arXiv subjects

Alonso Contreras-Astorga

Publications and source records attributed to Alonso Contreras-Astorga.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Exact versus tight-binding models in longitudinally modulated $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric coupled waveguides

The tight-binding (TB) model is a widely adopted approximation scheme for describing light propagation in waveguide arrays. Despite its success, its validity in $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric systems characterized by strong longitudinal modulation has not been rigorously benchmarked against exact analytical solutions. In this work, we address this gap by performing a comparative analysis between exact continuous solutions derived from $z$-dependent supersymmetric (SUSY) transformations and their corresponding discrete TB approximations. To achieve this, we develop a theoretical model for two PT-symmetric coupled waveguides subject to longitudinal modulation. We then evaluate the performance of the TB framework against the exact SUSY benchmark. Our results delineate the specific validity range of the TB approximation, demonstrating its proficiency in reproducing spatial intensity distributions. However, we also identify its limitations in accurately capturing the complex oscillatory phase dynamics inherent to this non-Hermitian evolution.

math-ph↗

arXiv2026

Super-Klein tunneling in 2D Lorentzian-type barriers in graphene

We introduce a two-dimensional model of spin-1/2 Dirac fermions in graphene subjected to a highly tunable electric field, which exhibits super-Klein tunneling. The electric field can be continuously interpolated between two limiting configurations: a uniform electrostatic Lorentzian barrier with translational invariance and a chain of well-separated electrostatic scatterers. We demonstrate that super-Klein tunneling arises naturally as a direct consequence of the intrinsic connection of the model to free-particle dynamics, a relation that is established through methods of supersymmetric quantum mechanics, which provide an elegant and analytically tractable framework. Besides the mentioned super-Klein tunneling, scale invariance of the model and invisibility of the potential for particles of specific energy are revealed, and possible routes toward experimental realization are discussed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

The QES sextic and Morse potentials: exact WKB condition and supersymmetry

In this paper, as a continuation of [Contreras-Astorga A., Escobar-Ruiz A. M. and Linares R., \textit{Phys. Scr.} {\bf99} 025223 (2024)] the one-dimensional quasi-exactly solvable (QES) sextic potential $V^{\rm(qes)}(x) = \frac{1}{2}(ν\, x^{6} + 2\, ν\, μ\,x^{4} + \left[μ^2-(4N+3)ν\right]\, x^{2})$ is considered. In the cases $N=0,\frac{1}{4},\,\frac{1}{2},\,\frac{7}{10}$ the WKB correction $γ=γ(N,n)$ is calculated for the first lowest 50 states $n\in [0,\,50]$ using highly accurate data obtained by the Lagrange Mesh Method. Closed analytical approximations for both $γ$ and the energy $E=E(N,n)$ of the system are constructed. They provide a reasonably relative accuracy $|Δ|$ with upper bound $\lesssim 10^{-3}$ for all the values of $(N,n)$ studied. Also, it is shown that the QES Morse potential is shape invariant characterized by a hidden $\mathfrak{sl}_2(\mathbb{R})$ Lie algebra and vanishing WKB correction $γ=0$.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

The SUSY partners of the QES sextic potential revisited

In this paper, the SUSY partner Hamiltonians of the quasi-exactly solvable (QES) sextic potential $V^{\rm qes}(x) = ν\, x^{6} + 2\, ν\, μ\,x^{4} + \left[μ^2-(4N+3)ν\right]\, x^{2}$, $N \in \mathbb{Z}^+$, are revisited from a Lie algebraic perspective. It is demonstrated that, in the variable $ τ=x^2$, the underlying $\mathfrak{sl}_2(\mathbb{R})$ hidden algebra of $V^{\rm qes}(x)$ is inherited by its SUSY partner potential $V_1(x)$ only for $N=0$. At fixed $N>0$, the algebraic polynomial operator $h(x,\,\partial_x;\,N)$ that governs the $N$ exact eigenpolynomial solutions of $V_1$ is derived explicitly. These odd-parity solutions appear in the form of zero modes. The potential $V_1$ can be represented as the sum of a polynomial and rational parts. In particular, it is shown that the polynomial component is given by $V^{\rm qes}$ with a different non-integer (cohomology) parameter $N_1=N-\frac{3}{2}$. A confluent second-order SUSY transformation is also implemented for a modified QES sextic potential possessing the energy reflection symmetry. By taking $N$ as a continuous real constant and using the Lagrange-mesh method, highly accurate values ($\sim 20$ s. d.) of the energy $E_n=E_n(N)$ in the interval $N \in [-1,3]$ are calculated for the three lowest states $n=0,1,2$ of the system. The critical value $N_c$ above which tunneling effects (instanton-like terms) can occur is obtained as well. At $N=0$, the non-algebraic sector of the spectrum of $V^{\rm qes}$ is described by means of compact physically relevant trial functions. These solutions allow us to determine the effects in accuracy when the first-order SUSY approach is applied on the level of approximate eigenfunctions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Design of quasiperiodic magnetic superlattices and domain walls supporting bound states

We study the simplest Lamé magnetic superlattice in graphene, finding its allowed and forbidden energy bands and band-edge states explicitly. Then, we design quasiperiodic magnetic superlattices supporting bound states using Darboux transformations. This technique enables us to add any finite number of bound states, which we exemplify with the most straightforward cases of one and two bound states in the designed spectrum. The topics of magnetic superlattices and domain walls in gapped graphene turn out to be connected by a unitary transformation in the limit of significantly large oscillation periods. We show that the generated quasiperiodic magnetic superlattices are also linked to domain walls, with the bound states keeping their nature in such a limit.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Equivalent non-rational extensions of the harmonic oscillator, their ladder operators and coherent states

In this work, we generate a family of quantum potentials that are non-rational extensions of the harmonic oscillator. Such a family can be obtained via two different but equivalent supersymmetric transformations. We construct ladder operators for these extensions as the product of the intertwining operators of both transformations. Then, we generate families of Barut-Girardello coherent states and analyze some of their properties as temporal stability, continuity on the label, and completeness relation. Moreover, we calculate mean-energy values, time-dependent probability densities, Wigner functions, and the Mandel Q-parameter to uncover a general non-classical behavior of these states.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Complex Supersymmetry in Graphene

This work analyzes monolayer graphene in external electromagnetic fields, which is described by the Dirac equation with minimal coupling. Supersymmetric quantum mechanics allows building new Dirac equations with modified magnetic fields. Here, we will use complex factorization energies and iterate the method in order to arrive at Hermitian graphene Hamiltonians. Finally, we compare these results with the matrix supersymmetric quantum mechanics approach.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Freezable bound states in the continuum for time-dependent quantum potentials

In this work, we construct time-dependent potentials for the Schrödinger equation via supersymmetric quantum mechanics. The generated potentials have a quantum state with the property that after a particular threshold time $t_F$, when the potential does no longer change, the evolving state becomes a bound state in the continuum, its probability distribution freezes. After the factorization of a geometric phase, the state satisfies a stationary Schrödinger equation with time-independent potential. The procedure can be extended to support more than one bound state in the continuum. Closed expressions for the potential, the bound states in the continuum, and scattering states are given for the examples starting from the free particle.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Effects of discrete topology on quantum transport across a graphene $n-p-n$ junction: A quantum gravity analogue

In this article, we investigate the effect of next-to-the-nearest atom hopping on Klein tunnelling in graphene. An effective quantum dynamics equation is obtained based on an emergent generalized Dirac structure by analyzing the tight-binding model beyond the linear regime. We show that this structure has some interesting theoretical properties. First, it can be used to simplify quantum transport calculations used to characterize Klein tunnelling; second, it is not Chirally symmetric as hinted by previous work. Finally, it is reminiscent of theories on a space with a discrete topology. Exploiting these properties, we show that the discrete topology of the crystal lattice has an effect on the Klein tunnelling, which can be experimentally probed by measuring the transmittance through $n-p-n$ junctions. We argue that this simulates quantum gravitational analogues using graphene and we propose an experiment to perform such measurements.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Super-Klein tunneling of Dirac fermions through electrostatic gratings in graphene

We use the Wick-rotated time-dependent supersymmetry to construct models of two-dimensional Dirac fermions in presence of an electrostatic grating. We show that there appears omnidirectional perfect transmission through the grating at specific energy. Additionally to being transparent for incoming fermions, the grating hosts strongly localized states.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

On the propagation of Dirac fermions in graphene with the strain-induced inhomogeneous Fermi velocity

We consider systems described by the two-dimensional Dirac equation where the Fermi velocity is inhomogeneous as a consequence of mechanical deformations. We show that the mechanical deformations can lead to deflection and focusing of the wave packets. The analogy with known reflectionless quantum systems is pointed out. Furthermore, with the use of the qualitative spectral analysis, we discuss how inhomogeneous strains can be used to create waveguides for valley polarized transport of partially dispersionless wave packets.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

Photonic systems with two-dimensional landscapes of complex refractive index via time-dependent supersymmetry

We present a framework for the construction of solvable models of optical settings with genuinely two-dimensional landscapes of refractive index. The solutions of the associated non-separable Maxwell equations in paraxial approximation are found with the use of the time-dependent supersymmetry. We discuss peculiar theoretical aspects of the construction. Sufficient conditions for existence of localized states are discussed. Localized solutions vanishing for large $|\vec{x}|$, that we call light dots, as well as the guided modes that vanish exponentially outside the wave guides are constructed. We consider different definitions of the parity operator and analyze general properties of the $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric systems, e.g. presence of localized states or existence of symmetry operators. Despite the models with parity-time symmetry are of the main concern, the proposed framework can serve for construction of non-$\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric systems as well. We explicitly illustrate the general results on a number of physically interesting examples, e.g. wave guides with periodic fluctuation of refractive index or with a localized defect, curved wave guides, two coupled wave guides or a uniform refractive index system with a localized defect.

math-ph↗

arXiv2019

Infinite square-well, trigonometric Pöschl-Teller and other potential wells with a moving barrier

Using mainly two techniques, a point transformation and a time dependent supersymmetry, we construct in sequence several quantum infinite potential wells with a moving barrier. We depart from the well known system of a one-dimensional particle in a box. With a point transformation, an infinite square-well potential with a moving barrier is generated. Using time dependent supersymmetry, the latter leads to a trigonometric Pöschl-Teller potential with a moving barrier. Finally, a confluent time dependent supersymmetry transformation is implemented to generate new infinite potential wells, all of them with a moving barrier. For all systems, solutions of the corresponding time dependent Schrödinger equation fulfilling boundary conditions are presented in a closed form.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Recursive Representation of Wronskians in Confluent Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

A recursive form of arbitrary-order Wronskian associated with transformation functions in the confluent algorithm of supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSY) is constructed. With this recursive form regularity conditions for the generated potentials can be analyzed. Moreover, as byproducts we obtain new representations of solutions to Schrödinger equations that underwent a confluent SUSY-transformation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

On integral and differential representations of Jordan chains and the confluent supersymmetry algorithm

We construct a relationship between integral and differential representation of second-order Jordan chains. Conditions to obtain regular potentials through the confluent supersymmetry algorithm when working with the differential representation are obtained using this relationship. Furthermore, it is used to find normalization constants of wave functions of quantum systems that feature energy-dependent potentials. Additionally, this relationship is used to express certain integrals involving functions that are solution of Schrodinger equations through derivatives.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

The generalized zero-mode supersymmetry scheme and the confluent algorithm

We show the relationship between the mathematical framework used in recent papers by H.C. Rosu, S.C. Mancas and P. Chen (2014) and the second-order confluent supersymmetric quantum mechanics. In addition, we point out several immediate generalizations of the approach taken in the latter references. Furthermore, it is shown how to apply the generalized scheme to the Dirac and to the Fokker-Planck equation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2014

The confluent supersymmetry algorithm for Dirac equations with pseudoscalar potentials

We introduce the confluent version of the quantum-mechanical supersymmetry (SUSY) formalism for the Dirac equation with a pseudoscalar potential. Application of the formalism to spectral problems is discussed, regularity conditions for the transformed potentials are derived, and normalizability of the transformed solutions is established. Our findings extend and complement former results.

math-ph↗

arXiv2014

Painlevé IV Coherent States

A simple way to find solutions of the Painlevé IV equation is by identifying Hamiltonian systems with third-order differential ladder operators. Some of these systems can be obtained by applying supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSY QM) to the harmonic oscillator. In this work, we will construct families of coherent states for such subset of SUSY partner Hamiltonians which are connected with the Painlevé IV equation. First, these coherent states are built up as eigenstates of the annihilation operator, then as displaced versions of the extremal states, both involving the third-order ladder operators, and finally as extremal states which are also displaced but now using the so called linearized ladder operators. To each SUSY partner Hamiltonian corresponds two families of coherent states: one inside the infinite subspace associated with the isospectral part of the spectrum and another one in the finite subspace generated by the states created through the SUSY technique.

math-ph↗