Optimal Alphabetic Ternary Trees

We give a new algorithm to construct optimal alphabetic ternary trees, where every internal node has at most three children. This algorithm generalizes the classic Hu-Tucker algorithm, though the overall computational complexity has yet to be determined

Extended linear regime of cavity-QED enhanced optical circular birefringence induced by a charged quantum dot

Giant optical Faraday rotation (GFR) and giant optical circular birefringence (GCB) induced by a single quantum-dot spin in an optical microcavity can be regarded as linear effects in the weak-excitation approximation if the input field lies in the low-power limit [Hu et al, Phys.Rev. B {\bf 78}, 085307(2008) and ibid {\bf 80}, 205326(2009)]. In this work, we investigate the transition from the weak-excitation approximation moving into the saturation regime comparing a semiclassical approximation with the numerical results from a quantum optics toolbox [S.M. Tan, J. Opt. B {\bf 1}, 424 (1999)]. We find that the GFR and GCB around the cavity resonance in the strong coupling regime are input-field independent at intermediate powers and can be well described by the semiclassical approximation. Those associated with the dressed state resonances in the strong coupling regime or merging with the cavity resonance in the Purcell regime are sensitive to input field at intermediate powers, and cannot be well described by the semiclassical approximation due to the quantum dot saturation. As the GFR and GCB around the cavity resonance are relatively immune to the saturation effects, the rapid read out of single electron spins can be carried out with coherent state and other statistically fluctuating light fields. This also shows that high speed quantum entangling gates, robust against input power variations, can be built exploiting these linear effects.Comment: Section IV has been added to show the linear GFR/GCB is not affected by high-order dressed state resonances in reflection/transmission spectra. 11 pages, 9 figure

Stray field and superconducting surface spin valve effect in La0.7_{0.7}Ca0.3_{0.3}MnO3_3/YBa2_2Cu3_3O7−δ_{7-\delta} bilayers

Electronic transport and magnetization measurements were performed on La$_{0.7}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$/YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-\delta}$ (LCMO/YBCO) bilayers below the superconducting transition temperature in order to study the interaction between magnetism and superconductivity. This study shows that a substantial number of weakly pinned vortices are induced in the YBCO layer by the large out-of-plane stray field in the domain walls. Their motion gives rise to large dissipation peaks at the coercive field. The angular dependent magnetoresistance (MR) data reveal the interaction between the stripe domain structure present in the LCMO layer and the vortices and anti-vortices induced in the YBCO layer by the out-of-plane stray field. In addition, this study shows that a superconducting surface spin valve effect is present in these bilayers as a result of the relative orientation between the magnetization at the LCMO/YBCO interface and the magnetization in the interior of the LCMO layer that can be tuned by the rotation of a small $H$. This latter finding will facilitate the development of superconductive magnetoresistive memory devices. These low-magnetic field MR data, furthermore, suggest that triplet superconductivity is induced in the LCMO layer, which is consistent with recent reports of triplet superconductivity in LCMO/YBCO/LCMO trilayers and LCMO/YBCO bilayers.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure

Loss-resistant state teleportation and entanglement swapping using a quantum-dot spin in an optical microcavity

We present a scheme for efficient state teleportation and entanglement swapping using a single quantum-dot spin in an optical microcavity based on giant circular birefringence. State teleportation or entanglement swapping is heralded by the sequential detection of two photons, and is finished after the spin measurement. The spin-cavity unit works as a complete Bell-state analyzer with a built-in spin memory allowing loss-resistant repeater operation. This device can work in both the weak coupling and the strong coupling regime, but high efficiencies and high fidelities are only achievable when the side leakage and cavity loss is low. We assess the feasibility of this device, and show it can be implemented with current technology. We also propose a spin manipulation method using single photons, which could be used to preserve the spin coherence via spin echo techniques.Comment: The manuscript is extended, including BSA fidelity, efficiency, and a compatible scheme for spin manipulations and spin echoes to prolong the spin coherenc

The asymmetric structure of the Galactic halo

Using the stellar photometry catalogue based on the latest data release (DR4) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), a study of the Galactic structure using star counts is carried out for selected areas of the sky. The sample areas are selected along a circle at a Galactic latitude of +60$^\circ$, and 10 strips of high Galactic latitude along different longitudes. Direct statistics of the data show that the surface densities of $\ell$ from $180^{\circ}$ to $360^{\circ}$ are systematically higher than those of $\ell$ from $0^{\circ}$ to $180^{\circ}$, defining a region of overdensity (in the direction of Virgo) and another one of underdensity (in the direction of Ursa Major) with respect to an axisymmetric model. It is shown by comparing the results from star counts in the $(g-r)$ colour that the density deviations are due to an asymmetry of the stellar density in the halo. Theoretical models for the surface density profile are built and star counts are performed using a triaxial halo of which the parameters are constrained by observational data. Two possible reasons for the asymmetric structure are discussed.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures, 5 tables, MNRAS accepte

Some Like It Hot, Some Like It Warm: Phenotyping To Explore Thermotolerance Diversity

Plants have evolved overlapping but distinct cellular responses to different aspects of high temperature stress. These responses include basal thermotolerance, short- and long-term acquired thermotolerance, and thermotolerance to moderately high temperatures. This ‘thermotolerance diversity’ means that multiple phenotypic assays are essential for fully describing the functions of genes involved in heat stress responses. A large number of genes with potential roles in heat stress responses have been identified using genetic screens and genome wide expression studies. We examine the range of phenotypic assays that have been used to characterize thermotolerance phenotypes in both Arabidopsis and crop plants. Three major variables differentiate thermotolerance assays: (1) the heat stress regime used, (2) the developmental stage of the plants being studied, and (3) the actual phenotype which is scored. Consideration of these variables will be essential for deepening our understanding of the molecular genetics of plant thermotolerance