“Rectification by an imprinted phase in a Josephson junction”. Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Physical review letters 107, 177008 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.177008
Abstract: A Josephson phase shift can be induced in a Josephson junction by a strategically nearby pinned Abrikosov vortex (AV). For an asymmetric distribution of an imprinted phase along the junction (controlled by the position of the AV) such a simple system is capable of rectification of ac current in a broad and tunable frequency range. The resulting rectified voltage is a consequence of the directed motion of a Josephson antivortex which forms a pair with the AV when at local equilibrium. The proposed realization of the ratchet potential by an imprinted phase is more efficient than the asymmetric geometry of the junction itself, is easily realizable experimentally, and provides rectification even in the absence of an applied magnetic field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.177008
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“Rectification of vortex motion in a circular ratchet channel”. Lin NS, Heitmann TW, Yu K, Plourde BLT, Misko VR, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 144511 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.144511
Abstract: We study the dynamics of vortices in an asymmetric (i.e., consisting of triangular cells) ring channel driven by an external ac current I in a Corbino setup. The asymmetric potential rectifies the motion of vortices and induces a net vortex flow without any unbiased external drive, i.e., the ratchet effect. We show that the net flow of vortices strongly depends on vortex density and frequency of the driving current. Depending on the density, we distinguish a single-vortex rectification regime (for low density, when each vortex is rectified individually) determined by the potential-energy landscape inside each cell of the channel (i.e., hard and easy directions) and multi-vortex, or collective, rectification (high-density case) when the inter-vortex interaction becomes important. We analyze the average angular velocity ω of vortices as a function of I and study commensurability effects between the numbers of vortices and cells in the channel and the role of frequency of the applied ac current. We have shown that the commensurability effect results in a stepwise ω-I curve. Besides the integer steps, i.e., the large steps found in the single-vortex case, we also found fractional steps corresponding to fractional ratios between the numbers of vortices and triangular cells. We have performed preliminary measurements on a device containing a single weak-pinning circular ratchet channel in a Corbino geometry and observed a substantial asymmetric vortex response.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.144511
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“Scattering of Dirac electrons by circular mass barriers : valley filter and resonant scattering”. Masir MR, Matulis A, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 245413 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.245413
Abstract: The scattering of two-dimensional (2D) massless Dirac electrons is investigated in the presence of a random array of circular mass barriers. The inverse momentum relaxation time and the Hall factor are calculated and used to obtain parallel and perpendicular resistivity components within linear transport theory. We found a nonzero perpendicular resistivity component which has opposite sign for electrons in the different K and K′ valleys. This property can be used for valley filter purposes. The total cross section for scattering on penetrable barriers exhibits resonances due to the presence of quasibound states in the barriers that show up as sharp gaps in the cross section while for Schrödinger electrons they appear as peaks.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.245413
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“Spin and momentum filtering of electrons on the surface of a topological insulator”. Wu Z, Peeters FM, Chang K, Applied physics letters 98, 162101 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3581887
Abstract: We investigate theoretically the transport properties of Dirac fermions on the surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator. Dirac electrons can be totally reflected in front of a magnetic/electric p-n junction. For a p-n-p structure, multiple total internal reflections at the interfaces result in the bound states in the channel, which behaves like an electronic waveguide. This p-n-p like structure exhibits spin and momentum filtering features and could be used as a spin and/or charge diode.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1063/1.3581887
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“Spin-current generation from Coulomb-Rashba interaction in semiconductor bilayers”. Glazov MM, Semina MA, Badalyan SM, Vignale G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 033305 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.033305
Abstract: Electrons in double-layer semiconductor heterostructures experience a special type of spin-orbit interaction that arises in each layer from the perpendicular component of the Coulomb electric field created by electron-density fluctuations in the other layer. We show that this interaction, acting in combination with the usual spin-orbit interaction, can generate a spin current in one layer when a charge current is driven in the other. This effect is distinct symmetrywise from the spin-Hall drag. The spin current is not, in general, perpendicular to the drive current.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.033305
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“Study on the giant positive magnetoresistance and Hall effect in ultrathin graphite flakes”. Vansweevelt R, Mortet V, D' Haen J, Ruttens bart, van Haesendonck C, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Wagner P, Physica status solidi : A : applications and materials science 208, 1252 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.201001206
Abstract: In this paper, we report on the electronic transport properties of mesoscopic, ultrathin graphite flakes with a thickness corresponding to a stack of 150 graphene layers. The graphite flakes show an unexpectedly strong positive magnetoresistance (PMR) already at room temperature, which scales in good approximation with the square of the magnetic field. Furthermore, we show that the resistivity is unaffected by magnetic fields oriented in plane with the graphene layers. Hall effect measurements indicate that the charge carriers are p-type and their concentration increases with increasing temperature while the mobility is decreasing. The Hall voltage is non-linear in higher magnetic fields. Possible origins of the observed effects are discussed. Ball and stick model of the two topmost carbon layers of the hexagonal graphite structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.775
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1002/pssa.201001206
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“Superconducting proximity effect in graphene under inhomogeneous strain”. Covaci L, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 241401 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241401
Abstract: The interplay between quantum Hall states and Cooper pairs is usually hindered by the suppression of the superconducting state due to the strong magnetic fields needed to observe the quantum Hall effect. From this point of view, graphene is special since it allows the creation of strong pseudomagnetic fields due to strain. We show that in a Josephson junction made of strained graphene, Cooper pairs will diffuse into the strained region. The pair correlation function will be sublattice polarized due to the polarization of the local density of states in the zero pseudo-Landau level. We uncover two regimes: (1) one in which the cyclotron radius is larger than the junction length, in which case the supercurrent will be enhanced, and (2) the long junction regime where the supercurrent is strongly suppressed because the junction becomes an insulator. In the latter case quantized Hall states form and Andreev scattering at the normal/superconducting interface will induce edge states. Our numerical calculation has become possible due to an extension of the Chebyshev-Bogoliubovde Gennes method to computations on video cards (GPUs).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241401
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“Symmetry-adapted rotator functions for molecules in cylindrical confinement”. Verberck B, International journal of molecular sciences 12, 317 (2011). http://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12010317
Abstract: We present a general description of the formalism of symmetry-adapted rotator functions (SARFs) for molecules in cylindrical confinement. Molecules are considered as clusters of interaction centers (ICs), can have any symmetry, and can display different types of ICs. Cylindrical confinement can be realized by encapsulation in a carbon nanotube (CNT). The potential energy of a molecule surrounded by a CNT can be calculated by evaluating a limited number of terms of an expansion into SARFs, which offers a significant reduction of the computation time. Optimal molecular orientations can be deduced from the resulting potential energy landscape. Examples, including the case of a molecule with cubic symmetry inside a CNT, are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.226
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.3390/ijms12010317
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“Temperature-dependent modeling and characterization of through-silicon via capacitance”. Katti G, Stucchi M, Velenis D, Sorée B, de Meyer K, Dehaene W, IEEE electron device letters 32, 563 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1109/LED.2011.2109052
Abstract: A semianalytical model of the through-silicon via (TSV) capacitance for elevated operating temperatures is derived and verified with electrical measurements. The effect of temperature on the increase in TSV capacitance over different technology parameters is explored, and it is shown that higher oxide thickness reduces the impact of temperature rise on TSV capacitance, while with low doped substrates, which are instrumental for reducing the TSV capacitance, the sensitivity of TSV capacitance to temperature is large and cannot be ignored.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.048
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1109/LED.2011.2109052
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“D- shallow donor near a semiconductor-metal and a semiconductor-dielectric interface”. Hao YL, Djotyan AP, Avetisyan AA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 115303 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/11/115303
Abstract: The ground state energy and the extent of the wavefunction of a negatively charged donor (D − ) located near a semiconductormetal or a semiconductordielectric interface are obtained. We apply the effective mass approximation and use a variational two-electron wavefunction that takes into account the influence of all image charges that arise due to the presence of the interface, as well as the correlation between the two electrons bound to the donor. For a semiconductormetal interface, the D − binding energy is enhanced for donor positions d > 1.5aB (aB is the effective Bohr radius) due to the additional attraction of the electrons with their images. When the donor approaches the interface (i.e. d < 1.5aB) the D − binding energy drops and eventually it becomes unbound. For a semiconductordielectric (or a semiconductorvacuum) interface the D − binding energy is reduced for any donor position as compared to the bulk case and the system becomes rapidly unbound when the donor approaches the interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/11/115303
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“G0W0 band gap of ZnO : effects of plasmon-pole models”. Stankovski M, Antonius G, Waroquiers D, Miglio A, Dixit H, Sankaran K, Giantomassi M, Gonze X, Côté, M, Rignanese G-M, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 241201 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241201
Abstract: Carefully converged calculations are performed for the band gap of ZnO within many-body perturbation theory (G0W0 approximation). The results obtained using four different well-established plasmon-pole models are compared with those of explicit calculations without such models (the contour-deformation approach). This comparison shows that, surprisingly, plasmon-pole models depending on the f-sum rule gives less precise results. In particular, it confirms that the band gap of ZnO is underestimated in the G0W0 approach as compared to experiment, contrary to the recent claim of Shih et al. [ Phys. Rev. Lett. 105 146401 (2010)].
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 81
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241201
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“Theory of phonon dispersions and piezoelectricity in multilayers of hexagonal boron-nitride”. Michel KH, Verberck B, Physica status solidi: B: basic research 248, 2720 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssb.201100084
Abstract: Taking into account covalent, Coulomb and van der Waals interactions, we construct the dynamical matrix and calculate the phonon dispersion relations for multilayer crystals of hexagonal boron-nitride. Coulomb interactions account for a strong overbending of optical phonons. Applying and extending Born's long-wave theory to the case of multilayer crystals, we calculate the piezoelectric stress constant equation image as a function of the number of layers equation image. In agreement with group theory, we find that equation image for equation image even; for an uneven number equation image of layers we obtain equation image, i.e. the piezoelectric constant decreases as equation image.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.674
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1002/pssb.201100084
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“Three-dimensional ferromagnetic architectures with multiple metastable states”. Nasirpouri F, Engbarth MA, Bending SJ, Peter LM, Knittel A, Fangohr H, Milošević, MV, Applied physics letters 98, 222506 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3595339
Abstract: We demonstrate controllable dual-bath electrodeposition of nickel on architecture-tunable three-dimensional (3D) silver microcrystals. Magnetic hysteresis loops of individual highly faceted Ag-Ni core-shell elements reveal magnetization reversal that comprises multiple sharp steps corresponding to different stable magnetic states. Finite-element micromagnetic simulations on smaller systems show several jumps during magnetization reversal which correspond to transitions between different magnetic vortex states. Structures of this type could be realizations of an advanced magnetic data storage architecture whereby each element represents one multibit, storing a combination of several conventional bits depending on the overall number of possible magnetic states associated with the 3D core-shell shape.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1063/1.3595339
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“Topological confinement in an antisymmetric potential in bilayer graphene in the presence of a magnetic field”. Zarenia M, Pereira JM, Peeters FM, Farias G de A, Nanoscale research letters 6, 452 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1186/1556-276X-6-452
Abstract: We investigate the effect of an external magnetic field on the carrier states that are localized at a potential kink and a kink-antikink in bilayer graphene. These chiral states are localized at the interface between two potential regions with opposite signs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.833
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-6-452
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“Tunable optical Aharonov-Bohm effect in a semiconductor quantum ring”. Li B, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 115448 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.115448
Abstract: By applying an electric field perpendicular to a semiconductor quantum ring we show that it is possible to modify the single particle wave function between quantum dot (QD)-like and ring-like. The constraints on the geometrical parameters of the quantum ring to realize such a transition are derived. With such a perpendicular electric field we are able to tune the Aharanov-Bohm (AB) effect for both the single particle and for excitons. The tunability is in both the strength of the AB effect as well as in its periodicity. We also investigate the strain induce potential inside the self-assembled quantum ring and the effect of the strain on the AB effect.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.115448
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“Tuning of anisotropy in two-electron quantum dots by spin-orbit interactions”. Liu Y, Cheng F, Li XJ, Peeters FM, Chang K, Applied physics letters 99, 032102 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3610961
Abstract: We investigate the influence of the spin-orbit interactions (SOIs) on the electron distribution and the optical absorption of a two-electron quantum dot. It is shown that the interplay between the SOIs makes the two-electron quantum dot behave like two laterally coupled quantum dots and the anisotropic distribution can be rotated from [110] to [11®0] by reversing the direction of the perpendicular electric field and detect it through the optical absorption spectrum.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1063/1.3610961
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“Tuning of the spin-orbit interaction in a quantum dot by an in-plane magnetic field”. Nowak MP, Szafran B, Peeters FM, Partoens B, Pasek WJ, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 245324 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.245324
Abstract: Using an exact-diagonalization approach we show that one- and two-electron InAs quantum dots exhibit an avoided crossing in the energy spectra that is induced by the spin-orbit coupling in the presence of an in-plane external magnetic field. The width of the avoided crossings depends strongly on the orientation of the magnetic field, which reveals the intrinsic anisotropy of the spin-orbit-coupling interactions. We find that for specific orientations of the magnetic field avoided crossings vanish. A value of this orientation can be used to extract the ratio of the strength of Rashba and Dresselhaus interactions. The spin-orbit anisotropy effects for various geometries and orientations of the confinement potential are discussed. Our analysis explains the physics behind the recent measurements performed on a gated self-assembled quantum dot [ S. Takahashi et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 104 246801 (2010)].
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.245324
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“Valley-dependent brewster angles and Goos-Hänchen effect in strained graphene”. Wu Z, Zhai F, Peeters FM, Xu HQ, Chang K, Physical review letters 106, 176802 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.176802
Abstract: We demonstrate theoretically how local strains in graphene can be tailored to generate a valley-polarized current. By suitable engineering of local strain profiles, we find that electrons in opposite valleys (K or K′) show different Brewster-like angles and Goos-Hänchen shifts, exhibiting a close analogy with light propagating behavior. In a strain-induced waveguide, electrons in K and K′ valleys have different group velocities, which can be used to construct a valley filter in graphene without the need for any external fields.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 235
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.176802
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“Variational quantum Monte Carlo study of charged excitons in fractional dimensional space”. Rønnow TF, Pedersen TG, Partoens B, Berthelsen KK, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 035316 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.035316
Abstract: In this article we study excitons and trions in fractional dimensional spaces using the model suggested by C. Palmer [ J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 6987 (2004)] through variational quantum Monte Carlo. We present a direct approach for estimating the exciton binding energy and discuss the von Neumann rejection- and Metropolis sampling methods. A simple variational estimate of trions is presented which shows good agreement with previous calculations done within the fractional dimensional model presented by D. R. Herrick and F. H. Stillinger [ Phys. Rev. A 11 42 (1975) and J. Math. Phys. 18 1224 (1977)]. We explain the spatial physics of the positive and negative trions by investigating angular and inter-atomic distances. We then examine the wave function and explain the differences between the positive and negative trions with heavy holes. As applications of the fractional dimensional model we study three systems: First we apply the model to estimate the energy of the hydrogen molecular ion H2+. Then we estimate trion binding energies in GaAs-based quantum wells and we demonstrate a good agreement with other theoretical work as well as experimentally observed binding energies. Finally, we apply the results to carbon nanotubes. We find good agreement with recently observed binding energies of the positively charged trion.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.035316
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“Vibrational properties of graphene fluoride and graphane”. Peelaers H, Hernández-Nieves AD, Leenaerts O, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 98, 051914 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3551712
Abstract: The vibrational properties of graphene fluoride and graphane are studied using ab initio calculations. We find that both sp(3) bonded derivatives of graphene have different phonon dispersion relations and phonon densities of states as expected from the different masses associated with the attached atoms of fluorine and hydrogen, respectively. These differences manifest themselves in the predicted temperature behavior of the constant-volume specific heat of both compounds. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3551712]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 66
DOI: 10.1063/1.3551712
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“Vortex manipulation in superconducting films with tunable magnetic topology”. Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Jankó, B, Superconductor science and technology 24, 024001 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/24/2/024001
Abstract: Using a combination of the phenomenological GinzburgLandau theory and micromagnetic simulations, we study properties of a superconducting film with an array of soft magnetic dots on top. An external in-plane magnetic field gradually drives the magnets from an out-of-plane or magnetic vortex state to an in-plane single-domain state, which changes spatially the distribution of the superconducting condensate. If induced by the magnets, the vortexantivortex molecules exhibit rich transitions as a function of the applied in-plane field. At the same time, we show how the magnetic dots act as very effective dynamic pinning centers for vortices in an applied perpendicular magnetic field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/24/2/024001
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“Vortex states in layered mesoscopic superconductors”. Liu C-Y, Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 104524 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.104524
Abstract: Within the Ginzburg-Landau theory, we study the vortex structures in three-dimensional anisotropic mesoscopic superconductors in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Anisotropy is included through varied Tc in different layers of the sample and leads to distinct differences in the vortex states and their free energy. Several unconventional states are found, some comprising vortex clusters or exhibiting asymmetry. In a tilted magnetic field, we found second-order transitions between different vortex states, although vortex entry is generally a first-order transition in mesoscopic samples. In multilayered samples the kinked vortex strings are formed owing to the competing interactions of vortices with Meissner currents and the weak-link boundaries. The length and deformation of vortex fragments are determined solely by the inclination and strength of applied magnetic field, and this lock-in does not depend on the degree of anisotropy between the superconducting layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.104524
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“Vortex-vortex interaction in bulk superconductors : Ginzburg-Landau theory”. Chaves A, Peeters FM, Farias GA, Milošević, MV, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 054516 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.054516
Abstract: The vortex-vortex interaction potential in bulk superconductors is calculated within the Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory and is obtained from a numerical solution of a set of two coupled nonlinear GL differential equations for the vector potential and the superconducting order parameter, where the merger of vortices into a giant vortex is allowed. Further, the interaction potentials between a vortex and a giant vortex and between a vortex and an antivortex are obtained for both type-I and type-II superconductors. Our numerical results agree asymptotically with the analytical expressions for large intervortex separations that are available in the literature. We propose empirical expressions valid over the full interaction range, which are fitted to our numerical data for different values of the GL parameter.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.054516
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“Wavepacket scattering of Dirac and Schrödinger particles on potential and magnetic barriers”. Rakhimov KY, Chaves A, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 275801 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/27/275801
Abstract: We investigate the dynamics of a charged particle moving in a graphene layer and in a two-dimensional electron gas, where it obeys the Dirac and the Schrödinger equations, respectively. The charge carriers are described as Gaussian wavepackets. The dynamics of the wavepackets is studied numerically by solving both quantum-mechanical and relativistic equations of motion. The scattering of such wavepackets by step-like magnetic and potential barriers is analysed for different values of wavepacket energy and width. We find: (1) that the average position of the wavepacket does not coincide with the classical trajectory, and (2) that, for slanted incidence, the path of the centre of mass of the wavepacket does not have to penetrate the barrier during the scattering process. Trembling motion of the charged particle in graphene is observed in the absence of an external magnetic field and can be enhanced by a substrate-induced mass term.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/27/275801
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“Yukawa particles confined in a channel and subject to a periodic potential : ground state and normal modes”. Carvalho JCN, Ferreira WP, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 094109 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.094109
Abstract: We consider a classical system of two-dimensional (2D) charged particles, interacting through a repulsive Yukawa potential exp(-r/λ)/r, and confined in a parabolic channel that limits the motion of the particles in the y direction. Along the x direction, the particles are subject to a periodic potential. The ground-state configurations and the normal-mode spectra of the system are obtained as a function of the periodicity and strength of the periodic potential (V0) and density. An interesting set of tunable ground-state configurations are found, with first- or second-order structural transitions between them. A configuration with particles aligned, perpendicular to the x direction, in each minimum of the periodic potential is obtained for V0 larger than some critical value that has a power-law dependence on the density. The phonon spectrum of different configurations was also calculated. A localization of the modes into a small frequency interval is observed for sufficiently large strength of the periodic potential, and a tunable gap in the phonon spectrum is found as a function of V0.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.094109
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“Air particulate emissions in developing countries : a case study in South Africa”. Worobiec A, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Berghmans P, Winkler H, Burger R, Van Grieken R, Analytical letters 44, 1907 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2010.539734
Abstract: Atmospheric aerosols were collected during the winter in Bethlehem, South Africa. The particulate mass concentrations, ambient carbon mass concentrations, and chemical composition of various particulate fractions showed that the area is highly polluted. The fine particle mass concentrations peaked at 1000 µg/m3 for PM2.5. Ambient carbon mass concentrations ranged from 20 to 40 µg/m3. Single particle analysis confirmed that the fine particle fraction was dominated by organic particles. The topographical conditions, causing a low inversion, together with the high amounts of emissions from biomass burning, result in unacceptable levels of air pollution and pose a considerable health threat to the population.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2010.539734
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“Composition of prehistoric rock-painting pigments from Egypt (Gilf Kébir area)”. Darchuk L, Gatto Rotondo G, Swaenen M, Worobiec A, Tsybrii Z, Makarovska Y, Van Grieken R, Spectrochimica acta: part A: molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy 83, 34 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAA.2011.06.054
Abstract: The composition of rock-painting pigments from Egypt (Gilf Kebia area) has been analyzed by means of molecular spectroscopy such as Fourier transform infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Red and yellow pigments were recognized as red and yellow ochre with additional rutile.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAA.2011.06.054
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“Damage and molecular changes under a laser beam in SEM-EDX/MRS interface : a case study on iron-rich particles”. Worobiec A, Darchuk L, Brooker A, Potgieter H, Van Grieken R, Journal of Raman spectroscopy 42, 808 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/JRS.2789
Abstract: The control of damage to individual environmental particles by a laser beam during Raman spectroscopy carried out in ambient air is generally well understood. The nature and control of damage under vacuum conditions (e.g. in the scanning electron microscopy with energy X-ray detection combined with micro-Raman spectroscopyinterfaced SEM-EDX/MRS) are more complex and less well comprehended. The physical and chemical processes that affect the damage caused to small particles by lasers still remain somewhat unclear, but certainly the atmosphere (vacuum/air) and the beam intensity have very significant influences. Furthermore, it has been determined that some particles (e.g. haematite), although stable under an electron beam, are damaged by the laser beam, hampering their analysis. Additionally, when simultaneous analyses by SEM/EDX and MRS are considered, the correct choice of the collection surface plays a crucial role. As a result, the following collection substrates were tested to determine their influence on the laser beam damage process to the particle: silver and aluminium foils and silicon wafers. A test study was performed using artificial examples of haematite (Fe2O3) particles. Exposure of Fe2O3 particles in vacuum to 514- and 785-nm laser radiation often leads to their melting, transformation and evaporation. The dependence of the damage caused by the laser beam on the particle structure is reported here. Molecular and crystallographic changes have also been revealed. Formation of magnetite (as an effect of re-crystallisation) and Raman inactive structures was detected.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.2789
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“Structural features of human tooth tissues affected by high dose of external ionizing radiation after nuclear catastrophe of Chernobyl plant”. Darchuk LA, Zaverbna LV, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, Microchemical journal 97, 282 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2010.09.016
Abstract: The application of micro-Raman spectroscopy is discussed for the analysis of structural features of human tooth tissues affected by high doses of external ionizing radiation (0.51.7 Gy) after the nuclear plant catastrophe in Chernobyl in 1986. The results have shown significant changes in the mineral matrix of dental enamel that lead to the decrease of tooth enamel hardness. Destruction of the collagen chain of the organic matrix has been observed for dentin and cementum.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2010.09.016
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“X-ray spectrometry for preventive conservation of cultural heritage”. Van Grieken R, Worobiec A, Pramåna: a journal of physics 72, 191 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1007/S12043-011-0041-3
Abstract: Analytical chemistry does play a key role in the chemical characterization of the environment and it appears that X-ray spectrometry, in its many forms, is one of the most relevant analytical techniques in preventive conservation, as it is in cultural heritage research in general. X-ray spectrometry has indeed been the method of choice for the characterization of the inorganic composition of atmospheric aerosols, for a long time. We have, over the last decade, intensively used various forms of X-ray spectrometry, viz., mostly energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, e.g. with polarized high-energy beam excitation, and automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis, together with other techniques, to identify particle types and their sources in indoor environments, including museums, while gaseous indoor pollutants were assessed using passive diffusion samplers. In each case, both bulk aerosols and individual aerosol particles were studied. For microanalysis of single particles, we have investigated a dozen techniques, but for wide, real-life applications, automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis is the most rewarding. We have first studied atmospheric aerosols in and around the Correr Museum in Venice, many other museums in Austria, Japan and England, and in the caves with prehistoric rock paintings in Altamira, Spain. Very recently, measurements were done in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and theWawel Castle in Cracow, in Italian and Polish mountain churches, in a number of museums in Belgium and the Netherlands, and in cathedrals with medieval stained glass windows. In the Correr museum, it appeared that the particles most threatening for the Bellini paintings were released by the deteriorating plaster renderings, and this could be avoided by simply improving the rendering on the museum walls. In the Wawel Castle, outdoor pollution particles, like fine soot from diesel traffic, entering via leaks in the windows and doors, and also street-deicing salts and coal burning pollution particles, brought in by visitors, mostly in winter, were found to be most worrisome. Urgent questions that are not solved at this moment pertain to the deposition processes from the atmosphere to the cultural heritage items, the critical surface interactions that take place on these items, and the establishment of suitable particle concentration standards.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1007/S12043-011-0041-3
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