Theory of Andreev reflection in a two-orbital model of iron-pnictide superconductors

A recently developed theory for the problem of Andreev reflection between a normal metal (N) and a multiband superconductor (MBS) assumes that the incident wave from the normal metal is coherently transmitted through several bands inside the superconductor. Such splitting of the probability amplitude into several channels is the analogue of a quantum waveguide. Thus, the appropriate matching conditions for the wave function at the N/MBS interface are derived from an extension of quantum waveguide theory. Interference effects between the transmitted waves inside the superconductor manifest themselves in the conductance. We provide results for a FeAs superconductor, in the framework of a recently proposed effective two-band model and two recently proposed gap symmetries: in the sign-reversed s-wave ($\Delta\cos(k_x)\cos(k_y)$) scenario resonant transmission through surface Andreev bound states (ABS) at nonzero energy is found as well as destructive interference effects that produce zeros in the conductance; in the extended s-wave ($\Delta[\cos(k_x)+\cos(k_y)]$) scenario no ABS at finite energy are found.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Critical Cooperation Range to Improve Spatial Network Robustness

A robust worldwide air-transportation network (WAN) is one that minimizes the number of stranded passengers under a sequence of airport closures. Building on top of this realistic example, here we address how spatial network robustness can profit from cooperation between local actors. We swap a series of links within a certain distance, a cooperation range, while following typical constraints of spatially embedded networks. We find that the network robustness is only improved above a critical cooperation range. Such improvement can be described in the framework of a continuum transition, where the critical exponents depend on the spatial correlation of connected nodes. For the WAN we show that, except for Australia, all continental networks fall into the same universality class. Practical implications of this result are also discussed

Morphology of Fine-Particle Monolayers Deposited on Nanopatterned Substrates

We study the effect of the presence of a regular substrate pattern on the irreversible adsorption of nanosized and colloid particles. Deposition of disks of radius $r_0$ is considered, with the allowed regions for their center attachment at the planar surface consisting of square cells arranged in a square lattice pattern. We study the jammed state properties of a generalized version of the random sequential adsorption model for different values of the cell size, $a$, and cell-cell separation, $b$. The model shows a surprisingly rich behavior in the space of the two dimensionless parameters $\alpha=a/2r_0$ and $\beta=b/2r_0$. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations for system sizes of $500\times500$ square lattice unit cells were performed by utilizing an efficient algorithm, to characterize the jammed state morphology.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, 3 table

Breathing synchronization in interconnected networks

Global synchronization in a complex network of oscillators emerges from the interplay between its topology and the dynamics of the pairwise interactions among its numerous components. When oscillators are spatially separated, however, a time delay appears in the interaction which might obstruct synchronization. Here we study the synchronization properties of interconnected networks of oscillators with a time delay between networks and analyze the dynamics as a function of the couplings and communication lag. We discover a new breathing synchronization regime, where two groups appear in each network synchronized at different frequencies. Each group has a counterpart in the opposite network, one group is in phase and the other in anti-phase with their counterpart. For strong couplings, instead, networks are internally synchronized but a phase shift between them might occur. The implications of our findings on several socio-technical and biological systems are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures + 3 pages of Supplemental Materia

Random Sequential Adsorption: From Continuum to Lattice and Pre-Patterned Substrates

The random sequential adsorption (RSA) model has served as a paradigm for diverse phenomena in physical chemistry, as well as in other areas such as biology, ecology, and sociology. In the present work, we survey aspects of the RSA model with emphasis on the approach to and properties of jammed states obtained for large times in continuum deposition versus that on lattice substrates, and on pre-patterned surfaces. The latter model has been of recent interest in the context of efforts to use pre-patterning as a tool to improve selfassembly in micro- and nanoscale surface structure engineering

Delimitation of flood areas based on a calibrated a DEM and geoprocessing: case study on the Uruguay River, Itaqui, southern Brazil

Flooding is a natural disaster which affects thousands of riverside, coastal, and urban communities causing severe damage. River flood mapping is the process of determining inundation extents and depth by comparing historical river water levels with ground surface elevation references. This paper aims to map flood hazard areas under the influence of the Uruguay River, Itaqui (southern Brazil), using a calibration digital elevation model (DEM), historic river level data and geoprocessing techniques. The temporal series of maximum annual level records of the Uruguay River, for the years 1942 to 2017, were linked to the Brazilian Geodetic System using geometric leveling and submitted for descriptive statistical analysis and probability. The DEM was calibrated with ground control points (GCPs) of high vertical accuracy based on post-processed high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System surveys. Using the temporal series statistical analysis results, the spatialization of flood hazard classes on the calibrated DEM was assessed and validated. Finally, the modeling of the simulated flood level was visually compared against the flood area on the satellite image, which were both registered on the same date. The free DEM calibration model indicated high correspondence with GCPs (R2=0.81; p&lt;0.001). The calibrated DEM showed a 68.15&thinsp;% improvement in vertical accuracy (RMSE&thinsp;=&thinsp;1.00&thinsp;m). Five classes of flood hazards were determined: extremely high flood hazard, high flood hazard, moderate flood hazard, low flood hazard, and non-floodable. The flood episodes, with a return time of 100 years, were modeled with a 57.24&thinsp;m altimetric level. Altimetric levels above 51.66&thinsp;m have a high potential of causing damage, mainly affecting properties and public facilities in the city's northern and western peripheries. Assessment of the areas that can potentially be flooded can help to reduce the negative impact of flood events by supporting the process of land use planning in areas exposed to flood hazard.</p