Range Of Wave Vectors Research Articles

Measurement of a phonon-polariton dispersion curve by varying the excitation wavelength

Coupling between optical phonons and light leads to the formation of phonon polaritons, resulting in important changes to the material dispersion. Commonly, the phonon-polariton dispersion curve has been determined by transient-grating impulsive stimulated Raman-scattering measurements, but reported results for the prototypical dispersion curve of $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ have led to some controversy. We present a procedure to measure the phonon-polariton dispersion curve by varying the pump wavelength with fixed probe wavelength that allows measurement over a broad range of wave vectors. We determine the lowest-frequency $E$-mode phonon-polariton dispersion curve for $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ with measured wave vectors ranging from $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ to $19\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, which is the broadest known optically measured phonon-polariton dispersion curve for $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. The broad range offers improved understanding of the extracted material parameters. We also note some challenges that occur in interpreting the data at short pump wavelengths; these effects help explain controversial differences between previous transient-grating measurements of $\mathrm{LiNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ dispersion curves.

Effect of a dc magnetic field on the anomalous dispersion of localized Josephson plasma modes in layered superconductors

We study theoretically the propagation of Josephson plasma waves (JPWs) localized on a slab of layered superconductor in the presence of an external dc magnetic field. The slab is sandwiched between two dielectric half-spaces and the wave modes propagate across the layers. We derive analytic expressions for the dispersion relations of the localized JPWs and present the numerical simulation for the effect of the external dc magnetic field on the dispersion. The anomalous dispersion of localized JPWs is predicted for a wide range of frequencies, wave vectors, and dc fields. Also, we discuss the possibility of the internal reflection of the localized modes in the inhomogeneous dc magnetic field. This phenomenon can find application in the terahertz electronics for the control of the localized mode propagation.

Compressibility of ferrofluids: Towards a better understanding of structural properties

.This paper addresses a computational method aimed at obtaining the isothermal compressibility of ferrofluids by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We model ferrofluids as a system of dipolar soft spheres and carry out MD simulations in the NPT ensemble. The obtained isothermal compressibility computed via volume fluctuations provides us with a strong evidence that dipolar interactions lead to a higher compressibility of dipolar soft sphere systems: the stronger the dipolar interactions, the bigger is the deviation of the compressibility from the one of a system with no dipoles. Furthermore, we use the isothermal compressibility to calculate the structure factor of ferrofluids at low values of wave vectors, i.e. in the range where it is difficult to predict its behaviour because of a problem with accounting for long-range particle correlations that give the main contribution to the structure factor in this range. Our approach based on the interpolation of the structure factor and the computed isothermal compressibility allows us to obtain the smooth structure factor in the range of low wave vectors and the reliable fractal dimension of the clusters formed in the system.Graphical abstract

Nonlocal and Nonadiabatic Effects in the Charge-Density Response of Solids: A Time-Dependent Density-Functional Approach.

The charge-density response of extended materials is usually dominated by the collective oscillation of electrons, the plasmons. Beyond this feature, however, intriguing many-body effects are observed. They cannot be described by one of the most widely used approaches for the calculation of dielectric functions, which is time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) in the adiabatic local density approximation (ALDA). Here, we propose an approximation to the TDDFT exchange-correlation kernel which is nonadiabatic and nonlocal. It is extracted from correlated calculations in the homogeneous electron gas, where we have tabulated it for a wide range of wave vectors and frequencies. A simple mean density approximation allows one to use it in inhomogeneous materials where the density varies on a scale of 1.6 r_{s} or faster. This kernel contains effects that are completely absent in the ALDA; in particular, it correctly describes the double plasmon in the dynamic structure factor of sodium, and it shows the characteristic low-energy peak that appears in systems with low electronic density. It also leads to an overall quantitative improvement of spectra.

Impedance-Matched, Double-Zero Optical Metamaterials Based on Weakly Resonant Metal Oxide Nanowires

Artificial optical metamaterial with a zero index of refraction holds promise for many diverse phenomena and applications, which can be achieved with vacuum (or related) surface impedance and materials in the optical domain. Here, we propose simple metal-oxide nanorods as meta-atoms on the basis of an effective medium approach, based on their weak overlapping (electric/magnetic) resonances. We thus studied the optical properties of TiO 2 nanowire arrays with a high-filling fraction through their photonic band structure, which exhibits a double-degeneracy point without a band gap at the center of the Brillouin zone. Various configurations are considered that reveal their performance over a reasonable range of incident wave vectors as impedance-matched, double-zero, bulk (low-loss) metamaterials.

Measurements of long-wavelength spin waves for the magnetic field in the Damon-Eshbach, backward-volume and forward-volume geometries of an yttrium iron garnet film

We report systematic measurements of the dispersion of long wavelength spin waves for a wide range of wave vectors for the magnetic field along the three principal directions defining the forward volume, backward volume and Damon-Eshbach modes of a 9.72 μm thick film of an yttrium iron garnet obtained using lithographically patterned, multi-element, spatially resonant, antennas. Overall good agreement is found between the experimental data for the backward volume and Damon-Eshbach modes and the magnetostatic theory of Damon and Eshbach. Also, good agreement is found between the experimental data for the forward volume mode and the theory of Damon and van de Vaart.

Investigations on neutron irradiated 3D carbon fibre reinforced carbon composite material

As against conventional graphite materials carbon-carbon (C/C) composite materials are now being contemplated as the promising candidate materials for the high temperature and fusion reactor owing to their high thermal conductivity and high thermal resistance, better mechanical/thermal properties and irradiation stability. The current need is for focused research on novel carbon materials for future new generation nuclear reactors. The advantage of carbon-carbon composite is that the microstructure and the properties can be tailor made. The present study encompasses the irradiation of 3D carbon composite prepared by reinforcement using PAN carbon fibers for nuclear application.The carbon fiber reinforced composite was subjected to neutron irradiation in the research reactor DHRUVA. The irradiated samples were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The DSC scans were taken in argon atmosphere under a linear heating program. The scanning was carried out at temperature range from 30 °C to 700 °C at different heating rates in argon atmosphere along with reference as unirradiated carbon composite. The Wigner energy spectrum of irradiated composite showed two peaks corresponding to 200 °C and 600 °C. The stored energy data for the samples were in the range 110–170 J/g for temperature ranging from 30 °C to 700 °C. The Wigner energy spectrum of irradiated carbon composite did not indicate spontaneous temperature rise during thermal annealing. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments have been carried out to investigate neutron irradiation induced changes in porosity of the composite samples. SANS data were recorded in the scattering wave vector range of 0.17 nm−1 to 3.5 nm−1. Comparison of SANS profiles of irradiated and unirradiated samples indicates significant change in pore morphology. Pore size distributions of the samples follow power law size distribution with different exponent. Narrowing of SANS profile of the irradiated sample indicates creation of significant number of larger pores due to neutron irradiation.

Fermi arc plasmons in Weyl semimetals

In the recently discovered Weyl semimetals, the Fermi surface may feature disjoint, open segments -- the so-called Fermi arcs -- associated with topological states bound to exposed crystal surfaces. Here we show that the collective dynamics of electrons near such surfaces sharply departs from that of a conventional three-dimensional metal. In magnetic systems with broken time reversal symmetry, the resulting Fermi arc plasmons (FAPs) are chiral, with dispersion relations featuring open, hyperbolic constant frequency contours. As a result, a large range of surface plasmon wave vectors can be supported at a given frequency, with corresponding group velocity vectors directed along a few specific collimated directions. Fermi arc plasmons can be probed using near field photonics techniques, which may be used to launch highly directional, focused surface plasmon beams. The unusual characteristics of FAPs arise from the interplay of bulk and surface Fermi arc carrier dynamics, and give a window into the unusual Fermiology of Weyl semimetals.

Transverse acoustic phonon anomalies at intermediate wave vectors in MgV2O4

Magnetic spinels (with chemical formula $AX_{2}$O$_{4}$, with $X$ a 3$d$ transition metal ion) that also have an orbital degeneracy are Jahn-Teller active and hence possess a coupling between spin and lattice degrees of freedom. At high temperatures, MgV$_{2}$O$_{4}$ is a cubic spinel based on V$^{3+}$ ions with a spin $S$=1 and a triply degenerate orbital ground state. A structural transition occurs at T$_{OO}$=63 K to an orbitally ordered phase with a tetragonal unit cell followed by an antiferromagnetic transition of T$_{N}$=42 K on cooling. We apply neutron spectroscopy in single crystals of MgV$_{2}$O$_{4}$ to show an anomaly for intermediate wavevectors at T$_{OO}$ associated with the acoustic phonon sensitive to the shear elastic modulus $\left(C_{11}-C_{12}\right)/2$. On warming, the shear mode softens for momentum transfers near close to half the Brillouin zone boundary, but recovers near the zone centre. High resolution spin-echo measurements further illustrate a temporal broadening with increased temperature over this intermediate range of wavevectors, indicative of a reduction in phonon lifetime. A subtle shift in phonon frequencies over the same range of momentum transfers is observed with magnetic fields. We discuss this acoustic anomaly in context of coupling to orbital and charge fluctuations.

Image windowing mitigates edge effects in Differential Dynamic Microscopy.

Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) analyzes traditional real-space microscope images to extract information on sample dynamics in a way akin to light scattering, by decomposing each image in a sequence into Fourier modes, and evaluating their time correlation properties. DDM has been applied in a number of soft-matter and colloidal systems. However, objects observed to move out of the microscope's captured field of view, intersecting the edges of the acquired images, can introduce spurious but significant errors in the subsequent analysis. Here we show that application of a spatial windowing filter to images in a sequence before they enter the standard DDM analysis can reduce these artifacts substantially. Moreover, windowing can increase significantly the accessible range of wave vectors probed by DDM, and may further yield unexpected information, such as the size polydispersity of a colloidal suspension.

Wave vector dependent damping of THz collective modes in a liquid metal

Well-defined damped collective modes have been observed in liquid metals over a wide range of wave vectors. Hydrodynamics predicts that viscosity and thermal conductivity are the cause for the damping of the collective modes. Here we present experimental data from neutron spectroscopy on the damping of collective modes of liquid rubidium over a wide range of wave vectors. We propose a phenomenological model derived from generalized hydrodynamics to describe the damping of the modes and the evolution with increasing wave vector based on the viscoelastic picture of liquid response. As necessary ingredients a wave vector dependent high frequency shear modulus and shear relaxation time appear. We obtain a remarkable good agreement on a quantitative basis between experiment and calculation over a wide range of wave vectors. The emergent picture is that the lifetime of the collective modes in the THz regime is mainly limited through the diffusion of momentum. The proposed methodology might be applicable to a wide range of liquids.

Formation of an energy cascade in a system of vortices on the surface of water

The formation of an energy cascade in a system of vortices generated by perpendicular standing waves with a frequency of 6 Hz on the water surface has been experimentally studied. It has been found that peaks appear on the energy distribution over wave vectors E(k) after switching on pumping. These peaks are transformed with time because of the energy redistribution over scales. The stationary distribution E(k) established 300 s after switching on pumping can be described by a power-law function of the wave vector E(k) ∼ k1.75. It has been shown that waves with frequencies of about 18, 15, 12, 9, and 3 Hz appear on the surface of water owing to the nonlinear interaction at the excitation of a 6-Hz wave. It is assumed that the energy cascade of the turbulent motion in the wave vector range of 0.3–5 cm−1 is formed by the nonlinear interaction between vortices generated by all waves propagating on the surface and direct energy fluxes toward high wave vectors dominate.

Determination of structure factor and effective intermolecular parameters of liquid alkali metals using mean spherical approximation theory

The structural properties of liquid cesium (Cs) were investigated in the temperature range of 400–2000 K by application of the effective hard-core attractive Yukawa (H-Y) potential function to the mean spherical approximation (MSA) theory. An analytical equation of state was applied to calculate the molecular parameters of a potential function at any thermodynamic state. The proposed approach was used to predict the behavior of the structure factor, S(k), at a wide range of wave vectors (k). The results obtained were compared with the available experimental measurements, which revealed a good agreement over the whole liquid range for Cs. The structure factor at a long wavelength limit, S(0), was also calculated and compared with the experimental data, which showed the accuracy of the Ornstein-Zernike (OZ) behavior of S(k) at the thermodynamic states below the boiling temperature (Tb). For the case of Cs, the presented intermolecular potential model was very much responsive to the thermodynamic states and led to the indication of the two distinct isotherm ranges T <Tb and T >Tb. Two analytical expressions were obtained for the temperature dependency of the potential well-depth (Keff) over the temperature ranges of T <Tb and T >Tb. Furthermore, the proposed approach showed several metal-nonmetal transitions for Cs at about 500, 1100, 1350, and 1650 K. Using the Keff relations for the other liquid alkali metals Na, K, and Rb provided the S(k) results that were more accurate in comparison with the experimental data.

Self-consistent approach to many-body localization and subdiffusion

An analytical theory, based on the perturbative treatment of the disorder and extended into a self-consistent set of equations for the dynamical density correlations, is developed and applied to the prototype one-dimensional model of many-body localization. Results show a qualitative agreement with numerically obtained dynamical structure factor in the whole range of frequencies and wavevectors, as well as across the transition to the nonergodic behavior. The theory reveals the singular nature of the one-dimensional problem, whereby on the ergodic side the dynamics is subdiffusive with dynamical conductivity $\sigma(\omega) \propto |\omega|^\alpha$, i.e., with vanishing d.c. limit $\sigma_0=0$ and $\alpha<1$ varying with disorder, while we get $\alpha >1$ in the localized phase.

Overcoming limits to near-field radiative heat transfer in uniform planar media through multilayer optimization

Radiative heat transfer between uniform plates is bounded by the narrow range and limited contribution of surface waves. Using a combination of analytical calculations and numerical gradient-based optimization, we show that such a limitation can be overcome in complicated multilayer geometries, allowing the scattering and coupling rates of slab resonances to be altered over a broad range of evanescent wavevectors. We conclude that while the radiative flux between two inhomogeneous slabs can only be weakly enhanced, the flux between a dipolar particle and an inhomogeneous slab-proportional to the local density of states-can be orders of magnitude larger, albeit at the expense of increased frequency selectivity. A brief discussion of hyperbolic metamaterials shows that they provide far less enhancement than optimized inhomogeneous slabs.

Longitudinal, transverse, and single-particle dynamics in liquid Zn:Ab initiostudy and theoretical analysis

We perform ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of liquid Zn near the melting point in order to study the longitudinal and transverse dynamic properties of the system. We find two propagating excitations in both of them in a wide range of wave vectors. This is in agreement with some experimental observations of the dynamic structure factor in the region around half the position of the main peak. Moreover, the two-mode structure in the transverse and longitudinal current correlation functions had also been previously observed in high pressure liquid metallic systems. We perform a theoretical analysis in order to investigate the possible origin of such two components by resorting to mode-coupling theories. They are found to describe qualitatively the appearance of two modes in the dynamics, but their relative intensities are not quantitatively reproduced. We suggest some possible improvements of the theory through the analysis of the structure of the memory functions. We also analyze the single-particle dynamics embedded in the velocity autocorrelation function, and explain its characteristics through mode-coupling concepts.

Surface waves on currents with arbitrary vertical shear

We study dispersion properties of linear surface gravity waves propagating in an arbitrary direction atop a current profile of depth-varying magnitude using a piecewise linear approximation and develop a robust numerical framework for practical calculation. The method has been much used in the past for the case of waves propagating along the same axis as the background current, and we herein extend and apply it to problems with an arbitrary angle between the wave propagation and current directions. Being valid for all wavelengths without loss of accuracy, the scheme is particularly well suited to solve problems involving a broad range of wave vectors, such as ship waves and Cauchy-Poisson initial value problems. We examine the group and phase velocities over different wavelength regimes and current profiles, highlighting characteristics due to the depth-variable vorticity. We show an example application to ship waves on an arbitrary current profile and demonstrate qualitative differences in the wake patterns between concave down and concave up profiles when compared to a constant shear profile with equal depth-averaged vorticity. We also discuss the nature of additional solutions to the dispersion relation when using the piecewise-linear model. These are vorticity waves, drifting vortical structures which are artifacts of the piecewise model. They are absent for a smooth profile and are spurious in the present context.

Can exotic disordered "stealthy" particle configurations tolerate arbitrarily large holes?

The probability of finding a spherical cavity or "hole" of arbitrarily large size in typical disordered many-particle systems in the infinite-system-size limit (e.g., equilibrium liquid states) is non-zero. Such "hole" statistics are intimately linked to the thermodynamic and nonequilibrium physical properties of the system. Disordered "stealthy" many-particle configurations in d-dimensional Euclidean space [Doublestruck R]d are exotic amorphous states of matter that lie between a liquid and crystal that prohibit single-scattering events for a range of wave vectors and possess no Bragg peaks [Torquato et al., Phys. Rev. X, 2015, 5, 021020]. In this paper, we provide strong numerical evidence that disordered stealthy configurations across the first three space dimensions cannot tolerate arbitrarily large holes in the infinite-system-size limit, i.e., the hole probability has compact support. This structural "rigidity" property apparently endows disordered stealthy systems with novel thermodynamic and physical properties, including desirable band-gap, optical and transport characteristics. We also determine the maximum hole size that any stealthy system can possess across the first three space dimensions.

Tunable optical bound states in the continuum beyond in-plane symmetry protection

The formation of tunable bound states in the continuum (BICs) within photonic crystal (PC) slabs has been investigated by using a semianalytical coupled-wave theory framework. An analytic expression of the radiative wave has been derived in order to depict the condition of BICs. As a result, in addition to well-known symmetry-protected BICs, a novel type of vertical-cancellation BIC can be realized through continuously varying a given parameter to eliminate radiative waves at the boundaries. We investigated one-dimensional and two-dimensional (2D) periodic structures, and found that such tunable BICs can occur for a wide range of wave vectors by the selection of appropriate slab thicknesses. For a 2D PC slab, a ring of high-$Q$ modes is predicted and confirmed by numerical simulation.

Nonlinear self-adapting wave patterns

We propose a new type of traveling wave pattern, one that can adapt to the size of physical system in which it is embedded. Such a system arises when the initial state has an instability for a range of wavevectors, k, that extends down to k = 0, connecting at that point to two symmetry modes of the underlying dynamical system. The Min system of proteins in E. coli is such a system with the symmetry emerging from the global conservation of two proteins, MinD and MinE. For this and related systems, traveling waves can adiabatically deform as the system is increased in size without the increase in node number that would be expected for an oscillatory version of a Turing instability containing an allowed wavenumber band with a finite minimum.