Condensed Matter Theory

Abstract:

After a long gap following the classic work of Taylor, there have recently been several studies dealing with hydrodynamic synchronization. It is now apparent that synchronization driven by hydrodynamic interactions is not only possible, but relevant to the efficiency of pumping by arrays of cilia and to bacterial swimming. Recent work has included experiments demonstrating synchronization, both in model systems and between bacterial flagella. The effect has been demonstrated in model swimmers and pumps, and large scale simulations have been used to investigate synchronization of cilia and of sperm cells. In this review article, we summarize the various experimental and theoretical studies of hydrodynamic synchronization, and put them in a framework which draws parallels between the different systems and suggests useful directions for further research. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011.

Abstract:

An experimental study of a Fabry-Perot interferometer in the quantum Hall regime reveals Aharonov-Bohm-like (ABL) oscillations. Unlike the Aharonov-Bohm effect, which has a period of one flux quantum, Φ0, ABL oscillations possess a flux period of Φ0/f, where/is the integral value of fully filled Landau levels in the constrictions. The detection of ABL oscillations is limited to the low magnetic field side of the vc = 1, 2, 4, 6,..., integer quantum Hall plateaus. These oscillations can be understood within the Coulombdominated model of quantum Hall interferometers as forward tunneling and backscattering, respectively, through the center of the interferometer from the bulk and the edge states. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.