9,738 research outputs found
Optimal antibunching in passive photonic devices based on coupled nonlinear resonators
We propose the use of weakly nonlinear passive materials for prospective
applications in integrated quantum photonics. It is shown that strong
enhancement of native optical nonlinearities by electromagnetic field
confinement in photonic crystal resonators can lead to single-photon generation
only exploiting the quantum interference of two coupled modes and the effect of
photon blockade under resonant coherent driving. For realistic system
parameters in state of the art microcavities, the efficiency of such
single-photon source is theoretically characterized by means of the
second-order correlation function at zero time delay as the main figure of
merit, where major sources of loss and decoherence are taken into account
within a standard master equation treatment. These results could stimulate the
realization of integrated quantum photonic devices based on non-resonant
material media, fully integrable with current semiconductor technology and
matching the relevant telecom band operational wavelengths, as an alternative
to single-photon nonlinear devices based on cavity-QED with artificial atoms or
single atomic-like emitters.Comment: to appear in New J. Physic
Searching in Unstructured Overlays Using Local Knowledge and Gossip
This paper analyzes a class of dissemination algorithms for the discovery of
distributed contents in Peer-to-Peer unstructured overlay networks. The
algorithms are a mix of protocols employing local knowledge of peers'
neighborhood and gossip. By tuning the gossip probability and the depth k of
the k-neighborhood of which nodes have information, we obtain different
dissemination protocols employed in literature over unstructured P2P overlays.
The provided analysis and simulation results confirm that, when properly
configured, these schemes represent a viable approach to build effective P2P
resource discovery in large-scale, dynamic distributed systems.Comment: A revised version of the paper appears in Proc. of the 5th
International Workshop on Complex Networks (CompleNet 2014) - Studies in
Computational Intelligence Series, Springer-Verlag, Bologna (Italy), March
201
Indicators-based spatial SWOT analysis: supporting the strategic planning and management of complex territorial systems
Optimizing the multiple uses of land represents a challenge for today's governments and land managers. In particular, protected area planning should satisfy the demand for multiple land uses, while offering optimal protection of our natural resources. The present research aims at providing park's managers, as well as other stakeholders and decision makers, with a scientifically sound and practical approach to zoning protection levels and supporting the strategic planning phase in nature conservation. This paper thus proposes and tests the development of an indicators-based spatial Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis for a complex territorial system with exceptional multiple values. As a result, key conservation priorities and warning spots are identified to support the subsequent decision-making phase. The innovative value of the research stems not only from the integrated methodological approach based on the combination between spatial analysis, indicators systems and the traditional SWOT analysis, but also from the contextual characteristics and physical extension of the area under investigation. Moreover, the integrated and innovative framework proposed in the paper has also international significance, thanks to the possibility of replicating the research strategy and methodological approach in other contexts
Development and distribution of the non-indigenous Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in the Dutch Wadden Sea
Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were first observed in the Dutch Wadden Sea near Texel in 1983. The population increased slowly in the beginning but grew exponentially from the mid-1990s onwards, although now some stabilisation seems to be occurring. They occur on a variety of substrates such as mussel beds (Mytilus edulis), shell banks, dikes and poles. After initial settlement spat may fall on older individuals and congregate to dense clumps and subsequently form reefs. Individual Pacific oysters grow 3–4 cm long in their first year and 2–3 cm in their second year. Many mussel beds (Mytilus edulis) are slowly taken over by Pacific oysters, but there are also several reports of mussel spat settling on Pacific oyster reefs. This might in the end result in combined reefs. Successful Pacific oyster spat fall seems to be related to high summer temperatures, but also after mild summers much spat can be found on old (Pacific oyster) shells. Predation is of limited importance. Mortality factors are unknown, but every now and then unexplained mass mortality occurs. The gradual spread of the Pacific oyster in the Dutch Wadden Sea is documented in the first instance based on historical and anecdotal information. At the start of the more in-depth investigation in 2002, Pacific oysters of all size classes were already present near Texel. Near Ameland the development could be followed from the first observed settlement. On dense reefs each square metre may contain more than 500 adult Pacific oysters, weighing more than 100 kg per m² fresh weigh
Evidence for pseudogap and phase-coherence gap separation by Andreev reflection experiments in Au/La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_4 point-contact junctions
We present new Au/La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4} (LSCO) point-contact conductance
measures as a function of voltage and temperature in samples with 0.08 <= x <=
0.2. Andreev reflection features disappear at about the bulk Tc, giving no
evidence of gap for T > Tc. The fit of the normalized conductance at any T < Tc
supports a (s + d)-wave symmetry of the gap, whose dominant low-T s component
follows the Tc(x) curve in contrast with recent angle-resolved photoemission
spectroscopy and quasiparticle tunneling data. These results prove the
separation between pseudogap and phase-coherence superconducting gap in LSCO at
x <= 0.2.Comment: 4 pages, 4 eps figures, 1 table (RevTeX). Labels added to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 resized; references added; short discussion about ballistic contact
regime adde
Rare processes and coherent phenomena in crystals
We study coherent enhancement of Coulomb excitation of high energy particles
in crystals. We develop multiple scattering theory description of coherent
excitation which consistently incorporates both the specific resonant
properties of particle-crystal interactions and the final/initial state
interaction effects typical of the diffractive scattering. Possible
applications to observation of induced radiative neutrino transitions are
discussed.Comment: 8 pages, LaTe
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