We analyze the static response to kinetic perturbations of nonequilibrium steady states that can be modeled as diffusions. We demonstrate that kinetic response is purely a nonequilibirum effect, measuring the degree to which the Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem is violated out of equilibrium. For driven diffusions in a flat landscape, we further demonstrate that such response is constrained by the strength of the nonequilibrium driving via quantitative inequalities.
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ISSN: 1286-4854
A Letters journal serving all areas of physics and its related fields, EPL publishes the highest quality research from around the world, and provides authors with fast, fair and constructive peer review thanks to an Editorial Board of active scientists, who are experts in their respective fields.
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Qi Gao et al 2024 EPL 146 31001
Dongwook Go et al 2021 EPL 135 37001
In solids, electronic Bloch states are formed by atomic orbitals. While it is natural to expect that orbital composition and information about Bloch states can be manipulated and transported, in analogy to the spin degree of freedom extensively studied in past decades, it has been assumed that orbital quenching by the crystal field prevents significant dynamics of orbital degrees of freedom. However, recent studies reveal that an orbital current, given by the flow of electrons with a finite orbital angular momentum, can be electrically generated and transported in wide classes of materials despite the effect of orbital quenching in the ground state. Orbital currents also play a fundamental role in the mechanisms of other transport phenomena such as spin Hall effect and valley Hall effect. Most importantly, it has been proposed that orbital currents can be used to induce magnetization dynamics, which is one of the most pivotal and explored aspects of magnetism. Here, we give an overview of recent progress and the current status of research on orbital currents. We review proposed physical mechanisms for generating orbital currents and discuss candidate materials where orbital currents are manifest. We review recent experiments on orbital current generation and transport and discuss various experimental methods to quantify this elusive object at the heart of orbitronics —an area which exploits the orbital degree of freedom as an information carrier in solid-state devices.
Colin Benjamin and Ritesh Das 2024 EPL 146 16006
We propose a set of thermoelectric experiments based on Aharonov-Bohm interferometry to probe Majorana bound states (MBS), which are generated in 2D topological insulators (TI) in the presence of superconducting and ferromagnetic correlations via the proximity effect. The existence and nature (coupled or uncoupled) of these MBS can be determined by studying the charge and heat transport, specifically, the behavior of various thermoelectric coefficients like the Seebeck coefficient, Peltier coefficient, thermal conductance, and violations of Wiedemann-Franz law as a function of the Fermi energy and Aharonov-Bohm flux piercing the TI ring with the embedded MBS.
E. K. Luckins et al 2024 EPL 146 33001
We consider a liquid containing impurities saturating a porous material; when the liquid evaporates, the impurities are deposited within the material. Applications include filtration and waterproof textiles. We present a mathematical model incorporating coupling between evaporation, accumulation and transport of the impurities, and the impact of the deposited impurities on the transport of both the suspended impurities and the liquid vapour. By simulating our model numerically, we investigate the role of temperature and repeated drying cycles on the location of the deposited impurities. Higher temperatures increase the evaporation rate so that impurities are transported further into porous material before depositing than for lower temperatures. We quantify two distinct parameter regimes in which the material clogs: i) the dry-clogging (high-temperature) regime, in which impurities are pushed far into the material before clogging, and ii) the wet-clogging (high-impurity) regime, in which liquid becomes trapped by the clogging. Clogging restricts the extent to which drying time can be reduced by increasing the temperature.
Charles Andrew Downing and Muhammad Shoufie Ukhtary 2024 EPL 146 10001
The challenge of storing energy efficiently and sustainably is highly prominent within modern scientific investigations. Due to the ongoing trend of miniaturization, the design of expressly quantum storage devices is itself a crucial task within current quantum technological research. Here we provide a transparent analytic model of a two-component quantum battery, composed of a charger and an energy holder, which is driven by a short laser pulse. We provide simple expressions for the energy stored in the battery, the maximum amount of work which can be extracted, both the instantaneous and the average powers, and the relevant charging times. This allows us to discuss explicitly the optimal design of the battery in terms of the driving strength of the pulse, the coupling between the charger and the holder, and the inevitable energy loss into the environment. We anticipate that our theory can act as a helpful guide for the nascent experimental work building and characterizing the first generation of truly quantum batteries.
Akram Touil and Sebastian Deffner 2024 EPL 146 48001
Recent advances in quantum information science have shed light on the intricate dynamics of quantum many-body systems, for which quantum information scrambling is a perfect example. Motivated by considerations of the thermodynamics of quantum information, this perspective aims at synthesizing key findings from several pivotal studies and exploring various aspects of quantum scrambling. We consider quantifiers such as the out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC) and the quantum mutual information, their connections to thermodynamics, and their role in understanding chaotic vs. integrable quantum systems. With a focus on representative examples, we cover a range of topics, including the thermodynamics of quantum information scrambling, and the scrambling dynamics in quantum gravity models such as the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model. Examining these diverse approaches enables us to highlight the multifaceted nature of quantum information scrambling and its significance in understanding the fundamental aspects of quantum many-body dynamics at the intersection of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
Davide Venturelli et al 2024 EPL 146 27001
We develop a framework for the stochastic thermodynamics of a probe coupled to a fluctuating medium with spatio-temporal correlations, described by a scalar field. For a Brownian particle dragged by a harmonic trap through a fluctuating Gaussian field, we show that near criticality (where the field displays long-range spatial correlations) the spatially-resolved average heat flux develops a dipolar structure, where heat is absorbed in front and dissipated behind the dragged particle. Moreover, a perturbative calculation reveals that the dissipated power displays three distinct dynamical regimes depending on the drag velocity.
Shao-Jiang Wang 2024 EPL 146 39002
By assuming simultaneously the unitarity of the Hawking evaporation and the universality of Bekenstein entropy bound as well as the validity of cosmic censorship conjecture, we find that the black hole evaporation rate could evolve from the usual inverse square law in black hole mass into a constant evaporation rate near the end of the Hawking evaporation before quantum gravity could come into play, inferring a slightly longer lifetime for lighter black holes.
Benno Liebchen and Demian Levis 2022 EPL 139 67001
Chiral active matter comprises particles which can self-propel and self-rotate. Examples range from sperm cells and bacteria near walls to autophoretic L-shaped colloids. In this perspective article we focus on recent developments in chiral active matter. After briefly discussing the motion of single particles, we discuss collective phenomena ranging from vortex arrays and patterns made of rotating micro-flocks to states featuring unusual rheological properties.
Francisco A. Rodrigues 2023 EPL 144 22001
Machine learning is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize many areas of science, including physics. This review provides a brief overview of machine learning in physics, covering the main concepts of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, as well as more specialized topics such as causal inference, symbolic regression, and deep learning. We present some of the principal applications of machine learning in physics and discuss the associated challenges and perspectives.
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Jakub Sawicki and Eckehard Schöll 2024 EPL 146 41001
It is well known that synchronization patterns and coherence have a major role in the functioning of brain networks, both in pathological and in healthy states. In particular, in the perception of sound, one can observe an increase in coherence between the global dynamics in the network and the auditory input. In this perspective article, we show that synchronization scenarios are determined by a fine interplay between network topology, the location of the input, and frequencies of these cortical input signals. To this end, we analyze the influence of an external stimulation in a network of FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators with empirically measured structural connectivity, and discuss different areas of cortical stimulation, including the auditory cortex.
Carl M. Bender and Daniel W. Hook 2024 EPL 146 50001
Schrödinger's equation is a local differential equation and boundary conditions are required to determine the solution uniquely. Depending on the choice of boundary conditions, a given Hamiltonian may describe several different physically observable phases, each exhibiting its own characteristic global symmetry.
Jonas Skeivalas et al 2024 EPL 146 49001
An ability to construct predictive models for identifying seismic oscillation parameters by using the mathematics of covariance functions and Doppler effect phenomena is examined in this work. In the calculations, the Mars seismic oscillations measurement data from InSight Mission V2, observed in the months May, June and July of 2019, was used. To analyze the observation data arrays the Doppler phenomena and the expressions of covariance functions were employed. The seismic oscillations trend's intensity vectors were assessed by least squares method, and the random errors of measurements at the stations were eliminated partially as well. The estimates of the vector's auto-covariance and cross-covariance functions were derived by altering the quantization interval on the general time scale while varying the magnitude of the seismic oscillation vector on the same time scale. To detect the mean values of z —the main parameter of Doppler expression— we developed a formula by involving the derivatives of cross-covariance functions of a single vector and algebraic sum of the relevant vectors.
Akram Touil and Sebastian Deffner 2024 EPL 146 48001
Recent advances in quantum information science have shed light on the intricate dynamics of quantum many-body systems, for which quantum information scrambling is a perfect example. Motivated by considerations of the thermodynamics of quantum information, this perspective aims at synthesizing key findings from several pivotal studies and exploring various aspects of quantum scrambling. We consider quantifiers such as the out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC) and the quantum mutual information, their connections to thermodynamics, and their role in understanding chaotic vs. integrable quantum systems. With a focus on representative examples, we cover a range of topics, including the thermodynamics of quantum information scrambling, and the scrambling dynamics in quantum gravity models such as the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model. Examining these diverse approaches enables us to highlight the multifaceted nature of quantum information scrambling and its significance in understanding the fundamental aspects of quantum many-body dynamics at the intersection of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
Xuan-Chen Liu et al 2024 EPL 146 41004
Over the past two decades, community detection has been extensively explored. Yet, the problem of identifying overlapping communities has not been fully solved. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach, called the generalized stochastic block model, to address this issue by allowing nodes to belong to multiple communities. This approach extends the traditional representation of nodal community assignment from a single community label to a label vector, with each element indicating the membership of a node in a specific community. We develop a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to tackle the model. Through numerical experiments conducted on synthetic and empirical networks, we demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework in accurately detecting overlapping communities.
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Dey et al
We propose a unique lepton mixing scheme and its association with an exact hierarchy-philic neutrino mass matrix texture in the light of Type-I+Type-II seesaw mechanism under the framework of $A_4 \times Z_3 \times Z_{10}$ discrete flavor symmetry. The proposed model successfully predicts the normal ordering of neutrino masses and the two Majorana phases. Additionally, the analysis extends to the effective Majorana neutrino mass, in the context of neutrinoless double beta\,($0\nu\beta\beta$)-decay.
Srivastav et al
Given the initial and final states of a quantum system, the speed of transportation of state vector in the projective Hilbert space governs the quantum speed limit. Here, we ask the question what happens to the quantum speed limit under continuous measurement process. We model the continuous measurement process by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian which keeps the evolution of the system Schr{"o}dinger-like even under the process of measurement. Using this specific measurement model, we prove that under continuous measurement, the speed of transportation of a quantum system tends to zero. Interestingly, we also find that for small time scale, there is an enhancement of quantum speed even if the measurement strength is finite. Our findings can have applications in quantum computing and quantum control where dynamics is governed by both unitary and measurement processes.
Kolovsky
We revisit the problem of two-terminal transport of non-interacting Fermi particles in a mesoscopic device. First, we generalize the transport problem by including into consideration relaxation processes in contacts (which are characterized by the contact self-thermalization rate $\gamma$) and then solve it by using the master equation approach. In the limit $\gamma\rightarrow0$ the obtained results are shown to reproduce those of the Landauer theory. Thus, the presented analysis proves correspondence between the Landauer and master-equation approaches to quantum transport, -- the problem which waited its solution for decades
Yang et al
In this paper, a method is theoretically proposed to obtain a novel movable second-order Helmholtz resonator by adding a perforated plate inside the cavity of the Helmholtz resonator that can be freely tuned up and down. Through software simulation, it is concluded that the resonator meets the design objective of saving production costs that when the manufactured physical object is required to change the structural parameters, it only needs to be dynamically adjusted on this basis, rather than needing to reproduce a new physical object with new structural parameters. Meanwhile, it has excellent acoustic characteristics, with a stop band in the range of 80-610Hz at the low frequency and a bandpass acoustic focusing characteristic in the range of 4050-5250Hz. It can achieve directional adjustable focus acoustic focusing for plane waves incident at any angle, and directional adjustable focus acoustic focusing for cylindrical wave incidence, with excellent focusing effect. The added perforated plate changes the resonator one-item structure model and can be reused to meet different structural parameters.
Cheremnykh et al
We present an exact solution to the problem of a
self-consistent equilibrium force-free magnetic flux rope. Unlike
other approaches, we use magnetostatic equations and assume only a
relatively rapid decrease in the axial magnetic field at infinity.
For the first time we obtain a new nonlinear equation for the
axial current density, the derivation of which does not require
any phenomenological assumptions. From the resulting nonlinear
equation, we analytically find the radial profiles of the
components of the magnetic field strength and current density.
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Open all abstracts, in this tab
Carl M. Bender and Daniel W. Hook 2024 EPL 146 50001
Schrödinger's equation is a local differential equation and boundary conditions are required to determine the solution uniquely. Depending on the choice of boundary conditions, a given Hamiltonian may describe several different physically observable phases, each exhibiting its own characteristic global symmetry.
Miroslav Georgiev 2024 EPL
An exact classical approach to the calculation of electron's self-energy and anomalous g-factor is reported. The electron's intrinsic dynamics, related electrodynamics and occurrence of anomalous magnetic moment are completely determined. A unique regularization of the electromagnetic field scalar potential underlying all results is derived. Fundamental transcendental equation satisfied by the electron's anomalous g-factor is obtained, with solution a_e=0.0011596521800027(65), matching the experimentally measured value reported in the literature to 0.59 parts per trillion. Field representation of the electron intrinsic and orbital dynamics in atoms is discussed.
Jonas Skeivalas et al 2024 EPL 146 49001
An ability to construct predictive models for identifying seismic oscillation parameters by using the mathematics of covariance functions and Doppler effect phenomena is examined in this work. In the calculations, the Mars seismic oscillations measurement data from InSight Mission V2, observed in the months May, June and July of 2019, was used. To analyze the observation data arrays the Doppler phenomena and the expressions of covariance functions were employed. The seismic oscillations trend's intensity vectors were assessed by least squares method, and the random errors of measurements at the stations were eliminated partially as well. The estimates of the vector's auto-covariance and cross-covariance functions were derived by altering the quantization interval on the general time scale while varying the magnitude of the seismic oscillation vector on the same time scale. To detect the mean values of z —the main parameter of Doppler expression— we developed a formula by involving the derivatives of cross-covariance functions of a single vector and algebraic sum of the relevant vectors.
George Livadiotis and David J. McComas 2024 EPL 146 41003
This paper reveals the universality of the particle energy distribution function, despite the arbitrariness that characterizes the generalized thermodynamic entropic function. We show that the canonical distribution, that is, the distribution function that maximizes this entropy under the constraints of canonical ensemble, is always the same and given by the kappa distribution function. We use the recently developed entropy defect to express the generalized entropic formulation. The entropy defect is a thermodynamic concept that describes the loss of entropy due to the order induced by the presence of correlations. Then we carry out functional analysis to maximize the implicit expression of the generalized entropy. Critically, we show that the Lagrange multipliers have the same exact arbitrariness as the generalized entropic function, allowing us to cancel it out and proving the universality of canonical distribution as the kappa distribution function.
Riccardo Cominotti et al 2024 EPL 146 45001
Ultracold atomic spin mixtures develop rich and intriguing magnetic properties when external radiation coherently couples different spin states. In particular, the coupled mixture may acquire a critical behavior when the spin interactions equal the coupling energy. However, atomic mixtures generally feature a relatively high sensitivity to magnetic fields that can set a limitation to the observable phenomena. In this article, we present an overview of experimental studies of magnetism based on superfluid multicomponent gases in an ultrastable magnetic field environment, which recently became available.
Jeremiah Lübke et al 2024 EPL 146 43001
Synthetic turbulence is a relevant tool to study complex astrophysical and space plasma environments inaccessible by direct simulation. However, conventional models lack intermittent coherent structures, which are essential in realistic turbulence. We present a novel method featuring coherent structures, conditional structure function scaling and fieldline curvature statistics comparable to magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. Enhanced transport of charged particles is investigated as well. This method presents significant progress towards physically faithful synthetic turbulence.
Arcady Zhukov et al 2024 EPL 146 46001
A unique combination of unusual magnetic properties, such as magnetic bistability associated with ultrafast domain wall propagation or ultrasoft magnetic properties, together with excellent mechanical and corrosion properties can be obtained in amorphous microwires. Such ferromagnetic microwires coated with insulating and flexible glass-coating with diameters ranging from 0.1 to 100
can be prepared using the Taylor-Ulitovsky method. Magnetic properties of glass-coated microwires are affected by chemical compositions of the metallic nucleus and can be substantially modified by post-processing. We provide an overview of the routes allowing tuning of hysteresis loops and domain wall dynamics in amorphous microwires and new experimental results on the dependence of hysteresis loops on external stimuli, such as applied stress and temperature.
Qi Gao et al 2024 EPL 146 31001
We analyze the static response to kinetic perturbations of nonequilibrium steady states that can be modeled as diffusions. We demonstrate that kinetic response is purely a nonequilibirum effect, measuring the degree to which the Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem is violated out of equilibrium. For driven diffusions in a flat landscape, we further demonstrate that such response is constrained by the strength of the nonequilibrium driving via quantitative inequalities.
André Thiaville and Jacques Miltat 2024 EPL
The fine structure and dynamics of magnetic domain walls in ultrathin films with perpendicular magnetization, in presence of a secondary anisotropy, is analysed owing to micro-magnetics. Two cases are considered, a cubic anisotropy typical for (111) oriented garnet epitaxial films, and an orthorhombic anisotropy as found in e.g. Co/W(110) films. The statics is solved first, showing that, in general, domain walls are not of the pure Bloch type. The dynamics under the spin Hall effect induced by a current flowing in an adjacent layer is then monitored. Finite and non-negligible domain wall velocities are predicted in both cases, in the absence of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, with distinct behaviours regarding the current density and its orientation with respect to the secondary anisotropy axes. The relevance of these results to recent reports of current driven domain wall dynamics in insulating ultrathin garnet films, capped with platinum, is discussed.
E. K. Luckins et al 2024 EPL 146 33001
We consider a liquid containing impurities saturating a porous material; when the liquid evaporates, the impurities are deposited within the material. Applications include filtration and waterproof textiles. We present a mathematical model incorporating coupling between evaporation, accumulation and transport of the impurities, and the impact of the deposited impurities on the transport of both the suspended impurities and the liquid vapour. By simulating our model numerically, we investigate the role of temperature and repeated drying cycles on the location of the deposited impurities. Higher temperatures increase the evaporation rate so that impurities are transported further into porous material before depositing than for lower temperatures. We quantify two distinct parameter regimes in which the material clogs: i) the dry-clogging (high-temperature) regime, in which impurities are pushed far into the material before clogging, and ii) the wet-clogging (high-impurity) regime, in which liquid becomes trapped by the clogging. Clogging restricts the extent to which drying time can be reduced by increasing the temperature.