atom-ph↗

Leptonic $ μ$- and $ τ$-decays: mass effects, polarization effects and $ O(α) $ radiative corrections

We calculate the radiative corrections to the unpolarized and the four polarized spectrum and rate functions in the leptonic decay of a polarized $ μ$ into a polarized electron. The new feature of our calculation is that we keep the mass of the final state electron finite which is mandatory if one wants to investigate the threshold region of the decay. Analytical results are given for the energy spectrum and the polar angle distribution of the final state electron whose longitudinal and transverse polarization is calculated. We also provide analytical results on the integrated spectrum functions. We analyze the $ m_e \to 0 $ limit of our general results and investigate the quality of the $ m_e \to 0 $ approximation. In the $ m_e \to 0 $ case we discuss in some detail the role of the $ O(α) $ anomalous helicity flip contribution of the final electron which survives the $ m_e \to 0 $ limit. The results presented in this 0203048 also apply to the leptonic decays of polarized $ τ$-leptons for which we provide numerical results.

hep-ph↗

Complete angular analysis of polarized top decay at O(alpha_s)

We calculate the O(alpha_s) radiative corrections to the three spin independent and five spin dependent structure functions that describe the angular decay distribution in the decay of a polarized top quark into a W-boson (followed by the decay W^{+} -> l^{+} + nu_l or by W^{+} -> anti-q + q and a bottom quark. The angular decay distribution is described in cascade fashion, i.e. the decay t(uparrow) -> W^{+} + X_b is analyzed in the top rest system while the subsequent decay W^{+} -> l^{+} + nu_l (or W^{+} -> anti-q + q) is analyzed in the W rest frame. We present our results for the eight O(alpha_s) integrated structure functions in analytical form keeping the mass of the bottom quark finite. In the limit m_b -> 0 the structure function expressions reduce to rather compact forms.

hep-ph↗

Longitudinal, transverse-plus and transverse-minus W-bosons in unpolarized top quark decays at O(alpha_s)

We consider the O(alpha_s) radiative corrections to the decay of an unpolarized top quark into a bottom quark and a W-gauge boson where the helicities of the W are specified as longitudinal, transverse-plus and transverse-minus. The O(alpha_s) radiative corrections lower the normalized longitudinal rate Gamma_L/Gamma by 1.06% and increase the the normalized transverse-minus rate Gamma_-/Gamma by 2.17%. We find that the normalized transverse-plus rate Gamma_+/Gamma, which vanishes at the Born term level for m_b->0, receives radiative correction contributions at the sub-percent level. We discuss m_b!=0 effects for the Born term and the alpha_s-contributions but find these to be small. Our results are discussed in the light of recent measurements of the helicity content of the W in top quark decays by the CDF Collaboration.

hep-ph↗

Collective Singlet Excitations and Evolution of Raman Spectral Weights in the 2D Spin Dimer Compound SrCu2(BO3)2

We present a Raman light scattering study of the two-dimensional quantum spin system SrCu2(BO3)2 and show that the magnetic excitation spectrum has a rich structure, including several well-defined bound state modes at low temperature, and a scattering continuum and quasielastic light scattering contributions at high temperature. The key to the understanding of the unique features of SrCu2(BO3)2 is the presence of strong interactions between well-localized triplet excitations in the network of orthogonal spin dimers realized in this compound. Based on our analysis of the Heisenberg model relevant for this material, we argue that the collective excitations involving two and three-particle singlet bound states have large binding energies and are observed as well-defined peaks in the Raman spectrum.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Inclusive Decays of B Mesons into D_s and $D_s^{\ast}$ at $O(α_s)$ Including $D_s^{\ast}$ Polarization Effects

The dominant contribution to the inclusive decays of $B$ mesons into the charm-strangeness mesons $D_s$ and $D_s^{\ast}$ is expected to be given by the partonic process $b \to c+(D_s^-,D_s^{\ast -})$. We determine the nonperturbative $O(1/m_b^2)$ and the $O(α_s)$ radiative corrections to $b \to c+(D_s^-,D_s^{\ast -})$ and thereby to the inclusive decays $ \bar{B} \to X_c+(D_s^-,D_s^{\ast -})$. The new feature of our calculation is that we separately determine the nonperturbative and the $O(α_s)$ corrections to the longitudinal ($L$) and transverse ($T$) pieces of the spin 1 $D_s^{\ast -}$ meson. The longitudinal/transverse composition of the $D_s^{\ast -}$ can be probed through its two principal decay modes $D_s^{\ast -} \to D_s^- + γ$ and $D_s^{\ast -} \to D_s^- + π^0$ for which we write down the angular decay distributions.

hep-ph↗

Stripe Conductivity in La(1.775)Sr(0.225)NiO(4)

We report Raman light-scattering and optical conductivity measurements on a single crystal of La(1.775)Sr(0.225)NiO(4) which exhibits incommensurate charge-stripe order. The extra phonon peaks induced by stripe order can be understood in terms of the energies of phonons that occur at the charge-order wave vector, Q_c. A strong Fano antiresonance for a Ni-O bond-stretching mode provides clear evidence for finite dynamical conductivity within the charge stripes.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Electron-phonon and spin-phonon coupling in NaV$_{2}$O$_{5}$: charge fluctuations effect

We show that the asymmetric crystal environment of the V site in the ladder compound NaV$_{2}$O$_{5}$ leads to a strong coupling of vanadium 3d electrons to phonons. This coupling causes fluctuations of the charge on the V ions, and favors a transition to a charge-ordered state at low temperatures. In the low temperature phase the charge fluctuations modulate the spin-spin superexchange interaction, resulting in a strong spin-phonon coupling.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Quantum Spin Systems: From Spin Gaps to Pseudo Gaps

Many low dimensional spin systems with a dimerized or ladder-like antiferromagnetic exchange coupling have a gapped excitation spectrum with magnetic bound states within the spin gap. For spin ladders with an even number of legs the existence of spin gaps and within the t-J model a tendency toward superconductivity with d-wave symmetry is predicted. In the following we will characterize the spin excitation spectra of different low dimensional spin systems taking into account strong spin phonon interaction ($\rm CuGeO_3$), charge ordering ($\rm NaV_2O_5$) and doping on chains and ladders (\ladder). The spectroscopic characterization of the model systems mentioned above has been performed using magnetic inelastic light scattering originating from a spin conserving exchange scattering mechanism. This is also bound to yield more insight into the interrelation between these spin gap excitations and the origin of the pseudo gap in high temperature superconductors.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Spin gap behavior and charge ordering in α^{\prime}-NaV_2O_5 probed by light scattering

We present a detailed analysis of light scattering experiments performed on the quarter-filled spin ladder compound $α^\prime$-NaV$_{2}$O$_{5}$ for the temperature range 5 K$\le$T$\le$300 K. This system undergoes a phase transition into a singlet ground state at T=34 K accompanied by the formation of a super structure. For T$\leq$34 K several new modes were detected. Three of these modes are identified as magnetic bound states. Experimental evidence for charge ordering on the V sites is detected as an anomalous shift and splitting of a V-O vibration at 422 cm$^{-1}$ for temperatures above 34 K. The smooth and crossover-like onset of this ordering at T$_{\rm CO}$= 80 K is accompanied by pretransitional fluctuations both in magnetic and phononic Raman scattering. It resembles the effect of stripe order on the super structure intensities in La$_2$NiO$_{4+δ}$.

cond-mat.str-el↗