121 research outputs found
The Random Discrete Action for 2-Dimensional Spacetime
A one-parameter family of random variables, called the Discrete Action, is
defined for a 2-dimensional Lorentzian spacetime of finite volume. The single
parameter is a discreteness scale. The expectation value of this Discrete
Action is calculated for various regions of 2D Minkowski spacetime. When a
causally convex region of 2D Minkowski spacetime is divided into subregions
using null lines the mean of the Discrete Action is equal to the alternating
sum of the numbers of vertices, edges and faces of the null tiling, up to
corrections that tend to zero as the discreteness scale is taken to zero. This
result is used to predict that the mean of the Discrete Action of the flat
Lorentzian cylinder is zero up to corrections, which is verified. The
``topological'' character of the Discrete Action breaks down for causally
convex regions of the flat trousers spacetime that contain the singularity and
for non-causally convex rectangles.Comment: 20 pages, 10 figures, Typos correcte
Observation of geometric phases in quantum erasers
We introduce a simple experiment involving a double-slit interferometer by
which one can learn basic concepts of quantum interference such as which-path
marking, quantum erasers, and geometric phases. Each of them exhibits seemingly
mysterious phenomena in quantum physics. In our experiment, we use the
double-slit interference of visible light with the polarization as an internal
state to demonstrate the disappearance of fringes by which-path marking,
recovery of interference using quantum erasers, and the rapid shifting of the
fringe pattern induced by the geometric phase. We also present a simple
theoretical analysis of an interferometer with an internal state.Comment: 7 pages, 14 figure
FLASH Modalities Track (Oral Presentations) OVERVIEW AND CURRENT STATUS OF THE JOINT RESEARCH PROJECT UHDPULSE: âMETROLOGY FOR ADVANCED RADIOTHERAPY USING PARTICLE BEAMS WITH ULTRA-HIGH PULSE DOSE RATESâ
Selective Reduction of AMPA Currents onto Hippocampal Interneurons Impairs Network Oscillatory Activity
Reduction of excitatory currents onto GABAergic interneurons in the forebrain results in impaired spatial working memory and altered oscillatory network patterns in the hippocampus. Whether this phenotype is caused by an alteration in hippocampal interneurons is not known because most studies employed genetic manipulations affecting several brain regions. Here we performed viral injections in genetically modified mice to ablate the GluA4 subunit of the AMPA receptor in the hippocampus (GluA4HCâ/â mice), thereby selectively reducing AMPA receptor-mediated currents onto a subgroup of hippocampal interneurons expressing GluA4. This regionally selective manipulation led to a strong spatial working memory deficit while leaving reference memory unaffected. Ripples (125â250 Hz) in the CA1 region of GluA4HCâ/â mice had larger amplitude, slower frequency and reduced rate of occurrence. These changes were associated with an increased firing rate of pyramidal cells during ripples. The spatial selectivity of hippocampal pyramidal cells was comparable to that of controls in many respects when assessed during open field exploration and zigzag maze running. However, GluA4 ablation caused altered modulation of firing rate by theta oscillations in both interneurons and pyramidal cells. Moreover, the correlation between the theta firing phase of pyramidal cells and position was weaker in GluA4HCâ/â mice. These results establish the involvement of AMPA receptor-mediated currents onto hippocampal interneurons for ripples and theta oscillations, and highlight potential cellular and network alterations that could account for the altered working memory performance
The dynamic geophysical environment of (101955) Bennu based on OSIRIS-REx measurements
The top-shaped morphology characteristic of asteroid (101955) Bennu, often found among fast-spinning asteroids and binary asteroid primaries, may have contributed substantially to binary asteroid formation. Yet a detailed geophysical analysis of this morphology for a fast-spinning asteroid has not been possible prior to the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission. Combining the measured Bennu mass and shape obtained during the Preliminary Survey phase of the OSIRIS-REx mission, we find a notable transition in Bennuâs surface slopes within its rotational Roche lobe, defined as the region where material is energetically trapped to the surface. As the intersection of the rotational Roche lobe with Bennuâs surface has been most recently migrating towards its equator (given Bennuâs increasing spin rate), we infer that Bennuâs surface slopes have been changing across its surface within the last million years. We also find evidence for substantial density heterogeneity within this body, suggesting that its interior is a mixture of voids and boulders. The presence of such heterogeneity and Bennuâs top shape are consistent with spin-induced failure at some point in its past, although the manner of its failure cannot yet be determined. Future measurements by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will provide insight into and may resolve questions regarding the formation and evolution of Bennuâs top-shape morphology and its link to the formation of binary asteroids
Evidence for widespread hydrated minerals on asteroid (101955) Bennu
Early spectral data from the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission reveal evidence for abundant hydrated minerals on the surface of near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu in the form of a near-infrared absorption near 2.7â”m and thermal infrared spectral features that are most similar to those of aqueously altered CM-type carbonaceous chondrites. We observe these spectral features across the surface of Bennu, and there is no evidence of substantial rotational variability at the spatial scales of tens to hundreds of metres observed to date. In the visible and near-infrared (0.4 to 2.4â”m) Bennuâs spectrum appears featureless and with a blue (negative) slope, confirming previous ground-based observations. Bennu may represent a class of objects that could have brought volatiles and organic chemistry to Earth
Observation of the transfer of the local angular momentum density of a multiringed light beam to an optically trapped particle
We observe the spinning and orbital motion of a microscopic particle trapped within a multiringed light beam that arises from the transfer of the spin and orbital components of the light's angular momentum. The two rotation rates are measured as a function of the distance between the particle and the axis of the trapping beam. The radial dependence of these observations is found to be in close agreement with the accepted theory
Substrate pH level effects on anthocyanins and selected phenolics in Rosa x hybrida L. âKORcrisettâ
Achromatic optical phase shifter/modulator
We propose and demonstrate, theoretically and experimentally, a novel achromatic optical phase shifter modulator based on a frequency-domain optical delay line configured to maintain zero group delay as variable phase delay is generated by means of tilting a mirror. Compared with previously reported phase shifter modulators, e.g., based on the Pancharatnam (geometric) phase, our device is high speed and polarization insensitive and produces a large, bounded phase delay that, uniquely, is one-to-one mapped to a measurable parameter, the tilt angle
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