[en] In this study, multi-layered Ti/Al composites were prepared using a cyclic cold roll bonding/annealing process. The effect of initial thickness reduction by cold roll bonding and cyclic cold roll bonding/annealing on the formation and development of the titanium aluminide phase has been investigated in detail. The phases formed were characterized using light microscopy equipped with digital image analysis system and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The thermodynamics and kinetics of the diffusion reaction were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and enthalpy (H), entropy (S) and capacity (C) thermodynamic calculations. The diffusion reaction mechanism at this stage was discussed

[en] We introduce a new variational characterization of Gaussian diffusion processes as minimum uncertainty states. We then define a variational method constrained by kinematics of diffusions and Schroedinger dynamics to seek states of local minimum uncertainty for general non-harmonic potentials. (author)

[en] A program for the calculation of higher order QED radiative corrections to deep inelastic neutral current scattering at HERA energies within the QED structure function approach is described. (orig.)

[en] The accumulative roll bonding process was carried out to produce multilayered Ti/Al/Nb composites up to four cycles. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy electron backscattered diffraction and nanoindentation were employed to investigate the microstructural and texture evolution. A homogenous distribution of Ti/Nb necking layers in Al matrix was achieved after four ARB cycles. Grain refinement was observed to increase with increasing number of ARB cycles. The fraction of high-angle grain boundaries as also increased. Strong recrystallization texture appeared for high number of ARB cycles due to the adiabatic heat that occurs during ARB processing. The shear band at the Ti/Al interface reduced the intensity of the cold rolling fiber textures of Al. There was no evidence of shear component from the orientation distribution function results

[en] Higher order QED radiative corrections to deep inelastic neutral current scattering at HERA energies are computed within the QED structure function approach. Numerical results for 'bare' and 'dressed' electron calorimetric measurements are given and shortly discussed. (orig.)

[en] New results about the simulation of Resistive Plate Chambers are reported; particular emphasis is put in the understanding of charge spectra in regions where deviations from the pure avalanche mode of operation can be present

[en] We present the performance of resistive plates counters filled with gas mixtures containing different freons. Efficiency, single rate, cluster size were measured and compared. In particular, the charge collected by single strips has been compared to that obtained with a mixture containing R13B1 freon no longer allowed in several countries. Preliminary results show that R116 seems to be a good replacement, leading to performance similar to that obtained using R13B1 freon. (orig.)

[en] We propose a novel dynamical method for beating decoherence and dissipation in open quantum systems. We demonstrate the possibility of filtering out the effects of unwanted (not necessarily known) system-environment interactions and show that the noise-suppression procedure can be combined with the capability of retaining control over the effective dynamical evolution of the open quantum system. Implications for quantum information processing are discussed. copyright 1999 The American Physical Society

[en] Two large double-gap resistive plate chambers, with 2 and 3 mm gap widths, were tested to study their response uniformity when operated in avalanche mode. The effects of mechanical tolerances and the presence of the spacers is thoroughly examined. Results on efficiency and time resolution are presented. We find that average performance and response uniformity over the whole chamber surface are fully adequate to the requirements of future collider experiments. (author)

[en] A model to simulate the avalanche formation process and the induced signal in a Resistive Plate Chamber is presented. A first investigation of the effects of various parameters on the performance of this detector is reported. (author)