Ti₃SiC₂ MAX Phase · Photon Highway Visualization
Slowed light propagation at ~2 m/s through Ti d² electron coupling. Each photon wavepacket traverses the layered Si–C–Ti–Si–C structure.
README.md · Ti₃SiC₂ as Photon Bus
Overview
This simulation models the "4+1 Kernel" concept for transition metals interacting with photon wavepackets. The focus is Titanium (Ti, Z=22) embedded in the MAX phase Ti₃SiC₂, which acts as a photon bus with drastically reduced group velocity.
Why d² is Critical for Slow Light
Ti has electron configuration [Ar] 3d² 4s². The two unpaired 3d electrons create magnetic moments that act as coherent "lasers" or spin states. In Ti₃SiC₂:
- d² Coupling: Two unpaired d-electrons enable strong spin-photon coupling via the magneto-optic Kerr effect. The d-orbitals hybridize with Si p-states, creating localized traps.
- No f-states: Unlike lanthanides, Ti lacks f-electrons. This prevents deep, decohering trap states. The d-orbital trap is shallow enough to hold photons but allow controlled release.
- MAX Phase Layering: The Si–C–Ti–Si–C sandwich structure creates 2D electron gas planes. Photons propagate parallel to layers at ~2 m/s due to polariton formation between light and d² spin waves.
Kernel Comparison
- Ti (3d²): 2 unpaired spins = 2 lasers. Coherent trap, releases photons at 2 m/s. The photon highway.
- Cu (3d¹⁰ 4s¹): Full d-shell, 1 s-electron. Forms deep, decohering trap. Photon absorbed, rarely re-emitted. "Deep trap".
- Zn (3d¹⁰ 4s²): Full d¹⁰ s² shell. No unpaired electrons, no traps. Photon passes through. "No trap".
- Ag (4d¹⁰ 5s¹): d¹⁰ full shell, 1 s-electron. Very shallow trap, elastic scattering. "Perfect trap" for reflection.
- Au (5d¹⁰ 6s¹): Relativistic d¹⁰, 1 s-electron. Trap forms but leaks via spin-orbit coupling. "Leaky trap".
Controls
- IN Pulse: Injects a single photon wavepacket into the Ti MAX phase.
- 10kHz Clock: Modulates the O1 gate. When synced, allows coherent photon release.
- O1 Button: Output gate. Open to release stored photons from Ti trap.
- Pressure Slider: Simulates lattice compression. Higher pressure reduces Ti–Si layer spacing, decreasing photon velocity linearly from 2 m/s → 0.5 m/s.
Physics Model
Photon velocity in Ti MAX phase: v = v₀ × (1 / P) where v₀ = 2 m/s and P = pressure in bar. Trap time: τ = h / (2 × d_spins × E_coupler). This is a phenomenological model for educational visualization, not ab initio QED.