Many-body quantum electrodynamics networks: Non-equilibrium condensed matter physics with light

We review recent developments regarding the quantum dynamics and many-body physics with light, in superconducting circuits and Josephson analogues, by analogy with atomic physics. We start with quantum impurity models addressing dissipative and driven systems. Both theorists and experimentalists are making efforts towards the characterization of these non-equilibrium quantum systems. We show how Josephson junction systems can implement the equivalent of the Kondo effect with microwave photons. The Kondo effect can be characterized by a renormalized light frequency and a peak in the Rayleigh elastic transmission of a photon. We also address the physics of hybrid systems comprising mesoscopic quantum dot devices coupled with an electromagnetic resonator. Then, we discuss extensions to Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) Networks allowing one to engineer the Jaynes–Cummings lattice and Rabi lattice models through the presence of superconducting qubits in the cavities. This opens the door to novel many-body physics with light out of equilibrium, in relation with the Mott–superfluid transition observed with ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices. Then, we summarize recent theoretical predictions for realizing topological phases with light. Synthetic gauge fields and spin–orbit couplings have been successfully implemented in quantum materials and with ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices — using time-dependent Floquet perturbations periodic in time, for example — as well as in photonic lattice systems. Finally, we discuss the Josephson effect related to Bose–Hubbard models in ladder and two-dimensional geometries, producing phase coherence and Meissner currents. The Bose–Hubbard model is related to the Jaynes–Cummings lattice model in the large detuning limit between light and matter (the superconducting qubits). In the presence of synthetic gauge fields, we show that Meissner currents subsist in an insulating Mott phase.     

A structural model of market dynamics,and why it matters

In this paper, we explore an approach to understanding price fluctuations within a market via considerations of functional dependencies between asset prices. Interestingly, this approach suggests a class of models of a type used earlier to describe the dynamics of real and artificial neural networks. Statistical physics approaches turn out to be suitable for an analysis of their collective properties. In this paper, we first motivate the basic phenomenology and modelling arguments before moving on to discussing some major issues with inference and empirical verification. In particular, we focus on the natural creation of market states through the inclusion of interactions and how these then interfere with inference. This is primarily addressed in a synthetic setting. Finally we investigate real data to test the ability of our approach to capture some key features of the behaviour of financial markets.     

Quantum simulation of the Hubbard model with ultracold fermions in optical lattices

Ultracold atomic gases provide a fantastic platform to implement quantum simulators and investigate a variety of models initially introduced in condensed matter physics or other areas. One of the most promising applications of quantum simulation is the study of strongly correlated Fermi gases, for which exact theoretical results are not always possible with state-of-the-art approaches. Here, we review recent progress of the quantum simulation of the emblematic Fermi–Hubbard model with ultracold atoms. After introducing the Fermi–Hubbard model in the context of condensed matter, its implementation in ultracold atom systems, and its phase diagram, we review landmark experimental achievements, from the early observation of the onset of quantum degeneracy and superfluidity to the demonstration of the Mott insulator regime and the emergence of long-range anti-ferromagnetic order. We conclude by discussing future challenges, including the possible observation of high-$T_{\mathrm{c}}$ superconductivity, transport properties, and the interplay of strong correlations and disorder or topology.     

Some fundamental physics experiments using atomic clocks and sensors

We present several experiments in fundamental physics that use atomic clocks and sensors together with high performance time/frequency transfer methods. Our account is far from being exhaustive and instead concentrates on a chosen subset of present and future experiments, whilst providing some theoretical background. We only give very brief overviews of the experiments and theories, but provide ample references for the interested reader.     

Coarsening in inhomogeneous systems

This article is a brief review of coarsening phenomena occurring in systems where quenched features—such as random field, varying coupling constants or lattice vacancies—spoil homogeneity. We discuss the current understanding of the problem in ferromagnetic systems with a non-conserved scalar order parameter by focusing primarily on the form of the growth law of the ordered domains and on the scaling properties.     

The thermoelectric working fluid: Thermodynamics and transport

Thermoelectric devices are heat engines, which operate as generators or refrigerators using the conduction electrons as a working fluid. The thermoelectric heat-to-work conversion efficiency has always been typically quite low, but much effort continues to be devoted to the design of new materials boasting improved transport properties that would make them of the electron crystal–phonon glass type of systems. On the other hand, there are comparatively few studies where a proper thermodynamic treatment of the electronic working fluid is proposed. The present article aims at contributing to bridge this gap by addressing both the thermodynamic and transport properties of the thermoelectric working fluid covering a variety of models, including interacting systems.     

高温高压下闪锌矿相GaN结构和热力学特性的分子动力学研究

利用分子动力学方法和Buckingham经验势模型对重要半导体材料GaN立方闪锌矿相的晶格常数、相变压力(从闪锌矿到岩盐结构)、热膨胀、等温体模量、定压热容等结构和热力学特性在300—3000K的温度范围和0—65GPa的压力范围内进行了研究.研究表明，闪锌矿相GaN常态下的结构和热力学参数的模拟结果与实验数据及其他理论结果相符.同时在所选作用势模型可靠性检验的基础上，对等温体模量、定压热容诸非谐性参量在高温高压下的热力学行为进行了预测.所得结果在材料科学等领域的研究中具有一定的应用背景和参考价值. 关键词： GaN Buckingham势 分子动力学模拟 高温高压     

Phoxonic crystals and cavity optomechanics

Phoxonic crystals are dual phononic/photonic crystals exhibiting simultaneously band gaps for both types of excitations. Therefore, they have the ability to confine phonons and photons in the same cavity and in turn allow the enhancement of their interaction. In this paper, we review some of our theoretical works on cavity optomechanical interactions in different types of phoxonic crystals, including two-dimensional, slab, and nanobeam structures. Two mechanisms are behind the phonon–photon interaction, namely the photoelastic and the moving interface effects. Coupling rates of a few MHz are obtained with high-frequency phonons of a few GHz. Finally, we give some preliminary results about the optomechanical interaction when a metallic nanoparticle is introduced into the cavity, giving rise to coupled photon–plasmon modes or, in the case of very small particles, to an enhancement of the electric field at the position of the particle.     

Dynamics of wealth inequality

We study an agent-based model of evolution of wealth distribution in a macroeconomic system. The evolution is driven by multiplicative stochastic fluctuations governed by the law of proportionate growth and interactions between agents. We are mainly interested in interactions increasing wealth inequality, that is, in a local implementation of the accumulated advantage principle. Such interactions destabilise the system. They are confronted in the model with a global regulatory mechanism that reduces wealth inequality. There are different scenarios emerging as a net effect of these two competing mechanisms. When the effect of the global regulation (economic interventionism) is too weak, the system is unstable and it never reaches equilibrium. When the effect is sufficiently strong, the system evolves towards a limiting stationary distribution with a Pareto tail. In between there is a critical phase. In this phase, the system may evolve towards a steady state with a multimodal wealth distribution. The corresponding cumulative density function has a characteristic stairway pattern that reflects the effect of economic stratification. The stairs represent wealth levels of economic classes separated by wealth gaps. As we show, the pattern is typical for macroeconomic systems with a limited economic freedom. One can find such a multimodal pattern in empirical data, for instance, in the highest percentile of wealth distribution for the population in urban areas of China.     

Sigma-Phase in Fe-Cr and Fe-V Alloy Systems and its Physical Properties

This review addresses the physical properties of the σ-phase in Fe-Cr and Fe-V alloy systems as revealed both with experimental—mostly with the Mössbauer spectroscopy—and theoretical methods. In particular, the following questions relevant to the issue have been addressed: identification of σ and determination of its structural properties, kinetics of α-to-σ and σ-to-α phase transformations, Debye temperature and Fe-partial phonon density of states, Curie temperature and magnetization, hyperfine fields, isomer shifts and electric field gradients.     

Molecular Spin Crossover Materials: Review of the Lattice Dynamical Properties

The lattice dynamical aspects of the spin crossover phenomenon in molecular solids—displaying intricate couplings between the electronic spin state of the molecules and the lattice properties—are reviewed. Emphasis is on experimental and theoretical approaches giving access to the vibrational spectra and to key properties, such as the heat capacity, vibrational entropy and enthalpy, lattice rigidity, elastic constants, and elastic interactions. Recent results in relation to surface and finite size effects as well as with ultrafast out‐of‐equilibrium phenomena are also covered.     

8-羟基喹啉锂的光电性能和取代基效应的密度泛函理论

采用密度泛函理论(DFT)较为系统地研究了给、吸电子取代基对8-羟基喹啉锂(Liq)光电性能的影响。研究结果表明:不同取代基与母体形成不同的共轭,取代基—CN、—OCH3很好地参与了整个π体系共轭,对体系性质影响较大;吸电子基—CF3、—CN、—Cl在5-位取代都使Liq的最高占据轨道(HOMO)、最低空轨道(LUMO)能级降低;给电子基—CH3、—CH3CH2CH2、—OCH3在5-位取代都使Liq的LUMO、HOMO升高,带隙减小,给电性越强,影响越显著;—CN在5-位取代,显著增加了Liq的电子亲和势,降低了电子重组能,使电子更易于注入和传输。与Liq及其它衍生物相比,5-CN-Liq是一种更好的电子注入和传输材料。     

2-（甲苯-4-磺酰胺基）-苯甲酸的结构、光谱与热力学性质的理论研究

在B3LYP/6-31++G^**水平对2-（甲苯-4-磺酰胺基）-苯甲酸分子进行几何构型优化和频率的计算,得到红外光谱,拉曼光谱和不同温度下的热力学性质.结果显示,该分子羧基的碳氧原子、磺酰胺基的氮原子与苯环形成不同的离域大π键,空间位阻效应和共轭效应使两个苯环不在同一平面,二面角为63.2°.使用含时密度泛函理论方法计算第一激发态的电子垂直跃迁能,得到最大吸收波长为312.7?nm,属于近紫外区,这与该分子在二氯甲烷溶剂中的实验测得值307?nm一致. 关键词： 2-（甲苯-4-磺酰胺基）-苯甲酸 光谱 热力学性质 密度泛函理论     

Multiferroic RMnO3 thin films

Multiferroic materials have received an astonishing attention in the last decades due to expectations that potential coupling between distinct ferroic orders could inspire new applications and new device concepts. As a result, a new knowledge on coupling mechanisms and materials science has dramatically emerged. Multiferroic RMnO₃ perovskites are central to this progress, providing a suitable platform to tailor spin–spin and spin–lattice interactions.With views towards applications, the development of thin films of multiferroic materials have also progressed enormously and nowadays thin-film manganites are available, with properties mimicking those of bulk compounds. Here we review achievements on the growth of hexagonal and orthorhombic RMnO₃ epitaxial thin films and the characterization of their magnetic and ferroelectric properties, we discuss some challenging issues, and we suggest some guidelines for future research and developments.