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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

Positron impact excitations of hydrogen atom embedded in weakly coupled plasmas: Formation of Rydberg atoms

Formation of Rydberg atoms due to 1s→nlm excitations of hydrogen, for arbitrary n, l, m, by positron impact in weakly coupled plasma has been investigated using a distorted-wave theory in the momentum space. The interactions among the charged particles in the plasma have been represented by Debye-Huckel potentials. Making use of a simple variationally determined wave function for the hydrogen atom, it has been possible to obtain the distorted-wave scattering amplitude in a closed analytical form. A detailed study has been made on the effects of plasma screening on the differential and total cross sections in the energy range 20–300 eV of incident positron. For the unscreened case, our results agree nicely with some of the most accurate results available in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, such a study on the differential and total cross sections for 1s→nlm inelastic positron-hydrogen collisions for arbitrary n, l, m in weakly coupled plasmas is the first reported in the literature.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Theoretical study of NH2 - Potential curves, transition moments, and photodissociation cross sections

Photodissociation cross sections from the ground state of NH2 have been calculated using a pseudodiatomic model. The potential curves needed in these calculations, functions of one NH bond length, were obtained by ab initio MCSCF calculations on the five lowest doublet states of NH2 using a contracted Gaussian basis set of double zeta quality augmented by polarization and Rydberg functions. Transition dipole moments between the ground and excited states were evaluated using MCSCF wave functions.

Saxon, R. P.↗

\boldmath{$^4He(e,e'p)X$ at $Q^2=2 (GeV/c)^2$ and $x_B=1.24$}

A detailed study of the $^4He(e,e'p)^3H$ reaction at large $Q^2$ and Bjorken x reveals a striking dependence of the shape of the missing energy spectrum on the missing momentum. A realistic simulation using only the kinematical constraints of the high resolution spectrometers(HRS) in Hall A of Jefferson Lab gives a very poor representation of the shape of the missing energy spectrum for the triton ground state. The large acceptances of the HRS yields a simulated width of 13 MeV for the $^3H$ ground state compared to an experimental width of 6 MeV. A significant improvement in the shape of the simulated spectrum with the data is achieved when dynamical relativistic theoretical cross sections are included in the simulation. Spectrum shapes and cross sections as a function of missing momentum will be compared to theoretical models using relativistic mean field wave functions for $^4He$ and $^3H$.

Iqbal, Sophia↗

On exact-WKB analysis, resurgent structure, and quantization conditions

There are two well-known approaches to studying nonperturbative aspects of quantum mechanical systems: saddle point analysis of the partition functions in Euclidean path integral formulation and the exact-WKB analysis based on the wave functions in the Schrödinger equation. In this work, based on the quantization conditions obtained from the exact-WKB method, we determine the relations between the two formalism and in particular show how the two Stokes phenomena are connected to each other: the Stokes phenomenon leading to the ambiguous contribution of different sectors of the path integral formulation corresponds to the change of the “topology” of the Stoke curves in the exact-WKB analysis. We also clarify the equivalence of different quantization conditions including Bohr-Sommerfeld, path integral and Gutzwiller’s ones. In particular, by reorganizing the exact quantization condition, we improve Gutzwiller’s analysis in a crucial way by bion contributions (incorporating complex periodic paths) and turn it into an exact result. Furthermore, we argue the novel meaning of quasi-moduli integral and provide a relation between the Maslov index and the intersection number of Lefschetz thimbles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Metal Hydroxide and Oxyhydroxide Gas Database

In a high temperature combustion situation such as a gas turbine or rocket engine, combustion products include water vapor. This water vapor reacts with oxides in the hot-gas-path to form volatile hydroxides and oxyhydroxides. The oxides may be structural oxide components or protective oxides on alloys or non-oxide ceramics. In either case, this enhanced volatilization leads to degradation of components. Reliable thermochemical data for many metal hydroxides and oxyhydroxides has not been available. We review a database put together at NASA over many years based on experimental and ab initio computations for thermochemical data of Al, Si, Ti, Cr, Mn, Y, Zr, La, Ta, Gd, and Yb hydroxides and oxyhydroxides. Experimental methods for measuring thermodynamic quantities of metal hydroxides and oxyhydroxides are limited since the required high temperatures and high pressures preclude many conventional methods. Nonetheless, transpiration has proven a valuable tool in our laboratories for the Si-O-H, Cr-O-H, and Ti-O-H systems. Data are analyzed with second and third law methods. These data can be leveraged with quantum chemistry to provide reliable free energy functions for the third law calculation and comparison to the derived enthalpies of formation. Both wave function and DFT methods can be utilized for deriving the thermodynamic functions for the various metal hydroxides and oxyhydroxides. We have found that, in general, reasonable molecular geometries and spectroscopic data can be derived with a relatively low level of theory, i.e. DFT with the B3LYP functional. Accurate calculations of the enthalpy of formation require higher levels of theory, such as the Coupled Cluster, Singles, Doubles, and perturbative Triples CCSD(T) approach with complete basis sets (CBS). Also, corrections for hindered rotations and anharmonicity are necessary. For some symmetries, the anharmonic correction has proven to be a challenge and we have found that this is only treated properly by certain codes. The database lists the fHo(298), So(298), and Cp in the form Cp = A + BT + CT2 + D/T + E/T2, where A, B, C, D, and E are the fitting constants. Thus, it can be easily used in any of the common computational thermochemistry codes. To date, the database contains 51 gaseous species of the formula MOx(OH)y.

Metal Hydroxides↗

Theoretical Evaluation of Metal–Ligand Bonding in Neptunium Compounds in Relation to 237 Np Mössbauer Spectroscopy

The 237 Np Mössbauer isomer shift and quadrupole splitting (QS) are powerful probes for the metal–ligand bonding of neptunium, a 5f-element of vital importance in the nuclear fuel cycle. A large set of Np compounds with different oxidation states (III) to (VII) is studied to investigate, by first-principles calculations, isomer shifts and the QS trends in relation to the Np oxidation state. Natural Bond Orbital analysis reveals that in addition to donation bonding to the 5f shell, participation of the 6d and 7s neptunium shells in covalent (donation) bonding substantially impacts the isomer shifts. The isomer shift cannot be interpreted solely by the 5f shell electron count. The isomer shift for Np(II) compounds is estimated to be in the range of 31–34 mm/s, less positive than for Np(III) compounds. For the QS, density functional calculations fail to reproduce the quadrupole splitting for some Np(VI) ionic solids. A multiconfigurational wave function approach reproduces the observed QS trends. The calculations give a semiquantitative interpretation of the trends for Np oxidation states (V) to (VII). Furthermore, the contrasting QS for standard and “reverse” neptunyl(VI), at the opposite extremes of the observed QS scale, arises predominantly from the different crystal environments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Subspace Density Matrix Functional Embedding Theory: Theory, Implementation, and Applications to Molecular Systems

We introduce the subspace density matrix functional embedding theory (sDMFET), in which optimization of the nonlocal embedding potential and subsequent embedded correlated wave function calculations are carried out within a truncated subspace determined by a Schmidt decomposition. As compared to the original density matrix functional embedding theory [K. Yu and E. A. Carter, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2017, 114, E10861], the computational cost of sDMFET is significantly reduced while the accuracy is preserved. Here, we perform test calculations for both covalently and noncovalently bound molecular systems to demonstrate the feasibility of our theory.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Automation of Active Space Selection for Multireference Methods via Machine Learning on Chemical Bond Dissociation

Predicting and understanding the chemical bond is one of the major challenges of computational quantum chemistry. Kohn–Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) is the most common method, but approximate density functionals may not be able to describe systems where multiple electronic configurations are equally important. Multiconfigurational wave functions, on the other hand, can provide a detailed understanding of the electronic structures and chemical bonds of such systems. In the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) method, one performs a full configuration interaction calculation in an active space consisting of active electrons and active orbitals. However, CASSCF and its variants require the selection of these active spaces. This choice is not black box; it requires significant experience and testing by the user, and thus active space methods are not considered particularly user-friendly and are employed only by a minority of quantum chemists. Our goal is to popularize these methods by making it easier to make good active space choices. Here, we present a machine learning protocol that performs an automated selection of active spaces for chemical bond dissociation calculations of main group diatomic molecules. The protocol shows high prediction performance for a given target system as long as a properly correlated system is chosen for training. Good active spaces are correctly predicted with a considerably better success rate than random guess (larger than 80% precision for most systems studied). Our automated machine learning protocol shows that a “black-box” mode is possible for facilitating and accelerating the large-scale calculations on multireference systems where single-reference methods such as KS-DFT cannot be applied.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Unidirectional transmission using array of zero-refractive-index metamaterials

In this Letter, we find that high efficient unidirectional transmission occurs for an array of prisms made of zero-refractive-index metamaterials. As a specific demonstration, we further design the device using Dirac-cone-like photonic crystals. The device can function for a broadband of spectrum. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the one-way wave functionality.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quantum tensor network algorithms for evaluation of spectral functions on quantum computers

We investigate quantum algorithms derived from tensor networks to simulate the static and dynamic properties of quantum many-body systems. Using a sequentially prepared quantum circuit representation of a matrix product state (MPS) that we call a quantum tensor network (QTN), we demonstrate algorithms to prepare ground and excited states on a quantum computer and apply them to molecular nanomagnets (MNMs) as a paradigmatic example. In this setting, we develop two approaches for extracting the spectral correlation functions measured in neutron-scattering experiments: (a) a generalization of the SWAP test for computing wave function overlaps and, (b) a generalization of the notion of matrix product operators to the QTN setting which generates a linear combination of unitaries. The latter method is discussed in detail for translationally invariant spin-half systems, where it is shown to reduce the qubit resource requirements compared with the SWAP method and may be generalized to other systems. We demonstrate the versatility of our approaches by simulating spin-1/2 and spin-3/2 MNMs, with the latter being an experimentally relevant model of a Cr$^{3+}_{8}$ ring. Here, our approach has qubit requirements that are independent of the number of constituents of the many-body system and scale only logarithmically with the bond dimension of the MPS representation, making them appealing for implementation on near-term quantum hardware with mid-circuit measurement and reset.

Neutron scattering↗

A theoretical study of selected singlet and triplet states of CO molecule

The results of the configuration calculations of six singlet electronic states and one triplet electronic state of CO are presented. The potential energy curves, spectroscopic constants, and electron transition moments are calculated, along with electronic dipole moment functions for three states. The self consistent field and configuration calculations used to obtain the electronic wave functions are described. The theoretical results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements, and in the case of the dipole moment function calculations, preferable to them.

Cooper, D. M.↗

Stochastic Inversion of Gaussian Random Media Using Transverse Coherence Functions for Reflected Waves: Theory and Method

The transverse coherence functions (TCFs) of phase and amplitude fluctuations of a seismic wave are powerful to estimate the spatial distribution, length scales, and strength of random heterogeneities. However, TCFs have been formulated for transmitted waves only, not for reflected waves. In this paper, we derive reflection TCFs for Gaussian random media. Furthermore, we propose to invert for Gaussian random media using the reflection TCFs based on the grid search. We validate the new reflection TCF formulas using 2D finite-difference numerical experiments. The numerical example also illustrates the feasibility and efficiency of the inversion. The stochastic inversion using reflected waves can be used in both exploration and global seismology.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Semi-supervised Machine Learning Enables the Robust Detection of Multireference Character at Low Cost

Multireference (MR) diagnostics are common tools for identifying strongly correlated electronic structure that makes single-reference (SR) methods (e.g., density functional theory or DFT) insufficient for accurate property prediction. However, MR diagnostics typically require computationally demanding correlated wave function theory (WFT) calculations, and diagnostics often disagree or fail to predict MR effects on properties. To overcome these challenges, we introduce a semi-supervised machine learning (ML) approach with virtual adversarial training (VAT) of an MR classifier using 15 WFT and DFT MR diagnostics as inputs. In semi-supervised learning, only the most extreme SR or MR points are labeled, and the remaining point labels are learned. The resulting VAT model outperforms the alternatives, as quantified by the distinct property distributions of SR- and MR-classified molecules. Additionally, to reduce the cost of generating inputs to the VAT model, we leverage the VAT model’s robustness to noisy inputs by replacing WFT MR diagnostics with regression predictions in an MR decision engine workflow that preserves excellent performance. We demonstrate the transferability of our approach to larger molecules and those with distinct chemical composition from the training set. This MR decision engine demonstrates promise as a low-cost, high-accuracy approach to the automatic detection of strong correlation for predictive high-throughput screening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Theory of inelastic multiphonon scattering and carrier capture by defects in semiconductors: Application to capture cross sections

Inelastic scattering and carrier capture by defects in semiconductors are the primary causes of hot-electron-mediated degradation of power devices, which holds up their commercial development. At the same time, carrier capture is a major issue in the performance of solar cells and light-emitting diodes. A theory of nonradiative (multiphonon) inelastic scattering by defects, however, is nonexistent, while the theory for carrier capture by defects has had a long and arduous history. As such, we report the construction of a comprehensive theory of inelastic scattering by defects, with carrier capture being a special case. We distinguish between capture under thermal equilibrium conditions and capture under nonequilibrium conditions, e.g., in the presence of an electrical current or hot carriers where carriers undergo scattering by defects and are described by a mean free path. In the thermal-equilibrium case, capture is mediated by a nonadiabatic perturbation Hamiltonian, originally identified by Huang and Rhys and by Kubo, which is equal to linear electron-phonon coupling to first order. In the nonequilibrium case, we demonstrate that the primary capture mechanism is within the Born-Oppenheimer approximation (adiabatic transitions), with coupling to the defect potential inducing Franck-Condon electronic transitions, followed by multiphonon dissipation of the transition energy, while the nonadiabatic terms are of secondary importance (they scale with the inverse of the mass of typical atoms in the defect complex). We report first-principles density-functional-theory calculations of the capture cross section for a prototype defect using the projector-augmented wave, which allows us to employ all-electron wave functions. We adopt a Monte Carlo scheme to sample multiphonon configurations and obtain converged results. The theory and the results represent a foundation upon which to build engineering-level models for hot-electron degradation of power devices and the performance of solar cells and light-emitting diodes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A comment on some drawbacks of monostatic radars

All Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere (MST) radars now in operation or under construction use the monostatic mode, that is to say, the same antenna for both transmitting and receiving. Consequently, it is never possible to determine more than one component of the atmospheric velocity at one point in space. Two important properties of gravity waves which are difficult if not impossible to determine by the monostatic method are discussed. The first of these is the polarization of the gravity waves; that is, the complex ratio of the wave functions of vertical and horizontal motion. A second quantity of importance is the horizontal wavelength of gravity waves. Both of these problems could be overcome by use of a bistatic system. Such a system has the additional advantage of making it possible to measure at very low altitudes, and to look away from the transmitter (for example to make a horizontal section through a thunderstorm). However, bistatic operation, in the practical sense, requires not only an additional highly directive antenna, but also that both the transmitting and receiving antennas should be fully steerable.

Bowhill, S. A.↗

Radiative transfer theory for active remote sensing of a layer of nonspherical particles

The radiative transfer theory is applied to calculate the scattering by a layer of randomly positioned and oriented nonspherical particles. The scattering amplitude functions of each individual particle are calculated with Waterman's T matrix method, which utilizes vector spherical wave functions for expansion of incident, scattered, and surface fields. The orientation of the particles is described by a probability density function of the Eulerian angles of rotation. A rotation matrix is used to relate the T matrix of the principal frame to that of the natural frame of the particle. The extinction matrix and phase matrix of the radiative transfer equations are expressed in terms of the T matrix elements. The extinction matrix for nonspherical particles is generally nondiagonal. There are only two attenuation rates in a specified direction of propagation. The radiative transfer equations are solved by an iterative method to first order in albedo. Numerical results are illustrated as functions of incidence angle and frequency with applications to active remote sensing.

Tsang, L.↗

Results of an ISEE-1 experiment to study the interactions between energetic particles and discrete VLF waves in the magnetosphere

Despite the malfunctioning of the digital portion of the experiment which is encoding the absolute amplitude of the wave spectrum with a fixed bias of approximately 20 dB, the analog portion of the instrument is acquiring excellent data concerning the wave function and relative amplitude. Results obtained over a 2-year period which have important implications for magnetospheric wave-particle interactions are examined in the areas of emission generation by nonconducted coherent waves, and cold plasma distribution in the inner magnetosphere.

Source record↗

Rigorous solutions for sound radiation from circular ducts with hyperbolic horns or infinite plane baffle

A rigorous treatment is presented of sound radiation from circular ducts with either a hyperbolic horn or an infinite plane baffle. In the analysis hyperboloidal wave functions are used, which are defined here, for the first time, as a class of eigensolutions of the wave equation for oblate spheroidal co-ordinates. The numerical results include the complex conversion (or reflection) coefficients and the radiation directivity for various incident wave modes, spinning modes as well as axisymmetric modes. The solutions are valid for the whole frequency range including frequencies above and below the cut-off frequencies of the duct modes involved.

Cho, Y. C.↗