Universal quantum computation with the Orbital Angular Momentum of a single photon

We prove that a single photon with quantum data encoded in its orbital angular momentum can be manipulated with simple optical elements to provide any desired quantum computation. We will show how to build any quantum unitary operator using beamsplitters, phase shifters, holograms and an extraction gate based on quantum interrogation. The advantages and challenges of these approach are then discussed, in particular the problem of the readout of the results.Comment: First version. Comments welcom

Helmholtz bright and boundary solitons

We report, for the first time, exact analytical boundary solitons of a generalized cubic-quintic Non-Linear Helmholtz (NLH) equation. These solutions have a linked-plateau topology that is distinct from conventional dark soliton solutions; their amplitude and intensity distributions are spatially delocalized and connect regions of finite and zero wave-field disturbances (suggesting also the classification as 'edge solitons'). Extensive numerical simulations compare the stability properties of recently-reported Helmholtz bright solitons, for this type of polynomial non-linearity, to those of the new boundary solitons. The latter are found to possess a remarkable stability characteristic, exhibiting robustness against perturbations that would otherwise lead to the destabilizing of their bright-soliton counterpart

Nonlinear interfaces: intrinsically nonparaxial regimes and effects

The behaviour of optical solitons at planar nonlinear boundaries is a problem rich in intrinsically nonparaxial regimes that cannot be fully addressed by theories based on the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. For instance, large propagation angles are typically involved in external refraction at interfaces. Using a recently proposed generalized Snell's law for Helmholtz solitons, we analyse two such effects: nonlinear external refraction and total internal reflection at interfaces where internal and external refraction, respectively, would be found in the absence of nonlinearity. The solutions obtained from the full numerical integration of the nonlinear Helmholtz equation show excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions

Korteweg-de Vries description of Helmholtz-Kerr dark solitons

A wide variety of different physical systems can be described by a relatively small set of universal equations. For example, small-amplitude nonlinear Schrödinger dark solitons can be described by a Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. Reductive perturbation theory, based on linear boosts and Gallilean transformations, is often employed to establish connections to and between such universal equations. Here, a novel analytical approach reveals that the evolution of small-amplitude Helmholtz–Kerr dark solitons is also governed by a KdV equation. This broadens the class of nonlinear systems that are known to possess KdV soliton solutions, and provides a framework for perturbative analyses when propagation angles are not negligibly small. The derivation of this KdV equation involves an element that appears new to weakly nonlinear analyses, since transformations are required to preserve the rotational symmetry inherent to Helmholtz-type equations

Helmholtz solitons in optical materials with a dual power-law refractive index

A nonlinear Helmholtz equation is proposed for modelling scalar optical beams in uniform planar waveguides whose refractive index exhibits a purely-focusing dual powerlaw dependence on the electric field amplitude. Two families of exact analytical solitons, describing forward- and backward-propagating beams, are derived. These solutions are physically and mathematically distinct from those recently discovered for related nonlinearities. The geometry of the new solitons is examined, conservation laws are reported, and classic paraxial predictions are recovered in a simultaneous multiple limit. Conventional semi-analytical techniques assist in studying the stability of these nonparaxial solitons, whose propagation properties are investigated through extensive simulations

Understanding the retreat of the Jurassic Cantabrian coast (N. Spain): Comprehensive monitoring and 4D evolution model of the Tazones Lighthouse landslide

Forecasting coastal dynamics and sea cliff retreat under different sea level rise scenarios requires a good understanding of the conditioning factors and their relative contribution to cliff stability. The so-called Jurassic Cantabrian Coast extends along 76 km of the coastline of the Asturias region (N Spain) and is well-known worldwide due to its paleontological heritage, in particular the presence of dinosaur remains and footprints. The abundance of stratigraphic, paleontological and tectonic studies contrasts with the scarcity of studies focused on the stability of this rocky coastline where cliffs predominate, sometimes exceeding 120 m in height. In fact, evidence of current and recent instability processes can be observed along the entire coastline. In this regard, continuous monitoring is crucial to understand ongoing instabilities in rocky coastlines, as in these settings some instabilities might initiate as slow movements that induce subtle topographic changes whose detection from either satellite or aerial imagery is problematic due to the spatial and temporal resolutions. This contribution presents a 4D evolution model of a key site, the Tazones Lighthouse landslide, located on the Cantabrian Coast of Asturias (N Spain), which affects subvertical rocky cliffs sculpted in the Jurassic bedrock made of alternating sandstone and marl. A high resolution multiapproach methodology was developed in order to understand its structure and kinematic characteristics, including: i) interpretation of aerial photographs and unmanned aerial photogrammetric surveys (UAV); ii) 22 monthly monitoring campaigns by total station; iii) 5 manual boreholes; iv) geomechanical characterization of the cliff bedrock; v) geomorphological evidence mapping; vi) analysis of landscape deformations obtained from UAV; and vii) precipitation, soil moisture and significant wave height (Hs) data analysis. The results show that the slope evolves by means of a complex-type mass movement, which combines translational and sliding mechanisms, and occupies tens of thousands of square meters. DTM and fieldwork analysis indicate that mass movement is mainly controlled by bedrock discontinuities (S0, 360/15-17; J1, 262/85; J2 166/75). The most important accelerations of slope movement correlate very well with rainfall, soil moisture and waves. Thus, the largest displacements occurring in January and October–November 2019, coincide with 2 periods of storms (maximum 24-h rainfall of 64.5 mm and 82.1 mm and maximum Hs of 6.54 and 9.09, respectively) and soil moisture values above 90%. Half of the markers moved more than 1 m and one of them exceeded 15 m. The 4D model obtained after the interpretation of the Tazones Lighthouse slope whole dataset, allows an understanding of how the surrounding cliffs have evolved in the past, fundamental to predicting their future behaviour."COSINES" Project GRUPIN-IDI-2018-184 Spanish Economy, Industry and Competitiveness Ministry-Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO)Spanish Research Agency-Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI)European Regional Development Found (FEDER)Asturian Regional Government (Spain) CGL2017-83909-

Bistable Helmholtz bright solitons in saturable materials

We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first exact analytical solitons of a nonlinear Helmholtz equation with a saturable refractive-index model. These new two-dimensional spatial solitons have a bistable characteristic in some parameter regimes, and they capture oblique (arbitrary-angle) beam propagation in both the forward and backward directions. New conservation laws are reported, and the classic paraxial solution is recovered in an appropriate multiple limit. Analysis and simulations examine the stability of both solution branches, and stationary Helmholtz solitons are found to emerge from a range of perturbed input beams

Polariton Lasing in a Multilevel Quantum Dot Strongly Coupled To a Single Photon Mode

We present an approximate analytic expression for the photoluminescence spectral function of a model polariton system, which describes a quantum dot, with a finite number of fermionic levels, strongly interacting with the lowest photon mode of a pillar microcavity. Energy eigenvalues and wavefunctions of the electron-hole-photon system are obtained by numerically diagonalizing the Hamiltonian. Pumping and photon losses through the cavity mirrors are described with a master equation, which is solved in order to determine the stationary density matrix. The photon first-order correlation function, from which the spectral function is found, is computed with the help of the Quantum Regression Theorem. The spectral function qualitatively describes the polariton lasing regime in the model, corresponding to pumping rates two orders of magnitude lower than those needed for ordinary (photon) lasing. The second-order coherence functions for the photon and the electron-hole subsystems are computed as functions of the pumping rate.Comment: version accepted in Phys. Rev.

Wave envelopes with second-order spatiotemporal dispersion: II. Modulational instabilities and dark Kerr solitons

A simple scalar model for describing spatiotemporal dispersion of pulses, beyond the classic “slowly-varying envelopes + Galilean boost” approach, is studied. The governing equation has a cubic nonlinearity and we focus here mainly on contexts with normal group-velocity dispersion. A complete analysis of continuous waves is reported, including their dispersion relations and modulational instability characteristics. We also present a detailed derivation of exact analytical dark solitons, obtained by combining direct-integration methods with geometrical transformations. Classic results from conventional pulse theory are recovered as-ymptotically from the spatiotemporal formulation. Numerical simulations test new theoretical predictions for modulational instability, and examine the robustness of spatiotemporal dark solitons against perturbations to their local pulse shape

In vitro analyses of the toxicity, immunological, and gene expression effects of cobalt-chromium alloy wear debris and Co ions derived from metal-on-metal hip implants

Joint replacement has proven to be an extremely successful and cost-effective means of relieving arthritic pain and improving quality of life for recipients. Wear debris-induced osteolysis is, however, a major limitation and causes orthopaedic implant aseptic loosening, and various cell types including macrophages, monocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, are involved. During the last few years, there has been increasing concern about metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements regarding adverse reactions to metal debris associated with the MoM articulation. Even though MoM-bearing technology was initially aimed to extend the durability of hip replacements and to reduce the requirement for revision, they have been reported to release at least three times more cobalt and chromium ions than metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) hip replacements. As a result, the toxicity of metal particles and ions produced by bearing surfaces, both locally in the periprosthetic space and systemically, became a concern. Several investigations have been carried out to understand the mechanisms responsible for the adverse response to metal wear debris. This review aims at summarising in vitro analyses of the toxicity, immunological, and gene expression effects of cobalt ions and wear debris derived from MoM hip implants