Dual models for p-form mimetic gravity and their connection to perfect fluids consisting of (p+1)-branes

We propose an approach that allows one to reformulate $n$-dimensional $p$-form mimetic gravity (including usual mimetic gravity as particular case $p = 0$) as nonlinear $(n-p-1)$-form electrodynamics via electric-magnetic duality. The resulting dual Lagrangian density is just the square root of the ordinary quadratic Lagrangian density of $(n-p-1)$-form electrodynamics. By applying field transformation in the action, we show that for the arbitrary $p$ this dual theory transforms into the $(p+1)$-brane fluid: the model of the stack of the parallel $(p+1)$-branes foliating physical spacetime. As the structure of the field transformations depends on $p$, the sets of solutions in these models are related differently. We prove, that for $p = 0$ and $p = n-2$ dual mimetic models describe usual particle fluid with the potential flow and to the $(n-1)$-brane fluid respectively. For other values of $p$ not all mimetic solutions behave like that, in general, so we restrict ourselves only to the case $n = 4$, $p = 1$. In this case, we show, that mimetic formulation is dual to the well-known Nielsen-Olesen theory of "dual strings" and discuss the criterion indicating whether its solutions behave like string fluid.Comment: 12 page

Suppression of dissipation in Nb thin films with triangular antidot arrays by random removal of pinning sites

The depinning current Ic versus applied magnetic field B close to the transition temperature Tc of Nb thin films with randomly diluted triangular arrays of antidots is investigated. % Our experiments confirm essential features in Ic(B) as predicted by Reichhardt and Olson Reichhardt [Phys.Rev. B 76, 094512 (2007)]. % We show that, by introducing disorder into periodic pinning arrays, Ic can be enhanced. % In particular, for arrays with fixed density n_p of antidots, an increase in dilution Pd induces an increase in Ic and decrease of the flux-flow voltage for B>Bp=n_p Phi_0.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Plasma Heating Simulation in the VASIMR System

The paper describes the recent development in the simulation of the ion-cyclotron acceleration of the plasma in the VASIMR experiment. The modeling is done using an improved EMIR code for RF field calculation together with particle trajectory code for plasma transport calculat ion. The simulation results correlate with experimental data on the p lasma loading and predict higher ICRH performance for a higher density plasma target. These simulations assist in optimizing the ICRF anten na so as to achieve higher VASIMR efficiency

Aluminum Hard Mask Technique for the Fabrication of High-Quality Submicron Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb Josephson Junctions

We have developed a combined photolithography and electron-beam lithography fabrication process for sub-\mum to \mum-size Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb Josephson junctions. In order to define the junction size and protect its top electrode during anodic oxidation, we developed and used the new concept of an aluminum hard mask. Josephson junctions of sizes down to 0.5 \mum2 have been fabricated and thoroughly characterized. We found that they have a very high quality, which is witnessed by the IV curves with quality parameters Vm > 50 mV and Vgap = 2.8 mV at 4.2 K, as well as IcRN products of 1.75-1.93 mV obtained at lower temperatures. In order to test the usability of our fabrication process for superconducting quantum bits, we have also designed, fabricated and experimentally investigated phase qubits made of these junctions. We found a relaxation time of T1 = 26 ns and a dephasing time of T2 = 21 ns

Improved Efficiency and Throttling Range of the VX-200 Magnetoplasma Thruster

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140438/1/1.b34801.pd

Theory of rotating electrohydrodynamic flows in a liquid film

The mathematical model of rotating electrohydrodynamic flows in a thin suspended liquid film is proposed and studied. The flows are driven by the given difference of potentials in one direction and constant external electric field E-out in another direction in the plane of a film. To derive the model, we employ the spatial averaging over the normal coordinate to a film that leads to the average Reynolds stress that is proportional to vertical bar E-out vertical bar(3). This stress generates tangential velocity in the vicinity of the edges of a film that, in turn, causes the rotational motion of a liquid. The proposed model is used to explain the experimental observations of the liquid film motor