Quantum Cryptography with Orthogonal States?

This is a Comment on Phys Rev Lett 75 (1995) 1239, by Goldenberg and VaidmanComment: 3 pages, LaTeX, 1 figure on separate page Final version in Phys Rev Lett 77 (1996) 326

Testing quantum superpositions of the gravitational field with Bose-Einstein condensates

We consider the gravity field of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a quantum superposition. The gravity field then is also in a quantum superposition which is in principle observable. Hence we have ``quantum gravity'' far away from the so-called Planck scale

Elliptic Rydberg states as direction indicators

The orientation in space of a Cartesian coordinate system can be indicated by the two vectorial constants of motion of a classical Keplerian orbit: the angular momentum and the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector. In quantum mechanics, the states of a hydrogen atom that mimic classical elliptic orbits are the coherent states of the SO(4) rotation group.It is known how to produce these states experimentally. They have minimal dispersions of the two conserved vectors and can be used as direction indicators. We compare the fidelity of this transmission method with that of the idealized optimal method

1991 DA: An asteroid in a bizarre orbit

Asteroidal object 1991 DA has an orbit of high inclination, crossing the planets from Mars to Uranus. This is unique for an asteroid, but not unusual for a comet of the Halley-type: it therefore seems likely that 1991 DA is an extinct or dormant comet. Previous CCD imaging has shown no indication of a coma; spectroscopic observations of 1991 DA which lack any evidence of strong comet-like emissions are reported. Numerical integrations of the orbit of this object were performed which show that is has been remarkably stable for the past approximately 20,000 yr, but chaotic before that. This may allow a new estimate to be made of the physical lifetimes of comets

Could a kangaroo win the Tour de France? The effect of relative crank angle on metabolic efficiency in cycling.

The rapid evolution of bicycles in the 1800s increased the speed of human powered transportation ten-fold compared to walking and decreased the metabolic power required by 300%. However, the metabolic gross efficiency has hardly changed. I tested the null hypothesis that the metabolic costs of cycling at different relative crank angles would not differ. I tested ten healthy, male, recreational bicycle riders (27.8 ± 8.2 yr, mean ± SD, mass 69.8 ± 3.2 kg) on a custom, pan-loaded cycle ergometer equipped with a standard Monark flywheel. The ergometer had a Shimano Octalink® bottom bracket, which allowed us to set the relative crank arm angles at 45° increments. Each subject completed six, 5-minute trials. The first and last trials were at a relative crank angle of 180°. We randomized the order of the middle trials (135°, 90°, 45°, and 0°). We averaged V̇O2, V̇CO2, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) for the last 2 minutes of each 5-minute trial. From the V̇O2 and V̇CO2 measurements, we calculated metabolic power. I reject my null hypothesis; crank angles other than 180° required greater metabolic power. As relative crank angle decreased from 180°, metabolic power monotonically increased by 1.6% at 135° (p\u3c0.002) to only 8.2% greater when the relative crank angle was 0° (p\u3c0.001). Despite radically changing the relative crank angle, metabolic efficiency decreased by only ~8%. Thus, I conclude that attempts to enhance efficiency via pedaling technique or technology are likely futile

Covariant quantum measurements may not be optimal

Quantum particles, such as spins, can be used for communicating spatial directions to observers who share no common coordinate frame. We show that if the emitter's signals are the orbit of a group, then the optimal detection method may not be a covariant measurement (contrary to widespread belief). It may be advantageous for the receiver to use a different group and an indirect estimation method: first, an ordinary measurement supplies redundant numerical parameters; the latter are then used for a nonlinear optimal identification of the signal.Comment: minor corrections, to appear in J. Mod. Opt. (proc. of Gdansk conf.

Division of labour and risk taking in the dinosaur ant, Dinoponera quadriceps

The success of social insects can be largely attributed to division of labour. In contrast to most social insects, many species with simple societies contain workers which are capable of sexual reproduction. Headed by one or a few reproductive individuals, subordinate workers form a dominance hierarchy, queuing to attain the reproductive role. In these species task allocation may be influenced by individual choice based on future reproductive prospects. Individuals with a better chance of inheriting the colony may be less likely to take risks and high-ranking workers that spend a greater amount of time in proximity to the brood may be able to increase the ability to police egg-laying by cheating subordinates. We investigated division of labour and risk taking in relation to dominance rank in the queenless ponerine ant, Dinoponera quadriceps, a species with relatively simple societies. Using behavioural observations, we show that high-ranking workers spend more time performing egg care, less time foraging and are less likely to defend the nest against attack. High-rankers also spent a greater amount of time guarding and inspecting eggs, behaviours which are likely to improve detection of egg laying by cheating subordinates. We also show that high-ranking workers spend a greater amount of time idle, which may help increase lifespan by reducing energy expenditure. Our results suggest that both risk-taking and egg-care behaviours are related to future reproductive prospects in D. quadriceps. This highlights a mechanism by which effective division of labour could have been achieved during the early stages of eusocial evolution

Lorentz transformations of open systems

We consider open dynamical systems, subject to external interventions by agents that are not completely described by the theory (classical or quantal). These interventions are localized in regions that are relatively spacelike. Under these circumstances, no relativistic transformation law exists that relates the descriptions of the physical system by observers in relative motion. Still, physical laws are the same in all Lorentz frames.Comment: Final version submitted to J. Mod. Opt. (Proc. of Gdansk conference