Showing papers on "Field (physics) published in 2014"

Strong coupling between surface plasmon polaritons and emitters

Abstract: In this review we look at the concepts and state-of-the-art concerning the strong coupling of surface plasmon-polariton modes to states associated with quantum emitters such as excitons in J-aggregates, dye molecules and quantum dots. We explore the phenomenon of strong coupling with reference to a number of examples involving electromagnetic fields and matter. We then provide a concise description of the relevant background physics of surface plasmon polaritons. An extensive overview of the historical background and a detailed discussion of more recent relevant experimental advances concerning strong coupling between surface plasmon polaritons and quantum emitters is then presented. Three conceptual frameworks are then discussed and compared in depth: classical, semi-classical and fully quantum mechanical; these theoretical frameworks will have relevance to strong coupling beyond that involving surface plasmon polaritons. We conclude our review with a perspective on the future of this rapidly emerging field, one we are sure will grow to encompass more intriguing physics and will develop in scope to be of relevance to other areas of science.

Quantitative characterization of the spin-orbit torque using harmonic Hall voltage measurements

Abstract: Solid understanding of current induced torques is a key to the development of current and voltage controlled magnetization dynamics in ultrathin magnetic heterostructures. To evaluate the size and direction of such torques, or effective fields, a number of methods have been employed. Here, we examine the adiabatic (low-frequency) harmonic Hall voltage measurement that has been used to study the effective field. We derive an analytical formula for the harmonic Hall voltages to evaluate the effective field for both out of plane and in-plane magnetized systems. The formula agrees with numerical calculations based on a macrospin model. Two different in-plane magnetized films, Pt|CoFeB|MgO and CuIr|CoFeB|MgO are studied using the formula developed. The effective field obtained for the latter system shows relatively good agreement with that estimated using spin torque switching phase diagram measurements reported previously. Our results illustrate the versatile applicability of harmonic Hall voltage measurement for studying current induced torques in magnetic heterostructures.

Formation of hard power laws in the energetic particle spectra resulting from relativistic magnetic reconnection.

Abstract: Using fully kinetic simulations, we demonstrate that magnetic reconnection in relativistic plasmas is highly efficient at accelerating particles through a first-order Fermi process resulting from the curvature drift of particles in the direction of the electric field induced by the relativistic flows. This mechanism gives rise to the formation of hard power-law spectra in parameter regimes where the energy density in the reconnecting field exceeds the rest mass energy density σ ≡ B(2)/(4πnm(e)c(2))>1 and when the system size is sufficiently large. In the limit σ ≫ 1, the spectral index approaches p = 1 and most of the available energy is converted into nonthermal particles. A simple analytic model is proposed which explains these key features and predicts a general condition under which hard power-law spectra will be generated from magnetic reconnection.

Light-induced collective pseudospin precession resonating with Higgs mode in a superconductor

Abstract: Superconductors host collective modes that can be manipulated with light. We show that a strong terahertz light field can induce oscillations of the superconducting order parameter in NbN with twice the frequency of the terahertz field. The result can be captured as a collective precession of Anderson's pseudospins in ac driving fields. A resonance between the field and the Higgs amplitude mode of the superconductor then results in large terahertz third-harmonic generation. The method we present here paves a way toward nonlinear quantum optics in superconductors with driving the pseudospins collectively and can be potentially extended to exotic superconductors for shedding light on the character of order parameters and their coupling to other degrees of freedom.

Optical Solitons

Abstract: The investigation of nonlinear wave phenomena has been one of the main direc tions of research in optics for the last few decades. Soliton concepts applied to the description of intense electromagnetic beams and ultrashort pulse propagation in various media have contributed much to this field. The notion of solitons has proved to be very useful in describing wave processes in hydrodynamics, plasma physics and condensed matter physics. Moreover, it is also of great importance in optics for ultrafast information transmission and storage, radiation propagation in resonant media, etc. In 1973, Hasegawa and Tappert made a significant contribution to optical soliton physics when they predicted the existence of an envelope soliton in the regime of short pulses in optical fibres. In 1980, Mollenauer et al. conducted ex periments to elucidate this phenomenon. Since then the theory of optical solitons as well as their experimental investigation has progressed rapidly. The effects of inhomogeneities of the medium and energy pumping on optical solitons, the interaction between optical solitons and their generation in fibres, etc. have all been investigated and reported. Logical devices using optical solitons have been developed; new types of optical solitons in media with Kerr-type nonlinearity and in resonant media have been described.

The Quantum Dice: An Introduction to Stochastic Electrodynamics

Abstract: Preface. Part I: Prelude. 1. Quantum mechanics and the real world. 2. Quantum mechanics as a stochastic theory. 3. Elements of electrodynamics. Part II: Theme. 4. The zeropoint radiation field. 5. The equilibrium radiation field. 6. Environmental effects through the zero-point field. 7. The harmonic oscillator. 8. Quantum properties of other simple systems. 9. Breakdown of detailed energy balance. Part III: Coda. 10. Linear stochastic electrodynamics. 11. Radiative corrections in linear SED. 12. The wave properties of matter. 13. Stochastic optics. 14. Outlook and some corollaries. Bibliography. Index.

Plasmonics in Dirac systems: from graphene to topological insulators

Abstract: Recent developments in the emerging field of plasmonics in graphene and other Dirac systems are reviewed and a comprehensive introduction to the standard models and techniques is given. In particular, we discuss intrinsic plasmon excitation of single-?and bilayer graphene via hydrodynamic equations and the random phase approximation, but also comment on double and multilayer structures. Additionally, we address Dirac systems in the retardation limit and also with large spin?orbit coupling including topological insulators. Finally, we summarize basic properties of the charge, current and photon linear response functions in an appendix.

Broadband Rydberg Atom-Based Electric-Field Probe for SI-Traceable, Self-Calibrated Measurements

Abstract: We discuss a fundamentally new approach for the measurement of electric fields that will lead to the develop- mentofabroadband,directSI-traceable,compact,self-calibrating -field probe (sensor). This approach is based on the interaction of radio frequency (RF) fields with alkali atoms excited to Rydberg states. The RF field causes an energy splitting of the Rydberg states via the Autler-Townes effect and we detect the splitting via electromagnetically induced transparency. In effect, alkali atoms placed in a vapor cell act like an RF-to-optical transducer, converting an RF -field strength measurement to an optical frequency measurement. We demonstrate the broadband nature of this approach by showing that one small vapor cell can be used to measure -field strengths over a wide range of frequencies: 1 GHz to 500 GHz. The technique is validated by comparing experimental data to both numerical simulations and far-field calculations for various frequencies. We also discuss various applications, including: a direct traceable measurement, the ability to measure both weak and strong field strengths, compact form factors of the probe, and sub-wavelength imaging and field mapping. Index Terms—Atom based metrology, Autler-Townes splitting, broadband sensor and probe, electrical field measurements and sensor, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), Rydberg atoms, sub-wavelength imaging.

Atom-Probe Tomography : The Local Electrode Atom Probe

Abstract: Introduction to Atom Probe Tomography.- Introduction to the Physics of Field Ion Emitters.- Field Evaporation and Related Topics.- The Art of Specimen Preparation.- The Local Electrode Atom Probe.- Data Reconstruction.- Data Analysis.- Appendices.

The mechanisms of electron heating and acceleration during magnetic reconnection

Abstract: The heating of electrons in collisionless magnetic reconnection is explored in particle-in-cell simulations with non-zero guide fields so that electrons remain magnetized. In this regime, electric fields parallel to B accelerate particles directly, while those perpendicular to B do so through gradient-B and curvature drifts. The curvature drift drives parallel heating through Fermi reflection, while the gradient B drift changes the perpendicular energy through betatron acceleration. We present simulations in which we evaluate each of these mechanisms in space and time in order to quantify their role in electron heating. For a case with a small guide field (20% of the magnitude of the reconnecting component), the curvature drift is the dominant source of electron heating. However, for a larger guide field (equal to the magnitude of the reconnecting component) electron acceleration by the curvature drift is comparable to that of the parallel electric field. In both cases, the heating by the gradient B drift is negligible in magnitude. It produces net cooling because the conservation of the magnetic moment and the drop of B during reconnection produce a decrease in the perpendicular electron energy. Heating by the curvature drift dominates in the outflow exhausts where bent field lines expand to relax their tension and is therefore distributed over a large area. In contrast, the parallel electric field is localized near X-lines. This suggests that acceleration by parallel electric fields may play a smaller role in large systems where the X-line occupies a vanishing fraction of the system. The curvature drift and the parallel electric field dominate the dynamics and drive parallel heating. A consequence is that the electron energy spectrum becomes extremely anisotropic at late time, which has important implications for quantifying the limits of electron acceleration due to synchrotron emission. An upper limit on electron energy gain that is substantially higher than earlier estimates is obtained by balancing reconnection drive with radiative loss.

Anomalous transport of Weyl fermions in Weyl semimetals

Abstract: We present a field theoretical model of anomalous transport in Weyl semimetals. We calculate the chiral magnetic and chiral vortical effect in the electric, axial (valley), and energy current. Our findings coincide with the results of a recent analysis using kinetic theory in the bulk of the material. We point out that the kinetic currents have to be identified with the covariant currents in quantum field theory. These currents are anomalous and the CME appears as anomalous charge creation/annihilation at the edges of the Weyl semimetal. We discuss a possible simultaneous experimental test of the chiral magnetic and the chiral vortical effect sensitive to the temperature dependence induced by the gravitational contribution to the axial anomaly.

Evaluation of Existing Equations for Local Scour at Bridge Piers

Abstract: Twenty-three of the more recent and commonly used equilibrium local scour equations for cohesionless sediments were evaluated using compiled laboratory and field databases. This investigation assembled 569 laboratory and 928 field data. A method for assessing the quality of the data was developed and applied to the data set. This procedure reduced the laboratory and field data to 441 and 791 values, respectively. Because the maturity of the scour hole at the time of measurement for the field data was unknown, they were only used to evaluate underprediction by the equations. A preliminary quality control screening of the equilibrium scour methods/equations reduced the number of equations from the initial 23 to 17. For this screening procedure the equations were used to compute scour depths for a wide, but practical, range of structure, flow, and sediment parameters. Those methods/equations yielding unreasonable (negative or extremely large) scour depths were eliminated from further consideration. The remaining 17 methods/equations were then analyzed using both laboratory and field data. Plots of underprediction error versus total error for the laboratory data and underprediction error for field data versus total error for laboratory data along with error statistics calculations assisted in the ranking of the equations. Equations from previous publications were melded and slightly modified to provide the best performing equation in that it yields the least total error and close to the least under-prediction error of those tested. The new equation is termed the Sheppard/Melville (S/M) equation in this paper.

Chirality-Induced asymmetric magnetic nucleation in Pt/Co/AlOx ultrathin microstructures.

Abstract: The nucleation of reversed magnetic domains in Pt/Co/AlO(x) microstructures with perpendicular anisotropy was studied experimentally in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field. For large enough in-plane field, nucleation was observed preferentially at an edge of the sample normal to this field. The position at which nucleation takes place was observed to depend in a chiral way on the initial magnetization and applied field directions. A quantitative explanation of these results is proposed, based on the existence of a sizable Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in this sample. Another consequence of this interaction is that the energy of domain walls can become negative for in-plane fields smaller than the effective anisotropy field.

Field induced positional shift of Bloch electrons and its dynamical implications.

Abstract: We derive the field correction to the Berry curvature of Bloch electrons, which can be traced back to a positional shift due to the interband mixing induced by external electromagnetic fields. The resulting semiclassical dynamics is accurate to second order in the fields, in the same form as before, provided that the wave packet energy is derived up to the same order. As applications, we discuss the orbital magnetoelectric polarizability and predict nonlinear anomalous Hall effects.

Phase field modeling of fracture in rubbery polymers. Part I: Finite elasticity coupled with brittle failure

Abstract: This work presents a new phase field model for rate-independent crack propagation in rubbery polymers at large strains and considers details of its numerical implementation. The approach accounts for micro-mechanically based features of both the elastic bulk response as well as the crack toughness of idealized polymer networks. The proposed diffusive crack modeling based on the introduction of a crack phase field overcomes difficulties associated with the computational realization of sharp crack discontinuities, in particular when it comes to complex crack topologies. The crack phase field governs a crack density function, which describes the macroscopic crack surface in the polymer per unit of the reference volume. It provides the basis for the constitutive modeling of a degrading free energy storage and a crack threshold function with a Griffith-type critical energy release rate, that governs the crack propagation in the polymer. Both the energy storage as well as the critical energy release due to fracture can be related to classical statistical network theories of polymers. The proposed framework of diffusive fracture in polymers is formulated in terms of a rate-type variational principle that determines the evolution of the coupled primary variable fields, i.e. the deformation field and the crack phase field. On the computational side, we outline a staggered solution procedure based on a one-pass operator split of the coupled equations, that successively updates in a typical time step the crack phase field and the displacement field. Such a solution algorithm is extremely robust, easy to implement and ideally suited for engineering problems. We finally demonstrate the performance of the phase field formulation of fracture at large strains by means of representative numerical examples.

Hall-effect-controlled gas dynamics in protoplanetary disks. i. wind solutions at the inner disk

Abstract: The gas dynamics of protoplanetary disks (PPDs) is largely controlled by non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects including Ohmic resistivity, the Hall effect, and ambipolar diffusion. Among these the role of the Hall effect is the least explored and most poorly understood. In this series, we have included, for the first time, all three non-ideal MHD effects in a self-consistent manner to investigate the role of the Hall effect on PPD gas dynamics using local shearing-box simulations. In this first paper, we focus on the inner region of PPDs, where previous studies (Bai & Stone 2013; Bai 2013) excluding the Hall effect have revealed that the inner disk up to ~10 AU is largely laminar, with accretion driven by a magnetocentrifugal wind. We confirm this basic picture and show that the Hall effect modifies the wind solutions depending on the polarity of the large-scale poloidal magnetic field threading the disk. When , the horizontal magnetic field is strongly amplified toward the disk interior, leading to a stronger disk wind (by ~50% or less in terms of the wind-driven accretion rate). The enhanced horizontal field also leads to much stronger large-scale Maxwell stress (magnetic braking) that contributes to a considerable fraction of the wind-driven accretion rate. When , the horizontal magnetic field is reduced, leading to a weaker disk wind (by 20%) and negligible magnetic braking. Under fiducial parameters, we find that when , the laminar region extends farther to ~10-15 AU before the magnetorotational instability sets in, while for , the laminar region extends only to ~3-5 AU for a typical accretion rate of ~10?8 to10?7 M ? yr?1. Scaling relations for the wind properties, especially the wind-driven accretion rate, are provided for aligned and anti-aligned field geometries.

Relativistic fluids, superfluids, solids, and supersolids from a coset construction

Abstract: We provide a systematic coset construction of the effective field theories governing the low-energy dynamics of relativistic fluids and solids and of their ``super'' counterparts. These effective theories agree with those previously derived via different techniques. As an application of our methods, we rederive the Wess-Zumino term relevant for anomalous charge-carrying fluids in ($1+1$) dimensions.

Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water

Abstract: Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Interpreting Attoclock Measurements of Tunnelling Times

Abstract: Resolving in time the dynamics of light absorption by atoms and molecules, and the electronic rearrangement this induces, is among the most challenging goals of attosecond spectroscopy. The attoclock is an elegant approach to this problem, which encodes ionization times in the strong-field regime. However, the accurate reconstruction of these times from experimental data presents a formidable theoretical challenge. Here, we solve this problem by combining analytical theory with ab-initio numerical simulations. We apply our theory to numerical attoclock experiments on the hydrogen atom to extract ionization time delays and analyse their nature. Strong field ionization is often viewed as optical tunnelling through the barrier created by the field and the core potential. We show that, in the hydrogen atom, optical tunnelling is instantaneous. By calibrating the attoclock using the hydrogen atom, our method opens the way to identify possible delays associated with multielectron dynamics during strong-field ionization.

Curvature effects in thin magnetic shells.

Abstract: A magnetic energy functional is derived for an arbitrary curved thin shell on the assumption that the magnetostatic effects can be reduced to an effective easy-surface anisotropy; it can be used for solving both static and dynamic problems. General static solutions are obtained in the limit of a strong anisotropy of both signs (easy-surface and easy-normal cases). It is shown that the effect of the curvature can be treated as the appearance of an effective magnetic field, which is aligned along the surface normal for the case of easy-surface anisotropy and is tangential to the surface for the case of easy-normal anisotropy. In general, the existence of such a field excludes the solutions that are strictly tangential or strictly normal to the surface. As an example, we consider static equilibrium solutions for a cone surface magnetization.

A simple atmospheric boundary layer model applied to large eddy simulations of wind turbine wakes

Abstract: A simple model for including the influence of the atmospheric boundary layer in connection with large eddy simulations of wind turbine wakes is presented and validated by comparing computed results with measurements as well as with direct numerical simulations. The model is based on an immersed boundary type technique where volume forces are used to introduce wind shear and atmospheric turbulence. The application of the model for wake studies is demonstrated by combining it with the actuator line method, and predictions are compared with field measurements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Magnetic monopole field exposed by electrons

Abstract: Magnetic monopoles continue to be elusive However, an experiment now shows that the interaction of an electron beam with the tip of a nanoscopically thin magnetic needle—a close approximation to a magnetic monopole field—generates an electron vortex state, as expected for a true magnetic monopole field

Phoretic self-propulsion at finite Peclet numbers

Abstract: Phoretic self-propulsion is a unique example of force- and torque-free motion on small scales. The classical framework describing the flow field around a particle swimming by self-diffusiophoresis neglects the advection of the solute field by the flow and assumes that the chemical interaction layer is thin compared to the particle size. In this paper we quantify and characterize the effect of solute advection on the phoretic swimming of a sphere. We first rigorously derive the regime of validity of the thin-interaction-layer assumption at finite values of the Peclet number (Pe). Under this assumption, we solve computationally the flow around Janus phoretic particles and examine the impact of solute advection on propulsion and the flow created by the particle. We demonstrate that although advection always leads to a decrease of the swimming speed and flow stresslet at high values of the Peclet number, an increase can be obtained at intermediate values of Pe. This possible enhancement of swimming depends critically on the nature of the chemical interactions between the solute and the surface. We then derive an asymptotic analysis of the problem at small Pe which allows us to rationalize our computational results. Our computational and theoretical analysis is accompanied by a parallel study of the influence of reactive effects at the surface of the particle (Damkohler number) on swimming.

Phase-field-based multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model for incompressible multiphase flows

Abstract: In this paper, a phase-field-based multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is proposed for incompressible multiphase flow systems. In this model, one distribution function is used to solve the Chan-Hilliard equation and the other is adopted to solve the Navier-Stokes equations. Unlike previous phase-field-based LB models, a proper source term is incorporated in the interfacial evolution equation such that the Chan-Hilliard equation can be derived exactly and also a pressure distribution is designed to recover the correct hydrodynamic equations. Furthermore, the pressure and velocity fields can be calculated explicitly. A series of numerical tests, including Zalesak's disk rotation, a single vortex, a deformation field, and a static droplet, have been performed to test the accuracy and stability of the present model. The results show that, compared with the previous models, the present model is more stable and achieves an overall improvement in the accuracy of the capturing interface. In addition, compared to the single-relaxation-time LB model, the present model can effectively reduce the spurious velocity and fluctuation of the kinetic energy. Finally, as an application, the Rayleigh-Taylor instability at high Reynolds numbers is investigated.

Passive Lossless Huygens Metasurfaces for Conversion of Arbitrary Source Field to Directive Radiation

Abstract: We present a semianalytical formulation of the interaction between a given source field and a scalar Huygens metasurface (HMS), a recently introduced promising concept for wavefront manipulation based on a sheet of orthogonal electric and magnetic dipoles. Utilizing the equivalent surface impedance representation of these metasurfaces, we establish that an arbitrary source field can be converted into directive radiation via a passive lossless HMS if two physical conditions are met: local power conservation; and local impedance equalization. Expressing the fields via their plane-wave spectrum and harnessing the slowly-varying envelope approximation, we obtain semianalytical formulae for the scattered fields, and prescribe the surface reactance required for the metasurface implementation. The resulting design procedure indicates that the local impedance equalization induces a Fresnel-like reflection, while local power conservation forms a radiating virtual aperture which follows the total excitation field magnitude. The semianalytical predictions are verified by finite-element simulations of HMSs designed for different source configurations. Besides serving as a flexible design procedure for HMS radiators, the proposed formulation also provides a robust mechanism to incorporate a variety of source configurations into general HMS models, as well as physical insight on the conditions enabling purely reactive implementation of this novel type of metasurfaces.

On the electron diffusion region in planar, asymmetric, systems

Abstract: Particle-in-cell simulations and analytical theory are employed to study the electron diffusion region in asymmetric reconnection, which is taking place in planar configurations without a guide field. The analysis presented here focuses on the nature of the local reconnection electric field and on differences from symmetric configurations. Further emphasis is on the complex structure of the electron distribution in the diffusion region, which is generated by the mixing of particles from different sources. We find that the electric field component that is directly responsible for flux transport is provided not by electron pressure-based, “quasi-viscous,” terms but by inertial terms. The quasi-viscous component is shown to be critical in that it is necessary to sustain the required overall electric field pattern in the immediate neighborhood of the reconnection X line.

Numerical simulations of quiet Sun magnetism: On the contribution from a small-scale dynamo

Abstract: We present a series of radiative MHD simulations addressing the origin and distribution of mixed polarity magnetic field in the solar photosphere. To this end we consider numerical simulations that cover the uppermost 2-6 Mm of the solar convection zone and we explore scales ranging from 2 km to 25 Mm. We study how the strength and distribution of magnetic field in the photosphere and subsurface layers depend on resolution, domain size and boundary conditions. We find that 50% of the magnetic energy at the \tau=1 level comes from field with the less than 500 G strength and that 50% of the energy resides on scales smaller than about 100 km. While probability distribution functions are essentially independent of resolution, properly describing the spectral energy distribution requires grid spacings of 8 km or smaller. The formation of flux concentrations in the photosphere exceeding 1 kG requires a mean vertical field strength greater than 30-40 G at \tau=1. The filling factor of kG flux concentrations increases with overall domain size as magnetic field becomes organized by larger, longer lived flow structures. A solution with a mean vertical field strength of around 85 G at \tau=1 requires a subsurface RMS field strength increasing with depth at the same rate as the equipartition field strength. We consider this an upper limit for the quiet Sun field strength, which implies that most of the convection zone is magnetized close to equipartition. We discuss these findings in view of recent high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations of quiet Sun magnetism.

Thermo-electric transport in gauge/gravity models with momentum dissipation

Abstract: We present a systematic definition and analysis of the thermo-electric linear response in gauge/gravity systems focusing especially on models with massive gravity in the bulk and therefore momentum dissipation in the dual field theory. A precise treatment of finite counter-terms proves to be essential to yield a consistent physical picture whose hydrodynamic and beyond-hydrodynamics behaviors noticeably match with field theoretical expectations. The model furnishes a possible gauge/gravity description of the crossover from the quantum-critical to the disorder-dominated Fermi-liquid behaviors, as expected in graphene.