arXiv subjects

Álvaro G. López

Publications and source records attributed to Álvaro G. López.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Synchronization induces Bell violations in a model of walking droplets

We consider a reduced Lorenz-like model that describes two walking droplets interacting through their mutual wave field, and investigate the emergence of strong bipartite correlations in this classical wave-particle system. The coupled nonlinear dynamics admit two invariant synchronization manifolds associated with correlated and anticorrelated states, within which the droplets display synchronized chaotic intermittency. Employing measurement protocols inspired by Bell experiments, we compute position correlations from the long-time dynamics and identify parameter regimes for which the CHSH-Bell parameter $S$ exceeds 2, corresponding to violations of Bell's Inequality. We further introduce a procedure for isolating the two subsystems, thereby ensuring the absence of wave-mediated signaling between them. Changing measurement settings following this isolation allows us to execute dynamic Bell tests in which violations persist. Our results demonstrate that nonlinear deterministic dynamics can produce Bell violations through wave-mediated synchronization mechanisms; moreover, these violations may be rationalized on the grounds that the wave form is influenced by the measurement settings. We thus provide a consistent dynamical framework for the appearance of classical entanglement in pilot-wave systems.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2026

The thermodynamic efficiency of coupled chaotic dissipative structures

Dissipative structures are open dynamical systems that sustain coherent macroscopic organization by continuously exchanging energy and matter with their environment and generating entropy. A recent thermodynamic analysis of the paradigmatic Malkus--Lorenz waterwheel interpreted the Lorenz system as an engine, deriving an exact formula for its thermodynamic efficiency, and showing that efficiency tends to increase as the system is driven far from equilibrium while displaying sharp drops near the Hopf subcritical bifurcation to chaos. Here, we extend that single-engine framework to coupled dissipative structures. We introduce two canonical couplings -- master-slave coupling (series) and symmetric diffusive coupling (parallel) -- and prove two fundamental association laws allowing us to reduce the composite systems to an equivalent engine with a specified efficiency. We then apply these abstract results to coupled Lorenz waterwheels, deriving efficiency formulas consistent with the underlying power balance. We perform numerical simulations confirming that (a) series coupling induces an increase in thermodynamic efficiency, (b) parallel coupling averages the efficiency of engines and increases total energy flow, (c) synchronization is typically neutral or beneficial for efficiency except in narrow parameter regions, and (d) coupling modifies the curvature of entropy-generation trends. Our theorems suggest a mathematically rigorous and transparent route to define and compute thermodynamic efficiency for generalized flow networks, with potential application to complex systems energetics.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2025

Energy self-balance as the physical basis of orbit quantization

We show that work done by the non conservative forces along a stable limit cycle attractor of a dissipative dynamical system is always equal to zero. Thus, mechanical energy is preserved on average along periodic orbits. This balance between energy gain and energy loss along different phases of the self sustained oscillation is responsible for the existence of quantized orbits in such systems. Furthermore, we show that the instantaneous preservation of projected phase space areas along quantized orbits describes the neutral dynamics of the phase, allowing us to derive from this equation the Wilson Sommerfeld like quantization condition. We apply our general results to near Hamiltonian systems, identifying the fixed points of Krylov Bogoliubov radial equation governing the dynamics of the limit cycles with the zeros of the Melnikov function. Moreover, we relate the instantaneous preservation of the phase space area along the quantized orbits to the second Krylov Bogoliubov equation describing the dynamics of the phase. We test the two quantization conditions in the context of hydrodynamic quantum analogs, where a megastable spectra of quantized orbits have recently been discovered. Specifically, we use a generalized pilot wave model for a walking droplet confined in a harmonic potential, and find a countably infinite set of nested limit cycle attractors representing a classical analog of quantized orbits. We compute the energy spectrum and the eigenfunctions of this self excited system.

nlin.AO↗

arXiv2025

Driven transitions between megastable quantized orbits

We consider a nonlinear oscillator with state-dependent time-delay that displays a countably infinite number of nested limit cycle attractors, \emph{i.e.} megastability. In the low-memory regime, the equation reduces to a self-excited nonlinear oscillator and we use averaging methods to analytically show quasilinear increasing amplitude of the megastable spectrum of quantized quasicircular orbits. We further assign a mechanical energy to each orbit using the Lyapunov energy function and obtain a quadratically increasing energy spectrum and (almost) constant frequency spectrum. We demonstrate transitions between different quantized orbits, i.e. different energy levels, by subjecting the system to an external finite-time harmonic driving. For large driving amplitude with frequency close to the limit cycle frequency, resonance drives transitions to higher energy levels. Alternatively, for large driving amplitude with frequency slightly detuned from limit-cycle frequency, beating effects can lead to transitions to lower energy levels. Such driven transitions between quantized orbits form a classical analog of quantum jumps. For excitations to higher energy levels, we show amplitude locking where nearby values of driving amplitudes result in the same response amplitude, i.e. the same final higher energy level. We rationalize this effect based on the basins of different limit cycles in phase space. From a practical viewpoint, our work might find applications in physical and engineering system where controlled transitions between several limit cycles of a multistable dynamical system is desired.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Megastable quantization in generalized pilot-wave hydrodynamics

A classical particle in a harmonic potential gives rise to a continuous energy spectra, whereas the corresponding quantum particle exhibits countably infinite quantized energy levels. In recent years, classical non-Markovian wave-particle entities that materialize as walking droplets have been shown to exhibit various hydrodynamic quantum analogs, including quantization in a harmonic potential by displaying few coexisting limit cycle orbits. By considering a truncated-memory stroboscopic pilot-wave model of the system in the low dissipation regime, we obtain a classical harmonic oscillator perturbed by oscillatory non-conservative forces that displays countably infinite coexisting limit-cycle states, also known as \emph{megastability}. Using averaging techniques in the low-memory regime, we derive analytical approximations of the orbital radii, orbital frequency and Lyapunov energy function of this megastable spectrum, and further show average energy conservation along these quantized states. Our formalism extends to a general class of self-excited oscillators and can be used to construct megastable spectrum with different energy-frequency relations.

nlin.AO↗

arXiv2024

Quantum-like behavior of an active particle in a double-well potential

A macroscopic, self-propelled wave-particle entity (WPE) that emerges as a walking droplet on the surface of a vibrating liquid bath exhibits several hydrodynamic quantum analogs. We explore the rich dynamical and quantum-like features emerging in a model of an idealized one-dimensional wave-particle entity in a double-well potential. The integro-differential equation of motion for the WPE transforms to a Lorenz-like system, which we explore in detail. We observe the analog of quantized eigenstates as discrete limit cycles that arise by varying the width of the double-well potential, and also in the form of multistability with coexisting limit cycles. These states show narrow as well as wide energy level splitting. Tunneling-like behavior is also observed where the WPE erratically transitions between the two wells of the double-well potential. We rationalize this phenomena in terms of crisis-induced intermittency. Further, we discover a fractal structure in the escape time distribution of the particle from a well based on initial conditions, indicating unpredictability of this tunneling-like intermittent behavior at all scales. The chaotic intermittent dynamics lead to wave-like emergent features in the probability distribution of particle's position that show qualitative similarity with its quantum counterpart. Lastly, rich dynamical features are also observed such as a period doubling route to chaos as well as self-similar periodic islands in the chaotic parameter set.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2023

Unpredictable tunneling in a retarded bistable potential

We have studied the rich dynamics of a damped particle inside an external double-well potential under the influence of state-dependent time-delayed feedback. In certain regions of the parameter space, we observe multistability with the existence of two different attractors (limit cycle or strange attractor) with well separated mean Lyapunov energies forming a two-level system. Bifurcation analysis reveals that, as the effects of the time-delay feedback are enhanced, chaotic transitions emerge between the two wells of the double-well potential for the attractor corresponding to the fundamental energy level. By computing the residence time distributions and the scaling laws near the onset of chaotic transitions, we rationalize this apparent tunneling-like effect in terms of the crisis-induced intermittency phenomenon. Further, we investigate the first passage times in this regime and observe the appearance of a Cantor-like fractal set in the initial history space, a characteristic feature of hyperbolic chaotic scattering. The non-integer value of the uncertainty dimension indicates that the residence time inside each well is unpredictable. Finally, we demonstrate the robustness of this tunneling intermittency as a function of the memory parameter by calculating the largest Lyapunov exponent.

nlin.AO↗

arXiv2023

Orbit quantization in a retarded harmonic oscillator

We study the dynamics of a damped harmonic oscillator in the presence of a retarded potential with state-dependent time-delayed feedback. In the limit of small time-delays, we show that the oscillator is equivalent to a Liénard system. This allows us to analytically predict the value of the first Hopf bifurcation, unleashing a self-oscillatory motion. We compute bifurcation diagrams for several model parameter values and analyse multistable domains in detail. Using the Lyapunov energy function, two well-resolved energy levels represented by two coexisting stable limit cycles are discerned. Further exploration of the parameter space reveals the existence of a superposition limit cycle, encompassing two degenerate coexisting limit cycles at the fundamental energy level. When the system is driven very far from equilibrium, a multiscale strange attractor displaying intrinsic and robust intermittency is uncovered.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

The thermodynamic efficiency of the Lorenz system

We study the thermodynamic efficiency of the Malkus-Lorenz waterwheel. For this purpose, we derive an exact analytical formula that describes the efficiency of this dissipative structure as a function of the phase space variables and the constant parameters of the dynamical system. We show that, generally, as the machine is progressively driven far from thermodynamic equilibrium by increasing its uptake of matter from the environment, it also tends to increase its efficiency. However, sudden drops in the efficiency are found at critical bifurcation points leading to chaotic dynamics. We relate these discontinuous crises in the efficiency to a reduction of the attractor's average value projected along the phase space dimensions that contribute to the rate of entropy generation in the system. In this manner, we provide a thermodynamic criterion that, presumably, governs the evolution of far-from-equilibrium dissipative systems towards their self-assembly and synchronization into increasingly complex networks and structures.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2021

Ergodic decay laws in Newtonian and relativistic chaotic scattering

In open Hamiltonian systems, the escape from a bounded region of phase space according to an exponential decay law is frequently associated with the existence of hyperbolic dynamics in such a region. Furthermore, exponential decay laws based on the ergodic hypothesis are used to describe escapes in these systems. However, we uncover that the presence of the set that governs the hyperbolic dynamics, commonly known as the chaotic saddle, invalidates the assumption of ergodicity. For the paradigmatic Hénon-Heiles system, we use both theoretical and numerical arguments to show that the escaping dynamics is non-ergodic independently of the existence of KAM tori, since the chaotic saddle, in whose vicinity trajectories are more likely to spend a finite amount of time evolving before escaping forever, is not utterly spread over the energy shell. Taking this into consideration, we provide a clarifying discussion about ergodicity in open Hamiltonian systems and explore the limitations of ergodic decay laws when describing escapes in this kind of systems. Finally, we generalize our claims by deriving a new decay law in the relativistic regime for an inertial and a non-inertial reference frames under the assumption of ergodicity, and suggest another approach to the description of escape laws in open Hamiltonian systems.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2020

Average conservative chaos in quantum dusty plasmas

We consider a hydrodynamic model of a quantum dusty plasma. We prove mathematically that the resulting dust ion acoustic plasma waves present the property of being conservative on average. Furthermore, we test this property numerically, confirming its validity. Using standard techniques from the study of dynamical systems, as for example the Lyapunov characteristic exponents, we investigate the chaotic dynamics of the plasma and show numerically its existence for a wide range of parameter values. Finally, we illustrate how chaotic dynamics organizes in the parameter space for fixed values of the initial conditions, as the Mach number and the quantum diffraction parameter are continuously varied.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Dynamics in fractal spaces

We study the dynamics of a particle in a space that is non-differentiable. Non-smooth geometrical objects have an inherently probabilistic nature and, consequently, introduce stochasticity in the motion of a body that lives in their realm. We use the mathematical concept of fiber bundle to characterize the multivalued nature of geodesic trajectories going through a point that is non-differentiable. Then, we generalize our concepts to everywhere non-smooth structures. The resulting theoretical framework can be considered a hybridization of the theory of surfaces and the theory of stochastic processes. We keep the concepts as general as possible, in order to allow for the introduction of other fundamental processes capable of modeling the fractality or the fluctuations of any conceivable continuous, but non-differentiable space.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2020

On the stability of uniform motion

We show that the uniform motion of a homogeneous distribution of electric charge can be stable or unstable depending on its geometry. When the electrodynamic body is perturbed from a state of rest, it starts to perform fast oscillations, irrespective of the frequency of the perturbation. This nonlinear oscillation is the result of the feedback interaction between Coulombian and radiative fields. The resulting spontaneous symmetry breaking of the Lorentz group implies that the principle of inertia only holds on average and suggests that the default state of matter is not necessarily uniform motion, but self-oscillation as well. We propose that the excitability of electrodynamic bodies under external perturbations, which leads to limit cycle oscillations, is at the basis of the wave particle duality and its related quantum effects.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2020

On an electrodynamic origin of quantum fluctuations

In the present work we use the Liénard-Wiechert potential to show that very violent fluctuations are experienced by an electromagnetic charged extended particle when it is perturbed from its rest state. The feedback interaction of Coulombian and radiative fields among the different charged parts of the particle makes uniform motion unstable. As a consequence, we show that radiative fields and radiation reaction produce both dissipative and antidamping effects, leading to self-oscillations. Finally, we derive a series expansion of the self-potential, which in addition to rest and kinetic energy, gives rise to a new contribution that shares features with the quantum potential. The novelty of this potential is that it produces a symmetry breaking of the Lorentz group, triggering the oscillatory motion of the electrodynamic body. We propose that this contribution to self-energy might serve as a bridge between classical electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Tumor stabilization induced by T-cell recruitment fluctuations

The influence of random fluctuations on the recruitment of effector cells towards a tumor is studied by means of a stochastic mathematical model. Aggressively growing tumors are confronted against varying intensities of the cell-mediated immune response for which chaotic and periodic oscillations coexist together with stable tumor dynamics. A thorough parametric analysis of the noise-induced transition from this oscillatory regime to complete tumor dominance is carried out. A hysteresis phenomenon is uncovered, which stabilizes the tumor at its carrying capacity and drives the healthy and the immune cell populations to their extinction. Furthermore, it is shown that near a crisis bifurcation such transitions occur under weak noise intensities. Finally, the corresponding noise-induced chaos-order transformation is analyzed and discussed in detail.

q-bio.OT↗

arXiv2019

The role of dose-density in combination cancer chemotherapy

A multicompartment mathematical model is presented with the goal of studying the role of dose-dense protocols in the context of combination cancer chemotherapy. Dose-dense protocols aim at reducing the period between courses of chemotherapy from three to two weeks or less, in order to avoid the regrowth of the tumor during the meantime and achieve maximum cell kill at the end of the treatment. Inspired by clinical trials, we carry out a randomized computational study to systematically compare a variety of protocols using two drugs of different specificity. Our results suggest that cycle specific drugs can be administered at low doses between courses of treatment to arrest the relapse of the tumor. This might be a better strategy than reducing the period between cycles.

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2018

Computing complex horseshoes by means of piecewise maps

A systematic procedure to numerically compute a horseshoe map is presented. This new method uses piecewise functions and expresses the required operations by means of elementary transformations, such as translations, scalings, projections and rotations. By repeatedly combining such transformations, arbitrarily complex folding structures can be created. We show the potential of these horseshoe piecewise maps to illustrate several central concepts of nonlinear dynamical systems, as for example the Wada property.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2018

Nonlinear cancer chemotherapy: modelling the Norton-Simon hypothesis

A fundamental model of tumor growth in the presence of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents is formulated. The model allows to study the role of the Norton-Simon hypothesis in the context of dose-dense chemotherapy. Dose-dense protocols aim at reducing the period between courses of chemotherapy from three weeks to two weeks, in order to avoid tumor regrowth between cycles. We address the conditions under which these protocols might be more or less beneficial in comparison to less dense settings, depending on the sensitivity of the tumor cells to the cytotoxic drugs. The effects of varying other parameters of the protocol, as for example the duration of each continuous drug infusion, are also inspected. We believe that the present model might serve as a foundation for the development of more sophisticated models for cancer chemotherapy.

q-bio.PE↗