Ground state and finite temperature signatures of quantum phase transitions in the half-filled Hubbard model on a honeycomb lattice

We investigate ground state and finite temperature properties of the half-filled Hubbard model on a honeycomb lattice using quantum monte carlo and series expansion techniques. Unlike the square lattice, for which magnetic order exists at T=0 for any non-zero $U$, the honeycomb lattice is known to have a semi-metal phase at small $U$ and an antiferromagnetic one at large $U$. We investigate the phase transition at T=0 by studying the magnetic structure$and compressibility using quantum monte carlo simulations and by calculating the sublattice magnetization, uniform susceptibility, spin-wave and single hole ordered phase. Our results are consistent with a single continuous transition at$U_c/t$in the range 4-5. Finite temperature signatures of this phase transition are seen in the behavior of the specific heat,$C(T)$, which changes from a two-peaked structure for$U>U_c$to a one-peaked structure for$U < U_c$. Furthermore, the$U$dependence of the low temperature coefficient of$C(T)$exhibits an anomaly at$U \approx U_c$.Comment: 11 pages, 19 figure

Charge-density waves in one-dimensional Hubbard superlattices

We study the formation of charge density waves (CDW's) in one-dimensional Hubbard superlattices, modeled by a repeated pattern of repulsive (U>0) and free (U=0) sites. By means of Lanczos diagonalizations for the ground state, we calculate the charge structure factor. Our results show that while the superlattice structure affects the modulation of the charge density waves, the periodicity can still be predicted through an effective density. We also show that, for a fixed repulsive layer thickness, the periodicity of the CDW is an oscillatory function of the free layer thickness.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Teegi: Tangible EEG Interface

We introduce Teegi, a Tangible ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) Interface that enables novice users to get to know more about something as complex as brain signals, in an easy, en- gaging and informative way. To this end, we have designed a new system based on a unique combination of spatial aug- mented reality, tangible interaction and real-time neurotech- nologies. With Teegi, a user can visualize and analyze his or her own brain activity in real-time, on a tangible character that can be easily manipulated, and with which it is possible to interact. An exploration study has shown that interacting with Teegi seems to be easy, motivating, reliable and infor- mative. Overall, this suggests that Teegi is a promising and relevant training and mediation tool for the general public.Comment: to appear in UIST-ACM User Interface Software and Technology Symposium, Oct 2014, Honolulu, United State

Limits of the energy-momentum tensor in general relativity

A limiting diagram for the Segre classification of the energy-momentum tensor is obtained and discussed in connection with a Penrose specialization diagram for the Segre types. A generalization of the coordinate-free approach to limits of Paiva et al. to include non-vacuum space-times is made. Geroch's work on limits of space-times is also extended. The same argument also justifies part of the procedure for classification of a given spacetime using Cartan scalars.Comment: LaTeX, 21 page

The Influence of the Distributor Plate on the Bottom Zone of a Fluidized Bed Approaching the Transition from Bubbling to Turbulent Fluidization

The dynamics of the bottom zone of a narrow fluidized bed, from bubbling to turbulent regimes, was studied in a cold model of 0.1 m i.d. and 1.3 m high. Tested distributor types were perforated perspex plates, with six different perforation grids, metallic mesh and porous ceramic, with pressures drops ranging from 0.05 to 350 kPa, corresponding to superficial air velocities from 0.1 to 2.3m s-1. Group B silica ballotini, within the range 0.355-0.425 mm, were used as bed material. The experimental data consisted of pressure drop and absolute pressure fluctuating signals, together with visual observations. The bottom zone presented a dynamic condition that produced higher pressure drop values than those expected with the incipient fluidization condition, particularly for the distributor plates with a higher open area. A simple model is used to describe the axial solids distribution and the dynamics characteristics of the voids created in that zone, and an attempt is made to differentiate the bubble voidage from that of the dense phase, with a value of through flow estimated in a systematic way.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B8JGF-4RT04WJ-5/1/35ae43b23db71e43caf98b5be93bab0

Effect of inhomogeneity on s-wave superconductivity in the attractive Hubbard model

Inhomogeneous s-wave superconductivity is studied in the two-dimensional, square lattice attractive Hubbard Hamiltonian using the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) mean field approximation. We find that at weak coupling, and for densities mainly below half-filling, an inhomogeneous interaction in which the on-site interaction $U_i$ takes on two values, $U_i=0, 2U$ results in a larger zero temperature pairing amplitude, and that the superconducting $T_c$ can also be significantly increased, relative to a uniform system with $U_i=U$ on all sites. These effects are observed for stripe, checkerboard, and even random patterns of the attractive centers, suggesting that the pattern of inhomogeneity is unimportant. Monte Carlo calculations which reintroduce some of the fluctuations neglected within the BdG approach see the same effect, both for the attractive Hubbard model and a Hamiltonian with d-wave pairing symmetry.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Tuning in magnetic modes in Tb(Co_{x}Ni_{1-x})_{2}B_{2}C: from longitudinal spin-density waves to simple ferromagnetism

Neutron diffraction and thermodynamics techniques were used to probe the evolution of the magnetic properties of Tb(Co_{x}Ni_{1-x})_{2}B_{2}C. A succession of magnetic modes was observed as x is varied: the longitudinal modulated k=(0.55,0,0) state at x=0 is transformed into a collinear k=([nicefrac]\nicefrac{1}{2},0,[nicefrac]\nicefrac{1}{2}) antiferromagnetic state at x= 0.2, 0.4; then into a transverse c-axis modulated k=(0,0,[nicefrac]\nicefrac{1}{3}) mode at x= 0.6, and finally into a simple ferromagnetic structure at x= 0.8 and 1. Concomitantly, the low-temperature orthorhombic distortion of the tetragonal unit cell at x=0 is reduced smoothly such that for x >= 0.4 only a tetragonal unit cell is manifested. Though predicted theoretically earlier, this is the first observation of the k=(0,0,[nicefrac]\nicefrac{1}{3}) mode in borocarbides; our findings of a succession of magnetic modes upon increasing x also find support from a recently proposed theoretical model. The implication of these findings and their interpretation on the magnetic structure of the RM_{2}B_{2}C series are also discussed

s-wave Superconductivity Phase Diagram in the Inhomogeneous Two-Dimensional Attractive Hubbard Model

We study s-wave superconductivity in the two-dimensional square lattice attractive Hubbard Hamiltonian for various inhomogeneous patterns of interacting sites. Using the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) mean field approximation, we obtain the phase diagram for inhomogeneous patterns in which the on-site attractive interaction U_i between the electrons takes on two values, U_i=0 and -U/(1-f) (with f the concentration of non-interacting sites) as a function of average electron occupation per site n, and study the evolution of the phase diagram as f varies. In certain regions of the phase diagram, inhomogeneity results in a larger zero temperature average pairing amplitude (order parameter) and also a higher superconducting (SC) critical temperature T_c, relative to a uniform system with the same mean interaction strength (U_i=-U on all sites). These effects are observed for stripes, checkerboard, and even random patterns of the attractive centers, suggesting that the pattern of inhomogeneity is unimportant. The phase diagrams also include regions where superconductivity is obliterated due to the formation of various charge ordered phases. The enhancement of T_{c} due to inhomogeneity is robust as long as the electron doping per site n is less than twice the fraction of interacting sites [2(1-f)] regardless of the pattern. We also show that for certain inhomogeneous patterns, when n = 2(1-f), increasing temperature can work against the stability of existing charge ordered phases for large f and as a result, enhance T_{c}.Comment: 16 pages, 11 figure

A layering model for superconductivity in the borocarbides

We propose a superlattice model to describe superconductivity in layered materials, such as the borocarbide families with the chemical formul\ae\ $RT_2$B$_2$C and $RT$BC, with $R$ being (essentially) a rare earth, and $T$ a transition metal. We assume a single band in which electrons feel a local attractive interaction (negative Hubbard-$U$) on sites representing the $T$B layers, while U=0 on sites representing the $R$C layers; the multi-band structure is taken into account minimally through a band offset $\epsilon$. The one-dimensional model is studied numerically through the calculation of the charge gap, the Drude weight, and of the pairing correlation function. A comparison with the available information on the nature of the electronic ground state (metallic or superconducting) indicates that the model provides a systematic parametrization of the whole borocarbide family.Comment: 4 figure