19,382 research outputs found
Quantum information processing with space-division multiplexing optical fibres
The optical fibre is an essential tool for our communication infrastructure
since it is the main transmission channel for optical communications. The
latest major advance in optical fibre technology is spatial division
multiplexing (SDM), where new fibre designs and components establish multiple
co-existing data channels based on light propagation over distinct transverse
optical modes. Simultaneously, there have been many recent developments in the
field of quantum information processing (QIP), with novel protocols and devices
in areas such as computing, communication and metrology. Here, we review recent
works implementing QIP protocols with SDM optical fibres, and discuss new
possibilities for manipulating quantum systems based on this technology.Comment: Originally submitted version. Please see published version for
improved layout, new tables and updated references following review proces
Application of High-precision Timing Systems to Distributed Survey Systems
In any hydrographic survey system that consists of more than one computer, one of the most difficult integration problems is to ensure that all components maintain a coherent sense of time. Since virtually all modern survey systems are of this type, timekeeping and synchronized timestamping of data as it is created is of significant concern. This paper describes a method for resolving this problem based on the IEEE 1588 Precise Time Protocol (PTP) implemented by hardware devices, layered with some custom software called the Software Grandmaster (SWGM) algorithm. This combination of hardware and software maintains a coherent sense of time between multiple ethernet-connected computers, on the order of 100 ns (rms) in the best case, of the timebase established by the local GPS-receiver clock. We illustrate the performance of this techniques in a practical survey system using a Reson 7P sonar processor connected to a Reson 7125 Multibeam Echosounder (MBES), integrated with an Applanix POS/MV 320 V4 and a conventional data capture computer. Using the timing capabilities of the PTP hardware implementations, we show that the timepieces achieve mean (hardware based) synchronization and timestamping within 100-150 ns (rms), and that the data created at the Reson 7P without hardware timestamps has a latency variability of 28 µs (rms) due to software constraints within the capture system. This compares to 288 ms (rms) using Reson’s standard hybrid hardware/software solution, and 13.6 ms (rms) using a conventional single-oscillator timestamping model
Astronomical photonics in the context of infrared interferometry and high-resolution spectroscopy
We review the potential of Astrophotonics, a relatively young field at the
interface between photonics and astronomical instrumentation, for
spectro-interferometry. We review some fundamental aspects of photonic science
that drove the emer- gence of astrophotonics, and highlight the achievements in
observational astrophysics. We analyze the prospects for further technological
development also considering the potential synergies with other fields of
physics (e.g. non-linear optics in condensed matter physics). We also stress
the central role of fiber optics in routing and transporting light, delivering
complex filters, or interfacing instruments and telescopes, more specifically
in the context of a growing usage of adaptive optics.Comment: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation conference, June
2016, 21 pages, 10 Figure
OSCAR: A Collaborative Bandwidth Aggregation System
The exponential increase in mobile data demand, coupled with growing user
expectation to be connected in all places at all times, have introduced novel
challenges for researchers to address. Fortunately, the wide spread deployment
of various network technologies and the increased adoption of multi-interface
enabled devices have enabled researchers to develop solutions for those
challenges. Such solutions aim to exploit available interfaces on such devices
in both solitary and collaborative forms. These solutions, however, have faced
a steep deployment barrier.
In this paper, we present OSCAR, a multi-objective, incentive-based,
collaborative, and deployable bandwidth aggregation system. We present the
OSCAR architecture that does not introduce any intermediate hardware nor
require changes to current applications or legacy servers. The OSCAR
architecture is designed to automatically estimate the system's context,
dynamically schedule various connections and/or packets to different
interfaces, be backwards compatible with the current Internet architecture, and
provide the user with incentives for collaboration. We also formulate the OSCAR
scheduler as a multi-objective, multi-modal scheduler that maximizes system
throughput while minimizing energy consumption or financial cost. We evaluate
OSCAR via implementation on Linux, as well as via simulation, and compare our
results to the current optimal achievable throughput, cost, and energy
consumption. Our evaluation shows that, in the throughput maximization mode, we
provide up to 150% enhancement in throughput compared to current operating
systems, without any changes to legacy servers. Moreover, this performance gain
further increases with the availability of connection resume-supporting, or
OSCAR-enabled servers, reaching the maximum achievable upper-bound throughput
Quantum Cryptography
Quantum cryptography could well be the first application of quantum mechanics
at the individual quanta level. The very fast progress in both theory and
experiments over the recent years are reviewed, with emphasis on open questions
and technological issues.Comment: 55 pages, 32 figures; to appear in Reviews of Modern Physic
Precise control of flexible manipulators
The design and experimental testing of end point position controllers for a very flexible one link lightweight manipulator are summarized. The latest upgraded version of the experimental set up, and the basic differences between conventional joint angle feedback and end point position feedback are described. A general procedure for application of modern control methods to the problem is outlined. The relationship between weighting parameters and the bandwidth and control stiffness of the resulting end point position closed loop system is shown. It is found that joint rate angle feedback in addition to the primary end point position sensor is essential for adequate disturbance rejection capability of the closed loop system. The use of a low order multivariable compensator design computer code; called Sandy is documented. A solution to the problem of control mode switching between position sensor sets is outlined. The proof of concept for endpoint position feedback for a one link flexible manipulator was demonstrated. The bandwidth obtained with the experimental end point position controller is about twice as fast as the beam's first natural cantilevered frequency, and comes within a factor of four of the absolute physical speed limit imposed by the wave propagation time of the beam
Twisted Photons: New Quantum Perspectives in High Dimensions
Quantum information science and quantum information technology have seen a
virtual explosion world-wide. It is all based on the observation that
fundamental quantum phenomena on the individual particle or system-level lead
to completely novel ways of encoding, processing and transmitting information.
Quantum mechanics, a child of the first third of the 20th century, has found
numerous realizations and technical applications, much more than was thought at
the beginning. Decades later, it became possible to do experiments with
individual quantum particles and quantum systems. This was due to technological
progress, and for light in particular, the development of the laser. Hitherto,
nearly all experiments and also nearly all realizations in the fields have been
performed with qubits, which are two-level quantum systems. We suggest that
this limitation is again mainly a technological one, because it is very
difficult to create, manipulate and measure more complex quantum systems. Here,
we provide a specific overview of some recent developments with
higher-dimensional quantum systems. We mainly focus on Orbital Angular Momentum
(OAM) states of photons and possible applications in quantum information
protocols. Such states form discrete higher-dimensional quantum systems, also
called qudits. Specifically, we will first address the question what kind of
new fundamental properties exist and the quantum information applications which
are opened up by such novel systems. Then we give an overview of recent
developments in the field by discussing several notable experiments over the
past 2-3 years. Finally, we conclude with several important open questions
which will be interesting for investigations in the future.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure
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