We discuss linear and nonlinear optical wave propagation in a left-handed medium (LHM) or medium of negative refraction (NRM). We use the approach of characterizing the medium response totally by a generalized electric polarization (with a dielectric permittivity {tilde {var_epsilon}}(w, {rvec k})) that can be decomposed into a curl and a non-curl part. The description has a one-to-one correspondence with the usual approach characterizing the LHM response with a dielectric permittivity {var_epsilon}<0 and a magnetic permeability {mu}<0. The latter approach is less physically transparent in the optical frequency region because the usual definition of magnetization loses its physical meaning. Linear wave propagation in LHM or NRM is characterized by negative refraction and negative group velocity that could be clearly manifested by ultra-short pulse propagation in such a medium. Nonlinear optical effects in LHM can be predicted from the same calculations adopted for ordinary media using our general approach.

During the first 6 months of this project, four subtasks were scheduled. Two of these commenced earlier than originally proposed. The experimental task, development of new railplug designs, was completed on schedule. The three numerical subtasks were not completed on schedule. However, this is not expected to affect the capability to complete the overall project on schedule. Because we are early in the project, no results or conclusions were generated. Our progress included development of new railplug geometries, to be tested during the second 6 months of the project, and development of an initial 3D model. Progress was also made in development of the appropriate chemical kinetics and generation of a model for the ignition circuit.

Since September 11, 2001, much effort has been devoted to the development of new and improved means for the detection and prevention of the clandestine transport of special nuclear material (SNM, i.e. {sup 235}U or {sup 239}Pu) and other materials for producing weapons of mass destruction. In a recent Brief Communication, Borozdin et al. showed that cosmic-ray muons could be used to image dense objects inside containers. Here we describe a method for unequivocally identifying SNM in large seagoing containers. Our method is based on the fact that neutron-induced fission of {sup 235}U or {sup 239}Pu is followed by {beta} decays of short-lived fission fragments during which large numbers of high-energy {gamma} rays (above 3000 keV) are emitted. These {gamma} rays have energies above those of natural {gamma} background, are emitted with significantly greater intensity per fission than {beta}-delayed neutrons, have much higher probabilities of escaping hydrogenous cargo loadings than neutrons, and their energy spectra and time dependencies provide a unique signature of SNM. To demonstrate the main properties of high-energy delayed {gamma} rays, we produced neutrons by bombarding a 1-inch thick water-cooled Be target with 16-MeV deuterons from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 88-Inch Cyclotron. Neutrons were moderated using steel …

Global magnetohydrodynamic stability limits in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) have increased significantly recently due to a combination of device and operational improvements. First, more routine H-mode operation with broadened pressure profiles allows access to higher normalized beta and lower internal inductance. Second, the correction of a poloidal field coil induced error-field has largely eliminated locked tearing modes during normal operation and increased the maximum achievable beta. As a result of these improvements, peak beta values have reached (not simultaneously) {beta}{sub t} = 35%, {beta}{sub N} = 6.4, <{beta}{sub N}> = 4.5, {beta}{sub N}/l{sub i} = 10, and {beta}{sub P} = 1.4. High {beta}{sub P} operation with reduced tearing activity has allowed a doubling of discharge pulse-length to just over 1 second with sustained periods of {beta}{sub N} {approx} 6 above the ideal no-wall limit and near the with-wall limit. Details of the {beta} limit scalings and {beta}-limiting instabilities in various operating regimes are described.

A diagnostic setup for characterization of the near-anode processes in Hall thrusters was designed and assembled. Experimental results with a single floating probe show that radial probe insertion does not cause perturbations to the discharge and therefore can be used for near-anode measurements.

This study used an experimental model of a constructed wetland to evaluate the risk of mercury methylation when the soil is amended with sulfate. The model was planted with Schoenoplectus californicus, and the sediments were varied during construction to provide a control and two levels of sulfate treatment.

After the LHC operates for several years at nominal parameters, it will be necessary to upgrade it for higher luminosity. Replacing the low-{beta} insertions with a higher performance design based on advanced superconducting magnets is one of the most straightforward steps in this direction. Preliminary studies show that, with magnet technology that is expected to be developed by early in the next decade, a factor of 2 to 5 reduction in {beta}* could be achieved with new insertions, as part of an upgrade aimed at a factor of 10 luminosity increase. In this paper we survey several possible second generation LHC interaction regions designs, which address the expected limitations on LHC performance imposed by the baseline insertions.

This grant enabled research from 1991 to 2001 on muonium, the bound state of a positive muon and electron. The effort was led by Vernon Hughes, and involved almost 20 physicists from four U.S. and two international institutions. The experiment E1054 performed under the grant at the Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility at Los Alamos, was both a continuation and improvement on a series of experiments dating back to the discovery of muonium in 1960. High precision measurements of two Zeeman hyperfine transitions in the ground state of muonium were made, using microwave magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a line-narrowing technique. The experiment yielded the most precise values for the ground state hyperfine interval, {Delta}v, to 12 ppb, and the ratio of muon to proton magnetic moments, {mu}{sub {mu}}/{mu}{sub p} to 120 ppb, representing a threefold (statistics limited) improvement over previous work. The mass of the muon, m{sub {mu}}, is also determined most precisely from this work. Comparison between theory and experiment for {Delta}v constitutes the most precise test of bound-state QED, and also tests {mu}e universality. Using the theoretical predictions for {Delta}v, a value of the fine structure constant {alpha} was derived to 58 ppb. Finally, by searching for …

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) established a Nonproliferation Assessment Methodology (NPAM) Working Group, comprised of representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories and academia, to develop guidelines for the practical application of Nonproliferation Assessment Methodologies (NPAM). The purpose of these methodologies is to address questions and issues related to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons-useable nuclear materials and related technologies, as input to policy analysis. This document presents the guidelines developed by the Working Group.

This report contains the results of a preliminary assessment conducted on bounding Hanford Site glass and grout waste forms and their ability to meet selected disposal performance objectives. The study relies solely on previously documented information and engineering judgment, and is not intended to provide definitive information for technology selection or regulatory decisions.

To achieve high luminosity, a linear collider needs damping rings to produce beams with very small transverse emittances. In the NLC, design constraints place the Main Damping Rings in a parameter regime where intrabeam scattering (IBS) is likely to be a limitation on the emittance, and hence on the final luminosity. It is possible to mitigate the effects of IBS by lengthening the bunch: this may be achieved by redesigning the lattice with higher momentum compaction, or by use of higher harmonic cavities. Here, we consider the latter approach. We estimate the required bunch lengthening that might be needed, outline some appropriate parameters for the harmonic cavities, and discuss some of the effects that might be introduced or exacerbated by the cavities, such as synchronous phase variation along the bunch train.