title: FHR European Ventures LLP v Cedar Capital Partners LLC

authors: Chevalier-Watts, Juliet

abstract: The question for the United Kingdom Supreme Court was whether a bribe or secret commission received by an agent could be held by the agent on trust for his principle, or whether the principle merely had a claim in equitable compensation for a sum equal in value to the bribe or the commission. This was a very important decision, not least because it has given rise to a great deal of academic commentary and judicial inconsistency over the last 200 years. The decision is also important in practical terms. If the bribe/commission is held on trust for the principle, then the principle has a proprietary claim to it, whereas if the claim results merely in equitable compensation, then there is no proprietary claim. This difference is important because if the agent becomes insolvent, then the proprietary claim would give the principle priority over the agent’s unsecured creditors. Whereas if the claim were for equitable compensation, then the principle would rank equally with other unsecured creditors, or pari passu. Further, if there is a proprietary claim, then the principle may trace in equity, whereas an equitable compensatory claim will have no right to trace in equity.

text: FHR European Ventures LLP v Cedar Capital Partners LLC The question for the United Kingdom Supreme Court was whether a bribe or secret commission received by an agent could be held by the agent on trust for his principle, or whether the principle merely had a claim in equitable compensation for a sum equal in value to the bribe or the commission. This was a very important decision, not least because it has given rise to a great deal of academic commentary and judicial inconsistency over the last 200 years. The decision is also important in practical terms. If the bribe/commission is held on trust for the principle, then the principle has a proprietary claim to it, whereas if the claim results merely in equitable compensation, then there is no proprietary claim. This difference is important because if the agent becomes insolvent, then the proprietary claim would give the principle priority over the agent’s unsecured creditors. Whereas if the claim were for equitable compensation, then the principle would rank equally with other unsecured creditors, or pari passu. Further, if there is a proprietary claim, then the principle may trace in equity, whereas an equitable compensatory claim will have no right to trace in equity.

year: 2014

title: The quantum theory of optical bistability in nonlinear systems

authors: Steyn-Ross, Moira L.

abstract: This thesis is concerned with the investigation of the behaviour of various nonlinear systems when excited by a coherent light-field. 

Of particular interest to us is the possibility of observing optical bistability in these systems.

In Chapter One we introduce the general theoretical methods we employ to perform all investigations.

In Chapters Two and Three we develop a quantum theory of the interaction of light with a variety of different systems, i.e. Raman active media, the parametric oscillator, the two-photon absorber and a system of three-level atoms.

In each case, a master equation, containing all statistical information about the system, is derived. This enables the systematic inclusion of a damping mechanism into each model.

Discussion is limited to the steady state behaviour of the systems, and in general we assume the deterministic limit in which we ignore quantum fluctuations in the field variables. It is then possible to factorise the steady state expectation values of these variables. 

Steady state calculations indicate that each system may exhibit optical bistability in output field/intensity dependent on input field/intensity.

To determine whether a system will display optical bistability, it is necessary to perform a stability analysis. Where possible, such analytical calculations are performed. However, in certain cases the complexity of the highly nonlinear systems results in these calculations becoming extremely difficult. In such cases, conclusions relating to the stability of the system are drawn from graphical plots of its steady state behaviour.

Chapters Four to Eight are devoted to a study of the intracavity interaction of coherent radiation with semiconductors.

As explained in Chapter Four (of an introductory nature), this work was prompted by two recent experiments which indicated the existence of optical bistability in semiconductors. Although both experiments used semiconductors as the nonlinear material, the mechanism proposed to produce the observed bistability in each case was vastly different.

In Chapter Eight we discuss one of these mechanisms – interband excitation. We present a very simple theory of this effect and show that in essence it is equivalent to the theory of optical bistability in two-level systems. However, we stress that our theory is only approximate and relies on the validity of several simplifying assumptions.

Chapters Five and Six concern the other form of semiconductor optical bistability - arising from the interaction between a light field and excitons comprising the semiconductor.

In order to develop a quantum theory of this system using master equation techniques, it is necessary to transform the fermion system to a boson system. Bosonisation transformations required to effect this are developed in Chapter Five. 

In Chapter Six we present a fully quantum mechanical theory of optical bistability in excitonic systems. Two types of bistability are found: bistability in output intensity and also exciton number, dependent on input intensity.

In Chapter Seven we investigate the effects of quantum fluctuations in a low density exciton system, by considering its Fokker-Planck equation. We discuss in detail the adiabatic elimination of stochastic variables with regard to the system’s Fokker-Planck equation.

text: The quantum theory of optical bistability in nonlinear systems This thesis is concerned with the investigation of the behaviour of various nonlinear systems when excited by a coherent light-field. 

Of particular interest to us is the possibility of observing optical bistability in these systems.

In Chapter One we introduce the general theoretical methods we employ to perform all investigations.

In Chapters Two and Three we develop a quantum theory of the interaction of light with a variety of different systems, i.e. Raman active media, the parametric oscillator, the two-photon absorber and a system of three-level atoms.

In each case, a master equation, containing all statistical information about the system, is derived. This enables the systematic inclusion of a damping mechanism into each model.

Discussion is limited to the steady state behaviour of the systems, and in general we assume the deterministic limit in which we ignore quantum fluctuations in the field variables. It is then possible to factorise the steady state expectation values of these variables. 

Steady state calculations indicate that each system may exhibit optical bistability in output field/intensity dependent on input field/intensity.

To determine whether a system will display optical bistability, it is necessary to perform a stability analysis. Where possible, such analytical calculations are performed. However, in certain cases the complexity of the highly nonlinear systems results in these calculations becoming extremely difficult. In such cases, conclusions relating to the stability of the system are drawn from graphical plots of its steady state behaviour.

Chapters Four to Eight are devoted to a study of the intracavity interaction of coherent radiation with semiconductors.

As explained in Chapter Four (of an introductory nature), this work was prompted by two recent experiments which indicated the existence of optical bistability in semiconductors. Although both experiments used semiconductors as the nonlinear material, the mechanism proposed to produce the observed bistability in each case was vastly different.

In Chapter Eight we discuss one of these mechanisms – interband excitation. We present a very simple theory of this effect and show that in essence it is equivalent to the theory of optical bistability in two-level systems. However, we stress that our theory is only approximate and relies on the validity of several simplifying assumptions.

Chapters Five and Six concern the other form of semiconductor optical bistability - arising from the interaction between a light field and excitons comprising the semiconductor.

In order to develop a quantum theory of this system using master equation techniques, it is necessary to transform the fermion system to a boson system. Bosonisation transformations required to effect this are developed in Chapter Five. 

In Chapter Six we present a fully quantum mechanical theory of optical bistability in excitonic systems. Two types of bistability are found: bistability in output intensity and also exciton number, dependent on input intensity.

In Chapter Seven we investigate the effects of quantum fluctuations in a low density exciton system, by considering its Fokker-Planck equation. We discuss in detail the adiabatic elimination of stochastic variables with regard to the system’s Fokker-Planck equation.

year: 1981

title: Disabled Māori and disability support options

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

subjects: Maori

abstract: The goal of this research project was to provide information to enhance the development and implementation of an effective model of disability support service provision to Maori with disabilities. This was done by identifying and documenting the needs expressed by disabled Maori and their carers living in the Midland area, and by considering the experiences and observations of a key informant group. From our reading of the literature and the feedback we received from participants, a proposed model of disability support service provision has been proposed.

In five sections, this report begins by defining disability, and also by defining the act of caring for the disabled. Focussing on the Maori experience, obstacles, access to existing support services, cultural barriers, and health policies are discussed. In the second chapter, the research methodology is described, along with how the information was gathered. Following this is the third section which presents the opinions and reflections of Maori with disabilities. It concludes strategically with a view of the ideal community, suggesting possible resolutions, by exposing current flaws and inadequacies. Chapter four records the views and perspectives of key informant/whanau carers who participated in the project. They offer an insightful account of the often unrecognised side of the disability experience. Considering the preceding discussions, the final section develops a model of service provision for Maori with disabilities, and proposes this for effective service delivery.

text: Disabled Māori and disability support options The goal of this research project was to provide information to enhance the development and implementation of an effective model of disability support service provision to Maori with disabilities. This was done by identifying and documenting the needs expressed by disabled Maori and their carers living in the Midland area, and by considering the experiences and observations of a key informant group. From our reading of the literature and the feedback we received from participants, a proposed model of disability support service provision has been proposed.

In five sections, this report begins by defining disability, and also by defining the act of caring for the disabled. Focussing on the Maori experience, obstacles, access to existing support services, cultural barriers, and health policies are discussed. In the second chapter, the research methodology is described, along with how the information was gathered. Following this is the third section which presents the opinions and reflections of Maori with disabilities. It concludes strategically with a view of the ideal community, suggesting possible resolutions, by exposing current flaws and inadequacies. Chapter four records the views and perspectives of key informant/whanau carers who participated in the project. They offer an insightful account of the often unrecognised side of the disability experience. Considering the preceding discussions, the final section develops a model of service provision for Maori with disabilities, and proposes this for effective service delivery.

year: 2004-01-01