Singularities in the gravitational capture of dark matter through long-range interactions

We re-examine the gravitational capture of dark matter (DM) through long-range interactions. We demonstrate that neglecting the thermal motion of target particles, which is often a good approximation for short-range capture, results in parametrically inaccurate results for long-range capture. When the particle mediating the scattering process has a mass that is small in comparison to the momentum transfer in scattering events, correctly incorporating the thermal motion of target particles results in a quadratic, rather than logarithmic, sensitivity to the mediator mass, which substantially enhances the capture rate. We quantitatively assess the impact of this finite temperature effect on the captured DM population in the Sun as a function of mediator mass. We find that capture of DM through light dark photons, as in e.g. mirror DM, can be powerfully enhanced, with self-capture attaining a geometric limit over much of parameter space. For visibly-decaying dark photons, thermal corrections are not large in the Sun, but may be important in understanding long-range DM capture in more massive bodies such as Population III stars. We additionally provide the first calculation of the long-range DM self-evaporation rate.

Tweezepy: A Python package for calibrating forces in single-molecule video-tracking experiments

Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) instruments (e.g., magnetic and optical tweezers) often use video tracking to measure the three-dimensional position of micron-scale beads under an applied force. The force in these experiments is calibrated by comparing the bead trajectory to a thermal motion-based model with the drag coefficient, γ, and trap spring constant, κ, as parameters. Estimating accurate parameters is complicated by systematic biases from spectral distortions, the camera exposure time, parasitic noise, and least-squares fitting methods. However, while robust calibration methods exist that correct for these biases, they are not always used because they can be complex to implement computationally. To address this barrier, we present Tweezepy: a Python package for calibrating forces in SMFS video-tracking experiments. Tweezepy uses maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to estimate parameters and their uncertainties from a single bead trajectory via the power spectral density (PSD) and Allan variance (AV). It is well-documented, fast, easy to use, and accounts for most common sources of biases in SMFS video-tracking experiments. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of Tweezepy’s calibration scheme, including a review of the theory underlying thermal motion-based parameter estimates, a discussion of the PSD, AV, and MLE, and an explanation of their implementation.

The fluctuation-dissipation theorem and the autocorrelation function of thermal radiation

A new relatively simple derivation of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) is presented. The generalized coordinate of the system is changed by an external force and is expressed by means of causal susceptibility, its Fourier transform – the transfer function, generalized impedance and active resistance. These characteristics describe heat dissipation on the resistor and the result is generalized to the dissipative system which is under the action of macroscopic force. The fluctuation voltage on the resistor is obtained by decomposing the thermal chaotic motion of free charges along the conductor into a Fourier series. The number of standing waves and the average energy of the quantum oscillation state at a fixed temperature give the thermal power of charge transfer. By comparing with the Joule-Lenz law and by generalizing the result to an arbitrary isothermal system, the mean square of the fluctuating force and dispersion of the generalized coordinate caused by the thermal motion are obtained. The autocorrelation functions of the generalized coordinate and the random force, and their spectral densities are expressed through the considered characteristics. The content of FDT is that the power of heat release, the spectral densities of the fluctuating force and the autocorrelation are proportional to the imaginary part of the transfer function of the system. The result is used for thermal radiation in a cavity the walls of which contain electric dipoles excited by thermal motion. The transfer function, the fluctuating force acting on the charge, the dispersion of the electric field strength, time autocorrelation of the electric field strength and its spectral density are obtained. Real and imaginary components, the modulus and phase are found for complex relative autocorrelation of the electric field strength and the coherence time is determined.

Modeling of orientational polarization within the framework of extended micropolar theory

In this paper the process of polarization of transversally polarizable matter is investigated based on concepts from micropolar theory. The process is modeled as a structural change of a dielectric material. On the microscale it is assumed that it consists of rigid dipoles subjected to an external electric field, which leads to a certain degree of ordering. The ordering is limited, because it is counteracted by thermal motion, which favors stochastic orientation of the dipoles. An extended balance equation for the microinertia tensor is used to model these effects. This balance contains a production term. The constitutive equations for this term are split into two parts, one , which accounts for the orienting effect of the applied external electric field, and another one, which is used to represent chaotic thermal motion. Two relaxation times are used to characterize the impact of each term on the temporal development. In addition homogenization techniques are applied in order to determine the final state of polarization. The traditional homogenization is based on calculating the average effective length of polarized dipoles. In a non-traditional approach the inertia tensor of the rigid rods is homogenized. Both methods lead to similar results. The final states of polarization are then compared with the transient simulation. By doing so it becomes possible to link the relaxation times to the finally observed state of order, which in terms of the finally obtained polarization is a measurable quantity.

Shear-induced diffusion in dense granular fluids

Granular materials are comprised of solid, athermal grains. Whilst immune to thermal motion, these grains move and diffuse when they undergo shear deformation. Here we introduce this process of shear-induced...