arXiv subjects

M. I. Weinstein

Publications and source records attributed to M. I. Weinstein.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Discrete Breathers of Nonlinear Dimer Lattices: Bridging the Anti-continuous and Continuous Limits

In this work, we study the dynamics of an infinite array of nonlinear dimer oscillators which are linearly coupled as in the classical model of Su, Schrieffer and Heeger (SSH). The ratio of in-cell and out-of-cell couplings of the SSH model defines distinct $\textit{phases}$: topologically trivial and topologically non-trivial. We first consider the case of weak out-of-cell coupling, corresponding to the topologically trivial regime for linear SSH; for any prescribed isolated dimer frequency, $ω_b$, which satisfies non-resonance and non-degeneracy assumptions, we prove that there are discrete breather solutions for sufficiently small values of the out-of-cell coupling parameter. These states are $2π/ω_b$- periodic in time and exponentially localized in space. We then study the global continuation with respect to this coupling parameter. We first consider the case where $ω_b$, the seeding discrete breather frequency, is in the (coupling dependent) phonon gap of the underlying linear infinite array. As the coupling is increased, the phonon gap decreases in width and tends to a point (at which the topological transition for linear SSH occurs). In this limit, the spatial scale of the discrete breather grows and its amplitude decreases, indicating the weakly nonlinear long wave regime. Asymptotic analysis shows that in this regime the discrete breather envelope is determined by a vector gap soliton of the limiting envelope equations. We use the envelope theory to describe discrete breathers for SSH- coupling parameters corresponding to topologically trivial and, by exploiting an emergent symmetry, topologically nontrivial regimes, when the spectral gap is small. Our asymptotic theory shows excellent agreement with extensive numerical simulations over a wide range of parameters.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2022

Discrete honeycombs, rational edges and edge states

Consider the tight binding model of graphene, sharply terminated along an edge ${\bf l}$ parallel to a direction of translational symmetry of the underlying period lattice. We classify such edges ${\bf l}$ into those of "zigzag type" and those of "armchair type", generalizing the classical zigzag and armchair edges. We prove that zero energy/flat band edge states arise for edges of zigzag type, but never for those of armchair type. We exhibit explicit formulas for flat band edge states when they exist. We produce strong evidence for the existence of dispersive (non flat) edge state curves of nonzero energy for most ${\bf l}$.

math-ph↗

arXiv2020

Landau levels in strained two-dimensional photonic crystals

The principal use of photonic crystals is to engineer the photonic density of states, which controls light-matter coupling. We theoretically show that strained 2D photonic crystals can generate artificial electromagnetic fields and highly degenerate Landau levels. Since photonic crystals are not described by tight-binding, we employ a multiscale expansion of the full wave equation. Using numerical simulations, we observe dispersive Landau levels which we show can be flattened by engineering a pseudoelectric field. Artificial fields yield a design principle for aperiodic nanophotonic systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Continuum Schroedinger operators for sharply terminated graphene-like structures

We study the single electron model of a semi-infinite graphene sheet interfaced with the vacuum and terminated along a zigzag edge. The model is a Schroedinger operator acting on $L^2(\mathbb{R}^2)$: $H^λ_{\rm edge}=-Δ+λ^2 V_\sharp$, with a potential $V_\sharp$ given by a sum of translates an atomic potential well, $V_0$, of depth $λ^2$, centered on a subset of the vertices of a discrete honeycomb structure with a zigzag edge. We give a complete analysis of the low-lying energy spectrum of $H^λ_{\rm edge}$ in the strong binding regime ($λ$ large). In particular, we prove scaled resolvent convergence of $H^λ_{\rm edge}$ acting on $L^2(\mathbb{R}^2)$, to the (appropriately conjugated) resolvent of a limiting discrete tight-binding Hamiltonian acting in $l^2(\mathbb{N}_0;\mathbb{C}^2)$. We also prove the existence of {\it edge states}: solutions of the eigenvalue problem for $H^λ_{\rm edge}$ which are localized transverse to the edge and pseudo-periodic (propagating or plane-wave like) parallel to the edge. These edge states arise from a "flat-band" of eigenstates the tight-binding Hamiltonian.

math.AP↗

arXiv2019

Edge states and the Valley Hall Effect

We study energy propagation along line-defects (edges) in 2D continuous, energy preserving periodic media. The unperturbed medium (bulk) is modeled by a honeycomb Schroedinger operator, which is periodic with respect to the triangular lattice, invariant under parity, P, and complex-conjugation, C. A honeycomb operator has Dirac points: two dispersion surfaces touch conically at an energy level, $E_D$ [25,27]. Periodic perturbations which break P or C open a gap in the essential spectrum about energy $E_D$. Such operators model an insulator near energy $E_D$. Our edge operator is a small perturbation of the bulk and models a transition (via a domain wall) between distinct periodic, P or C breaking perturbations. The edge operator permits energy transport along the line-defect. The associated energy channels are called edge states. They are time-harmonic solutions which are localized near and propagating along the line-defect. We completely characterize the edge state spectrum within the bulk spectral gap about $E_D$. At the center of our analysis is an expansion of the edge operator resolvent for energies near $E_D$. The leading term features the resolvent of an effective Dirac operator. Edge state eigenvalues are poles of the resolvent, which bifurcate from the Dirac point. The corresponding eigenstates have the multiscale structure identified in [23]. We extend earlier work on zigzag-type edges [14] to all rational edges. We elucidate the role in edge state formation played by the type of symmetry-breaking and the orientation of the edge. We prove the resolvent expansion by a new direct and transparent strategy. Our results provide a rigorous explanation of the numerical observations [22,38}; see also the photonic experimental study in [42]. Finally, we discuss implications for the Valley Hall Effect, which concerns quantum Hall-like energy transport in honeycomb structures.

math-ph↗

arXiv2018

Elliptic operators with honeycomb symmetry: Dirac points, Edge States and Applications to Photonic Graphene

Consider electromagnetic waves in two-dimensional {\it honeycomb structured media}. The properties of transverse electric (TE) polarized waves are determined by the spectral properties of the elliptic operator $\LA=-\nabla_\bx\cdot A(\bx) \nabla_\bx$, where $A(\bx)$ is $Λ_h-$ periodic ($Λ_h$ denotes the equilateral triangular lattice), and such that with respect to some origin of coordinates, $A(\bx)$ is $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{C}-$ invariant ($A(\bx)=\overline{A(-\bx)}$) and $120^\circ$ rotationally invariant ($A(R^*\bx)=R^*A(\bx)R$, where $R$ is a $120^\circ$ rotation in the plane). We first obtain results on the existence, stability and instability of Dirac points, conical intersections between two adjacent Floquet-Bloch dispersion surfaces. We then show that the introduction through small and slow variations of a {\it domain wall} across a line-defect gives rise to the bifurcation from Dirac points of highly robust (topologically protected) {\it edge states}. These are time-harmonic solutions of Maxwell's equations which are propagating parallel to the line-defect and spatially localized transverse to it. The transverse localization and strong robustness to perturbation of these edge states is rooted in the protected zero mode of a one-dimensional effective Dirac operator with spatially varying mass term. These results imply the existence of {\it uni-directional} propagating edge states for two classes of time-reversal invariant media in which $\mathcal{C}$ symmetry is broken: magneto-optic media and bi-anisotropic media. Our analysis applies and extends the tools previously developed in the context of honeycomb Schrödinger operators.

math-ph↗

arXiv2017

Honeycomb Schroedinger operators in the strong binding regime

In this article, we study the Schrödinger operator for a large class of periodic potentials with the symmetry of a hexagonal tiling of the plane. The potentials we consider are superpositions of localized potential wells, centered on the vertices of a regular honeycomb structure corresponding to the single electron model of graphene and its artificial analogues. We consider this Schrödinger operator in the regime of strong binding, where the depth of the potential wells is large. Our main result is that for sufficiently deep potentials, the lowest two Floquet-Bloch dispersion surfaces, when appropriately rescaled, converge uniformly to those of the two-band tight-binding model (Wallace, 1947). Furthermore, we establish as corollaries, in the regime of strong binding, results on (a) the existence of spectral gaps for honeycomb potentials that break $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry and (b) the existence of topologically protected edge states -- states which propagate parallel to and are localized transverse to a line-defect or "edge" - for a large class of rational edges, and which are robust to large localized perturbations of the edge. We believe that the ideas of this article may be applicable in other settings for which a tight-binding model emerges in an extreme parameter limit.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Bifurcations of edge states -- topologically protected and non-protected -- in continuous 2D honeycomb structures

This paper summarizes and extends the authors' work on the bifurcation of topologically protected edge states in continuous two-dimensional honeycomb structures. We consider a family of Schrödinger Hamiltonians consisting of a bulk honeycomb potential and a perturbing edge potential. The edge potential interpolates between two different periodic structures via a domain wall. We begin by reviewing our recent bifurcation theory of edge states for continuous two-dimensional honeycomb structures. The topologically protected bifurcation of edge states is seeded by the zero-energy eigenstate of a one-dimensional Dirac operator. We contrast these protected bifurcations with (more common) non-protected bifurcations from spectral band edges, which are induced by bound states of an effective Schrödinger operator. Numerical simulations for honeycomb structures of varying contrasts and "rational edges" (zigzag, armchair and others), support the following scenario: (a) For low contrast, under a sign condition on a distinguished Fourier coefficient of the bulk honeycomb potential, there exist topologically protected edge states localized transverse to zigzag edges. Otherwise, and for general edges, we expect long lived {\it edge quasi-modes} which slowly leak energy into the bulk. (b) For an arbitrary rational edge, there is a threshold in the medium-contrast (depending on the choice of edge) above which there exist topologically protected edge states. In the special case of the armchair edge, there are two families of protected edge states; for each parallel quasimomentum (the quantum number associated with translation invariance) there are edge states which propagate in opposite directions along the armchair edge.

math-ph↗

arXiv2011

Defect Modes and Homogenization of Periodic Schrödinger Operators

We consider the discrete eigenvalues of the operator $H_\eps=-Δ+V(\x)+\eps^2Q(\eps\x)$, where $V(\x)$ is periodic and $Q(\y)$ is localized on $\R^d,\ \ d\ge1$. For $\eps>0$ and sufficiently small, discrete eigenvalues may bifurcate (emerge) from spectral band edges of the periodic Schrödinger operator, $H_0 = -Δ_\x+V(\x)$, into spectral gaps. The nature of the bifurcation depends on the homogenized Schrödinger operator $L_{A,Q}=-\nabla_\y\cdot A \nabla_\y +\ Q(\y)$. Here, $A$ denotes the inverse effective mass matrix, associated with the spectral band edge, which is the site of the bifurcation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2011

Radiative Decay of Bubble Oscillations in a Compressible Fluid

Consider the dynamics of a gas bubble in an inviscid, compressible liquid with surface tension. Kinematic and dynamic boundary conditions couple the bubble surface deformation dynamics with the dynamics of waves in the fluid. This system has a spherical equilibrium state, resulting from the balance of the pressure at infinity and the gas pressure within the bubble. We study the linearized dynamics about this equilibrium state in a center of mass frame: 1) We prove that the velocity potential and bubble surface perturbation satisfy point-wise in space exponential time-decay estimates. 2) The time-decay rate is governed by scattering resonances, eigenvalues of a non-selfadjoint spectral problem. These are pole singularities in the lower half plane of the analytic continuation of a resolvent operator from the upper half plane, across the real axis into the lower half plane. 3) The time-decay estimates are a consequence of resonance mode expansions for the velocity potential and bubble surface perturbations. 4) For small compressibility (Mach number, a ratio of bubble wall velocity to sound speed, ε), this is a singular perturbation of the incompressible limit. The scattering resonances which govern the anomalously slow time-decay, are {\it Rayleigh resonances}. Asymptotics, supported by high-precision numerical studies, indicate that the Rayleigh resonances which are closest to the real axis satisfy | \frac{\Im λ_\star(ε)}{\Re λ_\star(ε)} | = {\cal O} (\exp(-κ \We\ ε^{-2})), κ>0. Here, \We denotes the Weber number, a dimensionless ratio comparing inertia and surface tension. 5) To obtain the above results we prove a general result, of independent interest, estimating the Neumann to Dirichlet map for the wave equation, exterior to a sphere.

math.AP↗

arXiv2008

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of stability and instability dynamics of positive lattice solitons

We present a unified approach for qualitative and quantitative analysis of stability and instability dynamics of positive bright solitons in multi-dimensional focusing nonlinear media with a potential (lattice), which can be periodic, periodic with defects, quasiperiodic, single waveguide, etc. We show that when the soliton is unstable, the type of instability dynamic that develops depends on which of two stability conditions is violated. Specifically, violation of the slope condition leads to an amplitude instability, whereas violation of the spectral condition leads to a drift instability. We also present a quantitative approach that allows to predict the stability and instability strength.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2007

Symmetry breaking bifurcation in Nonlinear Schrodinger /Gross-Pitaevskii Equations

We consider a class of nonlinear Schrodinger / Gross-Pitaveskii (NLS-GP) equations, i.e. NLS with a linear potential. We obtain conditions for a symmetry breaking bifurcation in a symmetric family of states as N, the squared L^2 norm (particle number, optical power), is increased. In the special case where the linear potential is a double-well with well separation L, we estimate N_{cr}, the symmetry breaking threshold. Along the ``lowest energy'' symmetric branch, there is an exchange of stability from the symmetric to asymmetric branch as N is increased beyond N_{cr}.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2005

Theory of Nonlinear Dispersive Waves and Selection of the Ground State

A theory of time dependent nonlinear dispersive equations of the Schroedinger / Gross-Pitaevskii and Hartree type is developed. The short, intermediate and large time behavior is found, by deriving nonlinear Master equations (NLME), governing the evolution of the mode powers, and by a novel multi-time scale analysis of these equations. The scattering theory is developed and coherent resonance phenomena and associated lifetimes are derived. Applications include BEC large time dynamics and nonlinear optical systems. The theory reveals a nonlinear transition phenomenon, ``selection of the ground state'', and NLME predicts the decay of excited state, with half its energy transferred to the ground state and half to radiation modes. Our results predict the recent experimental observations of Mandelik et. al. in nonlinear optical waveguides.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2004

Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Photonic Lattices: Theory and Experiment

We examine an example of spontaneous symmetry breaking in a double-well waveguide with a symmetric potential. The ground state of the system beyond a critical power becomes asymmetric. The effect is illustrated numerically, and quantitatively analyzed via a Galerkin truncation that clearly shows the bifurcation from a symmetric to an asymmetric steady state. This phenomenon is also demonstrated experimentally when a probe beam is launched appropriately into an optically induced photonic lattice in a photorefractive material.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2003

Diffusion of Power in Randomly Perturbed Hamiltonian Partial Differential Equations

We study the evolution of the energy (mode-power) distribution for a class of randomly perturbed Hamiltonian partial differential equations and derive {\it master equations} for the dynamics of the expected power in the discrete modes. In the case where the unperturbed dynamics has only discrete frequencies (finitely or infinitely many) the mode-power distribution is governed by an equation of discrete diffusion type for times of order $\cO(\ve^{-2})$. Here $\ve$ denotes the size of the random perturbation. If the unperturbed system has discrete and continuous spectrum the mode-power distribution is governed by an equation of discrete diffusion-damping type for times of order $\cO(\ve^{-2})$. The methods involve an extension of the authors' work on deterministic periodic and almost periodic perturbations, and yield new results which complement results of others, derived by probabilistic methods.

nlin.AO↗

arXiv2003

Selection of the ground state for nonlinear Schroedinger equations

We prove for a class of nonlinear Schrödinger systems (NLS) having two nonlinear bound states that the (generic) large time behavior is characterized by decay of the excited state, asymptotic approach to the nonlinear ground state and dispersive radiation. Our analysis elucidates the mechanism through which initial conditions which are very near the excited state branch evolve into a (nonlinear) ground state, a phenomenon known as {\it ground state selection}. Key steps in the analysis are the introduction of a particular linearization and the derivation of a normal form which reflects the dynamics on all time scales and yields, in particular, nonlinear Master equations. Then, a novel multiple time scale dynamic stability theory is developed. Consequently, we give a detailed description of the asymptotic behavior of the two bound state NLS for all small initial data. The methods are general and can be extended to treat NLS with more than two bound states and more general nonlinearities including those of Hartree-Fock type.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2003

Strong NLS Soliton-Defect Interactions

We consider the interaction of a nonlinear Schrodinger soliton with a localized (point) defect in the medium through which it travels. Using numerical simulations, we find parameter regimes under which the soliton may be reflected, transmitted, or captured by the defect. We propose a mechanism of resonant energy transfer to a nonlinear standing wave mode supported by the defect. Following Forinash et al, we derive a finite-dimensional model for the interaction of the soliton with the defect via a collective coordinates method. The system thus derived is a three degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian with an additional conserved quantity. We study this system using the tools of dynamical systems theory, and find that it exhibits a variety of interesting behaviors, largely determined by the structures of stable and unstable manifolds of special classes of periodic orbits. We use this geometrical understanding to interpret the simulations.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2002

Breathers on a Background: Periodic and Quasiperiodic Solutions of Extended Discrete Nonlinear Wave Systems

In this paper we investigate the emergence of time-periodic and and time-quasiperiodic (sometimes infinitely long lived and sometimes very long lived or metastable) solutions of discrete nonlinear wave equations: discrete sine Gordon, discrete $ϕ^4$ and discrete nonlinear Schrödinger. The solutions we consider are periodic oscillations on a kink or standing wave breather background. The origin of these oscillations is the presence of internal modes, associated with the static ground state. Some of these modes are associated with the breaking of translational invariance, in going from a spatially continuous to a spatially discrete system. Others are associated with discrete modes which bifurcate from the continuous spectrum. It is also possible that such modes exist in the continuum limit and persist in the discrete case. The regimes of existence, stability and metastability of states as the lattice spacing is varied are investigated analytically and numerically. A consequence of our analysis is a class of spatially localized, time quasiperiodic solutions of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We demonstrate, however, that this class of quasiperiodic solution is rather special and that its natural generalizations yield only metastable quasiperiodic solutions.

nlin.PS↗