Inverse transitions in the Ghatak–Sherrington model with bimodal random fields

The present work studies the Ghatak–Sherrington (GS) model in the presence of a longitudinal magnetic random field (RF) _hi$h_i$ following a bimodal distribution. The model considers a random bond interaction _Ji,j$J_{i,j}$ which follows a Gaussian distribution with mean _J0/N$J_0/N$ and variance J²/N$J^2/N$. This allows us to introduce the bond disorder strength parameter J/_J0$J/J_0$ to probe the combined effects of disorder coming from the random bond and the discrete RF over unusual phase transitions known as inverse transitions (ITs). The results within a mean field approximation indicate that these two types of disorder have completely distinct roles for the ITs. They indicate that bond disorder creates the necessary conditions for the presence of inverse freezing, or even inverse melting, depending on the bond disorder strength, while the RF tends to enforce mechanisms that destroy the ITs.     

An excitonic model for the electron–hole plasma relaxation in proton-irradiated insulators

The European Physical Journal D - We discuss a Faddeev-like iterative approach which allows one to consistently include the Coulomb potential in strong field phenomena through a Born series. To...     

Dielectric relaxation in polyvinylidenefluoride–polysulfone blends

Dielectric properties of polymer blend of polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PSF) of different wt. % have been studied to understand the molecular motion and their relaxation behavior in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz at different temperatures between 30 and 190 °C. The dielectric constant of the blend decreased with frequency and increased with the increasing temperature and PSF content in the blend. The magnitude of dielectric loss also increased with increase in temperature and PSF content. The observed characteristic has been consistently explained in terms of dipolar motions and the plasticization effect brought about by blending of PSF with PVDF. At constant frequency and temperature, the blend follows a linear relationship between logarithm of their dielectric constant and different ratios of blend. The appearance of a peak for each concentration in dielectric loss suggests the presence of relaxing dipoles in the blend. In addition of PSF with PVDF, the peak shifts toward higher frequency side suggesting the speed up the relaxation process. AC dielectric data is also combined with thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) data which is generally studied for low-frequency dielectric properties of polymers blends so as to produce the results in a wide frequency range. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the blend was studied by differential scanning calorimetric technique (DSC), the T_g was compared and correlated with TSDC peak. The blend samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the formation of blend and micro structural properties of the materials. The shifting of peak toward lower diffraction angle side confirms the reduction in particle size with increasing amorphous content in the blend.     

Bose–Einstein condensation in random potentials

We present a rigorous study of the perfect Bose-gas in the presence of a homogeneous ergodic random potential. It is demonstrated that the Lifshitz tail behaviour of the one-particle spectrum reduces the critical dimensionality of the (generalized) Bose–Einstein Condensation (BEC) to d=1. To tackle the Off-Diagonal Long-Range Order (ODLRO) we introduce the space average one-body reduced density matrix. For a one-dimensional Poisson-type random potential we prove that randomness enhances the exponential decay of this matrix in domain free of the BEC. To cite this article: O. Lenoble et al., C. R. Physique 5 (2004).     

Spin-1 Blume–Capel model with random crystal field effects

The random-crystal field spin-1 Blume–Capel model is investigated by the lowest approximation of the cluster-variation method which is identical to the mean-field approximation. The crystal field is either turned on randomly with probability p$p$ or turned off with q=1−p$q=1-p$ in a bimodal distribution. Then the phase diagrams are constructed on the crystal field (Δ$\Delta$)–temperature (kT/J)$(kT/J)$ planes for given values of p$p$ and on the (kT/J,p$kT/J,p$) planes for given Δ$\Delta$ by studying the thermal variations of the order parameters. In the latter, we only present the second-order phase transition lines, because of the existence of irregular wiggly phase transitions which are not good enough to construct lines. In addition to these phase transitions, the model also yields tricritical points for all values of p$p$ and the reentrant behavior at lower p$p$ values.     

Minor hysteresis loops model based on exponential parameters scaling of the modified Jiles–Atherton model

In this present work, the minor hysteresis loops model based on parameters scaling of the modified Jiles–Atherton model is evaluated by using judicious expressions. These expressions give the minor hysteresis loops parameters as a function of the major hysteresis loop ones. They have exponential form and are obtained by parameters identification using the stochastic optimization method “simulated annealing”. The main parameters influencing the data fitting are three parameters, the pinning parameter k, the mean filed parameter α and the parameter which characterizes the shape of anhysteretic magnetization curve a. To validate this model, calculated minor hysteresis loops are compared with measured ones and good agreements are obtained.     

Asymmetric fluctuation–relaxation paths in FPU models

A recent theory by Bertini, De Sole, Gabrielli, Jona-Lasinio and Landim predicts a temporal asymmetry in the fluctuation–relaxation paths of certain observables of nonequilibrium systems in local thermodynamic equilibrium. We find temporal asymmetries in the fluctuation–relaxation paths of a form of local heat flow, in the nonequilibrium FPU-$\beta$ model of Lepri, Livi and Politi.     

Block model for the XY-type Landau–Ginzburg–Wilson Hamiltonian with random temperature

The phase fluctuation near the saddle point solution of the XY-type Landau–Ginzburg–Wilson Hamiltonian with random temperature is studied. Through some examples, it is argued that the systems are self-organized into blocks, which are coupled as a XY model with random bond. The couplings obtained in this way agree with those by the domain wall method.     

New relaxation model for superparamagnetic particles in Mössbauer spectroscopy

A new model is suggested for the relaxation in a system of superparamagnetic particles. The model takes into account the interparticle interaction and ensuing smearing of energy levels for each individual particle, such that the relaxation between the particle states with opposite directions of magnetic moment never occurs as a transition between the states of the same energy. This generalization of the relaxation model accounts for the diversity of relaxation Mössbauer absorption spectra, allowing all the nonstandard features that were observed previously in the experimental spectra of systems with small-sized particles to be described on a qualitative level.     

Dielectric relaxation in NBT–ST ceramic composite materials

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composites (1-x) Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃-xSrTiO₃, where x?=?0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.2, are prepared by mixing independently-prepared individual phases through sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction revealed the coexistence of rhombohedral and cubic phases. Surface morphology of the composites is observed using SEM, and both the phases are observed in the samples. Spectroscopic studies of the composites are characterized based on Fourier transform infrared, and vibration bands are analyzed at room temperature in the wave number region 500–3,000 cm^?1. Dielectric properties of these composites are measured from room temperature to 400 °C in the frequency range 1–10 kHz, and these studies indicate the presence of defect clusters within the composite materials. P–E hysteresis loops of these samples were measured as a function of temperature and observed large anomalies in the behavior compared to pure sodium bismuth titanate (NBT) (the host material). Unlike NBT, all the composites exhibited excellent P–E loops. In addition, decrease in remanence polarization is observed, with increase of SrTiO₃ at room temperature. Piezoelectric parameter d₃₃ is measured on poled composites.     

Stable exponential cosmological solutions with two factor spaces in the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet model with a $$\Lambda $$-term

We study D-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravitational model including the Gauss–Bonnet term and the cosmological term \(\Lambda \). We find a class of solutions with exponential time dependence of two scale factors, governed by two Hubble-like parameters \(H >0\) and h, corresponding to factor spaces of dimensions \(m >2\) and \(l > 2\), respectively. These solutions contain a fine-tuned \(\Lambda = \Lambda (x, m, l, \alpha )\), which depends upon the ratio \(h/H = x\), dimensions of factor spaces m and l, and the ratio \(\alpha = \alpha _2/\alpha _1\) of two constants (\(\alpha _2\) and \(\alpha _1\)) of the model. The master equation \(\Lambda (x, m, l,\alpha ) = \Lambda \) is equivalent to a polynomial equation of either fourth or third order and may be solved in radicals. The explicit solution for \(m = l\) is presented in “Appendix”. Imposing certain restrictions on x, we prove the stability of the solutions in a class of cosmological solutions with diagonal metrics. We also consider a subclass of solutions with small enough variation of the effective gravitational constant G and show the stability of all solutions from this subclass.     

Polarization switching by stretched exponential functions in 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3

Polarization reversal and domain dynamics have been investigated in 0.7Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–0.3PbTiO₃ using a method of current transients. Investigations were performed as a function of applied electric field. The kinetics of the transients have been modelled by a stretched-exponential-type function.     

Spin transport in graphene spin–orbit barrier structure

We studied spin-dependent transport in monolayer graphene with a spin–orbit barrier, a narrow strip in which the spin–orbit interaction is not zero. When the Fermi energy is between the two spin-split bands, the structure can be used to generate spin-polarized current. For a strong enough Rashba strength, a thick enough barrier or a low enough Fermi energy, highly spin-polarized current is generated (polarization ∼0.7–0.85$\sim 0.7\text{–}0.85$). Under these conditions, the spin direction of the transmitted electron is approximately perpendicular to the direction of motion. This shows that graphene spin–orbit nanostructures are useful for the development of graphene spintronic devices.     

Identification of the Jiles–Atherton model parameters using random and deterministic searches

The five parameters of the Jiles–Atherton (J–A) model are identified using a simple program based on the Matlab platform which identifies the J–A parameters automatically from experimental B–H hysteresis curves of magnetic cores. This computational tool is based on adaptive adjustment of the J–A model parameters and conjugates its parametric non-linear coupled differential equations with techniques of simulated annealing.     

Half-monopole in the Weinberg–Salam model

We present new axially symmetric half-monopole configuration of the SU(2)×U(1) Weinberg–Salam model of electromagnetic and weak interactions. The half-monopole configuration possesses net magnetic charge 2π/e$2\pi /e$ which is half the magnetic charge of a Cho–Maison monopole. The electromagnetic gauge potential is singular along the negative z$z$-axis. However the total energy is finite and increases only logarithmically with increasing Higgs field self-coupling constant λ^1/2${\lambda }^{1/2}$ at sin²θ_W=0.2312${sin}^2{\theta }_W=0.2312$. In the U(1) magnetic field, the half-monopole is just a one dimensional finite length line magnetic charge extending from the origin r=0$r=0$ and lying along the negative z$z$-axis. In the SU(2) ’t Hooft magnetic field, it is a point magnetic charge located at r=0$r=0$. The half-monopole possesses magnetic dipole moment that decreases exponentially fast with increasing Higgs field self-coupling constant λ^1/2${\lambda }^{1/2}$ at sin²θ_W=0.2312${sin}^2{\theta }_W=0.2312$.     

Studies of dielectric relaxation in natural fiber–polymer composites

Polymer composites of a polyester resin matrix filled with short palm tree lignocellulosic fibers were studies by means of dielectric spectroscopy in the frequency range 0, 1–100 kHz and temperature interval from 40 °C to 200 °C. Three relaxations processes were identified, namely the orientation polarization imputed to the presence of polar water molecules in Palm fiber, the relaxation process associated with conductivity occurring as a result of the carriers charges diffusion noted for high temperature above glass transition and low frequencies, and the interfacial relaxation that is attributable to the accumulation of charges at the Palm fibers/polyester interfaces.     

Dielectric relaxation and ion transport in silver–boro-tellurite glasses

Glass systems of composition xAg₂SO₄–20Ag₂O–(80?x) [0.50 B₂O₃–0.50 TeO₂], where x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mol% have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. Frequency- and temperature-dependent conductivity measurements have been carried out in the frequency range 10 Hz to 10 MHz and at a temperature range of 303–353 K, respectively. DC conductivities exhibit Arrhenius behavior over the entire temperature range with a single activation barrier. Addition of Ag₂SO₄ expands the glass network and, consequently, conductivity increases. This suggests that the structure and network expansion are the key parameters for enhancing conductivity. Impedance spectra of these glasses show a single semicircle, indicating one type of conduction. AC conductivity behavior of the glasses was analyzed using both single power law and Kolhrauh–William–Watts (KWW) stretched exponential relaxation function. The power law exponent (s) is temperature-dependent, while the stretched exponent (β) is insensitive to temperature. Scaling behavior has also been carried out using reduced plots of conductivity with frequency, which suggests the ion transport mechanism remains unaffected by temperature and composition.     

Bose–Einstei condensation of dipolar excitons in a ring trap

The temperature of Bose–Einstein condensation and the fraction of particles in a condensate for a system of spatially indirect dipole excitons in an electrostatic ring trap have been found. If only levels of the radial motion close to the bottom of the potential well of the trap are populated considerably, the oscillatory model of the single-particle spectrum is applicable. In this case, even the strong exciton–exciton interaction can be taken into account.