Single vortex fluctuations in a superconducting chip as generating dephasing and spin flips in cold atom traps

We study trapping of a cold atom by a single vortex line in an extreme type II superconducting chip, allowing for pinning and friction. We evaluate the atom's spin flip rate and its dephasing due to the vortex fluctuations in equilibrium and find that they decay rapidly when the distance to the vortex exceeds the magnetic penetration length. We find that there are special spin orientations, depending on the spin location relative to the vortex, at which spin dephasing is considerably reduced while perpendicular directions have a reduced spin flip rate. We also show that the vortex must be perpendicular to the surface for a general shape vortex.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Current-sheet formation in incompressible electron magnetohydrodynamics

The nonlinear dynamics of axisymmetric, as well as helical, frozen-in vortex structures is investigated by the Hamiltonian method in the framework of ideal incompressible electron magnetohydrodynamics. For description of current-sheet formation from a smooth initial magnetic field, local and nonlocal nonlinear approximations are introduced and partially analyzed that are generalizations of the previously known exactly solvable local model neglecting electron inertia. Finally, estimations are made that predict finite-time singularity formation for a class of hydrodynamic models intermediate between that local model and the Eulerian hydrodynamics.Comment: REVTEX4, 5 pages, no figures. Introduction rewritten, new material and references adde

A magnetic nozzle calculation of the force on a plasma

The measured axial force imparted from a magnetically expanding current-free plasma has been shown recently [Takahashi, Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 235001 (2011)] to equal the axial force on that plasma calculated by a two-dimensional fluid model. Here, we calculate the same axial force on the plasma by a quasi one-dimensional model of a magnetic nozzle. The quasi one-dimensional magnetic nozzle model provides us with an estimate of the force on the plasma that is similar to that found by the more accurate two-dimensional model.This research has been partially supported by the Israel Science Foundation (Grants 864/07 and 765/11)

Rapid dissipation of magnetic fields due to Hall current

We propose a mechanism for the fast dissipation of magnetic fields which is effective in a stratified medium where ion motions can be neglected. In such a medium, the field is frozen into the electrons and Hall currents prevail. Although Hall currents conserve magnetic energy, in the presence of density gradients, they are able to create current sheets which can be the sites for efficient dissipation of magnetic fields. We recover the frequency, $\omega_{MH}$, for Hall oscillations modified by the presence of density gradients. We show that these oscillations can lead to the exchange of energy between different components of the field. We calculate the time evolution and show that magnetic fields can dissipate on a timescale of order $1/\omega_{MH}$. This mechanism can play an important role for magnetic dissipation in systems with very steep density gradients where the ions are static such as those found in the solid crust of neutron stars.Comment: 9 pages, changed fig.

Electric fields in plasmas under pulsed currents

Electric fields in a plasma that conducts a high-current pulse are measured as a function of time and space. The experiment is performed using a coaxial configuration, in which a current rising to 160 kA in 100 ns is conducted through a plasma that prefills the region between two coaxial electrodes. The electric field is determined using laser spectroscopy and line-shape analysis. Plasma doping allows for 3D spatially resolved measurements. The measured peak magnitude and propagation velocity of the electric field is found to match those of the Hall electric field, inferred from the magnetic-field front propagation measured previously.Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures, submitted to PR

Modeling the Hall Thruster

The acceleration of the plasma in the Hall thruster to supersonic velocities is examined by the use of a steady state model. Flows that are smooth across the sonic transition plane are found. The possibility of generating flows in which the acceleration across the sonic plane is abrupt, is also studied

Variational Principle for Optimal Accelerated Neutralized Flow

Minimizing the energy deposited in the electron current in neutralized flows, such as in the Hall thruster, is examined. Modifying the electron current along the channel by inserting emitting electrodes, can enhance the efficiency. By employing variational methods, an optimal electron current distribution is found. The efficiency enhancement due to this effect, however, is shown to be small

The need to address fragmentation and silos in mortality information systems: the case of Ghana and Peru

Objectives: We aimed to understand the information architecture and degree of integration of mortality surveillance systems in Ghana and Peru. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a combination of document review and unstructured interviews to describe and analyse the sub-systems collecting mortality data. Results: We identified 18 and 16 information subsystems with independent databases capturing death events in Peru and Ghana respectively. The mortality information architecture was highly fragmented with a multiplicity of unconnected data silos and with formal and informal data collection systems. Conclusion: Reliable and timely information about who dies where and from what underlying cause is essential to reporting progress on Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring policies are responding to population health dynamics, and understanding the impact of threats and events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrating systems hosted in different parts of government remains a challenge for countries and limits the ability of statistics systems to produce accurate and timely information. Our study exposes multiple opportunities to improve the design of mortality surveillance systems by integrating existing subsystems currently operating in silos