Sensitivity below the standard quantum limit in gravitational wave detectors with Michelson-Fabry-Perot readout

We calculate the quantum noise limited displacement sensitivity of a Michelson-Fabry-Perot (MFP) with detuned cavities, followed by phase-sensitive homodyne detection. We show that the standard quantum limit can be surpassed even with resonant cavities and without any signal-recycling mirror nor additional cavities. Indeed, thanks to the homodyne detection, the output field quadrature can be chosen in such a way to cancel the effect of input amplitude fluctuations, i.e., eliminating the force noise. With detuned cavities, the modified opto-mechanical susceptivity allows to reach unlimited sensitivity for large enough (yet finite) optical power. Our expressions include mirror losses and cavity delay effect, for a realistic comparison with experiments. Our study is particularly devoted to gravitational wave detectors and we consider both an interferometer with free-falling mirrors, and a MFP as readout for a massive detector. In the latter case, the sensitivity curve of the recently conceived 'DUAL' detector, based on two acoustic modes, is obtained

A computer graphics display and data compression technique

The computer program discussed is intended for the graphical presentation of a general dependent variable X that is a function of two independent variables, U and V. The required input to the program is the variation of the dependent variable with one of the independent variables for various fixed values of the other. The computer program is named CRP, and the output is provided by the SD 4060 plotter. Program CRP is an extremely flexible program that offers the user a wide variety of options. The dependent variable may be presented in either a linear or a logarithmic manner. Automatic centering of the plot is provided in the ordinate direction, and the abscissa is scaled automatically for a logarithmic plot. A description of the carpet plot technique is given along with the coordinates system used in the program. Various aspects of the program logic are discussed and detailed documentation of the data card format is presented

Somatic symptom disorder in dermatology

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is defined by the prominence of somatic symptoms associated with abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms, resulting in significant distress and impairment. Individuals with these disorders are more commonly encountered in primary care and other medical settings, including dermatology practice, than in psychiatric and other mental health settings. What defines the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as abnormal is that they are excessive, that is, out of proportion to other patients with similar somatic symptoms, and that they result in significant distress and impairment. SSD may occur with or without the presence of a diagnosable dermatologic disorder. When a dermatologic disorder is present, SSD should be considered when the patient is worrying too much about his or her skin, spending too much time and energy on it, and especially if the patient complains of many nondermatologic symptoms in addition. The differential diagnosis includes other psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, delusions of parasitosis, and body dysmorphic disorder

Dephasing in Quantum Dots: Quadratic Coupling to Acoustic Phonons

A microscopic theory of optical transitions in quantum dots with carrier-phonon interaction is developed. Virtual transitions into higher confined states with acoustic phonon assistance add a quadratic phonon coupling to the standard linear one, thus extending the independent Boson model. Summing infinitely many diagrams in the cumulant, a numerically exact solution for the interband polarization is found. Its full time dependence and the absorption lineshape of the quantum dot are calculated. It is the quadratic interaction which gives rise to a temperature-dependent broadening of the zero-phonon line, being here calculated for the first time in a consistent scheme.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

The Herschel Space Observatory view of dust in M81

We use Herschel Space Observatory data to place observational constraints on the peak and Rayleigh-Jeans slope of dust emission observed at 70−500 μm in the nearby spiral galaxy M81. We find that the ratios of wave bands between 160 and 500 μm are primarily dependent on radius but that the ratio of 70 to 160 μm emission shows no clear dependence on surface brightness or radius. These results along with analyses of the spectral energy distributions imply that the 160−500 μm emission traces 15−30 K dust heated by evolved stars in the bulge and disc whereas the 70 μm emission includes dust heated by the active galactic nucleus and young stars in star forming regions

Label-free detection of anticancer drug paclitaxel in living cells by confocal Raman microscopy

Confocal Raman microscopy, a non-invasive, label-free, and high spatial resolution imaging technique is employed to trace the anticancer drug paclitaxel in living Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells. The Raman images were treated by K-mean cluster analysis to detect the drug in cells. Distribution of paclitaxel in cells is verified by calculating the correlation coefficient between the reference spectrum of the drug and the whole Raman image spectra. A time dependent gradual diffusion of paclitaxel all over the cell is observed suggesting a complementary picture of the pharmaceutical action of this drug based on rapid binding of free tubulin to crystallized paclitaxel. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4794871

A classical model for the negative dc conductivity of ac-driven 2D electrons near the cyclotron resonance

A classical model for {\em dc} transport of two dimensional electrons in a perpendicular magnetic field and under strong irradiation is considered. We demonstrate that, near the cyclotron resonance condition, and for {\em linear} polarization of the {\em ac} field, a strong change of the diagonal component, $\sigma_d$, of the {\em dc} conductivity occurs in the presence of a {\em weak} nonparabolicity of the electron spectrum. Small change in the electron effective mass due to irradiation can lead to negative $\sigma_d$, while the Hall component of the {\em dc} conductivity remains practically unchanged. Within the model considered, the sign of $\sigma_d$ depends on the relative orientation of the {\em dc} and {\em ac} fields, the sign of the detuning of the {\em ac} frequency from the cyclotron resonance, and the sign of nonparabolic term in the energy spectrum.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of Particles Generated by Laser Damage of Aluminum Surfaces

A high intensity iodine laser (1.315 μm wavelength) was used to study laser-surface damage in vacuum. A 22mm diameter laser beam containing 3.9 J of energy was focused to a 1 mm spot on an aluminum plate mounted in a vacuum chamber. The laser pulse width was 7 μs (FWHM). A copper strip mounted on a quarter circle plate 3.5 cm from the laser spot was used to collect particles ejected from the surface. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to measure the size and spatial distribution of the particles collected on the copper strip. It was found that aluminum droplets were ejected from the crater formed by the laser pulse. The particle sizes ranged from 0.25 to 45 μm in diameter. The peak of the particle size distribution occurred at 1 μm diameter. The maximum spatial distribution of droplets occurred at near 47° from the normal to the target surface. Measurement of the mass lost by the target plate and the volume of aluminum removed from the craters showed that most of the aluminum ejected from the craters remained on the target surface. SEM examination of the surface adjacent to the craters showed that most of the ejected aluminum was liquid splattered around the crater. The particle size and spatial distributions are considered preliminary because droplets smaller than 0.25 μm could not be detected and the copper collector strip was examined in only six areas corresponding to six emission angles