Quantum state estimation with unknown measurements

Improved measurement techniques are central to technological development and foundational scientific exploration. Quantum optics relies upon detectors sensitive to non-classical features of light, enabling precise tests of physical laws and quantum-enhanced technologies such as precision measurement and secure communications. Accurate detector response calibration for quantum-scale inputs is key to future research and development in these cognate areas. To address this requirement quantum detector tomography (QDT) has been recently introduced. However, the QDT approach becomes increasingly challenging as the complexity of the detector response and input space grows. Here we present the first experimental implementation of a versatile alternative characterization technique to address many-outcome quantum detectors by limiting the input calibration region. To demonstrate the applicability of this approach the calibrated detector is subsequently used to estimate non-classical photon number states.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Road and bridge construction across gypsum karst in England

Gypsum karst problems in the Permian and Triassic sequences of England have caused difficult conditions for bridge and road construction. In Northern England, the Ripon Bypass crosses Permian strata affected by active gypsum karst and severe subsidence problems. Here, the initial borehole site investigation for the road was supplemented by resistivity tomography studies. The roadway was reinforced with two layers of tensile membrane material within the earth embankment. This will prevent dangerous catastrophic collapse, but will allow sagging to show where problems exist. The River Ure Bridge was constructed across an area of subsidence pipes filled with alluvial deposits. It was built with extra strength, larger than normal foundations. If one pier fails, the bridge is designed for adjacent arches to span the gap without collapse. The bridge piers are also fitted with electronic load monitoring to warn of failure. In the Midlands area of England, road construction over Triassic gypsum has required a phase of ground improvement on the Derby Southern Bypass. Here, the gypsum caps a hill where it was formerly mined; it dips through a karstic dissolution zone into an area of complete dissolution and collapse. The road and an associated flyover were built across these ground conditions. A major grouting program before the earthworks began treated the cavities in the mine workings and the cavernous margin of the gypsum mass. Within the karstic dissolution zone, gypsum blocks and cavities along the route were identified by conductivity and resistivity geophysical surveys, excavated and backfilled. In the areas of complete dissolution and collapse, the road foundation was strengthened with vibrated stone columns and a reinforced concrete road deck was used

Experimental generation of multi-photon Fock states

We experimentally demonstrate the generation of multi-photon Fock states with up to three photons in well-defined spatial-temporal modes synchronized with a classical clock. The states are characterized using quantum optical homodyne tomography to ensure mode selectivity. The three-photon Fock states are probabilistically generated by pulsed spontaneous parametric down conversion at a rate of one per second, enabling complete characterization in 12 hours.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figure

Frog foams and natural protein surfactants

Foams and surfactants are relatively rare in biology because of their potential to harm cell membranes and other delicate tissues. However, in recent work we have identified and characterized a number of natural surfactant proteins found in the foam nests of tropical frogs and other unusual sources. These proteins, and their associated foams, are relatively stable and bio-compatible, but with intriguing molecular structures that reveal a new class of surfactant activity. Here we review the structures and functional mechanisms of some of these proteins as revealed by experiments involving a range of biophysical and biochemical techniques, with additional mechanistic support coming from more recent site-directed mutagenesis studies

Pieces: Form and Ephemera

As with anybody, I am not a singular self but one constructed of ever-shifting parts. This constant state of flux is expressed in the play of paint and canvas, lending the act a seriousness wherein images and ideas emerge and co-exist. I do not know what will happen in advance and finish at the same speed that I start so that there is no precious moment. The object is always in a state of transformation. A story or specific narrative is secondary to the need to leave a trace. At times, the image is completely external from me. My work is impulsive, instinctual, and not based on an idea but rather the performance of an idea. I do not know what lies in the center but feel that I am consistently and insufficiently circling around it. It is an on-going conversation and dispute with myself, a vision of a single human being split into many pieces. There is a moment where images shift from the abstract to something more recognizable. This has nothing to do with the generosity of seeing but rather the inability to stop ourselves from projecting meaning onto what we see. This is a way of making sense of the world. I am more interested in instability and the state of flux, where abstract shapes and lines don’t always exist on a plane that is clearly identified by the observer. It is unclear whether the space remains in a state of turmoil, whether clarity becomes chaotic, or whether this state of chaos will eventually become lucid, or tranquil

Communicating with Americans: Chinese International Students' Experiences and Perceptions

Chinese international students are the fastest growing group of internationals nationwide and in the state of Kansas (see: Open Doors Data, 2012; & University of Kansas ISSS, 2012). This research investigates the interaction between Americans and Chinese internationals from the perspective of 33 Chinese international students in Kansas. This inquiry is necessary because international students have a high need and desire to communicate with and befriend the hosts, yet research indicates that most internationals: lack intensive interactions that are key to their adjustment, success, and overall well-being in the United States (Gareis, 2000; Sias, et al, 2008); struggle with the English language; and remain isolated from Americans, in spite of their desire to adapt to American culture and befriend Americans. Analysis of in-depth interviews with Chinese international students reveals that they perceive Americans as friendly and outgoing, but also closed to new perspectives. Disappointment over friendship development and communication is exacerbated by language and cultural differences, which often leads to separation strategies of acculturation for Chinese. While Chinese typically exert great effort in academic performance and language study, they exhibit weak adaptation behaviors, perhaps mistaking familiarity with American media with an in-depth understanding of American culture and norms. This research provides needed feedback regarding what is working well with international programs, the extent and quality of intercultural contact occurring on American campuses, and allows Chinese international students to express their experiences, opinions, and emotions regarding their experiences through the use of the Chinese language. Recommendations are made for Chinese international students, and for higher education administrators regarding how to facilitate integration between Americans and Chinese international students

Racism and the Latino Identity in America, 1910-1970

Beginning in the early 1900s and continuing today, there has been mass immigration by Mexicans and other Latin-Americans to the United States, and this has caused a great deal of strife between local Americans and these immigrants. There has been much discrimination on the part of Anglo Americans towards Latinos, claiming the loss of jobs and opportunity, and the increase in a threatening community. The identity of these immigrants has changed significantly over the course of the past century, largely due to the racism they have encountered. This research paper uses peer reviewed journals and scholarly articles to analyze how the racism directed at Latinos during the twentieth century has affected and shaped the identity of Latino immigrants and Latino Americans, and what role discrimination has played in the evolution of who they are and how it has affected the relationship between their community and that of Anglo Americans