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R. Hofmann

Publications and source records attributed to R. Hofmann.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Near-Infrared-Spectroscopy with Extremely Large Telescopes: Integral-Field- versus Multi-Object-Instruments

Integral-field-spectroscopy and multi-object-spectroscopy provide the high multiplex gain required for efficient use of the upcoming generation of extremely large telescopes. We present instrument developments and designs for both concepts, and how these designs can be applied to cryogenic near-infrared instrumentation. Specifically, the fiber-based concept stands out the possibility to expand it to any number of image points, and its modularity predestines it to become the new concept for multi-field-spectroscopy. Which of the three concepts --- integral-field-, multi-object-, or multi-field-spectroscopy --- is best suited for the largest telescopes is discussed considering the size of the objects and their density on the sky.

astro-ph↗

Calculation of the Regularized Vacuum Energy in Cavity Field Theories

A novel technique based on Schwinger's proper time method is applied to the Casimir problem of the M.I.T. bag model. Calculations of the regularized vacuum energies of massless scalar and Dirac spinor fields confined to a static and spherical cavity are presented in a consistent manner. While our results agree partly with previous calculations based on asymptotic methods, the main advantage of our technique is that the numerical errors are under control. Interpreting the bag constant as a vacuum expectation value, we investigate potential cancellations of boundary divergences between the canonical energy and its bag constant counterpart in the fermionic case. It is found that such cancellations do not occur.

hep-th↗

Direct Test of the Scalar-Vector Lorentz Structure of the Nucleon- and Antinucleon-Nucleus Potential

Quantum Hadrodynamics in mean field approximation describes the effective nucleon-nucleus potential (about -50 MeV deep) as resulting from a strong repulsive vector (about 400 MeV) and a strong attractive scalar (about -450 MeV) contribution. This scalar-vector Lorentz structure implies a significant lowering of the threshold for $p\bar{p}$ photoproduction on a nucleus by about 850 MeV as compared to the free case since charge conjugation reverses the sign of the vector potential contribution in the equation of motion for the $\bar{p}$ states. It also implies a certain size of the photon induced $p\bar{p}$ pair creation cross section near threshold which is calculated for a target nucleus $^{208}$Pb. We also indicate a measurable second signature of the $p\bar{p}$ photoproduction process by estimating the increased cross section for emission of charged pions as a consequence of $\bar{p}$ annihilation within the nucleus.

nucl-th↗