Hidden Breit-Wigner distribution and other properties of random matrices with preferential basis

We study statistical properties of a class of band random matrices which naturally appears in systems of interacting particles. The local spectral density is shown to follow the Breit-Wigner distribution in both localized and delocalized regimes with width independent on the band/system size. We analyse the implications of this distribution to the inverse participation ratio, level spacing statistics and the problem of two interacting particles in a random potential.Comment: 4 pages, 4 postscript figures appended, new version with minor change

Local Spectral Density for a Periodically Driven System of Coupled Quantum States with Strong Imperfection in Unperturbed Energies

A random matrix theory approach is applied in order to analyze the localization properties of local spectral density for a generic system of coupled quantum states with strong static imperfection in the unperturbed energy levels. The system is excited by an external periodic field, the temporal profile of which is close to monochromatic one. The shape of local spectral density is shown to be well described by the contour obtained from a relevant model of periodically driven two-states system with irreversible losses to an external thermal bath. The shape width and the inverse participation ratio are determined as functions both of the Rabi frequency and of parameters specifying the localization effect for our system in the absence of external field.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Optics and Spectroscop

Anomalous magnetic response of the spin-one-half Falicov-Kimball model

The infinite-dimensional spin one-half Falicov-Kimball model in an external magnetic field is solved exactly. We calculate the magnetic susceptibility in zero field, and the magnetization as a function of the field strength. The model shows an anomalous magnetic response from thermally excited local moments that disappear as the temperature is lowered. We describe possible real materials that may exhibit this kind of anomalous behavior.Comment: 17 pages, 6 encapsulated postscript figures (included), submitted to Phys. Rev.

Multi-beam engineering microscopy - A versatile tool for optimal materials design

Engineering microscopy is a term we use to refer to a suite of versatile techniques for spatially resolved characterisation of material structure and properties for the purpose of optimising design, performance and durability of structures and technological systems. The range of tools that can be used for this purpose includes beams of photons (including X-rays), electrons, neutrons, and ions. Different modes of imaging include absorption and emission, spectroscopy, and scattering that can be used in full field or scanning regimes. The approaches that collect information in the form of 2D images can also be extended to 3D characterisation by serial sectioning or reconstruction tomography. An important additional mode of near-surface property evaluation arises through the use of nanoscale contact tip sensors, such as AFM, nanoindentation, electrochemical probes, etc. Crucial underpinning for multi-beam microscopic characterization is provided by multi-scale materials modelling. The lecture will provide an overview of flavours of engineering microscopy and highlight the exciting opportunities presented by the combination of techniques in the form of so-called correlative microscopy. Examples of multi-modal correlative microscopy will include partially stabilized zirconia, biomaterials such as flax fibres and human dental tissues, and also advanced engineering alloys and ceramics″.</p

A study of phase transformation at the surface of a zirconia ceramic

Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia (YPSZ) is one of the most important engineering ceramic materials in that it displays a whole host of outstanding structural and functional properties. Of particular importance for load-bearing applications is the remarkable fracture toughness of YPSZ that arises from its ability to undergo martensitic transformation, a phase transformation that is dependent on stress, temperature, time, humidity, grain size, and the proximity of an interface. The present study was aimed at revealing the influence of the thermal ageing on the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation in the near-surface regions of YPSZ. In order to perform qualitative and quantitative characterisation of the phase composition, three principal microscopic techniques were employed: atomic force microscopy, depth resolved Raman micro-spectroscopy, and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Satisfactory consistency was achieved between the results obtained using different techniques. Moreover, the data obtained in this way displayed complementarity that provided valuable input for the development of thermodynamic modelling of the complex inter-dependence between phase state and processing history of zirconia ceramics

Photo double ionization spectra of CO: comparison of theory with experiment

International audienc

A study of phase transformation at the surface of a zirconia ceramic

Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia (YPSZ) is one of the most important engineering ceramic materials in that it displays a whole host of outstanding structural and functional properties. Of particular importance for load-bearing applications is the remarkable fracture toughness of YPSZ that arises from its ability to undergo martensitic transformation, a phase transformation that is dependent on stress, temperature, time, humidity, grain size, and the proximity of an interface. The present study was aimed at revealing the influence of the thermal ageing on the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation in the near-surface regions of YPSZ. In order to perform qualitative and quantitative characterisation of the phase composition, three principal microscopic techniques were employed: atomic force microscopy, depth resolved Raman micro-spectroscopy, and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Satisfactory consistency was achieved between the results obtained using different techniques. Moreover, the data obtained in this way displayed complementarity that provided valuable input for the development of thermodynamic modelling of the complex inter-dependence between phase state and processing history of zirconia ceramics