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At least 865 records · Page 48

Computational modeling of femtosecond optical solitons from Maxwell's equations

An algorithm is developed that permits the direct time integration of full-vector nonlinear Maxwell's equations. This capability permits the modeling of both linear and nonlinear instantaneous and dispersive effects in the electric polarization in material media. The modeling of the optical carrier is retained. The fundamental innovation is to notice that it is possible to treat the linear and nonlinear convolution integrals, which describe the dispersion, as new dependent variables. A coupled system of nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations can then be derived for the linear and nonlinear convolution integrals, by differentiating them in the time domain. These equations, together with Maxwell's equations, are solved to determine the electromagnetic fields in nonlinear dispersive media. Results are presented of calculations in one dimension of the propagation and collision of femtosecond electromagnetic solitons that retain the optical carrier, taking into account as the Kerr and Raman interactions.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗

Covariant effective action for a Galilean invariant quantum Hall system

Here, we construct effective field theories for gapped quantum Hall systems coupled to background geometries with local Galilean invariance i.e. Bargmann spacetimes. Along with an electromagnetic field, these backgrounds include the effects of curved Galilean spacetimes, including torsion and a gravitational field, allowing us to study charge, energy, stress and mass currents within a unified framework. A shift symmetry specific to single constituent theories constraints the effective action to couple to an effective background gauge field and spin connection that is solved for by a self-consistent equation, providing a manifestly covariant extension of Hoyos and Son’s improvement terms to arbitrary order in m.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

On numerical errors to the fields surrounding a relativistically moving particle in PIC codes

The particle-in-cell (PIC) method is widely used to model the self-consistent interaction between discrete particles and electromagnetic fields. It has been successfully applied to problems across plasma physics including plasma based acceleration, inertial confinement fusion, magnetically confined fusion, space physics, astrophysics, high energy density plasmas. In many cases the physics involves how relativistic particles (those with high relativistic γ factors) are generated and interact with plasmas. However, when relativistic particles stream across the grid, both in “vacuum” and in plasma, many numerical issues may arise which can lead to unphysical results. We present a detailed analysis of how discretized Maxwell solvers used in PIC codes can lead to numerical errors to the fields that surround particles that move at relativistic speeds across the grid. Expressions for the axial electric field as integrals in k space are presented that reveal two types of errors. The first arises from errors to the numerator of the integrand and leads to unphysical fields that are antisymmetric about the particle. Furthermore, the second arises from errors to the denominator of the integrand and lead to Cherenkov like radiation in “vacuum”. These fields are not anti-symmetric, extend behind the particle, and cause the particle to accelerate or decelerate depending on the solver and parameters. The unphysical fields are studied in detail for two representative solvers - the Yee solver and the FFT based solver. Although the Cherenkov fields are absent, the space charge fields are still present in the fundamental Brillouin zone for the FFT based solvers. In addition, the Cherenkov fields are present in higher order zones for the FFT based solvers. Comparison between the analytical solutions and PIC simulation results are presented. A solution for eliminating these unphysical fields by modifying the k operator in the axial direction is also presented. Using a customized finite difference solver, this solution was successfully implemented into OSIRIS [1]. Results from the customized solver are also presented. Additionally, this solution will be useful for a beam of particles that all move in one direction with a small angular divergence.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Broadband and Efficient Second-Harmonic Generation from a Hybrid Dielectric Metasurface/Semiconductor Quantum-Well Structure

A prominent nonlinear optical phenomenon that is extensively studied using nanostructured materials is second-harmonic generation (SHG) as it has applications in various fields. Achieving efficient SHG from a nanostructure requires a large second-order nonlinear susceptibility of the material system and large electromagnetic fields. For practical applications, the nanostructures should also have low losses, high damage thresholds, large bandwidths, wavelength scalability, dual mode operation in transmission and reflection, monolithic integrability, and ease of fabrication. While various approaches have demonstrated efficient SHG, to the best of our knowledge, none have demonstrated all these desired qualities simultaneously. Here, we introduce a hybrid approach for realizing efficient SHG in an ultrathin dielectric-semiconductor nonlinear device with all the above-mentioned desired properties. Our method uses high quality factor leaky mode resonances in dielectric metasurfaces that are coupled to intersubband transitions of semiconductor quantum wells. Using our device, we demonstrate SHG at pump wavelengths ranging from 8.5 to 11 μm, with a maximum second-harmonic nonlinear conversion factor of 1.1 mW/W 2 and maximum second-harmonic conversion efficiency of 2.5 × 10 –5 at modest pump intensities of 10 kW/cm 2 . Our conclusions open a new direction for designing low loss, broadband, and efficient ultrathin nonlinear optical devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Constraints on axionlike polarization oscillations in the cosmic microwave background with POLARBEAR

Very light pseudoscalar fields, often referred to as axions, are compelling dark matter candidates and can potentially be detected through their coupling to the electromagnetic field. Recently a novel detection technique using the cosmic microwave background (CMB) was proposed, which relies on the fact that the axion field oscillates at a frequency equal to its mass in appropriate units, leading to a time-dependent birefringence. For appropriate oscillation periods this allows the axion field at the telescope to be detected via the induced sinusoidal oscillation of the CMB linear polarization. Furthermore, we search for this effect in two years of POLARBEAR data. We do not detect a signal and place a median 95% upper limit of 0.65° on the sinusoid amplitude for oscillation frequencies between 0.02 days -1 and 0.45 -1 days, which corresponds to axion masses between 9.6 × 10 -22 eV and 2.2 × 10 -20 eV. Under the assumptions that 1) the axion constitutes all the dark matter and 2) the axion field amplitude is a Rayleigh-distributed stochastic variable, this translates to a limit on the axion-photon coupling g Φγ < 2.4 × 10 -11 GeV -1 × (m Φ /10 -21 eV).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Self-similar inverse cascade of magnetic helicity driven by the chiral anomaly

For systems with charged chiral fermions, the imbalance of chirality in the presence of magnetic field generates an electric current—this is the chiral magnetic effect (CME). We study the dynamical real-time evolution of electromagnetic fields coupled by the anomaly to the chiral charge density and the CME current by solving the Maxwell-Chern-Simons equations. We find that the CME induces the inverse cascade of magnetic helicity toward the large distances, and that at late times this cascade becomes self-similar, with universal exponents. We also find that in terms of gauge field topology the inverse cascade represents the transition from linked electric and magnetic fields (Hopfions) to the knotted configuration of magnetic field (Chandrasekhar-Kendall states). The magnetic reconnections are accompanied by the pulses of the CME current directed along the magnetic field lines. In conclusion, we devise an experimental signature of these phenomena in heavy ion collisions, and speculate about implications for condensed matter systems.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Simulation of the dynamics of gas mixtures during plasma processing in the C75 Cavity

Plasma processing using a mixture of noble gas and oxygen is a technique that is currently being used to reduce field emission and multipacting in accelerating cavities. Plasma is created inside the cavity when the gas mixture is exposed to an electromagnetic field that is generated by applying RF power through the fundamental power or higher-order mode couplers. Oxygen ions and atomic oxygen are created in the plasma which breaks down the hydrocarbons on the surface of the cavity and the residuals from this process are removed as part of the process gas flow. Removal of hydrocarbons from the surface increases the work function and reduces the secondary emission coefficient. This work describes the initial results of plasma simulation, which provides insight into the ignition process, distribution of different species, and interactions of free oxygen and oxygen ions with the cavity surfaces. The simulations have been done with an Ar/?2 plasma using COMSOL® multiphysics. These simulations help in understanding the dynamics and control of plasma inside the cavity and the exploration of different gas mixtures.

Dhakal, Pashupati↗

Research in particles and fields

Research activities in Cosmic Rays Gamma Rays, and Astrophysical Plasmas are covered The investigation of the astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays and gamma rays and of the radiation and electromagnetic field environment of the Earth and other planets are studied. These investigations are carried ut by means of energetic particle and photon detector systems flown on spacecraft and balloons. The emphasis is on precision measurements with high resolution in charge mass and energy. An extensive bibliography is given.

Stone, E. C.↗

Brazil ALDF System Error Analysis

In a cooperative effort among: the Global Hydrology Climate Center (GHCC) of NASA's Marshal Space Flight Center (MSFC), the Atmospheric Electric Group of the Brazilian National Institute of Space Research, the University of San Paulo (USP), and the Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology (INME), a network of four lightning detectors has been established in Brazil's Rhondonian region. This paper surveys the efforts of GHCC researchers to develop algorithms and field procedures which reliable determine lightning strike locations based on site data comprised of the signal time of arrival, and radiated electromagnetic field.

Rompala, John T.↗

Resonant interactions involving local vibrational modes in crystals

When an impurity with a light mass is inserted into a crystal, it can undergo a high-frequency oscillation referred to as a local vibrational mode (LVM). A Fermi resonance may occur between the LVM and lower-frequency modes of the defect. The LVM may also interact with phonons or the electromagnetic field. Understanding these interactions can help model and control diffusion, defect reactions, and thermal conductivity. LVMs have been probed in semiconductors using pressure and alloying as experimental parameters, resulting in anticrossing between localized and extended vibrational modes. Furthermore, these types of vibrational interactions could play an important role in the stability and thermal properties of organic–inorganic hybrid semiconductors. The coupling between an LVM and electromagnetic wave yields an “LVM polariton,” an excitation that has significant vibrational and electric-field amplitudes.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Development of Eddy Current Techniques for Detection of Deep Fatigue Cracks in Multi-Layer Airframe Components

Thick, multi-layer aluminum structure has been widely used in aircraft design in critical wing splice areas. The multi-layer structure generally consists of three or four aluminum layers with different geometry and varying thickness, which are held together with fasteners. The detection of cracks under fasteners with ultrasonic techniques in subsurface layers away from the skin is impeded primarily by interlayer bonds and faying sealant condition. Further, assessment of such sealant condition is extremely challenging in terms of complexity of structure, limited access, and inspection cost. Although Eddy current techniques can be applied on in-service aircraft from the exterior of the skin without knowing sealant condition, the current eddy current techniques are not able to detect defects with wanted sensitivity. In this work a series of low frequency eddy current probes have been designed, fabricated and tested for this application. A probe design incorporating a shielded magnetic field sensor concentrically located in the interior of a drive coil has been employed to enable a localized deep diffusion of the electromagnetic field into the part under test. Due to the required low frequency inspections, probes have been testing using a variety of magnetic field sensors (pickup coil, giant magneto-resistive, anisotropic magneto-resistive, and spin-dependent tunneling). The probe designs as well as capabilities based upon a target inspection for sub-layer cracking in an airframe wing spar joint is presented.

Wincheski, Russell A.↗

Nanoscale three-dimensional reconstruction of electric and magnetic stray fields around nanowires

Static electromagnetic stray fields around nanowires (NWs) are characteristic for a number of important physical effects such as field emission or magnetic force microscopy. Consequently, an accurate characterization of these fields is of high interest and electron holographic tomography (EHT) is unique in providing tomographic 3D reconstructions at nm spatial resolution. However, several limitations of the experimental setup and the specimen itself are influencing EHT. Here, we show how a deliberate restriction of the tomographic reconstruction to the exterior of the NWs can be used to mitigate these limitations facilitating a quantitative 3D tomographic reconstruction of static electromagnetic stray fields at the nanoscale. As an example, we reconstruct the electrostatic stray field around a GaAs-AlGaAs core shell NW and the magnetic stray field around a Co{sub 2}FeGa Heusler compound NW.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Creation of Single-Photon Emitters in WSe 2 Monolayers Using Nanometer-Sized Gold Tips

Due to their tunable bandgaps and strong spin-valley locking, transition metal dichalcogenides constitute a unique platform for hosting single-photon emitters. Here, we present a versatile approach for creating bright single-photon emitters in WSe 2 monolayers by the deposition of gold nanostars. Our molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the formation of the quantum emitters is likely caused by the highly localized strain fields created by the sharp tips of the gold nanostars. The surface plasmon modes supported by the gold nanostars can change the local electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the quantum emitters, leading to their enhanced emission intensities. Moreover, by correlating the emission energies and intensities of the quantum emitters, we are able to associate them with two types of strain fields and derive the existence of a low-lying dark state in their electronic structures. The findings here are highly relevant for the development and understanding of single-photon emitters in transition metal dichalcogenide materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Exact Solution of Einstein-Maxwell Gravity Coupled to a Scalar Field

The general solution to low-energy string theory representing static spherically symmetric solution of the Einstein-Maxwell gravity with a massless scalar field has been found. Some of the partial cases appear to coincide with known solutions to black holes, naked singularities, and gravity and electromagnetic fields.

Einstein-Maxwell gravity scalar field↗

High-Power, High-Efficiency Ka-Band Space Traveling-Wave Tube

The L-3 Communications Model 999H traveling-wave tube (TWT) has been demonstrated to generate an output power of 144 W at 60-percent overall efficiency in continuous-wave operation over the frequency band from 31.8 to 32.3 GHz. The best TWT heretofore commercially available for operation in the affected frequency band is characterized by an output power of only 35 W and an efficiency of 50 percent. Moreover, whereas prior TWTs are limited to single output power levels, it has been shown that the output power of the Model 999H can be varied from 54 to 144 W. A TWT is a vacuum electronic device used to amplify microwave signals. TWTs are typically used in free-space communication systems because they are capable of operating at power and efficiency levels significantly higher than those of solid-state devices. In a TWT, an electron beam is generated by an electron gun consisting of a cathode, focusing electrodes, and an anode. The electrons pass through a hole in the anode and are focused into a cylindrical beam by a stack of periodic permanent magnets and travel along the axis of an electrically conductive helix, along which propagates an electromagnetic wave that has been launched by an input signal that is to be amplified. The beam travels within the helix at a velocity close to the phase velocity of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic field decelerates some of the electrons and accelerates others, causing the beam to become formed into electron bunches, which further interact with the electromagnetic wave in such a manner as to surrender kinetic energy to the wave, thereby amplifying the wave. The net result is to amplify the input signal by a factor of about 100,000. After the electrons have passed along the helix, they impinge on electrodes in a collector. The collector decelerates the electrons in such a manner as to recover most of the remaining kinetic energy and thereby significantly increase the power efficiency of the TWT.

Krawczyk, Richard↗

Time-dependent perturbation of a two-state quantum system by a sinusoidal field

Different methods for solving the 'two-level problem' are discussed, namely, the problem of what happens to a material system having only two nondegenerate energy levels when it is perturbed by an electromagnetic field that varies with time in a monochromatic sinusoidal fashion. The various methods discussed include: (1) the Sen Gupta technique using nondegenerate Rayleigh-Schroedinger perturbation theory, (2) the Salwen-Winter-Shirley partitioning perturbation technique, (3) the Shirley and series degenerate Rayleigh-Schroedinger expansion, (4) the degenerate Rayleigh-Schroedinger technique for considering high frequency fields, and (5) the singular perturbation expansion technique.

Dion, D. R.↗

Plasmonic nanohole array for enhancing the SERS signal of a single layer of graphene in water

In this study, we numerically design and experimentally test a SERS-active substrate for enhancing the SERS signal of a single layer of graphene (SLG) in water. The SLG is placed on top of an array of silver-covered nanoholes in a polymer and is covered with water. Here we report a large enhancement of up to 2×10 5 in the SERS signal of the SLG on the patterned plasmonic nanostructure for a 532nm excitation laser wavelength. We provide a detailed study of the light-graphene interactions by investigating the optical absorption in the SLG, the density of optical states at the location of the SLG, and the extraction efficiency of the SERS signal of the SLG. Our numerical calculations of both the excitation field and the emission rate enhancements support the experimental results. We find that the enhancement is due to the increase in the confinement of electromagnetic fields on the location of the SLG that results in enhanced light absorption in the graphene at the excitation wavelength. We also find that water droplets increase the density of optical radiative states at the location of the SLG, leading to enhanced spontaneous emission rate of graphene at its Raman emission wavelengths.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Active Plasmonics and Active Chiral Plasmonics through Orientation-Dependent Multipolar Interactions

While most active plasmonic efforts focus on responsive metamaterials to modulate optical response, we present a simple alternative based on applied orientation control that can likely be implemented for many passive plasmonic materials. Passive plasmonic motifs are simpler to prepare but cannot be altered postfabrication. Here, we show that such systems can be easily manipulated through substrate orientation control to generate both active plasmonic and active chiral plasmonic responses. Using gold nanocrescents as our model platform, we demonstrate tuning of optical extinction from -21% to +36% at oblique incidence relative to normal incidence. Variation of substrate orientation in relation to incident polarization is also demonstrated to controllably switch chiroptical handedness (e.g., Δg = ± 0.55). These active plasmonic responses arise from the multipolar character of resonant modes. In particular, we correlate magnetoelectric and dipole–quadrupole polarizabilities with different light-matter orientation-dependence in both near- and far-field localized surface plasmon activity. Additionally, the attribution of far-field optical response to higher-order multipoles highlights the sensitivity offered by these orientation-dependent characterization techniques to probe the influence of localized electromagnetic field gradients on a plasmonic response. The sensitivity afforded by orientation-dependent optical characterization is further observed by the manifestation in both plasmon and chiral plasmon responses of unpredicted structural nanocrescent variance (e.g., left- and right-tip asymmetry) not physically resolved through topographical imaging.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗