Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Topological waves'

Les structures tubulaires sont largement utilisées dans diverses industries telles que l’aérospatiale, le pétrole et le gaz, le nucléaire, etc. Le Contrôle Non Destructive (CND) de ces structures joue un rôle crucial au cours de leur cycle de vie. Afin de tester de grandes structures avec une accessibilité limitée, la méthode de CND utilisant des ondes guidées a été développée comme une solution viable. En raison de la nature de ces ondes, elles sont capables de se propager sur de grandes distances sans perdre une grande partie de leur énergie. Cependant, elles sont complexes puisque leur vitesse dépend de la fréquence, c'est-à-dire qu'elles sont dispersives. Classiquement, l’étude de ce type d’ondes nécessite des simulations par éléments finis coûteuses. Cette thèse propose une alternative à de telles simulations avec une méthode rapide et robuste pour simuler la propagation d'ondes guidées dans des structures tubulaires.Partant de ces calculs, pour localiser des défauts, l'objectif de ce travail est d'obtenir des images topologiques 3D de structures tubulaires isotropes multicouches par propagation de ces ondes guidées ultrasonores. Un modèle mathématique est proposé où l'équation d'onde est convertie en une équation différentielle ordinaire par rapport au rayon «r» en utilisant les transformées de Fourier et de Laplace pour les variables spatiales et temporelles respectivement. La solution en ondes partielles, exprimée comme une combinaison des fonctions de Bessel, permet la création d'un algorithme semi-analytique rapide et robuste pour calculer la fonction de Green de structures tubulaires. Un modèle approché en présence de défauts numériques est ensuite développé. La réponse des défauts est considérée comme la réponse cumulative des sources secondaires, visant à annuler le champ de contraintes incident et diffracté présent en son sein. Ensuite, le modèle numérique est validé par des mesures expérimentales.Enfin, la technique de l'imagerie topologique est introduite. Cette méthode d'imagerie est basée sur la corrélation entre les champs ultrasonores sans et avec défaut. La polyvalence et la flexibilité de l'outil numérique en conjonction avec cette méthode d'imagerie sont ensuite démontrées avec succès en localisant et imageant une multitude de défauts numériques et expérimentaux avec des dimensions aussi faibles que 1/40e de la longueur d'onde
Tubular structures are widely used in a variety of industries such as Aerospace, Oil and Gas, Nuclear, etc. Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of these structures plays a crucial role during it’s life cycle. In order to test large structures with limited accessibility, guided wave testing was developed as a viable solution. Due to the nature of these waves, they are able to propagate over large distances without losing much of their energy. However, they are also complex in that their velocity is frequency dependent i.e. they are dispersive. Conventionally, guided wave testing require costly finite element simulations. This thesis offers an alternative to such simulations with a quick and robust method to simulate guided wave propagation in tubular structures.Based on these calculations, the aim of this work is to obtain the 3d topological image of multilayered isotropic tubular structures using ultrasonic guided waves to locate defects. A mathematical model has been proposed where the wave equation is converted to an ordinary differential equation with respect to radius 'r' using the Fourier and Laplace transforms for the spatial and temporal variables respectively. The partial wave solution, expressed as a combination of Bessel’s functions, allows for the creation of a fast robust semi-analytical algorithm to compute the Green function in tubular structures. A model to approximate numerical defects is then developed. The defect response is considered as the cumulative response of secondary sources, aiming to negate the incident and diffracted stress field present within it. Next, the numerical model is validated with experimental measurements.Finally, the technique of Topological Imaging is introduced. This method of imaging is based on the idea of performing a correlation between two wave fields for defect localization. The versatility and flexibility of the numerical tool in conjunction with the method of imaging is then successfully demonstrated by localising and imaging a multitude of numerical and experimental defects with dimensions as low as 1=40th of the wavelength

Les cristaux granulaires sont des structures périodiques de particules disposées en réseau cristallin. Les interactions entre ces billes peuvent être modélisées par leurs contacts, qui ont des dimensions et des masses effectives beaucoup plus petites que celles des billes. Ceci induit une propagation d'ondes élastiques dans les structures granulaires avec des vitesses significativement plus lentes que dans le matériau des grains individuels. En outre, en raison de forces de cisaillement non centrales, les rotations de particules peuvent être initiées, conduisant à des modes de phononiques supplémentaires dans ces cristaux. Dans ce manuscrit, on étudie la propagation d’ondes dans les cristaux granulaires monocouche bidimensionnels avec un mouvement des particules hors-plan ou dans le plan. Les propriétés phononiques sont étudiées, y compris les points de Dirac, les modes de fréquence nulle, les modes à vitesse de groupe nulle et leur transformation en modes de propagation lente. En outre, en présence de bords, on peut prévoir également des ondes de bord élastiques à fréquence nulle et extrêmement lentes dans des cristaux granulaires en « nid d'abeille » (graphène granulaire). En outre, les propriétés topologiques des ondes de bord rotationelles-transverses dans un graphène granulaire sont théoriquement démontrées. En induisant une transition topologique, qui transforme l'ordre topologique du graphène granulaire de trivial en non trivial, on peut observer le transport de bord topologique dans le graphène granulaire. Les théories développées pourraient mener potentiellement à des applications sur le contrôle des ondes élastiques par des structures granulaires
Granular crystals are spatially periodic structures of elastic particles arranged in crystal lattices. The interactions between particles take place via their elastic interconnections, which are of much smaller dimensions and weights than the beads. This induces propagation of elastic waves in granular structures at significantly slower velocities than in the individual grains. In addition, due to the existence of non-central shear forces, rotations of particles can be initiated, leading to extra phononic modes in the crystals. In the manuscript, wave dynamics in two-dimensional monolayer granular crystals with either out-of-plane or in-plane particle motion is studied. The phononic properties are investigated, including Dirac points, zero-frequency modes, zero-group-velocity modes and their transformation into slow propagating phononic modes. Furthermore, in the presence of edges/boundaries, zero-frequency and extremely slow elastic edge waves can be also predicted in mechanical granular honeycomb crystals (granular graphene). In addition, topological properties of rotational edge waves in a granular graphene are theoretically demonstrated. By inducing topological transition, which turns the topological order of granular graphene from trivial to nontrivial, topological edge transport in the granular graphene can be observed. The developed theories could promote the potential applications of designed granular structures with novel elastic wave propagation properties

There are two classes of phononic structures that can support elastic waves with non-conventional topology, namely intrinsic and extrinsic systems. The non-conventional topology of elastic wave results from breaking time reversal symmetry (T-symmetry) of wave propagation. In extrinsic systems, energy is injected into the phononic structure to break T-symmetry. In intrinsic systems symmetry is broken through the medium microstructure that may lead to internal resonances. Mass-spring composite structures are introduced as metaphors for more complex phononic crystals with non-conventional topology. The elastic wave equation of motion of an intrinsic phononic structure composed of two coupled one-dimensional (1D) harmonic chains can be factored into a Dirac-like equation, leading to antisymmetric modes that have spinor character and therefore non-conventional topology in wave number space. The topology of the elastic waves can be further modified by subjecting phononic structures to externally-induced spatio-temporal modulation of their elastic properties. Such modulations can be actuated through photo-elastic effects, magneto-elastic effects, piezo-electric effects or external mechanical effects. We also uncover an analogy between a combined intrinsic-extrinsic systems composed of a simple one-dimensional harmonic chain coupled to a rigid substrate subjected to a spatio-temporal modulation of the side spring stiffness and the Dirac equation in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The modulation is shown to be able to tune the spinor part of the elastic wave function and therefore its topology. This analogy between classical mechanics and quantum phenomena offers new modalities for developing more complex functions of phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials.

Nous développons des métamatériaux élastiques à piliers pour manipuler les ondes de Lamb. Dans un premier temps, les propriétés négatives associées aux résonances de flexion, de compression et de torsion dans deux structures constituées de piliers sur un seul côté d’une membrane sont examinées. Nous décrivons deux mécanismes différents des propriétés de double négativité. Le potentiel de ces structures pour la réfraction négative et le cloaking acoustique est démontré. Deuxièmement, nous présentons le transport protégé topologiquement des ondes de Lamb par analogie avec les effets Hall quantiques de spin et de vallée. En réorganisant les structures précédentes en un réseau en nid d'abeille, un cône de Dirac simple et un cône de Dirac double sont introduits. Nous discutons de l’apparition d’états de bord protégés topologiquement par une vallée dans une structure à piliers double face asymétrique. La propagation unidirectionnelle des états de bord est étudiée. De plus, nous considérons un système double face symétrique. Les états de bord protégés topologiquement sur le pseudospin et sur le pseudospin-vallée sont démontrés. Troisièmement, nous proposons une approche pour contrôler activement la transmission de l’onde de Lamb antisymétrique se propageant à travers une ligne infinie de piliers. Deux situations différentes avec les résonances de flexion et de compression respectivement séparées ou superposées sont étudiées. Une force de traction externe et une pression sont appliquées sur les piliers, ce qui permet de les coupler avec les vibrations de flexion et de compression. La transmission est étudiée en fonction de l’amplitude et de la phase relative des sources externes
We develop elastic pillared metamaterials to manipulate Lamb waves. Firstly, the negative properties associated with bending, compression and torsion resonances in two structures consisting of pillars on one side of a thin plate are examined. We describe in details two different mechanisms at the origin of doubly negative property. The potential of these structures for negative refraction of Lamb waves and acoustic cloaking is demonstrated numerically. Secondly, we present the topologically protected transport of Lamb waves by analogy with quantum spin and valley quantum Hall effects. By rearranging the previous structures into a honeycomb network, a single Dirac cone and a double Dirac cone are introduced. We discuss the appearance of topologically valley-protected edge states in an asymmetrical double-sided pillar structure. The unidirectional propagation of edge states on different domain walls is studied. In addition, we consider a symmetrical double-sided system allowing the separation of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes. Combined edge states protected topologically by pseudospin and pseudospin-valley degree of freedom are demonstrated. Third, we propose an approach to actively control the transmission of the antisymmetric Lamb wave propagating through an infinite line of pillars. Two different situations with bending and compression resonances respectively separated or superimposed are studied. External tensile force and pressure are applied to the pillars, which allows them to couple with the bending and compressive vibrations. The transmission is studied as a function of the amplitude and the relative phase of the external sources

La détection, la localisation et le suivi de l’évolution de défauts dans les milieux périodiques et les guides d’ondes est un enjeu majeur dans le domaine du Contrôle Non Destructif (CND). La propagation d’ondes dans ce genre de milieux est complexe, par exemple lorsque la vitesse dépend de la fréquence (dispersion) ou de la direction de propagation (anisotropie). La signature du défaut peut également être « noyée » dans le champ acoustique renvoyé par la structure (réverbération ou diffusion multiple). C’est pour répondre à ces enjeux de taille que l’Optimisation Topologique (OT) a été adaptée aux problèmes de diffraction des ondes acoustiques par des défauts infinitésimaux afin d’obtenir des images de réflectivité des milieux inspectés. La méthode peut être appliquée à toutes sortes de milieux, quelle que soit leur complexité, à condition d’être capable de simuler correctement (sur un milieu de référence) la propagation des ondes de l’expérience physique. En s’inspirant de l’OT, les travaux de cette thèse proposent de mettre en oeuvre des méthodes d’imagerie qualitatives adaptées aux spécificités des Cristaux Phononiques (CP) et des guides d’ondes. Dans un premier temps, nous nous attachons à la description du formalisme mathématique de l’Optimisation Topologique et de la Full Waveform Inversion (FWI). Bien que ces méthodes ne cherchent pas à résoudre les mêmes problèmes inverses, nous mettons en évidence leurs points communs. Dans un deuxième temps, nous appliquons l’Imagerie Topologique (IT) à l’inspection en réflexion des milieux faiblement hétérogènes. Dans un troisième temps, nous nous inspirons de l’IT pour définir une nouvelle variante de celle-ci nommée Imagerie Topologique Hybride (ITH). Nous appliquons ces méthodes pour l’inspection en réflexion des CP crées par des tiges d’acier immergées dans l’eau. Nous comparons les performances de ces méthodes en fonction du type de défaut dans le CP. Les simulations numériques correspondantes à certains cas d’étude sont appuyées par des essais expérimentaux concluants. Dans un quatrième temps, nous adaptons l’IT à une configuration d’inspection en transmission afin de mette en oeuvre une méthode de Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) des guides d’ondes. A ce propos, nous avons mis au point une nouvelle méthode d’imagerie mieux adaptée que l’IT aux configurations d’inspection en transmission
The detection, localization and monitoring of the evolution of defects in periodic media and waveguides is a major issue in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Wave propagation in such media is complex, for example when the velocity depends on the frequency (dispersion) or direction of propagation (anisotropy). The signature of the defect can also be "embedded" in the acoustic field reflected by the structure (reverberation or multiple diffusion). It is to answer these stakes of the size that the Topological Optimization (TO) has been adapted to the problems of diffraction of the acoustic waves by infinitesimal defects in order to obtain reflectivity images of the inspected media. The method can be applied to all kinds of media, regardless of their complexity, provided an exact simulation of the wave propagation in a reference medium (without defects) is performed. Inspired by the TO, the work of this thesis proposes to implement qualitative imaging methods adapted to the specificities of Phononic Crystals (PC) and waveguides. First, we focus on the description of the mathematical formalism of Topological Optimization and Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI). Although these methods do not try to solve the same inverse problems, we highlight their similarities. In a second step, we apply Topological Imaging (TI) to the inspection in pulse-echo configuration of weakly heterogeneous media. Thirdly, we draw inspiration from TI to define a new variant of this method called Hybrid Topological Imaging (HTI).We apply these methods for the pulse-echo configuration inspection of PCs created by steel rods immersed in water.We compare the performance of these methods according to the kind of defects in the PC. Numerical simulations for some case studies are supported by conclusive experimental trials. In a fourth step, we adapt the TI to a pitch-catch configuration in order to implement a new method of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of waveguides. In this regard, we have developed a new imaging method that is better suited than TI to pitch-catch configurations

This thesis covers a set of works pertaining to the generation and the characterization of structured waves defined by exotic topologies. It first presents a method to fabricate devices that can be used to arbitrarily shape the wavefronts of optical waves by means of a geometric phase. These devices can be used to shape the transverse polarization pattern of a light beam as well. Two new extensions to characterization schemes known as orbital angular momentum (OAM) sorters are then introduced and demonstrated. The first extension consists of a sorting scheme able to characterize both the OAM and the polarization content of an optical wave. As demonstrated, this feature could be of use in high-dimensional quantum cryptography. The other extension consists of an OAM sorter for electron waves whose use in materials science is also demonstrated by employing it to characterize a magnetic structure. A proposal on how to measure the OAM carried by an electron by minimally perturbing it is also discussed. The thesis then moves on towards works describing more exotic types of structured waves. On one hand, it explores the stability of space-varying polarized light beams upon propagation through a nonlinear medium. Namely, their propagation is found to be more stable than what is experienced by beams with phase singularities. On the other hand, the effect of twisting a neutron’s wavefunction is also explored and is suggested to affect some of its electromagnetic properties. Finally, a method used to knot the transverse polarization profile of optical beams is presented. The structure of these optical polarization knots is then accurately characterized to reconstruct some of its topological features.

The question of topology in the coronal magnetic field is addressed in this thesis. Magnetic reconnection, which plays a major role in many of the fascinating phenomena seen in the solar atmosphere, is likely to occur at the boundaries between different topological regions of the magnetic field. By modelling the coronal field using discrete sources of flux, to represent the concentrations seen at the photospheric surface, we study the varying topological structures present in the field. We generate a criterion for determining the presence of null points above the photospheric surface and establish that any separatrix surfaces present in the field are due to the presence of either null points, or regions where the field tangentially grazes the surface. We follow the evolution of these separatrix surfaces and, in particular, determine the existence of a well-defined separator field line in the absence of coronal null points. Finally, we look locally at the configuration of the magnetic field in the region surrounding a straight current sheet. We derive an analytical expression to describe the topology of both potential and constant-current force-free fields in the neighbourhood of a sheet, and in so doing generalise the previously known expressions.

L' interesse crescente che circonda lo studio delle proprietà topologiche della materia è profondamente collegato all' effettiva possibilità di verifica in laboratorio. Negli ultimi decenni infatti la fisica sperimentale degli atomi ultrafreddi ha raggiunto livelli di precisione prima inimmaginabili. Attraverso reticoli ottici si possono riprodurre sistemi multicorpo fortemente interagenti di cui si possono controllare in maniera quasi esatta i parametri fisici, come i potenziali. In questo contesto si inserisce il modello bidimensionale P-wave con interazioni a lungo raggio. Le interazioni in questo modello avvengono tra tutte le componenti, quindi in tutte le direzioni. Questo sistema fisico topologico inoltre è caratterizzato da una Hamiltoniana con potenziale di interazione che decade con la distanza secondo una legge di potenza per cui, per quanto detto, la sua realizzazione sperimentale è possibile. In questo lavoro abbiamo iniziato studiando lo spettro di questo sistema partendo da un approccio analitico. Dopo aver compreso il comportamento dei vari termini energetici abbiamo selezionato dei casi di studio per diversi range di interazione. In questi casi successivamente abbiamo analizzato le varie fasi e transizioni di fase tramite simulazioni numeriche. All' aumentare del range di interazione abbiamo visto l' emergere di nuovi fenomeni assenti nei modelli con interazione a corto raggio.

A rich variety of phases can exist in quantum systems. For example, the fractional quantum Hall states have persistent topological characteristics that derive from strong interaction. This thesis uses the exact diagonalization method to investigate quantum lattice models with strong interaction. Our research topics revolve around quantum phase transitions between novel phases. The goal is to find the best schemes for realizing these novel phases in experiments. We studied the fractional Chern insulator and its transition to uni-directional stripes of particles. In addition, we studied topological Mott insulators with spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking induced by interaction. We also studied emergent kinetics in one-dimensional lattices with spin-orbital coupling. The exact diagonalization method and its implementation for studying these systems can easily be applied to study other strongly correlated systems.
PHD
Topological quantum states are a new type of quantum state that have properties that cannot be described by local order parameters. These types of states were first discovered in the 1980s with the integer quantum Hall effect and the fractional quantum Hall effect. In the 2000s, the predicted and experimentally discovered topological insulators triggered studies of new topological quantum states. Studies of strongly correlated systems have been a parallel research topic in condensed matter physics. When combining topological systems with strong correlation, the resulting systems can have novel properties that emerge, such as fractional charge. This thesis summarizes our work that uses the exact diagonalization method to study topological states with strong interaction.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Aspects of the physics of nematic liquid crystals are studied in this thesis from the viewpoint of riemannian geometry through analogue models of gravitation. The topics chosen for study were: geometric and wave optics, elastic waves, hydrodynamics and heat conduction. The main analogue model used is based on the interpretation of Fermat’s principle as a process to obtain null geodesics, where the liquid crystalline material is seen as a riemannian manifold. This approach predicts that the metric effectively felt by the light ray depends on the configuration of molecules in the liquid crystal and on the parallel and perpendicular refractive indexes to the axis of symmetry of the liquid-cristal molecule. It is known that, for the particular case of the existence of topological defects within the material, effective metric similar to cosmological defects (like global monopoles and cosmic strings) are obtained. This thesis develops itself on the situation where there are topological defects of hedgehog type and (k = 1, c = 0) disclination type in the nematic phase of the liquid crystalline material. The first problem studied, as a review, deals with the wave optics, with respect to the light diffracted by the cited defects. Since plane waves of small wavelength have identical trajectories to light rays, the use of analog model is therefore justified. Thus, we show that light scattered by these defects generates a characteristic diffraction pattern, being the location given by an algebraic expression dependent on the parallel and perpendicular refractive indexes to the axis of symmetry of the molecule. We also show how theses patterns depend on the temperature of the material. The second studied problem deals with the geometrical optics and hydrodynamics of the nematic liquid crystals. From a molecular configuration similar to a (k = 1, c = 0) disclination, we let the material flow radially towards the axis of the defect. Then, using the hydrodynamic fact that velocity gradients in the material locally change the refractive index of the molecule, we find the velocity profile that must exist around the defect so that the metric actually experienced by light traveling in the plane perpendicular to the axis the defect is the Schwarzschild one in the equatorial plane, with the Schwarzschild radius interior to the object. We found that the absolute values of the velocity of liquid crystalline fluid can be order of a few meters per second, differing greatly from the values obtained by Gordon metric for an isotropic fluid under identical conditions. The third studied problem deals with the elastic oscillations in the presence of topological defects. Similarly to the first problem, the trajectory of the sound is obtained by an elastic version of Fermat’s principle and, then, compared with a null geodesic. We show how topological defects influence the sound trajectories and the sound diffracted by them. The fourth problem deals with the heat conduction in the vicinity of defects. Considering that the defects come from an addition or removal of portion of the material, letting the medium relaxes elastically, effective metric of the space disturbed by the defect are found, with expressions similar to those obtained by the analogous model based on Fermat’s principle. These metrics generate a modified thermal conductivity tensor, allowing the study of the temperature field in this situation. We show that, depending on the values of parallel and perpendicular thermal conductivity to the axis of symmetry of the molecule and on the defect in question, the temperature gradient can be accentuated or attenuated on the defect, allowing control of the response thermal temperature of the material, according to the presence of defects. Encouraging a greater understanding of the physics of liquid crystals and its use as a background in analogue models of gravity is the main theme of each analyzed problem.
Aspectos da física dos cristais líquidos nemáticos são estudados nesta tese do ponto de vista da geometria riemannina, por meio de modelos análogos de gravitação. Os tópicos escolhidos para estudo foram: óptica geométrica e ondulatória, ondas elásticas, hidrodinâmica e condução de calor. O principal modelo análogo empregado baseia-se na interpretação do princípio de Fermat como um processo de obtenção de geodésicas nulas, onde o material líquido-cristalino é visto como sendo uma variedade riemanniana. Esta abordagem prevê que a métrica efetivamente sentida pelo raio luminoso dependa da configuração das moléculas dentro do cristal líquido e dos índices de refração paralelo e perpendicular ao eixo de simetria da molécula líquido-cristalina. É sabido que, para o caso especial da existência de defeitos topológicos dentro do material, métricas efetivas semelhantes às de defeitos cosmológicos (como monopolos globais e cordas cósmicas) são obtidas. Esta tese desenrola-se sobre a situação onde existem defeitos topológicos do tipo ouriço e do tipo desclinação (k = 1, c = 0) na fase nemática do material líquido-cristalino. O primeiro problema estudado, em caráter de revisão, trata da óptica ondulatória, no que concerne a difração de luz pelos defeitos citados. Uma vez que ondas planas de comprimento de onda pequeno possuem trajetórias idênticas aos raios luminosos, o emprego do modelo análogo é justificado. Assim, mostramos que a luz espalhada por esses defeitos gera padrões de difração bem característicos, sendo a localização dada por expressão algébrica dependente dos índices de refração paralelo e perpendicular ao eixo de simetria da molécula líquido-cristalina. Também mostramos de que forma esses padrões dependem da temperatura do material. O segundo problema estudado trata da óptica geométrica e da hidrodinâmica dos cristais líquidos nemáticos. A partir de uma configuração de moléculas semelhantes à de uma desclinação (k = 1, c = 0), permitimos que o material flua radialmente na direção do eixo do defeito. Em seguida, fazendo uso do fato hidrodinâmico de que gradientes de velocidade no material modificam localmente os índices de refração da molécula, encontramos o perfil de velocidade que deve existir em torno do defeito para que a métrica efetivamente sentida pela luz, que viaja no plano perpendicular ao eixo do defeito, seja a de Schwarzschild no plano equatorial, com raio de Schwarzschild interior ao objeto. Encontramos que os valores absolutos da velocidade de fluido líquido-cristalino podem ser da ordem de alguns metros por segundo, diferindo enormemente dos valores obtidos pela métrica de Gordon para um fluido isotrópico em condições idênticas. O terceiro problema estudado aborda as oscilações elásticas na presença de defeitos. Semelhantemente ao primeiro problema, a trajetória do som é obtida por uma versão elástica do princípio de Fermat e, então, comparada com uma geodésica nula. Mostramos como defeitos topológicos influenciam nas trajetórias sonoras, assim como no som difratado por eles. O quarto problema trata da condução de calor na vizinhança de defeitos. Considerando que os defeitos são resultantes de uma adição ou remoção de porção de material, dando-se seguimento a uma relaxação elástica do meio, métricas efetivas do espaço perturbado pelo defeito são encontradas, com expressões semelhantes às obtidas pelo modelo análogo baseado no princípio de Fermat. Essas métricas geram um tensor condutividade térmica modificado, dando cabo ao estudo do campo de temperatura nessa situação. Mostramos que, dependendo dos valores da condutividade térmica perpendicular e paralela ao eixo de simetria da molécula líquido-cristalina e do defeito em questão, o gradiente de temperatura pode ser acentuado ou atenuado sobre o defeito, permitindo o controle da resposta térmica do material à temperatura, de acordo com a presença de defeitos. Suscitar um entendimento maior da física dos cristais líquidos e de seu emprego como background em modelos análogos de gravitação é o tema principal de cada um dos problemas analisados.

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The model of education in the last decades has undergone considerable changes from a didactic point of view. With the advancement of technology, the speed of obtaining information increases and the use of tools that allow the dynamic visualization of content becomes a strong ally to the teaching-learning process. This work deals with the creation of an interactive tool to visualize the propagation of traveling waves in an electric power system, with the possibility of insertion of data by the user, in order to facilitate the consolidation of knowledge. The model was created from the GUIDE of Matlab R, which has a graphical interface with the possibility of inserting data into a single screen with action buttons, which when clicked performs actions like calculate and display the animated graphic. It is important to highlight that the creation of the program, besides facilitating the student's understanding, due to the animation, also allow a better familiarization with computer simulation software, and with the parameters used in the transient analysis in transmission lines
O modelo de educação nas últimas décadas vem sofrendo alterações consideráveis do ponto de vista didático. Com o avanço da tecnologia, a velocidade da obtenção de informações aumenta e a utilização de ferramentas que possibilitem a visualização dinâmica do conteúdo se faz um forte aliado ao processo ensino-aprendizado. Esse trabalho aborda a criação de uma ferramenta interativa para a visualização da propagação de ondas viajantes em um sistema elétrico de potência, com a possibilidade de inserção de dados por parte do usuário, afi m de facilitar a consolidação do conhecimento. O modelo foi criado a partir do GUIDE do Matlab R, que possui uma interface gráfica com a possibilidade de inserção de dados em uma única tela com botões de ação, que ao serem clicados realizam ações como calcular e mostrar o gráfi co animado. É importante destacar que a criação do programa além de facilitar a compreensão por parte do aluno, devido à animação, também possibilita uma maior familiarização com softwares de simulação computacional, e com os parâmetros utilizados na análise do transitório em linhas de transmissão
2017-06-28

As futuras redes de acesso sem-fio, como a quinta geração de telefonia celular (5G), estão introduzindo e consolidando diversas tecnologias, tais como a operação em ondas milimétricas, picocélulas e o emprego massivo de antenas para diversidade espacial e temporal. Todas essas mudanças trazem desafios para a capacidade dos enlaces presentes nessas redes, como o backhaul e fronthaul. Nas últimas gerações, o ifronthaul tem utilizado Rádio-sobre-Fibra Digital (D-RoF, Digital Radio-over Fiber). Entretanto, neste novo paradigma, o processo de digitalização pode vir a consumir uma largura de banda excessiva e a transmissão analógica dos sinais de RF sobre a fibra se torna uma solução mais atrativa. Ao mesmo tempo, WDM-PON (Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing Passive-Optical-Network) é uma proeminente alternativa para o futuro das PONs, especialmente considerando o seu emprego como fronthaul. Para reduzir a necessidade de diversos transmissores diferentes, várias técnicas de auto-alimentação para obtenção de fontes ópticas agnósticas em comprimento de onda têm sido propostas. O presente trabalho faz um estudo de topologias de auto-alimentação com dupla cavidade para operarem como fronthaul analógico nas futuras redes de acesso sem-fio. Simulações numéricas utilizando o software Optisystem demonstram a viabilidade destas topologias em diversos cenários previstos para estas redes de acesso, especialmente considerando a operação em ondas milimétricas. Transmissões bem sucedidas foram obtidas para sinais ASK, M-PSK e M-QAM em frequências de microondas (1,25, 2,5 e 5 GHz) e ondas milimétricas (38 e 60 GHz) com vazões de 155 Mbps a 10 Gbps utilizando modulação direta e modulação externa.
Future radio access networks, such as the fifth generation mobile network (5G), are introducing and consolidating disruptive technologies, such as millimeter wave operation, dense picocell coverage and massive use of antennas for spatial and temporal diversity. These new technologies present a challenge for the capacity of the links that are present on these networks, including backhaul and fronthaul. In the latest cellular network generations, the fronthaul was typically implemented by Digital Radio-over-Fiber (D-RoF) technique. However, in this future context, the digitalization process would require a prohibitive bandwidth and the analog transmission of RF signals over the fiber can be a more attractive solution when compared to D-RoF. At the same time, Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing PON (WDM-PON) is prominent alternative for the future of PONs, especially considering its use as fronthaul. In order to avoid employing numerous distinct transmitters, several self-seeding techniques have been proposed to achieve colorless optical sources. This dissertation presents a numerical study of double-cavity self-seeding topologies to serve as analog fronthaul for future radio access networks. Numerical simulations using the software Optisystem demonstrate the feasibility of these topologies in various scenarios envisioned for these access networks, especially considering operation in millimeter waves. Successful transmission was achieved for ASK, M-PSK and M-QAM signals at microwave (1.25, 2.5 and 5 GHz) and millimeter wave (38 and 60 GHz) frequencies with throughput of 155 Mbps to 10 Gbps using direct and external modulation.

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Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior
Complex network analysis is a powerful tool into research of complex systems like brain networks. This work aims to describe the topological changes in neural functional connectivity networks of neocortex and hippocampus during slow-wave sleep (SWS) in animals submited to a novel experience exposure. Slow-wave sleep is an important sleep stage where occurs reverberations of electrical activities patterns of wakeness, playing a fundamental role in memory consolidation. Although its importance there s a lack of studies that characterize the topological dynamical of functional connectivity networks during that sleep stage. There s no studies that describe the topological modifications that novel exposure leads to this networks. We have observed that several topological properties have been modified after novel exposure and this modification remains for a long time. Major part of this changes in topological properties by novel exposure are related to fault tolerance
A an?lise da topologia de redes ? uma poderosa ferramenta no estudo de sistemas complexos tal como as redes cerebrais. Este trabalho procura descrever as mudan?as na topologia de redes de conex?o funcional em neur?nios do c?rtex sensorial e do hipocampo durante o sono de ondas lentas (SWS) em animais expostos ? novidade. O sono de ondas lentas ? um importante estado do sono onde h? reverbera??o de padr?es de atividade el?trica ocorridos na vig?lia, tendo com isso papel fundamental na consolida??o de mem?ria. Apesar de sua import?ncia ainda n?o h? estudos que caracterizam a din?mica da topologia de redes de conex?o funcional durante este estado. Tampouco h? estudos que descrevem as modifica??es topol?gicas que a exposi??o ? novidade traz a essas redes. Observamos que v?rias propriedades topol?gicas s?o modificadas ap?s a exposi??o ? novidade e que tais modifica??es se mant?m por um longo per?odo de tempo. A maior parte das propriedades modificadas pela exposi??o ? novidade est? relacionada ? toler?ncia ? falha

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
This dissertation is devoted to the study of wave planar fronts following the work developed by Aicardi in [Ai1]. She finds theses invariantsas a generalization of those introduced by Arnold for plane curves by using the Vassiliev Theory. In this work, we study and describe Aicardi's invariants as well as their properties. Moreover, by using the notions of bridges and chanel given in [MJ-RF] we obtain an alternative algorithm for the calculation os such invariants.
Esta dissertação é dedicada ao estudo dos invariantes de frentes de ondas planas seguindo o trabalho desenvolvido por F. Aicardi em [Ai1]. Ela encontra estes invariantes fazendo uma generalização dos invariantes de curvas planas introduzidos por Arnold utilizando a teoria de Vassiliev. Neste trabalho estudamos e descrevemos os invariantes de Aicardi, assim como suas propriedades. Além disso, utilizando as nações de pontes e canais de curvas dado em [MJ-RJ] apresentamos um algoritmo alternativo para o cálculo de tais invariantes.

Le contexte d'étude est celui de la Compatibilité ÉlectroMagnétique (CEM). L'objectif de la CEM est, comme son nom l'indique, d'assurer la compatibilité entre une source de perturbation électromagnétique et un système électronique victime. Or, la prédiction de ces niveaux de perturbation ne peut pas s'effectuer à l'aide d'un simple calcul analytique, en raison de la géométrie qui est généralement complexe pour le système que l'on étudie, tel que le champ à l'intérieur d'un cockpit d'avion par exemple. En conséquence, nous sommes contraints d'employer des méthodes numériques, dans le but de prédire ce niveau de couplage entre les sources et les victimes. Parmi les nombreuses méthodes numériques existantes à ce jour, les méthodes Multi-Domaines (MD) sont très prisées. En effet, elles offrent la liberté aux utilisateurs de choisir la méthode numérique la plus adaptée, en fonction de la zone géométrique à calculer. Au sein de ces méthodes MD, la " Domain Decomposition Method " (DDM) présente l'avantage supplémentaire de découpler chacun de ces domaines. En conséquence, la DDM est particulièrement intéressante, vis-à-vis des méthodes concurrentes, en particulier sur l'aspect du coût numérique. Pour preuve, l'ONERA continue de développer cette méthode qui ne cesse de montrer son efficacité depuis plusieurs années, notamment pour le domaine des Surfaces Équivalentes Radar (SER) et des antennes. L'objectif de l'étude est de tirer profit des avantages de cette méthode pour des problématiques de CEM. Jusqu'à maintenant, de nombreuses applications de CEM, traitées par le code DDM, fournissaient des résultats fortement bruités. Même pour des problématiques électromagnétiques très simples, des problèmes subsistaient, sans explication convaincante. Ceci justifie cette étude. Le but de cette thèse est de pouvoir appliquer ce formalisme DDM à des problématiques de CEM. Dans cette optique, nous avons été amenés à redéfinir un certain nombre de conventions, qui interviennent au sein de la DDM. Par ailleurs, nous avons développé un modèle spécifique pour les ouvertures, qui sont des voies de couplage privilégiées par les ondes, à l'intérieur des cavités que représentent les blindages. Comme les ouvertures sont, en pratique, de petites dimensions devant la longueur d'onde, on s'est intéressé à un modèle quasi-statique. Nous proposons alors un modèle, qui a été implémenté, puis validé. Suite à ce modèle, nous avons développé une méthode originale, basée sur un calcul en deux étapes, permettant de ne plus discrétiser le support des ouvertures dans les calculs 3D.

La réalisation de supraconducteurs topologiques constitue un des principaux enjeux actuels de la physique de la matière condensée. Il a en effet été prédit que ces systèmes devaient abriter des fermions de Majorana. Ces fermions de Majorana disposent à la fois d’une statistique non-abélienne et, du fait de leur origine topologique, d’une robustesse face au désordre local, ce qui les rend très attrayants pour des applications en informatique quantique. Une approche susceptible de conduire à de la supraconductivité topologique consiste à considérer des systèmes supraconducteurs à fort couplage spin-orbite et brisant la symétrie d’inversion. C’est dans cette optique que, dans le cadre de cette thèse, j’ai effectué des mesures de microscopie et spectroscopie par effet tunnel sur des matériaux quasi-bidimensionnels : (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 et Sr2IrO4.J’ai tout d’abord étudié les propriétés électroniques du matériau incommensurable (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2, proche parent du composé dichalcogénure de métaux de transition 2HNbSe2. (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 est une hétérostructure faite d’alternances de biplans NbSe2 à géométrie prismatique trigonale et de biplans de LaSe avec une structure de sel de roche. Le fort couplage spin-orbite ainsi que la non-centrosymétrie présents dans les plans NbSe2 font de (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 un potentiel candidat pour de la supraconductivité topologique. Dans cette thèse, je présente des résultats de spectroscopie montrant que la structure électronique de (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 est similaire à celle de la monocouche de NbSe2 avec un dopage de type électron accompagné par un déplacement du potentiel chimique de 0,3 eV, jusqu’alors inégalé. J’ai également pu démontrer la nature quasi–bidimensionnelle de (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 et notamment la présence d’un fort couplage spin-orbite de type Ising. De plus, la faible robustesse de la supraconductivité vis à vis du désordre non magnétique couplée à des mesures d’interférences de quasiparticules m’a permis de mettre en avant le caractère non conventionnel du paramètre d’ordre supraconducteur dans (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2. Cette étude permet d’envisager l’utilisationd’hétérostructures incommensurables telles que (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 pour explorer la physique des dichalcogénures de métaux de transition dans la limite bidimensionnelle, pour laquelle de nombreuses études théoriques ont prédit une supraconductivité topologique. Dans cette thèse, je présente également une étude des effets du dopage sur les propriétés électroniques de l’oxyde d’iridium Sr2IrO4. Sr2IrO4 est un isolant de Mott non conventionnel puisqu’il doit cette propriété à la présence d’un fort couplage spin-orbite. Du fait d’une brisure locale de la symétrie d’inversion, certaines prédictions théoriques ont pu montrer que Sr2IrO4 devrait devenir un supraconducteur topologique une fois dopé. Ici, je montre qu’avec le dopage, Sr2IrO4 subit une transition de phase inhomogène à l’échelle nanométrique entre un état isolant de Mott et un état pseudo-métallique. Ce travail justifie la pertinence d’utiliser une sonde locale telle que le microscope à effet tunnel afin de venir compléter des résultats sur la physique de Mott obtenus par des méthodes intégratives comme la spectroscopie électronique résolue en angle
The realization of topological superconductors is one of the main current goals of condensed matter physics. It was indeed predicted that such systems should host Majorana fermions. These Majorana fermions possess both a non-Abelian statistics and, because of their topological origin, a certain robustness against local disorder, which makes them attractive for quantum computing applications. One approach likely to lead to topological superconductivity consists in considering superconducting systems with strong spin-orbit coupling and with broken inversion symmetry. It is in this framework that, during this thesis, I performed scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy measurements on quasi-2D materials : (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 and Sr2IrO4. I first studied the electronic properties of misfit compound LaNb2Se5, which is a parent of transition metal dichalcogenide 2H-NbSe2. (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 is a heterostructure made out of alternations of NbSe2 bilayers with trigonal prismatic geometry and LaSe bilayers with rocksalt structure. (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 is a potential candidate for topological superconductivity because of the presence of both a strong spin-orbit coupling and of broken inversion symmetry in NbSe2 planes. Here, I present spectroscopic results showing that the electronic structure of(LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 is very similar to the one of electron-doped monolayer NbSe2 with a shift of the chemical potential of 0,3 eV, priorly never reached. I could also demonstrate the quasi- 2D nature of (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 and more particularly the presence of a strong Ising spinorbit coupling. Moreover, the observed weakness of superconductivity against non-magnetic disorder combined with quasiparticle interferences measurements allowed me to exhibit the unconventional nature of (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 superconducting order parameter. This study opens the possibility to use misfit heterostructures such as (LaSe)1,14(NbSe2)2 to study thephysics of transition metal dichalcogenides in the 2D limit, for which many theoretical studies predict topological superconductivity. In this thesis, I also present a study on the effects of doping on the electronic properties of iridate compound Sr2IrO4. Sr2IrO4 is a spin-orbit induced Mott insulator. Because inversion symmetry is locally broken in Sr2IrO4, some theoretical predictions suggest that Sr2IrO4 should turn into a topological superconductor once doped. Here, I exhibit a nanometer-scaleinhomogeneous doping-driven Mott insulator to pseudo-metallic phase transition. This work further justifies the importance of using a local probe such as scanning tunnelling microscopy in order to complete results on Mott physics obtained by integrative methods like angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

碩士
國立成功大學
機械工程學系
107
In the present study, a two-dimensional phononic crystal with quantum valley Hall effect is proposed to exhibit the topologically protected edge mode in elastic wave, which only occurs at the interface between two topologically inequivalent phononic crystals. The unit cell of the topologically phononic crystal is composed of the scattering pillars embedded in the middle of the beam, and the Dirac point at the K-point in the irreducible Brillouin zone is investigated. Also, two topological inequivalent phononic crystals are obtained by breaking the spatial inversion symmetry of the primitive cell, and then study the edge mode at the interface by the supercell method and the full-wave simulation by the finite element analysis software COMSOL Multiphysics®. The robustness of edge mode for limiting the backscattering and defect immunity is perfectly verified. Our study may offer a brand new application in high-efficiency waveguide and energy harvesting devices.

We perform microscopic mean-field studies of topological order in a two-dimensional topological superconductor in the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) formalism. By adopting a two-dimensional s-wave topological superconductivity (TSC) model on a minimal tight-binding system, we solve the BdG equations self-consistently to obtain not only the superconducting order parameter, but also the Hartree potential. By computing the Thouless, Kohmoto, Nightingale, and den Nijs (TKNN) number and investigating the bulk-boundary correspondence, we study the nature of Abelian and non-Abelian TSC in terms of self-consistent solutions to the BdG equations. In particular, we examine the effects of temperature and a single non-magnetic impurity deposited in the centre of the system and how they vary depending on topology. We find that the non-Abelian phase exhibits signs of unconventional superconductivity, and by examining the behaviour of this phase under both low and high Zeeman field conditions, we show that the magnitude of the Zeeman field largely dictates the susceptibility of the system to temperature. Furthermore, we investigate the possible interplay of charge density waves (CDW) and TSC. By self-consistently solving for the mean fields, we show that TSC and topological CDW are degenerate ground states---with the same excitation spectrum in the presence of surfaces---and thus can coexist in the Abelian phase. The effects of a non-magnetic impurity, which tends to pin the phase of charge density modulations, are examined in the context of topological CDW.

Topological phases of matter represent a new phase which cannot be understood in terms of Landau’s theory of symmetry breaking and are characterized by non-local topological properties emerging from purely local (microscopic) degrees of freedom. It is the non-trivial topology of the bulk band structure that gives rise to topological phases in condensed matter systems. Quantum Hall systems are prominent examples of such topological phases. Different quantum Hall states cannot be distinguished by a local order parameter. Instead, non-local measurements are required, such as the Hall conductance, to differentiate between various quantum Hall states. A signature of a topological phase is the existence of robust properties that do not depend on microscopic details and are insensitive to local perturbations which respect appropriate symmetries. Examples of such properties are the presence of protected gapless edge states at the boundary of the system for topological insulators and the remarkably precise quantization of the Hall conductance for quantum Hall states. The robustness of these properties can be under-stood through the existence of a topological invariant, such as the Chern number for quantum Hall states which is quantized to integer values and can only be changed by closing the bulk gap. Two other examples of topological phases of matter are topological superconductors and Weyl semimetals. The study of transport in various kinds of junctions of these topological materials is highly interesting for their applications in modern electronics and quantum computing. Another intriguing area to study is how to generate new kind of gapless edge modes in topological systems. In this thesis I have studied various aspects of topological phases of matter, such as electronic transport in junctions of topological insulators and topological superconductors, the generation of new kinds of boundary modes in the presence of granularity, and the effects of periodic driving in topological systems. We have studied the following topics. 1. transport across a line junction of two three-dimensional topological insulators, 2. transport across a junction of topological insulators and a superconductor, 3. surface and edge states of a topological insulator starting from a lattice model, 4. effects of granularity in topological insulators, 5. Majorana modes and conductance in systems with junctions of topological superconducting wires and normal metals, and 6. generation of new surface states in a Weyl semimetal in the presence of periodic driving by the application of electromagnetic radiation. A detailed description of each chapter is given below. • In the first chapter we introduce a number of concepts which are used in the rest of the thesis. We will discuss the ideas of topological phases of matter (for example, topological insulators, topological superconductors and Majorana modes, and Weyl semimetals), the renormalization group theory for weak interactions, and Floquet theory for periodically driven systems. • In the second chapter we study transport across a line junction which separates the surfaces of two three-dimensional topological insulators. The velocities of the Dirac electrons on the two surfaces may be unequal and may even have opposite signs. For a time-reversal invariant system, we show that the line junction is characterized by an arbitrary real parameter α; this determines the scattering amplitudes (reflection and transmission) from the junction. The physical origin of α is a potential barrier that may be present at the junction. If the surface velocities have the same sign, edge states exist that propagate along the line junction with a velocity and orientation of the spin which depend on α and the ratio of the velocities. Next, we study what happens if the two surfaces are at an angle φ with respect to each other. We study the scattering and differential conductance across the line junction as functions of φ and α. We also show that there are edge states which propagate along the line junction with a velocity and spin orientation which depend on φ. Finally, if the surface velocities have opposite signs, we find that the electrons must necessarily transmit into the two-dimensional interface separating the two topological insulators. • In the third chapter we discuss transport across a line junction lying between two orthogonal topological insulator surfaces and a superconductor which can have either s-wave (spin-singlet) or p-wave (spin-triplet) pairing symmetry. This junction is more complicated than the line junction discussed in the previous chapter because of the presence of the superconductor. In a topological insulator spin-up and spin-down electrons get coupled while in a superconductor electrons and holes get coupled. Hence we have to use a four-component spinor formalism to describe both spin and particle-hole degrees of freedom. The junction can have three time-reversal invariant barriers on the three sides. We compute the subgap charge conductance across such a junction and study their behaviors as a function of the bias voltage applied across the junction and the three parameters which characterize the barriers. We find that the presence of topological insulators and a superconductor leads to both Dirac and Schrodinger-like features in the charge conductances. We discuss the effects of bound states on the superconducting side on the conductance; in particular, we show that for triplet p-wave superconductors such a junction may be used to determine the spin state of its Cooper pairs. • In the fourth chapter we derive the surface Hamiltonians of a three-dimensional topological insulator starting from a microscopic model. (This description was not discussed in the previous chapters where we directly started from the surface Hamiltonians without deriving them form a bulk Hamiltonian). Here we begin from the bulk Hamiltonian of a three-dimensional topological insulator Bi2Se3. Using this we derive the surface Hamiltonians on various surfaces of the topological insulator, and we find the states which appear on the different surfaces and along the edge between pairs of surfaces. The surface Hamiltonians depend on the orientation of the surfaces and are therefore quite different from the previous chapters. We use both analytical methods based on the surface Hamiltonians (which are derived from the bulk Hamiltonian) and numerical methods based directly on a lattice discretization of the bulk Hamiltonian in order to find surface and edge states. We find that the application of a potential barrier along an edge can give rise to states localized at that edge. These states have an unusual energy-momentum dispersion which can be controlled by applying a potential along the edge; in particular, the velocity of these states can be tuned to zero. The scattering and conductance across the edge are studied as a function of the edge potential. We show that a magnetic field applied in a particular direction can also give rise to zero energy states on certain edges. We point out possible experimental ways of looking for the various edge states. • In the fifth chapter we study a system made of topological insulator (TI) nanocrystals which are coupled to each other. Our theoretical studies are motivated by the following experimental observations. Electrical transport measurements were carried out on thin films of nanocrystals of Bi2Se3 which is a TI. The measurements reveal that the entire system behaves like a single TI with two topological surface states at the two ends of the system. The two surface states are found to be coupled if the film thickness is small and decoupled above a certain film thickness. The surface state penetration depth is found to be unusually large and it decreases with increasing temperature. To explain all these experimental results we propose a theoretical model for this granular system. This consists of multiple grains of Bi2Se3 stacked next to each other in a regular array along the z-direction (the c-axis of Bi2Se3 nanocrystals). We assume translational invariance along the x and y directions. Each grain has top and bottom surfaces on which the electrons are described by Hamiltonians of the Dirac form which can be derived from the bulk Hamiltonian known for this material. We introduce intra-grain tunneling couplings t1 between the opposite surfaces of a single grain and inter-grain couplings t2 between nearby surfaces of two neighboring grains. We show that when t1 < t2 the entire system behaves like a single topological insulator whose outermost surfaces have gapless spectra described by Dirac Hamiltonians. We find a relation between t1, t2 and the surface state penetration depth λ which explains the properties of λ that are seen experimentally. We also present an expression for the surface state Berry phase as a function of the hybridization between the surface states and a Zeeman magnetic field that may be present in the system. At the end we theoretically studied the surface states on one of the side surfaces of the granular system and showed that many pairs of surface states can exist on the side surfaces depending on the length of the unit cell of the granular system. • In the sixth chapter we present our work on junctions of p-wave superconductors (SC) and normal metals (NM) in one dimension. We first study transport in a system where a SC wire is sandwiched between two NM wires. For such a system it is known that there is a Majorana mode at the junction between the SC and each NM lead. If the p-wave pairing changes sign at some point inside the SC, two additional Majorana modes appear near that point. We study the effect of all these modes on the subgap conductance between the leads and the SC. We derive an analytical expression as a function of and the length L of the SC for the energy shifts of the Majorana modes at the junctions due to hybridization between them; the energies oscillate and decay exponentially as L is increased. The energies exactly match the locations of the peaks in the conductance. We find that the subgap conductances do not change noticeably with the sign of . So there is no effect of the extra Majorana modes which appear inside the SC (due to changes in the signs of Δ) on the subgap conductance. Next we study junctions of three p-wave SC wires which are connected to the NM leads. Such a junction is of interest as it is the simplest system where braiding of Majorana modes is possible. Another motivation for studying this system is to see if the subgap transport is affected by changes in the signs of . For sufficiently long SCs, there are zero energy Majorana modes at the junctions between the SCs and the leads. In addition, depending on the signs of the Δ’s in the three SCs, there can also be one or three Majorana modes at the junction of the three SCs. We show that the various subgap conductances have peaks occurring at the energies of all these modes; we therefore get a rich pattern of conductance peaks. Next we study the effects of interactions between electrons (in the NM leads) on the transport. We use a renormalization group approach to study the effect of interactions on the conductance at energies far from the SC gap. Hence the earlier part of this chapter where we studied the transport at an energy E inside the SC gap (so that − < E < Δ) differs from this part where we discuss conductance at an energy E where |E| ≫ . For the latter part we assume the region of three SC wires to be a single region whose only role is to give rise to a scattering matrix for the NM wires; this scattering matrix has both normal and Andreev elements (namely, an electron can be reflected or transmitted as either an electron or a hole). We derive a renormalization group equation for the elements of the scattering matrix by assuming the interaction to be sufficiently weak. The fixed points of the renormalization group flow and their stabilities are studied; we find that the scattering matrix at the stable fixed point is highly symmetric even when the microscopic scattering matrix and the interaction strengths are not symmetric. Using the stability analysis we discuss the dependence of the conductances on the various length scales of the problem. Finally we propose an experimental realization of this system which can produce different signs of the p-wave pairings in the different SCs. • In the seventh chapter we show that the application of circularly polarized electro-magnetic radiation on the surface of a Weyl semimetal can generate states at that surface. The surface states can be characterized by their momenta due to translation invariance. The Floquet eigenvalues of these states come in complex conjugate pairs rather than being equal to ±1. If the amplitude of the radiation is small, we find some unusual bulk-boundary relations: the Floquet eigenvalues of the surface states lie at the extrema of the Floquet eigenvalues of the bulk system when the latter are plotted as a function of the momentum perpendicular to the surface, and the peaks of the Fourier transforms of the surface state wave functions lie at the momenta where the bulk Floquet eigenvalues have extrema. For the case of zero surface momentum, we can analytically derive interesting scaling relations between the decay lengths of the surface states and the amplitude and penetration depth of the radiation. For topological insulators, we again find that circularly polarized radiation can generate states on the surfaces; these states have much larger decay lengths (which can be tuned by the radiation amplitude) than the topological surface states which are present even in the absence of radiation. Finally, we show that radiation can generate surface states even for trivial insulators.