arXiv subjects

Kerson Huang

Publications and source records attributed to Kerson Huang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2016

Relativistic two-fluid hydrodynamics with quantized vorticity from the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation

We consider a relativistic two-fluid model of superfluidity, in which the superfluid is described by an order parameter that is a complex scalar field satisfying the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation (NLKG). The coupling to the normal fluid is introduced via a covariant current-current interaction, which results in the addition of an effective potential, whose imaginary part describes particle transfer between superfluid and normal fluid. Quantized vorticity arises in a class of singular solutions and the related vortex dynamics is incorporated in the modified NLKG, facilitating numerical analysis which is usually very complicated in the phenomenology of vortex filaments. The dual transformation to a string theory description (Kalb-Ramond) of quantum vorticity, the Magnus force and the mutual friction between quantized vortices and normal fluid are also studied.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Geometric creation of quantum vorticity

We consider superfluidity and quantum vorticity in rotating spacetimes. The system is described by a complex scalar satisfying a nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation. Rotation terms are identified and found to lead to the transfer of angular momentum of the spacetime to the scalar field. The scalar field responds by rotating, physically behaving as a superfluid, through the creation of quantized vortices. We demonstrate the vortex nucleation through numerical simulation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Quantum vorticity in nature

Quantum vorticity occurs in superfluidity, which arises from a spatial variation of the quantum phase. As such, it can occur in diverse systems over a wide range of scales, from the electroweak sector and QCD of the standard model of particle theory, through the everyday world, to the cosmos. I review the observable manifestations, and their unified description in terms of an order parameter that is a complex scalar field.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Relativistic superfluidity and vorticity from the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation

We investigate superfluidity, and the mechanism for creation of quantized vortices, in the relativistic regime. The general framework is a nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation in curved spacetime for a complex scalar field, whose phase dynamics gives rise to superfluidity. The mechanisms discussed are local inertial forces (Coriolis and centrifugal), and current-current interaction with an external source. The primary application is to cosmology, but we also discuss the reduction to the non-relativistic nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which is widely used in describing superfluidity and vorticity in liquid helium and cold-trapped atomic gases.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Scalar-field theory of dark matter

We develop a theory of dark matter based on a previously proposed picture, in which a complex vacuum scalar field makes the universe a superfluid, with the energy density of the superfluid giving rise to dark energy, and variations from vacuum density giving rise to dark matter. We formulate a nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation to describe the superfluid, treating galaxies as external sources. We study the response of the superfluid to the galaxies, in particular, the emergence of the dark-matter galactic halo, contortions during galaxy collisions, and the creation of vortices due to galactic rotation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

A Critical History of Renormalization

The history of renormalization is reviewed with a critical eye, starting with Lorentz's theory of radiation damping, through perturbative QED with Dyson, Gell-Mann & Low, and others, to Wilson's formulation and Polchinski's functional equation, and applications to "triviality", and dark energy in cosmology.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2013

Dark Energy and Dark Matter in a Superfluid Universe

The vacuum is filled with complex scalar fields, such as the Higgs field. These fields serve as order parameters for superfluidity (quantum phase coherence over macroscopic distances), making the entire universe a superfluid. We review a mathematical model consisting of two aspects: (a) emergence of the superfluid during the big bang; (b) observable manifestations of superfluidity in the present universe. The creation aspect requires a self-interacting scalar field that is asymptotically free, i.e., the interaction must grow from zero during the big bang, and this singles out the Halpern-Huang potential, which has exponential behavior for large fields. It leads to an equivalent cosmological constant that decays like a power law, and this gives dark energy without "fine-tuning". Quantum turbulence (chaotic vorticity) in the early universe was able to create all the matter in the universe, fulfilling the inflation scenario. In the present universe, the superfluid can be phenomenologically described by a nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation. It predicts halos around galaxies with higher superfluid density, which is perceived as dark matter through gravitational lensing. In short, dark energy is the energy density of the cosmic superfluid, and dark matter arises from local fluctuations of the superfluid density.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Scalar Field Cosmology II: Superfluidity, Quantum Turbulence, and Inflation

We generalize the big-bang model in a previous paper by extending the real vacuum scalar field to a complex vacuum scalar field, within the FLRW framework. The phase dynamics of the scalar field, which makes the universe a superfluid, is described in terms of a density of quantized vortex lines, and a tangle of vortex lines gives rise to quantum turbulence. We propose that all the matter in the universe was created in the turbulence, through reconnection of vortex lines, a process necessary for the maintenance of the vortex tangle. The vortex tangle grows and decays, and its lifetime is the era of inflation. These ideas are implemented in a set of closed cosmological equations that describe the cosmic expansion driven by the scalar field on the one hand, and the vortex-matter dynamics on the other. We show how these two aspects decouple from each other, due to a vast difference in energy scales. The model is not valid beyond the inflation era, but the universe remains a superfluid afterwards. This gives rise to observable effects in the present universe, including dark matter, galactic voids, non-thermal filaments, and cosmic jets.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Scalar Field Cosmology I: Asymptotic Freedom and the Initial-Value Problem

The purpose of this work is to use a renormalized quantum scalar field to investigate very early cosmology, in the Planck era immediately following the big bang. Renormalization effects make the field potential dependent on length scale, and are important during the big bang era. We use the asymptotically free Halpern-Huang scalar field, which is derived from renormalization-group analysis, and solve Einstein's equation with Robertson-Walker metric as an initial-value problem. The main prediction is that the Hubble parameter follows a power law: $H\equiv\dot{a}/a\sim t^{-p}$, and the universe expands at an accelerated rate: $a\sim\exp t^{1-p}$. This gives "dark energy", with an equivalent cosmological constant that decays in time like $t^{-2p}$, which avoids the "fine-tuning" problem. The power law predicts a simple relation for the galactic redshift. Comparison with data leads to the speculation that the universe experienced a crossover transition, which was completed about 7 billion years ago.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Cosmology of an asymptotically free scalar field with spontaneous symmetry breaking

We solve Einstein's equation with Robertson-Walker metric as an initial-value problem, using as the source of gravity a Halpern-Huang real scalar field, which was derived from renormalization-group analysis, with a potential that exhibits asymptotic freedom and spontaneous symmetry breaking. Both properties are crucial to the formulation of the problem. Numerical solutions show that the universe expands at an accelerated rate, with the radius increasing like the exponential of a power of the time. This is relevant to "dark energy" and "cosmic inflation". Extension to the complex scalar field will make the universe a superfluid. The vortex dynamics that emerges offers explanations for other cosmological problems, namely, matter creation, galactic voids, and the "dark mass".

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Protein Folding: A Perspective From Statistical Physics

In this paper, we introduce an approach to the protein folding problem from the point of view of statistical physics. Protein folding is a stochastic process by which a polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional 3D structure from random coil. The process involves an intricate interplay between global geometry and local structure, and each protein seems to present special problems. We introduce CSAW (conditioned self-avoiding walk), a model of protein folding that combines the features of self-avoiding walk (SAW) and the Monte Carlo method. In this model, the unfolded protein chain is treated as a random coil described by SAW. Folding is induced by hydrophobic forces and other interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, which can be taken into account by imposing conditions on SAW. Conceptually, the mathematical basis is a generalized Langevin equation. To illustrate the flexibility and capabilities of the model, we consider several examples, including helix formation, elastic properties, and the transition in the folding of myoglobin. From the CSAW simulation and physical arguments, we find a universal elastic energy for proteins, which depends only on the radius of gyration $R_{g}$ and the residue number $N$. The elastic energy gives rise to scaling laws $R_{g}\sim N^ν$ in different regions with exponents $ν=3/5,3/7,2/5$, consistent with the observed unfolded stage, pre-globule, and molten globule, respectively. These results indicate that CSAW can serve as a theoretical laboratory to study universal principles in protein folding.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2010

Elastic energy of proteins and the stages of protein folding

We propose a universal elastic energy for proteins, which depends only on the radius of gyration $R_{g}$ and the residue number $N$. It is constructed using physical arguments based on the hydrophobic effect and hydrogen bonding. Adjustable parameters are fitted to data from the computer simulation of the folding of a set of proteins using the CSAW (conditioned self-avoiding walk) model. The elastic energy gives rise to scaling relations of the form $R_{g}\sim N^ν$ in different regions. It shows three folding stages characterized by the progression with exponents $ν= 3/5, 3/7, 2/5$, which we identify as the unfolded stage, pre-globule, and molten globule, respectively. The pre-globule goes over to the molten globule via a break in behavior akin to a first-order phase transition, which is initiated by a sudden acceleration of hydrogen bonding.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2008

Hamiltonian Dynamics of the Protein Chain and Normal Modes of Alpha-Helix and Beta-Sheet

We use the torsional angles of the protein chain as generalized coordinates in the canonical formalism, derive canonical equations of motion, and investigate the coordinate dependence of the kinetic energy expressed in terms of the canonical momenta. We use the formalism to compute the normal-frequency distributions of the alpha-helix and the beta-sheet, under the assumption that they are stabilized purely through hydrogen bonding. Comparison of their free energies show the existence of a phase transition between the alpha-helix and the beta-sheet at a critical temperature.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2007

Dynamics of Alpha-Helix Formation in the CSAW Model

We study the folding dynamics of polyalanine (Ala$_{20}$), a protein fragment with 20 residues whose native state is a single alpha helix. We use the CSAW model (conditioned self-avoiding walk), which treats the protein molecule as a chain in Brownian motion, with interactions that include hydrophobic forces and internal hydrogen bonding. We find that large scale structures form before small scale structures, and obtain the relevant relaxation times. We find that helix nucleation occurs at two separate points on the protein chain. The evolution of small and large scale structures involve different mechanisms. While the former can be describe by rate equations governing the growth of helical content, the latter is akin to the relaxation of an elastic solid.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2007

Protein Folding as a Physical Stochastic Process

We model protein folding as a physical stochastic process as follows. The unfolded protein chain is treated as a random coil described by SAW (self-avoiding walk). Folding is induced by hydrophobic forces and other interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, which can be taken into account by imposing conditions on SAW. The resulting model is termed CSAW (conditioned self-avoiding walk. Conceptually, the mathematical basis is a generalized Langevin equation. In practice, the model is implemented on a computer by combining SAW and Monte Carlo. To illustrate the flexibility and capabilities of the model, we consider a number of examples, including folding pathways, elastic properties, helix formation, and collective modes.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2006

CSAW: a dynamical model of protein folding

CSAW (conditioned self-avoiding walk) is a model of protein folding that combines SAW (self-avoiding walk) with Monte-Carlo. It simulates the Brownian motion of a chain molecule in the presence of interactions, both among chain residues, and with the environment. In a first model that includes the hydrophobic effect and hydrogen bonding, a chain of 30 residues folds into a native state with stable secondary and tertiary structures. The process starts with a rapid collapse into an intermediate "molten globule", which slowly decays into the native state afer a relatively long quiescent period. The behavior of the radius of gyration mimics experimental data.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2001

Growth-Collapse Cycles of a Bose-Einstein Condensate with Attractive Interactions

A Bose-Einstein condensate of atoms with attractive interactions exhibits growth and collapse cycles, when it is fed by a thermal cloud. Recently this phenomenon has been directly observed in a trapped Li-7 gas. We offer a quantitative explanation of the data, on the basis of a model proposed earlier. It is shown that the condensate wave function acquires a chaotic component after the first collapse, indicating superfluid turbulence.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2000

Cold Trapped Atoms: A Mesoscopic System

The Bose-Einstein condensates recently created in trapped atomic gases are mesoscopic systems, in two senses: (a) Their size fall between macroscopic and microscopic systems; (b) They have a quantum phase that can be manipulated in experiments. We review the theoretical and experimental facts about trapped atomic gases, and give examples that emphasize their mesoscopic characters. One is the dynamics of collapse of a condensate with attractive interactions. The other is the creation of a 1D kink soliton that can be used as a mode-locked atom laser.

cond-mat↗