Testing Quantum Mechanics with an Ultra-Cold Particle Trap

It is possible to empirically discriminate between the predictions of orthodox (i.e., Copenhagen) quantum theory and the de Broglie−Bohm theory of quantum mechanics. A practical experiment is proposed in which a single, laser-cooled ion inside an ultra-cold particle trap is either found to be near the trap’s walls or not. Detections of the former kind would support the prediction of orthodox quantum theory and of the latter kind would support the de Broglie−Bohm theory. The outcome of this experiment would show which theory gives the more correct description and, consequently, would have far-reaching implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics.

Research of the Ionosphere Using Equipment, Placed on Nano-Satellites. Part 1. Modeling a Vacuum Transducer

The urgency of the task of studying the density and composition of the upper layers of the atmosphere with the help of tools placed in micro- and nano-satellites vehicles is substantiated. A brief description of the structure of the atmosphere is carried out, the relevance and problems of instrumental studies of the density and composition of the upper atmosphere (ionosphere) are shown. A solution to these problems is proposed by developing a combined density and ion composition sensor for the upper atmosphere layers placed on nanosatellites. An approximate design of a compact inverse-magnetron vacuum gauge transducer is proposed, on the basis of which a combined transducer of density and ion composition of the upper atmosphere is constructed by combining it with a charged particle trap. This trap not only ensures the accuracy of its readings, but also allows you to determine the concentration of negatively and positively charged particles. The simulation of ionization processes in the working area of a compact inverse magnetron vacuum gauge transducer is carried out.

Geometrical aspects of rapid vibrations and rotations

The counterintuitive phenomenon of stabilization of the inverted pendulum by the vertical vibration of its pivot has been known for over a century. This remarkable effect attracted attention of many mathematicians and physicists, including Kapitsa, Feynman, Arnold, Moser and others. The 1989 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to W. Paul for his discovery of the particle trap based on this phenomenon. The inverted pendulum is a tip of an ‘iceberg’ of related phenomena arising in systems with high-frequency time-dependence. This article surveys some related phenomena discovered more recently, some connections with differential geometry and mechanics, and some new geometrical insights. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topological and geometrical aspects of mass and vortex dynamics’.