Magnetic phases of one-dimensional lattices with 2 to 4 fermions per site

We study the spectral and magnetic properties of one-dimensional lattices filled with 2 to 4 fermions (with spin 1/2) per lattice site. We use a generalized Hubbard model that takes account all interactions on a lattice site, and solve the many-particle problem by exact diagonalization. We find an intriguing magnetic phase diagram which includes ferromagnetism, spin-one Heisenberg antiferromagnetism, and orbital antiferromagnetism.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figure

Magnetism in one-dimensional quantum dot arrays

We employ the density functional Kohn-Sham method in the local spin-density approximation to study the electronic structure and magnetism of quasi one-dimensional periodic arrays of few-electron quantum dots. At small values of the lattice constant, the single dots overlap, forming a non-magnetic quantum wire with nearly homogenous density. As the confinement perpendicular to the wire is increased, i.e. as the wire is squeezed to become more one-dimensional, it undergoes a spin-Peierls transition. Magnetism sets in as the quantum dots are placed further apart. It is determined by the electronic shell filling of the individual quantum dots. At larger values of the lattice constant, the band structure for odd numbers of electrons per dot indicates that the array could support spin-polarized transport and therefore act as a spin filter.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

Spin Density Matrix of Spin-3/2 Hole Systems

For hole systems with an effective spin j=3/2, we present an invariant decomposition of the spin density matrix that can be interpreted as a multipole expansion. The charge density corresponds to the monopole moment and the spin polarization due to a magnetic field corresponds to a dipole moment while heavy hole-light hole splitting can be interpreted as a quadrupole moment. For quasi two-dimensional hole systems in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field B the spin polarization is a higher-order effect that is typically much smaller than one even if the minority spin subband is completely depopulated. On the other hand, the field B can induce a substantial octupole moment which is a unique feature of j=3/2 hole systems.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, 3 table

On the formation of Wigner molecules in small quantum dots

It was recently argued that in small quantum dots the electrons could crystallize at much higher densities than in the infinite two-dimensional electron gas. We compare predictions that the onset of spin polarization and the formation of Wigner molecules occurs at a density parameter $r_s\approx 4 a_B^*$ to the results of a straight-forward diagonalization of the Hamiltonian matrix

Order-disorder transition in nanoscopic semiconductor quantum rings

Using the path integral Monte Carlo technique we show that semiconductor quantum rings with up to six electrons exhibit a temperature, ring diameter, and particle number dependent transition between spin ordered and disordered Wigner crystals. Due to the small number of particles the transition extends over a broad temperature range and is clearly identifiable from the electron pair correlation functions.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, For recent information on physics of small systems see http://www.smallsystems.d

Pade approximants for the ground-state energy of closed-shell quantum dots

Analytic approximations to the ground-state energy of closed-shell quantum dots (number of electrons from 2 to 210) are presented in the form of two-point Pade approximants. These Pade approximants are constructed from the small- and large-density limits of the energy. We estimated that the maximum error, reached for intermediate densities, is less than 3%. Within the present approximation the ground-state is found to be unpolarized.Comment: 4 pages, RevTeX, 3 ps figure

Supermagnetosonic jets behind a collisionless quasi-parallel shock

The downstream region of a collisionless quasi-parallel shock is structured containing bulk flows with high kinetic energy density from a previously unidentified source. We present Cluster multi-spacecraft measurements of this type of supermagnetosonic jet as well as of a weak secondary shock front within the sheath, that allow us to propose the following generation mechanism for the jets: The local curvature variations inherent to quasi-parallel shocks can create fast, deflected jets accompanied by density variations in the downstream region. If the speed of the jet is super(magneto)sonic in the reference frame of the obstacle, a second shock front forms in the sheath closer to the obstacle. Our results can be applied to collisionless quasi-parallel shocks in many plasma environments.Comment: accepted to Phys. Rev. Lett. (Nov 5, 2009

The First Year IceCube-DeepCore Results

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory includes a tightly spaced inner array in the deepest ice, called DeepCore, which gives access to low-energy neutrinos with a sizable surrounding cosmic ray muon veto. Designed to be sensitive to neutrinos at energies as low as 10 GeV, DeepCore will be used to study diverse physics topics with neutrino signatures, such as dark matter annihilations and atmospheric neutrino oscillations. The first year of DeepCore physics data-taking has been completed, and the first observation of atmospheric neutrino-induced cascades with IceCube and DeepCore are presented.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, TAUP 2011 (Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JCPS)

Determination of the Bending Rigidity of Graphene via Electrostatic Actuation of Buckled Membranes

The small mass and atomic-scale thickness of graphene membranes make them highly suitable for nanoelectromechanical devices such as e.g. mass sensors, high frequency resonators or memory elements. Although only atomically thick, many of the mechanical properties of graphene membranes can be described by classical continuum mechanics. An important parameter for predicting the performance and linearity of graphene nanoelectromechanical devices as well as for describing ripple formation and other properties such as electron scattering mechanisms, is the bending rigidity, {\kappa}. In spite of the importance of this parameter it has so far only been estimated indirectly for monolayer graphene from the phonon spectrum of graphite, estimated from AFM measurements or predicted from ab initio calculations or bond-order potential models. Here, we employ a new approach to the experimental determination of {\kappa} by exploiting the snap-through instability in pre-buckled graphene membranes. We demonstrate the reproducible fabrication of convex buckled graphene membranes by controlling the thermal stress during the fabrication procedure and show the abrupt switching from convex to concave geometry that occurs when electrostatic pressure is applied via an underlying gate electrode. The bending rigidity of bilayer graphene membranes under ambient conditions was determined to be $35.5^{+20}_{-15}$ eV. Monolayers have significantly lower {\kappa} than bilayers

Current-spin-density functional study of persistent currents in quantum rings

We present a numerical study of persistent currents in quantum rings using current spin density functional theory (CSDFT). This formalism allows for a systematic study of the joint effects of both spin, interactions and impurities for realistic systems. It is illustrated that CSDFT is suitable for describing the physical effects related to Aharonov-Bohm phases by comparing energy spectra of impurity-free rings to existing exact diagonalization and experimental results. Further, we examine the effects of a symmetry-breaking impurity potential on the density and current characteristics of the system and propose that narrowing the confining potential at fixed impurity potential will suppress the persistent current in a characteristic way.Comment: 7 pages REVTeX, including 8 postscript figure