1,282 research outputs found
L\'{e}vy flights in quantum transport in quasi-ballistic wires
Conductance fluctuations, localization and statistics of Lyapunov exponents
are studied numerically in pure metallic wires with rough boundaries
(quasi-ballistic wires). We find that the correlation energy of conductance
fluctuations scales anomalously with the sample dimensions, indicating the role
of L\'{e}vy flights. Application of a magnetic field deflects the L\'{e}vy
flights which reduces the localization length. This deflection also breaks the
geometrical flux cancellation and restores the usual Aharonov-Bohm type
magneto-conductance fluctuations.Comment: Available also at http://roberto.fis.uniroma3.it/leadbeat/pub.htm
Non-linear conductivity and quantum interference in disordered metals
We report on a novel non-linear electric field effect in the conductivity of
disordered conductors. We find that an electric field gives rise to dephasing
in the particle-hole channel, which depresses the interference effects due to
disorder and interaction and leads to a non-linear conductivity. This
non-linear effect introduces a field dependent temperature scale and
provides a microscopic mechanism for electric field scaling at the
metal-insulator transition. We also study the magnetic field dependence of the
non-linear conductivity and suggest possible ways to experimentally verify our
predictions. These effects offer a new probe to test the role of quantum
interference at the metal-insulator transition in disordered conductors.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure
Three-dimensional images of choanoflagellate loricae
Choanoflagellates are unicellular filter-feeding protozoa distributed universally in aquatic habitats. Cells are ovoid in shape with a single anterior flagellum encircled by a funnel-shaped collar of microvilli. Movement of the flagellum creates water currents from which food particles are entrapped on the outer surface of the collar and ingested by pseudopodia. One group of marine choanoflagellates has evolved an elaborate basket-like exoskeleton, the lorica, comprising two layers of siliceous costae made up of costal strips. A computer graphic model has been developed for generating three-dimensional images of choanoflagellate loricae based on a universal set of 'rules' derived from electron microscopical observations. This model has proved seminal in understanding how complex costal patterns can be assembled in a single continuous movement. The lorica, which provides a rigid framework around the cell, is multifunctional. It resists the locomotory forces generated by flagellar movement, directs and enhances water flow over the collar and, for planktonic species, contributes towards maintaining cells in suspension. Since the functional morphology of choanoflagellate cells is so effective and has been highly conserved within the group, the ecological and evolutionary radiation of choanoflagellates is almost entirely dependent on the ability of the external coverings, particularly the lorica, to diversify
Semiclassical description of resonant tunneling
We derive a semiclassical formula for the tunneling current of electrons
trapped in a potential well which can tunnel into and across a wide quantum
well. The calculations idealize an experimental situation where a strong
magnetic field tilted with respect to an electric field is used. The resulting
semiclassical expression is written as the sum over special periodic orbits
which hit both walls of the quantum well and are perpendicular to the first
wall.Comment: LaTeX, 8 page
Decay of quantised vorticity by sound emission
It is thought that in a quantum fluid sound generation is the ultimate sink
of turbulent kinetic energy in the absence of any other dissipation mechanism
near absolute zero. We show that a suitably trapped Bose-Einstein condensate
provides a model system to study the sound emitted by accelerating vortices in
a controlled way.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure
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