arXiv subjects

W. Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to W. Zhang.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Characterization of nanoscale mechanical heterogeneity in a metallic glass by dynamic force microscopy

We report nano-scale mechanical heterogeneity of a metallic glass characterized by dynamic atomic force microscopy. Apparent energy dissipation with the variation of ~12%, originating from non-uniform distribution of local viscoelasticity, was characterized. The correlation length of heterogeneous viscoelasticity was measured to be ~2.5{\pm}0.3 nm, which is well consistent with the dimension of shear transformation zones for plastic flow. This study provides the first experimental observation on the nano-scale mechanical heterogeneity in a metallic glass, and may fill the gap between atomic models and the macroscopic properties of metallic glasses.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗

arXiv2011

An on-line library of afterglow light curves

Numerical studies of gamma-ray burst afterglow jets reveal significant qualitative differences with simplified analytical models. We present an on-line library of synthetic afterglow light curves and broadband spectra for use in interpreting observational data. Light curves have been calculated for various physics settings such as explosion energy and circumburst structure, as well as differing jet parameters and observer angle and redshift. Calculations gave been done for observer frequencies ranging from low radio to X-ray and for observer times from hours to decades after the burst. The light curves have been calculated from high-resolution 2D hydrodynamical simulations performed with the RAM adaptive-mesh refinement code and a detailed synchrotron radiation code. The library will contain both generic afterglow simulations as well as specific case studies and will be freely accessible at http://cosmo.nyu.edu/afterglowlibrary . The synthetic light curves can be used as a check on the accuracy of physical parameters derived from analytical model fits to afterglow data, to quantitatively explore the consequences of varying parameters such as observer angle and for accurate predictions of future telescope data.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

Off-Axis Afterglow Light Curves from High-Resolution Hydrodynamical Jet Simulations

Numerical jet simulations serve a valuable role in calculating gamma-ray burst afterglow emission beyond analytical approximations. Here we present the results of high resolution 2D simulations of decelerating relativistic jets performed using the RAM adaptive mesh refinement relativistic hydrodynamics code. We have applied a separate synchrotron radiation code to the simulation results in order to calculate light curves at frequencies varying from radio to X-ray for observers at various angles from the jet axis. We provide a confirmation from radio light curves from simulations rather than from a simplified jet model for earlier results in the literature finding that only a very small number of local Ibc supernovae can possibly harbor an orphan afterglow. Also, recent studies have noted an unexpected lack of observed jet breaks in the Swift sample. Using a jet simulation with physical parameters representative for an average Swift sample burst, such as a jet half opening angle of 0.1 rad and a source redshift of z = 2.23, we have created synthetic light curves at 1.5 keV with artificial errors while accounting for Swift instrument biases as well. A large set of these light curves have been generated and analyzed using a Monte Carlo approach. Single and broken power law fits are compared. We find that for increasing observer angle, the jet break quickly becomes hard to detect. This holds true even when the observer remains well within the jet opening angle. We find that the odds that a Swift light curve from a randomly oriented 0.1 radians jet at z = 2.23 will exhibit a jet break at the 3 sigma level are only 12 percent. The observer angle therefore provides a natural explanation for the lack of perceived jet breaks in the Swift sample.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

Pressure induced Superconductivity in Topological Compound Bi2Te3

Bi2Te3 compound has been theoretically predicted (1) to be a topological insulator, and its topologically non-trivial surface state with a single Dirac cone has been observed in photoemission experiments (2). Here we report that superconductivity (Tc^~3K) can be induced in Bi2Te3 as-grown single crystal (with hole-carriers) via pressure. The first-principles calculations show that the electronic structure under pressure remains to be topologically nontrivial, and the Dirac-type surface states can be well distinguished from bulk states at corresponding Fermi level. The proximity effect between superconducting bulk states and Dirac-type surface state could generate Majorana fermions on the surface. We also discuss the possibility that the bulk state could be a topological superconductor.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Einstein Modes in the Phonon Density of States of the Single-Filled Skutterudite Yb$_{0.2}$Co$_{4}$Sb$_{12}$

Measurements of the phonon density of states by inelastic neutron \emph{time-of-flight} scattering and specific heat measurements along with first principles calculations, provide compelling evidence for the existence of an Einstein oscillator ("\emph{rattler}") at $ω_{E1} \approx$ 5.0 meV in the filled skutterudite Yb$_{0.2}$Co$_{4}$Sb$_{12}$. Multiple dispersionless modes in the measured density of states of Yb$_{0.2}$Co$_{4}$Sb$_{12}$ at intermediate transfer energies (14 meV $\leq$ \emph{$ω$} $\leq$ 20 meV) are exhibited in both the experimental and theoretical \emph{density-of-states} of the Yb-filled specimen. A peak at 12.4 meV is shown to coincide with a second Einstein mode at \emph{$ω_{E2} \approx$} 12.8 meV obtained from heat capacity data. The local modes at intermediate transfer energies are attributed to altered properties of the host CoSb$_{3}$ cage as a result of Yb-filling. It is suggested that these modes are owed to a complementary mechanism for the scattering of heat-carrying phonons in addition to the mode observed at $ω_{E1} \, \approx$ 5.0 meV. Our observations offer a plausible explanation for the significantly-higher \textit{dimensionless figures of merit} of filled skutterudites, compared to their parent compounds.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

Octupole deformation for Ba isotopes in a reflection-asymmetric relativistic mean-field approach

The potential energy surfaces of even-even $^{142-156}$Ba are investigated in the constrained reflection-asymmetric relativistic mean-field approach with parameter set PK1. It is shown that for the ground states, $^{142}$Ba is near spherical,$^{156}$Ba well quadrupole-deformed, and in between $^{144-154}$Ba octupole deformed. In particular, the nuclei $^{148,150}$Ba with $N=92,94$ have the largest octupole deformations. By including the octupole degree of freedom, energy gaps $N=88$, $N=94$ and $Z=56$ near Fermi surfaces for the single-particle levels in $^{148}$Ba with $β_2\sim 0.26$ and $β_3\sim 0.17$ are found. Furthermore, the performance of the octupole deformation driving pairs ($ν2f_{7/2}$, $ν1i_{13/2}$) and ($π2d_{5/2}$, $π1h_{11/2}$) is demonstrated by analyzing the single-particle levels near Fermi surfaces in $^{148}$Ba.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2010

Sub-100 attoseconds optics-to-microwave synchronization

We use two fiber-based femtosecond frequency combs and a low-noise carrier suppression phase detection system to characterize the optical to microwave synchronization achievable with such frequency divider systems. By applying specific noise reduction strategies, a residual phase noise as low as -120 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz offset frequency from a 11.55 GHz carrier is measured. The fractional frequency instability from a single optical-to-frequency divider is 1.1E-16 at 1 s averaging down to below 2E-19 after only 1000 s. The corresponding rms time deviation is lower than 100 attoseconds up to 1000 s averaging duration.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2010

Octupole degree of freedom for the critical-point candidate nucleus $^{152}$Sm in a reflection-asymmetric relativistic mean-field approach

The potential energy surfaces of even-even $^{146-156}$Sm are investigated in the constrained reflection-asymmetric relativistic mean-field approach with parameter set PK1. It is shown that the critical-point candidate nucleus $^{152}$Sm marks the shape/phase transition not only from U(5) to SU(3) symmetry, but also from the octupole-deformed ground state in $^{150}$Sm to the quadrupole-deformed ground state in $^{154}$Sm. By including the octupole degree of freedom, an energy gap near the Fermi surface for single-particle levels in $^{152}$Sm with $β_2 = 0.14 \sim 0.26$ is found, and the important role of the octupole deformation driving pair $ν2f_{7/2}$ and $ν1i_{13/2}$ is demonstrated.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2009

Topological Order Following a Quantum Quench

We determine the conditions under which topological order survives a rapid quantum quench. Specifically, we consider the case where a quantum spin system is prepared in the ground state of the Toric Code Model and, after the quench, it evolves with a Hamiltonian that does not support topological order. We provide analytical results supported by numerical evidence for a variety of quench Hamiltonians. The robustness of topological order under non-equilibrium situations is tested by studying the topological entropy and a novel dynamical measure, which makes use of the similarity between partial density matrices obtained from different topological sectors.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2009

Terahertz metamaterial with asymmetric transmission

We show for the first time that a planar metamaterial, an array of coupled metal split-ring resonators with a unit cell lacking mirror symmetry, exhibits asymmetric transmission of terahertz radiation (0.25-2.5 THz) propagating through it in opposite directions. This intriguing effect, that is compatible with Lorentz reciprocity and time-reversal, depends on a directional difference in conversion efficiency of the incident circularly polarized wave into one of opposite handedness, that is only possible in lossy low-symmetry planar chiral metamaterials. We show that asymmetric transmission is linked to excitation of enantiomerically sensitive plasmons, these are induced charge-field excitations that depend on the mutual handedness of incident wave and metamaterial pattern. Various bands of positive, negative and zero phase and group velocities have been identified indicating the opportunity to develop polarization sensitive negative index and slow light media based on such metamaterials.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2009

Detecting Relic Gravitational Waves in the CMB: Comparison of Planck and Ground-based Experiments

We compare the detection abilities for the relic gravitational waves by two kinds of forthcoming cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) experiments, space-based Planck satellite and the various ground-based experiments. Comparing with the ground-based experiments, Planck satellite can observe all the CMB power spectra in all the multipole range, but having much larger instrumental noises. We find that, for the uncertainty of the tensor-to-scalar ratio $Δr$, PolarBear (II) as a typical ground-based experiment can give much smaller value than Planck satellite. However, for the uncertainty of the spectral index $Δn_t$, Planck can give the similar result with PolarBear (II). If combining these two experiments, the value of $Δn_t$ can be reduced by a factor 2. For the model with $r=0.1$, the constraint $Δn_t=0.10$ is expected to be achieved, which provides an excellent opportunity to study the physics in the very early universe. We also find the observation in the largest scale ($\ell<20$) is very important for constraining the spectral index $n_t$. So it is necessary to combine the observations of the future space-based and ground-based CMB experiments to determine the relic gravitational waves.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2008

Entanglement, fidelity and topological entropy in a quantum phase transition to topological order

We present a numerical study of a quantum phase transition from a spin-polarized to a topologically ordered phase in a system of spin-1/2 particles on a torus. We demonstrate that this non-symmetry-breaking topological quantum phase transition (TOQPT) is of second order. The transition is analyzed via the ground state energy and fidelity, block entanglement, Wilson loops, and the recently proposed topological entropy. Only the topological entropy distinguishes the TOQPT from a standard QPT, and remarkably, does so already for small system sizes. Thus the topological entropy serves as a proper order parameter. We demonstrate that our conclusions are robust under the addition of random perturbations, not only in the topological phase, but also in the spin polarized phase and even at the critical point.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

W-algebra W(2,2) and the vertex operator algebra L(1/2,0)\otimes L(1/2,0)

In this paper the W-algebra W(2,2) and its representation theory are studied. It is proved that a simple vertex operator algebra generated by two weight 2 vectors is either a vertex operator algebra associated to a highest irreducible W(2,2)-module or a tensor product of two irreducible Virasoro vertex operator algebras. Furthermore, any rational, C_2-cofinite simple vertex operator algebra whose weight 1 subspace is zero and weight 2 subspace is 2-dimensional, and with central charge c=1 is isomorphic to L(1/2,0)\otimes L(1/2,0).

math.QA↗

arXiv2007

Toward classfication of rational vertex operator algebras with central charges less than 1

The rational and C_2-cofinite simple vertex operator algebras whose effective central charges and the central charges c are equal and less than 1 are classified. Such a vertex operator algebra is zero if c<0 and C if c=0. If c>0, it is an extension of discrete Virasoro vertex operator algebra L(c_{p,q},0) by its irreducible modules. It is also proved that for any rational and C_2-cofinite simple vertex operator algebra whose effective central charge and central charge are equal, the vertex operator subalgebra generated by the Virasoro vector is simple.

math.QA↗

arXiv2007

Resonant Phonon Scattering in Quantum Hall Systems Driven by dc Electric Fields

Using dc excitation to spatially tilt Landau levels, we study resonant acoustic phonon scattering in two-dimensional electron systems. We observe that dc electric field strongly modifies phonon resonances, transforming resistance maxima into minima and back into maxima. Further, phonon resonances are enhanced dramatically in the non-linear dc response and can be detected even at low temperatures. Most of our observations can be explained in terms of dc-induced (de)tuning of the resonant acoustic phonon scattering and its interplay with intra-Landau level impurity scattering. Finally, we observe a dc-induced zero-differential resistance state and a resistance maximum which occurs when the electron drift velocity approaches the speed of sound.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2007

Magnetoresistance Oscillations in Two-dimensional Electron Systems Induced by AC and DC Fields

We report on magnetotransport measurements in a high-mobility two-dimentional electron system subject simultaneously to AC (microwave) and DC (Hall) fields. We find that DC excitation affects microwave photoresistance in a nontrivial way. Photoresistance maxima (minima) evolve into minima (maxima) and back, reflecting strong coupling and interplay of AC- and DC-induced effects. Most of our observations can be explained in terms of indirect electron transitions using a new, ``combined'' resonant condition. Observed quenching of microwave-induced zero resistance by a DC field cannot be unambiguously linked to a domain model, at least until a systematic theory treating both excitation types within a single framework is developed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2006

Magnetotransport in a two-dimensional electron system in dc electric fields

We report on nonequilibrium transport measurements in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system subject to weak magnetic field and dc excitation. Detailed study of dc-induced magneto-oscillations, first observed by Yang {\em et al}., reveals a resonant condition that is qualitatively different from that reported earlier. In addition, we observe dramatic reduction of resistance induced by a weak dc field in the regime of separated Landau levels. These results demonstrate similarity of transport phenomena in dc-driven and microwave-driven systems and have important implications for ongoing experimental search for predicted quenching of microwave-induced zero-resistance states by a dc current.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2006

Mechanisms of weak thickness dependence of the critical current density in strong pinning ex situ metal-organic-deposition route YBa2Cu3O7-x coated conductors

We report on the thickness dependence of the superconducting characteristics including critical current Ic, critical current density Jc, transition temperature Tc, irreversibility field Hirr, bulk pinning force plot Fp(H), and the normal state resistivity curve measured after successive ion milling of ~ 1 um thick high Ic YBa2Cu3O7-x films made by an ex situ metal-organic deposition process on Ni-W rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrates (RABiTS). Contrary to many recent data, mostly on in situ pulsed laser deposition (PLD) films, which show strong depression of Jc with increasing film thickness t, our films exhibit only a weak dependence of Jc on t. The two better textured samples had full cross-section average Jc,avg(77K,0T) ~ 4 MA/cm2 near the buffer layer interface and ~3 MA/cm2 at full thickness, despite significant current blocking due to ~30% porosity in the film. Taking account of the thickness dependence of the porosity, we estimate that the local, vortex-pinning current density is essentially independent of thickness, while accounting for the additional current-blocking effects of grain boundaries leads to local, vortex-pinning Jc values well above 5 MA/cm2. Such high local Jc values are produced by strong three-dimensional vortex pinning which subdivides vortex lines into weakly coupled segments much shorter than the film thickness.

cond-mat.supr-con↗