A single-mode quantum transport in serial-structure geometric scatterers

We study transport in quantum systems consisting of a finite array of N identical single-channel scatterers. A general expression of the S matrix in terms of the individual-element data obtained recently for potential scattering is rederived in this wider context. It shows in particular how the band spectrum of the infinite periodic system arises in the limit $N\to\infty$. We illustrate the result on two kinds of examples. The first are serial graphs obtained by chaining loops or T-junctions. A detailed discussion is presented for a finite-periodic "comb"; we show how the resonance poles can be computed within the Krein formula approach. Another example concerns geometric scatterers where the individual element consists of a surface with a pair of leads; we show that apart of the resonances coming from the decoupled-surface eigenvalues such scatterers exhibit the high-energy behavior typical for the delta' interaction for the physically interesting couplings.Comment: 36 pages, a LaTeX source file with 2 TeX drawings, 3 ps and 3 jpeg figures attache

Bound states in point-interaction star-graphs

We discuss the discrete spectrum of the Hamiltonian describing a two-dimensional quantum particle interacting with an infinite family of point interactions. We suppose that the latter are arranged into a star-shaped graph with N arms and a fixed spacing between the interaction sites. We prove that the essential spectrum of this system is the same as that of the infinite straight "polymer", but in addition there are isolated eigenvalues unless N=2 and the graph is a straight line. We also show that the system has many strongly bound states if at least one of the angles between the star arms is small enough. Examples of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are computed numerically.Comment: 17 pages, LaTeX 2e with 9 eps figure

Quantum mechanics of layers with a finite number of point perturbations

We study spectral and scattering properties of a spinless quantum particle confined to an infinite planar layer with hard walls containing a finite number of point perturbations. A solvable character of the model follows from the explicit form of the Hamiltonian resolvent obtained by means of Krein's formula. We prove the existence of bound states, demonstrate their properties, and find the on-shell scattering operator. Furthermore, we analyze the situation when the system is put into a homogeneous magnetic field perpendicular to the layer; in that case the point interactions generate eigenvalues of a finite multiplicity in the gaps of the free Hamiltonian essential spectrum.Comment: LateX 2e, 48 pages, with 3 ps and 3 eps figure

Exponential splitting of bound states in a waveguide with a pair of distant windows

We consider Laplacian in a straight planar strip with Dirichlet boundary which has two Neumann ``windows'' of the same length the centers of which are $2l$ apart, and study the asymptotic behaviour of the discrete spectrum as $l\to\infty$. It is shown that there are pairs of eigenvalues around each isolated eigenvalue of a single-window strip and their distances vanish exponentially in the limit $l\to\infty$. We derive an asymptotic expansion also in the case where a single window gives rise to a threshold resonance which the presence of the other window turns into a single isolated eigenvalue

Band spectra of rectangular graph superlattices

We consider rectangular graph superlattices of sides l1, l2 with the wavefunction coupling at the junctions either of the delta type, when they are continuous and the sum of their derivatives is proportional to the common value at the junction with a coupling constant alpha, or the "delta-prime-S" type with the roles of functions and derivatives reversed; the latter corresponds to the situations where the junctions are realized by complicated geometric scatterers. We show that the band spectra have a hidden fractal structure with respect to the ratio theta := l1/l2. If the latter is an irrational badly approximable by rationals, delta lattices have no gaps in the weak-coupling case. We show that there is a quantization for the asymptotic critical values of alpha at which new gap series open, and explain it in terms of number-theoretic properties of theta. We also show how the irregularity is manifested in terms of Fermi-surface dependence on energy, and possible localization properties under influence of an external electric field. KEYWORDS: Schroedinger operators, graphs, band spectra, fractals, quasiperiodic systems, number-theoretic properties, contact interactions, delta coupling, delta-prime coupling.Comment: 16 pages, LaTe

Weakly coupled states on branching graphs

We consider a Schr\"odinger particle on a graph consisting of $\,N\,$ links joined at a single point. Each link supports a real locally integrable potential $\,V_j\,$; the self--adjointness is ensured by the $\,\delta\,$ type boundary condition at the vertex. If all the links are semiinfinite and ideally coupled, the potential decays as $\,x^{-1-\epsilon}$ along each of them, is non--repulsive in the mean and weak enough, the corresponding Schr\"odinger operator has a single negative eigenvalue; we find its asymptotic behavior. We also derive a bound on the number of bound states and explain how the $\,\delta\,$ coupling constant may be interpreted in terms of a family of squeezed potentials.Comment: LaTeX file, 7 pages, no figure

Sigmund Exner's (1887) einige beobachtungen über bewegungsnachbilder (some observations on movement aftereffects):an illustrated translation with commentary

In his original contribution, Exner’s principal concern was a comparison between the properties of different aftereffects, and particularly to determine whether aftereffects of motion were similar to those of color and whether they could be encompassed within a unified physiological framework. Despite the fact that he was unable to answer his main question, there are some excellent—so far unknown—contributions in Exner’s paper. For example, he describes observations that can be related to binocular interaction, not only in motion aftereffects but also in rivalry. To the best of our knowledge, Exner provides the first description of binocular rivalry induced by differently moving patterns in each eye, for motion as well as for their aftereffects. Moreover, apart from several known, but beautifully addressed, phenomena he makes a clear distinction between motion in depth based on stimulus properties and motion in depth based on the interpretation of motion. That is, the experience of movement, as distinct from the perception of movement. The experience, unlike the perception, did not result in a motion aftereffect in depth

Two-component model of a spin-polarized transport

Effect of the spin-involved interaction of electrons with impurity atoms or defects to the transport properties of a two-dimensional electron gas is described by using a simplifying two-component model. Components representing spin-up and spin-down states are supposed to be coupled at a discrete set of points within a conduction channel. The used limit of the short-range interaction allows to solve the relevant scattering problem exactly. By varying the model parameters different transport regimes of two-terminal devices with ferromagnetic contacts can be described. In a quasi-ballistic regime the resulting difference between conductances for the parallel and antiparallel orientation of the contact magnetization changes its sign as a function of the length of the conduction channel if appropriate model parameters are chosen. The effect is in agreement with recent experimental observations.Comment: 4 RevTeX pages with 4 figure

Scattering through a straight quantum waveguide with combined boundary conditions

Scattering through a straight two-dimensional quantum waveguide Rx(0,d) with Dirichlet boundary conditions on (-\infty,0)x{y=0} \cup (0,\infty)x{y=d} and Neumann boundary condition on (-infty,0)x{y=d} \cup (0,\infty)x{y=0} is considered using stationary scattering theory. The existence of a matching conditions solution at x=0 is proved. The use of stationary scattering theory is justified showing its relation to the wave packets motion. As an illustration, the matching conditions are also solved numerically and the transition probabilities are shown.Comment: 26 pages, 3 figure