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Bridges, T. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Bridges, T. J..

Differential eigenvalue problems in which the parameter appears nonlinearly

Several methods are examined for determining the eigenvalues of a system of equations in which the parameter appears nonlinearly. The equations are the result of the discretization of differential eigenvalue problems using a finite Chebyshev series. Two global methods are considered which determine the spectrum of eigenvalues without an initial estimate. A local iteration scheme with cubic convergence is presented. Calculations are performed for a model second order differential problem and the Orr-Sommerfeld problem for plane Poiseuille flow.

Bridges, T. J.

Nonlinear optical response of metal-barrier-metal junctions

The optical response of metal-barrier-metal (MBM) junctions is discussed, with emphasis on the nonlinearity of response associated with reversal of polarity as optical intensity is increased. This nonlinear behavior can be used to measure correlation functions of optical pulses or to generate ultrashort electrical pulses. Expressions for the current flowing through the insulating barrier (junction), and for the rectification current, are given. Pulse signal and polarity of the electrical pulse evolves as the junction bias is varied about the null-signal bias. The apparatus used to obtain rectification pulse signals is described; the calculated evolution of the rectified pulse shape is found to correspond to that of pulse signals obtained experimentally. The generation of pulses six orders of magnitude smaller than a previously-obtained instrument-limited 1.6 nanosecond pulse has been observed.

Fan, B.