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We consider a pair of isoperimetric problems arising in physics. The first concerns a Schrdinger operator in L^2(\mathbb{R}^2) with an attractive interaction supported on a closed curve , formally given by (<i>x</i>); we ask which curve of a given length maximizes the ground state energy. In the second problem we have a loop-shaped thread in L^2(\mathbb{R}^2), homogeneously charged but not conducting, and we ask about the (renormalized) potential-energy minimizer. Both problems reduce to purely geometric questions about inequalities for mean values of chords of . We prove an isoperimetric theorem for <i>p</i>-means of chords of curves when <i>p</i> 2, which implies in particular that the global extrema for the physical problems are always attained when is a circle. The letter concludes with a discussion of the <i>p</i>-means of chords when <i>p</i> &gt; 2.

We discuss the discrete spectrum induced by bulges on threadlike mesoscopic objects, using two models, a continuous hard-wall waveguide and a discrete tight-binding model with two sorts of atomic orbitals. We show that elongated bulges induce numerous quasibound states. In the discrete model we also evaluate the probability of transition between the localized states and extended ones of the valence band. We suggest this as a mechanism governing the porous-silicon luminescence. In addition, the model reproduces the dominance of nonradiative transitions, blueshift for finer textures, and luminiscence suppression at low temperatures.

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No abstract uploaded!