63,213 research outputs found
On the gravitational wave background from compact binary coalescences in the band of ground-based interferometers
This paper reports a comprehensive study on the gravitational wave (GW)
background from compact binary coalescences. We consider in our calculations
newly available observation-based neutron star and black hole mass
distributions and complete analytical waveforms that include post-Newtonian
amplitude corrections. Our results show that: (i) post-Newtonian effects cause
a small reduction in the GW background signal; (ii) below 100 Hz the background
depends primarily on the local coalescence rate and the average chirp
mass and is independent of the chirp mass distribution; (iii) the effects of
cosmic star formation rates and delay times between the formation and merger of
binaries are linear below 100 Hz and can be represented by a single parameter
within a factor of ~ 2; (iv) a simple power law model of the energy density
parameter up to 50-100 Hz is sufficient to be used
as a search template for ground-based interferometers. In terms of the
detection prospects of the background signal, we show that: (i) detection (a
signal-to-noise ratio of 3) within one year of observation by the Advanced LIGO
detectors (H1-L1) requires a coalescence rate of for binary neutron stars (binary black holes); (ii) this limit on
could be reduced 3-fold for two co-located detectors, whereas the
currently proposed worldwide network of advanced instruments gives only ~ 30%
improvement in detectability; (iii) the improved sensitivity of the planned
Einstein Telescope allows not only confident detection of the background but
also the high frequency components of the spectrum to be measured. Finally we
show that sub-threshold binary neutron star merger events produce a strong
foreground, which could be an issue for future terrestrial stochastic searches
of primordial GWs.Comment: A few typos corrected to match the published version in MNRA
Tackling Challenges in Seebeck Coefficient Measurement of Ultra-High Resistance Samples with an AC Technique
Seebeck coefficient is a widely studied semiconductor property. Conventional Seebeck coefficient measurements are based on DC voltage measurement. Normally this is performed on samples with moderate resistances (e.g., below a few MΩ level). Certain semiconductors are intrinsic and highly resistive. Many examples can be found in optical and photovoltaic materials. The hybrid halide perovskites that have gained extensive attention recently are a good example. Despite great attention from the materials and physics communities, few successful studies exist of the Seebeck coefficient of these compounds, for example CH3NH3PbI3. An AC-technique-based Seebeck coefficient measurement is reported, which makes high-quality Seebeck voltage measurements on samples with resistances up to the 100 GΩ level. This is achieved through a specifically designed setup to enhance sample isolation and increase capacitive impedance. As a demonstration, Seebeck coefficient measurement of a CH3NH3PbI3 thin film is performed at dark, with sample resistance 150 GΩ, and found S = +550 µV K−1. The strategy reported could be applied to the studies of fundamental transport parameters of all intrinsic semiconductors that have not been feasible
Numerical simulations of negative-index refraction in wedge-shaped metamaterials
A wedge-shaped structure made of split-ring resonators (SRR) and wires is
numerically simulated to evaluate its refraction behavior. Four frequency
bands, namely, the stop band, left-handed band, ultralow-index band, and
positive-index band, are distinguished according to the refracted field
distributions. Negative phase velocity inside the wedge is demonstrated in the
left-handed band and the Snell's law is conformed in terms of its refraction
behaviors in different frequency bands. Our results confirmed that negative
index of refraction indeed exists in such a composite metamaterial and also
provided a convincing support to the results of previous Snell's law
experiments.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figure
Linear scaling calculation of maximally-localized Wannier functions with atomic basis set
We have developed a linear scaling algorithm for calculating
maximally-localized Wannier functions (MLWFs) using atomic orbital basis. An
O(N) ground state calculation is carried out to get the density matrix (DM).
Through a projection of the DM onto atomic orbitals and a subsequent O(N)
orthogonalization, we obtain initial orthogonal localized orbitals. These
orbitals can be maximally localized in linear scaling by simple Jacobi sweeps.
Our O(N) method is validated by applying it to water molecule and wurtzite ZnO.
The linear scaling behavior of the new method is demonstrated by computing the
MLWFs of boron nitride nanotubes.Comment: J. Chem. Phys. in press (2006
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