Nonlinear elasticity of composite networks of stiff biopolymers with flexible linkers

Motivated by recent experiments showing nonlinear elasticity of in vitro networks of the biopolymer actin cross-linked with filamin, we present an effective medium theory of flexibly cross-linked stiff polymer networks. We model such networks by randomly oriented elastic rods connected by flexible connectors to a surrounding elastic continuum, which self-consistently represents the behavior of the rest of the network. This model yields a crossover from a linear elastic regime to a highly nonlinear elastic regime that stiffens in a way quantitatively consistent with experiment.     

Deformation and collapse of microtubules on the nanometer scale

We probe the local mechanical properties of microtubules at the nanometer scale by radial indentation with a scanning force microscope tip. We find a linear elastic regime that can be described by both thin-shell theory and finite element methods, in which microtubules are modeled as hollow tubes. We also find a nonlinear regime and catastrophic collapse of the microtubules under large loads. The main physics of protein shells at the nanometer scale shows simultaneously aspects of continuum elasticity in their linear response, as well as molecular graininess in their nonlinear behavior.     

Force distributions and force chains in random stiff fiber networks

We study the elasticity of random stiff fiber networks. The elastic response of the fibers is characterized by a central force stretching stiffness as well as a bending stiffness that acts transverse to the fiber contour. Previous studies have shown that this model displays an anomalous elastic regime where the stretching mode is fully frozen out and the elastic energy is completely dominated by the bending mode. We demonstrate by simulations and scaling arguments that, in contrast to the bending dominated elastic energy, the equally important elastic forces are to a large extent stretching dominated. By characterizing these forces on microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic scales we find two mechanisms of how forces are transmitted in the network. While forces smaller than a threshold F_c are effectively balanced by a homogeneous background medium, forces larger than F_c are found to be heterogeneously distributed throughout the sample, giving rise to highly localized force chains known from granular media.     

Transient binding and dissipation in cross-linked actin networks

In contrast with entangled actin solutions, transiently cross-linked actin networks can provide highly elastic properties while still allowing for local rearrangements in the microstructure-on biological relevant time scales. Here, we show that thermal unbinding of transient cross-links entails local stress relaxation and energy dissipation in an intermediate elasticity dominated frequency regime. We quantify the viscoelastic response of an isotropically cross-linked actin network by experimentally tuning the off rate of the transiently cross-linking molecules, their density, and the solvent viscosity. We reproduce the measured frequency response by a semiphenomenological model that is predicated on microscopic unbinding events.     

Gauge model of a crack

The paper proposes a model of a crack system as local symmetry breaking for a group of 3D rotations compensated by fictitious fields that make Lagrangian equations of elastic energy density covariant in the effective Riemannian space. Equilibrium equations are solved using the perturbation theory with the number of notches being a small parameter, and exact expressions are derived for stress and gauge fields in a 2D problem by applying Hilbert transform to orthogonal Chebyshev polynomials. The model is generalized to nonlinear elasticity (deformation theory of plasticity) and statistical mesomechanics models. Also presented is a solution for stress concentration in a system of arbitrarily oriented cracks which takes into account their mutual influence at any order of the perturbation theory and reduces to a system of linear equations with explicit exact solutions.     

Deformation and strength of silica fibers in three-point bending in consideration of nonlinear elasticity of glass

We consider the problem of asymmetric strain and stress distribution in silica fiber under threepoint bending. The parameters of nonlinear elasticity of silica glass under tension and compression are estimated using available data from the literature. It has been found that consideration of the nonlinear elasticity of silica glass leads to a slight increase in the calculated values of strength compared to the data obtained from estimates based on the linear theory of elasticity.     

非线性偏振旋转锁模自相似脉冲光纤激光器的研究

利用耦合非线性薛定谔方程（CNLSE）为非线性偏振旋转（NPE）锁模自相似光纤激光器建立了一种新的数值模型.模型中,用CNLSE描述脉冲在单模光纤中的传播,在增益光纤中同时考虑了增益带宽和增益饱和作用,用传输矩阵描述构成NPE锁模的光学元件.优化了腔内净色散和光纤长度等参数,模拟了脉冲在激光腔内的演化特性,得到了典型的自相似脉冲运行区域及特点.在最佳自相似脉冲运行区域内,得到了能量约为7 nJ、脉宽约11 ps、线性啁啾的抛物脉冲.比较了不同腔内净色散条件下输出脉冲的特点,给出了三阶色散对输出脉冲的影响. 关键词： 自相似脉冲 非线性偏振旋转锁模 耦合非线性薛定谔方程 数值模拟     

Parametrically shaped femtosecond pulses in the nonlinear regime obtained by reverse propagation in an optical fiber

We present the experimental realization of a method to generate predetermined, arbitrary pulse shapes after transmission through an optical fiber in the nonlinear regime. The method is based on simulating the reverse propagation of the desired pulse shape in the fiber. First, linear and nonlinear parameters of a single-mode step-index fiber required for the simulation are determined. The calculated pulse shapes are then generated in a pulse shaper.     

Inference and phase transitions in the detection of modules in sparse networks

We present an asymptotically exact analysis of the problem of detecting communities in sparse random networks generated by stochastic block models. Using the cavity method of statistical physics and its relationship to belief propagation, we unveil a phase transition from a regime where we can infer the correct group assignments of the nodes to one where these groups are undetectable. Our approach yields an optimal inference algorithm for detecting modules, including both assortative and disassortative functional modules, assessing their significance, and learning the parameters of the underlying block model. Our algorithm is scalable and applicable to real-world networks, as long as they are well described by the block model.     

Salt-modulated structure of polyelectrolyte-macroion complex fibers

The structure and stability of strongly charged complex fibers, formed by complexation of a single long semi-flexible polyelectrolyte chain and many oppositely charged spherical macroions, are investigated numerically at the ground-state level using a chain-sphere cell model. The model takes into account chain elasticity as well as electrostatic interactions between charged spheres and chain segments. Using a numerical optimization method based on a periodically repeated unit cell, we obtain fiber configurations that minimize the total energy. The optimal fiber configurations exhibit a variety of helical structures for the arrangement of macroions including zig-zag, solenoidal and beads-on-a-string patterns. These structures result from the competition between attraction between spheres and the polyelectrolyte chain (which favors chain wrapping around the spheres), chain bending rigidity and electrostatic repulsion between chain segments (which favor unwrapping of the chain), and the interactions between neighboring sphere-chain complexes which can be attractive or repulsive depending on the system parameters such as salt concentration, macroion charge and chain length per macroion (linker size). At about physiological salt concentration, dense zig-zag patterns are found to be energetically most stable when parameters appropriate for the DNA-histone system in the chromatin fiber are adopted. In fact, the predicted fiber diameter in this regime is found to be around 30 nanometers, which roughly agrees with the thickness observed in in vitro experiments on chromatin. We also find a macroion (histone) density of 5–6 per 11nm which agrees with results from the zig-zag or cross-linker models of chromatin. Since our study deals primarily with a generic chain-sphere model, these findings suggest that structures similar to those found for chromatin should also be observable for polyelectrolyte-macroion complexes formed in solutions of DNA and synthetic nano-colloids of opposite charge. In the ensemble where the mean linear density of spheres on the chain is fixed, the present model predicts a phase separation at intermediate salt concentrations into a densely packed complex phase and a dilute phase.     

Nonlinear study of symmetry breaking in actin gels: implications for cellular motility

Force generation by actin polymerization is an important step in cellular motility and can induce the motion of organelles or bacteria, which move inside their host cells by trailing an actin tail behind. Biomimetic experiments on beads and droplets have identified the biochemical ingredients to induce this motion, which requires a spontaneous symmetry breaking in the absence of external fields. We find that the symmetry breaking can be captured on the basis of elasticity theory and linear flux-force relationships. Furthermore, we develop a phase-field approach to study the fully nonlinear regime and show that actin-comet formation is a robust feature, triggered by growth and mechanical stresses. We discuss the implications of symmetry breaking for self-propulsion.     

Third-Order Optical Nonlinearity in Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

We present a detailed calculation of the linear and nonlinear optical response of four types of monolayer twodimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), having the formula MX₂ with M=Mo, W and X=S, Se. The calculations are based on 6-band tight-binding model of TMDCs, and then performing a semi-classical perturbation analysis of response functions. We numerically calculate the linear χ_μν⁽¹⁾ (-ω;ω) and nonlinear surface susceptibility tensors χ_μνζη⁽³⁾(-ω_Σ; ω_r; ω_s; ω_t) with ω_Σ=ω_r+ω_s+ω_t. Both non-degenerate and degenerate cases are studied for thirdharmonic generation and nonlinear refractive index, respectively. Computational results obtained with no external fitting parameters are discussed regarding two recent reported experiments on MoS₂, and thus we can confirm the extraordinarily strong optical nonlinearity of TMDCs. As a possible application, we demonstrate generation of a π/4-rotated squeezed state by means of nonlinear response of TMDCs, in a silica micro-disk resonator covered with the 2D material. Our proposed method will enable accurate calculations of nonlinear optical response, such as four-wave mixing and highharmonic generation in 2D materials and their heterostructures, thus enabling study of novel functionalities of 2D photonic integrated circuits.     

Response of a PCF-based modal interferometer to lateral stress: Resonant behavior and performance as sensor

The performance of a fiber-based modal interferometer as lateral stress sensor has been analyzed, both for static and periodic forces applied on it. The central fiber of the interferometer is a photonic crystal fiber. Forces are applied on it perpendicular to its axis, so that they squeeze it. In static situations, changes in the transmission spectrum of the interferometer are studied as a function of the charges applied. Measurements with several interferometers have been carried out in order to analyze the influence of its length and of its splices’ transmission on the device operation, looking for optimization of its linearity and sensibility. The effect of periodic charges, as an emulation of vibrations, has also been studied. The analysis is centered on the frequency dependence of the response. In linear regime (small enough periodic charges), the results obtained are satisfactorily explained by treating the central fiber of the interferometer as a mechanical resonator whose vibration modes coincide with the ones of a cylinder with clamped ends. In nonlinear regime, period doubling and other anharmonic behaviors have been observed.     

The equation of state of a microinhomogeneous medium and the frequency dependence of its elastic nonlinearity

In the framework of a rheological model, a nonlinear dynamic equation of state of a microinhomogeneous medium containing nonlinear viscoelastic inclusions is derived. The frequency dependences of the effective nonlinear parameters are determined for the difference frequency and second harmonic generation processes in the case of a quadratic elastic nonlinearity. It is shown that the frequency dependence of the nonlinear elasticity of the medium is governed by the linear relaxation response of the inclusions at the primary excitation frequency, as well as by the relaxation of the inclusions at the nonlinear generation frequencies.     

Fano resonance and wave transmission through a chain structure with an isolated ring composed of defects

We consider a discrete model that describes a linear chain of particles coupled to an isolated ring composed of N defects.This simple system can be regarded as a generalization of the familiar Fano-Anderson model.It can be used to model discrete networks of coupled defect modes in photonic crystals and simple waveguide arrays in two-dimensional lattices.The analytical result of the transmission coefficient is obtained,along with the conditions for perfect reflections and transmissions due to either destructive or constructive interferences.Using a simple example,we further investigate the relationship between the resonant frequencies and the number of defects N,and study how to affect the numbers of perfect reflections and transmissions.In addition,we demonstrate how these resonance transmissions and refections can be tuned by one nonlinear defect of the network that possesses a nonlinear Kerr-like response.     

非线性双折射色散光纤中极化调制不稳定性分析

利用光脉冲在光纤中传播时所遵守的相干非线性薛定谔耦合方程,研究了线偏振光在光纤中的传输特性.结果表明:由于线性双折射、非线性效应和色散的相互作用,导致光的偏振状态发生变化,产生交叉相位调制(XPM),从而导致调制不稳定性.这一调制不稳性不仅在反常色散区产生,在正常色散区也能产生,并且线性双折射发生变化时,增益谱也随之发生变化.     

Spin-dependent transport through magnetic nanojunctions

Coherent electronic transport through a molecular device is studied using non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism. Such device is made of atomic nanowire which is connected to ferromagnetic electrodes. The molecule itself is described with the help of Hubbard model (Coulomb interactions are treated by means of the Hartree-Fock approximation), while the coupling to the electrodes is modeled through the use of a broad-band theory. It was shown that magnetoresistance varies periodically with increasing length of the atomic wire (in the linear response regime) and oscillates with increasing bias voltage (in the nonlinear response regime). Since the TMR effect for analyzed structures is predicted to be large (tens of percent), these junctions seem to be suitable for application as magnetoresistive elements in future electronic circuits.     

Fano resonance and wave transmission through a chain structure with an isolated ring composed of defects

We consider a discrete model that describes a linear chain of particles coupled to an isolated ring composed of N defects. This simple system can be regarded as a generalization of the familiar Fano-Anderson model. It can be used to model discrete networks of coupled defect modes in photonic crystals and simple waveguide arrays in two-dimensional lattices. The analytical result of the transmission coefficient is obtained, along with the conditions for perfect reflections and transmissions due to either destructive or constructive interferences. Using a simple example, we further investigate the relationship between the resonant frequencies and the number of defects N, and study how to affect the numbers of perfect reflections and transmissions. In addition, we demonstrate how these resonance transmissions and refections can be tuned by one nonlinear defect of the network that possesses a nonlinear Kerr-like response.     

Fiber coupling to BaTiO3 glass microspheres in an aqueous environment

Compact microspheres with high-quality (Q) whispering gallery modes are required for many applications involving liquid immersion, such as sensing nanoparticles and studying resonant radiative pressure effects. We show that high-index (1.9 and 2.1) barium titanate glass (BTG) microspheres are perfect candidates for these applications due to their high-Q (～10(4) in the 1100-1600 nm range) resonances evanescently excited in spheres with diameters of 4-15 μm. By reattaching the spheres at different positions along a tapered optical fiber, we show that the coupling constant exponentially increases with thinner fiber diameters. We demonstrate the close to critical coupling regime with intrinsic Q=3×10(4) for water immersed 14 μm BTG spheres.