Condensed Matter Theory

Abstract:

We propose a very simple one-dimensional swimmer consisting of three spheres that are linked by rigid rods whose lengths can change between two values. With a periodic motion in a nonreciprocal fashion, which breaks the time-reversal symmetry as well as the translational symmetry, we show that the model device can swim at low Reynolds number. This model system could be used in constructing molecular-sized machines.

Abstract:

We use lattice Boltzmann simulations to solve the Beris-Edwards equations of motion for a cholesteric liquid crystal subjected to Poiseuille flow along the direction of the helical axis (permeative flow). The results allow us to clarify and extend the approximate analytic treatments currently available. We find that if the cholesteric helix is pinned at the boundaries there is an enormous viscosity increase. If, instead, the helix is free the velocity profile is flattened, but the viscosity is essentially unchanged. We highlight the importance of secondary flows, and, for higher flow velocities, we identify a flow-induced double twist structure in the director field--reminiscent of the texture characteristic of blue phases.

Abstract:

We use lattice Boltzmann simulations to solve the Beris-Edwards equations of motion for a cholesteric liquid crystal subjected to Poiseuille flow along the direction of the helical axis (permeative flow). The results allow us to clarify and extend the approximate analytic treatments currently available. We find that if the cholesteric helix is pinned at the boundaries there is an enormous viscosity increase. If, instead, the helix is free the velocity profile is flattened, but the viscosity is essentially unchanged. We highlight the importance of secondary flows, and, for higher flow velocities, we identify a flow-induced double twist structure in the director field--reminiscent of the texture characteristic of blue phases.

Abstract:

We report a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study of charge excitations in the quasi-one-dimensional Mott insulator SrCuO2. We observe a continuum of low-energy excitations, the onset of which exhibits a small dispersion of approximately 0.4 eV. Within this continuum, a highly dispersive feature with a large sinusoidal dispersion (approximately 1.1 eV) is observed. We have also measured the optical conductivity, and studied the dynamic response of the extended Hubbard model with realistic parameters, using a dynamical density-matrix renormalization group method. In contrast to earlier work, we do not find a long-lived exciton, but rather these results suggest that the excitation spectrum comprises a holon-antiholon continuum together with a broad resonance.