Quantum algorithms for testing Boolean functions

We discuss quantum algorithms, based on the Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm, for finding which variables a Boolean function depends on. There are 2^n possible linear Boolean functions of n variables; given a linear Boolean function, the Bernstein-Vazirani quantum algorithm can deterministically identify which one of these Boolean functions we are given using just one single function query. The same quantum algorithm can also be used to learn which input variables other types of Boolean functions depend on, with a success probability that depends on the form of the Boolean function that is tested, but does not depend on the total number of input variables. We also outline a procedure to futher amplify the success probability, based on another quantum algorithm, the Grover search

Plasmonic Analog of Electromagnetically Induced Absorption Leads to Giant Thin Film Faraday Rotation of 14°

We demonstrate the realization of a new hybrid magnetoplasmonic thin film structure that resembles the classical optical analog of electromagnetically induced absorption. In transmission geometry our gold nanostructure embedded in an EuS film induces giant Faraday rotation of over 14° for a thickness of less than 200 nm and a magnetic field of 5 T at T=20  K. By varying the magnetic field from -5 to +5  T, a rotation tuning range of over 25° is realized. As we are only a factor of 3 away from the Faraday isolation requirement, our concept could lead to highly integrated, nonreciprocal photonic devices for light modulation, optical isolation, and optical magnetic field sensing

Strong Enhancement of Second Harmonic Emission by Plasmonic Resonances at the Second Harmonic Wavelength

We perform second harmonic spectroscopy of aluminum nanoantenna arrays that exhibit plasmonic resonances at the second harmonic wavelength between 450 and 570 nm by focusing sub-30 fs laser pulses tunable from 900 to 1140 nm onto the nanoantenna arrays. We find that <i>a plasmonic resonance at the second harmonic wavelength</i> boosts the overall nonlinear process by more than an order of magnitude. In particular, in the measurement the resonant second harmonic polarization component is a factor of about 70 stronger when compared to the perpendicular off-resonant second harmonic polarization. Furthermore, the maximum of the second harmonic conversion efficiency is found to be slightly blue-shifted with respect to the peak of the linear optical far-field spectrum. This fact can be understood from a simple model that accounts for the almost off-resonant absorption at the fundamental wavelength and the resonant emission process at the second harmonic

Electrically switchable metallic polymer metasurface device with gel polymer electrolyte

We present an electrically switchable, compact metasurface device based on the metallic polymer PEDOT:PSS in combination with a gel polymer electrolyte. Applying square-wave voltages, we can reversibly switch the PEDOT:PSS from dielectric to metallic. Using this concept, we demonstrate a compact, standalone, and CMOS compatible metadevice. It allows for electrically controlled ON and OFF switching of plasmonic resonances in the 2–3 µm wavelength range, as well as electrically controlled beam switching at angles up to 10°. Furthermore, switching frequencies of up to 10 Hz, with oxidation times as fast as 42 ms and reduction times of 57 ms, are demonstrated. Our work provides the basis towards solid state switchable metasurfaces, ultimately leading to submicrometer-pixel spatial light modulators and hence switchable holographic devices

Salt generates anti-inflammatory Th17 cells but amplifies their pathogenicity in pro-inflammatory cytokine microenvironments.

T helper cells integrate signals from their microenvironment to acquire distinct specialization programs for efficient clearance of diverse pathogens or for immunotolerance. Ionic signals have recently been demonstrated to affect T cell polarization and function. Sodium chloride (NaCl) was proposed to accumulate in peripheral tissues upon dietary intake and to promote autoimmunity via the Th17 cell axis. Here we demonstrate that high NaCl conditions induced a stable, pathogen-specific, anti-inflammatory Th17 cell fate in human T cells in vitro. The p38/MAPK pathway, involving NFAT5 and SGK1, regulated FoxP3 and interleukin (IL)-17A-expression in high-NaCl conditions. The NaCl-induced acquisition of an anti-inflammatory Th17 cell fate was confirmed in vivo in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, which demonstrated strongly reduced disease symptoms upon transfer of T cells polarized in high NaCl conditions. However, NaCl was coopted to promote murine and human Th17 cell pathogenicity, if T cell stimulation occurred in a pro-inflammatory and TGF-β-low cytokine microenvironment. Taken together, our findings reveal a context-dependent, dichotomous role for NaCl in shaping Th17 cell pathogenicity. NaCl might therefore prove beneficial for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in combination with cytokine-blocking drugs