High-field Electron Spin Resonance of Cu_{1-x}Zn_{x}GeO_{3}

High-Field Electron Spin Resonance measurements were made on powder samples of Cu_{1-x}Zn_{x}GeO_{3} (x=0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.05) at different frequencies (95, 110, 190, 220, 330 and 440 GHz) at low temperatures. The spectra of the doped samples show resonances whose positions are dependent on Zn concentration, frequency and temperature. The analysis of intensity variation of these lines with temperature allows us to identify them as originating in transitions within states situated inside the Spin Peierls gap. A qualitative explanation of the details of the spectra is possible if we assume that these states in the gap are associated with "loose" spins created near the Zn impurities, as recently theoreticaly predicted. A new phenomenon of quenching of the ESR signal across the Dimerized to Incommensurate phase-boundary is observed.Comment: 4 pages, 5 ps figures in the text, submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

New results for the t-J model in ladders: Changes in the spin liquid state with applied magnetic field. Implications for the cuprates

Exact Diagonalization calculations are presented for the t-J model in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Results for 2xL ladders (L=8,10,12) and 4x4 square clusters with 1 and 2 holes indicate that the diamagnetic response to a perpendicular magnetic field tends to induce a spin liquid state in the spin background. The zero-field spin liquid state of a two-leg ladder is reinforced by the magnetic field: a considerable increase of rung antiferromagnetic correlations is observed for J/t up to 0.6, for 1 and 2 holes. Pair-breaking is also clearly observed in the ladders and seems to be associated in part with changes promoted by the field in the spin correlations around the zero-field pair. In the 4x4 cluster, the numerical results seem to indicate that the field-induced spin liquid state competes with the zero-field antiferromagnetic short-range-order, the spin liquid state being favored by higher doping and smaller values of J/t. It is interesting to note that the field-effect can also be observed in a 2x2 plaquette with 1 and 2 holes. This opens up the possibility of gaining a qualitative understanding of the effect.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, latex New results adde

Origin of Spin Incommensurability in Hole-doped S=1 Y2−xCaxBaNiO5\rm Y_{2-x}Ca_x Ba Ni O_5 Chains

Spin incommensurability has been recently experimentally discovered in the hole-doped Ni-oxide chain compound $\rm Y_{2-x}Ca_x Ba Ni O_5$ (G. Xu {\it al.}, Science {\bf 289}, 419 (2000)). Here a two orbital model for this material is studied using computational techniques. Spin IC is observed in a wide range of densities and couplings. The phenomenon originates in antiferromagnetic correlations ``across holes'' dynamically generated to improve hole movement, as it occurs in the one-dimensional Hubbard model and in recent studies of the two-dimensional extended t-J model. The close proximity of ferromagnetic and phase-separated states in parameter space are also discussed.Comment: RevTex, 4 pages, 4 figures (eps

Scanning Gate Spectroscopy of transport across a Quantum Hall Nano-Island

We explore transport across an ultra-small Quantum Hall Island (QHI) formed by closed quan- tum Hall edge states and connected to propagating edge channels through tunnel barriers. Scanning gate microscopy and scanning gate spectroscopy are used to first localize and then study a single QHI near a quantum point contact. The presence of Coulomb diamonds in the spectroscopy con- firms that Coulomb blockade governs transport across the QHI. Varying the microscope tip bias as well as current bias across the device, we uncover the QHI discrete energy spectrum arising from electronic confinement and we extract estimates of the gradient of the confining potential and of the edge state velocity.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figure

Necessary optimality conditions for infinite horizon variational problems on time scales

We prove Euler-Lagrange type equations and transversality conditions for generalized infinite horizon problems of the calculus of variations on time scales. Here the Lagrangian depends on the independent variable, an unknown function and its nabla derivative, as well as a nabla indefinite integral that depends on the unknown function

Social Effects in Science: Modelling Agents for a Better Scientific Practice

Science is a fundamental human activity and we trust its results because it has several error-correcting mechanisms. Its is subject to experimental tests that are replicated by independent parts. Given the huge amount of information available, scientists have to rely on the reports of others. This makes it possible for social effects to influence the scientific community. Here, an Opinion Dynamics agent model is proposed to describe this situation. The influence of Nature through experiments is described as an external field that acts on the experimental agents. We will see that the retirement of old scientists can be fundamental in the acceptance of a new theory. We will also investigate the interplay between social influence and observations. This will allow us to gain insight in the problem of when social effects can have negligible effects in the conclusions of a scientific community and when we should worry about them.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figure