Understanding High-Temperature Superconductors with Quantum Cluster Theories

Quantum cluster theories are a set of approaches for the theory of correlated and disordered lattice systems, which treat correlations within the cluster explicitly, and correlations at longer length scales either perturbatively or within a mean-field approximation. These methods become exact when the cluster size diverges, and most recover the corresponding (dynamical) mean-field approximation when the cluster size becomes one. Here we will review systematic dynamical cluster simulations of the two-dimensional Hubbard model, that display phenomena remarkably similar to those found in the cuprates, including antiferromagnetism, superconductivity and pseudogap behavior. We will then discuss results for the structure of the pairing mechanism in this model, obtained from a combination of dynamical cluster results and diagrammatic techniques.Comment: 8 pages, 12 figures; submitted to proceedings of M2S-HTSC VIII, Dresden 200

The 3-Band Hubbard-Model versus the 1-Band Model for the high-Tc Cuprates: Pairing Dynamics, Superconductivity and the Ground-State Phase Diagram

One central challenge in high-$T_c$ superconductivity (SC) is to derive a detailed understanding for the specific role of the $Cu$-$d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $O$-$p_{x,y}$ orbital degrees of freedom. In most theoretical studies an effective one-band Hubbard (1BH) or t-J model has been used. Here, the physics is that of doping into a Mott-insulator, whereas the actual high-$T_c$ cuprates are doped charge-transfer insulators. To shed light on the related question, where the material-dependent physics enters, we compare the competing magnetic and superconducting phases in the ground state, the single- and two-particle excitations and, in particular, the pairing interaction and its dynamics in the three-band Hubbard (3BH) and 1BH-models. Using a cluster embedding scheme, i.e. the variational cluster approach (VCA), we find which frequencies are relevant for pairing in the two models as a function of interaction strength and doping: in the 3BH-models the interaction in the low- to optimal-doping regime is dominated by retarded pairing due to low-energy spin fluctuations with surprisingly little influence of inter-band (p-d charge) fluctuations. On the other hand, in the 1BH-model, in addition a part comes from "high-energy" excited states (Hubbard band), which may be identified with a non-retarded contribution. We find these differences between a charge-transfer and a Mott insulator to be renormalized away for the ground-state phase diagram of the 3BH- and 1BH-models, which are in close overall agreement, i.e. are "universal". On the other hand, we expect the differences - and thus, the material dependence to show up in the "non-universal" finite-T phase diagram ($T_c$-values).Comment: 17 pages, 9 figure

Cluster Dynamical Mean Field Theories

Cluster Dynamical Mean Field Theories are analyzed in terms of their semiclassical limit and their causality properties, and a translation invariant formulation of the cellular dynamical mean field theory, PCDMFT, is presented. The semiclassical limit of the cluster methods is analyzed by applying them to the Falikov-Kimball model in the limit of infinite Hubbard interaction U where they map to different classical cluster schemes for the Ising model. Furthermore the Cutkosky-t'Hooft-Veltman cutting equations are generalized and derived for non translation invariant systems using the Schwinger-Keldysh formalism. This provides a general setting to discuss causality properties of cluster methods. To illustrate the method, we prove that PCDMFT is causal while the nested cluster schemes (NCS) in general and the pair scheme in particular are not. Constraints on further extension of these schemes are discussed.Comment: 26 page

Translational development of an ADAMTS-5 antibody for osteoarthritis disease modification

SummaryObjective/MethodAggrecanase activity, most notably ADAMTS-5, is implicated in pathogenic cartilage degradation. Selective monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to both ADAMTS-5 and ADAMTS-4 were generated and in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems were utilized to assess target engagement, aggrecanase inhibition and modulation of disease-related endpoints with the intent of selecting a candidate for clinical development in osteoarthritis (OA).ResultsStructural mapping predicts the most potent mAbs employ a unique mode of inhibition by cross-linking the catalytic and disintegrin domains. In a surgical mouse model of OA, both ADAMTS-5 and ADAMTS-4-specific mAbs penetrate cartilage following systemic administration, demonstrating access to the anticipated site of action. Structural disease modification and associated alleviation of pain-related behavior were observed with ADAMTS-5 mAb treatment. Treatment of human OA cartilage demonstrated a preferential role for ADAMTS-5 inhibition over ADAMTS-4, as measured by ARGS neoepitope release in explant cultures. ADAMTS-5 mAb activity was most evident in a subset of patient-derived tissues and suppression of ARGS neoepitope release was sustained for weeks after a single treatment in human explants and in cynomolgus monkeys, consistent with high affinity target engagement and slow ADAMTS-5 turnover.ConclusionThis data supports a hypothesis set forth from knockout mouse studies that ADAMTS-5 is the major aggrecanase involved in cartilage degradation and provides a link between a biological pathway and pharmacology which translates to human tissues, non-human primate models and points to a target OA patient population. Therefore, a humanized ADAMTS-5-selective monoclonal antibody (GSK2394002) was progressed as a potential OA disease modifying therapeutic

Electromotive forces and the Meissner effect puzzle

In a voltaic cell, positive (negative) ions flow from the low (high) potential electrode to the high (low) potential electrode, driven by an `electromotive force' which points in opposite direction and overcomes the electric force. Similarly in a superconductor charge flows in direction opposite to that dictated by the Faraday electric field as the magnetic field is expelled in the Meissner effect. The puzzle is the same in both cases: what drives electric charges against electromagnetic forces? I propose that the answer is also the same in both cases: kinetic energy lowering, or `quantum pressure'

Neel Order and Electron Spectral Functions in the Two-Dimensional Hubbard Model: a Spin-Charge Rotating Frame Approach

Using recently developed quantum SU(2)xU(1) rotor approach, that provides a self-consistent treatment of the antiferromagnetic state we have performed electronic spectral function calculations for the Hubbard model on the square lattice. The collective variables for charge and spin are isolated in the form of the space-time fluctuating U(1) phase field and rotating spin quantization axis governed by the SU(2) symmetry, respectively. As a result interacting electrons appear as composite objects consisting of bare fermions with attached U(1) and SU(2) gauge fields. This allows us to write the fermion Green's function in the space-time domain as the product CP^1 propagator resulting from the SU(2) gauge fields, U(1) phase propagator and the pseudo-fermion correlation function. As a result the problem of calculating the spectral line shapes now becomes one of performing the convolution of spin, charge and pseudo-fermion Green's functions. The collective spin and charge fluctuations are governed by the effective actions that are derived from the Hubbard model for any value of the Coulomb interaction. The emergence of a sharp peak in the electron spectral function in the antiferromagnetic state indicates the decay of the electron into separate spin and charge carrying particle excitations.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Probing the superconducting pairing symmetry from spin excitations in BiS2_2 based superconductors

Starting from a two-orbital model and based on the random phase approximation, spin excitations in the superconducting state of the newly discovered BiS$_2$ superconductors with three possible pairing symmetries are studied theoretically. We show that spin response is uniquely determined by the pairing symmetry. Possible spin resonance excitations might occur for the d-wave symmetry at an incommensurate momentum about $(0.7\pi,0.7\pi)$. For the p-wave symmetry the transverse spin excitation near $(0,0)$ is enhanced. For the s-wave pairing symmetry there is no spin resonance signature. These distinct features may be used for probing or determining the pairing symmetry in this newly discovered compound.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

A minimum single-band model for low-energy excitations in superconducting Kx_xFe2_2Se2_2

We propose a minimum single-band model for the newly discovered iron-based superconducting K$_x$Fe$_2$Se$_2$. Our model is found to be numerically consistent with the five-orbital model at low energies. Based on our model and the random phase approximation, we study the spin fluctuation and the pairing symmetry of superconducting gap function. The $(\pi/2,\pi/2)$ spin excitation and the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ pairing symmetry are revealed. All of the results can well be understood in terms of the interplay between the Fermi surface topology and the local spin interaction, providing a sound picture to explain why the superconducting transition temperature is as high as to be comparable to those in pnictides and some cuprates. A common origin of superconductivity is elucidated for this compound and other high-T$_c$ materials.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Interspecific variation, habitat complexity and ovipositional responses modulate the efficacy of cyclopoid copepods in disease vector control

The use of predatory biological control agents can form an effective component in the management of vectors of parasitic diseases and arboviruses. However, we require predictive methods to assess the efficacies of potential biocontrol agents under relevant environmental contexts. Here, we applied functional responses (FRs) and reproductive effort as a proxy of numerical responses (NRs) to compare the Relative Control Potential (RCP) of three cyclopoid copepods, Macrocyclops albidus, M. fuscus and Megacyclops viridis towards larvae of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The effects of habitat complexity on such predatory impacts were examined, as well as ovipositional responses of C. quinquefasciatus to copepod cues in pairwise choice tests. All three copepod species demonstrated a population destabilising Type II FR. M. albidus demonstrated the shortest handling time and highest maximum feeding rate, whilst M. fuscus exhibited the highest attack rate. The integration of reproductive effort estimations in the new RCP metric identifies M. albidus as a very promising biocontrol agent. Habitat complexity did not impact the FR form or maximum feeding rate of M. albidus, indicating that potentially population destabilising effects are robust to habitat variations; however, attack rates of M. albidus were reduced in the presence of such complexity. C. quinquefasciatus avoided ovipositing where M. albidus was physically present, however it did not avoid chemical cues alone. C. quinquefasciatus continued to avoid M. albidus during oviposition when both the treatment and control water were dyed; however, when an undyed, predator-free control was paired with dyed, predator-treated water, positive selectivity towards the treatment water was stimulated. We thus demonstrate the marked predatory potential of cyclopoid copepods, utilising our new RCP metric, and advocate their feasibility in biological control programmes targeting container-style habitats. We also show that behavioural responses of target organisms and environmental context should be considered to maximise agent efficacy

Magnetic Field Amplification in Galaxy Clusters and its Simulation

We review the present theoretical and numerical understanding of magnetic field amplification in cosmic large-scale structure, on length scales of galaxy clusters and beyond. Structure formation drives compression and turbulence, which amplify tiny magnetic seed fields to the microGauss values that are observed in the intracluster medium. This process is intimately connected to the properties of turbulence and the microphysics of the intra-cluster medium. Additional roles are played by merger induced shocks that sweep through the intra-cluster medium and motions induced by sloshing cool cores. The accurate simulation of magnetic field amplification in clusters still poses a serious challenge for simulations of cosmological structure formation. We review the current literature on cosmological simulations that include magnetic fields and outline theoretical as well as numerical challenges.Comment: 60 pages, 19 Figure