Localization for one-dimensional Anderson-Dirac models

We prove spectral and dynamical localization for a one-dimensional Dirac operator to which is added an ergodic random potential, with a discussion on the different types of potential. We use scattering properties to prove the positivity of the Lyapunov exponent through F\"urstenberg theorem. We get then the H\"older regularity of the integrated density of states through a new version of Thouless formula, and thus the Wegner estimate necessary for the multiscale analysis

On boundedness of isomerization paths for non- and semirelativistic molecules

This article focuses on isomerizations of molecules, i.e. chemical reactions during which a molecule is transformed into another one with the same atoms but in a different spatial configuration. We consider the special case in which the system breaks into two submolecules whose internal geometry is solid during the whole procedure. We prove, under some conditions, that the distance between the two submolecules stays bounded during the entire reaction. This paper generalizes [6] in two directions. The first one is that we relax the assumptions that the ground state eigenspaces of the submolecules have to fulfill. The second one is that we allow semirelativistic kinetic energy as well

On boundedness of isomerization paths for non- and semirelativistic molecules

This article focuses on isomerizations of molecules, i.e. chemical reactions during which a molecule is transformed into another one with the same atoms in a different spatial configuration. We consider the special case in which the system breaks into two submolecules whose internal geometry is solid during the whole procedure. We prove, under some conditions, that the distance between the two submolecules stays bounded during the entire reaction. To this end, we provide an asymptotic expansion of the interaction energy between two molecules, including multipolar interactions and the van der Waals attraction. In addition to this static result, we proceed to a quasistatic analysis to investigate the variation of the energy when the nuclei move. This paper generalizes a recent work by M. Lewin and the first author in two directions. The first one is that we relax the assumption that the ground state eigenspaces of the submolecules have to fulfill. The second one is that we allow semirelativistic kinetic energy as well

Crowding effect on helix-coil transition: beyond entropic stabilization

We report circular dichroism measurements on the helix-coil transition of poly(L-glutamic acid) in solution with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a crowding agent. Using small angle neutron scattering, PEG solutions have been characterized and found to be well described by the picture of a transient network of mesh size $\xi$, usual for semi-diluted chains in good solvent. We show that the increase of PEG concentration stabilizes the helices and increases the transition temperature. But more unexpectedly we also notice that the increase of crowding agent concentration reduces the mean helix extent at the transition, or in other words reduces its cooperative feature. This result cannot be accounted for by an entropic stabilization mechanism. Comparing the mean length of helices at the transition and the mesh size of the PEG network, our results strongly suggest two regimes: helices shorter or longer than the mesh size

Pink Noise of Ionic Conductance through Single Artificial Nanopore Revisted

International audienceWe report voltage-clamp measurements through single conical nanopore obtained by chemical etching of a single ion track in polyimide film. Special attention is paid to the pink noise of the ionic current (i.e., 1=f noise) measured with different filling liquids. The relative pink-noise amplitude is almost independent of concentration and pH for KCl solutions, but varies strongly using ionic liquids. In particular, we show that depending on the ionic liquid, the transport of charge carriers is strongly facilitated (low noise and higher conductivity than in the bulk) or jammed. These results show that the origin of the pink noise can be ascribed neither to fluctuations of the pore geometry nor to the pore wall charges, but rather to a cooperative effect on ions motion in confined geometry

Spectral properties of models of periodic and disordered graphene

Cette thèse traite de différents aspects de la théorie spectrale d’opérateurs utilisés pour modéliser le graphène. Elle est constituée de deux parties. La première traite du cas périodique. Je commence par présenter la théorie générale des systèmes périodiques. J’introduis ensuite les différents modèles de graphène en les comparant. Enfin, je m’intéresse à différentes façons de rendre le graphène semi-conducteur. Je fais en particulier une étude de nanorubans de divers types et présente un résultat d’ouverture d’une lacune spectrale pour un opérateur pseudo-différentiel. La deuxième partie traite du cas désordonné. Je commence par présenter la théorie générale des opérateurs aléatoires. J’explique ensuite succinctement l’analyse multi-échelles qui est la méthode permettant de montrer le résultat essentiel de cette théorie, appelé localisation d’Anderson. Enfin, je donne la preuve de cette localisation pour un modèle de graphène ainsi qu’un résultat sur la densité d’états intégrée.This thesis deals with various aspects of spectral theory of operators used to model graphene. It is made of two parts.The first parts deals with the periodic case. I begin by presenting a general theory of periodic systems. I introduce then different models of graphene and compare them. Finally, I look at various ways to make graphene a semiconductor. In particular, I study different types of nanoribbons and I give a result of gap opening for a pseudodifferential operator. The second part deals with the disordered case. I begin by presenting a general theory of random operators. Then, I briefly explain multiscale analysis, which is the method used to prove the main result of this theory, which is called Anderson localization. Finally, I give a proof of this localization for a model of graphene and a result on the integrated density of states

Regularity of the density of states for random Dirac operators

We consider the random Dirac operators for which we have proved Anderson localization in arXiv:1812.01868. We use the Wegner estimate we have got in that paper to prove Lipschitz regularity of the density of states. Since usual methods for Schr\"odinger operators do not work in this case, we give a new one based on the Helffer-Sj\"ostrand formula