On the Sensitivity of a Hollow Sphere as a Multi-modal Resonant Gravitational Wave Detector

We present a numerical analysis to simulate the response of a spherical resonant gravitational wave detector and to compute its sensitivity. Under the assump- tion of optimal filtering, we work out the sensitivity curve for a sphere first taking into account only a single transducer, and then using a coherent analysis of the whole set of transducers.Comment: 24 pages, 11 figures, published versio

Visible spectrum extended-focus optical coherence microscopy for label-free sub-cellular tomography

We present a novel extended-focus optical coherence microscope (OCM) attaining 0.7 {\mu}m axial and 0.4 {\mu}m lateral resolution maintained over a depth of 40 {\mu}m, while preserving the advantages of Fourier domain OCM. Our method uses an ultra-broad spectrum from a super- continuum laser source. As the spectrum spans from near-infrared to visible wavelengths (240 nm in bandwidth), we call the method visOCM. The combination of such a broad spectrum with a high-NA objective creates an almost isotropic 3D submicron resolution. We analyze the imaging performance of visOCM on microbead samples and demonstrate its image quality on cell cultures and ex-vivo mouse brain tissue.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure

Characterization of a MEMS-based pulse-shaping device inthedeep ultraviolet

We describe the implementation and characterization of a micro-mirror-array set-up based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology for femtosecond pulse shaping in the deep UV. We demonstrate its capability of re-compressing spectrally broadened UV pulses with a closed-loop approach based on a genetic algorithm. A single-shot synchronization scheme, taking advantage of the limited duty cycle of the device and allowing on-line correction of the signal, is described. The second dimension of the MEMS chip can be used to partially reduce the spatial chirp of the bea

An inexpensive nonlinear medium for intense ultrabroadband pulse characterization

The ability of pellets made up of compressed iron iodate nanocrystals to frequency-double the whole visible spectrum is demonstrated. We suggest their use for complete characterization of intense ultrabroadband laser pulse

Neutron optical beam splitter from holographically structured nanoparticle-polymer composites

We report a breakthrough in the search for versatile diffractive elements for cold neutrons. Nanoparticles are spatially arranged by holographical means in a photopolymer. These grating structures show remarkably efficient diffraction of cold neutrons up to about 50% for effective thicknesses of only 200 micron. They open up a profound perspective for next generation neutron-optical devices with the capability to tune or modulate the neutron diffraction efficiency.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Discriminability of tryptophan containing dipeptides using quantum control

We show that the coherent manipulation of molecular wavepackets in the excited states of trp-containing dipeptides allows efficient discrimination among them. Optimal dynamic discrimination fails, however, for some dipeptide couples. When considering the limited spectral resources at play (3nm bandwidth at 266nm), we discuss the concept of discriminability, which appears uncorrelated to both static spectra and relaxation lifetime

Individual Differences in Well-Being in Older Breast Cancer Survivors

Older women who survive breast cancer may differ significantly in their long-term well-being. Using a risk and protective factors model, we studied predictors of well-being in 127 women age 70 and above with a history of at least one year\u27s survival of breast cancer. Mean post-cancer survivorship was 5.1 years. Using life satisfaction, depression and general health perceptions as outcome variables, we assessed whether demographic variables, cancer-related variables, health status and psychosocial resources predicted variability in well-being using correlational and hierarchical regression analyses. Higher age predicted increased depression but was not associated with life satisfaction or general health perceptions. Cancer-related variables, including duration of survival, and type of cancer treatment, were not significantly associated with survivors\u27 well-being. Poorer health status was associated with poorer well-being in all three dependent variables. After controlling for demographics, cancer-related variables, and health status, higher levels of psychosocial resources including optimism, mastery, spirituality and social support predicted better outcome in all three dependent variables. While many older women survive breast cancer without severe sequelae, there is considerable variability in their well-being after survivorship. Successful intervention with older breast cancer survivors might include greater attention not only to cancer-specific concerns, but also attention to geriatric syndromes and functional impairment, and enhancement of protective psychosocial resources