Elvira M. Gonzalez

Bio: Elvira M. Gonzalez is an academic researcher from IMDEA. The author has contributed to research in topics: Superconductivity & Vortex. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 109 publications receiving 1668 citations. Previous affiliations of Elvira M. Gonzalez include Spanish National Research Council & Complutense University of Madrid.

A superconducting reversible rectifier that controls the motion of magnetic flux quanta.

Abstract: We fabricated a device that controls the motion of flux quanta in a niobium superconducting film grown on an array of nanoscale triangular pinning potentials. The controllable rectification of the vortex motion is due to the asymmetry of the fabricated magnetic pinning centers. The reversal in the direction of the vortex flow is explained by the interaction between the vortices trapped on the magnetic nanostructures and the interstitial vortices. The applied magnetic field and input current strength can tune both the polarity and magnitude of the rectified vortex flow. Our ratchet system is explained and modeled theoretically, taking the interactions between particles into consideration.

Control of the chirality and polarity of magnetic vortices in triangular nanodots

Abstract: Magnetic vortex dynamics in lithographically prepared nanodots is currently a subject of intensive research, particularly after recent demonstration that the vortex polarity can be controlled by in-plane magnetic field. This has stimulated the proposals of nonvolatile vortex magnetic random access memories. In this work, we demonstrate that triangular nanodots offer a real alternative where vortex chirality, in addition to polarity, can be controlled. In the static regime, we show that vortex chirality can be tailored by applying in-plane magnetic field, which is experimentally imaged by means of variable-field magnetic force microscopy. In addition, the polarity can be also controlled by applying a suitable out-of-plane magnetic field component. The experiment and simulations show that to control the vortex polarity, the out- of-plane field component, in this particular case, should be higher than the in-plane nucleation field. Micromagnetic simulations in the dynamical regime show that the magnetic vortex polarity can be changed with short-duration magnetic field pulses, while longer pulses change the vortex chirality.

Experimental ratchet effect in superconducting films with periodic arrays of asymmetric potentials

Abstract: A vortex lattice ratchet effect has been investigated in Nb films grown on arrays of nanometric Ni triangles, which induce periodic asymmetric pinning potentials. The vortex lattice motion yields a net dc voltage when an ac driving current is applied to the sample and the vortex lattice moves through the field of asymmetric potentials. This ratchet effect is studied taking into account the array geometry, the temperature, the number of vortices per unit cell of the array, and the applied ac currents.

An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure

Abstract: EDDINGTON'S “Internal Constitution of the Stars” was published in 1926 and gives what now ranks as a classical account of his own researches and of the general state of the theory at that time. Since then, a tremendous amount of work has appeared. Much of it has to do with the construction of stellar models with different equations of state applying in different zones. Other parts deal with the effects of varying chemical composition, with pulsation and tidal and rotational distortion of stars, and with the precise relations between the interior and the atmosphere of a star. The striking feature of all this work is that so much can be done without assuming any particular mechanism of stellar energy-generation. Only such very comprehensive assumptions are made about the distribution and behaviour of the energy sources that we may expect future knowledge of their mechanism to lead mainly to more detailed results within the framework of the existing general theory. An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure By S. Chandrasekhar. (Astrophysical Monographs sponsored by The Astrophysical Journal.) Pp. ix+509. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press; London: Cambridge University Press, 1939.) 50s. net.

Artificial Brownian motors: Controlling transport on the nanoscale

Abstract: In systems possessing spatial or dynamical symmetry breaking, Brownian motion combined with unbiased external input signals, deterministic and random alike, can assist directed motion of particles at submicron scales. In such cases, one speaks of ``Brownian motors.'' In this review the constructive role of Brownian motion is exemplified for various physical and technological setups, which are inspired by the cellular molecular machinery: the working principles and characteristics of stylized devices are discussed to show how fluctuations, either thermal or extrinsic, can be used to control diffusive particle transport. Recent experimental demonstrations of this concept are surveyed with particular attention to transport in artificial, i.e., nonbiological, nanopores, lithographic tracks, and optical traps, where single-particle currents were first measured. Much emphasis is given to two- and three-dimensional devices containing many interacting particles of one or more species; for this class of artificial motors, noise rectification results also from the interplay of particle Brownian motion and geometric constraints. Recently, selective control and optimization of the transport of interacting colloidal particles and magnetic vortices have been successfully achieved, thus leading to the new generation of microfluidic and superconducting devices presented here. The field has recently been enriched with impressive experimental achievements in building artificial Brownian motor devices that even operate within the quantum domain by harvesting quantum Brownian motion. Sundry akin topics include activities aimed at noise-assisted shuttling other degrees of freedom such as charge, spin, or even heat and the assembly of chemical synthetic molecular motors. This review ends with a perspective for future pathways and potential new applications.

Direct observation of the skyrmion Hall effect

Abstract: The well-known Hall effect describes the transverse deflection of charged particles (electrons/holes) as a result of the Lorentz force. Similarly, it is intriguing to examine if quasi-particles without an electric charge, but with a topological charge, show related transverse motion. Magnetic skyrmions with a well-defined spin texture with a unit topological charge serve as good candidates to test this hypothesis. In spite of the recent progress made on investigating magnetic skyrmions, direct observation of the skyrmion Hall effect has remained elusive. Here, by using a current-induced spin Hall spin torque, we experimentally demonstrate the skyrmion Hall effect, and the resultant skyrmion accumulation, by driving skyrmions from the creep-motion regime (where their dynamics are influenced by pinning defects) into the steady-flow-motion regime. The experimental observation of transverse transport of skyrmions due to topological charge may potentially create many exciting opportunities, such as topological selection. Experiments show that when driven by electric currents, magnetic skyrmions experience transverse motion due to their topological charge — similar to the conventional Hall effect experienced by charged particles in a perpendicular magnetic field.

Sorption of pollutants by porous carbon, carbon nanotubes and fullerene- An overview

Abstract: The quality of water is continuously deteriorating due to its increasing toxic threat to humans and the environment. It is imperative to perform treatment of wastewater in order to remove pollutants and to get good quality water. Carbon materials like porous carbon, carbon nanotubes and fullerene have been extensively used for advanced treatment of wastewaters. In recent years, carbon nanomaterials have become promising adsorbents for water treatment. This review attempts to compile relevant knowledge about the adsorption activities of porous carbon, carbon nanotubes and fullerene related to various organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous solutions. A detailed description of the preparation and treatment methods of porous carbon, carbon nanotubes and fullerene along with relevant applications and regeneration is also included.