801 research outputs found
Dephasing at Low Temperatures
We discuss the significance and the calculation of dephasing at low
temperatures. The particle is moving diffusively due to a static disorder
configuration, while the interference between classical paths is suppressed due
to the interaction with a dynamical environment. At high temperatures we may
use the `white noise approximation' (WNA), while at low temperatures we
distinguish the contribution of `zero point fluctuations' (ZPF) from the
`thermal noise contribution' (TNC). We study the limitations of the above
semiclassical approach and suggest the required modifications. In particular we
find that the ZPF contribution becomes irrelevant for thermal motion.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, clearer presentatio
Quantal Brownian Motion - Dephasing and Dissipation
We analyze quantal Brownian motion in dimensions using the unified model
for diffusion localization and dissipation, and Feynman-Vernon formalism. At
high temperatures the propagator possess a Markovian property and we can write
down an equivalent Master equation. Unlike the case of the
Zwanzig-Caldeira-Leggett model, genuine quantum mechanical effects manifest
themselves due to the disordered nature of the environment. Using Wigner
picture of the dynamics we distinguish between two different mechanisms for
destruction of coherence. The analysis of dephasing is extended to the low
temperature regime by using a semiclassical strategy. Various results are
derived for ballistic, chaotic, diffusive, both ergodic and non-ergodic motion.
We also analyze loss of coherence at the limit of zero temperature and clarify
the limitations of the semiclassical approach. The condition for having
coherent effect due to scattering by low-frequency fluctuations is also pointed
out. It is interesting that the dephasing rate can be either larger or smaller
than the dissipation rate, depending on the physical circumstances.Comment: LaTex, 23 pages, 4 figures, published vesio
Rate of energy absorption by a closed ballistic ring
We make a distinction between the spectroscopic and the mesoscopic
conductance of closed systems. We show that the latter is not simply related to
the Landauer conductance of the corresponding open system. A new ingredient in
the theory is related to the non-universal structure of the perturbation matrix
which is generic for quantum chaotic systems. These structures may created
bottlenecks that suppress the diffusion in energy space, and hence the rate of
energy absorption. The resulting effect is not merely quantitative: For a
ring-dot system we find that a smaller Landauer conductance implies a smaller
spectroscopic conductance, while the mesoscopic conductance increases. Our
considerations open the way towards a realistic theory of dissipation in closed
mesoscopic ballistic devices.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figures, published version with updated ref
Renormalization of the dephasing by zero point fluctuations
We study the role of zero-point-fluctuations (ZPF) in dephasing at low
temperature. Unlike the Caldeira-Leggett model where the interaction is with an
homogeneous fluctuating field of force, here we consider the effect of short
range scattering by localized bath modes. We find that in presence of ZPF the
inelastic cross-section gets renormalized. Thus indirectly ZPF might contribute
to the dephasing at low temperature.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figures, improved versio
Electric fields in plasmas under pulsed currents
Electric fields in a plasma that conducts a high-current pulse are measured
as a function of time and space. The experiment is performed using a coaxial
configuration, in which a current rising to 160 kA in 100 ns is conducted
through a plasma that prefills the region between two coaxial electrodes. The
electric field is determined using laser spectroscopy and line-shape analysis.
Plasma doping allows for 3D spatially resolved measurements. The measured peak
magnitude and propagation velocity of the electric field is found to match
those of the Hall electric field, inferred from the magnetic-field front
propagation measured previously.Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures, submitted to PR
Quantum pumping and dissipation: from closed to open systems
Current can be pumped through a closed system by changing parameters (or
fields) in time. The Kubo formula allows to distinguish between dissipative and
non-dissipative contributions to the current. We obtain a Green function
expression and an matrix formula for the associated terms in the
generalized conductance matrix: the "geometric magnetism" term that corresponds
to adiabatic transport; and the "Fermi golden rule" term which is responsible
to the irreversible absorption of energy. We explain the subtle limit of an
infinite system, and demonstrate the consistency with the formulas by Landauer
and Buttiker, Pretre and Thomas. We also discuss the generalization of the
fluctuation-dissipation relation, and the implications of the Onsager
reciprocity.Comment: 4 page paper, 1 figure (published version) + 2 page appendi
Inferences Training Affects Memory, Rumination, and Mood
Making negative inferences for negative events, ruminating about them, and retrieving negative aspects of memories have all been associated with depression. However, the causal mechanisms that link negative inferences to negative mood and the interplay between inferences, rumination, and memory have not been explored. In the current study, we used a cognitive-bias modification (CBM) procedure to train causal inferences and assessed training effects on ruminative thinking, memory, and negative mood among people with varying levels of depression. Training had immediate effects on negative mood and rumination but not after recall of a negative autobiographical memory. Note that training affected memory: Participants falsely recalled inferences presented during the training in a training-congruent manner. Moreover, among participants with high levels of depression, training also affected causal inferences they made for an autobiographical memory retrieved after training. Our findings shed light on negative cognitive cycles that may contribute to depression
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