Efficient quantum computation within a disordered Heisenberg spin-chain

We show that efficient quantum computation is possible using a disordered Heisenberg spin-chain with `always-on' couplings. Such disorder occurs naturally in nanofabricated systems. Considering a simple chain setup, we show that an arbitrary two-qubit gate can be implemented using just three relaxations of a controlled qubit, which amounts to switching the on-site energy terms at most twenty-one times.Comment: To appear in Phys. Rev.

Dynamic Matrix Factorization with Priors on Unknown Values

Advanced and effective collaborative filtering methods based on explicit feedback assume that unknown ratings do not follow the same model as the observed ones (\emph{not missing at random}). In this work, we build on this assumption, and introduce a novel dynamic matrix factorization framework that allows to set an explicit prior on unknown values. When new ratings, users, or items enter the system, we can update the factorization in time independent of the size of data (number of users, items and ratings). Hence, we can quickly recommend items even to very recent users. We test our methods on three large datasets, including two very sparse ones, in static and dynamic conditions. In each case, we outrank state-of-the-art matrix factorization methods that do not use a prior on unknown ratings.Comment: in the Proceedings of 21st ACM SIGKDD Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining 201

Effect of Inhomogeneous Heat Flow on the Enhancement of Heat Capacity in Helium-II by Counterflow near Tλ

In 2000 Harter et al. reported the first measurements of the enhancement of the heat capacity ΔCQ[equivalent]C(Q)-C(Q=0) of helium-II transporting a heat flux density Q near Tλ. Surprisingly, their measured ΔCQ was ~7–12 times larger than predicted, depending on which theory was assumed. In this report we present a candidate explanation for this discrepancy: unintended heat flux inhomogeneity. Because C(Q) should diverge at a critical heat flux density Qc, homogeneous heat flow is required for an accurate measurement. We present results from numerical analysis of the heat flow in the Harter et al. cell indicating that substantial inhomogeneity occurred. We determine the effect of the inhomogeneity on ΔCQ and find rough agreement with the observed disparity between prediction and measurement

Testing the Accuracy and Stability of Spectral Methods in Numerical Relativity

The accuracy and stability of the Caltech-Cornell pseudospectral code is evaluated using the KST representation of the Einstein evolution equations. The basic "Mexico City Tests" widely adopted by the numerical relativity community are adapted here for codes based on spectral methods. Exponential convergence of the spectral code is established, apparently limited only by numerical roundoff error. A general expression for the growth of errors due to finite machine precision is derived, and it is shown that this limit is achieved here for the linear plane-wave test. All of these tests are found to be stable, except for simulations of high amplitude gauge waves with nontrivial shift.Comment: Final version, as published in Phys. Rev. D; 13 pages, 16 figure

High-fidelity, broadband stimulated-Brillouin-scattering-based slow light using fast noise modulation

We demonstrate a 5-GHz-broadband tunable slow-light device based on stimulated Brillouin scattering in a standard highly-nonlinear optical fiber pumped by a noise-current-modulated laser beam. The noise modulation waveform uses an optimized pseudo-random distribution of the laser drive voltage to obtain an optimal flat-topped gain profile, which minimizes the pulse distortion and maximizes pulse delay for a given pump power. Eye-diagram and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis show that this new broadband slow-light technique significantly increases the fidelity of a delayed data sequence, while maintaining the delay performance. A fractional delay of 0.81 with a SNR of 5.2 is achieved at the pump power of 350 mW using a 2-km-long highly nonlinear fiber with the fast noise-modulation method, demonstrating a 50% increase in eye-opening and a 36% increase in SNR compared to a previous slow-modulation method

General linear-optical quantum state generation scheme: Applications to maximally path-entangled states

We introduce schemes for linear-optical quantum state generation. A quantum state generator is a device that prepares a desired quantum state using product inputs from photon sources, linear-optical networks, and postselection using photon counters. We show that this device can be concisely described in terms of polynomial equations and unitary constraints. We illustrate the power of this language by applying the Grobner-basis technique along with the notion of vacuum extensions to solve the problem of how to construct a quantum state generator analytically for any desired state, and use methods of convex optimization to identify bounds to success probabilities. In particular, we disprove a conjecture concerning the preparation of the maximally path-entangled |n,0)+|0,n) (NOON) state by providing a counterexample using these methods, and we derive a new upper bound on the resources required for NOON-state generation.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Formation of Kuiper-belt binaries through multiple chaotic scattering encounters with low-mass intruders

The discovery that many trans-neptunian objects exist in pairs, or binaries, is proving invaluable for shedding light on the formation, evolution and structure of the outer Solar system. Based on recent systematic searches it has been estimated that up to 10% of Kuiper-belt objects might be binaries. However, all examples discovered to-date are unusual, as compared to near-Earth and main-belt asteroid binaries, for their mass ratios of order unity and their large, eccentric orbits. In this article we propose a common dynamical origin for these compositional and orbital properties based on four-body simulations in the Hill approximation. Our calculations suggest that binaries are produced through the following chain of events: initially, long-lived quasi-bound binaries form by two bodies getting entangled in thin layers of dynamical chaos produced by solar tides within the Hill sphere. Next, energy transfer through gravitational scattering with a low-mass intruder nudges the binary into a nearby non-chaotic, stable zone of phase space. Finally, the binary hardens (loses energy) through a series of relatively gentle gravitational scattering encounters with further intruders. This produces binary orbits that are well fitted by Kepler ellipses. Dynamically, the overall process is strongly favored if the original quasi-bound binary contains comparable masses. We propose a simplified model of chaotic scattering to explain these results. Our findings suggest that the observed preference for roughly equal mass ratio binaries is probably a real effect; that is, it is not primarily due to an observational bias for widely separated, comparably bright objects. Nevertheless, we predict that a sizeable population of very unequal mass Kuiper-belt binaries is likely awaiting discovery.Comment: This is a preprint of an Article accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, (C) 2005 The Royal Astronomical Societ

Eye-Safe Solid-State Quasi-CW Raman Laser with Millisecond Pulse Duration

We demonstrate the first quasi-CW (ms-long pulses, pump duty cycle of 10%) end-diode pumped solid state laser generating eye-safe radiation via intracavity Raman conversion. The output power at the first Stokes wavelength (1524 nm) was 250 mW. A theoretical model was applied to analyze the laser system and provide routes for optimization. The possibility of true CW operation was discussed.Comment: Preprint accepted for publication in Optics Communications on Feb 6, 201