Transport Properties of a spinon Fermi surface coupled to a U(1) gauge field

With the organic compound $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$-Cu$_2$(CN)$_3$ in mind, we consider a spin liquid system where a spinon Fermi surface is coupled to a U(1) gauge field. Using the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism, we derive the Quantum Boltzmann Equation (QBE) for this system. In this system, however, one cannot a priori assume the existence of Landau quasiparticles. We show that even without this assumption one can still derive a linearized equation for a generalized distribution function. We show that the divergence of the effective mass and of the finite temperature self-energy do not enter these transport coefficients and thus they are well-defined. Moreover, using a variational method, we calculate the temperature dependence of the spin resistivity and thermal conductivity of this system.Comment: 12 page

High-resolution saturation spectroscopy of singly-ionized iron with a pulsed uv laser

We describe the design and realization of a scheme for uv laser spectroscopy of singly-ionized iron (Fe II) with very high resolution. A buffer-gas cooled laser ablation source is used to provide a plasma close to room temperature with a high density of Fe II. We combine this with a scheme for pulsed-laser saturation spectroscopy to yield sub-Doppler resolution. In a demonstration experiment, we have examined an Fe II transition near 260 nm, attaining a linewidth of about 250 MHz. The method is well-suited to measuring transition frequencies and hyperfine structure. It could also be used to measure small isotope shifts in isotope-enriched samples.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, updated Fig. 3. For submission to J. Phys.

Space-Time Variation of Physical Constants and Relativistic Corrections in Atoms

Detection of high-redshift absorption in the optical spectra of quasars have provided a powerful tool to measure spatial and temporal variations of physical ``constants'' in the Universe. It is demonstrated that high sensitivity to the variation of the fine structure constant alpha can be obtained from a comparison of the spectra of heavy and light atoms (or molecules). We have performed calculations for the pair FeII and MgII for which accurate quasar and laboratory spectra are available. A possibility of $10^5$ times enhanced effects of the fundamental constants variation suitable for laboratory measurements is also discussed.Comment: 8 pages; LaTeX; Submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

A Search for Time Variation of the Fine Structure Constant

A method offering an order of magnitude sensitivity gain is described for using quasar spectra to investigate possible time or space variation in the fine structure constant, alpha. Applying the technique to a sample of 30 absorption systems, spanning redshifts 0.5 < z< 1.6, obtained with the Keck I telescope, we derive limits on variations in alpha over a wide range of epochs. For the whole sample Delta(alpha)/alpha = -1.1 +/- 0.4 x 10^{-5}. This deviation is dominated by measurements at z > 1, where Delta(alpha)/alpha = -1.9 +/- 0.5 x 10^{-5}. For z < 1, Delta(alpha)/alpha = -0.2 +/- 0.4 x 10^{-5}, consistent with other known constraints. Whilst these results are consistent with a time-varying alpha, further work is required to explore possible systematic errors in the data, although careful searches have so far not revealed any.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter

Modified p-modes in penumbral filaments?

Aims: The primary objective of this study is to search for and identify wave modes within a sunspot penumbra. Methods: Infrared spectropolarimetric time series data are inverted using a model comprising two atmospheric components in each spatial pixel. Fourier phase difference analysis is performed on the line-of-sight velocities retrieved from both components to determine time delays between the velocity signals. In addition, the vertical separation between the signals in the two components is calculated from the Stokes velocity response functions. Results: The inversion yields two atmospheric components, one permeated by a nearly horizontal magnetic field, the other with a less-inclined magnetic field. Time delays between the oscillations in the two components in the frequency range 2.5-4.5 mHz are combined with speeds of atmospheric wave modes to determine wave travel distances. These are compared to expected path lengths obtained from response functions of the observed spectral lines in the different atmospheric components. Fast-mode (i.e., modified p-mode) waves exhibit the best agreement with the observations when propagating toward the sunspot at an angle ~50 degrees to the vertical.Comment: 8 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Instantaneous Normal Mode Analysis of Supercooled Water

We use the instantaneous normal mode approach to provide a description of the local curvature of the potential energy surface of a model for water. We focus on the region of the phase diagram in which the dynamics may be described by the mode-coupling theory. We find, surprisingly, that the diffusion constant depends mainly on the fraction of directions in configuration space connecting different local minima, supporting the conjecture that the dynamics are controlled by the geometric properties of configuration space. Furthermore, we find an unexpected relation between the number of basins accessed in equilibrium and the connectivity between them.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Diffusivity and configurational entropy maxima in short range attractive colloids

We study tagged particle diffusion at large packing fractions, for a model of particles interacting with a generalized Lennard-Jones 2n-n potential, with large n. The resulting short-range potential mimics interactions in colloidal systems. In agreement with previous calculations for short-range potential, we observe a diffusivity maximum as a function of temperature. By studying the temperature dependence of the configurational entropy -- which we evaluate with two different methods -- we show that a configurational entropy maximum is observed at a temperature close to that of the diffusivity maximum. Our findings suggest a relationbetween dynamics and number of distinct states for short-range potentials.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, submited to Physical Review Lette

Oscillator Strengths and Damping Constants for Atomic Lines in the J and H Bands

We have built a line list in the near-infrared J and H bands (1.00-1.34, 1.49-1.80 um) by gathering a series of laboratory and computed line lists. Oscillator strengths and damping constants were computed or obtained by fitting the solar spectrum. The line list presented in this paper is, to our knowledge, the most complete one now available, and supersedes previous lists.Comment: Accepted, Astrophysical Journal Supplement, tentatively scheduled for the Sep. 1999 Vol. 124 #1 issue. Text and tables also available at http://www.iagusp.usp.br/~jorge

Energy landscapes, ideal glasses, and their equation of state

Using the inherent structure formalism originally proposed by Stillinger and Weber [Phys. Rev. A 25, 978 (1982)], we generalize the thermodynamics of an energy landscape that has an ideal glass transition and derive the consequences for its equation of state. In doing so, we identify a separation of configurational and vibrational contributions to the pressure that corresponds with simulation studies performed in the inherent structure formalism. We develop an elementary model of landscapes appropriate to simple liquids which is based on the scaling properties of the soft-sphere potential complemented with a mean-field attraction. The resulting equation of state provides an accurate representation of simulation data for the Lennard-Jones fluid, suggesting the usefulness of a landscape-based formulation of supercooled liquid thermodynamics. Finally, we consider the implications of both the general theory and the model with respect to the so-called Sastry density and the ideal glass transition. Our analysis shows that a quantitative connection can be made between properties of the landscape and a simulation-determined Sastry density, and it emphasizes the distinction between an ideal glass transition and a Kauzmann equal-entropy condition.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure