Geometric heat pump: Controlling thermal transport with time-dependent modulations

The second law of thermodynamics dictates that heat simultaneously flows from the hot to cold bath on average. To go beyond this picture, a range of works in the past decade show that, other than the average dynamical heat flux determined by instantaneous thermal bias, a non-trivial flux contribution of intrinsic geometric origin is generally present in temporally driven systems. This additional heat flux provides a free lunch for the pumped heat and could even drive heat against the bias. We review here the emergence and development of this so called “geometric heat pump”, originating from the topological geometric phase effect, and cover various quantum and classical transport systems with different internal dynamics. The generalization from the adiabatic to the non-adiabatic regime and the application of control theory are also discussed. Then, we briefly discuss the symmetry restriction on the heat pump effect, such as duality, supersymmetry and time-reversal symmetry. Finally, we examine open problems concerning the geometric heat pump process and elucidate their prospective significance in devising thermal machines with high performance.     

Unifying quantum heat transfer and superradiant signature in a nonequilibrium collective-qubit system:A polaron-transformed Redfield approach

We investigate full counting statistics of quantum heat transfer in a collective-qubit system constructed by multiqubits interacting with two thermal baths. The nonequilibrium polaron-transformed Redfield approach embedded with an auxiliary counting field is applied to obtain the steady state heat current and fluctuations, which enables us to study the impact of the qubit–bath interaction in a wide regime. The heat current, current noise, and skewness are all found to clearly unify the limiting results in the weak and strong couplings. Moreover, the superradiant heat transfer is clarified as a system-size-dependent effect, and large number of qubits dramatically suppress the nonequilibrium superradiant signature.     

Impact of counter-rotating-wave term on quantum heat transfer and phonon statistics in nonequilibrium qubit–phonon hybrid system

Counter-rotating-wave terms(CRWTs)are traditionally viewed to be crucial in open small quantum systems with strong system–bath dissipation.Here by exemplifying in a nonequilibrium qubit–phonon hybrid model,we show that CRWTs can play the significant role in quantum heat transfer even with weak system–bath dissipation.By using extended coherent phonon states,we obtain the quantum master equation with heat exchange rates contributed by rotating-waveterms(RWTs)and CRWTs,respectively.We find that including only RWTs,the steady state heat current and current fluctuations will be significantly suppressed at large temperature bias,whereas they are strongly enhanced by considering CRWTs in addition.Furthermore,for the phonon statistics,the average phonon number and two-phonon correlation are nearly insensitive to strong qubit–phonon hybridization with only RWTs,whereas they will be dramatically cooled down via the cooperative transitions based on CRWTs in addition.Therefore,CRWTs in quantum heat transfer system should be treated carefully.     

Equivalent formulations of ＂the equation of life＂

Motivated by progress in theoretical biology a recent proposal on a general and quantitative dynamical framework for nonequilibrium processes and dynamics of complex systems is briefly reviewed. It is nothing but the evolutionary process discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace. Such general and structured dynamics may be tentatively named "the equation of life". Three equivalent formulations are discussed, and it is also pointed out that such a quantitative dynamical framework leads naturally to the powerful Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution and the second law in physics. In this way, the equation of life provides a logically consistent foundation for thermodynamics. This view clarifies a particular outstanding problem and further suggests a unifying principle for physics and biology.     

Failure of the free non-Markovian heat energy relation under a bath temperature change

We investigate the free energy relation for a system contacting with a non-Markovian heat bath and find that the validity of the relation sensitively depends on the non-Markovian memory effect, which is especially related to the initial preparation effect. This memory effect drives the statistical distribution of the system out of the initial preparation, even if the system starts from an equilibrium state. This leads to the violation of the free energy relation. A possible way of eliminating this memory effect is proposed.     

Effective temperature and fluctuation-dissipation theorem in athermal granular systems:A review

The definition and the previous measurements of a dynamics-relevant temperature-like quantity in granular media are reviewed for slow and fast particle systems. Especially, the validity of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem in such an athermal system is explored. Experimental evidences for the fluctuation-dissipation theorem relevant effect temperature support the athermal statistical mechanics, which has been widely explored in recent years by physicists. Difficulties encountered in defining temperature or establishing thermodynamics or statistical mechanics in non-equilibrium situations are discussed.     

Steady-state entanglement and heat current of two coupled qubits in two baths without rotating wave approximation

We study the steady-state entanglement and heat current of two coupled qubits, in which two qubits are connected with two independent heat baths(IHBs) or two common heat baths(CHBs). We construct the master equation in the eigenstate representation of two coupled qubits to describe the dynamics of the total system and derive the solutions in the steadystate with stronger coupling regime between two qubits than qubit–baths. We do not make the rotating wave approximation(RWA) for the qubit–qubit interaction, and so we are able to investigate the behaviors of the system in both the strong coupling regime and the weak coupling regime, respectively. In an equilibrium bath, we find that the entanglement decreases with the bath temperature and energy detuning increasing under the strong coupling regime. In the weak coupling regime,the entanglement increases with coupling strength increasing and decreases with the bath temperature and energy detuning increasing. In a nonequilibrium bath, the entanglement without RWA is useful for entanglement at lower temperatures.We also study the heat currents of the two coupled qubits and their variations with the energy detuning, coupling strength and low temperature. In the strong(weak) coupling regime, the heat current increases(decreases) with coupling strength increasing when the temperature of one bath is lower(higher) than the other, and the energy detuning leads to a positive(negative) effect when the temperature is low(high). In the weak coupling regime, the variation trend of heat current is opposite to that of coupling strength for the IHB case and the CHB case.     

Synchronization mechanism of clapping rhythms in mutual interacting individuals

In recent years, clapping synchronization between individuals has been widely studied as one of the typical synchronization phenomena. In this paper, we aim to reveal the synchronization mechanism of clapping interactions by observing two individuals’ clapping rhythms in a series of experiments. We find that the two synchronizing clapping rhythm series exhibit long-range cross-correlations(LRCCs);that is, the interaction of clapping rhythms can be seen as a strong-anticipation process. Previous studies have demonstrated that the interactions in local timescales or global matching in statistical structures of fluctuation in long timescales can be sources of the strong-anticipation process. However, the origin of the strong anticipation process often appears elusive in many complex systems. Here, we find that the clapping synchronization process may result from the local interaction between two clapping individuals and may result from the more global coordination between two clapping individuals. We introduce two stochastic models for mutually interacting clapping individuals that generate the LRCCs and prove theoretically that the generation of clapping synchronization process needs to consider both local interaction and global matching. This study provides a statistical framework for studying the internal synchronization mechanism of other complex systems. Our theoretical model can also be applied to study the dynamics of other complex systems with the LRCCs, including finance, transportation, and climate.     

A Possible Generalized Form of Jarzynski Equality

The crucial condition in the derivation of the Jarzynski equality （JE） from the fluctuation theorem is that the time integral of the phase space contraction factor can be exactly expressed as the entropy production resulting from the heat absorbed by the system from the thermal bath. For the system violating this condition, a more general form of JE may exist. This existence is verified by three Gedanken experiments and numerical simulations, and may be confirmed by the real experiment in the nanoscale.     

The Third Law of Quantum Thermodynamics in the Presence of Anomalous Couplings

The quantum thermodynamic functions of a harmonic oscillator coupled to a heat bath through velocity-dependent coupling are obtained analytically. It is shown that both the free energy and the entropy decay fast with the temperature in relation to that of the usual coupling from. This implies that the velocity-dependent coupling helps to ensure the third law of thermodynamics.     

Crossover Phenomena in Detrended Fluctuation Analysis Used in Financial Markets

A systematic analysis of Shanghai and Japan stock indices for the period of Jan. 1984 to Dec. 2005 is performed. After stationarity is verified by ADF （Augmented Dickey-Fuller） test, the power spectrum of the data exhibits a power law decay as a whole characterized by 1/f^β processes with possible long range correlations. Subsequently, by using the method of detrended fluctuation analysis （DFA） of the general volatility in the stock markets, we find that the long-range correlations are occurred among the return series and the crossover phenomena exhibit in the results obviously.Further, Shanghai stock market shows long-range correlations in short time scale and shows short-range correlations in long time scale. Whereas, for Japan stock market, the data behaves oppositely absolutely. Last, we compare the varying of scale exponent in large volatility between two stock markets. All results obtained may indicate the possibility of characteristic of multifractal scaling behavior of the financial markets.     

Potential-Decomposition Strategy in Markov Chain Monte Carlo Sampling Algorithms

We introduce the potential-decomposition strategy （PDS）, which can be used in Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling algorithms. PDS can be designed to make particles move in a modified potential that favors diffusion in phase space, then, by rejecting some trial samples, the target distributions can be sampled in an unbiased manner. Furthermore, if the accepted trial samples are insumcient, they can be recycled as initial states to form more unbiased samples. This strategy can greatly improve efficiency when the original potential has multiple metastable states separated by large barriers. We apply PDS to the 2d Ising model and a double-well potential model with a large barrier, demonstrating in these two representative examples that convergence is accelerated by orders of magnitude.     

Synchronization in a Mutualism Ecosystem Induced by Noise Correlation

Understanding the cause of the synchronization of population evolution is an important issue for ecological improvement. Here we present a Lotka-Volterra-type model driven by two correlated environmental noises and show, via theoretical analysis and direct simulation, that noise correlation can induce a synchronization of the mutualists. The time series of mutual species exhibit a chaotic-like fluctuation, which is independent of the noise correlation, however, the chaotic fluctuation of mutual species ratio decreases with the noise correlation. A quantitative parameter defined for characterizing chaotic fluctuation provides a good approach to measure when the complete synchronization happens.     

Casimir Force at a Finite Cut-Off

We calculate the Casimir force at a finite cut-off A by summing the forces induced by the all fluctuation modes. We show that the Casimir force is independent of the cut-off function in the limit L∧ → ∞. There is a correction in the order of （L∧）^-2, when L∧ is finite and large. This correction becomes remarkable when L is comparable with the microscopic length scale ∧^-1. It has been demonstrated that the Casimir force at a finite cut-off should be defined by summing forces of all fluctuation modes, instead of the derivative of Casimir energy with respect to L where an additional derivative of the cut-off function has been introduced.     

Magnetic Properties of Ferromagnetic Double Layers with Ferrimagnetic Interlayer Coupling at Zero Temperature

Spin-wave theory is used to study magnetic properties of ferromagnetic double layers with a ferrimagnetic interlayer coupling at zero temperature. The spin-wave spectra and four sublattices magnetizations and internal energy are calculated by employing retarded Green function technique. The sublattice magnetizations at ground state are smaller than their classical values, owing to the zero-point quantum fluctuations of the spins.     

Quantum Monte Carlo Study of Frustrated Spin Chain under External Field

In this paper a stochastic series expansion quantum Monte Carlo algorithm is used to study a frustrated spin chain with diagonal next-nearest-neighbor interactions. The detailed balance conditions are carefully analyzed to improve the efficiency of simulation process. As an application of this algothrim, the total magnetization, the static structure factor and spin-stiffness are calculated for a certain set of system parameters as a function of external field strength.     

A Simple Discrete Model of Brownian Motors: Time-periodic Markov Chains

In this paper, we consider periodically inhomogeneous Markov chains, which can be regarded as a simple version of physical model—Brownian motors. We introduce for them the concepts of periodical reversibility, detailed balance, entropy production rate and circulation distribution. We prove the equivalence of the following statements: The time-periodic Markov chain is periodically reversible; It is in detailed balance; Kolmogorov's cycle condition is satisfied; Its entropy production rate vanishes; Every circuit and its reversed circuit have the same circulation weight. Hence, in our model of Markov chains, the directed transport phenomenon of Brownian motors, i.e. the existence of net circulation, can occur only in nonequilibrium and irreversible systems. Moreover, we verify the large deviation property and the Gallavotti-Cohen fluctuation theorem of sample entropy production rates of the Markov chain.     

Antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations above the dome-shaped and full-gap superconducting states of LaFeAsO1-xFx revealed by (75)As-nuclear quadrupole resonance

We report a systematic study by (75)As nuclear-quadrupole resonance in LaFeAsO(1-x)F(x). The antiferromagnetic spin fluctuation found above the magnetic ordering temperature T(N) = 58 K for x = 0.03 persists in the regime 0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.08, where superconductivity sets in. A dome-shaped x dependence of the superconducting transition temperature T(c) is found, with the highest T(c) = 27 K at x = 0.06, which is realized under significant antiferromagnetic spin fluctuation. With increasing x further, the antiferromagnetic spin fluctuation decreases, and so does T(c). These features resemble closely the cuprates La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO(4). In x = 0.06, the spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T(1)) below T(c) decreases exponentially down to 0.13T(c), which unambiguously indicates that the energy gaps are fully opened. The temperature variation of 1/T(1) below T(c) is rendered nonexponential for other x by impurity scattering.     

Remarks on interpretations of the Eotvos experiment and misinterpretation of E=mc^2

The Eotvos experiment on the verification of equivalence between inertial mass and gravitational mass of a body is famous for its accuracy. A question is, however, can these experimental results be applied to the case of a physical space in general relativity, where the space coordinates could be arbitrary？ It is pointed out that it can be validly applied because it has been proven that Einstein＇s equivalence principle for a physical space must have a frame of reference with the Euclidean-like structure. Will claimed further that such an overall accuracy can be translated into an accuracy of the equivalence between inertial mass and each type of energy. It is shown that, according to general relativity, such a claim is incorrect. The root of this problem is due to an inadequate understanding of special relativity that produced the famous equation E=mc^2, which must be understood in terms of energy conservation. Concurrently, it is pointed out that this error is a problem in Will＇s book, ‘Theory and Experiment in Gravitational Physics＇.     

First-Principles Calculations of Atomic and Electronic Properties of T1 and In on Si（111）

The atomic and electronic structures of T1 and In on Si（111） surfaces are investigated using the firstprinciples total energy calculations. Total energy optimizations show that the energetically favored structure is 1/3 ML T1 adsorbed at the T4 sites on Si（111） surfaces. The adsorption energy difference of one T1 adatom between （√3 × √3） and （1 × 1） is less than that of each In adatom. The DOS indicates that TI 6p and Si 3p electrons play a very important role in the formation of the surface states. It is concluded that the bonding of TI adatoms on Si（111） surfaces is mainly polar covalent, which is weaker than that of In on Si（111）. So T1 atom is more easy to be migrated than In atom in the same external electric field and the structures of T1 on Si（111） is prone to switch between （√3 × √3） and （1 × 1）.