Transition between ordinary and topological insulator regimes in two-dimensional resonant magnetotransport

In the two-dimensional case the transition between ordinary and topological insulator states can be described by a massive Dirac model with the mass term changing its sign at the transition point. We theoretically investigate how such a transition manifests itself in resonant transport via localized helical edge states. The resonance occurs in the middle of the band gap due to a zero edge-state mode which is protected by the time-reversal symmetry, also when coupled to the conducting leads. We obtain the explicit dependence of the resonant conductance on the mass parameter and an external magnetic field. The proposal may be of practical use, allowing one to determine the orbital g-factor of helical edge states in two-dimensional topological insulators.Comment: 7 pages, 3 eps figures, Phys. Rev. B (in press

Electronic and atomic kinetics in solids irradiated with free-electron lasers or swift-heavy ions

In this brief review we discuss the transient processes in solids under irradiation with femtosecond X-ray free-electron-laser (FEL) pulses and swift-heavy ions (SHI). Both kinds of irradiation produce highly excited electrons in a target on extremely short timescales. Transfer of the excess electronic energy into the lattice may lead to observable target modifications such as phase transitions and damage formation. Transient kinetics of material excitation and relaxation under FEL or SHI irradiation are comparatively discussed. The same origin for the electronic and atomic relaxation in both cases is demonstrated. Differences in these kinetics introduced by the geometrical effects ({\mu}m-size of a laser spot vs nm-size of an ion track) and initial irradiation (photoabsorption vs an ion impact) are analyzed. The basic mechanisms of electron transport and electron-lattice coupling are addressed. Appropriate models and their limitations are presented. Possibilities of thermal and nonthermal melting of materials under FEL and SHI irradiation are discussed

Two-photon decays of vector mesons and dilepton decays of scalar mesons in dense matter

Two-photon decays of vector mesons and dilepton decays of scalar mesons which are forbidden in vacuum and can occur in dense baryonic matter due to the explicit violation of Lorentz symmetry are described within a quark model of the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio type. The temperature and chemical potential dependence of these processes is investigated. It is found that their contribution to the production of photons and leptons in heavy-ion collisions is enhanced near the conditions corresponding to the restoration of chiral symmetry. Moreover, in the case of the a_0 meson and especially the \rho-meson, a resonant behaviour (an additional amplification) is observed due to the degeneration of \rho and a_0 masses when a hot hadron matter is approaching a chirally symmetric phase.Comment: 20 figures, IOP styl

Production of π0ρ0\pi^0\rho^0 pair in electron-positron annihilation in the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model

The process $e^+e^- \to \pi^0\rho$ is described in the framework of the expanded NJL model in the energy region from 0.9 GeV to 1.5 GeV. The contribution of intermediate state with vector mesons $\omega(782), \,\,\phi(1020)$, and $\omega'(1420)$, where $\omega'$ is the first radial excitation of $\omega$ - meson was taken into account. Results obtained are in satisfactory agreement with experimental data.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, 1 tabl

Strong decays of radially excited mesons in a chiral approach

We study radial excitations of pseudoscalar and vector (q bar q) mesons within a chiral approach. We derive a general form for a chiral Lagrangian describing processes involving excited pseudoscalar and vector mesons. The parameters of the chiral Lagrangian are fitted using data and previous calculations in the framework of the 3P0 model. Finite-width effects are examined and predictions for mesons previously not discussed are given. Available experimental data is analyzed whenever possible. Possible hints for exotic mesons and open interpretation-issues are discussed.Comment: 16 page