Condensed Matter Theory

Abstract:

We discuss a theoretical model of an on-demand single-particle emitter that employs a quantum dot, attached to an integer or fractional quantum Hall edge state. Via an exact mapping of the model onto the spin-boson problem we show that Coulomb interactions between the dot and the chiral quantum Hall edge state, unavoidable in this setting, lead to a destruction of precise charge quantization in the emitted wave-packet. Our findings cast doubts on the viability of this set-up as a single-particle source of quantized charge pulses. We further show how to use a spin-boson master equation approach to explicitly calculate the current pulse shape in this set-up.

Abstract:

We recently introduced a model of an asymmetric dumbbell made of two hydrodynamically coupled subunits as a minimal model for a macromolecular complex, in order to explain the observation of enhanced diffusion of catalytically active enzymes. It was shown that internal fluctuations lead to a negative contribution to the overall diffusion coefficient and that the fluctuation-induced contribution is controlled by the strength of the interactions between the subunits and their asymmetry. We develop the model by studying the effect of anisotropy on the diffusion properties of a modular structure. Using a moment expansion method we derive an analytic form for the long-time diffusion coefficient of an asymmetric, anisotropic dumbbell and show systematically its dependence on internal and external symmetry. The method provides a tractable, analytical route for studying the stochastic dynamics of dumbbell models. The present work opens the way to more detailed descriptions of the effect of hydrodynamic interactions on the diffusion and transport properties of biomolecules with complex structures.

Abstract:

We propose a theoretical model for a magnetically-actuated artificial cilium in a fluid environment and investigate its dynamical behaviour, using both analytical calculations and numerical simulations. The cilium consists of a spherical soft magnet, a spherical hard magnet, and an elastic spring that connects the two magnetic components. Under a rotating magnetic field, the cilium exhibits a transition from phase-locking at low frequencies to phase-slipping at higher frequencies. We study the dynamics of the magnetic cilium in the vicinity of a wall by incorporating its hydrodynamic influence, and examine the efficiency of the actuated cilium in pumping viscous fluids. This cilium model can be helpful in a variety of applications such as transport and mixing of viscous solutions at small scales and fabricating microswimmers.