Reply to ``Comment on `Inverse exciton series in the optical decay of an excitonic molecule' "

As a reply to the Comment by I.S. Gorban {\it et al.} (Phys. Rev. B, preceding paper) we summarize our criticism on their claim of the first observation of the $M$ series in $\beta$-ZnP$_2$. We support our analysis by reporting the first observation of inverse {\it polariton} series from the excitonic molecules selectively generated at ${\bf K}_m \simeq {\bf 0}$ in a CuCl single crystal. This observation and its explanation within the bipolariton model complete our proof of the biexcitonic origin of the inverse series.Comment: The Comment by I.S. Gorban et al. has been rejecte

Biexciton and Triexciton States in Quantum Dots in the Weak Confinement Regime

Biexciton and triexciton states in CuCl quantum dots were studied by means of time-resolved size-selective pump-and-probe technique. A clear induced absorption band is observed on the high-energy side of the excitation photon energy. The new induced absorption is assigned to the transition from the exciton ground state to one of the weakly correlated exciton pair states which were theoretically predicted to exist and to play an important role in nonlinear optical processes. Its pump energy dependence and temporal evolution strongly support this assignment. Under high-density or two-color excitation condition, a triexciton state in quantum dots is observed for the first time

Anisotropic optical response of InP self-assembled quantum dots studied by pump-probe spectroscopy

Transient anisotropic reflectivity change spectra of InP quantum dots have been observed by means of two-color pump-probe spectroscopy. The results show a fast decay component with a lifetime of 100–200 ps which depends on the probe energy, followed by the slow decay component of ~1 ns. The reflectivity change spectra have a dispersive shape having a maximum on the higher energy side of the photoluminescence (PL) band by 80 meV, and a dip located at the maximum of the PL band. Interestingly, the reflectivity change signals observed for the [1[overline 1]0] and [110] polarizations have the opposite sign when the probe energy is set between the first and second exciton states. The temporal change of spectra is simulated by means of a Monte Carlo method, and the model is found to well reproduce the experimental result. Further, the model enables us to evaluate the microscopic exciton parameters of single quantum dots by macroscopic observations. The oscillator strengths along the [110] and [1[overline 1]0] directions at the PL peak energy are evaluated to be fx=0.37 and fy=0.71, respectively. The oscillator strength is about five times smaller than simple theoretical estimates. This suggests a small overlap of the envelope functions which is consistent with the existence of a permanent dipole moment observed in these QDs

Mutually perpendicular magnetic fields parallel to a slab a test case for the critical state model

We discuss the response of a hard superconductor sample in the shape of a slab when mutually perpendicular magnetic fields are sequentially applied parallel to its surface. The field profile inside the sample no longer lies in a plane. We present a procedure for calculating the field profiles and the magnetization, and present numerical results for one specific sequence of applying these fields

Diminished plasma levels of common γ-chain cytokines in pulmonary tuberculosis and reversal following treatment.

BACKGROUND:The immune response to tuberculosis (TB) is T cell dependent. T cells are the major facilitators of protection and effector functions with CD4+ T cells being the most important players, followed by CD8+ T cells. The common γ-chain cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 play a vital role in peripheral T cell growth and survival. However, the role of common γ-chain cytokines in pulmonary TB (PTB) is poorly understood. AIM AND METHODS:To examine the association of circulating common γ-chain cytokines with TB disease or infection, we examined the systemic levels of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 in individuals with PTB, latent TB (LTB) or no TB infection (NTB). We also examined the levels of these cytokines in PTB individuals before and after anti-tuberculosis treatment. RESULTS:Circulating levels of IL-2, IL-7 and IL-21 were significantly diminished in PTB compared to LTB or NTB individuals. Moreover, TB antigen stimulated whole blood also exhibited diminished levels of common γ-chain cytokines in PTB compared to LTB or NTB individuals. The plasma levels of common γ-chain cytokines exhibited no significant association with the severity or extent of TB disease or with bacterial burdens. However, upon standard anti-TB treatment, both the systemic as well as the TB antigen stimulated levels of IL-2, IL-7 and IL-21 were significantly increased in PTB individuals. CONCLUSION:Therefore our data demonstrate that diminished levels of common γ-chain cytokines are a common characteristic of PTB and potentially highlight the importance of boosting these responses to improve treatment outcomes