The nonlinear effects in 2DEG conductivity investigation by an acoustic method

The parameters of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in a GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure were determined by an acoustical (contactless) method in the delocalized electrons region ($B\le$2.5T). Nonlinear effects in Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) absorption by 2DEG are determined by the electron heating in the electric field of SAW, which may be described in terms of electron temperature $T_e$. The energy relaxation time $\tau_{\epsilon}$ is determined by the scattering at piezoelectric potential of acoustic phonons with strong screening. At different SAW frequencies the heating depends on the relationship between $\omega\tau_{\epsilon}$ and 1 and is determined either by the instantaneously changing wave field ($\omega\tau_{\epsilon}$$<1$), or by the average wave power ($\omega\tau_{\epsilon}$$>1$).Comment: RevTeX, 5 pages, 3 PS-figures, submitted to Physica Status Sol.(Technical corrections in PS-figs

Squeezing as the source of inefficiency in the quantum Otto cycle

The availability of controllable macroscopic devices, which maintain quantum coherence over relatively long time intervals, for the first time allows an experimental realization of many effects previously considered only as Gedankenexperiments, such as the operation of quantum heat engines. The theoretical efficiency \eta of quantum heat engines is restricted by the same Carnot boundary \eta_C as for the classical ones: any deviations from quasistatic evolution suppressing \eta below \eta_C. Here we investigate an implementation of an analog of the Otto cycle in a tunable quantum coherent circuit and show that the specific source of inefficiency is the quantum squeezing of the thermal state due to the finite speed of compression/expansion of the system.Comment: 17 pages, 5 figure

Two-qubit parametric amplifier: large amplification of weak signals

Using numerical simulations, we show that two coupled qubits can amplify a weak signal about hundredfold. This can be achieved if the two qubits are biased simultaneously by this weak signal and a strong pump signal, both of which having frequencies close to the inter-level transitions in the system. The weak signal strongly affects the spectrum generated by the strong pumping drive by producing and controlling mixed harmonics with amplitudes of the order of the main harmonic of the strong drive. We show that the amplification is robust with respect to noise, with an intensity of the order of the weak signal. When deviating from the optimal regime (corresponding to strong qubit coupling and a weak-signal frequency equal to the inter-level transition frequency) the proposed amplifier becomes less efficient, but it can still considerably enhance a weak signal (by several tens). We therefore propose to use coupled qubits as a combined parametric amplifier and frequency shifter.Comment: 6 figure

Estimates for parameters and characteristics of the confining SU(3)-gluonic field in an η′\eta^\prime-meson

The confinement mechanism proposed earlier by the author is applied to estimate the possible parameters of the confining SU(3)-gluonic field in an $\eta^\prime$-meson. For this aim the electric form factor of an $\eta^\prime$-meson is nonperturbatively computed in an explicit analytic form. The estimates obtained are also consistent with the width of the electromagnetic decay $\eta^\prime\to2\gamma$. The corresponding estimates of the gluon concentrations, electric and magnetic colour field strengths are also adduced for the mentioned field at the scales of the meson under consideration.Comment: 20 pages, LaTe

Terahertz Josephson plasma waves in layered superconductors: spectrum, generation, nonlinear, and quantum phenomena

The recent growing interest in terahertz (THz) and sub-THz science and technology is due to its many important applications in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and medicine. We review the problem of linear and non-linear THz and sub-THz Josephson plasma waves in layered superconductors and their excitations produced by moving Josephson vortices. We start by discussing the coupled sine-Gordon equations for the gauge-invariant phase difference of the order parameter in the junctions, taking into account the effect of breaking the charge neutrality, and deriving the spectrum of Josephson plasma waves. We also review surface and waveguide Josephson plasma waves. We review the propagation of weakly nonlinear Josephson plasma waves below the plasma frequency, which is very unusual for plasma-like excitations. In close analogy to nonlinear optics, these waves exhibit numerous remarkable features, including a self-focusing effect, and the pumping of weaker waves by a stronger one. We also present quantum effects in layered superconductors, specifically, the problem of quantum tunnelling of fluxons through stacks of Josephson junctions. We discuss the Cherenkov and transition radiations of the Josephson plasma waves produced by moving Josephson vortices. We also discuss the problem of coherent radiation (superradiance) of the THz waves by exciting uniform Josephson oscillations. The effects reviewed here could be potentially useful for sub-THz and THz emitters, filters, and detectors

High-Sulfurous Argentinian Asphaltites and Their Thermal Liquefaction Products

The results of profound chemical studies of asphaltites from the Rafaelita and Toribia fields (Mendosa and Neuquén provinces, Argentina) and prospects for their processing are presented. The composition and structural features of maltenic, asphaltene-carbenic and carboid components of these natural coal-like substances were investigated. Laboratory experiments on thermal liquefaction of asphaltites were performed, including: 1) destructive distillation (pyrolysis) at temperatures gradually rising up to 600°C; 2) thermal destruction under conditions of programmed temperature increase from 25 up to 350 or 450°C with a rate of 5°C/min and with simultaneous dilution of reaction products by straight-run diesel petroleum distillate; 3) thermal treatment of the studied sample under stationary conditions (at 350°C for one hour in water, tetraline or n-decane); and 4) thermal destruction of asphaltite samples under flow conditions (continuous ablution of reactor with water or decane, temperature rising from 25 up to 500°C, with periodical sampling at different temperature levels). The largest yields of liquid fuels were obtained when the thermal destruction process was performed in hydrocarbon medium at temperatures not lower than 400-450°C, with continuous removal of products from the reaction zone. The yield of desirable hydrocarbon products reached 25 wt.% of asphaltite organic mass, when decane served as reaction medium, and could be increased up to 70 wt.% by substituting this solvent with real petroleum (diesel) distillate