Abstract: We present a model of pressure effects of a two-band superconductor based on a Ginzburg-Landau free energy with two order parameters. The parameters of the theory are pressure as well as temperature dependent. New pressure effects emerge as a result of the competition between the two bands. The theory then is applied to MgB2. We identify two possible scenaria regarding the fate of the two Q subbands under pressure, depending on whether or not both subbands are above the Fermi energy at ambient pressure. The splitting of the two subbands is probably caused by the E-2g, distortion. If only one subband is above the Fermi energy at ambient pressure (scenario I), application of pressure diminishes the splitting and it is possible that the lower subband participates in the superconductivity. The corresponding crossover pressure and Gruneisen parameter are estimated. In the second scenario both bands start above the Fermi energy and they move below it, either by pressure or via the substitution of Mg by Al. In both scenaria, the possibility of electronical topological transition is emphasized. Experimental signatures of both scenaria are presented and existing experiments are discussed in the light of the different physical pictures.

Abstract: The spin interaction and the effective g factor of a magnetic exciton (ME) are investigated theoretically in a diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) quantum dot (QD), including the Coulomb interaction and the sp-d exchange interaction. At low magnetic field, the ME energy decreases rapidly with increasing magnetic field and saturates at high magnetic field for high Mn concentration. The ground state of the ME exhibits an interesting crossing behavior between sigma(+)-ME and sigma(-)-ME for low Mn concentration. The g(ex) factor of the ME in a DMS QD displays a monotonic decrease with increasing magnetic field and can be tuned to zero by an external magnetic field. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

Abstract: An experimental and theoretical investigation was made of flux jumps and irreversible magnetization curves of mesoscopic Al superconducting rings. In the small magnetic-field region the change of vorticity with magnetic field can be larger than unity. This behavior is connected with the existence of several metastable states of different vorticities. The intentional introduction of a defect in the ring has a large effect on the size of the flux jumps. Calculations based on the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau model allows us to explain the experimental results semiquantitatively.

Abstract: On the basis of a simplified Hamiltonian for transition metal impurities in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS), the nature of ferromagnetism in p-type III-V DMS are investigated. Ferromagnetism is governed by the Anderson-Hubbard parameter for 3d electrons of Mn2+ and their strong hybridization with the hole carriers in the semiconducting medium. The origin of ferromagnetism in these materials has similarity with the Zener mechanism. From the energetically preferable parallel orientation of Mn spins the Curie temperature is calculated for GaAs:Mn. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Abstract: The structural and melting properties of a quasi-one dimensional system of charged particles, interacting through a screened Coulomb potential are investigated. Depending on the density and the screening length, the system crystallizes in different lattice structures. The structural phase transitions between them are of first or second order. The melting of the system is studied through Monte Carlo simulations and reentrant behavior as a function of density is observed as well as evidence of anisotropic melting. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.