Sharp Transition Region Research Articles

On the ground state of one-dimensional quantum droplets for large chemical potentials

Abstract In the present work we revisit the problem of the quantum droplet in atomic Bose–Einstein condensates with an eye towards describing its ground state in the large density, so-called Thomas–Fermi (TF) limit. We consider the problem as being separable into 3 distinct regions: an inner one, where the TF approximation is valid, a sharp transition region where the density abruptly drops towards the (vanishing) background value and an outer region which asymptotes to the background value. We analyze the spatial extent of each of these regions, and develop a systematic effective description of the rapid intermediate transition region. Accordingly, we derive a uniformly valid description of the ground state that is found to accurately match our numerical computations. As an additional application of our considerations, we show that this formulation allows for an analytical approximation of excited states such as the (trapped) dark soliton in the large density limit.

Additive Manufacturing of Compositionally-Graded AISI 316L to CoCrMo Structures by Directed Energy Deposition

In the present study, compositionally-graded structures of AISI 316L and CoCrMo alloy are manufactured by powder-based laser-beam directed energy deposition (DED-LB). Through a process-integrated adjustment of powder flow, in situ alloying of the two materials becomes feasible. Thus, a sharp and a smooth transition with a mixture of both alloys can be realized. In order to investigate the phase formation during in situ alloying, a simulation approach considering equilibrium calculations is employed. The findings reveal that a precise compositional as well as functional gradation of the two alloys is possible. Thereby, the chemical composition can be directly correlated with the specimen hardness. Moreover, phases, which are identified by equilibrium calculations, can also be observed experimentally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray-spectroscopy (EDS). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) reveals epitaxial grain growth across the sharp transition region with a pronounced <001>-texture, while the smooth transition acts as nucleus for the growth of new grains with <101>-orientation. In light of envisaged applications in the biomedical sector, the present investigation demonstrates the high potential of an AISI 316L/CoCrMo alloy material combination.

Ultra-wide stopband lowpass filters using ring resonators

AbstractA microstrip-based lowpass filter (LPF) containing modified ring structures has been presented. Ring resonators are used to form a sharp transition region. In addition, rectangular- and tapered-shaped suppressing cells are used to create an ultra-wide stopband region. By combining the designed ring resonator and suppressors, an LPF has been designed with −3 dB cut-off frequency at 1.83 GHz. A sharp transition region has been achieved from 1.83 (at −3 dB) to 2.1 GHz (at −60 dB). A stopband region has been concluded from 2 to 21 GHz (with the corresponding attenuation level of at least 20 dB). The measured insertion loss is better than 0.1 dB (equal to a return loss of 18.1 dB) in the passband region. The proposed circuit is fabricated and measured. The measured results have an appropriate adaption with the simulated results.

Universal features of epidemic models under social distancing guidelines

Social distancing as a form of nonpharmaceutical intervention has been enacted in many countries as a form of mitigating the spread of COVID-19. There has been a large interest in mathematical modeling to aid in the prediction of both the total infected population and virus-related deaths, as well as to aid government agencies in decision making. As the virus continues to spread, there are both economic and sociological incentives to minimize time spent with strict distancing mandates enforced, and/or to adopt periodically relaxed distancing protocols, which allow for scheduled economic activity. The main objective of this study is to reduce the disease burden in a population, here measured as the peak of the infected population, while simultaneously minimizing the length of time the population is socially distanced, utilizing both a single period of social distancing as well as periodic relaxation. We derive a linear relationship among the optimal start time and duration of a single interval of social distancing from an approximation of the classic epidemic SIR model. Furthermore, we see a sharp phase transition region in start times for a single pulse of distancing, where the peak of the infected population changes rapidly; notably, this transition occurs well before one would intuitively expect. By numerical investigation of more sophisticated epidemiological models designed specifically to describe the COVID-19 pandemic, we see that all share remarkably similar dynamic characteristics when contact rates are subject to periodic or one-shot changes, and hence lead us to conclude that these features are universal in epidemic models. On the other hand, the nonlinearity of epidemic models leads to non-monotone behavior of the peak of infected population under periodic relaxation of social distancing policies. This observation led us to hypothesize that an additional single interval social distancing at a proper time can significantly decrease the infected peak of periodic policies, and we verified this improvement numerically. While synchronous quarantine and social distancing mandates across populations effectively minimize the spread of an epidemic over the world, relaxation decisions should not be enacted at the same time for different populations.

Dynamic stability of a jet near a transition in static stability

The vertical profile of the Earth's atmosphere in middle latitudes contains a sharp transition region between two roughly constant stability layers, termed the tropopause and also exhibits jet streams at nearly the same altitude, with the jet stream core possibly above or below the tropopause, depending on time and location. This proximity of the jet to the tropopause would be expected to greatly affect the dynamic stability of the jet, treated here with the jet modelled with the Bickley profile and the tropopause modelled as a smooth transition region with a tanh profile. Stability results are obtained numerically using a Chebyshev collocation spectral method. The results show that the jet becomes more unstable as it is moved further beneath the tropopause. Corresponding two- and three-dimensional nonlinear simulations of the flow confirm the initial growth, and indicate that when a jet is above the tropopause, the configuration is more stable and more likely to produce a strong single unstable mode. The simulations indicate that this instability will grow to form a solitary wave envelope pattern. Conversely, when a jet is below the tropopause, the jet is more likely to form a broad spectrum of motion.

Amplifying optical signals with discrete solitons in waveguide arrays

We present a design and protocol to achieve an essential feature of an optical transistor, namely the amplification of input signal with the use of discrete solitons in waveguide arrays. We consider the scattering of a discrete soliton by a reflectionless potential in the presence of a control soliton. We show that at the sharp transition region between full reflectance and full transmittance, the intensity of the reflected or transmitted soliton is highly sensitive to the intensity of the control soliton. This suggests a setup of signal amplifier. For realistic purposes, we modulate the parameters of the reflectionless potential well to achieve a performance of amplifier with a controllable amplification. To facilitate the experimental realization, we calculate the amplification factor in terms of the parameters of the potential well and the input power of the control soliton. The suggested signal amplifier device will be an important component in the all-optical data processing.

Filament simulations in regions of highly-varying parallel connection length

The island divertor topology of the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) scrape-off-layer exhibits regions of highly varying connection length. Here, we present drift-plane simulations of seeded filaments in regions of sharp transitions in parallel connection length – a parameter which dictates the propagation regime for plasma blobs. It is determined that a transition in parallel connection length alters the trajectory of filaments; filaments which enter regions of lower connection length are decelerated, and vice versa. It is also determined that if the lobes of a potential dipole created by diamagnetic drifts within the filament exist in two regions of distinct parallel connection length, the filament is then steered towards the region of higher connection length. The extreme case of a narrow region of varying connection length can also alter the trajectory of a filament, depending on the extent of this region. Finally, simulations mimicking the view from the W7-X gas puff imaging (GPI) diagnostic view plane are presented. It is determined that filaments in the view of the W7-X GPI diagnostic exhibit a predominantly poloidal propagation due to the radial electric field, since the radial velocity is relatively small.

Determination of current transport and trap states density in AlInGaN/GaN heterostructures

The energy distribution and the relaxation time constant of the trap states with respect to conduction bands in the (Ni/Au) Schottky contact on AlInGaN/GaN heterostructures were investigated using the admittance technique. The potential dependent capacitance/conductance measurements were done in the frequency range of 5 kHz to 5 MHz at a temperature of 300 K. We found strong frequency dispersions at the accumulation regions and at the sharp transition regions (depletion region) in the capacitance curves. High frequency dispersion at the accumulation regions in C-V characteristics indicates that there is a high-density of surface traps between the metal–AlInGaN quaternary layer interfaces. Furthermore, the frequency dispersion at the sharp transition regions behavior can be attributed to the interface traps state between the AlInGaN quaternary layer and GaN layer. A detailed analysis of the frequency-dependent capacitance and conductance data was performed, assuming the models in which traps are located between the metal–AlInGaN interface (surface traps) and between AlInGaN/GaN interfaces (interface traps). The trap states density and time constants of the traps states were calculated as a function of energy separation from the conduction-band edge. The trap states' densities change between 1.3 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 and 6.2 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2. Also, 4.8 to 5.3 μs time interval calculated for the relaxation times.

A particle-based free surface detection method and its application to the surface tension effects simulation in smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)

A particle based algorithm for fluid surface detection and evaluation of the interface force due to surface tension for smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is presented in this work. The algorithm identifies the surface particles by examining the local geometry around them, and it presents sharp interface transition region. The curvature and normal for the identified surface particles are extracted from the geometry around the surface particles. The interface force is integrated into the SPH equation for fluid dynamics with full consideration of interface effects. The algorithm presented is capable of detecting arbitrary surface undergoing fragmentation and coalescence. The stability and accuracy of the interface force simulated with this algorithm are validated with test cases.

Effect of Sharp Diameter Geometrical Modulation on the Magnetization Reversal of Bi-Segmented FeNi Nanowires.

Controlling functional properties of matter and combining them for engineering a functional device is, nowadays, a common direction of the scientific community. For instance, heterogeneous magnetic nanostructures can make use of different types of geometrical and compositional modulations to achieve the control of the magnetization reversal along with the nano-entities and, thus, enable the fabrication of spintronic, magnetic data storage, and sensing devices, among others. In this work, diameter-modulated FeNi nanowires are fabricated paying special effort to obtain sharp transition regions between two segments of different diameters (from about 450 nm to 120 nm), enabling precise control over the magnetic behavior of the sample. Micromagnetic simulations performed on single bi-segmented nanowires predict a double step magnetization reversal where the wide segment magnetization switches near 16 kA/m through a vortex domain wall, while at 40 kA/m the magnetization of the narrow segment is reversed through a corkscrew-like mechanism. Finally, these results are confirmed with magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements at the transition of isolated bi-segmented nanowires. Furthermore, macroscopic vibrating sample magnetometry is used to demonstrate that the magnetic decoupling of nanowire segments is the main phenomenon occurring over the entire fabricated nanowires.

Shock Waves in Dispersive Hydrodynamics with Nonconvex Dispersion

Dissipationless hydrodynamics regularized by dispersion describe a number of physical media including water waves, nonlinear optics, and Bose-Einstein condensates. As in the classical theory of hyperbolic equations where a non-convex flux leads to non-classical solution structures, a non-convex linear dispersion relation provides an intriguing dispersive hydrodynamic analogue. Here, the fifth order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, also known as the Kawahara equation, a classical model for shallow water waves, is shown to be a universal model of Eulerian hydrodynamics with higher order dispersive effects. Utilizing asymptotic methods and numerical computations, this work classifies the long-time behavior of solutions for step-like initial data. For convex dispersion, the result is a dispersive shock wave (DSW), qualitatively and quantitatively bearing close resemblance to the KdV DSW. For non-convex dispersion, three distinct dynamic regimes are observed. For small jumps, a perturbed KdV DSW with positive polarity and orientation is generated, accompanied by small amplitude radiation from an embedded solitary wave leading edge, termed a radiating DSW or RDSW. For moderate jumps, a crossover regime is observed with waves propagating forward and backward from the sharp transition region. For jumps exceeding a critical threshold, a new type of DSW is observed we term a translating DSW or TDSW. The TDSW consists of a traveling wave that connects a partial, non-monotonic, negative solitary wave at the trailing edge to an interior nonlinear periodic wave. Its speed, a generalized Rankine-Hugoniot jump condition, is determined by the far-field structure of the traveling wave. The TDSW is resolved at the leading edge by a harmonic wavepacket moving with the linear group velocity. The non-classical TDSW exhibits features common to both dissipative and dispersive shock waves.

Atomistic modeling of the metallic-to-semiconducting phase boundaries in monolayer MoS2

Recent experimental demonstration on the coexistence of metallic and semiconducting phases in the same monolayer MoS2 crystal has attracted much attention for its use in ultra-low contact resistance-MoS2 transistors. However, the electronic structures of the metallic-to-semiconducting phase boundaries, which appear to dictate the carrier injection in such transistors, are not yet well understood. In this letter, interfacing the 2H and 1T′ polytypes appropriately, we first model the “beta” (β) and the “gamma” (γ) phase boundaries, and demonstrate good agreement with experiential results. We then apply first-principles based density functional theory to calculate the electronic structures for those optimized geometries. We further employ non equilibrium Green's function formalism to evaluate the transmission spectra and the local density of states (LDOS) in order to assess the Schottky barrier nature of the phase boundaries. Our study reveals that while the γ boundary yields p-type Schottky barrier, the β boundary leads to the distinct symmetric Schottky barrier with an atomically sharp transition region. This understanding could be useful for designing high performance transistors using phase-engineered MoS2 crystals.

A modified log-law of flow velocity distribution in partly obstructed open channels

Flow through rigid and emergent/submerged cylinder arrays are commonly found in several engineering application such as offshore structures, transmission lines, chimneys, array of silos and field array of trees. Various hydrodynamic phenomena may be occurring in the interaction between a flowing fluid and these structures. In this manuscript we focus on the study of flow structures in a channel partially obstructed by an array of equi-spaced, vertical, rigid, emergent, circular steel cylinders. Experimental results show that the presence of the cylinders array strongly affects the flow velocity distribution, forming a transversal sharp transition region at the interface between the obstructed and the unobstructed domains. At the interface, for the current and previous studies, it was observed that the flow distribution always resembles a boundary layer feature. This similarity in feature of the flow distribution as a boundary layer has led to adapting the universal law of the wall to describe the transversal profile of the mean flow velocity, considering, by analogy, the interface separating both domains as a virtual wall. The specific objectives addressed in this study is to propose and validate a new modified log-law predicting the representative transversal profile of the mean flow velocity at the interface between the obstructed and the unobstructed domains. The proposed analytical model is validated by a series of experiments carried out on a very large rectangular channel in the Department of Civil, Environmental, Building Engineering and Chemistry of the Technical University of Bari—Italy. The three-dimensional flow velocity components were measured using a 3D Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter ADV. As a result, it is observed that the measured and the predicted, applying the proposed modified log-law, mean flow velocity data have a perfect matching between them. Moreover, in the second part of the paper, detailed observations on the flow turbulence structure are analyzed and discussed.

Cellulose-Derivative-Based Gate Dielectric for High-Performance Organic Complementary Inverters.

been realized using organic thin-fi lm transistors (OTFTs) as the essential element. In the majority of these applications OTFTs are integrated either in the form of arrays or as digital logic. The fundamental building block of digital logic is the inverter, a circuit that inverts an input signal. Much work has been devoted in the last fi ve years to design unipolar inverters using p-typeonly OTFTs. [ 18‐23 ] Unfortunately, unipolar logic based on single gate OTFTs always suffers from high power consumption and low noise margin coupled with high noise margin variability and therefore impedes the fabrication of complex circuits having hundreds or more logic gates. [ 19,22,23 ] In this context, it stands

Phylogeographic study of Chinese seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis Rousi) reveals two distinct haplotype groups and multiple microrefugia on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Historical climate change can shape the genetic pattern of a species. Studies on this phenomenon provide great advantage in predicting the response of species to current and future global climate change. Chinese seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis) is one of the most important cultivated plants in Northwest China. However, the subspecies history and the potential genetic resources within the subspecies range remain unclear. In this study, we utilized two intergenic chloroplast regions to characterize the spatial genetic distribution of the species. We found 19 haplotypes in total, 12 of which were unique to the Chinese seabuckthorn. The populations observed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) consisted of most of the haplotypes, while in the northeast of the range of the subspecies, an area not on the QTP, only four haplotypes were detected. Our study also revealed two distinct haplotype groups of the subspecies with a sharp transition region located in the south of the Zoige Basin. 89.96% of the genetic variation located between the regions. Mismatch analysis indicated old expansions of these two haplotype groups, approximately around the early stage of Pleistocene. Additional morphological proofs from existing studies and habitat differentiation supported a long independent colonization history among the two regions. Potential adaptation probably occurred but needs more genome and morphology data in future. Chinese seabuckthorn have an older population expansion compared with subspecies in Europe. The lack of large land ice sheets and the heterogeneous landscape of the QTP could have provided extensive microrefugia for Chinese seabuckthorn during the glaciation period. Multiple localities sustaining high-frequency private haplotypes support this hypothesis. Our study gives clear insight into the distribution of genetic resources and the evolutionary history of Chinese seabuckthorn.

A Fokker–Planck equation for a piecewise entropy functional defined in different space domains. An application to solute partitioning at the membrane–water interface

A nonlinear Fokker–Planck equation is proposed for a system subject to different statistics (in the present study, the Gibbs–Boltzmann and Fermi–Dirac statistics) defined in different contiguous regions of space. We solved the time-dependent mono-dimensional equation numerically, and solved the time-independent mono-dimensional equation analytically under the effect of a generic external potential equation. These zones are connected by a sharp but continuous transition region. Accurate numerical procedures ensure the convergence of the Fokker–Planck equation in the transition layer. We applied our general procedure to investigate both the stationary and the time-dependent kinetics of solute partitioning between aqueous and membrane phases. Because of the relative volumes of solute, water, and lipid (Vsolute≈Vwater<<Vlipid), the mixing entropy functional in water contains both solute and solvent contributions, while within the membrane only the solute entropy plays a significant role. Also, the potential term differs in space due to the solute interactions with different environments. Lastly, we added the effect of an electrostatic potential (occurring in all membrane systems) localized at the water interface which may deplete or increase the interfacial solute concentration. Rather surprisingly we found a strong coupling between the surface potential and the imposed asymmetric statistics. The effects are relevant when entropic and potential contributions are comparable; otherwise, the standard Boltzmannian behavior is recovered.

A simple transformation of improved WLAN band pass to low pass filter using defected ground structure (DGS), defected microstrip structure (DMS) and multilayer-technique

A novel transformation of band pass- to low pass filter is introduced in this paper. First a compact microstrip band pass filter designed, optimized and realized by combining a simple multilayer method with magnetically coupled microstrip U-shaped DGS resonators is proposed. The DGS- and DMS-techniques demonstrated the ability to suppress the undesired harmonic response. The proposed band pass filter is transformed to a new structure with low pass characteristics using a simple strip connection between the neighboring microstrip resonators. The designed compact filters have low insertion loss, sharp transition regions due to the presence of two-transmission zeros at both edges of the pass bands. The measured resonance frequency, bandwidth and insertion loss are 3.4 GHz, 40%, and 0.5 dB respectively. The compact transformed low pass filter offers a wide stop band with a rejection higher than 20 dB up to more than 10 GHz. The undesired harmonic has been successfully suppressed. The simulated and measured results show good agreement and validate the proposed approach.

THE DOUBLE PULSAR ECLIPSES. I. PHENOMENOLOGY AND MULTI-FREQUENCY ANALYSIS

The double pulsar PSR J0737-3039A/B displays short, 30 s eclipses that arise around conjunction when the radio waves emitted by pulsar A are absorbed as they propagate through the magnetosphere of its companion pulsar B. These eclipses offer a unique opportunity to probe directly the magnetospheric structure and the plasma properties of pulsar B. We have performed a comprehensive analysis of the eclipse phenomenology using multi-frequency radio observations obtained with the Green Bank Telescope. We have characterized the periodic flux modulations previously discovered at 820 MHz by McLaughlin et al., and investigated the radio frequency dependence of the duration and depth of the eclipses. Based on their weak radio frequency evolution, we conclude that the plasma in pulsar B's magnetosphere requires a large multiplicity factor (~ 10^5). We also found that, as expected, flux modulations are present at all radio frequencies in which eclipses can be detected. Their complex behavior is consistent with the confinement of the absorbing plasma in the dipolar magnetic field of pulsar B as suggested by Lyutikov & Thompson and such a geometric connection explains that the observed periodicity is harmonically related to pulsar B's spin frequency. We observe that the eclipses require a sharp transition region beyond which the plasma density drops off abruptly. Such a region defines a plasmasphere which would be well inside the magnetospheric boundary of an undisturbed pulsar. It is also two times smaller than the expected standoff radius calculated using the balance of the wind pressure from pulsar A and the nominally estimated magnetic pressure of pulsar B.

Nanoscale switch based on interacting molecular dipoles: Cooperativity can improve the device characteristics

We propose a nanoscale switch, giving a nonlinear function with two conductive states separated by a sharp transition region, on the basis of an array of molecular dipoles. We show theoretically that the local interactions between dipoles result in cooperative phenomena that can significantly improve the switching characteristics. We demonstrate the general validity of the concept in the cases of (i) an electrical switch robust to the finite size and variability effects inherent to the nanoscale and (ii) a sensing layer based on the voltage and ligand concentration dependence of the dipole array conductance.

Effects of tip-induced material reorganization in dynamic force spectroscopy

Dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) has become a well-established method for characterizing bond strength, yet may also be useful for examining more complex phenomena such as dynamic processes or multiple reaction pathways. Here, we analyze the case where contact between an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip and the sample induces sample reorganization during testing. Surface contact often causes molecular rearrangement in soft materials, which could also result in an altered reaction energy landscape. We model this situation by allowing the energy barrier position and magnitude to be time-dependent functions with a characteristic time scale τ . We find dynamic energy barriers result in two linear regimes with a dramatic transition near t=τ in the DFS analysis. The sharp transition region is a hallmark of a moving energy barrier and indicates the time scale of reorganization. These results illustrate that DFS may be useful to monitor dynamic transitions and also highlight the importance of extending the loading rate range used in DFS studies.