@article{Prosen2011, author = {Prosen, Tomaz}, title = {Complexity and nonseparability of classical Liouvillian dynamics}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {83}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.83.031124}, pages = {5}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We propose a simple complexity indicator of classical Liouvillian dynamics, namely the separability entropy, which determines the logarithm of an effective number of terms in a Schmidt decomposition of phase space density with respect to an arbitrary fixed product basis. We show that linear growth of separability entropy provides a stricter criterion of complexity than Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy, namely it requires that the dynamics be exponentially unstable, nonlinear, and non-Markovian.}, language = {en} } @article{StichBeta2011, author = {Stich, Michael and Beta, Carsten}, title = {Standing waves in a complex Ginzburg-Landau equation with time-delay feedback}, series = {Discrete and continuous dynamical systems : a journal bridging mathematics and sciences}, journal = {Discrete and continuous dynamical systems : a journal bridging mathematics and sciences}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Institute of Mathematical Sciences}, address = {Springfield}, issn = {1078-0947}, pages = {1329 -- 1334}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Standing waves are studied as solutions of a complex Ginsburg-Landau equation subjected to local and global time-delay feedback terms. The onset of standing waves is studied at the instability of the homogeneous periodic solution with respect to spatially periodic perturbations. The solution of this spatiotemporal wave pattern is given and is compared to the homogeneous periodic solution.}, language = {en} } @article{KlieschBarthelGogolinetal.2011, author = {Kliesch, Martin and Barthel, Thomas and Gogolin, C. and Kastoryano, M. and Eisert, J.}, title = {Dissipative quantum church-turing theorem}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {107}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {12}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.120501}, pages = {5}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We show that the time evolution of an open quantum system, described by a possibly time dependent Liouvillian, can be simulated by a unitary quantum circuit of a size scaling polynomially in the simulation time and the size of the system. An immediate consequence is that dissipative quantum computing is no more powerful than the unitary circuit model. Our result can be seen as a dissipative Church-Turing theorem, since it implies that under natural assumptions, such as weak coupling to an environment, the dynamics of an open quantum system can be simulated efficiently on a quantum computer. Formally, we introduce a Trotter decomposition for Liouvillian dynamics and give explicit error bounds. This constitutes a practical tool for numerical simulations, e.g., using matrix-product operators. We also demonstrate that most quantum states cannot be prepared efficiently.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuchHarrisonOsborneetal.2011, author = {Schuch, Norbert and Harrison, Sarah K. and Osborne, Tobias J. and Eisert, Jens}, title = {Information propagation for interacting-particle systems}, series = {Physical review : A, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : A, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1050-2947}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevA.84.032309}, pages = {5}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We study the speed at which information propagates through systems of interacting quantum particles moving on a regular lattice and show that for a certain class of initial conditions there exists a maximum speed of sound at which information can propagate. Our argument applies equally to quantum spins, bosons such as in the Bose-Hubbard model, fermions, anyons, and general mixtures thereof, on arbitrary lattices of any dimension. It also pertains to dissipative dynamics on the lattice, and generalizes to the continuum for quantum fields. Our result can be seen as an analog of the Lieb-Robinson bound for strongly correlated models.}, language = {en} } @article{HuebenerKruszynskaHartmannetal.2011, author = {H{\"u}bener, Robert and Kruszynska, Caroline and Hartmann, Lorenz and Duer, Wolfgang and Plenio, Martin B. and Eisert, Jens}, title = {Tensor network methods with graph enhancement}, series = {Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics}, number = {12}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1098-0121}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevB.84.125103}, pages = {24}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We present applications of the renormalization algorithm with graph enhancement (RAGE). This analysis extends the algorithms and applications given for approaches based on matrix product states introduced in [Phys. Rev. A 79, 022317 (2009)] to other tensor-network states such as the tensor tree states (TTS) and projected entangled pair states. We investigate the suitability of the bare TTS to describe ground states, showing that the description of certain graph states and condensed-matter models improves. We investigate graph-enhanced tensor-network states, demonstrating that in some cases (disturbed graph states and for certain quantum circuits) the combination of weighted graph states with TTS can greatly improve the accuracy of the description of ground states and time-evolved states. We comment on delineating the boundary of the classically efficiently simulatable states of quantum many-body systems.}, language = {en} } @misc{Qiu2011, author = {Qiu, Xunlin}, title = {Patterned piezo-, pyro-, and ferroelectricity of poled polymer electrets}, series = {Journal of applied physics}, volume = {110}, journal = {Journal of applied physics}, number = {5}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.3638069}, pages = {1}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @misc{LoksteinKrikunovaTeuchneretal.2011, author = {Lokstein, Heiko and Krikunova, Maria and Teuchner, Klaus and Voigt, Bernd}, title = {Elucidation of structure-function relationships in photosynthetic light-harvesting antenna complexes by non-linear polarization spectroscopy in the frequency domain (NLPF)}, series = {Journal of plant physiology : biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and biotechnology of plants}, volume = {168}, journal = {Journal of plant physiology : biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and biotechnology of plants}, number = {12}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Jena}, issn = {0176-1617}, doi = {10.1016/j.jplph.2010.12.012}, pages = {1488 -- 1496}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Photosynthetically active pigments are usually organized into pigment-protein complexes. These include light-harvesting antenna complexes (LHCs) and reaction centers. Site energies of the bound pigments are determined by interactions with their environment, i.e., by pigment-protein as well as pigment-pigment interactions. Thus, resolution of spectral substructures of the pigment-protein complexes may provide valuable insight into structure-function relationships. By means of conventional (linear) and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, however, it is often difficult to resolve the spectral substructures of complex pigment-protein assemblies. Nonlinear polarization spectroscopy in the frequency domain (NLPF) is shown to be a valuable technique in this regard. Based on initial experimental work with purple bacterial antenna complexes as well as model systems NLPF has been extended to analyse the substructure(s) of very complex spectra, including analyses of interactions between chlorophylls and "optically dark" states of carotenoids in LHCs. The paper reviews previous work and outlines perspectives regarding the application of NLPF spectroscopy to disentangle structure-function relationships in pigment-protein complexes.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuetzHolschneider2011, author = {Sch{\"u}tz, Nadine and Holschneider, Matthias}, title = {Detection of trend changes in time series using Bayesian inference}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.84.021120}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Change points in time series are perceived as isolated singularities where two regular trends of a given signal do not match. The detection of such transitions is of fundamental interest for the understanding of the system's internal dynamics or external forcings. In practice observational noise makes it difficult to detect such change points in time series. In this work we elaborate on a Bayesian algorithm to estimate the location of the singularities and to quantify their credibility. We validate the performance and sensitivity of our inference method by estimating change points of synthetic data sets. As an application we use our algorithm to analyze the annual flow volume of the Nile River at Aswan from 1871 to 1970, where we confirm a well-established significant transition point within the time series.}, language = {en} } @article{SunYang2011, author = {Sun, Zhongkui and Yang, Xiaoli}, title = {Generating and enhancing lag synchronization of chaotic systems by white noise}, series = {Chaos : an interdisciplinary journal of nonlinear science}, volume = {21}, journal = {Chaos : an interdisciplinary journal of nonlinear science}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {1054-1500}, doi = {10.1063/1.3623440}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {In this paper, we study the crucial impact of white noise on lag synchronous regime in a pair of time-delay unidirectionally coupled systems. Our result demonstrates that merely via white-noise-based coupling lag synchronization could be achieved between the coupled systems (chaotic or not). And it is also demonstrated that a conventional lag synchronous regime can be enhanced by white noise. Sufficient conditions are further proved mathematically for noise-inducing and noise-enhancing lag synchronization, respectively. Additionally, the influence of parameter mismatch on the proposed lag synchronous regime is studied, by which we announce the robustness and validity of the new strategy. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the validity and some possible applications of the theoretical result.}, language = {en} } @article{WinkelBenBekhtiDarmstaedteretal.2011, author = {Winkel, B. and Ben Bekhti, Nadya and Darmstaedter, V. and Floeer, L. and Kerp, J. and Richter, Philipp}, title = {The high-velocity cloud complex Galactic center negative as seen by EBHIS and GASS I. Cloud catalog and global properties}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {533}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, number = {18}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201117357}, pages = {13}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Using Milky Way data of the new Effelsberg-Bonn HI Survey (EBHIS) and the Galactic All-Sky Survey (GASS), we present a revised picture of the high-velocity cloud (HVC) complex Galactic center negative (GCN). Owing to the higher angular resolution of these surveys compared to previous studies (e.g., the Leiden Dwingeloo Survey), we resolve complex GCN into lots of individual tiny clumps, that mostly have relatively broad line widths of more than 15 km s(-1). We do not detect a diffuse extended counterpart, which is unusual for an HVC complex. In total 243 clumps were identified and parameterized which allows us to statistically analyze the data. Cold-line components (i.e.,Delta upsilon(fwhm) < 7.5 km s(-1)) are found in about 5\% only of the identified cloudlets. Our analysis reveals that complex GCN is likely built up of several subpopulations that do not share a common origin. Furthermore, complex GCN might be a prime example for warm-gas accretion onto the Milky Way, where neutral HI clouds are not stable against interaction with the Milky Way gas halo and become ionized prior to accretion.}, language = {en} } @article{GreenKliemWallace2011, author = {Green, Luci M. and Kliem, Bernhard and Wallace, A. J.}, title = {Photospheric flux cancellation and associated flux rope formation and eruption}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {526}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, number = {2}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201015146}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Aims. We study an evolving bipolar active region that exhibits flux cancellation at the internal polarity inversion line, the formation of a soft X-ray sigmoid along the inversion line and a coronal mass ejection. The aim is to investigate the quantity of flux cancellation that is involved in flux rope formation in the time period leading up to the eruption. Methods. The active region is studied using its extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray emissions as it evolves from a sheared arcade to flux rope configuration. The evolution of the photospheric magnetic field is described and used to estimate how much flux is reconnected into the flux rope. Results. About one third of the active region flux cancels at the internal polarity inversion line in the 2.5 days leading up to the eruption. In this period, the coronal structure evolves from a weakly to a highly sheared arcade and then to a sigmoid that crosses the inversion line in the inverse direction. These properties suggest that a flux rope has formed prior to the eruption. The amount of cancellation implies that up to 60\% of the active region flux could be in the body of the flux rope. We point out that only part of the cancellation contributes to the flux in the rope if the arcade is only weakly sheared, as in the first part of the evolution. This reduces the estimated flux in the rope to similar to 30\% or less of the active region flux. We suggest that the remaining discrepancy between our estimate and the limiting value of similar to 10\% of the active region flux, obtained previously by the flux rope insertion method, results from the incomplete coherence of the flux rope, due to nonuniform cancellation along the polarity inversion line. A hot linear feature is observed in the active region which rises as part of the eruption and then likely traces out the field lines close to the axis of the flux rope. The flux cancellation and changing magnetic connections at one end of this feature suggest that the flux rope reaches coherence by reconnection immediately before and early in the impulsive phase of the associated flare. The sigmoid is destroyed in the eruption but reforms quickly, with the amount of cancellation involved being much smaller than in the course of its original formation.}, language = {en} } @article{HoffmannDietzelSchulzetal.2011, author = {Hoffmann, Katrin and Dietzel, Birgit and Schulz, Burkhard and Reck, Guenter and Hoffmann, Angelika and Orgzall, Ingo and Resch-Genger, Ute and Emmerling, Franziska}, title = {Combined structural and fluorescence studies of methyl-substituted 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles - Relation between electronic properties and packing motifs}, series = {Journal of molecular structure}, volume = {988}, journal = {Journal of molecular structure}, number = {1-3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0022-2860}, doi = {10.1016/j.molstruc.2010.11.071}, pages = {35 -- 46}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Prerequisite for the rational design of functional organic materials with tailor-made electronic properties is the knowledge of the structure-property relationship for the specific class of molecules under consideration. This encouraged us to systematically study the influence of the molecular structure and substitution pattern of aromatically substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles on the electronic properties and packing motifs of these molecules and on the interplay of these factors. For this purpose, seven diphenyl-oxadiazoles equipped with methyl substituents in the ortho- and meta-position(s) were synthesized and characterized. Absorption and fluorescence spectra in solution served here as tools to monitor substitution-induced changes in the electronic properties of the individual molecules whereas X-ray and optical measurements in the solid state provided information on the interplay of electronic and packing effects. In solution, the spectral position of the absorption maximum, the size of Stokes shift, and the fluorescence quantum yield are considerably affected by ortho-substitution in three or four ortho-positions. This results in blue shifted absorption bands, increased Stokes shifts, and reduced fluorescence quantum yields whereas the spectral position and vibrational structure of the emission bands remain more or less unaffected. In the crystalline state, however, the spectral position and shape of the emission bands display a strong dependence on the molecular structure and/or packing motifs that seem to control the amount of dye-dye-interactions. These observations reveal the limited value of commonly reported absorption and fluorescence measurements in solution for a straightforward comparison of spectroscopic results with single X-ray crystallography. This underlines the importance of solid state spectroscopic studies for a better understanding of the interplay of electronic effects and molecular order.}, language = {en} } @article{HobanCampbellLoukopoulosetal.2011, author = {Hoban, Matty J. and Campbell, Earl T. and Loukopoulos, Klearchos and Browne, Dan E.}, title = {Non-adaptive measurement-based quantum computation and multi-party Bell inequalities}, series = {New journal of physics : the open-access journal for physics}, volume = {13}, journal = {New journal of physics : the open-access journal for physics}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1367-2630}, doi = {10.1088/1367-2630/13/2/023014}, pages = {18}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Quantum correlations exhibit behaviour that cannot be resolved with a local hidden variable picture of the world. In quantum information, they are also used as resources for information processing tasks, such as measurement-based quantum computation (MQC). In MQC, universal quantum computation can be achieved via adaptive measurements on a suitable entangled resource state. In this paper, we look at a version of MQC in which we remove the adaptivity of measurements and aim to understand what computational abilities remain in the resource. We show that there are explicit connections between this model of computation and the question of non-classicality in quantum correlations. We demonstrate this by focusing on deterministic computation of Boolean functions, in which natural generalizations of the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger paradox emerge; we then explore probabilistic computation via, which multipartite Bell inequalities can be defined. We use this correspondence to define families of multi-party Bell inequalities, which we show to have a number of interesting contrasting properties.}, language = {en} } @misc{ReicheKratzHofmannetal.2011, author = {Reiche, J{\"u}rgen and Kratz, Karl and Hofmann, Dieter and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Current status of Langmuir monolayer degradation of polymeric biomaterials}, series = {The international journal of artificial organs}, volume = {34}, journal = {The international journal of artificial organs}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wichtig}, address = {Milano}, issn = {0391-3988}, doi = {10.5301/IJAO.2011.6401}, pages = {123 -- 128}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Langmuir monolayer degradation (LMD) experiments with polymers possessing outstanding biomedical application potential yield information regarding the kinetics of their hydrolytic or enzymatic chain scission under well-defined and adjustable degradation conditions. A brief review is given of LMD investigations, including the author's own work on 2-dimensional (2D) polymer systems, providing chain scission data, which are not disturbed by simultaneously occurring transport phenomena, such as water penetration into the sample or transport of scission fragments out of the sample. A knowledge-based approach for the description and simulation of polymer hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation based on a combination of fast LMD experiments and computer simulation of the water penetration is briefly introduced. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{GiewekemeyerKruegerKalbfleischetal.2011, author = {Giewekemeyer, K. and Krueger, S. P. and Kalbfleisch, S. and Bartels, Meike and Beta, Carsten and Salditt, T.}, title = {X-ray propagation microscopy of biological cells using waveguides as a quasipoint source}, series = {Physical review : A, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics}, volume = {83}, journal = {Physical review : A, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1050-2947}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevA.83.023804}, pages = {7}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We have used x-ray waveguides as highly confining optical elements for nanoscale imaging of unstained biological cells using the simple geometry of in-line holography. The well-known twin-image problem is effectively circumvented by a simple and fast iterative reconstruction. The algorithm which combines elements of the classical Gerchberg-Saxton scheme and the hybrid-input-output algorithm is optimized for phase-contrast samples, well-justified for imaging of cells at multi-keV photon energies. The experimental scheme allows for a quantitative phase reconstruction from a single holographic image without detailed knowledge of the complex illumination function incident on the sample, as demonstrated for freeze-dried cells of the eukaryotic amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. The accessible resolution range is explored by simulations, indicating that resolutions on the order of 20 nm are within reach applying illumination times on the order of minutes at present synchrotron sources.}, language = {en} } @article{KofodRisseStoyanovetal.2011, author = {Kofod, Guggi and Risse, Sebastian and Stoyanov, Hristiyan and McCarthy, Denis N. and Sokolov, Sergey and Kr{\"a}hnert, Ralph}, title = {Broad-spectrum enhancement of polymer composite dielectric constant at ultra low volume fractions of silica-supported copper nanoparticles}, series = {ACS nano}, volume = {5}, journal = {ACS nano}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1936-0851}, doi = {10.1021/nn103097q}, pages = {1623 -- 1629}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A new strategy for the synthesis of high permittivity polymer composites is demonstrated based on well-defined spatial distribution of ultralow amounts of conductive nanoparticles. The spatial distribution Was realized by immobilizing Cu nanoparticles within the pore system of Alia microspheres, preventing direct contact between individual Cu particles. Both Cu-loaded and unloaded silica microspheres were-then used as fillers in polymer composites prepared with thermoplastic SEBS rubber is the matrix. With a metallic Cu content of about 0.26 vol \% In the compoilte, a relative increase of 94\% In real permittivity was obtained. No Cu-induced relaxations were observed in the dielectric spectrum within the studied frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz. When related to the amount of conductive nanoparticles, the obtained composites achieve the highest broad spectrum enhancement of permittivity ever reported for a polymer based composite.}, language = {en} } @article{LachmuthDurkaSchurr2011, author = {Lachmuth, Susanne and Durka, Walter and Schurr, Frank Martin}, title = {Differentiation of reproductive and competitive ability in the invaded range of Senecio inaequidens the role of genetic Allee effects, adaptive and nonadaptive evolution}, series = {New phytologist : international journal of plant science}, volume = {192}, journal = {New phytologist : international journal of plant science}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Malden}, issn = {0028-646X}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03808.x}, pages = {529 -- 541}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Genetic differentiation in the competitive and reproductive ability of invading populations can result from genetic Allee effects or r/K selection at the local or range-wide scale. However, the neutral relatedness of populations may either mask or falsely suggest adaptation and genetic Allee effects. In a common-garden experiment, we investigated the competitive and reproductive ability of invasive Senecio inaequidens populations that vary in neutral genetic diversity, population age and field vegetation cover. To account for population relatedness, we analysed the experimental results with 'animal models' adopted from quantitative genetics. Consistent with adaptive r/K differentiation at local scales, we found that genotypes from low-competition environments invest more in reproduction and are more sensitive to competition. By contrast, apparent effects of large-scale r/K differentiation and apparent genetic Allee effects can largely be explained by neutral population relatedness. Invading populations should not be treated as homogeneous groups, as they may adapt quickly to small-scale environmental variation in the invaded range. Furthermore, neutral population differentiation may strongly influence invasion dynamics and should be accounted for in analyses of common-garden experiments.}, language = {en} } @article{RobinsonCalovGanopolski2011, author = {Robinson, Alexander and Calov, Reinhard and Ganopolski, Andrey}, title = {Greenland ice sheet model parameters constrained using simulations of the Eemian Interglacial}, series = {Climate of the past : an interactive open access journal of the European Geosciences Union}, volume = {7}, journal = {Climate of the past : an interactive open access journal of the European Geosciences Union}, number = {2}, publisher = {Copernicus}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {1814-9324}, doi = {10.5194/cp-7-381-2011}, pages = {381 -- 396}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Using a new approach to force an ice sheet model, we performed an ensemble of simulations of the Greenland Ice Sheet evolution during the last two glacial cycles, with emphasis on the Eemian Interglacial. This ensemble was generated by perturbing four key parameters in the coupled regional climate-ice sheet model and by introducing additional uncertainty in the prescribed "background" climate change. The sensitivity of the surface melt model to climate change was determined to be the dominant driver of ice sheet instability, as reflected by simulated ice sheet loss during the Eemian Interglacial period. To eliminate unrealistic parameter combinations, constraints from present-day and paleo information were applied. The constraints include (i) the diagnosed present-day surface mass balance partition between surface melting and ice discharge at the margin, (ii) the modeled present-day elevation at GRIP; and (iii) the modeled elevation reduction at GRIP during the Eemian. Using these three constraints, a total of 360 simulations with 90 different model realizations were filtered down to 46 simulations and 20 model realizations considered valid. The paleo constraint eliminated more sensitive melt parameter values, in agreement with the surface mass balance partition assumption. The constrained simulations resulted in a range of Eemian ice loss of 0.4-4.4m sea level equivalent, with a more likely range of about 3.7-4.4m sea level if the GRIP delta O-18 isotope record can be considered an accurate proxy for the precipitation-weighted annual mean temperatures.}, language = {en} } @article{Baushev2011, author = {Baushev, Anton N.}, title = {Principal properties of the velocity distribution of dark matter particles on the outskirts of the Solar system}, series = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, volume = {417}, journal = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Malden}, issn = {0035-8711}, doi = {10.1111/j.1745-3933.2011.01125.x}, pages = {L83 -- L87}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The velocity distribution of the dark matter particles on the outskirts of the Solar system remains unclear. We suggest to determine it using experimentally found properties of the oldest halo objects. Indeed, the oldest halo stars and globular clusters form a collisionless system, as well as dark matter particles do, and they evolved in the same gravitational field. If we accept this analogy, we can show that the velocity distribution of the dark matter particles should be highly anisotropic and have a sharp maximum near upsilon similar to 500 km s(-1). The distribution is totally different from the Maxwell one. We analyse the influence of the distribution function on the results of dark matter detection experiments. It is found that the direct detection signal should differ noticeably from the one calculated from the Maxwell distribution with similar or equal to 220 km s(-1), which is conventional for direct detection experiments (the ratio depends on the detector properties and typically falls within the range between 6 and 0.2). Moreover, the sharp distinction from the Maxwell distribution can be very essential to the observations of dark matter annihilation.}, language = {en} } @article{BerensteinBeta2011, author = {Berenstein, Igal and Beta, Carsten}, title = {Flow-induced control of chemical turbulence}, series = {The journal of chemical physics : bridges a gap between journals of physics and journals of chemistr}, volume = {135}, journal = {The journal of chemical physics : bridges a gap between journals of physics and journals of chemistr}, number = {16}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.3656248}, pages = {6}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report spatiotemporal chaos in the Oregonator model of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. Spatiotemporal chaos spontaneously develops in a regime, where the underlying local dynamics show stable limit cycle oscillations (diffusion-induced turbulence). We show that spatiotemporal chaos can be suppressed by a unidirectional flow in the system. With increasing flow velocity, we observe a transition scenario from spatiotemporal chaos via a regime of travelling waves to a stationary steady state. At large flow velocities, we recover the known regime of flow distributed oscillations.}, language = {en} } @article{KhaderPachurMeieretal.2011, author = {Khader, Patrick H. and Pachur, Thorsten and Meier, Stefanie and Bien, Siegfried and Jost, Kerstin and Roesler, Frank}, title = {Memory-based decision-making with heuristics evidence for a controlled activation of memory representations}, series = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {23}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, number = {11}, publisher = {MIT Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0898-929X}, pages = {3540 -- 3554}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Many of our daily decisions are memory based, that is, the attribute information about the decision alternatives has to be recalled. Behavioral studies suggest that for such decisions we often use simple strategies (heuristics) that rely on controlled and limited information search. It is assumed that these heuristics simplify decision-making by activating long-term memory representations of only those attributes that are necessary for the decision. However, from behavioral studies alone, it is unclear whether using heuristics is indeed associated with limited memory search. The present study tested this assumption by monitoring the activation of specific long-term-memory representations with fMRI while participants made memory-based decisions using the "take-the-best" heuristic. For different decision trials, different numbers and types of information had to be retrieved and processed. The attributes consisted of visual information known to be represented in different parts of the posterior cortex. We found that the amount of information required for a decision was mirrored by a parametric activation of the dorsolateral PFC. Such a parametric pattern was also observed in all posterior areas, suggesting that activation was not limited to those attributes required for a decision. However, the posterior increases were systematically modulated by the relative importance of the information for making a decision. These findings suggest that memory-based decision-making is mediated by the dorsolateral PFC, which selectively controls posterior storage areas. In addition, the systematic modulations of the posterior activations indicate a selective boosting of activation of decision-relevant attributes.}, language = {en} } @article{HuangChenKurths2011, author = {Huang, Tingwen and Chen, Guanrong and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Synchronization of chaotic of chaotic systems with time-varying coup{\"o}ing delays}, series = {Discrete and continuous dynamical systems : a journal bridging mathematics and sciences ; Series B, Mathematical modelling, analysis and computations}, volume = {16}, journal = {Discrete and continuous dynamical systems : a journal bridging mathematics and sciences ; Series B, Mathematical modelling, analysis and computations}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Institute of Mathematical Sciences}, address = {Springfield}, issn = {1531-3492}, doi = {10.3934/dcdsb.2011.16.1071}, pages = {1071 -- 1082}, year = {2011}, abstract = {In this paper, we study the complete synchronization of a class of time-varying delayed coupled chaotic systems using feedback control. In terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities, a sufficient condition is obtained through using a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and differential equation in equalities. The conditions can be easily verified and implemented. We present two simulation examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.}, language = {en} } @misc{BetaBodenschatz2011, author = {Beta, Carsten and Bodenschatz, Eberhard}, title = {Microfluidic tools for quantitative studies of eukaryotic chemotaxis}, series = {European journal of cell biology}, volume = {90}, journal = {European journal of cell biology}, number = {10}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Jena}, issn = {0171-9335}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.05.006}, pages = {811 -- 816}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Over the past decade, microfluidic techniques have been established as a versatile platform to perform live cell experiments under well-controlled conditions. To investigate the directional responses of cells, stable concentration profiles of chemotactic factors can be generated in microfluidic gradient mixers that provide a high degree of spatial control. However, the times for built-up and switching of gradient profiles are in general too slow to resolve the intracellular protein translocation events of directional sensing of eukaryotes. Here, we review an example of a conventional microfluidic gradient mixer as well as the novel flow photolysis technique that achieves an increased temporal resolution by combining the photo-activation of caged compounds with the advantages of microfluidic chambers.}, language = {en} } @article{KoseskaVolkovKurths2011, author = {Koseska, Aneta and Volkov, Evgenii and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Synthetic multicellular oscillatory systems controlling protein dynamics with genetic circuits}, series = {Physica scripta : an international journal for experimental and theoretical physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physica scripta : an international journal for experimental and theoretical physics}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0031-8949}, doi = {10.1088/0031-8949/84/04/045007}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Synthetic biology is a relatively new research discipline that combines standard biology approaches with the constructive nature of engineering. Thus, recent efforts in the field of synthetic biology have given a perspective to consider cells as 'programmable matter'. Here, we address the possibility of using synthetic circuits to control protein dynamics. In particular, we show how intercellular communication and stochasticity can be used to manipulate the dynamical behavior of a population of coupled synthetic units and, in this manner, finely tune the expression of specific proteins of interest, e.g. in large bioreactors.}, language = {en} } @article{DoeringKolloscheRabeetal.2011, author = {D{\"o}ring, Sebastian and Kollosche, Matthias and Rabe, Torsten and Stumpe, Joachim and Kofod, Guggi}, title = {Electrically tunable polymer DFB laser}, series = {Advanced materials}, volume = {23}, journal = {Advanced materials}, number = {37}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0935-9648}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201102465}, pages = {4265 -- 4269}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @article{StoyanovKolloscheRisseetal.2011, author = {Stoyanov, Hristiyan and Kollosche, Matthias and Risse, Sebastian and McCarthy, Denis N. and Kofod, Guggi}, title = {Elastic block copolymer nanocomposites with controlled interfacial interactions for artificial muscles with direct voltage control}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {7}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {1}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c0sm00715c}, pages = {194 -- 202}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Soft, physically crosslinking, block copolymer elastomers were filled with surface-treated nanoparticles, in order to evaluate the possibility for improvement of their properties when used as soft dielectric actuators. The nanoparticles led to improvements in dielectric properties, however they also reinforced the elastomer matrix. Comparing dielectric spectra of composites with untreated and surface-treated particles showed a measurable influence of the surface on the dielectric loss behaviour for high filler amounts, strongly indicating an improved host-guest interaction for the surface-treated particles. Breakdown strength was measured using a test bench and was found to be in good agreement with the results from the actuation measurements. Actuation responses predicted by a model for prestrained actuators agreed well with measurements up to a filler amount of 20\%(vol). Strong improvements in actuation behaviour were observed, with an optimum near 15\%(vol) nanoparticles, corresponding to a reduction in electrical field of 27\% for identical actuation strains. The use of physically crosslinking elastomer ensured the mechanical properties of the matrix elastomer were unchanged by nanoparticles effecting the crosslinking reaction, contrary to similar experiments performed with chemically crosslinking elastomers. This allows for a firm conclusion about the positive effects of surface-treated nanoparticles on actuation behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{SchenkHamiltonJohnsonetal.2011, author = {Schenk, Paul and Hamilton, Douglas P. and Johnson, Robert E. and McKinnon, William B. and Paranicas, Chris and Schmidt, J{\"u}rgen and Showalter, Mark R.}, title = {Plasma, plumes and rings saturn system dynamics as recorded in global color patterns on its midsize icy satellites}, series = {Icarus : international journal of solar system studies}, volume = {211}, journal = {Icarus : international journal of solar system studies}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {San Diego}, issn = {0019-1035}, doi = {10.1016/j.icarus.2010.08.016}, pages = {740 -- 757}, year = {2011}, abstract = {New global maps of the five inner midsize icy saturnian satellites, Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, and Rhea, have been constructed in three colors (UV, Green and near-IR) at resolutions of 1 km/pixel. The maps reveal prominent global patterns common to several of these satellites but also three major color features unique to specific satellites or satellite subgroups. The most common features among the group are first-order global asymmetries in color properties. This pattern, expressed on Tethys, Dione and Rhea, takes the form of a similar to 1.4-1.8 times enhancement in redness (expressed as IR/UV ratio) of the surface at the center of the trailing hemisphere of motion, and a similar though significantly weaker IR/UV enhancement at the center of the leading hemisphere. The peak in redness on the trailing hemisphere also corresponds to a known decrease in albedo. These double hemispheric asymmetries are attributable to plasma and E-ring grain bombardment on the trailing and leading hemispheres, respectively, for the outer three satellites Tethys, Dione and Rhea, whereas as E-ring bombardment may be focused on the trailing hemisphere of Mimas due to its orbital location interior to Enceladus. The maps also reveal three major deviations from these basic global patterns. We observe the previously known dark bluish leading hemisphere equatorial band on Tethys but have also discovered a similar band on Mimas. Similar in shape, both features match the surface patterns expected for irradiation of the surface by incident MeV electrons that drift in a direction opposite to the plasma flow. The global asymmetry on Enceladus is offset similar to 40 degrees to the west compared to the other satellites. We do not consider Enceladus in detail here, but the global distribution of bluish material can be shown to match the deposition pattern predicted for plume fallback onto the surface (Kempf, S., Beckmann, U., Schmidt, S. [2010]. Icarus 206, 446-457. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2009.09.016). E-ring deposition on Enceladus thus appears to mask or prevent the formation of the lenses and hemispheric asymmetries we see on the other satellites. Finally, we observe a chain of discrete bluish splotches along the equator of Rhea. Unlike the equatorial bands of Tethys and Mimas, these splotches form a very narrow great circle <= 10-km wide (north-to-south) and appear to be related to surface disruption, exposing fresh, bluish ice on older crater rims. This feature is unique to Rhea and may have formed by impact onto its surface of orbiting material.}, language = {en} } @article{MariKielingNielsenetal.2011, author = {Mari, Andrea and Kieling, Konrad and Nielsen, B. Melholt and Polzik, E. S. and Eisert, Jens}, title = {Directly estimating nonclassicality}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {106}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.010403}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We establish a method of directly measuring and estimating nonclassicality-operationally defined in terms of the distinguishability of a given state from one with a positive Wigner function. It allows us to certify nonclassicality, based on possibly much fewer measurement settings than necessary for obtaining complete tomographic knowledge, and is at the same time equipped with a full certificate. We find that even from measuring two conjugate variables alone, one may infer the nonclassicality of quantum mechanical modes. This method also provides a practical tool to eventually certify such features in mechanical degrees of freedom in opto-mechanics. The proof of the result is based on Bochner's theorem characterizing classical and quantum characteristic functions and on semidefinite programming. In this joint theoretical-experimental work we present data from experimental optical Fock state preparation.}, language = {en} } @article{LemrCernochSoubustaetal.2011, author = {Lemr, Karel and Cernoch, A. and Soubusta, Jan and Kieling, Konrad and Eisert, Jens and Dusek, M.}, title = {Experimental implementation of the optimal linear-optical controlled phase gate}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {106}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.013602}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on the first experimental realization of optimal linear-optical controlled phase gates for arbitrary phases. The realized scheme is entirely flexible in that the phase shift can be tuned to any given value. All such controlled phase gates are optimal in the sense that they operate at the maximum possible success probabilities that are achievable within the framework of postselected linear-optical implementations with vacuum ancillas. The quantum gate is implemented by using bulk optical elements and polarization encoding of qubit states. We have experimentally explored the remarkable observation that the optimum success probability is not monotone in the phase.}, language = {en} } @article{GogolinMuellerEisert2011, author = {Gogolin, Christian and M{\"u}ller, Markus P. and Eisert, Jens}, title = {Absence of thermalization in nonintegrable systems}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {106}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.040401}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We establish a link between unitary relaxation dynamics after a quench in closed many-body systems and the entanglement in the energy eigenbasis. We find that even if reduced states equilibrate, they can have memory on the initial conditions even in certain models that are far from integrable. We show that in such situations the equilibrium states are still described by a maximum entropy or generalized Gibbs ensemble, regardless of whether a model is integrable or not, thereby contributing to a recent debate. In addition, we discuss individual aspects of the thermalization process, comment on the role of Anderson localization, and collect and compare different notions of integrability.}, language = {en} } @article{JordanMcCarthySchleppleetal.2011, author = {Jordan, Grace and McCarthy, Denis N. and Schlepple, N. and Krissler, Jan and Schroeder, H. and Kofod, Guggi}, title = {Actuated micro-optical submount using a dielectric elastomer actuator}, series = {IEEE ASME transactions on mechatronics}, volume = {16}, journal = {IEEE ASME transactions on mechatronics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inst. of Electr. and Electronics Engineers}, address = {Piscataway}, issn = {1083-4435}, doi = {10.1109/TMECH.2010.2089991}, pages = {98 -- 102}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Analysis of the operating characteristics of a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) submount for the high-precision positioning of optical components in one dimension is presented. Precise alignment of a single-mode fiber is demonstrated and variation of the sensitivity of the submount motion by changing the bias voltage is confirmed. A comparison of the performance of the DEA submount with a piezoelectric alignment stage is made, which demonstrates that DEAs could present a very attractive, low-cost alternative to currently used manual technologies in overcoming the hurdle of expensive packaging of single-mode optical components.}, language = {en} } @article{RychkovKuznetsovRychkov2011, author = {Rychkov, Dmitry and Kuznetsov, Alexey and Rychkov, Andrey}, title = {Electret properties of polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene films with chemically modified surface}, series = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, volume = {18}, journal = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inst. of Electr. and Electronics Engineers}, address = {Piscataway}, issn = {1070-9878}, doi = {10.1109/TDEI.2011.5704487}, pages = {8 -- 14}, year = {2011}, abstract = {This paper investigates the effect of chemical surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) films on their electret properties. PTFE films were subjected to wet treatment with three different chemicals: orthophosphoric acid, tetrabutyl titanate and tetraethoxysilane. The technique based on the principles of molecular layer deposition (MLD) method was used to modify the surface of LDPE films with phosphorus trichloride vapors. The surfaces of the films were then corona charged, and the electret charge stability was studied by means of isothermal and thermally stimulated surface potential decay. Both PTFE and LDPE films, after the surface treatment, displayed a considerable enhancement in the charge stability compared to the virgin samples. It is important to note that the enhancement of the charge stability was achieved in the positively charged PTFE films, a result important to practical applications. We attribute this effect of charge stabilization to the formation of new energetically deep traps on the modified surface. Decrease in molecular mobility, due to attachment of new chemical structures to the surface macromolecules, may also contribute to the overall growth of the charge stability.}, language = {en} } @article{MellingerMellinger2011, author = {Mellinger, Axel and Mellinger, Olena}, title = {Breakdown threshold of dielectric barrier discharges in ferroelectrets where Paschen's law fails}, series = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, volume = {18}, journal = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inst. of Electr. and Electronics Engineers}, address = {Piscataway}, issn = {1070-9878}, doi = {10.1109/TDEI.2011.5704491}, pages = {43 -- 48}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The piezoelectric activity of charged cellular foams (so-called ferroelectrets) is compared against simulations based on a multi-layer electromechanical model and Townsend's model of Paschen breakdown, with the distribution of void heights determined from scanning electron micrographs. While the calculated space charge hysteresis curves are in good agreement with experimental data, the onset of piezoelectric activity is observed at significantly higher electric fields than predicted by Paschen's law. One likely explanation is that the commonly accepted Paschen curve for electric breakdown in air poorly describes the critical electric field for dielectric barrier discharges in micrometer-size cavities.}, language = {en} } @article{FiehlerBannertBischoffetal.2011, author = {Fiehler, Katja and Bannert, Michael M. and Bischoff, Matthias and Blecker, Carlo and Stark, Rudolf and Vaitl, Dieter and Franz, Volker H. and Roesler, Frank}, title = {Working memory maintenance of grasp-target information in the human posterior parietal cortex}, series = {NeuroImage : a journal of brain function}, volume = {54}, journal = {NeuroImage : a journal of brain function}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {San Diego}, issn = {1053-8119}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.09.080}, pages = {2401 -- 2411}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging was applied to identify cortical areas involved in maintaining target information in working memory used for an upcoming grasping action. Participants had to grasp with their thumb and index finger of the dominant right hand three-dimensional objects of different size and orientation. Reaching-to-grasp movements were performed without visual feedback either immediately after object presentation or after a variable delay of 2-12 s. The right inferior parietal cortex demonstrated sustained neural activity throughout the delay, which overlapped with activity observed during encoding of the grasp target. Immediate and delayed grasping activated similar motor-related brain areas and showed no differential activity. The results suggest that the right inferior parietal cortex plays an important functional role in working memory maintenance of grasp-related information. Moreover, our findings confirm the assumption that brain areas engaged in maintaining information are also involved in encoding the same information, and thus extend previous findings on working memory function of the posterior parietal cortex in saccadic behavior to reach-to-grasp movements.}, language = {en} } @article{SeissSpahn2011, author = {Seiss, Martin and Spahn, Frank}, title = {Hydrodynamics of saturn's dense rings}, series = {Mathematical modelling of natural phenomena}, volume = {6}, journal = {Mathematical modelling of natural phenomena}, number = {4}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0973-5348}, doi = {10.1051/mmnp/20116409}, pages = {191 -- 218}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The space missions Voyager and Cassini together with earthbound observations revealed a wealth of structures in Saturn's rings. There are, for example, waves being excited at ring positions which are in orbital resonance with Saturn's moons. Other structures can be assigned to embedded moons like empty gaps, moon induced wakes or S-shaped propeller features. Furthermore, irregular radial structures are observed in the range from 10 meters until kilometers. Here some of these structures will be discussed in the frame of hydrodynamical modeling of Saturn's dense rings. For this purpose we will characterize the physical properties of the ring particle ensemble by mean field quantities and point to the special behavior of the transport coefficients. We show that unperturbed rings can become unstable and how diffusion acts in the rings. Additionally, the alternative streamline formalism is introduced to describe perturbed regions of dense rings with applications to the wake damping and the dispersion relation of the density waves.}, language = {en} } @article{KolloscheStoyanovLaflammeetal.2011, author = {Kollosche, Matthias and Stoyanov, Hristiyan and Laflamme, Simon and Kofod, Guggi}, title = {Strongly enhanced sensitivity in elastic capacitive strain sensors}, series = {Journal of materials chemistry}, volume = {21}, journal = {Journal of materials chemistry}, number = {23}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0959-9428}, doi = {10.1039/c0jm03786a}, pages = {8292 -- 8294}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Strain sensors based on dielectric elastomer capacitors function by the direct coupling of mechanical deformations with the capacitance. The coupling can be improved by enhancing the relative permittivity of the dielectric elastomer. Here, this is carried out through the grafting of conducting polymer (poly-aniline) to the elastomer backbone, leading to molecular composites. An enhancement in capacitance response of 46 times is observed. This could help to extend the possible range of miniaturization towards even smaller device features.}, language = {en} } @article{SeppTempelGramannetal.2011, author = {Sepp, T. and Tempel, E. and Gramann, M. and Nurmi, P. and Haupt, Michael}, title = {Studying the patterns of the universe}, series = {Baltic astronomy}, volume = {20}, journal = {Baltic astronomy}, number = {2}, publisher = {Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy}, address = {Moletai}, issn = {1392-0049}, pages = {309 -- 312}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The SDSS galaxy catalog is one of the best databases for galaxy distribution studies. The SDSS DR8 data is used to construct the galaxy cluster catalog. We construct the clusters from the calculated luminosity density field and identify denser regions. Around these peak regions we construct galaxy clusters. Another interesting question in cosmology is how observable galaxy structures are connected to underlying dark matter distribution. To study this we compare the SDSS DR7 galaxy group catalog with galaxy groups obtained from the semi-analytical Millennium N-Body simulation. Specifically, we compare the group richness, virial radius, maximum separation and velocity dispersion distributions and find a relatively good agreement between the mock catalog and observations. This strongly supports the idea, that the dark matter distribution and galaxies in the semi-analytical models and observations are very closely linked.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Krey2011, author = {Krey, Olaf}, title = {Zur Rolle der Mathematik in der Physik : Wissenschaftstheoretische Aspekte und Vorstellungen Physiklernender}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-59412}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Mathematik spielt im Physikunterricht eine nicht unerhebliche Rolle - wenn auch eine zwiesp{\"a}ltige. Oft wird sie sogar zum Hindernis beim Lernen von Physik und kann ihr emanzipatorisches Potenzial nicht entfalten. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt zwei Bausteine f{\"u}r eine begr{\"u}ndete Konzeption zum Umgang mit Mathematik beim Lernen von Physik zur Verf{\"u}gung. Im Theorieteil der Arbeit werden zum Einen wissenschaftstheoretische Aspekte der Rolle der Mathematik in der Physik aufgearbeitet und der physikdidaktischen Forschungsgemeinschaft im Zusammenhang zug{\"a}nglich gemacht. Zum anderen werden Forschungsergebnisse zu Vorstellungen Lernender {\"u}ber Physik und Mathematik sowie im Bereich der Epistemologie zusammengestellt. Im empirischen Teil der Arbeit werden Vorstellungen zur Rolle der Mathematik in der Physik von Sch{\"u}lerinnen und Sch{\"u}lern der Klassenstufen 10 und 12 sowie Physik-Lehramtstudierenden im Grundstudium mit Hilfe eines Fragebogens erhoben und unter Verwendung inhaltsanalytischer bzw. statistischer Methoden ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen unter Anderem, dass Mathematik im Physikunterricht entgegen g{\"a}ngiger Meinungen bei den Lernenden nicht negativ, aber zumindest bei j{\"u}ngeren Lernenden formal und algorithmisch konnotiert ist.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Doering2011, author = {D{\"o}ring, Sebastian}, title = {Oberfl{\"a}chengitter in azobenzenhaltigen Schichten f{\"u}r organische DFB-Laser}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-59211}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Ein neuentwickeltes azobenzenhaltiges Material, das auf einem supramolekularen Konzept basiert, wird bez{\"u}glich seiner Strukturbildung w{\"a}hrend einer holografischen Belichtung bei 488 nm untersucht. Im Mittelpunkt stehen dabei eindimensionale, sinusf{\"o}rmige Reliefs mit Periodizit{\"a}ten kleiner 500 nm. Es wird gezeigt, wie der Grad der Vernetzung der photosensitiven Schicht die Strukturbildung in diesem Gr{\"o}ßenbereich beeinflusst. Zur Maximierung der Strukturtiefe werden gezielt Prozessparameter der Belichtung sowie Materialparameter variiert. Unter Standardbedingungen und moderaten Belichtungsintensit{\"a}ten von ca. 200 mW/cm² bilden sich innerhalb weniger Minuten bei einer Periode von 400 nm Strukturtiefen von bis zu 80nm aus. Durch die Beeinflussung von Materialparametern, wie Oberfl{\"a}chenspannung und Viskosit{\"a}t, wird die maximale Strukturtiefe auf 160nm verdoppelt. Durch Mehrfachbelichtungen wird auch die Bildung von zweidimensionalen Gittern untersucht. Die Originalstrukturen werden in einem Abformverfahren kopiert und in Schichten von unter UV-Licht aush{\"a}rtenden Polymeren {\"u}bertragen. Durch das Abformen kommt es zu einer geringf{\"u}gigen Verschlechterung der Oberfl{\"a}chenqualit{\"a}t sowie Abnahme der Strukturtiefe. Dieser Verlust wird durch eine Verringerung der Prozesstemperatur verringert. Mithilfe kopierter Oberfl{\"a}chengitter werden organische Distributed Feedback-(DFB)-Laser zweiter Ordnung hergestellt, um den Einfluss von Gitterparametern auf die Emissionseigenschaften dieser Laser zu untersuchen. Dazu erfolgt zun{\"a}chst die Charakterisierung der optischen Verst{\"a}rkungseigenschaften ausgew{\"a}hlter organischer Emittermaterialien mittels der Variablen Strichl{\"a}ngenmethode. Das mit dem Laserfarbstoff Pyrromthen567 (PM567) dotierte Polystyrol (PS) zeigt dabei trotz konzentrationsbedingter geringer Absorption eine vergleichsweise geringe Gewinnschwelle von 50µJ/cm² bei ca. 575 nm. Das aktive Gast-Wirt-System der konjugierten Polymere MEH-PPV und F8BT* weist eine hohe Absorption und eine kleine Gewinnschwelle von 2,5 µJ/cm² bei 630 nm auf. Dieses Verhalten spiegelt sich auch in den Emissionseigenschaften der damit hergestellten DFB-Laser wieder. Die Dicke der aktiven Schichten liegen im Bereich hunderter Nanometer und wird so eingestellt, dass sich nur die transversalen Grundmoden im Wellenleiter ausbreiten k{\"o}nnen. Die Gitterperiode sind so gew{\"a}hlt, dass ein Lichtmode im Verst{\"a}rkungsbereich des Emittermaterials liegt. Die Emissionslinien der Laser sind mit FWHM-Werten von bis zu 0,3 nm spektral sehr schmalbandig und weisen auf eine sehr gute Gitterqualit{\"a}t hin. Die Untersuchungen liefern minimale Laserschwellen und maximale differentielle Effizienzen von 4,0µJ/cm² und 8,4\% f{\"u}r MEH-PPV in F8BT* (bei ca. 640nm) sowie 80 µJ/cm² und 0,9\% f{\"u}r PM567 in PS (bei ca. 575 nm). Die Vergr{\"o}ßerung der Strukturtiefe von 40nm auf 80nm in mit MEH-PPV dotierten F8BT*-Lasern zu einem deutlichen Anstieg der ausgekoppelten Energie sowie der differentiellen Effizienz und einem geringen Absinken der Laserschwelle. Dies ist ein Resultat der erh{\"o}hten Kopplung von Lasermode und Gitter. Die Emission von DFB-Lasern mit zweidimensionalen Oberfl{\"a}chengittern zeigen eine Verringerung der Divergenz aber kein Einfluss auf die Laserschwelle. Abschließend erfolgt eine Vermessung der Photostabilit{\"a}t von DFB-Lasern unter verschiedenen Bedingungen. Das Einbringen eines konjugierten Polymers in eine aktive Matrix sowie der Betrieb in einer Stickstoffatmosph{\"a}re f{\"u}hren dabei zu einer Erh{\"o}hung der Lebensdauer auf {\"u}ber eine Million Pulse. Durch die Kombination von Oberfl{\"a}chengittern in PDMS-Filmen mit elektroaktiven Substraten wird eine elektrisch steuerbare Deformation des Beugungsgitters erreicht und auf einen DFB-Laser {\"u}bertragen. Die spannungsinduzierte Verformung wird zun{\"a}chst in Beugungsexperimenten charakterisiert und ein optimaler Arbeitspunkt bestimmt. Mit den beiden Elastomeren SEBS12 und VHB4910 werden in den Gittern maximale Perioden{\"a}nderungen von 1,3\% bzw. 3,4\% bei einer Steuerspannung von 2 kV erreicht. Der Unterschied resultiert aus den verschiedenen Elastizit{\"a}tsmoduln der Materialien. {\"U}bertragen auf DFB-Laser resultiert eine Variation der Gitterperiode senkrecht zu den Gitterlinien in einer kontinuierlichen Verschiebung der Emissionswellenl{\"a}nge. Mit einem Spannungssignal von 3,25 kV wird die schmalbandige Emission eines elastischen DFB-Lasers kontinuierlich um fast 50nm von 604 nm zu 557 nm hin verschoben. Aus dem Deformationsverhalten sowohl der reinen Beugungsgitter als auch der Laser werden R{\"u}ckschl{\"u}sse auf die Elastizit{\"a}t der verwendeten Materialien gezogen und erlauben Verbesserungen der Bauteile.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Theilmann2011, author = {Theilmann, Florian}, title = {Die Kunst der Untersuchung : Essays zu einem erscheinungsorientierten Physikunterricht}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-56145}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Die vorliegende Arbeit versammelt zwei einleitende Kapitel und zehn Essays, die sich als kritisch-konstruktive Beitr{\"a}ge zu einem "erlebenden Verstehen" (Buck) von Physik lesen lassen. Die traditionelle Anlage von Schulphysik zielt auf eine systematische Darstellung naturwissenschaftlichen Wissens, das dann an ausgew{\"a}hlten Beispielen angewendet wird: Schulexperimente beweisen die Aussagen der Systematik (oder machen sie wenigstens plausibel), ausgew{\"a}hlte Ph{\"a}nomene werden erkl{\"a}rt. In einem solchen Rahmen besteht jedoch leicht die Gefahr, den Bezug zur Lebenswirklichkeit oder den Interessen der Sch{\"u}ler zu verlieren. Diese Problematik ist seit mindestens 90 Jahren bekannt, didaktische Antworten - untersuchendes Lernen, Kontextualisierung, Sch{\"u}lerexperimente etc. - adressieren allerdings eher Symptome als Ursachen. Naturwissenschaft wird dadurch spannend, dass sie ein spezifisch investigatives Weltverh{\"a}ltnis stiftet: man m{\"u}sste gleichsam nicht Wissen, sondern "Fragen lernen" (und nat{\"u}rlich auch, wie Antworten gefunden werden...). Doch wie kann dergleichen auf dem Niveau von Schulphysik aussehen, was f{\"u}r einen theoretischen Rahmen kann es hier geben? In den gesammelten Arbeiten wird einigen dieser Spuren nachgegangen: Der Absage an das zu modellhafte Denken in der ph{\"a}nomenologischen Optik, der Abgrenzung formal-mathematischen Denkens gegen wirklichkeitsn{\"a}here Formen naturwissenschaftlicher Denkbewegungen und Evidenz, dem Potential alternativer Interpretationen von "Physikunterricht", der Frage nach dem "Verstehen" u.a. Dabei werden nicht nur Bez{\"u}ge zum modernen bildungstheoretischen Paradigma der Kompetenz sichtbar, sondern es wird auch versucht, eine ganze Reihe konkrete (schul-)physikalische Beispiele daf{\"u}r zu geben, was passiert, wenn nicht schon gewusste Antworten Thema werden, sondern Expeditionen, die sich der physischen Welt widmen: Die Schl{\"u}sselbegriffe des Fachs, die Methoden der Datenerhebung und Interpretation, die Such- und Denkbewegungen kommen dabei auf eine Weise zur Sprache, die sich nicht auf die Fachsystematik abst{\"u}tzen m{\"o}chte, sondern diese motivieren, konturieren und verst{\"a}ndlich machen will.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Husemann2011, author = {Husemann, Bernd}, title = {The AGN-host galaxy connection : new insights from the extended ionised gas}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-55556}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are powered by gas accretion onto supermassive Black Holes (BH). The luminosity of AGN can exceed the integrated luminosity of their host galaxies by orders of magnitude, which are then classified as Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSOs). Some mechanisms are needed to trigger the nuclear activity in galaxies and to feed the nuclei with gas. Among several possibilities, such as gravitational interactions, bar instabilities, and smooth gas accretion from the environment, the dominant process has yet to be identified. Feedback from AGN may be important an important ingredient of the evolution of galaxies. However, the details of this coupling between AGN and their host galaxies remain unclear. In this work we aim to investigate the connection between the AGN and their host galaxies by studying the properties of the extendend ionised gas around AGN. Our study is based on observations of ~50 luminous, low-redshift (z<0.3) QSOs using the novel technique of integral field spectroscopy that combines imaging and spectroscopy. After spatially separating the emission of AGN-ionised gas from HII regions, ionised solely by recently formed massive stars, we demonstrate that the specific star formation rates in several disc-dominated AGN hosts are consistent with those of normal star forming galaxies, while others display no detectable star formation activity. Whether the star formation has been actively suppressed in those particular host galaxies by the AGN, or their gas content is intrinsically low, remains an open question. By studying the kinematics of the ionised gas, we find evidence for non-gravitational motions and outflows on kpc scales only in a few objects. The gas kinematics in the majority of objects however indicate a gravitational origin. It suggests that the importance of AGN feedback may have been overrated in theoretical works, at least at low redshifts. The [OIII] line is the strongest optical emission line for AGN-ionised gas, which can be extended over several kpc scales, usually called the Narrow-Line Region (NLR). We perform a systematic investigation of the NLR size and determine a NLR size-luminosity relation that is consistent with the scenario of a constant ionisation parameter throughout the NLR. We show that previous narrow-band imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope underestimated the NLR size by a factor of >2 and that the continuum AGN luminosity is better correlated with the NLR size than the [OIII] luminosity. These affects may account for the different NLR size-luminosity relations reported in previous studies. On the other hand, we do not detect extended NLRs around all QSOs, and demonstrate that the detection of extended NLRs goes along with radio emission. We employ emission line ratios as a diagnostic for the abundance of heavy elements in the gas, i.e. its metallicity, and find that the radial metallicity gradients are always flatter than in inactive disc-dominated galaxies. This can be interpreted as evidence for radial gas flows from the outskirts of these galaxies to the nucleus. Recent or ongoing galaxy interactions are likely responsible for this effect and may turn out to be a common prerequisite for QSO activity. The metallicity of bulge-dominated hosts are systematically lower than their disc-dominated counterparts, which we interpret as evidence for minor mergers, supported by our detailed study of the bulge-dominated host of the luminous QSO HE 1029-1401, or smooth gas accretion from the environment. In this line another new discovery is that HE 2158-0107 at z=0.218 is the most metal poor luminous QSO ever observed. Together with a large (30kpc) extended structure of low metallicity ionised gas, we propose smooth cold gas accretion as the most likely scenario. Theoretical studies suggested that this process is much more important at earlier epochs of the universe, so that HE 2158-0107 might be an ideal laboratory to study this mechanism of galaxy and BH growth at low redshift more detailed in the furture.}, language = {en} } @article{BlahaPikovskijRosenblumetal.2011, author = {Blaha, Karen A. and Pikovskij, Arkadij and Rosenblum, Michael and Clark, Matthew T. and Rusin, Craig G. and Hudson, John L.}, title = {Reconstruction of two-dimensional phase dynamics from experiments on coupled oscillators}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.84.046201}, pages = {7}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Phase models are a powerful method to quantify the coupled dynamics of nonlinear oscillators from measured data. We use two phase modeling methods to quantify the dynamics of pairs of coupled electrochemical oscillators, based on the phases of the two oscillators independently and the phase difference, respectively. We discuss the benefits of the two-dimensional approach relative to the one-dimensional approach using phase difference. We quantify the dependence of the coupling functions on the coupling magnitude and coupling time delay. We show differences in synchronization predictions of the two models using a toy model. We show that the two-dimensional approach reveals behavior not detected by the one-dimensional model in a driven experimental oscillator. This approach is broadly applicable to quantify interactions between nonlinear oscillators, especially where intrinsic oscillator sensitivity and coupling evolve with time.}, language = {en} } @article{MulanskyAhnertPikovskijetal.2011, author = {Mulansky, Mario and Ahnert, Karsten and Pikovskij, Arkadij and Shepelyansky, Dima L.}, title = {Strong and weak chaos in weakly nonintegrable many-body hamiltonian systems}, series = {Journal of statistical physics}, volume = {145}, journal = {Journal of statistical physics}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0022-4715}, doi = {10.1007/s10955-011-0335-3}, pages = {1256 -- 1274}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We study properties of chaos in generic one-dimensional nonlinear Hamiltonian lattices comprised of weakly coupled nonlinear oscillators by numerical simulations of continuous-time systems and symplectic maps. For small coupling, the measure of chaos is found to be proportional to the coupling strength and lattice length, with the typical maximal Lyapunov exponent being proportional to the square root of coupling. This strong chaos appears as a result of triplet resonances between nearby modes. In addition to strong chaos we observe a weakly chaotic component having much smaller Lyapunov exponent, the measure of which drops approximately as a square of the coupling strength down to smallest couplings we were able to reach. We argue that this weak chaos is linked to the regime of fast Arnold diffusion discussed by Chirikov and Vecheslavov. In disordered lattices of large size we find a subdiffusive spreading of initially localized wave packets over larger and larger number of modes. The relations between the exponent of this spreading and the exponent in the dependence of the fast Arnold diffusion on coupling strength are analyzed. We also trace parallels between the slow spreading of chaos and deterministic rheology.}, language = {en} } @article{KomarovPikovskij2011, author = {Komarov, Maxim and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Effects of nonresonant interaction in ensembles of phase oscillators}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.84.016210}, pages = {12}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We consider general properties of groups of interacting oscillators, for which the natural frequencies are not in resonance. Such groups interact via nonoscillating collective variables like the amplitudes of the order parameters defined for each group. We treat the phase dynamics of the groups using the Ott-Antonsen ansatz and reduce it to a system of coupled equations for the order parameters. We describe different regimes of cosynchrony in the groups. For a large number of groups, heteroclinic cycles, corresponding to a sequential synchronous activity of groups and chaotic states where the order parameters oscillate irregularly, are possible.}, language = {en} } @article{LueckPikovskij2011, author = {Lueck, S. and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Dynamics of multi-frequency oscillator ensembles with resonant coupling}, series = {Modern physics letters : A, Particles and fields, gravitation, cosmology, nuclear physics}, volume = {375}, journal = {Modern physics letters : A, Particles and fields, gravitation, cosmology, nuclear physics}, number = {28-29}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0375-9601}, doi = {10.1016/j.physleta.2011.06.016}, pages = {2714 -- 2719}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We study dynamics of populations of resonantly coupled oscillators having different frequencies. Starting from the coupled van der Pol equations we derive the Kuramoto-type phase model for the situation, where the natural frequencies of two interacting subpopulations are in relation 2 : 1. Depending on the parameter of coupling, ensembles can demonstrate fully synchronous clusters, partial synchrony (only one subpopulation synchronizes), or asynchrony in both subpopulations. Theoretical description of the dynamics based on the Watanabe-Strogatz approach is developed.}, language = {en} } @article{KralemannPikovskijRosenblum2011, author = {Kralemann, Bj{\"o}rn and Pikovskij, Arkadij and Rosenblum, Michael}, title = {Reconstructing phase dynamics of oscillator networks}, series = {Chaos : an interdisciplinary journal of nonlinear science}, volume = {21}, journal = {Chaos : an interdisciplinary journal of nonlinear science}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {1054-1500}, doi = {10.1063/1.3597647}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We generalize our recent approach to the reconstruction of phase dynamics of coupled oscillators from data [B. Kralemann et al., Phys. Rev. E 77, 066205 (2008)] to cover the case of small networks of coupled periodic units. Starting from a multivariate time series, we first reconstruct genuine phases and then obtain the coupling functions in terms of these phases. Partial norms of these coupling functions quantify directed coupling between oscillators. We illustrate the method by different network motifs for three coupled oscillators and for random networks of five and nine units. We also discuss nonlinear effects in coupling.}, language = {en} } @article{BurylkoPikovskij2011, author = {Burylko, Oleksandr and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Desynchronization transitions in nonlinearly coupled phase oscillators}, series = {Physica :D, Nonlinear phenomena}, volume = {240}, journal = {Physica :D, Nonlinear phenomena}, number = {17}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0167-2789}, doi = {10.1016/j.physd.2011.05.016}, pages = {1352 -- 1361}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We consider the nonlinear extension of the Kuramoto model of globally coupled phase oscillators where the phase shift in the coupling function depends on the order parameter. A bifurcation analysis of the transition from fully synchronous state to partial synchrony is performed. We demonstrate that for small ensembles it is typically mediated by stable cluster states, that disappear with creation of heteroclinic cycles, while for a larger number of oscillators a direct transition from full synchrony to a periodic or a quasiperiodic regime occurs.}, language = {en} } @article{LevnajicPikovskij2011, author = {Levnajic, Zoran and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Network reconstruction from random phase resetting}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {107}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.034101}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We propose a novel method of reconstructing the topology and interaction functions for a general oscillator network. An ensemble of initial phases and the corresponding instantaneous frequencies is constructed by repeating random phase resets of the system dynamics. The desired details of network structure are then revealed by appropriately averaging over the ensemble. The method is applicable for a wide class of networks with arbitrary emergent dynamics, including full synchrony.}, language = {en} } @article{PikovskijRosenblum2011, author = {Pikovskij, Arkadij and Rosenblum, Michael}, title = {Dynamics of heterogeneous oscillator ensembles in terms of collective variables}, series = {Physica :D, Nonlinear phenomena}, volume = {240}, journal = {Physica :D, Nonlinear phenomena}, number = {9-10}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0167-2789}, doi = {10.1016/j.physd.2011.01.002}, pages = {872 -- 881}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We consider general heterogeneous ensembles of phase oscillators, sine coupled to arbitrary external fields. Starting with the infinitely large ensembles, we extend the Watanabe-Strogatz theory, valid for identical oscillators, to cover the case of an arbitrary parameter distribution. The obtained equations yield the description of the ensemble dynamics in terms of collective variables and constants of motion. As a particular case of the general setup we consider hierarchically organized ensembles, consisting of a finite number of subpopulations, whereas the number of elements in a subpopulation can be both finite or infinite. Next, we link the Watanabe-Strogatz and Ott-Antonsen theories and demonstrate that the latter one corresponds to a particular choice of constants of motion. The approach is applied to the standard Kuramoto-Sakaguchi model, to its extension for the case of nonlinear coupling, and to the description of two interacting subpopulations, exhibiting a chimera state. With these examples we illustrate that, although the asymptotic dynamics can be found within the framework of the Ott-Antonsen theory, the transients depend on the constants of motion. The most dramatic effect is the dependence of the basins of attraction of different synchronous regimes on the initial configuration of phases.}, language = {en} } @article{StraubePikovskij2011, author = {Straube, Arthur V. and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Pattern formation induced by time-dependent advection}, series = {Mathematical modelling of natural phenomena}, volume = {6}, journal = {Mathematical modelling of natural phenomena}, number = {1}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0973-5348}, doi = {10.1051/mmnp/20116107}, pages = {138 -- 148}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We study pattern-forming instabilities in reaction-advection-diffusion systems. We develop an approach based on Lyapunov-Bloch exponents to figure out the impact of a spatially periodic mixing flow on the stability of a spatially homogeneous state. We deal with the flows periodic in space that may have arbitrary time dependence. We propose a discrete in time model, where reaction, advection, and diffusion act as successive operators, and show that a mixing advection can lead to a pattern-forming instability in a two-component system where only one of the species is advected. Physically, this can be explained as crossing a threshold of Turing instability due to effective increase of one of the diffusion constants.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhirovPikovskijShepelyansky2011, author = {Zhirov, O. V. and Pikovskij, Arkadij and Shepelyansky, Dima L.}, title = {Quantum vacuum of strongly nonlinear lattices}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {83}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.83.016202}, pages = {7}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We study the properties of classical and quantum strongly nonlinear chains by means of extensive numerical simulations. Due to strong nonlinearity, the classical dynamics of such chains remains chaotic at arbitrarily low energies. We show that the collective excitations of classical chains are described by sound waves whose decay rate scales algebraically with the wave number with a generic exponent value. The properties of the quantum chains are studied by the quantum Monte Carlo method and it is found that the low-energy excitations are well described by effective phonon modes with the sound velocity dependent on an effective Planck constant. Our results show that at low energies the quantum effects lead to a suppression of chaos and drive the system to a quasi-integrable regime of effective phonon modes.}, language = {en} } @article{TurukinaPikovskij2011, author = {Turukina, L. V. and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Hyperbolic chaos in a system of resonantly coupled weakly nonlinear oscillators}, series = {Modern physics letters : A, Particles and fields, gravitation, cosmology, nuclear physics}, volume = {375}, journal = {Modern physics letters : A, Particles and fields, gravitation, cosmology, nuclear physics}, number = {11}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0375-9601}, doi = {10.1016/j.physleta.2011.02.017}, pages = {1407 -- 1411}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We show that a hyperbolic chaos can be observed in resonantly coupled oscillators near a Hopf bifurcation, described by normal-form-type equations for complex amplitudes. The simplest example consists of four oscillators, comprising two alternatively activated, due to an external periodic modulation, pairs. In terms of the stroboscopic Poincare map, the phase differences change according to an expanding Bernoulli map that depends on the coupling type. Several examples of hyperbolic chaos for different types of coupling are illustrated numerically.}, language = {en} } @article{PikovskijFishman2011, author = {Pikovskij, Arkadij and Fishman, Shmuel}, title = {Scaling properties of weak chaos in nonlinear disordered lattices}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {83}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.83.025201}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We study the discrete nonlinear Schrodinger equation with a random potential in one dimension. It is characterized by the length, the strength of the random potential, and the field density that determines the effect of nonlinearity. Following the time evolution of the field and calculating the largest Lyapunov exponent, the probability of the system to be regular is established numerically and found to be a scaling function of the parameters. This property is used to calculate the asymptotic properties of the system in regimes beyond our computational power.}, language = {en} } @article{MulanskyAhnertPikovskij2011, author = {Mulansky, Mario and Ahnert, Karsten and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Scaling of energy spreading in strongly nonlinear disordered lattices}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {83}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.83.026205}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {To characterize a destruction of Anderson localization by nonlinearity, we study the spreading behavior of initially localized states in disordered, strongly nonlinear lattices. Due to chaotic nonlinear interaction of localized linear or nonlinear modes, energy spreads nearly subdiffusively. Based on a phenomenological description by virtue of a nonlinear diffusion equation, we establish a one-parameter scaling relation between the velocity of spreading and the density, which is confirmed numerically. From this scaling it follows that for very low densities the spreading slows down compared to the pure power law.}, language = {en} } @article{SunHenniesPietzschetal.2011, author = {Sun, Y. -P. and Hennies, Franz and Pietzsch, Annette and Kennedy, B. and Schmitt, Thorsten and Strocov, Vladimir N. and Andersson, Joakim and Berglund, Martin and Rubensson, Jan-Erik and Aidas, K. and Gel'mukhanov, F. and Odelius, Michael and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander}, title = {Intramolecular soft modes and intermolecular interactions in liquid acetone}, series = {Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics}, number = {13}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1098-0121}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevB.84.132202}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectra excited at the O1s(-1)pi* resonance of liquid acetone are presented. Scattering to the electronic ground state shows a resolved vibrational progression where the dominant contribution is due to the C-O stretching mode, thus demonstrating a unique sensitivity of the method to the local potential energy surface in complex molecular systems. For scattering to electronically excited states, soft vibrational modes and, to a smaller extent, intermolecular interactions give a broadening, which blurs the vibrational fine structure. It is predicted that environmental broadening is dominant in aqueous acetone.}, language = {en} } @article{PietzschSunHenniesetal.2011, author = {Pietzsch, Annette and Sun, Y. -P. and Hennies, Franz and Rinkevicius, Z. and Karlsson, Hans O. and Schmitt, Thorsten and Strocov, Vladimir N. and Andersson, Joakim and Kennedy, B. and Schlappa, J. and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander and Rubensson, Jan-Erik and Gel'mukhanov, F.}, title = {Spatial quantum beats in vibrational resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering at dissociating states in oxygen}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {106}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {15}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.153004}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering (RIXS) spectra excited at the 1 sigma(g) -> 3 sigma(u) resonance in gas-phase O-2 show excitations due to the nuclear degrees of freedom with up to 35 well-resolved discrete vibronic states and a continuum due to the kinetic energy distribution of the separated atoms. The RIXS profile demonstrates spatial quantum beats caused by two interfering wave packets with different momenta as the atoms separate. Thomson scattering strongly affects both the spectral profile and the scattering anisotropy.}, language = {en} } @article{ArhammarPietzschBocketal.2011, author = {Arhammar, C. and Pietzsch, Annette and Bock, Nicolas and Holmstroem, Erik and Araujo, C. Moyses and Grasjo, Johan and Zhao, Shuxi and Green, Sara and Peery, T. and Hennies, Franz and Amerioun, Shahrad and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander and Schlappa, Justine and Schmitt, Thorsten and Strocov, Vladimir N. and Niklasson, Gunnar A. and Wallace, Duane C. and Rubensson, Jan-Erik and Johansson, Borje and Ahuja, Rajeev C.}, title = {Unveiling the complex electronic structure of amorphous metal oxides}, series = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {108}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, number = {16}, publisher = {National Acad. of Sciences}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1019698108}, pages = {6355 -- 6360}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Amorphous materials represent a large and important emerging area of material's science. Amorphous oxides are key technological oxides in applications such as a gate dielectric in Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor devices and in Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon and TANOS (TaN-Al2O3-Si3N4-SiO2-Silicon) flash memories. These technologies are required for the high packing density of today's integrated circuits. Therefore the investigation of defect states in these structures is crucial. In this work we present X-ray synchrotron measurements, with an energy resolution which is about 5-10 times higher than is attainable with standard spectrometers, of amorphous alumina. We demonstrate that our experimental results are in agreement with calculated spectra of amorphous alumina which we have generated by stochastic quenching. This first principles method, which we have recently developed, is found to be superior to molecular dynamics in simulating the rapid gas to solid transition that takes place as this material is deposited for thin film applications. We detect and analyze in detail states in the band gap that originate from oxygen pairs. Similar states were previously found in amorphous alumina by other spectroscopic methods and were assigned to oxygen vacancies claimed to act mutually as electron and hole traps. The oxygen pairs which we probe in this work act as hole traps only and will influence the information retention in electronic devices. In amorphous silica oxygen pairs have already been found, thus they may be a feature which is characteristic also of other amorphous metal oxides.}, language = {en} } @article{SunPietzschHenniesetal.2011, author = {Sun, Y-P and Pietzsch, Annette and Hennies, Franz and Rinkevicius, Z. and Karlsson, Hans O. and Schmitt, Thorsten and Strocov, Vladimir N. and Andersson, Joakim and Kennedy, B. and Schlappa, J. and F{\"o}hlisch, Alexander and Gel'mukhanov, F. and Rubensson, Jan-Erik}, title = {Internal symmetry and selection rules in resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering}, series = {Journal of physics : B, Atomic, molecular and optical physics}, volume = {44}, journal = {Journal of physics : B, Atomic, molecular and optical physics}, number = {16}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0953-4075}, doi = {10.1088/0953-4075/44/16/161002}, pages = {5}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering spectra excited at the dissociative 1 sigma(g) -> 3 sigma(u) resonance in gas-phase O(2) are presented and discussed in terms of state-of-the-art molecular theory. A new selection rule due to internal spin coupling is established, facilitating a deep analysis of the valence excited final states. Furthermore, it is found that a commonly accepted symmetry selection rule due to orbital parity breaks down, as the core hole and excited electron swap parity, thereby opening the symmetry forbidden 3 sigma(g) decay channel.}, language = {en} } @article{DouceSuisseGuillonetal.2011, author = {Douce, Laurent and Suisse, Jean-Moise and Guillon, Daniel and Taubert, Andreas}, title = {Imidazolium-based liquid crystals a modular platform for versatile new materials with finely tuneable properties and behaviour}, series = {Liquid crystals : an international journal of science and technology}, volume = {38}, journal = {Liquid crystals : an international journal of science and technology}, number = {11-12}, publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {0267-8292}, doi = {10.1080/02678292.2011.610474}, pages = {1653 -- 1661}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Ionic liquid Crystals constitute highly versatile materials that have drawn much interest these past few years in the fields of academic research and industrial development. In this respect, the present article is intended as an update of K. Binnemans review published in 2005, but focusing exclusively on the imidazolium cation - the most widely studied. Herein, imidazolium-containing thermotropic liquid crystalline materials will be sorted by molecular structure (mono-, bis-, poly-imidazolium compounds, with symmetrical and non-symmetrical structures) and discussed. Their physico-chemical properties will be exposed in order to adduce the relevancy and potential of the imidazolium platform in various fields of research.}, language = {en} } @article{ZakrevskyyKopyshevLomadzeetal.2011, author = {Zakrevskyy, Yuriy and Kopyshev, Alexey and Lomadze, Nino and Morozova, Elena and Lysyakova, Liudmila and Kasyanenko, Nina and Santer, Svetlana}, title = {DNA compaction by azobenzene-containing surfactant}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {84}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.84.021909}, pages = {9}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on the interaction of cationic azobenzene-containing surfactant with DNA investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. The properties of the surfactant can be controlled with light by reversible switching of the azobenzene unit, incorporated into the surfactant tail, between a hydrophobic trans (visible irradiation) and a hydrophilic cis (UV irradiation) configuration. The influence of the trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene on the compaction process of DNA molecules and the role of both isomers in the formation and colloidal stability of DNA-surfactant complexes is discussed. It is shown that the trans isomer plays a major role in the DNA compaction process. The influence of the cis isomer on the DNA coil configuration is rather small. The construction of a phase diagram of the DNA concentration versus surfactant/DNA charge ratio allows distancing between three major phases: colloidally stable and unstable compacted globules, and extended coil conformation. There is a critical concentration of DNA above which the compacted globules can be hindered from aggregation and precipitation by adding an appropriate amount of the surfactant in the trans configuration. This is because of the compensation of hydrophobicity of the globules with an increasing amount of the surfactant. Below the critical DNA concentration, the compacted globules are colloidally stable and can be reversibly transferred with light to an extended coil state.}, language = {en} } @article{KoenigGoldenbergKulikovskaetal.2011, author = {Koenig, Tobias and Goldenberg, Leonid M. and Kulikovska, Olga and Kulikovsky, Lazar and Stumpe, Joachim and Santer, Svetlana}, title = {Reversible structuring of photosensitive polymer films by surface plasmon near field radiation}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {7}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {9}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c0sm01164a}, pages = {4174 -- 4178}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on the fabrication and characterisation of a novel type of hybrid azo-modified photosensitive polymer film with a nanoscale metallic structuring integrated into the substrate. The metal structures permit to generate surface plasmon near fields when irradiated by UV-light from the rear without directly illuminating the polymer. This allows establishment of a localized, complex-shape intensity distribution at sub-wavelength resolution with a corresponding impact on the photosensitive polymer. The possibilities of exploiting this setup are manifold. We find that just by using the change of polarization of the incident light as means of control, the topography can be driven to change between various patterns reversibly. These results are confirmed by numerical simulations and compared with in situ recorded topography changes.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuhLomadzeRueheetal.2011, author = {Schuh, Christian and Lomadze, Nino and R{\"u}he, J{\"u}rgen and Kopyshev, Alexey and Santer, Svetlana}, title = {Photomechanical degrafting of Azo-functionalized Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) brushes}, series = {The journal of physical chemistry : B, Condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces \& biophysical chemistry}, volume = {115}, journal = {The journal of physical chemistry : B, Condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces \& biophysical chemistry}, number = {35}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp2041229}, pages = {10431 -- 10438}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on the preparation and characterization of photosensitive polymer brushes. The brushes are synthesized through polymer analogous attachment of azobenzene groups to surface-attached poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) chains. The topography of the photosensitive brushes shows a strong reaction upon irradiation with UV light. While homogeneous illumination leaves the polymer topography unchanged, irradiation of the samples with interference patterns with periodically varying light intensity leads to the formation of surface relief gratings (SRG). The height of the stripes of the grating can be controlled by adjusting the irradiation time. The SRG pattern can be erased through solvent treatment when the periodicity of the stripe pattern is less than the length of the fully stretched polymer chains. In the opposite case, photomechanical scission of receding polymer chains is observed during SRG formation, and the inscribed patterns are permanent.}, language = {en} } @article{LomadzeKopyshevRueheetal.2011, author = {Lomadze, Nino and Kopyshev, Alexey and R{\"u}he, J{\"u}rgen and Santer, Svetlana}, title = {Light-Induced chain scission in photosensitive polymer brushes}, series = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {44}, journal = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, number = {18}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma201016q}, pages = {7372 -- 7377}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on a process inducing photomechanical fracture of chemical bonds in photosensitive PMAA polymer brushes. The photosensitive PMAA polymer brushes were prepared by covalent attachment of azobenzene groups to poly(methylacrylic acid) (PMAA) chains generated by surface-initiated polymerization. While homogeneous irradiation leaves the polymer topography unchanged, the azo-PMAA brushes show a strong response upon irradiation with UV interference patterns. The photoisomerization process in the surface-attached polymer films results in the irreversible formation of surface relief gratings (SRG), which are strongly enhanced upon washing with a good solvent for the polymer. The photomechanical forces during mass transport induced by the irradiation lead to the scission of covalent bounds and accordingly to a degrafting of the polymer chains in areas where the polymer is receding from. It is observed that the number of ruptured chains depends strongly on the amount of azo side chains in the polymer.}, language = {en} } @article{FilimonKopfSchmidtetal.2011, author = {Filimon, Marlena and Kopf, Ilona and Schmidt, Dietrich A. and Bruendermann, Erik and R{\"u}he, J{\"u}rgen and Santer, Svetlana and Havenith, Martina}, title = {Local chemical composition of nanophase-separated polymer brushes}, series = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : a journal of European Chemical Societies}, volume = {13}, journal = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : a journal of European Chemical Societies}, number = {24}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/c0cp02756a}, pages = {11620 -- 11626}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Using scattering scanning nearfield infrared microscopy (s-SNIM), we have imaged the nanoscale phase separation of mixed polystyrene-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) brushes and investigated changes in the top layer as a function of solvent exposure. We deduce that the top-layer of the mixed brushes is composed primarily of PMMA after exposure to acetone, while after exposure to toluene this changes to PS. Access to simultaneously measured topographic and chemical information allows direct correlation of the chemical morphology of the sample with topographic information. Our results demonstrate the potential of s-SNIM for chemical mapping based on distinct infrared absorption properties of polymers with a high spatial resolution of 80 nm x 80 nm.}, language = {en} } @article{TremblayMonturetSaalfrank2011, author = {Tremblay, Jean Christophe and Monturet, Serge and Saalfrank, Peter}, title = {The Effects of electron-hole pair coupling on the infrared laser-controlled vibrational excitation of NO on Au(111)}, series = {The journal of physical chemistry : A, Molecules, spectroscopy, kinetics, environment \& general theory}, volume = {115}, journal = {The journal of physical chemistry : A, Molecules, spectroscopy, kinetics, environment \& general theory}, number = {39}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1089-5639}, doi = {10.1021/jp205902k}, pages = {10698 -- 10707}, year = {2011}, abstract = {In this work, we present theoretical simulations of laser-driven vibrational control of NO adsorbed on a gold surface. Our goal is to tailor laser pulses to selectively excite specific modes and vibrational eigenstates, as well as to favor photodesorption of the adsorbed molecule. To this end, various control schemes and algorithms are applied. For adsorbates at metallic surfaces, the creation of electron hole pairs in the substrate is known to play a dominant role in the transfer of energy from the system to the surroundings. These nonadiabatic couplings are included perturbatively in our reduced density matrix simulations using a generalization of the state-resolved position-dependent anharmonic rate model we recently introduced. An extension of the reduced density matrix is also proposed to provide a sound model for photodesorption in dissipative systems.}, language = {en} } @article{MalicWeberRichteretal.2011, author = {Malic, E. and Weber, C. and Richter, M. and Atalla, V. and Klamroth, Tillmann and Saalfrank, Peter and Reich, Sebastian and Knorr, A.}, title = {Microscopic model of the optical absorption of carbon nanotubes functionalized with molecular spiropyran photoswitches}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {106}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {9}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.097401}, pages = {4}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The adsorption of molecules to the surface of carbon nanostructures opens a new field of hybrid systems with distinct and controllable properties. We present a microscopic study of the optical absorption in carbon nanotubes functionalized with molecular spiropyran photoswitches. The switching process induces a change in the dipole moment leading to a significant coupling to the charge carriers in the nanotube. As a result, the absorption spectra of functionalized tubes reveal a considerable redshift of transition energies depending on the switching state of the spiropyran molecule. Our results suggest that carbon nanotubes are excellent substrates for the optical readout of spiropyran-based molecular switches. The gained insights can be applied to other noncovalently functionalized one-dimensional nanostructures in an externally induced dipole field.}, language = {en} } @article{FlossKlamrothSaalfrank2011, author = {Floss, Gereon and Klamroth, Tillmann and Saalfrank, Peter}, title = {Laser-controlled switching of molecular arrays in an dissipative environment}, series = {Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics}, volume = {83}, journal = {Physical review : B, Condensed matter and materials physics}, number = {10}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1098-0121}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevB.83.104301}, pages = {9}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The optical switching of molecular ensembles in a dissipative environment is a subject of various fields of chemical physics and physical chemistry. Here we try to switch arrays of molecules from a stable collective ground state to a state in which all molecules have been transferred to another stable higher-energy configuration. In our model switching proceeds through electronically excited intermediates which are coherently coupled to each other through dipolar interactions, and which decay incoherently within a finite lifetime by coupling to a dissipative environment. The model is quite general, but parameters are chosen to roughly resemble the all-trans -> all-cis isomerization of an array of azobenzene molecules on a surface. Using analytical and optimal control pulses and the concept of "laser distillation," we demonstrate that for various aggregates (dimers up to hexamers), controlled and complete switching should be possible.}, language = {en} } @article{FangWangWirgesetal.2011, author = {Fang, Peng and Wang, Feipeng and Wirges, Werner and Gerhard, Reimund and Basso, Heitor Cury}, title = {Three-layer piezoelectrets from fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) copolymer films}, series = {Applied physics : A, Materials science \& processing}, volume = {103}, journal = {Applied physics : A, Materials science \& processing}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0947-8396}, doi = {10.1007/s00339-010-6008-2}, pages = {455 -- 461}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A process for preparing three-layer piezoelectrets from fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) copolymer films is introduced. Samples are made from commercial FEP films by means of laser cutting, laser bonding, electrode evaporation, and high-field poling. The observed dielectric-resonance spectra demonstrate the piezoelectricity of the FEP sandwiches. Piezoelectric d (33) coefficients up to a few hundred pC/N are achieved. Charging at elevated temperatures can increase the thermal stability of the piezoelectrets. Isothermal experiments for approximately 15 min demonstrate that samples charged at 140A degrees C keep their piezoelectric activity up to at least 120A degrees C and retain 70\% of their initial d (33) even at 130A degrees C. Acoustical measurements show a relatively flat frequency response in the range between 300 Hz and 20 kHz.}, language = {en} } @article{SunZhangXiaetal.2011, author = {Sun, Zhuanlan and Zhang, Xiaoqing and Xia, Zhongfu and Qiu, Xunlin and Wirges, Werner and Gerhard, Reimund and Zeng, Changchun and Zhang, Chuck and Wang, Ben}, title = {Polarization and piezoelectricity in polymer films with artificial void structure}, series = {Applied physics : A, Materials science \& processing}, volume = {105}, journal = {Applied physics : A, Materials science \& processing}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0947-8396}, doi = {10.1007/s00339-011-6481-2}, pages = {197 -- 205}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Laminated polymer-film systems with well-defined void structures were prepared from fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layers. First the PTFE films were patterned and then fusion-bonded with the FEP films. The laminates were subjected to either corona or contact charging in order to obtain the desired piezoelectricity. The build-up of the "macro-dipoles" in the laminated films was studied by recording the electric hysteresis loops. The resulting electro-mechanical properties were investigated by means of dielectric resonance spectroscopy (DRS) and direct measurements of the stress-strain relationship. Moreover, the thermal stability of the piezoelectric d (33) coefficient was investigated at elevated temperatures and via thermally stimulated discharge (TSD) current measurements in short circuit. For 150 mu m thick laminated films, consisting of one 25 mu m thick PTFE layer, two 12.5 mu m thick FEP layers, and a void of 100 mu m height, the critical voltage necessary for the build-up of the "macro-dipoles" in the inner voids was approximately 1400 V, which agrees with the value calculated from the Paschen Law. A quasi-static piezoelectric d (33) coefficient up to 300 pC/N was observed after corona charging. The mechanical properties of the film systems are highly anisotropic. At room temperature, the Young's moduli of the laminated film system are around 0.37 MPa in the thickness direction and 274 MPa in the lateral direction, respectively. Using these values, the theoretical shape anisotropy ratio of the void was calculated, which agrees well with experimental observation. Compared with films that do not exhibit structural regularity, the laminates showed improved thermal stability of the d (33) coefficients. The thermal stability of d (33) can be further improved by pre-aging. E.g., the reduction of the d (33) value in the sample pre-aged at 150A degrees C for 5 h was less than 5\% after annealing for 30 h at a temperature of 90A degrees C.}, language = {en} } @article{KappelAbelGerhard2011, author = {Kappel, Marcel and Abel, Markus and Gerhard, Reimund}, title = {Characterization and calibration of piezoelectric polymers in situ measurements of body vibrations}, series = {Review of scientific instruments : a monthly journal devoted to scientific instruments, apparatus, and techniques}, volume = {82}, journal = {Review of scientific instruments : a monthly journal devoted to scientific instruments, apparatus, and techniques}, number = {7}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0034-6748}, doi = {10.1063/1.3607435}, pages = {6}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Piezoelectric polymers are known for their flexibility in applications, mainly due to their bending ability, robustness, and variable sensor geometry. It is an optimal material for minimal-invasive investigations in vibrational systems, e.g., for wood, where acoustical impedance matches particularly well. Many applications may be imagined, e. g., monitoring of buildings, vehicles, machinery, alarm systems, such that our investigations may have a large impact on technology. Longitudinal piezoelectricity converts mechanical vibrations normal to the polymer-film plane into an electrical signal, and the respective piezoelectric coefficient needs to be carefully determined in dependence on the relevant material parameters. In order to evaluate efficiency and durability for piezopolymers, we use polyvinylidene fluoride and measure the piezoelectric coefficient with respect to static pressure, amplitude of the dynamically applied force, and long-term stability. A known problem is the slow relaxation of the material towards equilibrium, if the external pressure changes; here, we demonstrate how to counter this problem with careful calibration. Since our focus is on acoustical measurements, we determine accurately the frequency response curve - for acoustics probably the most important characteristic. Eventually, we show that our piezopolymer transducers can be used as a calibrated acoustical sensors for body vibration measurements on a wooden musical instrument, where it is important to perform minimal-invasive measurements. A comparison with the simultaneously recorded airborne sound yields important insight of the mechanism of sound radiation in comparison with the sound propagating in the material. This is especially important for transient signals, where not only the long-living eigenmodes contribute to the sound radiation. Our analyses support that piezopolymer sensors can be employed as a general tool for the determination of the internal dynamics of vibrating systems.}, language = {en} } @article{KussmaulRisseKofodetal.2011, author = {Kussmaul, Bjoern and Risse, Sebastian and Kofod, Guggi and Wache, Remi and Wegener, Michael and McCarthy, Denis N. and Kr{\"u}ger, Hartmut and Gerhard, Reimund}, title = {Enhancement of dielectric permittivity and electromechanical response in silicone elastomers molecular grafting of organic dipoles to the macromolecular Network}, series = {Advanced functional materials}, volume = {21}, journal = {Advanced functional materials}, number = {23}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.201100884}, pages = {4589 -- 4594}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A novel method is established for permittivity enhancement of a silicone matrix for dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) by molecular level modifications of the elastomer matrix. A push-pull dipole is synthesized to be compatible with the silicone crosslinking chemistry, allowing for direct grafting to the crosslinker molecules in a one-step film formation process. This method prevents agglomeration and yields elastomer films that are homogeneous down to the molecular level. The dipole-to-silicone network grafting reaction is studied by FTIR. The chemical, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of films with dipole contents ranging from 0 wt\% to 13.4 wt\% were thoroughly characterized. The grafting of dipoles modifies the relative permittivity and the stiffness, resulting in the actuation strain at a given electrical field being improved by a factor of six.}, language = {en} } @article{QiuWirgesGerhard2011, author = {Qiu, Xunlin and Wirges, Werner and Gerhard, Reimund}, title = {Beneficial and detrimental fatigue effects of dielectric barrier discharges on the piezoelectricity of polypropylene ferroelectrets}, series = {Journal of applied physics}, volume = {110}, journal = {Journal of applied physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0021-8979}, doi = {10.1063/1.3610507}, pages = {8}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Cellular polypropylene (PP) ferroelectrets combine a large piezoelectricity with mechanical flexibility and elastic compliance. Their charging process represents a series of dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) that generate a cold plasma with numerous active species and thus modify the inner polymer surfaces of the foam cells. Both the threshold for the onset of DBDs and the piezoelectricity of ferroelectrets are sensitive to repeated DBDs in the voids. It is found that the threshold voltage is approximately halved and the charging efficiency is clearly improved after only 10(3) DBD cycles. However, plasma modification of the inner surfaces from repeated DBDs deteriorates the chargeability of the voids, leading to a significant reduction of the piezoelectricity in ferroelectrets. After a significant waiting period, the chargeability of previously fatigued voids shows a partial recovery. The plasma modification is, however, detrimental to the stability of the deposited charges and thus also of the macroscopic dipoles and of the piezoelectricity. Fatigue from only 10(3) DBD cycles already results in significantly less stable piezoelectricity in cellular PP ferroelectrets. The fatigue rate as a function of the number of voltage cycles follows a stretched exponential. Fatigue from repeated DBDs can be avoided if most of the gas molecules inside the voids are removed via a suitable evacuation process.}, language = {en} } @article{KofodStoyanovGerhard2011, author = {Kofod, Guggi and Stoyanov, Hristiyan and Gerhard, Reimund}, title = {Multilayer coaxial fiber dielectric elastomers for actuation and sensing}, series = {Applied physics : A, Materials science \& processing}, volume = {102}, journal = {Applied physics : A, Materials science \& processing}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0947-8396}, doi = {10.1007/s00339-010-6066-5}, pages = {577 -- 581}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A simple dip-coating technique was employed to manufacture coaxial actuators with multiple layers of alternating dielectric and conducting layers. A thin rubber string was coated with an electrode-insulator-electrode structure, giving rise to a thin, fiber-like actuator with coaxial geometry. The process was repeated to achieve a compact multilayer actuator with up to three coaxial dielectric layers. Mechanical and electromechanical characterization of the actuators is presented, showing actuation strains up to 8\% and proper voltage-thickness scaling behavior. Also presented is a capacitance vs. extension plot, demonstrating that these structures can be used for compact and accurate capacitive strain sensing.}, language = {en} } @article{RychkovGerhard2011, author = {Rychkov, Dmitry and Gerhard, Reimund}, title = {Stabilization of positive charge on polytetrafluoroethylene electret films treated with titanium-tetrachloride vapor}, series = {Applied physics letters}, volume = {98}, journal = {Applied physics letters}, number = {12}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.3565166}, pages = {3}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The surface of polytetrafluoroethylene films was treated with titanium-tetrachloride vapor. The treatment was carried out in a flow reactor by means of molecular-layer deposition, a method from the arsenal of chemical nanotechnology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that such a treatment results in considerable changes in the chemical composition at and near the surface of the fluoropolymer film. Both, defluorination and oxidation of the surface were observed. At the same time, samples treated with titanium tetrachloride show a significant enhancement in the thermal stability of the positive homocharge. The thermally stimulated surface-potential-decay curves were observed to shift to higher temperatures by more than 100 degrees C.}, language = {en} } @article{QiuGerhardMellinger2011, author = {Qiu, Xunlin and Gerhard, Reimund and Mellinger, Axel}, title = {Turning polymer foams or polymer-film systems into ferroelectrets dielectric barrier discharges in voids}, series = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, volume = {18}, journal = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inst. of Electr. and Electronics Engineers}, address = {Piscataway}, issn = {1070-9878}, doi = {10.1109/TDEI.2011.5704490}, pages = {34 -- 42}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Polymer foams and void-containing polymer-film systems with internally charged voids combine large piezoelectricity with mechanical flexibility and elastic compliance. This new class of soft materials (often called ferro-or piezoelectrets) has attracted considerable attention from science and industry. It has been found that the voids can be internally charged by means of dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) under high electric fields. The charged voids can be considered as man-made macroscopic dipoles. Depending on the ferroelectret structure and the pressure of the internal gas, the voids may be highly compressible. Consequently, very large dipole-moment changes can be induced by mechanical or electrical stresses, leading to large piezoelectricity. DBD charging of the voids is a critical process for rendering polymer foams piezoelectric. Thus a comprehensive exploration of DBD charging is essential for the understanding and the optimization of piezoelectricity in ferroelectrets. Recent studies show that DBDs in the voids are triggered when the internal electric field reaches a threshold value according to Townsend's model of Paschen breakdown. During the DBDs, charges of opposite polarity are generated and trapped at the top and bottom internal surfaces of the gas-filled voids, respectively. The deposited charges induce an electric field opposite to the externally applied one and thus extinguish the DBDs. Back discharges may eventually be triggered when the external voltage is reduced or turned off. In order to optimize the efficiency of DBD charging, the geometry (in particular the height) of the voids, the type of gas and its pressure inside the voids are essential factors to be considered and to be optimized. In addition, the influence of the plasma treatment on the internal void surfaces during the DBDs should be taken into consideration.}, language = {en} } @article{KalbitzFruebingGerhardetal.2011, author = {Kalbitz, Rene and Fr{\"u}bing, Peter and Gerhard, Reimund and Taylor, D. M.}, title = {Stability of polarization in organic ferroelectric metal-insulator-semiconductor structures}, series = {Applied physics letters}, volume = {98}, journal = {Applied physics letters}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.3543632}, pages = {3}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Dielectric measurements have been carried out on all-organic metal-insulator-semiconductor structures with the ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) as the gate insulator. It is shown that the polarization states remain stable after poling with accumulation and depletion voltage. However, negative charge trapped at the semiconductor-insulator interface during the depletion cycle masks the negative shift in flatband voltage expected during the sweep to accumulation voltages.}, language = {en} } @misc{Gerhard2011, author = {Gerhard, Reimund}, title = {Honoring Professor Gerhard M. Sessler on his 80th Birthday (15th of February 2011)}, series = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, volume = {18}, journal = {IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inst. of Electr. and Electronics Engineers}, address = {Piscataway}, issn = {1070-9878}, doi = {10.1109/TDEI.2011.5704485}, pages = {1 -- 2}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{FloresSuarez2011, author = {Flores Su{\´a}rez, Rosaura}, title = {Three-dimensional polarization probing in polymer ferroelectrics, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, and polymer ferroelectrets}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-60173}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A key non-destructive technique for analysis, optimization and developing of new functional materials such as sensors, transducers, electro-optical and memory devices is presented. The Thermal-Pulse Tomography (TPT) provides high-resolution three-dimensional images of electric field and polarization distribution in a material. This thermal technique use a pulsed heating by means of focused laser light which is absorbed by opaque electrodes. The diffusion of the heat causes changes in the sample geometry, generating a short-circuit current or change in surface potential, which contains information about the spatial distribution of electric dipoles or space charges. Afterwards, a reconstruction of the internal electric field and polarization distribution in the material is possible via Scale Transformation or Regularization methods. In this way, the TPT was used for the first time to image the inhomogeneous ferroelectric switching in polymer ferroelectric films (candidates to memory devices). The results shows the typical pinning of electric dipoles in the ferroelectric polymer under study and support the previous hypotheses of a ferroelectric reversal at a grain level via nucleation and growth. In order to obtain more information about the impact of the lateral and depth resolution of the thermal techniques, the TPT and its counterpart called Focused Laser Intensity Modulation Method (FLIMM) were implemented in ferroelectric films with grid-shaped electrodes. The results from both techniques, after the data analysis with different regularization and scale methods, are in total agreement. It was also revealed a possible overestimated lateral resolution of the FLIMM and highlights the TPT method as the most efficient and reliable thermal technique. After an improvement in the optics, the Thermal-Pulse Tomography method was implemented in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) films, which are used in electro-optical applications. The results indicated a possible electrostatic interaction between the COH group in the liquid crystals and the fluorinate atoms of the used ferroelectric matrix. The geometrical parameters of the LC droplets were partially reproduced as they were compared with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. For further applications, it is suggested the use of a non-strong-ferroelectric polymer matrix. In an effort to develop new polymerferroelectrets and for optimizing their properties, new multilayer systems were inspected. The results of the TPT method showed the non-uniformity of the internal electric-field distribution in the shaped-macrodipoles and thus suggested the instability of the sample. Further investigation on multilayers ferroelectrets was suggested and the implementation of less conductive polymers layers too.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Stoyanov2011, author = {Stoyanov, Hristiyan}, title = {Soft nanocomposites with enhanced electromechanical response for dielectric elastomer actuators}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-51194}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Electromechanical transducers based on elastomer capacitors are presently considered for many soft actuation applications, due to their large reversible deformation in response to electric field induced electrostatic pressure. The high operating voltage of such devices is currently a large drawback, hindering their use in applications such as biomedical devices and biomimetic robots, however, they could be improved with a careful design of their material properties. The main targets for improving their properties are increasing the relative permittivity of the active material, while maintaining high electric breakdown strength and low stiffness, which would lead to enhanced electrostatic storage ability and hence, reduced operating voltage. Improvement of the functional properties is possible through the use of nanocomposites. These exploit the high surface-to-volume ratio of the nanoscale filler, resulting in large effects on macroscale properties. This thesis explores several strategies for nanomaterials design. The resulting nanocomposites are fully characterized with respect to their electrical and mechanical properties, by use of dielectric spectroscopy, tensile mechanical analysis, and electric breakdown tests. First, nanocomposites consisting of high permittivity rutile TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in thermoplastic block copolymer SEBS (poly-styrene-coethylene-co-butylene-co-styrene) are shown to exhibit permittivity increases of up to 3.7 times, leading to 5.6 times improvement in electrostatic energy density, but with a trade-off in mechanical properties (an 8-fold increase in stiffness). The variation in both electrical and mechanical properties still allows for electromechanical improvement, such that a 27 \% reduction of the electric field is found compared to the pure elastomer. Second, it is shown that the use of nanofiller conductive particles (carbon black (CB)) can lead to a strong increase of relative permittivity through percolation, however, with detrimental side effects. These are due to localized enhancement of the electric field within the composite, which leads to sharp reductions in electric field strength. Hence, the increase in permittivity does not make up for the reduction in breakdown strength in relation to stored electrical energy, which may prohibit their practical use. Third, a completely new approach for increasing the relative permittivity and electrostatic energy density of a polymer based on 'molecular composites' is presented, relying on chemically grafting soft π-conjugated macromolecules to a flexible elastomer backbone. Polarization caused by charge displacement along the conjugated backbone is found to induce a large and controlled permittivity enhancement (470 \% over the elastomer matrix), while chemical bonding, encapsulates the PANI chains manifesting in hardly any reduction in electric breakdown strength, and hence resulting in a large increase in stored electrostatic energy. This is shown to lead to an improvement in the sensitivity of the measured electromechanical response (83 \% reduction of the driving electric field) as well as in the maximum actuation strain (250 \%). These results represent a large step forward in the understanding of the strategies which can be employed to obtain high permittivity polymer materials with practical use for electro-elastomer actuation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kalbitz2011, author = {Kalbitz, Ren{\´e}}, title = {Stability of polarization in organic ferroelectric metal-insulator-semiconductor structures}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-57276}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Organic thin film transistors (TFT) are an attractive option for low cost electronic applications and may be used for active matrix displays and for RFID applications. To extend the range of applications there is a need to develop and optimise the performance of non-volatile memory devices that are compatible with the solution-processing fabrication procedures used in plastic electronics. A possible candidate is an organic TFT incorporating the ferroelectric co-polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene)(P(VDF-TrFE)) as the gate insulator. Dielectric measurements have been carried out on all-organic metal-insulator-semiconductor structures with the ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) as the gate insu-lator. The capacitance spectra of MIS devices, were measured under different biases, showing the effect of charge accumulation and depletion on the Maxwell-Wagner peak. The position and height of this peak clearly indicates the lack of stable depletion behavior and the decrease of mobility when increasing the depletion zone width, i.e. upon moving into the P3HT bulk. The lack of stable depletion was further investigated with capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. When the structure was driven into depletion, C-V plots showed a positive flat-band voltage shift, arising from the change in polarization state of the ferroelectric insulator. When biased into accumulation, the polarization was reversed. It is shown that the two polarization states are stable i.e. no depolarization occurs below the coercive field. However, negative charge trapped at the semiconductor-insulator interface during the depletion cycle masks the negative shift in flat-band voltage expected during the sweep to accumulation voltages. The measured output characteristics of the studied ferroelectric-field-effect transistors confirmed the results of the C-V plots. Furthermore, the results indicated a trapping of electrons at the positively charged surfaces of the ferroelectrically polarized P(VDF-TrFE) crystallites near the insulator/semiconductor in-terface during the first poling cycles. The study of the MIS structure by means of thermally stimulated current (TSC) revealed further evidence for the stability of the polarization under depletion voltages. It was shown, that the lack of stable depletion behavior is caused by the compensation of the orientational polarization by fixed electrons at the interface and not by the depolarization of the insulator, as proposed in several publications. The above results suggest a performance improvement of non-volatile memory devices by the optimization of the interface.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Robinson2011, author = {Robinson, Alexander}, title = {Modeling the Greenland Ice Sheet response to climate change in the past and future}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-50430}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) contains enough water volume to raise global sea level by over 7 meters. It is a relic of past glacial climates that could be strongly affected by a warming world. Several studies have been performed to investigate the sensitivity of the ice sheet to changes in climate, but large uncertainties in its long-term response still exist. In this thesis, a new approach has been developed and applied to modeling the GIS response to climate change. The advantages compared to previous approaches are (i) that it can be applied over a wide range of climatic scenarios (both in the deep past and the future), (ii) that it includes the relevant feedback processes between the climate and the ice sheet and (iii) that it is highly computationally efficient, allowing simulations over very long timescales. The new regional energy-moisture balance model (REMBO) has been developed to model the climate and surface mass balance over Greenland and it represents an improvement compared to conventional approaches in modeling present-day conditions. Furthermore, the evolution of the GIS has been simulated over the last glacial cycle using an ensemble of model versions. The model performance has been validated against field observations of the present-day climate and surface mass balance, as well as paleo information from ice cores. The GIS contribution to sea level rise during the last interglacial is estimated to be between 0.5-4.1 m, consistent with previous estimates. The ensemble of model versions has been constrained to those that are consistent with the data, and a range of valid parameter values has been defined, allowing quantification of the uncertainty and sensitivity of the modeling approach. Using the constrained model ensemble, the sensitivity of the GIS to long-term climate change was investigated. It was found that the GIS exhibits hysteresis behavior (i.e., it is multi-stable under certain conditions), and that a temperature threshold exists above which the ice sheet transitions to an essentially ice-free state. The threshold in the global temperature is estimated to be in the range of 1.3-2.3°C above preindustrial conditions, significantly lower than previously believed. The timescale of total melt scales non-linearly with the overshoot above the temperature threshold, such that a 2°C anomaly causes the ice sheet to melt in ca. 50,000 years, but an anomaly of 6°C will melt the ice sheet in less than 4,000 years. The meltback of the ice sheet was found to become irreversible after a fraction of the ice sheet is already lost - but this level of irreversibility also depends on the temperature anomaly.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{BarbosaPfannes2011, author = {Barbosa Pfannes, Eva Katharina}, title = {Probing the regulatory mechanisms of the actomyosin system in motile cells}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-57812}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Actin-based directional motility is important for embryonic development, wound healing, immune responses, and development of tissues. Actin and myosin are essential players in this process that can be subdivided into protrusion, adhesion, and traction. Protrusion is the forward movement of the membrane at the leading edge of the cell. Adhesion is required to enable movement along a substrate, and traction finally leads to the forward movement of the entire cell body, including its organelles. While actin polymerization is the main driving force in cell protrusions, myosin motors lead to the contraction of the cell body. The goal of this work was to study the regulatory mechanisms of the motile machinery by selecting a representative key player for each stage of the signaling process: the regulation of Arp2/3 activity by WASP (actin system), the role of cGMP in myosin II assembly (myosin system), and the influence of phosphoinositide signaling (upstream receptor pathway). The model organism chosen for this work was the social ameba Dictyostelium discoideum, due to the well-established knowledge of its cytoskeletal machinery, the easy handling, and the high motility of its vegetative and starvation developed cells. First, I focused on the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton by modulating the activity of one of its key players, the Arp2/3 complex. This was achieved using the carbazole derivative Wiskostatin, an inhibitor of the Arp2/3 activator WASP. Cells treated with Wiskostatin adopted a round shape, with no of few pseudopodia. With the help of a microfluidic cell squeezer device, I could show that Wiskostatin treated cells display a reduced mechanical stability, comparable to cells treated with the actin disrupting agent Latrunculin A. Furthermore, the WASP inhibited cells adhere stronger to a surface and show a reduced motility and chemotactic performance. However, the overall F-actin content in the cells was not changed. Confocal microscopy and TIRF microscopy imaging showed that the cells maintained an intact actin cortex. Localized dynamic patches of increased actin polymerization were observed that, however, did not lead to membrane deformation. This indicated that the mechanisms of actin-driven force generation were impaired in Wiskostatin treated cells. It is concluded that in these cells, an altered architecture of the cortical network leads to a reduced overall stiffness of the cell, which is insufficient to support the force generation required for membrane deformation and pseudopod formation. Second, the role of cGMP in myosin II dynamics was investigated. Cyclic GMP is known to regulate the association of myosin II with the cytoskeleton. In Dictyostelium, intracellular cGMP levels increase when cells are exposed to chemoattractants, but also in response to osmotic stress. To study the influence of cyclic GMP on actin and myosin II dynamics, I used the laser-induced photoactivation of a DMACM-caged-Br-cGMP to locally release cGMP inside the cell. My results show that cGMP directly activates the myosin II machinery, but is also able to induce an actin response independently of cAMP receptor activation and signaling. The actin response was observed in both vegetative and developed cells. Possible explanations include cGMP-induced actin polymerization through VASP (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) or through binding of cGMP to cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases. Finally, I investigated the role of phosphoinositide signaling using the Polyphosphoinositide-Binding Peptide (PBP10) that binds preferentially to PIP2. Phosphoinositides can recruit actin-binding proteins to defined subcellular sites and alter their activity. Neutrophils, as well as developed Dictyostelium cells produce PIP3 in the plasma membrane at their leading edge in response to an external chemotactic gradient. Although not essential for chemotaxis, phosphoinositides are proposed to act as an internal compass in the cell. When treated with the peptide PBP10, cells became round, with fewer or no pseudopods. PH-CRAC translocation to the membrane still occurs, even at low cAMP stimuli, but cell motility (random and directional) was reduced. My data revealed that the decrease in the pool of available PIP2 in the cell is sufficient to impair cell motility, but enough PIP2 remains so that PIP3 is formed in response to chemoattractant stimuli. My data thus highlights how sensitive cell motility and morphology are to changes in the phosphoinositide signaling. In summary, I have analyzed representative regulatory mechanisms that govern key parts of the motile machinery and characterized their impact on cellular properties including mechanical stability, adhesion and chemotaxis.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheweLevermannMeinshausen2011, author = {Schewe, Jacob and Levermann, Anders and Meinshausen, Malte}, title = {Climate change under a scenario near 1.5 degrees C of global warming: monsoon intensification, ocean warming and steric sea level rise}, series = {Earth system dynamics}, volume = {2}, journal = {Earth system dynamics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Copernicus}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {2190-4979}, doi = {10.5194/esd-2-25-2011}, pages = {25 -- 35}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We present climatic consequences of the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using the coupled climate model CLIMBER-3 alpha, which contains a statistical-dynamical atmosphere and a three-dimensional ocean model. We compare those with emulations of 19 state-of-the-art atmosphere-ocean general circulation models (AOGCM) using MAGICC6. The RCPs are designed as standard scenarios for the forthcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment Report to span the full range of future greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations pathways currently discussed. The lowest of the RCP scenarios, RCP3-PD, is projected in CLIMBER-3 alpha to imply a maximal warming by the middle of the 21st century slightly above 1.5 degrees C and a slow decline of temperatures thereafter, approaching today's level by 2500. We identify two mechanisms that slow down global cooling after GHG concentrations peak: The known inertia induced by mixing-related oceanic heat uptake; and a change in oceanic convection that enhances ocean heat loss in high latitudes, reducing the surface cooling rate by almost 50\%. Steric sea level rise under the RCP3-PD scenario continues for 200 years after the peak in surface air temperatures, stabilizing around 2250 at 30 cm. This contrasts with around 1.3 m of steric sea level rise by 2250, and 2 m by 2500, under the highest scenario, RCP8.5. Maximum oceanic warming at intermediate depth (300-800 m) is found to exceed that of the sea surface by the second half of the 21st century under RCP3-PD. This intermediate-depth warming persists for centuries even after surface temperatures have returned to present-day values, with potential consequences for marine ecosystems, oceanic methane hydrates, and ice-shelf stability. Due to an enhanced land-ocean temperature contrast, all scenarios yield an intensification of monsoon rainfall under global warming.}, language = {en} } @article{MontoyaBornLevermann2011, author = {Montoya, Marisa and Born, Andreas and Levermann, Anders}, title = {Reversed North Atlantic gyre dynamics in present and glacial climates}, series = {Climate dynamics : observational, theoretical and computational research on the climate system}, volume = {36}, journal = {Climate dynamics : observational, theoretical and computational research on the climate system}, number = {5-6}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0930-7575}, doi = {10.1007/s00382-009-0729-y}, pages = {1107 -- 1118}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The dynamics of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre (SPG) are assessed under present and glacial boundary conditions by investigating the SPG sensitivity to surface wind-stress changes in a coupled climate model. To this end, the gyre transport is decomposed in Ekman, thermohaline, and bottom transports. Surface wind-stress variations are found to play an important indirect role in SPG dynamics through their effect on water-mass densities. Our results suggest the existence of two dynamically distinct regimes of the SPG, depending on the absence or presence of deep water formation (DWF) in the Nordic Seas and a vigorous Greenland-Scotland ridge (GSR) overflow. In the first regime, the GSR overflow is weak and the SPG strength increases with wind-stress as a result of enhanced outcropping of isopycnals in the centre of the SPG. As soon as a vigorous GSR overflow is established, its associated positive density anomalies on the southern GSR slope reduce the SPG strength. This has implications for past glacial abrupt climate changes, insofar as these can be explained through latitudinal shifts in North Atlantic DWF sites and strengthening of the North Atlantic current. Regardless of the ultimate trigger, an abrupt shift of DWF into the Nordic Seas could result both in a drastic reduction of the SPG strength and a sudden reversal in its sensitivity to wind-stress variations. Our results could provide insight into changes in the horizontal ocean circulation during abrupt glacial climate changes, which have been largely neglected up to now in model studies.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhongWangAdelsbergeretal.2011, author = {Zhong, Qi and Wang, Weinan and Adelsberger, Joseph and Golosova, Anastasia and Koumba, Achille M. Bivigou and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Funari, Sergio S. and Perlich, Jan and Roth, Stephan V. and Papadakis, Christine M. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Collapse transition in thin films of poly(methoxydiethylenglycol acrylate)}, series = {Colloid and polymer science : official journal of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft}, volume = {289}, journal = {Colloid and polymer science : official journal of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft}, number = {5-6}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0303-402X}, doi = {10.1007/s00396-011-2384-1}, pages = {569 -- 581}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The thermal behavior of poly(methoxydiethylenglycol acrylate) (PMDEGA) is studied in thin hydrogel films on solid supports and is compared with the behavior in aqueous solution. The PMDEGA hydrogel film thickness is varied from 2 to 422 nm. Initially, these films are homogenous, as measured with optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray reflectivity, and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). However, they tend to de-wet when stored under ambient conditions. Along the surface normal, no long-ranged correlations between substrate and film surface are detected with GISAXS, due to the high mobility of the polymer at room temperature. The swelling of the hydrogel films as a function of the water vapor pressure and the temperature are probed for saturated water vapor pressures between 2,380 and 3,170 Pa. While the swelling capability is found to increase with water vapor pressure, swelling in dependence on the temperature revealed a collapse phase transition of a lower critical solution temperature type. The transition temperature decreases from 40.6 A degrees C to 36.6 A degrees C with increasing film thickness, but is independent of the thickness for very thin films below a thickness of 40 nm. The observed transition temperature range compares well with the cloud points observed in dilute (0.1 wt.\%) and semi-dilute (5 wt.\%) solution which decrease from 45 A degrees C to 39 A degrees C with increasing concentration.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmahMarwanThomsenetal.2011, author = {Schmah, Tanya and Marwan, Norbert and Thomsen, Jesper Skovhus and Saparin, Peter}, title = {Long range node-strut analysis of trabecular bone microarchitecture}, series = {Medical physics : the international journal of medical physics research and practice}, volume = {38}, journal = {Medical physics : the international journal of medical physics research and practice}, number = {9}, publisher = {American Association of Physicists in Medicine}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0094-2405}, doi = {10.1118/1.3622600}, pages = {5003 -- 5011}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Purpose: We present a new morphometric measure of trabecular bone microarchitecture, called mean node strength (NdStr), which is part of a newly developed approach called long range nodestrut analysis. Our general aim is to describe and quantify the apparent "latticelike" microarchitecture of the trabecular bone network. Methods: Similar in some ways to the topological node-strut analysis introduced by Garrahan et al. [J. Microsc. 142, 341-349 (1986)], our method is distinguished by an emphasis on long-range trabecular connectivity. Thus, while the topological classification of a pixel (after skeletonization) as a node, strut, or terminus, can be determined from the 3 x 3 neighborhood of that pixel, our method, which does not involve skeletonization, takes into account a much larger neighborhood. In addition, rather than giving a discrete classification of each pixel as a node, strut, or terminus, our method produces a continuous variable, node strength. The node strength is averaged over a region of interest to produce the mean node strength of the region. Results: We have applied our long range node-strut analysis to a set of 26 high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) axial images of human proximal tibiae acquired 17 mm below the tibial plateau. We found that NdStr has a strong positive correlation with trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (BMD). After an exponential transformation, we obtain a Pearson's correlation coefficient of r - 0.97. Qualitative comparison of images with similar BMD but with very different NdStr values suggests that the latter measure has successfully quantified the prevalence of the "latticelike" microarchitecture apparent in the image. Moreover, we found a strong correlation (r - 0.62) between NdStr and the conventional node-terminus ratio (Nd/Tm) of Garrahan et al. The Nd/Tm ratios were computed using traditional histomorphometry performed on bone biopsies obtained at the same location as the pQCT scans. Conclusions: The newly introduced morphometric measure allows a quantitative assessment of the long-range connectivity of trabecular bone. One advantage of this method is that it is based on pQCT images that can be obtained noninvasively from patients, i.e., without having to obtain a bone biopsy from the patient.}, language = {en} } @article{AliuAuneBeilickeetal.2011, author = {Aliu, E. and Aune, T. and Beilicke, M. and Benbow, W. and Boettcher, Markus and Bouvier, A. and Bradbury, S. M. and Buckley, J. H. and Bugaev, V. and Cannon, A. and Cesarini, A. and Ciupik, L. and Connolly, M. P. and Cui, W. and Decerprit, G. and Dickherber, R. and Duke, C. and Errando, M. and Falcone, A. and Feng, Q. and Finnegan, G. and Fortson, L. and Furniss, A. and Galante, N. and Gall, D. and Gillanders, G. H. and Godambe, S. and Griffin, S. and Grube, J. and Gyuk, G. and Hanna, D. and Hivick, B. and Holder, J. and Huan, H. and Hughes, G. and Hui, C. M. and Humensky, T. B. and Kaaret, P. and Karlsson, N. and Kertzman, M. and Kieda, D. and Krawczynski, H. and Krennrich, F. and Maier, G. and Majumdar, P. and McArthur, S. and McCann, A. and Moriarty, P. and Mukherjee, R. and Nelson, T. and Ong, R. A. and Orr, M. and Otte, A. N. and Park, N. and Perkins, J. S. and Pichel, A. and Pohl, Martin and Prokoph, H. and Quinn, J. and Ragan, K. and Reyes, L. C. and Reynolds, P. T. and Roache, E. and Rose, H. J. and Ruppel, J. and Saxon, D. B. and Sembroski, G. H. and Skole, C. and Smith, A. W. and Staszak, D. and Tesic, G. and Theiling, M. and Thibadeau, S. and Tsurusaki, K. and Tyler, J. and Varlotta, A. and Vassiliev, V. V. and Wakely, S. P. and Weekes, T. C. and Weinstein, A. and Williams, D. A. and Zitzer, B. and Ciprini, S. and Fumagalli, M. and Kaplan, K. and Paneque, D. and Prochaska, J. X.}, title = {Multiwavelenght observations of the previously unidentified blzar RX J0648.7+1516}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, volume = {742}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, organization = {VERITAS Collaboration}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/742/2/127}, pages = {7}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on the VERITAS discovery of very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission above 200 GeV from the high-frequency-peaked BL Lac (HBL) object RX J0648.7+1516 (GB J0648+1516), associated with 1FGL J0648.8+1516. The photon spectrum above 200 GeV is fitted by a power law dN/dE = F-0(E/E-0)(-Gamma) with a photon index Gamma of 4.4 +/- 0.8(stat) +/- 0.3(syst) and a flux normalization F-0 of (2.3 +/- 0.5(stat) +/- 1.2(sys)) x 10(-11) TeV-1 cm(-2) s(-1) with E-0 = 300 GeV. No VHE variability is detected during VERITAS observations of RX J0648.7+1516 between 2010 March 4 and April 15. Following the VHE discovery, the optical identification and spectroscopic redshift were obtained using the Shane 3 m Telescope at the Lick Observatory, showing the unidentified object to be a BL Lac type with a redshift of z = 0.179. Broadband multiwavelength observations contemporaneous with the VERITAS exposure period can be used to subclassify the blazar as an HBL object, including data from the MDM observatory, Swift-UVOT, and X-Ray Telescope, and continuous monitoring at photon energies above 1 GeV from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). We find that in the absence of undetected, high-energy rapid variability, the one-zone synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model overproduces the high-energy gamma-ray emission measured by the Fermi-LAT over 2.3 years. The spectral energy distribution can be parameterized satisfactorily with an external-Compton or lepto-hadronic model, which have two and six additional free parameters, respectively, compared to the one-zone SSC model.}, language = {en} } @article{AcciariAliuArayaetal.2011, author = {Acciari, V. A. and Aliu, E. and Araya, M. and Arlen, T. and Aune, T. and Beilicke, M. and Benbow, W. and Bradbury, S. M. and Buckley, J. H. and Bugaev, V. and Byrum, K. and Cannon, A. and Cesarini, A. and Ciupik, L. and Collins-Hughes, E. and Cui, W. and Dickherber, R. and Duke, C. and Falcone, A. and Finley, J. P. and Fortson, L. and Furniss, A. and Galante, N. and Gall, D. and Godambe, S. and Griffin, S. and Guenette, R. and Gyuk, G. and Hanna, D. and Holder, J. and Hughes, G. and Hui, C. M. and Humensky, T. B. and Imran, A. and Kaaret, P. and Kertzman, M. and Krawczynski, H. and Krennrich, F. and Madhavan, A. S. and Maier, G. and Majumdar, P. and McArthur, S. and Moriarty, P. and Ong, R. A. and Otte, A. N. and Pandel, D. and Park, N. and Perkins, J. S. and Pohl, Martin and Prokoph, H. and Quinn, J. and Ragan, K. and Reyes, L. C. and Reynolds, P. T. and Roache, E. and Rose, H. J. and Saxon, D. B. and Sembroski, G. H. and Sentuerk, G. D. and Smith, A. W. and Tesic, G. and Theiling, M. and Thibadeau, S. and Varlotta, A. and Vincent, S. and Vivier, M. and Wakely, S. P. and Ward, J. E. and Weekes, T. C. and Weinstein, A. and Weisgarber, T. and Weng, S. and Williams, D. A. and Wood, M. and Zitzer, B.}, title = {Gamma-ray observations of the Be/Pulsar binary 1A 0535+262 during a Giant X-Ray outburst}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, volume = {733}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/733/2/96}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Giant X-ray outbursts, with luminosities of about 10(37) erg s(-1), are observed roughly every five years from the nearby Be/pulsar binary 1A 0535+262. In this article, we present observations of the source with VERITAS at very high energies (VHEs; E > 100 GeV) triggered by the X-ray outburst in 2009 December. The observations started shortly after the onset of the outburst and provided comprehensive coverage of the episode, as well as the 111 day binary orbit. No VHE emission is evident at any time. We also examined data from the contemporaneous observations of 1A 0535+262 with the Fermi/Large Area Telescope at high-energy photons (E > 0.1 GeV) and failed to detect the source at GeV energies. The X-ray continua measured with the Swift/X-Ray Telescope and the RXTE/PCA can be well described by the combination of blackbody and Comptonized emission from thermal electrons. Therefore, the gamma-ray and X-ray observations suggest the absence of a significant population of non-thermal particles in the system. This distinguishes 1A 0535+262 from those Be X-ray binaries (such as PSR B1259-63 and LS I +61 degrees 303) that have been detected at GeV-TeV energies. We discuss the implications of the results on theoretical models.}, language = {en} } @article{AcciariAliuArlenetal.2011, author = {Acciari, V. A. and Aliu, E. and Arlen, T. and Aune, T. and Beilicke, M. and Benbow, W. and Bradbury, S. M. and Buckley, J. H. and Bugaev, V. and Byrum, K. and Cannon, A. and Cesarini, A. and Christiansen, J. L. and Ciupik, L. and Collins-Hughes, E. and Connolly, M. P. and Cui, W. and Duke, C. and Errando, M. and Falcone, A. and Finley, J. P. and Finnegan, G. and Fortson, L. and Furniss, A. and Galante, N. and Gall, D. and Godambe, S. and Griffin, S. and Grube, J. and Guenette, R. and Gyuk, G. and Hanna, D. and Holder, J. and Hughes, G. and Hui, C. M. and Humensky, T. B. and Jackson, D. J. and Kaaret, P. and Karlsson, N. and Kertzman, M. and Kieda, D. and Krawczynski, H. and Krennrich, F. and Lang, M. J. and Madhavan, A. S. and Maier, G. and McArthur, S. and McCann, A. and Moriarty, P. and Newbold, M. D. and Ong, R. A. and Orr, M. and Otte, A. N. and Park, N. and Perkins, J. S. and Pohl, Martin and Prokoph, H. and Quinn, J. and Ragan, K. and Reyes, L. C. and Reynolds, P. T. and Roache, E. and Rose, H. J. and Ruppel, J. and Saxon, D. B. and Schroedter, M. and Sembroski, G. H. and Sentuerk, G. D. and Smith, A. W. and Staszak, D. and Swordy, S. P. and Tesic, G. and Theiling, M. and Thibadeau, S. and Tsurusaki, K. and Varlotta, A. and Vassiliev, V. V. and Vincent, S. and Vivier, M. and Wakely, S. P. and Ward, J. E. and Weekes, T. C. and Weinstein, A. and Weisgarber, T. and Williams, D. A. and Wood, M.}, title = {Veritas observations of gamma-ray bursts detected by swift}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, volume = {743}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/743/1/62}, pages = {10}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We present the results of 16 Swift-triggered Gamma-ray burst (GRB) follow-up observations taken with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) telescope array from 2007 January to 2009 June. The median energy threshold and response time of these observations were 260 GeV and 320 s, respectively. Observations had an average duration of 90 minutes. Each burst is analyzed independently in two modes: over the whole duration of the observations and again over a shorter timescale determined by the maximum VERITAS sensitivity to a burst with a t(-1.5) time profile. This temporal model is characteristic of GRB afterglows with high-energy, long-lived emission that have been detected by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi satellite. No significant very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission was detected and upper limits above the VERITAS threshold energy are calculated. The VERITAS upper limits are corrected for gamma-ray extinction by the extragalactic background light and interpreted in the context of the keV emission detected by Swift. For some bursts the VHE emission must have less power than the keV emission, placing constraints on inverse Compton models of VHE emission.}, language = {en} } @misc{FedericiPohlRuppeletal.2011, author = {Federici, S. and Pohl, Martin and Ruppel, J. and Telezhinsky, Igor O. and Hofmann, Werner and Martinez, M. and Knapp, J.}, title = {Design concepts for the Cherenkov Telescope Array CTA}, series = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, volume = {32}, journal = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {1325}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-43014}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-430149}, pages = {124}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has had a major breakthrough with the impressive results obtained using systems of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. CTA is an international initiative to build the next generation instrument, with a factor of 5-10 improvement in sensitivity in the 100 GeV-10 TeV range and the extension to energies well below 100 GeV and above 100 TeV. CTA will consist of two arrays (one in the north, one in the south) for full sky coverage and will be operated as open observatory. The design of CTA is based on currently available technology. This document reports on the status and presents the major design concepts of CTA.}, language = {en} } @article{AcciariAliuArlenetal.2011, author = {Acciari, V. A. and Aliu, E. and Arlen, T. and Aune, T. and Beilicke, M. and Benbow, W. and Bradbury, S. M. and Buckley, J. H. and Bugaev, V. and Byrum, K. and Cannon, A. and Cesarini, A. and Ciupik, L. and Collins-Hughes, E. and Cui, W. and Dickherber, R. and Duke, C. and Errando, M. and Finley, J. P. and Finnegan, G. and Fortson, L. and Furniss, A. and Galante, N. and Gall, D. and Gillanders, G. H. and Godambe, S. and Griffin, S. and Grube, J. and Guenette, R. and Gyuk, G. and Hanna, D. and Holder, J. and Hughes, J. P. and Hui, C. M. and Humensky, T. B. and Kaaret, P. and Karlsson, N. and Kertzman, M. and Kieda, D. and Krawczynski, H. and Krennrich, F. and Lang, M. J. and LeBohec, S. and Madhavan, A. S. and Maier, G. and Majumdar, P. and McArthur, S. and McCann, A. and Moriarty, P. and Mukherjee, R. and Ong, R. A. and Orr, M. and Otte, A. N. and Pandel, D. and Park, N. H. and Perkins, J. S. and Pohl, Martin and Quinn, J. and Ragan, K. and Reyes, L. C. and Reynolds, P. T. and Roache, E. and Rose, H. J. and Saxon, D. B. and Schroedter, M. and Sembroski, G. H. and Senturk, G. Demet and Slane, P. and Smith, A. W. and Tesic, G. and Theiling, M. and Thibadeau, S. and Tsurusaki, K. and Varlotta, A. and Vassiliev, V. V. and Vincent, S. and Vivier, M. and Wakely, S. P. and Ward, J. E. and Weekes, T. C. and Weinstein, A. and Weisgarber, T. and Williams, D. A. and Wood, M. and Zitzer, B.}, title = {Discovery of OF TeV Gamma-Ray emission from tycho's supernova remnant}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters}, volume = {730}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {2041-8205}, doi = {10.1088/2041-8205/730/2/L20}, pages = {6}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report the discovery of TeV gamma-ray emission from the Type Ia supernova remnant (SNR) G120.1+1.4, known as Tycho's SNR. Observations performed in the period 2008-2010 with the VERITAS ground-based gamma-ray observatory reveal weak emission coming from the direction of the remnant, compatible with a point source located at 00(h)25(m)27(s).0, +64 degrees 10'50 '' (J2000). The TeV photon spectrum measured by VERITAS can be described with a power law dN/dE = C(E/3.42 TeV)(-Gamma) with Gamma = 1.95 +/- 0.51(stat) +/- 0.30(sys) and C = (1.55 +/- 0.43(stat) +/- 0.47(sys)) x 10(-14) cm(-2) s(-1) TeV-1. The integral flux above 1 TeV corresponds to similar to 0.9\% of the steady Crab Nebula emission above the same energy, making it one of the weakest sources yet detected in TeV gamma rays. We present both leptonic and hadronic models that can describe the data. The lowest magnetic field allowed in these models is similar to 80 mu G, which may be interpreted as evidence for magnetic field amplification.}, language = {en} } @article{AliuArlenAuneetal.2011, author = {Aliu, E. and Arlen, T. and Aune, T. and Beilicke, M. and Benbow, W. and Boettcher, Markus and Bouvier, A. and Bradbury, S. M. and Buckley, J. H. and Bugaev, V. and Cannon, A. and Cesarini, A. and Ciupik, L. and Collins-Hughes, E. and Connolly, M. P. and Cui, W. and Dickherber, R. and Errando, M. and Falcone, A. and Finley, J. P. and Fortson, L. and Furniss, A. and Galante, N. and Gall, D. and Gillanders, G. H. and Godambe, S. and Griffin, S. and Grube, J. and Gyuk, G. and Hanna, D. and Holder, J. and Huan, H. and Hughes, G. and Hui, C. M. and Humensky, T. B. and Kaaret, P. and Karlsson, N. and Kertzman, M. and Kieda, D. and Krawczynski, H. and Krennrich, F. and Madhavan, A. S. and Maier, G. and Majumdar, P. and McArthur, S. and McCann, A. and Moriarty, P. and Mukherjee, R. and Ong, R. A. and Orr, M. and Otte, A. N. and Park, N. and Perkins, J. S. and Pichel, A. and Pohl, Martin and Prokoph, H. and Quinn, J. and Ragan, K. and Reyes, L. C. and Reynolds, P. T. and Roache, E. and Rose, H. J. and Ruppel, J. and Saxon, D. B. and Schroedter, M. and Sembroski, G. H. and Skole, C. and Smith, A. W. and Staszak, D. and Tesic, G. and Theiling, M. and Thibadeau, S. and Tsurusaki, K. and Tyler, J. and Varlotta, A. and Vincent, S. and Vivier, M. and Wakely, S. P. and Ward, J. E. and Weinstein, A. and Weisgarber, T. and Williams, D. A.}, title = {Veritas observations of unusual extragalactic transient swift J164449.3+573451}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters}, volume = {738}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {2041-8205}, doi = {10.1088/2041-8205/738/2/L30}, pages = {5}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report on very high energy (>100 GeV) gamma-ray observations of Swift J164449.3+573451, an unusual transient object first detected by the Swift Observatory and later detected by multiple radio, optical, and X-ray observatories. A total exposure of 28 hr was obtained on Swift J164449.3+573451 with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System ( VERITAS) during 2011 March 28-April 15. We do not detect the source and place a differential upper limit on the emission at 500 GeV during these observations of 1.4 x 10(-12) erg cm(-2) s(-1) (99\% confidence level). We also present time-resolved upper limits and use a flux limit averaged over the X-ray flaring period to constrain various emission scenarios that can accommodate both the radio-through-X-ray emission detected from the source and the lack of detection by VERITAS.}, language = {en} } @article{AliuArlenAuneetal.2011, author = {Aliu, E. and Arlen, T. and Aune, T. and Beilicke, M. and Benbow, W. and Bouvier, A. and Bradbury, S. M. and Buckley, J. H. and Bugaev, V. and Byrum, K. and Cannon, A. and Cesarini, A. and Christiansen, J. L. and Ciupik, L. and Collins-Hughes, E. and Connolly, M. P. and Cui, W. and Dickherber, R. and Duke, C. and Errando, M. and Falcone, A. and Finley, J. P. and Finnegan, G. and Fortson, L. and Furniss, A. and Galante, N. and Gall, D. and Gibbs, K. and Gillanders, G. H. and Godambe, S. and Griffin, S. and Grube, J. and Guenette, R. and Gyuk, G. and Hanna, D. and Holder, J. and Huan, H. and Hughes, G. and Hui, C. M. and Humensky, T. B. and Imran, A. and Kaaret, P. and Karlsson, N. and Kertzman, M. and Kieda, D. and Krawczynski, H. and Krennrich, F. and Lang, M. J. and Lyutikov, M. and Madhavan, A. S. and Maier, G. and Majumdar, P. and McArthur, S. and McCann, A. and McCutcheon, M. and Moriarty, P. and Mukherjee, R. and Nunez, P. and Ong, R. A. and Orr, M. and Otte, A. N. and Park, N. and Perkins, J. S. and Pizlo, F. and Pohl, Martin and Prokoph, H. and Quinn, J. and Ragan, K. and Reyes, L. C. and Reynolds, P. T. and Roache, E. and Rose, H. J. and Ruppel, J. and Saxon, D. B. and Schroedter, M. and Sembroski, G. H. and Sentuerk, G. D. and Smith, A. W. and Staszak, D. and Tesic, G. and Theiling, M. and Thibadeau, S. and Tsurusaki, K. and Tyler, J. and Varlotta, A. and Vassiliev, V. V. and Vincent, S. and Vivier, M. and Wakely, S. P. and Ward, J. E. and Weekes, T. C. and Weinstein, A. and Weisgarber, T. and Williams, D. A. and Zitzer, B.}, title = {Detection of pulsed Gamma Rays Above 100 GeV from the Crab Pulsar}, series = {Science}, volume = {334}, journal = {Science}, number = {6052}, publisher = {American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science}, address = {Washington}, organization = {VERITAS Collaboration}, issn = {0036-8075}, doi = {10.1126/science.1208192}, pages = {69 -- 72}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We report the detection of pulsed gamma rays from the Crab pulsar at energies above 100 giga-electron volts (GeV) with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) array of atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The detection cannot be explained on the basis of current pulsar models. The photon spectrum of pulsed emission between 100 mega-electron volts and 400 GeV is described by a broken power law that is statistically preferred over a power law with an exponential cutoff. It is unlikely that the observation can be explained by invoking curvature radiation as the origin of the observed gamma rays above 100 GeV. Our findings require that these gamma rays be produced more than 10 stellar radii from the neutron star.}, language = {en} } @article{AckermannAjelloAllafortetal.2011, author = {Ackermann, Margit and Ajello, M. and Allafort, A. J. and Baldini, L. and Ballet, J. and Barbiellini, G. and Bastieri, D. and Belfiore, A. and Bellazzini, R. and Berenji, B. and Blandford, R. D. and Bloom, E. D. and Bonamente, E. and Borgland, A. W. and Bottacini, E. and Brigida, M. and Bruel, P. and Buehler, R. and Buson, S. and Caliandro, G. A. and Cameron, R. A. and Caraveo, P. A. and Casandjian, J. M. and Cecchi, C. and Chekhtman, A. and Cheung, C. C. and Chiang, J. and Ciprini, S. and Claus, R. and Cohen-Tanugi, J. and de Angelis, A. and de Palma, F. and Dermer, C. D. and do Couto e Silva, E. and Drell, P. S. and Dumora, D. and Favuzzi, C. and Fegan, S. J. and Focke, W. B. and Fortin, P. and Fukazawa, Y. and Fusco, P. and Gargano, F. and Germani, S. and Giglietto, N. and Giordano, F. and Giroletti, M. and Glanzman, T. and Godfrey, G. and Grenier, I. A. and Guillemot, L. and Guiriec, S. and Hadasch, D. and Hanabata, Y. and Harding, A. K. and Hayashida, M. and Hayashi, K. and Hays, E. and Johannesson, G. and Johnson, A. S. and Kamae, T. and Katagiri, H. and Kataoka, J. and Kerr, M. and Knoedlseder, J. and Kuss, M. and Lande, J. and Latronico, L. and Lee, S. -H. and Longo, F. and Loparco, F. and Lott, B. and Lovellette, M. N. and Lubrano, P. and Martin, P. and Mazziotta, Mario Nicola and McEnery, J. E. and Mehault, J. and Michelson, P. F. and Mitthumsiri, W. and Mizuno, T. and Monte, C. and Monzani, M. E. and Morselli, A. and Moskalenko, I. V. and Murgia, S. and Naumann-Godo, M. and Nolan, P. L. and Norris, J. P. and Nuss, E. and Ohsugi, T. and Okumura, A. and Orlando, E. and Ormes, J. F. and Ozaki, M. and Paneque, D. and Parent, D. and Pesce-Rollins, M. and Pierbattista, M. and Piron, F. and Pohl, Martin and Prokhorov, D. and Raino, S. and Rando, R. and Razzano, M. and Reposeur, T. and Ritz, S. and Parkinson, P. M. Saz and Sgro, C. and Siskind, E. J. and Smith, P. D. and Spinelli, P. and Strong, A. W. and Takahashi, H. and Tanaka, T. and Thayer, J. G. and Thayer, J. B. and Thompson, D. J. and Tibaldo, L. and Torres, D. F. and Tosti, G. and Tramacere, A. and Troja, E. and Uchiyama, Y. and Vandenbroucke, J. and Vasileiou, V. and Vianello, G. and Vitale, V. and Waite, A. P. and Wang, P. and Winer, B. L. and Wood, K. S. and Yang, Z. and Zimmer, S. and Bontemps, S.}, title = {A cocoon of freshly accelerated cosmic rays detected by fermi in the cygnus superbubble}, series = {Science}, volume = {334}, journal = {Science}, number = {6059}, publisher = {American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0036-8075}, doi = {10.1126/science.1210311}, pages = {1103 -- 1107}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The origin of Galactic cosmic rays is a century-long puzzle. Indirect evidence points to their acceleration by supernova shockwaves, but we know little of their escape from the shock and their evolution through the turbulent medium surrounding massive stars. Gamma rays can probe their spreading through the ambient gas and radiation fields. The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) has observed the star-forming region of Cygnus X. The 1- to 100-gigaelectronvolt images reveal a 50-parsec-wide cocoon of freshly accelerated cosmic rays that flood the cavities carved by the stellar winds and ionization fronts from young stellar clusters. It provides an example to study the youth of cosmic rays in a superbubble environment before they merge into the older Galactic population.}, language = {en} } @article{DongesDonnerTrauthetal.2011, author = {Donges, Jonathan and Donner, Reik Volker and Trauth, Martin H. and Marwan, Norbert and Schellnhuber, Hans Joachim and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Nonlinear detection of paleoclimate-variability transitions possibly related to human evolution}, series = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {108}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, number = {51}, publisher = {National Acad. of Sciences}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1117052108}, pages = {20422 -- 20427}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Potential paleoclimatic driving mechanisms acting on human evolution present an open problem of cross-disciplinary scientific interest. The analysis of paleoclimate archives encoding the environmental variability in East Africa during the past 5 Ma has triggered an ongoing debate about possible candidate processes and evolutionary mechanisms. In this work, we apply a nonlinear statistical technique, recurrence network analysis, to three distinct marine records of terrigenous dust flux. Our method enables us to identify three epochs with transitions between qualitatively different types of environmental variability in North and East Africa during the (i) Middle Pliocene (3.35-3.15 Ma B. P.), (ii) Early Pleistocene (2.25-1.6 Ma B. P.), and (iii) Middle Pleistocene (1.1-0.7 Ma B. P.). A deeper examination of these transition periods reveals potential climatic drivers, including (i) large-scale changes in ocean currents due to a spatial shift of the Indonesian throughflow in combination with an intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation, (ii) a global reorganization of the atmospheric Walker circulation induced in the tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean, and (iii) shifts in the dominating temporal variability pattern of glacial activity during the Middle Pleistocene, respectively. A reexamination of the available fossil record demonstrates statistically significant coincidences between the detected transition periods and major steps in hominin evolution. This result suggests that the observed shifts between more regular and more erratic environmental variability may have acted as a trigger for rapid change in the development of humankind in Africa.}, language = {en} } @article{DelahayeFiassonPohletal.2011, author = {Delahaye, T. and Fiasson, A. and Pohl, Martin and Salati, P.}, title = {The GeV-TeV Galactic gamma-ray diffuse emission I. Uncertainties in the predictions of the hadronic component}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {531}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, number = {4}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201116647}, pages = {19}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Context. The Galactic gamma-ray diffuse emission is currently observed in the GeV-TeV energy range with unprecedented accuracy by the Fermi satellite. Understanding this component is crucial because it provides a background to many different signals, such as extragalactic sources or annihilating dark matter. It is timely to reinvestigate how it is calculated and to assess the various uncertainties that are likely to affect the accuracy of the predictions. Aims. The Galactic gamma-ray diffuse emission is mostly produced above a few GeV by the interactions of cosmic ray primaries impinging on the interstellar material. The theoretical error on that component is derived by exploring various potential sources of uncertainty. Particular attention is paid to cosmic ray propagation. Nuclear cross sections, the proton and helium fluxes at the Earth's position, the Galactic radial profile of supernova remnants, and the hydrogen distribution can also severely affect the signal. Methods. The propagation of cosmic ray species throughout the Galaxy is described in the framework of a semi-analytic two-zone diffusion/convection model. The gamma-ray flux is reliably and quickly determined. This allows conversion of the constraints set by the boron-to-carbon data into a theoretical uncertainty on the diffuse emission. New deconvolutions of the HI and CO sky maps are also used to get the hydrogen distribution within the Galaxy. Results. The thickness of the cosmic ray diffusive halo is found to have a significant effect on the Galactic gamma-ray diffuse emission, while the interplay between diffusion and convection has little influence on the signal. The uncertainties related to nuclear cross sections and to the primary cosmic ray fluxes at the Earth are significant. The radial distribution of supernova remnants along the Galactic plane turns out to be a key ingredient. As expected, the predictions are extremely sensitive to the spatial distribution of hydrogen within the Milky Way. Conclusions. Most of the sources of uncertainty are likely to be reduced in the near future. The stress should be put (i) on better determination of the thickness of the cosmic ray diffusive halo; and (ii) on refined observations of the radial profile of supernova remnants.}, language = {en} } @article{BlakesleySchubertSteyrleuthneretal.2011, author = {Blakesley, James C. and Schubert, Marcel and Steyrleuthner, Robert and Chen, Zhihua and Facchetti, Antonio and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Time-of-flight measurements and vertical transport in a high electron-mobility polymer}, series = {Applied physics letters}, volume = {99}, journal = {Applied physics letters}, number = {18}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0003-6951}, doi = {10.1063/1.3657827}, pages = {3}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We investigate charge transport in a high-electron mobility polymer, poly(N, N-bis 2-octyldodecyl-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis dicarboximide-2,6-diyl-alt-5,5-2,2-bithiophene) [P(NDI2OD-T2), Polyera ActivInk (TM) N2200]. Time-of-flight measurements reveal electron mobilities approaching those measured in field-effect transistors, the highest ever recorded in a conjugated polymer using this technique. The modest temperature dependence and weak dispersion of the transients indicate low energetic disorder in this material. Steady-state electron-only current measurements reveal a barrier to injection of about 300 meV. We propose that this barrier is located within the P(NDI2OD-T2) film and arises from molecular orientation effects.}, language = {en} } @article{TurnerPingelSteyrleuthneretal.2011, author = {Turner, Sarah T. and Pingel, Patrick and Steyrleuthner, Robert and Crossland, Edward J. W. and Ludwigs, Sabine and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Quantitative analysis of bulk heterojunction films using linear absorption spectroscopy and solar cell performance}, series = {Advanced functional materials}, volume = {21}, journal = {Advanced functional materials}, number = {24}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.201101583}, pages = {4640 -- 4652}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A fundamental understanding of the relationship between the bulk morphology and device performance is required for the further development of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. Here, non-optimized (chloroform cast) and nearly optimized (solvent-annealed o-dichlorobenzene cast) P3HT:PCBM blend films treated over a range of annealing temperatures are studied via optical and photovoltaic device measurements. Parameters related to the P3HT aggregate morphology in the blend are obtained through a recently established analytical model developed by F. C. Spano for the absorption of weakly interacting H-aggregates. Thermally induced changes are related to the glass transition range of the blend. In the chloroform prepared devices, the improvement in device efficiency upon annealing within the glass transition range can be attributed to the growth of P3HT aggregates, an overall increase in the percentage of chain crystallinity, and a concurrent increase in the hole mobilities. Films treated above the glass transition range show an increase in efficiency and fill factor not only associated with the change in chain crystallinity, but also with a decrease in the energetic disorder. On the other hand, the properties of the P3HT phase in the solvent-annealed o-dichlorobenzene cast blends are almost indistinguishable from those of the corresponding pristine P3HT layer and are only weakly affected by thermal annealing. Apparently, slow drying of the blend allows the P3HT chains to crystallize into large domains with low degrees of intra- and interchain disorder. This morphology appears to be most favorable for the efficient generation and extraction of charges.}, language = {en} } @article{RivnaySteyrleuthnerJimisonetal.2011, author = {Rivnay, Jonathan and Steyrleuthner, Robert and Jimison, Leslie H. and Casadei, Alberto and Chen, Zhihua and Toney, Michael F. and Facchetti, Antonio and Neher, Dieter and Salleo, Alberto}, title = {Drastic control of texture in a high performance n-Type polymeric semiconductor and implications for charge transport}, series = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {44}, journal = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, number = {13}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/ma200864s}, pages = {5246 -- 5255}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Control of crystallographic texture from mostly face-on to edge-on is observed for the film morphology of the n-type semicrystalline polymer [N,N-9-bis(2-octyldodecyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diy1]alt-5,59-(2,29-bithiophene)}, P(NDI2OD-T2), when annealing the film to the polymer melting point followed by slow cooling to ambient temperature. A variety of X-ray diffraction analyses, including pole figure construction and Fourier transform peak shape deconvolution, are employed to quantify the texture change, relative degree of crystallinity and lattice order. We find that annealing the polymer film to the melt leads to a shift from 77.5\% face-on to 94.6\% edge-on lamellar texture as well as to a 2-fold increase in crystallinity and a 40\% decrease in intracrystallite cumulative disorder. The texture change results in a significant drop in the electron-only diode current density through the film thickness upon melt annealing while little change is observed in the in-plane transport of bottom gated thin film transistors. This suggests that the texture change is prevalent in the film interior and that either the (bottom) surface structure is different from the interior structure or the intracrystalline order and texture play a secondary role in transistor transport for this material.}, language = {en} } @article{IlnytskyiNeherSaphiannikova2011, author = {Ilnytskyi, Jaroslav M. and Neher, Dieter and Saphiannikova, Marina}, title = {Opposite photo-induced deformations in azobenzene-containing polymers with different molecular architecture molecular dynamics study}, series = {The journal of chemical physics : bridges a gap between journals of physics and journals of chemistr}, volume = {135}, journal = {The journal of chemical physics : bridges a gap between journals of physics and journals of chemistr}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville}, issn = {0021-9606}, doi = {10.1063/1.3614499}, pages = {12}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Photo-induced deformations in azobenzene-containing polymers (azo-polymers) are central to a number of applications, such as optical storage and fabrication of diffractive elements. The microscopic nature of the underlying opto-mechanical coupling is yet not clear. In this study, we address the experimental finding that the scenario of the effects depends on molecular architecture of the used azo-polymer. Typically, opposite deformations in respect to the direction of light polarization are observed for liquid crystalline and amorphous azo-polymers. In this study, we undertake molecular dynamics simulations of two different models that mimic these two types of azo-polymers. We employ hybrid force field modeling and consider only trans-isomers of azobenzene, represented as Gay-Berne sites. The effect of illumination on the orientation of the chromophores is considered on the level of orientational hole burning and emphasis is given to the resulting deformation of the polymer matrix. We reproduce deformations of opposite sign for the two models being considered here and discuss the relevant microscopic mechanisms in both cases.}, language = {en} }