4,393 research outputs found
Heralded photon amplification for quantum communication
Heralded noiseless amplification based on single-photon sources and linear
optics is ideally suited for long-distance quantum communication tasks based on
discrete variables. We experimentally demonstrate such an amplifier, operating
at telecommunication wavelengths. Coherent amplification is performed with a
gain of G=1.98+/-0.2, for a state with a maximum expected gain G=2. We also
demonstrate that there is no need for a stable phase reference between the
initial signal state and the local auxiliary photons used by the amplifier.
These results highlight the potential of heralded quantum amplifiers for
long-distance quantum communication, and bring device-independent quantum key
distribution one step closer.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure
Zero-bias anomalies and boson-assisted tunneling through quantum dots
We study resonant tunneling through a quantum dot with one degenerate level
in the presence of a strong Coulomb repulsion and a bosonic environment. Using
a real-time approach we calculate the spectral density and the nonlinear
current within a conserving approximation. The spectral density shows a
multiplet of Kondo peaks split by the transport voltage and boson frequencies.
As a consequence we find a zero-bias anomaly in the differential conductance
which can show a local maximum or minimum depending on the level position. The
results are compared with recent experiments.Comment: 4 pages, revtex, 5 postscript figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. Let
Overall Memory Impairment Identification with Mathematical Modeling of the CVLT-II Learning Curve in Multiple Sclerosis
The CVLT-II provides standardized scores for each of the List A five learning trials, so that the clinician can compare the patient's raw trials 1–5 scores with standardized ones. However, frequently, a patient's raw scores fluctuate making a proper interpretation difficult. The CVLT-II does not offer any other methods for classifying a patient's learning and memory status on the background of the learning curve. The main objective of this research is to illustrate that discriminant analysis provides an accurate assessment of the learning curve, if suitable predictor variables are selected. Normal controls were ninety-eight healthy volunteers (78 females and 20 males). A group of MS patients included 365 patients (266 females and 99 males) with clinically defined multiple sclerosis. We show that the best predictor variables are coefficients B3 and B4 of our mathematical model B3 ∗ exp(−B2 ∗ (X − 1)) + B4 ∗ (1 − exp(−B2 ∗ (X − 1))) because discriminant functions, calculated separately for B3 and B4, allow nearly 100% correct classification. These predictors allow identification of separate impairment of readiness to learn or ability to learn, or both
Environmental stresses of field growth allow cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase-deficient Nicotiana attenuata plants to compensate for their structural deficiencies
The organized lignocellulosic assemblies of cell walls provide the structural integrity required for the large statures of terrestrial plants. Silencing two CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD) genes in Nicotiana attenuata produced plants (ir-CAD) with thin, red-pigmented stems, low CAD and sinapyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity, low lignin contents, and rubbery, structurally unstable stems when grown in the glasshouse (GH). However, when planted into their native desert habitat, ir-CAD plants produced robust stems that survived wind storms as well as the wild-type plants. Despite efficient silencing of NaCAD transcripts and enzymatic activity, field-grown ir-CAD plants had delayed and restricted spread of red stem pigmentation, a color change reflecting blocked lignification by CAD silencing, and attained wild-type-comparable total lignin contents. The rubbery GH phenotype was largely restored when field-grown ir-CAD plants were protected from wind, herbivore attack, and ultraviolet B exposure and grown in restricted rooting volumes; conversely, it was lost when ir-CAD plants were experimentally exposed to wind, ultraviolet B, and grown in large pots in growth chambers. Transcript and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time-of-flight analysis revealed that these environmental stresses enhanced the accumulation of various phenylpropanoids in stems of field-grown plants; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that the lignin of field-grown ir-CAD plants had GH-grown comparable levels of sinapaldehyde and syringaldehyde cross-linked into their lignins. Additionally, field-grown ir-CAD plants had short, thick stems with normal xylem element traits, which collectively enabled field-grown ir-CAD plants to compensate for the structural deficiencies associated with CAD silencing. Environmental stresses play an essential role in regulating lignin biosynthesis in lignin-deficient plants
Effect of Time Reversal Symmetry Breaking on the Density of States in Small Superconducting Grains
We show that in ultra-small superconducting grains any concentration of
magnetic impurities or infinitely small orbital effect of magnetic field leads
to destruction of the hard gap in the tunneling density of states. Instead,
though exponentially suppressed at low energies, the tunneling density of
states exhibits the ``soft gap'' behavior, vanishing linearly with excitation
energy, as the energy approaches zero.Comment: 4 pages, 1 eps figur
Tuning the Kondo effect with a mechanically controllable break junction
We study electron transport through C60 molecules in the Kondo regime using a
mechanically controllable break junction. By varying the electrode spacing, we
are able to change both the width and height of the Kondo resonance, indicating
modification of the Kondo temperature and the relative strength of coupling to
the two electrodes. The linear conductance as a function of T/T_K agrees with
the scaling function expected for the spin-1/2 Kondo problem. We are also able
to tune finite-bias Kondo features which appear at the energy of the first C60
intracage vibrational mode.Comment: 4 pages with 4 figure
Landauer theory of ballistic torkances in non-collinear spin valves
We present a theory of voltage-induced spin-transfer torques in ballistic
non-collinear spin valves. The torkance on one ferromagnetic layer is expressed
in terms of scattering coefficients of the whole spin valve, in analogy to the
Landauer conductance formula. The theory is applied to Co/Cu/Ni(001)-based
systems where long-range oscillations of the Ni-torkance as a function of Ni
thickness are predicted. The oscillations represent a novel quantum size effect
due to the non-collinear magnetic structure. The oscillatory behavior of the
torkance contrasts a thickness-independent trend of the conductance.Comment: Version 3: 6 pages, 3 figures. Corrected version that passed the
peer-review proces
Non-equilibrium electronic transport and interaction in short metallic nanobridges
We have observed interaction effects in the differential conductance of
short, disordered metal bridges in a well-controlled non-equilibrium situation,
where the distribution function has a double Fermi step. A logarithmic scaling
law is found both for the temperature and for the voltage dependence of in
all samples. The absence of magnetic field dependence and the low
dimensionality of our samples allow us to distinguish between several possible
interaction effects, proposed recently in nanoscopic samples. The universal
scaling curve is explained quantitatively by the theory of electron-electron
interaction in diffusive metals, adapted to the present case, where the sample
size is smaller than the thermal diffusion length.Comment: Published version, 6 Pages, 6 postscript figures, 1 tabl
Interferometric Tests of Teleportation
We investigate a direct test of teleportation efficacy based on a
Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The analysis is performed for continuous variable
teleportation of both discrete and continuous observables
Kondo Effect in Electromigrated Gold Break Junctions
We present gate-dependent transport measurements of Kondo impurities in bare
gold break junctions, generated with high yield using an electromigration
process that is actively controlled. Thirty percent of measured devices show
zero-bias conductance peaks. Temperature dependence suggests Kondo temperatures
\~7K. The peak splitting in magnetic field is consistent with theoretical
predictions for g=2, though in many devices the splitting is offset from 2guB
by a fixed energy. The Kondo resonances observed here may be due to
atomic-scale metallic grains formed during electromigration.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure
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