Nichols algebras are a fundamental building block of pointed Hopf algebras. Part of the classification program of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras with the lifting method of Andruskiewitsch and Schneider is the determination of the liftings, i.e., all possible deformations of a given Nichols algebra. Based on recent work of Heckenberger about Nichols algebras of diagonal type we compute explicitly the liftings of all Nichols algebras with Cartan matrix of type A_2, some Nichols algebras with Cartan matrix of type B_2, and some Nichols algebras of two Weyl equivalence classes of non-standard type, giving new classes of finite-dimensional pointed Hopf algebras.

Michael Helbig

We describe a new approach to constrain the amplitude of the power spectrum of matter perturbations in the Universe, parametrized by sigma_8 as a function of the matter density Omega_0. We compare the galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity function of the REFLEX survey with the theoretical mass function of Jenkins et al. (2001), using the mass-luminosity relationship obtained from weak lensing data for a sample of galaxy clusters identified in Sloan Digital Sky Survey commissioning data and confirmed through cross-correlation with the ROSAT all-sky survey. We find sigma_8 = 0.38 Omega_0^(-0.48+0.27 Omega_ 0), which is significantly different from most previous results derived from comparable calculations that used the X-ray temperature function. We discuss possible sources of systematic error that may cause such a discrepancy, and in the process uncover a possible inconsistency between the REFLEX luminosity function and the relation between cluster X-ray luminosity and mass obtained by Reiprich & Bohringer (2001).

Pedro T. P. Viana Robert C. Nichol Andrew R. Liddle

We discuss the partners of the stress energy tensor and their structure in Logarithmic conformal field theories. In particular we draw attention to the fundamental differences between theories with zero and non-zero central charge. However they are both characterised by at least two independent parameters. We show how, by using a generalised Sugawara construction, one can calculate the logarithmic partner of T. We show that such a construction works in the c=-2 theory using the conformal dimension one primary currents which generate a logarithmic extension of the Kac-Moody algebra.

I. I. Kogan A. Nichols

Fomin and Kirillov initiated a line of research into the realization of the cohomology and $K$-theory of generalized flag varieties $G/B$ as commutative subalgebras of certain noncommutative algebras. This approach has several advantages, which we discuss. This paper contains the most comprehensive result in a series of papers related to the mentioned line of research. More precisely, we give a model for the $T$-equivariant $K$-theory of a generalized flag variety $K_T(G/B)$ in terms of a certain braided Hopf algebra called the Nichols-Woronowicz algebra. Our model is based on the Chevalley-type multiplication formula for $K_T(G/B)$ due to the first author and Postnikov; this formula is stated using certain operators defined in terms of so-called alcove paths (and the corresponding affine Weyl group). Our model is derived using a type-independent and concise approach.

Cristian Lenart Toshiaki Maeno

A number of ultra-cool dwarfs emit circularly polarised radio waves generated by the electron cyclotron maser instability. In the solar system such radio is emitted from regions of strong auroral magnetic field-aligned currents. We thus apply ideas developed for Jupiter's magnetosphere, being a well-studied rotationally-dominated analogue in our solar system, to the case of fast-rotating UCDs. We explain the properties of the radio emission from UCDs by showing that it would arise from the electric currents resulting from an angular velocity shear in the fast-rotating magnetic field and plasma, i.e. by an extremely powerful analogue of the process which causes Jupiter's auroras. Such a velocity gradient indicates that these bodies interact significantly with their space environment, resulting in intense auroral emissions. These results strongly suggest that auroras occur on bodies outside our solar system.

J. D. Nichols M. R. Burleigh S. L. Casewell J. T. Clarke S. W. H Cowley A. A. West G. A. Wynn

We investigated the effect of out-of-plane crumpling on the mechanical response of graphene membranes. In our experiments, stress was applied to graphene membranes using pressurized gas while the strain state was monitored through two complementary techniques: interferometric profilometry and Raman spectroscopy. By comparing the data obtained through these two techniques, we determined the geometric hidden area which quantifies the crumpling strength. While the devices with hidden area $\sim0~\%$ obeyed linear mechanics with biaxial stiffness $428\pm10$ N/m, specimens with hidden area in the range $0.5-1.0~\%$ were found to obey an anomalous Hooke's law with an exponent $\sim0.1$.

Ryan J. T. Nicholl Nickolay V. Lavrik Ivan Vlassiouk Bernadeta R. Srijanto Kirill I. Bolotin

Strongly correlated materials are expected to feature unconventional transport properties, such that charge, spin, and heat conduction are potentially independent probes of the dynamics. In contrast to charge transport, the measurement of spin transport in such materials is highly challenging. We observed spin conduction and diffusion in a system of ultracold fermionic atoms that realizes the half-filled Fermi-Hubbard model. For strong interactions, spin diffusion is driven by super-exchange and doublon-hole-assisted tunneling, and strongly violates the quantum limit of charge diffusion. The technique developed in this work can be extended to finite doping, which can shed light on the complex interplay between spin and charge in the Hubbard model.

Matthew A. Nichols Lawrence W. Cheuk Melih Okan Thomas R. Hartke Enrique Mendez T. Senthil Ehsan Khatami Hao Zhang Martin W. Zwierlein

We present measurements of the cooling length $\ell_E$ for hot electrons in a GaAs-based high mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). The thermal measurements are performed on a long 60 $\mu$m-wide channel, which is Joule-heated at one end, along which there are three similar hot-electron thermocouples, spaced 30 $\mu$m apart. The thermocouples measure an exponentially decaying temperature profile with a characteristic length $\ell_E$, which decreases from 23 to 16 $\mu$m as the lattice temperature increases from 1.8 to 5 K. From a simple one-dimensional model of heat diffusion, we measure an inelastic scattering time which decreases from $\tau_i \approx$ 0.36 to 0.18 ns. The measured $\tau_i$ has a magnitude and temperature dependence consistent with acoustic phonon scattering times. We discuss how the sample design can be varied for further thermal investigations. Knowledge of the temperature profile and its gradient will prove useful in measurements of the thermal conductivity and the Nernst effect.

A. K. Jain J. T. Nicholls S. N. Holmes G. Jaliel C. Chen I. Farrer D. A. Ritchie

Using the extraordinary sensitivity of Andreev interferometers to the superconducting phase difference associated with currents, we measure the persistent current quantum states in superconducting loops interrupted by Josephson junctions. Straightforward electrical resistance measurements of the interferometers give continuous read-out of the states, allowing us to construct the energy spectrum of the quantum circuit. The probe is estimated to be more precise and faster than previous methods, and can measure the local phase difference in a wide range of superconducting circuits.

V. T. Petrashov K. G. Chua K. M. Marshall R. Sh. Shaikhaidarov J. T. Nicholls

A description is given of the light-injection calibration system that has been developed for the MINOS long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. The system is based upon pulsed blue LEDs monitored by PIN photodiodes. It is designed to measure non-linearities in the PMT gain curves, as well as monitoring any drifts in PMT gain, at the 1% level.

P. Adamson J. Alner B. Anderson T. Chase P. J. Dervan T. Durkin E. Falk P. G. Harris D. G. Michael R. Morse R. Nichol R. Saakyan C. Smith P. N. Smith J. Thomas R. Webb R. F. White