The first year of the “open discovery of stem laboratories” (ODL) project

The Open Discovery of STEM Laboratories (ODL) project, co-funded by the European Community Erasmus+ KA2 program for 30 months, starting from November 2015, involves five countries: Spain, Italy, Greece, Estonia and Lithuania. It aims to implement teacher collaboration in creating and using μMOOCs (very short version of MOOCs-Massive Open Online Courses) for encouraging the use of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) remote/virtual laboratories into lessons. The challenge of the project is to impact on teaching process and inspire pedagogical innovation and modernization by means of open education resources, teaching/learning tools and best practices provided by European e…

NOISE EFFECTS IN POLYMER DYNAMICS

The study of the noise induced effects on the dynamics of a chain molecule crossing a potential barrier, in the presence of a metastable state, is presented. A two-dimensional stochastic version of the Rouse model for a flexible polymer has been adopted to mimic the molecular dynamics and to take into account the interactions between adjacent monomers. We obtain a nonmonotonic behavior of the mean first passage time and its standard deviation, of the polymer centre of inertia, with the noise intensity. These findings reveal a noise induced effect on the mean crossing time. The role of the polymer length is also investigated.

The BioS4You European project: An innovative way to effectively engage Z-generation students in STEM disciplines

In this contribution, we present the BioS4You project and analyse the results obtained in the first 18 months of its activity. The “Bio-Inspired STEM topics for engaging young generations” (BioS4You) Erasmus+ KA2 Innovation project aims to bridge the gap between STEM national curricula (which include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the needs of Z-generation students, uninterested to basic themes, but enthusiastic in issues related to environmental, social, and health concerns. The BioS4You project engages young learners in STEM subjects, starting with current issues of interest for them, as the social and environmental impact of new technologies, connecting STEM conce…

Preliminary Analysis on Correlations between Spatial Distribution of Chlorophyll-a and Experimental Data of Biomass in the Strait of Sicily

This study, using both remotely sensed and measured in situ data, is directed to the analysis of the correlations between the chlorophyll-a concentration and the biomass of sardines and anchovies acoustically evaluated in the Strait of Sicily. This work, inter alia, shows the usefulness of remote observation of seas in determining possible relationships between fish stocks and some oceanographic parameters (Sea Surface Temperature, Chlorophyll-a, Zooplankton).

Temperature dependence of spin depolarization of drifting electrons in n-type GaAs bulks

The influence of temperature and transport conditions on the electron spin relaxation in lightly doped n-type GaAs semiconductors is investigated. A Monte Carlo approach is used to simulate electron transport, including the evolution of spin polarization and relaxation, by taking into account intravalley and intervalley scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium. Spin relaxation lengths and times are computed through the D'yakonov-Perel process, which is the more relevant spin relaxation mechanism in the regime of interest (10 < T < 300 K). The decay of the initial spin polarization of the conduction electrons is calculated as a function of the distance in the presence of…

An Inquiry-based approach to the Franck-Hertz experiment

In this study we present the results of an inquiry-driven learning path experienced by a sample of 15 selected engineering undergraduates engaged to perform the Franck-Hertz experiment. Before being involved in this experimental activity, the students received a traditional lecture-based instruction on the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics. Despite the instructor’s introduction to specific technological/engineering-based contents during the course, the students’ answers to an open-ended questionnaire, administered at the end of the lectures, demonstrated that the acquired knowledge was characterized by a strictly theoretical vision of quantum science, basically in terms of an artifi…

Open Inquiry based learning experiences to understand the Nature of Science

In this paper we address the question of the efficacy of an inquiry-based learning approach, with different levels of teacher’s guidance, to introduce the students to fundamental aspects of the Nature of Science (NoS). Explicit pedagogical approaches, in which specific instruction on the topic of NoS is provided in addition to the engagement in scientific inquiry, are generally considered more effective with respect to implicit methods, where NoS conceptions are expected to develop as a natural consequence of inquiry-based learning experiences alone. In our study, we further explore the connections between scientific inquiry and implicit development of NoS conceptions, by investigating the …

Resonant activation in polymer translocation: new insights into the escape dynamics of molecules driven by an oscillating field

The translocation of molecules across cellular membranes or through synthetic nanopores is strongly affected by thermal fluctuations. In this work we study how the dynamics of a polymer in a noisy environment changes when the translocation process is driven by an oscillating electric field. An improved version of the Rouse model for a flexible polymer has been adopted to mimic the molecular dynamics, by taking into account the harmonic interactions between adjacent monomers and the excluded-volume effect by introducing a Lennard–Jones potential between all beads. A bending recoil torque has also been included in our model. The polymer dynamics is simulated in a two-dimensional domain by num…

ELECTRON SPIN RELAXATION PROCESS IN SILICON CRYSTALS

Recently, electrical injection of spin polarization in n-type and p-type silicon has been experimentally carried out up to room-temperature. Despite of these preliminary but promising experimental results, a comprehensive theoretical framework concerning the influence of transport conditions on the phonon-induced spin depolarization process in silicon structures, in a wide range of values of temperature, doping concentration and amplitude of external fields, is still in a developing stage. In order to elucidate the electron transport and spin dynamics of conduction electrons in lightly doped n-type Si crystals we have performed semiclassical multiparticle Monte Carlo simulations and numeric…

Fatiche globali. Un’agenda per la storia del lavoro

Augmented lectures: Benefits of supporting physics teaching with the theatre

Abstract Young generations are less and less interested in studying STEM subjects. For this reason, numerous studies have strongly suggested a change in the methods scientific knowledge is developed in the learners, through the use of alternative and more creative strategies. In recent decades a strong interaction between scientific subjects and the arts has been established by means of theatre. The objective is to bring science to students and the public in ways that are engaging, instructive, artistic and, always, content-driven: the medium is the arts; the message is the joy of science. When we talk about Physics in a theatre show, are we only making a good dissemination or are we also t…

Relaxation of Electron Spin during High-Field Transport in GaAs Bulk

A semiclassical Monte Carlo approach is adopted to study the multivalley spin depolarization of drifting electrons in a doped n-type GaAs bulk semiconductor, in a wide range of lattice temperature ($40<T_L<300$ K) and doping density ($10^{13}<n<10^{16}$cm$^{-3}$). The decay of the initial non-equilibrium spin polarization of the conduction electrons is investigated as a function of the amplitude of the driving static electric field, ranging between 0.1 and 6 kV/cm, by considering the spin dynamics of electrons in both the $\Gamma$ and the upper valleys of the semiconductor. Doping density considerably affects spin relaxation at low temperature and weak intensity of the driving electric fiel…

An investigation of environmental temperature effects on energy exchange by thermal radiation

The radiative heating or cooling of a body placed in an environment, whose temperature is considered constant is described by Stefan's law. In this paper, an analysis is made of how a time-dependent environmental temperature influences the heating/cooling process. We compare experimental results for a resistor first heated by the Joule effect inside a glass vacuum tube and then cooled under two different conditions: in a bath at a constant temperature and in air. We also discuss a model that describes how the time-dependent tube temperature influences the radiative resistor cooling by identifying the properties of the environment that make the resistor cooling rate linear.

Long term stability of learning outcomes in undergraduates after an open-inquiry instruction on thermal science

This paper investigates the efficacy of an open-inquiry approach to achieve a long term stability of physics instruction. This study represents the natural continuation of a research project started four years ago when a sample of thirty engineering undergraduates, having already attended traditional university physics instruction, were involved in a six-week long learning experience of open-inquiry research activities within the highly motivating context of developing a thermodynamically efficient space base on Mars. Four years later, we explore the effectiveness of that learning experience by analyzing the outcomes that the students achieved by answering again the same questionnaire that …

Cancer growth dynamics: stochastic models and noise induced effects

In the framework of the Michaelis-Menten (MM) reaction kinetics, we analyze the cancer growth dynamics in the presence of the immune response. We found the coexistence of noise enhanced stability (NES) and resonant activation (RA) phenomena which act in an opposite way with respect to the extinction of the tumor The role of the stochastic resonance (SR) in the case of weak cancer therapy has been analyzed. The evolutionary dynamics of a system of cancerous cells in a model of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is investigated by a Monte Carlo approach. We analyzed the effects of a targeted therapy on the evolutionary dynamics of normal, first-mutant and cancerous cell populations. We show how t…

Workers and Revolutionaries at the Twilight of Fordism

Nonequilibrium electron spin relaxation in n-type doped GaAs sample

Non-equilibrium electron spin relaxation in a n-type doped GaAs bulk semiconductor is investigated. We use a semiclassical Monte Carlo approach by considering multivalley spin dynamics of drifting electrons. Spin relaxation is considered through the D'yakonov-Perel mechanism, which is the dominant process in III-V semiconductors. An analytical expression for the inhomogeneous broadening of spin precession vector is derived by taking into account the effect of the electric field and the doping density. The inclusion of electron-electron scattering has the effect of increasing both the spin lifetime and the depolarization length. In particular, we find a non-monotonic trend with the maximum o…

Elucidating the electron transport in semiconductors via Monte Carlo simulations: An inquiry-driven learning path for engineering undergraduates

Within the context of higher education for science or engineering undergraduates, we present an inquiry-driven learning path aimed at developing a more meaningful conceptual understanding of the electron dynamics in semiconductors in the presence of applied electric fields. The electron transport in a nondegenerate n-type indium phosphide bulk semiconductor is modelled using a multivalley Monte Carlo approach. The main characteristics of the electron dynamics are explored under different values of the driving electric field, lattice temperature and impurity density. Simulation results are presented by following a question-driven path of exploration, starting from the validation of the model…

Open-inquiry driven overcoming of epistemological difficulties in engineering undergraduates: A case study in the context of thermal science

This paper addresses the efficacy of an open-inquiry approach that allows students to build on traditionally received knowledge. A sample of thirty engineering undergraduates, having already attended traditional university physics instruction, was selected for this study. The students were involved in a six- week long learning experience of open-inquiry research activities within the highly motivating context of developing a thermodynamically efficient space base on Mars. They designed and carried out their own scientific investigations, which involved gathering information, collecting and analyzing data, providing explanations, and sharing results. A questionnaire containing fifteen open-e…

External Noise Effects in Doped Semiconductors Operating Under sub-THz Signals

We study the noise-induced effects on the electron transport dynamics in low-doped n-type GaAs samples by using a Monte Carlo approach. The system is driven by an external periodic electric field in the presence of a random telegraph noise source. The modifications caused by the addition of external fluctuations are investigated by studying the spectral density of the electron velocity fluctuations for different values of the noise parameters. The findings indicate that the diffusion noise in low-doped semiconductors can be reduced by the addition of a fluctuating component to the driving electric field, but the effect critically depends on the features of the external noise source.

Stochastic dynamics of leukemic cells under an intermittent targeted therapy

The evolutionary dynamics of cancerous cell populations in a model of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is investigated in the presence of an intermittent targeted therapy. Cancer development and progression is modeled by simulating the stochastic evolution of initially healthy cells which can experience genetic mutations and modify their reproductive behavior, becoming leukemic clones. Front line therapy for the treatment of patients affected by CML is based on the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, namely imatinib (Gleevec) or, more recently, dasatinib or nilotinib. Despite the fact that they represent the first example of a successful molecular targeted therapy, the development o…

Informal physics teaching for a better society: a mooc-based and context-driven experience on learning radioactivity

Abstract The general objective of teaching physics is to provide the learners with useful knowledge, in terms of both interdisciplinary scientific concepts and practical problem-solving skills. In this work, we report the experimental evidence, collected during a first year physics class in an upper secondary technical school, for the urgent necessity to adopt an informal and inquiry-based strategy to teach physics effectively, in particular to all those students living in degraded socio-economic environments. Within the pedagogical framework of “Learning by Doing” and the paradigm “Learning by Teaching”, we have explored the benefits of the students’ participation to an informal ICT-based …

Teacher professional development in the context of the “Open Discovery of STEM laboratories” project: Is the MOOC methodology suitable for teaching physics?

Abstract The “Open Discovery of STEM Laboratories” (ODL) project, funded by the European Erasmus+ KA2 program, was aimed at introducing the use of MOOCs in school curricula. In particular, it fostered teacher collaboration in creating and using micro-MOOCs for the inclusion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) online remote or virtual laboratories in the everyday teaching practice. The project focused on teachers, educators and curriculum designers with the aim to strengthen their profile by supporting them to deliver high quality teaching practices and to adopt new methods and tools. Thanks to the project, in service and pre-service teachers had the opportunity to ext…

Noise Induced Phenomena in the Dynamics of Two Competing Species

Noise through its interaction with the nonlinearity of the living systems can give rise to counter-intuitive phenomena. In this paper we shortly review noise induced effects in different ecosystems, in which two populations compete for the same resources. We also present new results on spatial patterns of two populations, while modeling real distributions of anchovies and sardines. The transient dynamics of these ecosystems are analyzed through generalized Lotka-Volterra equations in the presence of multiplicative noise, which models the interaction between the species and the environment. We find noise induced phenomena such as quasi-deterministic oscillations, stochastic resonance, noise …

A 5E-Based Learning Workshop on Various Aspects of the Hall Effect

Learning activities in constructivist environments are characterized by active engagement, inquiry, problem solving, and collaboration with peers. The 5E learning cycle is a student-centered instructional model for constructivism, where the students perform five phases of instruction: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation. The purpose of this contribution is to present a 5E-based learning path of advanced physics aimed at strengthening Physics/Engineering student understanding about the quantum Hall effect, a phenomenon observed at low temperatures in a two-dimensional electron gas subject to a strong perpendicular magnetic field. The quantum Hall effect, a rare exam…

Doping dependence of spin dynamics of drifting electrons in GaAs bulks

We study the effect of the impurity density on lifetimes and relaxation lengths of electron spins in the presence of a static electric field in a n-type GaAs bulk. The transport of electrons and the spin dynamics are simulated by using a semiclassical Monte Carlo approach, which takes into account the intravalley scattering mechanisms of warm electrons in the semiconductor material. Spin relaxation is considered through the D'yakonov-Perel mechanism, which is the dominant mechanism in III-V semiconductors. The evolution of spin polarization is analyzed by computing the lifetimes and depolarization lengths as a function of the doping density in the range 10^{13} - 10^{16} cm^{-3}, for differ…

Electron dynamical response in InP semiconductors driven by fluctuating electric fields

Abstract The complexity of electron dynamics in low-doped n-type InP crystals operating under fluctuating electric fields is deeply explored and discussed. In this study, we employ a multi-particle Monte Carlo approach to simulate the non-linear transport of electrons inside the semiconductor bulk. All possible scattering events of hot electrons in the medium, the main details of the band structure, as well as the heating effects, are taken into account. The results presented in this study derive from numerical simulations of the electron dynamical response to the application of a sub-Thz electric field, fluctuating for the superimposition of an external source of Gaussian correlated noise.…

Monte Carlo study of diffusion noise reduction in GaAs operating under periodic conditions

The effects of an external correlated source of noise on the intrinsic carrier noise in a low-doped GaAs bulk, operating under periodic conditions, are investigated. Numerical residts confirm that the dynamical response of electrons driven by a high-frequency periodic electric field receives a benefit by the constructive interplay between the fluctuating field and the intrinsic noise of the system. In particidar, in this contribute we show a nonmonotonic behavior of the integrated spectral density, which value critically depends on the correlation time of the external noise source.

Monte Carlo Simulation of Spin Relaxation of Conduction Electrons in Silicon

Recently, electrical injection of spin polarization in n-type and p-type silicon up to room-temperature has been experimental- ly carried out. Despite of these promising experimental results, a comprehensive theoretical framework concerning the influence of transport conditions on the spin depolarization process in silicon structures, in a wide range of values of temperature, doping concentration and amplitude of external fields, is still in a developing stage. In this contribution we use a semiclassical multiparti- cle Monte Carlo approach to simulate the electron transport and spin dynamics in lightly doped n-type Si crystals and numerically calculate the spin lifetimes of drifting electr…

Noise stabilization effects in models of interdisciplinary physics

Metastability is a generic feature of many nonlinear systems, and the problem of the lifetime of metastable states involves fundamental aspects of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. The investigation of noise-induced phenomena in far from equilibrium systems is one of the approaches used to understand the behaviour of physical and biological complex systems. The enhancement of the lifetime of metastable states through the noise enhanced stability effect and the role played by the resonant activation phenomenon will be discussed in models of interdisciplinary physics: (i) polymer translocation dynamics; (ii) transient regime of FitzHugh-Nagumo model; (iii) market stability in a nonlinear …

Una situazione sado-masochistica ad incastro. Il dibattito scientifico sull’immigrazione meridionale (1950-1970)

The amazing graphene: an educational bridge connecting different Physics concepts

The purpose of this work is to present a learning workshop covering various physics concepts aimed at strengthening physics/engineering student understanding about the remarkable properties of two dimensional materials, graphene in particular. At the basis of this learning experience is the idea of blending and interconnecting separate pieces of knowledge already acquired by undergraduates in different courses and to help them visualize and link the concepts lying beyond separate chunks of information or equations. Graphene represents an appropriate unifying framework to achieve this task in view of its monatomic structure and various exotic processes peculiar to this and some other two dim…

Verba manent: l’oralità tra storia e memoria

External Noise Effects in Silicon MOS Inversion Layer

The effect of the addition of an external source of correlated noise on the electron transport in silicon MOS inversion layer, driven by a static electric field, has been investigated. The electron dynamics is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure which takes into account non-polar optical and acoustic phonons. In our modelling of the quasi-two-dimensional electron gas, the potential profile, perpendicular to the MOS structure, is assumed to follow the triangular potential approximation. We calculate the changes in both the autocorrelation function and the spectral density of the velocity fluctuations, at different values of noise amplitude and correlation time. The findings indicate that, t…

Noise features in InP crystals operating under static, periodic or fluctuating electric fields

The results of a study concerning the intrinsic noise in low-doped n-type InP crystals operating under static, periodic or fluctuating electric fields are shown. To simulate the dynamics of electrons in the bulk, we employ a Monte Carlo approach, by taking into account the main details of band structure, scattering processes, as well as heating effects. The noise features are investigated by computing the velocity fluctuations correlation function, its spectral density and the total noise power, for different values of amplitude and frequency of the driving field. We show how the noise spectra are affected by the electric field frequency and compare their peculiarities with those exhibited …

Electronic properties of graphene: A learning path for undergraduate students

The purpose of this work is to present a learning path aimed at deepening student understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying the electronic properties of new materials, graphene in particular. To achieve this task, we propose a five-week long workshop where students may be introduced to fundamental concepts of advanced physics, rarely used in learning paths, such as the symmetry properties of the crystal lattice, the group theory , the features of the free electron wave functions and energy levels, the relativistic Dirac equation. Particular emphasis is given to the manner of introducing these concepts, since an essential knowledge of solid state physics, quantum physics and relat…

Noise-induced resonance-like phenomena in InP crystals embedded in fluctuating electric fields

We explore and discuss the complex electron dynamics inside a low-doped n-type InP bulk embedded in a sub-THz electric field, fluctuating for the superimposition of an external source of Gaussian correlated noise. The results presented in this study derive from numerical simulations obtained by means of a multi-valley Monte Carlo approach to simulate the nonlinear transport of electrons inside the semiconductor crystal. The electronic noise characteristics are statistically investigated by calculating the correlation function of the velocity fluctuations, its spectral density and the integrated spectral density, i.e. the total noise power, for different values of both amplitude and frequenc…

A quantitative analysis of university student reasoning lines in the field of thermally activated phenomena

In this contribution we present a research aimed at studying the effectiveness of two workshops in improving reasoning skills in undergraduate students. Both the workshops are based on the Feynman Unifying Approach. A questionnaire containing six open-ended questions on the temperature dependence of evaporation of a liquid and of a chemical reaction was administered to the students of both groups before instruction. A second one, similar to the first but focused on a physical content different from both the pre-instruction test one and the content dealt with during the workshops, was administered after instruction. The responses to the pre- and post-instruction questionnaires are analyzed b…

Energy exchange by thermal radiation: hints and suggestions for an Inquiry Based lab approach

In this paper we present some laboratory activities developed in the framework of an inquiry-based, context-to-content teaching/learning approach to the study of energy exchange by thermal radiation. These activities have been developed in the context of “Establish”, a FP7 European Project aimed at promoting and developing Inquiry Based Science Education in European Secondary Schools. By starting from real life, meaningful situations, students are engaged in designing and carrying out laboratory activities by collecting, processing and analysing data. Particular attention is paid in building data interpretation by taking into account the effects of parameters like the environmental temperat…

Enhancement of electron spin lifetime in GaAs crystals: the benefits of dichotomous noise

The electron spin relaxation process in n-type GaAs crystals driven by a fluctuating electric field is investigated. Two different sources of fluctuations are considered: (i) a symmetric dichotomous noise and (ii) a Gaussian correlated noise. Monte Carlo numerical simulations show, in both cases, an enhancement of the spin relaxation time by increasing the amplitude of the external noise. Moreover, we find that the electron spin lifetime versus the noise correlation time: (i) increases up to a plateau in the case of dichotomous random fluctuations, and (ii) shows a nonmonotonic behaviour with a maximum in the case of bulks subjected to a Gaussian correlated noise.

External noise effects on the electron velocity fluctuations in semiconductors

We investigate the modification of the intrinsic carrier noise spectral density induced in low-doped semiconductor materials by an external correlated noise source added to the driving high-frequency periodic electric field. A Monte Carlo approach is adopted to numerically solve the transport equation by considering all the possible scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium. We show that the noise spectra are strongly affected by the intensity and the correlation time of the external random electric field. Moreover this random field can cause a suppression of the total noise power.

Lo diavolo mi ingannao. La sodomia nelle campagne siciliane (1572-1664)

Noise-induced effects in nonlinear relaxation of condensed matter systems

Abstract Noise-induced phenomena characterise the nonlinear relaxation of nonequilibrium physical systems towards equilibrium states. Often, this relaxation process proceeds through metastable states and the noise can give rise to resonant phenomena with an enhancement of lifetime of these states or some coherent state of the condensed matter system considered. In this paper three noise induced phenomena, namely the noise enhanced stability, the stochastic resonant activation and the noise-induced coherence of electron spin, are reviewed in the nonlinear relaxation dynamics of three different systems of condensed matter: (i) a long-overlap Josephson junction (JJ) subject to thermal fluctuat…

Analysis of the vertical distribution in a model of phytoplankton dynamics

Phytoplankton often faces the dilemma of living in contrasting gradients of two essential resources: the light that comes from above and nutrients that are often supplied from below. In poorly mixed water columns, algae can be heterogeneously distributed, with thin layers of biomass found on the surface, in depth, or on the sediment surface. Here, we show that these patterns can result from intraspecific competition between light and nutrients. First, we present numerical solutions of a reaction-diffusion-taxis model for phytoplankton, nutrients and light. We argue that motile phytoplankton can form a thin layer under poorly mixed conditions. The numerical solution of this model indicates t…

MEAN FIELD APPROACH AND ROLE OF THE COLOURED NOISE IN THE DYNAMICS OF THREE INTERACTING SPECIES

We study the effects of the coloured noise on the dynamics of three interacting species, namely two preys and one predator, in a two-dimensional lattice with N sites. The three species are affected by multiplicative time correlated noise, which accounts for the effects of environment on the species evolution. Moreover, the interaction parameter between the two preys is a dichotomous stochastic process, which determines two dynamical regimes corresponding to different biological conditions. Preliminarily, we study the noise effect on the three species dynamics in single site. Then, we use a mean field approach to obtain, in Gaussian approximation, the moment equations for the species densiti…

Evidence of stochastic resonance in the mating behavior of Nezara viridula (L.)

We investigate the role of the noise in the mating behavior between individuals of Nezara viridula (L.), by analyzing the temporal and spectral features of the non-pulsed type female calling song emitted by single individuals. We have measured the threshold level for the signal detection, by performing experiments with the calling signal at different intensities and analyzing the insect response by directionality tests performed on a group of male individuals. By using a sub-threshold signal and an acoustic Gaussian noise source, we have investigated the insect response for different levels of noise, finding behavioral activation for suitable noise intensities. In particular, the percentage…

The influence of noise on electron dynamics in semiconductors driven by a periodic electric field

Studies about the constructive aspects of noise and fluctuations in different non-linear systems have shown that the addition of external noise to systems with an intrinsic noise may result in a less noisy response. Recently, the possibility to reduce the diffusion noise in semiconductor bulk materials by adding a random fluctuating contribution to the driving static electric field has been tested. The present work extends the previous theories by considering the noise-induced effects on the electron transport dynamics in low-doped n-type GaAs samples driven by a high-frequency periodic electric field (cyclostationary conditions). By means of Monte Carlo simulations, we calculate the change…

Noise Enhanced Stability Phenomenon in Electron Spin Dynamics

Possible utilization of the electron spin as an information carrier in electronic devices is an engaging challenge for future spin-based electronics. In these new devices, the information stored in a system of polarized electron spins, is transferred by applying an external electric field and finally detected. However, each initial non-equilibrium magnetization decays both in time and distance during the transport. Because of increasing miniaturization, to avoid too much intense electric fields, which could lead the system to exhibit a strongly nonlinear physical behavior, applied voltages are very low. Low voltages are subjected to the background noise; hence, it is mandatory to understand…

An Inquiry-based approach to the Franck-Hertz experiment

The practice of scientists and engineers is today exerted within interdisciplinary contexts, placed at the intersections of different research fields, including nanoscale science. The development of the required competences is based on an effective science and engineering instruction, which should be able to drive the students towards a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics fundamental concepts and, at the same time, strengthen their reasoning skills and transversal abilities. In this study we report the results of an inquiry-driven learning path experienced by a sample of 12 electronic engineering undergraduates engaged to perform the Franck-Hertz experiment. Before being involved in this…

Epistemological Difficulties and Improvement of Conceptual Understanding in the Context of Thermal Sciences: An Open Inquiry Approach with Undergraduate Engineering Students

We provide evidence that these OI experiences contribute positively to improve physics conceptual understanding and increase student abilities in problem solving, by providing the activation of appropriate epistemological resources.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Modelling-Oriented Workshops for Engineering Undergraduates in the Field of Thermally Activated Phenomena

Two 20-h modelling-based workshops focused on the explanation of ther- mally activated phenomena were held at the University of Palermo, Italy, during the Academic Year 2014–2015. One of them was conducted by applying an inquiry-based approach, while the other, still based on laboratory and modelling activities, was not focused on inquiry. Seventy-two students belonging to the Undergraduate Program for Chemical Engineering attended the two workshops. The related content was focused on an à la Feynman unifying approach to thermally activated phenomena. Question- naires were administered to the students of both groups, before and post instruction. Responses were analysed using k-means cluster…

New insights into electron spin dynamics in the presence of correlated noise

The changes of the spin depolarization length in zinc-blende semiconductors when an external component of correlated noise is added to a static driving electric field are analyzed for different values of field strength, noise amplitude and correlation time. Electron dynamics is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure which keeps into account all the possible scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium and includes the evolution of spin polarization. Spin depolarization is studied by examinating the decay of the initial spin polarization of the conduction electrons through the D'yakonov-Perel process, the only relevant relaxation mechanism in III-V crystals. Our results show that, f…

Open Inquiry Investigations on Heat Transfer Performed by Undergraduate Engineering Students

Many researches have shown the pedagogical effectiveness of structured inquiry as a high performance tool in science education of undergraduate engineering students. In this paper we report the preliminary results of an extended investigation on the efficacy of the application of an open inquiry approach to the consolidation of the physics concepts regarding the topic of thermal energy transfer. We selected a sample of undergraduate mechanical engineering students, who passed the examination of the basic physics courses with good marks. Firstly, we investigated about resistant misconceptions in thermal physics by administrating a pre-activity questionnaire. Even the best marked students sho…

Psicopatologia degli immigrati meridionali

Open inquiry-based learning experiences: a case study in the context of energy exchange by thermal radiation

An open inquiry (OI)-based teaching/learning experience, regarding a scientific investigation of the process of energy exchange by thermal radiation, is presented. A sample of upper secondary school physics teachers carried out this experience at the University of Palermo, Italy, in the framework of ESTABLISH, a FP7 European Project aimed at promoting and developing inquiry-based science education. The teachers had the opportunity to personally experience an OI-based learning activity, with the aim of exploring the pedagogical potentialities of this teaching approach to promote both the understanding of difficult concepts and a deeper view of scientific practices. The teachers were firstly …

Phonon-induced spin relaxation of conduction electrons in silicon crystals

Experimental works managing electrical injection of spin polarization in n-type and p-type silicon have been recently carried out up to room-temperature. In spite of these promising experimental results, a comprehensive theoretical framework concerning the influence of transport conditions on phonon-induced electron spin depolarization in silicon structures, in a wide range of values of lattice temperature, doping concentration and amplitude of external fields, is still at a developing stage. In order to investigate the spin transport of conduction electrons in lightly doped n-type Si crystals, a set of semiclassical multiparticle Monte Carlo simulations has been carried out. The mean spin …

An Inquiry Based Approach to the study of energy exchange by thermal radiation

A teaching-learning sequence regarding the investigation of energy exchange by thermal radiation, conduction and convection is under development within the context of “Establish”, a FP7 European Project aimed at promoting and developing Inquiry Based Science Education in European Secondary Schools. Here we present some relevant laboratory activities of this inquiry-oriented teaching/learning sequence for secondary school level students (or even first-level university ones), aimed at investigating the physics of energy transmission by thermal radiation. In traditional laboratory work, the focus of students activities is mostly dedicated on verifying information previously transferred by the …

Monte Carlo analysis of polymer translocation with deterministic and noisy electric fields

AbstractPolymer translocation through the nanochannel is studied by means of a Monte Carlo approach, in the presence of a static or oscillating external electric voltage. The polymer is described as a chain molecule according to the two-dimensional “bond fluctuation model”. It moves through a piecewise linear channel, which mimics a nanopore in a biological membrane. The monomers of the chain interact with the walls of the channel, modelled as a reflecting barrier. We analyze the polymer dynamics, concentrating on the translocation time through the channel, when an external electric field is applied. By introducing a source of coloured noise, we analyze the effect of correlated random fluct…

INQUIRY BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES ON THERMAL PHENOMENA FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY: MOTIVATIONAL ASPECTS, CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE, AND NATURE OF SCIENCE VIEW

Training pre-service and in-service secondary school teachers: Analysis of changes in perceptions about quantum physics concepts and NoS views

In this work we focus on the study of the changes in perceptions about Quantum Physics concepts and Nature of Science (NoS) Views of secondary school teachers attending three different typologies of professional development courses on Modern Physics . An open-ended questionnaire has been properly developed and administered in order to investigate Quantum Mechanics conceptual issues, NoS views and motivational aspects for all involved teachers. The same questionnaire has been submitted to the teachers both prior-to and after the courses. The analysis of teachers’ pre-instruction answers highlights that the majority of them show several difficulties on both conceptual knowledge and epistemolo…

Noise driven translocation of short polymers in crowded solutions

In this work we study the noise induced effects on the dynamics of short polymers crossing a potential barrier, in the presence of a metastable state. An improved version of the Rouse model for a flexible polymer has been adopted to mimic the molecular dynamics by taking into account both the interactions between adjacent monomers and introducing a Lennard-Jones potential between all beads. A bending recoil torque has also been included in our model. The polymer dynamics is simulated in a two-dimensional domain by numerically solving the Langevin equations of motion with a Gaussian uncorrelated noise. We find a nonmonotonic behaviour of the mean first passage time and the most probable tran…

Storia orale: venticinque anni dopo

Noise effects in two different biological systems

We investigate the role of the colored noise in two biological systems: (i) adults of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), and (ii) polymer translocation. In the first system we analyze, by directionality tests, the response of N. viridula individuals to subthreshold signals plus noise in their mating behaviour. The percentage of insects that react to the subthreshold signal shows a nonmonotonic behaviour, characterized by the presence of a maximum, as a function of the noise intensity. This is the signature of the non-dynamical stochastic resonance phenomenon. By using a “soft” threshold model we find that the maximum of the input-output cross correlation occurs in the same ra…

Frequency influence on the hot-electron noise reduction in GaAs operating under periodic signals

A Monte Carlo study of the role of the frequency on the hot-electron intrinsic noise reduction in an n-type GaAs bulk driven by two mixed cyclostationary electric fields is presented. Previous numerical results showed the possibility to reduce the diffusion noise under specific wave-mixing conditions. In this work the variations of the noise properties are investigated by computing and integrating the spectral density of the velocity fluctuations. We found that the effect of reduction of the noise level due to the addition of a second field at twice frequency is almost independent of the frequency.

Gli immigrati del fordismo. Torino e Detroit: due distretti operai a confronto

Intermittent targeted therapies and stochastic evolution in patients affected by chronic myeloid leukemia

Front line therapy for the treatment of patients affected by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is based on the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, namely imatinib or, more recently, axitinib. Although imatinib is highly effective and represents an example of a successful molecular targeted therapy, the appearance of resistance is observed in a proportion of patients, especially those in advanced stages. In this work, we investigate the appearance of resistance in patients affected by CML, by modeling the evolutionary dynamics of cancerous cell populations in a simulated patient treated by an intermittent targeted therapy. We simulate, with the Monte Carlo method, the stochastic evolu…

Two-species model for spatial distributions of sardine and anchovy: A comparison with real data

We present a study of pattern formation in a set of two coupled equations modeling two competing species. We consider generalized Lotka-Volterra equations in the presence of a multiplicative noise which models the interaction between the species and the environment. The interaction parameter between the species is a random process which obeys a stochastic differential equation with a generalized bistable potential in the presence of a periodic driving term, which accounts for the environment temperature variation.We find noise-induced spatial patterns with strong anti-correlation between the two species. We compare our theoretical results with the experimental data of the spatial distributi…

EFFECT OF A FLUCTUATING ELECTRIC FIELD ON ELECTRON SPIN DEPHASING TIME IN III–V SEMICONDUCTORS

We investigate the electron spin dephasing in low n-doped GaAs semiconductor bulks driven by a correlated fluctuating electric field. The electron dynamics is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure which keeps into account all the possible scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium and includes the evolution of spin polarization. Spin relaxation times are computed through the D’yakonov–Perel process, which is the only relevant relaxation mechanism in zinc-blende semiconductors. The decay of initial spin polarization of conduction electrons is calculated for different values of field strength, noise intensity and noise correlation time. For values of noise correlation time compara…

Evolutionary dynamics of imatinib-treated leukemic cells by stochastic approach

The evolutionary dynamics of a system of cancerous cells in a model of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is investigated by a statistical approach. Cancer progression is explored by applying a Monte Carlo method to simulate the stochastic behavior of cell reproduction and death in a population of blood cells which can experience genetic mutations. In CML front line therapy is represented by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib which strongly affects the reproduction of leukemic cells only. In this work, we analyze the effects of a targeted therapy on the evolutionary dynamics of normal, first-mutant and cancerous cell populations. Several scenarios of the evolutionary dynamics of imatinib-tr…

Translocation dynamics of a short polymer driven by an oscillating force

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Doping dependence of spin lifetime of drifting electrons in GaAs bulks

We study the effect of the impurity density on lifetimes and relaxation lengths of electron spins in the presence of a static electric field in a n-type GaAs bulk. The transport of electrons and the spin dynamics are simulated by using a semiclassical Monte Carlo approach, which takes into account the intravalley scattering mechanisms of warm electrons in the semiconductor material. Spin relaxation is considered through the D'yakonov-Perel mechanism, which is the dominant mechanism in III-V semiconductors. The evolution of spin polarization is analyzed by computing the lifetimes and depolarization lengths as a function of the doping density in the range 10^{13} - 10^{16} cm^{-3}, for differ…

Noise features in InP semiconductors operating under static or sub-Terahertz electric fields

The sensitivity of semiconductor based circuits is strongly affected by the presence of intrinsic noise, which limits the performance of electronic devices. For this reason, several studies have investigated and characterized the transport properties of hot-electrons in semiconductor structures, by analyzing the electronic noise in systems operating under static and/or large-signal periodic driving conditions. Previous studies on electron velocity fluctuations in III-V and covalent semiconductor crystals, driven by periodic electric fields, have shown that the total noise power depends on both the amplitude and the frequency of the excitation signals. On the other hand, to the best of our k…

Monte Carlo investigation of electron spin relaxation in GaAs crystals during low-field transport

A great emerging interest within the condensed matter physics is the use of electron spin in semiconductor-based spintronic devices to perform both logic operations, communication and storage. In order to make spintronics a feasible technology, sufficiently long spin lifetimes and the possibility to manipulate, control and detect the spin polarization are required. The loss of spin polarization before, during and after the necessary operations is a crucial problem into spin device design; thus, a full understanding of the role played by the lattice temperature, the doping density and the amplitude of the applied electric field on the electron spin dynamics in semiconductors is essential for…

Metastability and Relaxation in Quantum and Mesoscopic Systems

The transient dynamics and the relaxation of three quantum and mesoscopic systems are investigated. In particular we analyze: (i) a long Josephson junction (LJJ) driven by a non-Gaussian Lévy noise current; (ii) a metastable quantum dissipative system driven by an external periodical driving; and (iii) the electron spin relaxation process in n-type GaAs crystals driven by a fluctuating electric field. Specifically, in the first system the LJJ phase evolution is described by the perturbed sine-Gordon equation. We find the noise enhanced stability and resonant activation phenomena, by investigating the mean escape time as a function of the bias current frequency, noise intensity and length of…

Nonlinear dependence on temperature and field of electron spin depolarization in GaAs semiconductors

In this work the influence of temperature and drift conditions on the electron spin relaxation in lightly doped n-type GaAs bulk semiconductors is investigated. The electron transport, including the evolution of the spin polarization vector, is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure which keeps into account all the possible scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium. Electron-spin states in semiconductor structures relax by scattering with imperfections, other carriers and phonons. Spin relaxation lengths and times are computed through the D'yakonov-Perel process since this is the more relevant spin relaxation mechanism in the regime of interest (10 < T < 300 K). The decay of the…

Effect of a fluctuating electric field on electron spin dephasing in III-V semiconductors

In the present work we investigate electron spin relaxation in low-doped n-type GaAs semiconductor bulks driven by a static electric field. The electron dynamics is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure which keeps into account all the possible scattering phenomena of the hot electrons in the medium and includes the evolution of spin polarization. Spin relaxation lengths are computed through the D’yakonov-Perel process, which is the only relevant relaxation mechanism in zinc-blende semiconductors. Since semiconductor based devices are always imbedded into a noisy environment that can strongly affect their performance, the decay of initial spin polarization of conduction electrons is calculat…

Moment equations in a system of three interacting species subject to colored noise

We study the effects of the colored noise on a Lotka-Volterra system of three interacting species, namely two preys and one predator, in a two-dimensional domain. The three species are affected by an external multiplicative time correlated noise, which accounts for environment fluctuations. Moreover, the interaction parameter between the two preys is a dichotomous stochastic process, which determines two dynamical regimes corresponding to different biological conditions. First, we study the noise effects on the three species dynamics in a single site. Afterwards, by a mean field approach we obtain, in Gaussian approximation, the moment equations for the species densities. Within this formal…

Complex dynamics of leukemic cells under intermittent therapy

The evolutionary dynamics of cancerous cell populations in a model of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is investigated. A Monte Carlo approach is applied to model the cancer development and progression by simulating the stochastic evolution of initially healthy cells which can experience genetic mutations and modify their reproductive behavior, becoming leukemic clones. Front line therapy for the treatment of this kind of tumor is achieved by tyrosine kinase inhibitors, namely imatinib (Gleevec) or, more recently, dasatinib or nilotinib. Despite they represent the first example of a successful molecular targeted therapy, the development of resistance to these drugs is observed in a proportion…

RELAXATION OF ELECTRON SPIN DURING FIELD TRANSPORT IN GaAs BULKS

The spin depolarization of drifting electrons in a n-type doped GaAs bulk semiconductor is studied, in a wide range of lattice temperature (40 K < TL < 300 K) and doping density (10^{13} cm^{−3} < n < 10^{16} cm^{−3}), by adopting a semiclassical Monte Carlo approach. The effect of the mechanism of Dyakonov-Perel (DP) on the spin depolarization of the conduction electrons is analyzed as a function of the amplitude of a static electric field, ranging between 0.1 and 6 kV cm^{−1}, by considering the spin dynamics of electrons in both the Γ-valley and the upper L-valleys of the semiconductor. Moreover, the role of the electron-electron scattering mechanism in the suppression of DP spin relaxat…

Phonon-induced spin depolarization of conduction electrons in silicon crystals

In last decade the process of spin relaxation of conduction electrons in semiconductor structures has been widely investigated, in order to use spin polarization as information carrier [1]. However, each initial non-equilibrium orientation decays over time during the transport. Thus, to make feasible the implementation of spin-based electronic devices, the features of spin relaxation at relatively high temperatures, jointly with the influence of transport conditions, should be fully understood [1]. Electrical injection of spin polarization in silicon structures up to room temperature has been experimentally carried out [2]. Despite these promising experimental results, a comprehensive theor…