Quantum Interference between Impurities: Creating Novel Many-Body States in s-wave Superconductors

We demonstrate that quantum interference of electronic waves that are scattered by multiple magnetic impurities in an s-wave superconductor gives rise to novel bound states. We predict that by varying the inter-impurity distance or the relative angle between the impurity spins, the states' quantum numbers, as well as their distinct frequency and spatial dependencies, can be altered. Finally, we show that the superconductor can be driven through multiple local crossovers in which its spin polarization, $$, changes between $=0, 1/2$ and 1.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Analytical solutions to zeroth-order dispersion relations of a cylindrical metallic nanowire

Zeroth-order complex dispersion relations of a cylindrical metallic nanowire have been solved out analytically with approximate methods. The analytical solutions are valid for the sections of the dispersion relations whose frequencies are close to the Surface Plasmon frequency. The back bending of the Surface Plasmon-Polaritons(SPPs) can be well described by the analytical solutions, confirming that the back bending is originated from the metal Ohmic loss. The utility of the back bending point in the dispersion relation for the measurement of the metallic Ohimc loss has also been suggested.Comment: 6pages, 3figure

Genetic Interaction between MTMR2 and FIG4 Phospholipid Phosphatases Involved in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathies

We previously reported that autosomal recessive demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) type 4B1 neuropathy with myelin outfoldings is caused by loss of MTMR2 (Myotubularin-related 2) in humans, and we created a faithful mouse model of the disease. MTMR2 dephosphorylates both PtdIns3P and PtdIns(3,5)P2, thereby regulating membrane trafficking. However, the function of MTMR2 and the role of the MTMR2 phospholipid phosphatase activity in vivo in the nerve still remain to be assessed. Mutations in FIG4 are associated with CMT4J neuropathy characterized by both axonal and myelin damage in peripheral nerve. Loss of Fig4 function in the plt (pale tremor) mouse produces spongiform degeneration of the brain and peripheral neuropathy. Since FIG4 has a role in generation of PtdIns(3,5)P2 and MTMR2 catalyzes its dephosphorylation, these two phosphatases might be expected to have opposite effects in the control of PtdIns(3,5)P2 homeostasis and their mutations might have compensatory effects in vivo. To explore the role of the MTMR2 phospholipid phosphatase activity in vivo, we generated and characterized the Mtmr2/Fig4 double null mutant mice. Here we provide strong evidence that Mtmr2 and Fig4 functionally interact in both Schwann cells and neurons, and we reveal for the first time a role of Mtmr2 in neurons in vivo. Our results also suggest that imbalance of PtdIns(3,5)P2 is at the basis of altered longitudinal myelin growth and of myelin outfolding formation. Reduction of Fig4 by null heterozygosity and downregulation of PIKfyve both rescue Mtmr2-null myelin outfoldings in vivo and in vitro

Vps34 PI 3-kinase inactivation enhances insulin sensitivity through reprogramming of mitochondrial metabolism

Postdoctoral fellowships were from EU Marie Curie (PIEF-GA-2009–252916) and EMBO (ALTF 753–2010) for SA and EU Marie Curie (PIIF-GA-2009–252846) for C.C. J. M.H. was a recipient of a doctoral fellowship from Eisai UK Ltd. Work in our laboratories was supported as follows: BV: MRC [G0700755], BBSRC (BB/I007806/1 and BB/ M013278/1), CRUK (C23338/A15965), the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UCL Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre; J.M.B.: NIH AG039632, GM112524. and the Albert Einstein Diabetes Research and Training Center Animal Physiology Core DK020541; E.G.: Barry Reed Cancer Research fund; G.S.: BBSRC (BB/L020874/1) and B.H.F.; S.S.: Anatomical Society of Great Britain (GT) and a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship 074246/Z04/Z (S.S.); R.K.S.: Wellcome Trust (WT098498) and M.R.C. (MRC_MC_UU_12012/5); S.A. T. and L.C.: the Francis Crick Institute, which receives its core funding from CRUK (FC001187), MRC (FC001187), and the Wellcome Trust (FC001187); Y.-L.C.: the CRUK Cancer Imaging Centre in association with the MRC and DoH (England) grant C1060/ A10334, C1060/A16464, NHS funding to the NIHR BRC; B.P.: Inserm and the Fondation pour la recherche médicale

Imaging surface photonic states with a circularly polarized tip

Photon unoccupied states tailored by nanostructures present at sample surfaces can be probed using a scanning near-field optical microscope including large detection angles (Chicanne C

Infrared near-field study of a localised absorption in a thin film

We study the conditions to perform micro-spectroscopy with a sub-wavelength lateral resolution in the wavelength spectral range from 3 to 20 μm, taking advantage of the infrared spectral signature of different chemical species. We utilised CLIO, a free electron laser, as the photon source. The transmitted photons were collected by either fluoride or chalcogenide glass fibres. Fibre tips were obtained through chemical etching by organic solvents. Metallisation of the tips permits to achieve lateral resolution of the order of the tip size. However, parasitic propagation of the light in the film reduces the contrast between irradiated and non-irradiated zones. We exemplify our set up with near-field infrared spectra obtained for polymer thin films deposited onto silicon wafers