347 research outputs found
Low Cost and Compact Quantum Cryptography
We present the design of a novel free-space quantum cryptography system,
complete with purpose-built software, that can operate in daylight conditions.
The transmitter and receiver modules are built using inexpensive off-the-shelf
components. Both modules are compact allowing the generation of renewed shared
secrets on demand over a short range of a few metres. An analysis of the
software is shown as well as results of error rates and therefore shared secret
yields at varying background light levels. As the system is designed to
eventually work in short-range consumer applications, we also present a use
scenario where the consumer can regularly 'top up' a store of secrets for use
in a variety of one-time-pad and authentication protocols.Comment: 18 pages, 9 figures, to be published in New Journal of Physic
Quantum Forbidden-Interval Theorems for Stochastic Resonance
We extend the classical forbidden-interval theorems for a
stochastic-resonance noise benefit in a nonlinear system to a quantum-optical
communication model and a continuous-variable quantum key distribution model.
Each quantum forbidden-interval theorem gives a necessary and sufficient
condition that determines whether stochastic resonance occurs in quantum
communication of classical messages. The quantum theorems apply to any quantum
noise source that has finite variance or that comes from the family of
infinite-variance alpha-stable probability densities. Simulations show the
noise benefits for the basic quantum communication model and the
continuous-variable quantum key distribution model.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure
Protein Pattern Formation
Protein pattern formation is essential for the spatial organization of many
intracellular processes like cell division, flagellum positioning, and
chemotaxis. A prominent example of intracellular patterns are the oscillatory
pole-to-pole oscillations of Min proteins in \textit{E. coli} whose biological
function is to ensure precise cell division. Cell polarization, a prerequisite
for processes such as stem cell differentiation and cell polarity in yeast, is
also mediated by a diffusion-reaction process. More generally, these functional
modules of cells serve as model systems for self-organization, one of the core
principles of life. Under which conditions spatio-temporal patterns emerge, and
how these patterns are regulated by biochemical and geometrical factors are
major aspects of current research. Here we review recent theoretical and
experimental advances in the field of intracellular pattern formation, focusing
on general design principles and fundamental physical mechanisms.Comment: 17 pages, 14 figures, review articl
Probabilistic Quantum Logic Operations Using Polarizing Beam Splitters
It has previously been shown that probabilistic quantum logic operations can
be performed using linear optical elements, additional photons (ancilla), and
post-selection based on the output of single-photon detectors. Here we describe
the operation of several quantum logic operations of an elementary nature,
including a quantum parity check and a quantum encoder, and we show how they
can be combined to implement a controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate. All of these gates
can be constructed using polarizing beam splitters that completely transmit one
state of polarization and totally reflect the orthogonal state of polarization,
which allows a simple explanation of each operation. We also describe a
polarizing beam splitter implementation of a CNOT gate that is closely
analogous to the quantum teleportation technique previously suggested by
Gottesman and Chuang [Nature 402, p.390 (1999)]. Finally, our approach has the
interesting feature that it makes practical use of a quantum-eraser technique.Comment: 9 pages, RevTex; Submitted to Phys. Rev. A; additional references
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Preparation and control of a cavity-field state through atom-driven field interaction: towards long-lived mesoscopic states
The preparation of mesoscopic states of the radiation and matter fields
through atom-field interactions has been achieved in recent years and employed
for a range of striking applications in quantum optics. Here we present a
technique for the preparation and control of a cavity mode which, besides
interacting with a two-level atom, is simultaneously submitted to linear and
parametric amplification processes. The role of the amplification-controlling
fields in the achievement of real mesoscopic states, is to produce
highly-squeezed field states and, consequently, to increase both: i) the
distance in phase space between the components of the prepared superpositions
and ii) the mean photon number of such superpositions. When submitting the
squeezed superposition states to the action of similarly squeezed reservoirs,
we demonstrate that under specific conditions the decoherence time of the
states becomes independent of both the distance in phase space between their
components and their mean photon number. An explanation is presented to support
this remarkable result, together with a discussion on the experimental
implementation of our proposal. We also show how to produce number states with
fidelities higher than those derived as circular states
A diverse view of science to catalyse change: Valuing diversity leads to scientific excellence, the progress of science and, most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. we must value diversity not only in words, but also in actions
On asymptotic continuity of functions of quantum states
A useful kind of continuity of quantum states functions in asymptotic regime
is so-called asymptotic continuity. In this paper we provide general tools for
checking if a function possesses this property. First we prove equivalence of
asymptotic continuity with so-called it robustness under admixture. This allows
us to show that relative entropy distance from a convex set including maximally
mixed state is asymptotically continuous. Subsequently, we consider it arrowing
- a way of building a new function out of a given one. The procedure originates
from constructions of intrinsic information and entanglement of formation. We
show that arrowing preserves asymptotic continuity for a class of functions
(so-called subextensive ones). The result is illustrated by means of several
examples.Comment: Minor corrections, version submitted for publicatio
A scheme for total quantum teleportation
We address the issue of totally teleporting the quantum state of an external
particle, as opposed to studies on partial teleportation of external
single-particle states, total teleportation of coherent states and encoded
single-particle states, and intramolecular teleportation of nuclear spin
states. We find a set of commuting observables whose measurement directly
projects onto the Bell-basis and discuss a possible experiment, based on
two-photon absorption, allowing, for the first time, total teleportation of the
state of a single external photon through a direct projective measurement.Comment: 6 page
Expression of divIB of Bacillus subtilis during vegetative growth
Expression of the division initiation gene, divIB, of Bacillus subtilis vegetative growth was examined. lacZ fusion studies and transcription start point mapping have established that a sigma A promoter proximal to divIB is utilized in vivo. The -10 region of this promoter, which is located 93 bp upstream of the start codon, has been defined precisely by site-directed mutagenesis that destroys the promoter. Examination of transcripts by Northern (RNA) blotting has shown that there are at least two transcripts for divIB. The established proximal promoter was found to give rise to a very minor transcript which could not be convincingly demonstrated in wild-type cells but which became apparent upon insertion of a plasmid into the chromosome just upstream of this promoter. The major transcript for divIB originated from a site several kb upstream of the gene and is probably the same as the long polycistronic message also traversing the murD-spoVE-murG genes that was identified previously by others (A.D. Henriques, H. de Lencastre, and P.J. Piggot, Biochimie 74:735-748, 1992). Transcription from the proximal promoter alone, in an upstream-deletion mutant strain, provided sufficient DivIB for normal growth and division as well as sporulation
ZipA Binds to FtsZ with High Affinity and Enhances the Stability of FtsZ Protofilaments
A bacterial membrane protein ZipA that tethers FtsZ to the membrane is known to promote FtsZ assembly. In this study, the binding of ZipA to FtsZ was monitored using fluorescence spectroscopy. ZipA was found to bind to FtsZ with high affinities at three different (6.0, 6.8 and 8.0) pHs, albeit the binding affinity decreased with increasing pH. Further, thick bundles of FtsZ protofilaments were observed in the presence of ZipA under the pH conditions used in this study indicating that ZipA can promote FtsZ assembly and stabilize FtsZ polymers under unfavorable conditions. Bis-ANS, a hydrophobic probe, decreased the interaction of FtsZ and ZipA indicating that the interaction between FtsZ and ZipA is hydrophobic in nature. ZipA prevented the dilution induced disassembly of FtsZ polymers suggesting that it stabilizes FtsZ protofilaments. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled ZipA was found to be uniformly distributed along the length of the FtsZ protofilaments indicating that ZipA stabilizes FtsZ protofilaments by cross-linking them
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