Optical probes of the quantum vacuum: The photon polarization tensor in external fields

The photon polarization tensor is the central building block of an effective theory description of photon propagation in the quantum vacuum. It accounts for the vacuum fluctuations of the underlying theory, and in the presence of external electromagnetic fields, gives rise to such striking phenomena as vacuum birefringence and dichroism. Standard approximations of the polarization tensor are often restricted to on-the-light-cone dynamics in homogeneous electromagnetic fields, and are limited to certain momentum regimes only. We devise two different strategies to go beyond these limitations: First, we aim at obtaining novel analytical insights into the photon polarization tensor for homogeneous fields, while retaining its full momentum dependence. Second, we employ wordline numerical methods to surpass the constant-field limit.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures; typo in Eq. (5) corrected (matches journal version

Renormalization-group approach to superconductivity: from weak to strong electron-phonon coupling

We present the numerical solution of the renormalization group (RG) equations derived in Ref. [1], for the problem of superconductivity in the presence of both electron-electron and electron-phonon coupling at zero temperature. We study the instability of a Fermi liquid to a superconductor and the RG flow of the couplings in presence of retardation effects and the crossover from weak to strong coupling. We show that our numerical results provide an ansatz for the analytic solution of the problem in the asymptotic limits of weak and strong coupling.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, conference proceedings for the Electron Correlations and Materials Properties, in Kos, Greece, July 5-9, 200

Exotic Superconducting Phases of Ultracold Atom Mixtures on Triangular Lattices

We study the phase diagram of two-dimensional Bose-Fermi mixtures of ultracold atoms on a triangular optical lattice, in the limit when the velocity of bosonic condensate fluctuations is much larger than the Fermi velocity. We contrast this work with our previous results for a square lattice system in Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 97}, 030601 (2006). Using functional renormalization group techniques we show that the phase diagrams for a triangular lattice contain exotic superconducting phases. For spin-1/2 fermions on an isotropic lattice we find a competition of $s$-, $p$-, extended $d$-, and $f$-wave symmetry, as well as antiferromagnetic order. For an anisotropic lattice, we further find an extended p-wave phase. A Bose-Fermi mixture with spinless fermions on an isotropic lattice shows a competition between $p$- and $f$-wave symmetry. These phases can be traced back to the geometric shapes of the Fermi surfaces in various regimes, as well as the intrinsic frustration of a triangular lattice.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, extended version, slight modification

Eigenstructure Assignment Based Controllers Applied to Flexible Spacecraft

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the behaviour of a controller designed using a parametric Eigenstructure Assignment method and to evaluate its suitability for use in flexible spacecraft. The challenge of this objective lies in obtaining a suitable controller that is specifically designated to alleviate the deflections and vibrations suffered by external appendages in flexible spacecraft while performing attitude manoeuvres. One of the main problems in these vehicles is the mechanical cross-coupling that exists between the rigid and flexible parts of the spacecraft. Spacecraft with fine attitude pointing requirements need precise control of the mechanical coupling to avoid undesired attitude misalignment. In designing an attitude controller, it is necessary to consider the possible vibration of the solar panels and how it may influence the performance of the rest of the vehicle. The nonlinear mathematical model of a flexible spacecraft is considered a close approximation to the real system. During the process of controller evaluation, the design process has also been taken into account as a factor in assessing the robustness of the system

Desilting Efficiency Due to Empty Flushing of Agongdian Reservoir

Source: ICHE Conference Archive - https://mdi-de.baw.de/icheArchive

Broken time-reversal symmetry in Josephson junction involving two-band superconductors

A novel time-reversal symmetry breaking state is found theoretically in the Josephson junction between the two-gap superconductor and the conventional s-wave superconductor. This occurs due to the frustration between the three order parameters analogous to the two antiferromagnetically coupled XY-spins put under a magnetic field. This leads to the interface states with the energies inside the superconducting gap. Possible experimental observations of this state with broken time-reversal symmetry are discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figur

Orbital symmetry fingerprints for magnetic adatoms in graphene

In this paper, we describe the formation of local resonances in graphene in the presence of magnetic adatoms containing localized orbitals of arbitrary symmetry, corresponding to any given angular momentum state. We show that quantum interference effects which are naturally inbuilt in the honeycomb lattice in combination with the specific orbital symmetry of the localized state lead to the formation of fingerprints in differential conductance curves. In the presence of Jahn-Teller distortion effects, which lift the orbital degeneracy of the adatoms, the orbital symmetries can lead to distinctive signatures in the local density of states. We show that those effects allow scanning tunneling probes to characterize adatoms and defects in graphene.Comment: 15 pages, 11 figures. Added discussion about the multi-orbital case and the validity of the single orbital picture. Published versio

Phase Diagram of the Holstein-Hubbard Two-Leg Ladder

Using a functional renormalization group method, we obtain the phase diagram of the two-leg ladder system within the Holstein-Hubbard model, which includes both electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions. Our renormalization group technique allows us to analyze the problem for both weak and strong electron-phonon coupling. We show that, in contrast results from conventional weak coupling studies, electron-phonon interactions can dominate electron-electron interactions because of retardation effects.Comment: 4 page