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 $S$ 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

Efficient Algorithms for Universal Quantum Simulation

A universal quantum simulator would enable efficient simulation of quantum dynamics by implementing quantum-simulation algorithms on a quantum computer. Specifically the quantum simulator would efficiently generate qubit-string states that closely approximate physical states obtained from a broad class of dynamical evolutions. I provide an overview of theoretical research into universal quantum simulators and the strategies for minimizing computational space and time costs. Applications to simulating many-body quantum simulation and solving linear equations are discussed

On the Geometry of the Nodal Lines of Eigenfunctions of the Two-Dimensional Torus

The width of a convex curve in the plane is the minimal distance between a pair of parallel supporting lines of the curve. In this paper we study the width of nodal lines of eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on the standard flat torus. We prove a variety of results on the width, some having stronger versions assuming a conjecture of Cilleruelo and Granville asserting a uniform bound for the number of lattice points on the circle lying in short arcs.Comment: 4 figures. Added some comments about total curvature and other detail

Classical and quantum pumping in closed systems

Pumping of charge (Q) in a closed ring geometry is not quantized even in the strict adiabatic limit. The deviation form exact quantization can be related to the Thouless conductance. We use Kubo formalism as a starting point for the calculation of both the dissipative and the adiabatic contributions to Q. As an application we bring examples for classical dissipative pumping, classical adiabatic pumping, and in particular we make an explicit calculation for quantum pumping in case of the simplest pumping device, which is a 3 site lattice model.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures. The long published version is cond-mat/0307619. This is the short unpublished versio

Decoherence in circuits of small Josephson junctions

We discuss dephasing by the dissipative electromagnetic environment and by measurement in circuits consisting of small Josephson junctions. We present quantitative estimates and determine in which case the circuit might qualify as a quantum bit. Specifically, we analyse a three junction Cooper pair pump and propose a measurement to determine the decoherence time $\tau_\phi$.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Dynamics and Berry phase of two-species Bose-Einstein condensates

In terms of exact solutions of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for an effective giant spin modeled from a coupled two-mode Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with adiabatic and cyclic time-varying Raman coupling between two hyperfine states of the BEC, we obtain analytic time-evolution formulas of the population imbalance and relative phase between two components with various initial states, especially the SU(2)coherent state. We find the Berry phase depending on the number parity of atoms, and particle number dependence of the collapse revival of population-imbalance oscillation. It is shown that self-trapping and phase locking can be achieved from initial SU(2) coherent states with proper parameters.Comment: 18 pages,5 figure

Aharonov-Bohm Physics with Spin II: Spin-Flip Effects in Two-dimensional Ballistic Systems

We study spin effects in the magneto-conductance of ballistic mesoscopic systems subject to inhomogeneous magnetic fields. We present a numerical approach to the spin-dependent Landauer conductance which generalizes recursive Green function techniques to the case with spin. Based on this method we address spin-flip effects in quantum transport of spin-polarized and -unpolarized electrons through quantum wires and various two-dimensional Aharonov-Bohm geometries. In particular, we investigate the range of validity of a spin switch mechanism recently found which allows for controlling spins indirectly via Aharonov-Bohm fluxes. Our numerical results are compared to a transfer-matrix model for one-dimensional ring structures presented in the first paper (Hentschel et al., submitted to Phys. Rev. B) of this series.Comment: 29 pages, 15 figures. Second part of a series of two article

Physical activity opportunities within the schedule of early care and education centers

Background: Physical activity has many benefits for young children's health and overall development, but few studies have investigated how early care and education centers allot time for physical activity, along with measured individual physical activity levels for indoor/outdoor activities during a typical day. Methods: Fifty early care and education centers in central North Carolina participated in 4 full-day observations, and 559 children aged 3-5 years within centers wore accelerometers assessing physical activity during observation days. Observation and physical activity data were linked and analyzed for associations between child activity and type of classroom activity. Results: Children averaged 51 (13) minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity and 99 (18) minutes per day of light physical activity while in child care. Children averaged 6 (10) and 10 (13) minutes per day of observed outdoor and indoor daily teacher-led physical activity, respectively. Outdoor time averaged 67 (49) minutes per day, and physical activity levels were higher during outdoor time than during common indoor activities (center time, circle time, and TV time). Conclusions: Physical activity levels varied between indoor and outdoor class activities. Policy and program-related efforts to increase physical activity in preschoolers should consider these patterns to leverage opportunities to optimize physical activity within early care and education centers