arXiv subjects

M. Torres

Publications and source records attributed to M. Torres.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The 4 meter New Robotic Telescope project: an updated report

The New Robotic Telescope (NRT) is an international collaboration to build and operate a 4 m diameter fully robotic telescope. The telescope will take advantage of the superb atmospheric conditions at the Observatory of the Roque de los Muchachos (ORM). In conjunction with a large aperture, entirely robotic operation, quick response, and a set of versatile instrumentation in the optical and near-infrared this guarantees a high scientific impact focused mainly in the area of time domain astronomy. This paper presents the scientific motivation and the status of the project, discussing possible technical solutions under evaluation for the optics, mechanics and control system.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

New Robotic Telescope: The big eye to observe the transient Universe

NRT is an international project to build and operate the world's largest robotic telescope. The telescope will have a segmented primary mirror with an equivalent diameter of 4 m, a set of simultaneously mounted optical and near-infrared instruments, and a response time of less than 30 seconds. The project builds on the experience gained with the successful twenty-year operation of the Liverpool telescope, and with the GTC optics and control system. All of the above together with the excellent conditions for astronomical observation of La Palma, represents a solid base and guarantees that NRT will be one of the leading facilities in the field of time domain astronomy. This contribution will analyze the current status of the project with special emphasis on the development of its optics, and the plans for its construction and operation.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

The LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS): VI. Optical identifications for the second data release

The second data release of the LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) covers 27% of the northern sky, with a total area of $\sim 5,700$ deg$^2$. The high angular resolution of LOFAR with Dutch baselines (6 arcsec) allows us to carry out optical identifications of a large fraction of the detected radio sources without further radio followup; however, the process is made more challenging by the many extended radio sources found in LOFAR images as a result of its excellent sensitivity to extended structure. In this paper we present source associations and identifications for sources in the second data release based on optical and near-infrared data, using a combination of a likelihood-ratio cross-match method developed for our first data release, our citizen science project Radio Galaxy Zoo: LOFAR, and new approaches to algorithmic optical identification, together with extensive visual inspection by astronomers. We also present spectroscopic or photometric redshifts for a large fraction of the optical identifications. In total 4,116,934 radio sources lie in the area with good optical data, of which 85% have an optical or infrared identification and 58% have a good redshift estimate. We demonstrate the quality of the dataset by comparing it with earlier optically identified radio surveys. This is by far the largest ever optically identified radio catalogue, and will permit robust statistical studies of star-forming and radio-loud active galaxies.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

Theoretical-Experimental failure analysis of the c-Al0.66Ti0.33N-M2 steel system using nanoindentation instrumented and finite element analysis

A theoretical-experimental methodology for failure analysis of the c-Al0.66Ti0.33N / Interface / M2 steel coating system is proposed here. This c-Al0.66Ti0.33N coating was deposited by the arc-PVD technique. For coating modeling the traction-separation law and the extended finite element method-XFEM were applied, the cohesive zones model was used for interface modeling and the Ramberg-Osgood law for substrate modeling. Experimental values using the instrumented nanoindentation technique, the scratch test and tensile stress test were obtained and introduced into the model. By means of nanoindentation the elastic modulus of coating, the fracture energy release rate and the nano-hardness. Normal and shear stress values of the interface were obtained with the scratch test, at the adhesive and cohesive critical loads. Vickers indentation was used to generate cracking patterns in the c-Al0.66Ti0.33N / Interface / M2 steel coating system. Radial and lateral cracks were generated and analyzed after transversal FIB cuts of the fracture zones. A finite element analysis was carried out to understand the relationship between the load-displacement curve and mechanical failure of in the system, associating the pop-in with nucleation, crack growth and cracking pattern. This works present a theoretical-experimental methodology for failure analysis of hard coatings (monolithic body) allowing to calculate fracture toughness of the coating material and model cracking patterns caused by contact mechanics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

MOONS: a Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph for the VLT

MOONS is a new conceptual design for a Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph for the Very Large Telescope (VLT), selected by ESO for a Phase A study. The baseline design consists of 1000 fibers deployable over a field of view of 500 square arcmin, the largest patrol field offered by the Nasmyth focus at the VLT. The total wavelength coverage is 0.8um-1.8um and two resolution modes: medium resolution and high resolution. In the medium resolution mode (R=4,000-6,000) the entire wavelength range 0.8um-1.8um is observed simultaneously, while the high resolution mode covers simultaneously three selected spectral regions: one around the CaII triplet (at R=8,000) to measure radial velocities, and two regions at R=20,000 one in the J-band and one in the H-band, for detailed measurements of chemical abundances. The grasp of the 8.2m Very Large Telescope (VLT) combined with the large multiplex and wavelength coverage of MOONS - extending into the near-IR - will provide the observational power necessary to study galaxy formation and evolution over the entire history of the Universe, from our Milky Way, through the redshift desert and up to the epoch of re-ionization at z>8-9. At the same time, the high spectral resolution mode will allow astronomers to study chemical abundances of stars in our Galaxy, in particular in the highly obscured regions of the Bulge, and provide the necessary follow-up of the Gaia mission. Such characteristics and versatility make MOONS the long-awaited workhorse near-IR MOS for the VLT, which will perfectly complement optical spectroscopy performed by FLAMES and VIMOS.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2009

Non linear transport theory for negative-differential resistance states of two dimensional electron systems in strong magnetic fields

We present a model to describe the nonlinear response to a direct dc current applied to a two-dimensional electron system in a strong magnetic field. The model is based on the solution of the von Neumann equation incorporating the exact dynamics of two-dimensional damped electrons in the presence of arbitrarily strong magnetic and dc electric fields, while the effects of randomly distributed impurities are perturbatively added. From the analysis of the differential resistivity and the longitudinal voltage we observe the formation of negative differential resistivity states (NDRS) that are the precursors of the zero differential resistivity states (ZDRS). The theoretical predictions correctly reproduce the main experimental features provided that the inelastic scattering rate obey a $T^2$ temperature dependence, consistent with electron-electron interaction effects.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2007

Gauss-Green theorem for weakly differentiable vector fields, sets of finite perimeter, and balance laws

We analyze a class of weakly differentiable vector fields (\FF \colon \rn \to \rn) with the property that (\FF\in L^{\infty}) and (÷\FF) is a Radon measure. The primary focus of our investigation is to introduce a suitable notion of the normal trace of any divergence-measure field $\FF$ over the boundary of an arbitrary set of finite perimeter, which ensures the validity of the Gauss-Green theorem. To achieve this, we establish a fundamental approximation theorem which states that, given a Radon measure $μ$ that is absolutely continuous with respect to $\mathcal{H}^{N-1}$ on $\rn$, any set of finite perimeter can be approximated by a family of sets with smooth boundary essentially from the measure-theoretic interior of the set with respect to the measure $\|μ\|$. With this approximation theorem, we derive the normal trace of $\FF$ on the boundary of any set of finite perimeter, (E), as the limit of the normal traces of $\FF$ on the boundaries of the approximate sets with smooth boundary, so that the Gauss-Green theorem for $\FF$ holds on (E). With these results, we analyze the Cauchy fluxes that are bounded by a Radon measure over any oriented surface (i.e. an $(N-1)$-dimensional surface that is a part of the boundary of a set of finite perimeter) and thereby develop a general mathematical formulation of the physical principle of balance law through the Cauchy flux. Finally, we apply this framework to the derivation of systems of balance laws with measure-valued source terms from the formulation of balance law. This framework also allows the recovery of Cauchy entropy fluxes through the Lax entropy inequality for entropy solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws.

math.AP↗

arXiv2007

Hall field induced magnetoresistance oscillations of a two-dimensional electron system

We develop a model of the nonlinear response to a DC electrical current of a two dimensional electron system(2DES) placed on a magnetic field. Based on the exact solution of the Schroedinger equation in arbitrarily strong electric and magnetic fields, and separating the relative and guiding center coordinates, a Kubo-like formula for the current is worked out as a response to the impurity scattering. Self-consistent expressions determine the longitudinal and Hall components of the electric field in terms of the DC current. The differential resistivity displays strong Hall field-induced oscillations, in agreement with the main features of the phenomenon observed in recent experiments.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2007

Strong far field coherent scattering of ultraviolet radiation by holococcolithophores

By considering the structure of holococcoliths (calcite plates that cover holococcolithophores, a haploid phase of the coccolithophore life cycle) as a photonic structure, we apply a discrete dipolar approximation to study the light backscattering properties of these algae. We show that some holococcolith structures have the ability to scatter the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This property may represent an advantage for holococcolithophores possessing it, by allowing them to live higher in the water column than other coccolithophores.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2007

Conformal mapping of ultrasonic crystals: confining ultrasound and cochlear-like wave guiding

Conformal mapping of a slab of a two-dimensional ultrasonic crystal generate a closed geometrical arrangement of ultrasonic scatterers with appealing acoustic properties. This acoustic shell is able to confine ultrasonic modes. Some of these internal resonances can be induced from an external wave source. The mapping of a linear defect produces a wave-guide that exhibits a spatial-frequency selection analogous to that characteristic of a synthetic "cochlea". Both, experimental and theoretical results are reported here.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2006

Quasicrystalline and rational approximant wave patterns in hydrodynamic and quantum nested wells

The eigenfunctions of nested wells with incommensurate boundary geometry, in both hydrodynamic shallow water regime and quantum cases, are systematically and exhaustively studied in this letter. The boundary arrangement of the nested wells consist of polygonal ones, square or hexagonal, with a concentric immersed similar but rotated well or plateau. A rich taxonomy of wave patterns, such as quasicrystalline states, their crystalline rational approximants and some other exotic but well known tilings, is found in these mimicked experiments. To our best knowledge, these hydrodynamic rational approximants are presented here for the first time in a hydrodynamic-quantum framework. The corresponding statistical nature of the energy level spacing distribution reflects this taxonomy by changing the spectral types.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2006

Turbulent luminance in impassioned van Gogh paintings

Everything in the last period of Vincent van Gogh paintings seems to be moving; this dynamical style served to transmit his own feelings about a figure or a landscape. Since the early impressionism, artists emprically discovered that an adequate use of luminance could generate the sensation of motion. This sentation was more complex in the case of van Gogh paintings of the last period: turbulence is the main adjective used to describe these paintings. It has been specifically mentioned, for instance, that the famous painting \emph{Starry Night}, vividly transmits the sense of turbulence and was compared with a picture of a distant star from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, where eddies probably caused by dust and gas turbulence are clearly seen [1]. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the probability distribution function (PDF) of luminance fluctuations in some impassioned van Gogh paintings, painted at times close to periods of prolonged psychotic agitation of this artist, compares notable well with the PDF of the velocity differences in a turbulent flow as predicted by the statistical theory of Kolmogorov. This is not the first time that this analogy with hydrodinamic turbulence is reported in a field far different from fluid mechanics; it has been also observed in fluctuations of the foreign exchange markets time series [2].

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2005

Confinement of hydrodynamic modes on a free surface and their quantum analogs

A subtle procedure to confine hydrodynamic modes on the free surface of a fluid is presented here. The experiment consists of a square vessel with an immersed square central well vibrating vertically so that the surface waves generated by the meniscus at the vessel boundary interfere with the bound states of the well. This is a classical analogy of a quantum well where some fundamental phenomena, such as bonding of states and interference between free waves and bound states, can be visualized and controlled. The above mentioned interference leads to a novel hydrodynamic transition from quasiperiodic to periodic patterns. Tight binding numerical calculations are performed here to show that our results could be transferred to design quantum confinements exhibiting electronic quasiperiodic surface states and their rational approximants for the first time.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2004

Hall conductivity as a topological invariant

The object of the present work is to study the quantum Hall effect through its symmetries and topological aspects. We consider the model of an electron moving in a two-dimensional lattice in the presence of applied in-plain electric field and perpendicular magnetic field. We refer to this as the two dimensional electric-magnetic Bloch problem (EMB). The Hall conductivity quatizations beyond the linear response approximation is analyzed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2004

Reply to "Comment on 'Theory for tailoring sonic devices: Diffraction dominates over refraction' "

In their comment, A. Hakansson, J. Sanchez-Dehesa, F. Cervera, F. Meseguer, L. Sanchis, and J. Llinares say that our conclusion stating that diffraction prevails over refraction in acoustic lenses whose aperture is of several wavelengths, such as those addressed in our calculations [N. Garcia, M. Nieto-Vesperinas, E. V. Ponizovskaya, and M.Torres, Phys. Rev. E 67, 046606 (2003)] and in their experiments [F.Cervera, L. Sanchis, J. V. Sanchez-Perez, R. Martinez-Sala, C. Rubio, F.Meseguer, C. Lopez, D. Caballero, and J. Sanchez-Dehesa, Phys. Rev. Lett.88, 023902 (2003)], is misleading because the size of their lenses is larger than ours. They state that diffraction effects are negligible at the scale of their experiments. In this reply we calculate the propagation of a plane wave through both a lens and a slab of aluminum cylinders, identical to those presented by such authors in previous experiments, by using a finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. We then compare our results to the experiments previously reported by the authors of the comment and significant differences are found. Our present calculations show that refraction and diffraction are intrinsically interwoven also at the scale of their experiments.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2003

Quantum Hall effect beyond the linear response approximation

The problem of Bloch electrons in two dimensions subject to magnetic and intense electric fields is investigated, the quantum Hall conductance is calculated beyond the linear response approximation. Magnetic translations, electric evolution and energy translation operators are used to specify the solutions of the Schrödinger equation. For rational values of the magnetic flux quanta per unit cell and commensurate orientations of the electric field relative to the original lattice, an extended superlattice is defined and a complete set of mutually commuting space-time symmetry operators are obtained. Dynamics of the system is governed by a finite difference equation that exactly includes the effects of: an arbitrary periodic potential, an electric field orientated in a commensurable direction of the lattice, and coupling between Landau levels. A weak periodic potential broadens each Landau level in a series of minibands, separated by the corresponding minigaps; additionally the effect of the electric field in the energy spectrum is to superimpose equally spaced discrete levels, in this "magnetic Stark ladder" the energy separation is an integer multiple of $ h E / a B $, with $a$ the lattice parameter. A closed expression for the Hall conductance, valid to all orders in $\bs E$ is obtained, the leading order term reduces to the result of Thouless et al, in which $σ_H^{(0)}$ is quantized in units of $e^2/h$. The first order corrections exactly cancels for any miniband that is completely filled. Second order corrections for the miniband conductance are explicitly calculated as $σ_H^{(2)} \propto e^3/ U_0^2 B$, with $U_0$ the strength of the periodic potential. However the use of a sum rule shows that $σ_H^{(2)}$ cancels when a Landau band is fully occupied.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2002

Quasiperiodic extended Bloch states in a surface wave experiment

Bloch-like surface waves associated with a quasiperiodic structure are observed for the first time in a classic wave propagation experiment which consists of pulse propagation with a shallow fluid covering a quasiperiodically drilled bottom. We show that a transversal pulse propagates as a plane wave with quasiperiodic modulation, displaying the characteristic undulatory propagation in this quasiperiodic systems and reinforcing the idea that analogous concepts to Bloch functions can be applied to quasicrystals under certain circumstances.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2002

Theory for tailoring sonic devices: Diffraction dominates over Refraction

In the moderately long wavelength propagation regime, acoustic crystaldevices which size is of several wave lengths are studied by using thefinite-difference time domain method. It is shown by the focusing and imaging of a square shaped lens that the diffractive effects dominate over the refractive ones. Taking into account the well known Babinet principle, the major role of the device edge diffraction is shown. The first examples of imaging with a sonic plane lens and of an acoustic prism able to change the propagation direction of a plane wave are also presented here.

cond-mat↗