Abstract

Abstract

In this talk, I will discuss the thermoelectric transport in twodimensional topological system which has coexistence ofsuperconductivity(SC) and spin-density wave(SDW). The SC is presumed to beof dx2−y2 + (px + ipy ) type whereas the SDW order parameter is ofBCS symmetry. The Hamiltonian describing such a coexistence phase will beshown to have topological phase in addition to the conventional one. Thetransport properties in such topological system have two distinctcontributions: (i) the surface/edge and (ii) the bulk. The competitionbetween the surface/edge versus the bulk transport is analyzed indifferent parameter regimes and the possibility of enhancing the figure of merit will be discussed.

Abstract

Generalised by Clausius to all thermodynamic systems. After beinggiven a statistical basis by Boltzmann, entropy reappeared as ameasure ofinformation in Shannons mathematical theory of communication which lies atthe basis of much of todays technology. The two apparently distinct kindsof entropy / information turn out to be connected by Maxwells demon and itsdescendants. This talk will go over these themes and their relation toBayesian statistical inference.

Abstract

Progress in physics, of a fundamental nature, has often occurred by finding connections between diverse phenomena, in short by realizing a certain unity in diversity. An accompanying quest for beauty and simplicity in the underlying laws of nature, sometimes guided by experiments, and sometimes just by pure thought, has invariably played the dominant role in providing the clue for such a unity.Starting with examples of such a unification, comprising the path-setting contributions of luminaries like Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, and others, the talk will emphasize especially the idea of a unification of all matter: nuclear and non-nuclear, and simultaneously of the three of their fundamental forces: the nuclear, electromagnetic and the weak-radioactive.The far-reaching consequence of such a unity, commonly called “Grand Unification” in shedding light on the elusive properties of the feeblest and the lightest known massive particles – the neutrinos – will be noted. The accompanying possibility of linking the tiny neutrino masses to a resolution of the mystery of the observed matter- antimatter asymmetry of the universe will be presented. Such an asymmetry is, of course, necessary for the origin of life, and thus for our own existence.Perhaps the most profound consequence of grand unification is the prediction that the lightest observed nuclear particle – the proton – which is known to be extraordinarily stable, must ultimately decay entirely into non-nuclear particles such as antielectrons and mesons, albeit with a very long lifetime, as large as some 10^ 35 years. World-wide efforts (in which India is expected to play a major role) to search sensitively for this extraordinary process will be presented. Discovery of proton decay will constitute a landmark in the history of physics.Time permitting, the talk will end by noting briefly the intimate link that exists between the very large (the cosmos), and the very small – the minutest objects of which we are all made

Abstract
The basis of transport across membranes and their applicationsin biology, medicine and engineering will be discussed.