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Full-Text Articles in Physics

Computational Renormalization Scheme For Quantum Field Theories, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su, R E. Wagner Jul 2013

Computational Renormalization Scheme For Quantum Field Theories, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su, R E. Wagner

Faculty publications – Physics

We propose an alternative technique for numerically renormalizing quantum field theories based on their Hamiltonian formulation. This method is nonperturbative in nature and, therefore, exact to all orders. It does not require any correlation functions or Feynman diagrams. We illustrate this method for a model Yukawa-like theory describing the interaction of electrons and positrons with model photons in one spatial dimension. We show that, after mass renormalization of the fermionic and bosonic single-particle states, all other states in the Fock space have finite energies, which are independent of the momentum cutoff.


Enhancement Of Electron-Positron Pair Creation Due To Transient Excitation Of Field-Induced Bound States, M Jiang, Q Z. Lv, Z M. Sheng, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su Apr 2013

Enhancement Of Electron-Positron Pair Creation Due To Transient Excitation Of Field-Induced Bound States, M Jiang, Q Z. Lv, Z M. Sheng, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su

Faculty publications – Physics

We study the creation of electron-positron pairs induced by two spatially separated electric fields that vary periodically in time. The results are based on large-scale computer simulations of the time-dependent Dirac equation in reduced spatial dimensions. When the separation of the fields is very large, the pair creation is caused by multiphoton transitions and mainly determined by the frequency of the fields. However, for small spatial separations a coherence effect can be observed that can enhance or reduce the particle yield compared to the case of two infinitely separated fields. If the travel time for a created electron or positron …


Pair Creation For Bosons In Electric And Magnetic Fields, Q Z. Lv, A C. Su, M Jiang, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su Feb 2013

Pair Creation For Bosons In Electric And Magnetic Fields, Q Z. Lv, A C. Su, M Jiang, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su

Faculty publications – Physics

By solving the quantum field theoretical version of the Klein-Gordon equation numerically, we study the creation process for charged boson-antiboson pairs in static electric and magnetic fields. The fields are perpendicular to each other and spatially localized along the same direction, which permits us to study the crucial impact of the magnetic field's spatial extension on dynamics. If its width is comparable to that of the electric field, we find a magnetically induced Lorentz suppression of the pair-creation process. When the width is increased such that the created bosons can revisit the interaction region, we find a region of exponential …


Suppression Of Pair Creation Due To A Steady Magnetic Field, W Su, M Jiang, Z Q. Lv, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su Jul 2012

Suppression Of Pair Creation Due To A Steady Magnetic Field, W Su, M Jiang, Z Q. Lv, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su

Faculty publications – Physics

We investigate the electron-positron pair creation process in a supercritical static electric field in the presence of a static magnetic field that is perpendicular. If both fields vary spatially in one direction the dynamics can be reduced to a set of one-dimensional systems. Using a generalized computational quantum field theoretical procedure, we calculate the time dependence of the spatial density for the created electrons. In the presence of the magnetic field, a significant amount of suppression of pair creation is observed in the simulations and confirmed by an analytical analysis for the limits of short-range fields and long interaction times. …


Pair Creation Enhancement Due To Combined External Fields, M Jiang, W Su, Z Q. Lv, X Lu, Y J. Li, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su Mar 2012

Pair Creation Enhancement Due To Combined External Fields, M Jiang, W Su, Z Q. Lv, X Lu, Y J. Li, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su

Faculty publications – Physics

We study the creation of electron-positron pairs from the vacuum induced by a combination of a static electric field and an alternating field. We find that the overall pair production can be increased by two orders of magnitude compared to the yields associated with each field individually. We examine the interesting case where both fields are spatially localized, permitting us to examine the time evolution of the spatial density for the created particle pairs. We find that there are a variety of competing mechanisms that contribute to the total yield.


Local And Nonlocal Spatial Densities In Quantum Field Theory, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, E V. Stefanovich, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe Feb 2012

Local And Nonlocal Spatial Densities In Quantum Field Theory, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, E V. Stefanovich, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We use a one-dimensional model system to compare the predictions of two different yardsticks to compute the position of a particle from its quantum field theoretical state. Based on the first yardstick (defined by the Newton-Wigner position operator), the spatial density can be arbitrarily narrow, and its time evolution is superluminal for short time intervals. Furthermore, two spatially distant particles might be able to interact with each other outside the light cone, which is manifested by an asymmetric spreading of the spatial density. The second yardstick (defined by the quantum field operator) does not permit localized states, and the time …


Causality And Relativistic Localization In One-Dimensional Hamiltonians, R E. Wagner, B T. Shields, M R. Ware, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe Jun 2011

Causality And Relativistic Localization In One-Dimensional Hamiltonians, R E. Wagner, B T. Shields, M R. Ware, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We compare the relativistic time evolution of an initially localized quantum particle obtained from the relativistic Schrodinger, the Klein-Gordon and the Dirac equations. By computing the amount of the spatial probability density that evolves outside the light cone we quantify the amount of causality violation for the relativistic Schrodinger Hamiltonian. We comment on the relationship between quantum field theoretical transition amplitudes, commutators of the fields and their bilinear combinations outside the light cone as indicators of a possible causality violation. We point out the relevance of the relativistic localization problem to this discussion and comment on ideas about the supposed …


Electron-Positron Pair Creation Induced By Quantum-Mechanical Tunneling, M Jiang, W Su, X Lu, Z M. Sheng, Y T. Li, J Zhang, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su May 2011

Electron-Positron Pair Creation Induced By Quantum-Mechanical Tunneling, M Jiang, W Su, X Lu, Z M. Sheng, Y T. Li, J Zhang, Rainer Grobe, Qichang Su

Faculty publications – Physics

We study the creation of electron-positron pairs from the vacuum induced by two spatially displaced static electric fields. The strength and spatial width of each localized field is less than required for pair creation. If, however, the separation between the fields is less than the quantum-mechanical tunneling length associated with the corresponding quantum scattering system, the system produces a steady flux of electron-positron pairs. We compute the time dependence of the pair-creation probability by solving the Dirac equation numerically for various external field sequences. For the special case of two very narrow fields we provide an analytical expression for the …


Phonons Of Single Quintuple Bi2te3 And Bi2se3 Films And Bulk Materials, Wei Cheng, Shang-Fen Ren Mar 2011

Phonons Of Single Quintuple Bi2te3 And Bi2se3 Films And Bulk Materials, Wei Cheng, Shang-Fen Ren

Faculty publications – Physics

Phonons of single quintuple films of Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 and corresponding bulk materials are calculated in detail by MedeA (a trademark of Materials Design) and Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP). The calculated results with and without spin-orbit couplings are compared, and the important roles that the spin-orbit coupling plays in these materials are discussed. A symmetry breaking caused by the anharmonic potentials around Bi atoms in the single quintuple films is identified and discussed. The observed Raman intensity features in Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 quintuple films are explained.


Time Dilation In Relativistic Two-Particle Interactions, B T. Shields, Rainer Grobe, E V. Stefanovich, M R. Ware, Qichang Su, M C. Morris Nov 2010

Time Dilation In Relativistic Two-Particle Interactions, B T. Shields, Rainer Grobe, E V. Stefanovich, M R. Ware, Qichang Su, M C. Morris

Faculty publications – Physics

We study the orbits of two interacting particles described by a fully relativistic classical mechanical Hamiltonian. We use two sets of initial conditions. In the first set (dynamics 1) the system's center of mass is at rest. In the second set (dynamics 2) the center of mass evolves with velocity V. If dynamics 1 is observed from a reference frame moving with velocity-V, the principle of relativity requires that all observables must be identical to those of dynamics 2 seen from the laboratory frame. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that kinematic Lorentz space-time transformations fail to transform particle observables between the …


Space-Time Properties Of A Boson-Dressed Fermion For The Yukawa Model, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Sep 2010

Space-Time Properties Of A Boson-Dressed Fermion For The Yukawa Model, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We analyze the interaction of fermions and bosons through a one-dimensional Yukawa model. We numerically compute the energy eigenstates that represent a physical fermion, which is a superposition of bare fermionic and bosonic eigenstates of the uncoupled Hamiltonian. It turns out that even fast bare fermions require only low-momentum dressing bosons, which attach themselves to the fast fermion through quantum correlations. We compare the space-time evolution of a physical fermion with that of its bare counterpart and show the importance of using dressed observables. The time evolution of the center of mass as well as the wave packet's spatial width …


Time-Resolved Compton Scattering For A Model Fermion-Boson System, R E. Wagner, Rainer Grobe, Q Su Aug 2010

Time-Resolved Compton Scattering For A Model Fermion-Boson System, R E. Wagner, Rainer Grobe, Q Su

Faculty publications – Physics

We study the scattering of a boson with a fermion with full spatial and temporal resolution based on the one-dimensional Yukawa Hamiltonian. In quantum field theory this interaction is described by the annihilation and creation of bosons with intermediate virtual particle states. We show that this process can be modeled in the center-of-mass frame by a scattering potential, permitting us to interpret the absorption and re-emission processes in quantum mechanical terms of a characteristic force. This Compton force between the fermion and boson is repulsive for large distances and attractive for shorter spacings. We also examine the periodic dynamics of …


Exponential Enhancement Of Field-Induced Pair Creation From The Bosonic Vacuum, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe May 2010

Exponential Enhancement Of Field-Induced Pair Creation From The Bosonic Vacuum, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

Using numerical solutions to quantum field theory, the creation of boson-antiboson pairs from the vacuum under a very strong localized external electric field is explored. The simulations reveal that the initial linear increase of the number of particles turns into an exponential growth. This self-amplification can be understood as the result of the interaction of the previously generated particles with the creation process. While the number of particles keeps increasing, the spatial shape of the (normalized) charge density of the created particles reaches a universal form that can be related to the bound states of the supercritical potential well. We …


Bosonic Analog Of The Klein Paradox, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Feb 2010

Bosonic Analog Of The Klein Paradox, R E. Wagner, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

The standard Klein paradox describes how an incoming electron scatters off a supercritical electrostatic barrier that is so strong that it can generate electron- positron pairs. This fermionic system has been widely discussed in textbooks to illustrate some of the discrepancies between quantum mechanical and quantum field theoretical descriptions for the pair creation process. We compare the fermionic dynamics with that of the corresponding bosonic system. We point out that the direct counterpart of the Pauli exclusion principle (the central mechanism to resolve the fermionic Klein paradox) is stimulated emission, which leads to the resolution of the analogous bosonic paradox.


Pair Creation Rates For One-Dimensional Fermionic And Bosonic Vacua, T Cheng, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Dec 2009

Pair Creation Rates For One-Dimensional Fermionic And Bosonic Vacua, T Cheng, M R. Ware, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We compare the creation rates for particle-antiparticle pairs produced by a supercritical force field for fermionic and bosonic model systems. The rates obtained from the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations can be computed directly from the quantum-mechanical transmission coefficients describing the scattering of an incoming particle with the supercritical potential barrier. We provide a unified framework that shows that the bosonic rates can exceed the fermionic ones, as one could expect from the Pauli-exclusion principle for the fermion system. This imbalance for small but supercritical forces is associated with the occurrence of negative bosonic transmission coefficients of arbitrary size for the …


Creation Of Multiple Electron-Positron Pairs In Arbitrary Fields, T Cheng, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Jul 2009

Creation Of Multiple Electron-Positron Pairs In Arbitrary Fields, T Cheng, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We examine the spontaneous breakdown of the matter vacuum triggered by an external force of arbitrary strength and spatial and temporal variations. We derive a nonperturbative framework that permits the computation of the complete time evolution of various multiple electron-positron pair probabilities. These time-dependent probabilities can be computed from a generating function as well as from solutions to a set of ratelike equations with coupling constants determined by the single-particle solutions to the time-dependent Dirac equation. This approach might be of relevance to the planned experiments to observe for the first time the laser-induced breakdown process of the vacuum.


Limitations Of Decomposition-Based Imaging Of Longitudinal Absorber Configurations, S D. Campbell, S D. Grobe, I L. Goodin, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Feb 2008

Limitations Of Decomposition-Based Imaging Of Longitudinal Absorber Configurations, S D. Campbell, S D. Grobe, I L. Goodin, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We examine theoretically and experimentally an imaging scheme that uses the transverse intensity profile of the scattered light to reconstruct the locations of absorbers embedded in a turbid medium. This method is based on an a priori knowledge of the scattered light patterns associated with a single absorber that is located at various positions inside the medium. We discuss the range of validity of this method, and its sensitivity with regard to noise, and propose an algorithm to improve its accuracy.


Decomposition-Based Recovery Of Absorbers In Turbid Media, S D. Campbell, I L. Goodin, S D. Grobe, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe Dec 2007

Decomposition-Based Recovery Of Absorbers In Turbid Media, S D. Campbell, I L. Goodin, S D. Grobe, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We suggest that the concept of the point-spread function traditionally used to predict the blurred image pattern of various light sources embedded inside turbid media can be generalized under certain conditions to predict also the presence and location of spatially localized absorbing inhomogeneities based on shadow point-spread functions associated with each localized absorber in the medium. The combined image obtained from several absorbers can then be decomposed approximately into the arithmetic sums of these individual shadow point-spread functions with suitable weights that can be obtained from multiple-regression analysis. This technique permits the reconstruction of the location of absorbers.


Classical-Quantum Correspondence In Electron-Positron Pair Creation, N I. Chott, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe Jul 2007

Classical-Quantum Correspondence In Electron-Positron Pair Creation, N I. Chott, Qichang Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We examine the creation of electron-positron pairs in a very strong force field. Using numerical solutions to quantum field theory we calculate the spatial and momentum probability distributions for the created particles. A comparison with classical mechanical phase space calculations suggests that despite the fully relativistic and quantum mechanical nature of the matter creation process, most aspects can be reproduced accurately in terms of classical mechanics.


Velocity Half-Sphere Model For Multiple Scattering In A Semi-Infinite Medium, S Menon, Q Su, Rainer Grobe May 2007

Velocity Half-Sphere Model For Multiple Scattering In A Semi-Infinite Medium, S Menon, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We show how the velocity half-sphere model [S. Menon, Q. Su, and R. Grobe, Phys. Rev. E 72, 041910 (2005)] recently introduced to predict the propagation of light for an infinite turbid medium can be extended to account for the emission of multiply scattered light for a geometry with a planar boundary. A comparison with exact solutions obtained from Monte Carlo simulations suggests that this approach can improve the predictions of the usual diffusion theory for both isotropic and highly forward scattering media with reflecting interfaces.


Nonlocal Entanglement Of Coherent States, Complementarity, And Quantum Erasure, Christopher C. Gerry, Rainer Grobe Mar 2007

Nonlocal Entanglement Of Coherent States, Complementarity, And Quantum Erasure, Christopher C. Gerry, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We describe a nonlocal method for generating entangled coherent states of a two-mode field wherein the field modes never meet. The proposed method is an extension of an earlier proposal [C. C. Gerry, Phys. Rev. A 59, 4095 (1999)] for the generation of superpositions of coherent states. A single photon injected into a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with cross-Kerr media in both arms coupling with two external fields in coherent states produces entangled coherent states upon detection at one of the output ports. We point out that our proposal can be alternatively viewed as a "which path" experiment, and in the case …


Electron-Impact Ionization Of L-Shell Atomic Species, Abul Kalam Fazlul Haque, M A. Uddin, A K. Basak, Khondkar R. Karim, B C. Saha, F B. Malik May 2006

Electron-Impact Ionization Of L-Shell Atomic Species, Abul Kalam Fazlul Haque, M A. Uddin, A K. Basak, Khondkar R. Karim, B C. Saha, F B. Malik

Faculty publications – Physics

Electron impact ionization cross sections (EIICS) of 30 L-shell targets, with open- and closed-shell configurations in the isoelectronic sequences ranging from Li to Ne, are evaluated using the generalized parameters of our recent modification of BELL formula (MBELL) [Haque , Phys. Rev. A 73, 012708 (2006)]. Three sets of parameters, one each for the 1s, 2s, and 2p orbits, provide an excellent account of the experimental EIICS data of atomic targets, neutral and ionic, up to the atomic number Z=92 and incident energies up to about 250 MeV. In comparison with the quantum mechanical predictions, it is found that the …


Empirical Model For The Electron-Impact K-Shell-Ionization Cross Sections, A K. F Haque, M A. Uddin, A K. Basak, K R. Karim, B C. Saha Jan 2006

Empirical Model For The Electron-Impact K-Shell-Ionization Cross Sections, A K. F Haque, M A. Uddin, A K. Basak, K R. Karim, B C. Saha

Faculty publications – Physics

The total cross sections of electron-impact single-K-shell ionization of 14 atomic targets ranging from H to U (1 <= Z <= 92) are calculated using a modified version of the BELI formula [Bell , J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 12, 891 (1983)] by incorporating both ionic and relativistic corrections in it. The proposed modified Bell model with a single set of parameters is found to provide an excellent description of the experimental data in the reduced energy range 1 <= E/I-K <= 10(6) (E and I-K are, respectively, the incident energy and ionization potential) with a performance level at least as good as any of the existing methods and models.


Klein Paradox With Spin-Resolved Electrons And Positrons, P Krekora, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Dec 2005

Klein Paradox With Spin-Resolved Electrons And Positrons, P Krekora, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

Using numerical solutions to relativistic quantum field theory with space-time resolution, we illustrate how an incoming electron wave packet with a definite spin scatters off a supercritical potential step. We show that the production rate is reduced of only those electrons that have the same spin as the incoming electron is reduced. This spin-resolved result further clarifies the importance of the Pauli-exclusion principle for the Klein paradox.


Electron-Impact Ionization Of Hydrogen And Lithiumlike Systems, M A. Uddin, Abul Kalam Fazlul Haque, A K. Basak, Khondkar R. Karim, B C. Saha Sep 2005

Electron-Impact Ionization Of Hydrogen And Lithiumlike Systems, M A. Uddin, Abul Kalam Fazlul Haque, A K. Basak, Khondkar R. Karim, B C. Saha

Faculty publications – Physics

The electron impact single ionization cross sections on a number of targets with atomic number Z=1-92 in the H and Li isoelectronic sequences are calculated using a modified version of the recently propounded relativisitic improved binary-encounter dipole (MRIBED) model [M. A. Uddin , Phys. Rev. A 70, 032706 (2004); 71, 032715 (2005)]. The modified RQIBED (MRIBED) model along with a Z-dependent factor in it is found remarkably successful in the applications to H- and Li-like systems and also valid for the ionization of a filled s orbit including the He-like targets.


Microscopic Theory Of The Low Frequency Raman Modes In Germanium Nanocrystals, Shang-Fen Ren, Peter Y. Yu May 2005

Microscopic Theory Of The Low Frequency Raman Modes In Germanium Nanocrystals, Shang-Fen Ren, Peter Y. Yu

Faculty publications – Physics

We have studied the Raman intensities of low-frequency phonon modes in germanium (Ge) nanocrystals (NC) with varying sizes by using a microscopic valence force field model. The results are compared with the predictions of the continuum model of Lamb using a projection method. We found that the l=0 spheroidal Lamb modes are Raman active in the parallel polarization scattering geometry, while the l=2 spheroidal Lamb modes are active in the crossed polarization geometry. This result agrees with the group theory prediction that the torsional Lamb modes are not Raman active, but is in disagreement with the identification of torsional Lamb …


Computation Of Electron-Impact K-Shell Ionization Cross Sections Of Atoms, M A. Uddin, Abul Kalam Fazlul Haque, M Masum Billah, A K. Basak, Khondkar R. Karim, B C. Saha Mar 2005

Computation Of Electron-Impact K-Shell Ionization Cross Sections Of Atoms, M A. Uddin, Abul Kalam Fazlul Haque, M Masum Billah, A K. Basak, Khondkar R. Karim, B C. Saha

Faculty publications – Physics

The total cross sections of electron impact single K-shell ionization of atomic targets, with a wide range of atomic numbers from Z=6-50, are evaluated in the energy range up to about 10 MeV employing the recently proposed modified version of the improved binary-encounter dipole (RQIBED) model [Uddin , Phys. Rev. A 70, 032706 (2004)], which incorporates the ionic and relativistic effects. The experimental cross sections for all targets are reproduced satisfactorily even in the relativistic energies using fixed generic values of the two parameters in the RQIBED model. The relativistic effect is found to be significant in all targets except …


Transitions Into The Negative-Energy Dirac Continuum, P Krekora, Q Su, Rainer Grobe Nov 2004

Transitions Into The Negative-Energy Dirac Continuum, P Krekora, Q Su, Rainer Grobe

Faculty publications – Physics

We compare the predictions of the single-particle Dirac equation with quantum field theory for an electron subjected to a space and time dependent field. We demonstrate analytically and numerically that a transition into the negative-energy subspace predicted by the single-particle Dirac equation is directly associated with the degree of suppression of pair-production as described by quantum field theory. We show that the portion of the mathematical wave function that populates the negative-energy states corresponds to the difference between the positron spatial density for systems with and without an electron initially present.


Microscopic Investigation Of Phonon Modes In Sige Alloy Nanocrystals, Shang-Fen Ren, Wei Cheng, Peter Y. Yu Jun 2004

Microscopic Investigation Of Phonon Modes In Sige Alloy Nanocrystals, Shang-Fen Ren, Wei Cheng, Peter Y. Yu

Faculty publications – Physics

Phonon modes in spherical silicon germanium alloy (SiGe) nanocrystals containing up to 1147 atoms (3.6 nm) have been investigated as a function of the Si concentration. Microscopic details of phonon modes, including phonon frequencies and vibrational amplitudes, phonon density-of-states are calculated directly from the dynamic matrices. In particular, the dependence of phonon frequency on the configuration (such as a different ratio of Si to Ge atoms), and location (surface or interior) of clusters of atoms in SiGe alloy nanocrystals have been investigated. Low frequency surface phonons that are related to the spheroidal and torsional modes of a continuum sphere are …


Theoretical Investigation Of The Surface Vibrational Modes In Germanium Nanocrystals, Shang-Fen Ren, Wei Cheng, Peter Y. Yu Nov 2003

Theoretical Investigation Of The Surface Vibrational Modes In Germanium Nanocrystals, Shang-Fen Ren, Wei Cheng, Peter Y. Yu

Faculty publications – Physics

We have used a microscopic lattice dynamical model to study phonon modes in germanium (Ge) NC with size varying between 47 to 7289 atoms (diametersimilar to6.8 nm). By separating these atoms into bulk and surface atoms we have found that surface modes can exist in Ge NC both at low frequencies (<50>cm(-1)) and at high frequency (similar to260 cm(-1)). The latter mode is a resonant mode which occurs in the "pseudogap" between the acoustic and optical phonon branches in bulk Ge. From the low frequency surface modes we have been able to reconstruct the spheroidal and torsional Lamb modes …