Adiabatic Flux Research Articles

Reconciling Non-Gaussian Climate Statistics with Linear Dynamics

Abstract Linear stochastically forced models have been found to be competitive with comprehensive nonlinear weather and climate models at representing many features of the observed covariance statistics and at predictions beyond a week. Their success seems at odds with the fact that the observed statistics can be significantly non-Gaussian, which is often attributed to nonlinear dynamics. The stochastic noise in the linear models can be a mixture of state-independent (“additive”) and linearly state-dependent (“multiplicative”) Gaussian white noises. It is shown here that such mixtures can produce not only symmetric but also skewed non-Gaussian probability distributions if the additive and multiplicative noises are correlated. Such correlations are readily anticipated from first principles. A generic stochastically generated skewed (SGS) distribution can be analytically derived from the Fokker–Planck equation for a single-component system. In addition to skew, all such SGS distributions have power-law tails, as well as a striking property that the (excess) kurtosis K is always greater than 1.5 times the square of the skew S. Remarkably, this K–S inequality is found to be satisfied by circulation variables even in the observed multicomponent climate system. A principle of “diagonal dominance” in the multicomponent moment equations is introduced to understand this behavior. To clarify the nature of the stochastic noises (turbulent adiabatic versus diabatic fluctuations) responsible for the observed non-Gaussian statistics, a long 1200-winter simulation of the northern winter climate is generated using a dry adiabatic atmospheric general circulation model forced only with the observed long-term winter-mean diabatic forcing as a constant forcing. Despite the complete neglect of diabatic variations, the model reproduces the observed K–S relationships and also the spatial patterns of the skew and kurtosis of the daily tropospheric circulation anomalies. This suggests that the stochastic generators of these higher moments are mostly associated with local adiabatic turbulent fluxes. The model also simulates fifth moments that are approximately 10 times the skew, and probability densities with power-law tails, as predicted by the linear theory.

Topologically protected qubits as minimal Josephson junction arrays with non-trivial boundary conditions: A proposal

Recently a one-dimensional closed ladder of Josephson junctions has been studied [G. Cristofano, V. Marotta, A. Naddeo, G. Niccoli, Phys. Lett. A 372 (2008) 2464] within a twisted conformal field theory (CFT) approach [G. Cristofano, G. Maiella, V. Marotta, Mod. Phys. Lett. A 15 (2000) 1679; G. Cristofano, G. Maiella, V. Marotta, G. Niccoli, Nucl. Phys. B 641 (2002) 547] and shown to develop the phenomenon of flux fractionalization [G. Cristofano, V. Marotta, A. Naddeo, G. Niccoli, Eur. Phys. J. B 49 (2006) 83]. That led us to predict the emergence of a topological order in such a system [G. Cristofano, V. Marotta, A. Naddeo, J. Stat. Mech.: Theory Exp. (2005) P03006]. In this Letter we analyze the ground states and the topological properties of fully frustrated Josephson junction arrays (JJA) arranged in a Corbino disk geometry for a variety of boundary conditions. In particular minimal configurations of fully frustrated JJA are considered and shown to exhibit the properties needed in order to build up a solid state qubit, protected from decoherence. The stability and transformation properties of the ground states of the JJA under adiabatic magnetic flux changes are analyzed in detail in order to provide a tool for the manipulation of the proposed qubit.

Harmonic oscillators: the quantization of simple systems in the old quantum theory and their functional roles in biology

This article introduces quantum physics into biology in an intuitive and non-intimidating manner. It extends the quantum aspects of harmonic oscillators, and electromagnetic fields, to their functional roles in biology. Central to this process are the De Broglie wave-particle duality equation, and the adiabatic invariant parameters, magnetic moment, angular momentum and magnetic flux, determined by Ehrenfest as imposing quantum constraints on the dynamics of charges in motion. In mechanisms designed to explain the generation of low-level light emissions in biology we have adopted a biological analog of the electrical circuitry modeled on the parallel plated capacitor, traversed by helical protein structures, capable of generating electromagnetic radiation in the optical spectral region. The charge carrier required for the emissions is an accelerating electron driven, in a cyclotron-type mechanism, by ATP-induced reverse electron transfer with the radial, emission, components, mediated by coulombic forces within the helical configurations. Adenine, an essential nucleotide constituent of DNA, was examined with its long wavelength absorption maximum determining the energetic parameters for the calculations. The calculations were made for a virtual 5-turn helix where each turn of the helix emits a different frequency, generating a biological quantum series. The components of six adiabatic invariant equations were found to be embedded in Planck's constant rendering them discrete, finite, non-random, non-statistical-Planck's constant precludes probability. A mechanism for drug-induced hallucination is described that might provide insights as to the possible role of electromagnetic fields in consciousness. Sodium acceleration through a proposed nerve membrane helical channel generated electromagnetic emissions in the microwave region in confirmation of reported microwave emission for active nerves and may explain saltatory nerve conduction. Theoretical calculations for a helical DNA system gave a conduction resistance in agreement with a experimentally determined parameter.

Fully frustrated Josephson junction ladders with Mobius boundary conditions as topologically protected qubits

We show how to realize a “protected” qubit by using a fully frustrated Josephson junction ladder (JJL) with Mobius boundary conditions. Such a system has been recently studied within a twisted conformal field theory (CFT) approach [G. Cristofano, G. Maiella, V. Marotta, Mod. Phys. Lett. A 15 (2000) 1679; G. Cristofano, G. Maiella, V. Marotta, G. Niccoli, Nucl. Phys. B 641 (2002) 547] and shown to develop the phenomenon of flux fractionalization [G. Cristofano, V. Marotta, A. Naddeo, G. Niccoli, Eur. Phys. J. B 49 (2006) 83]. The relevance of a “closed” geometry has been fully exploited in relating the topological properties of the ground state of the system to the presence of half flux quanta and the emergence of a topological order has been predicted [G. Cristofano, V. Marotta, A. Naddeo, J. Stat. Mech.: Theory Exp. (2005) P03006]. In this Letter the stability and transformation properties of the ground states under adiabatic magnetic flux change are analyzed and the deep consequences on the realization of a solid state qubit, protected from decoherence, are presented.

Nanosecond quantum state detection in a current-biased dc SQUID

This paper presents our procedure to measure the quantum state of a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) within a few nanoseconds, using an adiabatic dc flux pulse. Detection of the ground state is governed by standard macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) theory, with a small correction due to residual noise in the bias current. In the two-level limit, where the SQUID constitutes a phase qubit, an observed contrast of 0.54 indicates a significant loss in contrast compared to the MQT prediction. It is attributed to spurious depolarization (loss of excited state occupancy) during the leading edge of the adiabatic flux measurement pulse. We give a simple phenomenological relaxation model which is able to predict the observed contrast of multilevel Rabi oscillations for various microwave amplitudes.

Topological quantization of the spin Hall effect in two-dimensional paramagnetic semiconductors

We propose models of two dimensional paramagnetic semiconductors where the intrinsic spin Hall effect is exactly quantized in integer units of a topological charge. The model describes a topological insulator in the bulk, and a "holographic metal" at the edge, where the number of extended edge states crossing the Fermi level is dictated by (exactly equal to) the bulk topological charge. We also demonstrate the spin Hall effect explicitly in terms of the spin accumulation caused by the adiabatic flux insertion.

Wave-mean flow interaction and its relationship with the atmospheric energy cycle with diabatic heating

Based on the traditional theory of wave mean flow interaction, an improved quasi-geostrophic Eliassen-Palm flux with diabatic heating included is deduced. It is shown that there exists an intrinsic relation between the atmospheric energy cycle derived by Lorenz and the wave energy transfer derived by Eliassen and Palm. From this relation it becomes clear that the energy propagation process of large-scale stationary wave is indeed a part of Lorenz energy cycle, and the energy transform from mean flow to wave equals the global mass integral of the divergence of local wave energy flux or the global integral of local wave energy. The diagnostic results by using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data suggest that the classical adiabatic Eliassen-Palm flux relation can present only the wintertime wave energy transformation. For other seasons, however, the diabatic effect must be taken into account.

Diagnosis of Meridional Ozone Transport Based on Mass-Weighted Isentropic Zonal Means

Abstract A transport equation based on mass-weighted isentropic zonal means applies to the diagnosis for the meridional ozone transport in the troposphere and stratosphere. The mean and eddy ozone fluxes are estimated from the global distributions of the temperature, wind, and ozone. In comparison with the conventional Eulerian mean and transformed Eulerian mean (TEM), the present diagnosis has advantages for the expression of eddy transport terms. The adiabatic eddy flux is separated from the diabatic eddy flux, which is parallel to the isentropic surface. The analysis shows that the eddy flux is almost adiabatic except that it is significantly affected by diabatic effects near the lower troposphere. Another advantage lies in the mean meridional transport. Although it is almost similar to the TEM, significant differences can be found near the Antarctic polar vortex due to nongeostrophic effects. Furthermore, the isentropic diagnosis expresses a strong equatorward flux near the lower boundary, while the TEM hardly does this because of inadequate treatment of the lower-boundary conditions. The life cycle of ozone can be understood through the exact estimation of the transport terms. Although the stratospheric meridional transport is mainly performed by the Brewer–Dobson circulation, the strong poleward eddy ozone flux is caused by planetary wave breaking, especially in the winter hemisphere. In the extratropics, the ozone subsides from the stratosphere to the troposphere by mean downward motions, mainly diffused to the lower latitudes probably due to strong baroclinic waves and effectively lost through chemical processes in the lower troposphere.

Stratosphere‐troposphere exchange of mass and ozone

This study examines the relationship between the extratropical cross‐tropopause fluxes of mass and ozone. The adiabatic and diabatic components of the net fluxes are also compared. The rate of change of mass in the lowermost stratosphere and the flux across the 380 K isentropic surface are used to determine the net tropopause mass flux in the framework of a global circulation model. The diabatic mass flux is calculated from the heating rate at the tropopause, and the adiabatic component is determined by the difference of the net and diabatic fluxes. Consistent ozone fields are obtained by driving the Goddard Chemistry and Transport Model with meteorological output of the global circulation model for the same years. The ozone flux is determined by convolving the mass flux and ozone mixing ratio. The results show the following: (1) The seasonal cycle of the ozone mixing ratio is out of phase with the transport cycle leading to a temporal offset of the mass and ozone fluxes; (2) the downward net diabatic flux of mass and ozone occurs primarily at middle latitudes while the adiabatic mass flux is dominated by troposphere‐to‐stratosphere transport at higher latitudes; and (3) the Southern Hemisphere stratospheric vortex is more effective at blocking meridional transport, resulting in a phase difference of mean tropopause ozone mixing ratio in the higher Southern Hemisphere latitudes with respect to the corresponding Northern Hemisphere season and location. Finally, this study suggests that individual pathways of cross‐tropopause transport are unlikely to be the result of simultaneous adiabatic and diabatic mechanisms.

Extratropical stratosphere‐troposphere mass exchange

The net mass flux from the stratosphere to the troposphere can be computed from the heating rate along the 380 K isentropic surface and the time rate of change of the mass of the lowermost stratosphere (the region between the tropopause and the 380 K isentrope) following Appenzeller et al. [1996]. Given this net mass flux and the cross‐tropopause diabatic mass flux, the residual adiabatic mass flux across the tropopause can also be estimated. These fluxes have been computed using meteorological fields from a free‐running general circulation model (the finite volume general circulation model) and two assimilated data sets, finite volume data assimilation system (FVDAS), and UK Met Office (UKMO). All of the calculations agree that the annual average net mass flux for the Northern Hemisphere is about 1010 kg/s. There is less agreement on the Southern Hemisphere flux that might be half as large. For all three data sets the adiabatic mass flux is from the upper troposphere into the lowermost stratosphere. This adiabatic flux into the lowermost stratosphere is roughly 5 times larger than the diabatic mass flux into the stratosphere across the tropical tropopause. For the FVDAS the midlatitude tropopause diabatic flux is smaller than UKMO, apparently due to a systematically colder, higher FVDAS tropopause. Both data assimilation systems have a warmer, lower midlatitude tropopause compared to radiosondes, so the mass flux estimates can be considered upper bounds. Finally, we note that the difference in the diabatic mass fluxes between the two assimilated meteorological analyses is much larger than the interannual variability in either.

Adiabatic modeling of the relativistic electron fluxes during the storm main phase

Satellite observations have shown that flux variations of outer belt relativistic electrons exhibit a strong radial dependence during the storm main phase. This L dependence can be characterized as small decreases (or at times increases) near the inner edge of the belt and large decreases in its outer region. This paper examines the characteristic radial dependence in terms of the fully adiabatic response of relativistic electrons to magnetic field perturbations. We calculate storm time electron fluxes by adiabatically evolving quiet time values, using Lionville's theorem and the conservation of the three adiabatic invariants. In an adiabatic process, the main phase electron fluxes are affected by the radial structure of magnetic field perturbations and the spatial and energy dependence of the quiet time electron distribution. In response to the field perturbations, adiabatic flux changes become larger at higher L shells where electrons can experience strong deceleration and considerable radial displacement. We conclude that a fully adiabatic treatment can reproduce the overall pattern of the observed radial dependence of relativistic electron fluxes during the storm main phase, although this does not deny the importance of non-adiabatic processes during individual geomagnetic storms.

Radial dependence of relativistic electron fluxes for storm main phase development

Satellite observations have revealed that the flux variations of outer belt relativistic electrons during the main phase of a magnetic storm exhibit a strong radial dependence. This L dependence is characterized as a small increase or decrease near the inner edge of the belt (L ∼ 3) and a large decrease inits outer region (L ∼ 5). Extending the study by Kim and Chan [1997] of relativistic electron flux decreases at geostationary orbit, we investigate the characteristic radial dependence in terms of the fully adiabatic response of relativistic electrons to magnetic field perturbations. Using Liouville's theorem and the conservation of the first and third adiabatic invariants, we calculate storm main phase fluxes of equatorially mirroring electrons by adiabatically evolving the prestorm values. A quiet time electron distribution model is constructed from the CRRES satellite data. The radial structure of magnetic field perturbations and the spatial and energy dependence of the quiet time electron distribution are found to affect the main phase fluxes through adiabatic processes. In response to the field perturbations, adiabatic flux changes become larger at higher L shells where electrons can experience strong deceleration and considerable radial displacement. The nonmonotonic energy spectrum at the inner edge of the outer belt, which is featured in our quiet time electron model, can yield a slight flux increase in that region even during adiabatic deceleration. The results of this study suggest that a fully adiabatic treatment can provide an important component of the explanation for the general pattern of large scale changes in the radial profile of relativistic electron fluxes during the storm main phase.

Symmetric heat and mass transfer in a rotating spherical layer

The general theory of heat and mass transfer maintaining rotation with slightly different velocities under conditions typical for cores of planets in the solar system is developed for the first time. The analytic solution is obtained for thermal and diffusion equations without nonlinear terms responsible for the convective transfer. This spherically symmetric basic solution is applicable when the thermal flux from a planet core is weaker than or comparable to the adiabatic (radiative) flux. In the general case, by subtracting the basic solution, we simplified the inhomogeneous system of convective equations to obtain a completely homogeneous and dimensionless system. The latter system is controlled by two asymptotically small parameters: the Rossby number e<10−5, which characterizes the relative value of differential rotation, and the generalized Eckman number E<10−12, which characterizes the relative role of viscosity-diffusion effects during rapid rotation. The principal order of the solution for e →0 and then for $$\sqrt E \to 0$$ , for the transfer coefficients close to molecular coefficients, results in the basic flow, which is symmetric with respect to the rotation axis and directed predominantly along the azimuth. The basic-flow liquid ascends from a solid core along spirals inside an axial cylinder in contact with the equator of the solid core and descends in a narrow layer along the cylinder walls. The moment of viscous forces in the inner boundary Eckman layer provides a faster rotation of the inner solid core of terrestrial planets compared to a massive outer mantle due to the growth of the solid core at the expense of a low-density liquid core.

Non‐adiabatic response of relativistic radiation belt electrons to GEM magnetic storms

The importance of fully adiabatic effects in the relativistic radiation belt electron response to magnetic storms is poorly characterized due to many difficulties in calculating adiabatic flux response. Using the adiabatic flux model of Kim and Chan [1997a] and Los Alamos National Laboratory geosynchronous satellite data, we examine the relative timing of the adiabatic and non‐adiabatic flux responses. In the three storms identified by the GEM community for in depth study, the non‐adiabatic energization occurs hours earlier than the adiabatic re‐energization. The adiabatic energization can account for only 10–20% of the flux increases in the first recovery stages, and only 1% of the flux increase if there is continuing activity.

Adiabatically developed local coherence in YBCO above Tc

AC susceptibility has been measured simultaneously in three different regions of YBCO ceramic samples, in the presence of a strong thermal gradient, in order to pinpoint local perturbation. A local step-like perturbation, applied in addition to the monotonic temperature decrease, produces a jump-like increase of the coherent region. The superconducting regions enlarge much faster than the propagation of the thermal waves. We suggest that the adiabatic magnetic flux jump reflect the creation of new coherent domains over T c by stimulated correlation of the order parameter phase.

Local avalanche-like superconducting transitions in YBCO

AC susceptibility has been measured simultaneously in three different regions of YBCO ceramic samples in the presence of strong thermal gradient. A local step-like perturbation, applied in addition to the monotonic temperature decrease, results in local avalanche-like transitions. The superconducting regions enlarge much faster than the propagation of the thermal waves. We suggest that the adiabatic magnetic flux avalanches reflect creation of new superconducting, amplitude-correlated domains by stimulated correlation of the order parameter phase.

Thermal scanning alternating current susceptometry with multiple pick-up coils for ranging local phenomena in high Tc superconductors

We describe a new experimental technique where ac susceptibility is measured simultaneously with three pick-up coils in three different regions along a YBCO ceramic sample, in the presence of strong thermal gradient. Each of the pick-up coils “feels” the shielding currents from the entire sample but with different weight due to geometrical factors. The multiple coil system permits the localization of any particularities (here a local avalanche-like decrease of the susceptibility function). Using this technique we observed experimental evidence of adiabatic flux change in a sintered high Tc superconductive material.

Fully adiabatic changes in storm time relativistic electron fluxes

It has been suggested that much of the drop and subsequent recovery of storm time relativistic electron fluxes at geosynchronous orbit can be explained in terms of a fully adiabatic response (all three adiabatic invariants conserved) to magnetic field changes. To calculate this effect, we assume a prestorm electron flux distribution constructed from CRRES satellite data, we use modular magnetospheric magnetic field models to represent the magnetic field configuration before and during the storm, and we use Liouville's theorem to evolve the prestorm electron flux. In this work we focus on the important special case of equatorially mirroring electrons. During the main phase of a storm with a Dst minimum of −100 nT we find that the fully adiabatic effect can cause a flux decrease of up to 2 orders of magnitude, consistent with observed flux decreases. We also find that the magnitude of the fully adiabatic flux decrease is larger for lower energies, again in agreement with observations. The contribution of prestorm electron fluxes to the recovery phase flux increase at synchronous orbit is expected to be small because of losses to the dawnside magnetopause. A comparison of fully adiabatic fluxes with measured electron fluxes for the November 2–5, 1993, storm indicates that for this event the fully adiabatic effect may be contributing to the observed decrease but that nonadiabatic effects are clearly important. Overall we conclude that the fully adiabatic effect can account for a significant fraction of observed flux decreases and that differences between the observed and the fully adiabatic fluxes help to clarify when and where additional loss and source mechanisms exist.

Hybrid mesons in the context of the relativistic equation

The flux tube model of hybrid mesons is studied in the context of the relativistic equation in the adiabatic approximation. The moment of inertia of the rigid-rod flux tube is considered in the kinetic part of the interaction. The nonrelativistic and relativistic one scalar bead flux tube is integrated numerically and compared with the adiabatic flux tube small oscillation approximation. The relativistic scalar bead picture suggests that the lowest gluonic excitation of a massive gluon is color octet qq pair while the conventional mesons are color singlet as usual. We estimate the lowest hybrid charmonium states as 11P = 4.17 ± 0.03 and 11D = 4.39±0.05 GeV with color octet qq pair and as 11P = 3.78± 0.05 and 11D = 4.04±0.09 GeV with color singlet qq pair. These results are also confirmed by the adiabatic flux tube small oscillation approximation when the hybrid energy gap is adjusted phenomenologically to MHc = Mground + 1GeV.

The use of neural networks for fitting complex kinetic data

In this paper the use of neural networks for fitting complex kinetic data is discussed. To assess the validity of the approach two different neural network architectures are compared with the traditional kinetic identification methods for two cases: the homogeneous esterification reaction between propionic anhydride and 2-butanol, catalysed by sulphuric acid, and the heterogeneous liquid-liquid toluene mononitration by mixed acid. A large set of experimental data obtained by adiabatic and heat flux calorimetry and by gas chromatography is used for the training of the neural networks. The results indicate that the neural network approach can be used to deal with the fitting of complex kinetic data to obtain an approximate reaction rate function in a limited amount of time, which can be used for design improvement or optimisation when, owing to small production levels or time constraints, it is not possible to develop a detailed kinetic analysis.