Out of equilibrium quantum field dynamics in external fields

The quantum dynamics of the symmetry broken \lambda (\Phi^2)^2 scalar field theory in the presence of an homogeneous external field is investigated in the large N limit. We consider an initial thermal state of temperature T for a constant external field J. A subsequent sign flip of the external field, J to -J, gives rise to an out of equilibrium nonperturbative quantum field dynamics. We review here the dynamics for the symmetry broken lambda(\Phi^2)^2 scalar N component field theory in the large N limit, with particular stress in the comparison between the results when the initial temperature is zero and when it is finite. The presence of a finite temperature modifies the dynamical effective potential for the expectation value, and also makes that the transition between the two regimes of the early dynamics occurs for lower values of the external field. The two regimes are characterized by the presence or absence of a temporal trapping close to the metastable equilibrium position of the potential. In the cases when the trapping occurs it is shorter for larger initial temperatures.Comment: LaTeX, 3 pages, 2 figures. Presented at the IVth International Conference on Quarks and Nuclear Physics (QNP06). Selected to appear in Eur. Phys. J.

Transport reversal in a delayed feedback ratchet

Feedback flashing ratchets are thermal rectifiers that use information on the state of the system to operate the switching on and off of a periodic potential. They can induce directed transport even with symmetric potentials thanks to the asymmetry of the feedback protocol. We investigate here the dynamics of a feedback flashing ratchet when the asymmetry of the ratchet potential and of the feedback protocol favor transport in opposite directions. The introduction of a time delay in the control strategy allows one to nontrivially tune the relative relevance of the competing asymmetries leading to an interesting dynamics. We show that the competition between the asymmetries leads to a current reversal for large delays. For small ensembles of particles current reversal appears as the consequence of the emergence of an open-loop like dynamical regime, while for large ensembles of particles it can be understood as a consequence of the stabilization of quasiperiodic solutions. We also comment on the experimental feasibility of these feedback ratchets and their potential applications.Comment: LaTeX, 7 pages, 6 figure

How occasional backstepping can speed up a processive motor protein

Fueled by the hydrolysis of ATP, the motor protein kinesin literally walks on two legs along the biopolymer microtubule. The number of accidental backsteps that kinesin takes appears to be much larger than what one would expect given the amount of free energy that ATP hydrolysis makes available. This is puzzling as more than a billion years of natural selection should have optimized the motor protein for its speed and efficiency. But more backstepping allows for the production of more entropy. Such entropy production will make free energy available. With this additional free energy, the catalytic cycle of the kinesin can be speeded up. We show how measured backstep percentages represent an optimum at which maximal net forward speed is achieved.Comment: LaTeX, 5 pages, 3 figure

Arithmetic purity of strong approximation for homogeneous spaces

We prove that any open subset $U$ of a semi-simple simply connected quasi-split linear algebraic group $G$ with ${codim} (G\setminus U, G)\geq 2$ over a number field satisfies strong approximation by establishing a fibration of $G$ over a toric variety. We also prove a similar result of strong approximation with Brauer-Manin obstruction for a partial equivariant smooth compactification of a homogeneous space where all invertible functions are constant and the semi-simple part of the linear algebraic group is quasi-split. Some semi-abelian varieties of any given dimension where the complements of a rational point do not satisfy strong approximation with Brauer-Manin obstruction are given

Lacunar fractal photon sieves

We present a new family of diffractive lenses whose structure is based on the combination of two concepts: photon sieve and fractal zone plates with variable lacunarity. The focusing properties of different members of this family are examined. It is shown that the sieves provide a smoothing effect on the higher order foci of a conventional lacunar fractal zone plate. However, the characteristic self-similar axial response of the fractal zone plates is always preserved.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

SUSY Dark Matter In Light Of CDMS/XENON Limits

In this talk we briefly review the current CDMS/XENON constraints on the neutralino dark matter in three popular supersymmetric models: the minimal (MSSM), the next-to-minimal (NMSSM) and the nearly minimal (nMSSM). The constraints from the dark matter relic density and various collider experiments are also taken into account. The conclusion is that for each model the current CDMS/XENON limits can readily exclude a large part of the parameter space allowed by other constraints and the future SuperCDMS or XENON100 can cover most of the allowed parameter space. The implication for the Higgs search at the LHC is also discussed. It is found that in the currently allowed parameter space the MSSM charged Higgs boson is quite unlikely to be discovered at the LHC while the neutral Higgs bosons $H$ and $A$ may be accessible at the LHC in the parameter space with a large $\mu$ parameter.Comment: talk given at 2nd International Workshop on Dark Matter, Dark Energy and Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry, Nov 5-6, 2010, Hsinchu, Taiwan (to appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys. D