Towards optical quantum information processing using Rydberg dark-state polaritons

This thesis proposes a novel method to implement universal quantum gates for photonic qubits using the strong dipole-dipole interactions present in a cold gas of Rydberg atoms and the control offered by microwave fields. By means of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) we store the information encoded in photonic qubits as Rydberg excitations, and then couple these to neighbouring states using microwaves. Microwaves alter the range of the dipole-dipole interactions between the excitations, and a suitable geometrical arrangement of the excitations in the cloud leads to a controlled $\pi$ phase shift in the system's wavefunction, the basis of the universal gates proposed. After processing, the excitations in the medium are later retrieved as photons. A theoretical description of the implementation of a 2-qubit universal gate is presented and a numerical analysis shows the feasibility of its implementation in a cold cloud of Rubidium atoms. A scheme is also proposed to construct more general gates with applications in quantum information processing. These schemes have been made possible by the analysis of recent experiments performed in the group. This analysis is repeated here, along with the characterization of parts of the detection system required to obtain them

Assessing the Performance of a Particle Swarm Optimization Mobility Algorithm in a Hybrid Wi-Fi/LoRa Flying Ad Hoc Network

Research on Flying Ad-Hoc Networks (FANETs) has increased due to the availability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the electronic components that control and connect them. Many applications, such as 3D mapping, construction inspection, or emergency response operations could benefit from an application and adaptation of swarm intelligence-based deployments of multiple UAVs. Such groups of cooperating UAVs, through the use of local rules, could be seen as network nodes establishing an ad-hoc network for communication purposes. One FANET application is to provide communication coverage over an area where communication infrastructure is unavailable. A crucial part of a FANET implementation is computing the optimal position of UAVs to provide connectivity with ground nodes while maximizing geographic span. To achieve optimal positioning of FANET nodes, an adaptation of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. A 3D mobility model is defined by adapting the original PSO algorithm and combining it with a fixed-trajectory initial flight. A Long Range (LoRa) mesh network is used for air-to-air communication, while a Wi-Fi network provides air-to-ground communication to several ground nodes with unknown positions. The optimization problem has two objectives: maximizing coverage to ground nodes and maintaining an end-to-end communication path to a control station, through the UAV mesh. The results show that the hybrid mobility approach performs similarly to the fixed trajectory flight regarding coverage, and outperforms fixed trajectory and PSO-only algorithms in both path maintenance and overall network efficiency, while using fewer UAVs

An Analysis of Mexico's Recounted Ballots

This report analyzes the recounted sample from Mexico's presidential elections and raises questions about the electoral process.

Consulting report – Mipaku

MiPaku is a small, socially conscious fashion brand specializing in the design, manufacture, and sales of high-quality alpaca wool and cotton blended garments. The company is essentially an outgrowth of D’Peru textiles, which is an already established selfsustainable business that has been running since 2010. While Mipaku offers its products under its own brand name, D’Peru Textiles is a white-label label manufacturer of high-end alpaca wool and cotton blended garments. The company is based in Lima, Peru, and, at present, employs a total of 12 persons. Notably, Mipaku shares its production facilities, staff, warehousing, and ownership with D’Peru Textiles. Mipaku generates annual sales of less than US$10,000. Mipaku wants to grow yet is unsure of how to do so. Accordingly, the main problem(s) addressed in the consulting report concern market selection and modes of entry. In order to address the problem of market selection, an integrated market selection model is designed (based upon relevant literature) and employed to determine which markets Mipaku should pursue. Results from the model are complemented by qualitative research and identified that the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are the top markets for further pursuit. Following market selection, entrance strategies for each market are designed and organized into a Gantt chart. Moreover, the proposed implementation offers legal requirements, distribution channels, cost strategies, and a list of trade shows, boutiques, and other potential customers. Finally, it is analyzed the qualitative and quantitative outcomes that give the expected net present value and internal rate of return. To conclude, it is projected that if Mipaku implements the recommendations outlined in the consulting report, they will indeed accomplish their goal of increasing sales and growing their brand.MiPaku es una pequeña empresa de moda especializada en el diseño, fabricación y venta de prendas de alta calidad de lana de alpaca y algodón. Mipaku es esencialmente una extensión de D'Peru Textiles, el cual es un negocio autosustentable ya establecido que ha estado funcionando desde 2010. La principal diferencia es que Mipaku ofrece sus productos bajo su propia marca, mientras que D'Peru Textiles es un fabricante de prendas combinadas de algodón y lana de alpaca de alta gama de etiquetas de marca blanca. La empresa tiene su sede en Lima, Perú, y, en la actualidad, emplea a un total de 12 personas. En particular, Mipaku comparte sus instalaciones de producción, personal, almacenamiento y propiedad con D’Peru Textiles. Mipaku genera ventas anuales de menos de US$ 10,000. Mipaku quiere crecer, pero aún no está segura de cómo hacerlo. En consecuencia, los principales problemas abordados en esta tesis de consultoría se refieren a la selección del mercado y los modos de entrada. Para abordar el problema mencionado, se ha diseñado un modelo integrado de selección de mercados (basado en la literatura relevante) el cual es empleado para determinar qué mercados ofrecen potencial de crecimiento para Mipaku. Los resultados del análisis cuantitativo se complementan con análisis cualitativos, identificando como resultado que, Estados Unidos, Alemania y el Reino Unido son los principales mercados en los cuales Mipaku debe centrarse. Después de la selección del mercado, se diseña las estrategias de entrada para cada mercado las cuales se organizan en un diagrama de Gantt. Además, propone una implementación la cual contempla requisitos legales, canales de distribución, estrategias de costos y una lista de ferias, boutiques y otros clientes potenciales. Finalmente, se analizan los resultados cualitativos y cuantitativos para determinar el esperado valor presente neto y la tasa interna de retorno. Para concluir, se propone concretas recomendaciones con el objetivo de que Mipaku logre aumentar sus ventas y hacer crecer su marca.Tesi