Quantum Frequency Translation of Single-Photon States in Photonic Crystal Fiber

We experimentally demonstrate frequency translation of a nonclassical optical field via the Bragg scattering four-wave mixing process in a photonic crystal fiber (PCF). The high nonlinearity and the ability to control dispersion in PCF enable efficient translation between photon channels within the visible to-near-infrared spectral range, useful in quantum networks. Heralded single photons at 683 nm were translated to 659 nm with an efficiency of $28.6 \pm 2.2$ percent. Second-order correlation measurements on the 683-nm and 659-nm fields yielded $g^{(2)}_{683}(0) = 0.21 \pm 0.02$ and $g^{(2)}_{659}(0) = 0.19 \pm 0.05$ respectively, showing the nonclassical nature of both fields.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Photon pair-state preparation with tailored spectral properties by spontaneous four-wave mixing in photonic-crystal fiber

We study theoretically the generation of photon pairs by spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) in photonic crystal optical fiber. We show that it is possible to engineer two-photon states with specific spectral correlation (``entanglement'') properties suitable for quantum information processing applications. We focus on the case exhibiting no spectral correlations in the two-photon component of the state, which we call factorability, and which allows heralding of single-photon pure-state wave packets without the need for spectral post filtering. We show that spontaneous four wave mixing exhibits a remarkable flexibility, permitting a wider class of two-photon states, including ultra-broadband, highly-anticorrelated states.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures, submitte

Unimpaired phase-sensitive amplification by vector four-wave mixing near the zero-dispersion frequency.

Phase-sensitive amplification (PSA), which is produced by degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) in a randomly-birefringent fiber, has the potential to improve the performance of optical communication systems. Scalar FWM, which is driven by parallel pumps, is impaired by the generation of pump-pump and pump-signal harmonics, which limit the level, and modify the phase sensitivity, of the signal gain. In contrast, vector FWM, which is driven by perpendicular pumps, is not impaired by the generation of harmonics. Vector FWM produces PSA with the classical properties of a one-mode squeezing transformation

Efficient wavelength conversion and net parametric gain via four wave mixing in a high index doped silica waveguide

We demonstrate sub-picosecond wavelength conversion in the C-band via four wave mixing in a 45cm long high index doped silica spiral waveguide. We achieve an on/off conversion efficiency (signal to idler) of + 16.5dB as well as a parametric gain of + 15dB for a peak pump power of 38W over a wavelength range of 100nm. Furthermore, we demonstrated a minimum gain of + 5dB over a wavelength range as large as 200nm

Gene transfer of mutant mouse cholinesterase provides high lifetime expression and reduced cocaine responses with no evident toxicity

Gene transfer of a human cocaine hydrolase (hCocH) derived from butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) by 5 mutations (A199S/F227A/S287G/A328W/Y332G) has shown promise in animal studies for treatment of cocaine addiction. To predict the physiological fate and immunogenicity of this enzyme in humans, a comparable enzyme was created and tested in a conspecific host. Thus, similar mutations (A199S/S227A/S287G/A328W/Y332G) were introduced into mouse BChE to obtain a mouse CocH (mCocH). The cDNA was incorporated into viral vectors based on: a) serotype-5 helper-dependent adenovirus (hdAD) with ApoE promoter, and b) serotype-8 adeno-associated virus with CMV promoter (AAV-CMV) or multiple promoter and enhancer elements (AAV-VIP). Experiments on substrate kinetics of purified mCocH expressed in HEK293T cells showed 30-fold higher activity (U/mg) with (3)H-cocaine and 25% lower activity with butyrylthiocholine, compared with wild type BChE. In mice given modest doses of AAV-CMV-mCocH vector (0.7 or 3 × 10(11) particles) plasma hydrolase activity rose 10-fold above control for over one year with no observed immune response. Under the same conditions, transduction of the human counterpart continued less than 2 months and antibodies to hCocH were readily detected. The advanced AAV-VIP-mCocH vector generated a dose-dependent rise in plasma cocaine hydrolase activity from 20-fold (10(10) particles) to 20,000 fold (10(13) particles), while the hdAD vector (1.7 × 10(12) particles) yielded a 300,000-fold increase. Neither vector caused adverse reactions such as motor weakness, elevated liver enzymes, or disturbance in spontaneous activity. Furthermore, treatment with high dose hdAD-ApoE-mCocH vector (1.7 × 10(12) particles) prevented locomotor abnormalities, other behavioral signs, and release of hepatic alanine amino transferase after a cocaine dose fatal to most control mice (120 mg/kg). This outcome suggests that viral gene transfer can yield clinically effective cocaine hydrolase expression for lengthy periods without immune reactions or cholinergic dysfunction, while blocking toxicity from drug overdose

DNA-dependent Protein Kinase Activity Is Not Required for Immunoglobulin Class Switching

Class switch recombination (CSR), similar to V(D)J recombination, is thought to involve DNA double strand breaks and repair by the nonhomologous end–joining pathway. A key component of this pathway is DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), consisting of a catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and a DNA-binding heterodimer (Ku70/80). To test whether DNA-PKcs activity is essential for CSR, we examined whether IgM+ B cells from scid mice with site-directed H and L chain transgenes were able to undergo CSR. Although B cells from these mice were shown to lack DNA-PKcs activity, they were able to switch from IgM to IgG or IgA with close to the same efficiency as B cells from control transgenic and nontransgenic scid/+ mice, heterozygous for the scid mutation. We conclude that CSR, unlike V(D)J recombination, can readily occur in the absence of DNA-PKcs activity. We suggest nonhomologous end joining may not be the (primary or only) mechanism used to repair DNA breaks during CSR