The history of mathematics is, to a considerable extent, connected with the study of solutions of the equation f(x)=a=const for functions f(x) of one real or complex variable. Therefore, it is surprising that we know very little about solutions of u(x,y)=A=const for functions of two real variables. These two solutions, called level of sets, are very important with regard to applications in physics, biology and economics as they make a map of appropriate processes described by the function u(x,y) for given parameters (x,y). This text explores a concept, Gamma-lines, which generalizes the concept of levels of sets and, at the same time, the concept of a-points. The authors provide a book on Gamma-lines for the broad specialist and show the large range of their field of applications. The general methods proposed in this volume are useful for both physicists and engineers.

Neutron-capture prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is particularly valuable as a non-destructive nuclear method in the measurement of elements that do not form neutron capture products with delayed gamma ray emissions. Inaccurate and incomplete data have been a significant hindrance in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complicated capture gamma spectra by means of PGAA. This database was produced to improve the quality and quantity of required data in order to make possible the reliable application of PGAA in fields such as materials science, geology, mining, archaeology, environment, food analysis and medicine. The database provides a variety of tables for all natural elements (from H to U) including the following data: isotopic composition, thermal radiative cross-section (total and partial), Westcott g-factors, energy of the gamma rays (prompt and delayed), decay mode, half-life and branching ratios. The CD-ROM included in this publication contains the database, the retrieval system and important electronic documents related to the project.--Publisher's description.

The Nevanlinna theory of value distribution of meromorphic functions, one of the milestones of complex analysis during the last century, was c- ated to extend the classical results concerning the distribution of of entire functions to the more general setting of meromorphic functions. Later on, a similar reasoning has been applied to algebroid functions, subharmonic functions and meromorphic functions on Riemann surfaces as well as to - alytic functions of several complex variables, holomorphic and meromorphic mappings and to the theory of minimal surfaces. Moreover, several appli- tions of the theory have been exploited, including complex differential and functional equations, complex dynamics and Diophantine equations. The main emphasis of this collection is to direct attention to a number of recently developed novel ideas and generalizations that relate to the - velopment of value distribution theory and its applications. In particular, we mean a recent theory that replaces the conventional consideration of counting within a disc by an analysis of their geometric locations. Another such example is presented by the generalizations of the second main theorem to higher dimensional cases by using the jet theory. Moreover, s- ilar ideas apparently may be applied to several related areas as well, such as to partial differential equations and to differential geometry. Indeed, most of these applications go back to the problem of analyzing zeros of certain complex or real functions, meaning in fact to investigate level sets or level surfaces.

Covering a wide range of topics related to neutron and x-ray optics, this book explores the aspects of neutron and x-ray optics and their associated background and applications in a manner accessible to both lower-level students while retaining the detail necessary to advanced students and researchers. It is a self-contained book with detailed mathematical derivations, background, and physical concepts presented in a linear fashion. A wide variety of sources were consulted and condensed to provide detailed derivations and coverage of the topics of neutron and x-ray optics as well as the background material needed to understand the physical and mathematical reasoning directly related or indirectly related to the theory and practice of neutron and x-ray optics. The book is written in a clear and detailed manner, making it easy to follow for a range of readers from undergraduate and graduate science, engineering, and medicine. It will prove beneficial as a standalone reference or as a complement to textbooks. - Supplies a historical context of covered topics. - Detailed presentation makes information easy to understand for researchers within or outside the field. - Incorporates reviews of all relevant literature in one convenient resource.

This book is intended for scientists engaged in the measurement of weak alpha, beta, and gamma active samples; in health physics, environmental control, nuclear geophysics, tracer work, radiocarbon dating etc. It describes the underlying principles of radiation measurement and the detectors used. It also covers the sources of background, analyzes their effect on the detector and discusses economic ways to reduce the background. The most important types of low-level counting systems and the measurement of some of the more important radioisotopes are described here. In cases where more than one type can be used, the selection of the most suitable system is shown.

In a period when the study of archaeological remains is enriched through new methods derived from the natural sciences and when there is general agreement on the need for more investment in the study, restoration and conservation of the tangible cultural heritage, this book presents contributions to these fields from South-Eastern Europe.

This book describes the Proceedings of the International Conference on Nuclear Data for Science and Technology held at Jillich in May 1991. The conference was in a series of application oriented nuclear data conferences organized in the past under the auspices of the Nuclear Energy Agency-Nuclear Data Committee (NEANDC) and with the support of the Nuclear Energy Agency-Committee on Reactor Physics (NEACRP). It was the fIrst international conference on nuclear data held in Germany, with the scientific responsibility entrusted to the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry of the Research Centre Jillich. The scientific programme was established by the International Programme Committee in consultation with the International Advisers, and the NEA and IAEA cooperated in the organization. A total of 328 persons from 37 countries and fIve international organizations participated. The scope of these Proceedings extends to a wide range of interdisciplinary topics dealing with measu rement, calculation, evaluation and application of nuclear data, with a major emphasis on numerical data. Both energy and non-energy related applications are considered and due attention is given to some fundamental aspects relevant to the understanding of nuclear data.

This comprehensive book covers the everyday use and underlying principles of radiation dosimeters used in radiation oncology clinics. It provides an up-to-date reference spanning the full range of current modalities with emphasis on practical know-how. The main audience is medical physicists, radiation oncology physics residents, and medical physics graduate students. The reader gains the necessary tools for determining which detector is best for a given application. Dosimetry of cutting edge techniques from radiosurgery to MRI-guided systems to small fields and proton therapy are all addressed. Main topics include fundamentals of radiation dosimeters, brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy dosimetry, and dosimetry of imaging modalities. Comprised of 30 chapters authored by leading experts in the medical physics community, the book: Covers the basic principles and practical use of radiation dosimeters in radiation oncology clinics across the full range of current modalities. Focuses on providing practical guidance for those using these detectors in the clinic. Explains which detector is more suitable for a particular application. Discusses the state of the art in radiotherapy approaches, from radiosurgery and MR-guided systems to advanced range verification techniques in proton therapy. Gives critical comparisons of dosimeters for photon, electron, and proton therapies.