Gauge-invariant variables in general-relativistic perturbations: globalization and zero-mode problem

An outline of a proof of the local decomposition of linear metric perturbations into gauge-invariant and gauge-variant parts on an arbitrary background spacetime is briefly explained. We explicitly construct the gauge-invariant and gauge-variant parts of the linear metric perturbations based on some assumptions. We also point out the zero-mode problem is an essential problem to globalize of this decomposition of linear metric perturbations. The resolution of this zero-mode problem implies the possibility of the development of the higher-order gauge-invariant perturbation theory on an arbitrary background spacetime in a global sense.Comment: (v1) 16 pages, no figure; (v2) 9 pages, no figure. Compactified for "2012 Awards for Essays on Gravitation" promoted by Gravity Research Foundation. References are deleted. no ingredients is changed. This version received Honorable Mention for 201

Critical comparison of electrode models in density functional theory based quantum transport calculations

We study the performance of two different electrode models in quantum transport calculations based on density functional theory: Parametrized Bethe lattices and quasi-one dimensional wires or nanowires. A detailed account of implementation details in both cases is given. From the systematic study of nanocontacts made of representative metallic elements, we can conclude that parametrized electrode models represent an excellent compromise between computational cost and electronic structure definition as long as the aim is to compare with experiments where the precise atomic structure of the electrodes is not relevant or defined with precision. The results obtained using parametrized Bethe lattices are essentially similar to the ones obtained with quasi one dimensional electrodes for large enough sections of these, adding a natural smearing to the transmission curves that mimics the true nature of polycrystalline electrodes. The latter are more demanding from the computational point of view, but present the advantage of expanding the range of applicability of transport calculations to situations where the electrodes have a well-defined atomic structure, as is case for carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoribbons or semiconducting nanowires. All the analysis is done with the help of codes developed by the authors which can be found in the quantum transport toolbox Alacant and are publicly available.Comment: 17 pages, 12 figure

Link between the hierarchy of fractional quantum Hall states and Haldane's conjecture for quantum spin chains

We study a strong coupling expansion of the $\nu=1/3$ fractional quantum Hall state away from the Tao-Thouless limit and show that the leading quantum fluctuations lead to an effective spin-1 Hamiltonian that lacks parity symmetry. By analyzing the energetics, discrete symmetries of low-lying excitations, and string order parameters, we demonstrate that the $\nu=1/3$ fractional quantum Hall state is adiabatically connected to both Haldane and large-$D$ phases, and is characterized by a string order parameter which is dual to the ordinary one. This result indicates a close relation between (a generalized form of) the Haldane conjecture for spin chains and the fractional quantum Hall effect.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figure

Toda Lattice and Tomimatsu-Sato Solutions

We discuss an analytic proof of a conjecture (Nakamura) that solutions of Toda molecule equation give those of Ernst equation giving Tomimatsu-Sato solutions of Einstein equation. Using Pfaffian identities it is shown for Weyl solutions completely and for generic cases partially.Comment: LaTeX 8 page

Finite spin-glass transition of the ±J\pm J XY model in three dimensions

A three-dimensional $\pm J$ XY spin-glass model is investigated by a nonequilibrium relaxation method. We have introduced a new criterion for the finite-time scaling analysis. A transition temperature is obtained by a crossing point of obtained data. The scaling analysis on the relaxation functions of the spin-glass susceptibility and the chiral-glass susceptibility shows that both transitions occur simultaneously. The result is checked by relaxation functions of the Binder parameters and the glass correlation lengths of the spin and the chirality. Every result is consistent if we consider that the transition is driven by the spin degrees of freedom.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, incorrect arguments are delete

Gauge-invariant Formulation of the Second-order Cosmological Perturbations

Gauge invariant treatments of the second order cosmological perturbation in a four dimensional homogeneous isotropic universe filled with the perfect fluid are completely formulated without any gauge fixing. We derive all components of the Einstein equations in the case where the first order vector and tensor modes are negligible. These equations imply that the tensor and the vector mode of the second order metric perturbations may be generated by the scalar-scalar mode coupling of the linear order perturbations as the result of the non-linear effects of the Einstein equations.Comment: 5 pages, no figure. RevTeX; short letter version of gr-qc/0605108; some details of explanations are adde

Dimerization in a half-filled one-dimensional extended Hubbard model

We use a density matrix renormalization group method to study quantitatively the phase diagram of a one-dimensional extended Hubbard model at half-filling by investigating the correlation functions and structure factors. We confirm the existence of a novel narrow region with long-rang bond-order-wave order which is highly controversial recently between the charge-density-wave phase and Mott insulator phase. We determined accurately the position of the tricritical point $U_t\simeq 7.2t$, $V_t\simeq 3.746t$ which is quite different from previous studies

Improved thermal insulation materials made of foamed refractory oxides

Foamed refractory oxides provide lightweight, reflective thermal insulation materials. The materials have a low bulk density and high thermal shock resistance