Frenkel-Kontorova model with nonconvex-interparticle interactions and strain gradients

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.37.9893· OSTI ID:7171901

Marianer, S; Bishop, A R

We study the statics and dynamics of a chain of atoms moving in a periodic potential with nonlinear, nonconvex interparticle interactions, and with strain gradients which we model by including next-nearest-neighbor interactions through the discrete Hamiltonian H = +u/sub n/-1)/sup 2/-cos u/sub n/. We obtain the phase diagram within an ansatz of periodically modulated configurations. These generalize the homogeneous (for ..beta..<(18) and dimerized (for ..beta..>(18) configurations reported previously for ..gamma.. = 0, and are given by u/sub n/ = na/sub 1/+b/sub 1/ for n = 1,...,N and u/sub n/ = na/sub 2/+b/sub 2/ for n = N+1,...,M. The dynamics of transitions between different configurations when the parameters are varied is also investigated and we show that these are dominated by nucleation processes, which occur on short time scales compared with the subsequent slow growth. The possible relevance of the model to the dynamics of twin boundaries recently observed in the copper-oxide high-temperature superconductors is discussed.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 7171901
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States) Vol. 37:16; ISSN PRBMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

656002* -- Condensed Matter Physics-- General Techniques in Condensed Matter-- (1987-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
DIAGRAMS
HAMILTONIANS
MATHEMATICAL OPERATORS
MODULATION
PHASE DIAGRAMS
QUANTUM OPERATORS
SOLIDS
STRAINS
TWINNING