Time-dependent coupled-cluster method for atomic nuclei

We study time-dependent coupled-cluster theory in the framework of nuclear physics. Based on Kvaal's bi-variational formulation of this method [S. Kvaal, arXiv:1201.5548], we explicitly demonstrate that observables that commute with the Hamiltonian are conserved under time evolution. We explore the role of the energy and of the similarity-transformed Hamiltonian under real and imaginary time evolution and relate the latter to similarity renormalization group transformations. Proof-of-principle computations of He-4 and O-16 in small model spaces, and computations of the Lipkin model illustrate the capabilities of the method.Comment: 10 pages, 9 pdf figure

Extended nonlocal chiral-quark model for the heavy-light quark systems

In this talk, we report the recent progress on constructing a phenomenological effective model for the heavy-light quark systems, which consist of (u,d,s,c,b) quarks, i.e. extended nonlocal chiral-quark model (ExNLChQM). We compute the heavy-meson weak-decay constants to verify the validity of the model. From the numerical results, it turns out that (f_D, f_B, f_{D_s}, f_{B_s})=(207.54,208.13,262.56,262.39) MeV. These values are in relatively good agreement with experimental data and various theoretical estimations.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figures, Talk given at the 20th International IUPAP Conference on Few-Body Problems in Physics (FB20), 20~25 August 2012, Fukuoka, Japa

Free Energy Approach to the Formation of an Icosahedral Structure during the Freezing of Gold Nanoclusters

The freezing of metal nanoclusters such as gold, silver, and copper exhibits a novel structural evolution. The formation of the icosahedral (Ih) structure is dominant despite its energetic metastability. This important phenomenon, hitherto not understood, is studied by calculating free energies of gold nanoclusters. The structural transition barriers have been determined by using the umbrella sampling technique combined with molecular dynamics simulations. Our calculations show that the formation of Ih gold nanoclusters is attributed to the lower free energy barrier from the liquid to the Ih phases compared to the barrier from the liquid to the face-centered-cubic crystal phases

Ultrafast vectorial and scalar dynamics of ionic clusters: Azobenzene solvated by oxygen

The ultrafast dynamics of clusters of trans-azobenzene anion (A–) solvated by oxygen molecules was investigated using femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The time scale for stripping off all oxygen molecules from A– was determined by monitoring in real time the transient of the A– rise, following an 800 nm excitation of A– (O2)n, where n=1–4. A careful analysis of the time-dependent photoelectron spectra strongly suggests that for n>1 a quasi-O4 core is formed and that the dissociation occurs by a bond cleavage between A– and conglomerated (O2)n rather than a stepwise evaporation of O2. With time and energy resolutions, we were able to capture the photoelectron signatures of transient species which instantaneously rise (2- for A–O2 and A·O4-·(O2)n–2 for A–(O2)n, where n=2–4. Subsequent to an ultrafast electron recombination, A– rises with two distinct time scales: a subpicosecond component reflecting a direct bond rupture of the A–-(O2)n nuclear coordinate and a slower component (1.6–36 ps, increasing with n) attributed to an indirect channel exhibiting a quasistatistical behavior. The photodetachment transients exhibit a change in the transition dipole direction as a function of time delay. Rotational dephasing occurs on a time scale of 2–3 ps, with a change in the sign of the transient anisotropy between A–O2 and the larger clusters. This behavior is a key indicator of an evolving cluster structure and is successfully modeled by calculations based on the structures and inertial motion of the parent clusters

Propagation of Exchange Bias in CoFe/FeMn/CoFe Trilayers

CoFe/FeMn, FeMn/CoFe bilayers and CoFe/FeMn/CoFe trilayers were grown in magnetic field and at room temperature. The exchange bias field $H_{eb}$ depends strongly on the order of depositions and is much higher at CoFe/FeMn than at FeMn/CoFe interfaces. By combining the two bilayer structures into symmetric CoFe/FeMn($t_\mathrm{FeMn}$)/CoFe trilayers, $H_{eb}^t$ and $H_{eb}^b$ of the top and bottom CoFe layers, respectively, are both enhanced. Reducing $t_\mathrm{FeMn}$ of the trilayers also results in enhancements of both $H_{eb}^b$ and $H_{eb}^t$. These results evidence the propagation of exchange bias between the two CoFe/FeMn and FeMn/CoFe interfaces mediated by the FeMn antiferromagnetic order