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Re: [Phys-l] Gamma-Gamma Coincidence



On 03/28/2010 08:30 PM, Michael Edmiston wrote:

John, are you conceding that your x-ray versus gamma-ray
statements were incorrect?

Absolutely not. I stand by what I wrote.

1) I never said the "nucleus only" definition was wrong.
That's not my style. I adhere to the principle that
when you use a word, you can use it however you like.
It's your choice. However, you should respect the right
of other people to choose differently.

2) Unless the archives are lying to me, what I actually
said is that "nucleus only" is not the only definition.

I observe overwhelming evidence that "nucleus only" is,
just as I said, not the only definition in current use
... in use by thoughtful experts who work in the field.

This specifically includes observing a long-established,
well-established, and current practice of referring to the
511 keV annihilation radiation as gamma rays.

List members are encouraged to replicate these observations
for themselves.
http://www.google.com/search?q=gamma+annihilation
http://arxiv.org/find/all/1/ANDNOT+ti:+AND+gamma+annihilation+ti:+dark/0/1/0/all/0/1
http://positron.ucr.edu/publications/2004prospectsformakingaboseeinsteincondensedpositroniumannihilationgammaraylaser.pdf

3) To repeat: I recommend tolerance.
I am willing to tolerate more than one definition.
There is overwhelming evidence that people in different
fields and sub-fields use the same words to mean
different things. For example:
-- "energy conservation law" means one thing to
a physicist and something very different to a
legislator.
-- "metals" means one thing to a cosmologist and
something very different to a chemist.
-- even within physics, there are at least two
different definitions of "adiabatic".
-- not to mention "heat".
-- etc. etc. etc.

To repeat, again: you can use the word however you like.
It's your choice. Do whatever you like. Or do whatever
your thesis advisor likes. It's your choice.

Meanwhile, I will continue to call 'em like I see 'em.
I see a whole lot of thoughtful experts who choose
differently.