Showing papers in "European Physical Journal-special Topics in 2007"

Temperature dependent electron transport in graphene

Abstract: We have investigated the electron transport in graphene at different carrier densities. Single layer graphene was fabricated into Hall bar shaped devices by mechanical extraction onto a silicon oxide/silicon substrate followed by standard microfabrication techniques. From magnetoresistance and Hall measurements, we measure the carrier density and mobility at different gate voltages. Different temperature dependent resistivity behaviors are found in samples with high and low mobilities.

Heat conduction in low-dimensional quantum magnets

Abstract: Transport properties provide important information about the mobility, elastic and inelastic of scattering of excitations in solids. Heat transport is well understood for phonons and electrons, but little is known about heat transport by magnetic excitations. Very recently, large and unusual magnetic heat conductivities were discovered in low-dimensional quantum magnets. This article summarizes experimental results for the magnetic thermal conductivity κmag of several compounds which are good representations of different low-dimensional quantum spin models, i.e. arrangements of S=1/2 spins in the form of two-dimensional (2D) square lattices and one-dimensional (1D) structures such as chains and two-leg ladders. Remarkable properties of κmag have been discovered: It often dwarfs the usual phonon thermal conductivity and allows the identification and analysis of different scattering mechanisms of the relevant magnetic excitations.

Transport in quasi one-dimensional spin-1/2 systems

Abstract: We present numerical results for the spin and thermal conductivity of one-dimensional (1D) quantum spin systems. We contrast the properties of integrable models such as the spin-1/2 XXZ chain against nonintegrable ones such as frustrated and dimerized chains. The thermal conductivity of the XXZ chain is ballistic at finite temperatures, while in the nonintegrable models, this quantity is argued to vanish. For the case of frustrated and dimerized chains, we discuss the frequency dependence of the transport coefficients. Finally, we give an overview over related theoretical work on intrinsic and extrinsic scattering mechanisms of quasi-1D spin systems.

Aspects of hadron physics

Abstract: Detailed investigations of the structure of hadrons are essential for understanding how matter is constructed from the quarks and gluons of Quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and amongst the questions posed to modern hadron physics, three stand out. What is the rigorous, quantitative mechanism responsible for confinement? What is the connection between confinement and dynamical chiral symmetry breaking? And are these phenomena together sufficient to explain the origin of more than 98% of the mass of the observable universe? Such questions may only be answered using the full machinery of nonperturbative relativistic quantum field theory. This contribution provides a perspective on progress toward answering these key questions. In so doing it will provide an overview of the contemporary application of Dyson-Schwinger equations in Hadron Physics, additional information on which may be found in Refs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The presentation assumes that the reader is familiar with the concepts and notation of relativistic quantum mechanics, with the functional integral formulation of quantum field theory and with regularization and renormalization in its perturbative formulation. For these topics, in order of appearance, Refs. [7, 8, 9, 10] are useful. In addition, Chaps. 1 and 2 of Ref. [5] review the bulk ofmore » the necessary concepts. Hadron physics is a key part of the international effort in basic science. For example, in the USA we currently have the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) while in Europe hadron physics is studied at the Frascati National Laboratory and is an important part of a forthcoming pan-European initiative; namely, the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) at GSI-Darmstadt. Progress in this field is gauged via the successful completion of precision measurements of fundamental properties of hadrons; e.g., the pion, proton and neutron, and simple nuclei, for comparison with theoretical calculations to provide a quantitative understanding of their quark substructure.« less

The low energy electronic band structure of bilayer graphene

Abstract: We employ the tight binding model to describe the electronic band structure of bilayer graphene and we explain how the optical absorption coefficient of a bilayer is influenced by the presence and dispersion of the electronic bands, in contrast to the featureless absorption coefficient of monolayer graphene. We show that the effective low energy Hamiltonian is dominated by chiral quasiparticles with a parabolic dispersion and Berry phase 2π. Layer asymmetry produces a gap in the spectrum but, by comparing the charging energy with the single particle energy, we demonstrate that an undoped, gapless bilayer is stable with respect to the spontaneous opening of a gap. Then, we describe the control of a gap in the presence of an external gate voltage. Finally, we take into account the influence of trigonal warping which produces a Lifshitz transition at very low energy, breaking the isoenergetic line about each valley into four pockets.

Rheology of liquids in nanopores: A study on the capillary rise of water, n -Hexadecane and n -Tetracosane in mesoporous silica

Abstract: We present measurements on the capillary rise of water and two linear alkanes (n-C16H34, n-C24H50) in nanopores of monolithic Vycor glass (mean pore radius 5 nm). Measurements of the mass uptake as a function of time, m(t), are in good agreement with the Lucas–Washburn $\sqrt{t}$ –prediction typical of imbibition of liquids into porous hosts. The relative capillary rise velocities of the liquids investigated scale as expected from the bulk fluid parameters.

Fluorescence studies of confinement in polymer films and nanocomposites: Glass transition temperature, plasticizer effects, and sensitivity to stress relaxation and local polarity

Abstract: Confinement effects in polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) films and nanocomposites are studied by fluorescence. The ability to employ an intensive measurable, the excited-state fluorescence lifetime, in defining the glass transition temperature, Tg, of polymers is demonstrated and compared to the use of an extensive measurable, fluorescence intensity. In addition, intrinsic fluorescence from the phenyl groups in polystyrene is used to determine the Tg-confinement effect in films as thin as ~15 nm. The decrease in Tg with decreasing film thickness (below ∼60 nm) agrees well with results obtained by extrinsic pyrene fluorescence. Dye label fluorescence is used to quantify the enhancement in Tg observed with decreasing thickness (below ~90 nm) in poly(methyl methacrylate) films; addition of 2–4 wt% dioctyl phthalate plasticizer reduces or eliminates the Tg-confinement effect in films down to 20 nm thickness. Intrinsic polystyrene fluorescence, which is sensitive to local conformation, is used to quantify the time scales (some tens of minutes) associated with stress relaxation in thin and ultrathin spin-coated films at Tg + 10 K. Finally, the shape of the fluorescence spectrum of pyrene doped at trace levels in polystyrene films and polystyrene-silica nanocomposites is used to determine effects of confinement on microenvironment polarity.

Differential AC-chip calorimeter for glass transition measurements in ultra thin polymeric films

Abstract: A differential AC-chip calorimeter capable to measure the glass transition in nanometer thin films is described. Due to the differential setup pJ/K sensitivity is achieved. Heat capacity can be measured for sample masses below one nanogram even above room temperature as needed for the study of the glass transition in nanometer thin polymeric films. The calorimeter allows for the frequency dependent measurement of complex heat capacity in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 kHz. The glass transition in thin films of polystyrene (PS) (100–4 nm) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (400–10 nm) was determined at well defined experimental time scales. No thickness dependency of the glass transition temperature was observed within the error limits (±3 K) - neither at constant frequency nor for the traces in the activation diagrams (1 Hz–1 kHz).

Weak localization in monolayer and bilayer graphene

Abstract: We describe the weak localization correction to conductivity in ultra-thin graphene films, taking into account disorder scattering and the influence of trigonal warping of the Fermi surface. A possible manifestation of the chiral nature of electrons in the localization properties is hampered by trigonal warping, resulting in a suppression of the weak anti-localization effect in monolayer graphene and of weak localization in bilayer graphene. Intervalley scattering due to atomically sharp scatterers in a realistic graphene sheet or by edges in a narrow wire tends to restore weak localization resulting in negative magnetoresistance in both materials.

Does confined water exhibit a fragile-to-strong transition?

Abstract: The dynamics of supercooled confined water has recently been shown to have a pronounced, apparent fragile-to-strong transition (FST). Here we use broadband dielectric spectroscopy (10 -2 -10 9 Hz) to study the dynamics of water confined in silica matrices MCM-41 C10 and C18, with pore diameter of 21.4 and 36.1 A, respectively. The local dynamics of water molecules and the dynamics of the hydroxyl groups on the inner wall of the pores are followed up to over 240 K. We argue that the reported FST for confined water is due to the vanishing of the cooperative α relaxation, which implies that it should not be interpreted as a true FST.

Nanosized allotropes of molybdenum disulfide

Abstract: The present review provides an overview of the rich polymorphism encountered on different length scales within the very versatile material class of transition metal chalcogenides. On the mesoscopic to nanoscopic scale such compounds exhibit a wide variety of nanostructured allotropes with varying dimensionality and competing internal structure, such as nanorods, nanostripes, nanotubes, fullerene-like particles and fullerenes. On the atomistic scale, competing local atomic arrangements within one type of allotrope determine crucially the stability, the chemical potential, and the electronic properties. Thus, any modeling of such structures cannot be restricted to purely classical or quantum-mechanical approaches, but rather the development of classical models on the basis of electronic-structure calculations is required to fully account for all relevant nano- and meso-scale effects. The main part of this review is dedicated to the stability of such nanosystems in relation with the stable size regimes, with their electronic structure, and the derived analysis of the reactivity and application potential. The calculations explain, why the nano-scale properties of the MoS2 allotropes can be quite different from the bulk ones, and predict novel effects both within and in addition to the established applications of MoS2 compounds in catalysis, tribology, electronics and electrochemistry.

Synchronization and modularity in complex networks

Abstract: We investigate the connection between the dynamics of synchronization and the modularity on complex networks. Simulating the Kuramoto's model in complex networks we determine patterns of meta-stability and calculate the modularity of the partition these patterns provide. The results indicate that the more stable the patterns are, the larger tends to be the modularity of the partition defined by them. This correlation works pretty well in homogeneous networks (all nodes have similar connectivity) but fails when networks contain hubs, mainly because the modularity is never improved where isolated nodes appear, whereas in the synchronization process the characteristic of hubs is to have a large stability when forming its own community.

The string/gauge theory correspondence in QCD

Abstract: Ideas about a duality between gauge fields and strings have been around for many decades. During the last ten years, these ideas have taken a much more concrete mathematical form. String descriptions of the strongly coupled dynamics of semi-realistic gauge theories, exhibiting confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, are now available. These provide remarkably simple ways to compute properties of the strongly coupled quark-gluon fluid phase, and also shed new light on various phenomenological models of hadron fragmentation. We present a review and highlight some exciting recent developments.

Quantum thermodynamic Otto machines: A spin-system approach

Abstract: An overview of the realization of an Otto cycle in the quantum regime is given. A detailed description of the involved steps and the efficiency is derived for a quantum machine consisting of a single spin. Within this approach it is possible to understand what happens when the Otto efficiency reaches the Carnot efficiency. The establishment of the Otto cycle in quite a different scenario like that of algorithmic cooling is indicated.

Lattice QCD at finite temperature and density

Abstract: QCD at finite temperature and density is becoming increasingly important for various experimental programmes, ranging from heavy ion physics to astro-particle physics. The non-perturbative nature of non-abelian quantum field theories at finite temperature leaves lattice QCD as the only tool by which we may hope to come to reliable predictions from first principles. This requires careful extrapolations to the thermodynamic, chiral and continuum limits in order to eliminate systematic effects introduced by the discretization procedure. After an introduction to lattice QCD at finite temperature and density, its possibilities and current systematic limitations, a review of present numerical results is given. In particular, plasma properties such as the equation of state, screening masses, static quark free energies and spectral functions are discussed, as well as the critical temperature and the QCD phase structure at zero and finite density.

Nonlinear optical effects in artificial materials

Abstract: We consider some nonlinear phenomena in metamaterials with negative refractive index properties. Our consideration includes a survey of previously known results as well as identification of the phenomena that are important for applications of this new field. We focus on optical behavior of thin films as well as multi-wave interactions.

Equivalence between polymer nanocomposites and thin polymer films: Effect of processing conditions and molecular origins of observed behavior

Abstract: Recently we established a quantitative equivalence in thermomechanical properties between polystyrene-silica nanocomposites and planar freestanding polystyrene thin films. This equivalence was quantified by drawing a direct analogy between film thickness and an appropriate experimental particle spacing. Using these findings, here we unequivocally show that the glass transition process in confined geometries is controlled by the mean volume fraction of polymer that is affected by the presence of surfaces. Since separate signatures of the bulk and the surface layers are never found, we can clearly rule out any simple “two layer” model which postulates the existence of surfaces which are dynamically decoupled from the bulk. Rather, we argue that the modification of properties at the surfaces propagates into the bulk through a spatial gradient: macroscopic experimental techniques average over these gradients and yield a broadened signature relative to the bulk polymer. In a second aspect of this paper we focus on the role of processing conditions on the results obtained. We have developed a new method of processing the nanocomposites which results in a better dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix. However, these samples did not show the unique glass transition behavior seen in the first set of nanocomposites discussed above. This indicates that processing conditions can profoundly affect the nature of the particle-polymer interface which controls the macroscopic behavior of these important systems.

From Neuron to Neural Networks dynamics

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of some techniques and concepts coming from dynamical system theory and used for the analysis of dynamical neural networks models In a first section, we describe the dynamics of the neuron, starting from the Hodgkin-Huxley description, which is somehow the canonical description for the ``biological neuron'' We discuss some models reducing the Hodgkin-Huxley model to a two dimensional dynamical system, keeping one of the main feature of the neuron: its excitability We present then examples of phase diagram and bifurcation analysis for the Hodgin-Huxley equations Finally, we end this section by a dynamical system analysis for the nervous flux propagation along the axon We then consider neuron couplings, with a brief description of synapses, synaptic plasticiy and learning, in a second section We also briefly discuss the delicate issue of causal action from one neuron to another when complex feedback effects and non linear dynamics are involved The third section presents the limit of weak coupling and the use of normal forms technics to handle this situation We consider then several examples of recurrent models with different type of synaptic interactions (symmetric, cooperative, random) We introduce various techniques coming from statistical physics and dynamical systems theory A last section is devoted to a detailed example of recurrent model where we go in deep in the analysis of the dynamics and discuss the effect of learning on the neuron dynamics We also present recent methods allowing the analysis of the non linear effects of the neural dynamics on signal propagation and causal action An appendix, presenting the main notions of dynamical systems theory useful for the comprehension of the chapter, has been added for the convenience of the reader

Graphene field-effect devices

Abstract: In this article, graphene is investigated with respect to its electronic properties when introduced into field effect devices (FED). With the exception of manual graphene deposition, conventional top-down CMOS-compatible processes are applied. Few and monolayer graphene sheets are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical properties of monolayer graphene sandwiched between two silicon dioxide films are studied. Carrier mobilities in graphene pseudo-MOS structures are compared to those obtained from double-gated Graphene-FEDs and silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs).

Vortex rings and solitary waves in trapped Bose-Einstein condensates

Abstract: We discuss nonlinear excitations in an atomic Bose–Einstein condensate which is trapped in a harmonic potential. We focus on axially symmetric solitary waves propagating along a cylindrical condensate. A quasi one-dimensional dark soliton is the only nonlinear mode for a condensate with weak interactions. For sufficiently strong interactions of experimental interest solitary waves are hybrids of one-dimensional dark solitons and three-dimensional vortex rings. The energy-momentum dispersion of these solitary waves exhibits characteristics similar to a mode proposed sometime ago by Lieb in a strictly 1D model, as well as some rotonlike features. We subsequently discuss interactions between solitary waves. Head-on collisions between dark solitons are elastic. Slow vortex rings collide elastically but faster ones form intermediate structures during collisions before they lose energy to the background fluid. Solitary waves and their interactions have been observed in experiments. However, some of their intriguing features still remain to be experimentally identified.

On the dynamics and disentanglement in thin and two-dimensional polymer films

Abstract: We present results from molecular dynamics simulations of strictly two-dimensional (2D) polymer melts and thin polymer films in a slit geometry of thickness of the order of the radius of gyration. We find that the dynamics of the 2D melt is qualitatively different from that of the films. The 2D monomer mean-square displacement shows a t8/15 power law at intermediate times instead of the t1/2 law expected from Rouse theory for nonentangled chains. In films of finite thickness, chain entanglements may occur. The impact of confinement on the entanglement length Ne has been analyzed by a primitive path analysis. The analysis reveals that Ne increases strongly with decreasing film thickness.

Segmental dynamics of poly(methyl phenyl siloxane) confined to nanoporous glasses

Abstract: The effect of a nanometer confinement on the molecular dynamics of poly (methyl phenyl siloxane) (PMPS) was studied by dielectric spectroscopy (DS), temperature modulated DSC (TMDSC) and neutron scattering (NS). Nanoporous glasses with pore sizes of 2.5-20 nm have been used. DS and TMDSC experiments show that for PMPS in 7.5 nm pores the molecular dynamics is faster than in the bulk which originates from an inherent length scale of the underlying molecular motions. For high temperatures the temperature dependence of the relaxation rates for confined PMPS crosses that of the bulk state. Besides finite states effects also the thermodynamic state of nano-confined PMPS is different from that of the bulk. At a pore size of 5 nm the temperature dependence of the relaxation times changes from a Vogel/Fulcher/Tammann like to an Arrhenius behavior where the activation energy depends on pore size. This is in agreement with the results obtained by NS. The increment of the specific heat capacity at the glass transition depends strongly on pore size and vanishes at a finite length scale between 3 and 5 nm which can be regarded as minimal length scale for glass transition to appear in PMPS.

Spin relaxation times in disordered graphene

Abstract: We consider two mechanisms of spin relaxation in disordered graphene. i) Spin relaxation due to curvature spin orbit coupling caused by ripples. ii) Spin relaxation due to the interaction of the electronic spin with localized magnetic moments at the edges. We obtain analytical expressions for the spin relaxation times τSO and τJ due to both mechanisms and estimate their values for realistic parameters of graphene samples. We obtain that spin relaxation originating from these mechanisms is very weak and spin coherence is expected in disordered graphene up to samples of length \({\L\sim 10\,\mu m}\).

Size dependence of multipolar plasmon resonance frequencies and damping rates in simple metal spherical nanoparticles

Abstract: Multipolar plasmon oscillation frequencies and corresponding damping rates for nanospheres formed of the simplest free-electron metals are studied. The possibility of controlling plasmon features by choosing the size and dielectric properties of the sphere surroundings is discussed. Optical properties of the studied metals are described within the Drude-Sommerfeld model of the dielectric function with effective parameters acounting for the contribution of conduction electrons and of interband transitions. No approximation is made in respect of the size of a particle; plasmon size characteristics are described rigorously. The results of our experiment on sodium nanodroplets [1] are compared with the oscillation frequency size dependence of dipole and quadrupole plasmon.

Wealth condensation in a multiplicative random asset exchange model

Abstract: Random Asset Exchange (RAE) models, despite a number of simplifying assumptions, serve the purpose of establishing direct relationships between microscopic exchange mechanisms and observed economical data. In this work a conservative multiplicative RAE model is discussed in which, at each timestep, two agents “bet” for a fraction f of the poorest agent's wealth. When the poorest agent wins the bet with probability p, we show that, in a well defined region of the (p,f) phase space, there is wealth condensation. This means that all wealth ends up owned by only one agent, in the long run. We derive the condensation conditions analytically by two different procedures, and find results in accordance with previous numerical estimates. In the non-condensed phase, the equilibrium wealth distribution is a power law for small wealths. The associated exponent is derived analytically and it is found that it tends to -1 on the condensation interface. I turns out that wealth condensation happens also for values of p much larger than 0.5, that is under microscopic exchange rules that, apparently, favor the poor. We argue that the observed “rich get richer” effect is enhanced by the multiplicative character of the dynamics.

Cortical spreading depression: An enigma

Abstract: The brain is a complex organ with active components composed largely of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels. There exists an enormous experimental and theoretical literature on the mechanisms involved in the functioning of the brain, but we still do not have a good understanding of how it works on a gross mechanistic level. In general, the brain maintains a homeostatic state with relatively small ion concentration changes, the major ions being sodium, potassium, and chloride. Calcium ions are present in smaller quantities but still play an important role in many phenomena. Cortical spreading depression (CSD for short) was discovered over 60 years ago by A.A.P. Leao, a Brazilian physiologist doing his doctoral research on epilepsy at Harvard University, “Spreading depression of activity in the cerebral cortex," J. Neurophysiol., 7 (1944), pp. 359-390. Cortical spreading depression is characterized by massive changes in ionic concentrations and slow nonlinear chemical waves, with speeds on the order of mm/min, in the cortex of different brain structures in various experimental animals. In humans, CSD is associated with migraine with aura, where a light scintillation in the visual field propagates, then disappears, and is followed by a sustained headache. To date, CSD remains an enigma, and further detailed experimental and theoretical investigations are needed to develop a comprehensive picture of the diverse mechanisms involved in producing CSD. A number of mechanisms have been hypothesized to be important for CSD wave propagation. In this paper, we briefly describe several characteristics of CSD wave propagation, and examine some of the mechanisms that are believed to be important, including ion diffusion, membrane ionic currents, osmotic effects, spatial buffering, neurotransmitter substances, gap junctions, metabolic pumps, and synaptic connections. Continuum models of CSD, consisting of coupled nonlinear diffusion equations for the ion concentrations, and a discrete lattice-Boltzmann method approach will be described. Also, we will describe some open problems and remaining challenges.

X-ray reflectivity studies on glass transition of free standing polystyrene thin films

Abstract: We have studied thermal expansion of free standing polystyrene thin films using X-ray reflectivity to elucidate the glass transition temperature and the thermal expansivity. We found that the glass transition temperature Tg decreased with the film thickness, depending on molecular weight. The reduction in the free standing films is much larger than in the supported films on Si substrate, suggesting that some segmental motions are activated due to free surfaces on both sides in the free standing films. We also found that the thermal expansivity in the glass and the melt decreased with the film thickness. This decrease must be attributable to chain confinement effects.

Shape instabilities in vesicles: A phase-field model

Abstract: A phase field model for dealing with shape instabilities in fluid membrane vesicles is presented This model takes into account the Canham-Helfrich bending energy with spontaneous curvature A dynamic equation for the phase-field is also derived With this model it is possible to see the vesicle shape deformation dynamically, when some external agent instabilizes the membrane, for instance, inducing an inhomogeneous spontaneous curvature The numerical scheme used is detailed and some stationary shapes are shown together with a shape diagram for vesicles of spherical topology and no spontaneous curvature, in agreement with known results

Optical phonons of graphene and nanotubes

Abstract: We review the optical phonon dispersions of graphene. In particular, we focus on the presence of two Kohn anomalies in the highest optical phonon branch at the $\bf \Gamma$ and $\bf K$ points of the Brillouin zone. We then show how graphene can be used as a model for the calculation of phonons in carbon nanotubes. Finally, we present the beyond Born-Oppenheimer corrections to their phonon dispersions. These are experimentally revealed in the Raman spectra of doped samples.