MHD instability at the cathode spot as the origin of the vortex formation in high-intensity plasma arcs

Magnetohydrodynamic instability in a high-intensity arc, similar to typical arcs in DC electric arc furnaces, is simulated using an induction based model under 2D axisymmetric conditions. Time-averaged results show a good agreement with steady-state calculated results expected for a stable arc. The transient results declare that z-pinch close to the cathode, occurring due to the high electrical current density, is responsible for arc instability in this region. The unstable behavior of the arc can be evaluated in a periodic procedure. Moreover, correlations between the fluctuations in total voltage drop curve and the arc shape are investigated: when the arc is in form of column (or bell) the total voltage drop is on a minimum peak; if there is an irregular expansion of the arc in form of arms, the total voltage drop shows a maximum peak.

Nature of charge order in cuprate superconductors

The recently discovered charge order is an intrinsic and universal property of cuprate superconductors, however, its microscopic origin remains debated. Here we review briefly the theoretical work about the nature of charge order in cuprate superconductors. In particular, we show that the electron self-energy obliterates the electron Fermi surface around the antinodal region, leaving behind disconnected Fermi arcs located around the nodal region. The charge-order state on the other hand is driven by the Fermi-arc instability, with a characteristic wavevector corresponding to the hot spots of the Fermi arcs rather than the antinodal nesting vector. Since the pseudogap emanates from the electron self-energy, the Fermi arc, charge order, and pseudogap in cuprate superconductors are intimately related each other.