Lattice Induced Resonances in One Dimensional Bosonic Systems

We study the resonant effects produced when a Feshbach dimer crosses a scattering continuum band of atoms in an optical lattice. We numerically obtain the exact spectrum of two particles in a one-dimensional lattice and develop an effective atom-dimer Hamiltonian that accurately captures resonant effects. The lattice-induced resonances lead to the formation of bound states simultaneously above and below the scattering continuum and significantly modify the curvature of the dimer dispersion relation. The nature of the atom-dimer coupling depends strongly on the parity of the dimer state leading to a novel coupling in the case of negative parity dimers. From the exact solutions we extract the dimer Wannier function from which we quantitatively determine the effective Hamiltonian parameters for a many-body description.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, published versio

Numerical relativity simulation of GW150914 beyond general relativity

We produce the first astrophysically-relevant numerical binary black hole gravitational waveform in a higher-curvature theory of gravity beyond general relativity. We simulate a system with parameters consistent with GW150914, the first LIGO detection, in order-reduced dynamical Chern-Simons gravity, a theory with motivations in string theory and loop quantum gravity. We present results for the leading-order corrections to the merger and ringdown waveforms, as well as the ringdown quasi-normal mode spectrum. We estimate that such corrections may be discriminated in detections with signal to noise ratio $\gtrsim 180-240$, with the precise value depending on the dimension of the GR waveform family used in data analysis.Comment: 7 pages + appendices, 8 figures, Updated to match Phys. D. Rev articl

Realization of superconducting quantum devices based on tunnel Josephson junctions by micro and nanofabrication techniques

This PhD Thesis is focused on the realization of superconducting quantum devices based on overdamped Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb SNIS (Superconductor - Normal metal - Insulator - Superconductor) tunneling Josephson junctions, interesting for several application fields (voltage metrology, digital electronics, radiation sensors, nanoSQUID, etc.). The challenges faced by quantum electronics and metrology are directing the new generations of devices towards smaller dimensions and higher levels of integration. Taking into account this requirement, the fabrication of SNIS-based devices has been addressed on downscaling the junction dimensions form the micro to the nanoscale. In particular, the effective area of junctions has been reduced exploiting three different lithographic techniques: the optical lithography to realize SNISs for a micrometer resolution, the Electron Beam Lithography (EBL) at the subµm and, finally, the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) sculpting method to achieve nanometer sizes. Specifically, prototypes have been realized exploiting the thin film technology, to guarantee a good control of electrical parameters of junctions, a higher reproducibility of their current-voltage I-V characteristics, and an accurate dimension control. Reliable and simpler fabrication processes have been implemented and validated, and the device downscaling was pursued without affecting the fundamental properties of SNIS junctions such as the non hysteretic I-V response and the skill on generating quantised voltage steps under radiofrequency irradiation. This work has thereby led to the definition and validation of a new generation of devices and processes down to the nanometer scale, and these approaches represent precious experiences of nanofabrication valuable for new research activities and projects

The International Centre for the Protection of Catholic Interests in Palestine: Cultural Diplomacy and Outreach in the British Mandate Period

AbstractThe chapter reconsiders the Latin Patriarchate's efforts to develop and defend the Catholic community's interests in Palestine according to the notion of cultural diplomacy and cultural outreach. It focuses on an initiative dedicated to establishing a solid relationship of cooperation between local and international Catholic dimensions through the dissemination of ad hoc content in newspapers and thematic conferences. The chapter develops its analysis according to two specific perspectives. On the one hand, it looks at the Latin Patriarch's efforts to promote the defence of Catholic interests in Palestine through cultural outreach to a Western Catholic audience. On the other, it focuses on the role of the Latin Patriarchate in this field as the manifestation of its aim to adapt to and influence the changing political conditions and balances of power in the Mandate

Changes in total choline concentration in the breast of healthy fertile young women in relation to menstrual cycle or use of oral contraceptives: a 3-T 1H-MRS study

BACKGROUND: To evaluate changes in total choline (tCho) absolute concentration ([tCho]) in the breast of healthy fertile women in relation to menstrual cycle (MC) or use of oral contraceptives (OC). METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we prospectively evaluated 40 healthy fertile volunteers: 20 with physiological MC, aged 28 ± 3 years (mean ± standard deviation; nOC group); 20 using OC, aged 26 ± 3 years (OC group). Hormonal assays and water-suppressed single-voxel 3-T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) were performed on MC days 7, 14, and 21 in the nOC group and only on MC day 14 in the OC group. [tCho] was measured versus an external phantom. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman coefficient were used; data are given as median and interquartile interval. RESULTS: All spectra had good quality. In the nOC group, [tCho] (mM) did not change significantly during MC: 0.8 (0.3-2.4) on day 7, 0.9 (0.4-1.2) on day 14, and 0.4 (0.2-0.8) on day 21 (p = 0.963). In the OC group, [tCho] was 0.7 (0.2-1.7) mM. The between-groups difference was not significant on all days (p ≥ 0.411). All hormones except prolactin changed during MC (p ≤ 0.024). In the OC group, [tCho] showed a borderline correlation with estradiol (r = 0.458, p = 0.056), but no correlation with other hormones (p ≥ 0.128). In the nOC group, [tCho] negatively correlated with prolactin (r = -0.587, p = 0.006) on day 7; positive correlation was found with estradiol on day 14 (r = 0.679, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A tCho peak can be detected in the normal mammary gland using 3-T 1H-MRS. The [tCho] in healthy volunteers was 0.4-0.9 mM, constant over the MC and independent of OC use

An Exploratory Study of the Qualities that Distinguish Potential from Realized Innovators

This study explored the similarities and differences between 36 accomplished and 36 hopeful innovators in a large midwestern city in the United States. Both groups reported a higher frequency of recognized ideas when creative thinking occurred in the morning and under conditions of a state of calm. Realized Innovators uniquely approached the ideation process by intentionally applying a set of processes they found reliably effective. Potential Innovators were less deliberate in their approach to idea generation and were more likely to pursue activities with weak associations to creative outputs

Big Coastal Physical Models – Controlling Variable Wave Boundaries

In coastal physical modelling, when bathymetries are complex and sea-states vary locally, it becomes necessary to combine all natural features in a single 3D physical model. This leads to physical models requiring long wave generation boundaries over which wave heights and directions could vary significantly. HR Wallingford has developed a novel wave generation method by which the wave height and direction along the paddle can be varied to match target wave parameters along the generation boundary. A recent large physical modelling study of a new port development in Chile, had a wave generation boundary of 5.2 km. The local bathymetry in the model needed to include a deep submarine canyon, which extended several km offshore and reached depths of over 150 m, which lead up to the breakwater of the new port. Due to the canyon, the wave heights along the wave generation boundary varied by 30-40 %. As part of the study, an investigation was carried out to determine the optimal calibration method; whether using variable wave heights and / or variable directions along the paddle front best matched the predicted design conditions at the structure toe. An ARTEMIS numerical model was used as part of the validation and calibration process