Non-equilibrium phonon dynamics in trapped ion systems

We propose a concrete experiment to probe the non-equilibrium local dynamics of the one-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model using a trapped ion system consisting of a linear chain of few Ba^+ ions prepared in a state of transverse motional mode which corresponds to a fixed number of phonons per ion. These phonons are well-known to be described by an effective Bose-Hubbard model. We propose a protocol which leads to a sudden local sign reversal of the on-site interaction strength of this Hubbard model at one of the sites and demonstrate that the subsequent non-equilibrium dynamics of the model can be experimentally probed by measuring the time-dependent phonon number in a specific motional state of the Ba+ ions. We back our experimental proposal with exact numerical calculation of the dynamics of a Bose-Hubbard model subsequent to a local quench.Comment: The submission contains 5 pages and 4 figure

Slow quench dynamics of the Kitaev model: anisotropic critical point and effect of disorder

We study the non-equilibrium slow dynamics for the Kitaev model both in the presence and the absence of disorder. For the case without disorder, we demonstrate, via an exact solution, that the model provides an example of a system with an anisotropic critical point and exhibits unusual scaling of defect density $n$ and residual energy $Q$ for a slow linear quench. We provide a general expression for the scaling of $n$ ($Q$) generated during a slow power-law dynamics, characterized by a rate $\tau^{-1}$ and exponent $\alpha$, from a gapped phase to an anisotropic quantum critical point in $d$ dimensions, for which the energy gap $\Delta_{\vec k} \sim k_i^z$ for $m$ momentum components ($i=1..m$) and $\sim k_i^{z'}$ for the rest $d-m$ components ($i=m+1..d$) with $z\le z'$: $n \sim \tau^{-[m + (d-m)z/z']\nu \alpha/(z\nu \alpha +1)}$ ($Q \sim \tau^{-[(m+z)+ (d-m)z/z']\nu \alpha/(z\nu \alpha +1)}$). These general expressions reproduce both the corresponding results for the Kitaev model as a special case for $d=z'=2$ and $m=z=\nu=1$ and the well-known scaling laws of $n$ and $Q$ for isotropic critical points for $z=z'$. We also present an exact computation of all non-zero, independent, multispin correlation functions of the Kitaev model for such a quench and discuss their spatial dependence. For the disordered Kitaev model, where the disorder is introduced via random choice of the link variables $D_n$ in the model's Fermionic representation, we find that $n \sim \tau^{-1/2}$ and $Q\sim \tau^{-1}$ ($Q\sim \tau^{-1/2}$) for a slow linear quench ending in the gapless (gapped) phase. We provide a qualitative explanation of such scaling.Comment: 10 pages, 11 Figs. v

Quench dynamics across quantum critical points

We study the quantum dynamics of a number of model systems as their coupling constants are changed rapidly across a quantum critical point. The primary motivation is provided by the recent experiments of Greiner et al. (Nature 415, 39 (2002)) who studied the response of a Mott insulator of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice to a strong potential gradient. In a previous work (cond-mat/0205169), it had been argued that the resonant response observed at a critical potential gradient could be understood by proximity to an Ising quantum critical point describing the onset of density wave order. Here we obtain numerical results on the evolution of the density wave order as the potential gradient is scanned across the quantum critical point. This is supplemented by studies of the integrable quantum Ising spin chain in a transverse field, where we obtain exact results for the evolution of the Ising order correlations under a time-dependent transverse field. We also study the evolution of transverse superfluid order in the three dimensional case. In all cases, the order parameter is best enhanced in the vicinity of the quantum critical point.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

Soft Breakdown of Zener Diode

Zener diodes are found to show breakdown properties at much lower bias voltages compared to the so called Zener breakdown voltages. The soft breakdown becomes conspicuous from the occurrence of a point of inflexion near the origin of the I-V characteristics. The phenomenon has been explained by interband tunneling of carriers taking place under small reverse bias voltages

Neural Dynamics under Active Inference: Plausibility and Efficiency of Information Processing

Active inference is a normative framework for explaining behaviour under the free energy principle—a theory of self-organisation originating in neuroscience. It specifies neuronal dynamics for state-estimation in terms of a descent on (variational) free energy—a measure of the fit between an internal (generative) model and sensory observations. The free energy gradient is a prediction error—plausibly encoded in the average membrane potentials of neuronal populations. Conversely, the expected probability of a state can be expressed in terms of neuronal firing rates. We show that this is consistent with current models of neuronal dynamics and establish face validity by synthesising plausible electrophysiological responses. We then show that these neuronal dynamics approximate natural gradient descent, a well-known optimisation algorithm from information geometry that follows the steepest descent of the objective in information space. We compare the information length of belief updating in both schemes, a measure of the distance travelled in information space that has a direct interpretation in terms of metabolic cost. We show that neural dynamics under active inference are metabolically efficient and suggest that neural representations in biological agents may evolve by approximating steepest descent in information space towards the point of optimal inference

Beneficiation Practices in the Sukinda Valley Area Chromite Deposits

Extensive Chromite deposits in sukinda valley occur between District Jajpur and Keonjhar, Orissa. Mostly the ores are granular fines with a few soft moist and friable lumpy masses. In these lumps chromite grains occur as discrete grains within ferruginous matrix. In few cases serpentine and quartz association are also observed. The inherent characteristics of the deposits are such that their up-gradation / value addition does not pose many problems to the natives of the area. The method of benefi-ciation ranges from primitive Stone Age to modern-day technology. Consequent upon quantity c eiling on export of high grade chromite ore (ROM) and no such restriction on chromite concentrate in the country, mushrooming of chro-mite ore beneficiation (COB) facilities took place in the leasehold sectors and also outside of it. This resulted in unscrupulous exploitation by a few equipment manufactu-rers, suppliers & consultants engaged for commissioning of COB facilities without a proper development of process flow sheet and metallurgical accounting. Such procurement of machinery / equipment though enhanced the throughput capacity of concentrate generation but compromised on the recovery of valuables, especially fines. Such unscientific value addition of the ROM ore jeopardized the very concept of conservation. This paper deals with the processing technology being prac-ticed in the Sukinda valley for the friable chromite ore, and the remedial measure needed for optimum recovery of the valuables established through extensive R&D work done at IBM laboratory