103 research outputs found
Effect of structural defects on anomalous ultrasound propagation in solids during second-order phase transitions
The effect of structural defects on the critical ultrasound attenuation and
ultrasound velocity dispersion in Ising-like three-dimensional systems is
studied. A field-theoretical description of the dynamic effects of
acoustic-wave propagation in solids during phase transitions is performed with
allowance for both fluctuation and relaxation attenuation mechanisms. The
temperature and frequency dependences of the scaling functions of the
attenuation coefficient and the ultrasound velocity dispersion are calculated
in a two-loop approximation for pure and structurally disordered systems, and
their asymptotic behavior in hydrodynamic and critical regions is separated. As
compared to a pure system, the presence of structural defects in it is shown to
cause a stronger increase in the sound attenuation coefficient and the sound
velocity dispersion even in the hydrodynamic region as the critical temperature
is reached. As compared to pure analogs, structurally disordered systems should
exhibit stronger temperature and frequency dependences of the acoustic
characteristics in the critical region.Comment: 7 RevTeX pages, 4 figure
Critical behavior of the three-dimensional XY universality class
We improve the theoretical estimates of the critical exponents for the
three-dimensional XY universality class. We find alpha=-0.0146(8),
gamma=1.3177(5), nu=0.67155(27), eta=0.0380(4), beta=0.3485(2), and
delta=4.780(2). We observe a discrepancy with the most recent experimental
estimate of alpha; this discrepancy calls for further theoretical and
experimental investigations. Our results are obtained by combining Monte Carlo
simulations based on finite-size scaling methods, and high-temperature
expansions. Two improved models (with suppressed leading scaling corrections)
are selected by Monte Carlo computation. The critical exponents are computed
from high-temperature expansions specialized to these improved models. By the
same technique we determine the coefficients of the small-magnetization
expansion of the equation of state. This expansion is extended analytically by
means of approximate parametric representations, obtaining the equation of
state in the whole critical region. We also determine the specific-heat
amplitude ratio.Comment: 61 pages, 3 figures, RevTe
Improved high-temperature expansion and critical equation of state of three-dimensional Ising-like systems
High-temperature series are computed for a generalized Ising model with
arbitrary potential. Two specific ``improved'' potentials (suppressing leading
scaling corrections) are selected by Monte Carlo computation. Critical
exponents are extracted from high-temperature series specialized to improved
potentials, achieving high accuracy; our best estimates are:
, , , ,
. By the same technique, the coefficients of the small-field
expansion for the effective potential (Helmholtz free energy) are computed.
These results are applied to the construction of parametric representations of
the critical equation of state. A systematic approximation scheme, based on a
global stationarity condition, is introduced (the lowest-order approximation
reproduces the linear parametric model). This scheme is used for an accurate
determination of universal ratios of amplitudes. A comparison with other
theoretical and experimental determinations of universal quantities is
presented.Comment: 65 pages, 1 figure, revtex. New Monte Carlo data by Hasenbusch
enabled us to improve the determination of the critical exponents and of the
equation of state. The discussion of several topics was improved and the
bibliography was update
Analytic structure factors and pair-correlation functions for the unpolarized homogeneous electron gas
We propose a simple and accurate model for the electron static structure
factors (and corresponding pair-correlation functions) of the 3D unpolarized
homogeneous electron gas. Our spin-resolved pair-correlation function is built
up with a combination of analytic constraints and fitting procedures to quantum
Monte Carlo data, and, in comparison to previous attempts (i) fulfills more
known integral and differential properties of the exact pair-correlation
function, (ii) is analytic both in real and in reciprocal space, and (iii)
accurately interpolates the newest, extensive diffusion-Monte Carlo data of
Ortiz, Harris and Ballone [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 5317 (1999)]. This can be of
interest for the study of electron correlations of real materials and for the
construction of new exchange and correlation energy density functionals.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.
Particles-vortex interactions and flow visualization in He4
Recent experiments have demonstrated a remarkable progress in implementing
and use of the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and particle tracking
techniques for the study of turbulence in He4. However, an interpretation of
the experimental data in the superfluid phase requires understanding how the
motion of tracer particles is affected by the two components, the viscous
normal fluid and the inviscid superfluid. Of a particular importance is the
problem of particle interactions with quantized vortex lines which may not only
strongly affect the particle motion, but, under certain conditions, may even
trap particles on quantized vortex cores. The article reviews recent
theoretical, numerical, and experimental results in this rapidly developing
area of research, putting critically together recent results, and solving
apparent inconsistencies. Also discussed is a closely related technique of
detection of quantized vortices negative ion bubbles in He4.Comment: To appear in the J Low Temperature Physic
Varying constants, Gravitation and Cosmology
Fundamental constants are a cornerstone of our physical laws. Any constant
varying in space and/or time would reflect the existence of an almost massless
field that couples to matter. This will induce a violation of the universality
of free fall. It is thus of utmost importance for our understanding of gravity
and of the domain of validity of general relativity to test for their
constancy. We thus detail the relations between the constants, the tests of the
local position invariance and of the universality of free fall. We then review
the main experimental and observational constraints that have been obtained
from atomic clocks, the Oklo phenomenon, Solar system observations, meteorites
dating, quasar absorption spectra, stellar physics, pulsar timing, the cosmic
microwave background and big bang nucleosynthesis. At each step we describe the
basics of each system, its dependence with respect to the constants, the known
systematic effects and the most recent constraints that have been obtained. We
then describe the main theoretical frameworks in which the low-energy constants
may actually be varying and we focus on the unification mechanisms and the
relations between the variation of different constants. To finish, we discuss
the more speculative possibility of understanding their numerical values and
the apparent fine-tuning that they confront us with.Comment: 145 pages, 10 figures, Review for Living Reviews in Relativit
- …