Absorption in quantum electrodynamics cavities in terms of a quantum jump operator

We describe the absorption by the walls of a quantum electrodynamics cavity as a process during which the elementary excitations (photons) of an internal mode of the cavity exit by tunneling through the cavity walls. We estimate by classical methods the survival time of a photon inside the cavity and the quality factor of its mirrors

Quasi-modal analysis of segmented waveguides

International audience—In the present paper, we show that it is possible to use a periodic structure of disconnected elements (e.g. a line of rods) to guide electromagnetic waves, in the direction of the periodicity. To study such segmented waveguides, we use the concept of quasimodes associated to complex frequencies. The numerical determination of quasimodes is based on a finite element formulation completed with Perfectly Matched Layers (PMLs). These PMLs lead to non Hermitian matrices whose complex eigenvalues correspond to quasimode frequencies. Using Floquet-Bloch theory, a numerical model is set up that allows the spectral study of structures that are both open and periodic. With this model, we show that it is possible to guide electromagnetic waves on significant distances with very limited losses

The equine business: the spectacularly growth of a new segment market in France

A social revolution in riding has created incredible growth in the equine-product market. This new equine economy is, in fact, characterized by the range of activities available (32 riding styles are listed by the FFE), by riders’ needs (equipment for both riders and their horses including fences, water troughs, horse-boxes etc.), by product ranges (from entry-level to luxury goods), but also by fashion which, thanks to the profile of today’s horse-riders (predominantly female and young) has become a key part of the market. This enthusiasm has led to the development of businesses, the majority of which have appeared in the last thirty years in France (Antarès, CWD, GPA, Cheval Shop, EquipHorse, Fautras etc.). While they have become key references in the sector, and account for nearly half of all jobs related to the equine sector in France (38,900 agricultural jobs compared to 32,800 non-agricultural jobs including business, veterinary care, farriers and public bodies - IFCE 2011), their characteristics remain largely unexplored

Industrial demographics, industrial dynamics, and aggregate total factor productivity growth in Indonesian manufacturing, 1975-95.

After an introductory chapter, chapter 2 reviews and assesses the existing theoretical and empirical literature on TFP growth. A detailed review of the economic and historical literature on productivity growth in Indonesian manufacturing follows. This allows constructing a new methodology for the estimation of aggregate TFP growth in Indonesian manufacturing, using a panel dataset of establishments over the period 1975-95. New estimates are presented and compared with historical evidence. Chapter 3 further emphasises the issue of establishments' heterogeneity by presenting a meticulous review of both the theoretical and empirical literature on industrial demography. Chapter 4 investigates further the heterogeneity of manufacturing establishments in terms of productivity, and size. It offers a comprehensive demographic study of manufacturing establishments over the 21-year period, focusing on productivity and size differentials, as well as on establishments' entry and exit. In a second part, relaxing the representative plant hypothesis and taking establishments' turnover effect into account, I present several decompositions of aggregate TFP growth into incumbents' contribution and the contribution of entrants and exiters. Chapter 5 draws on this literature and tests econometrically the different hypotheses aiming at an explanation of establishments' productivity heterogeneity. Hypotheses are tailored to the Indonesian manufacturing sector through a careful reference to the economic history of the sector. Chapter 6 offers three detailed historical and economic industry studies, aiming at the discovery of central factors and processes explaining the evolution of the manufacturing sector in terms of productivity change and establishments' demography. It also tests econometrically hypotheses regarding the main factors explaining survival and exit of establishments. Chapter 7 recalls the results of the reestimation of aggregate TFP growth using a new methodology, and brings together the main outcomes of the subsequent chapters, thereby offering an explanation of aggregate TFP growth with detailed microeconomic mechanisms

Channel plasmon-polaritons: modal shape, dispersion, and losses

We theoretically study channel plasmon-polaritons (CPPs) with a geometry similar to that in recent experiments at telecom wavelengths (Bozhevolnyi et al., Nature 440, 508 (2006)). The CPP modal shape, dispersion relation, and losses are simulated using the multiple multipole method and the finite difference time domain technique. It is shown that, with the increase of the wavelength, the fundamental CPP mode shifts progressively towards the groove opening, ceasing to be guided at the groove bottom and becoming hybridized with wedge plasmon-polaritons running along the groove edges.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure