Coherent Graphene Devices: Movable Mirrors, Buffers and Memories

We theoretically report that, at a sharp electrostatic step potential in graphene, massless Dirac fermions can obtain Goos-H\"{a}nchen-like shifts under total internal reflection. Based on these results, we study the coherent propagation of the quasiparticles along a sharp graphene \emph{p-n-p} waveguide and derive novel dispersion relations for the guided modes. Consequently, coherent graphene devices (e.g. movable mirrors, buffers and memories) induced only by the electric field effect can be proposed.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure

Diffusion induced decoherence of stored optical vortices

We study the coherence properties of optical vortices stored in atomic ensembles. In the presence of thermal diffusion, the topological nature of stored optical vortices is found not to guarantee slow decoherence. Instead the stored vortex state has decoherence surprisingly larger than the stored Gaussian mode. Generally, the less phase gradient, the more robust for stored coherence against diffusion. Furthermore, calculation of coherence factor shows that the center of stored vortex becomes completely incoherent once diffusion begins and, when reading laser is applied, the optical intensity at the center of the vortex becomes nonzero. Its implication for quantum information is discussed. Comparison of classical diffusion and quantum diffusion is also presented.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Image Storage in Hot Vapors

We theoretically investigate image propagation and storage in hot atomic vapor. A $4f$ system is adopted for imaging and an atomic vapor cell is placed over the transform plane. The Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of an object in the object plane can thus be transformed into atomic Raman coherence according to the idea of ``light storage''. We investigate how the stored diffraction pattern evolves under diffusion. Our result indicates, under appropriate conditions, that an image can be reconstructed with high fidelity. The main reason for this procedure to work is the fact that diffusion of opposite-phase components of the diffraction pattern interfere destructively.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure

Electromagnetically induced spatial light modulation

We theoretically report that, utilizing electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), the transverse spatial properties of weak probe fields can be fast modulated by using optical patterns (e.g. images) with desired intensity distributions in the coupling fields. Consequently, EIT systems can function as high-speed optically addressed spatial light modulators. To exemplify our proposal, we indicate the generation and manipulation of Laguerre-Gaussian beams based on either phase or amplitude modulation in hot vapor EIT systems.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

Dirac electrons in graphene-based quantum wires and quantum dots

In this paper we analyse the electronic properties of Dirac electrons in finite-size ribbons and in circular and hexagonal quantum dots made of graphene.Comment: Contribution for J. Phys.: Cond. Mat. special issue on graphene physic

The genetic epidemiology of joint shape and the development of osteoarthritis

Congruent, low-friction relative movement between the articulating elements of a synovial joint is an essential pre-requisite for sustained, efficient, function. Where disorders of joint formation or maintenance exist, mechanical overloading and osteoarthritis (OA) follow. The heritable component of OA accounts for ~ 50% of susceptible risk. Although almost 100 genetic risk loci for OA have now been identified, and the epidemiological relationship between joint development, joint shape and osteoarthritis is well established, we still have only a limited understanding of the contribution that genetic variation makes to joint shape and how this modulates OA risk. In this article, a brief overview of synovial joint development and its genetic regulation is followed by a review of current knowledge on the genetic epidemiology of established joint shape disorders and common shape variation. A summary of current genetic epidemiology of OA is also given, together with current evidence on the genetic overlap between shape variation and OA. Finally, the established genetic risk loci for both joint shape and osteoarthritis are discussed