Topological Pumping over a Photonic Fibonacci Quasicrystal

Quasiperiodic lattices have recently been shown to be a non-trivial topological phase of matter. Charge pumping -- one of the hallmarks of topological states of matter -- was recently realized for photons in a one-dimensional (1D) off-diagonal Harper model implemented in a photonic waveguide array. The topologically nontrivial 1D Fibonacci quasicrystal (QC) is expected to facilitate a similar phenomenon, but its discrete nature and lack of pumping parameter hinder the experimental study of such topological effects. In this work we overcome these obstacles by utilizing a family of topologically equivalent QCs which ranges from the Fibonacci QC to the Harper model. Implemented in photonic waveguide arrays, we observe the topological properties of this family, and perform a topological pumping of photons across a Fibonacci QC.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, comments are welcom

Topological States and Adiabatic Pumping in Quasicrystals

The unrelated discoveries of quasicrystals and topological insulators have in turn challenged prevailing paradigms in condensed-matter physics. We find a surprising connection between quasicrystals and topological phases of matter: (i) quasicrystals exhibit nontrivial topological properties and (ii) these properties are attributed to dimensions higher than that of the quasicrystal. Specifically, we show, both theoretically and experimentally, that one-dimensional quasicrystals are assigned two-dimensional Chern numbers and, respectively, exhibit topologically protected boundary states equivalent to the edge states of a two-dimensional quantum Hall system.We harness the topological nature of these states to adiabatically pump light across the quasicrystal. We generalize our results to higher-dimensional systems and other topological indices. Hence, quasicrystals offer a new platform for the study of topological phases while their topology may better explain their surface properties.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, 4 appendice

Exciton spin relaxation in single semiconductor quantum dots

We study the relaxation of the exciton spin (longitudinal relaxation time $T_{1}$) in single asymmetrical quantum dots due to an interplay of the short--range exchange interaction and acoustic phonon deformation. The calculated relaxation rates are found to depend strongly on the dot size, magnetic field and temperature. For typical quantum dots and temperatures below 100 K, the zero--magnetic field relaxation times are long compared to the exciton lifetime, yet they are strongly reduced in high magnetic fields. We discuss explicitly quantum dots based on (In,Ga)As and (Cd,Zn)Se semiconductor compounds.Comment: accepted for Phys. Rev.

Computation of the winding number diffusion rate due to the cosmological sphaleron

A detailed quantitative analysis of the transition process mediated by a sphaleron type non-Abelian gauge field configuration in a static Einstein universe is carried out. By examining spectra of the fluctuation operators and applying the zeta function regularization scheme, a closed analytical expression for the transition rate at the one-loop level is derived. This is a unique example of an exact solution for a sphaleron model in $3+1$ spacetime dimensions.Comment: Some style corrections suggested by the referee are introduced (mainly in Sec.II), one reference added. To appear in Phys.Rev.D 29 pages, LaTeX, 3 Postscript figures, uses epsf.st

Three dimensional electron microscopy reveals changing axonal and myelin morphology along normal and partially injured optic nerves

Following injury to the central nervous system, axons and myelin distinct from the initial injury site undergo changes associated with compromised function. Quantifying such changes is important to understanding the pathophysiology of neurotrauma; however, most studies to date used 2 dimensional (D) electron microscopy to analyse single sections, thereby failing to capture changes along individual axons. We used serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF SEM) to undertake 3D reconstruction of axons and myelin, analysing optic nerves from normal uninjured female rats and following partial optic nerve transection. Measures of axon and myelin dimensions were generated by examining 2D images at 5 µm intervals along the 100 µm segments. In both normal and injured animals, changes in axonal diameter, myelin thickness, fiber diameter, G-ratio and percentage myelin decompaction were apparent along the lengths of axons to varying degrees. The range of values for axon diameter along individual reconstructed axons in 3D was similar to the range from 2D datasets, encompassing reported variation in axonal diameter attributed to retinal ganglion cell diversity. 3D electron microscopy analyses have provided the means to demonstrate substantial variability in ultrastructure along the length of individual axons and to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of neurotrauma

Scalar field "mini--MACHOs": a new explanation for galactic dark matter

We examine the possibility that galactic halos are collisionless ensembles of scalar field ``massive compact halo objects'' (MACHOs). Using mass constraints from MACHO microlensing and from theoretical arguments on halos made up of massive black holes, as well as demanding also that scalar MACHO ensambles of all scales do not exhibit gravothermal instability (as required by consistency with observations of LSB galaxies), we obtain the range: m\alt 10^{-7} M_\odot or 30 M_\odot\alt m\alt 100 M_\odot. The rather narrow mass range of large MACHOs seems to indicate that the ensambles we are suggesting should be probably made up of scalar MACHOs in the low mass range (``mini--MACHOs''). The proposed model allows one to consider a non--baryonic and non--thermal fundamental nature of dark matter, while at the same time keeping the same phenomenology of the CDM paradigm.Comment: 5 pages, 1 eps figure. RevTex 4 style. To appear in Physical Review

Lactic acid as a systemic product and biomarker of physical load

This paper presents an up-to-date review of research data on the specific features of lactic acid metabolism and its role as an effector of vital regulatory mechanisms. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid. Physical loads of submaximal intensity and some diseases can cause dramatic increase of lactic acid content in the body fluids. The excessive lactate is removed from the working muscle and either metabolized by other tissues or excreted from the human body. Alteration of the lactate-pyruvate balance is one of the main markers of the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. The redistribution of lactate between the cells producing it and the cells that metabolize it is vital to maintain a stable pH level in tissues and hold lactate in the body since this compound is an important energy source as well as an effector of important regulatory mechanisms. The quantification of lactate is used to assess general physical capabilities of the human body, the intensity of physical load and the rate of recovery in physical rehabilitation. Specialized proteins, which refer to the group of monocarboxylate transporters, are involved in lactate excretion and absorption by cells. The presence of various types of transporters in cell membranes that differ in affinity to lactate and the direction of transport ensures a rapid redistribution of lactic acid throughout the body and regulates the intensity and direction of its metabolism according to the physiological needs. Efficient transfer and redistribution of lactate between different tissues of the body is essential, given the participation of lactate in several important regulatory mechanisms. As an effector, lactate is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, differentiation of myosatellitocytes, regeneration of muscle fibers, polarization of macrophages and the course of inflammatory processes. Besides, lactate participates in epigenetic mechanisms of muscle tissue metabolism regulation. Therefore, lactate is one of the key metabolites in the human body