ABSTRACT
We have used the Solar Tower Atmospheric Cherenkov Effect Experiment (STACEE) high-energy gamma-ray detector to look for fast blue-green laser pulses from the vicinity of 187 stars. The STACEE detector offers unprecedented light-collecting capability for the detection of nanosecond pulses from such lasers. We estimate STACEE's sensitivity to be approximately 10 photons/m(2) at a wavelength of 420 nm. The stars have been chosen because their characteristics are such that they may harbor habitable planets, and they are relatively close to Earth. Each star was observed for 10 minutes, and we found no evidence for laser pulses in any of the data sets. Key Words: Search for extraterrestrial intelligence-Optical search for extraterrestrial intelligence-Interstellar communication-Laser.
Subject(s)
Gamma Rays , Lasers , Stars, Celestial , Astronomy/instrumentation , Communication , Exobiology , Extraterrestrial EnvironmentABSTRACT
Hospital-wide rumors and anecdotal reports had suggested that there was a potentially serious problem of alcohol and drug abuse among the psychiatric patients of this hospital. The authors describe a systematic, evaluative approach which gave direct and detailed information on the nature and extent of the problem thus permitting effective administrative solutions. Results of the study indicated that there were two qualitatively different populations of substance abusing patients. A considerable population of patients were routinely using alcohol and "soft" drugs on the hospital grounds, while another disturbing percentage of patients gave evidence of psychological or physical dependence on alcohol or hard drugs. Data from the evaluation was instrumental in implementing additional security measures to deal with casual substance abuse and additional, confidential treatment resources to deal with the more serious substance abuse problems in patients and staff.
