Metadiffusion

TL;DR

This paper predicts that tidal forces can alter the speed of diffusion fronts, a phenomenon that is minor in astrophysics but potentially significant in gravitational analogues like gradient-index lenses, expanding metamaterials concepts.

Contribution

It introduces the novel idea that tidal forces influence diffusion front speeds, bridging metamaterials and dissipative transport phenomena.

Findings

Tidal forces modify diffusion front speeds.

Effect is small in astrophysical contexts.

Potentially tunable effect in gravitational analogues.

Abstract

We predict that the speed of a diffusion front is modified by tidal forces. This effect is small in astrophysical situations, but could be significant - indeed tunably so - in "gravitational analogues" such as gradient-index lenses. Confirming this prediction would extend the concept of metamaterials to the realm of dissipative transport phenomena.