The diamagnetism above the superconducting transition in underdoped La(1.9)Sr(0.1)CuO(4) revisited: Chemical disorder or phase incoherent superconductivity?

The interplay between superconducting fluctuations and inhomogeneities presents a renewed interest due to recent works supporting an anomalous [beyond the conventional Gaussian-Ginzburg-Landau (GGL) scenario] diamagnetism above Tc in underdoped cuprates. This conclusion, mainly based in the observation of new anomalies in the low-field isothermal magnetization curves, is in contradiction with our earlier results in the underdoped La(1.9)Sr(0.1)CuO(4) [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3157 (2000)]. These seemingly intrinsic anomalies are being presented in various influential works as a 'thermodynamic evidence' for phase incoherent superconductivity in the pseudogap regime, this last being at present a central and debated issue of the cuprate superconductors' physics. Here we have extended our magnetization measurements in La(1.9)Sr(0.1)CuO(4) to two samples with different chemical disorder, in one of them close to the one associated with the random distribution of Sr ions. For this sample, the corresponding Tc-distribution may be approximated as symmetric around the average Tc, while in the most disordered sample is strongly asymmetric. The comparison between the magnetization measured in both samples provides a crucial check of the chemical disorder origin of the observed diamagnetism anomalies, which are similar to those claimed as due to phase fluctuations by other authors. This conclusion applies also to the sample affected only by the intrinsic-like chemical disorder, providing then a further check that the intrinsic diamagnetism above the superconducting transition of underdoped cuprates is not affected by the opening of a pseudogap in the normal state. It is also shown here that once these disorder effects are overcome, the remaining precursor diamagnetism may be accounted at a quantitative level in terms of the GGL approach under a total energy cutoff.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures. Minor corrections include

Tensor network states and algorithms in the presence of a global SU(2) symmetry

The benefits of exploiting the presence of symmetries in tensor network algorithms have been extensively demonstrated in the context of matrix product states (MPSs). These include the ability to select a specific symmetry sector (e.g. with a given particle number or spin), to ensure the exact preservation of total charge, and to significantly reduce computational costs. Compared to the case of a generic tensor network, the practical implementation of symmetries in the MPS is simplified by the fact that tensors only have three indices (they are trivalent, just as the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients of the symmetry group) and are organized as a one-dimensional array of tensors, without closed loops. Instead, a more complex tensor network, one where tensors have a larger number of indices and/or a more elaborate network structure, requires a more general treatment. In two recent papers, namely (i) [Phys. Rev. A 82, 050301 (2010)] and (ii) [Phys. Rev. B 83, 115125 (2011)], we described how to incorporate a global internal symmetry into a generic tensor network algorithm based on decomposing and manipulating tensors that are invariant under the symmetry. In (i) we considered a generic symmetry group G that is compact, completely reducible and multiplicity free, acting as a global internal symmetry. Then in (ii) we described the practical implementation of Abelian group symmetries. In this paper we describe the implementation of non-Abelian group symmetries in great detail and for concreteness consider an SU(2) symmetry. Our formalism can be readily extended to more exotic symmetries associated with conservation of total fermionic or anyonic charge. As a practical demonstration, we describe the SU(2)-invariant version of the multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz and apply it to study the low energy spectrum of a quantum spin chain with a global SU(2) symmetry.Comment: 32 pages, 37 figure

Asymptotic entanglement capacity of the Ising and anisotropic Heisenberg interactions

We compute the asymptotic entanglement capacity of the Ising interaction ZZ, the anisotropic Heisenberg interaction XX + YY, and more generally, any two-qubit Hamiltonian with canonical form K = a XX + b YY. We also describe an entanglement assisted classical communication protocol using the Hamiltonian K with rate equal to the asymptotic entanglement capacity.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure; minor corrections, conjecture adde

Scattering of surface plasmons by one-dimensional periodic nanoindented surfaces

In this work, the scattering of surface plasmons by a finite periodic array of one-dimensional grooves is theoretically analyzed by means of a modal expansion technique. We have found that the geometrical parameters of the array can be properly tuned to achieve optimal performance of the structure either as a Bragg reflector or as a converter of surface plasmons into light. In this last case, the emitted light is collimated within a few degrees cone. Importantly, we also show that a small number of indentations in the array are sufficient to fully achieve its functional capabilities.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures; changed sign convention in some definition

Numerical study of the hard-core Bose-Hubbard Model on an Infinite Square Lattice

We present a study of the hard-core Bose-Hubbard model at zero temperature on an infinite square lattice using the infinite Projected Entangled Pair State algorithm [Jordan et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 250602 (2008)]. Throughout the whole phase diagram our values for the ground state energy, particle density and condensate fraction accurately reproduce those previously obtained by other methods. We also explore ground state entanglement, compute two-point correlators and conduct a fidelity-based analysis of the phase diagram. Furthermore, for illustrative purposes we simulate the response of the system when a perturbation is suddenly added to the Hamiltonian.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figure

Observation of anisotropic diamagnetism above the superconducting transition in iron-pnictide Ba_(1-x)K_xFe2As2 single crystals due to thermodynamic fluctuations

High resolution magnetization measurements performed in a high quality Ba_(1-x)K_xFe2As2 single crystal allowed to determine the diamagnetism induced above the superconducting transition by thermally activated Cooper pairs. These data, obtained with magnetic fields applied along and transverse to the crystal ab layers, demonstrate experimentally that the superconducting transition of iron pnictides may be explained at a phenomenological level in terms of the Gaussian Ginzburg-Landau approach for three-dimensional anisotropic superconductors.Comment: Final version with minor corrections. 6 pages, 4 figure

Quantum mechanical analysis of the elastic propagation of electrons in the Au/Si system: application to Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy

We present a Green's function approach based on a LCAO scheme to compute the elastic propagation of electrons injected from a STM tip into a metallic film. The obtained 2D current distribution in real and reciprocal space furnish a good representation of the elastic component of Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM) currents. Since this component accurately approximates the total current in the near threshold region, this procedure allows --in contrast to prior analyses-- to take into account effects of the metal band structure in the modeling of these experiments. The Au band structure, and in particular its gaps appearing in the [111] and [100] directions provides a good explanation for the previously irreconcilable results of nanometric resolution and similarity of BEEM spectra on both Au/Si(111) and Au/Si(100).Comment: 12 pages, 9 postscript figures, revte

Non-linear optics with two trapped atoms

We show theoretically that two atomic dipoles in a resonator constitute a non-linear medium, whose properties can be controlled through the relative position of the atoms inside the cavity and the detuning and intensity of the driving laser. We identify the parameter regime where the system operates as a parametric amplifier, based on the cascade emission of the collective dipole of the atoms, and determine the corresponding spectrum of squeezing of the field at the cavity output. This dynamics could be observed as a result of self-organization of laser-cooled atoms in resonators.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figure