Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Aspects Of Stochastic Geometric Mechanics In Molecular Biophysics, David Frost

All Dissertations

In confocal single-molecule FRET experiments, the joint distribution of FRET efficiency and donor lifetime distribution can reveal underlying molecular conformational dynamics via deviation from their theoretical Forster relationship. This shift is referred to as a dynamic shift. In this study, we investigate the influence of the free energy landscape in protein conformational dynamics on the dynamic shift by simulation of the associated continuum reaction coordinate Langevin dynamics, yielding a deeper understanding of the dynamic and structural information in the joint FRET efficiency and donor lifetime distribution. We develop novel Langevin models for the dye linker dynamics, including rotational dynamics, based …

Divisibility Probabilities For Products Of Randomly Chosen Integers, Noah Y. Fine

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

We find a formula for the probability that the product of n positive integers, chosen at random, is divisible by some integer d. We do this via an inductive application of the Chinese Remainder Theorem, generating functions, and several other combinatorial arguments. Additionally, we apply this formula to find a unique, but slow, probabilistic primality test.

Envariance As A Symmetry In Quantum Mechanics And Applications To Statistical Mechanics, Paul Bracken

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

A quantum symmetry called entanglement-assisted invariance, also called envariance, is introduced. It is studied with respect to the process of performing quantum measurements. An apparatus which interacts with other physical systems, which are called environments, exchanges a single state with physical states equal in number to that of the possible outcomes of the experiment. Correlations between the apparatus and environment give rise to a type of selection rule which prohibits the apparatus from appearing in a superposition corresponding to different eigenvalues of the pointer basis of the apparatus. The eigenspaces of this observable form a natural basis for the apparatus …

The Vanishing Discount Method For Stochastic Control: A Linear Programming Approach, Brian Hospital

Theses and Dissertations

Under consideration are convergence results between optimality criteria for two infinite-horizon stochastic control problems: the long-term average problem and the $\alpha$-discounted problem, where $\alpha \in (0,1]$ is a given discount rate. The objects under control are those stochastic processes that arise as (relaxed) solutions to a controlled martingale problem; and such controlled processes, subject to a given budget constraint, comprise the feasible sets for the two stochastic control problems.

In this dissertation, we define and characterize the expected occupation measures associated with each of these stochastic control problems, and then reformulate each problem as an equivalent linear program over a …

Tardys Quantifiers: Extracting Temporal And Reversible Dynamical Symmetries, Nhat Vu Minh Nguyen, Arjendu K. Pattanayak, Andres Aragoneses

2023 Symposium

One of the great challenges in complex and chaotic dynamics is to reveal the details of its underlying determinism. This can be manifest in the form of temporal correlations or structured patterns in the dynamics of a measurable variable. These temporal dynamical structures are sometimes a consequence of hidden global symmetries. Here we identify the temporal (approximate) symmetries of a semiconductor laser with external optical feedback, based on which we define the Temporal And Reversible DYnamical Symmetry (TARDYS) quantifiers to evaluate the relevance of specific temporal correlations in a time series. We show that these symmetries are also present in …

A Mathematical Investigation Of Landauer’S Principle, Paul Bracken

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

A minimal mathematical approach is used to state Landauer’s principle in a precise, general way. The results are obtained by means of a rigorous development which is based on the use of quantum statistical mechanics. A mathematical form of the principle results as an equality rather than an inequality. The equality version does imply the original statement of the principle as introduced by Landauer.

The Use Of Probability In Quantum Mechanics To Calculate Measurement Outcomes, Hannah E. Collins

CAFE Symposium 2023

The concept of probability can help measure some of the possible outcomes of different experiments in the field of quantum mechanics. Those experiments include Thomas Young's double slit experiment, the Schrödinger equation, the wave function, and the Born Rule, which all make use of probability to predict the placement of certain subatomic particles including photons of light, in the experiments. In this project, the manner in which probability does this is explored in depth.

The Probability Of Miracles, Lewis A. Pummell

CAFE Symposium 2023

An insight into the probability that we will experience a miracle within our lives. This project considers different ways of defining a miracle, and how this impacts how we consider them in our lives. They are paradoxical, and completely subjective - although there are key concepts of probability which will guide opinion.

Looking For Life, Conor C. Grubb

CAFE Symposium 2023

The topic of aliens is not just about conspiracy theories and tinfoil hats, through the years numerous respected scientists have weighed in and put thought into the topic. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is closely tied to the Fermi Paradox and the Drake Equation. The Fermi Paradox considers why humans haven't already interacted with aliens if they exist, and the Drake Equation outlines potential variables that would influence the chances of humanity receiving radio contact from an alien civilization.

The Effect Of Damping By An Environment On Emergence Of Classicality, Paul Bracken

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

The role of dissipation with respect to a microscopic superposition of quantum states is investigated by means of master equations. This has implications for the study of the emergence of classicality from the quantum level. In particular, it illustrates why it is difficult to observe a macroscopic quantum state. The role of the environment is assumed by the measuring apparatus. A pure state is reduced to a mixture in the pointer basis of the system by means of the interaction with the apparatus. It is the intention that this type of analysis will have applications to experiments which are designed …

Models For Decision-Making - Second Edition, Steven Cosares, Fred Rispoli

Open Educational Resources

Decision-Making often refers to a multi-stage process that starts with some form of introspection or reflection about a situation in which a person or group of people find themselves. These ruminations usually lead to series of questions that need to be answered, or to a set of data that needs to be collected and analyzed, or to some calculations that need to be performed before someone can be in a position to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

We provide some simple examples of Quantitative Models, which are often found in a decision-making situation. We focus on the use …

Spotting K-Tricaps In Spot It!, Jenarah Skyara Lara

Senior Projects Spring 2023

The card game “SPOT IT!” consists of 55 cards, with 8 symbols appearing on each card. Every pair of cards has exactly one symbol in common, and the goal of the game is to be the first person to find this symbol. An alternate way to play the game is to find sets of 3 cards that have the same symbol in common. We will use combinatorics, probability, and finite projective geometry to analyze the structure of the game. The game “SPOT IT!” can be viewed as the projective plane of order 7. However, we can construct a similar game …