arXiv subjects

G. P. Tsironis

Publications and source records attributed to G. P. Tsironis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2009

Bulk and surface magnetoinductive breathers in binary metamaterials

We study theoretically the existence of bulk and surface discrete breathers in a one-dimensional magnetic metamaterial comprised of a periodic binary array of split-ring resonators. The two types of resonators differ in the size of their slits and this leads to different resonant frequencies. In the framework of the rotating-wave approximation (RWA) we construct several types of breather excitations for both the energy-conserved and the dissipative-driven systems by continuation of trivial breather solutions from the anticontinuous limit to finite couplings. Numerically-exact computations that integrate the full model equations confirm the quality of the RWA results. Moreover, it is demonstrated that discrete breathers can spontaneously appear in the dissipative-driven system as a results of a fundamental instability.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2009

Extreme events in discrete nonlinear lattices

We perform statistical analysis on discrete nonlinear waves generated though modulational instability in the context of the Salerno model that interpolates between the intergable Ablowitz-Ladik (AL) equation and the nonintegrable discrete nonlinear Schrodinger (DNLS) equation. We focus on extreme events in the form of discrete rogue or freak waves that may arise as a result of rapid coalescence of discrete breathers or other nonlinear interaction processes. We find power law dependence in the wave amplitude distribution accompanied by an enhanced probability for freak events close to the integrable limit of the equation. A characteristic peak in the extreme event probability appears that is attributed to the onset of interaction of the discrete solitons of the AL equation and the accompanied transition from the local to the global stochasticity monitored through the positive Lyapunov exponent of a nonlinear map.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2008

Barrier crossing to the small Holstein polaron regime

We investigate the dimensionality effects of the Holstein polaron from the fully quantum regime, where the crossover between large and small polaron solutions is known to be continuous in all dimensions, into the limit described by the semiclassical Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) Equation, where the crossover is continuous in 1D but discontinuous in higher dimensions. We use exact numerics on one hand and a two variable parametrization of the Toyozawa ansatz on the other in order to probe the crossover region in all parameter regimes. We find that a barrier appears also in 1D separating the two types of solutions, seemingly in contradiction to the common paradigm for the DNLS according to which the crossover is barrier-free. We quantify the polaron behavior in the crossover region as a function of the exciton overlap and find that the barrier remains small in 1D and tunnelling through it is not rate-limiting.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2007

Dissipative discrete breathers in rf SQUID metamaterials

The existence and stability of dissipative discrete breathers (DDBs) in rf superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) arrays in both one and two dimensions is investigated numerically. In an rf SQUID array, the nonlinearity which is intrinsic to each SQUID due to the presence of the Josephson junction (on-site nonlinearity), along with the weak coupling of each SQUID to its nearest neighbors through magnetic forces, result in the appearance of discrete breathers. We analyze several discrete breather excitations, both in one and two dimensions, which are subjected to unavoidable losses. These losses, however, are counter-balanced by an external flux source leading to linearly stable discrete breather structures up to relatively large coupling parameters. We show that DDB excitations may locally alter the magnetic response of array from paramagnetic to diamagnetic or vice versa, and that they are not destroyed by increasing the dimensionality.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2007

Magnetoinductive breathers in magnetic metamaterials

The existence and stability of discrete breathers (DBs) in one-dimensional and two-dimensional magnetic metamaterials (MMs), which consist of periodic arrangem ents (arrays) of split-ring resonators (SRRs), is investigated numerically. We consider different configurations of the SRR arrays, which are related to the relative orientation of the SRRs in the MM, both in one and two spatial dimensions. In the latter case we also consider anisotropic MMs. Using standard numerical methods we construct several types of linearly stable breather excitations both in Hamiltonian and dissipative MMs (dissipative breathers). The study of stability in both cases is performed using standard Floquet analysi s. In both cases we found that the increase of dimensionality from one to two spatial dimensions does not destroy the DBs, which may also exist in the case of moderate anisotropy (in two dimensions). In dissipative MMs, the dynamics is governed by a power balance between the mainly Ohmic dissipation and driving by an alternating magnetic field. In that case it is demonstrated that DB excitation locally alters the magnetic response of MMs from paramagnetic to diamagnetic. Moreover, when the frequency of the applied field approaches the SRR resonance frequency, the magnetic response of the MM in the region of the DB excitation may even become negative (extreme diamagnetic).

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2007

rf SQUID metamaterials

An rf superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) array in an alternating magnetic field is investigated with respect to its effective magnetic permeability, within the effective medium approximation. This system acts as an inherently nonlinear magnetic metamaterial, leading to negative magnetic response, and thus negative permeability, above the resonance frequency of the individual SQUIDs. Moreover, the permeability exhibits oscillatory behavior at low field intensities, allowing its tuning by a slight change of the intensity of the applied field.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2007

Semiclassical and quantum polarons in crystaline acetanilide

Crystalline acetanilide is a an organic solid with peptide bond structure similar to that of proteins. Two states appear in the amide I spectral region having drastically different properties: one is strongly temperature dependent and disappears at high temperatures while the other is stable at all temperatures. Experimental and theoretical work over the past twenty five years has assigned the former to a selftrapped state while the latter to an extended free exciton state. In this article we review the experimental and theoretical developments on acetanilide paying particular attention to issues that are still pending. Although the interpretation of the states is experimentally sound, we find that specific theoretical comprehension is still lacking. Among the issues that that appear not well understood is the effective dimensionality of the selftrapped polaron and free exciton states.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2006

Self-focusing and envelope pulse generation in nonlinear magnetic metamaterials

The self-modulation of waves propagating in nonlinear magnetic metamaterials is investigated. Considering the propagation of a modulated amplitude magnetic field in such a medium, we show that the self-modulation of the carrier wave leads to a spontaneous energy localization via the generation of localized envelope structures (envelope solitons), whose form and properties are discussed. These results are also supported by numerical calculations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2006

Kinesin as an electrostatic machine

Kinesin and related motor proteins utilize ATP fuel to propel themselves along the external surface of microtubules in a processive and directional fashion. We show that the observed step-like motion is possible through time varying charge distributions furnished by the ATP hydrolysis circle while the static charge configuration on the microtuble provides the guide for motion. Thus, while the chemical hydrolysis energy induces appropriate local conformational changes, the motor translational energy is fundamentally electrostatic. Numerical simulations of the mechanical equations of motion show that processivity and directionality are direct consequences of the ATP-dependent electrostatic interaction between the different charge distributions of kinesin and microtubule.

q-bio.BM↗

arXiv2006

Discrete breathers in nonlinear magnetic metamaterials

Magnetic metamaterials composed of split-ring resonators or $U-$type elements may exhibit discreteness effects in THz and optical frequencies due to weak coupling. We consider a model one-dimensional metamaterial formed by a discrete array of nonlinear split-ring resonators with each ring interacting with its nearest neighbours. On-site nonlinearity and weak coupling among the individual array elements result in the appearence of discrete breather excitations or intrinsic localized modes, both in the energy-conserved and the dissipative system. We analyze discrete single and multibreather excitations, as well as a special breather configuration forming a magnetization domain wall and investigate their mobility and the magnetic properties their presence induces in the system.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2006

Thermal conductivity of a classical one dimensional spin-phonon system

We investigate the thermal conductivity of the classical Heisenberg spin chain coupled to a variety of phonon systems using a Green-Kubo approach as well as coupling to heat reservoirs. The decay of energy current correlations is power law or exponential, depending on the type of (an)harmonicity of the phonon system and the presence of a substrate. In particular, we find that coupling the spin system to displacements with an acoustic type harmonic inter-site potential leads to a diverging thermal conductivity. Adding a substrate, harmonic or periodic such as sine-Gordon, drives the system to diffusive behavior. With anharmonic potential without a substrate the generic transport is diffusive even for the integrable Toda potential, while for the FPU chain is ballistic.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2005

Coupled nonlinear Schroedinger field equations for electromagnetic wave propagation in nonlinear left-handed materials

For an isotropic and homogeneous nonlinear left-handed materials, for which the effective medium approximation is valid, Maxwell's equations for electric and magnetic fields lead naturally, within the slowly varying envelope approximation, to a system of coupled nonlinear Schroedinger equations. This system is equivalent to the well-known Manakov model that under certain conditions, is completely integrable and admits bright and dark soliton solutions. It is demonstrated that left- and right-handed (normal) nonlinear mediums may have compound bright and dark soliton solutions, respectively. These results are also supported by numerical calculations.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2003

Breather lattices as pseudospin glasses

We study the thermodynamics of discrete breathers by transforming a lattice of weakly coupled nonlinear oscillators into an effective Ising pseudospin model. We introduce a replica ensemble and investigate the effective system susceptibilities through the replica overlap distribution. We find that a transition occurs at a given temperature to a new phase characterized by a slow decay of the relevant correlation functions. Comparison of long time pseudospin correlation functions to maximal replica overlap demonstrates that the high temperature phase has glassy-like properties induced by short range order found in the system.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2001

Analytic Conditions for Targeted Energy Transfer between Nonlinear Oscillators or Discrete Breathers

It is well known that any amount of energy injected in a harmonic oscillator which is resonant and weakly coupled with a second harmonic oscillator, tunnels back and forth between these two oscillators. When the two oscillators are anharmonic, the amplitude dependence of their frequencies breaks, in general, any initial resonance so that no substantial energy transfer occurs unless an almost perfect resonance persists. This paper considers this interesting situation more generally between two discrete breathers (DBs) belonging to two weakly coupled nonlinear systems, finite or infinite. A specific amount of energy injected as a DB in a nonlinear system (donor) which is weakly coupled to another nonlinear system (acceptor) sustaining another DB, might be totally transferred and oscillate back and forth between these donor and acceptor DBs. The condition is that a certain well defined detuning function is bounded from above and below by two coupling functions. This targeted energy transfer (TET) is selective, i.e., it only occurs for an initial energy close to a specific value. The calculation of these functions in complex models with numerical techniques developed earlier for DBs, allows one to detect the existence of possible TET, between which DBs and at which energy. It should also help for designing models having desired TET properties. We also show how extra linear resonances could make TET incomplete and irreversible. Developments of the theory will be able to describe more spectacular effects, such as TET cascades and avalanches, and energy funnels. Besides rather short term applications for devices, this theory might provide an essential clue for understanding puzzling problems of energy kinetics in real materials, chemistry and bioenergetics.

cond-mat↗

arXiv1999

Discrete Nonlinear Schr{ö}dinger Breathers in a Phonon Bath

We study the dynamics of the discrete nonlinear Schr{ö}dinger lattice initialized such that a very long transitory period of time in which standard Boltzmann statistics is insufficient is reached. Our study of the nonlinear system locked in this {\em non-Gibbsian} state focuses on the dynamics of discrete breathers (also called intrinsic localized modes). It is found that part of the energy spontaneously condenses into several discrete breathers. Although these discrete breathers are extremely long lived, their total number is found to decrease as the evolution progresses. Even though the total number of discrete breathers decreases we report the surprising observation that the energy content in the discrete breather population increases. We interpret these observations in the perspective of discrete breather creation and annihilation and find that the death of a discrete breather cause effective energy transfer to a spatially nearby discrete breather. It is found that the concepts of a multi-frequency discrete breather and of internal modes is crucial for this process. Finally, we find that the existence of a discrete breather tends to soften the lattice in its immediate neighborhood, resulting in high amplitude thermal fluctuation close to an existing discrete breather. This in turn nucleates discrete breather creation close to a already existing discrete breather.

patt-sol↗

arXiv1999

Impurity-induced stabilization of solitons in arrays of parametrically driven nonlinear oscillators

Chains of parametrically driven, damped pendula are known to support soliton-like clusters of in-phase motion which become unstable and seed spatiotemporal chaos for sufficiently large driving amplitudes. We show that the pinning of the soliton on a "long" impurity (a longer pendulum) expands dramatically its stability region whereas "short" defects simply repel solitons producing effective partition of the chain. We also show that defects may spontaneously nucleate solitons.

patt-sol↗

arXiv1998

Motor Proteins Have Highly Correlated Brownian Engines

Two headed motor proteins, such as kinesin and dynein, hidrolyze environmental ATP in order to propel unidirectionally along cytoskeletal filaments such as microtubules. In the case of kinesin, protein heads bind primarily on the alpha tubulin site of asymmetric alpha-beta 8nm-long tubulin dimers that constitute the microtubular protofilaments. Kinesin dimers overcome local binding forces up to 5pN and are known to move on protofilaments with ATP concentration-dependent speeds while hydrolizing on average one ATP molecule per 8nm step. The salient features of protein trajectories are the distinct abrupt usually 8nm-long steps from one tubulin dimer to the next interlaced with long quiescent binding periods at a tubulin site. Discrete walks of this type are characterized by substantially reduced variances compared to pure biased random walks, and as a result rule out flashing-type ratchet models as possible mechanisms for motor movement. On the other hand, simple additive correlated brownian ratchets that present exactly these discrete trajectory patterns with reduced variances are compatible with the general features of protein motion. In the simplest such model the protein is simplified to a single particle moving in a periodic non-symmetric tubulin-derived potential and the environmental and ATP interaction is included in a correlated additive noise term. For this model we show that the resulting protein walk has features resembling experimental data. Furthermore, in more realistic mechanical models of two masses connected by a spring we find qualitative agreement with recent experimental facts related to motion of protein chimaeras formed through kinesin motor domains with non-claret disjunctional (ncd) neck regions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv1997

Quantum Vibrational Impurity Embedded in a One-dimensional Chain

We perform a fully quantum mechanical numerical calculation for the problem of a single electron (or excitation) propagating in a N-site one-dimensional chain in the presence of a single Holstein impurity. We compute the long-time averaged probability for finding the electron on the impurity site as a function of the nonlinearity parameter, defined in terms of the electron-phonon coupling strength and the oscillator frequency. The results, in the intermediate nonlinearity parameter range, differ substantially from the ones obtained through the use of the discrete nonlinear Schroedinger equation, even in the high-frequency regime.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗