Facile Self-Assembly of Quantum Plasmonic Circuit Components

Efficient coupling between solid state quantum emitters and plasmonic waveguides is important for the realization of integrated circuits for quantum information, communication and sensing. However, realization of plasmonic circuits is still scarce, particularly due to challenges associated with accurate positioning of quantum emitters near plasmonic resonators. Current pathways for the construction of plasmonic circuits involve cumbersome and costly methods such as scanning atomic force microscopy or mechanical manipulation, where individual elements are physically relocated using the scanning tip. Here, we introduce a simple, fast and cost effective chemical self-assembly method for the attachment of two primary components of a practical plasmonic circuit: a single photon emitter and a waveguide. Our method enables coupling of nanodiamonds with a single quantum emitter (the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center) onto the terminal of a silver nanowire, by simply varying the concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) in a reaction solution. The AA concentration is used to control the extent of agglomeration, and can be optimised so as to cause preferential, selective activation of the tips of the nanowires. The nanowire-nanodiamond structures show efficient plasmonic coupling of fluorescence emission from single NV centers into surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes, evidenced by a more than two-fold reduction in fluorescence lifetime and an increase in fluorescence intensity.Comment: Published in Advanced Materials on 2 June 201

Co-benefits from CO2-emission reduction measures in Shanxi, China: A first assessment

This paper analyses a set of CO2-reducing abatement options related to coal consumption in Shanxi, China. The costs and potential for abatement are investigated for different economic sectors, and the entailed emission reductions are estimated in terms of CO2, SO2, and particles. The present population-weighted exposure level for particles and SO2 is estimated using air quality monitoring data, and a simplified methodology is applied to estimate the reduced population exposure resulting from the abatement measures. By means of exposure-response functions from Chinese and international epidemiology, the health effects from implementing the measures are indicated. An economic evaluation of the reduced health effect is made by employing unit prices of health impacts based on the damage cost approach. Estimates of the present agricultural crop loss attributable to enhanced levels of surface ozone are also given. The impact of emission reductions within Shanxi province is, however, limited due to the regional feature of ozone formation. This first assessment of CO2-reducing abatement options in Shanxi demonstrates that the measures are profitable in a socioeconomic sense. However, the study also demonstrates a certain lack of synergy between the options with respect to their effectiveness in meeting local, regional and global environmental concerns

Exploration of Macro-Micro Biomarkers for Dampness-Heat Syndrome Differentiation in Different Diseases

Increased attention is being paid to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a complementary and alternative medicine to provide an effective approach for personalized diagnosis and clinical treatment. TMC performs treatment based on differentiation of TCM syndrome (ZHENG), which may identify special phenotypes by symptoms and signs of patients even if they are in different diseases. There has, however, been skepticism and criticism because syndrome classification only depends on observation, knowledge, and clinical experience of TCM practitioners, which lacks objectivity and repeatability. In order to transform syndrome classification into mainstream medicine, we introduce a macro-micro approach that combines symptoms, clinical indicators, and metabolites. The present paper explores the macro-micro biomarkers of dampness-heat syndrome in chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic fatty liver patients, which could provide the basis for developing a possible population-screening tool for selecting target individuals and creating an evaluation index for personalized treatment