Non equilibrium phase transitions and Floquet Kibble-Zurek scaling

We study the slow crossing of non-equilibrium quantum phase transitions in periodically-driven systems. We explicitly consider a spin chain with a uniform time-dependent magnetic field and focus on the Floquet state that is adiabatically connected to the ground state of the static model. We find that this {\it Floquet ground state} undergoes a series of quantum phase transitions characterized by a non-trivial topology. To dinamically probe these transitions, we propose to start with a large driving frequency and slowly decrease it as a function of time. Combining analytical and numerical methods, we uncover a Kibble-Zurek scaling that persists in the presence of moderate interactions. This scaling can be used to experimentally demonstrate non-equilibrium transitions that cannot be otherwise observed.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, Supplemental Material. (In this last version, the one published in EPL, we provide a better discussion of the Floquet adiabatic theorem, the construction of the Floquet ground state as an adiabatic continuation and the nature of the phase transitions.

The role of auxiliary states in state discrimination with linear optical evices

The role of auxiliary photons in the problem of identifying a state secretly chosen from a given set of L-photon states is analyzed. It is shown that auxiliary photons do not increase the ability to discriminate such states by means of a global measurement using only optical linear elements, conditional transformation and auxiliary photons.Comment: 5 pages. 1 figure. RevTex documen

Geometric phase induced by a cyclically evolving squeezed vacuum reservoir

We propose a new way to generate an observable geometric phase by means of a completely incoherent phenomenon. We show how to imprint a geometric phase to a system by "adiabatically" manipulating the environment with which it interacts. As a specific scheme we analyse a multilevel atom interacting with a broad-band squeezed vacuum bosonic bath. As the squeezing parameters are smoothly changed in time along a closed loop, the ground state of the system acquires a geometric phase. We propose also a scheme to measure such geometric phase by means of a suitable polarization detection.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Stein & Hay: Cases and Materials on the Law and Institutions of the Atlantic Area

A Review of Cases and Materials on the Law and Institutions of the Atlantic Area Edited by Eric Stein and Peter Hay

Contemporary perspective on addictive behaviors: underpinning mechanisms, assessment, and treatment

This special issue gathered contributions from authors in the scientifc community working on addictive behaviors. In particular, authors were solicited to relate about underpinning mechanisms, assessment protocols, and intervention programs that are currently proposed for substance abuse, Internet addiction, and other forms of problematic conducts in pediatric populations, adolescence, and adulthood. Most of the papers used a biopsychosocial model for the onset and maintaining of addictive behaviors and their comorbidities with other psychopathologies. Although the intent was accept contributions focused on all forms of addictive behaviors, this special issue is composed of four papers concerning problematic use of the web and two articles focusing on substance use. Of note, all papers addressed the developmental phases of childhood and adolescence