Universal nonequilibrium signatures of Majorana zero modes in quench dynamics

The quantum evolution after a metallic lead is suddenly connected to an electron system contains information about the excitation spectrum of the combined system. We exploit this type of "quantum quench" to probe the presence of Majorana fermions at the ends of a topological superconducting wire. We obtain an algebraically decaying overlap (Loschmidt echo) ${\cal L}(t)=| < \psi(0) | \psi(t) > |^2\sim t^{-\alpha}$ for large times after the quench, with a universal critical exponent $\alpha$=1/4 that is found to be remarkably robust against details of the setup, such as interactions in the normal lead, the existence of additional lead channels or the presence of bound levels between the lead and the superconductor. As in recent quantum dot experiments, this exponent could be measured by optical absorption, offering a new signature of Majorana zero modes that is distinct from interferometry and tunneling spectroscopy.Comment: 9 pages + appendices, 4 figures. v3: published versio

Critical properties of joint spin and Fortuin-Kasteleyn observables in the two-dimensional Potts model

The two-dimensional Potts model can be studied either in terms of the original Q-component spins, or in the geometrical reformulation via Fortuin-Kasteleyn (FK) clusters. While the FK representation makes sense for arbitrary real values of Q by construction, it was only shown very recently that the spin representation can be promoted to the same level of generality. In this paper we show how to define the Potts model in terms of observables that simultaneously keep track of the spin and FK degrees of freedom. This is first done algebraically in terms of a transfer matrix that couples three different representations of a partition algebra. Using this, one can study correlation functions involving any given number of propagating spin clusters with prescribed colours, each of which contains any given number of distinct FK clusters. For 0 <= Q <= 4 the corresponding critical exponents are all of the Kac form h_{r,s}, with integer indices r,s that we determine exactly both in the bulk and in the boundary versions of the problem. In particular, we find that the set of points where an FK cluster touches the hull of its surrounding spin cluster has fractal dimension d_{2,1} = 2 - 2 h_{2,1}. If one constrains this set to points where the neighbouring spin cluster extends to infinity, we show that the dimension becomes d_{1,3} = 2 - 2 h_{1,3}. Our results are supported by extensive transfer matrix and Monte Carlo computations.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

Traffic jams and intermittent flows in microfluidic networks

We investigate both experimentally and theoretically the traffic of particles flowing in microfluidic obstacle networks. We show that the traffic dynamics is a non-linear process: the particle current does not scale with the particle density even in the dilute limit where no particle collision occurs. We demonstrate that this non-linear behavior stems from long range hydrodynamic interactions. Importantly, we also establish that there exists a maximal current above which no stationary particle flow can be sustained. For higher current values, intermittent traffic jams form thereby inducing the ejection of the particles from the initial path and the subsequent invasion of the network. Eventually, we put our findings in the broader context of the transport proccesses of driven particles in low dimension

Helium Cryoplant Off-line Commissioning and Operator Training: Two Applications of the PROCOS Simulation System at CERN

The off-line commissioning step, through reliable simulation of physical models, aims to correct and validate control systems before their implementation into real equipments. It prepares and minimizes plant commissioning phase and at the same time validates the efficiency of the new process control logic. This paper describes how different CERN/UNICOS cryogenic control systems have been pre-commissioned off-line, using the CERN cryogenic simulation environment PROCOS. Some examples are reported. Additionally the presented simulation environment will be used for operator training. The second part of the paper will presents the simulation platform and the first feedback from the operation crew

Studies on the fungal diseases in crustaceans I. Lagenidum scyllae sp. nov. isolated from cultivated ova and larvae of the mangrove crab (Scylla serrata)

Modelling of super-heated steam drying of alfalfa. COST-915 Copernicus CIPA-CT94--0120 workshop on Food Quality Modellin

Blood group typing in five Afghan populations in the North Hindu-Kush region: implications for blood transfusion practice.

International audienceBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blood incompatibility arises from individual and ethnic differences in red blood cell (RBC) antigen profiles. This underlines the importance of documenting RBC antigen variability in various ethnic groups. Central Asia is an area with a long and complex migratory history. The purpose of this article is to describe key antigen frequencies of Afghan ethnic groups in the Hindu-Kush region of Afghanistan as a basis for improving blood transfusion practices in that area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The key ABO, Rh and Kell antigens were investigated in five Afghan populations. In order to depict accurately the blood group gene diversity in the area, DNA from eight additional Pakistani populations were included, and the entire sample set screened using two multiplex polymerase chain reactions sensitive for 17 alleles in 10 blood group genetic systems (MNS, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Cartwright, Dombrock, Indian, Colton, Diego and Landsteiner-Wiener). RESULTS: Phenotype and allele frequencies fell within the ranges observed in Western European and East Asian populations. Occurrence of DI*01, IN*01, LW*07 and FY*02N.01 and prevalence of ABO*B were consistent with migratory history as well as with putative environmental adaptation in the subtropical environment Hindu-Kush region. CONCLUSION: These findings expand the current knowledge about key antigen frequencies. Regarding occurrence of viral markers, further blood transfusion in the region requires rigorous typing

The one-dimensional Keller-Segel model with fractional diffusion of cells

We investigate the one-dimensional Keller-Segel model where the diffusion is replaced by a non-local operator, namely the fractional diffusion with exponent $0<\alpha\leq 2$. We prove some features related to the classical two-dimensional Keller-Segel system: blow-up may or may not occur depending on the initial data. More precisely a singularity appears in finite time when $\alpha<1$ and the initial configuration of cells is sufficiently concentrated. On the opposite, global existence holds true for $\alpha\leq1$ if the initial density is small enough in the sense of the $L^{1/\alpha}$ norm.Comment: 12 page

Relative entropy and the stability of shocks and contact discontinuities for systems of conservation laws with non BV perturbations

We develop a theory based on relative entropy to show the uniqueness and L^2 stability (up to a translation) of extremal entropic Rankine-Hugoniot discontinuities for systems of conservation laws (typically 1-shocks, n-shocks, 1-contact discontinuities and n-contact discontinuities of large amplitude) among bounded entropic weak solutions having an additional trace property. The existence of a convex entropy is needed. No BV estimate is needed on the weak solutions considered. The theory holds without smallness condition. The assumptions are quite general. For instance, strict hyperbolicity is not needed globally. For fluid mechanics, the theory handles solutions with vacuum.Comment: 29 page

Incompressible flow in porous media with fractional diffusion

In this paper we study the heat transfer with a general fractional diffusion term of an incompressible fluid in a porous medium governed by Darcy's law. We show formation of singularities with infinite energy and for finite energy we obtain existence and uniqueness results of strong solutions for the sub-critical and critical cases. We prove global existence of weak solutions for different cases. Moreover, we obtain the decay of the solution in $L^p$, for any $p\geq2$, and the asymptotic behavior is shown. Finally, we prove the existence of an attractor in a weak sense and, for the sub-critical dissipative case with $\alpha\in (1,2]$, we obtain the existence of the global attractor for the solutions in the space $H^s$ for any $s > (N/2)+1-\alpha$