Purpose. The paper describes and studies a method for determining the characteristics of thin flat conducting films based on the use of plasmon resonances. Methodology and Approach. The dependences of the reflection and transmission coefficients of radiation on the frequency for a thin conducting film are studied and analyzed by using theoretical relations taking into account the dielectric permittivity of the conduction electron plasma. Results. A method for measuring the characteristics of thin conducting films by plasmon resonances is proposed and described. The features of plasma resonances are investigated. The relationship between the frequencies of plasmon resonances and the characteristics of a thin conducting film, such as its thickness and temperature, is shown, which makes it possible to measure the characteristics of the film using these resonant frequencies. Conditions for the film thickness measured by this method are obtained. An estimate is given for the frequency difference of plasmon resonances. Theoretical and practical implications. The proposed method for measuring the characteristics of thin conducting films can be used in microelectronics to control the parameters of integrated circuits, in optics to determine the thickness of thin layers of optical structures, and in industry to control thin film coatings.

Purpose. The regularities of a simultaneous increase in microhardness and plastic properties of the surface of titanium alloy VT9 are investigated. The hardness and Young’s modulus of thin surface layers are determined. Methodology and Approach. The methods employed are based on the use of nanosecond laser pulses initiating a complex of physical and chemical processes. The method of continuous indentation with a maximum load of 0,05 N is used. The mechanical properties of surface structures of titanium alloy VT9 after laser treatment are analyzed. Using the load-penetration diagrams, the following values were calculated: the contact depth of penetration, the stiffness of the contact ‘indenter-material’ pair, the projection area of the unreconstructed print, and the effective Young’s modulus. On the basis of the Oliver-Pharr method, the nano- and microhardness, as well as the modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the surface layers of a titanium alloy are estimated Results. It is found that as a result of processing, the microhardness of the surface increases by 2,5-4,5 times, and the Young’s modulus by 1,1-1,5 times. A distinctive feature of the proposed treatment method is good adhesion of the surface layer with the bulk material, which reduces the probability of high mechanical stresses and cracking. Theoretical and Practical implications. The proposed method of laser processing makes it possible to form hardened surface layers in a normal atmosphere, which contributes to a significant simplification of the technological process and reduces its cost.

Purpose. The nonlinear dynamics of a charged metal ball rotating over the horizontal plane is described and the solution of the nonlinear differential equation is analyzed, which takes into account both bremsstrahlung electromagnetic radiation and traditional resistance forces resulting from the viscosity of the continuum (viscous friction) and dry friction in the hinge joint. Methodology and Approach. The research method is based on the compilation of a motion equation using the principle of preserving the hollow power of the system under study. Results. A dynamic motion equation is obtained and its analytical solution is found in a parametric form. Theoretical and Practical implications. The mathematical description of the dynamics of the movement of a charged metal ball over a circular orbit is proposed and a solution to the resulting equation/analysis can be practically used in the study of the motion of the planets of the Solar System.

The purpose of the work is to assess the possibility of constructing an entropy criterion for the strength of materials by the example of a viscoelastic material under creep and cyclic loads. Methodology and Approach. Study of the entropy criterion for the strength of materials using a mathematical apparatus. The results. The possibility of constructing an entropy criterion for the strength of materials is estimated by the example of a viscoelastic material under creep and cyclic loads. It is shown that the increment of entropy density is determined by the nature of the loading process. For this reason, it turns out to be impossible to propose any value of the limiting value of the increment of entropy density as a criterion for the long-term strength of a viscoelastic material. Theoretical and practical relevance: the obtained results can be applied in the theory of mechanics of composites.

Purpose. The possibility of determining the neutrino mass (antineutrino) is evaluated by measuring relative characteristics instead of the traditional measurement of the electron energy spectrum (positrons) at its end. Methodology and Approach. The idea of the method is to minimize the influence of poorly studied structures of nuclei and nucleons on relative quantities measured in experiments, such as polarizations and asymmetries of particles. Results. The possibility of conducting new laboratory experiments to determine the neutrino mass (antineutrino) by measuring asymmetries and polarizations of particles instead of the traditional measurement of the energy spectrum of electrons (positrons) at its end is theoretically shown. Theoretical and Practical implications. The results of the study will help better understand the neutrino physics and the theory of electroweak interactions.

The purpose of the study is to consider the issues of forecasting the electromagnetic environment and assess the compatibility of onboard radio-electronic equipment of interplanetary spacecraft. Methodology and Approach. It is shown that well-known standards for assessing electromagnetic compatibility are not applicable for determining the electromagnetic fields generated by spacecraft equipment. Taking into account the results of bench tests conducted, theoretical and theoretical models of sources of electromagnetic fields near spacecraft have been developed. Results. The features of interaction in the electromagnetic fields of the plasma of electric jets with the radio-electronic means of spacecraft are investigated. The results of the analysis of electromagnetic compatibility of airborne electronic systems are presented. Theoretical and Practical implications. The results of the study provide the choice of the optimal frequency range for radio communications used on interplanetary spacecraft. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the various effects of the anomalous interaction of electromagnetic fields with plasma formations created by the electroreactive engines of spacecraft.

Purpose is to assert that quantum entanglement is the main tool for communication and information processing. Methodology and Approach. Quantum key distribution protocols and problems of their protection were studied with the soliton model of entangled photons. They were evaluated hacking risks transmitting information between the legitimate users. The risks of hacking information transfer between legitimate users were assessed. There is also used a simple dichotomous signal generating method. This method can be the basis of probabilistic modeling of quantum states. Quantum Cryptographic Systems can be partially simulated on a classical computer with entangled soliton model, because quantum entanglement is the main tool for communication and information processing. Results. It is shown that the BB84 protocol is an unconditional security protocol using photon polarization between remote channels. Secret keys are used when transmitting information between spatially separated (remote) users. Theoretical and/or Practical implications. Using soliton modeling of quantum objects, it is possible to imitate their behavior and use some of their advantages on a classical computer. To a large extent, this can be done with the practical use of such a modeling method in the field of cryptography. A good imitation of quantum cryptographic processes by this method opens up prospects for the application of the soliton method for another use of quantum theory in practice.

Purpose. We consider universal effects (for all types of interactions) arising only from the laws of conservation of energy and momentum in the processes of elastic and quasi-elastic scattering of relativistic particles with the participation of tachyons, luxons and bradyons. Methodology and Approach. Using the laws of conservation of energy and momentum in the center of mass system, expressions are found for the particle energies in the generally accepted Mandelstam variables. Results. It is shown that on the basis of the expressions obtained in the work assuming the existence of particles with imaginary masses - tachyons, a number of phenomena can be explained, for example, the mechanism of generation of high-energy cosmic rays, as well as the “red shift” effect. Theoretical and Practical implications. The results presented in the work provide additional valuable information about the characteristics of reactions involving tachyons.

Purpose. Different approaches to the problem of mass quantization are discussed. Methodology and Approach. The Barut ideas of crucial influence of magnetic forces for explaining the properties of the strong interaction are considered in details. Results. It is shown that this approach gives a possibility to consider the enormous number of elementary particles (about 400) as the excited states of stable fundamental particles (e, p, v), bounded by magnetic interactions. Theoretical and Practical implications. The results of the study make a great contribution to the theory of electromagnetism and help better understand the fundamentals of quantum mechanics.

Purpose. The aim is to develop an experimental model of a tourist thermoelectric generator. Methodology and Approach. The principle of the operation of a tourist thermoelectric generator is described. The analysis of the designs of similar devices is carried out. The dependence of the maximum output power on various factors in real operating conditions is investigated. Results. The operating conditions, key features and advantages of the developed device are determined. A design model of a tourist thermoelectric generator is developed. An electric load control unit based on the OTMM controller is elaborated. Theoretical and Practical implications. A model of a tourist thermoelectric generator is developed and described. This device will allow one to effectively solve the problems of cooking and charging the batteries of mobile devices in camping conditions.