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The reconstruction of an inflationary universe considering the parametrization of the scalar spectral index as a function of the number of $e-$folds in the framework of a modified Friedmann equation is analyzed. In this context, we examine the possibility of reconstructing the Hubble parameter together with the effective potential considering a modified Friedmann equation specified by $\mathcal{F}(H)\propto \rho$, where $\mathcal{F}(H)$ corresponds to an arbitrary function of the Hubble parameter $H$ and $\rho$ denotes the energy density associated with the matter in the universe. To reconstruct the background variables during the inflationary scenario, we develop a new methodology by expressing the spectral index in terms of the Hubble parameter and its derivatives. Thus, we obtain a general formalism for the reconstruction of the inflation, using the slow roll approximation together with the parametrization of the scalar spectral index as a function of the number of $e-$folds $N$. As specific examples, we consider the simplest attractor $n_s-1=-2/N$ together with different functions $\mathcal{F}(H)$, associated to the modified Friedmann equation, to rebuild the Hubble parameter and the effective potential in terms of the scalar field $\phi$. Additionally, we examine the reheating epoch by considering a constant equation of state parameter, in which we determine the temperature and the number of e-folds during this epoch, using the background variables found during the reconstruction of the different $\mathcal{F}(H)-$models studied. Besides, we constrain the different parameters associated with the reconstructed inflationary $\mathcal{F}(H)-$models during the epochs of inflation and reheating, using current astronomical data from Planck and BICEP/Keck results., Comment: 25 pages and 9 figures

In this article we analyze the reconstruction of inflation in the framework of a non-canonical theory. In this sense, we study the viability of reconstructing the background variables assuming a non-lineal kinetic term given by $K(X,\phi)=X+g(\phi)X^2$, with $X$ the standard kinetic term associated to the scalar field $\phi$ and $g(\phi)$ an arbitrary coupling function. In order to achieve this reconstruction in the context of inflation, we assume the slow-roll approximation together with the parametrization of the scalar spectral index $n_s$ and the speed of sound $c_s$ as a function of the number of $e-$folds $N$. By assuming the simplest parametrizations for $n_s-1=-2/N$ and $c_s\propto N^{-\beta}$ with $\beta$ a constant, we find the reconstruction of the effective potential $V(\phi)$ and the coupling function $g(\phi)$ in terms of the scalar field. Besides, we study the reheating epoch by considering a constant equation of state parameter, where we determine the temperature and number of $e-$folds during the reheating epoch in terms of the reconstructed variables and the observational parameters. In this way, the parameter-space related to the reconstructed inflationary model are constrained during the epochs of inflation and reheating by assuming the current astronomical data from Planck and BICEP/Keck results., Comment: 20 pages and 5 figures. Accepted by Physics of the Dark Universe

Reversible, nonvolatile, and pronounced refractive index modulation is an unprecedented combination of properties enabled by chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs). This combination of properties makes PCMs a fast-growing platform for active, low-energy nanophotonics, including tunability to otherwise passive thin-film optical coatings. Here, we integrate the PCM Sb2Se3 into a novel four-layer thin-film optical coating that exploits photonic Fano resonances to achieve tunable structural colors in both reflection and transmission. We show, contrary to traditional coatings, that Fano-resonant optical coatings (FROCs) allow for achieving transmissive and reflective structures with narrowband peaks at the same resonant wavelength. Moreover, we demonstrate asymmetric optical response in reflection, where Fano resonance and narrow-band filtering are observed depending upon the light incidence side. Finally, we use a multi-objective inverse design via machine learning (ML) to provide a wide range of solution sets with optimized structures while providing information on the performance limitations of the PCM-based FROCs. Adding tunability to the newly introduced Fano-resonant optical coatings opens various applications in spectral and beam splitting, and simultaneous reflective and transmissive displays, diffractive objects, and holograms., Comment: 16 pages, 12 figures

The reconstruction of an inflationary universe in the context of one $f(\phi)T$ gravity, in which $T$ corresponds to the trace of energy momentum tensor is studied. To realize this reconstruction during the inflationary epoch, we consider as attractor the scalar spectral index $n_s$ in terms of of the number of $e$-folds $N$, in the framework of the slow-roll approximation. By assuming a specific function $f(\phi)$ together with the simplest attractor $n_s(N)$, we find different expressions for the reconstructed effective potential $V(\phi)$. Additionally, we analyze the era of reheating occurs after of the reconstruction obtained during the inflationary epoch. In this scenario we determine the duration and temperature during the reheating epoch, in terms of the equation of state parameter and the observational parameters. In this context, the different parameters associated to the reconstructed model are restricted during the scenarios of inflation and reheating by considering the recent astronomical observations., Comment: 18 pages and 6 figures. Accepted to publication in Annals of Physics

Optical phase-change materials are highly promising for emerging applications such as tunable metasurfaces, reconfigurable photonic circuits, and non-von Neumann computing. However, these materials typically require both high melting temperatures and fast quenching rates to reversibly switch between their crystalline and amorphous phases, a significant challenge for large-scale integration. Here, we present an experimental technique which leverages the thermo-optic effect in GST to enable both spatial and temporal thermal measurements of two common electro-thermal microheater designs currently used by the phase-change community. Our approach shows excellent agreement between experimental results and numerical simulations and provides a non-invasive method for rapid characterization of electrically programmable phase-change devices.

We study the axisymmetric impact of a rigid sphere onto an elastic membrane theoretically and experimentally. We derive governing equations from first principles and impose natural kinematic and geometric constraints for the coupled motion of the sphere and the membrane during contact. The free-boundary problem of finding the contact surface, over which forces caused by the collision act, is solved by an iterative method. This results in a model that produces detailed predictions of the trajectory of the sphere, the deflection of the membrane, and the pressure distribution during contact. Our model predictions are validated against our direct experimental measurements. Moreover, we identify new phenomena regarding the behaviour of the coefficient of restitution for low impact velocities, the possibility of multiple contacts during a single rebound, and energy recovery on subsequent bounces. Insight obtained from this model problem in contact mechanics can inform ongoing efforts towards the development of predictive models for contact problems that arise naturally in multiple engineering applications.

We consider a liquid drop placed on a smooth homogeneous solid substrate as it spreads from rest to its eventual equilibrium state. The problem is studied numerically in the framework of a model where the contact angle formed by the drop's free surface with the substrate is not prescribed as a function of the contact-line speed and has to be found as part of the solution. It is shown that in this spontaneous spreading, as the drop starts moving and the contact line accelerates, the dynamic contact angle decreases with the contact-line speed, which is in line with what experimental observations on spontaneous wetting report, though it is contrary to what is assumed in most models aimed at describing experiments on the "forced" spreading. Nontrivial aspects of the implementation of the model in a finite-element-based algorithm are discussed in detail.

Energy-efficient programmable photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are the cornerstone of on-chip classical and quantum optical technologies. Optical phase shifters constitute the fundamental building blocks which enable these programmable PICs. Thus far, carrier modulation and thermo-optical effect are the chosen phenomena for ultrafast and low-loss phase shifters, respectively; however, the state and information they carry are lost once the power is turned off-they are volatile. The volatility not only compromises energy efficiency due to their demand for constant power supply, but also precludes them from emerging applications such as in-memory computing. To circumvent this limitation, we introduce a novel phase shifting mechanism that exploits the nonvolatile refractive index modulation upon structural phase transition of Sb$_{2}$Se$_{3}$, a bi-stable transparent phase change material. A zero-static power and electrically-driven phase shifter was realized on a foundry-processed silicon-on-insulator platform, featuring record phase modulation up to 0.09 $\pi$/$\mu$m and a low insertion loss of 0.3 dB/$\pi$, which can be further improved upon streamlined design. We also pioneered a one-step partial amorphization scheme to enhance the speed and energy efficiency of PCM devices. A diverse cohort of programmable photonic devices were demonstrated based on the ultra-compact PCM phase shifter., Comment: 15 pages with 6 figures and 1 table

A millimetre-size superhydrophobic sphere impacting on the free surface of a quiescent bath can be propelled back into the air by capillary effects and dynamic fluid forces, whilst transferring part of its energy to the fluid. We report the findings of a thorough investigation of this phenomenon, involving different approaches. Over the range from minimum impact velocities required to produce rebounds to impact velocities that cause the sinking of the solid sphere, we focus on the dependence of the coefficient of restitution, contact time and maximum surface deflection on the different physical parameters of the problem. Experiments, simulations and asymptotic analysis reveal trends in the rebound metrics, uncover new phenomena at both ends of the Weber number spectrum, and collapse the data. Direct numerical simulations using a pseudo-solid sphere successfully reproduce experimental data whilst also providing insight into flow quantities that are challenging to determine from experiments. A model based on matching the motion of a perfectly hydrophobic impactor to a linearised fluid free surface is validated against direct numerical simulations and used in the low Weber number regime. The hierarchical and cross-validated models in this study allow us to explore the entirety of our target parameter space within a challenging multi-scale system., Comment: 31 pages, 16 figures

Active metasurfaces promise reconfigurable optics with drastically improved compactness, ruggedness, manufacturability, and functionality compared to their traditional bulk counterparts. Optical phase change materials (O-PCMs) offer an appealing material solution for active metasurface devices with their large index contrast and nonvolatile switching characteristics. Here we report what we believe to be the first electrically reconfigurable nonvolatile metasurfaces based on O-PCMs. The O-PCM alloy used in the devices, Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST), uniquely combines giant non-volatile index modulation capability, broadband low optical loss, and a large reversible switching volume, enabling significantly enhanced light-matter interactions within the active O-PCM medium. Capitalizing on these favorable attributes, we demonstrated continuously tunable active metasurfaces with record half-octave spectral tuning range and large optical contrast of over 400%. We further prototyped a polarization-insensitive phase-gradient metasurface to realize dynamic optical beam steering., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures

Reconfigurable photonic systems featuring minimal power consumption are crucial for integrated optical devices in real-world technology. Current active devices available in foundries, however, use volatile methods to modulate light, requiring a constant supply of power and significant form factors. Essential aspects to overcoming these issues are the development of nonvolatile optical reconfiguration techniques which are compatible with on-chip integration with different photonic platforms and do not disrupt their optical performances. In this paper, a solution is demonstrated using an optoelectronic framework for nonvolatile tunable photonics that employs undoped-graphene microheaters to thermally and reversibly switch the optical phase-change material Ge$_2$Sb$_2$Se$_4$Te$_1$ (GSST). An in-situ Raman spectroscopy method is utilized to demonstrate, in real-time, reversible switching between four different levels of crystallinity. Moreover, a 3D computational model is developed to precisely interpret the switching characteristics, and to quantify the impact of current saturation on power dissipation, thermal diffusion, and switching speed. This model is used to inform the design of nonvolatile active photonic devices; namely, broadband Si$_3$N$_4$ integrated photonic circuits with small form-factor modulators and reconfigurable metasurfaces displaying 2$\pi$ phase coverage through neural-network-designed GSST meta-atoms. This framework will enable scalable, low-loss nonvolatile applications across a diverse range of photonics platforms., Comment: 22 pages, 5 Figures, 2 tables

Traditionally, scholars in physics education research pay attention to students solving well-structured learning activities, which provide restricted room for collaboration and idea-generation due to their close-ended nature. In order to encourage the socialization of information among group members, we utilized a real-world problem where students were asked to generate a well-structured physics task, and investigated how student groups collaborated to create physics problems for younger students at an introductory physics course at a university in northern Chile. Data collection consists of audio recording the group discussions while they were collaborating to develop their physics problems as well as the solutions they created to their problems. Through interviews, we accessed students' perceptions on the task and its challenges. Results suggest that generating problems is an opportunity for students to propose ideas and make decisions regarding the goals of the problem, concepts and procedures, contextual details and magnitudes and units to introduce in their generated problems. In addition, we found evidence that groups tested the validity of their creations by engaging in strategies often observed with algebra-based physics problems, such as mathematical procedures and qualitative descriptions of the physics embedded in the problem, yet groups invested more time with algebra-based strategies compared to more qualitative descriptions. Students valued the open-ended nature of the task and recognized its benefits in utilizing physics ideas into context, which in turn enabled collaboration in a way not experienced with traditional algebra-based problems. These findings support the use of generative activities as a pathway for students to engage in real-world physics problems that allow for a range and variety of collective processes and ideas., Comment: 13 pages, 2 figures

Active metasurfaces, whose optical properties can be modulated post-fabrication, have emerged as an intensively explored field in recent years. The efforts to date, however, still face major performance limitations in tuning range, optical quality, and efficiency especially for non mechanical actuation mechanisms. In this paper, we introduce an active metasurface platform combining phase tuning covering the full 2$\pi$ range and diffraction-limited performance using an all-dielectric, low-loss architecture based on optical phase change materials (O-PCMs). We present a generic design principle enabling switching of metasurfaces between two arbitrary phase profiles and propose a new figure-of-merit (FOM) tailored for active meta-optics. We implement the approach to realize a high-performance varifocal metalens operating at 5.2 $\mu$m wavelength. The metalens is constructed using Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST), an O-PCM with a large refractive index contrast ($\Delta$ n > 1) and unique broadband low-loss characteristics in both amorphous and crystalline states. The reconfigurable metalens features focusing efficiencies above 20% at both states for linearly polarized light and a record large switching contrast ratio of 29.5 dB. We further validated aberration-free imaging using the metalens at both optical states, which represents the first experimental demonstration of a non-mechanical active metalens with diffraction-limited performance.

In this work we explore a Holographic Dark Energy Model in a flat Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker Universe, which contains baryons, radiation, cold dark matter and dark energy within the framework of General Relativity. Furthermore, we consider three types of phenomenological interactions in the dark sector. With the proposed model we obtained the algebraic expressions for the cosmological parameters of our interest: the deceleration and coincidence parameters. Likewise, we graphically compare the proposed model with the $\Lambda$CDM model., Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, XXI Simposio Chileno de F\'isica

In this study, we explored the extent to which problems and instructional strategies affect social cohesion and interactions for information seeking in physics classrooms. Three sections of a mechanics physics course taught at a Chilean University in Coquimbo were investigated. Each section had a weekly problem-solving session using different sets of well and/or ill-structured problems (i.e., algebra-based and open-ended problems respectively), as well as instructional strategies for guiding the problem-solving sessions. Data was collected on networks of information seeking and perceptions of good physics students, during a problem-solving session. We used social network analysis (SNA) for constructing variables while conducting the study. Results suggest that the teaching and learning strategies to guide problem-solving of well and ill-structured problems yield different levels of social interaction among classmates, and significant levels of activity in seeking out information for learning and problem-solving. While strategies for guiding problem-solving lend to significant differences for network connectivity, well and ill-structured physics problems predict similar levels of social activity.

Optical phase change materials (O-PCMs), a unique group of materials featuring drastic optical property contrast upon solid-state phase transition, have found widespread adoption in photonic switches and routers, reconfigurable meta-optics, reflective display, and optical neuromorphic computers. Current phase change materials, such as Ge-Sb-Te (GST), exhibit large contrast of both refractive index (delta n) and optical loss (delta k), simultaneously. The coupling of both optical properties fundamentally limits the function and performance of many potential applications. In this article, we introduce a new class of O-PCMs, Ge-Sb-Se-Te (GSST) which breaks this traditional coupling, as demonstrated with an optical figure of merit improvement of more than two orders of magnitude. The first-principle computationally optimized alloy, Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, combines broadband low optical loss (1-18.5 micron), large optical contrast (delta n = 2.0), and significantly improved glass forming ability, enabling an entirely new field of infrared and thermal photonic devices. We further leverage the material to demonstrate nonvolatile integrated optical switches with record low loss and large contrast ratio, as well as an electrically addressed, microsecond switched pixel level spatial light modulator, thereby validating its promise as a platform material for scalable nonvolatile photonics., Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures

Collocated data processing and storage are the norm in biological systems. Indeed, the von Neumann computing architecture, that physically and temporally separates processing and memory, was born more of pragmatism based on available technology. As our ability to create better hardware improves, new computational paradigms are being explored. Integrated photonic circuits are regarded as an attractive solution for on-chip computing using only light, leveraging the increased speed and bandwidth potential of working in the optical domain, and importantly, removing the need for time and energy sapping electro-optical conversions. Here we show that we can combine the emerging area of integrated optics with collocated data storage and processing to enable all-photonic in-memory computations. By employing non-volatile photonic elements based on the phase-change material, Ge2Sb2Te5, we are able to achieve direct scalar multiplication on single devices. Featuring a novel single-shot Write/Erase and a drift-free process, such elements can multiply two scalar numbers by mapping their values to the energy of an input pulse and to the transmittance of the device, codified in the crystallographic state of the element. The output pulse, carrying the information of the light-matter interaction, is the result of the computation. Our all-optical approach is novel, easy to fabricate and operate, and sets the stage for development of entirely photonic computers.

We studied the hydrogen atom as a system of two quantum particles in different confinement conditions; a spherical-impenetrable-wall cavity and a fullerene molecule cage. The motion is referred to the center of spherical cavities, and the Schr\"{o}dinger equation solved by means of a Generalized Sturmian Function expansion in spherical coordinates. The solutions present different properties from the ones described by the many models in the literature, where the proton is fixed in space and only the electron is considered as a quantum particle. Our results show that the position of the proton (i.e. the center of mas of the H atom) is very sensitive to the confinement condition, and could vary substantially from one state to another, from being sharply centered to being localized outside the fullerene molecule. Interchange of the localization characteristics between the states when varying the strength of the fullerene cage and mass occurred through crossing phenomena.