Showing 1–49 of 49 results for author: Nelson, D

Absolute Calibration of a Time-Resolved High Resolution X-ray Spectrometer for the National Ignition Facility (invited)

Authors: Lan Gao, B. F. Kraus, K. W. Hill, M. Bitter, P. Efthimion, M. B. Schneider, A. G. MacPhee, D. B. Thorn, J. Kilkenny, J. Ayers, R. Kauffman, H. Chen, D. Nelson

Abstract: A high resolution, Diagnostic Instrument Manipulator (DIM)-based x-ray Bragg crystal spectrometer has been calibrated for and deployed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to diagnose plasma conditions in ignition capsules near stagnation times. The spectrometer has two conical crystals in the Hall geometry focusing rays from the Kr He$α$, Ly$α$, and He$β$ complexes onto a streak camera, with t… ▽ More A high resolution, Diagnostic Instrument Manipulator (DIM)-based x-ray Bragg crystal spectrometer has been calibrated for and deployed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to diagnose plasma conditions in ignition capsules near stagnation times. The spectrometer has two conical crystals in the Hall geometry focusing rays from the Kr He$α$, Ly$α$, and He$β$ complexes onto a streak camera, with the physics objectives of measuring time-resolved electron density and temperature through observing Stark broadening and the relative intensities of dielectronic satellites. A third von Hámos crystal that time-integrates the Kr He$α$, He$β$ and intervening energy range provides in-situ calibration for the streak camera signals. The spectrometer has been absolutely calibrated using a microfocus x-ray source, an array of CCD and single-photon-counting detectors, and multiple K- and L-absorption edge filters at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) x-ray laboratory. Measurements of the integrated reflectivity, energy range, and energy resolution for each crystal are discussed. These calibration data provide absolute x-ray signal levels for NIF measurements, enabling precise filter selection and comparisons to simulations. △ Less

Submitted 6 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Journal ref: Rev. Sci. Instrum. 89, 10F125 (2018)

The Allee Effect in Compressible Flows

Authors: Jonathan Bauermann, Roberto Benzi, David R. Nelson, Federico Toschi

Abstract: Microbes in marine environments are often confined to thin near-surface layers while being advected by turbulent flows. Because such constrained advection generates an effectively compressible flow, reproduction and transport interact in a nontrivial way. Here, we focus on populations whose growth is governed by an Allee effect and show that sinks and sources, generated by the compressible flow, h… ▽ More Microbes in marine environments are often confined to thin near-surface layers while being advected by turbulent flows. Because such constrained advection generates an effectively compressible flow, reproduction and transport interact in a nontrivial way. Here, we focus on populations whose growth is governed by an Allee effect and show that sinks and sources, generated by the compressible flow, have dramatic consequences for the survival of such species. We derive analytical expressions for the carrying capacity as a function of the Allee strength in the limit of small and large Damköhler number, which measures the product of the large eddy turnover time and the organism growth rate. Numerical simulations reveal how these two limits connect. In the limit of small Damköhler number, we find a maximal Allee strength, set by the statistics of the compressible flow, that leads to species extinction in fully developed turbulence. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Versatile CMOS modulation-free self-isolating stabilized precision lasers on a chip

Authors: David A. S. Heim, Kaikai Liu, Rahul Chawlani, Karl. D. Nelson, Daniel J. Blumenthal

Abstract: Ultra-low-noise stabilized lasers are a fundamental tool for precision quantum technologies, optical clocks, microwave and millimeter-wave generation, and fiber sensing. Existing systems rely on table-top bulk-optic components -- discrete lasers, reference cavities, isolators, modulators and frequency shifters -- limiting portability, scalability, and manufacturability. While these systems offer f… ▽ More Ultra-low-noise stabilized lasers are a fundamental tool for precision quantum technologies, optical clocks, microwave and millimeter-wave generation, and fiber sensing. Existing systems rely on table-top bulk-optic components -- discrete lasers, reference cavities, isolators, modulators and frequency shifters -- limiting portability, scalability, and manufacturability. While these systems offer flexibility in laser design to tailor linewidth, frequency noise, and wavelength to specific applications, fully integrating a stabilized laser onto a chip without sacrificing performance and versatility has remained elusive. Here, we report integration of the precision stabilized laser in the low-loss silicon nitride photonic platform, combining a flexible isolator-free core laser design with a modulation-free stabilization cavity. We demonstrate a stabilized widely tunable self-isolating extended cavity tunable laser monolithically integrated with an on-chip coil-loaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer (CL-MZI). This design yields a fundamental linewidth of 1.7 - 10.5 Hz across a 60 nm tuning range, integral linewidth of 299 - 505 Hz over a 30 nm tuning range, frequency noise reduction of over 5 orders of magnitude, and an Allan-Deviation (ADEV) of 6.5x10-13 at 0.08 ms. We next highlight the versatility of this approach by demonstrating a self-isolating stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) laser, that provides nonlinear noise suppression of high frequency noise by multiple orders of magnitude, stabilized to an on-chip CL-MZI. The stabilized SBS laser achieves 4 Hz fundamental linewidth, 74 Hz integral linewidth, and ADEV of 2.8x10-13 at 5 ms. These results bring the performance and versatility of table-top stabilized laser systems to a chip for the first time, providing a path to scalable, low-cost, and manufacturable precision lasers for portable quantum, sensing, and communications applications. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

A CMOS+X Spiking Neuron With On-Chip Machine Learning

Authors: Steven Louis, Matthew Blake Abramson, Hannah Bradley, Cody Trevillian, Gene David Nelson, Andrei Slavin, Artem Litvinenko, Jason Gorski, Ilya N. Krivorotov, Darrin Hanna, Vasyl Tyberkevych

Abstract: We present the design and numerical simulation of a spiking neuron in a proof-of-concept model of on-chip machine learning. Built within the CMOS+X framework, the spiking neuron consists of an NMOS transistor combined with a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). This NMOS+MTJ unit, when simulated in the industry-standard circuit simulation software ``LTspice'', reproduces multiple functions of a biologi… ▽ More We present the design and numerical simulation of a spiking neuron in a proof-of-concept model of on-chip machine learning. Built within the CMOS+X framework, the spiking neuron consists of an NMOS transistor combined with a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). This NMOS+MTJ unit, when simulated in the industry-standard circuit simulation software ``LTspice'', reproduces multiple functions of a biological neuron, including threshold spiking, latency, refractory periods, synaptic integration, and inhibition. These behaviors arise from the intrinsic magnetization dynamics of the MTJ and do not require any additional control circuitry. By interconnecting the NMOS+MTJ neurons, we construct a model of an analog multilayer network that learns through spike-timing-dependent weight updates derived from a gradient-descent rule, with both training and inference modeled in the analog domain. The simulated network demonstrates spike propagation and successful training on the XOR task under the modeled conditions. △ Less

Submitted 10 August, 2026; v1 submitted 3 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 8 figures

Genetic interfaces at the frontier of expanding microbial colonies

Authors: Jonathan Bauermann, David R. Nelson

Abstract: We study the genetic interfaces between two species of an expanding colony that consists of individual microorganisms that reproduce and undergo diffusion, both at the frontier and in the interior. Within the bulk of the colony, the genetic interface is controlled in a simple way via interspecies interactions. However, at the frontier of the colony, the genetic interface width saturates at finite… ▽ More We study the genetic interfaces between two species of an expanding colony that consists of individual microorganisms that reproduce and undergo diffusion, both at the frontier and in the interior. Within the bulk of the colony, the genetic interface is controlled in a simple way via interspecies interactions. However, at the frontier of the colony, the genetic interface width saturates at finite values for long times, both for neutral strains and interspecies interactions such as antagonism. This finite width arises from geometric effects: genetic interfaces drift toward local minima at an undulating colony frontier, where a focusing mechanism induced by curvature impedes diffusive mixing. Numerical simulations support a logarithmic dependence of the genetic interface width on the strength of the number fluctuations. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Photonic chip-based optical frequency division with PZT-integrated soliton microcombs

Authors: Ruxuan Liu, Mark W. Harrington, Shuman Sun, Fatemehsadat Tabatabaei, Samin Hanifi, Meiting Song, Kaikai Liu, Jiawei Wang, Haoran Chen, Zijiao Yang, Beichen Wang, Fateme Majdi, Paul A. Morton, Karl D. Nelson, Steve M. Bowers, Andreas Beling, Daniel J. Blumenthal, Xu Yi

Abstract: Optical frequency division (OFD) produces low-noise microwave and millimeter-wave signals by transferring the exceptional stability of optical references to electronic frequency domains. Recent developments in integrated optical references and soliton microcombs have paved the way for miniaturizing OFD oscillators to chip scale. Critical to this realization is a rapid tunable frequency comb that i… ▽ More Optical frequency division (OFD) produces low-noise microwave and millimeter-wave signals by transferring the exceptional stability of optical references to electronic frequency domains. Recent developments in integrated optical references and soliton microcombs have paved the way for miniaturizing OFD oscillators to chip scale. Critical to this realization is a rapid tunable frequency comb that is stabilized to the optical references, thereby coherently linking optical and electronic frequencies. In this work, we advance the on-chip OFD technology using an integrated high-speed PZT stress-optic actuator on the SiN soliton microcomb resonator. The integrated PZT actuator tunes the resonance frequency of the soliton-generating microresonator with a bandwidth exceeding 10s MHz and independently adjusts the soliton repetition rate without perturbing the frequency comb offset. Optical frequency division and low-noise mmWave generation are demonstrated by feedback control of the soliton repetition rate through the integrated PZT-actuator, and the soliton microcomb is stabilized to a pair of reference lasers that are locked to an integrated 4-meter SiN coil reference cavity. Our approach provides a fast, versatile and integrated control mechanism for OFD oscillators and their applications in advanced communications, sensing, and precise timing. △ Less

Submitted 22 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Large mode volume integrated Brillouin lasers for scalable ultra-Low linewidth and high power

Authors: Kaikai Liu, Karl D. Nelson, Ryan O. Behunin, Daniel J. Blumenthal

Abstract: Generating ultra-low linewidths and high output power in an integrated single mode laser remains a critical challenge for future compact, portable, precision applications. Moreso, achieving these characteristics in a laser design that enables scaling to lower linewidths and higher power, and implementation in a wafer-scale integration platform that can operate from visible to near-IR and be integr… ▽ More Generating ultra-low linewidths and high output power in an integrated single mode laser remains a critical challenge for future compact, portable, precision applications. Moreso, achieving these characteristics in a laser design that enables scaling to lower linewidths and higher power, and implementation in a wafer-scale integration platform that can operate from visible to near-IR and be integrated with other components. Such an advance could impact a wide array of applications including atomic and quantum sensing and computing, metrology, coherent fiber communications and sensing, and ultra-low-noise mmWave and RF generation. Yet, achieving these goals in an integrated laser has remained elusive. Here, we report a class of integrated laser that overcomes these limitations, with demonstration of a 31 mHz instantaneous linewidth, the lowest linewidth to date to the best of our knowledge, with 41 mW output power and 73 dB sidemode suppression ratio and can be tuned across a 22.5 nm range. This performance is possible due to Brillouin nonlinear dynamics that occurs within a large mode volume, nonlinear photon-phonon, MHz-scale-FSR, ultra-low loss silicon nitride resonator cavity. This laser design can scale to a new operating regime of mHz fundamental linewidth and Watt class lasers. Such lasers hold promise to unlock new sensitivity and fidelity for precision quantum experiments, portable precision applications, and atomic, molecular, and optical physics. △ Less

Submitted 5 February, 2025; v1 submitted 3 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Dual-Wavelength $φ$-OFDR Using a Hybrid-Integrated Laser Stabilized to an Integrated SiN Coil Resonator

Authors: Mohamad Hossein Idjadi, Stefano Grillanda, Nicolas Fontaine, Mikael Mazur, Kwangwoong Kim, Tzu-Yung Huang, Cristian Bolle, Rose Kopf, Mark Cappuzzo, Kaikai Liu, David A. S. Heim, Andrew Hunter, Karl D. Nelson, Daniel J. Blumenthal

Abstract: We demonstrate dual-wavelength distributed acoustic sensing over 37 km of standard single-mode fiber using $φ$-OFDR, utilizing a scalable hybrid-integrated dual-wavelength laser chip frequency-locked to a high-Q integrated SiN coil resonator. We demonstrate dual-wavelength distributed acoustic sensing over 37 km of standard single-mode fiber using $φ$-OFDR, utilizing a scalable hybrid-integrated dual-wavelength laser chip frequency-locked to a high-Q integrated SiN coil resonator. △ Less

Submitted 31 October, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 3 pages, 4 figures

Turbulent mixing controls fixation of growing antagonistic populations

Authors: Jonathan Bauermann, Roberto Benzi, David R. Nelson, Suraj Shankar, Federico Toschi

Abstract: Unlike coffee and cream that homogenize when stirred, growing micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, baker's yeast) can actively kill each other and avoid mixing. How do such antagonistic interactions impact the growth and survival of competing strains, while being spatially advected by turbulent flows? By using numerical simulations of a continuum model, we study the dynamics of two antagonistic strain… ▽ More Unlike coffee and cream that homogenize when stirred, growing micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, baker's yeast) can actively kill each other and avoid mixing. How do such antagonistic interactions impact the growth and survival of competing strains, while being spatially advected by turbulent flows? By using numerical simulations of a continuum model, we study the dynamics of two antagonistic strains that are dispersed by incompressible turbulent flows in two spatial dimensions. A key parameter is the ratio of the fluid transport time to that of biological reproduction, which determines the winning strain that ultimately takes over the whole population from an initial heterogeneous state. By quantifying the probability and mean time for fixation along with the spatial structure of concentration fluctuations, we demonstrate how turbulence raises the threshold for biological nucleation and antagonism suppresses flow-induced mixing by depleting the population at interfaces. Our work highlights the unusual biological consequences of the interplay of turbulent fluid flows with antagonistic population dynamics, with potential implications for marine microbial ecology and origins of biological chirality. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: PNAS 122 (7) e2417075122 (2025)

Kerr optical frequency division with integrated photonics for stable microwave and mmWave generation

Authors: Shuman Sun, Mark W. Harrington, Fatemehsadat Tabatabaei, Samin Hanifi, Kaikai Liu, Jiawei Wang, Beichen Wang, Zijiao Yang, Ruxuan Liu, Jesse S. Morgan, Steven M. Bowers, Paul A. Morton, Karl D. Nelson, Andreas Beling, Daniel J. Blumenthal, Xu Yi

Abstract: Optical frequency division (OFD) has revolutionized microwave and mmWave generation and set spectral purity records owing to its unique capability to transfer high fractional stability from optical to electronic frequencies. Recently, rapid developments in integrated optical reference cavities and microresonator-based optical frequency combs (microcombs) have created a path to transform OFD techno… ▽ More Optical frequency division (OFD) has revolutionized microwave and mmWave generation and set spectral purity records owing to its unique capability to transfer high fractional stability from optical to electronic frequencies. Recently, rapid developments in integrated optical reference cavities and microresonator-based optical frequency combs (microcombs) have created a path to transform OFD technology to chip scale. Here, we demonstrate an ultra-low phase noise mmWave oscillator by leveraging integrated photonic components and Kerr optical frequency division. The oscillator derives its stability from an integrated CMOS-compatible SiN coil cavity, and the optical frequency division is achieved spontaneously through Kerr interaction between the injected reference lasers and soliton microcombs in the integrated SiN microresonator. Besides achieving record-low phase noise for integrated mmWave oscillators, our demonstration greatly simplifies the implementation of integrated OFD oscillators and could be useful in applications of Radar, spectroscopy, and astronomy. △ Less

Submitted 18 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 5 figures

Inverse Designed WS2 Planar Chiral Metasurface with Geometric Phase

Authors: Jaegang Jo, Sangbin Lee, Munseong Bae, Damian Nelson, Kenneth B. Crozier, Nanfang Yu, Haejun Chung, Sejeong Kim

Abstract: Increasing attention is being paid to chiral metasurfaces due to their ability to selectively manipulate right-hand circularly polarized light or left-hand circularly polarized light. The thin nature of metasurfaces, however, poses a challenge in creating a device with effective phase modulation. Plasmonic chiral metasurfaces have attempted to address this issue by increasing light-matter interact… ▽ More Increasing attention is being paid to chiral metasurfaces due to their ability to selectively manipulate right-hand circularly polarized light or left-hand circularly polarized light. The thin nature of metasurfaces, however, poses a challenge in creating a device with effective phase modulation. Plasmonic chiral metasurfaces have attempted to address this issue by increasing light-matter interaction, but they suffer from metallic loss. Dielectric metasurfaces made from high index materials enable phase modulation while being thin. Very few materials, however, have high refractive index and low loss at visible wavelengths. Recently, some 2D materials have been shown to exhibit high refractive index and low loss in the visible wavelengths, positioning them as promising platform for meta-optics. This study introduces and details a planar chiral metasurface with geometric phase composed of WS2 meta-units. By employing adjoint optimization techniques, we achieved broadband circular dichroism. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 5 figures

Periodic orbits, pair nucleation, and unbinding of active nematic defects on cones

Authors: Farzan Vafa, David R. Nelson, Amin Doostmohammadi

Abstract: Geometric confinement and topological constraints present promising means of controlling active materials. By combining analytical arguments derived from the Born-Oppenheimer approximation with numerical simulations, we investigate the simultaneous impact of confinement together with curvature singularity by characterizing the dynamics of an active nematic on a cone. Here, the Born-Oppenheimer app… ▽ More Geometric confinement and topological constraints present promising means of controlling active materials. By combining analytical arguments derived from the Born-Oppenheimer approximation with numerical simulations, we investigate the simultaneous impact of confinement together with curvature singularity by characterizing the dynamics of an active nematic on a cone. Here, the Born-Oppenheimer approximation means that textures can follow defect positions rapidly on the time scales of interest. Upon imposing strong anchoring boundary conditions at the base of a cone, we find a a rich phase diagram of multi-defect dynamics including exotic periodic orbits of one or two $+1/2$ flank defects, depending on activity and non-quantized geometric charge at the cone apex. By characterizing the transitions between these ordered dynamical states, we can understand (i) defect unbinding, (ii) defect absorption and (iii) defect pair nucleation at the apex. Numerical simulations confirm theoretical predictions of not only the nature of the circular orbits but also defect unbinding from the apex. △ Less

Submitted 9 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 17 pages, 13 figures, 5 tables

Active topological defect absorption by a curvature singularity

Authors: Farzan Vafa, David R. Nelson, Amin Doostmohammadi

Abstract: Using the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, we present a general description of topological defects dynamics in $p$-atic materials on curved surfaces, and simplify it in the case of active nematics. We find that activity induces a geometric contribution to the motility of the $+1/2$ defect. Moreover, in the case of a cone, the simplest example of a geometry with curvature singularity, we find that t… ▽ More Using the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, we present a general description of topological defects dynamics in $p$-atic materials on curved surfaces, and simplify it in the case of active nematics. We find that activity induces a geometric contribution to the motility of the $+1/2$ defect. Moreover, in the case of a cone, the simplest example of a geometry with curvature singularity, we find that the motility depends on the deficit angle of the cone and changes sign when the deficit angle is bigger than $π$, leading to the change in active behavior from contractile (extensile) to extensile (contractile) behavior. Using our analytical framework, we then identify for positively charged defects the basin of attraction to the cone apex and present closed-form predictions for defect trajectories near the apex. The analytical results are quantitatively corroborated against full numerical simulations. Provided the capture radius is small compared to the cone size, the agreement is excellent. △ Less

Submitted 13 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 14 + 4 pages, 7 figures

Frequency dependence of near-surface oceanic kinetic energy from drifter observations and global high-resolution models

Authors: Brian K. Arbic, Shane Elipot, Jonathan M. Brasch, Dimitris Menemenlis, Aurelien L. Ponte, Jay F. Shriver, Xiaolong Yu, Edward D. Zaron, Matthew H. Alford, Maarten C. Buijsman, Ryan Abernathey, Daniel Garcia, Lingxiao Guan, Paige E. Martin, Arin D. Nelson

Abstract: The geographical variability, frequency content, and vertical structure of near-surface oceanic kinetic energy (KE) are important for air-sea interaction, marine ecosystems, operational oceanography, pollutant tracking, and interpreting remotely sensed velocity measurements. Here, KE in high-resolution global simulations (HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model; HYCOM, and Massachusetts Institute of Technol… ▽ More The geographical variability, frequency content, and vertical structure of near-surface oceanic kinetic energy (KE) are important for air-sea interaction, marine ecosystems, operational oceanography, pollutant tracking, and interpreting remotely sensed velocity measurements. Here, KE in high-resolution global simulations (HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model; HYCOM, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model; MITgcm), at the sea surface (0 m) and 15 m, are respectively compared with KE from undrogued and drogued surface drifters. Global maps and zonal averages are computed for low-frequency ($<$ 0.5 cpd), near-inertial, diurnal, and semi-diurnal bands. Both models exhibit low-frequency equatorial KE that is low relative to drifter values. HYCOM near-inertial KE is higher than in MITgcm, and closer to drifter values, probably due to more frequently updated atmospheric forcing. HYCOM semi-diurnal KE is lower than in MITgcm, and closer to drifter values, likely due to inclusion of a parameterized topographic internal wave drag. A concurrent tidal harmonic analysis in the diurnal band demonstrates that much of the diurnal flow is non-tidal. We compute a simple proxy of near-surface vertical structure, the ratio of 0 m KE to 0 m KE plus 15 m KE in model outputs, and undrogued KE to undrogued KE plus drogued KE in drifter observations. Over most latitudes and frequency bands, model ratios track the drifter ratios to within error bars. Values of this ratio demonstrate significant vertical structure in all frequency bands except the semidiurnal band. Latitudinal dependence in the ratio is greatest in diurnal and low-frequency bands. △ Less

Submitted 22 July, 2022; v1 submitted 17 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Comments: revised for AGU JGR: Oceans

Spatial population genetics with fluid flow

Authors: Roberto Benzi, David R. Nelson, Suraj Shankar, Federico Toschi, Xiaojue Zhu

Abstract: The growth and evolution of microbial populations is often subjected to advection by fluid flows in spatially extended environments, with immediate consequences for questions of spatial population genetics in marine ecology, planktonic diversity and origin of life scenarios. Here, we review recent progress made in understanding this rich problem in the simplified setting of two competing genetic m… ▽ More The growth and evolution of microbial populations is often subjected to advection by fluid flows in spatially extended environments, with immediate consequences for questions of spatial population genetics in marine ecology, planktonic diversity and origin of life scenarios. Here, we review recent progress made in understanding this rich problem in the simplified setting of two competing genetic microbial strains subjected to fluid flows. As a pedagogical example we focus on antagonsim, i.e., two killer microorganism strains, each secreting toxins that impede the growth of their competitors (competitive exclusion), in the presence of stationary fluid flows. By solving two coupled reaction-diffusion equations that include advection by simple steady cellular flows composed of characteristic flow motifs in two dimensions (2d), we show how local flow shear and compressibility effects can interact with selective advantage to have a dramatic influence on genetic competition and fixation in spatially distributed populations. We analyze several 1d and 2d flow geometries including sources, sinks, vortices and saddles, and show how simple analytical models of the dynamics of the genetic interface can be used to shed light on the nucleation, coexistence and flow-driven instabilities of genetic drops. By exploiting an analogy with phase separation with nonconserved order parameters, we uncover how these genetic drops harness fluid flows for novel evolutionary strategies, even in the presence of number fluctuations, as confirmed by agent-based simulations as well. △ Less

Submitted 30 June, 2022; v1 submitted 16 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: 29 pages, 22 figures

Journal ref: Rep. Prog. Phys. 85 096601, 2022

422 Million Q Planar Integrated All-Waveguide Resonator with a 3.4 Billion Absorption Limited Q and Sub-MHz Linewidth

Authors: Matthew W. Puckett, Kaikai Liu, Nitesh Chauhan, Qiancheng Zhao, Naijun Jin, Haotian Cheng, Jianfeng Wu, Ryan O. Behunin, Peter T. Rakich, Karl D. Nelson, Daniel J. Blumenthal

Abstract: High Q optical resonators are a key component for ultra-narrow linewidth lasers, frequency stabilization, precision spectroscopy and quantum applications. Integration of these resonators in a photonic waveguide wafer-scale platform is key to reducing their cost, size and power as well as sensitivity to environmental disturbances. However, to date, the intrinsic Q of integrated all-waveguide resona… ▽ More High Q optical resonators are a key component for ultra-narrow linewidth lasers, frequency stabilization, precision spectroscopy and quantum applications. Integration of these resonators in a photonic waveguide wafer-scale platform is key to reducing their cost, size and power as well as sensitivity to environmental disturbances. However, to date, the intrinsic Q of integrated all-waveguide resonators has been relegated to below 150 Million. Here, we report an all-waveguide Si3N4 resonator with an intrinsic Q of 422 Million and a 3.4 Billion absorption loss limited Q. The resonator has a 453 kHz intrinsic linewidth and 906 kHz loaded linewidth, with a finesse of 3005. The corresponding linear loss of 0.060 dB/m is the lowest reported to date for an all-waveguide design with deposited upper cladding oxide. These are the highest intrinsic and absorption loss limited Q factors and lowest linewidth reported to date for a photonic integrated all-waveguide resonator. This level of performance is achieved through a careful reduction of scattering and absorption loss components. We quantify, simulate and measure the various loss contributions including scattering and absorption including surface-state dangling bonds that we believe are responsible in part for absorption. In addition to the ultra-high Q and narrow linewidth, the resonator has a large optical mode area and volume, both critical for ultra-low laser linewidths and ultra-stable, ultra-low frequency noise reference cavities. These results demonstrate the performance of bulk optic and etched resonators can be realized in a photonic integrated solution, paving the way towards photonic integration compatible Billion Q cavities for precision scientific systems and applications such as nonlinear optics, atomic clocks, quantum photonics and high-capacity fiber communications systems on-chip. △ Less

Submitted 15 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

Comments: 20 pages, 10 figures

Nonequilibrium oscillations, probability angular momentum, and the climate system

Authors: Jeffrey B. Weiss, Baylor Fox-Kemper, Dibyendu Mandal, Arin D. Nelson, R. K. P. Zia

Abstract: Though the Boltzmann-Gibbs framework of equilibrium statistical mechanics has been successful in many arenas, it is clearly inadequate for describing many interesting natural phenomena driven far from equilibrium. The simplest step towards that goal is a better understanding of nonequilibrium steady-states (NESS). Here we focus on one of the distinctive features of NESS, persistent probability cur… ▽ More Though the Boltzmann-Gibbs framework of equilibrium statistical mechanics has been successful in many arenas, it is clearly inadequate for describing many interesting natural phenomena driven far from equilibrium. The simplest step towards that goal is a better understanding of nonequilibrium steady-states (NESS). Here we focus on one of the distinctive features of NESS, persistent probability currents, and their manifestations in our climate system. We consider the natural variability of the steady-state climate system, which can be approximated as a NESS. These currents must form closed loops, which are odd under time reversal, providing the crucial difference between systems in thermal equilibrium and NESS. Seeking manifestations of such current loops leads us naturally to the notion of probability angular momentum and oscillations in the space of observables. Specifically, we will relate this concept to the asymmetric part of certain time-dependent correlation functions. Applying this approach, we propose that these current loops give rise to preferred spatio-temporal patterns of natural climate variability that take the form of climate oscillations such as the El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Madden-Julien Oscillation (MJO). In the space of climate indices, we observe persistent currents and define a new diagnostic for these currents: the probability angular momentum. Using the observed climatic time series of ENSO and MJO, we compute both the averages and the distributions of the probability angular momentum. These results are in good agreement with the analysis from a linear Gaussian model. We propose that, in addition to being a new quantification of climate oscillations across models and observations, the probability angular momentum provides a meaningful characterization for all statistical systems in NESS. △ Less

Submitted 1 October, 2019; v1 submitted 23 September, 2019; originally announced September 2019.

Comments: Journal of Statistical Physics (2019)

Evolution in range expansions with competition at rough boundaries

Authors: Sherry Chu, Mehran Kardar, David R. Nelson, Daniel A. Beller

Abstract: When a biological population expands into new territory, genetic drift develops an enormous influence on evolution at the propagating front. In such range expansion processes, fluctuations in allele frequencies occur through stochastic \textit{spatial} wandering of both genetic lineages and the boundaries between genetically segregated sectors. Laboratory experiments on microbial range expansions… ▽ More When a biological population expands into new territory, genetic drift develops an enormous influence on evolution at the propagating front. In such range expansion processes, fluctuations in allele frequencies occur through stochastic \textit{spatial} wandering of both genetic lineages and the boundaries between genetically segregated sectors. Laboratory experiments on microbial range expansions have shown that this stochastic wandering, transverse to the front, is superdiffusive due to the front's growing roughness, implying much faster loss of genetic diversity than predicted by simple flat front diffusive models. We study the evolutionary consequences of this superdiffusive wandering using two complementary numerical models of range expansions: the stepping stone model, and a new interpretation of the model of directed paths in random media, in the context of a roughening population front. Through these approaches we compute statistics for the times since common ancestry for pairs of individuals with a given spatial separation at the front, and we explore how environmental heterogeneities can locally suppress these superdiffusive fluctuations. △ Less

Submitted 21 December, 2018; originally announced December 2018.

Exploring magnetic resonance with a compass

Authors: Esther Cookson, David Nelson, Michael Anderson, Daniel L. McKinney, Igor Barsukov

Abstract: Magnetic resonance plays an important role in today's science, engineering, and medical diagnostics. Learning and teaching magnetic resonance is challenging since it requires advanced knowledge of condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics. Driven by the need to popularize this technologically impactful phenomenon, we develop an inexpensive table-top demonstration experiment. It unveils the ma… ▽ More Magnetic resonance plays an important role in today's science, engineering, and medical diagnostics. Learning and teaching magnetic resonance is challenging since it requires advanced knowledge of condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics. Driven by the need to popularize this technologically impactful phenomenon, we develop an inexpensive table-top demonstration experiment. It unveils the magnetic resonance of a hand-held compass in the magnetic fields of a permanent magnet. The setup provides an immediate visualization of the underlying physical concepts and allows for their translation to broad student audiences. △ Less

Submitted 25 October, 2018; originally announced October 2018.

Fixation Probabilities in Weakly Compressible Fluid Flows

Authors: Abigail Plummer, Roberto Benzi, David R. Nelson, Federico Toschi

Abstract: Competition between biological species in marine environments is affected by the motion of the surrounding fluid. An effective 2D compressibility can arise, for example, from the convergence and divergence of water masses at the depth at which passively traveling photosynthetic organisms are restricted to live. In this report, we seek to quantitatively study genetics under flow. To this end, we co… ▽ More Competition between biological species in marine environments is affected by the motion of the surrounding fluid. An effective 2D compressibility can arise, for example, from the convergence and divergence of water masses at the depth at which passively traveling photosynthetic organisms are restricted to live. In this report, we seek to quantitatively study genetics under flow. To this end, we couple an off-lattice agent-based simulation of two populations in 1D to a weakly compressible velocity field--first a sine wave and then a shell model of turbulence. We find for both cases that even in a regime where the overall population structure is approximately unaltered, the flow can significantly diminish the effect of a selective advantage on fixation probabilities. We understand this effect in terms of the enhanced survival of organisms born at sources in the flow and the influence of Fisher genetic waves. △ Less

Submitted 23 January, 2019; v1 submitted 21 August, 2018; originally announced August 2018.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures; SI: 9 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: PNAS, vol. 116 no. 2, 373-378 (2019)

Production and Integration of the ATLAS Insertable B-Layer

Authors: B. Abbott, J. Albert, F. Alberti, M. Alex, G. Alimonti, S. Alkire, P. Allport, S. Altenheiner, L. Ancu, E. Anderssen, A. Andreani, A. Andreazza, B. Axen, J. Arguin, M. Backhaus, G. Balbi, J. Ballansat, M. Barbero, G. Barbier, A. Bassalat, R. Bates, P. Baudin, M. Battaglia, T. Beau, R. Beccherle , et al. (352 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: During the shutdown of the CERN Large Hadron Collider in 2013-2014, an additional pixel layer was installed between the existing Pixel detector of the ATLAS experiment and a new, smaller radius beam pipe. The motivation for this new pixel layer, the Insertable B-Layer (IBL), was to maintain or improve the robustness and performance of the ATLAS tracking system, given the higher instantaneous and i… ▽ More During the shutdown of the CERN Large Hadron Collider in 2013-2014, an additional pixel layer was installed between the existing Pixel detector of the ATLAS experiment and a new, smaller radius beam pipe. The motivation for this new pixel layer, the Insertable B-Layer (IBL), was to maintain or improve the robustness and performance of the ATLAS tracking system, given the higher instantaneous and integrated luminosities realised following the shutdown. Because of the extreme radiation and collision rate environment, several new radiation-tolerant sensor and electronic technologies were utilised for this layer. This paper reports on the IBL construction and integration prior to its operation in the ATLAS detector. △ Less

Submitted 6 June, 2018; v1 submitted 2 March, 2018; originally announced March 2018.

Comments: 90 pages in total. Author list: ATLAS IBL Collaboration, starting page 2. 69 figures, 20 tables. Published in Journal of Instrumentation. All figures available at: https://atlas.web.cern.ch/Atlas/GROUPS/PHYSICS/PLOTS/PIX-2018-001

Journal ref: Journal of Instrumentation JINST 13 T05008 (2018)

Integrated Waveguide Brillouin Laser

Authors: Sarat Gundavarapu, Matthew Puckett, Taran Huffman, Ryan Behunin, Jianfeng Wu, Tiequn Qiu, Grant M. Brodnik, Cátia Pinho, Debapam Bose, Peter T. Rakich, Jim Nohava, Karl D. Nelson, Mary Salit, Daniel J. Blumenthal

Abstract: The demand for high-performance chip-scale lasers has driven rapid growth in integrated photonics. The creation of such low-noise laser sources is critical for emerging on-chip applications, ranging from coherent optical communications, photonic microwave oscillators remote sensing and optical rotational sensors. While Brillouin lasers are a promising solution to these challenges, new strategies a… ▽ More The demand for high-performance chip-scale lasers has driven rapid growth in integrated photonics. The creation of such low-noise laser sources is critical for emerging on-chip applications, ranging from coherent optical communications, photonic microwave oscillators remote sensing and optical rotational sensors. While Brillouin lasers are a promising solution to these challenges, new strategies are needed to create robust, compact, low power and low cost Brillouin laser technologies through wafer-scale integration. To date, chip-scale Brillouin lasers have remained elusive due to the difficulties in realization of these lasers on a commercial integration platform. In this paper, we demonstrate, for the first time, monolithically integrated Brillouin lasers using a wafer-scale process based on an ultra-low loss Si3N4/SiO2 waveguide platform. Cascading of stimulated Brillouin lasing to 10 Stokes orders was observed in an integrated bus-coupled resonator with a loaded Q factor exceeding 28 million. We experimentally quantify the laser performance, including threshold, slope efficiency and cascading dynamics, and compare the results with theory. The large mode volume integrated resonator and gain medium supports a TE-only resonance and unique 2.72 GHz free spectral range, essential for high performance integrated Brillouin lasing. The laser is based on a non-acoustic guiding design that supplies a broad Brillouin gain bandwidth. Characteristics for high performance lasing are demonstrated due to large intra-cavity optical power and low lasing threshold power. Consistent laser performance is reported for multiple chips across multiple wafers. This design lends itself to wafer-scale integration of practical high-yield, highly coherent Brillouin lasers on a chip. △ Less

Submitted 13 September, 2017; originally announced September 2017.

Comments: 15 pages, 6 figures, methods

Journal ref: nature.photon 13 (2019) 60-67

Spatial gene drives and pushed genetic waves

Authors: Hidenori Tanaka, Howard A. Stone, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Gene drives have the potential to rapidly replace a harmful wild-type allele with a gene drive allele engineered to have desired functionalities. However, an accidental or premature release of a gene drive construct to the natural environment could damage an ecosystem irreversibly. Thus, it is important to understand the spatiotemporal consequences of the super-Mendelian population genetics prior… ▽ More Gene drives have the potential to rapidly replace a harmful wild-type allele with a gene drive allele engineered to have desired functionalities. However, an accidental or premature release of a gene drive construct to the natural environment could damage an ecosystem irreversibly. Thus, it is important to understand the spatiotemporal consequences of the super-Mendelian population genetics prior to potential applications. Here, we employ a reaction-diffusion model for sexually reproducing diploid organisms to study how a locally introduced gene drive allele spreads to replace the wild-type allele, even though it possesses a selective disadvantage $s>0$. Using methods developed by N. Barton and collaborators, we show that socially responsible gene drives require $0.5<s<0.697$, a rather narrow range. In this "pushed wave" regime, the spatial spreading of gene drives will be initiated only when the initial frequency distribution is above a threshold profile called "critical propagule", which acts as a safeguard against accidental release. We also study how the spatial spread of the pushed wave can be stopped by making gene drives uniquely vulnerable ("sensitizing drive") in a way that is harmless for a wild-type allele. Finally, we show that appropriately sensitized drives in two dimensions can be stopped even by imperfect barriers perforated by a series of gaps. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2017; v1 submitted 11 April, 2017; originally announced April 2017.

Journal ref: PNAS, vol. 114 no. 32, 8452-8457 (2017)

Population Genetics with Fluctuating Population Sizes

Authors: Thiparat Chotibut, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Standard neutral population genetics theory with a strictly fixed population size has important limitations. An alternative model that allows independently fluctuating population sizes and reproduces the standard neutral evolution is reviewed. We then study a situation such that the competing species are neutral at the equilibrium population size but population size fluctuations nevertheless favor… ▽ More Standard neutral population genetics theory with a strictly fixed population size has important limitations. An alternative model that allows independently fluctuating population sizes and reproduces the standard neutral evolution is reviewed. We then study a situation such that the competing species are neutral at the equilibrium population size but population size fluctuations nevertheless favor fixation of one species over the other. In this case, a separation of timescales emerges naturally and allows adiabatic elimination of a fast population size variable to deduce the fluctuations-induced selection dynamics near the equilibrium population size. The results highlight the incompleteness of the standard population genetics with a strictly fixed population size. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2016; originally announced August 2016.

Comments: Submitted to Journal of Statistical Physics, Special Issue: Dedicated to the Memory of Leo Kadanoff. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1412.6688

Statistical mechanics of thin spherical shells

Authors: Andrej Kosmrlj, David R. Nelson

Abstract: We explore how thermal fluctuations affect the mechanics of thin amorphous spherical shells. In flat membranes with a shear modulus, thermal fluctuations increase the bending rigidity and reduce the in-plane elastic moduli in a scale-dependent fashion. This is still true for spherical shells. However, the additional coupling between the shell curvature, the local in-plane stretching modes and the… ▽ More We explore how thermal fluctuations affect the mechanics of thin amorphous spherical shells. In flat membranes with a shear modulus, thermal fluctuations increase the bending rigidity and reduce the in-plane elastic moduli in a scale-dependent fashion. This is still true for spherical shells. However, the additional coupling between the shell curvature, the local in-plane stretching modes and the local out-of-plane undulations, leads to novel phenomena. In spherical shells thermal fluctuations produce a radius-dependent negative effective surface tension, equivalent to applying an inward external pressure. By adapting renormalization group calculations to allow for a spherical background curvature, we show that while small spherical shells are stable, sufficiently large shells are crushed by this thermally generated "pressure". Such shells can be stabilized by an outward osmotic pressure, but the effective shell size grows non-linearly with increasing outward pressure, with the same universal power law exponent that characterizes the response of fluctuating flat membranes to a uniform tension. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2016; originally announced June 2016.

Comments: 16 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. X 7, 011002 (2017)

Evolutionary Dynamics with Fluctuating Population Sizes and Strong Mutualism

Authors: Thiparat Chotibut, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Game theory ideas provide a useful framework for studying evolutionary dynamics in a well-mixed environment. This approach, however, typically enforces a strictly fixed overall population size, deemphasizing natural growth processes. We study a competitive Lotka-Volterra model, with number fluctuations, that accounts for natural population growth and encompasses interaction scenarios typical of ev… ▽ More Game theory ideas provide a useful framework for studying evolutionary dynamics in a well-mixed environment. This approach, however, typically enforces a strictly fixed overall population size, deemphasizing natural growth processes. We study a competitive Lotka-Volterra model, with number fluctuations, that accounts for natural population growth and encompasses interaction scenarios typical of evolutionary games. We show that, in an appropriate limit, the model describes standard evolutionary games with both genetic drift and overall population size fluctuations. However, there are also regimes where a varying population size can strongly influence the evolutionary dynamics. We focus on the strong mutualism scenario and demonstrate that standard evolutionary game theory fails to describe our simulation results. We then analytically and numerically determine fixation probabilities as well as mean fixation times using matched asymptotic expansions, taking into account the population size degree of freedom. These results elucidate the interplay between population dynamics and evolutionary dynamics in well-mixed systems. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2016; v1 submitted 20 December, 2014; originally announced December 2014.

Comments: Updated Version, Published in Phys. Rev. E 92, 022718 on 20 August 2015

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. E 92, 022718 (2015)

Genetic drift opposes mutualism during spatial population expansion

Authors: Melanie JI Muller, Beverly I Neugeboren, David R Nelson, Andrew W Murray

Abstract: Mutualistic interactions benefit both partners, promoting coexistence and genetic diversity. Spatial structure can promote cooperation, but spatial expansions may also make it hard for mutualistic partners to stay together, since genetic drift at the expansion front creates regions of low genetic and species diversity. To explore the antagonism between mutualism and genetic drift, we grew cross-fe… ▽ More Mutualistic interactions benefit both partners, promoting coexistence and genetic diversity. Spatial structure can promote cooperation, but spatial expansions may also make it hard for mutualistic partners to stay together, since genetic drift at the expansion front creates regions of low genetic and species diversity. To explore the antagonism between mutualism and genetic drift, we grew cross-feeding strains of the budding yeast S. cerevisiae on agar surfaces as a model for mutualists undergoing spatial expansions. By supplying varying amounts of the exchanged nutrients, we tuned strength and symmetry of the mutualistic interaction. Strong mutualism suppresses genetic demixing during spatial expansions and thereby maintains diversity, but weak or asymmetric mutualism is overwhelmed by genetic drift even when mutualism is still beneficial, slowing growth and reducing diversity. Theoretical modeling using experimentally measured parameters predicts the size of demixed regions and how strong mutualism must be to survive a spatial expansion. △ Less

Submitted 24 February, 2014; originally announced February 2014.

Comments: 12 pages main text, 20 pages SI

Journal ref: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 111, 1037-1042 (2014)

Spinodal decomposition in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence

Authors: Prasad Perlekar, Roberto Benzi, Herman J. H. Clercx, David R. Nelson, Federico Toschi

Abstract: We study the competition between domain coarsening in a symmetric binary mixtures below the critical temperature and turbulent fluctuations. We find that the coarsening process is arrested in presence of turbulence. The physics of the process shares remarkable similarities with the behaviour of diluted turbulent emulsions and the arrest length scale can be estimated with an argument similar to the… ▽ More We study the competition between domain coarsening in a symmetric binary mixtures below the critical temperature and turbulent fluctuations. We find that the coarsening process is arrested in presence of turbulence. The physics of the process shares remarkable similarities with the behaviour of diluted turbulent emulsions and the arrest length scale can be estimated with an argument similar to the one proposed by Kolmogorov and Hinze for the maximal stability diameter of droplets in turbulence. Although in the absence of flow the microscopic diffusion constant is negative, turbulence does effectively arrest the inverse cascade of concentration fluctuations by making the low wavelength diffusion constant positive for scales above the Hinze length. △ Less

Submitted 28 June, 2013; originally announced June 2013.

Bending forces plastically deform growing bacterial cell walls

Authors: Ariel Amir, Farinaz Babaeipour, Dustin B. McIntosh, David R. Nelson, Suckjoon Jun

Abstract: Cell walls define a cell shape in bacteria. They are rigid to resist large internal pressures, but remarkably plastic to adapt to a wide range of external forces and geometric constraints. Currently, it is unknown how bacteria maintain their shape. In this work, we develop experimental and theoretical approaches and show that mechanical stresses regulate bacterial cell-wall growth. By applying a p… ▽ More Cell walls define a cell shape in bacteria. They are rigid to resist large internal pressures, but remarkably plastic to adapt to a wide range of external forces and geometric constraints. Currently, it is unknown how bacteria maintain their shape. In this work, we develop experimental and theoretical approaches and show that mechanical stresses regulate bacterial cell-wall growth. By applying a precisely controllable hydrodynamic force to growing rod-shaped Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis cells, we demonstrate that the cells can exhibit two fundamentally different modes of deformation. The cells behave like elastic rods when subjected to transient forces, but deform plastically when significant cell wall synthesis occurs while the force is applied. The deformed cells always recover their shape. The experimental results are in quantitative agreement with the predictions of the theory of dislocation-mediated growth. In particular, we find that a single dimensionless parameter, which depends on a combination of independently measured physical properties of the cell, can describe the cell's responses under various experimental conditions. These findings provide insight into how living cells robustly maintain their shape under varying physical environments. △ Less

Submitted 30 April, 2014; v1 submitted 24 May, 2013; originally announced May 2013.

Journal ref: PNAS 111 16 5778-5783 (2014)

Following the flow: tracer particles in astrophysical fluid simulations

Authors: Shy Genel, Mark Vogelsberger, Dylan Nelson, Debora Sijacki, Volker Springel, Lars Hernquist

Abstract: We present two numerical schemes for passive tracer particles in the hydrodynamical moving-mesh code AREPO, and compare their performance for various problems, from simple setups to cosmological simulations. The purpose of tracer particles is to allow the flow to be followed in a Lagrangian way, tracing the evolution of the fluid with time, and allowing the thermodynamical history of individual fl… ▽ More We present two numerical schemes for passive tracer particles in the hydrodynamical moving-mesh code AREPO, and compare their performance for various problems, from simple setups to cosmological simulations. The purpose of tracer particles is to allow the flow to be followed in a Lagrangian way, tracing the evolution of the fluid with time, and allowing the thermodynamical history of individual fluid parcels to be recorded. We find that the commonly-used `velocity field tracers', which are advected using the fluid velocity field, do not in general follow the mass flow correctly, and explain why this is the case. This method can result in orders-of-magnitude biases in simulations of driven turbulence and in cosmological simulations, rendering the velocity field tracers inappropriate for following these flows. We then discuss a novel implementation of `Monte Carlo tracers', which are moved along with fluid cells, and are exchanged probabilistically between them following the mass flux. This method reproduces the mass distribution of the fluid correctly. The main limitation of this approach is that it is more diffusive than the fluid itself. Nonetheless, we show that this novel approach is more reliable than what has been employed previously and demonstrate that it is appropriate for following hydrodynamical flows in mesh-based codes. The Monte Carlo tracers can also naturally be transferred between fluid cells and other types of particles, such as stellar particles, so that the mass flow in cosmological simulations can be followed in its entirety. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2013; v1 submitted 9 May, 2013; originally announced May 2013.

Comments: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, minor updates to match accepted version. 19 pages, 14 figures

Nutrient Shielding in Clusters of Cells

Authors: Maxim O. Lavrentovich, John H. Koschwanez, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Cellular nutrient consumption is influenced by both the nutrient uptake kinetics of an individual cell and the cells' spatial arrangement. Large cell clusters or colonies have inhibited growth at the cluster's center due to the shielding of nutrients by the cells closer to the surface. We develop an effective medium theory that predicts a thickness $\ell$ of the outer shell of cells in the cluster… ▽ More Cellular nutrient consumption is influenced by both the nutrient uptake kinetics of an individual cell and the cells' spatial arrangement. Large cell clusters or colonies have inhibited growth at the cluster's center due to the shielding of nutrients by the cells closer to the surface. We develop an effective medium theory that predicts a thickness $\ell$ of the outer shell of cells in the cluster that receives enough nutrient to grow. The cells are treated as partially absorbing identical spherical nutrient sinks, and we identify a dimensionless parameter $ν$ that characterizes the absorption strength of each cell. The parameter $ν$ can vary over many orders of magnitude between different cell types, ranging from bacteria and yeast to human tissue. The thickness $\ell$ decreases with increasing $ν$, increasing cell volume fraction $φ$, and decreasing ambient nutrient concentration $ψ_{\infty}$. The theoretical results are compared with numerical simulations and experiments. In the latter studies, colonies of budding yeast, \textit{Saccharomyces cerevisiae}, are grown on glucose media and imaged under a confocal microscope. We measure the growth inside the colonies via a fluorescent protein reporter and compare the experimental and theoretical results for the thickness $\ell$. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2013; v1 submitted 23 April, 2013; originally announced April 2013.

Comments: 19 pages, 15 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. E 87, 062703 (2013)

How Does A Porous Shell Collapse? Delayed Buckling And Guided Folding Of Inhomogeneous Capsules

Authors: Sujit S. Datta, Shin-Hyun Kim, Jayson Paulose, Alireza Abbaspourrad, David R. Nelson, David A. Weitz

Abstract: Colloidal capsules can sustain an external osmotic pressure; however, for a sufficiently large pressure, they will ultimately buckle. This process can be strongly influenced by structural inhomogeneities in the capsule shells. We explore how the time delay before the onset of buckling decreases as the shells are made more inhomogeneous; this behavior can be quantitatively understood by coupling sh… ▽ More Colloidal capsules can sustain an external osmotic pressure; however, for a sufficiently large pressure, they will ultimately buckle. This process can be strongly influenced by structural inhomogeneities in the capsule shells. We explore how the time delay before the onset of buckling decreases as the shells are made more inhomogeneous; this behavior can be quantitatively understood by coupling shell theory with Darcy's law. In addition, we show that the shell inhomogeneity can dramatically change the folding pathway taken by a capsule after it buckles. △ Less

Submitted 6 September, 2012; v1 submitted 3 September, 2012; originally announced September 2012.

Comments: In press; Physical Review Letters (2012)

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters 109, 134302 (2012)

Dislocation-mediated growth of bacterial cell walls

Authors: Ariel Amir, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Recent experiments have illuminated a remarkable growth mechanism of rod-shaped bacteria: proteins associated with cell wall extension move at constant velocity in circles oriented approximately along the cell circumference (Garner et al., Science (2011), Dominguez-Escobar et al. Science (2011), van Teeffelen et al. PNAS (2011). We view these as dislocations in the partially ordered peptidoglycan… ▽ More Recent experiments have illuminated a remarkable growth mechanism of rod-shaped bacteria: proteins associated with cell wall extension move at constant velocity in circles oriented approximately along the cell circumference (Garner et al., Science (2011), Dominguez-Escobar et al. Science (2011), van Teeffelen et al. PNAS (2011). We view these as dislocations in the partially ordered peptidoglycan structure, activated by glycan strand extension machinery, and study theoretically the dynamics of these interacting defects on the surface of a cylinder. Generation and motion of these interacting defects lead to surprising effects arising from the cylindrical geometry, with important implications for growth. We also discuss how long range elastic interactions and turgor pressure affect the dynamics of the fraction of actively moving dislocations in the bacterial cell wall. △ Less

Submitted 7 May, 2012; originally announced May 2012.

Comments: to appear in PNAS

Journal ref: PNAS 109, 25, 9833-9838 (2012)

Selective sweeps in growing microbial colonies

Authors: Kirill S Korolev, Melanie J I Müller, Nilay Karahan, Andrew W Murray, Oskar Hallatschek, David R Nelson

Abstract: Evolutionary experiments with microbes are a powerful tool to study mutations and natural selection. These experiments, however, are often limited to the well-mixed environments of a test tube or a chemostat. Since spatial organization can significantly affect evolutionary dynamics, the need is growing for evolutionary experiments in spatially structured environments. The surface of a Petri dish p… ▽ More Evolutionary experiments with microbes are a powerful tool to study mutations and natural selection. These experiments, however, are often limited to the well-mixed environments of a test tube or a chemostat. Since spatial organization can significantly affect evolutionary dynamics, the need is growing for evolutionary experiments in spatially structured environments. The surface of a Petri dish provides such an environment, but a more detailed understanding of microbial growth on Petri dishes is necessary to interpret such experiments. We formulate a simple deterministic reaction-diffusion model, which successfully predicts the spatial patterns created by two competing species during colony expansion. We also derive the shape of these patterns analytically without relying on microscopic details of the model. In particular, we find that the relative fitness of two microbial strains can be estimated from the logarithmic spirals created by selective sweeps. The theory is tested with strains of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for spatial competitions with different initial conditions and for a range of relative fitnesses. The reaction-diffusion model also connects the microscopic parameters like growth rates and diffusion constants with macroscopic spatial patterns and predicts the relationship between fitness in liquid cultures and on Petri dishes, which we confirmed experimentally. Spatial sector patterns therefore provide an alternative fitness assay to the commonly used liquid culture fitness assays. △ Less

Submitted 1 May, 2012; v1 submitted 22 April, 2012; originally announced April 2012.

Comments: Supplementary information available at arXiv:1204.6328

Journal ref: Physical Biology 9, 026008 (2012)

A Quantitative Test of Population Genetics Using Spatio-Genetic Patterns in Bacterial Colonies

Authors: Kirill S. Korolev, Joao B. Xavier, David R. Nelson, Kevin R. Foster

Abstract: It is widely accepted that population genetics theory is the cornerstone of evolutionary analyses. Empirical tests of the theory, however, are challenging because of the complex relationships between space, dispersal, and evolution. Critically, we lack quantitative validation of the spatial models of population genetics. Here we combine analytics, on and off-lattice simulations, and experiments wi… ▽ More It is widely accepted that population genetics theory is the cornerstone of evolutionary analyses. Empirical tests of the theory, however, are challenging because of the complex relationships between space, dispersal, and evolution. Critically, we lack quantitative validation of the spatial models of population genetics. Here we combine analytics, on and off-lattice simulations, and experiments with bacteria to perform quantitative tests of the theory. We study two bacterial species, the gut microbe Escherichia coli and the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and show that spatio-genetic patterns in colony biofilms of both species are accurately described by an extension of the one-dimensional stepping-stone model. We use one empirical measure, genetic diversity at the colony periphery, to parameterize our models and show that we can then accurately predict another key variable: the degree of short-range cell migration along an edge. Moreover, the model allows us to estimate other key parameters including effective population size (density) at the expansion frontier. While our experimental system is a simplification of natural microbial community, we argue it is a proof of principle that the spatial models of population genetics can quantitatively capture organismal evolution. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2011; originally announced October 2011.

Journal ref: The American Naturalist 178, 538 (2011)

Competition and cooperation in one-dimensional stepping stone models

Authors: K. S. Korolev, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Cooperative mutualism is a major force driving evolution and sustaining ecosystems. Although the importance of spatial degrees of freedom and number fluctuations is well-known, their effects on mutualism are not fully understood. With range expansions of microbes in mind, we show that, even when mutualism confers a distinct selective advantage, it persists only in populations with high density and… ▽ More Cooperative mutualism is a major force driving evolution and sustaining ecosystems. Although the importance of spatial degrees of freedom and number fluctuations is well-known, their effects on mutualism are not fully understood. With range expansions of microbes in mind, we show that, even when mutualism confers a distinct selective advantage, it persists only in populations with high density and frequent migrations. When these parameters are reduced, mutualism is generically lost via a directed percolation process, with a phase diagram strongly influenced by an exceptional DP2 transition. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2011; v1 submitted 13 April, 2011; originally announced April 2011.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Differential Light Shift Cancellation in a Magnetic-Field-Insensitive Transition of $^{87}$Rb

Authors: R. Chicireanu, K. D. Nelson, S. Olmschenk, N. Lundblad, A. Derevianko, J. V. Porto

Abstract: We demonstrate near-complete cancellation of the differential light shift of a two-photon magnetic-field-insensitive microwave hyperfine (clock) transition in $^{87}$Rb atoms trapped in an optical lattice. Up to $95(2)%$ of the differential light shift is canceled while maintaining magnetic-field insensitivity. This technique should have applications in quantum information and frequency metrology. We demonstrate near-complete cancellation of the differential light shift of a two-photon magnetic-field-insensitive microwave hyperfine (clock) transition in $^{87}$Rb atoms trapped in an optical lattice. Up to $95(2)%$ of the differential light shift is canceled while maintaining magnetic-field insensitivity. This technique should have applications in quantum information and frequency metrology. △ Less

Submitted 7 October, 2010; originally announced October 2010.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures

Population dynamics at high Reynolds number

Authors: Prasad Perlekar, Roberto Benzi, David R. Nelson, Federico Toschi

Abstract: We study the statistical properties of population dynamics evolving in a realistic two-dimensional compressible turbulent velocity field. We show that the interplay between turbulent dynamics and population growth and saturation leads to quasi-localization and a remarkable reduction in the carrying capacity. The statistical properties of the population density are investigated and quantified via m… ▽ More We study the statistical properties of population dynamics evolving in a realistic two-dimensional compressible turbulent velocity field. We show that the interplay between turbulent dynamics and population growth and saturation leads to quasi-localization and a remarkable reduction in the carrying capacity. The statistical properties of the population density are investigated and quantified via multifractal scaling analysis. We also investigate numerically the singular limit of negligibly small growth rates and delocalization of population ridges triggered by uniform advection. △ Less

Submitted 3 September, 2010; v1 submitted 16 June, 2010; originally announced June 2010.

Comments: 5 pages, 5 figures

Extracting Spooky-activation-at-a-distance from Considerations of Entanglement

Authors: P. D. Bruza, K. Kitto, D. Nelson, C. McEvoy

Abstract: Following an early claim by Nelson & McEvoy \cite{Nelson:McEvoy:2007} suggesting that word associations can display `spooky action at a distance behaviour', a serious investigation of the potentially quantum nature of such associations is currently underway. This paper presents a simple quantum model of a word association system. It is shown that a quantum model of word entanglement can recover… ▽ More Following an early claim by Nelson & McEvoy \cite{Nelson:McEvoy:2007} suggesting that word associations can display `spooky action at a distance behaviour', a serious investigation of the potentially quantum nature of such associations is currently underway. This paper presents a simple quantum model of a word association system. It is shown that a quantum model of word entanglement can recover aspects of both the Spreading Activation equation and the Spooky-activation-at-a-distance equation, both of which are used to model the activation level of words in human memory. △ Less

Submitted 27 January, 2009; originally announced January 2009.

Comments: 13 pages, 2 figures; To appear in Proceedings of the Third Quantum Interaction Symposium, Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, vol 5494, Springer, 2009

Soft modes near the buckling transition of icosahedral shells

Authors: M. Widom, J. Lidmar, D. R. Nelson

Abstract: Icosahedral shells undergo a buckling transition as the ratio of Young's modulus to bending stiffness increases. Strong bending stiffness favors smooth, nearly spherical shapes, while weak bending stiffness leads to a sharply faceted icosahedral shape. Based on the phonon spectrum of a simplified mass-and-spring model of the shell, we interpret the transition from smooth to faceted as a soft-mod… ▽ More Icosahedral shells undergo a buckling transition as the ratio of Young's modulus to bending stiffness increases. Strong bending stiffness favors smooth, nearly spherical shapes, while weak bending stiffness leads to a sharply faceted icosahedral shape. Based on the phonon spectrum of a simplified mass-and-spring model of the shell, we interpret the transition from smooth to faceted as a soft-mode transition. In contrast to the case of a disclinated planar network where the transition is sharply defined, the mean curvature of the sphere smooths the transitition. We define elastic susceptibilities as the response to forces applied at vertices, edges and faces of an icosahedron. At the soft-mode transition the vertex susceptibility is the largest, but as the shell becomes more faceted the edge and face susceptibilities greatly exceed the vertex susceptibility. Limiting behaviors of the susceptibilities are analyzed and related to the ridge-scaling behavior of elastic sheets. Our results apply to virus capsids, liposomes with crystalline order and other shell-like structures with icosahedral symmetry. △ Less

Submitted 28 June, 2007; originally announced June 2007.

Comments: 28 pages, 6 figures

Production of Gas Phase Zinc Oxide Nanoclusters by Pulsed Laser Ablation

Authors: Igor Ozerov, Alexander V. Bulgakov, Dmitry K. Nelson, Ricardo Castell, Wladimir Marine

Abstract: We present experimental results on the photoluminescence (PL) of gas-suspended zinc oxide nanoclusters prepared during ablation of sintered ZnO targets by a pulsed ArF laser in the presence of oxygen ambient gas. The PL spectra in the UV spectral region correspond to the exciton recombination in the nanoclusters which are crystallized and cooled down to the temperature of the ambient gas in the… ▽ More We present experimental results on the photoluminescence (PL) of gas-suspended zinc oxide nanoclusters prepared during ablation of sintered ZnO targets by a pulsed ArF laser in the presence of oxygen ambient gas. The PL spectra in the UV spectral region correspond to the exciton recombination in the nanoclusters which are crystallized and cooled down to the temperature of the ambient gas in the ablation chamber. The time evolution of the spectra as well as their dependence on the ambient gas pressure are discussed. △ Less

Submitted 10 June, 2004; originally announced June 2004.

Comments: EMRS-2004, Strasbourg, France. Paper N-I.3

Journal ref: Applied Surface Science 247 (2005) 1-7

Ablation de ZnO par laser UV (193 nm) : Nano-agregats en phase gazeuse

Authors: Igor Ozerov, Alexander V. Bulgakov, Dimitri N. Nelson, Ricardo Castell, Marc Sentis, Wladimir Marine

Abstract: The condensation of zinc oxide nano clusters produced in gas phase has been evidenced in the ablation of a ZnO solid target by a pulsed ArF laser. We compare the spatio-temporal evolution of the shape of ZnO ablated plasma plume, both in vacuum and in controlled gas environments (Helium and/or Oxygen) from monitoring with CCD camera and from spectroscopic studies. The expansion of the plasma plu… ▽ More The condensation of zinc oxide nano clusters produced in gas phase has been evidenced in the ablation of a ZnO solid target by a pulsed ArF laser. We compare the spatio-temporal evolution of the shape of ZnO ablated plasma plume, both in vacuum and in controlled gas environments (Helium and/or Oxygen) from monitoring with CCD camera and from spectroscopic studies. The expansion of the plasma plume and the growth of the nanoclusters depend strongly upon the collisions between the ablated particles and surrounding gas molecules, as well as on the chemical reactions in the case of oxygen. The spectra of the observed plasma emittion are mainly due to atomic transitions in the neutral Zn. We have also observed the photoluminescence of the nanoclusters suspended in the gas and their decomposition in the beam of ArF laser. △ Less

Submitted 13 November, 2003; originally announced November 2003.

Comments: In French

Journal ref: J. Phys. IV 108 (2003) 37

Synthesis and Laser Processing of ZnO Nanocrystalline Thin Films

Authors: Igor Ozerov, Dimitri Nelson, Alexander V. Bulgakov, Wladimir Marine, Marc Sentis

Abstract: We present the results of experiments on synthesis of ZnO nanoclusters by reactive pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The nanoclusters were formed and crystallized in the gas phase and deposited on SiO2 substrates. The nanostructured films were characterized by conventional photoluminescence (PL). The PL spectra consist of a narrow UV excitonic band and a broad visible band related to defects in the… ▽ More We present the results of experiments on synthesis of ZnO nanoclusters by reactive pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The nanoclusters were formed and crystallized in the gas phase and deposited on SiO2 substrates. The nanostructured films were characterized by conventional photoluminescence (PL). The PL spectra consist of a narrow UV excitonic band and a broad visible band related to defects in the film. The film preparation conditions such as the substrate temperature, ambient gas nature and pressure, were optimized in order to increase the intensity of excitonic emission and prevent the formation of defects. A post-growth annealing by UV laser radiation improved the optical quality of the deposited films. The photoluminescence intensity was found to be dependent significantly on the laser fluence and on the number of shots per site. The nature of the defects responsible for the observed luminescence in a visible range is discussed. △ Less

Submitted 13 November, 2003; originally announced November 2003.

Journal ref: Appl. Surf. Sci. 212-213 (2003) 349-352

Single Molecule Statistics and the Polynucleotide Unzipping Transition

Authors: David K. Lubensky, David R. Nelson

Abstract: We present an extensive theoretical investigation of the mechanical unzipping of double-stranded DNA under the influence of an applied force. In the limit of long polymers, there is a thermodynamic unzipping transition at a critical force value of order 10 pN, with different critical behavior for homopolymers and for random heteropolymers. We extend results on the disorder-averaged behavior of D… ▽ More We present an extensive theoretical investigation of the mechanical unzipping of double-stranded DNA under the influence of an applied force. In the limit of long polymers, there is a thermodynamic unzipping transition at a critical force value of order 10 pN, with different critical behavior for homopolymers and for random heteropolymers. We extend results on the disorder-averaged behavior of DNA's with random sequences to the more experimentally accessible problem of unzipping a single DNA molecule. As the applied force approaches the critical value, the double-stranded DNA unravels in a series of discrete, sequence-dependent steps that allow it to reach successively deeper energy minima. Plots of extension versus force thus take the striking form of a series of plateaus separated by sharp jumps. Similar qualitative features should reappear in micromanipulation experiments on proteins and on folded RNA molecules. Despite their unusual form, the extension versus force curves for single molecules still reveal remnants of the disorder-averaged critical behavior. Above the transition, the dynamics of the unzipping fork is related to that of a particle diffusing in a random force field; anomalous, disorder-dominated behavior is expected until the applied force exceeds the critical value for unzipping by roughly 5 pN. △ Less

Submitted 19 July, 2001; originally announced July 2001.

Comments: 40 pages, 18 figures

RF Cell Modeling and Experiments for Wakefield Minimization in DARHT-II

Authors: Scott D. Nelson, Michael Vella

Abstract: Electron beams of linear induction accelerators experience deflective forces caused by RF fields building up as a result of accelerating cavities of finite size. These forces can significantly effect the beam when a long linac composed of identical cells is assembled. Recent techniques in computational modeling, simulation, and experiments for 20 MeV DARHT-II (Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic… ▽ More Electron beams of linear induction accelerators experience deflective forces caused by RF fields building up as a result of accelerating cavities of finite size. These forces can significantly effect the beam when a long linac composed of identical cells is assembled. Recent techniques in computational modeling, simulation, and experiments for 20 MeV DARHT-II (Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test) accelerator cells were found to reduce the wakefield impedance of the cells from 800 ohms/meter to 350 ohms/meter and experimental results confirm the results of the modeling efforts. Increased performance of the cell was obtained through a parametric study of the accelerator structure, materials, material tuning, and geometry. As a result of this effort, it was found that thickness-tuned ferrite produced a 50% deduction in the wakefield impedance in the low frequency band and was easily tunable based on the material thickness. It was also found that shaped metal sections allow for high-Q resonances to be de-tuned, thus decreasing the amplitude of the resonance and increasing the cell s performance. For the geometries used for this cell, a roughly 45 degree angle had the best performance in affecting the wakefield modes. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2000; v1 submitted 16 August, 2000; originally announced August 2000.

Comments: LINAC2000 TUB09

Journal ref: eConf C000821 (2000) TUB09

Pulling Pinned Polymers and Unzipping DNA

Authors: David K. Lubensky, David R. Nelson

Abstract: We study a class of micromanipulation experiments, exemplified by the pulling apart of the two strands of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). When the pulling force is increased to a critical value, an ``unzipping'' transition occurs. For random DNA sequences with short-ranged correlations, we obtain exact results for the number of monomers liberated and the specific heat, including the critical behavi… ▽ More We study a class of micromanipulation experiments, exemplified by the pulling apart of the two strands of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). When the pulling force is increased to a critical value, an ``unzipping'' transition occurs. For random DNA sequences with short-ranged correlations, we obtain exact results for the number of monomers liberated and the specific heat, including the critical behavior at the transition. Related systems include a random heteropolymer pulled away from an adsorbing surface and a vortex line in a type II superconductor tilted away from a fragmented columnar defect. △ Less

Submitted 2 August, 2000; v1 submitted 26 April, 2000; originally announced April 2000.

Comments: 4 pages, 1 EPS figure; revised references and very brief discussion of order of the transition added; to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. _85_, 1572 (2000)

Driven Polymer Translocation Through a Narrow Pore

Authors: David K. Lubensky, David R. Nelson

Abstract: Motivated by experiments in which a polynucleotide is driven through a proteinaceous pore by an electric field, we study the diffusive motion of a polymer threaded through a narrow channel with which it may have strong interactions. We show that there is a range of polymer lengths in which the system is approximately translationally invariant, and we develop a coarse-grained description of this… ▽ More Motivated by experiments in which a polynucleotide is driven through a proteinaceous pore by an electric field, we study the diffusive motion of a polymer threaded through a narrow channel with which it may have strong interactions. We show that there is a range of polymer lengths in which the system is approximately translationally invariant, and we develop a coarse-grained description of this regime. From this description, general features of the distribution of times for the polymer to pass through the pore may be deduced. We also introduce a more microscopic model. This model provides a physically reasonable scenario in which, as in experiments, the polymer's speed depends sensitively on its chemical composition, and even on its orientation in the channel. Finally, we point out that the experimental distribution of times for the polymer to pass through the pore is much broader than expected from simple estimates, and speculate on why this might be. △ Less

Submitted 16 February, 1999; originally announced February 1999.

Comments: 16 pages, 8 figures, RevTex and harvard citation style, submitted to Biophysical Journal

Order parametr for design of proteinlike heteropolymers

Authors: E. Nelson, L. Ten Eyck, J. Onuchic

Abstract: preprint withdrawn. A revised version of this paper, with different authors appears in E. Nelson, P. Wolynes, and J. Onuchic, in Optimization in computational chemistry and molecular biology, C. Floudas and P. Pardalos editors, (1999)). The main failing of my approach in these papers is the fact that the Hamiltonian and order parameters are based on pair distances only, and therefore do not brea… ▽ More preprint withdrawn. A revised version of this paper, with different authors appears in E. Nelson, P. Wolynes, and J. Onuchic, in Optimization in computational chemistry and molecular biology, C. Floudas and P. Pardalos editors, (1999)). The main failing of my approach in these papers is the fact that the Hamiltonian and order parameters are based on pair distances only, and therefore do not break the local gauge (reflection) symmetry. Consequently, the order parameters cannot detect the difference between (for example) a partially compact topology and its mirror image. I take full responsibility for this problem, the withdrawal of this preprint, and the comments made above. Erik D. Nelson △ Less

Submitted 12 December, 1999; v1 submitted 28 December, 1998; originally announced December 1998.

Comments: 16 pages, 5 figures, figures 4 and 5 have two .eps files each WITHDRAWN by submitter due to weakness of approach

Dislocation Mediated Melting Near Isostructural Critical Points

Authors: T. Chou, D. R. Nelson

Abstract: We study the interplay between an isostructural critical point and dislocation mediated two-dimensional melting, using a combination of Landau and continuum elasticity theory. If dislocations are excluded, coupling to the elastic degrees of freedom leads to mean field critical exponents. When dislocations are allowed, modified elastic constants lead to a new phase buried in the solid state near… ▽ More We study the interplay between an isostructural critical point and dislocation mediated two-dimensional melting, using a combination of Landau and continuum elasticity theory. If dislocations are excluded, coupling to the elastic degrees of freedom leads to mean field critical exponents. When dislocations are allowed, modified elastic constants lead to a new phase buried in the solid state near the critical point. Consistent with a proposal of Bladon and Frenkel, we find an intervening hexatic phase near the critical point of the first-order isostructural transition line. Very close to the critical point, a transition from the hexatic phase to a modulated bond angle state is possible. Ising transitions in symmetrically confined two dimensional colloidal crystals with attractive wall potentials require a different model free energy, which we also discuss. △ Less

Submitted 2 October, 1995; originally announced October 1995.

Comments: 12 pages, Latex file, 6 figures