Formation and interaction of resonance chains in the open 3-disk system

In ballistic open quantum systems one often observes that the resonances in the complex-energy plane form a clear chain structure. Taking the open 3-disk system as a paradigmatic model system, we investigate how this chain structure is reflected in the resonance states and how it is connected to the underlying classical dynamics. Using an efficient scattering approach we observe that resonance states along one chain are clearly correlated while resonance states of different chains show an anticorrelation. Studying the phase space representations of the resonance states we find that their localization in phase space oscillate between different regions of the classical trapped set as one moves along the chains and that these oscillations are connected to a modulation of the resonance spacing. A single resonance chain is thus no WKB quantization of a single periodic orbits, but the structure of several oscillating chains arises from the interaction of several periodic orbits. We illuminate the physical mechanism behind these findings by combining the semiclassical cycle expansion with a quantum graph model.Comment: 25 pages, 15 figure

Waveguide photonic limiters based on topologically protected resonant modes

We propose a concept of chiral photonic limiters utilising topologically protected localised midgap defect states in a photonic waveguide. The chiral symmetry alleviates the effects of structural imperfections and guaranties a high level of resonant transmission for low intensity radiation. At high intensity, the light-induced absorption can suppress the localised modes, along with the resonant transmission. In this case the entire photonic structure becomes highly reflective within a broad frequency range, thus increasing dramatically the damage threshold of the limiter. Here we demonstrate experimentally the principle of operation of such photonic structures using a waveguide consisting of coupled dielectric microwave resonators.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Microwave fidelity studies by varying antenna coupling

The fidelity decay in a microwave billiard is considered, where the coupling to an attached antenna is varied. The resulting quantity, coupling fidelity, is experimentally studied for three different terminators of the varied antenna: a hard wall reflection, an open wall reflection, and a 50 Ohm load, corresponding to a totally open channel. The model description in terms of an effective Hamiltonian with a complex coupling constant is given. Quantitative agreement is found with the theory obtained from a modified VWZ approach [Verbaarschot et al, Phys. Rep. 129, 367 (1985)].Comment: 9 pages 5 figur

Experimental Observation of the Spectral Gap in Microwave n-Disk Systems

Symmetry reduced three-disk and five-disk systems are studied in a microwave setup. Using harmonic inversion the distribution of the imaginary parts of the resonances is determined. With increasing opening of the systems, a spectral gap is observed for thick as well as for thin repellers and for the latter case it is compared with the known topological pressure bounds. The maxima of the distributions are found to coincide for a large range of the distance to radius parameter with half of the classical escape rate. This confirms theoretical predictions based on rigorous mathematical analysis for the spectral gap and on numerical experiments for the maxima of the distributions.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Schematic baryon models, their tight binding description and their microwave realization

A schematic model for baryon excitations is presented in terms of a symmetric Dirac gyroscope, a relativistic model solvable in closed form, that reduces to a rotor in the non-relativistic limit. The model is then mapped on a nearest neighbour tight binding model. In its simplest one-dimensional form this model yields a finite equidistant spectrum. This is experimentally implemented as a chain of dielectric resonators under conditions where their coupling is evanescent and good agreement with the prediction is achieved.Comment: 17 pages, 15 figure

Lipid and Protein Transfer between Nanolipoprotein Particles and Supported Lipid Bilayers.

A nanolipoprotein particle (NLP) is a lipid bilayer disc stabilized by two amphipathic "scaffold" apolipoproteins. It has been most notably utilized as a tool for solubilizing a variety of membrane proteins while preserving structural and functional properties. Transfer of functional proteins from NLPs into model membrane systems such as supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) would enable new opportunities, for example, two-dimensional protein crystallization and studies on protein-protein interactions. This work used fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy to investigate the interaction between NLPs and SLBs. When incubated with SLBs, NLPs were found to spontaneously deliver lipid and protein cargo. The impact of membrane composition on lipid exchange was explored, revealing a positive correlation between the magnitude of lipid transfer and concentration of defects in the target SLB. Incorporation of lipids capable of binding specifically to polyhistidine tags encoded into the apolipoproteins also boosted transfer of NLP cargo. Optimal conditions for lipid and protein delivery from NLPs to SLBs are proposed based on interaction mechanisms

On the theory of cavities with point-like perturbations. Part II: Rectangular cavities

We consider an application of a general theory for cavities with point-like perturbations for a rectangular shape. Hereby we concentrate on experimental wave patterns obtained for nearly degenerate states. The nodal lines in these patterns may be broken, which is an effect coming only from the experimental determination of the patterns. These findings are explained within a framework of the developed theory.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure

First experimental realization of the Dirac oscillator

We present the first experimental microwave realization of the one-dimensional Dirac oscillator, a paradigm in exactly solvable relativistic systems. The experiment relies on a relation of the Dirac oscillator to a corresponding tight-binding system. This tight-binding system is implemented as a microwave system by a chain of coupled dielectric disks, where the coupling is evanescent and can be adjusted appropriately. The resonances of the finite microwave system yields the spectrum of the one-dimensional Dirac oscillator with and without mass term. The flexibility of the experimental set-up allows the implementation of other one-dimensional Dirac type equations.Comment: 6 figures, 5 page

Dirac Point and Edge States in a Microwave Realization of Tight-Binding Graphene-like Structures

We present a microwave realization of finite tight-binding graphene-like structures. The structures are realized using discs with a high index of refraction. The discs are placed on a metallic surface while a second surface is adjusted atop the discs, such that the waves coupling the discs in the air are evanescent, leading to the tight-binding behavior. In reflection measurements the Dirac point and a linear increase close to the Dirac point is observed, if the measurement is performed inside the sample. Resonances due to edge states are found close to the Dirac point if the measurements are performed at the zigzag-edge or at the corner in case of a broken benzene ring.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure