Workshop organized by: G. Livadiotis, M. Leubner and K. Dialynas
Non-Extensive Statistical Mechanics and Kappa Distributions
Theory and Applications in Space, Plasma, and Complexity Sciences
Classical particle systems reside at thermal equilibrium with their velocity distribution function stabilized into a Maxwell distribution. On the contrary, collisionless and correlated particle systems, such as space plasmas, are characterized by a non-Maxwellian behavior, typically described by the so-called kappa distributions, or combinations thereof. Empirical kappa distributions have become increasingly widespread across space and plasma physics. A breakthrough in the field came with the connection of kappa distributions with the solid theory of non-extensive statistical mechanics. Understanding the statistical origin of these distributions was a cornerstone of theoretical developments and a plethora of applications in geophysical, space, and astrophysical plasmas, from the solar wind and the planetary magnetospheres to the outer heliosphere, the inner heliosheath, and beyond. We welcome abstracts reporting on the progress of the following:
- Theory of Kappa Distributions and Statistical Framework:
Non-extensive statistical mechanics; Superstatistics; Connection with thermodynamics; Entropy; information measure; Temperature; Anisotropy of velocity space; Distributions with potential energy.
- Effects on Plasma Processes, Dynamics, and Complexity:
Particle acceleration; Transport and diffusion; Plasma linear/nonlinear waves and instabilities; Shocks and Rankine–Hugoniot conditions; Polytropic relations; Plasma interactions; Particle correlations; Coupling phenomena; Turbulence; Chaos; Mechanisms generating kappa distributions.
- Data Analyses, Simulations, and Applications in Geophysical, Space, and Astrophysical Plasmas: Solar/Stellar atmospheres; Flares/CMEs; Solar wind; Ionosphere; Terrestrial, planetary, and cometary magnetospheres; Heliosheath and interstellar plasmas; Nebular, galactic and intergalactic plasmas.
Workshop organized by:
- R. Citro and C. Guarcello
- D.I. Uzunov
Section : Applications and Theoretical aspects on: time-driven phase transitions, topological phenomena and superconductivity.
R. Citro and C. Guarcello
The workshop aims to gather together experimental and theoretical experts in condensed matter physics to advance the comprehension and discuss further the recent challenging topics on time-dependent phase transitions, topological phenomena, and superconductivity. The aim is to foster the community towards new applications and technological advancements.
As for the time-dependent phase transitions, in recent years the experiments have shown light-induced phase transitions and new fields of application are emerging, including material design. Regarding topological materials, new challenges have arisen to detect the Majorana origin of quantized conductance in superconducting hybrid structures, as well as the effect of interaction on edge channels. Finally, regarding superconductivity, non-conventional pairing and correlation effects dominates the physics of a vast class of 2D materials and novel devices were recently conceived. The workshop will offer a comprehensive overview on these topics and will be a discussion forum to promote new ideas in these fertile fields of research.
Section I: Phase transitions in various systems
D.I. Uzunov
This workshop is devoted to the theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena and its applications to various quantum and classical systems: condensed matter (magnets, superconductors, superfluids and BEC, ferroelectrics and structural phase transformations), Universe, Society (sociophysics, econophysics), including quantum, gauge, disorder and other effects on the phase transition properties. Application of classic methods (thermodynamic and mean-field analyses, Renormalization Group, Density Functional Theory, Monte Carlo, Numerical Analysis) as well as new ideas and approaches to the solving of actual problems are encouraged. Experimental reports are also greatly appreciated.
Workshop organized by: F. Oliveira
Although the relationship between fluctuations and dissipation, established in terms of the so-called fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) and formulating links between nonequilibrium phenomena and time correlations of spontaneous fluctuations (at equilibrium), has been widely investigated over the past 50 years, some violations of that casual relation are still often found in literature and present controversial facets calling for further corrections and generalizations. As an example, in generic quantum systems, FDT has been recently shown to be directly related to quantum metrology in systems with non-equilibrium states.
Moreover, with the crescent abilities of experimentalists to work in small scales and at low temperatures those quantum versions of fluctuation-dissipation (FD) relations need to be better understood.
Workshop organized by: G. Jug, A. Loidl and H.Tanaka
We propose a Topical Workshop relating to Recent Developments in the Statistical Physics of Glasses. Tanaka and Jug have been showing theoretically in recent years, but also Loidl experimentally, that the statistical mechanics approach to the physics of glasses should be fruitfully amended to fully comprehend the role of partially ordered heterogeneities in the structure of glass-forming systems both in the supercooled state and - especially - in the solid-state. Evidence for hidden partial order in liquids is also beginning to be discussed by the computational physicists. While in the supercooled liquid state these heterogeneities (there, dynamical) are now fully appreciated, in the solid glassy state their role has only begun to be understood. Experiments at temperatures well below the glass transformation region can only be interpreted by allowing the structure to be characterized by quasi-ordered heterogeneities (now static, almost). There is evidence for both solid-like and liquid-like regions below Tg and the statistical physics of glasses in the solid-state should take these regions into full account to explain the physical properties of glass. It would be useful if the Statistical Physics Community in Europe could be brought to be aware of these recent developments going on in this important domain of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics of topologically disordered systems. The concepts of quasi-order and heterogeneous visco-elasticity are also beginning to be considered responsible for the origin of the much-debated issue of the “boson peak” in glasses, a ubiquitous phenomenon at intermediate-low temperatures.
Workshop organized by: A. Deutsch and B. Hatzikirou
Precise regulation of correct cell fate decisions is crucial in the development of multicellular organisms, during which cells differentiate from a single cell to the multitude of cell types that compose the adult organism. Incorrect cell fate decisions can lead to diseases, especially cancer. Experimentally, cell-decision making has been well studied in the context of a single cell. However, how cells make decisions in their multi-cellular environment still remains elusive. Statistical physics offers a unique methods toolbox to study cell decisions in their multicellular environment since it allows for (i) a low-dimensional description of relevant dynamics, and (ii) coupling between single-cell decisions and the corresponding collective behavior at the multicellular level. Eukaryotic/bacterial phenotypic plasticity and cell fate determination are prime paradigms of cell decision-making impacting all aspects of multicellular behavior, such as collective migration, tissue development or tumor growth. In this mini-symposium, we intend to shed light on the latest developments of the afore-mentioned systems.