Quantum quenches in fractonic field theories

We study out-of-equilibrium dynamics caused by global quantum quenches in fractonic scalar field theories. We consider several types of quenches, in particular, the mass quench in theories with different types of discrete rotational symmetries ($\mathbb{Z}_4$ and $\mathbb{Z}_8$), as well as an instantaneous quench via the transition between them. We also investigate fractonic boundary quenches, where the initial state is prepared on a finite-width slab in Euclidean time. We find that perturbing a fractonic system in finite volume especially highlights the restricted mobility via the formation and subsequent evolution of specific $\mathbb{Z}_4$-symmetric spatial structures. We discuss a generalization to $\mathbb{Z}_n$-symmetric field theories, and introduce a proper regularization, which allows us to explicitly deal with divergences inherent to fractonic field theories.Comment: v1: 21 pages, 8 figures; v2: 20 pages, 8 figures, minor correction

Local quenches in fracton field theory: non-causal dynamics and fractal excitation patterns

We study the out-of-equilibrium dynamics induced by a local perturbation in fracton field theory. For the ${\mathbb Z}_4$ and ${\mathbb Z}_8$-symmetric free fractonic theories, we compute the time dynamics of several observables such as the two-point Green function, $\langle \phi^2\rangle$ condensate, energy density, and the dipole momentum. The time-dependent considerations highlight that the free fractonic theory breaks causality and exhibits instantaneous signal propagation, even if an additional relativistic term is included to enforce a speed limit in the system. For the theory in finite volume, we show that the fracton wave front acquires fractal shape with non-trivial Hausdorff dimension, and argue that this phenomenon cannot be explained by a simple self-interference effect.Comment: v1: 25 pages, 7 figures; v2: 25 pages, 7 figures, references added, minor correction

Spontaneous and induced ferroelectricity in the BiFe1−xScxO3 perovskite ceramics

High-pressure synthesis method allows obtaining single-phase perovskite BiFe1-xScxO3 ceramics in the entire concentration range. As-prepared compositions with x from 0.30 to 0.55 have the antipolar orthorhombic Pnma structure but can be irreversible converted into the polar rhombohedral R3c or the polar orthorhombic Ima2 phase via annealing at ambient pressure. Microstructure defects and large conductivity of the high-pressure-synthesized ceramics make it difficult to study and even verify their ferroelectric properties. These obstacles can be overcome using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) addressing ferroelectric behavior inside single grains. Herein, the PFM study of the BiFe1-xScxO3 ceramics (0.30 ≤ x ≤ 0.50) is reported. The annealed samples show a strong PFM contrast. Switching of domain polarity by an electric field confirms the ferroelectric nature of these samples. The as-prepared BiFe0.5Sc0.5O3 ceramics demonstrate no piezoresponse in accordance with the antipolar character of the Pnma phase. However, application of a strong enough electric field induces irreversible transition to the ferroelectric state. The as-prepared BiFe0.7Sc0.3O3 ceramics show coexistence of ferroelectric and antiferroelectric grains without poling. It is assumed that mechanical stress caused by the sample polishing can be also a driving force of phase transformation in these materials alongside temperature and external electric field.publishe

Annealing-Dependent Morphotropic Phase Boundary in the BiMg0.5Ti0.5O3–BiZn0.5Ti0.5O3 Perovskite System

The annealing behavior of (1-x)BiMg0.5Ti0.5O3–xBiZn0.5Ti0.5O3 [(1-x)BMT–xBZT] perovskite solid solutions synthesized under high pressure was studied in situ via X-ray diffraction and piezoresponse force microscopy. The as prepared ceramics show a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between the non-polar orthorhombic and ferroelectric tetragonal states at 75 mol. % BZT. It is shown that annealing above 573 K results in irreversible changes in the phase diagram. Namely, for compositions with 0.2 < x < 0.6, the initial orthorhombic phase transforms into a ferroelectric rhombohedral phase. The new MPB between the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases lies at a lower BZT content of 60 mol. %. The phase diagram of the BMT–BZT annealed ceramics is formally analogous to that of the commercial piezoelectric material lead zirconate titanate. This makes the BMT–BZT system promising for the development of environmentally friendly piezoelectric ceramicspublishe

Temperature-induced reversible and irreversible transitions between metastable provskite phases in the BiFe1−yScyO3 solid solutions

The antipolar orthorhombic Pnma phase with the √2ap × 4ap × 2 √2ap superstructure (ap ~4 Å is the pseudocubic perovskite unit-cell parameter) is observed in many perovskite compositions derived from BiFeO3. Temperature-induced structural transformations in metastable perovskite solid solutions with the Pnma structure corresponding to the range of 0.30 ≤ y ≤ 0.60 of the (1−y)BiFeO3 -yBiScO3 quasi binary system were studied using temperature X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. These compositions cannot be prepared in bulk form at ambient pressure but can be stabilized in the Pnma phase by means of quenching after synthesis under high pressure. The compositions were investigated in situ between 1.5 K and the temperature of the stability limit of their metastable phases (about 870–920 K). It has been found that heating the as-preparedp p compositionsp with the Pnma phase leads to formation of the rhombohedral R3c phase (√2ap × √2ap × 2√3ap), which, on cooling downp toproom temperature, either remains or transforms into a polar orthorhombic Ima2 phase (2ap × √2ap × √2ap). The observed phase transformations in the BiFe1−y Scy O3 perovskite series on heating and on cooling are considered in terms of geometrical factors.publishe

Broadband Antireflection with Halide Perovskite Metasurfaces

Meta-optics based on optically resonant dielectric nanostructures is a rapidly developing research field with many potential applications. Halide perovskite metasurfaces have emerged recently as a novel platform for meta-optics, and they offer unique opportunities for control of light in optoelectronic devices. Here, the generalized Kerker conditions are employed to overlap electric and magnetic Mie resonances in each meta-atom of MAPbBr3 perovskite metasurface, and broadband suppression of reflection down to 4% is demonstrated. Furthermore, it is revealed that metasurface nanostructuring is also beneficial for the enhancement of photoluminescence. These results may be useful for applications of nanostructured halide perovskites in photovoltaics and semi-transparent multifunctional metadevices where reflection reduction is important for their high efficiency.This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project no19-73-30023), the Australian Research Council (grant DP200101168), andthe Strategic Fund of the Australian National Universit

EPAS1 gene variants are associated with sprint/power athletic performance in two cohorts of European athletes

BACKGROUND: The endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) activates genes that are involved in erythropoiesis and angiogenesis, thus favoring a better delivery of oxygen to the tissues and is a plausible candidate to influence athletic performance. Using innovative statistical methods we compared genotype distributions and interactions of EPAS1 SNPs rs1867785, rs11689011, rs895436, rs4035887 and rs1867782 between sprint/power athletes (n = 338), endurance athletes (n = 254), and controls (603) in Polish and Russian samples. We also examined the association between these SNPs and the athletes’ competition level (‘elite’ and ‘sub-elite’ level). Genotyping was performed by either Real-Time PCR or by Single-Base Extension (SBE) method. RESULTS: In the pooled cohort of Polish and Russian athletes, 1) rs1867785 was associated with sprint/power athletic status; the AA genotype in rs1867785 was underrepresented in the sprint/power athletes, 2) rs11689011 was also associated with sprint/power athletic status; the TT genotype in rs11689011 was underrepresented sprint/power athletes, and 3) the interaction between rs1867785, rs11689011, and rs4035887 was associated with sprint/power athletic performance; the combinations of the AA genotype in rs4035887 with either the AG or GG genotypes in rs1867785, or with the CT or CC genotypes in rs11689011, were underrepresented in two cohorts of sprint/power athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the unique statistical model rs1867785/rs11689011 are strong predictors of sprint/power athletic status, and the interaction between rs1867785, rs11689011, and rs4035887 might contribute to success in sprint/power athletic performance. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-382) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Biorealistic Response in Optoelectrically-Driven Flexible Halide-Perovskite Single-Crystal Memristors

The transition to smart wearable and flexible optoelectronic devices communicating with each other and performing neuromorphic computing at the edge is a big goal in next-generation optoelectronics. These devices should perform their regular tasks supported by energy-efficient in-memory calculations. Here, we study the response of the CsPbBr$_3$ halide-perovskite single crystal fabricated on the flexible polymer substrate and integrated with the single-walled carbon nanotube thin film electrodes in a lateral geometry. We show both photodetection functions combined with the synaptic functionality in our device under the application of hybrid optoelectrical stimuli. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our device exhibits frequency-dependent bidirectional modification of synaptic weight with a sliding threshold similar to biologically plausible Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro learning. The demonstrated optoelectronic synaptic behavior in halide-perovskite single-crystals opens the opportunity for the development of hybrid organic-inorganic artificial visual systems