Spin swap vs. double occupancy in quantum gates

We propose an approach to realize quantum gates with electron spins localized in a semiconductor that uses double occupancy to advantage. With a fast (non-adiabatic) time control of the tunnelling, the probability of double occupancy is first increased and then brought back exactly to zero. The quantum phase built in this process can be exploited to realize fast quantum operations. We illustrate the idea focusing on the half-swap operation, which is the key two-qubit operation needed to build a CNOT gate.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Continuous Gravitational Waves from Isolated Galactic Neutron Stars in the Advanced Detector Era

We consider a simulated population of isolated Galactic neutron stars. The rotational frequency of each neutron star evolves through a combination of electromagnetic and gravitational wave emission. The magnetic field strength dictates the dipolar emission, and the ellipticity (a measure of a neutron star's deformation) dictates the gravitational wave emission. Through both analytic and numerical means, we assess the detectability of the Galactic neutron star population and bound the magnetic field strength and ellipticity parameter space of Galactic neutron stars with or without a direct gravitational wave detection. While our simulated population is primitive, this work establishes a framework by which future efforts can be conducted.Comment: Accepted for publication by Physical Review D, 8 pages, 5 figure

Progress and Challenges in the Understanding of Chronic Urticaria

<p/> <p>Chronic urticaria is a skin disorder characterized by transient pruritic weals that recur from day to day for 6 weeks or more. It has a great impact on patients' quality of life. In spite of this prevalence and morbidity, we are only beginning to understand its physiopathology and we do not have a curative treatment. Moreover, a patient with chronic urticaria may undergo extensive laboratory evaluations seeking a cause only to be frustrated when none is found. In recent years there have been significant advances in our understanding of some of the molecular mechanisms responsible for hive formation. The presence and probable role of IgG autoantibodies directed against epitopes expressed on the alpha-chain of the IgE receptor and to lesser extent, to IgE in a subset of patients is generally acknowledged. These autoantibodies activate complement to release C5a, which augments histamine release, and IL4 and leukotriene C4 are released as well. A perivascular cellular infiltrate results without predominance of either Th1 or Th2 lymphocyte subpopulations. Basophils of all chronic urticaria patients (autoimmune or idiopathic) are hyperresponsive to serum, regardless of source, but poorly responsive to anti IgE. In this review we will summarize the recent contributions to this field and try to provide insights to possible future directions for research on this disease.</p

Echo spectroscopy and Atom Optics Billiards

We discuss a recently demonstrated type of microwave spectroscopy of trapped ultra-cold atoms known as "echo spectroscopy" [M.F. Andersen et. al., Phys. Rev. Lett., in press (2002)]. Echo spectroscopy can serve as an extremely sensitive experimental tool for investigating quantum dynamics of trapped atoms even when a large number of states are thermally populated. We show numerical results for the stability of eigenstates of an atom-optics billiard of the Bunimovich type, and discuss its behavior under different types of perturbations. Finally, we propose to use special geometrical constructions to make a dephasing free dipole trap

Improvements to the analytical performance of ion trap mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that is capable of a wide range of chemical and biological analyses. The quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QITMS) is known for its ruggedness, sensitivity, and high efficiency for tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. Non-idealities in electrode geometry result in small contributions of higher order fields (HOFs) to the primary quadrupolar electric field of the ion trap. These HOFs have been useful in enhancing the resolution, MS/MS efficiency, and sensitivity in the QITMS. A portion of the work presented in this dissertation is intended to serve as a basis for improved ion trap performance through the judicious use of HOFs. Development of rf circuitry and characterization of a compensated cylindrical ion trap (CCIT) mass spectrometer, designed for studying the effects of HOFs, are also described herein. An additional set of grounded electrodes was introduced into the CCIT instrument to remove detrimental effects of capacitive coupling and HOFs were successfully introduced. Mass spectra acquired after the introduction of HOFs showed improvements to the injection efficiency over a broad range of rf voltages. The optimal conditions for resonance ejection in the CCIT occurred at an octapole HOF non-linear resonance, which gave improvements both to mass resolution and sensitivity (i.e., the number of ions detected). Resonance ejection performed at an octapole non-linear resonance was successful in improving the sensitivity of the CCIT for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in the presence of a heavy buffer gas. A novel higher order field ion trap, possessing predominantly octapole fields, was developed. This octapole ion trap exhibited higher trapping capacity than a quadrupole ion trap of similar geometry. However, mass analysis in the octapole ion trap was not achievable because ions were resonantly ejected over a broad frequency range. A second generation octapole ion trap, with improved resonance ejection characteristics, also was developed. Resonance ejection experiments in this geometry were in agreement with ion trajectory simulations, but mass analysis using resonance ejection was again not possible due to broad band ejection. A non-destructive Fourier transform detection method was simulated and found to be viable

The SIMPSONS project: An integrated Mars transportation system

In response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for an integrated transportation system network for an advanced Martian base, Frontier Transportation Systems (FTS) presents the results of the SIMPSONS project (Systems Integration for Mars Planetary Surface Operations Networks). The following topics are included: the project background, vehicle design, future work, conclusions, management status, and cost breakdown. The project focuses solely on the surface-to-surface transportation at an advanced Martian base