Statistical networks emerging from link-node interactions

We study a model for a statistical network formed by interactions between its nodes and links. Each node can be in one of two states (Ising spin up or down) and the node-link interaction facilitates linking between the like nodes. For high temperatures the influence of the nodes on the links can be neglected, and we get the Ising ferromagnet on the random (Erdos-Renyi) graph. For low temperatures the nodes get spontaneously ordered. Due to this, the connectivity of the network enhances and links having a common node are correlated. The emerged network is clustered. The node-link interaction shifts the percolation threshold of the random graph to much smaller values, and the very percolation transition can become of the first order: the giant cluster coexist with the unconnected phase leading to bistability and hysteresis. The model can be applied to the striction phenomena in magnets and to studying opinion formation in the sociophysical context.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Symmetric photon-photon coupling by atoms with Zeeman-split sublevels

We propose a simple scheme for highly efficient nonlinear interaction between two weak optical fields. The scheme is based on the attainment of electromagnetically induced transparency simultaneously for both fields via transitions between magnetically split F=1 atomic sublevels, in the presence of two driving fields. Thereby, equal slow group velocities and symmetric cross-coupling of the weak fields over long distances are achieved. By simply tuning the fields, this scheme can either yield giant cross-phase modulation or ultrasensitive two-photon switching.Comment: Modified scheme, 4 pages, 1 figur

Magneto-optical rotation and cross-phase modulation via coherently driven tripod atoms

We study the interaction of a weak probe field, having two orthogonally polarized components, with an optically dense medium of four-level atoms in a tripod configuration. In the presence of a coherent driving laser, electromagnetically induced transparency is attained in the medium, dramatically enhancing its linear as well as nonlinear dispersion while simultaneously suppressing the probe field absorption. We present the semiclassical and fully quantum analysis of the system. We propose an experimentally feasible setup that can induce large Faraday rotation of the probe field polarization and therefore be used for ultra-sensitive optical magnetometry. We then study the Kerr nonlinear coupling between the two components of the probe, demonstrating a novel regime of symmetric, extremely efficient cross-phase modulation, capable of fully entangling two single-photon pulses. This scheme may thus pave the way to photon-based quantum information applications, such as deterministic all-optical quantum computation, dense coding and teleportation.Comment: Corrected typo

Work fluctuation theorems for harmonic oscillators

The work fluctuations of an oscillator in contact with a thermostat and driven out of equilibrium by an external force are studied experimentally and theoretically within the context of Fluctuation Theorems (FTs). The oscillator dynamics is modeled by a second order Langevin equation. Both the transient and stationary state fluctuation theorems hold and the finite time corrections are very different from those of a first order Langevin equation. The periodic forcing of the oscillator is also studied; it presents new and unexpected short time convergences. Analytical expressions are given in all cases

Attitudes, practices and beliefs towards worksite smoking among administrators of private and public enterprises in Armenia

As one of the first studies to investigate smoking-related worksite practices, attitudes and beliefs in former Soviet countries, these findings provide insight into law enforcement processes for economies in transition. The study team conducted focus group discussions with worksite administrators to explore their beliefs, attitudes and practices related to worksite smoking. These findings guided development of a quantitative instrument to collect more representative data on the same issues. Research revealed widespread confusion between the concepts of worksite smoking restrictions and smoke-free workplaces. Public awareness campaigns that promote promulgation and enforcement of worksite smoking regulations could increase employee demand for smoke-free worksites

Classification of Singular Fibres on Rational Elliptic Surfaces in Characteristic Three

We determine and list all possible configurations of singular fibres on rational elliptic surfaces in characteristic three. In total, we find that 267 distinct configurations exist. This result complements Miranda and Persson's classification in characteristic zero, and Lang's classification in characteristic two.Comment: 40 Pages. Minor typos correcte

Anomalous latent heat in non-equilibrium phase transitions

We study first-order phase transitions in a two-temperature system, where due to the time-scale separation all the basic thermodynamical quantities (free energy, entropy, etc) are well-defined. The sign of the latent heat is found to be counterintuitive: it is positive when going from the phase where the temperatures and the entropy are higher to the one where these quantities are lower. The effect exists only out of equilibrium and requires conflicting interactions. It is displayed on a lattice gas model of ferromagnetically interacting spin-1/2 particles.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure