Quantum characterization of bipartite Gaussian states

Gaussian bipartite states are basic tools for the realization of quantum information protocols with continuous variables. Their complete characterization is obtained by the reconstruction of the corresponding covariance matrix. Here we describe in details and experimentally demonstrate a robust and reliable method to fully characterize bipartite optical Gaussian states by means of a single homodyne detector. We have successfully applied our method to the bipartite states generated by a sub-threshold type-II optical parametric oscillator which produces a pair of thermal cross-polarized entangled CW frequency degenerate beams. The method provide a reliable reconstruction of the covariance matrix and allows to retrieve all the physical information about the state under investigation. These includes observable quantities, as energy and squeezing, as well as non observable ones as purity, entropy and entanglement. Our procedure also includes advanced tests for Gaussianity of the state and, overall, represents a powerful tool to study bipartite Gaussian state from the generation stage to the detection one

Spinor Algebras

We consider supersymmetry algebras in space-times with arbitrary signature and minimal number of spinor generators. The interrelation between super Poincar\'e and super conformal algebras is elucidated. Minimal super conformal algebras are seen to have as bosonic part a classical semimisimple algebra naturally associated to the spin group. This algebra, the Spin$(s,t)$-algebra, depends both on the dimension and on the signature of space time. We also consider maximal super conformal algebras, which are classified by the orthosymplectic algebras.Comment: References added, misprints corrected. Version to appear in the Journal of Geometry and Physic

Couplings of N=1 chiral spinor multiplets

We derive the action for chiral spinor multiplets coupled to vector and scalar multiplets. We give the component form of the action, which contains gauge invariant mass terms for the antisymmetric tensors in the spinor superfield and additional Green-Schwarz couplings to vector fields. We observe that supersymmetry provides mass terms for the scalars in the spinor multiplet which do not arise from eliminating an auxiliary field. We construct the dual action by explicitly performing the duality transformations in superspace and give its component form.Comment: 17 pages, v2 small change

An effective method to estimate multidimensional Gaussian states

A simple and efficient method for characterization of multidimensional Gaussian states is suggested and experimentally demonstrated. Our scheme shows analogies with tomography of finite dimensional quantum states, with the covariance matrix playing the role of the density matrix and homodyne detection providing Stern-Gerlach-like projections. The major difference stems from a different character of relevant noises: while the statistics of Stern-Gerlach-like measurements is governed by binomial statistics, the detection of quadrature variances correspond to chi-square statistics. For Gaussian and near Gaussian states the suggested method provides, compared to standard tomography techniques, more stable and reliable reconstructions. In addition, by putting together reconstruction methods for Gaussian and arbitrary states, we obtain a tool to detect the non-Gaussian character of optical signals.Comment: 8 pages, 5 fis, accepted for publication on PR

Comparative study between cold leg and hot leg safety injection during SBLOCA in a 4-loop PWR NPP

This article presents a comparison between two operation modes for the emergency core cooling system during a Small Break Loss of Coolant Accident (SBLOCA) in the cold leg of 4-loop PWR Westinghouse design nuclear power plant. In the first mode, the cold leg safety injection is used to mitigate the consequences of the accident and in the second mode the hot leg safety injection is used. The best estimate light water reactor transient analysis system code RELAP5 Mod3.3 was used in calculations. The plant nodalization consists of two loops; the first one represents the broken loop and the second one represents the other three intact loops. The results show that, in the cold leg safety injection the primary pressure decreases with time and remains higher than the secondary pressure for a period of time (~ 500 sec) during whichthe steam generators remains as a heat sink for the primary side, the accumulators start late and functioning on remaining transient time, and a repeatable loop seal clearing and refill occurs. During the hot leg safety injection the primary pressure decreases rapidly but remains higher than the secondary pressure for a longer period of time (~ 600 sec), the accumulators start early and functioning on a part of the transient time before they are totally discharged, and there is no repeatable loop seal clearing and refill. In the two modes the maximum clad surface temperature does not violate the safety limit

Full characterization of Gaussian bipartite entangled states by a single homodyne detector

We present the full experimental reconstruction of Gaussian entangled states generated by a type--II optical parametric oscillator (OPO) below threshold. Our scheme provides the entire covariance matrix using a single homodyne detector and allows for the complete characterization of bipartite Gaussian states, including the evaluation of purity, entanglement and nonclassical photon correlations, without a priori assumptions on the state under investigation. Our results show that single homodyne schemes are convenient and robust setups for the full characterization of OPO signals and represent a tool for quantum technology based on continuous variable entanglement.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, slightly longer version of published PR

Bianchi Type I Cosmology in N=2, D=5 Supergravity

The dynamics and evolution of Bianchi type I space-times is considered in the framework of the four-dimensional truncation of a reduced theory obtained from the N=2,D=5 supergravity. The general solution of the gravitational field equations can be represented in an exact parametric form. All solutions have a singular behavior at the initial/final moment, except when the space-time geometry reduces to the isotropic flat case. Generically the obtained cosmological models describe an anisotropic, expanding or collapsing, singular Universe with a non-inflationary evolution for all times.Comment: revised version to appear in PR

M/M/∞\infty queues in semi-Markovian random environment

In this paper we investigate an M/M/$\infty$ queue whose parameters depend on an external random environment that we assume to be a semi-Markovian process with finite state space. For this model we show a recursive formula that allows to compute all the factorial moments for the number of customers in the system in steady state. The used technique is based on the calculation of the raw moments of the measure of a bidimensional random set. Finally the case when the random environment has only two states is deeper analyzed. We obtain an explicit formula to compute the above mentioned factorial moments when at least one of the two states has sojourn time exponentially distributed.Comment: 17 pages, 2 figure

AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC DATA BY USING NEURAL NETWORKS: APPLICATIONS TO ITALIAN VOLCANOES.

The availability of the new computing techniques allows to perform advanced analysis in near real time, improving the seismological monitoring systems, which can extract more significant information from the raw data in a really short time. However, the correct identification of the events remains a critical aspect for the reliability of near real time automatic analysis. We approach this problem by using Neural Networks (NN) for discriminating among the seismic signals recorded in the Neapolitan volcanic area (Vesuvius, Phlegraean Fields). The proposed neural techniques have been also applied to other sets of seismic data recorded in Stromboli volcano. The obtained results are very encouraging, giving 100% of correct classification for some transient signals recorded at Vesuvius and allowing the clustering of the large dataset of VLP events recorded at Stromboli volcano

Application of best estimate plus uncertainty in review of research reactor safety analysis

To construct and operate a nuclear research reactor, the licensee is required to obtain the authorization from the regulatory body. One of the tasks of the regulatory authority is to verify that the safety analysis fulfils safety requirements. Historically, the compliance with safety requirements was assessed using a deterministic approach and conservative assumptions. This provides sufficient safety margins with respect to the licensing limits on boundary and operational conditions. Conservative assumptions were introduced into safety analysis to account for the uncertainty associated with lack of knowledge. With the introduction of best estimate computational tools, safety analyses are usually carried out using the best estimate approach. Results of such analyses can be accepted by the regulatory authority only if appropriate uncertainty evaluation is carried out. Best estimate computer codes are capable of providing more realistic information on the status of the plant, allowing the prediction of real safety margins. The best estimate plus uncertainty approach has proven to be reliable and viable of supplying realistic results if all conditions are carefully followed. This paper, therefore, presents this concept and its possible application to research reactor safety analysis. The aim of the paper is to investigate the unprotected loss-of-flow transients "core blockage" of a miniature neutron source research reactor by applying best estimate plus uncertainty methodology. The results of our calculations show that the temperatures in the core are within the safety limits and do not pose any significant threat to the reactor, as far as the melting of the cladding is concerned. The work also discusses the methodology of the best estimate plus uncertainty approach when applied to the safety analysis of research reactors for licensing purposes