24 research outputs found
A single atom detector integrated on an atom chip: fabrication, characterization and application
We describe a robust and reliable fluorescence detector for single atoms that
is fully integrated into an atom chip. The detector allows spectrally and
spatially selective detection of atoms, reaching a single atom detection
efficiency of 66%. It consists of a tapered lensed single-mode fiber for
precise delivery of excitation light and a multi-mode fiber to collect the
fluorescence. The fibers are mounted in lithographically defined holding
structures on the atom chip. Neutral 87Rb atoms propagating freely in a
magnetic guide are detected and the noise of their fluorescence emission is
analyzed. The variance of the photon distribution allows to determine the
number of detected photons / atom and from there the atom detection efficiency.
The second order intensity correlation function of the fluorescence shows
near-perfect photon anti-bunching and signs of damped Rabi-oscillations. With
simple improvements one can boost the detection efficiency to > 95%.Comment: 24 pages, 11 figure
An integrated atom-photon junction
Photonic chips that integrate guides, switches, gratings and other
components, process vast amounts of information rapidly on a single device. A
new branch of this technology becomes possible if the light is coupled to cold
atoms in a junction of small enough cross section, so that small numbers of
photons interact appreciably with the atoms. Cold atoms are among the most
sensitive of metrological tools and their quantum nature also provides a basis
for new information processing methods. Here we demonstrate a photonic chip
which provides multiple microscopic junctions between atoms and photons. We use
the absorption of light at a junction to reveal the presence of one atom on
average. Conversely, we use the atoms to probe the intensity and polarisation
of the light. Our device paves the way for a new type of chip with
interconnected circuits of atoms and photons.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure. Submitted to Nature Photonic
Non-human immunodeficiency virus-related Kaposi’s sarcoma of the oropharynx: a case report and review of the literature
European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer
Purpose To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe. Methods Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion. Results Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics. Conclusion This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.Otorhinolaryngolog
Subtotal laryngectomy with tracheohyoidopexy: a possible alternative to total laryngectomy.
A new training approach in endoscopic percutaneous tracheostomy using a simulation model based on biological tissue
BACKGROUND: Ciaglia et al. originally proposed the percutaneous tracheostomy in 1985 as an alternative to the surgical approach. Several variants have been developed in the years with a convincing evidence that, compared to surgical tracheostomy, the percutaneous approach is more costeffective without compromising safety. However the procedure is not immune from complications and requires procedural skills and adequate level of expertise with a steep learning curve. In this contest, to optimize safety and efficacy of percutaneous tracheostomy in different clinical scenarios, physicians should be familiar with the different available percutaneous techniques. Traditionally, the training has been performed using manikins or animal models. However, by definition the manikin is not able to replicate the complex anatomy and does not provide a realist model for learning. METHODS: A sheep model was implemented and was tested in a simulationbased course for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy organized by the Department of Surgical Sciences of University of Turin at the Special Educational Section of the Veterinary Sciences Department (University of Turin). RESULTS : From September 2012 to December 2014, 2 sessions of the training course were performed. Thirty-Two anesthesiologists (16 men and 16 women, mean (SD) age 40.4 (SD 8.6) attended the course. A quality assessment of the course was then collected by participants. CONCLUSIONS: The biological model we implemented proved to be adequate and effective. Future studies are required to compare its efficacy with previously proposed training methods. \ua9 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA