Lorentz-invariant, retrocausal, and deterministic hidden variables

We review several no-go theorems attributed to Gisin and Hardy, Conway and Kochen purporting the impossibility of Lorentz-invariant deterministic hidden-variable model for explaining quantum nonlocality. Those theorems claim that the only known solution to escape the conclusions is either to accept a preferred reference frame or to abandon the hidden-variable program altogether. Here we present a different alternative based on a foliation dependent framework adapted to deterministic hidden variables. We analyse the impact of such an approach on Bohmian mechanics and show that retrocausation (that is future influencing the past) necessarily comes out without time-loop paradox

Description of spontaneous photon emission and local density of states in presence of a lossy polaritonic inhomogenous medium

We provide a description of spontaneous emission in a dispersive and dissipative linear inhomogeneous medium based on the generalized Huttner-Barnett model [Phys. Rev. A 46, 4306 (1992)]. Our discussion considers on an equal footing both the photonic and material fluctuations which are necessary to preserve unitarity of the quantum evolution. Within this approach we justify the results obtained in the past using the Langevin noise method that neglects the removal of photonic fluctuations. We finally discuss the concept of local density of states (LDOS) in a lossy and dispersive inhomogeneous environment that provides a basis for theoretical studies of fluorescent emitters near plasmonic and polaritonic antennas.Comment: Submitted : comments are welcom

Should the wave-function be a part of the quantum ontological state?

We analyze the recent no go theorem by Pusey, Barrett and Rudolph (PBR) concerning ontic and epistemic hidden variables. We define two fundamental requirements for the validity of the result. We finally compare the models satisfying the theorem with the historical hidden variable approach proposed by de Broglie and Bohm.Comment: Progress in Physics, vol 4 (October 2012

A dual-Lagrangian description adapted to quantum optics in dispersive and dissipative dielectric media

We develop a dual description of quantum optics adapted to dielectric systems without magnetic property. Our formalism, which is shown to be equivalent to the standard one within some dipolar approximations discussed in the article, is applied to the description of polaritons in dielectric media. We show that the dual formalism leads to the Huttner-Barnett equations [B. Huttner, S. M. Barnett, Phys. Rev. A \textbf{46}, 4306 (1992)] for QED in dielectric systems. More generally, we discuss the role of electromagnetic duality in the quantization procedure for optical systems and derive the structure of the dynamical laws in the various representations

Brownian motion in the pilot wave interpretation of de Broglie and relaxation to quantum equilibrium

The pilot wave interpretation proposed by de Broglie and later by Bohm contains not only a dynamical ontology but also relies on a statistical assumption known as quantum equilibrium. In this work which follows our recent article [1] we develop a Langevin force description of the relaxation process which leads to quantum equilibrium. Based on a application of the Caldera-Leggett model for a thermal bath we show how a Brownian motion leads naturally to quantum relaxation.Comment: to appear in Annales de la Fondation de Broglie (2018

Surface Plasmon Polariton microscope with Parabolic Reflectors

We report the realization of a two--dimensional optical microscope for surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs) based on parabolic Bragg mirrors. These mirrors are built from lithographically fabricated gold nanostructures on gold thin films. We show by direct imaging by leakage radiation microscopy that the magnification power of the SPP microscope follows basic predictions of geometrical optics. Spatial resolution down to the value set by the diffraction limit is demonstrated.Comment: Opt.Lett.32, 2414 (2007