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At least 1,603 records · Page 89

STOCHASTICITY AND EFFICIENCY IN SIMPLIFIED MODELS OF CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVA EXPLOSIONS

We present an initial report on 160 simulations of a highly simplified model of the post-bounce core-collapse supernova environment in three spatial dimensions (3D). We set different values of a parameter characterizing the impact of nuclear dissociation at the stalled shock in order to regulate the post-shock fluid velocity, thereby determining the relative importance of convection and the stationary accretion shock instability (SASI). While our convection-dominated runs comport with the paradigmatic notion of a “critical neutrino luminosity” for explosion at a given mass accretion rate (albeit with a nontrivial spread in explosion times just above threshold), the outcomes of our SASI-dominated runs are much more stochastic: a sharp threshold critical luminosity is “smeared out” into a rising probability of explosion over a ∼20% range of luminosity. We also find that the SASI-dominated models are able to explode with 3–4 times less efficient neutrino heating, indicating that progenitor properties, and fluid and neutrino microphysics, conducive to the SASI would make the neutrino-driven explosion mechanism more robust.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Effective description of ajar systems with a 𝑈⁡(1) symmetry

We introduce the concept of “ajar systems” as an intermediate case between closed and open systems, where the time scale for charge exchange with the environment is parametrically larger than all other characteristic time scales. The Schwinger-Keldysh effective action for such finite-temperature systems exhibits a symmetry group G 1 × G 2 weakly broken to its diagonal subgroup G diag , which we systematically describe using spurion techniques. For G = U(1), we calculate leading-order corrections to correlation functions in both diffusive and spontaneously broken phases. Unlike systems with approximate symmetries where both real and imaginary parts of dispersion relations receive corrections, ajar systems modify only the imaginary part—preserving gapless modes while adding finite damping.

Effective field theory↗

Kubo-Anderson theory of polariton line shape

We apply the Kubo-Anderson stochastic theory of molecular spectral line shapes to the case of polaritons formed in the collective strong-coupling regime. We investigate both the fast and slow limits of the random frequency modulation of the emitter as well as the intermediate regime and show how the interplay between the characteristic timescales of the cavity and the molecular disorder is expressed in the observed polaritons line shapes. The analytical solution obtained for the slow limit is valid for any ratio between the inhomogeneous broadening of the molecules and the Rabi splitting, which is especially relevant for molecular polaritons where these two quantities can be of the same order of magnitude.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Complete parametrizations of diffusive quantum monitorings

The master equation for the state of an open quantum system can be unravelled into stochastic trajectories described by a stochastic master equation. Such stochastic differential equations can be interpreted as an update formula for the system state conditioned on results obtained from monitoring the bath. So far only one parametrization (mathematical representation) for arbitrary diffusive unravellings (quantum trajectories arising from monitorings with Gaussian white noise) of a system described by a master equation with L Lindblad terms has been found [H. M. Wiseman and A. C. Doherty, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 070405 (2005)]. This parametrization, which we call the U representation parameterizes diffusive unravellings by L{sup 2}+2L real numbers, arranged in a matrix U subject to three constraints. In this paper we investigate alternative parametrizations of diffusive measurements. We find, rather surprisingly, the description of diffusive unravellings can be unified by a single equation for a nonsquare complex matrix M if one is willing to allow for some redundancy by lifting the number of real parameters necessary from L{sup 2}+2L to 3L{sup 2}+L. We call this parametrization the M representation. Both the M representation and U representation lack a physical picture of what the measurement should look like. We thus propose another parametrization, the B representation that details how the measurement is implemented in terms of beam-splitters, phase shifters, and homodyne detectors. Relations between the different representations are derived.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quantitative study of quasi-one-dimensional Bose gas experiments via the stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii equation

The stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii equation is shown to be an excellent model for quasi-one-dimensional Bose gas experiments, accurately reproducing the in situ density profiles recently obtained in the experiments of Trebbia et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 250403 (2006)] and van Amerongen et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 090402 (2008)] and the density fluctuation data reported by Armijo et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 230402 (2010)]. To facilitate such agreement, we propose and implement a quasi-one-dimensional extension to the one-dimensional stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii equation for the low-energy, axial modes, while atoms in excited transverse modes are treated as independent ideal Bose gases.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Suppression of Kelvon-induced decay of quantized vortices in oblate Bose-Einstein condensates

We study the Kelvin mode excitations on a vortex line in a three-dimensional trapped Bose-Einstein condensate at finite temperature. Our stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii simulations show that the activation of these modes can be suppressed by tightening the confinement along the direction of the vortex line, leading to a strong suppression in the vortex decay rate as the system enters a regime of two-dimensional vortex dynamics. As the system approaches the condensation transition temperature, we find that the vortex decay rate is strongly sensitive to dimensionality and temperature, observing a large enhancement for quasi-two-dimensional traps. Three-dimensional simulations of the recent vortex dipole decay experiment of Neely et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 160401 (2010)] confirm two-dimensional vortex dynamics and predict a dipole lifetime consistent with experimental observations and suppression of Kelvon-induced vortex decay in highly oblate condensates.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Global asymmetry of many-qubit correlations: A lattice-gauge-theory approach

We introduce a bridge between the familiar gauge field theory approaches used in many areas of modern physics such as quantum field theory and the stochastic local operations and classical communication protocols familiar in quantum information. Although the mathematical methods are the same, the meaning of the gauge group is different. The measure we introduce, ''twist,'' is constructed as a Wilson loop from a correlation-induced holonomy. The measure can be understood as the global asymmetry of the bipartite correlations in a loop of three or more qubits; if the holonomy is trivial (the identity matrix), the bipartite correlations can be globally untwisted using general local qubit operations, the gauge group of our theory, which turns out to be the group of Lorentz transformations familiar from special relativity. If it is not possible to globally untwist the bipartite correlations in a state using local operations, the twistedness is given by a nontrivial element of the Lorentz group, the correlation-induced holonomy. We provide several analytical examples of twisted and untwisted states for three qubits, the most elementary nontrivial loop one can imagine.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Linear-optics realization of channels for single-photon multimode qudits

We propose and theoretically study a method for the stochastic realization of arbitrary quantum channels on multimode single-photon qudits. In order for our method to be undemanding in its implementation, we restrict our analysis to linear-optical techniques, vacuum ancillary states, and nonadaptive schemes, but we allow for random switching between different optical networks. With our method it is possible to deterministically implement random-unitary channels and to stochastically implement general channels. We provide an expression for the optimal probability of success of our scheme and calculate this quantity for specific examples such as the qubit amplitude-damping channel. The success probability is shown to be related to the entanglement properties of the Choi-Jamiolkowski state isomorphic to the channel.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Strategies for measurement-based quantum computation with cluster states transformed by stochastic local operations and classical communication

We examine cluster states transformed by stochastic local operations and classical communication, as a resource for deterministic universal computation driven strictly by projective measurements. We identify circumstances under which such states in one dimension constitute resources for random-length single-qubit rotations, in one case quasideterministically (N-U-N states) and in another probabilistically (B-U-B states). In contrast to the cluster states, the N-U-N states exhibit spin correlation functions that decay exponentially with distance, while the B-U-B states can be arbitrarily locally pure. A two-dimensional square N-U-N lattice is a universal resource for quasideterministic measurement-based quantum computation. Measurements on cubic B-U-B states yield two-dimensional cluster states with bond defects, whose connectivity exceeds the percolation threshold for a critical value of the local purity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Effect of phase noise on quantum correlations in Bose-Josephson junctions

In a two-mode Bose-Josephson junction the dynamics induced by a sudden quench of the tunnel amplitude leads to the periodic formation of entangled states. For instance, squeezed states are formed at short times and macroscopic superpositions of phase states at later times. In atom interferometry, the two modes of the junction play the role of the two arms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer; use of multiparticle entangled states allows the enhancement of phase sensitivity with respect to that obtained from uncorrelated atoms. Decoherence due to the presence of noise degrades quantum correlations between atoms, thus reducing phase sensitivity. We consider decoherence due to stochastic fluctuations of the energies of the two modes of the junction. We analyze its effect on squeezed states and macroscopic superpositions and calculate the squeezing parameter and the quantum Fisher information during the quenched dynamics. The latter quantity measures the amount of quantum correlations useful in interferometry. For moderate noise intensities, we show that it increases on time scales beyond the squeezing regime. This suggests multicomponent superpositions of phase states as interesting candidates for high-precision atom interferometry.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quantum phase-space analysis of population equilibration in multiwell ultracold atomic systems

We examine the medium time quantum dynamics and population equilibration of two-, three-, and four-well Bose-Hubbard models using stochastic integration in the truncated Wigner phase-space representation. We find that all three systems will enter at least a temporary state of equilibrium, with the details depending on both the classical initial conditions and the initial quantum statistics. We find that classical integrability is not necessarily a good guide as to whether equilibration will occur. We construct an effective single-particle reduced density matrix for each of the systems, using the expectation values of operator moments, and use this to calculate an effective entropy. Knowing the expected maximum values of this entropy for each system, we are able to quantify the different approaches to equilibrium.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Fluctuating and dissipative dynamics of dark solitons in quasicondensates

The fluctuating and dissipative dynamics of matter-wave dark solitons within harmonically trapped, partially condensed Bose gases is studied both numerically and analytically. A study of the stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii equation, which correctly accounts for density and phase fluctuations at finite temperatures, reveals dark-soliton decay times to be lognormally distributed at each temperature, thereby characterizing the previously predicted long-lived soliton trajectories within each ensemble of numerical realizations [S. P. Cockburn et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 174101 (2010)]. Expectation values for the average soliton lifetimes extracted from these distributions are found to agree well with both numerical and analytic predictions based upon the dissipative Gross-Pitaevskii model (with the same ab initio damping). Probing the regime for which 0.8 k{sub B}T<{mu}<1.6 k{sub B}T, we find average soliton lifetimes to scale with temperature as {tau}{approx}T{sup -4}, in agreement with predictions previously made for the low-temperature regime k{sub B}T<<{mu}. The model is also shown to capture the experimentally relevant decrease in the visibility of an oscillating soliton due to the presence of background fluctuations.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Coherence vortices in one spatial dimension

Coherence vortices are screw-type topological defects in the phase of Glauber's two-point degree of quantum coherence, associated with pairs of spatial points at which an ensemble-averaged stochastic quantum field is uncorrelated. Coherence vortices may be present in systems whose dimensionality is too low to support spatial vortices. We exhibit lattices of such quantum-coherence phase defects for a one-dimensional model quantum system. We discuss the physical meaning of coherence vortices and propose how they may be realized experimentally.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Frequency tracking and parameter estimation for robust quantum state estimation

In this paper we consider the problem of tracking the state of a quantum system via a continuous weak measurement. If the system Hamiltonian is known precisely, this merely requires integrating the appropriate stochastic master equation. However, even a small error in the assumed Hamiltonian can render this approach useless. The natural answer to this problem is to include the parameters of the Hamiltonian as part of the estimation problem, and the full Bayesian solution to this task provides a state estimate that is robust against uncertainties. However, this approach requires considerable computational overhead. Here we consider a single qubit in which the Hamiltonian contains a single unknown parameter. We show that classical frequency estimation techniques greatly reduce the computational overhead associated with Bayesian estimation and provide accurate estimates for the qubit frequency.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Optimal reducibility of all W states equivalent under stochastic local operations and classical communication

We show that all multipartite pure states that are stochastic local operation and classical communication (SLOCC) equivalent to the N-qubit W state can be uniquely determined (among arbitrary states) from their bipartite marginals. We also prove that only (N-1) of the bipartite marginals are sufficient and that this is also the optimal number. Thus, contrary to the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) class, W-type states preserve their reducibility under SLOCC. We also study the optimal reducibility of some larger classes of states. The generic Dicke states |GD{sub N}{sup l}> are shown to be optimally determined by their (l+1)-partite marginals. The class of ''G'' states (superposition of W and W) are shown to be optimally determined by just two (N-2)-partite marginals.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Heat current fluctuations and anomalous transport in low-dimensional carbon lattices

Molecular dynamics simulations and methods of importance sampling are used to study the heat transport of low-dimensional carbon lattices. For both carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets, heat transport is found to be anomalous, violating Fourier’s law of conduction with a system size dependent thermal conductivity and concomitant nonlinear temperature profiles. For carbon nanotubes, the thermal conductivity is found to increase as the square root of the length of the nanotube, while for graphene sheets the thermal conductivity is found to increase as the logarithm of the length of the sheet over the system sizes considered. Furthermore, the particular length dependence and nonlinear temperature profiles place carbon lattices into a universality class with nonlinear lattice models, and suggest that heat transport through carbon nanostructures is better described by a Levy walk rather than simple diffusion.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Stochastic thermodynamic cycles of a mesoscopic thermoelectric engine

Here, we analyze a steady-state thermoelectric engine, whose working substance consists of two capacitively coupled quantum dots. One dot is tunnel-coupled to a hot reservoir serving as a heat source, the other one to two electrically biased reservoirs at a colder temperature, such that work is extracted under the form of a steady-state current against the bias. In single realizations of the dynamics of this steady-state engine autonomous, four-stroke cycles can be identified. The cycles are purely stochastic, in contrast to mechanical autonomous engines which exhibit self-oscillations. In particular, these cycles fluctuate in direction and duration and occur in competition with other spurious cycles. Using a stochastic thermodynamic approach, we quantify the cycle fluctuations and relate them to the entropy produced during individual cycles. We identify the cycle mainly responsible for the engine performance and quantify its statistics with tools from graph theory. We show that such stochastic cycles are made possible because the work extraction mechanism is itself stochastic instead of the periodic time dependence in the working-substance Hamiltonian which can be found in conventional mechanical engines. Our investigation brings new perspectives about the connection between cyclic and steady-state engines.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗