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Ross C. McPhedran

Publications and source records attributed to Ross C. McPhedran.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

New Results for Euler Sums

We present a large number of analytic evaluations of Euler sums, namely sums such as \begin{align} M(m,n_0,n_1,n_2, \ldots, n_t) &= \sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac{H(k)^m}{k^{n_0} (k+1)^{n_1} (k+2)^{n_2} \cdots (k+t)^{n_t}}, \nonumber \end{align} for nonnegative integers $m$ and $(n_i)$, with $m \geq 1$ and $n_0 + n_1 + \cdots + n_t \geq 2$, where $H(k) = \sum_{j=1}^k 1/j$ is the harmonic function. These results were obtained either by algebraic manipulations, or else by very high-precision numerical evaluations combined with an integer relation algorithm to obtain the analytic formulas. We show how many of these results can be derived from a few basic facts, and that these techniques are applicable to Euler sums of even more general forms than the above cases. We then show that these results permit the calculation of constants for Euler sums resembling the Stieltjes $γ$ constants arising in the theory of the Riemann zeta function, and we also present some preliminary results on the asymptotic behavior of these constants.

math.NT↗

Zeros of Lattice Sums: 3. Reduction of the Generalised Riemann Hypothesis to Specific Geometries

The location of zeros of the basic double sum over the square lattice is studied. This sum can be represented in terms of the product of the Riemann zeta function and the Dirichlet beta function, so that the assertion that all its non-trivial zeros lie on the critical line is a particular case of the Generalised Riemann Hypothesis (GRH). The treatment given here is an extension of that in two previous papers (arxiv:1601.01724, 1602.06330), where it was shown that non trivial zeros of the double sum either lie on the critical line or on lines of unit modulus of an analytic function intersecting the critical line. The extension enables more specific conclusions to be drawn about the arrangement of zeros of the double sum on the critical line, which are interleaved with zeros of analytic functions, all of which lie on the critical line. Possible arrangements of zeros are studied, and it is shown that in all identified cases the GRH holds.

math-ph↗

Evaluation and regularization of generalized Eisenstein series and application to 2D cylindrical harmonic sums

In the study of periodic media, conditionally convergent series are frequently encountered and their regularization is crucial for applications. We derive an identity that regularizes two-dimensional generalized Eisenstein series for all Bravais lattices, yielding physically meaningful values. We also obtain explicit forms for the generalized series in terms of conventional Eisenstein series, enabling their closed-form evaluation for important high symmetry lattices. Results are then used to obtain representations for the related cylindrical harmonic sums, which are also given for all Bravais lattices. Finally, we treat displaced lattices of high symmetry, expressing them in terms of origin-centered lattices via geometric multi-set identities. These identities apply to all classes of two-dimensional sums, allowing sums to be evaluated over each constituent of a unit cell that possesses multiple inclusions.

math-ph↗

Total absorption of visible light in ultra-thin weakly-absorbing semiconductor gratings

The perfect absorption of light in subwavelength thickness layers generally relies on exotic materials, metamaterials or thick metallic gratings. Here we demonstrate that total light absorption can be achieved in ultra-thin gratings composed of conventional materials, including relatively weakly-absorbing semiconductors, which are compatible with optoelectronic applications such as photodetectors and optical modulators. We fabricate a 41 nm thick antimony sulphide grating structure that has a measured absorptance of A = 99.3% at a visible wavelength of 591 nm, in excellent agreement with theory. We infer that the absorption within the grating is A = 98.7%, with only A = 0.6% within the silver mirror. A planar reference sample absorbs A = 7.7% at this wavelength.

physics.optics↗

Zeros of Lattice Sums: 1. Zeros off the Critical Line

Zeros of two-dimensional sums of the Epstein zeta type over rectangular lattices of the type investigated by Hejhal and Bombieri in 1987 are considered, and in particular a sum first studied by Potter and Titchmarsh in 1935. These latter proved several properties of the zeros of sums over the rectangular lattice, and commented on the fact that a particular sum had zeros off the critical line. The behaviour of one such zero is investigated as a function of the ratio of the periods $λ$ of the rectangular lattice, and it is shown that it evolves continuously along a trajectory which approaches the critical line, reaching it at a point which is a second-order zero of the rectangular lattice sum. It is further shown that ranges of the period ratio $λ$ can be so identified for which zeros of the rectangular lattice sum lie off the critical line.

math-ph↗

Modal formulation for diffraction by absorbing photonic crystal slabs

A finite element-based modal formulation of diffraction of a plane wave by an absorbing photonic crystal slab of arbitrary geometry is developed for photovoltaic applications. The semi-analytic approach allows efficient and accurate calculation of the absorption of an array with a complex unit cell. This approach gives direct physical insight into the absorption mechanism in such structures, which can be used to enhance the absorption. The verification and validation of this approach is applied to a silicon nanowire array and the efficiency and accuracy of the method is demonstrated. The method is ideally suited to studying the manner in which spectral properties (e.g., absorption) vary with the thickness of the array, and we demonstrate this with efficient calculations which can identify an optimal geometry.

physics.optics↗

Optimizing Photovoltaic Charge Generation of Nanowire Arrays: A Simple Semi-Analytic Approach

Nanowire arrays exhibit efficient light coupling and strong light trapping, making them well suited to solar cell applications. The processes that contribute to their absorption are interrelated and highly dispersive, so the only current method of optimizing the absorption is by intensive numerical calculations. We present an efficient alternative which depends solely on the wavelength-dependent refractive indices of the constituent materials. We choose each array parameter such that the number of modes propagating away from the absorber is minimized while the number of resonant modes within the absorber is maximized. From this we develop a semi-analytic method that quantitatively identifies the small range of parameters where arrays achieve maximum short circuit currents. This provides a fast route to optimizing NW array cell efficiencies by greatly reducing the geometries to study with full device models. Our approach is general and applies to a variety of materials and to a large range of array thicknesses.

physics.optics↗

The Riemann Hypothesis for Symmetrised Combinations of Zeta Functions

This paper studies combinations of the Riemann zeta function, based on one defined by P.R. Taylor, which was shown by him to have all its zeros on the critical line. With a rescaled complex argument, this is denoted here by ${\cal T}_-(s)$, and is considered together with a counterpart function ${\cal T}_+(s)$, symmetric rather than antisymmetric about the critical line. We prove that ${\cal T}_+(s)$ has all its zeros on the critical line, and that the zeros of both functions are all of first order. We establish a link between the zeros of ${\cal T}_-(s)$ and of ${\cal T}_+(s)$ with those of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function $ζ(2 s-1)$, which enables us to prove that, if the Riemann hypothesis holds, then the distribution function of the zeros of $ζ(2 s-1)$ agrees with those for ${\cal T}_-(s)$ and of ${\cal T}_+(s)$ in all terms which do not remain finite as $t\rightarrow \infty$.

math-ph↗

Absorption enhancing proximity effects in aperiodic nanowire arrays

Aperiodic Nanowire (NW) arrays have higher absorption than equivalent periodic arrays, making them of interest for photovoltaic applications. An inevitable property of aperiodic arrays is the clustering of some NWs into closer proximity than in the equivalent periodic array. We focus on the modes of such clusters and show that the reduced symmetry associated with cluster formation allows external coupling into modes which are dark in periodic arrays, thus increasing absorption. To exploit such modes fully, arrays must include tightly clustered NWs that are unlikely to arise from fabrication variations but must be created intentionally.

physics.optics↗

Nanowire array photovoltaics: Radial disorder versus design for optimal efficiency

Solar cell designs based on disordered nanostructures tend to have higher efficiencies than structures with uniform absorbers, though the reason is poorly understood. To resolve this, we use a semi-analytic approach to determine the physical mechanism leading to enhanced efficiency in arrays containing nanowires with a variety of radii. We use our findings to systematically design arrays that outperform randomly composed structures. An ultimate efficiency of 23.75% is achieved with an array containing 30% silicon, an increase of almost 10% over a homogeneous film of equal thickness.

physics.optics↗

Constructing a Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis

This paper compares the distribution of zeros of the Riemann zeta function $ζ(s)$ with those of a symmetric combination of zeta functions, denoted ${\cal T}_+(s)$, known to have all its zeros located on the critical line $\Re(s)=1/2$. Criteria are described for constructing a suitable quotient function of these, with properties advantageous for establishing an accessible proof that $ζ(s)$ must also have all its zeros on the critical line: the celebrated Riemann hypothesis. While the argument put forward is not at the level of rigour required to constitute a full proof of the Riemann hypothesis, it should convince non-specialists that it must hold.

math.NT↗

The Riemann Hypothesis for Dirichlet $L$ Functions

This paper studies the connections between the zeros and their distribution functions for two particular Dirichlet $L$ functions: the Riemann zeta function, and the Catalan beta function, also known as the Dirichlet beta function. It is shown that the Riemann hypothesis holds for the Dirichlet beta function $L_{-4}(s)$ if and only if it holds for $ζ(s)$- a particular case of the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis.

math-ph↗

The searchlight effect in hyperbolic materials

The quasistatic field around a circular hole in a two-dimensional hyperbolic medium is studied. As the loss parameter goes to zero, it is found that the electric field diverges along four lines each tangent to the hole. In this limit, the power dissipated by the field in the vicinity of these lines, per unit length of the line, goes to zero but extends further and further out so that the net power dissipated remains finite. Additionally the interaction between polarizable dipoles in a hyperbolic medium is studied. It is shown that a dipole with small polarizability can dramatically influence the dipole moment of a distant polarizable dipole, if it is appropriately placed. We call this the searchlight effect, as the enhancement depends on the orientation of the line joining the polarizable dipoles and can be varied by changing the frequency. For some particular polarizabilities the enhancement can actually increase the further the polarizable dipoles are apart.

physics.optics↗

Twists and turns for metamaterials

We propose and verify experimentally a new concept for achieving strong nonlinear coupling between the electromagnetic and elastic properties in metamaterials. This coupling is provided through a novel degree of freedom in metamaterial design: internal rotation within structural elements. Our meta-atoms have high sensitivity to electromagnetic wave power, and the elastic and electromagnetic properties can be independently designed to optimise the response. We demonstrate a rich range of nonlinear phenomena including self-tuning and bistability, and provide a comprehensive experimental demonstration of the predicted effects.

physics.optics↗

Double-heterostructure cavities: from theory to design

We derive a frequency-domain-based approach for radiation (FAR) from double-heterostructure cavity (DHC) modes. We use this to compute the quality factors and radiation patterns of DHC modes. The semi-analytic nature of our method enables us to provide a general relationship between the radiation pattern of the cavity and its geometry. We use this to provide general designs for ultrahigh quality factor DHCs with radiation patterns that are engineered to emit vertically.

physics.optics↗

First-principles method for high-$Q$ photonic crystal cavity mode calculations

We present a first-principles method to compute radiation properties of ultra-high quality factor photonic crystal cavities. Our Frequency-domain Approach for Radiation (FAR) can compute the far-field radiation pattern and quality factor of cavity modes $\sim 100$ times more rapidly than conventional finite-difference time domain calculations. It also provides a simple rule for engineering the cavity's far-field radiation pattern.

physics.optics↗

Spectral super-resolution in metamaterial composites

We investigate the optical properties of periodic composites containing metamaterial inclusions in a normal material matrix. We consider the case where these inclusions have sharp corners, and following Hetherington and Thorpe, use analytic results to argue that it is then possible to deduce the shape of the corner (its included angle) by measurements of the absorptance of such composites when the scale size of the inclusions and period cell is much finer than the wavelength. These analytic arguments are supported by highly accurate numerical results for the effective permittivity function of such composites as a function of the permittivity ratio of inclusions to matrix. The results show that this function has a continuous spectral component with limits independent of the area fraction of inclusions, and with the same limits for both square and staggered square arrays.

physics.optics↗