Diamagnetism and the dispersion of the magnetic permeability

It is well known that the usual Kramers–Kronig relations for the relative permeability function μ(ω) are not compatible with diamagnetism (μ(0) < 1) and a positive imaginary part (Im μ(ω) > 0 for ω > 0). We demonstrate that a certain physical meaning can be attributed to μ for all frequencies, and that in the presence of spatial dispersion, μ does not necessarily tend to 1 for high frequencies ω and fixed wavenumber k. Taking the asymptotic behavior into account, diamagnetism can be compatible with Kramers–Kronig relations even if the imaginary part of the permeability is positive. We provide several examples of diamagnetic media and metamaterials for which μ(ω, k) ?  1 as ω →∞.     

Spatial dispersion of the lattice polarizability and the properties of the large polaron

The polaron states are studied in crystals with optical phonon dispersion of the type ω²(k) = ω ₀ ² + u ² k ². The appearance and propagation of a local polarization in such a medium is treated as the evolution of a wave packet having a nonzero group velocity. This approach enables one to construct a consistent theory of moving self-trapped electron. The total energy and the effective mass of a slowly moving polaron are found and are shown to be strongly dependent on the dispersion parameter σ = u/ω₀.     

Short-range order and twins in ordered titanium monoxide

The structure of annealed titanium monoxide TiO_1.087 containing monoclinic ordered phase Ti₅O₅ was studied by electron diffraction. Along with the set of structural, superstructural, and extra reflections, the diffraction pattern of titanium monoxide shows a set of plane diffuse fringes in the (112)_B1* section of the reciprocal lattice of the basis cubic structure B1. It is shown that some of the extra reflections are due to the twinning of the monoclinic superstructure along the (?1?11) plane of the reciprocal lattice of the basis cubic structure. The diffuse contours enclose plane areas of the reciprocal space with the fixed values of wave vectors K₁₀₀ ～ ±(h+0.07)k₁₀₀, K₀₁₀ ～ ±(k+0.07)k₀₁₀, and K₀₀₁ ～± (l+0.07)k₀₀₁ of the B1 structure. Their appearance is associated with the short-range displacement order.     

Control of the perturbation-wave-vector range of modulation instability of dispersive electromagnetic waves in the nonlocal Josephson electrodynamics of a thin superconducting film

Modulation instability of dispersive electromagnetic waves propagating through a Josephson junction in a thin superconducting film is investigated in the framework of the nonlocal Josephson electrodynamics. A dispersion relation is found for the time increment of small perturbations of the amplitude. For dispersive waves, it is first established that spatial nonlocality suppresses the modulation instability in the range of perturbation wave vectors 0≤Q≤Q_B1(k), i.e., in the long-wavelength range of experimental interest. The modulation instability range Q_B1(k)<Q<Q_B2(k, A, L) can be controlled (which is a unique possibility) by varying a dispersion parameter, namely, the wave vector k [or the frequency ω(k)] of linear-approximation waves. In the wave-vector ranges 0≤Q≤Q_B1(k) and Q≤Q_B2(k, A, L), waves are shown to be stable.     

Formation of the incommensurate ordered phase in TaC<Subscript>y</Subscript> carbide

Structural neutron diffraction studies indicate that only one ordered phase arises after the disorder-order transition in nonstoichiometric cubic tantalum carbide TaC_y. This phase arises in the composition range y = 0.79–0.89 due to long-term annealing with a decrease in temperature from 1600 to 300 K. It is incommensurate in the [1–11]_B1 direction, but it is close to commensurate M₆C₅ structures (C2/m and P3₁ space groups) in mutual arrangement of atoms and vacancies in nonmetallic (1–11)_B1 planes. The disorder-order transition channel that is associated with the formation of the incommensurate superstructure in TaC_y carbide includes two arms k ₅ ⁽⁶⁾ ≈ 0.473b₂ and k ₅ ⁽⁵⁾ = ?k ₅ ⁽⁶⁾ of the {k₅} star and arms of the {k₄} and {k₃} stars. The translation period of the incommensurate phase in the [1–11]_B1 direction is 8.9–9.1 nm, which is larger than that in the commensurate phase M₆C₅ by a factor of about 18.     

On the energy transport velocity in a dissipative medium

An exact definition of the group velocity v _g is proposed for a wave process with arbitrary dispersion relation ω = ω′(k) + iω″(k). For the monochromatic approximation, a limit expression v _g (k) is obtained. A condition under which v _g (k) takes the form of the Kuzelev–Rukhadze expression [1] dω′(k)/dk is found. In the general case, it appears that v _g (k) is defined not only by the dispersion relation ω(k), but also by other elements of the initial problem. As applied to the dissipative medium, it is shown that v _g (k) defines the field energy transfer velocity, and this velocity does not exceed thee light speed in vacuum. An expression for the energy transfer velocity is also obtained for the case where the dispersion relation is given in the form k = k′(ω) + ik″(ω) which corresponds to the boundary problem.     

Role of critical fluctuations in the formation of a skyrmion lattice in MnSi

The region in the H–T phase diagram near the critical temperature (T _c ) of the cubic helicoidal MnSi magnet is comprehensively studied by small-angle neutron diffraction. Magnetic field H is applied along the [111] axis. The experimental geometry is chosen to simultaneously observe the following three different magnetic states of the system: (a) critical fluctuations of a spin spiral with randomly orientated wavevector k _f , (b) conical structure with k _c ∥ H, and (c) hexagonal skyrmion lattice with k_sk ⊥ H. Both states (conical structure, and skyrmion lattice) are shown to exist above critical temperature T _c = 29 K against the background of the critical fluctuations of a spin spiral. The conical lattice is present up to the temperatures where fluctuation correlation length ξ becomes comparable with pitch of spiral d _s . The skyrmion lattice is localized near T _c and is related to the fluctuations of a spiral with correlation length ξ ≈ 2d _s , and the propagation vector is normal to the field (k_sk ⊥ H). These spiral fluctuations are assumed to be the defects that stabilize the skyrmion lattice and promote its formation.     

Field transformation in a multimode optical waveguide with random irregularities of the film surface

A self-consistent mathematical model for the transformation of the average intensity of the mode spectrum I(z) of a waveguide field in a multimode planar optical waveguide with a step profile and rough surface is developed. This model is based on the matrix model for multiple scattering of modes in an optical waveguide. The elements of the intermode scattering matrix are found, which describe the process of mutual transfer of the energy of modes along a waveguide and their transformation into radiation modes. The transformation of the I(z) modes in waveguides with large-and small-scale inhomogeneities is investigated. It is shown that the largest qualitative differences in the noted dependences manifest themselves only in the initial portions of the optical waveguide. The length z of these portions is much smaller than the characteristic scale length L _k at which the fundamental energy of the kth mode excited in the optical waveguide is renewed. The effect of self-filtration of the mode spectrum I(z) is described, as a result of which a stable (normalized), independent of distance z, distribution I* is formed. It is established that irregularities of the optical waveguide boundaries exert a depolarizing effect on a guided light beam. The specific features of the normalization of the radiative dissipation of a group of modes I_i(z) in an optical waveguide are investigated. It is ascertained that, in the case of small-scale irregularities, the attenuation coefficient is described by a nonlinear monotonic dependence α(z), which asymptotically converges to the value α*, characteristic of the normalized field I*. When the optical-waveguide film has large irregularities, the dependence α(z) is characterized by a pronounced maximum due to the formation of alternative channels of radiative dissipation of the energy of waveguide modes.     

Bond-breaking excitations with diverging coupling matrix of response density functional theory from highest-level functionals

Bond-breaking excitations ω _α are the problematic case of adiabatic time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The calculated ω _α erroneously vanishes with the bond elongation, since the Hartree-exchange-correlation kernel and the corresponding response coupling matrix K of standard approximations lack the characteristic divergence in the dissociation limit. In this paper an approximation for K is proposed constructed from the highest-level functionals, in which both occupied and virtual Kohn-Sham orbitals participate with the weights w _p . The latter provide the correct divergence of K in the limit of dissociating two-electron bond. The present K brings a decisive contribution to the energy of the ¹Σ _u ⁺ in the prototype H₂ molecule calculated for various H-H separations. At shorter separations it improves ω _α compared to the zero-order TDDFT estimate, while at the largest separation it reproduces near-saturation of the reference excitation energy.     

Fluctuations in the paraphase of improper ferroelastics taking into account indirect interactions through the field of elastic deformations

The effect of indirect interactions (through the field of elastic deformations) on the temperature dependences of a two-point correlator of the order parameter of an improper ferroelastic is studied theoretically taking into account the interaction of fluctuations at different spatial points with one another and with defective elastic fields. The latter are accounted for by using a phenomenological field of the sources of defective elastic fields. Analysis is carried out using diagrammatic expansions followed by a transition to the Dyson equation. It is proposed that the Dyson equation be approximately solved nonperturbatively using the ansatz for an exact two-point Green function of the form G_int(k)=T/[α_ij(τ)k _i k _j +β(τ)]. Such an approach makes it possible to reduce the problem to solving a system of nonlinear algebraic equations, which can effectively be solved by numerical methods. The aggregate of the assumptions made is equivalent to the mean field theory, which, however, cannot be reduced in the present case to the Ginzburg-Landau theory in view of the essentially nonlocal character of the indirect interaction via the field of elastic deformations. The results of numerical calculations are considered for a defect-free Hg₂Cl₂ crystal, for which it is shown that parameters of dispersion α_ij acquire a substantial temperature dependence in a temperature range much broader than the width of the critical region of the given crystal.     

Some exact solutions of the local induction equation for the motion of a vortex in a Bose–Einstein condensate with a Gaussian density profile

The dynamics of a vortex filament in a Bose–Einstein condensate whose equilibrium density in the reference frame rotating at the angular velocity Ω is Gaussian with the quadratic form r·D?r has been considered. It has been shown that the equation of motion of the filament in the local-induction approximation permits a class of exact solutions in the form R(β, t) = βM(t) + N(t) of a straight vortex, where β is the longitudinal parameter and is the time. The vortex slips over the surface of an ellipsoid, which follows from the conservation laws N · D?N=C ₁ and M · D?N=C ₀=0. The equation of the evolution of the tangential vector M(t) appears to be closed and has integrals of motion M ·D?M=C ₂ and (|M| ? M· G?Ω) = C, with the matrix G? = 2(I?TrD? ? D?)^?1. Crossing of the respective isosurfaces specifies trajectories in the phase space.     

Dynamic phenomena connected with magnetic and antiferroelectric interactions in trirutiles

Dynamic effects caused by the magnetoelectric and antiferroelectric interactions in tetragonal antiferromagnets are studied. The analysis is based on the example of trirutiles that are a series of antiferromagnets with different exchange structures and orientation states. We are mainly dealing with the excitation by an alternating electric field E(t) of spin waves typical of these magnets (antiferroelectric resonance) and the nuclear magnetoelectric resonance connected with these interactions. In the first case, special emphasis is placed on specific magnons (antimagnons), where only the antiferromagnetism vectors L take part in oscillations, whereas the total ferromagnetism vector M remains unchanged. The nuclear magnetoelectric resonance can be generated by oscillations of both L and M caused by field E(t). In this way, the field contributes to the hyperfine field, which acts on the nuclear spins. It is shown that the magnetic and antiferroelectric interactions in the dynamics can manifest themselves both at high (usually, exchange) frequencies ωw_E (antiferroelectric resonance) and at rather low nuclear frequencies of ω_n?ω_E. Particular cases of magnetic structures (phases) are considered where field E(t) can excite not only antimagnons, but also quasiantiferromagnons that have lower eigenfrequencies than those of quasimagnons (relativistic and semirelativistic).     

Ordering of the lowest tungsten carbide W<Subscript>2</Subscript>C

Atomic-vacancy ordering of the lowest tungsten carbide W₂C with the basis hexagonal structure of the L’3 type is analyzed by neutron and x-ray diffraction studies. It is found that the trigonal phase ?-W₂C (space group \(P\bar 3\) 1m) is the only ordered phase in the temperature range from ～2700 to 1370 K. The disorder-order phase transition channel associated with the formation of the trigonal ?-W₂C phase is found to include three superstructure vectors k ₁₅ ⁽¹⁾ , k ₁₅ ⁽²⁾ , and k ₁₇ ⁽¹⁾ of two stars {k ₁₅} and {k ₁₇}. The distribution function of the carbon atoms in the trigonal ?-W₂C superstructure is calculated.     

Spin susceptibility of cuprates in the model of a 2D frustrated antiferromagnet: Role of renormalization of spin fluctuations in describing neutron experiments

Experimental data on the spin susceptibility of HTSC cuprates are reproduced on the basis of a spherically symmetric approach in the frustrated Heisenberg model. The inclusion of real and imaginary renormalizations in spin Green’s functions makes it possible to explain the evolution of spin excitation spectrum ω(q) and susceptibility spectrum χ(q, ω) in the range from insulator to optimal doping. In the low-frustration limit corresponding to the weakly doped mode, the saddle singularity of ω(q) and scaling of χ_2D(ω) =∫d q Im χ(q, ω) are reproduced and an analytic expression is derived for the scaling function. In the strong frustration (optimal doping) mode, the stripe scenario is demonstrated; this leads to a peak of χ_2D (ω) in the region of ω～60 meV.     

Waves in a superlattice with anisotropic inhomogeneities

Dependences of the dispersion laws and damping of waves in an initially sinusoidal superlattice on inhomogeneities with anisotropic correlation properties are studied for the first time. The period of the superlattice is modulated by the random function described by the anisotropic correlation function K_?(r) that has different correlation radii, k _∥ ^?1 and k _⊥ ^?1 , along the axis of the superlattice z and in the plane xy, respectively. The anisotropy of the correlation is characterized by the parameter λ=1?k_⊥/k_∥ that can change from λ=0 to λ=1 when the correlation wave number k⊥ changes from k_⊥=k_∥ (isotropic 3D inhomogeneities) to k_⊥=0 (1D inhomogeneities). The correlation function of the superlattice K(r) is developed. Its decreasing part goes to the asymptote L that divides the correlation volume into two parts, characterized by finite and infinite correlation radii. The dependences of the width of the gap in the spectrum at the boundary of the Brillouin zone δν and the damping of waves ξ on the value of λ are studied. It is shown that decreasing L leads to the decrease of δν, and increase of ξ, with the increase of λ.     

Magnetic nesting and coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity

If the condition ε_σ(p)=ε_?σ(?p+nI/v_F) for magnetic nesting is fulfilled for the electron dispersion law with spin σ along a certain preferential direction n, ferromagnetism and the inhomogeneous superconducting state can coexist up to a very high magnetization I. This fact was used to explain the coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity for layered cuprates of the RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈ type, which possess a finite, though rather high, critical magnetization, because the conditions for magnetic nesting are fulfilled only approximately.     

Über eine Näherung für Gitterelektronen in äußeren Feldern

The Hamilton operator of an electron in a periodic lattice potential under influence of external electric and magnetic fields with potentialsV(r) andA(r) resp. is often replaced by an approximate operatorW ⁰ (?i?+A(r))+V(r) for one single energy bandW ⁰(k) which means a renormalization of the kinetic energy by the lattice. The validity of this replacement is examined and the magnitude of its error is roughly estimated. Neglecting other bands one obtains an error term proportional to the derivative of the electric field strengthF, if one takes a suitable position of the “raster” of the replacement operator, and to the square of the magnetic field strengthB resp. The decoupling from the other energy bands leads to error terms proportionalF ² andB ² resp. which however in the general case increase rapidly in the vicinity of overlapping energy bands.     

On the Negative Spectrum of the Two-Dimensional Schrödinger Operator with Radial Potential

For a two-dimensional Schrödinger operator H _{α V}  = ?Δ ?αV with the radial potential V(x) = F(|x|), F(r) ≥ 0, we study the behavior of the number N _?(H _{α V} ) of its negative eigenvalues, as the coupling parameter α tends to infinity. We obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for the semi-classical growth N _?(H _{α V} ) = O(α) and for the validity of the Weyl asymptotic law.     

Special features of the electric components of acoustic waves in the vicinity of nonpiezoactive directions in crystals

The conditions of existence of the zero components of electric field E and electric induction D accompanying a volume acoustic wave propagating in a piezoelectric medium have been studied. General equations describing the positions of the zero-field lines E(m) = 0 and the zero-induction points m₀, such that D(m₀) = 0 on the unit sphere (m² = 1) of the wave propagation directions, are obtained. General theorems determining the conditions ensuring the existence of such lines and points, even in triclinic crystals, are formulated. The relationship between such directions and various elements of the crystal symmetry is analyzed. The vector fields D(m), which are always orthogonal to the wave normals m, in the vicinity of the zero-induction points m₀ exhibit certain orientational singularities characterized by the Poincaré indices n = 0, ±1, ±2. The general analytical expressions are obtained for the n values in crystals with arbitrary anisotropy and specified for a number of crystals belonging to various symmetry classes. The conditions of stability of the orientational singularities with respect to small perturbations of the material moduli and a change in the crystal symmetry are considered.     

V<Subscript>52</Subscript>O<Subscript>64</Subscript> tetragonal superstructure of cubic vanadium monoxide with vacancies in the metal sublattice

The atom-vacancy ordering of cubic vanadium monoxide VO_1.29, which has basis cubic structure B1 and structural vacancies in the metal sublattice, has been studied using the x-ray diffraction method. It has been shown that the formation of the tetragonal (space group I4₁/amd) ordered phase V₅₂O₆₄ of cubic vanadium monoxide VO_y proceeds as a first-order phase transition through the disorder-order channel including 22 nonequivalent superstructure vectors of four stars {k ₁₀}, {k ₄}, {k ₃}, and {k ₂}. The distribution function of the vanadium atoms in the V₅₂O₆₄ tetragonal superstructure has been calculated.