arXiv subjects

Mariano de Souza

Publications and source records attributed to Mariano de Souza.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Hyperstatistics

We propose a general approach, named by us hyperstatistics, to treat complex systems, in which Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics breaks down at the domain level of the system. Hyperstatistics preserves the concavity of the nonadditive $q$-entropy. We obtain analytical closed-form expressions for the here proposed ($q, n$)-generalized Boltzmann factor $B_q^{n}$ considering uniform, $γ$, Log-normal, F, and the $q$-$γ$ probability distribution functions. Remarkably, for all investigated distribution functions, $B_q^{n}$ reduces to a $q$-exponential-type function. To demonstrate the applicability of hyperstatistics, we use a table top experiment of the discharge of a capacitor considering $γ$-distributed relaxation times, the pressure decay over time associated with the pumping of $^4$He lines of a closed cycle cryostat, midrapidity data for $\textit{p}$-Pb collisions at the LHC, as well as data set for acceleration distribution in turbulent systems. Furthermore, we deduce the power-law-like $\textit{universal}$ dielectric response using a $q$-generalized $γ$-distribution function proposed in this work. Hyperstatistics is applicable to systems with inherent non-Boltzmann-Gibbsian statistics at the domain level. We demonstrate that at the domain level hyperstatistics and superstatistics are equivalent, while at the macroscopic level hyperstatistics recovers superstatistics for $q \to 1$ because the Boltzmann-Gibbs character of the domains is restored, as well as Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics for $n \to \infty$.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2026

A few remarks on hyperstatistics and some applications

In a recent paper [arXiv:2604.24783 (2026)], we have proposed a general approach to treat systems with inherent non-Boltzmann-Gibbsian behaviour. Given the extremely high accuracy of our approach, we have adopted the term hyperstatistics. We have applied such a statistical mechanics approach, i.e., hyperstatistics, to the discharge of a capacitor in a RC series circuit, pumping of $^4$He of a closed cycle cryostat, midrapidity data of $p$-Pb collisions at the LHC, as well as for the distribution of accelerations in turbulent systems. Here, we discuss into more details the ground of hyperstatistics. We demonstrate the versatility of hyperstatistics upon applying it to the velocity autocorrelation function in Brownian motion and also regarding its potential to describe brain dynamics.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2026

Universal and non-universal facets of quantum critical phenomena unveiled along the Schmidt decomposition theorem

Critical phenomena have been extensively investigated both theoretically and experimentally in many fields, such as condensed matter physics, biology, e.g., brain criticality, and cosmology. In particular, the behaviour of response functions right at critical points (CPs) is highly topical. It turns out that in the frame of Boltzmann-Gibbs-von Neumann-Shannon approach, the extensive character of entropy breaks down at CPs. The latter implies diverging susceptibilities, which is at odds with experimental observations. Here, we investigate the influence of the spin magnitude $S$ on the quantum Grüneisen parameter $Γ^{0\text{K}}_{q}$ right at CPs for the 1D Ising model under a transverse magnetic field. Our findings are fourfold: $\textit{i}$) for higher $S$, $Γ^{0\text{K}}_{q}$ is increased, but remains finite, reflecting the enhancement of the Hilbert space dimensionality; $\textit{ii}$) the Schmidt decomposition theorem recovers the extensivity of the nonadditive $q$-entropy $S_q$ only for a $\textit{special}$ value of the entropic index $q$; $\textit{iii}$) the universality class in the frame of $S_q$ depends only on the symmetry of the system; $\textit{iv}$) we propose an experimental setup to explore finite-size effects in connection with the Hilbert space occupation at CPs. Our findings unveil both universal and non-universal aspects of quantum criticality in terms of $Γ^{0\text{K}}_{q}$ and $S_q$.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Unveiling the interdisciplinary character of negative pressure

We explore the concept of negative pressure and its relevance in a variety of physical contexts: the expansion of the universe, mixture theory, cavitation, and the capillary effect in plants. Using thermodynamic arguments, we discuss the intricate connection between negative pressure and negative thermal expansion. We highlight the fact that metastable states and competing phases are often associated with the emergence of negative pressure. We also propose a new link between the effective Grüneisen parameter and nucleation theory.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2024

Higgs-like stiffness and fractons on the verge of phase transitions

In condensed matter Physics, massive longitudinal Higgs modes emerge from fluctuations of the order parameter. A few years ago, the Higgs mode was \emph{caught} experimentally in the vicinity of an insulator-to-superconductor quantum phase transition [Nat. Phys. $\textbf{11}$, 188 (2015)]. Here, we propose, in analogy to the Higgs mode, the concept of Higgs-like stiffness (HLS), which emerges close to both classical and quantum phase transitions as a universal manifestation of matter. We build up a Landau free energy for the dielectric response function to demonstrate that \emph{any} complex physical quantity can be used to infer the presence of the HLS. Our analysis is corroborated by experimental results of the quasi-static dielectric constant for the (TMTTF)$_2$SbF$_6$ Fabre salt. Yet, we discuss the appearance of fractons in connection with the locking of particular molecular rotational degrees of freedom.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Cellular Griffiths-like phase

Protein compartmentalization in the frame of a liquid-liquid phase separation is a key mechanism to optimize spatiotemporal control of biological systems. Such a compartmentalization process reduces the intrinsic noise in protein concentration due to stochasticity in gene expression. Employing Flory-Huggins solution theory, Avramov/Casalini's model, and the Grüneisen parameter, we unprecedentedly propose a cellular Griffiths-like phase (CGLP), which can impact its functionality and self-organization. The here-proposed CGLP is key ranging from the understanding of primary organisms' evolution to the treatment of diseases. Our findings pave the way for an alternative Biophysics approach to investigate coacervation processes.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2024

Exploring the expansion of the universe using the Grüneisen parameter

For a perfect fluid, pressure $p$ and energy density $ρ$ are related via the equation of state (EOS) $ω= p/ρ$, where $ω$ is the EOS parameter, being its interpretation usually constrained to a numerical value for each universe era. Here, based on the Mie-Grüneisen EOS, we show that $ω$ is recognized as the effective Grüneisen parameter $Γ_{eff}$, whose singular contribution, the so-called Grüneisen ratio $Γ$, quantifies the barocaloric effect. Our analysis suggests that the negative $p$ associated with dark-energy implies a metastable state and that in the dark-energy-dominated era $ω$ is time-dependent, which reinforces recent proposals of a time-dependent cosmological constant. Furthermore, we demonstrate that $Γ_{eff}$ is embodied in the energy-momentum stress tensor in the Einstein field equations, enabling us to analyse, in the frame of an imperfect fluid picture, anisotropic effects of the universe expansion. We propose that upon going from decelerated- to accelerated-expansion, a phase transition-like behavior can be inferred. Yet, our analysis in terms of entropy, $Γ$, and a by us adapted version of Avramov/Casalini's model to Cosmology unveil hidden aspects related to the expansion of the universe. Our findings pave the way to interpret cosmological phenomena in connection with concepts of condensed matter Physics via $Γ_{eff}$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Grüneisen parameter as an entanglement compass and the breakdown of the Hellmann-Feynman theorem

The Grüneisen ratio $Γ$, i.e., the singular part of the ratio of thermal expansion to the specific heat, has been broadly employed to explore both finite-$T$ and quantum critical points (QCPs). For a genuine quantum phase transition (QPT), thermal fluctuations are absent and thus the thermodynamic $Γ$ cannot be employed. We propose a quantum analogue to $Γ$ that computes entanglement as a function of a tuning parameter $λ$ and show that QPTs take place only for systems in which the ground-state energy depends on $λ$ non-linearly. Furthermore, we demonstrate the breakdown of the Hellmann-Feynman theorem in the thermodynamic limit at any QCP. We showcase our approach using the quantum 1D Ising model with transverse field and Kane's quantum computer. The slowing down of the dynamics and thus the "creation of mass" close to any QCP/QPT is also discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Universally non-diverging Grüneisen parameter at critical points

According to Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) statistical mechanics, the thermodynamic response, such as the isothermal susceptibility, at critical points (CPs) presents a divergent-like behavior. An appropriate parameter to probe both classical and quantum CPs is the so-called Grüneisen ratio $Γ$. Motivated by the results reported in Phys. Rev. B $\textbf{108}$, L140403 (2023), we extend the quantum version of $Γ$ to the non-additive $q$-entropy $S_q$. Our findings indicate that using $S_q$ at the unique value of $q$ restoring the extensivity of the entropy, $Γ$ is universally non-diverging at CPs. We unprecedentedly introduce $Γ$ in terms of $S_q$, being BG recovered for $q \rightarrow 1$. We thus solve a long-standing problem related to the $\textit{illusory}$ diverging susceptibilities at CPs.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2020

Giant caloric effects close to $any$ critical end point

The electrocaloric effect (ECE), i.e., the reversible temperature change due to the adiabatic variation of the electric field, is of great interest due to its potential technological applications. Based on entropy arguments, we present a new framework to attain giant ECE. Our findings are fourfold: $i$) we employ the recently-proposed electric Grüneisen parameter $Γ_E$ to quantify the ECE and discuss its advantages over the existing so-called electrocaloric strength; $ii$) prediction of giant caloric effects $close$ to $any$ critical end point; $iii$) proposal of potential key-ingredients to enhance the ECE; $iv$) demonstration of $Γ_E$ as a proper parameter to probe quantum ferroelectricity in connection with the celebrated Barrett's formula. Our findings enable us to interpret the recently-reported large ECE at room-temperature in oxide multilayer capacitors [Nature 575, 468 (2019)], paving thus the way for new venues in the field.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Unveiling the Physics of the Mutual Interactions in Paramagnets

In real paramagnets, there is always a subtle many-body contribution to the system's energy, which can be regarded as a small effective local magnetic field $B_{loc}$. Usually, it is neglected, since it is very small when compared with thermal fluctuations and/or external magnetic fields $B$. Nevertheless, as both the temperature $T \rightarrow$ 0K and $B \rightarrow$ 0T, such many-body contributions become ubiquitous. Here, employing the magnetic Grüneisen parameter $Γ_{mag}$ and entropy arguments, we report on the pivotal role played by the mutual interactions in the regime of ultra-low-$T$ and vanishing $B$. Our key results are: $i$) absence of a genuine zero-field quantum phase transition due to the presence of $B_{loc}$; $ii$) connection between the canonical definition of temperature and $Γ_{mag}$; and $iii$) possibility of performing adiabatic magnetization by only manipulating the mutual interactions. Our findings unveil unprecedented aspects emerging from the mutual interactions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

The Magnetic Grüneisen Parameter for Model Systems

The magneto-caloric effect (MCE), which is the refrigeration based on the variation of the magnetic entropy, is of great interest in both technological applications and fundamental research. The MCE is quantified by the magnetic Grüneisen parameter $Γ_{\textmd{mag}}$. We report on an analysis of $Γ_{\textmd{mag}}$ for the classical Brillouin-like paramagnet, for a modified Brillouin function taking into account a zero-field splitting originated from the spin-orbit (SO) interaction and for the one-dimensional Ising (1DI) model under longitudinal field. For both Brillouin-like model with SO interaction and the longitudinal 1DI model, for $ T \rightarrow$ 0 and vanishing field a sign change of the MCE is observed, suggestive of a quantum phase transition. SO interaction leads to a narrowing of the critical fluctuations upon approaching the critical point. Our findings emphasize the relevance of $Γ_{\textmd{mag}}$ for exploring critical points. Also, we show that the Brillouin model with and without SO interaction can be recovered from the 1DI model in the regime of high-temperatures and vanishing coupling constant $J$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Enhanced Grüneisen Parameter in Supercooled Water

We use the recently-proposed \emph{compressible cell} Ising-like model [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{120}, 120603 (2018)] to estimate the ratio between thermal expansivity and specific heat (the Grüneisen parameter $Γ$) in supercooled water. Near the critical pressure and temperature, $Γ$ increases. The $Γ$ value diverges near the pressure-induced finite-$T$ critical end-point [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{104}, 245701 (2010)] and quantum critical points [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{91}, 066404 (2003)], which indicates that two energy scales are governing the system. This enhanced behavior of $Γ$ is caused by the coexistence of high- and low-density liquids [Science \textbf{358}, 1543 (2017)]. Our findings support the proposed liquid-liquid critical point in supercooled water in the No-Man's Land regime, and indicates possible applications of this model to other systems.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2018

Probing the Ionic Dielectric Constant Contribution in the Ferroelectric Phase of the Fabre-Salts

In strongly correlated organic materials it has been pointed out that charge-ordering could also achieve electronic ferroelectricity at the same critical temperature $T_{co}$. A prototype of such phenomenon are the quasi-one dimensional (TMTTF)$_2X$ Fabre-salts. However, the stabilization of a long-range ferroelectric ground-state below $T_{co}$ requires the break of inversion symmetry, which should be accompanied by a lattice deformation. In this work we investigate the role of the monovalent counter-anion $X$ in such mechanism. For this purpose, we measured the quasi-static dielectric constant along the $c^{*}$-axis direction, where layers formed by donors and anions alternate. Our findings show that the ionic charge contribution is three orders of magnitude lower than the intra-stack electronic response. The $c^{*}$ dielectric constant ($ε'_{c^*}$) probes directly the charge response of the monovalent anion $X$, since the anion mobility in the structure should help to stabilize the ferroelectric ground-state. Furthermore, our $ε'_{c^*}$ measurements %conjugated with earlier investigations of the $c^*$ lattice thermal expansion, show that the dielectric response is thermally broaden below $T_{co}$ if the ferroelectric transition occurs in the temperature range where the anion movement begin to freeze in their methyl groups cavity. In the extreme case of the PF$_6$-H$_{12}$ salt, where $T_{co}$ occurs at the freezing point, a relaxor-type ferroelectricity is observed. Also, because of the slow kinetics of the anion sub-lattice, global hysteresis effects and reduction of the charge response upon successive cycling are observed. In this context, we propose that anions control the order-disorder or relaxation character of the ferroelectric transition of the Fabre-salts.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Low-temperature lattice effects in the spin-liquid candidate $κ$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu$_2$(CN)$_3$

The quasi-two-dimensional organic charge-transfer salt $κ$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$Cu$_2$(CN)$_3$ is one of the prime candidates for a quantum spin-liquid due the strong spin frustration of its anisotropic triangular lattice in combination with its proximity to the Mott transition. Despite intensive investigations of the material's low-temperature properties, several important questions remain to be answered. Particularly puzzling are the 6\,K anomaly and the enigmatic effects observed in magnetic fields. Here we report on low-temperature measurements of lattice effects which were shown to be particularly strongly pronounced in this material (R. S. Manna \emph{et al.}, Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{104}, 016403 (2010)). A special focus of our study lies on sample-to-sample variations of these effects and their implications on the interpretation of experimental data. By investigating overall nine single crystals from two different batches, we can state that there are considerable differences in the size of the second-order phase transition anomaly around 6\,K, varying within a factor of 3. In addition, we find field-induced anomalies giving rise to pronounced features in the sample length for two out of these nine crystals for temperatures $T <$ 9 K. We tentatively assign the latter effects to $B$-induced magnetic clusters suspected to nucleate around crystal imperfections. These $B$-induced effects are absent for the crystals where the 6\,K anomaly is most strongly pronounced. The large lattice effects observed at 6\,K are consistent with proposed pairing instabilities of fermionic excitations breaking the lattice symmetry. The strong sample-to-sample variation in the size of the phase transition anomaly suggests that the conversion of the fermions to bosons at the instability is only partial and to some extent influenced by not yet identified sample-specific parameters.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2016

Grüneisen Parameter for Gases

The Grüneisen ratio ($Γ$), i.e.\,the ratio of the linear thermal expansivity to the specific heat at constant pressure, quantifies the degree of anharmonicity of the potential governing the physical properties of a system. While $Γ$ has been intensively explored in solid state physics, very little is known about its behavior for gases. This is most likely due to the difficulties posed to carry out both thermal expansion and specific heat measurements in gases with high accuracy as a function of pressure and temperature. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge a comprehensive discussion about the peculiarities of the Grüneisen ratio is still lacking in the literature. Here we report on a detailed and comprehensive overview of the Grüneisen ratio. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of $Γ$ for gases. The main findings of this work are: \emph{i)} for the Van der Waals gas $Γ$ depends only on the co-volume $b$ due to interaction effects, it is smaller than that for the ideal gas ($Γ$ = 2/3) and diverges upon approaching the critical volume; \emph{ii)} for the Bose-Einstein condensation of an ideal boson gas, assuming the transition as first-order $Γ$ diverges upon approaching a critical volume, similarly to the Van der Waals gas; \emph{iii)} for $^4$He at the superfluid transition $Γ$ shows a singular behavior. Our results reveal that $Γ$ can be used as an appropriate experimental tool to explore pressure-induced critical points.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2015

Specific Heat Anomalies in Solids Described by a Multilevel Model

Specific heat measurements constitute one of the most powerful experimental methods to probe fundamental excitations in solids. After the proposition of Einstein's model, more than one century ago (Annalen der Physik \textbf{22}, 180 (1907)), several theoretical models have been proposed to describe experimental results. Here we report on a detailed analysis of the two-peak specific heat anomalies observed in several materials. Employing a simple multilevel model, varying the spacing between the energy levels $Δ_i$ = $(E_i$ $-$ $E_{0})$ and the degeneracy of each energy level $g_i$, we derive the required conditions for the appearance of such anomalies. Our findings indicate that a ratio of $Δ_2$/$Δ_1$ $\thickapprox$ 10 between the energy levels and a high degeneracy of one of the energy levels define the two-peaks regime in the specific heat. Our approach accurately matches recent experimental results. Furthermore, using a mean-field approach we calculate the specific heat of a degenerate Schottky-like system undergoing a ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition. Our results reveal that as the degeneracy is increased the Schottky maximum in the specific heat becomes narrow while the peak associated with the FM transition remains unaffected.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Probing the Mott Physics in $κ$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$X Salts via Thermal Expansion

In the field of interacting electron systems the Mott metal-to-insulator (MI) transition represents one of the pivotal issues. The role played by lattice degrees of freedom for the Mott MI transition and the Mott criticality in a variety of materials are current topics under debate. In this context, molecular conductors of the $κ$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$X type constitute a class of materials for unraveling several aspects of the Mott physics. In this review, we present a synopsis of literature results with focus on recent expansivity measurements probing the Mott MI transition in this class of materials. Progress in the description of the Mott critical behavior is also addressed.

cond-mat.str-el↗