CCDM model from quantum particle creation: constraints on dark matter mass

In this work the results from the quantum process of matter creation have been used in order to constrain the mass of the dark matter particles in an accelerated Cold Dark Matter model (Creation Cold Dark Matter, CCDM). In order to take into account a back reaction effect due to the particle creation phenomenon, it has been assumed a small deviation $\varepsilon$ for the scale factor in the matter dominated era of the form $t^{\frac{2}{3}+\varepsilon}$. Based on recent $H(z)$ data, the best fit values for the mass of dark matter created particles and the $\varepsilon$ parameter have been found as $m=1.6\times10^3$ GeV, restricted to a 68.3\% c.l. interval of ($1.5<m<6.3\times10^7$) GeV and $\varepsilon = -0.250^{+0.15}_{-0.096}$ at 68.3\% c.l. For these best fit values the model correctly recovers a transition from decelerated to accelerated expansion and admits a positive creation rate near the present era. Contrary to recent works in CCDM models where the creation rate was phenomenologically derived, here we have used a quantum mechanical result for the creation rate of real massive scalar particles, given a self consistent justification for the physical process. This method also indicates a possible solution to the so called "dark degeneracy", where one can not distinguish if it is the quantum vacuum contribution or quantum particle creation which accelerates the Universe expansion.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures. Major modifications have been done, following the referee suggestions. The deduction of the treatment is now more transparent, figures have been added showing the statistical limits over the dark matter mass, and the best fit for DM mass has been slightly modifie

Tunable quantum dots in bilayer graphene

We demonstrate theoretically that quantum dots in bilayers of graphene can be realized. A position-dependent doping breaks the equivalence between the upper and lower layer and lifts the degeneracy of the positive and negative momentum states of the dot. Numerical results show the simultaneous presence of electron and hole confined states for certain doping profiles and a remarkable angular momentum dependence of the quantum dot spectrum which is in sharp contrast with that for conventional semiconductor quantum dots. We predict that the optical spectrum will consist of a series of non-equidistant peaks.Comment: 5 pages, to appear in Nano Letter

Landau levels and oscillator strength in a biased bilayer of graphene

We obtain analytical expressions for the eigenstates and the Landau level spectrum of biased graphene bilayers in a magnetic field. The calculations are performed in the context of a four-band continuum model and generalize previous approximate results. Solutions are presented for the spectrum as a function of interlayer coupling, the potential difference between the layers and the magnetic field. The explicit expressions allow us to calculate the oscillator strength and the selection rules for electric dipole transitions between the Landau states. Some transitions are significantly shifted in energy relative to those in an unbiased bialyer and exhibit a very different magnetic field dependence.Comment: To appear in Phys. Rev.