Generalized squeezed-coherent states of the finite one-dimensional oscillator and matrix multi-orthogonality

A set of generalized squeezed-coherent states for the finite u(2) oscillator is obtained. These states are given as linear combinations of the mode eigenstates with amplitudes determined by matrix elements of exponentials in the su(2) generators. These matrix elements are given in the (N+1)-dimensional basis of the finite oscillator eigenstates and are seen to involve 3x3 matrix multi-orthogonal polynomials Q_n(k) in a discrete variable k which have the Krawtchouk and vector-orthogonal polynomials as their building blocks. The algebraic setting allows for the characterization of these polynomials and the computation of mean values in the squeezed-coherent states. In the limit where N goes to infinity and the discrete oscillator approaches the standard harmonic oscillator, the polynomials tend to 2x2 matrix orthogonal polynomials and the squeezed-coherent states tend to those of the standard oscillator.Comment: 18 pages, 1 figur

A model for the continuous q-ultraspherical polynomials

We provide an algebraic interpretation for two classes of continuous $q$-polynomials. Rogers' continuous $q$-Hermite polynomials and continuous $q$-ultraspherical polynomials are shown to realize, respectively, bases for representation spaces of the $q$-Heisenberg algebra and a $q$-deformation of the Euclidean algebra in these dimensions. A generating function for the continuous $q$-Hermite polynomials and a $q$-analog of the Fourier-Gegenbauer expansion are naturally obtained from these models

An Algebraic Model for the Multiple Meixner Polynomials of the First Kind

An interpretation of the multiple Meixner polynomials of the first kind is provided through an infinite Lie algebra realized in terms of the creation and annihilation operators of a set of independent oscillators. The model is used to derive properties of these orthogonal polynomials

A Comment on "Brans-Dicke Cosmology with a scalar field potential"

We show that a recent letter claiming to present exact cosmological solutions in Brans-Dicke theory actually uses a flawed set of equations as the starting point for their analysis. The results presented in the letter are therefore not valid.Comment: 2 pages, no figures. To appear in Europhysics Letter

A simple and controlled single electron transistor based on doping modulation in silicon nanowires

A simple and highly reproducible single electron transistor (SET) has been fabricated using gated silicon nanowires. The structure is a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor made on silicon-on-insulator thin films. The channel of the transistor is the Coulomb island at low temperature. Two silicon nitride spacers deposited on each side of the gate create a modulation of doping along the nanowire that creates tunnel barriers. Such barriers are fixed and controlled, like in metallic SETs. The period of the Coulomb oscillations is set by the gate capacitance of the transistor and therefore controlled by lithography. The source and drain capacitances have also been characterized. This design could be used to build more complex SET devices.Comment: to be published in Applied Physics Letter

The Dynamics of Sustained Reentry in a Loop Model with Discrete Gap Junction Resistance

Dynamics of reentry are studied in a one dimensional loop of model cardiac cells with discrete intercellular gap junction resistance ($R$). Each cell is represented by a continuous cable with ionic current given by a modified Beeler-Reuter formulation. For $R$ below a limiting value, propagation is found to change from period-1 to quasi-periodic ($QP$) at a critical loop length ($L_{crit}$) that decreases with $R$. Quasi-periodic reentry exists from $L_{crit}$ to a minimum length ($L_{min}$) that is also shortening with $R$. The decrease of $L_{crit}(R)$ is not a simple scaling, but the bifurcation can still be predicted from the slope of the restitution curve giving the duration of the action potential as a function of the diastolic interval. However, the shape of the restitution curve changes with $R$.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure