Amit Goswami

Bootstrap theory of vibrations: (I). Perturbative solutions and quasi-random-phase approximation in heavy spherical nuclei

Abstract A self-consistent (bootstrap) theory of vibrations is developed for heavy spherical nuclei. The extended quasiparticle-phonon coupling (EQPC) theory is modified by introducing self-consistent potentials representing large matrix elements of the quadrupole operators between the even-core (ground and phonon) states. The bootstrap is completed by supplementing the EQPC equations with a new equation for the determination of the energy of the collective core states. These bootstrap equations are solved by using first order perturbation theory which leads to RPA. By employing second-order perturbation theory for the energy of the odd-mass states, the restoration of odd-even mass difference by backward coupling is shown. The “pushing-up effect” is also explicitly demonstrated.

Is there conscious choice in directed mutation, phenocopies, and related phenomena? An answer based on quantum measurement theory.

In a previous article (Goswami, 1997), it was suggested that an application of quantum measurement theory under the auspices of a monistic idealist ontology (that consciousness is the ground of being) can solve many difficult problems of neo-Darwinism, e.g., alternating rapid creativity and homeostasis observed in evolution and the directionality, origin, and nature of life. In this article, we propose an epigenetic quantum mechanism to explain the connection of developmental processes and evolution, as has been evidenced in such controversial phenomena as directed mutation and phenocopies. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A31BB026 00003

Coulomb excitation of 73Ge and quasiparticle-phonon coupling theories

Abstract The excitation energies and γ-ray decay modes of several low-lying states in the nucleus 73Ge have been studied using Coulomb excitation with 2.6–4.0 MeV α-particles on an enriched 73Ge target to test the predictions of quasiparticle-phonon coupling theories, in particular to test if there are any high-spin states in the low-energy spectrum. Gamma-rays were observed with a 60 cm3 Ge(Li) detector. Thick-target γ-ray yields were utilized to establish Coulomb excited levels, to clarify the γ-ray decay of 73Ge, and to obtain reduced upward transition probabilities, B(E2)↑, associated with the levels indicated as follows: 68.6 keV (0.073 ±0.007), 499.0 keV (0.0091±0.0005) and 825.6 keV (0.077±0.004). Angular distributions of the de-excitation γ-rays from the Coulomb excited levels were measured and various spin possibilities for each level were eliminated by the χ2 technique. The following spinparity assignments are consistent with our γ-ray angular distribution measurements: 68.6 keV ( 5 2 + , 7 2 + , 9 2 + ), 499.0 keV ( 7 2 + ), and 825.6 ( 7 2 + , 13 2 + ). Branching ratios were extracted from the γ-ray angular distribution measurements. The eB(E2)↑ values for the first 2+ excited states of 72Ge(0.18), 74Ge(0.29), and 76Ge(0.27) were also obtained. The results for 73Ge are compared with the predictions of several quasiparticle-phonon coupling theories and some suggestions are made to improve agreement between experiment and theory.

Consciousness and biological order: toward a quantum theory of life and its evolution.

Biological order is discussed within the context of the idealist interpretation of quantum mechanics. A quantum mechanism is proposed for quantum speciation and for quantum evolution, in general. It is shown that an extension of neo-Darwinism to include quantum evolution via a quantum mechanism can resolve some of the recent controversies that have rattled evolution theory. It is pointed out that the quantum approach has the further benefit of giving a straightforward insight into the nature of life itself. Experimental support for some aspects of the theory is discussed.

A surface-delta description of analyzing power measurements for collective states of Ni and Zn isotopes☆

Abstract Analyzing powers and differential cross sections for the inelastic scattering of 15 MeV polarized protons to the stronger collective states of 58, 60 Ni and 64 Zn have been measured. The data were compared to detailed microscopic reaction calculations using a central plus spin-dependent effective interaction. The nuclear structure wave functions used were obtained from a quasiparticle random-phase appoximation calculation using a spin-dependent surface delta interaction and a basis set containing both neutron and proton configurations. The overall quality of the fits strongly suggests that the surface-delta wave functions provide a good representation for spherical nuclei in this intermediate mass range. The effects of exchange and further modifications to the microscopic effective interaction are discussed.

On the hexadecapole collective motion in spherical nuclei

Abstract The hexadecapole-collective motion in spherical nuclei is discussed. Numerical calculations are presented and compared with available experimental data.

Surface δ-interaction model for doubly open shell nuclei: (I). Quadrupole vibrations

Abstract The surface-delta interaction (SDI) of Moszkowski is applied to calculations of quadrupole vibrational states of spherical nuclei with the following special features: (i) The spin-dependence of the force is treated correctly. This is important for doubly open-shell nuclei, (ii) The phase of the single-particle wave functions at the surface is taken into account. This is important for the calculation of the E2 transition probability from the one-phonon state to the ground state. Numerical calculations are presented for the NiZn region and the TeBaXe region. The results are compared with the predictions of the pairing-plus-quadrupole model and with experiment. The agreement with experiment is very good.

BOOTSTRAP THEORY OF VIBRATIONS. II. EXTENDED PARTICLE-PHONON COUPLING AND RPA IN CLOSED SHELL NUCLEAR REGIONS.

Abstract The bootstrap theory of vibrations is developed for closed-shell nuclei where the particle and phonon modes of these nuclei are generated simultaneously and self-consistently. It is shown that in first order the phonon solutions of this theory correspond to the random-phase approximation (RPA). The properties of the particle modes is also studied in this order. It is found that particle (hole) states are pushed up in energy which can account for the discrepancy between the shell-model particle-hole energies and the experimental ones. The non-normal parity states (particle-phonon coupled mode) are also studied and it is found that some of these can be expected to lie close in energy to the normal parity (particle mode) states, as it is experimentally found. The possibility of a different approach where the calculation of even- and odd-mass nuclei is carried out separately, the extended-particle-phonon-coupling theory (EPPC without bootstrap) is also pointed out. A numerical example using the perturbation theoretical solution of EPPC theory is given for 39, 40, 41Ca.

Toward a Paradigm Shift in Biology

Before the 20th century, Newton‘s laws of motion provided the paradigmatic umbrella for all phenomena of physics: mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, and so forth. In biology, neo-Darwinism and molecular biology provide such a paradigm today.

An idealist theory of ethics

Abstract: Is ethics a problem of science? It is argued that in order to be considered a force to be reckoned with, ethics must be based on or be compatible with the contemporary scientific world view. It is shown that the currently popular ethical system of utilitarianism has its roots in a material realistic view of the world that grew out of classical physics. But currently the world view of classical physics is giving way to a new idealist view of quantum physics. A theory of ethics is developed based on the philosophy of monistic idealism and the idealist resolution of quantum measurement and mind‐body problems. Such a theory can resolve some of the knotty ethical issues that Kant first raised