arXiv subjects

Andreas Engel

Publications and source records attributed to Andreas Engel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2014

On the energetics of information exchange

We consider the thermodynamic properties of systems in contact with an information source and focus on the consequences of energetic cost associated with the exchange of information. To this end we introduce the model of a thermal tape and derive a general bound for the efficiency of work extraction for systems in contact with such a tape. Depending on the perspective, the correlations between system and tape may either increase or reduce the efficiency of the device. We illustrate our general results with two exactly solvable models, one being an autonomous system, the other one involving measurement and feedback. We also define an ideal tape limit in which our findings reduce to known results.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2013

Numerical analysis of detection-mechanism models of SNSPD

The microscopic mechanism of photon detection in superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors is still under debate. We present a simple, but powerful theoretical model that allows us to identify essential differences between competing detection mechanisms. The model is based on quasi-particle multiplication and diffusion after the absorption of a photon. We then use the calculated spatial and temporal evolution of this quasi-particle cloud to determine detection criteria of three distinct detection mechanisms, based on the formation of a normal conducting spot, the reduction of the effective depairing critical current below the bias current and a vortex-crossing scenario, respectively. All our calculations as well as a comparison to experimental data strongly support the vortex-crossing detection mechanism by which vortices and antivortices enter the superconducting strip from the edges and subsequently traverse it thereby triggering the detectable normal conducting domain. These results may therefore help to reveal the microscopic mechanism responsible for the detection of photons in superconducting nanowires.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Carnot process with a single particle

We determine the statistics of work in isothermal volume changes of a classical ideal gas consisting of a single particle. Combining our results with the findings of Lua and Grosberg [J. Chem. Phys. B 109, 6805 (2005)] on adiabatic expansions and compressions we then analyze the joint probability distribution of heat and work for a microscopic, non-equilibrium Carnot cycle and determine its efficiency at maximum power.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2013

On the work distribution in quasi-static processes

We derive a systematic, multiple time-scale perturbation expansion for the work distribution in isothermal quasi-static Langevin processes. To first order we find a Gaussian distribution reproducing the result of Speck and Seifert [Phys. Rev. E 70, 066112 (2004)]. Scrutinizing the applicability of perturbation theory we then show that, irrespective of time-scale separation, the expansion breaks down when applied to untypical work values from the tails of the distribution. We thus reconcile the result of Speck and Seifert with apparently conflicting exact expressions for the asymptotics of work distributions in special systems and with an intuitive argument building on the central limit theorem.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2013

Temperature-dependence of detection efficiency in NbN and TaN SNSPD

We present systematic measurements of the temperature-dependence of detection efficiencies in TaN and NbN superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We have observed a clear increase of the cut-off wavelength with decreasing temperature that we can qualitatively describe with a temperature-dependent diffusion coefficient of the quasi-particles created after photon absorption. Furthermore, the detection efficiency at wavelengths shorter than the cut-off wavelength as well as at longer wavelengths exhibit distinct temperature dependencies. The underlying causes and possible consequences for microscopic detection models are discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Soft X-Ray Single-Photon Detection With Superconducting Tantalum Nitride and Niobium Nanowires

We have fabricated ultrafast dark count-free soft X-ray single-photon detectors (X-SNSPDs) from TaN with various conduction path widths, and we compare their properties with corresponding data from a Nb X-SNSPD. The TaN X-SNSPDs offer an improved detector performance regarding device detection efficiency, latching and pulse amplitudes. Wide conduction paths allow for a certain energy-resolving capability in contrast to narrow TaN conduction paths. However, wide paths also limit the detection efficiency at low temperatures, which can be explained within a hot-spot model.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Large deviation function for the entropy production: Optimal trajectory and role of fluctuations

We study the large deviation function for the entropy production rate in two driven one-dimensional systems: the asymmetric random walk on a discrete lattice and Brownian motion in a continuous periodic potential. We compare two approaches: the Donsker-Varadhan theory and the Freidlin-Wentzell theory. We show that the wings of the large deviation function are dominated by a single optimal trajectory: either in forward (positive rate) or in backward direction (negative rate). The joining of both branches at zero entropy production implies a non-differentiability and thus the appearance of a "kink". However, around zero entropy production many trajectories contribute and thus the kink is smeared out.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2012

An ultra-fast superconducting Nb nanowire single-photon detector for soft X-rays

Although superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are well studied regarding the detection of infrared/optical photons and keV-molecules, no studies on continuous X-ray photon counting by thick-film detectors have been reported so far. We fabricated a 100 nm thick niobium X-ray SNSPD (an X-SNSPD), and studied its detection capability of photons with keV-energies in continuous mode. The detector is capable to detect photons even at reduced bias currents of 0.4%, which is in sharp contrast to optical thin-film SNSPDs. No dark counts were recorded in extended measurement periods. Strikingly, the signal amplitude distribution depends significantly on the photon energy spectrum.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Tantalum nitride superconducting single-photon detectors with low cut-off energy

Materials with a small superconducting energy gap are expected to favor a high detection efficiency of low-energy photons in superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We developed a TaN detector with smaller gap and lower density of states at the Fermi energy than in comparable NbN devices, while other relevant parameters remain essentially unchanged. The observed reduction of the minimum photon energy required for direct detection is in line with model predictions of $\approx1/3$ as compared to NbN.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Stability of the replica-symmetric saddle-point in general mean-field spin-glass models

Within the replica approach to mean-field spin-glasses the transition from ergodic high-temperature behaviour to the glassy low-temperature phase is marked by the instability of the replica-symmetric saddle-point. For general spin-glass models with non-Gaussian field distributions the corresponding Hessian is a $2^n\times 2^n$ matrix with the number $n$ of replicas tending to zero eventually. We block-diagonalize this Hessian matrix using representation theory of the permutation group and identify the blocks related to the spin-glass susceptibility. Performing the limit $n\to 0$ within these blocks we derive expressions for the de~Almeida-Thouless line of general spin-glass models. Specifying these expressions to the cases of the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick, Viana-Bray, and the Lévy spin glass respectively we obtain results in agreement with previous findings using the cavity approach.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2010

Comment: Superconducting transition in Nb nanowires fabricated using focused ion beam

In a recent paper Tettamanzi et al (2009 Nanotechnology \bf{20} 465302) describe the fabrication of superconducting Nb nanowires using a focused ion beam. They interpret their conductivity data in the framework of thermal and quantum phase slips below $T_c$. In the following we will argue that their analysis is inappropriate and incomplete, leading to contradictory results. Instead, we propose an interpretation of the data within a SN proximity model.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2008

Computing the optimal protocol for finite-time processes in stochastic thermodynamics

Asking for the optimal protocol of an external control parameter that minimizes the mean work required to drive a nano-scale system from one equilibrium state to another in finite time, Schmiedl and Seifert ({\it Phys. Rev. Lett.} {\bf 98}, 108301 (2007)) found the Euler-Lagrange equation to be a non-local integro-differential equation of correlation functions. For two linear examples, we show how this integro-differential equation can be solved analytically. For non-linear physical systems we show how the optimal protocol can be found numerically and demonstrate that there may exist several distinct optimal protocols simultaneously, and we present optimal protocols that have one, two, and three jumps, respectively.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2007

Prior-predictive value from fast growth simulations

Building on a variant of the Jarzynski equation we propose a new method to numerically determine the prior-predictive value in a Bayesian inference problem. The method generalizes thermodynamic integration and is not hampered by equilibration problems. We demonstrate its operation by applying it to two simple examples and elucidate its performance. In the case of multi-modal posterior distributions the performance is superior to thermodynamic integration.

physics.data-an↗

arXiv2006

Influence of surface tension on the conical miniscus of a magnetic fluid in the field of a current-carrying wire

We study the influence of surface tension on the shape of the conical miniscus built up by a magnetic fluid surrounding a current-carrying wire. Minimization of the total energy of the system leads to a singular second order boundary value problem for the function $ζ(r)$ describing the axially symmetric shape of the free surface. An appropriate transformation regularizes the problem and allows a straightforward numerical solution. We also study the effects a superimposed second liquid, a nonlinear magnetization law of the magnetic fluid, and the influence of the diameter of the wire on the free surface profile.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2004

Noiseless limit of a ferrofluid ratchet

The noiseless limit of a thermal ratchet device using ferrofluids is studied in detail. Contrary to previous claims it is proved that no directed transport can occur in this model in the absence of fluctuations.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2004

Probability of the resistive state formation caused by absorption of a single-photon in current-carrying superconducting nano-strips

We have studied supercurrent-assisted formation of the resistive state in nano-structured Nb and NbN superconducting films after absorption of a single photon. In amorphous narrow NbN strips the probability of the resistive state formation has a pronounced spectral cut-off. The corresponding threshold photon energy decreases with the bias current. Analysis of the experimental data in the framework of the generalized hot-spot model suggests that the quantum yield for near-infrared photons increases faster than the photon nergy. Relaxation of the resistive state depends on the photon energy making the phenomenon feasible for the development of energy resolving single-photon detectors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Thermal ratchet effects in ferrofluids

Rotational Brownian motion of colloidal magnetic particles in ferrofluids under the influence of an oscillating external magnetic field is investigated. It is shown that for a suitable time dependence of the magnetic field, a noise induced rotation of the ferromagnetic particles due to rectification of thermal fluctuations takes place. Via viscous coupling, the associated angular momentum is transferred from the magnetic nano-particles to the carrier liquid and can then be measured as macroscopic torque on the fluid sample. A thorough theoretical analysis of the effect in terms of symmetry considerations, analytical approximations, and numerical solutions is given which is in accordance with recent experimental findings.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2004

Double Rosensweig instability in a ferrofluid sandwich structure

We consider a horizontal ferrofluid layer sandwiched between two layers of immiscible non-magnetic fluids. In a sufficiently strong vertical magnetic field the flat interfaces between magnetic and non-magnetic fluids become unstable to the formation of peaks. We theoretically investigate the interplay between these two instabilities for different combinations of the parameters of the fluids and analyze the evolving interfacial patterns. We also estimate the critical magnetic field strength at which thin layers disintegrate into an ordered array of individual drops.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗