4,523 research outputs found
All-optical atom surface traps implemented with one-dimensional planar diffractive microstructures
We characterize the loading, containment and optical properties of
all-optical atom traps implemented by diffractive focusing with one-dimensional
(1D) microstructures milled on gold films. These on-chip Fresnel lenses with
focal lengths of the order of a few hundred microns produce
optical-gradient-dipole traps. Cold atoms are loaded from a mirror
magneto-optical trap (MMOT) centered a few hundred microns above the gold
mirror surface. Details of loading optimization are reported and perspectives
for future development of these structures are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, 15 figure
Transient behavior of surface plasmon polaritons scattered at a subwavelength groove
We present a numerical study and analytical model of the optical near-field
diffracted in the vicinity of subwavelength grooves milled in silver surfaces.
The Green's tensor approach permits computation of the phase and amplitude
dependence of the diffracted wave as a function of the groove geometry. It is
shown that the field diffracted along the interface by the groove is equivalent
to replacing the groove by an oscillating dipolar line source. An analytic
expression is derived from the Green's function formalism, that reproduces well
the asymptotic surface plasmon polariton (SPP) wave as well as the transient
surface wave in the near-zone close to the groove. The agreement between this
model and the full simulation is very good, showing that the transient
"near-zone" regime does not depend on the precise shape of the groove. Finally,
it is shown that a composite diffractive evanescent wave model that includes
the asymptotic SPP can describe the wavelength evolution in this transient
near-zone. Such a semi-analytical model may be useful for the design and
optimization of more elaborate photonic circuits whose behavior in large part
will be controlled by surface waves.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure
Surface-wave interferometry on single subwavelength slit-groove structures fabricated on gold films
We apply the technique of far-field interferometry to measure the properties
of surface waves generated by two-dimensional (2D) single subwavelength
slit-groove structures on gold films. The effective surface index of refraction
measured for the surface wave propagating over a distance of more than 12
microns is determined to be 1.016 with a measurement uncertainty of 0.004, to
within experimental uncertainty of the expected bound surface plasmon-polariton
(SPP) value for a Au/Air interface of 1.018. We compare these measurements to
finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) numerical simulations of the optical field
transmission through these devices. We find excellent agreement between the
measurements and the simulations for the surface index of refraction. The
measurements also show that the surface wave propagation parameter exhibits
transient behavior close to the slit, evolving smoothly from greater values
asymptotically toward the value expected for the SPP over the first 2-3 microns
of slit-groove distance. This behavior is confirmed by the FDTD simulations
The Bose-Einstein correlation function from a Quantum Field Theory point of view
We show that a recently proposed derivation of Bose-Einstein correlations
(BEC) by means of a specific version of thermal Quantum Field Theory (QFT),
supplemented by operator-field evolution of the Langevin type, allows for a
deeper understanding of the possible coherent behaviour of the emitting source
and a clear identification of the origin of the observed shape of the BEC
function . Previous conjectures in this matter obtained by other
approaches are confirmed and have received complementary explanation.Comment: Some misprints corrected. To be publishe in Phys. Rev.
Surface wave generation and propagation on metallic subwavelength structures measured by far-field interferometry
Transmission spectra of metallic films or membranes perforated by arrays of
subwavelength slits or holes have been widely interpreted as resonance
absorption by surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). Alternative interpretations
involving evanescent waves diffracted on the surface have also been proposed.
These two approaches lead to divergent predictions for some surface wave
properties. Using far-field interferometry, we have carried out a series of
measurements on elementary one-dimensional (1-D) subwavelength structures with
the aim of testing key properties of the surface waves and comparing them to
predictions of these two points of view
Outcomes of an RCT of videoâconference vs. inâperson or inâclinic nutrition and exercise in midlife adults with obesity
Objective
New communication technologies have shown some promise in lifestyle weight loss interventions, but may be most effective when leveraging faceâtoâface communications. The study reported here sought to test whether weight loss program attendance and outcomes are greater when offered inâperson at community sites or remotely via videoconference versus in federally qualified health centers (FHQCs). In a threeâarm randomized trial among 150 FQHC adults, intervention delivery in communityâsites or via videoconference were tested against a clinicâbased lifestyle intervention (enhanced usual care [EUC]).
Methods
Twice weekly, a nutrition topic was reviewed, and exercise sessions were held in a 20âweek program delivered either in community settings or via videoconference. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants losing more than 2 kg at 6 (end of treatment) and 12 months in intentâtoâtreat analyses.
Results
Mean (SD) age was 53 (7) years, 82% were female, 65% were AfricanâAmerican, 50% reported $18,000 or less household income, 49% tested low in health literacy, and mean (SD) body mass index was 39 (6) kg/m2. The proportion losing more than 2 kg of weight in the community site, videoconference, and EUC groups was 33%, 34%, and 24%, respectively at 6 months, and 29%, 34%, and 29% at 12 months. No differences reached significance. Attendance was poor in all groups; 45% of community site, 58% of videoconference, and 16% of EUC participants attended at least one session.
Conclusion
Videoconference and communityâbased delivery were as effective as an FQHCâbased weight loss program
Large Extra Dimensions from a Small Extra Dimension
Models with extra dimensions have changed our understanding of the hierarchy
problem. In general, these models explain the weakness of gravity by diluting
gravity in a large bulk volume, or by localizing the graviton away from the
standard model. In this paper, we show that the warped geometries necessary for
the latter scenario can naturally induce the large volumes necessary for the
former. We present a model in which a large volume is stabilized without
supersymmetry. We comment on the phenomenology of this scenario and
generalizations to additional dimensions.Comment: Some formulae altered, conclusions unchange
Sympathetic cooling and collisional properties of a Rb-Cs mixture
We report on measurements of the collisional properties of a mixture of
Cs and Rb atoms in a magnetic trap at
temperatures. By selectively evaporating the Rb atoms using a radio-frequency
field, we achieved sympathetic cooling of Cs down to a few . The
inter-species collisional cross-section was determined through rethermalization
measurements, leading to an estimate of for the s-wave scattering
length for Rb in the and Cs in the magnetic
states. We briefly speculate on the prospects for reaching Bose-Einstein
condensation of Cs inside a magnetic trap through sympathetic cooling
The molecular and dusty composition of Betelgeuse's inner circumstellar environment
The study of the atmosphere of red supergiant stars in general and of
Betelgeuse (alpha Orionis) in particular is of prime importance to understand
dust formation and how mass is lost to the interstellar medium in evolved
massive stars. A molecular shell, the MOLsphere (Tsuji, 2000a), in the
atmosphere of Betelgeuse has been proposed to account for the near- and
mid-infrared spectroscopic observations of Betelgeuse. The goal is to further
test this hypothesis and to identify some of the molecules in this MOLsphere.
We report on measurements taken with the mid-infrared two-telescope beam
combiner of the VLTI, MIDI, operated between 7.5 and 13.5 m. The data are
compared to a simple geometric model of a photosphere surrounded by a warm
absorbing and emitting shell. Physical characteristics of the shell are
derived: size, temperature and optical depth. The chemical constituents are
determined with an analysis consistent with available infrared spectra and
interferometric data. We are able to account for the measured optical depth of
the shell in the N band, the ISO-SWS spectrum and K and L band interferometric
data with a shell whose inner and outer radii are given by the above range and
with the following species: H2O, SiO and Al2O3. These results confirm the
MOLsphere model. We bring evidence for more constituents and for the presence
of species participating in the formation of dust grains in the atmosphere of
the star, i.e. well below the distance at which the dust shell is detected. We
believe these results bring key elements to the understanding of mass loss in
Betelgeuse and red supergiants in general and bring support to the dust-driven
scenario.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in A&
Trying to Make Ends Meet: Reconciling the Law and Practice of Human Rights Amnesties Symposium - Human Rights in the Americas - Commentary.
The problem of amnesty for widespread human rights violations in the Americas illustrates the credibility gap in public international law. This Commentary reviews applicable standards and attempts to identify a minimum state response to past human rights violations. It also examines the question of amnesties, offers certain legal interpretations, and presents some criteria for an amnesty framework which might be reconcilable with the stateâs international obligations. This Commentaryâs aim is not to suggest amnesties are a proper response to the problem of past human rights abuses, however, it does acknowledge amnesties have so far been the most common response. It further recognizes the international community becoming increasingly involved in brokering or monitoring terms of transition. Such laws may gain a dangerous imprimatur of inevitability if not of legitimacy. Therefore, this Commentary articulates a less stringent, but defensible, interpretation of legal norms which might be demanded from governments and international bodies. This Commentary concludes by suggesting minimum requirements. The investigation should be the core of the remedy at issue. There are three components. First, an affirmative inquiry into the facts by the relevant authorities. Second, an opportunity for victims to come forth and tell their stories. Third, an adjudication of sortsâa formal finding of the facts and conclusions of relevant law. Amnesties have typically foreclosed the possibility of prosecution and have precluded civil remedies. Although politics may ultimately provide the opportunity for the ambitious undertaking suggested herein, legal application has its relevance as well. Political factors may determine how much can be accomplished; however, what is ultimately of greatest importance is for political space to be exploited to support the rule of law, even as the state absolves the guilty
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