Study of reactive collisions between electrons and molecular cations using multichannel quantum defect theory: Application to HD{sup +} and BeH{sup +}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pop, N., E-mail: nicolina.pop@upt.ro; Ilie, S.; Motapon, O.

2014-11-24

The present work is aimed at performing the computation of cross sections and Maxwell rate coefficients in the framework of the stepwise version of the Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT). Cross sections and rate coefficients suitable for the modelling of the kinetics of HD{sup +} and BeH{sup +} in fusion plasmas and in the stellar atmospheres are presented and discussed. A very good agreement is found between our results for rotational transitions for HD{sup +} and other computations, as well as with experiment.

Holographic Chern-Simons defects

DOE PAGES

Fujita, Mitsutoshi; Melby-Thompson, Charles M.; Meyer, René; ...

2016-06-28

Here, we study SU(N ) Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory in the presence of defects that shift the Chern-Simons level from a holographic point of view by embedding the system in string theory. The model is a D3-D7 system in Type IIB string theory, whose gravity dual is given by the AdS soliton background with probe D7 branes attaching to the AdS boundary along the defects. We holographically renormalize the free energy of the defect system with sources, from which we obtain the correlation functions for certain operators naturally associated to these defects. We find interesting phase transitions when the separation of themore » defects as well as the temperature are varied. We also discuss some implications for the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect and for 2-dimensional QCD.« less

Defect states and charge transport in quantum dot solids

DOE PAGES

Brawand, Nicholas P.; Goldey, Matthew B.; Vörös, Márton; ...

2017-01-16

Defects at the surface of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) give rise to electronic states within the gap, which are detrimental to charge transport properties of QD devices. We investigated charge transport in silicon quantum dots with deep and shallow defect levels, using ab initio calculations and constrained density functional theory. We found that shallow defects may be more detrimental to charge transport than deep ones, with associated transfer rates differing by up to 5 orders of magnitude for the small dots (1-2 nm) considered here. Hence, our results indicate that the common assumption, that the ability of defects to trapmore » charges is determined by their position in the energy gap of the QD, is too simplistic, and our findings call for a reassessment of the role played by shallow defects in QD devices. Altogether, our results highlight the key importance of taking into account the atomistic structural properties of QD surfaces when investigating transport properties.« less

Intersecting surface defects and instanton partition functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yiwen; Peelaers, Wolfger

2017-07-01

We analyze intersecting surface defects inserted in interacting four-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric quantum field theories. We employ the realization of a class of such systems as the infrared fixed points of renormalization group flows from larger theories, triggered by perturbed Seiberg-Witten monopole-like configurations, to compute their partition functions. These results are cast into the form of a partition function of 4d/2d/0d coupled systems. Our computations provide concrete expressions for the instanton partition function in the presence of intersecting defects and we study the corresponding ADHM model.

Intersecting surface defects and two-dimensional CFT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomis, Jaume; Le Floch, Bruno; Pan, Yiwen; Peelaers, Wolfger

2017-08-01

We initiate the study of intersecting surface operators/defects in 4D quantum field theories (QFTs). We characterize these defects by coupled 4D/2D/0D theories constructed by coupling the degrees of freedom localized at a point and on intersecting surfaces in spacetime to each other and to the 4D QFT. We construct supersymmetric intersecting surface defects preserving just two supercharges in N =2 gauge theories. These defects are amenable to exact analysis by localization of the partition function of the underlying 4D/2D/0D QFT. We identify the 4D/2D/0D QFTs that describe intersecting surface operators in N =2 gauge theories realized by intersecting M2 branes ending on N M5 branes wrapping a Riemann surface. We conjecture and provide evidence for an explicit equivalence between the squashed four-sphere partition function of these intersecting defects and correlation functions in Liouville/Toda CFT with the insertion of arbitrary degenerate vertex operators, which are labeled by two representations of S U (N ).

Synthesis of photochromic nanoparticles and determination of the mechanism of photochromism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Inoue, Shuhei, E-mail: shu18@hiroshima-u.ac.jp; Matsumura, Yukihiko; Kawamoto, Takahiro

2016-05-15

Photochromic nanoparticles of zinc-silicon oxide were synthesized using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. These particles turned black upon irradiating with ultraviolet light. We investigated this phenomenon using density functional theory calculations. Silicon inclusions create trap levels and oxygen defects that reduce the ionization potential of ZnO. This forms a quantum potential between ZnO and zinc-silicon oxide, and the excited electron is stable. Because oxygen defects also increase the bond overlap population between the zinc atoms in a ZnO crystal, they introduce further defects and help in the formation of quantum potentials. Growth of a perfect crystal of ZnO prevents themore » formation of oxygen defects, which is not desirable for photochromism.« less

Determination of the binding energies of the np Rydberg states of H{sub 2}, HD, and D{sub 2} from high-resolution spectroscopic data by multichannel quantum-defect theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sprecher, Daniel; Merkt, Frédéric, E-mail: frederic.merkt@phys.chem.ethz.ch; Jungen, Christian

2014-03-14

Multichannel quantum-defect theory (MQDT) is used to calculate the electron binding energies of np Rydberg states of H{sub 2}, HD, and D{sub 2} around n = 60 at an accuracy of better than 0.5 MHz. The theory includes the effects of rovibronic channel interactions and the hyperfine structure, and has been extended to the calculation of the asymmetric hyperfine structure of Rydberg states of a heteronuclear diatomic molecule (HD). Starting values for the eigenquantum-defect parameters of MQDT were extracted from ab initio potential-energy functions for the low-lying p Rydberg states of molecular hydrogen and subsequently refined in a global weighted fitmore » to available experimental data on the singlet and triplet Rydberg states of H{sub 2} and D{sub 2}. The electron binding energies of high-np Rydberg states derived in this work represent important quantities for future determinations of the adiabatic ionization energies of H{sub 2}, HD, and D{sub 2} at sub-MHz accuracy.« less

Intersecting surface defects and instanton partition functions

DOE PAGES

Pan, Yiwen; Peelaers, Wolfger

2017-07-14

We analyze intersecting surface defects inserted in interacting four-dimensional N = 2 supersymmetric quantum field theories. We employ the realization of a class of such systems as the infrared xed points of renormalization group flows from larger theories, triggered by perturbed Seiberg-Witten monopole-like con gurations, to compute their partition functions. These results are cast into the form of a partition function of 4d/2d/0d coupled systems. In conclusion, our computations provide concrete expressions for the instanton partition function in the presence of intersecting defects and we study the corresponding ADHM model.

Intersecting surface defects and instanton partition functions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pan, Yiwen; Peelaers, Wolfger

We analyze intersecting surface defects inserted in interacting four-dimensional N = 2 supersymmetric quantum field theories. We employ the realization of a class of such systems as the infrared xed points of renormalization group flows from larger theories, triggered by perturbed Seiberg-Witten monopole-like con gurations, to compute their partition functions. These results are cast into the form of a partition function of 4d/2d/0d coupled systems. In conclusion, our computations provide concrete expressions for the instanton partition function in the presence of intersecting defects and we study the corresponding ADHM model.

Defect states in hexagonal boron nitride: Assignments of observed properties and prediction of properties relevant to quantum computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajid, A.; Reimers, Jeffrey R.; Ford, Michael J.

2018-02-01

Key properties of nine possible defect sites in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), VN,VN -1,CN,VNO2 B,VNNB,VNCB,VBCN,VBCNS iN , and VNCBS iB , are predicted using density-functional theory and are corrected by applying results from high-level ab initio calculations. Observed h-BN electron-paramagnetic resonance signals at 22.4, 20.83, and 352.70 MHz are assigned to VN,CN, and VNO2 B , respectively, while the observed photoemission at 1.95 eV is assigned to VNCB . Detailed consideration of the available excited states, allowed spin-orbit couplings, zero-field splitting, and optical transitions is made for the two related defects VNCB and VBCN . VNCB is proposed for realizing long-lived quantum memory in h-BN. VBCN is predicted to have a triplet ground state, implying that spin initialization by optical means is feasible and suitable optical excitations are identified, making this defect of interest for possible quantum-qubit operations.

Towards laboratory detection of topological vortices in superfluid phases of QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Arpan; Dave, Shreyansh S.; de, Somnath; Srivastava, Ajit M.

2017-10-01

Topological defects arise in a variety of systems, e.g. vortices in superfluid helium to cosmic strings in the early universe. There is an indirect evidence of neutron superfluid vortices from the glitches in pulsars. One also expects that the topological defects may arise in various high baryon density phases of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), e.g. superfluid topological vortices in the color flavor locked (CFL) phase. Though vastly different in energy/length scales, there are universal features in the formation of all these defects. Utilizing this universality, we investigate the possibility of detecting these topological superfluid vortices in laboratory experiments, namely heavy-ion collisions (HICs). Using hydrodynamic simulations, we show that vortices can qualitatively affect the power spectrum of flow fluctuations. This can give an unambiguous signal for superfluid transition resulting in vortices, allowing for the check of defect formation theories in a relativistic quantum field theory system, and the detection of superfluid phases of QCD. Detection of nucleonic superfluid vortices in low energy HICs will give opportunity for laboratory controlled study of their properties, providing crucial inputs for the physics of pulsars.

Mass defect effects in atomic clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudin, Valeriy; Taichenachev, Alexey

2018-03-01

We consider some implications of the mass defect on the frequency of atomic transitions. We have found that some well-known frequency shifts (the gravitational shift and motion-induced shifts such as quadratic Doppler and micromotion shifts) can be interpreted as consequences of the mass defect in quantum atomic physics, i.e. without the need for the concept of time dilation used in special and general relativity theories. Moreover, we show that the inclusion of the mass defect leads to previously unknown shifts for clocks based on trapped ions.

Studies of excited states of HeH by the multi-reference configuration-interaction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chun-Woo; Gim, Yeongrok

2013-11-01

The excited states of a HeH molecule for an n of up to 4 are studied using the multi-reference configuration-interaction method and Kaufmann's Rydberg basis functions. The advantages of using two different ways of locating Rydberg orbitals, either on the atomic nucleus or at the charge centre of molecules, are exploited by limiting their application to different ranges of R. Using this method, the difference between the experimental binding energies of the lower Rydberg states obtained by Ketterle and the ab initio results obtained by van Hemert and Peyerimhoff is reduced from a few hundreds of wave numbers to a few tens of wave numbers. A substantial improvement in the accuracy allows us to obtain quantum defect curves characterized by the correct behaviour. We obtain several Rydberg series that have more than one member, such as the ns series (n = 2, 3 and 4), npσ series (n = 3 and 4), npπ (n = 2, 3, 4) series and ndπ (n = 3, 4) series. These quantum defect curves are compared to the quantum defect curves obtained by the R-matrix or the multichannel quantum defect theory methods.

Introduction to dissociative recombination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guberman, Steven L.; Mitchell, J. Brian A.

1989-01-01

Dissociative recombination (DR) of molecular ions with electrons has important consequences in many areas of physical science. Ab-initio calculations coupled with resonant scattering theory and multichannel quantum defect studies have produced detailed results illuminating the role of ion vibrational excitation, the quantum yields of the DR products, and the role of Rydberg states. The theoretical and experimental results are discussed.

Design of defect spins in piezoelectric aluminum nitride for solid-state hybrid quantum technologies

DOE PAGES

Seo, Hosung; Govoni, Marco; Galli, Giulia

2016-02-15

Spin defects in wide-band gap semiconductors are promising systems for the realization of quantum bits, or qubits, in solid-state environments. To date, defect qubits have only been realized in materials with strong covalent bonds. Here, we introduce a strain-driven scheme to rationally design defect spins in functional ionic crystals, which may operate as potential qubits. In particular, using a combination of state-of-the-art ab-initio calculations based on hybrid density functional and many-body perturbation theory, we predicted that the negatively charged nitrogen vacancy center in piezoelectric aluminum nitride exhibits spin-triplet ground states under realistic uni- and bi-axial strain conditions; such states maymore » be harnessed for the realization of qubits. As a result, the strain-driven strategy adopted here can be readily extended to a wide range of point defects in other wide-band gap semiconductors, paving the way to controlling the spin properties of defects in ionic systems for potential spintronic technologies.« less

Single nickel-related defects in molecular-sized nanodiamonds for multicolor bioimaging: an ab initio study.

PubMed

Thiering, Gergő; Londero, Elisa; Gali, Adam

2014-10-21

Fluorescent nanodiamonds constitute an outstanding alternative to semiconductor quantum dots and dye molecules for in vivo biomarker applications, where the fluorescence comes from optically active point defects acting as color centers in the nanodiamonds. For practical purposes, these color centers should be photostable as a function of the laser power or the surface termination of nanodiamonds. Furthermore, they should exhibit a sharp and nearly temperature-independent zero-phonon line. In this study, we show by hybrid density functional theory calculations that nickel doped nanodiamonds exhibit the desired properties, thus opening the avenue to practical applications. In particular, harnessing the strong quantum confinement effect in molecule-sized nanodiamonds is very promising for achieving multicolor imaging by single nickel-related defects.

Single nickel-related defects in molecular-sized nanodiamonds for multicolor bioimaging: an ab initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiering, Gergő; Londero, Elisa; Gali, Adam

2014-09-01

Fluorescent nanodiamonds constitute an outstanding alternative to semiconductor quantum dots and dye molecules for in vivo biomarker applications, where the fluorescence comes from optically active point defects acting as color centers in the nanodiamonds. For practical purposes, these color centers should be photostable as a function of the laser power or the surface termination of nanodiamonds. Furthermore, they should exhibit a sharp and nearly temperature-independent zero-phonon line. In this study, we show by hybrid density functional theory calculations that nickel doped nanodiamonds exhibit the desired properties, thus opening the avenue to practical applications. In particular, harnessing the strong quantum confinement effect in molecule-sized nanodiamonds is very promising for achieving multicolor imaging by single nickel-related defects.

Time-dependent broken-symmetry density functional theory simulation of the optical response of entangled paramagnetic defects: Color centers in lithium fluoride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janesko, Benjamin G.

2018-02-01

Parameter-free atomistic simulations of entangled solid-state paramagnetic defects may aid in the rational design of devices for quantum information science. This work applies time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) embedded-cluster simulations to a prototype entangled-defect system, namely two adjacent singlet-coupled F color centers in lithium fluoride. TDDFT calculations accurately reproduce the experimental visible absorption of both isolated and coupled F centers. The most accurate results are obtained by combining spin symmetry breaking to simulate strong correlation, a large fraction of exact (Hartree-Fock-like) exchange to minimize the defect electrons' self-interaction error, and a standard semilocal approximation for dynamical correlations between the defect electrons and the surrounding ionic lattice. These results motivate application of two-reference correlated ab initio approximations to the M-center, and application of TDDFT in parameter-free simulations of more complex entangled paramagnetic defect architectures.

Expanding the Bethe/Gauge dictionary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bullimore, Mathew; Kim, Hee-Cheol; Lukowski, Tomasz

2017-11-01

We expand the Bethe/Gauge dictionary between the XXX Heisenberg spin chain and 2d N = (2, 2) supersymmetric gauge theories to include aspects of the algebraic Bethe ansatz. We construct the wave functions of off-shell Bethe states as orbifold defects in the A-twisted supersymmetric gauge theory and study their correlation functions. We also present an alternative description of off-shell Bethe states as boundary conditions in an effective N = 4 supersymmetric quantum mechanics. Finally, we interpret spin chain R-matrices as correlation functions of Janus interfaces for mass parameters in the supersymmetric quantum mechanics.

Exact relativistic Toda chain eigenfunctions from Separation of Variables and gauge theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciarappa, Antonio

2017-10-01

We provide a proposal, motivated by Separation of Variables and gauge theory arguments, for constructing exact solutions to the quantum Baxter equation associated to the N-particle relativistic Toda chain and test our proposal against numerical results. Quantum Mechanical non-perturbative corrections, essential in order to obtain a sensible solution, are taken into account in our gauge theory approach by considering codimension two defects on curved backgrounds (squashed S 5 and degenerate limits) rather than flat space; this setting also naturally incorporates exact quantization conditions and energy spectrum of the relativistic Toda chain as well as its modular dual structure.

Electronic structure properties of deep defects in hBN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dev, Pratibha; Prdm Collaboration

In recent years, the search for room-temperature solid-state qubit (quantum bit) candidates has revived interest in the study of deep-defect centers in semiconductors. The charged NV-center in diamond is the best known amongst these defects. However, as a host material, diamond poses several challenges and so, increasingly, there is an interest in exploring deep defects in alternative semiconductors such as hBN. The layered structure of hBN makes it a scalable platform for quantum applications, as there is a greater potential for controlling the location of the deep defect in the 2D-matrix through careful experiments. Using density functional theory-based methods, we have studied the electronic and structural properties of several deep defects in hBN. Native defects within hBN layers are shown to have high spin ground states that should survive even at room temperature, making them interesting solid-state qubit candidates in a 2D matrix. Partnership for Reduced Dimensional Material (PRDM) is part of the NSF sponsored Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM).

Defects and anharmonicity induced electron spectra of YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Anu; Indu, B. D.

2018-05-01

The effects of defects and anharmonicities on the electron density of states (EDOS) have been studied in high-temperature superconductors (HTS) adopting the many body quantum dynamical theory of electron Green's functions via a generalized Hamiltonian that includes the effects of electron-phonon interactions, anharmonicities and point impurities. The automatic emergence of pairons and temperature dependence of EDOS are appear as special feature of the theory. The results thus obtained and their numerical analysis for YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductors clearly demonstrate that the presence of defects, anharmonicities and electron-phonon interactions modifies the behavior of EDOS over a wide range of temperature.

Ab initio non-adiabatic study of the 4pσ B'' 1Σ+u state of H2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass-Maujean, M.; Schmoranzer, H.

2018-05-01

Fully ab initio non-adiabatic multichannel quantum defect calculations of the 4pσ B'' 1∑u+ energy levels, line intensities and widths, based on the latest quantum-chemical clamped-nuclei calculations of Wolniewicz and collaborators are presented for H2. The B″ state corresponds to the inner well of the ? state. The B'' v ≥ 1 levels are rapidly predissociated through vibrational coupling with the 3pσ B' 1Σ+u continuum so that coupled-equation calculations become unstable. Multichannel quantum defect theory, on the other hand, is demonstrated to be particularly suited to this situation. Experimental data as level energies, line intensities and dissociation widths were revisited and corrected. Reinvestigating previously published spectra, several new lines were assigned.

Theoretical model of dynamic spin polarization of nuclei coupled to paramagnetic point defects in diamond and silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivády, Viktor; Szász, Krisztián; Falk, Abram L.; Klimov, Paul V.; Christle, David J.; Janzén, Erik; Abrikosov, Igor A.; Awschalom, David D.; Gali, Adam

2015-09-01

Dynamic nuclear spin polarization (DNP) mediated by paramagnetic point defects in semiconductors is a key resource for both initializing nuclear quantum memories and producing nuclear hyperpolarization. DNP is therefore an important process in the field of quantum-information processing, sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, and nuclear-spin-based spintronics. DNP based on optical pumping of point defects has been demonstrated by using the electron spin of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, and more recently, by using divacancy and related defect spins in hexagonal silicon carbide (SiC). Here, we describe a general model for these optical DNP processes that allows the effects of many microscopic processes to be integrated. Applying this theory, we gain a deeper insight into dynamic nuclear spin polarization and the physics of diamond and SiC defects. Our results are in good agreement with experimental observations and provide a detailed and unified understanding. In particular, our findings show that the defect electron spin coherence times and excited state lifetimes are crucial factors in the entire DNP process.

Quantum walks with an anisotropic coin I: spectral theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richard, S.; Suzuki, A.; Tiedra de Aldecoa, R.

2018-02-01

We perform the spectral analysis of the evolution operator U of quantum walks with an anisotropic coin, which include one-defect models, two-phase quantum walks, and topological phase quantum walks as special cases. In particular, we determine the essential spectrum of U, we show the existence of locally U-smooth operators, we prove the discreteness of the eigenvalues of U outside the thresholds, and we prove the absence of singular continuous spectrum for U. Our analysis is based on new commutator methods for unitary operators in a two-Hilbert spaces setting, which are of independent interest.

MgH Rydberg series: Transition energies from electron propagator theory and oscillator strengths from the molecular quantum defect orbital method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corzo, H. H.; Velasco, A. M.; Lavín, C.; Ortiz, J. V.

2018-02-01

Vertical excitation energies belonging to several Rydberg series of MgH have been inferred from 3+ electron-propagator calculations of the electron affinities of MgH+ and are in close agreement with experiment. Many electronically excited states with n > 3 are reported for the first time and new insight is given on the assignment of several Rydberg series. Valence and Rydberg excited states of MgH are distinguished respectively by high and low pole strengths corresponding to Dyson orbitals of electron attachment to the cation. By applying the Molecular Quantum Defect Orbital method, oscillator strengths for electronic transitions involving Rydberg states also have been determined.

First-principles simulations of transition metal ions in silicon as potential quantum bits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, He; Seo, Hosung; Galli, Giulia

Optically active spin defects in semiconductors have gained increasing attention in recent years for use as potential solid-state quantum bits (or qubits). Examples include the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, transition metal impurities, and rare earth ions. In this talk, we present first-principles theoretical results on group 6 transition metal ion (Chromium, Molybdenum and Tungsten) impurities in silicon, and we investigate their potential use as qubits. We used density functional theory (DFT) to calculate defect formation energies and we found that transition metal ions have lower formation energies at interstitial than substitutional sites. We also computed the electronic structure of the defects with particular attention to the position of the defect energy levels with respect to the silicon band edges. Based on our results, we will discuss the possibility of implementing qubits in silicon using group 6 transition metal ions. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the University of Chicago MRSEC under Award Number DMR-1420709.

Conformal field theory out of equilibrium: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, Denis; Doyon, Benjamin

2016-06-01

We provide a pedagogical review of the main ideas and results in non-equilibrium conformal field theory and connected subjects. These concern the understanding of quantum transport and its statistics at and near critical points. Starting with phenomenological considerations, we explain the general framework, illustrated by the example of the Heisenberg quantum chain. We then introduce the main concepts underlying conformal field theory (CFT), the emergence of critical ballistic transport, and the CFT scattering construction of non-equilibrium steady states. Using this we review the theory for energy transport in homogeneous one-dimensional critical systems, including the complete description of its large deviations and the resulting (extended) fluctuation relations. We generalize some of these ideas to one-dimensional critical charge transport and to the presence of defects, as well as beyond one-dimensional criticality. We describe non-equilibrium transport in free-particle models, where connections are made with generalized Gibbs ensembles, and in higher-dimensional and non-integrable quantum field theories, where the use of the powerful hydrodynamic ideas for non-equilibrium steady states is explained. We finish with a list of open questions. The review does not assume any advanced prior knowledge of conformal field theory, large-deviation theory or hydrodynamics.

Fast synthesize ZnO quantum dots via ultrasonic method.

PubMed

Yang, Weimin; Zhang, Bing; Ding, Nan; Ding, Wenhao; Wang, Lixi; Yu, Mingxun; Zhang, Qitu

2016-05-01

Green emission ZnO quantum dots were synthesized by an ultrasonic sol-gel method. The ZnO quantum dots were synthesized in various ultrasonic temperature and time. Photoluminescence properties of these ZnO quantum dots were measured. Time-resolved photoluminescence decay spectra were also taken to discover the change of defects amount during the reaction. Both ultrasonic temperature and time could affect the type and amount of defects in ZnO quantum dots. Total defects of ZnO quantum dots decreased with the increasing of ultrasonic temperature and time. The dangling bonds defects disappeared faster than the optical defects. Types of optical defects first changed from oxygen interstitial defects to oxygen vacancy and zinc interstitial defects. Then transformed back to oxygen interstitial defects again. The sizes of ZnO quantum dots would be controlled by both ultrasonic temperature and time as well. That is, with the increasing of ultrasonic temperature and time, the sizes of ZnO quantum dots first decreased then increased. Moreover, concentrated raw materials solution brought larger sizes and more optical defects of ZnO quantum dots. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimal and robust control of quantum state transfer by shaping the spectral phase of ultrafast laser pulses.

PubMed

Guo, Yu; Dong, Daoyi; Shu, Chuan-Cun

2018-04-04

Achieving fast and efficient quantum state transfer is a fundamental task in physics, chemistry and quantum information science. However, the successful implementation of the perfect quantum state transfer also requires robustness under practically inevitable perturbative defects. Here, we demonstrate how an optimal and robust quantum state transfer can be achieved by shaping the spectral phase of an ultrafast laser pulse in the framework of frequency domain quantum optimal control theory. Our numerical simulations of the single dibenzoterrylene molecule as well as in atomic rubidium show that optimal and robust quantum state transfer via spectral phase modulated laser pulses can be achieved by incorporating a filtering function of the frequency into the optimization algorithm, which in turn has potential applications for ultrafast robust control of photochemical reactions.

Theory of spin-conserving excitation of the N-V(-) center in diamond.

PubMed

Gali, Adam; Janzén, Erik; Deák, Péter; Kresse, Georg; Kaxiras, Efthimios

2009-10-30

The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy defect in diamond is an important atomic-scale structure that can be used as a qubit in quantum computing and as a marker in biomedical applications. Its usefulness relies on the ability to optically excite electrons between well-defined gap states, which requires a clear and detailed understanding of the relevant states and excitation processes. Here we show that by using hybrid density-functional-theory calculations in a large supercell we can reproduce the zero-phonon line and the Stokes and anti-Stokes shifts, yielding a complete picture of the spin-conserving excitation of this defect.

Defect production in nonlinear quench across a quantum critical point.

PubMed

Sen, Diptiman; Sengupta, K; Mondal, Shreyoshi

2008-07-04

We show that the defect density n, for a slow nonlinear power-law quench with a rate tau(-1) and an exponent alpha>0, which takes the system through a critical point characterized by correlation length and dynamical critical exponents nu and z, scales as n approximately tau(-alphanud/(alphaznu+1)) [n approximately (alphag((alpha-1)/alpha)/tau)(nud/(znu+1))] if the quench takes the system across the critical point at time t=0 [t=t(0) not = 0], where g is a nonuniversal constant and d is the system dimension. These scaling laws constitute the first theoretical results for defect production in nonlinear quenches across quantum critical points and reproduce their well-known counterpart for a linear quench (alpha=1) as a special case. We supplement our results with numerical studies of well-known models and suggest experiments to test our theory.

Fracton-Elasticity Duality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pretko, Michael; Radzihovsky, Leo

2018-05-01

Motivated by recent studies of fractons, we demonstrate that elasticity theory of a two-dimensional quantum crystal is dual to a fracton tensor gauge theory, providing a concrete manifestation of the fracton phenomenon in an ordinary solid. The topological defects of elasticity theory map onto charges of the tensor gauge theory, with disclinations and dislocations corresponding to fractons and dipoles, respectively. The transverse and longitudinal phonons of crystals map onto the two gapless gauge modes of the gauge theory. The restricted dynamics of fractons matches with constraints on the mobility of lattice defects. The duality leads to numerous predictions for phases and phase transitions of the fracton system, such as the existence of gauge theory counterparts to the (commensurate) crystal, supersolid, hexatic, and isotropic fluid phases of elasticity theory. Extensions of this duality to generalized elasticity theories provide a route to the discovery of new fracton models. As a further consequence, the duality implies that fracton phases are relevant to the study of interacting topological crystalline insulators.

The excited J = 01 Σu+ levels of D2: Measurements and ab initio quantum defect study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass-Maujean, M.; Jungen, Ch.; Dickenson, G. D.; de Oliveira, N.; Ubachs, W.

2016-02-01

The DESIRS beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron facility, equipped with a vacuum ultraviolet Fourier-transform spectrometer has been used to measure P (N″ = 1) (N -N″ = - 1) absorption transitions of the D2 molecule. Some 44 P-lines were assigned and their transition frequencies determined up to excitation energies of 134,000 cm-1 above the ground state, thereby extending the earlier work by various authors, and considerably improving the spectral accuracy (<0.1 cm-1). The assignments have been aided by first principles multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) calculations. These calculations also provide predictions of the autoionization widths of the upper levels which agree well with the observed resonance widths.

Zirconia and its allotropes; A Quantum Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jokisaari, Andrea; Benali, Anouar; Shin, Hyeondeok; Luo, Ye; Lopez Bezanilla, Alejandro; Ratcliff, Laura; Littlewood, Peter; Heinonen, Olle

With a high strength and stability at elevated temperatures, Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is one of the best corrosion-resistant and refractive materials used in metallurgy, and is used in structural ceramics, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, nuclear industry, and in chemically passivating surfaces. The wide range of applications of ZrO2 has motivated a large number of electronic structures studies of its known allotropes (monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic). Density Functional Theory has been successful at reproducing some of the fundamental properties of some of the allotropes, but these results remain dependent on the specific combination of exchange-correlation functional and type of pseudopotentials, making any type of structural prediction or defect analysis uncertain. Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) is a many-body quantum theory solving explicitly the electronic correlations, allowing reproducing and predicting materials properties with a limited number of controlled approximations. In this study, we use QMC to revisit the energetic stability of Zirconia's allotropes and compare our results with those obtained from density functional theory.

Physical concepts in the development of constitutive equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassenti, B. N.

1985-01-01

Proposed viscoplastic material models include in their formulation observed material response but do not generally incorporate principles from thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Numerous hypotheses were made for material response based on first principles. Many of these hypotheses were tested experimentally. The proposed viscoplastic theories and the experimental basis of these hypotheses must be checked against the hypotheses. The physics of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, and the effects of defects, are reviewed for their application to the development of constitutive laws.

Atomic Structure of Intrinsic and Electron-Irradiation-Induced Defects in MoTe2

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Studying the atomic structure of intrinsic defects in two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides is difficult since they damage quickly under the intense electron irradiation in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, this can also lead to insights into the creation of defects and their atom-scale dynamics. We first show that MoTe2 monolayers without protection indeed quickly degrade during scanning TEM (STEM) imaging, and discuss the observed atomic-level dynamics, including a transformation from the 1H phase into 1T′, 3-fold rotationally symmetric defects, and the migration of line defects between two 1H grains with a 60° misorientation. We then analyze the atomic structure of MoTe2 encapsulated between two graphene sheets to mitigate damage, finding the as-prepared material to contain an unexpectedly large concentration of defects. These include similar point defects (or quantum dots, QDs) as those created in the nonencapsulated material and two different types of line defects (or quantum wires, QWs) that can be transformed from one to the other under electron irradiation. Our density functional theory simulations indicate that the QDs and QWs embedded in MoTe2 introduce new midgap states into the semiconducting material and may thus be used to control its electronic and optical properties. Finally, the edge of the encapsulated material appears amorphous, possibly due to the pressure caused by the encapsulation. PMID:29503509

Orientation-dependent imaging of electronically excited quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Duc; Goings, Joshua J.; Nguyen, Huy A.; Lyding, Joseph; Li, Xiaosong; Gruebele, Martin

2018-02-01

We previously demonstrated that we can image electronic excitations of quantum dots by single-molecule absorption scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM). With this technique, a modulated laser beam periodically saturates an electronic transition of a single nanoparticle, and the resulting tunneling current modulation ΔI(x0, y0) maps out the SMA-STM image. In this paper, we first derive the basic theory to calculate ΔI(x0, y0) in the one-electron approximation. For near-resonant tunneling through an empty orbital "i" of the nanostructure, the SMA-STM signal is approximately proportional to the electron density |φi) (x0,y0)|

Orientation-dependent imaging of electronically excited quantum dots.

PubMed

Nguyen, Duc; Goings, Joshua J; Nguyen, Huy A; Lyding, Joseph; Li, Xiaosong; Gruebele, Martin

2018-02-14

We previously demonstrated that we can image electronic excitations of quantum dots by single-molecule absorption scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM). With this technique, a modulated laser beam periodically saturates an electronic transition of a single nanoparticle, and the resulting tunneling current modulation ΔI(x 0 , y 0 ) maps out the SMA-STM image. In this paper, we first derive the basic theory to calculate ΔI(x 0 , y 0 ) in the one-electron approximation. For near-resonant tunneling through an empty orbital "i" of the nanostructure, the SMA-STM signal is approximately proportional to the electron density φ i x 0 ,y 0 2 of the excited orbital in the tunneling region. Thus, the SMA-STM signal is approximated by an orbital density map (ODM) of the resonantly excited orbital at energy E i . The situation is more complex for correlated electron motion, but either way a slice through the excited electronic state structure in the tunneling region is imaged. We then show experimentally that we can nudge quantum dots on the surface and roll them, thus imaging excited state electronic structure of a single quantum dot at different orientations. We use density functional theory to model ODMs at various orientations, for qualitative comparison with the SMA-STM experiment. The model demonstrates that our experimentally observed signal monitors excited states, localized by defects near the surface of an individual quantum dot. The sub-nanometer super-resolution imaging technique demonstrated here could become useful for mapping out the three-dimensional structure of excited states localized by defects within nanomaterials.

London equation for monodromy inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaloper, Nemanja; Lawrence, Albion

2017-03-01

We focus on the massive gauge theory formulation of axion monodromy inflation. We argue that a gauge symmetry hidden in these models is the key mechanism protecting inflation from dangerous field theory and quantum gravity corrections. The effective theory of large-field inflation is dual to a massive U (1 ) 4-form gauge theory, which is similar to a massive gauge theory description of superconductivity. The gauge theory explicitly realizes the old Julia-Toulouse proposal for a low-energy description of a gauge theory in a defect condensate. While we work mostly with the example of quadratic axion potential induced by flux monodromy, we discuss how other types of potentials can arise from the inclusion of gauge-invariant corrections to the theory.

Relativistic Anandan quantum phase and the Aharonov–Casher effect under Lorentz symmetry breaking effects in the cosmic string spacetime

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bakke, K., E-mail: kbakke@fisica.ufpb.br; Furtado, C., E-mail: furtado@fisica.ufpb.br; Belich, H., E-mail: belichjr@gmail.com

2016-09-15

From the modified Maxwell theory coupled to gravity, we establish a possible scenario of the violation of the Lorentz symmetry and write an effective metric for the cosmic string spacetime. Then, we investigate the arising of an analogue of the Anandan quantum phase for a relativistic Dirac neutral particle with a permanent magnetic dipole moment in the cosmic string spacetime under Lorentz symmetry breaking effects. Besides, we analyse the influence of the effects of the Lorentz symmetry violation and the topology of the defect on the Aharonov–Casher geometric quantum phase in the nonrelativistic limit.

Asymptotic analysis of the Boltzmann equation for dark matter relics in the presence of a running dilaton and space-time defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bender, Carl M.; Mavromatos, Nick E.; Sarkar, Sarben

2013-03-01

The interplay of dilatonic effects in dilaton cosmology and stochastic quantum space-time defects within the framework of string/brane cosmologies is examined. The Boltzmann equation describes the physics of thermal dark-matter-relic abundances in the presence of rolling dilatons. These dilatons affect the coupling of stringy matter to D-particle defects, which are generic in string theory. This coupling leads to an additional source term in the Boltzmann equation. The techniques of asymptotic matching and boundary-layer theory, which were recently applied by two of the authors (Bender and Sarkar) to a Boltzmann equation, are used here to find the detailed asymptotic relic abundances for all ranges of the expectation value of the dilaton field. The phenomenological implications for the search for supersymmetric dark matter in current colliders, such as the LHC, are discussed.

Detailed Balance of Thermalization Dynamics in Rydberg-Atom Quantum Simulators.

PubMed

Kim, Hyosub; Park, YeJe; Kim, Kyungtae; Sim, H-S; Ahn, Jaewook

2018-05-04

Dynamics of large complex systems, such as relaxation towards equilibrium in classical statistical mechanics, often obeys a master equation that captures essential information from the complexities. Here, we find that thermalization of an isolated many-body quantum state can be described by a master equation. We observe sudden quench dynamics of quantum Ising-like models implemented in our quantum simulator, defect-free single-atom tweezers in conjunction with Rydberg-atom interaction. Saturation of their local observables, a thermalization signature, obeys a master equation experimentally constructed by monitoring the occupation probabilities of prequench states and imposing the principle of the detailed balance. Our experiment agrees with theories and demonstrates the detailed balance in a thermalization dynamics that does not require coupling to baths or postulated randomness.

Detailed Balance of Thermalization Dynamics in Rydberg-Atom Quantum Simulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyosub; Park, YeJe; Kim, Kyungtae; Sim, H.-S.; Ahn, Jaewook

2018-05-01

Dynamics of large complex systems, such as relaxation towards equilibrium in classical statistical mechanics, often obeys a master equation that captures essential information from the complexities. Here, we find that thermalization of an isolated many-body quantum state can be described by a master equation. We observe sudden quench dynamics of quantum Ising-like models implemented in our quantum simulator, defect-free single-atom tweezers in conjunction with Rydberg-atom interaction. Saturation of their local observables, a thermalization signature, obeys a master equation experimentally constructed by monitoring the occupation probabilities of prequench states and imposing the principle of the detailed balance. Our experiment agrees with theories and demonstrates the detailed balance in a thermalization dynamics that does not require coupling to baths or postulated randomness.

First-principles engineering of charged defects for two-dimensional quantum technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Feng; Galatas, Andrew; Sundararaman, Ravishankar; Rocca, Dario; Ping, Yuan

2017-12-01

Charged defects in two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerging applications in quantum technologies such as quantum emitters and quantum computation. The advancement of these technologies requires a rational design of ideal defect centers, demanding reliable computation methods for the quantitatively accurate prediction of defect properties. We present an accurate, parameter-free, and efficient procedure to evaluate the quasiparticle defect states and thermodynamic charge transition levels of defects in 2D materials. Importantly, we solve critical issues that stem from the strongly anisotropic screening in 2D materials, that have so far precluded the accurate prediction of charge transition levels in these materials. Using this procedure, we investigate various defects in monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h -BN ) for their charge transition levels, stable spin states, and optical excitations. We identify CBVN (nitrogen vacancy adjacent to carbon substitution of boron) to be the most promising defect candidate for scalable quantum bit and emitter applications.

Evaluating and enhancing quantum capacitance in graphene-based electrodes from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogitsu, Tadashi; Otani, Minoru; Lee, Jonathan; Bagge-Hansen, Michael; Biener, Juergen; Wood, Brandon

2013-03-01

Graphene derivatives are attractive as supercapacitor electrodes because they are lightweight, chemically inert, have high surface area and conductivity, and are stable in electrolyte solutions. Nevertheless, devising reliable strategies for improving energy density relies on an understanding of the specific factors that control electrode performance. We use density-functional theory calculations of pristine and defective graphene to extract quantum capacitance, as well as to identify specific limiting factors. The effect of structural point defects and strain-related morphological changes on the density of states is also evaluated. The results are combined with predicted and measured in situ X-ray absorption spectra in order to give insight into the structural and chemical features present in synthesized carbon aerogel samples. Performed under the auspices of the U.S. DOE by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Persistence time of charge carriers in defect states of molecular semiconductors.

PubMed

McMahon, David P; Troisi, Alessandro

2011-06-07

Charge carriers in organic crystals are often trapped in point defects. The persistence time of the charge in these defect states is evaluated by computing the escape rate from this state using non-adiabatic rate theory. Two cases are considered (i) the hopping between separate identical defect states and (ii) the hopping between a defect state and the bulk (delocalized) states. We show that only the second process is likely to happen with realistic defect concentrations and highlight that the inclusion of an effective quantum mode of vibration is essential for accurate computation of the rate. The computed persistence time as a function of the trap energy indicates that trap states shallower than ∼0.3 eV cannot be effectively investigated with some slow spectroscopic techniques such as THz spectroscopy or EPR commonly used to study the nature of excess charge in semiconductors.

Infinite index extensions of local nets and defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Vecchio, Simone; Giorgetti, Luca

The subfactor theory provides a tool to analyze and construct extensions of Quantum Field Theories, once the latter are formulated as local nets of von Neumann algebras. We generalize some of the results of [62] to the case of extensions with infinite Jones index. This case naturally arises in physics, the canonical examples are given by global gauge theories with respect to a compact (non-finite) group of internal symmetries. Building on the works of Izumi-Longo-Popa [44] and Fidaleo-Isola [30], we consider generalized Q-systems (of intertwiners) for a semidiscrete inclusion of properly infinite von Neumann algebras, which generalize ordinary Q-systems introduced by Longo [58] to the infinite index case. We characterize inclusions which admit generalized Q-systems of intertwiners and define a braided product among the latter, hence we construct examples of QFTs with defects (phase boundaries) of infinite index, extending the family of boundaries in the grasp of [7].

Topological defects in alternative theories to cosmic inflation and string cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, Stephon H. S.

The physics of the Early Universe is described in terms of the inflationary paradigm, which is based on a marriage between Einstein's general theory of relativity minimally coupled to quantum field theory. Inflation was posed to solve some of the outstanding problems of the Standard Big Bang Cosmology (SBB) such as the horizon, formation of structure and monopole problems. Despite its observational and theoretical successes, inflation is plagued with fine tuning and initial singularity problems. On the other hand, superstring/M theory, a theory of quantum gravity, possesses symmetries which naturally avoid space-time singularities. This thesis investigates alternative theories to cosmic inflation for solving the initial singularity, horizon and monopole problems, making use of topological defects. It was proposed by Dvali, Liu and Vaschaspati that the monopole problem can be solved without inflation if domain walls "sweep" up the monopoles in the early universe, thus reducing their number density significantly. Necessary for this mechanism to work is the presence of an attractive force between the monopole and the domain wall as well as a channel for the monopole's unwinding. We show numerically and analytically in two field theory models that for global defects the attraction is a universal result but the unwinding is model specific. The second part of this thesis investigates a string/M theory inspired model for solving the horizon problem. It was proposed by Moffat, Albrecht and Magueijo that the horizon problem is solved with a "phase transition" associated with a varying speed of light before the surface of last scattering. We provide a string/M theory mechanism based on assuming that our space-time is a D-3 brane probing a bulk supergravity black hole bulk background. This mechanism provides the necessary time variation of the velocity of light to solve the horizon problem. We suggest a mechanism which stablilizes the speed of light on the D-3 brane. We finally address the cosmological initial singularity problem using the target space duality inherent in string/M theory. It was suggested by Brandenberger and Vafa that superstring theory can solve the singularity problem and in addition explain why only three spatial dimensions can become large. We show that under specific conditions this mechanism still persists when including the effects of D-branes.

Generalized non-equilibrium vertex correction method in coherent medium theory for quantum transport simulation of disordered nanoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Jiawei; Ke, Youqi

In realistic nanoelectronics, disordered impurities/defects are inevitable and play important roles in electron transport. However, due to the lack of effective quantum transport method, the important effects of disorders remain poorly understood. Here, we report a generalized non-equilibrium vertex correction (NVC) method with coherent potential approximation to treat the disorder effects in quantum transport simulation. With this generalized NVC method, any averaged product of two single-particle Green's functions can be obtained by solving a set of simple linear equations. As a result, the averaged non-equilibrium density matrix and various important transport properties, including averaged current, disordered induced current fluctuation and the averaged shot noise, can all be efficiently computed in a unified scheme. Moreover, a generalized form of conditionally averaged non-equilibrium Green's function is derived to incorporate with density functional theory to enable first-principles simulation. We prove the non-equilibrium coherent potential equals the non-equilibrium vertex correction. Our approach provides a unified, efficient and self-consistent method for simulating non-equilibrium quantum transport through disorder nanoelectronics. Shanghaitech start-up fund.

Trapping photons on the line: controllable dynamics of a quantum walk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Peng; Qin, Hao; Tang, Bao

2014-04-01

Optical interferometers comprising birefringent-crystal beam displacers, wave plates, and phase shifters serve as stable devices for simulating quantum information processes such as heralded coined quantum walks. Quantum walks are important for quantum algorithms, universal quantum computing circuits, quantum transport in complex systems, and demonstrating intriguing nonlinear dynamical quantum phenomena. We introduce fully controllable polarization-independent phase shifters in optical pathes in order to realize site-dependent phase defects. The effectiveness of our interferometer is demonstrated through realizing single-photon quantum-walk dynamics in one dimension. By applying site-dependent phase defects, the translational symmetry of an ideal standard quantum walk is broken resulting in localization effect in a quantum walk architecture. The walk is realized for different site-dependent phase defects and coin settings, indicating the strength of localization signature depends on the level of phase due to site-dependent phase defects and coin settings and opening the way for the implementation of a quantum-walk-based algorithm.

Ab initio theory of point defects in oxide materials: structure, properties, chemical reactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacchioni, Gianfranco

2000-05-01

Point defects play a fundamental role in determining the physical and chemical properties of inorganic materials. This holds not only for the bulk properties but also for the surface of oxides where several kinds of point defects exist and exhibit a rich and complex chemistry. A particularly important defect in oxides is the oxygen vacancy. Depending on the electronic structure of the material the nature of oxygen vacancies changes dramatically. In this article we provide a rationalization of the very different electronic structure of neutral and charged oxygen vacancies in SiO 2 and MgO, two oxide materials with completely different electronic structure (from very ionic, MgO, to largely covalent, SiO 2). We used methods of ab initio quantum chemistry, from density functional theory (DFT) to configuration interaction (CI), to determine the ground and excited state properties of these defects. The theoretical results are combined with recent spectroscopic measurements. A series of observable properties has been determined in this way: defect formation energies, hyperfine interactions in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of paramagnetic centers, optical spectra, surface chemical reactivity. The interplay between experimental and theoretical information allows one to unambiguously identify the structure of oxygen vacancies in these binary oxides and on their surfaces.

Excited States of the divacancy in SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bockstedte, Michel; Garratt, Thomas; Ivady, Viktor; Gali, Adam

2014-03-01

The divacancy in SiC - a technologically mature material that fulfills the necessary requirements for hosting defect based quantum computing - is a good candidate for implementing a solid state quantum bit. Its ground state is isovalent to the NV center in diamond as demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT). Furthermore, coherent manipulation of divacancy spins in SiC has been demonstrated. The similarities to NV might indicate that the same inter system crossing (ICS) from the high to the low spin state is responsible for its spin-dependent fluorescent signal. By DFT and a DFT-based multi-reference hamiltonian we analyze the excited state spectrum of the defects. In contrast to the current picture of the spin dynamics of the NV center, we predict that a static Jahn-Teller effect in the first excited triplet states governs an ICS both with the excited and ground state of the divacancy.

Quantum defect theory for the orbital Feshbach resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yanting; Zhang, Ren; Zhang, Peng

2017-01-01

In the ultracold gases of alkali-earth-metal-like atoms, a new type of Feshbach resonance, i.e., the orbital Feshbach resonance (OFR), has been proposed and experimentally observed in ultracold 173Yb atoms [R. Zhang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 135301 (2015), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.115.135301]. When the OFR of the 173Yb atoms occurs, the energy gap between the open and closed channels is smaller by two orders of magnitude than the van der Waals energy. As a result, quantitative accurate results for the low-energy two-body problems can be obtained via multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT), which is based on the exact solution of the Schrödinger equation with the van der Waals potential. In this paper we use MQDT to calculate the two-atom scattering length, effective range, and binding energy of two-body bound states for the systems with OFR. With these results we further study the clock-transition spectrum for the two-body bound states, which can be used to experimentally measure the binding energy. Our results are helpful for the quantitative theoretical and experimental research for the ultracold gases of alkali-earth-metal-like atoms with OFR.

Response to defects in multipartite and bipartite entanglement of isotropic quantum spin networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sudipto Singha; Dhar, Himadri Shekhar; Rakshit, Debraj; SenDe, Aditi; Sen, Ujjwal

2018-05-01

Quantum networks are an integral component in performing efficient computation and communication tasks that are not accessible using classical systems. A key aspect in designing an effective and scalable quantum network is generating entanglement between its nodes, which is robust against defects in the network. We consider an isotropic quantum network of spin-1/2 particles with a finite fraction of defects, where the corresponding wave function of the network is rotationally invariant under the action of local unitaries. By using quantum information-theoretic concepts like strong subadditivity of von Neumann entropy and approximate quantum telecloning, we prove analytically that in the presence of defects, caused by loss of a finite fraction of spins, the network, composed of a fixed numbers of lattice sites, sustains genuine multisite entanglement and at the same time may exhibit finite moderate-range bipartite entanglement, in contrast to the network with no defects.

Photochemical Creation of Fluorescent Quantum Defects in Semiconducting Carbon Nanotube Hosts.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaojian; Kim, Mijin; Kwon, Hyejin; Wang, YuHuang

2018-01-15

Quantum defects are an emerging class of synthetic single-photon emitters that hold vast potential for near-infrared imaging, chemical sensing, materials engineering, and quantum information processing. Herein, we show that it is possible to optically direct the synthetic creation of molecularly tunable fluorescent quantum defects in semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube hosts through photochemical reactions. By exciting the host semiconductor with light that resonates with its electronic transition, we find that halide-containing aryl groups can covalently bond to the sp 2 carbon lattice. The introduced quantum defects generate bright photoluminescence that allows tracking of the reaction progress in situ. We show that the reaction is independent of temperature but correlates strongly with the photon energy used to drive the reaction, suggesting a photochemical mechanism rather than photothermal effects. This type of photochemical reactions opens the possibility to control the synthesis of fluorescent quantum defects using light and may enable lithographic patterning of quantum emitters with electronic and molecular precision. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Topics in Cosmic String Physics and Vacuum Stability of Field Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, Indranil

1998-01-01

In this thesis I examine aspects of the vacuum state of quantum field theories. Namely, I study topological defects in the vacuum which appear as localized regions of non-zero energy density if the model system is unable to relax to a homogeneous and isotropic ground state because of topological constraints. I also examine the stability of the so called false vacua in theories that have multiple vacuum states with different energy densities. I first consider topological defects in the form of strings and independently the decay of false vacua in models of particle physics where the presence of either defects or of false vacua leads to interesting phenomenology. Then I describe a situation in which the defects arising from topological properties of the vacuum in turn affect the stability of the vacuum itself. In the first part of this work (chapters 2 and 3), I explore the phenomenology of cosmic strings. I introduce new string-like topological defects that resemble pairs of strings bound together. I give an existence proof of these 'binary strings' and then develop their cosmological properties in detail. I then propose a simple extension of the Standard Model in which cosmic strings may form and then decay through baryon number violating interactions leading to baryogenesis. I show that the model has distinct and testable signatures. In the second part of this work (chapters 4 and 5), I examine the vacua of several proposed models of gauge mediated dynamical supersymmetry breaking and show that the viable vacua are often unstable. I develop a rigorous theory for approximating vacuum tunneling rates in multi-scalar field theories and by computing bounds on the decay rate of the vacua in these models obtain useful constraints on the parameter space. In the final part of this work (chapter 6), I develop a theory of vacuum tunneling induced by topological defects. I show that defects can speed up vacuum tunneling rates by seeding new kinds of bubbles during a first order phase transition. I then indicate possible phenomenological applications of this effect and develop simple approximation techniques for computing the rate of seeded tunneling.

Different valence Sn doping - A simple way to detect oxygen concentration variation of ZnO quantum dots synthesized under ultrasonic irradiation.

PubMed

Yang, Weimin; Zhang, Bing; Zhang, Qitu; Wang, Lixi; Song, Bo; Wu, Fan; Wong, C P

2017-09-01

An ultrasonic method is employed to synthesize the Sn doped Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots with green light emission. Sn 2+ and Sn 4+ ions are used to create different optical defects inside Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots and the changing trend of oxygen concentration under different ultrasonic irradiation power are investigated. The photoluminescence spectra are employed to characterize the optical defects of Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots. The UV-vis spectra are used to study the band gap of Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots, which is influenced by their sizes. The results indicate that ultrasonic power would influence the size of Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots as well as the type and quantity of defects in ZnO quantum dots. Changing trends in size of Sn 2+ and Sn 4+ doped Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots are quite similar with each other, while the changing trends in optical defects types and concentration of Sn 2+ and Sn 4+ doped Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots are different. The difference of the optical defects concentration changing between Sn 2+ doped Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots (V O defects) and Sn 4+ doped Zn 0.95 Sn 0.05 O quantum dots (O Zn and O i defects) shows that the formation process of ZnO under ultrasonic irradiation wiped oxygen out. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical orientation of electrons in compensated semiconductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kokurin, I. A., E-mail: kokorinia@math.mrsu.ru; Petrov, P. V.; Averkiev, N. S.

2013-09-15

The theory of the optical orientation of charge carriers in compensated III-V semiconductors and quantum wells for the case where electrons are excited to the conduction band from Mn-charged acceptor states is presented. It is shown that, in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells, the degree of the spin orientation of conduction-band electrons in this excitation scheme can be as high as 85%. This spin-orientation enhancement results from an increase in the heavy-hole contribution to the acceptor state in the vicinity of the defect center rather than from level splitting caused by quantum confinement. It is shown that the degree of circular polarizationmore » of the photoluminescence emitted upon the recombination of electrons thermalized at the bottom of the band with holes occupying the acceptor ground state in a quantum well can exceed 70%.« less

Understanding photon sideband statistics and correlation for determining phonon coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Ding; Yin, Xiaobo; Li, Baowen

2018-01-01

Generating and detecting coherent high-frequency heat-carrying phonons have been topics of great interest in recent years. Although there have been successful attempts in generating and observing coherent phonons, rigorous techniques to characterize and detect phonon coherence in a crystalline material have been lagging compared to what has been achieved for photons. One main challenge is a lack of detailed understanding of how detection signals for phonons can be related to coherence. The quantum theory of photoelectric detection has greatly advanced the ability to characterize photon coherence in the past century, and a similar theory for phonon detection is necessary. Here, we reexamine the optical sideband fluorescence technique that has been used to detect high-frequency phonons in materials with optically active defects. We propose a quantum theory of phonon detection using the sideband technique and found that there are distinct differences in sideband counting statistics between thermal and coherent phonons. We further propose a second-order correlation function unique to sideband signals that allows for a rigorous distinction between thermal and coherent phonons. Our theory is relevant to a correlation measurement with nontrivial response functions at the quantum level and can potentially bridge the gap of experimentally determining phonon coherence to be on par with that of photons.

Photoluminescence kinetics slowdown in an ensemble of GaN/AlN quantum dots upon tunneling interaction with defects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aleksandrov, I. A., E-mail: Aleksandrov@isp.nsc.ru; Mansurov, V. G.; Zhuravlev, K. S.

2016-08-15

The carrier recombination dynamics in an ensemble of GaN/AlN quantum dots is studied. The model proposed for describing this dynamics takes into account the transition of carriers between quantum dots and defects in a matrix. Comparison of the experimental and calculated photoluminescence decay curves shows that the interaction between quantum dots and defects slows down photoluminescence decay in the ensemble of GaN/AlN quantum dots.

Quantum transitions driven by one-bond defects in quantum Ising rings.

PubMed

Campostrini, Massimo; Pelissetto, Andrea; Vicari, Ettore

2015-04-01

We investigate quantum scaling phenomena driven by lower-dimensional defects in quantum Ising-like models. We consider quantum Ising rings in the presence of a bond defect. In the ordered phase, the system undergoes a quantum transition driven by the bond defect between a magnet phase, in which the gap decreases exponentially with increasing size, and a kink phase, in which the gap decreases instead with a power of the size. Close to the transition, the system shows a universal scaling behavior, which we characterize by computing, either analytically or numerically, scaling functions for the low-level energy differences and the two-point correlation function. We discuss the implications of these results for the nonequilibrium dynamics in the presence of a slowly varying parallel magnetic field h, when going across the first-order quantum transition at h=0.

The J = 1 para levels of the v = 0 to 6 np singlet Rydberg series of molecular hydrogen revisited.

PubMed

Glass-Maujean, M; Schmoranzer, H; Haar, I; Knie, A; Reiss, P; Ehresmann, A

2012-04-07

The energies and the widths of the J = 1 para levels of the v = 0 to 6 Rydberg np singlet series of molecular hydrogen with absolute intensities of the R(0) and P(2) absorption lines were measured by a high - resolution synchrotron radiation experiment and calculated through a full ab initio multichannel quantum defect theory approach. On the basis of the agreement between theory and experiment, 31 levels were either reassigned or assigned for the first time.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Macaluso, D. A.; Bogolub, K.; Johnson, A.

Absolute single photoionization cross-section measurements of Rb 2+ ions were performed at the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory using synchrotron radiation and the photo-ion, merged-beams technique. Measurements were made at a photon energy resolution of 13.5 2.5 meV from 37.31 to 44.08 eV spanning the 2 P ground state and 2 P metastable state ionization thresholds. Multiple autoionizing resonance series arising from each initial state are identified using quantum defect theory. The measurements are compared to Breit-Pauli R-matrix calculations with excellent agreement between theory and experiment.

Topology, localization, and quantum information in atomic, molecular and optical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Norman Ying

The scientific interface between atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics, condensed matter, and quantum information science has recently led to the development of new insights and tools that bridge the gap between macroscopic quantum behavior and detailed microscopic intuition. While the dialogue between these fields has sharpened our understanding of quantum theory, it has also raised a bevy of new questions regarding the out-of-equilibrium dynamics and control of many-body systems. This thesis is motivated by experimental advances that make it possible to produce and probe isolated, strongly interacting ensembles of disordered particles, as found in systems ranging from trapped ions and Rydberg atoms to ultracold polar molecules and spin defects in the solid state. The presence of strong interactions in these systems underlies their potential for exploring correlated many-body physics and this thesis presents recent results on realizing fractionalization and localization. From a complementary perspective, the controlled manipulation of individual quanta can also enable the bottom-up construction of quantum devices. To this end, this thesis also describes blueprints for a room-temperature quantum computer, quantum credit cards and nanoscale quantum thermometry.

Dissipative Quantum Mechanics and Kondo-Like Impurities on Noncommutative Two-Tori

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacomino, Patrizia; Marotta, Vincenzo; Naddeo, Adele

In a recent paper, by exploiting the notion of Morita equivalence for field theories on noncommutative tori and choosing rational values of the noncommutativity parameter θ (in appropriate units), a general one-to-one correspondence between the m-reduced conformal field theory (CFT) describing a quantum Hall fluid (QHF) at paired states fillings1,2 ν = (m)/(pm+2) and an Abelian noncommutative field theory (NCFT) has been established.3 That allowed us to add new evidence to the relationship between noncommutativity and quantum Hall fluids.4 On the other hand, the m-reduced CFT is equivalent to a system of two massless scalar bosons with a magnetic boundary interaction as introduced in Ref. 5, at the so-called "magic" points. We are then able to describe, within such a framework, the dissipative quantum mechanics of a particle confined to a plane and subject to an external magnetic field normal to it. Here we develop such a point of view by focusing on the case m=2 which corresponds to a quantum Hall bilayer. The key role of a localized impurity which couples the two layers is emphasized and the effect of noncommutativity in terms of generalized magnetic translations (GMT) is fully exploited. As a result, general GMT operators are introduced, in the form of a tensor product, which act on the QHF and defect space respectively, and a comprehensive study of their rich structure is performed.

Ab initio theory of spin-orbit coupling for quantum bits in diamond exhibiting dynamic Jahn-Teller effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gali, Adam; Thiering, Gergő

Dopants in solids are promising candidates for implementations of quantum bits for quantum computing. In particular, the high-spin negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy defect (NV) in diamond has become a leading contender in solid-state quantum information processing. The initialization and readout of the spin is based on the spin-selective decay of the photo-excited electron to the ground state which is mediated by spin-orbit coupling between excited states states and phonons. Generally, the spin-orbit coupling plays a crucial role in the optical spinpolarization and readout of NV quantum bit (qubit) and alike. Strong electron-phonon coupling in dynamic Jahn-Teller (DJT) systems can substantially influence the effective strength of spin-orbit coupling. Here we show by ab initio supercell density functional theory (DFT) calculations that the intrinsic spin-orbit coupling is strongly damped by DJT effect in the triplet excited state that has a consequence on the rate of non-radiative decay. This theory is applied to the ground state of silicon-vacancy (SiV) and germanium-vacancy (GeV) centers in their negatively charged state that can also act like qubits. We show that the intrinsic spin-orbit coupling in SiV and GeV centers is in the 100 GHz region, in contrast to the NV center of 10 GHz region. Our results provide deep insight in the nature of SiV and GeV qubits in diamond. EU FP7 DIADEMS project (Contract No. 611143).

Electronic properties of doped and defective NiO: A quantum Monte Carlo study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shin, Hyeondeok; Luo, Ye; Ganesh, Panchapakesan

NiO is a canonical Mott (or charge-transfer) insulator and as such is notoriously difficult to describe using density functional theory (DFT) based electronic structure methods. Doped Mott insulators such as NiO are of interest for various applications but rigorous theoretical descriptions are lacking. Here, we use quantum Monte Carlo methods, which very accurately include electron-electron interactions, to examine energetics, charge- and spin-structures of NiO with various point defects, such as vacancies or substitutional doping with potassium. The formation energy of a potassium dopant is significantly lower than for a Ni vacancy, making potassium an attractive monovalent dopant for NiO. Wemore » compare our results with DFT results that include an on-site Hubbard U (DFT+U) to account for correlations and find relatively large discrepancies for defect formation energies as well as for charge and spin redistributions in the presence of point defects. Finally, it is unlikely that single-parameter fixes of DFT may be able to obtain accurate accounts of anything but a single parameter, e.g., band gap; responses that, maybe in addition to the band gap, depend in subtle and complex ways on ground state properties, such as charge and spin densities, are likely to contain quantitative and qualitative errors.« less

Microscopic Sources of Paramagnetic Noise on α-Al2O3 Substrates for Superconducting Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubois, Jonathan; Lee, Donghwa; Lordi, Vince

2014-03-01

Superconducting qubits (SQs) represent a promising route to achieving a scalable quantum computer. However, the coupling between electro-dynamic qubits and (as yet largely unidentified) ambient parasitic noise sources has so far limited the functionality of current SQs by limiting coherence times of the quantum states below a practical threshold for measurement and manipulation. Further improvement can be enabled by a detailed understanding of the various noise sources afflicting SQs. In this work, first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to identify the microscopic origins of magnetic noise sources in SQs on an α-Al2O3 substrate. The results indicate that it is unlikely that the existence of intrinsic point defects and defect complexes in the substrate are responsible for low frequency noise in these systems. Rather, a comprehensive analysis of extrinsic defects shows that surface aluminum ions interacting with ambient molecules will form a bath of magnetic moments that can couple to the SQ paramagnetically. The microscopic origin of this magnetic noise source is discussed and strategies for ameliorating the effects of these magnetic defects are proposed. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Electronic properties of doped and defective NiO: A quantum Monte Carlo study

DOE PAGES

Shin, Hyeondeok; Luo, Ye; Ganesh, Panchapakesan; ...

2017-12-28

NiO is a canonical Mott (or charge-transfer) insulator and as such is notoriously difficult to describe using density functional theory (DFT) based electronic structure methods. Doped Mott insulators such as NiO are of interest for various applications but rigorous theoretical descriptions are lacking. Here, we use quantum Monte Carlo methods, which very accurately include electron-electron interactions, to examine energetics, charge- and spin-structures of NiO with various point defects, such as vacancies or substitutional doping with potassium. The formation energy of a potassium dopant is significantly lower than for a Ni vacancy, making potassium an attractive monovalent dopant for NiO. Wemore » compare our results with DFT results that include an on-site Hubbard U (DFT+U) to account for correlations and find relatively large discrepancies for defect formation energies as well as for charge and spin redistributions in the presence of point defects. Finally, it is unlikely that single-parameter fixes of DFT may be able to obtain accurate accounts of anything but a single parameter, e.g., band gap; responses that, maybe in addition to the band gap, depend in subtle and complex ways on ground state properties, such as charge and spin densities, are likely to contain quantitative and qualitative errors.« less

Low quantum defect laser performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowman, Steven R.

2017-01-01

Low quantum defect lasers are possible using near-resonant optical pumping. This paper examines the laser material performance as the quantum defect of the laser is reduced. A steady-state model is developed, which incorporates the relevant physical processes in these materials and predicts extraction efficiency and waste heat generation. As the laser quantum defect is reduced below a few percent, the impact of fluorescence cooling must be included in the analysis. The special case of a net zero quantum defect laser is examined in detail. This condition, referred to as the radiation balance laser (RBL), is shown to provide two orders of magnitude lower heat generation at the cost of roughly 10% loss in extraction efficiency. Numerical examples are presented with the host materials Yb:YAG and Yb:Silica. The general conditions, which yield optimal laser efficiency, are derived and explored.

Control of spin defects in wide-bandgap semiconductors for quantum technologies

DOE PAGES

Heremans, F. Joseph; Yale, Christopher G.; Awschalom, David D.

2016-05-24

Deep-level defects are usually considered undesirable in semiconductors as they typically interfere with the performance of present-day electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the electronic spin states of certain atomic-scale defects have recently been shown to be promising quantum bits for quantum information processing as well as exquisite nanoscale sensors due to their local environmental sensitivity. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in quantum control protocols of several of these spin defects, the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV -) center in diamond and a variety of forms of the neutral divacancy (VV 0) complex in silicon carbide (SiC). These defectsmore » exhibit a spin-triplet ground state that can be controlled through a variety of techniques, several of which allow for room temperature operation. Microwave control has enabled sophisticated decoupling schemes to extend coherence times as well as nanoscale sensing of temperature along with magnetic and electric fields. On the other hand, photonic control of these spin states has provided initial steps toward integration into quantum networks, including entanglement, quantum state teleportation, and all-optical control. Electrical and mechanical control also suggest pathways to develop quantum transducers and quantum hybrid systems. In conclusion, the versatility of the control mechanisms demonstrated should facilitate the development of quantum technologies based on these spin defects.« less

Bosonic anomalies, induced fractional quantum numbers, and degenerate zero modes: The anomalous edge physics of symmetry-protected topological states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Juven C.; Santos, Luiz H.; Wen, Xiao-Gang

2015-05-01

The boundary of symmetry-protected topological states (SPTs) can harbor new quantum anomaly phenomena. In this work, we characterize the bosonic anomalies introduced by the 1+1D non-onsite-symmetric gapless edge modes of (2+1)D bulk bosonic SPTs with a generic finite Abelian group symmetry (isomorphic to G =∏iZNi=ZN1×ZN2×ZN3×⋯ ). We demonstrate that some classes of SPTs (termed "Type II") trap fractional quantum numbers (such as fractional ZN charges) at the 0D kink of the symmetry-breaking domain walls, while some classes of SPTs (termed "Type III") have degenerate zero energy modes (carrying the projective representation protected by the unbroken part of the symmetry), either near the 0D kink of a symmetry-breaking domain wall, or on a symmetry-preserving 1D system dimensionally reduced from a thin 2D tube with a monodromy defect 1D line embedded. More generally, the energy spectrum and conformal dimensions of gapless edge modes under an external gauge flux insertion (or twisted by a branch cut, i.e., a monodromy defect line) through the 1D ring can distinguish many SPT classes. We provide a manifest correspondence from the physical phenomena, the induced fractional quantum number, and the zero energy mode degeneracy to the mathematical concept of cocycles that appears in the group cohomology classification of SPTs, thus achieving a concrete physical materialization of the cocycles. The aforementioned edge properties are formulated in terms of a long wavelength continuum field theory involving scalar chiral bosons, as well as in terms of matrix product operators and discrete quantum lattice models. Our lattice approach yields a regularization with anomalous non-onsite symmetry for the field theory description. We also formulate some bosonic anomalies in terms of the Goldstone-Wilczek formula.

Topological defect formation and spontaneous symmetry breaking in ion Coulomb crystals.

PubMed

Pyka, K; Keller, J; Partner, H L; Nigmatullin, R; Burgermeister, T; Meier, D M; Kuhlmann, K; Retzker, A; Plenio, M B; Zurek, W H; del Campo, A; Mehlstäubler, T E

2013-01-01

Symmetry breaking phase transitions play an important role in nature. When a system traverses such a transition at a finite rate, its causally disconnected regions choose the new broken symmetry state independently. Where such local choices are incompatible, topological defects can form. The Kibble-Zurek mechanism predicts the defect densities to follow a power law that scales with the rate of the transition. Owing to its ubiquitous nature, this theory finds application in a wide field of systems ranging from cosmology to condensed matter. Here we present the successful creation of defects in ion Coulomb crystals by a controlled quench of the confining potential, and observe an enhanced power law scaling in accordance with numerical simulations and recent predictions. This simple system with well-defined critical exponents opens up ways to investigate the physics of non-equilibrium dynamics from the classical to the quantum regime.

Correlating electronic transport to atomic structures in self-assembled quantum wires.

PubMed

Qin, Shengyong; Kim, Tae-Hwan; Zhang, Yanning; Ouyang, Wenjie; Weitering, Hanno H; Shih, Chih-Kang; Baddorf, Arthur P; Wu, Ruqian; Li, An-Ping

2012-02-08

Quantum wires, as a smallest electronic conductor, are expected to be a fundamental component in all quantum architectures. The electronic conductance in quantum wires, however, is often dictated by structural instabilities and electron localization at the atomic scale. Here we report on the evolutions of electronic transport as a function of temperature and interwire coupling as the quantum wires of GdSi(2) are self-assembled on Si(100) wire-by-wire. The correlation between structure, electronic properties, and electronic transport are examined by combining nanotransport measurements, scanning tunneling microscopy, and density functional theory calculations. A metal-insulator transition is revealed in isolated nanowires, while a robust metallic state is obtained in wire bundles at low temperature. The atomic defects lead to electron localizations in isolated nanowire, and interwire coupling stabilizes the structure and promotes the metallic states in wire bundles. This illustrates how the conductance nature of a one-dimensional system can be dramatically modified by the environmental change on the atomic scale. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Quantum Mechanical Modeling of Ballistic MOSFETs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Svizhenko, Alexei; Anantram, M. P.; Govindan, T. R.; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The objective of this project was to develop theory, approximations, and computer code to model quasi 1D structures such as nanotubes, DNA, and MOSFETs: (1) Nanotubes: Influence of defects on ballistic transport, electro-mechanical properties, and metal-nanotube coupling; (2) DNA: Model electron transfer (biochemistry) and transport experiments, and sequence dependence of conductance; and (3) MOSFETs: 2D doping profiles, polysilicon depletion, source to drain and gate tunneling, understand ballistic limit.

Theory of activated transport in bilayer quantum Hall systems.

PubMed

Roostaei, B; Mullen, K J; Fertig, H A; Simon, S H

2008-07-25

We analyze the transport properties of bilayer quantum Hall systems at total filling factor nu=1 in drag geometries as a function of interlayer bias, in the limit where the disorder is sufficiently strong to unbind meron-antimeron pairs, the charged topological defects of the system. We compute the typical energy barrier for these objects to cross incompressible regions within the disordered system using a Hartree-Fock approach, and show how this leads to multiple activation energies when the system is biased. We then demonstrate using a bosonic Chern-Simons theory that in drag geometries current in a single layer directly leads to forces on only two of the four types of merons, inducing dissipation only in the drive layer. Dissipation in the drag layer results from interactions among the merons, resulting in very different temperature dependences for the drag and drive layers, in qualitative agreement with experiment.

Gapless bosonic excitation without symmetry breaking: An algebraic spin liquid with soft gravitons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Cenke

2006-12-01

A quantum ground state of matter is realized in a bosonic model on a three-dimensional fcc lattice with emergent low energy excitations. The phase obtained is a stable gapless boson liquid phase, with algebraic boson density correlations. The stability of this phase is protected against the instanton effect and superfluidity by self-duality and large gauge symmetries on both sides of the duality. The gapless collective excitations of this phase closely resemble the graviton, although they have a soft ω˜k2 dispersion relation. There are three branches of gapless excitations in this phase, one of which is gapless scalar trace mode, the other two have the same polarization and gauge symmetries as the gravitons. The dynamics of this phase is described by a set of Maxwell’s equations. The defects carrying gauge charges can drive the system into the superfluid order when the defects are condensed; also the topological defects are coupled to the dual gauge field in the same manner as the charge defects couple to the original gauge field, after the condensation of the topological defects, the system is driven into the Mott insulator phase. In the two-dimensional case, the gapless soft graviton as well as the algebraic liquid phase are destroyed by the vertex operators in the dual theory, and the stripe order is most likely to take place close to the two-dimensional quantum critical point at which the vertex operators are tuned to zero.

Voltage-controlled quantum light from an atomically thin semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Chitraleema; Kinnischtzke, Laura; Goodfellow, Kenneth M.; Beams, Ryan; Vamivakas, A. Nick

2015-06-01

Although semiconductor defects can often be detrimental to device performance, they are also responsible for the breadth of functionality exhibited by modern optoelectronic devices. Artificially engineered defects (so-called quantum dots) or naturally occurring defects in solids are currently being investigated for applications ranging from quantum information science and optoelectronics to high-resolution metrology. In parallel, the quantum confinement exhibited by atomically thin materials (semi-metals, semiconductors and insulators) has ushered in an era of flatland optoelectronics whose full potential is still being articulated. In this Letter we demonstrate the possibility of leveraging the atomically thin semiconductor tungsten diselenide (WSe2) as a host for quantum dot-like defects. We report that this previously unexplored solid-state quantum emitter in WSe2 generates single photons with emission properties that can be controlled via the application of external d.c. electric and magnetic fields. These new optically active quantum dots exhibit excited-state lifetimes on the order of 1 ns and remarkably large excitonic g-factors of 10. It is anticipated that WSe2 quantum dots will provide a novel platform for integrated solid-state quantum photonics and quantum information processing, as well as a rich condensed-matter physics playground with which to explore the coupling of quantum dots and atomically thin semiconductors.

Remote quantum entanglement between two micromechanical oscillators.

PubMed

Riedinger, Ralf; Wallucks, Andreas; Marinković, Igor; Löschnauer, Clemens; Aspelmeyer, Markus; Hong, Sungkun; Gröblacher, Simon

2018-04-01

Entanglement, an essential feature of quantum theory that allows for inseparable quantum correlations to be shared between distant parties, is a crucial resource for quantum networks 1 . Of particular importance is the ability to distribute entanglement between remote objects that can also serve as quantum memories. This has been previously realized using systems such as warm 2,3 and cold atomic vapours 4,5 , individual atoms 6 and ions 7,8 , and defects in solid-state systems 9-11 . Practical communication applications require a combination of several advantageous features, such as a particular operating wavelength, high bandwidth and long memory lifetimes. Here we introduce a purely micromachined solid-state platform in the form of chip-based optomechanical resonators made of nanostructured silicon beams. We create and demonstrate entanglement between two micromechanical oscillators across two chips that are separated by 20 centimetres . The entangled quantum state is distributed by an optical field at a designed wavelength near 1,550 nanometres. Therefore, our system can be directly incorporated in a realistic fibre-optic quantum network operating in the conventional optical telecommunication band. Our results are an important step towards the development of large-area quantum networks based on silicon photonics.

Accuracy of the adiabatic-impulse approximation for closed and open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomka, Michael; Campos Venuti, Lorenzo; Zanardi, Paolo

2018-03-01

We study the adiabatic-impulse approximation (AIA) as a tool to approximate the time evolution of quantum states when driven through a region of small gap. Such small-gap regions are a common situation in adiabatic quantum computing and having reliable approximations is important in this context. The AIA originates from the Kibble-Zurek theory applied to continuous quantum phase transitions. The Kibble-Zurek mechanism was developed to predict the power-law scaling of the defect density across a continuous quantum phase transition. Instead, here we quantify the accuracy of the AIA via the trace norm distance with respect to the exact evolved state. As expected, we find that for short times or fast protocols, the AIA outperforms the simple adiabatic approximation. However, for large times or slow protocols, the situation is actually reversed and the AIA provides a worse approximation. Nevertheless, we found a variation of the AIA that can perform better than the adiabatic one. This counterintuitive modification consists in crossing the region of small gap twice. Our findings are illustrated by several examples of driven closed and open quantum systems.

Defects in Quantum Computers

DOE PAGES

Gardas, Bartłomiej; Dziarmaga, Jacek; Zurek, Wojciech H.; ...

2018-03-14

The shift of interest from general purpose quantum computers to adiabatic quantum computing or quantum annealing calls for a broadly applicable and easy to implement test to assess how quantum or adiabatic is a specific hardware. Here we propose such a test based on an exactly solvable many body system–the quantum Ising chain in transverse field–and implement it on the D-Wave machine. An ideal adiabatic quench of the quantum Ising chain should lead to an ordered broken symmetry ground state with all spins aligned in the same direction. An actual quench can be imperfect due to decoherence, noise, flaws inmore » the implemented Hamiltonian, or simply too fast to be adiabatic. Imperfections result in topological defects: Spins change orientation, kinks punctuating ordered sections of the chain. Therefore, the number of such defects quantifies the extent by which the quantum computer misses the ground state, and is imperfect.« less

Defects in Quantum Computers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gardas, Bartłomiej; Dziarmaga, Jacek; Zurek, Wojciech H.

The shift of interest from general purpose quantum computers to adiabatic quantum computing or quantum annealing calls for a broadly applicable and easy to implement test to assess how quantum or adiabatic is a specific hardware. Here we propose such a test based on an exactly solvable many body system–the quantum Ising chain in transverse field–and implement it on the D-Wave machine. An ideal adiabatic quench of the quantum Ising chain should lead to an ordered broken symmetry ground state with all spins aligned in the same direction. An actual quench can be imperfect due to decoherence, noise, flaws inmore » the implemented Hamiltonian, or simply too fast to be adiabatic. Imperfections result in topological defects: Spins change orientation, kinks punctuating ordered sections of the chain. Therefore, the number of such defects quantifies the extent by which the quantum computer misses the ground state, and is imperfect.« less

Semiconductor quantum dot super-emitters: spontaneous emission enhancement combined with suppression of defect environment using metal-oxide plasmonic metafilms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, Seyed M.; Wing, Waylin J.; Gutha, Rithvik R.; Sharp, Christina

2018-01-01

We demonstrate that a metal-oxide plasmonic metafilm consisting of a Si/Al oxide junction in the vicinity of a thin gold layer can quarantine excitons in colloidal semiconductor quantum dots against their defect environments. This process happens while the plasmon fields of the gold layer enhance spontaneous emission decay rates of the quantum dots. We study the emission dynamics of such quantum dots when the distance between the Si/Al oxide junction and the gold thin layer is varied. The results show that for distances less than a critical value the lifetime of the quantum dots can be elongated while they experience intense plasmon fields. This suggests that the metal-oxide metafilm can keep photo-excited electrons in the cores of the quantum dots, suppressing their migration to the surface defect sites. This leads to suppression of Auger recombination, offering quantum dot super-emitters with emission that is enhanced not only by the plasmon fields (Purcell effect), but also by strong suppression of the non-radiative decay caused by the defect sites.

A review on single photon sources in silicon carbide.

PubMed

Lohrmann, A; Johnson, B C; McCallum, J C; Castelletto, S

2017-03-01

This paper summarizes key findings in single-photon generation from deep level defects in silicon carbide (SiC) and highlights the significance of these individually addressable centers for emerging quantum applications. Single photon emission from various defect centers in both bulk and nanostructured SiC are discussed as well as their formation and possible integration into optical and electrical devices. The related measurement protocols, the building blocks of quantum communication and computation network architectures in solid state systems, are also summarized. This includes experimental methodologies developed for spin control of different paramagnetic defects, including the measurement of spin coherence times. Well established doping, and micro- and nanofabrication procedures for SiC may allow the quantum properties of paramagnetic defects to be electrically and mechanically controlled efficiently. The integration of single defects into SiC devices is crucial for applications in quantum technologies and we will review progress in this direction.

Cosmic strings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, David P.

1988-01-01

Cosmic strings are linear topological defects which are predicted by some grand unified theories to form during a spontaneous symmetry breaking phase transition in the early universe. They are the basis for the only theories of galaxy formation aside from quantum fluctuations from inflation based on fundamental physics. In contrast to inflation, they can also be observed directly through gravitational lensing and their characterisitc microwave background anisotropy. It was recently discovered that details of cosmic string evolution are very differnt from the so-called standard model that was assumed in most of the string-induced galaxy formation calculations. Therefore, the details of galaxy formation in the cosmic string models are currently very uncertain.

Wigner-Eisenbud-Smith photoionization time delay due to autoioinization resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshmukh, P. C.; Kumar, A.; Varma, H. R.; Banerjee, S.; Manson, Steven T.; Dolmatov, V. K.; Kheifets, A. S.

2018-03-01

An empirical ansatz for the complex photoionization amplitude and Wigner-Eisenbud-Smith time delay in the vicinity of a Fano autoionization resonance are proposed to evaluate and interpret the time delay in the resonant region. The utility of this expression is evaluated in comparison with accurate numerical calculations employing the ab initio relativistic random phase approximation and relativistic multichannel quantum defect theory. The indisputably good qualitative agreement (and semiquantitative agreement) between corresponding results of the proposed model and results produced by the ab initio theories proves the usability of the model. In addition, the phenomenology of the time delay in the vicinity of multichannel autoionizing resonances is detailed.

General theories and features of interfacial thermal transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Hangbo; Zhang, Gang

2018-03-01

A clear understanding and proper control of interfacial thermal transport is important in nanoscale device. In this review, we first discuss the theoretical methods to handle the interfacial thermal transport problem, such as the macroscopic model, molecular dynamics, lattice dynamics and modern quantum transport theories. Then we discuss various effects that can significantly affect the interfacial thermal transport, such as the formation of chemical bonds at interface, defects and interface roughness, strain and substrates, atomic species and mass ratios, structural orientations. Then importantly, we analyze the role of inelastic scatterings at the interface, and discuss its application in thermal rectifications. Finally, the challenges and promising directions are discussed.

Effects of mechanical strain on the performance of germanene sheets: Strength, failure behavior, and electronic structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Ning; Wang, Huan; Liu, Long; Guo, Weimin; Chen, Xiangfeng; Wu, Chi-Man Lawrence

2018-02-01

As a two-dimensional material with a low-buckling structure, germanene has attracted considerable interest because of its excellent physical properties, such as massless Dirac fermions and quantum spin Hall effect. The mechanical characteristics of germanene are of the utmost importance when one is assessing its viability for nanodevices, especially for ones with defects. In this work, the stabilities, mechanical properties, and changes in electronic properties under mechanical strain for both pristine and defective germanene sheets were studied and analyzed with use of density functional theory. The mechanical properties of defect-free germanene exhibited obvious anisotropy along different directions. The mechanical properties of germanene sheets exhibited high sensitivity to the defect parameters, such as the linear density of vacancies, the width of the cracks, and the inflection angles caused by the grain boundaries. In addition, the applied mechanical strain changed the electronic properties of germanene to a large extent. The information obtained will be useful for the understanding and potential application of germanene.

Towards quantum networks of single spins: analysis of a quantum memory with an optical interface in diamond.

PubMed

Blok, M S; Kalb, N; Reiserer, A; Taminiau, T H; Hanson, R

2015-01-01

Single defect centers in diamond have emerged as a powerful platform for quantum optics experiments and quantum information processing tasks. Connecting spatially separated nodes via optical photons into a quantum network will enable distributed quantum computing and long-range quantum communication. Initial experiments on trapped atoms and ions as well as defects in diamond have demonstrated entanglement between two nodes over several meters. To realize multi-node networks, additional quantum bit systems that store quantum states while new entanglement links are established are highly desirable. Such memories allow for entanglement distillation, purification and quantum repeater protocols that extend the size, speed and distance of the network. However, to be effective, the memory must be robust against the entanglement generation protocol, which typically must be repeated many times. Here we evaluate the prospects of using carbon nuclear spins in diamond as quantum memories that are compatible with quantum networks based on single nitrogen vacancy (NV) defects in diamond. We present a theoretical framework to describe the dephasing of the nuclear spins under repeated generation of NV spin-photon entanglement and show that quantum states can be stored during hundreds of repetitions using typical experimental coupling parameters. This result demonstrates that nuclear spins with weak hyperfine couplings are promising quantum memories for quantum networks.

Spins and photons: connecting quantum registers in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Childress, Lily

2012-06-01

Long-lived electronic and nuclear spin states have made the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect in diamond a leading candidate for quantum information processing in the solid state. Multi-qubit quantum registers formed by single defects and nearby nuclear spins can currently be controlled and detected with high fidelity. Nevertheless, development of coherent connections between distant NVs remains an outstanding challenge. One advantage to working with solid-state defects is the opportunity to integrate them with microfabricated mechanical, electronic, or optical devices; in principle, such devices could mediate interactions between registers, turning them into nodes within a larger quantum network. In the last few months, several experiments have made key steps toward realizing a coherent quantum interface between individual NV centers using a mechanical quantum bus [1] or optical channels [2,3]. This talk will explore the current state of the art, and report on recent observation of two photon quantum interference between different gate-tunable defect centers [2]. These results pave the way towards measurement-based entanglement between remote NV centers and the realization of quantum networks with solid-state spins.[4pt] [1] Kolkowitz et al., Science 335, 1603 (2012)[2] Bernien et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 043604 (2012)[3] Sipahigil et al., http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/1112.3975

Comment on 'Nonlocality, Counterfactuals and Quantum Mechanics'

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stapp, H.P.

A recent proof [H. P. Stapp, Am. J. Phys. 65, 300 (1997)], formulated in the symbolic language of modal logic, claims to show that contemporary quantum theory, viewed as a set of rules that allow us to calculate statistical predictions among certain kinds of observations, cannot be imbedded in any rational framework that conforms to the principles that (1) the experimenters' choices of which experiments they will perform can be considered to be free choices, (2) outcomes of measurements are unique, and (3) the free choices just mentioned have no backward-in-time effects of any kind. This claim is similar tomore » Bell's theorem, but much stronger, because no reality assumption alien to quantum philosophy is used. The paper being commented on [W. Unruh, Phys. Rev. A 59, 126 (1999)] argues that some such reality assumption has been ''smuggled'' in. That argument is examined here and shown, I believe, to be defective.« less

Quantum metrology with a single spin-3/2 defect in silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soykal, Oney O.; Reinecke, Thomas L.

We show that implementations for quantum sensing with exceptional sensitivity and spatial resolution can be made using the novel features of semiconductor high half-spin multiplet defects with easy-to-implement optical detection protocols. To achieve this, we use the spin- 3 / 2 silicon monovacancy deep center in hexagonal silicon carbide based on our rigorous derivation of this defect's ground state and of its electronic and optical properties. For a single VSi- defect, we obtain magnetic field sensitivities capable of detecting individual nuclear magnetic moments. We also show that its zero-field splitting has an exceptional strain and temperature sensitivity within the technologically desirable near-infrared window of biological systems. Other point defects, i.e. 3d transition metal or rare-earth impurities in semiconductors, may also provide similar opportunities in quantum sensing due to their similar high spin (S >= 3 / 2) configurations. This work was supported in part by ONR and by the Office of Secretary of Defense, Quantum Science and Engineering Program.

Computational design of surfaces, nanostructures and optoelectronic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Kamal

Properties of engineering materials are generally influenced by defects such as point defects (vacancies, interstitials, substitutional defects), line defects (dislocations), planar defects (grain boundaries, free surfaces/nanostructures, interfaces, stacking faults) and volume defects (voids). Classical physics based molecular dynamics and quantum physics based density functional theory can be useful in designing materials with controlled defect properties. In this thesis, empirical potential based molecular dynamics was used to study the surface modification of polymers due to energetic polyatomic ion, thermodynamics and mechanics of metal-ceramic interfaces and nanostructures, while density functional theory was used to screen substituents in optoelectronic materials. Firstly, polyatomic ion-beams were deposited on polymer surfaces and the resulting chemical modifications of the surface were examined. In particular, S, SC and SH were deposited on amorphous polystyrene (PS), and C2H, CH3, and C3H5 were deposited on amorphous poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using molecular dynamics simulations with classical reactive empirical many-body (REBO) potentials. The objective of this work was to elucidate the mechanisms by which the polymer surface modification took place. The results of the work could be used in tailoring the incident energy and/or constituents of ion beam for obtaining a particular chemistry inside the polymer surface. Secondly, a new Al-O-N empirical potential was developed within the charge optimized many body (COMB) formalism. This potential was then used to examine the thermodynamic stability of interfaces and mechanical properties of nanostructures composed of aluminum, its oxide and its nitride. The potentials were tested for these materials based on surface energies, defect energies, bulk phase stability, the mechanical properties of the most stable bulk phase, its phonon properties as well as with a genetic algorithm based evolution theory of the materials to ensure that no spurious phases had a lower cohesive energy. Thirdly, lanthanide doped and co-doped Y3Al5O 12 were examined using density functional theory (DFT) with semi-local and local functional. Theoretical results were compared and validated with experimental data and new co-doped materials with high efficiency were predicted. Finally, Transition element doped CH3NH3PbI3 were studied with DFT for validation of the model with experimental data and replacement materials for toxic Pb were predicted.

Dislocation-driven growth of two-dimensional lateral quantum-well superlattices

PubMed Central

Chen, Jianyi; Li, Dongdong

2018-01-01

The advent of two-dimensional (2D) materials has led to extensive studies of heterostructures for novel applications. 2D lateral multiheterojunctions and superlattices have been recently demonstrated, but the available growth methods can only produce features with widths in the micrometer or, at best, 100-nm scale and usually result in rough and defective interfaces with extensive chemical intermixing. Widths smaller than 5 nm, which are needed for quantum confinement effects and quantum-well applications, have not been achieved. We demonstrate the growth of sub–2-nm quantum-well arrays in semiconductor monolayers, driven by the climb of misfit dislocations in a lattice-mismatched sulfide/selenide heterointerface. Density functional theory calculations provide an atom-by-atom description of the growth mechanism. The calculated energy bands reveal type II alignment suitable for quantum wells, suggesting that the structure could, in principle, be turned into a “conduit” of conductive nanoribbons for interconnects in future 2D integrated circuits via n-type modulation doping. This misfit dislocation–driven growth can be applied to different combinations of 2D monolayers with lattice mismatch, paving the way to a wide range of 2D quantum-well superlattices with controllable band alignment and nanoscale width. PMID:29740600

Atomic-scale investigations of current and future devices: from nitride-based transistors to quantum computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Luke

Our era is defined by its technology, and our future is dependent on its continued evolution. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed the expansion of advanced technology into all walks of life and all industries, driven by the exponential increase in the speed and power of semiconductor-based devices. However, as the length scale of devices reaches the atomic scale, a deep understanding of atomistic theory and its application is increasingly crucial. In order to illustrate the power of an atomistic approach to understanding devices, we will present results and conclusions from three interlinked projects: n-type doping of III-nitride semiconductors, defects for quantum computing, and macroscopic simulations of devices. First, we will study effective n-type doping of III-nitride semiconductors and their alloys, and analyze the barriers to effective n-type doping of III-nitrides and their alloys. In particular, we will study the formation of DX centers, and predict alloy composition onsets for various III-nitride alloys. In addition, we will perform a comprehensive study of alternative dopants, and provide potential alternative dopants to improve n-type conductivity in AlN and wide-band-gap nitride alloys. Next, we will discuss how atomic-scale defects can act as a curse for the development of quantum computers by contributing to decoherence at an atomic scale, specifically investigating the effect of two-level state defects (TLS) systems in alumina as a source of decoherence in superconducting qubits based on Josephson junctions; and also as a blessing, by allowing the identification of wholly new qubits in different materials, specifically showing calculations on defects in SiC for quantum computing applications. Finally, we will provide examples of recent calculations we have performed for devices using macrosopic device simulations, largely in conjunction with first-principles calculations. Specifically, we will discuss the power of using a multi-scale approach to accurately model oxide and nitride-based heterostructures, and thereby illustrate our ability to predict device performance on scales unreachable using a purely first-principles approach.

Electronic transport of bilayer graphene with asymmetry line defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiao-Ming; Wu, Ya-Jie; Chen, Chan; Liang, Ying; Kou, Su-Peng

2016-11-01

In this paper, we study the quantum properties of a bilayer graphene with (asymmetry) line defects. The localized states are found around the line defects. Thus, the line defects on one certain layer of the bilayer graphene can lead to an electric transport channel. By adding a bias potential along the direction of the line defects, we calculate the electric conductivity of bilayer graphene with line defects using the Landauer-Büttiker theory, and show that the channel affects the electric conductivity remarkably by comparing the results with those in a perfect bilayer graphene. This one-dimensional line electric channel has the potential to be applied in nanotechnology engineering. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos. 2011CB921803 and 2012CB921704), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11174035, 11474025, 11504285, and 11404090), the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education, China, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China, the Scientific Research Program Fund of the Shaanxi Provincial Education Department, China (Grant No. 15JK1363), and the Young Talent Fund of University Association for Science and Technology in Shaanxi Province, China.

Photoionization of calcium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshmukh, Pranawa C.; Johnson, W. R.

1983-01-01

A study of the photoionization of calcium in the relativistic random-phase approximation is reported. Predictions of photoionization cross sections, angular distribution asymmetry parameters, and spin-polarization parameters for the 4s, 3p, and 3s subshells are made with emphasis on the energy region above the 3p32 threshold where multiconfigurational effects are not expected to be very important. Autoionization resonances below the 3s threshold and between the 3p32 and 3p12 thresholds are analyzed using the relativistic multichannel quantum-defect theory.

Phonons in quantum solids with defects. [lattice vacancies and interstitials in solid helium and metallic hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobi, N.; Zmuidzinas, J. S.

1974-01-01

A formalism was developed for temperature-dependent, self-consistent phonons in quantum solids with defects. Lattice vacancies and interstitials in solid helium and metallic hydrogen, as well as electronic excitations in solid helium, were treated as defects that modify properties of these systems. The information to be gained from the modified phonon spectrum is discussed.

Quantum correlation of path-entangled two-photon states in waveguide arrays with defects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dou, Yiling; Xu, Lei; Han, Bin

We study the quantum correlation of path-entangled states of two photons in coupled one-dimensional waveguide arrays with lattice defects. Both off-diagonal and diagonal defects are considered, which show different effects on the quantum correlation of path-entangled two-photon states. Two-photon bunching or anti-bunching effects can be observed and controlled. The two photons are found to have a tendency to bunch at the side lobes with a repulsive off-diagonal defect, and the path-entanglement of the input two-photon state can be preserved during the propagation. We also found that defect modes may play an important role on the two-photon correlation of path-entangled statesmore » in the waveguide arrays. Due to the quantum interference effect, intriguing evolution dynamics of the two-photon correlation matrix elements with oscillation frequencies being either twice of or the same as that of a classical light wave, depending on the position of the correlation matrix element, is observed. Our results show that it is possible to manipulate the two-photon correlation properties of path-entangled states in waveguide arrays with lattice defects.« less

Momentum-space cigar geometry in topological phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palumbo, Giandomenico

2018-01-01

In this paper, we stress the importance of momentum-space geometry in the understanding of two-dimensional topological phases of matter. We focus, for simplicity, on the gapped boundary of three-dimensional topological insulators in class AII, which are described by a massive Dirac Hamiltonian and characterized by an half-integer Chern number. The gap is induced by introducing a magnetic perturbation, such as an external Zeeman field or a ferromagnet on the surface. The quantum Bures metric acquires a central role in our discussion and identifies a cigar geometry. We first derive the Chern number from the cigar geometry and we then show that the quantum metric can be seen as a solution of two-dimensional non-Abelian BF theory in momentum space. The gauge connection for this model is associated to the Maxwell algebra, which takes into account the Lorentz symmetries related to the Dirac theory and the momentum-space magnetic translations connected to the magnetic perturbation. The Witten black-hole metric is a solution of this gauge theory and coincides with the Bures metric. This allows us to calculate the corresponding momentum-space entanglement entropy that surprisingly carries information about the real-space conformal field theory describing the defect lines that can be created on the gapped boundary.

High-resolution spectroscopy and quantum-defect model for the gerade triplet np and nf Rydberg states of He{sub 2}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sprecher, D.; Liu, J.; Krähenmann, T.

2014-02-14

Photoionization spectra and Rydberg-state-resolved threshold-ionization spectra of the gerade triplet np Rydberg states of {sup 4}He{sub 2} located in the vicinity of the X{sup +2}Σ{sub u}{sup +}(ν{sup +} =0) ionization threshold were recorded from the 2sσa{sup 3}Σ{sub u}{sup +} metastable state. An accuracy of 0.01 cm{sup −1} was achieved for the experimental term values of the observed Rydberg states. The data were combined with spectroscopic data on low-lying triplet np and nf Rydberg states from the literature to derive energy- and internuclear-distance-dependent eigenquantum-defect parameters of multichannel quantum-defect theory (MQDT). The MQDT calculations reproduce the experimental data within their experimental uncertainties andmore » enabled the derivation of potential-energy curves for the lowest triplet p Rydberg states (n = 2–5) of He{sub 2}. The eigenquantum-defect parameters describing the p -f interaction were found to be larger than 0.002 at the energies corresponding to the high-n Rydberg states, so that the p -f interaction plays an important role in the autoionization dynamics of np Rydberg states with ν{sup +} = 0. By extrapolating the experimental term values of triplet np Rydberg states of {sup 4}He{sub 2} in the range of principal quantum number n between 87 and 110, the positions of the (ν{sup +} = 0, N{sup +} = 3) and (ν{sup +} = 0, N{sup +} = 5) levels of the ground state of {sup 4}He{sub 2}{sup +} were determined to lie 70.937(3) cm{sup −1} and 198.369(6) cm{sup −1}, respectively, above the (ν{sup +} = 0, N{sup +} = 1) ground rotational level.« less

T-duality simplifies bulk-boundary correspondence: the noncommutative case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannabuss, Keith C.; Mathai, Varghese; Thiang, Guo Chuan

2018-05-01

We state and prove a general result establishing that T-duality, or the Connes-Thom isomorphism, simplifies the bulk-boundary correspondence, given by a boundary map in K-theory, in the sense of converting it to a simple geometric restriction map. This settles in the affirmative several earlier conjectures of the authors and provides a clear geometric picture of the correspondence. In particular, our result holds in arbitrary spatial dimension, in both the real and complex cases, and also in the presence of disorder, magnetic fields, and H-flux. These special cases are relevant both to string theory and to the study of the quantum Hall effect and topological insulators with defects in condensed matter physics.

One-Dimensional Quantum Walks with One Defect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantero, M. J.; Grünbaum, F. A.; Moral, L.; Velázquez, L.

The CGMV method allows for the general discussion of localization properties for the states of a one-dimensional quantum walk, both in the case of the integers and in the case of the nonnegative integers. Using this method we classify, according to such localization properties, all the quantum walks with one defect at the origin, providing explicit expressions for the asymptotic return probabilities to the origin.

Quantum control of topological defects in magnetic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, So; Mohseni, Masoud

2018-02-01

Energy-efficient classical information processing and storage based on topological defects in magnetic systems have been studied over the past decade. In this work, we introduce a class of macroscopic quantum devices in which a quantum state is stored in a topological defect of a magnetic insulator. We propose noninvasive methods to coherently control and read out the quantum state using ac magnetic fields and magnetic force microscopy, respectively. This macroscopic quantum spintronic device realizes the magnetic analog of the three-level rf-SQUID qubit and is built fully out of electrical insulators with no mobile electrons, thus eliminating decoherence due to the coupling of the quantum variable to an electronic continuum and energy dissipation due to Joule heating. For a domain wall size of 10-100 nm and reasonable material parameters, we estimate qubit operating temperatures in the range of 0.1-1 K, a decoherence time of about 0.01-1 μ s , and the number of Rabi flops within the coherence time scale in the range of 102-104 .

Topical review: spins and mechanics in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Donghun; Lee, Kenneth W.; Cady, Jeffrey V.; Ovartchaiyapong, Preeti; Bleszynski Jayich, Ania C.

2017-03-01

There has been rapidly growing interest in hybrid quantum devices involving a solid-state spin and a macroscopic mechanical oscillator. Such hybrid devices create exciting opportunities to mediate interactions between disparate quantum bits (qubits) and to explore the quantum regime of macroscopic mechanical objects. In particular, a system consisting of the nitrogen-vacancy defect center (NV center) in diamond coupled to a high-quality-factor mechanical oscillator is an appealing candidate for such a hybrid quantum device, as it utilizes the highly coherent and versatile spin properties of the defect center. In this paper, we will review recent experimental progress on diamond-based hybrid quantum devices in which the spin and orbital dynamics of single defects are driven by the motion of a mechanical oscillator. In addition, we discuss prospective applications for this device, including long-range, phonon-mediated spin-spin interactions, and phonon cooling in the quantum regime. We conclude the review by evaluating the experimental limitations of current devices and identifying alternative device architectures that may reach the strong coupling regime.

Single photon emission from plasma treated 2D hexagonal boron nitride.

PubMed

Xu, Zai-Quan; Elbadawi, Christopher; Tran, Toan Trong; Kianinia, Mehran; Li, Xiuling; Liu, Daobin; Hoffman, Timothy B; Nguyen, Minh; Kim, Sejeong; Edgar, James H; Wu, Xiaojun; Song, Li; Ali, Sajid; Ford, Mike; Toth, Milos; Aharonovich, Igor

2018-05-03

Artificial atomic systems in solids are becoming increasingly important building blocks in quantum information processing and scalable quantum nanophotonic networks. Amongst numerous candidates, 2D hexagonal boron nitride has recently emerged as a promising platform hosting single photon emitters. Here, we report a number of robust plasma and thermal annealing methods for fabrication of emitters in tape-exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) crystals. A two-step process comprising Ar plasma etching and subsequent annealing in Ar is highly robust, and yields an eight-fold increase in the concentration of emitters in hBN. The initial plasma-etching step generates emitters that suffer from blinking and bleaching, whereas the two-step process yields emitters that are photostable at room temperature with emission wavelengths greater than ∼700 nm. Density functional theory modeling suggests that the emitters might be associated with defect complexes that contain oxygen. This is further confirmed by generating the emitters via annealing hBN in air. Our findings advance the present understanding of the structure of quantum emitters in hBN and enhance the nanofabrication toolkit needed to realize integrated quantum nanophotonic circuits.

D-foam-induced flavor condensates and breaking of supersymmetry in free Wess-Zumino fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavromatos, Nick E.; Sarkar, Sarben; Tarantino, Walter

2011-08-01

Recently [N. E. Mavromatos and S. Sarkar, New J. Phys. 10, 073009 (2008) NJOPFM1367-263010.1088/1367-2630/10/7/073009; N. E. Mavromatos, S. Sarkar, and W. Tarantino, Phys. Rev. DPRVDAQ1550-7998 80, 084046 (2009)10.1103/PhysRevD.80.084046], we argued that a particular model of string-inspired quantum space-time foam (D-foam) may induce oscillations and mixing among flavored particles. As a result, rather than the mass-eigenstate vacuum, the correct ground state to describe the underlying dynamics is the flavor vacuum, proposed some time ago by Blasone and Vitiello as a description of quantum field theories with mixing. At the microscopic level, the breaking of target-space supersymmetry is induced in our space-time foam model by the relative transverse motion of brane defects. Motivated by these results, we show that the flavor vacuum, introduced through an inequivalent representation of the canonical (anti-) commutation relations, provides a vehicle for the breaking of supersymmetry at a low-energy effective field-theory level; on considering the flavor-vacuum expectation value of the energy-momentum tensor and comparing with the form of a perfect relativistic fluid, it is found that the bosonic sector contributes as dark energy while the fermion contribution is like dust. This indicates a strong and novel breaking of supersymmetry, of a nonperturbative nature, which may characterize the low-energy field theory of certain quantum-gravity models.

Dislocation-driven growth of two-dimensional lateral quantum-well superlattices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Wu; Zhang, Yu -Yang; Chen, Jianyi

Here, the advent of two-dimensional (2D) materials has led to extensive studies of heterostructures for novel applications. 2D lateral multiheterojunctions and superlattices have been recently demonstrated, but the available growth methods can only produce features with widths in the micrometer or, at best, 100-nm scale and usually result in rough and defective interfaces with extensive chemical intermixing. Widths smaller than 5 nm, which are needed for quantum confinement effects and quantum-well applications, have not been achieved. We demonstrate the growth of sub–2-nm quantum-well arrays in semiconductor monolayers, driven by the climb of misfit dislocations in a lattice-mismatched sulfide/selenide heterointerface. Densitymore » functional theory calculations provide an atom-by-atom description of the growth mechanism. The calculated energy bands reveal type II alignment suitable for quantum wells, suggesting that the structure could, in principle, be turned into a “conduit” of conductive nanoribbons for interconnects in future 2D integrated circuits via n-type modulation doping. This misfit dislocation–driven growth can be applied to different combinations of 2D monolayers with lattice mismatch, paving the way to a wide range of 2D quantum-well superlattices with controllable band alignment and nanoscale width.« less

Dislocation-driven growth of two-dimensional lateral quantum-well superlattices

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Wu; Zhang, Yu -Yang; Chen, Jianyi; ...

2018-03-23

Here, the advent of two-dimensional (2D) materials has led to extensive studies of heterostructures for novel applications. 2D lateral multiheterojunctions and superlattices have been recently demonstrated, but the available growth methods can only produce features with widths in the micrometer or, at best, 100-nm scale and usually result in rough and defective interfaces with extensive chemical intermixing. Widths smaller than 5 nm, which are needed for quantum confinement effects and quantum-well applications, have not been achieved. We demonstrate the growth of sub–2-nm quantum-well arrays in semiconductor monolayers, driven by the climb of misfit dislocations in a lattice-mismatched sulfide/selenide heterointerface. Densitymore » functional theory calculations provide an atom-by-atom description of the growth mechanism. The calculated energy bands reveal type II alignment suitable for quantum wells, suggesting that the structure could, in principle, be turned into a “conduit” of conductive nanoribbons for interconnects in future 2D integrated circuits via n-type modulation doping. This misfit dislocation–driven growth can be applied to different combinations of 2D monolayers with lattice mismatch, paving the way to a wide range of 2D quantum-well superlattices with controllable band alignment and nanoscale width.« less

Quantum Properties of Dichroic Silicon Vacancies in Silicon Carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagy, Roland; Widmann, Matthias; Niethammer, Matthias; Dasari, Durga B. R.; Gerhardt, Ilja; Soykal, Öney O.; Radulaski, Marina; Ohshima, Takeshi; Vučković, Jelena; Son, Nguyen Tien; Ivanov, Ivan G.; Economou, Sophia E.; Bonato, Cristian; Lee, Sang-Yun; Wrachtrup, Jörg

2018-03-01

Although various defect centers have displayed promise as either quantum sensors, single photon emitters, or light-matter interfaces, the search for an ideal defect with multifunctional ability remains open. In this spirit, we study the dichroic silicon vacancies in silicon carbide that feature two well-distinguishable zero-phonon lines and analyze the quantum properties in their optical emission and spin control. We demonstrate that this center combines 40% optical emission into the zero-phonon lines showing the contrasting difference in optical properties with varying temperature and polarization, and a 100% increase in the fluorescence intensity upon the spin resonance, and long spin coherence time of their spin-3 /2 ground states up to 0.6 ms. These results single out this defect center as a promising system for spin-based quantum technologies.

JOURNAL SCOPE GUIDELINES: Paper classification scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2005-06-01

This scheme is used to clarify the journal's scope and enable authors and readers to more easily locate the appropriate section for their work. For each of the sections listed in the scope statement we suggest some more detailed subject areas which help define that subject area. These lists are by no means exhaustive and are intended only as a guide to the type of papers we envisage appearing in each section. We acknowledge that no classification scheme can be perfect and that there are some papers which might be placed in more than one section. We are happy to provide further advice on paper classification to authors upon request (please email jphysa@iop.org). 1. Statistical physics numerical and computational methods statistical mechanics, phase transitions and critical phenomena quantum condensed matter theory Bose-Einstein condensation strongly correlated electron systems exactly solvable models in statistical mechanics lattice models, random walks and combinatorics field-theoretical models in statistical mechanics disordered systems, spin glasses and neural networks nonequilibrium systems network theory 2. Chaotic and complex systems nonlinear dynamics and classical chaos fractals and multifractals quantum chaos classical and quantum transport cellular automata granular systems and self-organization pattern formation biophysical models 3. Mathematical physics combinatorics algebraic structures and number theory matrix theory classical and quantum groups, symmetry and representation theory Lie algebras, special functions and orthogonal polynomials ordinary and partial differential equations difference and functional equations integrable systems soliton theory functional analysis and operator theory inverse problems geometry, differential geometry and topology numerical approximation and analysis geometric integration computational methods 4. Quantum mechanics and quantum information theory coherent states eigenvalue problems supersymmetric quantum mechanics scattering theory relativistic quantum mechanics semiclassical approximations foundations of quantum mechanics and measurement theory entanglement and quantum nonlocality geometric phases and quantum tomography quantum tunnelling decoherence and open systems quantum cryptography, communication and computation theoretical quantum optics 5. Classical and quantum field theory quantum field theory gauge and conformal field theory quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics Casimir effect integrable field theory random matrix theory applications in field theory string theory and its developments classical field theory and electromagnetism metamaterials 6. Fluid and plasma theory turbulence fundamental plasma physics kinetic theory magnetohydrodynamics and multifluid descriptions strongly coupled plasmas one-component plasmas non-neutral plasmas astrophysical and dusty plasmas

Quantum Field Theory Approach to Condensed Matter Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marino, Eduardo C.

2017-09-01

Preface; Part I. Condensed Matter Physics: 1. Independent electrons and static crystals; 2. Vibrating crystals; 3. Interacting electrons; 4. Interactions in action; Part II. Quantum Field Theory: 5. Functional formulation of quantum field theory; 6. Quantum fields in action; 7. Symmetries: explicit or secret; 8. Classical topological excitations; 9. Quantum topological excitations; 10. Duality, bosonization and generalized statistics; 11. Statistical transmutation; 12. Pseudo quantum electrodynamics; Part III. Quantum Field Theory Approach to Condensed Matter Systems: 13. Quantum field theory methods in condensed matter; 14. Metals, Fermi liquids, Mott and Anderson insulators; 15. The dynamics of polarons; 16. Polyacetylene; 17. The Kondo effect; 18. Quantum magnets in 1D: Fermionization, bosonization, Coulomb gases and 'all that'; 19. Quantum magnets in 2D: nonlinear sigma model, CP1 and 'all that'; 20. The spin-fermion system: a quantum field theory approach; 21. The spin glass; 22. Quantum field theory approach to superfluidity; 23. Quantum field theory approach to superconductivity; 24. The cuprate high-temperature superconductors; 25. The pnictides: iron based superconductors; 26. The quantum Hall effect; 27. Graphene; 28. Silicene and transition metal dichalcogenides; 29. Topological insulators; 30. Non-abelian statistics and quantum computation; References; Index.

Tunable magnetism in metal adsorbed fluorinated nanoporous graphene

DOE PAGES

Kumar, Pankaj; Sharma, Vinit; Reboredo, Fernando A.; ...

2016-08-24

Developing nanostructures with tunable magnetic states is crucial for designing novel data storage and quantum information devices. Using density functional theory, we study the thermodynamic stability and magnetic properties of tungsten adsorbed tri-vacancy fluorinated (TVF) graphene. We demonstrate a strong structure-property relationship and its response to external stimuli via defect engineering in graphene-based materials. Complex interplay between defect states and the chemisorbed atom results in a large magnetic moment of 7 μ B along with high in-plane magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) of 17 meV. Under the influence of electric field, spin crossover effect accompanied by a change in the MAEmore » is observed. The ascribed change in spin-configuration is caused by the modification of exchange coupling between defect states and a change in the occupation of d-orbitals of the metal complex. In conclusion, our predictions open a promising way towards controlling the magnetic properties in graphene based spintronic and non-volatile memory devices.« less

Multimode resistive switching in nanoscale hafnium oxide stack as studied by atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hou, Y., E-mail: houyi@pku.edu.cn, E-mail: lfliu@pku.edu.cn; IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Heverlee; Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Heverlee

2016-07-11

The nanoscale resistive switching in hafnium oxide stack is investigated by the conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). The initial oxide stack is insulating and electrical stress from the C-AFM tip induces nanometric conductive filaments. Multimode resistive switching can be observed in consecutive operation cycles at one spot. The different modes are interpreted in the framework of a low defect quantum point contact theory. The model implies that the optimization of the conductive filament active region is crucial for the future application of nanoscale resistive switching devices.

Theoretical Research at the High Energy Frontier: Cosmology, Neutrinos, and Beyond

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krauss, Lawrence M; Vachaspati, Tanmay; Parikh, Maulik

The DOE theory group grew from 2009-2012 from a single investigator, Lawrence Krauss, the PI on the grant, to include 3 faculty (with the addition of Maulik Parikh and Tanmay Vachaspati), and a postdoc covered by the grant, as well as partial support for a graduate student. The group has explored issues ranging from gravity and quantum field theory to topological defects, energy conditions in general relativity, primordial magnetic fields, neutrino astrophysics, quantum phases, gravitational waves from the early universe, dark matter detection schemes, signatures for dark matter at the LHC, and indirect astrophysical signatures for dark matter. In addition,more » we have run active international workshops each year, as well as a regular visitor program. As well, the PI's outreach activities, including popular books and articles, and columns for newspapers and magazines, as well as television and radio appearances have helped raise the profile of high energy physics internationally. The postdocs supported by the grant, James Dent and Roman Buniy have moved on successfully to a faculty positions in Louisiana and California.« less

Intense conductivity suppression by edge defects in zigzag MoS2 and WSe2 nanoribbons: a density functional based tight-binding study.

PubMed

Silva, F W N; Costa, A L M T; Liu, Lei; Barros, E B

2016-11-04

The effects of edge vacancies on the electron transport properties of zigzag MoS2/WSe2 nanoribbons are studied using a density functional theory (DFT)-based tight-binding model with a sp(3)d(5) basis set for the electronic structure calculation and applying the Landauer-Büttiker approach for the electronic transport. Our results show that the presence of a single edge vacancy, with a missing MoS2/WSe2 triplet, is enough to suppress the conductance of the system by almost one half for most energies around the Fermi level. Furthermore, the presence of other single defects along the same edge has little effect on the overall conductance, indicating that the conductance of that particular edge has been strongly suppressed by the first defect. The presence of another defect on the opposite edge further suppresses the quantum conductance, independently of the relative position between the two defects in opposite edges. The introduction of other defects cause the suppression to be energy dependent, leading to conductance peaks which depend on the geometry of the edges. The strong conductance dependence on the presence of edge defects is corroborated by DFT calculations using SIESTA, which show that the electronic bands near the Fermi energy are strongly localized at the edge.

Anti-resonance scattering at defect levels in the quantum conductance of a one-dimensional system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Z. Z.; Wang, Y. P.; Wang, X. R.

2002-03-01

For the ballistic quantum transport, the conductance of one channel is quantized to a value of 2e^2/h described by the Landauer formula. In the presence of defects, electrons will be scattered by these defects. Thus the conductance will deviate from the values of the quantized conductance. We show that an anti-resonance scattering can occur when an extra defect level is introduced into a conduction band. At the anti-resonance scattering, exact one quantum conductance is destroyed. The conductance takes a non-zero value when the Fermi energy is away from the anti-resonance scattering. The result is consistent with recent numerical calculations given by H. J. Choi et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 2917(2000)) and P. L. McEuen et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 5098(1999)).

Defect induced photoluminescence in MoS2 quantum dots and effect of Eu3+/Tb3+ co-doping towards efficient white light emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haldar, Dhrubaa; Ghosh, Arnab; Bose, Saptasree; Mondal, Supriya; Ghorai, Uttam Kumar; Saha, Shyamal K.

2018-05-01

Intensive research has been carried out on optical properties of MoS2 quantum dots for versatile applications in photo catalytic, sensing and optoelectronic devices. However, white light generation from MoS2 quantum dots particularly using doping effect is relatively unexplored. Herein we report successful synthesis of Europium (Eu)/Terbium (Tb) co-doped MoS2 quantum dots to achieve white light for potential applications in optoelectronic devices. The dopant ions are introduced into the host lattice to retain the emission colors to cover the entire range of visible light of solar spectrum. Perfect white light (CIE = 0.31, 0.33) with high intensity (quantum yield = 28.29%) is achieved in these rare earth elements co-doped quantum dot system. A new peak is observed in the NIR region which is attributed to the defects present in MoS2 quantum dots. Temperature dependent study has been carried out to understand the origin of this new peak in the NIR region. It is seen that the 'S' defects in the QDs cause the appearance of this peak which shows a blue shift at higher temperature.

Orthopositronium study of positron-irradiation-induced surface defects in alumina powder

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dauwe, C.; Mbungu-Tsumbu

1992-01-01

Three-quantum-yield measurements and orthopositronium ({ital o}-Ps)-lifetime spectrometry at low temperatures are used to study the interaction of positronium with the surface in fine powders of aluminum oxide. It is found that electron and/or positron irradiation of the specimen induces surface defects which influence the positronium in three ways: (1) A surface positroniumlike bound state is created, (2) the fraction of {ital o}-Ps escaping from the particles is slightly inhibited, and (3) the escaped {ital o}-Ps is quenched into two-quantum decay upon collisions with the surface defects. It is found that the surface Ps state is not populated at the expensemore » of the interparticle Ps. The most likely surface defects are Al{sup 2+} or Al{sup 0} due to the migration of irradiation-induced interstitials. The techniques of long-lifetime spectrometry and of three-quantum-annihilation-rate measurement could be used to study both the diffusion of bulk defects to the surfaces, and the interactions of {ital o}-Ps to surface defects.« less

Designing defect-based qubit candidates in wide-gap binary semiconductors for solid-state quantum technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Hosung; Ma, He; Govoni, Marco; Galli, Giulia

2017-12-01

The development of novel quantum bits is key to extending the scope of solid-state quantum-information science and technology. Using first-principles calculations, we propose that large metal ion-vacancy pairs are promising qubit candidates in two binary crystals: 4 H -SiC and w -AlN. In particular, we found that the formation of neutral Hf- and Zr-vacancy pairs is energetically favorable in both solids; these defects have spin-triplet ground states, with electronic structures similar to those of the diamond nitrogen-vacancy center and the SiC divacancy. Interestingly, they exhibit different spin-strain coupling characteristics, and the nature of heavy metal ions may allow for easy defect implantation in desired lattice locations and ensure stability against defect diffusion. To support future experimental identification of the proposed defects, we report predictions of their optical zero-phonon line, zero-field splitting, and hyperfine parameters. The defect design concept identified here may be generalized to other binary semiconductors to facilitate the exploration of new solid-state qubits.

Quantum market games: implementing tactics via measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakula, I.; Piotrowski, E. W.; Sladkowski, J.

2006-02-01

A major development in applying quantum mechanical formalism to various fields has been made during the last few years. Quantum counterparts of Game Theory, Economy, as well as diverse approaches to Quantum Information Theory have been found and currently are being explored. Using connections between Quantum Game Theory and Quantum Computations, an application of the universality of a measurement based computation in Quantum Market Theory is presented.

Beable-guided quantum theories: Generalizing quantum probability laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kent, Adrian

2013-02-01

Beable-guided quantum theories (BGQT) are generalizations of quantum theory, inspired by Bell's concept of beables. They modify the quantum probabilities for some specified set of fundamental events, histories, or other elements of quasiclassical reality by probability laws that depend on the realized configuration of beables. For example, they may define an additional probability weight factor for a beable configuration, independent of the quantum dynamics. Beable-guided quantum theories can be fitted to observational data to provide foils against which to compare explanations based on standard quantum theory. For example, a BGQT could, in principle, characterize the effects attributed to dark energy or dark matter, or any other deviation from the predictions of standard quantum dynamics, without introducing extra fields or a cosmological constant. The complexity of the beable-guided theory would then parametrize how far we are from a standard quantum explanation. Less conservatively, we give reasons for taking suitably simple beable-guided quantum theories as serious phenomenological theories in their own right. Among these are the possibility that cosmological models defined by BGQT might in fact fit the empirical data better than any standard quantum explanation, and the fact that BGQT suggest potentially interesting nonstandard ways of coupling quantum matter to gravity.

Coherent inflationary dynamics for Bose-Einstein condensates crossing a quantum critical point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Lei; Clark, Logan W.; Gaj, Anita; Chin, Cheng

2018-03-01

Quantum phase transitions, transitions between many-body ground states, are of extensive interest in research ranging from condensed-matter physics to cosmology1-4. Key features of the phase transitions include a stage with rapidly growing new order, called inflation in cosmology5, followed by the formation of topological defects6-8. How inflation is initiated and evolves into topological defects remains a hot topic of debate. Ultracold atomic gas offers a pristine and tunable platform to investigate quantum critical dynamics9-21. We report the observation of coherent inflationary dynamics across a quantum critical point in driven Bose-Einstein condensates. The inflation manifests in the exponential growth of density waves and populations in well-resolved momentum states. After the inflation stage, extended coherent dynamics is evident in both real and momentum space. We present an intuitive description of the quantum critical dynamics in our system and demonstrate the essential role of phase fluctuations in the formation of topological defects.

Quantum Field Theory in (0 + 1) Dimensions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boozer, A. D.

2007-01-01

We show that many of the key ideas of quantum field theory can be illustrated simply and straightforwardly by using toy models in (0 + 1) dimensions. Because quantum field theory in (0 + 1) dimensions is equivalent to quantum mechanics, these models allow us to use techniques from quantum mechanics to gain insight into quantum field theory. In…

Electrical and mechanical tuning of a silicon vacancy defect in SiC for quantum information technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soykal, Oney O.; Reinecke, Thomas L.

We develop coherent control via Stark effect over the optical transition energies of silicon monovacancy deep center in hexagonal silicon carbide. We show that this defect's unique asymmetry properties of its piezoelectric tensor and Kramer's degenerate high-spin ground/excited state configurations can be used to create new possibilities in quantum information technology ranging from photonic networks to quantum key distribution. We also give examples of its qubit implementations via precise electric field control. This work was supported in part by ONR and by the Office of Secretary of Defense, Quantum Science and Engineering Program.

Phonon Networks with Silicon-Vacancy Centers in Diamond Waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemonde, M.-A.; Meesala, S.; Sipahigil, A.; Schuetz, M. J. A.; Lukin, M. D.; Loncar, M.; Rabl, P.

2018-05-01

We propose and analyze a novel realization of a solid-state quantum network, where separated silicon-vacancy centers are coupled via the phonon modes of a quasi-one-dimensional diamond waveguide. In our approach, quantum states encoded in long-lived electronic spin states can be converted into propagating phonon wave packets and be reabsorbed efficiently by a distant defect center. Our analysis shows that under realistic conditions, this approach enables the implementation of high-fidelity, scalable quantum communication protocols within chip-scale spin-qubit networks. Apart from quantum information processing, this setup constitutes a novel waveguide QED platform, where strong-coupling effects between solid-state defects and individual propagating phonons can be explored at the quantum level.

Phonon Networks with Silicon-Vacancy Centers in Diamond Waveguides.

PubMed

Lemonde, M-A; Meesala, S; Sipahigil, A; Schuetz, M J A; Lukin, M D; Loncar, M; Rabl, P

2018-05-25

We propose and analyze a novel realization of a solid-state quantum network, where separated silicon-vacancy centers are coupled via the phonon modes of a quasi-one-dimensional diamond waveguide. In our approach, quantum states encoded in long-lived electronic spin states can be converted into propagating phonon wave packets and be reabsorbed efficiently by a distant defect center. Our analysis shows that under realistic conditions, this approach enables the implementation of high-fidelity, scalable quantum communication protocols within chip-scale spin-qubit networks. Apart from quantum information processing, this setup constitutes a novel waveguide QED platform, where strong-coupling effects between solid-state defects and individual propagating phonons can be explored at the quantum level.

Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics:. the Role of Evidence Theory, Quantum Sets, and Modal Logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resconi, Germano; Klir, George J.; Pessa, Eliano

Recognizing that syntactic and semantic structures of classical logic are not sufficient to understand the meaning of quantum phenomena, we propose in this paper a new interpretation of quantum mechanics based on evidence theory. The connection between these two theories is obtained through a new language, quantum set theory, built on a suggestion by J. Bell. Further, we give a modal logic interpretation of quantum mechanics and quantum set theory by using Kripke's semantics of modal logic based on the concept of possible worlds. This is grounded on previous work of a number of researchers (Resconi, Klir, Harmanec) who showed how to represent evidence theory and other uncertainty theories in terms of modal logic. Moreover, we also propose a reformulation of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics in terms of Kripke's semantics. We thus show how three different theories — quantum mechanics, evidence theory, and modal logic — are interrelated. This opens, on one hand, the way to new applications of quantum mechanics within domains different from the traditional ones, and, on the other hand, the possibility of building new generalizations of quantum mechanics itself.

String theory, gauge theory and quantum gravity. Proceedings. Trieste Spring School and Workshop on String Theory, Gauge Theory and Quantum Gravity, Trieste (Italy), 11 - 22 Apr 1994.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1995-04-01

The following topics were dealt with: string theory, gauge theory, quantum gravity, quantum geometry, black hole physics and information loss, second quantisation of the Wilson loop, 2D Yang-Mills theory, topological field theories, equivariant cohomology, superstring theory and fermion masses, supergravity, topological gravity, waves in string cosmology, superstring theories, 4D space-time.

Structural Stability and Defect Energetics of ZnO from Diffusion Quantum Monte Carlo

DOE PAGES

Santana Palacio, Juan A.; Krogel, Jaron T.; Kim, Jeongnim; ...

2015-04-28

We have applied the many-body ab-initio diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) method to study Zn and ZnO crystals under pressure, and the energetics of the oxygen vacancy, zinc interstitial and hydrogen impurities in ZnO. We show that DMC is an accurate and practical method that can be used to characterize multiple properties of materials that are challenging for density functional theory approximations. DMC agrees with experimental measurements to within 0.3 eV, including the band-gap of ZnO, the ionization potential of O and Zn, and the atomization energy of O2, ZnO dimer, and wurtzite ZnO. DMC predicts the oxygen vacancy asmore » a deep donor with a formation energy of 5.0(2) eV under O-rich conditions and thermodynamic transition levels located between 1.8 and 2.5 eV from the valence band maximum. Our DMC results indicate that the concentration of zinc interstitial and hydrogen impurities in ZnO should be low under n-type, and Zn- and H-rich conditions because these defects have formation energies above 1.4 eV under these conditions. Comparison of DMC and hybrid functionals shows that these DFT approximations can be parameterized to yield a general correct qualitative description of ZnO. However, the formation energy of defects in ZnO evaluated with DMC and hybrid functionals can differ by more than 0.5 eV.« less

The future (and past) of quantum theory after the Higgs boson: a quantum-informational viewpoint.

PubMed

Plotnitsky, Arkady

2016-05-28

Taking as its point of departure the discovery of the Higgs boson, this article considers quantum theory, including quantum field theory, which predicted the Higgs boson, through the combined perspective of quantum information theory and the idea of technology, while also adopting anon-realistinterpretation, in 'the spirit of Copenhagen', of quantum theory and quantum phenomena themselves. The article argues that the 'events' in question in fundamental physics, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson (a particularly complex and dramatic, but not essentially different, case), are made possible by the joint workings of three technologies: experimental technology, mathematical technology and, more recently, digital computer technology. The article will consider the role of and the relationships among these technologies, focusing on experimental and mathematical technologies, in quantum mechanics (QM), quantum field theory (QFT) and finite-dimensional quantum theory, with which quantum information theory has been primarily concerned thus far. It will do so, in part, by reassessing the history of quantum theory, beginning with Heisenberg's discovery of QM, in quantum-informational and technological terms. This history, the article argues, is defined by the discoveries of increasingly complex configurations of observed phenomena and the emergence of the increasingly complex mathematical formalism accounting for these phenomena, culminating in the standard model of elementary-particle physics, defining the current state of QFT. © 2016 The Author(s).

No extension of quantum theory can have improved predictive power.

PubMed

Colbeck, Roger; Renner, Renato

2011-08-02

According to quantum theory, measurements generate random outcomes, in stark contrast with classical mechanics. This raises the question of whether there could exist an extension of the theory that removes this indeterminism, as suspected by Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen. Although this has been shown to be impossible, existing results do not imply that the current theory is maximally informative. Here we ask the more general question of whether any improved predictions can be achieved by any extension of quantum theory. Under the assumption that measurements can be chosen freely, we answer this question in the negative: no extension of quantum theory can give more information about the outcomes of future measurements than quantum theory itself. Our result has significance for the foundations of quantum mechanics, as well as applications to tasks that exploit the inherent randomness in quantum theory, such as quantum cryptography.

No extension of quantum theory can have improved predictive power

PubMed Central

Colbeck, Roger; Renner, Renato

2011-01-01

According to quantum theory, measurements generate random outcomes, in stark contrast with classical mechanics. This raises the question of whether there could exist an extension of the theory that removes this indeterminism, as suspected by Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen. Although this has been shown to be impossible, existing results do not imply that the current theory is maximally informative. Here we ask the more general question of whether any improved predictions can be achieved by any extension of quantum theory. Under the assumption that measurements can be chosen freely, we answer this question in the negative: no extension of quantum theory can give more information about the outcomes of future measurements than quantum theory itself. Our result has significance for the foundations of quantum mechanics, as well as applications to tasks that exploit the inherent randomness in quantum theory, such as quantum cryptography. PMID:21811240

Resonances in photoabsorption: Predissociation line shapes in the 3pπD{sup 1}Π{sup +}{sub u} ← Χ{sup 1}Σ{sub g}{sup +} system in H{sub 2}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mezei, J. Zs.; Laboratoire Ondes et Milieux Complexes, UMR-6294 CNRS and Université du Havre, 25, rue Philippe Lebon, BP 540, 76058, Le Havre France; Schneider, I. F.

2014-08-14

The predissociation of the 3pπD{sup 1}Π{sub u}{sup +},v≥3,N=1, N = 2, and N = 3 levels of diatomic hydrogen is calculated by ab initio multichannel quantum defect theory combined with a R-matrix type approach that accounts for interfering predissociation and autoionization. The theory yields absorption line widths and shapes that are in good agreement with those observed in the high-resolution synchrotron vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectra obtained by Dickenson et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 133, 144317 (2010)] at the DESIRS beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron. The theory predicts further that many of the D state resonances with v ⩾ 6 exhibit amore » complex fine structure which cannot be modeled by the Fano profile formula and which has not yet been observed experimentally.« less

Analytical Wave Functions for Ultracold Collisions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavagnero, M. J.

1998-05-01

Secular perturbation theory of long-range interactions(M. J. Cavagnero, PRA 50) 2841, (1994). has been generalized to yield accurate wave functions for near threshold processes, including low-energy scattering processes of interest at ultracold temperatures. In particular, solutions of Schrödinger's equation have been obtained for motion in the combined r-6, r-8, and r-10 potentials appropriate for describing an utlracold collision of two neutral ground state atoms. Scattering lengths and effective ranges appropriate to such potentials are readily calculated at distances comparable to the LeRoy radius, where exchange forces can be neglected, thereby eliminating the need to integrate Schrödinger's equation to large internuclear distances. Our method yields accurate base pair solutions well beyond the energy range of effective range theories, making possible the application of multichannel quantum defect theory [MQDT] and R-matrix methods to the study of ultracold collisions.

Laser writing of coherent colour centres in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu-Chen; Salter, Patrick S.; Knauer, Sebastian; Weng, Laiyi; Frangeskou, Angelo C.; Stephen, Colin J.; Ishmael, Shazeaa N.; Dolan, Philip R.; Johnson, Sam; Green, Ben L.; Morley, Gavin W.; Newton, Mark E.; Rarity, John G.; Booth, Martin J.; Smith, Jason M.

2017-02-01

Optically active point defects in crystals have gained widespread attention as photonic systems that could be applied in quantum information technologies. However, challenges remain in the placing of individual defects at desired locations, an essential element of device fabrication. Here we report the controlled generation of single negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centres in diamond using laser writing. Aberration correction in the writing optics allows precise positioning of the vacancies within the diamond crystal, and subsequent annealing produces single NV- centres with a probability of success of up to 45 ± 15%, located within about 200 nm of the desired position in the transverse plane. Selected NV- centres display stable, coherent optical transitions at cryogenic temperatures, a prerequisite for the creation of distributed quantum networks of solid-state qubits. The results illustrate the potential of laser writing as a new tool for defect engineering in quantum technologies, and extend laser processing to the single-defect domain.

Exact correlators on the Wilson loop in N=4 SYM: localization, defect CFT, and integrability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giombi, Simone; Komatsu, Shota

2018-05-01

We compute a set of correlation functions of operator insertions on the 1 /8 BPS Wilson loop in N=4 SYM by employing supersymmetric localization, OPE and the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization. These correlators exhibit a simple determinant structure, are position-independent and form a topological subsector, but depend nontrivially on the 't Hooft coupling and the rank of the gauge group. When applied to the 1 /2 BPS circular (or straight) Wilson loop, our results provide an infinite family of exact defect CFT data, including the structure constants of protected defect primaries of arbitrary length inserted on the loop. At strong coupling, we show precise agreement with a direct calculation using perturbation theory around the AdS2 string worldsheet. We also explain the connection of our results to the "generalized Bremsstrahlung functions" previously computed from integrability techniques, reproducing the known results in the planar limit as well as obtaining their finite N generalization. Furthermore, we show that the correlators at large N can be recast as simple integrals of products of polynomials (known as Q-functions) that appear in the Quantum Spectral Curve approach. This suggests an interesting interplay between localization, defect CFT and integrability.

Generalized Causal Quantum Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parmeggiani, Claudio

2007-12-01

We shall show that is always possible to construct causal Quantum Theories fully equivalent (as predictive tools) to acausal, standard Quantum Theory, relativistic or not relativistic; we re-obtain, as a particular case, the usual Quantum Bohmian Theory. Then we consider the measurement process, in causal theories, and we conclude that the state of affairs is not really improved, with respect to standard theories.

Role of surface states and defects in the ultrafast nonlinear optical properties of CuS quantum dots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mary, K. A. Ann; Unnikrishnan, N. V., E-mail: nvu100@yahoo.com; Philip, Reji

2014-07-01

We report facile preparation of water dispersible CuS quantum dots (2–4 nm) and nanoparticles (5–11 nm) through a nontoxic, green, one-pot synthesis method. Optical and microstructural studies indicate the presence of surface states and defects (dislocations, stacking faults, and twins) in the quantum dots. The smaller crystallite size and quantum dot formation have significant effects on the high energy excitonic and low energy plasmonic absorption bands. Effective two-photon absorption coefficients measured using 100 fs laser pulses employing open-aperture Z-scan in the plasmonic region of 800 nm reveal that CuS quantum dots are better ultrafast optical limiters compared to CuS nanoparticles.

Free Quantum Field Theory from Quantum Cellular Automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisio, Alessandro; D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro; Perinotti, Paolo; Tosini, Alessandro

2015-10-01

After leading to a new axiomatic derivation of quantum theory (see D'Ariano et al. in Found Phys, 2015), the new informational paradigm is entering the domain of quantum field theory, suggesting a quantum automata framework that can be regarded as an extension of quantum field theory to including an hypothetical Planck scale, and with the usual quantum field theory recovered in the relativistic limit of small wave-vectors. Being derived from simple principles (linearity, unitarity, locality, homogeneity, isotropy, and minimality of dimension), the automata theory is quantum ab-initio, and does not assume Lorentz covariance and mechanical notions. Being discrete it can describe localized states and measurements (unmanageable by quantum field theory), solving all the issues plaguing field theory originated from the continuum. These features make the theory an ideal framework for quantum gravity, with relativistic covariance and space-time emergent solely from the interactions, and not assumed a priori. The paper presents a synthetic derivation of the automata theory, showing how the principles lead to a description in terms of a quantum automaton over a Cayley graph of a group. Restricting to Abelian groups we show how the automata recover the Weyl, Dirac and Maxwell dynamics in the relativistic limit. We conclude with some new routes about the more general scenario of non-Abelian Cayley graphs. The phenomenology arising from the automata theory in the ultra-relativistic domain and the analysis of corresponding distorted Lorentz covariance is reviewed in Bisio et al. (Found Phys 2015, in this same issue).

Higher-Order Interference in Extensions of Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ciarán M.; Selby, John H.

2017-01-01

Quantum interference, manifest in the two slit experiment, lies at the heart of several quantum computational speed-ups and provides a striking example of a quantum phenomenon with no classical counterpart. An intriguing feature of quantum interference arises in a variant of the standard two slit experiment, in which there are three, rather than two, slits. The interference pattern in this set-up can be written in terms of the two and one slit patterns obtained by blocking one, or more, of the slits. This is in stark contrast with the standard two slit experiment, where the interference pattern cannot be written as a sum of the one slit patterns. This was first noted by Rafael Sorkin, who raised the question of why quantum theory only exhibits irreducible interference in the two slit experiment. One approach to this problem is to compare the predictions of quantum theory to those of operationally-defined `foil' theories, in the hope of determining whether theories that do exhibit higher-order interference suffer from pathological—or at least undesirable—features. In this paper two proposed extensions of quantum theory are considered: the theory of Density Cubes proposed by Dakić, Paterek and Brukner, which has been shown to exhibit irreducible interference in the three slit set-up, and the Quartic Quantum Theory of Życzkowski. The theory of Density Cubes will be shown to provide an advantage over quantum theory in a certain computational task and to posses a well-defined mechanism which leads to the emergence of quantum theory—analogous to the emergence of classical physics from quantum theory via decoherence. Despite this, the axioms used to define Density Cubes will be shown to be insufficient to uniquely characterise the theory. In comparison, Quartic Quantum Theory is a well-defined theory and we demonstrate that it exhibits irreducible interference to all orders. This feature of Życzkowski's theory is argued not to be a genuine phenomenon, but to arise from an ambiguity in the current definition of higher-order interference in operationally-defined theories. Thus, to begin to understand why quantum theory is limited to a certain kind of interference, a new definition of higher-order interference is needed that is applicable to, and makes good operational sense in, arbitrary operationally-defined theories.

Geometric Defects in Quantum Hall States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromov, Andrey

I will describe a geometric analogue of Laughlin quasiholes in fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states. These ``quasiholes'' are generated by an insertion of quantized fluxes of curvature - which can be modeled by branch points of a certain Riemann surface - and, consequently, are related to genons. Unlike quasiholes, the genons are not excitations, but extrinsic defects. Fusion of genons describes the response of an FQH state to a process that changes (effective) topology of the physical space. These defects are abelian for IQH states and non-abelian for FQH states. I will explain how to calculate an electric charge, geometric spin and adiabatic mutual statistics of the these defects. Leo Kadanoff Fellowship.

Relativity, Symmetry, and the Structure of Quantum Theory, Volume 2; Point form relativistic quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klink, William H.; Schweiger, Wolfgang

2018-03-01

This book covers relativistic quantum theory from the point of view of a particle theory, based on the irreducible representations of the Poincaré group, the group that expresses the symmetry of Einstein relativity. There are several ways of formulating such a theory; this book develops what is called relativistic point form quantum mechanics, which, unlike quantum field theory, deals with a fixed number of particles in a relativistically invariant way. A chapter is devoted to applications of point form quantum mechanics to nuclear physics.

Reactive collisions of electrons with H2+ , HD+, BeH+, BeD+ and SH+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pop, Nicolina; Iacob, Felix; Mezei, János Zsolt; Motapon, Ousmanou; Niyonzima, Sebastien; Kashinski, David O.; Talbi, Dahbia; Hickman, Albert Peet; Schneider, Ioan F.

2017-12-01

In numerous cold ionized gases the dissociative recombination (DR), the elastic collisions (EC), the vibrational excitation (VE) (inelastic collisions) and the vibrational de-excitation (VdE) (super-elastic collisions) of molecular cations with electrons are major elementary processes. Using a stepwise method based on the Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT), cross sections and rate coefficients have been obtained for reactions induced on HD+, H2+, BeH+, BeD+ and SH+. Moreover, the relative importance of the different reaction mechanisms, direct vs. indirect and rotational vs. non-rotational, have been studied for these molecular systems.

Quantum mechanics: The Bayesian theory generalized to the space of Hermitian matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benavoli, Alessio; Facchini, Alessandro; Zaffalon, Marco

2016-10-01

We consider the problem of gambling on a quantum experiment and enforce rational behavior by a few rules. These rules yield, in the classical case, the Bayesian theory of probability via duality theorems. In our quantum setting, they yield the Bayesian theory generalized to the space of Hermitian matrices. This very theory is quantum mechanics: in fact, we derive all its four postulates from the generalized Bayesian theory. This implies that quantum mechanics is self-consistent. It also leads us to reinterpret the main operations in quantum mechanics as probability rules: Bayes' rule (measurement), marginalization (partial tracing), independence (tensor product). To say it with a slogan, we obtain that quantum mechanics is the Bayesian theory in the complex numbers.

The Nature of Quantum Truth: Logic, Set Theory, & Mathematics in the Context of Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frey, Kimberly

The purpose of this dissertation is to construct a radically new type of mathematics whose underlying logic differs from the ordinary classical logic used in standard mathematics, and which we feel may be more natural for applications in quantum mechanics. Specifically, we begin by constructing a first order quantum logic, the development of which closely parallels that of ordinary (classical) first order logic --- the essential differences are in the nature of the logical axioms, which, in our construction, are motivated by quantum theory. After showing that the axiomatic first order logic we develop is sound and complete (with respect to a particular class of models), this logic is then used as a foundation on which to build (axiomatic) mathematical systems --- and we refer to the resulting new mathematics as "quantum mathematics." As noted above, the hope is that this form of mathematics is more natural than classical mathematics for the description of quantum systems, and will enable us to address some foundational aspects of quantum theory which are still troublesome --- e.g. the measurement problem --- as well as possibly even inform our thinking about quantum gravity. After constructing the underlying logic, we investigate properties of several mathematical systems --- e.g. axiom systems for abstract algebras, group theory, linear algebra, etc. --- in the presence of this quantum logic. In the process, we demonstrate that the resulting quantum mathematical systems have some strange, but very interesting features, which indicates a richness in the structure of mathematics that is classically inaccessible. Moreover, some of these features do indeed suggest possible applications to foundational questions in quantum theory. We continue our investigation of quantum mathematics by constructing an axiomatic quantum set theory, which we show satisfies certain desirable criteria. Ultimately, we hope that such a set theory will lead to a foundation for quantum mathematics in a sense which parallels the foundational role of classical set theory in classical mathematics. One immediate application of the quantum set theory we develop is to provide a foundation on which to construct quantum natural numbers, which are the quantum analog of the classical counting numbers. It turns out that in a special class of models, there exists a 1-1 correspondence between the quantum natural numbers and bounded observables in quantum theory whose eigenvalues are (ordinary) natural numbers. This 1-1 correspondence is remarkably satisfying, and not only gives us great confidence in our quantum set theory, but indicates the naturalness of such models for quantum theory itself. We go on to develop a Peano-like arithmetic for these new "numbers," as well as consider some of its consequences. Finally, we conclude by summarizing our results, and discussing directions for future work.

Quantum Sets and Clifford Algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkelstein, David

1982-06-01

The mathematical language presently used for quantum physics is a high-level language. As a lowest-level or basic language I construct a quantum set theory in three stages: (1) Classical set theory, formulated as a Clifford algebra of “ S numbers” generated by a single monadic operation, “bracing,” Br = {…}. (2) Indefinite set theory, a modification of set theory dealing with the modal logical concept of possibility. (3) Quantum set theory. The quantum set is constructed from the null set by the familiar quantum techniques of tensor product and antisymmetrization. There are both a Clifford and a Grassmann algebra with sets as basis elements. Rank and cardinality operators are analogous to Schroedinger coordinates of the theory, in that they are multiplication or “ Q-type” operators. “ P-type” operators analogous to Schroedinger momenta, in that they transform the Q-type quantities, are bracing (Br), Clifford multiplication by a set X, and the creator of X, represented by Grassmann multiplication c( X) by the set X. Br and its adjoint Br* form a Bose-Einstein canonical pair, and c( X) and its adjoint c( X)* form a Fermi-Dirac or anticanonical pair. Many coefficient number systems can be employed in this quantization. I use the integers for a discrete quantum theory, with the usual complex quantum theory as limit. Quantum set theory may be applied to a quantum time space and a quantum automaton.

Some Surprises and Paradoxes Revealed by Inverse Problem Approach and Notion about Qualitative Solutions of SCHRÖDINGER Equations “IN MIND”

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakhariev, B. N.; Chabanov, V. M.

It was an important examination to give a review talk at the previous Conference on Inverse Quantum Scattering (1996, Lake Balaton) about computer visualization of this science in front of its fathers — creators, B. M. Levitan and V. A. Marchenko. We have achieved a new understanding that the discovered main rules of transformations of a single wave function bump, e.g., for the ground bound states of one dimensional quantum systems are applicable to any state of any potential with arbitrary number of bumps from finite to unlimited ones as scattering states and bound states embedded into continuum. It appeared that we need only to repeat the rule mentally the necessary number of times. That uttermost simplification and unification of physical notion of spectral, scattering and decay control for any potential have got an obligatory praise from B. M. Levitan at the conference and was a mighty stimulus for our further research After that we have written both Russian (2002) and improved English editions of “Submissive Quantum Mechanics. New Status of the Theory in Inverse Problem Approach”1 (appeared at the very end of 2007). This book was written for correction of the present defect in quantum education throughout the world. Recently the quantum IP intuition helped us to discover a new concept of permanent wave resonance with potential spatial oscillations.2 This means the constant wave swinging frequency on the whole energy intervals of spectral forbidden zones destroying physical solutions and deepening the theory of waves in periodic potentials. It also shows the other side of strengthening the fundamentally important magic structures. A ‘new language’ of wave bending will be presented to enrich our quantum intuition, e.g., the paradoxical effective attraction of barriers and repulsion of wells in multichannel systems, etc.

Quantum algorithms for quantum field theories.

PubMed

Jordan, Stephen P; Lee, Keith S M; Preskill, John

2012-06-01

Quantum field theory reconciles quantum mechanics and special relativity, and plays a central role in many areas of physics. We developed a quantum algorithm to compute relativistic scattering probabilities in a massive quantum field theory with quartic self-interactions (φ(4) theory) in spacetime of four and fewer dimensions. Its run time is polynomial in the number of particles, their energy, and the desired precision, and applies at both weak and strong coupling. In the strong-coupling and high-precision regimes, our quantum algorithm achieves exponential speedup over the fastest known classical algorithm.

Combined quantum chemical density functional theory and spectroscopic Raman and UV-vis-NIR study of oligothienoacenes with five and seven rings.

PubMed

Osuna, Reyes Malavé; Zhang, Xinnan; Matzger, Adam Jay; Hernandez, Víctor; López Navarrete, Juan Teodomiro

2006-04-20

In this article, we report the characterization of novel oligothienoacenes with five and seven fused thiophene rings, materials with potential applications in organic electronics. In contrast to usual alpha-linked oligothiophenes, these fused oligothiophenes have a larger band gap than most semiconductors currently used in the fabrication of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and therefore they are expected to be more stable in air. The synthesis of these fused-ring oligomers was motivated by the notion that a more rigid and planar structure should reduce defects (such as torsion about single bonds between alpha-linked units or S-syn defects) and thus improve conjugation for better charge-carrier mobility. The conjugational properties of these two molecular materials have been investigated by means of FT-Raman spectroscopy, revealing that conjugation still increases in passing from the five-ring oligomer to that with seven-rings. DFT and TDDFT quantum chemical calculations have been performed, at the B3LYP/6-31G level, to assess information regarding the minimum-energy molecular structure, topologies, and absolute energies of the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs.) around the gap, vibrational normal modes related to the main Raman features, and vertical one-electron excitations giving rise to the main optical absorptions.

Comment on [open quotes]Nonlocality, counterfactuals, and quantum mechanics[close quotes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stapp, H.P.

A recent proof [H. P. Stapp, Am. J. Phys. [bold 65], 300 (1997)], formulated in the symbolic language of modal logic, claims to show that contemporary quantum theory, viewed as a set of rules that allow us to calculate statistical predictions among certain kinds of observations, cannot be imbedded in any rational framework that conforms to the principles that (1) the experimenters[close quote] choices of which experiments they will perform can be considered to be free choices, (2) outcomes of measurements are unique, and (3) the free choices just mentioned have no backward-in-time effects of any kind. This claim ismore » similar to Bell[close quote]s theorem, but much stronger, because no reality assumption alien to quantum philosophy is used. The paper being commented on [W. Unruh, Phys. Rev. A [bold 59], 126 (1999)] argues that some such reality assumption has been [open quotes]smuggled[close quotes] in. That argument is examined here and shown, I believe, to be defective. [copyright] [ital 1999] [ital The American Physical Society]« less

The statistical fluctuation study of quantum key distribution in means of uncertainty principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dunwei; An, Huiyao; Zhang, Xiaoyu; Shi, Xuemei

2018-03-01

Laser defects in emitting single photon, photon signal attenuation and propagation of error cause our serious headaches in practical long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment for a long time. In this paper, we study the uncertainty principle in metrology and use this tool to analyze the statistical fluctuation of the number of received single photons, the yield of single photons and quantum bit error rate (QBER). After that we calculate the error between measured value and real value of every parameter, and concern the propagation error among all the measure values. We paraphrase the Gottesman-Lo-Lutkenhaus-Preskill (GLLP) formula in consideration of those parameters and generate the QKD simulation result. In this study, with the increase in coding photon length, the safe distribution distance is longer and longer. When the coding photon's length is N = 10^{11}, the safe distribution distance can be almost 118 km. It gives a lower bound of safe transmission distance than without uncertainty principle's 127 km. So our study is in line with established theory, but we make it more realistic.

Composition control and localization of S2- in CdSSe quantum dots grown from Li4[Cd10Se4(SPh)16].

PubMed

Lovingood, Derek D; Oyler, Ryan E; Strouse, Geoffrey F

2008-12-17

The development of ternary nanoscale materials with controlled cross-sectional doping is an important step for the use of chemically prepared quantum dots for nanoscale engineering applications. We report cross-sectional, elemental doping with the formation of an alloyed CdSSe nanocrystal from the thermal decomposition of Li(4)[Cd(10)Se(4)(SPh)(16)]. The sulfur incorporation arises from surface-mediated phenylthiolate degradation on the growing quantum dot surface. In the alloy, we identify a pure CdSe nucleus of approximately 1.5 nm, consistent with the predictions of nucleation theory. As the particle grows, S(2-) incorporation increases until the CdSSe reaches approximately 4 nm, where a marked reduction in phenylthiolate content on the nanocrystal is observed by CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy, implying that rapid decomposition of the phenylthiolate arises with subsequent enhanced S(2-) incorporation at the level of the stoichiometry of the reaction (namely approximately 60%). The use of molecular clusters to allow controlled defect ion incorporation can open new pathways to more complex nanomaterials.

Chern-Simons expectation values and quantum horizons from loop quantum gravity and the Duflo map.

PubMed

Sahlmann, Hanno; Thiemann, Thomas

2012-03-16

We report on a new approach to the calculation of Chern-Simons theory expectation values, using the mathematical underpinnings of loop quantum gravity, as well as the Duflo map, a quantization map for functions on Lie algebras. These new developments can be used in the quantum theory for certain types of black hole horizons, and they may offer new insights for loop quantum gravity, Chern-Simons theory and the theory of quantum groups.

Reality, Causality, and Probability, from Quantum Mechanics to Quantum Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plotnitsky, Arkady

2015-10-01

These three lectures consider the questions of reality, causality, and probability in quantum theory, from quantum mechanics to quantum field theory. They do so in part by exploring the ideas of the key founding figures of the theory, such N. Bohr, W. Heisenberg, E. Schrödinger, or P. A. M. Dirac. However, while my discussion of these figures aims to be faithful to their thinking and writings, and while these lectures are motivated by my belief in the helpfulness of their thinking for understanding and advancing quantum theory, this project is not driven by loyalty to their ideas. In part for that reason, these lectures also present different and even conflicting ways of thinking in quantum theory, such as that of Bohr or Heisenberg vs. that of Schrödinger. The lectures, most especially the third one, also consider new physical, mathematical, and philosophical complexities brought in by quantum field theory vis-à-vis quantum mechanics. I close by briefly addressing some of the implications of the argument presented here for the current state of fundamental physics.

Neutrino Oscillations: Eighty Years in Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowers, Rebecca Lyn

In order to discuss neutrino oscillations, it is necessary to have knowledge of the developments in the field spanning the last eighty years. The existence of the neutrino was posited by Wolfgang Pauli in 1930 to account for the mass defect in beta decay, and to this day physicists are still endeavoring to answer fundamental questions about this enigmatic particle. The scope of this thesis includes a historical background of neutrino physics and a discussion of neutrinos and the Standard Model; subsequent to this is a discussion of the Solar Neutrino Problem, which provided the impetus for the proposal of neutrino oscillations. Bolstering the theory of neutrino oscillations (which is developed in the body of this thesis) are neutrino detector experiments and their results; these include the Homestake experiment, SNO, Kamiokande and Super-Kamiokande, MINOS, and Double-Chooz. We also include relevant derivations, most particularly of the quantum mechanics of neutrino oscillations as treated in the wave packet formalism. We have amassed here the principle theories and experimental results -- a mere tip of the iceberg -- that have brought us to our current understanding of neutrino oscillations. We have also studied the quantum mechanics of neutrino oscillations and developed for ourselves the wave packet formalism describing the phenomenon.

Shell Thickness Dependence of Interparticle Energy Transfer in Core-Shell ZnSe/ZnSe Quantum Dots Doping with Europium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ni; Li, Shuxin; Wang, Caifeng; Li, Jie

2018-04-01

Low-toxic core-shell ZnSe:Eu/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared through two steps in water solution: nucleation doping and epitaxial shell grown. The structural and morphological characteristics of ZnSe/ZnS:Eu QDs with different shell thickness were explored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. The characteristic photoluminescence (PL) intensity of Eu ions was enhanced whereas that of band-edge luminescence and defect-related luminescence of ZnSe QDs was decreased with increasing shell thickness. The transformation of PL intensity revealed an efficient energy transfer process between ZnSe and Eu. The PL intensity ratio of Eu ions ( I 613) to ZnSe QDs ( I B ) under different shell thickness was systemically analyzed by PL spectra and time-resolved PL spectra. The obtained results were in agreement with the theory analysis results by the kinetic theory of energy transfer, revealing that energy was transmitted in the form of dipole-electric dipole interaction. This particular method of adjusting luminous via changing the shell thickness can provide valuable insights towards the fundamental understanding and application of QDs in the field of optoelectronics.

On the 'principle of the quantumness', the quantumness of Relativity, and the computational grand-unification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro

2010-05-04

I will argue that the proposal of establishing operational foundations of Quantum Theory should have top-priority, and that the Lucien Hardy's program on Quantum Gravity should be paralleled by an analogous program on Quantum Field Theory (QFT), which needs to be reformulated, notwithstanding its experimental success. In this paper, after reviewing recently suggested operational 'principles of the quantumness', I address the problem on whether Quantum Theory and Special Relativity are unrelated theories, or instead, if the one implies the other. I show how Special Relativity can be indeed derived from causality of Quantum Theory, within the computational paradigm 'the universemore » is a huge quantum computer', reformulating QFT as a Quantum-Computational Field Theory (QCFT). In QCFT Special Relativity emerges from the fabric of the computational network, which also naturally embeds gauge invariance. In this scheme even the quantization rule and the Planck constant can in principle be derived as emergent from the underlying causal tapestry of space-time. In this way Quantum Theory remains the only theory operating the huge computer of the universe.Is the computational paradigm only a speculative tautology (theory as simulation of reality), or does it have a scientific value? The answer will come from Occam's razor, depending on the mathematical simplicity of QCFT. Here I will just start scratching the surface of QCFT, analyzing simple field theories, including Dirac's. The number of problems and unmotivated recipes that plague QFT strongly motivates us to undertake the QCFT project, since QCFT makes all such problems manifest, and forces a re-foundation of QFT.« less

Efficiency enhancement of blue light emitting diodes by eliminating V-defects from InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well structures through GaN capping layer control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Sheng-Chieh; Li, Ming-Jui; Fang, Hsin-Chiao; Tu, Chia-Hao; Liu, Chuan-Pu

2018-05-01

A facile method for fabricating blue light-emitting diodes (B-LEDs) with small embedded quantum dots (QDs) and enhanced light emission is demonstrated by tuning the temperature of the growing GaN capping layer to eliminate V-defects. As the growth temperature increases from 770 °C to 840 °C, not only does the density of the V-defects reduce from 4.12 ∗ 108 #/cm2 nm to zero on a smooth surface, but the QDs also get smaller. Therefore, the growth mechanism of smaller QDs assisted by elimination of V-defects is discussed. Photoluminescence and electroluminescence results show that smaller embedded QDs can improve recombination efficiency, and thus achieve higher peak intensity with smaller peak broadening. Accordingly, the external quantum efficiency of the B-LEDs with smaller QDs is enhanced, leading to a 6.8% increase in light output power in lamp-form package LEDs.

On the origin of blue emission from ZnO quantum dots synthesized by a sol-gel route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Li-Li; Cui, Lan; Wang, Wei-Hua; Wang, Jiang-Long; Du, Xi-Wen

2012-06-01

ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with blue emission were synthesized by a sol-gel method. A series of control experiments were conducted to explore the origin of the blue emission. It is found that the blue emission arises from neither the quantum confinement nor intermediate products, and it can be achieved only in the presence of Li+ cations and excessive OH- anions. Moreover, the long decay time of the blue emission suggests a defect-related de-excitation process. On the basis of the experimental and calculation results, possible de-excitation paths for light emission were discussed, and the origin of the blue emission was determined as the electron transition from the conduction band to interstitial oxygen defects. Excessive OH- anions are responsible for the formation of interstitial oxygen defects, and Li+ ions can stabilize the defects by substituting for Zn atoms. Besides, Li+ ions can block the growth of ZnO QDs, broaden their band gap and cause a blue shift of the blue emission.

Interference of quantum market strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piotrowski, Edward W.; Sładkowski, Jan; Syska, Jacek

2003-02-01

Recent development in quantum computation and quantum information theory allows to extend the scope of game theory for the quantum world. The paper is devoted to the analysis of interference of quantum strategies in quantum market games.

Defect characterization of proton irradiated GaAs pn-junction diodes with layers of InAs quantum dots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sato, Shin-ichiro, E-mail: sato.shinichiro@jaea.go.jp; Optoelectronics and Radiation Effects Branch, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375; Schmieder, Kenneth J.

2016-05-14

In order to expand the technology of III-V semiconductor devices with quantum structures to both terrestrial and space use, radiation induced defects as well as native defects generated in the quantum structures should be clarified. Electrically active defects in GaAs p{sup +}n diodes with embedded ten layers of InAs quantum dots (QDs) are investigated using Deep Level Transient Fourier Spectroscopy. Both majority carrier (electron) and minority carrier (hole) traps are characterized. In the devices of this study, GaP layers are embedded in between the QD layers to offset the compressive stress introduced during growth of InAs QDs. Devices are irradiatedmore » with high energy protons for three different fluences at room temperature in order to characterize radiation induced defects. Seven majority electron traps and one minority hole trap are found after proton irradiation. It is shown that four electron traps induced by proton irradiation increase in proportion to the fluence, whereas the EL2 trap, which appears before irradiation, is not affected by irradiation. These defects correspond to electron traps previously identified in GaAs. In addition, a 0.53 eV electron trap and a 0.14 eV hole trap are found in the QD layers before proton irradiation. It is shown that these native traps are also unaffected by irradiation. The nature of the 0.14 eV hole trap is thought to be Ga-vacancies in the GaP strain balancing layers.« less

String theory, quantum phase transitions, and the emergent Fermi liquid.

PubMed

Cubrović, Mihailo; Zaanen, Jan; Schalm, Koenraad

2009-07-24

A central problem in quantum condensed matter physics is the critical theory governing the zero-temperature quantum phase transition between strongly renormalized Fermi liquids as found in heavy fermion intermetallics and possibly in high-critical temperature superconductors. We found that the mathematics of string theory is capable of describing such fermionic quantum critical states. Using the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence to relate fermionic quantum critical fields to a gravitational problem, we computed the spectral functions of fermions in the field theory. By increasing the fermion density away from the relativistic quantum critical point, a state emerges with all the features of the Fermi liquid.

Quantum confinement effect in 6H-SiC quantum dots observed via plasmon-exciton coupling-induced defect-luminescence quenching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaoxiao; Zhang, Yumeng; Fan, Baolu; Fan, Jiyang

2017-03-01

The quantum confinement effect is one of the crucial physical effects that discriminate a quantum material from its bulk material. It remains a mystery why the 6H-SiC quantum dots (QDs) do not exhibit an obvious quantum confinement effect. We study the photoluminescence of the coupled colloidal system of SiC QDs and Ag nanoparticles. The experimental result in conjunction with the theoretical calculation reveals that there is strong coupling between the localized electron-hole pair in the SiC QD and the localized surface plasmon in the Ag nanoparticle. It results in resonance energy transfer between them and resultant quenching of the blue surface-defect luminescence of the SiC QDs, leading to uncovering of a hidden near-UV emission band. This study shows that this emission band originates from the interband transition of the 6H-SiC QDs and it exhibits a remarkable quantum confinement effect.

Bell's Inequalities, Superquantum Correlations, and String Theory

DOE PAGES

Chang, Lay Nam; Lewis, Zachary; Minic, Djordje; ...

2011-01-01

We offermore » an interpretation of superquantum correlations in terms of a “doubly” quantum theory. We argue that string theory, viewed as a quantum theory with two deformation parameters, the string tension α ' , and the string coupling constant g s , is such a superquantum theory that transgresses the usual quantum violations of Bell's inequalities. We also discuss the ℏ → ∞ limit of quantum mechanics in this context. As a superquantum theory, string theory should display distinct experimentally observable supercorrelations of entangled stringy states.« less

Modern Quantum Field Theory II - Proceeeings of the International Colloquium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, S. R.; Mandal, G.; Mukhi, S.; Wadia, S. R.

1995-08-01

The Table of Contents for the book is as follows: * Foreword * 1. Black Holes and Quantum Gravity * Quantum Black Holes and the Problem of Time * Black Hole Entropy and the Semiclassical Approximation * Entropy and Information Loss in Two Dimensions * Strings on a Cone and Black Hole Entropy (Abstract) * Boundary Dynamics, Black Holes and Spacetime Fluctuations in Dilation Gravity (Abstract) * Pair Creation of Black Holes (Abstract) * A Brief View of 2-Dim. String Theory and Black Holes (Abstract) * 2. String Theory * Non-Abelian Duality in WZW Models * Operators and Correlation Functions in c ≤ 1 String Theory * New Symmetries in String Theory * A Look at the Discretized Superstring Using Random Matrices * The Nested BRST Structure of Wn-Symmetries * Landau-Ginzburg Model for a Critical Topological String (Abstract) * On the Geometry of Wn Gravity (Abstract) * O(d, d) Tranformations, Marginal Deformations and the Coset Construction in WZNW Models (Abstract) * Nonperturbative Effects and Multicritical Behaviour of c = 1 Matrix Model (Abstract) * Singular Limits and String Solutions (Abstract) * BV Algebra on the Moduli Spaces of Riemann Surfaces and String Field Theory (Abstract) * 3. Condensed Matter and Statistical Mechanics * Stochastic Dynamics in a Deposition-Evaporation Model on a Line * Models with Inverse-Square Interactions: Conjectured Dynamical Correlation Functions of the Calogero-Sutherland Model at Rational Couplings * Turbulence and Generic Scale Invariance * Singular Perturbation Approach to Phase Ordering Dynamics * Kinetics of Diffusion-Controlled and Ballistically-Controlled Reactions * Field Theory of a Frustrated Heisenberg Spin Chain * FQHE Physics in Relativistic Field Theories * Importance of Initial Conditions in Determining the Dynamical Class of Cellular Automata (Abstract) * Do Hard-Core Bosons Exhibit Quantum Hall Effect? (Abstract) * Hysteresis in Ferromagnets * 4. Fundamental Aspects of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory * Finite Quantum Physics and Noncommutative Geometry * Higgs as Gauge Field and the Standard Model * Canonical Quantisation of an Off-Conformal Theory * Deterministic Quantum Mechanics in One Dimension * Spin-Statistics Relations for Topological Geons in 2+1 Quantum Gravity * Generalized Fock Spaces * Geometrical Expression for Short Distance Singularities in Field Theory * 5. Mathematics and Quantum Field Theory * Knot Invariants from Quantum Field Theories * Infinite Grassmannians and Moduli Spaces of G-Bundles * A Review of an Algebraic Geometry Approach to a Model Quantum Field Theory on a Curve (Abstract) * 6. Integrable Models * Spectral Representation of Correlation Functions in Two-Dimensional Quantum Field Theories * On Various Avatars of the Pasquier Algebra * Supersymmetric Integrable Field Theories and Eight Vertex Free Fermion Models (Abstract) * 7. Lattice Field Theory * From Kondo Model and Strong Coupling Lattice QCD to the Isgur-Wise Function * Effective Confinement from a Logarithmically Running Coupling (Abstract)

Quantum cellular automata and free quantum field theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro; Perinotti, Paolo

2017-02-01

In a series of recent papers [1-4] it has been shown how free quantum field theory can be derived without using mechanical primitives (including space-time, special relativity, quantization rules, etc.), but only considering the easiest quantum algorithm encompassing a countable set of quantum systems whose network of interactions satisfies the simple principles of unitarity, homogeneity, locality, and isotropy. This has opened the route to extending the axiomatic information-theoretic derivation of the quantum theory of abstract systems [5, 6] to include quantum field theory. The inherent discrete nature of the informational axiomatization leads to an extension of quantum field theory to a quantum cellular automata theory, where the usual field theory is recovered in a regime where the discrete structure of the automata cannot be probed. A simple heuristic argument sets the scale of discreteness to the Planck scale, and the customary physical regime where discreteness is not visible is the relativistic one of small wavevectors. In this paper we provide a thorough derivation from principles that in the most general case the graph of the quantum cellular automaton is the Cayley graph of a finitely presented group, and showing how for the case corresponding to Euclidean emergent space (where the group resorts to an Abelian one) the automata leads to Weyl, Dirac and Maxwell field dynamics in the relativistic limit. We conclude with some perspectives towards the more general scenario of non-linear automata for interacting quantum field theory.

Efficient Generation of an Array of Single Silicon-Vacancy Defects in Silicon Carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junfeng; Zhou, Yu; Zhang, Xiaoming; Liu, Fucai; Li, Yan; Li, Ke; Liu, Zheng; Wang, Guanzhong; Gao, Weibo

2017-06-01

Color centers in silicon carbide have increasingly attracted attention in recent years owing to their excellent properties such as single-photon emission, good photostability, and long spin-coherence time even at room temperature. As compared to diamond, which is widely used for hosting nitrogen-vacancy centers, silicon carbide has an advantage in terms of large-scale, high-quality, and low-cost growth, as well as an advanced fabrication technique in optoelectronics, leading to prospects for large-scale quantum engineering. In this paper, we report an experimental demonstration of the generation of a single-photon-emitter array through ion implantation. VSi defects are generated in predetermined locations with high generation efficiency (approximately 19 % ±4 % ). The single emitter probability reaches approximately 34 % ±4 % when the ion-implantation dose is properly set. This method serves as a critical step in integrating single VSi defect emitters with photonic structures, which, in turn, can improve the emission and collection efficiency of VSi defects when they are used in a spin photonic quantum network. On the other hand, the defects are shallow, and they are generated about 40 nm below the surface which can serve as a critical resource in quantum-sensing applications.

Hacking the quantum revolution: 1925-1975

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweber, Silvan S.

2015-01-01

I argue that the quantum revolution should be seen as an Ian Hacking type of scientific revolution: a profound, longue durée, multidisciplinary process of transforming our understanding of physical nature, with deep-rooted social components from the start. The "revolution" exhibits a characteristic style of reasoning - the hierarchization of physical nature - and developed and uses a specific language - quantum field theory (QFT). It is by virtue of that language that the quantum theory has achieved some of its deepest insights into the description of the dynamics of the physical world. However, the meaning of what a quantum field theory is and what it describes has deeply altered, and one now speaks of "effective" quantum field theories. Interpreting all present day quantum field theories as but "effective" field theories sheds additional light on Phillip Anderson's assertion that "More is different". This important element is addressed in the last part of the paper.

Quantum and classical behavior in interacting bosonic systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hertzberg, Mark P.

It is understood that in free bosonic theories, the classical field theory accurately describes the full quantum theory when the occupancy numbers of systems are very large. However, the situation is less understood in interacting theories, especially on time scales longer than the dynamical relaxation time. Recently there have been claims that the quantum theory deviates spectacularly from the classical theory on this time scale, even if the occupancy numbers are extremely large. Furthermore, it is claimed that the quantum theory quickly thermalizes while the classical theory does not. The evidence for these claims comes from noticing a spectacular differencemore » in the time evolution of expectation values of quantum operators compared to the classical micro-state evolution. If true, this would have dramatic consequences for many important phenomena, including laboratory studies of interacting BECs, dark matter axions, preheating after inflation, etc. In this work we critically examine these claims. We show that in fact the classical theory can describe the quantum behavior in the high occupancy regime, even when interactions are large. The connection is that the expectation values of quantum operators in a single quantum micro-state are approximated by a corresponding classical ensemble average over many classical micro-states. Furthermore, by the ergodic theorem, a classical ensemble average of local fields with statistical translation invariance is the spatial average of a single micro-state. So the correlation functions of the quantum and classical field theories of a single micro-state approximately agree at high occupancy, even in interacting systems. Furthermore, both quantum and classical field theories can thermalize, when appropriate coarse graining is introduced, with the classical case requiring a cutoff on low occupancy UV modes. We discuss applications of our results.« less

The geometrical structure of quantum theory as a natural generalization of information geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reginatto, Marcel

2015-01-01

Quantum mechanics has a rich geometrical structure which allows for a geometrical formulation of the theory. This formalism was introduced by Kibble and later developed by a number of other authors. The usual approach has been to start from the standard description of quantum mechanics and identify the relevant geometrical features that can be used for the reformulation of the theory. Here this procedure is inverted: the geometrical structure of quantum theory is derived from information geometry, a geometrical structure that may be considered more fundamental, and the Hilbert space of the standard formulation of quantum mechanics is constructed using geometrical quantities. This suggests that quantum theory has its roots in information geometry.

Record surface state mobility and quantum Hall effect in topological insulator thin films via interface engineering

DOE PAGES

Koirala, Nikesh; Han, Myung -Geun; Brahlek, Matthew; ...

2015-11-19

Material defects remain as the main bottleneck to the progress of topological insulators (TIs). In particular, efforts to achieve thin TI samples with dominant surface transport have always led to increased defects and degraded mobilities, thus making it difficult to probe the quantum regime of the topological surface states. Here, by utilizing a novel buffer layer scheme composed of an In 2Se 3/(Bi 0.5In 0.5) 2Se 3 heterostructure, we introduce a quantum generation of Bi 2Se 3 films with an order of magnitude enhanced mobilities than before. Furthermore, this scheme has led to the first observation of the quantum Hallmore » effect in Bi 2Se 3.« less

All-optical switch based on doped graphene quantum dots in a defect layer of a one-dimensional photonic crystal.

PubMed

Sahrai, Mostafa; Abbasabadi, Majid

2018-01-20

We discuss the light pulse propagation in a one-dimensional photonic crystal doped by graphene quantum dots in a defect layer. The graphene quantum dots behave as a three-level quantum system and are driven by three coherent laser fields. It is shown that the group velocity of the transmitted and reflected pulses can be switched from subluminal to superluminal light propagation by adjusting the relative phase of the applied fields. Furthermore, it is found that by proper choice of the phase difference between applied fields, the weak probe field amplification is achieved through a one-dimensional photonic crystal. In this way, the result is simultaneous subluminal transmission and reflection.

Mitigating Structural Defects in Droop-Minimizing InGaN/GaN Quantum Well Heterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Zhibo; Chesin, Jordan; Singh, Akshay

2016-12-01

Modern commercial InGaN/GaN blue LEDs continue to suffer from efficiency droop, a reduction in efficiency with increasing drive current. External quantum efficiency (EQE) typically peaks at low drive currents (< 10 A cm 2) and drops monotonically at higher current densities, falling to <85% of the peak EQE at a drive current of 100 A cm 2. Mitigating droop-related losses will yield tremendous gains in both luminous efficacy (lumens/W) and cost (lumens/$). Such improvements are critical for continued large-scale market penetration of LED technologies, particularly in high-power and high flux per unit area applications. However, device structures that reduce droopmore » typically require higher indium content and are accompanied by a corresponding degradation in material quality which negates the droop improvement via enhanced Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination. In this work, we use advanced characterization techniques to identify and classify structural defects in InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) heterostructures that share features with low-droop designs. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (C s-STEM), we find the presence of severe well width fluctuations (WWFs) in a number of low droop device architectures. However, the presence of WWFs does not correlate strongly with external quantum efficiency nor defect densities measured via deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS). Hence, performance losses in the heterostructures of interest are likely dominated by nanoscale point or interfacial defects rather than large-scale extended defects.« less

Universal entanglement crossover of coupled quantum wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasseur, Romain; Jacobsen, Jesper; Saleur, Hubert

2014-03-01

We consider the entanglement between two one-dimensional quantum wires (Luttinger Liquids) coupled by tunneling through a quantum impurity. The physics of the system involves a crossover between weak and strong coupling regimes characterized by an energy scale TB, and methods of conformal field theory therefore cannot be applied. The evolution of the entanglement in this crossover has led to many numerical studies, but has remained little understood, analytically or even qualitatively. This is, in part, due to the fact that the entanglement in this case is non-perturbative in the tunneling amplitude. We argue that the correct universal scaling form of the entanglement entropy S (for an arbitrary interval containing the impurity) is ∂S / ∂lnL = f(LTB) . In the special case where the coupling to the impurity can be refermionized, we show how the universal function f(LTB) can be obtained analytically using recent results on form factors of twist fields and a defect massless-scattering formalism. Our results are carefully checked against numerical simulations. This work was supported by the the French ANR (ANR Projet 2010 Blanc SIMI 4 : DIME), the US DOE (grant number DE-FG03-01ER45908), the Quantum Materials program of LBNL (RV) and the Institut Universitaire de France (JLJ).

Does horizon entropy satisfy a quantum null energy conjecture?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Zicao; Marolf, Donald

2016-12-01

A modern version of the idea that the area of event horizons gives 4G times an entropy is the Hubeny-Rangamani causal holographic information (CHI) proposal for holographic field theories. Given a region R of a holographic QFTs, CHI computes A/4G on a certain cut of an event horizon in the gravitational dual. The result is naturally interpreted as a coarse-grained entropy for the QFT. CHI is known to be finitely greater than the fine-grained Hubeny-Rangamani-Takayanagi (HRT) entropy when \\partial R lies on a Killing horizon of the QFT spacetime, and in this context satisfies other non-trivial properties expected of an entropy. Here we present evidence that it also satisfies the quantum null energy condition (QNEC), which bounds the second derivative of the entropy of a quantum field theory on one side of a non-expanding null surface by the flux of stress-energy across the surface. In particular, we show CHI to satisfy the QNEC in 1  +  1 holographic CFTs when evaluated in states dual to conical defects in AdS3. This surprising result further supports the idea that CHI defines a useful notion of coarse-grained holographic entropy, and suggests unprecedented bounds on the rate at which bulk horizon generators emerge from a caustic. To supplement our motivation, we include an appendix deriving a corresponding coarse-grained generalized second law for 1  +  1 holographic CFTs perturbatively coupled to dilaton gravity.

Walls, anomalies, and deconfinement in quantum antiferromagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komargodski, Zohar; Sulejmanpasic, Tin; Ünsal, Mithat

2018-02-01

We consider the Abelian-Higgs model in 2 +1 dimensions with instanton-monopole defects. This model is closely related to the phases of quantum antiferromagnets. In the presence of Z2 preserving monopole operators, there are two confining ground states in the monopole phase, corresponding to the valence bond solid (VBS) phase of quantum magnets. We show that the domain wall carries a 't Hooft anomaly in this case. The anomaly can be saturated by, e.g., charge-conjugation breaking on the wall or by the domain wall theory becoming gapless (a gapless model that saturates the anomaly is S U (2) 1 WZW). Either way the fundamental scalar particles (i.e., spinons) which are confined in the bulk are deconfined on the domain wall. This Z2 phase can be realized either with spin-1/2 on a rectangular lattice or spin-1 on a square lattice. In both cases the domain wall contains spin-1/2 particles (which are absent in the bulk). We discuss the possible relation to recent lattice simulations of domain walls in VBS. We further generalize the discussion to Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olsen (ANO) vortices in a dual superconductor of the Abelian-Higgs model in 3 +1 dimensions and to the easy-plane limit of antiferromagnets. In the latter case the wall can undergo a variant of the BKT transition (consistent with the anomalies) while the bulk is still gapped. The same is true for the easy-axis limit of antiferromagnets. We also touch upon some analogies to Yang-Mills theory.

A quantum-classical theory with nonlinear and stochastic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burić, N.; Popović, D. B.; Radonjić, M.; Prvanović, S.

2014-12-01

The method of constrained dynamical systems on the quantum-classical phase space is utilized to develop a theory of quantum-classical hybrid systems. Effects of the classical degrees of freedom on the quantum part are modeled using an appropriate constraint, and the interaction also includes the effects of neglected degrees of freedom. Dynamical law of the theory is given in terms of nonlinear stochastic differential equations with Hamiltonian and gradient terms. The theory provides a successful dynamical description of the collapse during quantum measurement.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Yongsoo; Chen, Chien-Chun; Scott, M. C.

Perfect crystals are rare in nature. Real materials often contain crystal defects and chemical order/disorder such as grain boundaries, dislocations, interfaces, surface reconstructions and point defects. Such disruption in periodicity strongly affects material properties and functionality. Despite rapid development of quantitative material characterization methods, correlating three-dimensional (3D) atomic arrangements of chemical order/disorder and crystal defects with material properties remains a challenge. On a parallel front, quantum mechanics calculations such as density functional theory (DFT) have progressed from the modelling of ideal bulk systems to modelling ‘real’ materials with dopants, dislocations, grain boundaries and interfaces; but these calculations rely heavily onmore » average atomic models extracted from crystallography. To improve the predictive power of first-principles calculations, there is a pressing need to use atomic coordinates of real systems beyond average crystallographic measurements. Here we determine the 3D coordinates of 6,569 iron and 16,627 platinum atoms in an iron-platinum nanoparticle, and correlate chemical order/disorder and crystal defects with material properties at the single-atom level. We identify rich structural variety with unprecedented 3D detail including atomic composition, grain boundaries, anti-phase boundaries, anti-site point defects and swap defects. We show that the experimentally measured coordinates and chemical species with 22 picometre precision can be used as direct input for DFT calculations of material properties such as atomic spin and orbital magnetic moments and local magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The work presented here combines 3D atomic structure determination of crystal defects with DFT calculations, which is expected to advance our understanding of structure–property relationships at the fundamental level.« less

Deciphering chemical order/disorder and material properties at the single-atom level.

PubMed

Yang, Yongsoo; Chen, Chien-Chun; Scott, M C; Ophus, Colin; Xu, Rui; Pryor, Alan; Wu, Li; Sun, Fan; Theis, Wolfgang; Zhou, Jihan; Eisenbach, Markus; Kent, Paul R C; Sabirianov, Renat F; Zeng, Hao; Ercius, Peter; Miao, Jianwei

2017-02-01

Perfect crystals are rare in nature. Real materials often contain crystal defects and chemical order/disorder such as grain boundaries, dislocations, interfaces, surface reconstructions and point defects. Such disruption in periodicity strongly affects material properties and functionality. Despite rapid development of quantitative material characterization methods, correlating three-dimensional (3D) atomic arrangements of chemical order/disorder and crystal defects with material properties remains a challenge. On a parallel front, quantum mechanics calculations such as density functional theory (DFT) have progressed from the modelling of ideal bulk systems to modelling 'real' materials with dopants, dislocations, grain boundaries and interfaces; but these calculations rely heavily on average atomic models extracted from crystallography. To improve the predictive power of first-principles calculations, there is a pressing need to use atomic coordinates of real systems beyond average crystallographic measurements. Here we determine the 3D coordinates of 6,569 iron and 16,627 platinum atoms in an iron-platinum nanoparticle, and correlate chemical order/disorder and crystal defects with material properties at the single-atom level. We identify rich structural variety with unprecedented 3D detail including atomic composition, grain boundaries, anti-phase boundaries, anti-site point defects and swap defects. We show that the experimentally measured coordinates and chemical species with 22 picometre precision can be used as direct input for DFT calculations of material properties such as atomic spin and orbital magnetic moments and local magnetocrystalline anisotropy. This work combines 3D atomic structure determination of crystal defects with DFT calculations, which is expected to advance our understanding of structure-property relationships at the fundamental level.

Orange-red emitting Gd2Zr2O7:Sm3+: Structure-property correlation, optical properties and defect spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Santosh K.; Reghukumar, C.; Sudarshan, K.; Ghosh, P. S.; Pathak, Nimai; Kadam, R. M.

2018-05-01

Local structure analysis of dopant ion, understanding host to dopant energy transfer dynamics and defects characterization in a doped material which plays an important role in the designing a highly efficient opto-electronic material. In this connection a new Sm3+ doped Gd2Zr2O7 pyrochlore material was synthesized using gel-combustion technique and was characterized systematically using X-ray diffraction (XRD), time resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy (TRPLS), positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and density functional theory (DFT) based ab-initio calculation. Based on DFT site selective energetics calculation and luminescence decay measurement, it was observed that the Sm3+ was distributed at both Gd3+ and Zr4+ site with higher Sm3+ fraction at the Gd3+ site. PALS was used to probe the presence of defects in the phosphor. In this work intense orange-red emission is realized through manipulating the energy transfer from host defect emission (oxygen vacancies) to Sm3+ which allows color emission from green in undoped to orange-red in doped samples. Effect of dopant concentration and annealing temperature was probed using TRPLS and PALS. These all information is highly important for researcher looking to achieve pyrochlore based phosphor materials with high quantum yield.

Measurements of near-ultimate strength for multiwalled carbon nanotubes and irradiation-induced crosslinking improvements.

PubMed

Peng, Bei; Locascio, Mark; Zapol, Peter; Li, Shuyou; Mielke, Steven L; Schatz, George C; Espinosa, Horacio D

2008-10-01

The excellent mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes are being exploited in a growing number of applications from ballistic armour to nanoelectronics. However, measurements of these properties have not achieved the values predicted by theory due to a combination of artifacts introduced during sample preparation and inadequate measurements. Here we report multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a mean fracture strength >100 GPa, which exceeds earlier observations by a factor of approximately three. These results are in excellent agreement with quantum-mechanical estimates for nanotubes containing only an occasional vacancy defect, and are approximately 80% of the values expected for defect-free tubes. This performance is made possible by omitting chemical treatments from the sample preparation process, thus avoiding the formation of defects. High-resolution imaging was used to directly determine the number of fractured shells and the chirality of the outer shell. Electron irradiation at 200 keV for 10, 100 and 1,800 s led to improvements in the maximum sustainable loads by factors of 2.4, 7.9 and 11.6 compared with non-irradiated samples of similar diameter. This effect is attributed to crosslinking between the shells. Computer simulations also illustrate the effects of various irradiation-induced crosslinking defects on load sharing between the shells.

Hidden Oceans? Unraveling the Structure of Hydrous Defects in the Earth's Deep Interior.

PubMed

Grüninger, Helen; Armstrong, Katherine; Greim, Dominik; Boffa-Ballaran, Tiziana; Frost, Daniel J; Senker, Jürgen

2017-08-02

High-pressure silicates making up the main proportion of the earth's interior can incorporate a significant amount of water in the form of OH defects. Generally, they are charge balanced by removing low-valent cations such as Mg 2+ . By combining high-resolution multidimensional single- and double-quantum 1 H solid-state NMR spectroscopy with density functional theory calculations, we show that, for ringwoodite (γ-Mg 2 SiO 4 ), additionally, Si 4+ vacancies are formed, even at a water content as low as 0.1 wt %. They are charge balanced by either four protons or one Mg 2+ and two protons. Surprisingly, also a significant proportion of coupled Mg and Si vacancies are present. Furthermore, all defect types feature a pronounced orientational disorder of the OH groups, which results in a significant range of OH···O bond distributions. As such, we are able to present unique insight into the defect chemistry of ringwoodite's spinel structure, which not only accounts for a potentially large fraction of the earth's entire water budget, but will also control transport properties in the mantle. We expect that our results will even impact other hydrous spinel-type materials, helping to understand properties such as ion conduction and heterogeneous catalysis.

Measurements of near-ultimate strength for multiwalled carbon nanotubes and irradiation-induced crosslinking improvements.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peng, B.; Locascio, M.; Zapol, P.

2008-01-01

The excellent mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes are being exploited in a growing number of applications from ballistic armour to nanoelectronics. However, measurements of these properties have not achieved the values predicted by theory due to a combination of artifacts introduced during sample preparation and inadequate measurements. Here we report multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a mean fracture strength >100 GPa, which exceeds earlier observations by a factor of approximately three. These results are in excellent agreement with quantum-mechanical estimates for nanotubes containing only an occasional vacancy defect, and are {approx}80% of the values expected for defect-free tubes. This performance ismore » made possible by omitting chemical treatments from the sample preparation process, thus avoiding the formation of defects. High-resolution imaging was used to directly determine the number of fractured shells and the chirality of the outer shell. Electron irradiation at 200 keV for 10, 100 and 1,800 s led to improvements in the maximum sustainable loads by factors of 2.4, 7.9 and 11.6 compared with non-irradiated samples of similar diameter. This effect is attributed to crosslinking between the shells. Computer simulations also illustrate the effects of various irradiation-induced crosslinking defects on load sharing between the shells.« less

Perturbative quantum field theory in the framework of the fermionic projector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finster, Felix

2014-04-01

We give a microscopic derivation of perturbative quantum field theory, taking causal fermion systems and the framework of the fermionic projector as the starting point. The resulting quantum field theory agrees with standard quantum field theory on the tree level and reproduces all bosonic loop diagrams. The fermion loops are described in a different formalism in which no ultraviolet divergences occur.

Quantum resource theories in the single-shot regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gour, Gilad

2017-06-01

One of the main goals of any resource theory such as entanglement, quantum thermodynamics, quantum coherence, and asymmetry, is to find necessary and sufficient conditions that determine whether one resource can be converted to another by the set of free operations. Here we find such conditions for a large class of quantum resource theories which we call affine resource theories. Affine resource theories include the resource theories of athermality, asymmetry, and coherence, but not entanglement. Remarkably, the necessary and sufficient conditions can be expressed as a family of inequalities between resource monotones (quantifiers) that are given in terms of the conditional min-entropy. The set of free operations is taken to be (1) the maximal set (i.e., consists of all resource nongenerating quantum channels) or (2) the self-dual set of free operations (i.e., consists of all resource nongenerating maps for which the dual map is also resource nongenerating). As an example, we apply our results to quantum thermodynamics with Gibbs preserving operations, and several other affine resource theories. Finally, we discuss the applications of these results to resource theories that are not affine and, along the way, provide the necessary and sufficient conditions that a quantum resource theory consists of a resource destroying map.

Dissociative recombination of the CH+ molecular ion at low energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabarti, K.; Mezei, J. Zs; Motapon, O.; Faure, A.; Dulieu, O.; Hassouni, K.; Schneider, I. F.

2018-05-01

The reactive collision of the CH+ molecular ion with an electron is studied in the framework of the multichannel quantum defect theory, taking into account the contribution of the core-excited Rydberg states. In addition to the X 1Σ+ ground state of the ion, we also consider the contribution to the dynamics of the a 3Π and A 1Π excited states of CH+. Our results—in the case of the dissociative recombination in good agreement with the storage ring measurements—rely on decisive improvements—complete account of the ionisation channels and accurate evaluation of the reaction matrix—of a previously used model.

Observable traces of non-metricity: New constraints on metric-affine gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delhom-Latorre, Adrià; Olmo, Gonzalo J.; Ronco, Michele

2018-05-01

Relaxing the Riemannian condition to incorporate geometric quantities such as torsion and non-metricity may allow to explore new physics associated with defects in a hypothetical space-time microstructure. Here we show that non-metricity produces observable effects in quantum fields in the form of 4-fermion contact interactions, thereby allowing us to constrain the scale of non-metricity to be greater than 1 TeV by using results on Bahbah scattering. Our analysis is carried out in the framework of a wide class of theories of gravity in the metric-affine approach. The bound obtained represents an improvement of several orders of magnitude to previous experimental constraints.

Universal far-from-equilibrium dynamics of a holographic superconductor.

PubMed

Sonner, Julian; Del Campo, Adolfo; Zurek, Wojciech H

2015-06-23

Symmetry-breaking phase transitions are an example of non-equilibrium processes that require real-time treatment, a major challenge in strongly coupled systems without long-lived quasiparticles. Holographic duality provides such an approach by mapping strongly coupled field theories in D dimensions into weakly coupled quantum gravity in D+1 anti-de Sitter spacetime. Here we use holographic duality to study the formation of topological defects-winding numbers-in the course of a superconducting transition in a strongly coupled theory in a 1D ring. When the system undergoes the transition on a given quench time, the condensate builds up with a delay that can be deduced using the Kibble-Zurek mechanism from the quench time and the universality class of the theory, as determined from the quasinormal mode spectrum of the dual model. Typical winding numbers deposited in the ring exhibit a universal fractional power law dependence on the quench time, also predicted by the Kibble-Zurek Mechanism.

Low-Temperature Single Carbon Nanotube Spectroscopy of sp 3 Quantum Defects

DOE PAGES

He, Xiaowei; Gifford, Brendan J.; Hartmann, Nicolai F.; ...

2017-09-28

Aiming to unravel the relationship between chemical configuration and electronic structure of sp3 defects of aryl-functionalized (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), we perform low-temperature single nanotube photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy studies and correlate our observations with quantum chemistry simulations. Here, we observe sharp emission peaks from individual defect sites that are spread over an extremely broad, 1000-1350 nm, spectral range. Our simulations allow us to attribute this spectral diversity to the occurrence of six chemically and energetically distinct defect states resulting from topological variation in the chemical binding configuration of the monovalent aryl groups. Both PL emission efficiency and spectral linemore » width of the defect states are strongly influenced by the local dielectric environment. Wrapping the SWCNT with a polyfluorene polymer provides the best isolation from the environment and yields the brightest emission with near-resolution limited spectral line width of 270 ueV, as well as spectrally resolved emission wings associated with localized acoustic phonons. Pump-dependent studies further revealed that the defect states are capable of emitting single, sharp, isolated PL peaks over 3 orders of magnitude increase in pump power, a key characteristic of two-level systems and an important prerequisite for single-photon emission with high purity. Our findings point to the tremendous potential of sp3 defects in development of room temperature quantum light sources capable of operating at telecommunication wavelengths as the emission of the defect states can readily be extended to this range via use of larger diameter SWCNTs.« less

Low-Temperature Single Carbon Nanotube Spectroscopy of sp 3 Quantum Defects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Xiaowei; Gifford, Brendan J.; Hartmann, Nicolai F.

Aiming to unravel the relationship between chemical configuration and electronic structure of sp3 defects of aryl-functionalized (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), we perform low-temperature single nanotube photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy studies and correlate our observations with quantum chemistry simulations. Here, we observe sharp emission peaks from individual defect sites that are spread over an extremely broad, 1000-1350 nm, spectral range. Our simulations allow us to attribute this spectral diversity to the occurrence of six chemically and energetically distinct defect states resulting from topological variation in the chemical binding configuration of the monovalent aryl groups. Both PL emission efficiency and spectral linemore » width of the defect states are strongly influenced by the local dielectric environment. Wrapping the SWCNT with a polyfluorene polymer provides the best isolation from the environment and yields the brightest emission with near-resolution limited spectral line width of 270 ueV, as well as spectrally resolved emission wings associated with localized acoustic phonons. Pump-dependent studies further revealed that the defect states are capable of emitting single, sharp, isolated PL peaks over 3 orders of magnitude increase in pump power, a key characteristic of two-level systems and an important prerequisite for single-photon emission with high purity. Our findings point to the tremendous potential of sp3 defects in development of room temperature quantum light sources capable of operating at telecommunication wavelengths as the emission of the defect states can readily be extended to this range via use of larger diameter SWCNTs.« less

Precision Measurement of the Rovibrational Energy-Level Structure of ^{4}He^{+}_{2}

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semeria, Luca; Jansen, Paul; Agner, Josef A.; Schmutz, Hansjürg; Merkt, Frederic

2017-06-01

He_{2}^{+} is a three-electron system for which highly accurate ab initio calculations are possible. The latest calculations of the rovibrational energies of He_{2}^{+} by Tung et al. have a reported accuracy of 120 MHz, although they do not include relativistic and quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects. We determined the rovibrational structure of ^{4}He^{+}_{2} from measurements of the Rydberg spectrum of metastable a ^3Σ_u^+ He_{2} (He^{*}_{2} hereafter) and Rydberg-series extrapolation using multichannel quantum-defect-theory. He^{*}_{2} molecules are produced in supersonic beams with velocities tunable down to about 100 m/s by combining a cryogenic supersonic-beam source with a multistage Zeeman decelerator. They are then excited to high-np Rydberg states by single-photon excitation. In the experiments, we use a pulsed uv laser system, with a near Fourier-transform-limited bandwidth of 150 MHz. The Zeeman deceleration reduces the systematic uncertainty arising from a possible Doppler shift and greatly simplifies the spectral assignment because of its spin-rotational state selectivity. Results will be presented on the rotational structure of the lowest three vibrational levels of He^{+}_{2}. The unprecedented accuracy that we have obtained for the v^{+}=0 rotational intervals of He_{2}^{+} enables the quantification of the relativistic and QED corrections by comparison with the results of Tung et al.^a W.-C. Tung, M. Pavanello and L. Adamowicz, J. Chem. Phys., 136, 104309, 2012. C. Jungen, Elements of Quantum Defect Theory, in : Handbook of High-resolution Spectroscopy, 2001. D. Sprecher, J. Liu, T. Krähenmann, M. Schäfer, and F. Merkt, J. Chem. Phys., 140, 064304, 2014. A. W. Wiederkehr, S. D. Hogan, M. Andrist, H. Schmutz, B. Lambillotte, J. A. Agner, and F. Merkt., J. Chem. Phys., 135, 214202, 2011. M. Motsch, P. Jansen, J. A. Agner, H. Schmutz, and F. Merkt, Phys. Rev. A, 89, 043420, 2014. P. Jansen, L. Semeria, L. E. Hofer, S. Scheidegger, J. A. Agner, H. Schmutz, and F. Merkt. Phys. Rev. Lett., 115, 133202, 2015. L. Semeria, P. Jansen and F. Merkt, J. Chem. Phys., 145, 204301, 2016.

Quantum Sensors for the Generating Functional of Interacting Quantum Field Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermudez, A.; Aarts, G.; Müller, M.

2017-10-01

Difficult problems described in terms of interacting quantum fields evolving in real time or out of equilibrium abound in condensed-matter and high-energy physics. Addressing such problems via controlled experiments in atomic, molecular, and optical physics would be a breakthrough in the field of quantum simulations. In this work, we present a quantum-sensing protocol to measure the generating functional of an interacting quantum field theory and, with it, all the relevant information about its in- or out-of-equilibrium phenomena. Our protocol can be understood as a collective interferometric scheme based on a generalization of the notion of Schwinger sources in quantum field theories, which make it possible to probe the generating functional. We show that our scheme can be realized in crystals of trapped ions acting as analog quantum simulators of self-interacting scalar quantum field theories.

The geometrical structure of quantum theory as a natural generalization of information geometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reginatto, Marcel

2015-01-13

Quantum mechanics has a rich geometrical structure which allows for a geometrical formulation of the theory. This formalism was introduced by Kibble and later developed by a number of other authors. The usual approach has been to start from the standard description of quantum mechanics and identify the relevant geometrical features that can be used for the reformulation of the theory. Here this procedure is inverted: the geometrical structure of quantum theory is derived from information geometry, a geometrical structure that may be considered more fundamental, and the Hilbert space of the standard formulation of quantum mechanics is constructed usingmore » geometrical quantities. This suggests that quantum theory has its roots in information geometry.« less

Ordinary versus PT-symmetric Φ³ quantum field theory

DOE PAGES

Bender, Carl M.; Branchina, Vincenzo; Messina, Emanuele

2012-04-02

A quantum-mechanical theory is PT-symmetric if it is described by a Hamiltonian that commutes with PT, where the operator P performs space reflection and the operator T performs time reversal. A PT-symmetric Hamiltonian often has a parametric region of unbroken PT symmetry in which the energy eigenvalues are all real. There may also be a region of broken PT symmetry in which some of the eigenvalues are complex. These regions are separated by a phase transition that has been repeatedly observed in laboratory experiments. This paper focuses on the properties of a PT-symmetric igΦ³ quantum field theory. This quantum fieldmore » theory is the analog of the PT-symmetric quantum-mechanical theory described by the Hamiltonian H=p²+ix³, whose eigenvalues have been rigorously shown to be all real. This paper compares the renormalization group properties of a conventional Hermitian gΦ³ quantum field theory with those of the PT-symmetric igΦ³ quantum field theory. It is shown that while the conventional gΦ³ theory in d=6 dimensions is asymptotically free, the igΦ³ theory is like a gΦ⁴ theory in d=4 dimensions; it is energetically stable, perturbatively renormalizable, and trivial.« less

Holographic description of a quantum black hole on a computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanada, Masanori; Hyakutake, Yoshifumi; Ishiki, Goro; Nishimura, Jun

2014-05-01

Black holes have been predicted to radiate particles and eventually evaporate, which has led to the information loss paradox and implies that the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics may be violated. Superstring theory, a consistent theory of quantum gravity, provides a possible solution to the paradox if evaporating black holes can actually be described in terms of standard quantum mechanical systems, as conjectured from the theory. Here, we test this conjecture by calculating the mass of a black hole in the corresponding quantum mechanical system numerically. Our results agree well with the prediction from gravity theory, including the leading quantum gravity correction. Our ability to simulate black holes offers the potential to further explore the yet mysterious nature of quantum gravity through well-established quantum mechanics.

The complex and quaternionic quantum bit from relativity of simultaneity on an interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garner, Andrew J. P.; Müller, Markus P.; Dahlsten, Oscar C. O.

2017-12-01

The patterns of fringes produced by an interferometer have long been important testbeds for our best contemporary theories of physics. Historically, interference has been used to contrast quantum mechanics with classical physics, but recently experiments have been performed that test quantum theory against even more exotic alternatives. A physically motivated family of theories are those where the state space of a two-level system is given by a sphere of arbitrary dimension. This includes classical bits, and real, complex and quaternionic quantum theory. In this paper, we consider relativity of simultaneity (i.e. that observers may disagree about the order of events at different locations) as applied to a two-armed interferometer, and show that this forbids most interference phenomena more complicated than those of complex quantum theory. If interference must depend on some relational property of the setting (such as path difference), then relativity of simultaneity will limit state spaces to standard complex quantum theory, or a subspace thereof. If this relational assumption is relaxed, we find one additional theory compatible with relativity of simultaneity: quaternionic quantum theory. Our results have consequences for current laboratory interference experiments: they have to be designed carefully to avoid rendering beyond-quantum effects invisible by relativity of simultaneity.

The complex and quaternionic quantum bit from relativity of simultaneity on an interferometer.

PubMed

Garner, Andrew J P; Müller, Markus P; Dahlsten, Oscar C O

2017-12-01

The patterns of fringes produced by an interferometer have long been important testbeds for our best contemporary theories of physics. Historically, interference has been used to contrast quantum mechanics with classical physics, but recently experiments have been performed that test quantum theory against even more exotic alternatives. A physically motivated family of theories are those where the state space of a two-level system is given by a sphere of arbitrary dimension. This includes classical bits, and real, complex and quaternionic quantum theory. In this paper, we consider relativity of simultaneity (i.e. that observers may disagree about the order of events at different locations) as applied to a two-armed interferometer, and show that this forbids most interference phenomena more complicated than those of complex quantum theory. If interference must depend on some relational property of the setting (such as path difference), then relativity of simultaneity will limit state spaces to standard complex quantum theory, or a subspace thereof. If this relational assumption is relaxed, we find one additional theory compatible with relativity of simultaneity: quaternionic quantum theory. Our results have consequences for current laboratory interference experiments: they have to be designed carefully to avoid rendering beyond-quantum effects invisible by relativity of simultaneity.

An elementary quantum network using robust nuclear spin qubits in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalb, Norbert; Reiserer, Andreas; Humphreys, Peter; Blok, Machiel; van Bemmelen, Koen; Twitchen, Daniel; Markham, Matthew; Taminiau, Tim; Hanson, Ronald

Quantum registers containing multiple robust qubits can form the nodes of future quantum networks for computation and communication. Information storage within such nodes must be resilient to any type of local operation. Here we demonstrate multiple robust memories by employing five nuclear spins adjacent to a nitrogen-vacancy defect centre in diamond. We characterize the storage of quantum superpositions and their resilience to entangling attempts with the electron spin of the defect centre. The storage fidelity is found to be limited by the probabilistic electron spin reset after failed entangling attempts. Control over multiple memories is then utilized to encode states in decoherence protected subspaces with increased robustness. Furthermore we demonstrate memory control in two optically linked network nodes and characterize the storage capabilities of both memories in terms of the process fidelity with the identity. These results pave the way towards multi-qubit quantum algorithms in a remote network setting.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marseglia, L.; Saha, K.; Ajoy, A.

The practical implementation of quantum technologies such as quantum commu- nication and quantum cryptography relies on the development of indistinguishable, robust, and bright single photon sources that works at room temperature. The silicon- vacancy (SiV -) center in diamond has emerged as a possible candidate for a single photon source with all these characteristics. Unfortunately, due to the high refraction index mismatch between diamond and air, color centers in diamond show low photon out-coupling. This drawback can be overcome by fabrication of photonic structures that improve the in-coupling of excitation laser to the diamond defect as well as the out-couplingmore » emission from the color centers. An additional shortcoming is due to the random localization of native defects in the diamond sample. Here we demonstrate deterministic implantation of Si ions with high conversion effciency to single SiV -, targeted to fabricated nanowires. The co-localization of single SiV - defects with the nanostructures yields a ten times higher light coupling effciency as compared to single SiV - in the bulk. This result, with its intrinsic scalability, enables a new class of devices for integrated photonics and quantum information processing.« less

The Place of Learning Quantum Theory in Physics Teacher Education: Motivational Elements Arising from the Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Körhasan, Nilüfer Didis

2015-01-01

Quantum theory is one of the most successful theories in physics. Because of its abstract, mathematical, and counter-intuitive nature, many students have problems learning the theory, just as teachers experience difficulty in teaching it. Pedagogical research on quantum theory has mainly focused on cognitive issues. However, affective issues about…

Ground and excited states of NH4: Electron propagator and quantum defect analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, J. V.; Martín, I.; Velasco, A. M.; Lavín, C.

2004-05-01

Vertical excitation energies of the Rydberg radical NH4 are inferred from ab initio electron propagator calculations on the electron affinities of NH4+. The adiabatic ionization energy of NH4 is evaluated with coupled-cluster calculations. These predictions provide optimal parameters for the molecular-adapted quantum defect orbital method, which is used to determine Einstein emission coefficients and radiative lifetimes. Comparisons with spectroscopic data and previous calculations are discussed.

Gravitational decoherence, alternative quantum theories and semiclassical gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, B. L.

2014-04-01

In this report we discuss three aspects: 1) Semiclassical gravity theory (SCG): 4 levels of theories describing the interaction of quantum matter with classical gravity. 2) Alternative Quantum Theories: Discerning those which are derivable from general relativity (GR) plus quantum field theory (QFT) from those which are not 3) Gravitational Decoherence: derivation of a master equation and examination of the assumptions which led to the claims of observational possibilities. We list three sets of corresponding problems worthy of pursuit: a) Newton-Schrödinger Equations in relation to SCG; b) Master equation of gravity-induced effects serving as discriminator of 2); and c) Role of gravity in macroscopic quantum phenomena.

Momentum conserving defects in affine Toda field theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bristow, Rebecca; Bowcock, Peter

2017-05-01

Type II integrable defects with more than one degree of freedom at the defect are investigated. A condition on the form of the Lagrangian for such defects is found which ensures the existence of a conserved momentum in the presence of the defect. In addition it is shown that for any Lagrangian satisfying this condition, the defect equations of motion, when taken to hold everywhere, can be extended to give a Bäcklund transformation between the bulk theories on either side of the defect. This strongly suggests that such systems are integrable. Momentum conserving defects and Bäcklund transformations for affine Toda field theories based on the A n , B n , C n and D n series of Lie algebras are found. The defect associated with the D 4 affine Toda field theory is examined in more detail. In particular classical time delays for solitons passing through the defect are calculated.

Asymptotic quantum elastic generalized Lorenz Mie theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouesbet, G.

2006-10-01

The (electromagnetic) generalized Lorenz-Mie theory describes the interaction between an electromagnetic arbitrary shaped beam and a homogeneous sphere. It is a generalization of the Lorenz-Mie theory which deals with the simpler case of a plane-wave illumination. In a recent paper, we established that, if we restrict ourselves to the study of cross-sections, both for elastic and inelastic scatterings, a macroscopic sphere in Lorenz-Mie theory is formally equivalent to a quantum-like radial potential. To generalize this result, a prerequisite is to possess an asymptotic quantum generalized Lorenz-Mie theory expressing cross-sections in the case of a quantum radial potential interacting with a sub-class of quantum arbitrary wave-packets. Such a theory, restricted however to elastic scattering, is presented in this paper.

The Future of Theoretical Physics and Cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibbons, G. W.; Shellard, E. P. S.; Rankin, S. J.

2009-08-01

Preface; List of contributors; 1. Introduction; Part I. Popular Symposium: 2. Our complex cosmos and its future Martin J. Rees; 3. Theories of everything and Hawking's wave function of the Universe James B. Hartle; 4. The problem of space-time singularities: implications for quantum gravity? Roger Penrose; 5. Warping spacetime Kip Thorne; 6. 60 years in a nutshell Stephen W. Hawking; Part II. Spacetime Singularities: 7. Cosmological perturbations and singularities George F. R. Ellis; 8. The quantum physics of chronology protection Matt Visser; 9. Energy dominance and the Hawking-Ellis vacuum conservation theorem Brandon Carter; 10. On the instability of extra space dimensions Roger Penrose; Part III. Black Holes: 11. Black hole uniqueness and the inner horizon stability problem Werner Israel; 12. Black holes in the real universe and their prospects as probes of relativistic gravity Martin J. Rees; 13. Primordial black holes Bernard Carr; 14. Black hole pair creation Simon F. Ross; 15. Black holes as accelerators Steven Giddings; Part IV. Hawking Radiation: 16. Black holes and string theory Malcolm Perry; 17. M theory and black hole quantum mechanics Joe Polchinski; 18. Playing with black strings Gary Horowitz; 19. Twenty years of debate with Stephen Leonard Susskind; Part V. Quantum Gravity: 20. Euclidean quantum gravity: the view from 2002 Gary Gibbons; 21. Zeta functions, anomalies and stable branes Ian Moss; 22. Some reflections on the status of conventional quantum theory when applied to quantum gravity Chris Isham; 23. Quantum geometry and its ramifications Abhay Ashtekar; 24. Topology change in quantum gravity Fay Dowker; Part VI. M Theory and Beyond: 25. The past and future of string theory Edward Witten; 26. String theory David Gross; 27. A brief description of string theory Michael Green; 28. The story of M Paul Townsend; 29. Gauged supergravity and holographic field theory Nick Warner; 30. 57 varieties in a NUTshell Chris Pope; Part VII. de Sitter Space: 31. Adventures in de Sitter space Raphael Bousso; 32. de Sitter space in non-critical string theory Andrew Strominger; 33. Supergravity, M theory and cosmology Renata Kallosh; Part VIII. Quantum Cosmology: 34. The state of the universe James B. Hartle; 35. Quantum cosmology Don Page; 36. Quantum cosmology and eternal inflation A. Vilenkin; 37. Probability in the deterministic theory known as quantum mechanics Bryce de Witt; 38. The interpretation of quantum cosmology and the problem of time J. Halliwell; 39. What local supersymmetry can do for quantum cosmology Peter D'Eath; Part IX. Cosmology: 40. Inflation and cosmological perturbations Alan Guth; 41. The future of cosmology: observational and computational prospects Paul Shellard; 42. The ekpyrotic universe and its cyclic extension Neil Turok; 43. Inflationary theory versus the ekpyrotic/cyclic scenario Andrei Linde; 44. Brane (new) worlds Pierre Binetruy; 45. Publications of Stephen Hawking; Index.

Relativistic Quantum Metrology: Exploiting relativity to improve quantum measurement technologies

PubMed Central

Ahmadi, Mehdi; Bruschi, David Edward; Sabín, Carlos; Adesso, Gerardo; Fuentes, Ivette

2014-01-01

We present a framework for relativistic quantum metrology that is useful for both Earth-based and space-based technologies. Quantum metrology has been so far successfully applied to design precision instruments such as clocks and sensors which outperform classical devices by exploiting quantum properties. There are advanced plans to implement these and other quantum technologies in space, for instance Space-QUEST and Space Optical Clock projects intend to implement quantum communications and quantum clocks at regimes where relativity starts to kick in. However, typical setups do not take into account the effects of relativity on quantum properties. To include and exploit these effects, we introduce techniques for the application of metrology to quantum field theory. Quantum field theory properly incorporates quantum theory and relativity, in particular, at regimes where space-based experiments take place. This framework allows for high precision estimation of parameters that appear in quantum field theory including proper times and accelerations. Indeed, the techniques can be applied to develop a novel generation of relativistic quantum technologies for gravimeters, clocks and sensors. As an example, we present a high precision device which in principle improves the state-of-the-art in quantum accelerometers by exploiting relativistic effects. PMID:24851858

Relativistic quantum metrology: exploiting relativity to improve quantum measurement technologies.

PubMed

Ahmadi, Mehdi; Bruschi, David Edward; Sabín, Carlos; Adesso, Gerardo; Fuentes, Ivette

2014-05-22

We present a framework for relativistic quantum metrology that is useful for both Earth-based and space-based technologies. Quantum metrology has been so far successfully applied to design precision instruments such as clocks and sensors which outperform classical devices by exploiting quantum properties. There are advanced plans to implement these and other quantum technologies in space, for instance Space-QUEST and Space Optical Clock projects intend to implement quantum communications and quantum clocks at regimes where relativity starts to kick in. However, typical setups do not take into account the effects of relativity on quantum properties. To include and exploit these effects, we introduce techniques for the application of metrology to quantum field theory. Quantum field theory properly incorporates quantum theory and relativity, in particular, at regimes where space-based experiments take place. This framework allows for high precision estimation of parameters that appear in quantum field theory including proper times and accelerations. Indeed, the techniques can be applied to develop a novel generation of relativistic quantum technologies for gravimeters, clocks and sensors. As an example, we present a high precision device which in principle improves the state-of-the-art in quantum accelerometers by exploiting relativistic effects.

Quantum many-body theory for electron spin decoherence in nanoscale nuclear spin baths.

PubMed

Yang, Wen; Ma, Wen-Long; Liu, Ren-Bao

2017-01-01

Decoherence of electron spins in nanoscale systems is important to quantum technologies such as quantum information processing and magnetometry. It is also an ideal model problem for studying the crossover between quantum and classical phenomena. At low temperatures or in light-element materials where the spin-orbit coupling is weak, the phonon scattering in nanostructures is less important and the fluctuations of nuclear spins become the dominant decoherence mechanism for electron spins. Since the 1950s, semi-classical noise theories have been developed for understanding electron spin decoherence. In spin-based solid-state quantum technologies, the relevant systems are in the nanometer scale and nuclear spin baths are quantum objects which require a quantum description. Recently, quantum pictures have been established to understand the decoherence and quantum many-body theories have been developed to quantitatively describe this phenomenon. Anomalous quantum effects have been predicted and some have been experimentally confirmed. A systematically truncated cluster-correlation expansion theory has been developed to account for the many-body correlations in nanoscale nuclear spin baths that are built up during electron spin decoherence. The theory has successfully predicted and explained a number of experimental results in a wide range of physical systems. In this review, we will cover this recent progress. The limitations of the present quantum many-body theories and possible directions for future development will also be discussed.

Efficiency droop in GaN LEDs at high injection levels: Role of hydrogen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bochkareva, N. I.; Sheremet, I. A.; Shreter, Yu. G., E-mail: y.shreter@mail.ioffe.ru

2016-10-15

Point defects in GaN and, in particular, their manifestation in the photoluminescence, optical absorption, and recombination current in light-emitting diodes with InGaN/GaN quantum wells are analyzed. The results of this analysis demonstrate that the wide tail of defect states in the band gap of GaN facilitates the trap-assisted tunneling of thermally activated carriers into the quantum well, but simultaneously leads to a decrease in the nonradiative-recombination lifetime and to an efficiency droop as the quasi-Fermi levels intersect the defect states with increasing forward bias. The results reveal the dominant role of hydrogen in the recombination activity of defects with danglingmore » bonds and in the efficiency of GaN-based devices.« less

The potential of using quantum theory to build models of cognition.

PubMed

Wang, Zheng; Busemeyer, Jerome R; Atmanspacher, Harald; Pothos, Emmanuel M

2013-10-01

Quantum cognition research applies abstract, mathematical principles of quantum theory to inquiries in cognitive science. It differs fundamentally from alternative speculations about quantum brain processes. This topic presents new developments within this research program. In the introduction to this topic, we try to answer three questions: Why apply quantum concepts to human cognition? How is quantum cognitive modeling different from traditional cognitive modeling? What cognitive processes have been modeled using a quantum account? In addition, a brief introduction to quantum probability theory and a concrete example is provided to illustrate how a quantum cognitive model can be developed to explain paradoxical empirical findings in psychological literature. © 2013 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Holographic description of a quantum black hole on a computer.

PubMed

Hanada, Masanori; Hyakutake, Yoshifumi; Ishiki, Goro; Nishimura, Jun

2014-05-23

Black holes have been predicted to radiate particles and eventually evaporate, which has led to the information loss paradox and implies that the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics may be violated. Superstring theory, a consistent theory of quantum gravity, provides a possible solution to the paradox if evaporating black holes can actually be described in terms of standard quantum mechanical systems, as conjectured from the theory. Here, we test this conjecture by calculating the mass of a black hole in the corresponding quantum mechanical system numerically. Our results agree well with the prediction from gravity theory, including the leading quantum gravity correction. Our ability to simulate black holes offers the potential to further explore the yet mysterious nature of quantum gravity through well-established quantum mechanics. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

A Philosophical Approach to Quantum Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Öttinger, Hans Christian

2018-01-01

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Approach to quantum field theory; 2. Scalar field theory; 3. Quantum electrodynamics; 4. Perspectives; Appendix A. An efficient perturbation scheme; Appendix B. Properties of Dirac matrices; Appendix C. Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formulas; References; Author index; Subject index.

Bare Quantum Null Energy Condition.

PubMed

Fu, Zicao; Marolf, Donald

2018-02-16

The quantum null energy condition (QNEC) is a conjectured relation between a null version of quantum field theory energy and derivatives of quantum field theory von Neumann entropy. In some cases, divergences cancel between these two terms and the QNEC is intrinsically finite. We study the more general case here where they do not and argue that a QNEC can still hold for bare (unrenormalized) quantities. While the original QNEC applied only to locally stationary null congruences in backgrounds that solve semiclassical theories of quantum gravity, at least in the formal perturbation theory at a small Planck length, the quantum focusing conjecture can be viewed as the special case of our bare QNEC for which the metric is on shell.

Bare Quantum Null Energy Condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Zicao; Marolf, Donald

2018-02-01

The quantum null energy condition (QNEC) is a conjectured relation between a null version of quantum field theory energy and derivatives of quantum field theory von Neumann entropy. In some cases, divergences cancel between these two terms and the QNEC is intrinsically finite. We study the more general case here where they do not and argue that a QNEC can still hold for bare (unrenormalized) quantities. While the original QNEC applied only to locally stationary null congruences in backgrounds that solve semiclassical theories of quantum gravity, at least in the formal perturbation theory at a small Planck length, the quantum focusing conjecture can be viewed as the special case of our bare QNEC for which the metric is on shell.

Photoluminescence Spectra From The Direct Energy Gap of a-SiQDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdul-Ameer, Nidhal M.; Abdulrida, Moafak C.; Abdul-Hakeem, Shatha M.

2018-05-01

A theoretical model for radiative recombination in amorphous silicon quantum dots (a-SiQDs) was developed. In this model, for the first time, the coexistence of both spatial and quantum confinements were considered. Also, it is found that the photoluminescence exhibits significant size dependence in the range (1-4) nm of the quantum dots. a-SiQDs show visible light emission peak energies and high radiative quantum efficiency at room temperature,in contrast to bulk a-Si structures. The quantum efficiency is sensitive to any change in defect density (the volume nonradiative centers density and/or the surface nonradiative centers density) but, with small dots sizes, the quantum efficiency is insensitive to such defects. Our analysis shows that the photoluminescence intensity increases or decreases by the effect of radiative quantum efficiency. By controlling the size of a-SiQDs, we note that the energy of emission can be tuned. The blue shift is attributed to quantum confinement effect. Meanwhile, the spatial confinement effect is clearly observed in red shift in emission spectra. we found a good agreement with the experimental published data. Therefore, we assert that a-SiQDs material is a promising candidate for visible, tunable, and high performance devices of light emitting.

Strongly Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Defect Physics of Air-Stable Bismuth Oxyiodide (BiOI)

DOE PAGES

Hoye, Robert L. Z.; Lee, Lana C.; Kurchin, Rachel C.; ...

2017-07-17

Bismuth-based compounds have recently gained increasing attention as potentially nontoxic and defect-tolerant solar absorbers. However, many of the new materials recently investigated show limited photovoltaic performance. Herein, one such compound is explored in detail through theory and experiment: bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). BiOI thin films are grown by chemical vapor transport and found to maintain the same tetragonal phase in ambient air for at least 197 d. The computations suggest BiOI to be tolerant to antisite and vacancy defects. All-inorganic solar cells (ITO|NiO x|BiOI|ZnO|Al) with negligible hysteresis and up to 80% external quantum efficiency under select monochromatic excitation are demonstrated. Themore » short-circuit current densities and power conversion efficiencies under AM 1.5G illumination are nearly double those of previously reported BiOI solar cells, as well as other bismuth halide and chalcohalide photovoltaics recently explored by many groups. Through a detailed loss analysis using optical characterization, photoemission spectroscopy, and device modeling, direction for future improvements in efficiency is provided. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that BiOI, previously considered to be a poor photocatalyst, is promising for photovoltaics.« less

Interferometric Computation Beyond Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garner, Andrew J. P.

2018-03-01

There are quantum solutions for computational problems that make use of interference at some stage in the algorithm. These stages can be mapped into the physical setting of a single particle travelling through a many-armed interferometer. There has been recent foundational interest in theories beyond quantum theory. Here, we present a generalized formulation of computation in the context of a many-armed interferometer, and explore how theories can differ from quantum theory and still perform distributed calculations in this set-up. We shall see that quaternionic quantum theory proves a suitable candidate, whereas box-world does not. We also find that a classical hidden variable model first presented by Spekkens (Phys Rev A 75(3): 32100, 2007) can also be used for this type of computation due to the epistemic restriction placed on the hidden variable.

Topological defects in open string field theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojita, Toshiko; Maccaferri, Carlo; Masuda, Toru; Schnabl, Martin

2018-04-01

We show how conformal field theory topological defects can relate solutions of open string field theory for different boundary conditions. To this end we generalize the results of Graham and Watts to include the action of defects on boundary condition changing fields. Special care is devoted to the general case when nontrivial multiplicities arise upon defect action. Surprisingly the fusion algebra of defects is realized on open string fields only up to a (star algebra) isomorphism.

ODE/IM correspondence and the Argyres-Douglas theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Katsushi; Shu, Hongfei

2017-08-01

We study the quantum spectral curve of the Argyres-Douglas theories in the Nekrasov-Sahashvili limit of the Omega-background. Using the ODE/IM correspondence we investigate the quantum integrable model corresponding to the quantum spectral curve. We show that the models for the A 2 N -type theories are non-unitary coset models ( A 1)1 × ( A 1) L /( A 1) L+1 at the fractional level L=2/2N+1-2 , which appear in the study of the 4d/2d correspondence of N = 2 superconformal field theories. Based on the WKB analysis, we clarify the relation between the Y-functions and the quantum periods and study the exact Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition for the quantum periods. We also discuss the quantum spectral curves for the D and E type theories.

Modeling Excited States in TiO2 Nanoparticles: On the Accuracy of a TD-DFT Based Description

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berardo, Enrico; Hu, Hanshi; Shevlin, S. A.

2014-03-11

We have investigated the suitability of Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) to describe vertical low-energy excitations in naked and hydrated titanium dioxide nanoparticles through a comparison with results from Equation-of-Motion Coupled Cluster (EOM-CC) quantum chemistry methods. We demonstrate that for most TiO2 nanoparticles TD-DFT calculations with commonly used exchange-correlation (XC-)potentials (e.g. B3LYP) and EOM-CC methods give qualitatively similar results. Importantly, however, we also show that for an important subset of structures, TD-DFT gives qualitatively different results depending upon the XC-potential used and that in this case only TD-CAM-B3LYP and TD-BHLYP calculations yield results that are consistent with those obtained usingmore » EOM-CC theory. Moreover, we demonstrate that the discrepancies for such structures arise from a particular combination of defects, excitations involving which are charge-transfer excitations and hence are poorly described by XC-potentials that contain no or low fractions of Hartree-Fock like exchange. Finally, we discuss that such defects are readily healed in the presence of ubiquitously present water and that as a result the description of vertical low-energy excitations for hydrated TiO2 nanoparticles is hence non-problematic.« less

Exploring the Kibble-Zurek mechanism with homogeneous Bose gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beugnon, Jérôme; Navon, Nir

2017-01-01

Out-of-equilibrium phenomena are a subject of considerable interest in many fields of physics. Ultracold quantum gases, which are extremely clean, well-isolated and highly controllable systems, offer ideal platforms to investigate this topic. The recent progress in tailoring trapping potentials now allows the experimental production of homogeneous samples in custom geometries, which is a key advance for studies of the emergence of coherence in interacting quantum systems. Here we review recent experiments in which temperature quenches have been performed across the Bose-Einstein condensation phase transition in an annular geometry and in homogeneous 3D and quasi-2D gases. Combined, these experiments comprehensively explore and validate the Kibble-Zurek (KZ) scenario through complementary measurements of correlation functions and density of topological defects. They allow the measurement of KZ scaling laws, the direct confirmation of the ‘freeze-out’ hypothesis that underlies the KZ theory, and the extraction of critical exponents of the Bose-Einstein condensation transition.

Chiral superconductors.

PubMed

Kallin, Catherine; Berlinsky, John

2016-05-01

Chiral superconductivity is a striking quantum phenomenon in which an unconventional superconductor spontaneously develops an angular momentum and lowers its free energy by eliminating nodes in the gap. It is a topologically non-trivial state and, as such, exhibits distinctive topological modes at surfaces and defects. In this paper we discuss the current theory and experimental results on chiral superconductors, focusing on two of the best-studied systems, Sr2RuO4, which is thought to be a chiral triplet p-wave superconductor, and UPt3, which has two low-temperature superconducting phases (in zero magnetic field), the lower of which is believed to be chiral triplet f-wave. Other systems that may exhibit chiral superconductivity are also discussed. Key signatures of chiral superconductivity are surface currents and chiral Majorana modes, Majorana states in vortex cores, and the possibility of half-flux quantum vortices in the case of triplet pairing. Experimental evidence for chiral superconductivity from μSR, NMR, strain, polar Kerr effect and Josephson tunneling experiments are discussed.

Quantum Turbulence ---Another da Vinci Code---

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubota, M.

Quantum turbulence comprises a tangle of quantized vorticeswhich are stable topological defects created by Bose-Einstein condensation, being realized in superfluid helium and atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. In recent years there has been a growing interest in quantum turbulence. One of the important motivations is to understand the relation between quantum and classical turbulence. Quantum turbulence is expected to be much simpler than usual classical turbulence and give a prototype of turbulence. This article reviews shortly the recent research developments on quantum turbulence.

Quantum theory and human perception of the macro-world.

PubMed

Aerts, Diederik

2014-01-01

We investigate the question of 'why customary macroscopic entities appear to us humans as they do, i.e., as bounded entities occupying space and persisting through time', starting from our knowledge of quantum theory, how it affects the behavior of such customary macroscopic entities, and how it influences our perception of them. For this purpose, we approach the question from three perspectives. Firstly, we look at the situation from the standard quantum angle, more specifically the de Broglie wavelength analysis of the behavior of macroscopic entities, indicate how a problem with spin and identity arises, and illustrate how both play a fundamental role in well-established experimental quantum-macroscopical phenomena, such as Bose-Einstein condensates. Secondly, we analyze how the question is influenced by our result in axiomatic quantum theory, which proves that standard quantum theory is structurally incapable of describing separated entities. Thirdly, we put forward our new 'conceptual quantum interpretation', including a highly detailed reformulation of the question to confront the new insights and views that arise with the foregoing analysis. At the end of the final section, a nuanced answer is given that can be summarized as follows. The specific and very classical perception of human seeing-light as a geometric theory-and human touching-only ruled by Pauli's exclusion principle-plays a role in our perception of macroscopic entities as ontologically stable entities in space. To ascertain quantum behavior in such macroscopic entities, we will need measuring apparatuses capable of its detection. Future experimental research will have to show if sharp quantum effects-as they occur in smaller entities-appear to be ontological aspects of customary macroscopic entities. It remains a possibility that standard quantum theory is an incomplete theory, and hence incapable of coping ultimately with separated entities, meaning that a more general theory will be needed.

Entanglement negativity and sudden death in the toric code at finite temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hart, O.; Castelnovo, C.

2018-04-01

We study the fate of quantum correlations at finite temperature in the two-dimensional toric code using the logarithmic entanglement negativity. We are able to obtain exact results that give us insight into how thermal excitations affect quantum entanglement. The toric code has two types of elementary excitations (defects) costing different energies. We show that an O (1 ) density of the lower energy defect is required to degrade the zero-temperature entanglement between two subsystems in contact with one another. However, one type of excitation alone is not sufficient to kill all quantum correlations, and an O (1 ) density of the higher energy defect is required to cause the so-called sudden death of the negativity. Interestingly, if the energy cost of one of the excitations is taken to infinity, quantum correlations survive up to arbitrarily high temperatures, a feature that is likely shared with other quantum spin liquids and frustrated systems in general, when projected down to their low-energy states. We demonstrate this behavior both for small subsystems, where we can prove that the negativity is a necessary and sufficient condition for separability, as well as for extended subsystems, where it is only a necessary condition. We further observe that the negativity per boundary degree of freedom at a given temperature increases (parametrically) with the size of the boundary, and that quantum correlations between subsystems with extended boundaries are more robust to thermal fluctuations.

Deciphering chemical order/disorder and material properties at the single-atom level

DOE PAGES

Yang, Yongsoo; Chen, Chien-Chun; Scott, M. C.; ...

2017-02-01

Perfect crystals are rare in nature. Real materials often contain crystal defects and chemical order/disorder such as grain boundaries, dislocations, interfaces, surface reconstructions and point defects. Such disruption in periodicity strongly affects material properties and functionality. Despite rapid development of quantitative material characterization methods, correlating three-dimensional (3D) atomic arrangements of chemical order/disorder and crystal defects with material properties remains a challenge. On a parallel front, quantum mechanics calculations such as density functional theory (DFT) have progressed from the modelling of ideal bulk systems to modelling ‘real’ materials with dopants, dislocations, grain boundaries and interfaces; but these calculations rely heavily onmore » average atomic models extracted from crystallography. To improve the predictive power of first-principles calculations, there is a pressing need to use atomic coordinates of real systems beyond average crystallographic measurements. Here we determine the 3D coordinates of 6,569 iron and 16,627 platinum atoms in an iron-platinum nanoparticle, and correlate chemical order/disorder and crystal defects with material properties at the single-atom level. We identify rich structural variety with unprecedented 3D detail including atomic composition, grain boundaries, anti-phase boundaries, anti-site point defects and swap defects. We show that the experimentally measured coordinates and chemical species with 22 picometre precision can be used as direct input for DFT calculations of material properties such as atomic spin and orbital magnetic moments and local magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The work presented here combines 3D atomic structure determination of crystal defects with DFT calculations, which is expected to advance our understanding of structure–property relationships at the fundamental level.« less

Towards topological quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnikov, D.; Mironov, A.; Mironov, S.; Morozov, A.; Morozov, An.

2018-01-01

Quantum R-matrices, the entangling deformations of non-entangling (classical) permutations, provide a distinguished basis in the space of unitary evolutions and, consequently, a natural choice for a minimal set of basic operations (universal gates) for quantum computation. Yet they play a special role in group theory, integrable systems and modern theory of non-perturbative calculations in quantum field and string theory. Despite recent developments in those fields the idea of topological quantum computing and use of R-matrices, in particular, practically reduce to reinterpretation of standard sets of quantum gates, and subsequently algorithms, in terms of available topological ones. In this paper we summarize a modern view on quantum R-matrix calculus and propose to look at the R-matrices acting in the space of irreducible representations, which are unitary for the real-valued couplings in Chern-Simons theory, as the fundamental set of universal gates for topological quantum computer. Such an approach calls for a more thorough investigation of the relation between topological invariants of knots and quantum algorithms.

Assessing the quantum physics impacts on future x-ray free-electron lasers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmitt, Mark J.; Anisimov, Petr Mikhaylovich

A new quantum mechanical theory of x-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) has been successfully developed that has placed LANL at the forefront of the understanding of quantum effects in XFELs. Our quantum theory describes the interaction of relativistic electrons with x-ray radiation in the periodic magnetic field of an undulator using the same mathematical formalism as classical XFEL theory. This places classical and quantum treatments on the same footing and allows for a continuous transition from one regime to the other eliminating the disparate analytical approaches previously used. Moreover, Dr. Anisimov, the architect of this new theory, is now consideredmore » a resource in the international FEL community for assessing quantum effects in XFELs.« less

Quantum-like model of unconscious–conscious dynamics

PubMed Central

Khrennikov, Andrei

2015-01-01

We present a quantum-like model of sensation–perception dynamics (originated in Helmholtz theory of unconscious inference) based on the theory of quantum apparatuses and instruments. We illustrate our approach with the model of bistable perception of a particular ambiguous figure, the Schröder stair. This is a concrete model for unconscious and conscious processing of information and their interaction. The starting point of our quantum-like journey was the observation that perception dynamics is essentially contextual which implies impossibility of (straightforward) embedding of experimental statistical data in the classical (Kolmogorov, 1933) framework of probability theory. This motivates application of nonclassical probabilistic schemes. And the quantum formalism provides a variety of the well-approved and mathematically elegant probabilistic schemes to handle results of measurements. The theory of quantum apparatuses and instruments is the most general quantum scheme describing measurements and it is natural to explore it to model the sensation–perception dynamics. In particular, this theory provides the scheme of indirect quantum measurements which we apply to model unconscious inference leading to transition from sensations to perceptions. PMID:26283979

Quantum optical effective-medium theory and transformation quantum optics for metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wubs, Martijn; Amooghorban, Ehsan; Zhang, Jingjing; Mortensen, N. Asger

2016-09-01

While typically designed to manipulate classical light, metamaterials have many potential applications for quantum optics as well. We argue why a quantum optical effective-medium theory is needed. We present such a theory for layered metamaterials that is valid for light propagation in all spatial directions, thereby generalizing earlier work for one-dimensional propagation. In contrast to classical effective-medium theory there is an additional effective parameter that describes quantum noise. Our results for metamaterials are based on a rather general Lagrangian theory for the quantum electrodynamics of media with both loss and gain. In the second part of this paper, we present a new application of transformation optics whereby local spontaneous-emission rates of quantum emitters can be designed. This follows from an analysis how electromagnetic Green functions trans- form under coordinate transformations. Spontaneous-emission rates can be either enhanced or suppressed using invisibility cloaks or gradient index lenses. Furthermore, the anisotropic material profile of the cloak enables the directional control of spontaneous emission.

Topological Defects and Structures in the Early Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yong

1997-08-01

This thesis discusses the topological defects generated in the early universe and their contributions to cosmic structure formation. First, we investigate non-Gaussian isocurvature perturbations generated by the evolution of Goldstone modes during inflation. If a global symmetry is broken before inflation, the resulting Goldstone modes are disordered during inflation in a precise and predictable way. After inflation these Goldstone modes order themselves in a self-similar way, much as Goldstone modes in field ordering scenarios based on the Kibble mechanism. For (Hi2/Mpl2)~10- 6, through their gravitational interaction these Goldstone modes generate density perturbations of approximately the right magnitude to explain the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy and seed the structure seen in the universe today. In such a model non-Gaussian perturbations result because to lowest order density perturbations are sourced by products of Gaussian fields. We explore the issue of phase dispersion and conclude that this non-Gaussian model predicts Doppler peaks in the CMB anisotropy. Topological defects generated from quantum fluctuations during inflation are studied in chapter four. We present a calculation of the power spectrum generated in a classically symmetry-breaking O(N) scalar field through inflationary quantum fluctuations, using the large-N limit. The effective potential of the theory in de Sitter space is obtained from a gap equation which is exact at large N. Quantum fluctuations restore the O(N) symmetry in de Sitter space, but for the finite values of N of interest, there is symmetry breaking and phase ordering after inflation, described by the classical nonlinear sigma model. The scalar field power spectrum is obtained as a function of the scalar field self-coupling. In the second part of the thesis, we investigate non-Abelian topological worm-holes, obtained when winding number one texture field is coupled to Einstein gravity with a conserved global charge. This topological wormhole has the same Euclidean action as axion wormholes and charged scalar wormholes. We find that free topological wormholes are spontaneously generated in the Euclidean space-time with finite density. It is then shown that wormholes with finite density might destroy any long range order in the global fields.

Generalized probability theories: what determines the structure of quantum theory?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janotta, Peter; Hinrichsen, Haye

2014-08-01

The framework of generalized probabilistic theories is a powerful tool for studying the foundations of quantum physics. It provides the basis for a variety of recent findings that significantly improve our understanding of the rich physical structure of quantum theory. This review paper tries to present the framework and recent results to a broader readership in an accessible manner. To achieve this, we follow a constructive approach. Starting from a few basic physically motivated assumptions we show how a given set of observations can be manifested in an operational theory. Furthermore, we characterize consistency conditions limiting the range of possible extensions. In this framework classical and quantum theory appear as special cases, and the aim is to understand what distinguishes quantum mechanics as the fundamental theory realized in nature. It turns out that non-classical features of single systems can equivalently result from higher-dimensional classical theories that have been restricted. Entanglement and non-locality, however, are shown to be genuine non-classical features.

Problems in particle theory. Technical report - 1993--1994

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adler, S.L.; Wilczek, F.

This report is a progress report on the work of two principal investigators in the broad area of particle physics theory, covering their personal work, that of their coworkers, and their proposed work for the future. One author has worked in the past on various topics in field theory and particle physics, among them current algebras, the physics of neutrino induced reactions, quantum electrodynamics (including strong magnetic field processes), the theory of the axial-vector current anomaly, topics in quantum gravity, and nonlinear models for quark confinement. While much of his work has been analytical, all of the projects listed abovemore » (except for the work on gravity) had phases which required considerable computer work as well. Over the next several years, he proposes to continue or initiate research on the following problems: (1) Acceleration algorithms for the Monte Carlo analysis of lattice field and gauge theories, and more generally, new research in computational neuroscience and pattern recognition. (2) Construction of quaternionic generalizations of complex quantum mechanics and field theory, and their application to composite models of quarks and leptons, and to the problem of unifying quantum theories of matter with general relativity. One author has worked on problems in exotic quantum statistics and its applications to condensed matter systems. His work has also continued on the quantum theory of black holes. This has evolved toward understanding properties of quantum field theory and string theory in incomplete regions of flat space.« less

What is Quantum Mechanics? A Minimal Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedberg, R.; Hohenberg, P. C.

2018-03-01

This paper presents a minimal formulation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, by which is meant a formulation which describes the theory in a succinct, self-contained, clear, unambiguous and of course correct manner. The bulk of the presentation is the so-called "microscopic theory", applicable to any closed system S of arbitrary size N, using concepts referring to S alone, without resort to external apparatus or external agents. An example of a similar minimal microscopic theory is the standard formulation of classical mechanics, which serves as the template for a minimal quantum theory. The only substantive assumption required is the replacement of the classical Euclidean phase space by Hilbert space in the quantum case, with the attendant all-important phenomenon of quantum incompatibility. Two fundamental theorems of Hilbert space, the Kochen-Specker-Bell theorem and Gleason's theorem, then lead inevitably to the well-known Born probability rule. For both classical and quantum mechanics, questions of physical implementation and experimental verification of the predictions of the theories are the domain of the macroscopic theory, which is argued to be a special case or application of the more general microscopic theory.

Emergent Geometry from Entropy and Causality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelhardt, Netta

In this thesis, we investigate the connections between the geometry of spacetime and aspects of quantum field theory such as entanglement entropy and causality. This work is motivated by the idea that spacetime geometry is an emergent phenomenon in quantum gravity, and that the physics responsible for this emergence is fundamental to quantum field theory. Part I of this thesis is focused on the interplay between spacetime and entropy, with a special emphasis on entropy due to entanglement. In general spacetimes, there exist locally-defined surfaces sensitive to the geometry that may act as local black hole boundaries or cosmological horizons; these surfaces, known as holographic screens, are argued to have a connection with the second law of thermodynamics. Holographic screens obey an area law, suggestive of an association with entropy; they are also distinguished surfaces from the perspective of the covariant entropy bound, a bound on the total entropy of a slice of the spacetime. This construction is shown to be quite general, and is formulated in both classical and perturbatively quantum theories of gravity. The remainder of Part I uses the Anti-de Sitter/ Conformal Field Theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence to both expand and constrain the connection between entanglement entropy and geometry. The AdS/CFT correspondence posits an equivalence between string theory in the "bulk" with AdS boundary conditions and certain quantum field theories. In the limit where the string theory is simply classical General Relativity, the Ryu-Takayanagi and more generally, the Hubeny-Rangamani-Takayanagi (HRT) formulae provide a way of relating the geometry of surfaces to entanglement entropy. A first-order bulk quantum correction to HRT was derived by Faulkner, Lewkowycz and Maldacena. This formula is generalized to include perturbative quantum corrections in the bulk at any (finite) order. Hurdles to spacetime emergence from entanglement entropy as described by HRT and its quantum generalizations are discussed, both at the classical and perturbatively quantum limits. In particular, several No Go Theorems are proven, indicative of a conclusion that supplementary approaches or information may be necessary to recover the full spacetime geometry. Part II of this thesis involves the relation between geometry and causality, the property that information cannot travel faster than light. Requiring this of any quantum field theory results in constraints on string theory setups that are dual to quantum field theories via the AdS/CFT correspondence. At the level of perturbative quantum gravity, it is shown that causality in the field theory constraints the causal structure in the bulk. At the level of nonperturbative quantum string theory, we find that constraints on causal signals restrict the possible ways in which curvature singularities can be resolved in string theory. Finally, a new program of research is proposed for the construction of bulk geometry from the divergences of correlation functions in the dual field theory. This divergence structure is linked to the causal structure of the bulk and of the field theory.

Bright nanowire single photon source based on SiV centers in diamond

DOE PAGES

Marseglia, L.; Saha, K.; Ajoy, A.; ...

2018-01-01

The practical implementation of quantum technologies such as quantum commu- nication and quantum cryptography relies on the development of indistinguishable, robust, and bright single photon sources that works at room temperature. The silicon- vacancy (SiV -) center in diamond has emerged as a possible candidate for a single photon source with all these characteristics. Unfortunately, due to the high refraction index mismatch between diamond and air, color centers in diamond show low photon out-coupling. This drawback can be overcome by fabrication of photonic structures that improve the in-coupling of excitation laser to the diamond defect as well as the out-couplingmore » emission from the color centers. An additional shortcoming is due to the random localization of native defects in the diamond sample. Here we demonstrate deterministic implantation of Si ions with high conversion effciency to single SiV -, targeted to fabricated nanowires. The co-localization of single SiV - defects with the nanostructures yields a ten times higher light coupling effciency as compared to single SiV - in the bulk. This result, with its intrinsic scalability, enables a new class of devices for integrated photonics and quantum information processing.« less

Rydberg-Ritz analysis and quantum defects for Rb and Cs atoms on helium nanodroplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lackner, Florian; Krois, Günter; Ernst, Wolfgang E.

2013-08-01

A Rydberg-Ritz approach is used for the interpretation of Rb-He? and Cs-He? Rydberg states and Rydberg series. Variations of the quantum defects within a Rydberg series give insight into the interaction between the alkali atom's valence electron and the superfluid helium droplet. A screening of the valence electron from the alkali atom core by the helium droplet is observed for high Rydberg states. For states with lower principal quantum number, the effect decreases and the quantum defects are found to lie closer to free atom values, indicating an increased probability for the electron to be found inside the alkali atom core. An investigation of the spin-orbit splitting of the Cs-He? nP(2Π) components reveals that the splitting of the lowest 2Π states is more atom-like [Hund's case (c) coupling] than at higher n states [Hund's case (a) coupling]. In addition, we report a detailed study of the droplet size dependence of Ak-He? Rydberg series on the example of the Rb-He? D(Δ) series. Higher Rydberg states of this series are strongly redshifted, which is also related to the screening effect.

Improving Defect-Based Quantum Emitters in Silicon Carbide via Inorganic Passivation.

PubMed

Polking, Mark J; Dibos, Alan M; de Leon, Nathalie P; Park, Hongkun

2018-01-01

Defect-based color centers in wide-bandgap crystalline solids are actively being explored for quantum information science, sensing, and imaging. Unfortunately, the luminescent properties of these emitters are frequently degraded by blinking and photobleaching that arise from poorly passivated host crystal surfaces. Here, a new method for stabilizing the photoluminescence and charge state of color centers based on epitaxial growth of an inorganic passivation layer is presented. Specifically, carbon antisite-vacancy pairs (CAV centers) in 4H-SiC, which serve as single-photon emitters at visible wavelengths, are used as a model system to demonstrate the power of this inorganic passivation scheme. Analysis of CAV centers with scanning confocal microscopy indicates a dramatic improvement in photostability and an enhancement in emission after growth of an epitaxial AlN passivation layer. Permanent, spatially selective control of the defect charge state can also be achieved by exploiting the mismatch in spontaneous polarization at the AlN/SiC interface. These results demonstrate that epitaxial inorganic passivation of defect-based quantum emitters provides a new method for enhancing photostability, emission, and charge state stability of these color centers. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Quantum mechanics without the projection postulate and its realistic interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dieks, D.

1989-11-01

It is widely held that quantum mechanics is the first scientific theory to present scientifically internal, fundamental difficulties for a realistic interpretation (in the philosophical sense). The standard (Copenhagen) interpretation of the quantum theory is often described as the inevitable instrumentalistic response. It is the purpose of the present article to argue that quantum theory does not present fundamental new problems to a realistic interpretation. The formalism of quantum theory has the same states—it will be argued—as the formalisms of older physical theories and is capable of the same kinds of philosophical interpretation. This result is reached via an analysis of what it means to give a realistic interpretation to a theory. The main point of difference between quantum mechanics and other theories—as far as the possibilities of interpretation are concerned—is the special treatment given to measurement by the “projection postulate.” But it is possible to do without this postulate. Moreover, rejection of the projection postulate does not, in spite of what is often maintained in the literature, automatically lead to the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. A realistic interpretation is possible in which only the reality of one (our) world is recognized. It is argued that the Copenhagen interpretation as expounded by Bohr is not in conflict with the here proposed realistic interpretation of quantum theory.

Quantum dynamics of tunneling dominated reactions at low temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazra, Jisha; Balakrishnan, N.

2015-05-01

We report a quantum dynamics study of the Li + HF → LiF + H reaction at low temperatures of interest to cooling and trapping experiments. Contributions from non-zero partial waves are analyzed and results show narrow resonances in the energy dependence of the cross section that survive partial wave summation. The computations are performed using the ABC code and a simple modification of the ABC code that enables separate energy cutoffs for the reactant and product rovibrational energy levels is found to dramatically reduce the basis set size and computational expense. Results obtained using two ab initio electronic potential energy surfaces for the LiHF system show strong sensitivity to the choice of the potential. In particular, small differences in the barrier heights of the two potential surfaces are found to dramatically influence the reaction cross sections at low energies. Comparison with recent measurements of the reaction cross section (Bobbenkamp et al 2011 J. Chem. Phys. 135 204306) shows similar energy dependence in the threshold regime and an overall good agreement with experimental data compared to previous theoretical results. Also, usefulness of a recently introduced method for ultracold reactions that employ the quantum close-coupling method at short-range and the multichannel quantum defect theory at long-range, is demonstrated in accurately evaluating product state-resolved cross sections for D + H2 and H + D2 reactions.

Extended theory of harmonic maps connects general relativity to chaos and quantum mechanism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Gang; Duan, Yi-Shi

General relativity and quantum mechanism are two separate rules of modern physics explaining how nature works. Both theories are accurate, but the direct connection between two theories was not yet clarified. Recently, researchers blur the line between classical and quantum physics by connecting chaos and entanglement equation. Here in this paper, we showed the Duan's extended HM theory, which has the solution of the general relativity, can also have the solutions of the classic chaos equations and even the solution of Schrödinger equation in quantum physics, suggesting the extended theory of harmonic maps may act as a universal theory ofmore » physics.« less

Asymptotic quantum inelastic generalized Lorenz Mie theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouesbet, G.

2007-10-01

The (electromagnetic) generalized Lorenz-Mie theory describes the interaction between an electromagnetic arbitrary shaped beam and a homogeneous sphere. It is a generalization of the Lorenz-Mie theory which deals with the simpler case of a plane wave illumination. In a recent paper, we consider (i) elastic cross-sections in electromagnetic generalized Lorenz-Mie theory and (ii) elastic cross-sections in an associated quantum generalized Lorenz-Mie theory. We demonstrated that the electromagnetic problem is equivalent to a superposition of two effective quantum problems. We now intend to generalize this result from elastic cross-sections to inelastic cross-sections. A prerequisite is to build an asymptotic quantum inelastic generalized Lorenz-Mie theory, which is presented in this paper.

Extended theory of harmonic maps connects general relativity to chaos and quantum mechanism

DOE PAGES

Ren, Gang; Duan, Yi-Shi

2017-07-20

General relativity and quantum mechanism are two separate rules of modern physics explaining how nature works. Both theories are accurate, but the direct connection between two theories was not yet clarified. Recently, researchers blur the line between classical and quantum physics by connecting chaos and entanglement equation. Here in this paper, we showed the Duan's extended HM theory, which has the solution of the general relativity, can also have the solutions of the classic chaos equations and even the solution of Schrödinger equation in quantum physics, suggesting the extended theory of harmonic maps may act as a universal theory ofmore » physics.« less

VUV Fourier-Transform absorption study of the npπ1 Πu-, v, N ←X1 Σg+, v″ = 0,N″ transitions in D2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass-Maujean, M.; Jungen, Ch.; Dickenson, G. D.; Ubachs, W.; de Oliveira, N.; Joyeux, D.; Nahon, L.

2015-09-01

The DESIRS beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron facility, equipped with a vacuum ultraviolet Fourier-Transform spectrometer has been used to measure Q (N″) (N -N″ = 0) absorption transitions of the D2 molecule. Some 212 Q-lines were assigned and their transition frequencies determined up to excitation energies of 137 000 cm-1 above the ground state, thereby extending the earlier work by various authors, and considerably improving the spectral accuracy (<0.1 cm-1). The assignments have been aided by first principles multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) calculations which also provide predictions of the autoionization widths of the upper levels.

Novel foamy origin for singlet fermion masses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellis, John; Mavromatos, Nick E.; Nanopoulos, Dimitri V.

2017-10-01

We show how masses for singlet fermions can be generated by interactions with a D-particle model of space-time foam inspired by brane theory. It has been shown previously by one of the authors (N. E. M.) that such interactions may generate dynamically small masses for charged fermions via the recoils of D-particle defects interacting with photons. In this work we consider the direct interactions of D-particle with uncharged singlet fermions such as right-handed neutrinos. Quantum fluctuations of the lattice of D-particles have massless vector (spin-one) excitations that are analogues of phonons. These mediate forces with the singlet fermions, generating large dynamical masses that may be communicated to light neutrinos via the seesaw mechanism.

Quantum Approach to Informatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stenholm, Stig; Suominen, Kalle-Antti

2005-08-01

An essential overview of quantum information Information, whether inscribed as a mark on a stone tablet or encoded as a magnetic domain on a hard drive, must be stored in a physical object and thus made subject to the laws of physics. Traditionally, information processing such as computation occurred in a framework governed by laws of classical physics. However, information can also be stored and processed using the states of matter described by non-classical quantum theory. Understanding this quantum information, a fundamentally different type of information, has been a major project of physicists and information theorists in recent years, and recent experimental research has started to yield promising results. Quantum Approach to Informatics fills the need for a concise introduction to this burgeoning new field, offering an intuitive approach for readers in both the physics and information science communities, as well as in related fields. Only a basic background in quantum theory is required, and the text keeps the focus on bringing this theory to bear on contemporary informatics. Instead of proofs and other highly formal structures, detailed examples present the material, making this a uniquely accessible introduction to quantum informatics. Topics covered include: * An introduction to quantum information and the qubit * Concepts and methods of quantum theory important for informatics * The application of information concepts to quantum physics * Quantum information processing and computing * Quantum gates * Error correction using quantum-based methods * Physical realizations of quantum computing circuits A helpful and economical resource for understanding this exciting new application of quantum theory to informatics, Quantum Approach to Informatics provides students and researchers in physics and information science, as well as other interested readers with some scientific background, with an essential overview of the field.

Role of confinements on the melting of Wigner molecules in quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Dyuti; Filinov, Alexei V.; Ghosal, Amit; Bonitz, Michael

2016-03-01

We explore the stability of a Wigner molecule (WM) formed in confinements with different geometries emulating the role of disorder and analyze the melting (or crossover) of such a system. Building on a recent calculation [D. Bhattacharya, A. Ghosal, Eur. Phys. J. B 86, 499 (2013)] that discussed the effects of irregularities on the thermal crossover in classical systems, we expand our studies in the untested territory by including both the effects of quantum fluctuations and of disorder. Our results, using classical and quantum (path integral) Monte Carlo techniques, unfold complementary mechanisms that drive the quantum and thermal crossovers in a WM and show that the symmetry of the confinement plays no significant role in determining the quantum crossover scale n X . This is because the zero-point motion screens the boundary effects within short distances. The phase diagram as a function of thermal and quantum fluctuations determined from independent criteria is unique, and shows "melting" from the WM to both the classical and quantum "liquids". An intriguing signature of weakening liquidity with increasing temperature, T, is found in the extreme quantum regime. The crossover is associated with production of defects. However, these defects appear to play distinct roles in driving the quantum and thermal "melting". Our analyses carry serious implications for a variety of experiments on many-particle systems - semiconductor heterostructure quantum dots, trapped ions, nanoclusters, colloids and complex plasma.

Optimizing surface defects for atomic-scale electronics: Si dangling bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherpelz, Peter; Galli, Giulia

2017-07-01

Surface defects created and probed with scanning tunneling microscopes are a promising platform for atomic-scale electronics and quantum information technology applications. Using first-principles calculations we demonstrate how to engineer dangling bond (DB) defects on hydrogenated Si(100) surfaces, which give rise to isolated impurity states that can be used in atomic-scale devices. In particular, we show that sample thickness and biaxial strain can serve as control parameters to design the electronic properties of DB defects. While in thick Si samples the neutral DB state is resonant with bulk valence bands, ultrathin samples (1-2 nm) lead to an isolated impurity state in the gap; similar behavior is seen for DB pairs and DB wires. Strain further isolates the DB from the valence band, with the response to strain heavily dependent on sample thickness. These findings suggest new methods for tuning the properties of defects on surfaces for electronic and quantum information applications. Finally, we present a consistent and unifying interpretation of many results presented in the literature for DB defects on hydrogenated silicon surfaces, rationalizing apparent discrepancies between different experiments and simulations.

Unification of quantum information theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abeyesinghe, Anura

We present the unification of many previously disparate results in noisy quantum Shannon theory and the unification of all of noiseless quantum Shannon theory. More specifically we deal here with bipartite, unidirectional, and memoryless quantum Shannon theory. We find all the optimal protocols and quantify the relationship between the resources used, both for the one-shot and for the ensemble case, for what is arguably the most fundamental task in quantum information theory: sharing entangled states between a sender and a receiver. We find that all of these protocols are derived from our one-shot superdense coding protocol and relate nicely to each other. We then move on to noisy quantum information theory and give a simple, direct proof of the "mother" protocol, or rather her generalization to the Fully Quantum Slepian-Wolf protocol (FQSW). FQSW simultaneously accomplishes two goals: quantum communication-assisted entanglement distillation, and state transfer from the sender to the receiver. As a result, in addition to her other "children," the mother protocol generates the state merging primitive of Horodecki, Oppenheim, and Winter as well as a new class of distributed compression protocols for correlated quantum sources, which are optimal for sources described by separable density operators. Moreover, the mother protocol described here is easily transformed into the so-called "father" protocol, demonstrating that the division of single-sender/single-receiver protocols into two families was unnecessary: all protocols in the family are children of the mother.

Quantum Control and Entanglement of Spins in Silicon Carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimov, Paul

Over the past several decades silicon carbide (SiC) has matured into a versatile material platform for high-power electronics and optoelectronic and micromechanical devices. Recent advances have also established SiC as a promising host for quantum technologies based on the spin of intrinsic defects, with the potential of leveraging existing device fabrication protocols alongside solid-state quantum control. Among these defects are the divacancies and related color centers, which have ground-state electron-spin triplets with coherence times as long as one millisecond and built-in optical interfaces operating near the telecommunication wavelengths. This rapidly developing field has prompted research into the SiC material host to understand how defect-bound electron spins interact with their surrounding nuclear spin bath. Although nuclear spins are a major source of decoherence in color-center spin systems, they are also a valuable resource since they can have coherence times that are orders of magnitude longer than electron spins. In this talk I will discuss our recent efforts to interface defect-bound electron spins in SiC with the nuclear spins of naturally occurring 29Si and 13C isotopic defects. I will discuss how the hyperfine interaction can be used to strongly initialize them, to coherently control them, to read them out, and to produce genuine electron-nuclear ensemble entanglement, all at ambient conditions. These demonstrations motivate further research into spins in SiC for prospective quantum technologies. In collaboration with A. Falk, D. Christle, K. Miao, H. Seo, V. Ivady, A. Gali, G. Galli, and D. D. Awschalom. This research was supported by the AFOSR, the NSF DMR-1306300, and the NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center.

Optical charge state control of spin defects in 4H-SiC

DOE PAGES

Wolfowicz, Gary; Anderson, Christopher P.; Yeats, Andrew L.; ...

2017-11-30

Defects in silicon carbide (SiC) have emerged as a favorable platform for optically active spin-based quantum technologies. Spin qubits exist in specific charge states of these defects, where the ability to control these states can provide enhanced spin-dependent readout and long-term charge stability. We investigate this charge state control for two major spin qubits in 4H-SiC, the divacancy and silicon vacancy, obtaining bidirectional optical charge conversion between the bright and dark states of these defects. We measure increased photoluminescence from divacancy ensembles by up to three orders of magnitude using near-ultraviolet excitation, depending on the substrate, and without degrading themore » electron spin coherence time. This charge conversion remains stable for hours at cryogenic temperatures, allowing spatial and persistent patterning of the charge state populations. As a result, we develop a comprehensive model of the defects and optical processes involved, offering a strong basis to improve material design and to develop quantum applications in SiC.« less

Optical charge state control of spin defects in 4H-SiC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolfowicz, Gary; Anderson, Christopher P.; Yeats, Andrew L.

Defects in silicon carbide (SiC) have emerged as a favorable platform for optically active spin-based quantum technologies. Spin qubits exist in specific charge states of these defects, where the ability to control these states can provide enhanced spin-dependent readout and long-term charge stability. We investigate this charge state control for two major spin qubits in 4H-SiC, the divacancy and silicon vacancy, obtaining bidirectional optical charge conversion between the bright and dark states of these defects. We measure increased photoluminescence from divacancy ensembles by up to three orders of magnitude using near-ultraviolet excitation, depending on the substrate, and without degrading themore » electron spin coherence time. This charge conversion remains stable for hours at cryogenic temperatures, allowing spatial and persistent patterning of the charge state populations. As a result, we develop a comprehensive model of the defects and optical processes involved, offering a strong basis to improve material design and to develop quantum applications in SiC.« less

Tuning and Switching a Plasmonic Quantum Dot "Sandwich" in a Nematic Line Defect.

PubMed

Mundoor, Haridas; Sheetah, Ghadah H; Park, Sungoh; Ackerman, Paul J; Smalyukh, Ivan I; van de Lagemaat, Jao

2018-03-27

We study the quantum-mechanical effects arising in a single semiconductor core/shell quantum dot (QD) controllably sandwiched between two plasmonic nanorods. Control over the position and the "sandwich" confinement structure is achieved by the use of a linear-trap liquid crystal (LC) line defect and laser tweezers that "push" the sandwich together. This arrangement allows for the study of exciton-plasmon interactions in a single structure, unaltered by ensemble effects or the complexity of dielectric interfaces. We demonstrate the effect of plasmonic confinement on the photon antibunching behavior of the QD and its luminescence lifetime. The QD behaves as a single emitter when nanorods are far away from the QD but shows possible multiexciton emission and a significantly decreased lifetime when tightly confined in a plasmonic "sandwich". These findings demonstrate that LC defects, combined with laser tweezers, enable a versatile platform to study plasmonic coupling phenomena in a nanoscale laboratory, where all elements can be arranged almost at will.

Tuning and Switching a Plasmonic Quantum Dot “Sandwich” in a Nematic Line Defect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mundoor, Haridas; Sheetah, Ghadah H.; Park, Sungoh

We study the quantum-mechanical effects arising in a single semiconductor core/shell quantum dot (QD) controllably sandwiched between two plasmonic nanorods. Control over the position and the 'sandwich' confinement structure is achieved by the use of a linear-trap liquid crystal (LC) line defect and laser tweezers that 'push' the sandwich together. This arrangement allows for the study of exciton-plasmon interactions in a single structure, unaltered by ensemble effects or the complexity of dielectric interfaces. We demonstrate the effect of plasmonic confinement on the photon antibunching behavior of the QD and its luminescence lifetime. The QD behaves as a single emitter whenmore » nanorods are far away from the QD but shows possible multiexciton emission and a significantly decreased lifetime when tightly confined in a plasmonic 'sandwich'. These findings demonstrate that LC defects, combined with laser tweezers, enable a versatile platform to study plasmonic coupling phenomena in a nanoscale laboratory, where all elements can be arranged almost at will.« less

Tuning and Switching a Plasmonic Quantum Dot “Sandwich” in a Nematic Line Defect

DOE PAGES

Mundoor, Haridas; Sheetah, Ghadah H.; Park, Sungoh; ...

2018-02-28

We study the quantum-mechanical effects arising in a single semiconductor core/shell quantum dot (QD) controllably sandwiched between two plasmonic nanorods. Control over the position and the 'sandwich' confinement structure is achieved by the use of a linear-trap liquid crystal (LC) line defect and laser tweezers that 'push' the sandwich together. This arrangement allows for the study of exciton-plasmon interactions in a single structure, unaltered by ensemble effects or the complexity of dielectric interfaces. We demonstrate the effect of plasmonic confinement on the photon antibunching behavior of the QD and its luminescence lifetime. The QD behaves as a single emitter whenmore » nanorods are far away from the QD but shows possible multiexciton emission and a significantly decreased lifetime when tightly confined in a plasmonic 'sandwich'. These findings demonstrate that LC defects, combined with laser tweezers, enable a versatile platform to study plasmonic coupling phenomena in a nanoscale laboratory, where all elements can be arranged almost at will.« less

Generalized Quantum Field Theory Based on a Nonlinear Deformed Heisenberg Algebra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro-Silva, C. I.; Oliveira-Neto, N. M.

We consider a quantum field theory based on a nonlinear Heisenberg algebra which describes phenomenologically a composite particle. Perturbative computation, considering the λϕ4 interaction was done and we also performed some comparison with a quantum field theory based on the q-oscillator algebra.

Non-Markovian generalization of the Lindblad theory of open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breuer, Heinz-Peter

2007-02-01

A systematic approach to the non-Markovian quantum dynamics of open systems is given by the projection operator techniques of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Combining these methods with concepts from quantum information theory and from the theory of positive maps, we derive a class of correlated projection superoperators that take into account in an efficient way statistical correlations between the open system and its environment. The result is used to develop a generalization of the Lindblad theory to the regime of highly non-Markovian quantum processes in structured environments.

Emergent "Quantum" Theory in Complex Adaptive Systems.

PubMed

Minic, Djordje; Pajevic, Sinisa

2016-04-30

Motivated by the question of stability, in this letter we argue that an effective quantum-like theory can emerge in complex adaptive systems. In the concrete example of stochastic Lotka-Volterra dynamics, the relevant effective "Planck constant" associated with such emergent "quantum" theory has the dimensions of the square of the unit of time. Such an emergent quantum-like theory has inherently non-classical stability as well as coherent properties that are not, in principle, endangered by thermal fluctuations and therefore might be of crucial importance in complex adaptive systems.

Surface defects and chiral algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Córdova, Clay; Gaiotto, Davide; Shao, Shu-Heng

2017-05-01

We investigate superconformal surface defects in four-dimensional N=2 superconformal theories. Each such defect gives rise to a module of the associated chiral algebra and the surface defect Schur index is the character of this module. Various natural chiral algebra operations such as Drinfeld-Sokolov reduction and spectral flow can be interpreted as constructions involving four-dimensional surface defects. We compute the index of these defects in the free hypermultiplet theory and Argyres-Douglas theories, using both infrared techniques involving BPS states, as well as renormalization group flows onto Higgs branches. In each case we find perfect agreement with the predicted characters.

Defect-induced infrared electroluminescence from radial GaInP/AlGaInP quantum well nanowire array light- emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Laiq; Karimi, Mohammad; Berg, Alexander; Jain, Vishal; Borgström, Magnus T.; Gustafsson, Anders; Samuelson, Lars; Pettersson, Håkan

2017-12-01

Radial GaInP/AlGaInP nanowire array light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are promising candidates for novel high-efficiency solid state lighting due to their potentially large strain-free active emission volumes compared to planar LEDs. Moreover, by proper tuning of the diameter of the nanowires, the fraction of emitted light extracted can be significantly enhanced compared to that of planar LEDs. Reports so far on radial growth of nanowire LED structures, however, still point to significant challenges related to obtaining defect-free radial heterostructures. In this work, we present evidence of optically active growth-induced defects in a fairly broad energy range in vertically processed radial GaInP/AlGaInP quantum well nanowire array LEDs using a variety of complementary experimental techniques. In particular, we demonstrate strong infrared electroluminescence in a spectral range centred around 1 eV (1.2 μm) in addition to the expected red light emission from the quantum well. Spatially resolved cathodoluminescence studies reveal a patchy red light emission with clear spectral features along the NWs, most likely induced by variations in QW thickness, composition and barriers. Dark areas are attributed to infrared emission generated by competing defect-assisted radiative transitions, or to trapping mechanisms involving non-radiative recombination processes. Possible origins of the defects are discussed.

Single-World Theory of the Extended Wigner's Friend Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudbery, Anthony

2017-05-01

Frauchiger and Renner have recently claimed to prove that "Single-world interpretations of quantum theory cannot be self-consistent". This is contradicted by a construction due to Bell, inspired by Bohmian mechanics, which shows that any quantum system can be modelled in such a way that there is only one "world" at any time, but the predictions of quantum theory are reproduced. This Bell-Bohmian theory is applied to the experiment proposed by Frauchiger and Renner, and their argument is critically examined. It is concluded that it is their version of "standard quantum theory", incorporating state vector collapse upon measurement, that is not self-consistent.

Surface defect assisted broad spectra emission from CdSe quantum dots for white LED application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuel, Boni; Mathew, S.; Anand, V. R.; Correya, Adrine Antony; Nampoori, V. P. N.; Mujeeb, A.

2018-02-01

This paper reports, broadband photoluminescence from CdSe quantum dots (QDs) under the excitation of 403 nm using fluorimeter and 403 nm CW laser excitation. The broad spectrum obtained from the colloidal quantum dots was ranges from 450 nm to 800 nm. The broadness of the spectra was attributed to the merging of band edge and defect driven emissions from the QDs. Six different sizes of particles were prepared via kinetic growth method by using CdO and elemental Se as sources of Cd and Se respectively. The particle sizes were measured from TEM images. The size dependent effect on broad emission was also studied and the defect state emission was found to be predominant in very small QDs. The defect driven emission was also observed to be redshifted, similar to the band edge emission, due to quantum confinement effect. The emission corresponding to different laser power was also studied and a linear relation was obtained. In order to study the colour characteristics of the emission, CIE chromaticity coordinate, CRI and CCT of the prepared samples were measured. It is observed that, these values were tunable by the addition of suitable intensity of blue light from the excitation source to yield white light of various colour temperatures. The broad photoluminescence spectrum of the QDs, were compared with that of a commercially available white LED. It was found that the prepared QDs are good alternatives for the phosphor in phosphor converted white LEDs, to provide good spectral tunability.

Real-time dynamics of lattice gauge theories with a few-qubit quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Esteban A.; Muschik, Christine A.; Schindler, Philipp; Nigg, Daniel; Erhard, Alexander; Heyl, Markus; Hauke, Philipp; Dalmonte, Marcello; Monz, Thomas; Zoller, Peter; Blatt, Rainer

2016-06-01

Gauge theories are fundamental to our understanding of interactions between the elementary constituents of matter as mediated by gauge bosons. However, computing the real-time dynamics in gauge theories is a notorious challenge for classical computational methods. This has recently stimulated theoretical effort, using Feynman’s idea of a quantum simulator, to devise schemes for simulating such theories on engineered quantum-mechanical devices, with the difficulty that gauge invariance and the associated local conservation laws (Gauss laws) need to be implemented. Here we report the experimental demonstration of a digital quantum simulation of a lattice gauge theory, by realizing (1 + 1)-dimensional quantum electrodynamics (the Schwinger model) on a few-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer. We are interested in the real-time evolution of the Schwinger mechanism, describing the instability of the bare vacuum due to quantum fluctuations, which manifests itself in the spontaneous creation of electron-positron pairs. To make efficient use of our quantum resources, we map the original problem to a spin model by eliminating the gauge fields in favour of exotic long-range interactions, which can be directly and efficiently implemented on an ion trap architecture. We explore the Schwinger mechanism of particle-antiparticle generation by monitoring the mass production and the vacuum persistence amplitude. Moreover, we track the real-time evolution of entanglement in the system, which illustrates how particle creation and entanglement generation are directly related. Our work represents a first step towards quantum simulation of high-energy theories using atomic physics experiments—the long-term intention is to extend this approach to real-time quantum simulations of non-Abelian lattice gauge theories.

3D quantum gravity and effective noncommutative quantum field theory.

PubMed

Freidel, Laurent; Livine, Etera R

2006-06-09

We show that the effective dynamics of matter fields coupled to 3D quantum gravity is described after integration over the gravitational degrees of freedom by a braided noncommutative quantum field theory symmetric under a kappa deformation of the Poincaré group.

Generalized classical and quantum signal theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rundblad, E.; Labunets, V.; Novak, P.

2005-05-01

In this paper we develop two topics and show their inter- and cross-relation. The first centers on general notions of the generalized classical signal theory on finite Abelian hypergroups. The second concerns the generalized quantum hyperharmonic analysis of quantum signals (Hermitean operators associated with classical signals). We study classical and quantum generalized convolution hypergroup algebras of classical and quantum signals.

Quantum chemistry simulation on quantum computers: theories and experiments.

PubMed

Lu, Dawei; Xu, Boruo; Xu, Nanyang; Li, Zhaokai; Chen, Hongwei; Peng, Xinhua; Xu, Ruixue; Du, Jiangfeng

2012-07-14

It has been claimed that quantum computers can mimic quantum systems efficiently in the polynomial scale. Traditionally, those simulations are carried out numerically on classical computers, which are inevitably confronted with the exponential growth of required resources, with the increasing size of quantum systems. Quantum computers avoid this problem, and thus provide a possible solution for large quantum systems. In this paper, we first discuss the ideas of quantum simulation, the background of quantum simulators, their categories, and the development in both theories and experiments. We then present a brief introduction to quantum chemistry evaluated via classical computers followed by typical procedures of quantum simulation towards quantum chemistry. Reviewed are not only theoretical proposals but also proof-of-principle experimental implementations, via a small quantum computer, which include the evaluation of the static molecular eigenenergy and the simulation of chemical reaction dynamics. Although the experimental development is still behind the theory, we give prospects and suggestions for future experiments. We anticipate that in the near future quantum simulation will become a powerful tool for quantum chemistry over classical computations.

The Oxford Questions on the foundations of quantum physics

PubMed Central

Briggs, G. A. D.; Butterfield, J. N.; Zeilinger, A.

2013-01-01

The twentieth century saw two fundamental revolutions in physics—relativity and quantum. Daily use of these theories can numb the sense of wonder at their immense empirical success. Does their instrumental effectiveness stand on the rock of secure concepts or the sand of unresolved fundamentals? Does measuring a quantum system probe, or even create, reality or merely change belief? Must relativity and quantum theory just coexist or might we find a new theory which unifies the two? To bring such questions into sharper focus, we convened a conference on Quantum Physics and the Nature of Reality. Some issues remain as controversial as ever, but some are being nudged by theory's secret weapon of experiment. PMID:24062626

The Oxford Questions on the foundations of quantum physics.

PubMed

Briggs, G A D; Butterfield, J N; Zeilinger, A

2013-09-08

The twentieth century saw two fundamental revolutions in physics-relativity and quantum. Daily use of these theories can numb the sense of wonder at their immense empirical success. Does their instrumental effectiveness stand on the rock of secure concepts or the sand of unresolved fundamentals? Does measuring a quantum system probe, or even create, reality or merely change belief? Must relativity and quantum theory just coexist or might we find a new theory which unifies the two? To bring such questions into sharper focus, we convened a conference on Quantum Physics and the Nature of Reality. Some issues remain as controversial as ever, but some are being nudged by theory's secret weapon of experiment.

Rough set classification based on quantum logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Yasser F.

2017-11-01

By combining the advantages of quantum computing and soft computing, the paper shows that rough sets can be used with quantum logic for classification and recognition systems. We suggest the new definition of rough set theory as quantum logic theory. Rough approximations are essential elements in rough set theory, the quantum rough set model for set-valued data directly construct set approximation based on a kind of quantum similarity relation which is presented here. Theoretical analyses demonstrate that the new model for quantum rough sets has new type of decision rule with less redundancy which can be used to give accurate classification using principles of quantum superposition and non-linear quantum relations. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt aiming to define rough sets in representation of a quantum rather than logic or sets. The experiments on data-sets have demonstrated that the proposed model is more accuracy than the traditional rough sets in terms of finding optimal classifications.

Infrared computations of defect Schur indices

DOE PAGES

Córdova, Clay; Gaiotto, Davide; Shao, Shu-Heng

2016-11-18

We conjecture a formula for the Schur index of four-dimensional N = 2 theories in the presence of boundary conditions and/or line defects, in terms of the low-energy effective Seiberg-Witten description of the system together with massive BPS excitations. We test our proposal in a variety of examples for SU(2) gauge theories, either conformal or asymptotically free. We use the conjecture to compute these defect-enriched Schur indices for theories which lack a Lagrangian description, such as Argyres-Douglas theories. We demonstrate in various examples that line defect indices can be expressed as sums of characters of the associated two-dimensional chiral algebramore » and that for Argyres-Douglas theories the line defect OPE reduces in the index to the Verlinde algebra.« less

Infrared computations of defect Schur indices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Córdova, Clay; Gaiotto, Davide; Shao, Shu-Heng

We conjecture a formula for the Schur index of four-dimensional N = 2 theories in the presence of boundary conditions and/or line defects, in terms of the low-energy effective Seiberg-Witten description of the system together with massive BPS excitations. We test our proposal in a variety of examples for SU(2) gauge theories, either conformal or asymptotically free. We use the conjecture to compute these defect-enriched Schur indices for theories which lack a Lagrangian description, such as Argyres-Douglas theories. We demonstrate in various examples that line defect indices can be expressed as sums of characters of the associated two-dimensional chiral algebramore » and that for Argyres-Douglas theories the line defect OPE reduces in the index to the Verlinde algebra.« less

Surface modification effects on defect-related photoluminescence in colloidal CdS quantum dots.

PubMed

Lee, TaeGi; Shimura, Kunio; Kim, DaeGwi

2018-05-03

We investigated the effects of surface modification on the defect-related photoluminescence (PL) band in colloidal CdS quantum dots (QDs). A size-selective photoetching process and a surface modification technique with a Cd(OH)2 layer enabled the preparation of size-controlled CdS QDs with high PL efficiency. The Stokes shift of the defect-related PL band before and after the surface modification was ∼1.0 eV and ∼0.63 eV, respectively. This difference in the Stokes shifts suggests that the origin of the defect-related PL band was changed by the surface modification. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface of the CdS QDs before and after the surface modification was S rich and Cd rich, respectively. These results suggest that Cd-vacancy acceptors and S-vacancy donors affect PL processes in CdS QDs before and after the surface modification, respectively.

Can quantum approaches benefit biology of decision making?

PubMed

Takahashi, Taiki

2017-11-01

Human decision making has recently been focused in the emerging fields of quantum decision theory and neuroeconomics. The former discipline utilizes mathematical formulations developed in quantum theory, while the latter combines behavioral economics and neurobiology. In this paper, the author speculates on possible future directions unifying the two approaches, by contrasting the roles of quantum theory in the birth of molecular biology of the gene. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quasi-Continuum Reduction of Field Theories: A Route to Seamlessly Bridge Quantum and Atomistic Length-Scales with Continuum

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2016-0145 Quasi-continuum reduction of field theories: A route to seamlessly bridge quantum and atomistic length-scales with...field theories: A route to seamlessly bridge quantum and atomistic length-scales with continuum Principal Investigator: Vikram Gavini Department of...calculations on tens of thousands of atoms, and enable continuing efforts towards a seamless bridging of the quantum and continuum length-scales

The quantum epoché.

PubMed

Pylkkänen, Paavo

2015-12-01

The theme of phenomenology and quantum physics is here tackled by examining some basic interpretational issues in quantum physics. One key issue in quantum theory from the very beginning has been whether it is possible to provide a quantum ontology of particles in motion in the same way as in classical physics, or whether we are restricted to stay within a more limited view of quantum systems, in terms of complementary but mutually exclusive phenomena. In phenomenological terms we could describe the situation by saying that according to the usual interpretation of quantum theory (especially Niels Bohr's), quantum phenomena require a kind of epoché (i.e. a suspension of assumptions about reality at the quantum level). However, there are other interpretations (especially David Bohm's) that seem to re-establish the possibility of a mind-independent ontology at the quantum level. We will show that even such ontological interpretations contain novel, non-classical features, which require them to give a special role to "phenomena" or "appearances", a role not encountered in classical physics. We will conclude that while ontological interpretations of quantum theory are possible, quantum theory implies the need of a certain kind of epoché even for this type of interpretations. While different from the epoché connected to phenomenological description, the "quantum epoché" nevertheless points to a potentially interesting parallel between phenomenology and quantum philosophy. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An investigation of the trade-off between the count level and image quality in myocardial perfusion SPECT using simulated images: the effects of statistical noise and object variability on defect detectability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xin; Links, Jonathan M.; Frey, Eric C.

2010-09-01

Quantum noise as well as anatomic and uptake variability in patient populations limits observer performance on a defect detection task in myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS). The goal of this study was to investigate the relative importance of these two effects by varying acquisition time, which determines the count level, and assessing the change in performance on a myocardial perfusion (MP) defect detection task using both mathematical and human observers. We generated ten sets of projections of a simulated patient population with count levels ranging from 1/128 to around 15 times a typical clinical count level to simulate different levels of quantum noise. For the simulated population we modeled variations in patient, heart and defect size, heart orientation and shape, defect location, organ uptake ratio, etc. The projection data were reconstructed using the OS-EM algorithm with no compensation or with attenuation, detector response and scatter compensation (ADS). The images were then post-filtered and reoriented to generate short-axis slices. A channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) was applied to the short-axis images, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) was computed. For each noise level and reconstruction method, we optimized the number of iterations and cutoff frequencies of the Butterworth filter to maximize the AUC. Using the images obtained with the optimal iteration and cutoff frequency and ADS compensation, we performed human observer studies for four count levels to validate the CHO results. Both CHO and human observer studies demonstrated that observer performance was dependent on the relative magnitude of the quantum noise and the patient variation. When the count level was high, the patient variation dominated, and the AUC increased very slowly with changes in the count level for the same level of anatomic variability. When the count level was low, however, quantum noise dominated, and changes in the count level resulted in large changes in the AUC. This behavior agreed with a theoretical expression for the AUC as a function of quantum and anatomical noise levels. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the tradeoff between anatomical and quantum noise in determining observer performance. For myocardial perfusion imaging, it indicates that, at current clinical count levels, there is some room to reduce acquisition time or injected activity without substantially degrading performance on myocardial perfusion defect detection.

Foundations of Space and Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murugan, Jeff; Weltman, Amanda; Ellis, George F. R.

2012-07-01

1. The problem with quantum gravity Jeff Murugan, Amanda Weltman and George F. R. Eliis; 2. A dialogue on the nature of gravity Thanu Padmanabhan; 3. Effective theories and modifications of gravity Cliff Burgess; 4. The small scale structure of spacetime Steve Carlip; 5. Ultraviolet divergences in supersymmetric theories Kellog Stelle; 6. Cosmological quantum billiards Axel Kleinschmidt and Hermann Nicolai; 7. Progress in RNS string theory and pure spinors Dimitri Polyakov; 8. Recent trends in superstring phenomenology Massimo Bianchi; 9. Emergent spacetime Robert de Mello Koch and Jeff Murugan; 10. Loop quantum gravity Hanno Sahlmann; 11. Loop quantum gravity and cosmology Martin Bojowald; 12. The microscopic dynamics of quantum space as a group field theory Daniele Oriti; 13. Causal dynamical triangulations and the quest for quantum gravity Jan Ambjørn, J. Jurkiewicz and Renate Loll; 14. Proper time is stochastic time in 2D quantum gravity Jan Ambjorn, Renate Loll, Y. Watabiki, W. Westra and S. Zohren; 15. Logic is to the quantum as geometry is to gravity Rafael Sorkin; 16. Causal sets: discreteness without symmetry breaking Joe Henson; 17. The Big Bang, quantum gravity, and black-hole information loss Roger Penrose; Index.

Experimental test of state-independent quantum contextuality of an indivisible quantum system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Meng; Huang, Yun-Feng; Cao, Dong-Yang; Zhang, Chao; Zhang, Yong-Sheng; Liu, Bi-Heng; Li, Chuan-Feng; Guo, Guang-Can

2014-05-01

Since the quantum mechanics was born, quantum mechanics was argued among scientists because the differences between quantum mechanics and the classical physics. Because of this, some people give hidden variable theory. One of the hidden variable theory is non-contextual hidden variable theory, and KS inequalities are famous in non-contextual hidden variable theory. But the original KS inequalities have 117 directions to measure, so it is almost impossible to test the KS inequalities in experiment. However bout two years ago, Sixia Yu and C.H. Oh point out that for a single qutrit, we only need to measure 13 directions, then we can test the KS inequalities. This makes it possible to test the KS inequalities in experiment. We use the polarization and the path of single photon to construct a qutrit, and we use the half-wave plates, the beam displacers and polar beam splitters to prepare the quantum state and finish the measurement. And the result prove that quantum mechanics is right and non-contextual hidden variable theory is wrong.

The Analysis of Analogy Use in the Teaching of Introductory Quantum Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Didis, Nilufer

2015-01-01

This study analyzes the analogies used in the teaching of introductory quantum theory concepts. Over twelve weeks, the researcher observed each class for a semester and conducted interviews with the students and the instructor. In the interviews, students answered questions about quantum theory concepts, which the instructor had taught them using…

Freestanding silicon quantum dots: origin of red and blue luminescence.

PubMed

Gupta, Anoop; Wiggers, Hartmut

2011-02-04

In this paper, we studied the behavior of silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) after etching and surface oxidation by means of photoluminescence (PL) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). We observed that etching of red luminescing Si-QDs with HF acid drastically reduces the concentration of defects and significantly enhances their PL intensity together with a small shift in the emission spectrum. Additionally, we observed the emergence of blue luminescence from Si-QDs during the re-oxidation of freshly etched particles. Our results indicate that the red emission is related to the quantum confinement effect, while the blue emission from Si-QDs is related to defect states at the newly formed silicon oxide surface.

Robust Multiple-Range Coherent Quantum State Transfer.

PubMed

Chen, Bing; Peng, Yan-Dong; Li, Yong; Qian, Xiao-Feng

2016-07-01

We propose a multiple-range quantum communication channel to realize coherent two-way quantum state transport with high fidelity. In our scheme, an information carrier (a qubit) and its remote partner are both adiabatically coupled to the same data bus, i.e., an N-site tight-binding chain that has a single defect at the center. At the weak interaction regime, our system is effectively equivalent to a three level system of which a coherent superposition of the two carrier states constitutes a dark state. The adiabatic coupling allows a well controllable information exchange timing via the dark state between the two carriers. Numerical results show that our scheme is robust and efficient under practically inevitable perturbative defects of the data bus as well as environmental dephasing noise.

Thermodynamics and the structure of quantum theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krumm, Marius; Barnum, Howard; Barrett, Jonathan; Müller, Markus P.

2017-04-01

Despite its enormous empirical success, the formalism of quantum theory still raises fundamental questions: why is nature described in terms of complex Hilbert spaces, and what modifications of it could we reasonably expect to find in some regimes of physics? Here we address these questions by studying how compatibility with thermodynamics constrains the structure of quantum theory. We employ two postulates that any probabilistic theory with reasonable thermodynamic behaviour should arguably satisfy. In the framework of generalised probabilistic theories, we show that these postulates already imply important aspects of quantum theory, like self-duality and analogues of projective measurements, subspaces and eigenvalues. However, they may still admit a class of theories beyond quantum mechanics. Using a thought experiment by von Neumann, we show that these theories admit a consistent thermodynamic notion of entropy, and prove that the second law holds for projective measurements and mixing procedures. Furthermore, we study additional entropy-like quantities based on measurement probabilities and convex decomposition probabilities, and uncover a relation between one of these quantities and Sorkin’s notion of higher-order interference.

Finite-block-length analysis in classical and quantum information theory.

PubMed

Hayashi, Masahito

2017-01-01

Coding technology is used in several information processing tasks. In particular, when noise during transmission disturbs communications, coding technology is employed to protect the information. However, there are two types of coding technology: coding in classical information theory and coding in quantum information theory. Although the physical media used to transmit information ultimately obey quantum mechanics, we need to choose the type of coding depending on the kind of information device, classical or quantum, that is being used. In both branches of information theory, there are many elegant theoretical results under the ideal assumption that an infinitely large system is available. In a realistic situation, we need to account for finite size effects. The present paper reviews finite size effects in classical and quantum information theory with respect to various topics, including applied aspects.

Finite-block-length analysis in classical and quantum information theory

PubMed Central

HAYASHI, Masahito

2017-01-01

Coding technology is used in several information processing tasks. In particular, when noise during transmission disturbs communications, coding technology is employed to protect the information. However, there are two types of coding technology: coding in classical information theory and coding in quantum information theory. Although the physical media used to transmit information ultimately obey quantum mechanics, we need to choose the type of coding depending on the kind of information device, classical or quantum, that is being used. In both branches of information theory, there are many elegant theoretical results under the ideal assumption that an infinitely large system is available. In a realistic situation, we need to account for finite size effects. The present paper reviews finite size effects in classical and quantum information theory with respect to various topics, including applied aspects. PMID:28302962

Optical communication with two-photon coherent stages. I - Quantum-state propagation and quantum-noise reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuen, H. P.; Shapiro, J. H.

1978-01-01

To determine the ultimate performance limitations imposed by quantum effects, it is also essential to consider optimum quantum-state generation. Certain 'generalized' coherent states of the radiation field possess novel quantum noise characteristics that offer the potential for greatly improved optical communications. These states have been called two-photon coherent states because they can be generated, in principle, by stimulated two-photon processes. The use of two-photon coherent state (TCS) radiation in free-space optical communications is considered. A simple theory of quantum state propagation is developed. The theory provides the basis for representing the free-space channel in a quantum-mechanical form convenient for communication analysis. The new theory is applied to TCS radiation.

Aligning the Quantum Perspective of Learning to Instructional Design: Exploring the Seven Definitive Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Janzen, Katherine J.; Perry, Beth; Edwards, Margaret

2011-01-01

This paper builds upon a foundational paper (under review) which explores the rudiments of the quantum perspective of learning. The quantum perspective of learning uses the principles of exchange theory or borrowed theory from the field of quantum holism pioneered by quantum physicist David Bohm (1971, 1973) to understand learning in a new way.…

Systematics of Rydberg Series of Diatomic Molecules and Correlation Diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chun-Woo

2015-06-01

Rydberg states are studied for H2, Li2, HeH, LiH and BeH using the multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) method. The systematics and regularities of the physical properties such as potential energies curves (PECs), quantum defect curves, permanent dipole moment and transition dipole moment curves of the Rydberg series are studied. They are explained using united atom perturbation theory by Bingel and Byers-Brown, Fermi model, Stark theory, and Mulliken's theory. Interesting mirror relationships of the dipole moments are observed between l-mixed Rydberg series, indicating that the members of the l-mixed Rydberg series have dipole moments with opposite directions, which are related to the reversal of the polarity of a dipole moment at the avoided crossing points. The assignment of highly excited states is difficult because of the usual absence of the knowledge on the behaviors of potential energy curves at small internuclear separation whereby the correlation between the united atom limit and separated atoms limit cannot be given. All electron MRCI calculations of PECs are performed to obtain the correlation diagrams between Rydberg orbitals at the united-atom and separated atoms limits.

Self-dual phase space for (3 +1 )-dimensional lattice Yang-Mills theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riello, Aldo

2018-01-01

I propose a self-dual deformation of the classical phase space of lattice Yang-Mills theory, in which both the electric and magnetic fluxes take value in the compact gauge Lie group. A local construction of the deformed phase space requires the machinery of "quasi-Hamiltonian spaces" by Alekseev et al., which is reviewed here. The results is a full-fledged finite-dimensional and gauge-invariant phase space, the self-duality properties of which are largely enhanced in (3 +1 ) spacetime dimensions. This enhancement is due to a correspondence with the moduli space of an auxiliary noncommutative flat connection living on a Riemann surface defined from the lattice itself, which in turn equips the duality between electric and magnetic fluxes with a neat geometrical interpretation in terms of a Heegaard splitting of the space manifold. Finally, I discuss the consequences of the proposed deformation on the quantization of the phase space, its quantum gravitational interpretation, as well as its relevance for the construction of (3 +1 )-dimensional topological field theories with defects.

Quantum clocks and the foundations of relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, Paul C. W.

2004-05-01

The conceptual foundations of the special and general theories of relativity differ greatly from those of quantum mechanics. Yet in all cases investigated so far, quantum mechanics seems to be consistent with the principles of relativity theory, when interpreted carefully. In this paper I report on a new investigation of this consistency using a model of a quantum clock to measure time intervals; a topic central to all metric theories of gravitation, and to cosmology. Results are presented for two important scenarios related to the foundations of relativity theory: the speed of light as a limiting velocity and the weak equivalence principle (WEP). These topics are investigated in the light of claims of superluminal propagation in quantum tunnelling and possible violations of WEP. Special attention is given to the role of highly non-classical states. I find that by using a definition of time intervals based on a precise model of a quantum clock, ambiguities are avoided and, at least in the scenarios investigated, there is consistency with the theory of relativity, albeit with some subtleties.

Surface defects and chiral algebras

DOE PAGES

Córdova, Clay; Gaiotto, Davide; Shao, Shu-Heng

2017-05-26

Here, we investigate superconformal surface defects in four-dimensional N = 2 superconformal theories. Each such defect gives rise to a module of the associated chiral algebra and the surface defect Schur index is the character of this module. Various natural chiral algebra operations such as Drinfield-Sokolov reduction and spectral flow can be interpreted as constructions involving four-dimensional surface defects. We compute the index of these defects in the free hypermultiplet theory and Argyres-Douglas theories, using both infrared techniques involving BPS states, as well as renormalization group flows onto Higgs branches. We find perfect agreement with the predicted characters, in eachmore » case.« less

Surface defects and chiral algebras

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Córdova, Clay; Gaiotto, Davide; Shao, Shu-Heng

Here, we investigate superconformal surface defects in four-dimensional N = 2 superconformal theories. Each such defect gives rise to a module of the associated chiral algebra and the surface defect Schur index is the character of this module. Various natural chiral algebra operations such as Drinfield-Sokolov reduction and spectral flow can be interpreted as constructions involving four-dimensional surface defects. We compute the index of these defects in the free hypermultiplet theory and Argyres-Douglas theories, using both infrared techniques involving BPS states, as well as renormalization group flows onto Higgs branches. We find perfect agreement with the predicted characters, in eachmore » case.« less

Suppressing Nonradiative Recombination in Crown-Shaped Quantum Wells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Kwangwook; Ju, Gunwu; Na, Byung Hoon

We examined the structural and optical properties of a crown-shaped quantum well (CSQW) to suppress nonradiative recombination. To reduce carrier loss in defect traps at the well/barrier interface, the CSQW was designed to concentrate carriers in the central region by tailoring the bandgap energy. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence measurements showed that the CSQW had a high activation energy and low potential fluctuation. In addition, the long carrier lifetime of the CSQW at high temperatures can be interpreted as indicating a decrease in carrier loss at defect traps.

A nanodiamond-tapered fiber system with high single-mode coupling efficiency.

PubMed

Schröder, Tim; Fujiwara, Masazumi; Noda, Tetsuya; Zhao, Hong-Quan; Benson, Oliver; Takeuchi, Shigeki

2012-05-07

We present a fiber-coupled diamond-based single photon system. Single nanodiamonds containing nitrogen vacancy defect centers are deposited on a tapered fiber of 273 nanometer in diameter providing a record-high number of 689,000 single photons per second from a defect center in a single-mode fiber. The system can be cooled to cryogenic temperatures and coupled evanescently to other nanophotonic structures, such as microresonators. The system is suitable for integrated quantum transmission experiments, two-photon interference, quantum-random-number generation and nano-magnetometry.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF QUANTUM ELECTRONICS Nonlinearity, optoelectronic properties, and their correlations for some mixed ternary defect chalcopyrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta Roy, S.

2010-12-01

The refractive index, optical nonlinearity, lowest energy band gap, and other related parameters of some mixed defect ternary chalcopyrites are calculated using Levine's bond charge model and its modification developed by Samanta et al. for multinary and mixed compounds. The dependence of the band gap energy on the average quantum number, molecular weight, and anion displacement parameter is shown for the first time, which will be very useful for designing various optoelectronic and nonlinear laser devices.

Theory of the disordered ν =5/2 quantum thermal Hall state: Emergent symmetry and phase diagram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Biao; Wang, Juven

2018-04-01

Fractional quantum Hall (FQH) system at Landau level filling fraction ν =5 /2 has long been suggested to be non-Abelian, either Pfaffian (Pf) or antiPfaffian (APf) states by numerical studies, both with quantized Hall conductance σx y=5 e2/2 h . Thermal Hall conductances of the Pf and APf states are quantized at κx y=7 /2 and κx y=3 /2 , respectively, in a proper unit. However, a recent experiment shows the thermal Hall conductance of ν =5 /2 FQH state is κx y=5 /2 . It has been speculated that the system contains random Pf and APf domains driven by disorders, and the neutral chiral Majorana modes on the domain walls may undergo a percolation transition to a κx y=5 /2 phase. In this paper, we do perturbative and nonperturbative analyses on the domain walls between Pf and APf. We show the domain wall theory possesses an emergent SO(4) symmetry at energy scales below a threshold Λ1, which is lowered to an emergent U (1 )×U (1) symmetry at energy scales between Λ1 and a higher value Λ2, and is finally lowered to the composite fermion parity symmetry Z2F above Λ2. Based on the emergent symmetries, we propose a phase diagram of the disordered ν =5 /2 FQH system and show that a κx y=5 /2 phase arises at disorder energy scales Λ >Λ1 . Furthermore, we show the gapped double-semion sector of ND compact domain walls contributes nonlocal topological degeneracy 2ND-1, causing a low-temperature peak in the heat capacity. We implement a nonperturbative method to bootstrap generic topological 1 +1 D domain walls (two-surface defects) applicable to any 2 +1 D non-Abelian topological order. We also identify potentially relevant spin topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) for various ν =5 /2 FQH states in terms of fermionic version of U (1) ±8 Chern-Simons theory ×Z8 -class TQFTs.

Point-defect energies in the nitrides of aluminum, gallium, and indium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tansley, T. L.; Egan, R. J.

1992-05-01

Experimental data on the nature and energetic location of levels associated with native point defects in the group-III metal nitrides are critically reviewed and compared with theoretical estimates. All three show strong evidence of the existence of a triplet of donorlike states associated with the nitrogen vacancy. Ground states are at about 150, 400, and 900 meV from the conduction-band edge in InN, GaN, and AlN, respectively, with their charged derivatives lying closer to the band edge. These values agree with both modified-hydrogenic and deep-level calculations, surprisingly well in view of the inherent approximations in each in this depth range. The InN donor ground state is both optically active and usually occupied, showing a distinctive absorption band which is very well described by quantum-defect analysis. Variation of threshold with electron concentration shows a Moss-Burstein shift commensurate with that observed in band-to-band absorption. In both GaN and AlN, levels have been identified at about 1/4EG and about 3/4EG, which correlate well with predictions for the antisite defects NM and MN, respectively, while similar behavior in InN is at odds with theory. The metal-vacancy defect appears to generate a level somewhat below midgap in AlN and close to the valence-band edge in GaN, but has not been located experimentally in InN, where it is predicted to lie very close to the valence-band edge. A tentative scheme for the participation of two of the native defects in GaN, namely VN and NGa, in the four broad emission bands found in Zn-compensated and undoped GaN is offered.

Almost-Quantum Correlations Violate the No-Restriction Hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sainz, Ana Belén; Guryanova, Yelena; Acín, Antonio; Navascués, Miguel

2018-05-01

To identify which principles characterize quantum correlations, it is essential to understand in which sense this set of correlations differs from that of almost-quantum correlations. We solve this problem by invoking the so-called no-restriction hypothesis, an explicit and natural axiom in many reconstructions of quantum theory stating that the set of possible measurements is the dual of the set of states. We prove that, contrary to quantum correlations, no generalized probabilistic theory satisfying the no-restriction hypothesis is able to reproduce the set of almost-quantum correlations. Therefore, any theory whose correlations are exactly, or very close to, the almost-quantum correlations necessarily requires a rule limiting the possible measurements. Our results suggest that the no-restriction hypothesis may play a fundamental role in singling out the set of quantum correlations among other nonsignaling ones.

Almost-Quantum Correlations Violate the No-Restriction Hypothesis.

PubMed

Sainz, Ana Belén; Guryanova, Yelena; Acín, Antonio; Navascués, Miguel

2018-05-18

To identify which principles characterize quantum correlations, it is essential to understand in which sense this set of correlations differs from that of almost-quantum correlations. We solve this problem by invoking the so-called no-restriction hypothesis, an explicit and natural axiom in many reconstructions of quantum theory stating that the set of possible measurements is the dual of the set of states. We prove that, contrary to quantum correlations, no generalized probabilistic theory satisfying the no-restriction hypothesis is able to reproduce the set of almost-quantum correlations. Therefore, any theory whose correlations are exactly, or very close to, the almost-quantum correlations necessarily requires a rule limiting the possible measurements. Our results suggest that the no-restriction hypothesis may play a fundamental role in singling out the set of quantum correlations among other nonsignaling ones.

Entanglement entropy in integrable field theories with line defects II. Non-topological defect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yunfeng

2017-08-01

This is the second part of two papers where we study the effect of integrable line defects on bipartite entanglement entropy in integrable field theories. In this paper, we consider non-topological line defects in Ising field theory. We derive an infinite series expression for the entanglement entropy and show that both the UV and IR limits of the bulk entanglement entropy are modified by the line defect. In the UV limit, we give an infinite series expression for the coefficient in front of the logarithmic divergence and the exact defect g-function. By tuning the defect to be purely transmissive and reflective, we recover correctly the entanglement entropy of the bulk and with integrable boundary respectively.

Investigation of possible observable e ects in a proposed theory of physics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Freidan, Daniel

2015-03-31

The work supported by this grant produced rigorous mathematical results on what is possible in quantum field theory. Quantum field theory is the well-established mathematical language for fundamental particle physics, for critical phenomena in condensed matter physics, and for Physical Mathematics (the numerous branches of Mathematics that have benefitted from ideas, constructions, and conjectures imported from Theoretical Physics). Proving rigorous constraints on what is possible in quantum field theories thus guides the field, puts actual constraints on what is physically possible in physical or mathematical systems described by quantum field theories, and saves the community the effort of trying tomore » do what is proved impossible. Results were obtained in two dimensional qft (describing, e.g., quantum circuits) and in higher dimensional qft. Rigorous bounds were derived on basic quantities in 2d conformal field theories, i.e., in 2d critical phenomena. Conformal field theories are the basic objects in quantum field theory, the scale invariant theories describing renormalization group fixed points from which all qfts flow. The first known lower bounds on the 2d boundary entropy were found. This is the entropy- information content- in junctions in critical quantum circuits. For dimensions d > 2, a no-go theorem was proved on the possibilities of Cauchy fields, which are the analogs of the holomorphic fields in d = 2 dimensions, which have had enormously useful applications in Physics and Mathematics over the last four decades. This closed o the possibility of finding analogously rich theories in dimensions above 2. The work of two postdoctoral research fellows was partially supported by this grant. Both have gone on to tenure track positions.« less

Cosmology from group field theory formalism for quantum gravity.

PubMed

Gielen, Steffen; Oriti, Daniele; Sindoni, Lorenzo

2013-07-19

We identify a class of condensate states in the group field theory (GFT) formulation of quantum gravity that can be interpreted as macroscopic homogeneous spatial geometries. We then extract the dynamics of such condensate states directly from the fundamental quantum GFT dynamics, following the procedure used in ordinary quantum fluids. The effective dynamics is a nonlinear and nonlocal extension of quantum cosmology. We also show that any GFT model with a kinetic term of Laplacian type gives rise, in a semiclassical (WKB) approximation and in the isotropic case, to a modified Friedmann equation. This is the first concrete, general procedure for extracting an effective cosmological dynamics directly from a fundamental theory of quantum geometry.

The Madelung Picture as a Foundation of Geometric Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddiger, Maik

2017-10-01

Despite its age, quantum theory still suffers from serious conceptual difficulties. To create clarity, mathematical physicists have been attempting to formulate quantum theory geometrically and to find a rigorous method of quantization, but this has not resolved the problem. In this article we argue that a quantum theory recursing to quantization algorithms is necessarily incomplete. To provide an alternative approach, we show that the Schrödinger equation is a consequence of three partial differential equations governing the time evolution of a given probability density. These equations, discovered by Madelung, naturally ground the Schrödinger theory in Newtonian mechanics and Kolmogorovian probability theory. A variety of far-reaching consequences for the projection postulate, the correspondence principle, the measurement problem, the uncertainty principle, and the modeling of particle creation and annihilation are immediate. We also give a speculative interpretation of the equations following Bohm, Vigier and Tsekov, by claiming that quantum mechanical behavior is possibly caused by gravitational background noise.

Supergeometry in Locally Covariant Quantum Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hack, Thomas-Paul; Hanisch, Florian; Schenkel, Alexander

2016-03-01

In this paper we analyze supergeometric locally covariant quantum field theories. We develop suitable categories SLoc of super-Cartan supermanifolds, which generalize Lorentz manifolds in ordinary quantum field theory, and show that, starting from a few representation theoretic and geometric data, one can construct a functor A : SLoc to S* Alg to the category of super-*-algebras, which can be interpreted as a non-interacting super-quantum field theory. This construction turns out to disregard supersymmetry transformations as the morphism sets in the above categories are too small. We then solve this problem by using techniques from enriched category theory, which allows us to replace the morphism sets by suitable morphism supersets that contain supersymmetry transformations as their higher superpoints. We construct super-quantum field theories in terms of enriched functors eA : eSLoc to eS* Alg between the enriched categories and show that supersymmetry transformations are appropriately described within the enriched framework. As examples we analyze the superparticle in 1|1-dimensions and the free Wess-Zumino model in 3|2-dimensions.

Quantum theory for 1D X-ray free electron laser

DOE PAGES

Anisimov, Petr Mikhaylovich

2017-09-19

Classical 1D X-ray Free Electron Laser (X-ray FEL) theory has stood the test of time by guiding FEL design and development prior to any full-scale analysis. Future X-ray FELs and inverse-Compton sources, where photon recoil approaches an electron energy spread value, push the classical theory to its limits of applicability. After substantial efforts by the community to find what those limits are, there is no universally agreed upon quantum approach to design and development of future X-ray sources. We offer a new approach to formulate the quantum theory for 1D X-ray FELs that has an obvious connection to the classicalmore » theory, which allows for immediate transfer of knowledge between the two regimes. In conclusion, we exploit this connection in order to draw quantum mechanical conclusions about the quantum nature of electrons and generated radiation in terms of FEL variables.« less

Quantum theory for 1D X-ray free electron laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anisimov, Petr M.

2018-06-01

Classical 1D X-ray Free Electron Laser (X-ray FEL) theory has stood the test of time by guiding FEL design and development prior to any full-scale analysis. Future X-ray FELs and inverse-Compton sources, where photon recoil approaches an electron energy spread value, push the classical theory to its limits of applicability. After substantial efforts by the community to find what those limits are, there is no universally agreed upon quantum approach to design and development of future X-ray sources. We offer a new approach to formulate the quantum theory for 1D X-ray FELs that has an obvious connection to the classical theory, which allows for immediate transfer of knowledge between the two regimes. We exploit this connection in order to draw quantum mechanical conclusions about the quantum nature of electrons and generated radiation in terms of FEL variables.

Is wave-particle objectivity compatible with determinism and locality?

PubMed

Ionicioiu, Radu; Jennewein, Thomas; Mann, Robert B; Terno, Daniel R

2014-09-26

Wave-particle duality, superposition and entanglement are among the most counterintuitive features of quantum theory. Their clash with our classical expectations motivated hidden-variable (HV) theories. With the emergence of quantum technologies, we can test experimentally the predictions of quantum theory versus HV theories and put strong restrictions on their key assumptions. Here, we study an entanglement-assisted version of the quantum delayed-choice experiment and show that the extension of HV to the controlling devices only exacerbates the contradiction. We compare HV theories that satisfy the conditions of objectivity (a property of photons being either particles or waves, but not both), determinism and local independence of hidden variables with quantum mechanics. Any two of the above conditions are compatible with it. The conflict becomes manifest when all three conditions are imposed and persists for any non-zero value of entanglement. We propose an experiment to test our conclusions.

Is wave–particle objectivity compatible with determinism and locality?

PubMed Central

Ionicioiu, Radu; Jennewein, Thomas; Mann, Robert B.; Terno, Daniel R.

2014-01-01

Wave–particle duality, superposition and entanglement are among the most counterintuitive features of quantum theory. Their clash with our classical expectations motivated hidden-variable (HV) theories. With the emergence of quantum technologies, we can test experimentally the predictions of quantum theory versus HV theories and put strong restrictions on their key assumptions. Here, we study an entanglement-assisted version of the quantum delayed-choice experiment and show that the extension of HV to the controlling devices only exacerbates the contradiction. We compare HV theories that satisfy the conditions of objectivity (a property of photons being either particles or waves, but not both), determinism and local independence of hidden variables with quantum mechanics. Any two of the above conditions are compatible with it. The conflict becomes manifest when all three conditions are imposed and persists for any non-zero value of entanglement. We propose an experiment to test our conclusions. PMID:25256419

Numerical methods for studying anharmonic oscillator approximations to the phi super 4 sub 2 quantum field theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isaacson, D.; Marchesin, D.; Paes-Leme, P. J.

1980-01-01

This paper is an expanded version of a talk given at the 1979 T.I.C.O.M. conference. It is a self-contained introduction, for applied mathematicians and numerical analysts, to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. It also contains a brief description of the authors' numerical approach to the problems of quantum field theory, which may best be summarized by the question; Can we compute the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of Schrodinger operators in infinitely many variables.

Tests of alternative quantum theories with neutrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sponar, S.; Durstberger-Rennhofer, K.; Badurek, G.

2014-12-04

According to Bell’s theorem, every theory based on local realism is at variance with certain predictions of quantum mechanics. A theory that maintains realism but abandons reliance on locality, which has been proposed by Leggett, is incompatible with experimentally observable quantum correlations. In our experiment correlation measurements of spin-energy entangled single-neutrons violate a Leggett-type inequality by more than 7.6 standard deviations. The experimental data falsify the contextual realistic model and are fully in favor of quantum mechanics.

Quantum non-objectivity from performativity of quantum phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khrennikov, Andrei; Schumann, Andrew

2014-12-01

We analyze the logical foundations of quantum mechanics (QM) by stressing non-objectivity of quantum observables, which is a consequence of the absence of logical atoms in QM. We argue that the matter of quantum non-objectivity is that, on the one hand, the formalism of QM constructed as a mathematical theory is self-consistent, but, on the other hand, quantum phenomena as results of experimenters’ performances are not self-consistent. This self-inconsistency is an effect of the language of QM differing greatly from the language of human performances. The former is the language of a mathematical theory that uses some Aristotelian and Russellian assumptions (e.g., the assumption that there are logical atoms). The latter language consists of performative propositions that are self-inconsistent only from the viewpoint of conventional mathematical theory, but they satisfy another logic that is non-Aristotelian. Hence, the representation of quantum reality in linguistic terms may be different: the difference between a mathematical theory and a logic of performative propositions. To solve quantum self-inconsistency, we apply the formalism of non-classical self-referent logics.

Exciton size and quantum transport in nanoplatelets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pelzer, Kenley M., E-mail: kpelzer@anl.gov; Gray, Stephen K.; Darling, Seth B.

2015-12-14

Two-dimensional nanoplatelets (NPLs) are an exciting class of materials with promising optical and energy transport properties. The possibility of efficient energy transport between nanoplatelets raises questions regarding the nature of energy transfer in these thin, laterally extended systems. A challenge in understanding exciton transport is the uncertainty regarding the size of the exciton. Depending on the material and defects in the nanoplatelet, an exciton could plausibly extend over an entire plate or localize to a small region. The variation in possible exciton sizes raises the question how exciton size impacts the efficiency of transport between nanoplatelet structures. Here, we exploremore » this issue using a quantum master equation approach. This method goes beyond the assumptions of Förster theory to allow for quantum mechanical effects that could increase energy transfer efficiency. The model is extremely flexible in describing different systems, allowing us to test the effect of varying the spatial extent of the exciton. We first discuss qualitative aspects of the relationship between exciton size and transport and then conduct simulations of exciton transport between NPLs for a range of exciton sizes and environmental conditions. Our results reveal that exciton size has a strong effect on energy transfer efficiency and suggest that manipulation of exciton size may be useful in designing NPLs for energy transport.« less

Exciton size and quantum transport in nanoplatelets.

PubMed

Pelzer, Kenley M; Darling, Seth B; Gray, Stephen K; Schaller, Richard D

2015-12-14

Two-dimensional nanoplatelets (NPLs) are an exciting class of materials with promising optical and energy transport properties. The possibility of efficient energy transport between nanoplatelets raises questions regarding the nature of energy transfer in these thin, laterally extended systems. A challenge in understanding exciton transport is the uncertainty regarding the size of the exciton. Depending on the material and defects in the nanoplatelet, an exciton could plausibly extend over an entire plate or localize to a small region. The variation in possible exciton sizes raises the question how exciton size impacts the efficiency of transport between nanoplatelet structures. Here, we explore this issue using a quantum master equation approach. This method goes beyond the assumptions of Förster theory to allow for quantum mechanical effects that could increase energy transfer efficiency. The model is extremely flexible in describing different systems, allowing us to test the effect of varying the spatial extent of the exciton. We first discuss qualitative aspects of the relationship between exciton size and transport and then conduct simulations of exciton transport between NPLs for a range of exciton sizes and environmental conditions. Our results reveal that exciton size has a strong effect on energy transfer efficiency and suggest that manipulation of exciton size may be useful in designing NPLs for energy transport.

Philosophy and Quantum Mechanics in Science Teaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pospiech, Gesche

Research in physics has its impact on world view; physics influences the image of nature. On the other hand philosophy thinks about nature and the role of man. The insight that philosophy might indicate the frontiers of human possibilities of thought makes it highly desirable to teach these aspects in physics education. One of the most exciting examples is quantum theory which v. Weizsäcker called a fundamental philosophical advance. I give some hints to implementing philosophical aspects into a course on quantum theory. For this purpose I designed a dialogue between three philosophers - from the Antique, the Enlightenment and a quantum philosopher - discussing results of quantum theory on the background of important philosophical terms. Especially the views of Aristotle are reviewed. This idea has been carried out in a supplementary course on quantum theory for interested teacher students and for in-service training of teachers.

Measurement incompatibility and Schrödinger-Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering in a class of probabilistic theories

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Banik, Manik, E-mail: manik11ju@gmail.com

Steering is one of the most counter intuitive non-classical features of bipartite quantum system, first noticed by Schrödinger at the early days of quantum theory. On the other hand, measurement incompatibility is another non-classical feature of quantum theory, initially pointed out by Bohr. Recently, Quintino et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 160402 (2014)] and Uola et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 160403 (2014)] have investigated the relation between these two distinct non-classical features. They have shown that a set of measurements is not jointly measurable (i.e., incompatible) if and only if they can be used for demonstrating Schrödinger-Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering. Themore » concept of steering has been generalized for more general abstract tensor product theories rather than just Hilbert space quantum mechanics. In this article, we discuss that the notion of measurement incompatibility can be extended for general probability theories. Further, we show that the connection between steering and measurement incompatibility holds in a border class of tensor product theories rather than just quantum theory.« less

Investigation of intrinsic defect magnetic properties in wurtzite ZnO materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorov, A. S.; Visotin, M. A.; Kholtobina, A. S.; Kuzubov, A. A.; Mikhaleva, N. S.; Hsu, Hua Shu

2017-10-01

Theoretical and experimental investigations of the ferromagnetism induced by intrinsic defects inside wurtzite zinc oxide structures are performed using magnetic field-dependent circular dichroism (MCD-H), direct magnetization measurement (M-H) by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) as well as by generalized gradient density functional theory (GGA-DFT). To investigate localized magnetic moments of bulk material intrinsic defects - vacancies, interstitial atoms and Frenkel defects, various-size periodic supercells are calculated. It is shown that oxygen interstitial atoms (Oi) or zinc vacancies (Znv) generate magnetic moments of 1,98 и 1,26 μB respectively, however, the magnitudes are significantly reduced when the distance between defects increases. At the same time, the magnetic moments of oxygen Frenkel defects are large ( 1.5-1.8 μB) and do not depend on the distance between the defects. It is shown that the origin of the induced ferromagnetism in bulk ZnO is the extra spin density on the oxygen atoms nearest to the defect. Also dependence of the magnetization of ZnO (10 1 ̅ 0) and (0001) thin films on the positions of Oi and Znv in subsurface layers were investigated and it is shown that the magnetic moments of both defects are significantly different from the values inside bulk material. In order to check theoretical results regarding the defect induced ferromagnetism in ZnO, two thin films doped by carbon (C) and having Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies were prepared and annealed in vacuum and air, respectively. According to the MCD-H and M-H measurements, the film, which was annealed in air, exhibits a ferromagnetic behavior, while the other does not. One can assume annealing of ZnO in vacuum should create oxygen vacancies or Zn interstitial atoms. At that annealing of the second C:ZnO film in air leads to essential magnetization, probably by annihilation of oxygen vacancies, formation of interstitial oxygen atoms or zinc vacancies. Thus, our experimental results confirm our theoretical conclusions that ZnO magnetization origin are Oi or Znv defects.

Strongly Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Defect Physics of Air-Stable Bismuth Oxyiodide (BiOI).

PubMed

Hoye, Robert L Z; Lee, Lana C; Kurchin, Rachel C; Huq, Tahmida N; Zhang, Kelvin H L; Sponseller, Melany; Nienhaus, Lea; Brandt, Riley E; Jean, Joel; Polizzotti, James Alexander; Kursumović, Ahmed; Bawendi, Moungi G; Bulović, Vladimir; Stevanović, Vladan; Buonassisi, Tonio; MacManus-Driscoll, Judith L

2017-09-01

Bismuth-based compounds have recently gained increasing attention as potentially nontoxic and defect-tolerant solar absorbers. However, many of the new materials recently investigated show limited photovoltaic performance. Herein, one such compound is explored in detail through theory and experiment: bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). BiOI thin films are grown by chemical vapor transport and found to maintain the same tetragonal phase in ambient air for at least 197 d. The computations suggest BiOI to be tolerant to antisite and vacancy defects. All-inorganic solar cells (ITO|NiO x |BiOI|ZnO|Al) with negligible hysteresis and up to 80% external quantum efficiency under select monochromatic excitation are demonstrated. The short-circuit current densities and power conversion efficiencies under AM 1.5G illumination are nearly double those of previously reported BiOI solar cells, as well as other bismuth halide and chalcohalide photovoltaics recently explored by many groups. Through a detailed loss analysis using optical characterization, photoemission spectroscopy, and device modeling, direction for future improvements in efficiency is provided. This work demonstrates that BiOI, previously considered to be a poor photocatalyst, is promising for photovoltaics. © 2017 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Quantum criticality and black holes.

PubMed

Sachdev, Subir; Müller, Markus

2009-04-22

Many condensed matter experiments explore the finite temperature dynamics of systems near quantum critical points. Often, there are no well-defined quasiparticle excitations, and so quantum kinetic equations do not describe the transport properties completely. The theory shows that the transport coefficients are not proportional to a mean free scattering time (as is the case in the Boltzmann theory of quasiparticles), but are completely determined by the absolute temperature and by equilibrium thermodynamic observables. Recently, explicit solutions of this quantum critical dynamics have become possible via the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory duality discovered in string theory. This shows that the quantum critical theory provides a holographic description of the quantum theory of black holes in a negatively curved anti-de Sitter space, and relates its transport coefficients to properties of the Hawking radiation from the black hole. We review how insights from this connection have led to new results for experimental systems: (i) the vicinity of the superfluid-insulator transition in the presence of an applied magnetic field, and its possible application to measurements of the Nernst effect in the cuprates, (ii) the magnetohydrodynamics of the plasma of Dirac electrons in graphene and the prediction of a hydrodynamic cyclotron resonance.

History of the 3 Theories of Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, Jeffrey

2010-02-01

Plato, Euclid, & Ptolemy said that when we see a flower, something is emitted from our eyes that travels out to apprehend the flower. The alternative was called the intromission theory: something from the flower comes into our eye, which is how we see. The latter was an unpopular minority view defended by Aristotle, Lucretius and Galen. It wasn't widely accepted until 1021 (Ibn al-Haytham's Book of Optics). Einstein & DeBroglie assumed the intromission theory (wave-particle duality). That was fruitful but led to quantum weirdness, Schr"odinger's cat, & a sense that only mathematical formulas are ``real.'' In 2007 PhysicsWeb said, ``Quantum physics says goodbye to reality.'' The first hybrid emission-intromission theory was introduced by Little in 1996. Little says a wave goes out from your retina to the flower, & is followed backward by a photon. This theory has a weakness stated by Aristotle: ``Then how do we see the stars?'' What's the advantage of this theory? If quantum waves travel in the reverse direction from photons, then most of quantum physics can be explained without quantum weirdness or Schr"odinger's cat. Quantum mathematics would be unchanged. The diffraction pattern on the screen of the double slit experiment is the same. )

Space and time in the quantum universe.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolin, L.

This paper is devoted to the problem of constructing a quantum theory that could describe a closed system - a quantum cosmology. The author argues that this problem is an aspect of a much older problem - that of how to eliminate from the physical theories "ideal elements", which are elements of the mathematical structure whose interpretation requires the existence of things outside the dynamical system described by the theory. This discussion is aimed at uncovering criteria that a theory of quantum cosmology must satisfy, if it is to give physically sensible predictions. The author proposes three such criteria and shows that conventional quantum cosmology can only satisfy them, if there is an intrinsic time coordinate on the phase space of the theory. It is shown that approaches based on correlations in the wave function, that do not use an inner product, cannot satisfy these criteria. As example, the author discusses the problem of quantizing a class of relational dynamical models invented by Barbour and Bertotti. The dynamical structure of these theories is closely analogous to general relativity, and the problem of their measurement theory is also similar. It is concluded that these theories can only be sensibly quantized if they contain an intrinsic time.

Quantum probability and quantum decision-making.

PubMed

Yukalov, V I; Sornette, D

2016-01-13

A rigorous general definition of quantum probability is given, which is valid not only for elementary events but also for composite events, for operationally testable measurements as well as for inconclusive measurements, and also for non-commuting observables in addition to commutative observables. Our proposed definition of quantum probability makes it possible to describe quantum measurements and quantum decision-making on the same common mathematical footing. Conditions are formulated for the case when quantum decision theory reduces to its classical counterpart and for the situation where the use of quantum decision theory is necessary. © 2015 The Author(s).

Channeling Excitons to Emissive Defect Sites in Carbon Nanotube Semiconductors beyond the Dilute Regime.

PubMed

Powell, Lyndsey R; Piao, Yanmei; Ng, Allen L; Wang, YuHuang

2018-06-07

The exciton photoluminescence of carbon nanotube semiconductors has been intensively exploited for bioimaging, anticounterfeiting, photodetection, and quantum information science. However, at high concentrations, photoluminescence is lost to self-quenching because of the nearly complete overlap of the absorption and emissive states (∼10 meV Stokes shift). Here we show that by introducing sparse fluorescent quantum defects via covalent chemistry, self-quenching can be efficiently bypassed by means of the new emission route. The defect photoluminescence is significantly red-shifted by 190 meV for p-nitroaryl tailored (6,5)-single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from the native emission of the nanotube. Notably, the defect photoluminescence is more than 34 times brighter than the native photoluminescence of unfunctionalized SWCNTs in the most concentrated nanotube solution tested (2.7 × 10 14 nanotubes/mL). Moreover, we show that defect photoluminescence is more resistant to self-quenching than the native state in a dense film, which is the upper limit of concentration. Our findings open opportunities to harness nanotube excitons in highly concentrated systems for applications where photoluminescence brightness and light-collecting efficiency are mutually important.

Proposed Test of Relative Phase as Hidden Variable in Quantum Mechanics

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

implicitly due to its ubiquity in quantum theory , but searches for dependence of measurement outcome on other parameters have been lacking. For a two -state...implemen- tation for the specific case of an atomic two -state system with laser-induced fluores- cence for measurement. Keywords Quantum measurement...Measurement postulate · Born rule 1 Introduction 1.1 Problems with Quantum Measurement Quantum theory prescribes probabilities for outcomes of measurements

Robust Multiple-Range Coherent Quantum State Transfer

PubMed Central

Chen, Bing; Peng, Yan-Dong; Li, Yong; Qian, Xiao-Feng

2016-01-01

We propose a multiple-range quantum communication channel to realize coherent two-way quantum state transport with high fidelity. In our scheme, an information carrier (a qubit) and its remote partner are both adiabatically coupled to the same data bus, i.e., an N-site tight-binding chain that has a single defect at the center. At the weak interaction regime, our system is effectively equivalent to a three level system of which a coherent superposition of the two carrier states constitutes a dark state. The adiabatic coupling allows a well controllable information exchange timing via the dark state between the two carriers. Numerical results show that our scheme is robust and efficient under practically inevitable perturbative defects of the data bus as well as environmental dephasing noise. PMID:27364891

Parameters Free Computational Characterization of Defects in Transition Metal Oxides with Diffusion Quantum Monte Carlo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santana, Juan A.; Krogel, Jaron T.; Kent, Paul R.; Reboredo, Fernando

Materials based on transition metal oxides (TMO's) are among the most challenging systems for computational characterization. Reliable and practical computations are possible by directly solving the many-body problem for TMO's with quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods. These methods are very computationally intensive, but recent developments in algorithms and computational infrastructures have enabled their application to real materials. We will show our efforts on the application of the diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) method to study the formation of defects in binary and ternary TMO and heterostructures of TMO. We will also outline current limitations in hardware and algorithms. This work is supported by the Materials Sciences & Engineering Division of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Quantum theory and human perception of the macro-world

PubMed Central

Aerts, Diederik

2014-01-01

We investigate the question of ‘why customary macroscopic entities appear to us humans as they do, i.e., as bounded entities occupying space and persisting through time’, starting from our knowledge of quantum theory, how it affects the behavior of such customary macroscopic entities, and how it influences our perception of them. For this purpose, we approach the question from three perspectives. Firstly, we look at the situation from the standard quantum angle, more specifically the de Broglie wavelength analysis of the behavior of macroscopic entities, indicate how a problem with spin and identity arises, and illustrate how both play a fundamental role in well-established experimental quantum-macroscopical phenomena, such as Bose-Einstein condensates. Secondly, we analyze how the question is influenced by our result in axiomatic quantum theory, which proves that standard quantum theory is structurally incapable of describing separated entities. Thirdly, we put forward our new ‘conceptual quantum interpretation’, including a highly detailed reformulation of the question to confront the new insights and views that arise with the foregoing analysis. At the end of the final section, a nuanced answer is given that can be summarized as follows. The specific and very classical perception of human seeing—light as a geometric theory—and human touching—only ruled by Pauli's exclusion principle—plays a role in our perception of macroscopic entities as ontologically stable entities in space. To ascertain quantum behavior in such macroscopic entities, we will need measuring apparatuses capable of its detection. Future experimental research will have to show if sharp quantum effects—as they occur in smaller entities—appear to be ontological aspects of customary macroscopic entities. It remains a possibility that standard quantum theory is an incomplete theory, and hence incapable of coping ultimately with separated entities, meaning that a more general theory will be needed. PMID:25009510

Near-infrared cathodoluminescence imaging of defect distributions in In(0.2)Ga(0.8)As/GaAs multiple quantum wells grown on prepatterned GaAs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rich, D. H.; Fajkumar, K. C.; Chen, LI; Madhukar, A.; Grunthaner, F. J.

1992-01-01

The defect distribution in a highly strained In(0.2)Ga(0.8)As/GaAs multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure grown on a patterned GaAs substrate is examined with cathodoluminescence imaging and spectroscopy in the near IR. By spatially correlating the luminescence arising from the MQW exciton recombination (950 nm) with the longer wavelength (1000-1200 nm) luminescence arising from the defect-induced recombination, it is demonstrated that it is possible to determine the regions of highest film quality in both the mesa and valley regions. The present approach enables a judicious determination of the optimal regions to be used for active pixels in InGaAs/GaAs spatial light modulators.

Optical bistability and multistability in a defect slab doped by GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seyyed, Hossein Asadpour; G, Solookinejad; M, Panahi; E Ahmadi, Sangachin

2016-05-01

We proposed a new model for controlling the optical bistability (OB) and optical multistability (OM) in a defect slab doped with four-level GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells with 15 periods of 17.5 nm GaAs wells and 15-nm Al0.3 Ga0.7As barriers. The effects of biexciton energy renormalization, exciton spin relaxation, and thickness of the slab on the OB and OM properties of the defect slab were theoretically investigated. We found that the transition from OB to OM or vice versa is possible by adjusting the controllable parameters in a lab. Moreover, the transmission, reflection, and absorption properties of the weak probe light through the slab were also discussed in detail.

Quantum random walks on congested lattices and the effect of dephasing.

PubMed

Motes, Keith R; Gilchrist, Alexei; Rohde, Peter P

2016-01-27

We consider quantum random walks on congested lattices and contrast them to classical random walks. Congestion is modelled on lattices that contain static defects which reverse the walker's direction. We implement a dephasing process after each step which allows us to smoothly interpolate between classical and quantum random walks as well as study the effect of dephasing on the quantum walk. Our key results show that a quantum walker escapes a finite boundary dramatically faster than a classical walker and that this advantage remains in the presence of heavily congested lattices.

Generalizing Prototype Theory: A Formal Quantum Framework

PubMed Central

Aerts, Diederik; Broekaert, Jan; Gabora, Liane; Sozzo, Sandro

2016-01-01

Theories of natural language and concepts have been unable to model the flexibility, creativity, context-dependence, and emergence, exhibited by words, concepts and their combinations. The mathematical formalism of quantum theory has instead been successful in capturing these phenomena such as graded membership, situational meaning, composition of categories, and also more complex decision making situations, which cannot be modeled in traditional probabilistic approaches. We show how a formal quantum approach to concepts and their combinations can provide a powerful extension of prototype theory. We explain how prototypes can interfere in conceptual combinations as a consequence of their contextual interactions, and provide an illustration of this using an intuitive wave-like diagram. This quantum-conceptual approach gives new life to original prototype theory, without however making it a privileged concept theory, as we explain at the end of our paper. PMID:27065436

Little string origin of surface defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haouzi, Nathan; Schmid, Christian

2017-05-01

We derive a large class of codimension-two defects of 4d \\mathcal{N}=4 Super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory from the (2, 0) little string. The origin of the little string is type IIB theory compactified on an ADE singularity. The defects are D-branes wrapping the 2-cycles of the singularity. We use this construction to make contact with the description of SYM defects due to Gukov and Witten [1]. Furthermore, we provide a geometric perspective on the nilpotent orbit classification of codimension-two defects, and the connection to ADE-type Toda CFT. The only data needed to specify the defects is a set of weights of the algebra obeying certain constraints, which we give explicitly. We highlight the differences between the defect classification in the little string theory and its (2 , 0) CFT limit.

Causality re-established.

PubMed

D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro

2018-07-13

Causality has never gained the status of a 'law' or 'principle' in physics. Some recent literature has even popularized the false idea that causality is a notion that should be banned from theory. Such misconception relies on an alleged universality of the reversibility of the laws of physics, based either on the determinism of classical theory, or on the multiverse interpretation of quantum theory, in both cases motivated by mere interpretational requirements for realism of the theory. Here, I will show that a properly defined unambiguous notion of causality is a theorem of quantum theory, which is also a falsifiable proposition of the theory. Such a notion of causality appeared in the literature within the framework of operational probabilistic theories. It is a genuinely theoretical notion, corresponding to establishing a definite partial order among events, in the same way as we do by using the future causal cone on Minkowski space. The notion of causality is logically completely independent of the misidentified concept of 'determinism', and, being a consequence of quantum theory, is ubiquitous in physics. In addition, as classical theory can be regarded as a restriction of quantum theory, causality holds also in the classical case, although the determinism of the theory trivializes it. I then conclude by arguing that causality naturally establishes an arrow of time. This implies that the scenario of the 'block Universe' and the connected 'past hypothesis' are incompatible with causality, and thus with quantum theory: they are both doomed to remain mere interpretations and, as such, are not falsifiable, similar to the hypothesis of 'super-determinism'.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Foundations of quantum mechanics and their impact on contemporary society'. © 2018 The Author(s).

Advanced Concepts in Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Giampiero; Marmo, Giuseppe; Miele, Gennaro; Sudarshan, George

2014-11-01

Preface; 1. Introduction: the need for a quantum theory; 2. Experimental foundations of quantum theory; 3. Waves and particles; 4. Schrödinger picture, Heisenberg picture and probabilistic aspects; 5. Integrating the equations of motion; 6. Elementary applications: 1-dimensional problems; 7. Elementary applications: multidimensional problems; 8. Coherent states and related formalism; 9. Introduction to spin; 10. Symmetries in quantum mechanics; 11. Approximation methods; 12. Modern pictures of quantum mechanics; 13. Formulations of quantum mechanics and their physical implications; 14. Exam problems; Glossary of geometric concepts; References; Index.

Novel Synthesis of Slightly Fluorinated Graphene Quantum Dots with Luminescent and Paramagnetic Properties through Thermal Cutting of Fluorinated Graphene

PubMed Central

Feng, Qian; Xiao, Wenqing; Zheng, Yongping; Lin, Yuda; Li, Jiaxin; Ye, Qingying; Huang, Zhigao

2018-01-01

A novel approach has been developed to synthesize slightly fluorinated graphene quantum dots (GQDs-F) through thermal cutting of highly fluorinated graphene. The fluorinated graphene with substantial structure defects is fragile and is readily attacked. The direct evaporation of abundant CFn (n = 2, 3) groups near structure defects lead to the loss of adjacent skelton C atoms, and the fluorinated graphene can be thermally cut into GQDs-F with a relatively uniform nanosize in pyrolysis at 810 K. The GQDs-F with a low F/C atomic ratio of ca. 0.03 exhibit excitation wavelength-dependent properties with multicolor photoluminescence (PL) from blue to green. At the same time, F adatoms that are most likely located at the edges of GQDs-F have a high efficiency of introducing paramagnetic centres, and GQDs-F show a strong paramagnetism because of sp3-type defects and magnetic zigzag edges. The graphene quantum dots with such multimodal capabilities should have great applied value in material science. PMID:29316730

Topological interface physics in spinor Bose-Einstein condensates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borgh, Magnus; Ruostekoski, Janne

2013-05-01

We present an experimentally viable scheme whereby the physics of coherent interfaces between topologically distinct regions can be studied in an atomic quantum gas. The interface engineering is achieved using the internal spin structures of atoms together with local control over interaction strengths. We consider a coherent interface between polar and ferromagnetic regions of a spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate and show that defects representing different topologies can connect continuously across the boundary. We show that energy minimization leads to nontrivial interface-crossing defect structures, demonstrating how the method can be used to study stability properties of field-theoretical solitons. We demonstrate, e.g., the formation of a half-quantum vortex arch, an Alice arch, on the interface, exhibiting the topological charge of a point defect. We also demonstrate an energetically stable connection of a coreless vortex to two half-quantum vortices. Our method can be extended to study interface physics in spin-2 and spin-3 BECs with richer phenomenology, or in strongly correlated optical-lattice systems. We acknowledge financial support from the Leverhulme Trust.

Theoretical study of ArH+ dissociative recombination and electron-impact vibrational excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdoulanziz, A.; Colboc, F.; Little, D. A.; Moulane, Y.; Mezei, J. Zs; Roueff, E.; Tennyson, J.; Schneider, I. F.; Laporta, V.

2018-06-01

Cross sections are presented for dissociative recombination and electron-impact vibrational excitation of the ArH+ molecular ion at electron energies appropriate for the interstellar environment. The R-matrix method is employed to determine the molecular structure data, i.e. the position and width of the resonance states. The cross sections and the corresponding Maxwellian rate coefficients are computed using a method based on the Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory. The main result of the paper is the very low dissociative recombination rate found at temperatures below 1000K. This is in agreement with the previous upper limit measurement in merged beams and offers a realistic explanation to the presence of ArH+ in exotic interstellar conditions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moradi, Afshin, E-mail: a.moradi@kut.ac.ir

We develop the Maxwell-Garnett theory for the effective medium approximation of composite materials with metallic nanoparticles by taking into account the quantum spatial dispersion effects in dielectric response of nanoparticles. We derive a quantum nonlocal generalization of the standard Maxwell-Garnett formula, by means the linearized quantum hydrodynamic theory in conjunction with the Poisson equation as well as the appropriate additional quantum boundary conditions.

Much Polyphony but Little Harmony: Otto Sackur's Groping for a Quantum Theory of Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badino, Massimiliano; Friedrich, Bretislav

2013-09-01

The endeavor of Otto Sackur (1880-1914) was driven, on the one hand, by his interest in Nernst's heat theorem, statistical mechanics, and the problem of chemical equilibrium and, on the other hand, by his goal to shed light on classical mechanics from the quantum vantage point. Inspired by the interplay between classical physics and quantum theory, Sackur chanced to expound his personal take on the role of the quantum in the changing landscape of physics in the turbulent 1910s. We tell the story of this enthusiastic practitioner of the old quantum theory and early contributor to quantum statistical mechanics, whose scientific ontogenesis provides a telling clue about the phylogeny of his contemporaries.

Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, J. S.; Aspect, Introduction by Alain

2004-06-01

List of papers on quantum philosophy by J. S. Bell; Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction by Alain Aspect; 1. On the problem of hidden variables in quantum mechanics; 2. On the Einstein-Rosen-Podolsky paradox; 3. The moral aspects of quantum mechanics; 4. Introduction to the hidden-variable question; 5. Subject and object; 6. On wave packet reduction in the Coleman-Hepp model; 7. The theory of local beables; 8. Locality in quantum mechanics: reply to critics; 9. How to teach special relativity; 10. Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiments; 11. The measurement theory of Everett and de Broglie's pilot wave; 12. Free variables and local causality; 13. Atomic-cascade photons and quantum-mechanical nonlocality; 14. de Broglie-Bohm delayed choice double-slit experiments and density matrix; 15. Quantum mechanics for cosmologists; 16. Bertlmann's socks and the nature of reality; 17. On the impossible pilot wave; 18. Speakable and unspeakable in quantum mechanics; 19. Beables for quantum field theory; 20. Six possible worlds of quantum mechanics; 21. EPR correlations and EPR distributions; 22. Are there quantum jumps?; 23. Against 'measurement'; 24. La Nouvelle cuisine.

Hybrid quantum-classical modeling of quantum dot devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kantner, Markus; Mittnenzweig, Markus; Koprucki, Thomas

2017-11-01

The design of electrically driven quantum dot devices for quantum optical applications asks for modeling approaches combining classical device physics with quantum mechanics. We connect the well-established fields of semiclassical semiconductor transport theory and the theory of open quantum systems to meet this requirement. By coupling the van Roosbroeck system with a quantum master equation in Lindblad form, we introduce a new hybrid quantum-classical modeling approach, which provides a comprehensive description of quantum dot devices on multiple scales: it enables the calculation of quantum optical figures of merit and the spatially resolved simulation of the current flow in realistic semiconductor device geometries in a unified way. We construct the interface between both theories in such a way, that the resulting hybrid system obeys the fundamental axioms of (non)equilibrium thermodynamics. We show that our approach guarantees the conservation of charge, consistency with the thermodynamic equilibrium and the second law of thermodynamics. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by numerical simulations of an electrically driven single-photon source based on a single quantum dot in the stationary and transient operation regime.

Causal fermion systems as a candidate for a unified physical theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finster, Felix; Kleiner, Johannes

2015-07-01

The theory of causal fermion systems is an approach to describe fundamental physics. Giving quantum mechanics, general relativity and quantum field theory as limiting cases, it is a candidate for a unified physical theory. We here give a non-technical introduction.

Physics Meets Philosophy at the Planck Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Callender, Craig; Huggett, Nick

2001-04-01

Preface; 1. Introduction Craig Callendar and Nick Huggett; Part I. Theories of Quantum Gravity and their Philosophical Dimensions: 2. Spacetime and the philosophical challenge of quantum gravity Jeremy Butterfield and Christopher Isham; 3. Naive quantum gravity Steven Weinstein; 4. Quantum spacetime: what do we know? Carlo Rovelli; Part II. Strings: 5. Reflections on the fate of spacetime Edward Witten; 6. A philosopher looks at string theory Robert Weingard; 7. Black holes, dumb holes, and entropy William G. Unruh; Part III. Topological Quantum Field Theory: 8. Higher-dimensional algebra and Planck scale physics John C. Baez; Part IV. Quantum Gravity and the Interpretation of General Relativity: 9. On general covariance and best matching Julian B. Barbour; 10. Pre-Socratic quantum gravity Gordon Belot and John Earman; 11. The origin of the spacetime metric: Bell's 'Lorentzian Pedagogy' and its significance in general relativity Harvey R. Brown and Oliver Pooley; Part IV. Quantum Gravity and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: 12. Quantum spacetime without observers: ontological clarity and the conceptual foundations of quantum gravity Sheldon Goldstein and Stefan Teufel; 13. On gravity's role in quantum state reduction Roger Penrose; 14. Why the quantum must yield to gravity Joy Christian.

Constraint algebra in Smolin's G →0 limit of 4D Euclidean gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadarajan, Madhavan

2018-05-01

Smolin's generally covariant GNewton→0 limit of 4d Euclidean gravity is a useful toy model for the study of the constraint algebra in loop quantum gravity (LQG). In particular, the commutator between its Hamiltonian constraints has a metric dependent structure function. While a prior LQG-like construction of nontrivial anomaly free constraint commutators for the model exists, that work suffers from two defects. First, Smolin's remarks on the inability of the quantum dynamics to generate propagation effects apply. Second, the construction only yields the action of a single Hamiltonian constraint together with the action of its commutator through a continuum limit of corresponding discrete approximants; the continuum limit of a product of two or more constraints does not exist. Here, we incorporate changes in the quantum dynamics through structural modifications in the choice of discrete approximants to the quantum Hamiltonian constraint. The new structure is motivated by that responsible for propagation in an LQG-like quantization of paramatrized field theory and significantly alters the space of physical states. We study the off shell constraint algebra of the model in the context of these structural changes and show that the continuum limit action of multiple products of Hamiltonian constraints is (a) supported on an appropriate domain of states, (b) yields anomaly free commutators between pairs of Hamiltonian constraints, and (c) is diffeomorphism covariant. Many of our considerations seem robust enough to be applied to the setting of 4d Euclidean gravity.

Heavy fermions, quantum criticality, and unconventional superconductivity in filled skutterudites and related materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andraka, Bohdan

2015-05-14

The main goal of this program was to explore the possibility of novel states and behaviors in Pr-based system exhibiting quantum critical behavior, PrOs₄Sb₁₂. Upon small changes of external parameter, such as magnetic field, physical properties of PrOs₄Sb₁₂ are drastically altered from those corresponding to a superconductor, to heavy fermion, to field-induced ordered phase with primary quadrupolar order parameter. All these states are highly unconventional and not understood in terms of current theories thus offer an opportunity to expand our knowledge and understanding of condensed matter. At the same time, these novel states and behaviors are subjects to intense internationalmore » controversies. In particular, two superconducting phases with different transition temperatures were observed in some samples and not observed in others leading to speculations that sample defects might be partially responsible for these exotic behaviors. This work clearly established that crystal disorder is important consideration, but contrary to current consensus this disorder suppresses exotic behavior. Superconducting properties imply unconventional inhomogeneous state that emerges from unconventional homogeneous normal state. Comprehensive structural investigations demonstrated that upper superconducting transition is intrinsic, bulk, and unconventional. The high quality of in-house synthesized single crystals was indirectly confirmed by de Haas-van Alphen quantum oscillation measurements. These measurements, for the first time ever reported, spanned several different phases, offering unprecedented possibility of studying quantum oscillations across phase boundaries.« less

Quantum processes: A Whiteheadian interpretation of quantum field theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bain, Jonathan

Quantum processes: A Whiteheadian interpretation of quantum field theory is an ambitious and thought-provoking exercise in physics and metaphysics, combining an erudite study of the very complex metaphysics of A.N. Whitehead with a well-informed discussion of contemporary issues in the philosophy of algebraic quantum field theory. Hättich's overall goal is to construct an interpretation of quantum field theory. He does this by translating key concepts in Whitehead's metaphysics into the language of algebraic quantum field theory. In brief, this Hättich-Whitehead (H-W, hereafter) interpretation takes "actual occasions" as the fundamental ontological entities of quantum field theory. An actual occasion is the result of two types of processes: a "transition process" in which a set of initial possibly-possessed properties for the occasion (in the form of "eternal objects") is localized to a space-time region; and a "concrescence process" in which a subset of these initial possibly-possessed properties is selected and actualized to produce the occasion. Essential to these processes is the "underlying activity", which conditions the way in which properties are initially selected and subsequently actualized. In short, under the H-W interpretation of quantum field theory, an initial set of possibly-possessed eternal objects is represented by a Boolean sublattice of the lattice of projection operators determined by a von Neumann algebra R (O) associated with a region O of Minkowski space-time, and the underlying activity is represented by a state on R (O) obtained by conditionalizing off of the vacuum state. The details associated with the H-W interpretation involve imposing constraints on these representations motivated by principles found in Whitehead's metaphysics. These details are spelled out in the three sections of the book. The first section is a summary and critique of Whitehead's metaphysics, the second section introduces the formalism of algebraic quantum field theory, and the third section consists of a translation between the first two sections. This review will concentrate on the first and third sections, with an eye on making explicit the essential characteristics of the H-W interpretation.

Highly Efficient Defect Emission from ZnO:Zn and ZnO:S Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everitt, Henry

2013-03-01

Bulk Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is a wide band gap semiconductor with an ultraviolet direct band gap energy of 3.4 eV and a broad, defect-related visible wavelength emission band centered near 2 eV. We have shown that the external quantum efficiency can exceed 50% for this nearly white emission band that closely matches the human dark-adapted visual response. To explore the potential of ZnO as a rare earth-free white light phosphor, we investigated the mechanism of efficient defect emission in three types of ZnO powders: unannealed, annealed, and sulfur-doped. Annealing and sulfur-doping of ZnO greatly increase the strength of defect emission while suppressing the UV band edge emission. Continuous wave and ultrafast one- and two-photon excitation spectroscopy are used to examine the defect emission mechanism. Low temperature photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) spectra were measured for all three compounds, and it was found that bound excitons mediate the defect emission. Temperature-dependent PLE spectra for the defect and band edge emission were measured to estimate trapping and activation energies of the bound excitons and clarify the role they play in the defect emission. Time-resolved techniques were used to ascertain the role of exciton diffusion, the effects of reabsorption, and the spatial distributions of radiative and non-radiative traps. In unannealed ZnO we find that defect emission is suppressed and UV band edge emission is inefficient (< 2%) because of reabsorption and non-radiative recombination due to a high density of non-radiative bulk traps. By annealing ZnO, bulk trap densities are reduced, and a high density of defects responsible for the broad visible emission are created near the surface. Interestingly, nearly identical PLE spectra are found for both the band edge and the defect emission, one of many indications that the defect emission is deeply connected to bound excitons. Quantum efficiency, also measured as a function of excitation wavelength, closely mirrors the PLE spectra for both emission bands. Sulfur-doped ZnO exhibits additional PLE and X-ray features indicative of a ZnS-rich surface shell that correlates with even more efficient defect emission. The results presented here offer hope that engineering defects in ZnO materials may significantly improve the quantum efficiency for white light phosphor applications. This work was supported by the Army's in-house laboratory innovative research program.

Symmetry restoration and quantumness reestablishment.

PubMed

Zeng, Guo-Mo; Wu, Lian-Ao; Xing, Hai-Jun

2014-09-18

A realistic quantum many-body system, characterized by a generic microscopic Hamiltonian, is accessible only through approximation methods. The mean field theories, as the simplest practices of approximation methods, commonly serve as a powerful tool, but unfortunately often violate the symmetry of the Hamiltonian. The conventional BCS theory, as an excellent mean field approach, violates the particle number conservation and completely erases quantumness characterized by concurrence and quantum discord between different modes. We restore the symmetry by using the projected BCS theory and the exact numerical solution and find that the lost quantumness is synchronously reestablished. We show that while entanglement remains unchanged with the particle numbers, quantum discord behaves as an extensive quantity with respect to the system size. Surprisingly, discord is hardly dependent on the interaction strengths. The new feature of discord offers promising applications in modern quantum technologies.

Disciplines, models, and computers: the path to computational quantum chemistry.

PubMed

Lenhard, Johannes

2014-12-01

Many disciplines and scientific fields have undergone a computational turn in the past several decades. This paper analyzes this sort of turn by investigating the case of computational quantum chemistry. The main claim is that the transformation from quantum to computational quantum chemistry involved changes in three dimensions. First, on the side of instrumentation, small computers and a networked infrastructure took over the lead from centralized mainframe architecture. Second, a new conception of computational modeling became feasible and assumed a crucial role. And third, the field of computa- tional quantum chemistry became organized in a market-like fashion and this market is much bigger than the number of quantum theory experts. These claims will be substantiated by an investigation of the so-called density functional theory (DFT), the arguably pivotal theory in the turn to computational quantum chemistry around 1990.

Different Levels of the Meaning of Wave-Particle Duality and a Suspensive Perspective on the Interpretation of Quantum Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheong, Yong Wook; Song, Jinwoong

2014-01-01

There is no consensus on the genuine meaning of wave-particle duality and the interpretation of quantum theory. How can we teach duality and quantum theory despite this lack of consensus? This study attempts to answer this question. This research argues that reality issues are at the core of both the endless debates concerning the interpretation…

Generalized Galilean transformations and the measurement problem in the entropic dynamics approach to quantum theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, David T.

Quantum mechanics is an extremely successful and accurate physical theory, yet since its inception, it has been afflicted with numerous conceptual difficulties. The primary subject of this thesis is the theory of entropic quantum dynamics (EQD), which seeks to avoid these conceptual problems by interpreting quantum theory from an informational perspective. We begin by reviewing Cox's work in describing probability theory as a means of rationally and consistently quantifying uncertainties. We then discuss how probabilities can be updated according to either Bayes' theorem or the extended method of maximum entropy (ME). After that discussion, we review the work of Caticha and Giffin that shows that Bayes' theorem is a special case of ME. This important result demonstrates that the ME method is the general method for updating probabilities. We then review some motivating difficulties in quantum mechanics before discussing Caticha's work in deriving quantum theory from the approach of entropic dynamics, which concludes our review. After entropic dynamics is introduced, we develop the concepts of symmetries and transformations from an informational perspective. The primary result is the formulation of a symmetry condition that any transformation must satisfy in order to qualify as a symmetry in EQD. We then proceed to apply this condition to the extended Galilean transformation. This transformation is of interest as it exhibits features of both special and general relativity. The transformation yields a gravitational potential that arises from an equivalence of information. We conclude the thesis with a discussion of the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. We discuss the difficulties that arise in the standard quantum mechanical approach to measurement before developing our theory of entropic measurement. In entropic dynamics, position is the only observable. We show how a theory built on this one observable can account for the multitude of measurements present in quantum theory. Furthermore, we show that the Born rule need not be postulated, but can be derived in EQD. Finally, we show how the wave function can be updated by the ME method as the phase is constructed purely in terms of probabilities.

Proposed experiment to test fundamentally binary theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinmann, Matthias; Vértesi, Tamás; Cabello, Adán

2017-09-01

Fundamentally binary theories are nonsignaling theories in which measurements of many outcomes are constructed by selecting from binary measurements. They constitute a sensible alternative to quantum theory and have never been directly falsified by any experiment. Here we show that fundamentally binary theories are experimentally testable with current technology. For that, we identify a feasible Bell-type experiment on pairs of entangled qutrits. In addition, we prove that, for any n , quantum n -ary correlations are not fundamentally (n -1 ) -ary. For that, we introduce a family of inequalities that hold for fundamentally (n -1 ) -ary theories but are violated by quantum n -ary correlations.

Quantum kinetic theory of the filamentation instability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bret, A.; Haas, F.

2011-07-15

The quantum electromagnetic dielectric tensor for a multi-species plasma is re-derived from the gauge-invariant Wigner-Maxwell system and presented under a form very similar to the classical one. The resulting expression is then applied to a quantum kinetic theory of the electromagnetic filamentation instability. Comparison is made with the quantum fluid theory including a Bohm pressure term and with the cold classical plasma result. A number of analytical expressions are derived for the cutoff wave vector, the largest growth rate, and the most unstable wave vector.

Typical Local Measurements in Generalized Probabilistic Theories: Emergence of Quantum Bipartite Correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinmann, Matthias; Osborne, Tobias J.; Scholz, Volkher B.; Werner, Albert H.

2013-01-01

What singles out quantum mechanics as the fundamental theory of nature? Here we study local measurements in generalized probabilistic theories (GPTs) and investigate how observational limitations affect the production of correlations. We find that if only a subset of typical local measurements can be made then all the bipartite correlations produced in a GPT can be simulated to a high degree of accuracy by quantum mechanics. Our result makes use of a generalization of Dvoretzky’s theorem for GPTs. The tripartite correlations can go beyond those exhibited by quantum mechanics, however.

Topological entanglement entropy with a twist.

PubMed

Brown, Benjamin J; Bartlett, Stephen D; Doherty, Andrew C; Barrett, Sean D

2013-11-27

Defects in topologically ordered models have interesting properties that are reminiscent of the anyonic excitations of the models themselves. For example, dislocations in the toric code model are known as twists and possess properties that are analogous to Ising anyons. We strengthen this analogy by using the topological entanglement entropy as a diagnostic tool to identify properties of both defects and excitations in the toric code. Specifically, we show, through explicit calculation, that the toric code model including twists and dyon excitations has the same quantum dimensions, the same total quantum dimension, and the same fusion rules as an Ising anyon model.

Resonantly pumped single-mode channel waveguide Er:YAG laser with nearly quantum defect limited efficiency.

PubMed

Ter-Gabrielyan, N; Fromzel, V; Mu, X; Meissner, H; Dubinskii, M

2013-07-15

We demonstrated the continuous-wave operation of a resonantly pumped Er:YAG single-mode channel waveguide laser with diffraction-limited output and nearly quantum defect limited efficiency. Using a longitudinally core-pumped, nearly square (61.2 μm×61.6 μm) Er3+:YAG waveguide embedded in an undoped YAG cladding, an output power of 9.1 W with a slope efficiency of 92.8% (versus absorbed pump power) has been obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this optical-to-optical efficiency is the highest ever demonstrated for a channel waveguide laser.

Delirium Quantum Or, where I will take quantum mechanics if it will let me

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, Christopher A.

2007-02-01

Once again, I take advantage of the wonderfully liberal and tolerant mood Andrei Khrennikov sets at his yearly conferences by submitting a nonstandard paper for the proceedings. This pseudo-paper consists of excerpts drawn from two of my samizdats [Quantum States: What the Hell Are They? and Darwinism All the Way Down (and Probabilism All the Way Back Up)] that I think best summarize what I am aiming for on the broadest scale with my quantum foundations program. Section 1 tries to draw a picture of a physical world whose essence is "Darwinism all the way down." Section 2 outlines how quantum theory should be viewed in light of that, i.e., as being an expression of probabilism (in Bruno de Finetti or Richard Jeffrey's sense) all the way back up. Section 3 describes how the idea of "identical" quantum measurement outcomes, though sounding atomistic in character, nonetheless meshes well with a William Jamesian style "radical pluralism." Sections 4 and 5 further detail how quantum theory should not be viewed so much as a "theory of the world," but rather as a theory of decision-making for agents immersed within a quantum world—that is, a world in continual creation. Finally, Sections 6 and 7 attempt to sketch once again the very positive sense in which quantum theory is incomplete, but still just as complete is it can be. In total, I hope these heady speculations convey some of the excitement and potential I see for the malleable world quantum mechanics hints of.

Measurements and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slavnov, D. A.

2007-03-01

A scheme for constructing quantum mechanics is given that does not have Hilbert space and linear operators as its basic elements. Instead, a version of algebraic approach is considered. Elements of a noncommutative algebra (observables) and functionals on this algebra (elementary states) associated with results of single measurements are used as primary components of the scheme. On the one hand, it is possible to use within the scheme the formalism of the standard (Kolmogorov) probability theory, and, on the other hand, it is possible to reproduce the mathematical formalism of standard quantum mechanics, and to study the limits of its applicability. A short outline is given of the necessary material from the theory of algebras and probability theory. It is described how the mathematical scheme of the paper agrees with the theory of quantum measurements, and avoids quantum paradoxes.

Space-time topology and quantum gravity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, J. L.

Characteristic features are discussed of a theory of quantum gravity that allows space-time with a non-Euclidean topology. The review begins with a summary of the manifolds that can occur as classical vacuum space-times and as space-times with positive energy. Local structures with non-Euclidean topology - topological geons - collapse, and one may conjecture that in asymptotically flat space-times non-Euclidean topology is hiden from view. In the quantum theory, large diffeos can act nontrivially on the space of states, leading to state vectors that transform as representations of the corresponding symmetry group π0(Diff). In particular, in a quantum theory that, at energies E < EPlanck, is a theory of the metric alone, there appear to be ground states with half-integral spin, and in higher-dimensional gravity, with the kinematical quantum numbers of fundamental fermions.

Theories of Matter, Space and Time, Volume 2; Quantum theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, N.; King, S. F.

2018-06-01

This book and its prequel Theories of Matter Space and Time: Classical Theories grew out of courses that we have both taught as part of the undergraduate degree program in Physics at Southampton University, UK. Our goal was to guide the full MPhys undergraduate cohort through some of the trickier areas of theoretical physics that we expect our undergraduates to master. Here we teach the student to understand first quantized relativistic quantum theories. We first quickly review the basics of quantum mechanics which should be familiar to the reader from a prior course. Then we will link the Schrödinger equation to the principle of least action introducing Feynman's path integral methods. Next, we present the relativistic wave equations of Klein, Gordon and Dirac. Finally, we convert Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism to a wave equation for photons and make contact with quantum electrodynamics (QED) at a first quantized level. Between the two volumes we hope to move a student's understanding from their prior courses to a place where they are ready, beyond, to embark on graduate level courses on quantum field theory.

[Discussion on quantum entanglement theory and acupuncture].

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Wu, Bin; Chen, Sheng

2017-11-12

The quantum entanglement is a new discovery of modern physics and has drawn a widely attention in the world. After learning the quantum entanglement, the authors have found that many characteristics of quantum are reflected in TCM, acupuncture theory and clinical practice. For example, the quantum entanglement phenomenon is mutually verified with the holism, yinyang doctrine, the theory of primary, secondary, root and knot in TCM, etc. It can be applied to interpret the clinical situations which is difficult to be explained in clinical practice, such as the instant effect of acupuncture, multi-point stimulation in one disorder and the points with specific effects. On the basis of the discovery above, the quantum entanglement theory achieved the mutual treatment among the relatives in acupuncture clinical practice and the therapeutic effects were significant. The results suggest that the coupling relationship in quantum entanglement presents between the diseases and the acupoints in the direct relative. The authors believe that the discovery in this study contributes to the exploration on the approaches to the acupuncture treatment in clinical practice and enrich the ideas on the disease prevention.

Implementation of quantum game theory simulations using Python

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madrid S., A.

2013-05-01

This paper provides some examples about quantum games simulated in Python's programming language. The quantum games have been developed with the Sympy Python library, which permits solving quantum problems in a symbolic form. The application of these methods of quantum mechanics to game theory gives us more possibility to achieve results not possible before. To illustrate the results of these methods, in particular, there have been simulated the quantum battle of the sexes, the prisoner's dilemma and card games. These solutions are able to exceed the classic bottle neck and obtain optimal quantum strategies. In this form, python demonstrated that is possible to do more advanced and complicated quantum games algorithms.

Dirac Cellular Automaton from Split-step Quantum Walk

PubMed Central

Mallick, Arindam; Chandrashekar, C. M.

2016-01-01

Simulations of one quantum system by an other has an implication in realization of quantum machine that can imitate any quantum system and solve problems that are not accessible to classical computers. One of the approach to engineer quantum simulations is to discretize the space-time degree of freedom in quantum dynamics and define the quantum cellular automata (QCA), a local unitary update rule on a lattice. Different models of QCA are constructed using set of conditions which are not unique and are not always in implementable configuration on any other system. Dirac Cellular Automata (DCA) is one such model constructed for Dirac Hamiltonian (DH) in free quantum field theory. Here, starting from a split-step discrete-time quantum walk (QW) which is uniquely defined for experimental implementation, we recover the DCA along with all the fine oscillations in position space and bridge the missing connection between DH-DCA-QW. We will present the contribution of the parameters resulting in the fine oscillations on the Zitterbewegung frequency and entanglement. The tuneability of the evolution parameters demonstrated in experimental implementation of QW will establish it as an efficient tool to design quantum simulator and approach quantum field theory from principles of quantum information theory. PMID:27184159

The Quantum Logical Challenge: Peter Mittelstaedt's Contributions to Logic and Philosophy of Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beltrametti, E.; Dalla Chiara, M. L.; Giuntini, R.

2017-12-01

Peter Mittelstaedt's contributions to quantum logic and to the foundational problems of quantum theory have significantly realized the most authentic spirit of the International Quantum Structures Association: an original research about hard technical problems, which are often "entangled" with the emergence of important changes in our general world-conceptions. During a time where both the logical and the physical community often showed a skeptical attitude towards Birkhoff and von Neumann's quantum logic, Mittelstaedt brought into light the deeply innovating features of a quantum logical thinking that allows us to overcome some strong and unrealistic assumptions of classical logical arguments. Later on his intense research on the unsharp approach to quantum theory and to the measurement problem stimulated the increasing interest for unsharp forms of quantum logic, creating a fruitful interaction between the work of quantum logicians and of many-valued logicians. Mittelstaedt's general views about quantum logic and quantum theory seem to be inspired by a conjecture that is today more and more confirmed: there is something universal in the quantum theoretic formalism that goes beyond the limits of microphysics, giving rise to interesting applications to a number of different fields.

Concepts and their dynamics: a quantum-theoretic modeling of human thought.

PubMed

Aerts, Diederik; Gabora, Liane; Sozzo, Sandro

2013-10-01

We analyze different aspects of our quantum modeling approach of human concepts and, more specifically, focus on the quantum effects of contextuality, interference, entanglement, and emergence, illustrating how each of them makes its appearance in specific situations of the dynamics of human concepts and their combinations. We point out the relation of our approach, which is based on an ontology of a concept as an entity in a state changing under influence of a context, with the main traditional concept theories, that is, prototype theory, exemplar theory, and theory theory. We ponder about the question why quantum theory performs so well in its modeling of human concepts, and we shed light on this question by analyzing the role of complex amplitudes, showing how they allow to describe interference in the statistics of measurement outcomes, while in the traditional theories statistics of outcomes originates in classical probability weights, without the possibility of interference. The relevance of complex numbers, the appearance of entanglement, and the role of Fock space in explaining contextual emergence, all as unique features of the quantum modeling, are explicitly revealed in this article by analyzing human concepts and their dynamics. © 2013 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Correcting quantum errors with entanglement.

PubMed

Brun, Todd; Devetak, Igor; Hsieh, Min-Hsiu

2006-10-20

We show how entanglement shared between encoder and decoder can simplify the theory of quantum error correction. The entanglement-assisted quantum codes we describe do not require the dual-containing constraint necessary for standard quantum error-correcting codes, thus allowing us to "quantize" all of classical linear coding theory. In particular, efficient modern classical codes that attain the Shannon capacity can be made into entanglement-assisted quantum codes attaining the hashing bound (closely related to the quantum capacity). For systems without large amounts of shared entanglement, these codes can also be used as catalytic codes, in which a small amount of initial entanglement enables quantum communication.

Electronic and transport properties of zigzag carbon nanotubes with the presence of periodical antidot and boron/nitride doping defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zoghi, Milad; Yazdanpanah Goharrizi, Arash; Mirjalili, Seyed Mohammad; Kabir, M. Z.

2018-06-01

Electronic and transport properties of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are affected by the presence of physical or chemical defects in their structures. In this paper, we present novel platforms of defected zigzag CNTs (Z-CNTs) in which two topologies of antidot and Boron/Nitride (BN) doping defects are periodically imposed throughout the length of perfect tubes. Using the tight binding model and the non-equilibrium Green’s function method, it is realized that the quantum confinement of Z-CNTs is modified by the presence of such defects. This new quantum confinement results in the appearance of mini bands and mini gaps in the transmission spectra, as well as a modified band structure and band gap size. The modified band gap could be either larger or smaller than the intrinsic band gap of a perfect tube, which is determined by the category of Z-CNT. The in-depth analysis shows that the size of the modified band gap is the function of several factors consisting of: the radii of tube (D r), the distance between adjacent defects (d d), the utilized defect topology, and the kind of defect (antidot or BN doping). Furthermore, taking advantage of the tunable band gap size of Z-CNT with the presence of periodical defects, new platforms of defect-based Z-CNT resonant tunneling diode (RTD) are proposed for the first time. Our calculations demonstrate the apparition of resonances in transmission spectra and the negative differential resistance in the I-V characteristics for such RTD platforms.

Quantum critical dynamics for a prototype class of insulating antiferromagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jianda; Yang, Wang; Wu, Congjun; Si, Qimiao

2018-06-01

Quantum criticality is a fundamental organizing principle for studying strongly correlated systems. Nevertheless, understanding quantum critical dynamics at nonzero temperatures is a major challenge of condensed-matter physics due to the intricate interplay between quantum and thermal fluctuations. The recent experiments with the quantum spin dimer material TlCuCl3 provide an unprecedented opportunity to test the theories of quantum criticality. We investigate the nonzero-temperature quantum critical spin dynamics by employing an effective O (N ) field theory. The on-shell mass and the damping rate of quantum critical spin excitations as functions of temperature are calculated based on the renormalized coupling strength and are in excellent agreement with experiment observations. Their T lnT dependence is predicted to be dominant at very low temperatures, which will be tested in future experiments. Our work provides confidence that quantum criticality as a theoretical framework, which is being considered in so many different contexts of condensed-matter physics and beyond, is indeed grounded in materials and experiments accurately. It is also expected to motivate further experimental investigations on the applicability of the field theory to related quantum critical systems.

Time and the foundations of quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pashby, Thomas

Quantum mechanics has provided philosophers of science with many counterintuitive insights and interpretive puzzles, but little has been written about the role that time plays in the theory. One reason for this is the celebrated argument of Wolfgang Pauli against the inclusion of time as an observable of the theory, which has been seen as a demonstration that time may only enter the theory as a classical parameter. Against this orthodoxy I argue that there are good reasons to expect certain kinds of `time observables' to find a representation within quantum theory, including clock operators (which provide the means to measure the passage of time) and event time operators, which provide predictions for the time at which a particular event occurs, such as the appearance of a dot on a luminescent screen. I contend that these time operators deserve full status as observables of the theory, and on re ection provide a uniquely compelling reason to expand the set of observables allowed by the standard formalism of quantum mechanics. In addition, I provide a novel association of event time operators with conditional probabilities, and propose a temporally extended form of quantum theory to better accommodate the time of an event as an observable quantity. This leads to a proposal to interpret quantum theory within an event ontology, inspired by Bertrand Russell's Analysis of Matter. On this basis I mount a defense of Russell's relational theory of time against a recent attack.

Physics Without Physics. The Power of Information-theoretical Principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro

2017-01-01

David Finkelstein was very fond of the new information-theoretic paradigm of physics advocated by John Archibald Wheeler and Richard Feynman. Only recently, however, the paradigm has concretely shown its full power, with the derivation of quantum theory (Chiribella et al., Phys. Rev. A 84:012311, 2011; D'Ariano et al., 2017) and of free quantum field theory (D'Ariano and Perinotti, Phys. Rev. A 90:062106, 2014; Bisio et al., Phys. Rev. A 88:032301, 2013; Bisio et al., Ann. Phys. 354:244, 2015; Bisio et al., Ann. Phys. 368:177, 2016) from informational principles. The paradigm has opened for the first time the possibility of avoiding physical primitives in the axioms of the physical theory, allowing a re-foundation of the whole physics over logically solid grounds. In addition to such methodological value, the new information-theoretic derivation of quantum field theory is particularly interesting for establishing a theoretical framework for quantum gravity, with the idea of obtaining gravity itself as emergent from the quantum information processing, as also suggested by the role played by information in the holographic principle (Susskind, J. Math. Phys. 36:6377, 1995; Bousso, Rev. Mod. Phys. 74:825, 2002). In this paper I review how free quantum field theory is derived without using mechanical primitives, including space-time, special relativity, Hamiltonians, and quantization rules. The theory is simply provided by the simplest quantum algorithm encompassing a countable set of quantum systems whose network of interactions satisfies the three following simple principles: homogeneity, locality, and isotropy. The inherent discrete nature of the informational derivation leads to an extension of quantum field theory in terms of a quantum cellular automata and quantum walks. A simple heuristic argument sets the scale to the Planck one, and the currently observed regime where discreteness is not visible is the so-called "relativistic regime" of small wavevectors, which holds for all energies ever tested (and even much larger), where the usual free quantum field theory is perfectly recovered. In the present quantum discrete theory Einstein relativity principle can be restated without using space-time in terms of invariance of the eigenvalue equation of the automaton/walk under change of representations. Distortions of the Poincaré group emerge at the Planck scale, whereas special relativity is perfectly recovered in the relativistic regime. Discreteness, on the other hand, has some plus compared to the continuum theory: 1) it contains it as a special regime; 2) it leads to some additional features with GR flavor: the existence of an upper bound for the particle mass (with physical interpretation as the Planck mass), and a global De Sitter invariance; 3) it provides its own physical standards for space, time, and mass within a purely mathematical adimensional context. The paper ends with the future perspectives of this project, and with an Appendix containing biographic notes about my friendship with David Finkelstein, to whom this paper is dedicated.

General response formula and application to topological insulator in quantum open system.

PubMed

Shen, H Z; Qin, M; Shao, X Q; Yi, X X

2015-11-01

It is well-known that the quantum linear response theory is based on the first-order perturbation theory for a system in thermal equilibrium. Hence, this theory breaks down when the system is in a steady state far from thermal equilibrium and the response up to higher order in perturbation is not negligible. In this paper, we develop a nonlinear response theory for such quantum open system. We first formulate this theory in terms of general susceptibility, after which we apply it to the derivation of Hall conductance for open system at finite temperature. As an example, the Hall conductance of the two-band model is derived. Then we calculate the Hall conductance for a two-dimensional ferromagnetic electron gas and a two-dimensional lattice model. The calculations show that the transition points of topological phase are robust against the environment. Our results provide a promising platform for the coherent manipulation of the nonlinear response in quantum open system, which has potential applications for quantum information processing and statistical physics.

A quantum theory account of order effects and conjunction fallacies in political judgments.

PubMed

Yearsley, James M; Trueblood, Jennifer S

2017-09-06

Are our everyday judgments about the world around us normative? Decades of research in the judgment and decision-making literature suggest the answer is no. If people's judgments do not follow normative rules, then what rules if any do they follow? Quantum probability theory is a promising new approach to modeling human behavior that is at odds with normative, classical rules. One key advantage of using quantum theory is that it explains multiple types of judgment errors using the same basic machinery, unifying what have previously been thought of as disparate phenomena. In this article, we test predictions from quantum theory related to the co-occurrence of two classic judgment phenomena, order effects and conjunction fallacies, using judgments about real-world events (related to the U.S. presidential primaries). We also show that our data obeys two a priori and parameter free constraints derived from quantum theory. Further, we examine two factors that moderate the effects, cognitive thinking style (as measured by the Cognitive Reflection Test) and political ideology.

Twenty-Five Centuries of Quantum Physics: From Pythagoras to Us, and from Subjectivism to Realism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunge, Mario

Three main theses are proposed. The first is that the idea of a quantum or minimal unit is not peculiar to quantum theory, since it already occurs in the classical theories of elasticity and electrolysis. Second, the peculiarities of the objects described by quantum theory are the following: their basic laws are probabilistic; some of their properties, such as position and energy, are blunt rather than sharp; two particles that were once together continue to be associated even after becoming spatially separated; and the vacuum has physical properties, so that it is a kind of matter. Third, the orthodox or Copenhagen interpretation of the theory is false, and may conveniently be replaced with a realist (though not classicist) interpretation. Heisenberg's inequality, Schrödinger's cat and Zeno's quantum paradox are discussed in the light of the two rival interpretations. It is also shown that the experiments that falsified Bell's inequality do not refute realism but the classicism inherent in hidden variables theories.

Free-time and fixed end-point optimal control theory in dissipative media: application to entanglement generation and maintenance.

PubMed

Mishima, K; Yamashita, K

2009-07-07

We develop monotonically convergent free-time and fixed end-point optimal control theory (OCT) in the density-matrix representation to deal with quantum systems showing dissipation. Our theory is more general and flexible for tailoring optimal laser pulses in order to control quantum dynamics with dissipation than the conventional fixed-time and fixed end-point OCT in that the optimal temporal duration of laser pulses can also be optimized exactly. To show the usefulness of our theory, it is applied to the generation and maintenance of the vibrational entanglement of carbon monoxide adsorbed on the copper (100) surface, CO/Cu(100). We demonstrate the numerical results and clarify how to combat vibrational decoherence as much as possible by the tailored shapes of the optimal laser pulses. It is expected that our theory will be general enough to be applied to a variety of dissipative quantum dynamics systems because the decoherence is one of the quantum phenomena sensitive to the temporal duration of the quantum dynamics.

Can different quantum state vectors correspond to the same physical state? An experimental test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nigg, Daniel; Monz, Thomas; Schindler, Philipp; Martinez, Esteban A.; Hennrich, Markus; Blatt, Rainer; Pusey, Matthew F.; Rudolph, Terry; Barrett, Jonathan

2016-01-01

A century after the development of quantum theory, the interpretation of a quantum state is still discussed. If a physicist claims to have produced a system with a particular quantum state vector, does this represent directly a physical property of the system, or is the state vector merely a summary of the physicist’s information about the system? Assume that a state vector corresponds to a probability distribution over possible values of an unknown physical or ‘ontic’ state. Then, a recent no-go theorem shows that distinct state vectors with overlapping distributions lead to predictions different from quantum theory. We report an experimental test of these predictions using trapped ions. Within experimental error, the results confirm quantum theory. We analyse which kinds of models are ruled out.

Probing noncommutative theories with quantum optical experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Sanjib; Bhat, Anha; Momeni, Davood; Faizal, Mir; Ali, Ahmed Farag; Dey, Tarun Kumar; Rehman, Atikur

2017-11-01

One of the major difficulties of modern science underlies at the unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Different approaches towards such theory have been proposed. Noncommutative theories serve as the root of almost all such approaches. However, the identification of the appropriate passage to quantum gravity is suffering from the inadequacy of experimental techniques. It is beyond our ability to test the effects of quantum gravity thorough the available scattering experiments, as it is unattainable to probe such high energy scale at which the effects of quantum gravity appear. Here we propose an elegant alternative scheme to test such theories by detecting the deformations emerging from the noncommutative structures. Our protocol relies on the novelty of an opto-mechanical experimental setup where the information of the noncommutative oscillator is exchanged via the interaction with an optical pulse inside an optical cavity. We also demonstrate that our proposal is within the reach of current technology and, thus, it could uncover a feasible route towards the realization of quantum gravitational phenomena thorough a simple table-top experiment.

Self-consistent projection operator theory in nonlinear quantum optical systems: A case study on degenerate optical parametric oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Degenfeld-Schonburg, Peter; Navarrete-Benlloch, Carlos; Hartmann, Michael J.

2015-05-01

Nonlinear quantum optical systems are of paramount relevance for modern quantum technologies, as well as for the study of dissipative phase transitions. Their nonlinear nature makes their theoretical study very challenging and hence they have always served as great motivation to develop new techniques for the analysis of open quantum systems. We apply the recently developed self-consistent projection operator theory to the degenerate optical parametric oscillator to exemplify its general applicability to quantum optical systems. We show that this theory provides an efficient method to calculate the full quantum state of each mode with a high degree of accuracy, even at the critical point. It is equally successful in describing both the stationary limit and the dynamics, including regions of the parameter space where the numerical integration of the full problem is significantly less efficient. We further develop a Gaussian approach consistent with our theory, which yields sensibly better results than the previous Gaussian methods developed for this system, most notably standard linearization techniques.

Quantum trilogy: discrete Toda, Y-system and chaos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, Masahito

2018-02-01

We discuss a discretization of the quantum Toda field theory associated with a semisimple finite-dimensional Lie algebra or a tamely-laced infinite-dimensional Kac-Moody algebra G, generalizing the previous construction of discrete quantum Liouville theory for the case G  =  A 1. The model is defined on a discrete two-dimensional lattice, whose spatial direction is of length L. In addition we also find a ‘discretized extra dimension’ whose width is given by the rank r of G, which decompactifies in the large r limit. For the case of G  =  A N or AN-1(1) , we find a symmetry exchanging L and N under appropriate spatial boundary conditions. The dynamical time evolution rule of the model is quantizations of the so-called Y-system, and the theory can be well described by the quantum cluster algebra. We discuss possible implications for recent discussions of quantum chaos, and comment on the relation with the quantum higher Teichmüller theory of type A N .

Emergence of a classical Universe from quantum gravity and cosmology.

PubMed

Kiefer, Claus

2012-09-28

I describe how we can understand the classical appearance of our world from a universal quantum theory. The essential ingredient is the process of decoherence. I start with a general discussion in ordinary quantum theory and then turn to quantum gravity and quantum cosmology. There is a whole hierarchy of classicality from the global gravitational field to the fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background, which serve as the seeds for the structure in the Universe.

A quantum extension to inspection game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Xinyang; Deng, Yong; Liu, Qi; Chang, Shuhua; Wang, Zhen

2016-06-01

Quantum game theory is a new interdisciplinary field between game theory and system engineering research. In this paper, we extend the classical inspection game into a quantum game version by quantizing the strategy space and importing entanglement between players. Our results show that the quantum inspection game has various Nash equilibria depending on the initial quantum state of the game. It is also shown that quantization can respectively help each player to increase his own payoff, yet fails to bring Pareto improvement for the collective payoff in the quantum inspection game.

Gaussian effective potential: Quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevenson, P. M.

1984-10-01

We advertise the virtues of the Gaussian effective potential (GEP) as a guide to the behavior of quantum field theories. Much superior to the usual one-loop effective potential, the GEP is a natural extension of intuitive notions familiar from quantum mechanics. A variety of quantum-mechanical examples are studied here, with an eye to field-theoretic analogies. Quantum restoration of symmetry, dynamical mass generation, and "quantum-mechanical resuscitation" are among the phenomena discussed. We suggest how the GEP could become the basis of a systematic approximation procedure. A companion paper will deal with scalar field theory.

Two Perspectives of the 2D Unit Area Quantum Sphere and Their Equivalence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aru, Juhan; Huang, Yichao; Sun, Xin

2017-11-01

2D Liouville quantum gravity (LQG) is used as a toy model for 4D quantum gravity and is the theory of world-sheet in string theory. Recently there has been growing interest in studying LQG in the realm of probability theory: David et al. (Liouville quantum gravity on the Riemann sphere. Commun Math Phys 342(3):869-907, 2016) and Duplantier et al. (Liouville quantum gravity as a mating of trees. ArXiv e-prints: arXiv:1409.7055, 2014) both provide a probabilistic perspective of the LQG on the 2D sphere. In particular, in each of them one may find a definition of the so-called unit area quantum sphere. We examine these two perspectives and prove their equivalence by showing that the respective unit area quantum spheres are the same. This is done by considering a unified limiting procedure for defining both objects.

Group field theories for all loop quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oriti, Daniele; Ryan, James P.; Thürigen, Johannes

2015-02-01

Group field theories represent a second quantized reformulation of the loop quantum gravity state space and a completion of the spin foam formalism. States of the canonical theory, in the traditional continuum setting, have support on graphs of arbitrary valence. On the other hand, group field theories have usually been defined in a simplicial context, thus dealing with a restricted set of graphs. In this paper, we generalize the combinatorics of group field theories to cover all the loop quantum gravity state space. As an explicit example, we describe the group field theory formulation of the KKL spin foam model, as well as a particular modified version. We show that the use of tensor model tools allows for the most effective construction. In order to clarify the mathematical basis of our construction and of the formalisms with which we deal, we also give an exhaustive description of the combinatorial structures entering spin foam models and group field theories, both at the level of the boundary states and of the quantum amplitudes.

Computation in generalised probabilisitic theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ciarán M.; Barrett, Jonathan

2015-08-01

From the general difficulty of simulating quantum systems using classical systems, and in particular the existence of an efficient quantum algorithm for factoring, it is likely that quantum computation is intrinsically more powerful than classical computation. At present, the best upper bound known for the power of quantum computation is that {{BQP}}\\subseteq {{AWPP}}, where {{AWPP}} is a classical complexity class (known to be included in {{PP}}, hence {{PSPACE}}). This work investigates limits on computational power that are imposed by simple physical, or information theoretic, principles. To this end, we define a circuit-based model of computation in a class of operationally-defined theories more general than quantum theory, and ask: what is the minimal set of physical assumptions under which the above inclusions still hold? We show that given only an assumption of tomographic locality (roughly, that multipartite states and transformations can be characterized by local measurements), efficient computations are contained in {{AWPP}}. This inclusion still holds even without assuming a basic notion of causality (where the notion is, roughly, that probabilities for outcomes cannot depend on future measurement choices). Following Aaronson, we extend the computational model by allowing post-selection on measurement outcomes. Aaronson showed that the corresponding quantum complexity class, {{PostBQP}}, is equal to {{PP}}. Given only the assumption of tomographic locality, the inclusion in {{PP}} still holds for post-selected computation in general theories. Hence in a world with post-selection, quantum theory is optimal for computation in the space of all operational theories. We then consider whether one can obtain relativized complexity results for general theories. It is not obvious how to define a sensible notion of a computational oracle in the general framework that reduces to the standard notion in the quantum case. Nevertheless, it is possible to define computation relative to a ‘classical oracle’. Then, we show there exists a classical oracle relative to which efficient computation in any theory satisfying the causality assumption does not include {{NP}}.

Quantum Drama: Transforming Consciousness through Narrative and Roleplay.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin-Smith, Alistair

1995-01-01

Suggests that, through practical understanding of quantum theory, teachers can develop new role-play and narrative strategies, arguing that describing fictional worlds through narrative and exploring virtual worlds through role play can transform children's consciousness. Applies the quantum theory metaphor to drama, learning, and self-image.…

The Reality of the Quantum World.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shimony, Abner

1988-01-01

Describes experiments used during recent history to explain the nature of the quantum world. Explains the essential elements of experiments using polarized light and magnetic flux. Illustrates differences between classical theories in physics and quantum theory. Shows how experiments in the microscopic and macroscopic world appear to support…

Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize Talk: Quantum spintronics: abandoning perfection for new technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awschalom, David D.

2015-03-01

There is a growing interest in exploiting the quantum properties of electronic and nuclear spins for the manipulation and storage of information in the solid state. Such schemes offer qualitatively new scientific and technological opportunities by leveraging elements of standard electronics to precisely control coherent interactions between electrons, nuclei, and electromagnetic fields. We provide an overview of the field, including a discussion of temporally- and spatially-resolved magneto-optical measurements designed for probing local moment dynamics in electrically and magnetically doped semiconductor nanostructures. These early studies provided a surprising proof-of-concept that quantum spin states can be created and controlled with high-speed optoelectronic techniques. However, as electronic structures approach the atomic scale, small amounts of disorder begin to have outsized negative effects. An intriguing solution to this conundrum is emerging from recent efforts to embrace semiconductor defects themselves as a route towards quantum machines. Individual defects in carbon-based materials possess an electronic spin state that can be employed as a solid state quantum bit at and above room temperature. Developments at the frontier of this field include gigahertz coherent control, nanofabricated spin arrays, nuclear spin quantum memories, and nanometer-scale sensing. We will describe advances towards quantum information processing driven by both physics and materials science to explore electronic, photonic, and magnetic control of spin. Work supported by the AFOSR, ARO, DARPA, NSF, and ONR.

Inconclusive quantum measurements and decisions under uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yukalov, Vyacheslav; Sornette, Didier

2016-04-01

We give a mathematical definition for the notion of inconclusive quantum measurements. In physics, such measurements occur at intermediate stages of a complex measurement procedure, with the final measurement result being operationally testable. Since the mathematical structure of Quantum Decision Theory has been developed in analogy with the theory of quantum measurements, the inconclusive quantum measurements correspond, in Quantum Decision Theory, to intermediate stages of decision making in the process of taking decisions under uncertainty. The general form of the quantum probability for a composite event is the sum of a utility factor, describing a rational evaluation of the considered prospect, and of an attraction factor, characterizing irrational, subconscious attitudes of the decision maker. Despite the involved irrationality, the probability of prospects can be evaluated. This is equivalent to the possibility of calculating quantum probabilities without specifying hidden variables. We formulate a general way of evaluation, based on the use of non-informative priors. As an example, we suggest the explanation of the decoy effect. Our quantitative predictions are in very good agreement with experimental data.

Consistent Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffiths, Robert B.

2001-11-01

Quantum mechanics is one of the most fundamental yet difficult subjects in physics. Nonrelativistic quantum theory is presented here in a clear and systematic fashion, integrating Born's probabilistic interpretation with Schrödinger dynamics. Basic quantum principles are illustrated with simple examples requiring no mathematics beyond linear algebra and elementary probability theory. The quantum measurement process is consistently analyzed using fundamental quantum principles without referring to measurement. These same principles are used to resolve several of the paradoxes that have long perplexed physicists, including the double slit and Schrödinger's cat. The consistent histories formalism used here was first introduced by the author, and extended by M. Gell-Mann, J. Hartle and R. Omnès. Essential for researchers yet accessible to advanced undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science, this book is supplementary to standard textbooks. It will also be of interest to physicists and philosophers working on the foundations of quantum mechanics. Comprehensive account Written by one of the main figures in the field Paperback edition of successful work on philosophy of quantum mechanics

Entanglement from topology in Chern-Simons theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salton, Grant; Swingle, Brian; Walter, Michael

2017-05-01

The way in which geometry encodes entanglement is a topic of much recent interest in quantum many-body physics and the AdS/CFT duality. This relation is particularly pronounced in the case of topological quantum field theories, where topology alone determines the quantum states of the theory. In this work, we study the set of quantum states that can be prepared by the Euclidean path integral in three-dimensional Chern-Simons theory. Specifically, we consider arbitrary three-manifolds with a fixed number of torus boundaries in both Abelian U (1 ) and non-Abelian S O (3 ) Chern-Simons theory. For the Abelian theory, we find that the states that can be prepared coincide precisely with the set of stabilizer states from quantum information theory. This constrains the multipartite entanglement present in this theory, but it also reveals that stabilizer states can be described by topology. In particular, we find an explicit expression for the entanglement entropy of a many-torus subsystem using only a single replica, as well as a concrete formula for the number of GHZ states that can be distilled from a tripartite state prepared through path integration. For the non-Abelian theory, we find a notion of "state universality," namely that any state can be prepared to an arbitrarily good approximation. The manifolds we consider can also be viewed as toy models of multiboundary wormholes in AdS/CFT.

Perspective: The future of quantum dot photonic integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norman, Justin C.; Jung, Daehwan; Wan, Yating; Bowers, John E.

2018-03-01

Direct epitaxial integration of III-V materials on Si offers substantial manufacturing cost and scalability advantages over heterogeneous integration. The challenge is that epitaxial growth introduces high densities of crystalline defects that limit device performance and lifetime. Quantum dot lasers, amplifiers, modulators, and photodetectors epitaxially grown on Si are showing promise for achieving low-cost, scalable integration with silicon photonics. The unique electrical confinement properties of quantum dots provide reduced sensitivity to the crystalline defects that result from III-V/Si growth, while their unique gain dynamics show promise for improved performance and new functionalities relative to their quantum well counterparts in many devices. Clear advantages for using quantum dot active layers for lasers and amplifiers on and off Si have already been demonstrated, and results for quantum dot based photodetectors and modulators look promising. Laser performance on Si is improving rapidly with continuous-wave threshold currents below 1 mA, injection efficiencies of 87%, and output powers of 175 mW at 20 °C. 1500-h reliability tests at 35 °C showed an extrapolated mean-time-to-failure of more than ten million hours. This represents a significant stride toward efficient, scalable, and reliable III-V lasers on on-axis Si substrates for photonic integrate circuits that are fully compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) foundries.

How far do EPR-Bell experiments constrain physical collapse theories?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leggett, A. J.

2007-03-01

A class of theories alternative to standard quantum mechanics, including that of Ghirardi et al ('GRWP'), postulates that when a quantum superposition becomes amplified to the point that the superposed states reach some level of 'macroscopic distinctness', then some non-quantum-mechanical principle comes into play and realizes one or other of the two macroscopic outcomes. Without specializing to any particular theory of this class, I ask how far such 'macrorealistic' theories are generically constrained, if one insists that the physical reduction process should respect Einstein locality, by the results of existing EPR-Bell experiments. I conclude that provided one does not demand that the prescription for reduction respects Lorentz invariance, at least some theories of this type, while in principle inevitably making some predictions that conflict with those of standard quantum mechanics, are not refuted by any existing experiment.

Application of Canonical Effective Methods to Background-Independent Theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buyukcam, Umut

Effective formalisms play an important role in analyzing phenomena above some given length scale when complete theories are not accessible. In diverse exotic but physically important cases, the usual path-integral techniques used in a standard Quantum Field Theory approach seldom serve as adequate tools. This thesis exposes a new effective method for quantum systems, called the Canonical Effective Method, which owns particularly wide applicability in backgroundindependent theories as in the case of gravitational phenomena. The central purpose of this work is to employ these techniques to obtain semi-classical dynamics from canonical quantum gravity theories. Application to non-associative quantum mechanics is developed and testable results are obtained. Types of non-associative algebras relevant for magnetic-monopole systems are discussed. Possible modifications of hypersurface deformation algebra and the emergence of effective space-times are presented. iii.

Operational formulation of time reversal in quantum theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oreshkov, Ognyan; Cerf, Nicolas J.

2015-10-01

The symmetry of quantum theory under time reversal has long been a subject of controversy because the transition probabilities given by Born’s rule do not apply backward in time. Here, we resolve this problem within a rigorous operational probabilistic framework. We argue that reconciling time reversal with the probabilistic rules of the theory requires a notion of operation that permits realizations through both pre- and post-selection. We develop the generalized formulation of quantum theory that stems from this approach and give a precise definition of time-reversal symmetry, emphasizing a previously overlooked distinction between states and effects. We prove an analogue of Wigner’s theorem, which characterizes all allowed symmetry transformations in this operationally time-symmetric quantum theory. Remarkably, we find larger classes of symmetry transformations than previously assumed, suggesting a possible direction in the search for extensions of known physics.

Coherence and measurement in quantum thermodynamics

PubMed Central

Kammerlander, P.; Anders, J.

2016-01-01

Thermodynamics is a highly successful macroscopic theory widely used across the natural sciences and for the construction of everyday devices, from car engines to solar cells. With thermodynamics predating quantum theory, research now aims to uncover the thermodynamic laws that govern finite size systems which may in addition host quantum effects. Recent theoretical breakthroughs include the characterisation of the efficiency of quantum thermal engines, the extension of classical non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems to the quantum regime and a new thermodynamic resource theory has led to the discovery of a set of second laws for finite size systems. These results have substantially advanced our understanding of nanoscale thermodynamics, however putting a finger on what is genuinely quantum in quantum thermodynamics has remained a challenge. Here we identify information processing tasks, the so-called projections, that can only be formulated within the framework of quantum mechanics. We show that the physical realisation of such projections can come with a non-trivial thermodynamic work only for quantum states with coherences. This contrasts with information erasure, first investigated by Landauer, for which a thermodynamic work cost applies for classical and quantum erasure alike. Repercussions on quantum work fluctuation relations and thermodynamic single-shot approaches are also discussed. PMID:26916503

Coherence and measurement in quantum thermodynamics.

PubMed

Kammerlander, P; Anders, J

2016-02-26

Thermodynamics is a highly successful macroscopic theory widely used across the natural sciences and for the construction of everyday devices, from car engines to solar cells. With thermodynamics predating quantum theory, research now aims to uncover the thermodynamic laws that govern finite size systems which may in addition host quantum effects. Recent theoretical breakthroughs include the characterisation of the efficiency of quantum thermal engines, the extension of classical non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems to the quantum regime and a new thermodynamic resource theory has led to the discovery of a set of second laws for finite size systems. These results have substantially advanced our understanding of nanoscale thermodynamics, however putting a finger on what is genuinely quantum in quantum thermodynamics has remained a challenge. Here we identify information processing tasks, the so-called projections, that can only be formulated within the framework of quantum mechanics. We show that the physical realisation of such projections can come with a non-trivial thermodynamic work only for quantum states with coherences. This contrasts with information erasure, first investigated by Landauer, for which a thermodynamic work cost applies for classical and quantum erasure alike. Repercussions on quantum work fluctuation relations and thermodynamic single-shot approaches are also discussed.

Coherence and measurement in quantum thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kammerlander, P.; Anders, J.

2016-02-01

Thermodynamics is a highly successful macroscopic theory widely used across the natural sciences and for the construction of everyday devices, from car engines to solar cells. With thermodynamics predating quantum theory, research now aims to uncover the thermodynamic laws that govern finite size systems which may in addition host quantum effects. Recent theoretical breakthroughs include the characterisation of the efficiency of quantum thermal engines, the extension of classical non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems to the quantum regime and a new thermodynamic resource theory has led to the discovery of a set of second laws for finite size systems. These results have substantially advanced our understanding of nanoscale thermodynamics, however putting a finger on what is genuinely quantum in quantum thermodynamics has remained a challenge. Here we identify information processing tasks, the so-called projections, that can only be formulated within the framework of quantum mechanics. We show that the physical realisation of such projections can come with a non-trivial thermodynamic work only for quantum states with coherences. This contrasts with information erasure, first investigated by Landauer, for which a thermodynamic work cost applies for classical and quantum erasure alike. Repercussions on quantum work fluctuation relations and thermodynamic single-shot approaches are also discussed.

Quantum Matching Theory (with new complexity-theoretic, combinatorial and topical insights on the nature of the quantum entanglement)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gurvits, L.

2002-01-01

Classical matching theory can be defined in terms of matrices with nonnegative entries. The notion of Positive operator, central in Quantum Theory, is a natural generalization of matrices with non-negative entries. Based on this point of view, we introduce a definition of perfect Quantum (operator) matching. We show that the new notion inherits many 'classical' properties, but not all of them. This new notion goes somewhere beyound matroids. For separable bipartite quantum states this new notion coinsides with the full rank property of the intersection of two corresponding geometric matroids. In the classical situation, permanents are naturally associated with perfectsmore » matchings. We introduce an analog of permanents for positive operators, called Quantum Permanent and show how this generalization of the permanent is related to the Quantum Entanglement. Besides many other things, Quantum Permanents provide new rational inequalities necessary for the separability of bipartite quantum states. Using Quantum Permanents, we give deterministic poly-time algorithm to solve Hidden Matroids Intersection Problem and indicate some 'classical' complexity difficulties associated with the Quantum Entanglement. Finally, we prove that the weak membership problem for the convex set of separable bipartite density matrices is NP-HARD.« less

Density Functional Theory Calculations of Activation Energies for Non-radiative Carrier Capture by Deep Defect Levels in Semiconductors.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Modine, Normand Arthur; Wright, Alan F.; Lee, Stephen R.

Carrier recombination due to defects can have a major impact on device performance. The rate of defect-induced carrier recombination is determined by both defect levels and carrier capture cross-sections. Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) has been widely and successfully used to predict defect levels in semiconductors and insulators, but only recently has work begun to focus on using DFT to determine carrier capture cross-sections. Lang and Henry worked out the fundamental theory of carrier-capture cross-sections in the 1970s and showed that, in most cases, room temperature carrier-capture cross-sections differ between defects primarily due to differences in the carrier capture activationmore » energies. Here, we present an approach to using DFT to calculate carrier capture activation energies that does not depend on perturbation theory or an assumed configuration coordinate, and we demonstrate this approach for the -3/-2 level of the Ga vacancy in wurtzite GaN.« less

Effect of the deposition of cobalt on the optoelectronic properties of quantum-confined In(Ga)As/GaAs heteronanostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Volkova, N. S., E-mail: volkovans88@mail.ru; Gorshkov, A. P.; Zdoroveyshchev, A. V.

2015-12-15

The systematic features of the inf luence of defect formation during the deposition of a cobalt contact on the optoelectronic characteristics of structures containing InAs/GaAs quantum dots and In{sub x}Ga{sub 1–x}As/GaAs quantum wells are studied. From analysis of the temperature dependences of the photosensitivity of the InAs/GaAs quantum-dot structures, the values of the resultant recombination lifetime of photoexcited charge carriers in quantum dots at different conditions of Co deposition and at different structural parameters are determined.

Quantum random walks on congested lattices and the effect of dephasing

PubMed Central

Motes, Keith R.; Gilchrist, Alexei; Rohde, Peter P.

2016-01-01

We consider quantum random walks on congested lattices and contrast them to classical random walks. Congestion is modelled on lattices that contain static defects which reverse the walker’s direction. We implement a dephasing process after each step which allows us to smoothly interpolate between classical and quantum random walks as well as study the effect of dephasing on the quantum walk. Our key results show that a quantum walker escapes a finite boundary dramatically faster than a classical walker and that this advantage remains in the presence of heavily congested lattices. PMID:26812924

A modified Lax-Phillips scattering theory for quantum mechanics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strauss, Y., E-mail: ystrauss@cs.bgu.ac.il

The Lax-Phillips scattering theory is an appealing abstract framework for the analysis of scattering resonances. Quantum mechanical adaptations of the theory have been proposed. However, since these quantum adaptations essentially retain the original structure of the theory, assuming the existence of incoming and outgoing subspaces for the evolution and requiring the spectrum of the generator of evolution to be unbounded from below, their range of applications is rather limited. In this paper, it is shown that if we replace the assumption regarding the existence of incoming and outgoing subspaces by the assumption of the existence of Lyapunov operators for themore » quantum evolution (the existence of which has been proved for certain classes of quantum mechanical scattering problems), then it is possible to construct a structure analogous to the Lax-Phillips structure for scattering problems for which the spectrum of the generator of evolution is bounded from below.« less

Light Emission Mechanisms in CuInS 2 Quantum Dots Evaluated by Spectral Electrochemistry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fuhr, Addis S.; Yun, Hyeong Jin; Makarov, Nikolay S.

Luminescent CuInS 2 (CIS) quantum dots (QDs) exhibit highly efficient intragap emission and long, hundreds-of-nanoseconds radiative lifetimes. These spectral properties, distinct from structurally similar II–VI QDs, can be explained by the involvement of intragap defect states containing a localized hole capable of coupling with a conduction band electron for a radiative transition. However, the absolute energies of the intragap and band-edge states, the structure of the emissive defect(s), and the role and origin of nonemissive decay channels still remain poorly understood. Here, we address these questions by applying methods of spectral electrochemistry. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal a well-defined intragap statemore » whose redox potential is close to that of the Cu x defect state (where x = 1+ or 2+). The energy offset of this state from the valence band accounts well for the apparent photoluminescence Stokes shift observed in optical spectra. These results provide direct evidence that Cu-related defects serve as emission centers responsible for strong intragap emission from CIS QDs. We then use in situ spectroelectrochemistry to reveal two distinct emission pathways based on the differing oxidation states of Cu defects, which can be controlled by altering QD stoichiometry (1+ for stoichiometric QDs and 2+ for Cu-deficient QDs).« less

Quantum interference between two phonon paths and reduced heat transport in diamond lattice with atomic-scale planar defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosevich, Yu. A.; Strelnikov, I. A.

2018-02-01

Destructive quantum interference between the waves propagating through laterally inhomogeneous layer can result in their total reflection, which in turn reduces energy flux carried by these waves. We consider the systems of Ge atoms, which fully or partly, in the chequer-wise order, fill a crystal plane in diamond-like Si lattice. We have revealed that a single type of the atomic defects, which are placed in identical positions in different unit cells in the defect crystal plane, can result in double transmission antiresonances of phonon wave packets. This new effect we relate with the complex structure of the diamond-like unit cell, which comprises two atoms in different positions and results in two distinct vibration resonances in two interfering phonon paths. We also consider the propagation of phonon wave packets in the superlatticies made of the defect planes, half-filled in the chequer-wise order with Ge atoms. We have revealed relatively broad phonon stop bands with center frequencies at the transmission antiresonances. We elaborate the equivalent analytical quasi-1D lattice model of the two phonon paths through the complex planar defect in the diamond-like lattice and describe the reduction of phonon heat transfer through the atomic-scale planar defects.

Light Emission Mechanisms in CuInS 2 Quantum Dots Evaluated by Spectral Electrochemistry

DOE PAGES

Fuhr, Addis S.; Yun, Hyeong Jin; Makarov, Nikolay S.; ...

2017-09-07

Luminescent CuInS 2 (CIS) quantum dots (QDs) exhibit highly efficient intragap emission and long, hundreds-of-nanoseconds radiative lifetimes. These spectral properties, distinct from structurally similar II–VI QDs, can be explained by the involvement of intragap defect states containing a localized hole capable of coupling with a conduction band electron for a radiative transition. However, the absolute energies of the intragap and band-edge states, the structure of the emissive defect(s), and the role and origin of nonemissive decay channels still remain poorly understood. Here, we address these questions by applying methods of spectral electrochemistry. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal a well-defined intragap statemore » whose redox potential is close to that of the Cu x defect state (where x = 1+ or 2+). The energy offset of this state from the valence band accounts well for the apparent photoluminescence Stokes shift observed in optical spectra. These results provide direct evidence that Cu-related defects serve as emission centers responsible for strong intragap emission from CIS QDs. We then use in situ spectroelectrochemistry to reveal two distinct emission pathways based on the differing oxidation states of Cu defects, which can be controlled by altering QD stoichiometry (1+ for stoichiometric QDs and 2+ for Cu-deficient QDs).« less

Cryptology Management in a Quantum Computing Era

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

HOW IT WORKS (BLACK BOX) ...........................7 1. Schrodinger’s Cat Theory ......................7 2. Multiverse Theory...the macroscopic scale of an animal through the mechanism of a hammer activated by the decay of the radioactive substance. 2. Multiverse Theory...quantum mechanics is the multiverse theory. This theory states that at every decision, the universe splits into multiple copies; the number of copies is

Noncommutative gauge theory for Poisson manifolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurčo, Branislav; Schupp, Peter; Wess, Julius

2000-09-01

A noncommutative gauge theory is associated to every Abelian gauge theory on a Poisson manifold. The semi-classical and full quantum version of the map from the ordinary gauge theory to the noncommutative gauge theory (Seiberg-Witten map) is given explicitly to all orders for any Poisson manifold in the Abelian case. In the quantum case the construction is based on Kontsevich's formality theorem.

An Introduction to Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greensite, Jeff

2017-02-01

Written in a lucid and engaging style, the author takes readers from an overview of classical mechanics and the historical development of quantum theory through to advanced topics. The mathematical aspects of quantum theory necessary for a firm grasp of the subject are developed in the early chapters, but an effort is made to motivate that formalism on physical grounds. Including animated figures and their respective Mathematica® codes, this book provides a complete and comprehensive text for students in physics, maths, chemistry and engineering needing an accessible introduction to quantum mechanics. Supplementary Mathematica codes available within Book Information

Interpretation of Quantum Nonlocality by Conformal Quantum Geometrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Martini, Francesco; Santamato, Enrico

2014-10-01

The principles and methods of the Conformal Quantum Geometrodynamics (CQG) based on the Weyl's differential geometry are presented. The theory applied to the case of the relativistic single quantum spin leads a novel and unconventional derivation of Dirac's equation. The further extension of the theory to the case of two spins in EPR entangled state and to the related violation of Bell's inequalities leads, by a non relativistic analysis, to an insightful resolution of the enigma implied by quantum nonlocality.

Fundamental Quantum 1/F Noise in Ultrasmall Semiconductor Devices and Their Optimal Design Principles

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-31

Hooge parameter. 2. 1 / f Noise of the Recombination Current Generated in the Depletion Region The quantum i/ f ...theory. There are two forms of quantum 11f noise . In the first place C~ and Cn4 p n to quantum 1 / f noise theory. This would yield Hooge parameters S...Fundamental Quantum 1 / f Noise in Ultrasmall S~ iodcrD’vesadOtm.Dsgn P in. 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) Handel, Peter H. (Princioal investiaat r) 13a. TYPE

Non-Abelian Bosonization and Fractional Quantum Hall Transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, Aaron; Mulligan, Michael; Kim, Eun-Ah

A fully satisfying theoretical description for the quantum phase transition between fractional quantum Hall plateaus remains an outstanding problem. Experiments indicate scaling exponents that are not readily obtained in conventional theories. Using insights from duality, we describe a class of quantum critical effective theories that produce qualitatively realistic scaling exponents for the transition. We discuss the implications of our results for the physically-relevant interactions controlling this broad class of quantum critical behavior. Supported by National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. DGE-1650441.

Quantum Electrodynamics: Theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lincoln, Don

The Standard Model of particle physics is composed of several theories that are added together. The most precise component theory is the theory of quantum electrodynamics or QED. In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln explains how theoretical QED calculations can be done. This video links to other videos, giving the viewer a deep understanding of the process.

Quantum space foam and string theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nekrasov, Nikita

2006-11-03

String theory is originally defined as a modification of the Feynman rules in perturbation theory. It contains gravity in its perturbative spectrum. We review some recent developments which demonstrate that nonperturbative effects of quantum gravity, such as spacetime foam, arise in string theory as well.Prepared for the proceedings of 'Albert Einstein Century Conference' , Paris July 2005.

Correlation between UV and IR cutoffs in quantum field theory and large extra dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortés, J. L.

1999-04-01

A recently conjectured relationship between UV and IR cutoffs in an effective field theory without quantum gravity is generalized in the presence of large extra dimensions. Estimates for the corrections to the usual calculation of observables within quantum field theory are used to put very stringent limits, in some cases, on the characteristic scale of the additional compactified dimensions. Implications for the cosmological constant problem are also discussed.

Open or closed? Dirac, Heisenberg, and the relation between classical and quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bokulich, Alisa

2004-09-01

This paper describes a long-standing, though little known, debate between Dirac and Heisenberg over the nature of scientific methodology, theory change, and intertheoretic relations. Following Heisenberg's terminology, their disagreements can be summarized as a debate over whether the classical and quantum theories are "open" or "closed." A close examination of this debate sheds new light on the philosophical views of two of the great founders of quantum theory.

No-Hypersignaling Principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dall'Arno, Michele; Brandsen, Sarah; Tosini, Alessandro; Buscemi, Francesco; Vedral, Vlatko

2017-07-01

A paramount topic in quantum foundations, rooted in the study of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox and Bell inequalities, is that of characterizing quantum theory in terms of the spacelike correlations it allows. Here, we show that to focus only on spacelike correlations is not enough: we explicitly construct a toy model theory that, while not contradicting classical and quantum theories at the level of spacelike correlations, still displays an anomalous behavior in its timelike correlations. We call this anomaly, quantified in terms of a specific communication game, the "hypersignaling" phenomena. We hence conclude that the "principle of quantumness," if it exists, cannot be found in spacelike correlations alone: nontrivial constraints need to be imposed also on timelike correlations, in order to exclude hypersignaling theories.

No-Hypersignaling Principle.

PubMed

Dall'Arno, Michele; Brandsen, Sarah; Tosini, Alessandro; Buscemi, Francesco; Vedral, Vlatko

2017-07-14

A paramount topic in quantum foundations, rooted in the study of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox and Bell inequalities, is that of characterizing quantum theory in terms of the spacelike correlations it allows. Here, we show that to focus only on spacelike correlations is not enough: we explicitly construct a toy model theory that, while not contradicting classical and quantum theories at the level of spacelike correlations, still displays an anomalous behavior in its timelike correlations. We call this anomaly, quantified in terms of a specific communication game, the "hypersignaling" phenomena. We hence conclude that the "principle of quantumness," if it exists, cannot be found in spacelike correlations alone: nontrivial constraints need to be imposed also on timelike correlations, in order to exclude hypersignaling theories.

Coherent Control of Diamond Defects for Quantum Information Science and Quantum Sensing

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-18

beam steering in micromirror systems [192]. Furthermore, by eliminating require- ments for cryogenic temperatures, our blueprint aims to make the...Isenhower, A. T. Gill, F. P. Lu, M. Saffman, and J. Kim. Independent individual addressing of multiple neutral atom qubits with a micromirror -based

Quantum Finance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baaquie, Belal E.

2007-09-01

Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Synopsis; Part I. Fundamental Concepts of Finance: 2. Introduction to finance; 3. Derivative securities; Part II. Systems with Finite Number of Degrees of Freedom: 4. Hamiltonians and stock options; 5. Path integrals and stock options; 6. Stochastic interest rates' Hamiltonians and path integrals; Part III. Quantum Field Theory of Interest Rates Models: 7. Quantum field theory of forward interest rates; 8. Empirical forward interest rates and field theory models; 9. Field theory of Treasury Bonds' derivatives and hedging; 10. Field theory Hamiltonian of forward interest rates; 11. Conclusions; Appendix A: mathematical background; Brief glossary of financial terms; Brief glossary of physics terms; List of main symbols; References; Index.

A quantum Rosetta Stone for the information paradox

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pando Zayas, Leopoldo A.

2014-11-01

The black hole information loss paradox epitomizes the contradictions between general relativity and quantum field theory. The AdS/conformal field theory (CFT) correspondence provides an implicit answer for the information loss paradox in black hole physics by equating a gravity theory with an explicitly unitary field theory. Gravitational collapse in asymptotically AdS spacetimes is generically turbulent. Given that the mechanism to read out the information about correlations functions in the field theory side is plagued by deterministic classical chaos, we argue that quantum chaos might provide the true Rosetta Stone for answering the information paradox in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence.

Does an Emphasis on the Concept of Quantum States Enhance Students' Understanding of Quantum Mechanics?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greca, Ileana Maria; Freire, Olival

Teaching physics implies making choices. In the case of teaching quantum physics, besides an educational choice - the didactic strategy - another choice must be made, an epistemological one, concerning the interpretation of quantum theory itself. These two choices are closely connected. We have chosen a didactic strategy that privileges the phenomenological-conceptual approach, with emphasis upon quantum features of the systems, instead of searching for classical analogies. This choice has led us to present quantum theory associated with an orthodox, yet realistic, interpretation of the concept of quantum state, considered as the key concept of quantum theory, representing the physical reality of a system, independent of measurement processes. The results of the mplementation of this strategy, with three groups of engineering students, showed that more than a half of them attained a reasonable understanding of the basics of quantum mechanics (QM) for this level. In addition, a high degree of satisfaction was attained with the classes as 80% of the students of the experimental groups claimed to have liked it and to be interested in learning more about QM.

Testing quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansson, Johan; Francois, Stephane

The search for a theory of quantum gravity is the most fundamental problem in all of theoretical physics, but there are as yet no experimental results at all to guide this endeavor. What seems to be needed is a pragmatic way to test if gravitation really occurs between quantum objects or not. In this paper, we suggest such a potential way out of this deadlock, utilizing macroscopic quantum systems; superfluid helium, gaseous Bose-Einstein condensates and “macroscopic” molecules. It turns out that true quantum gravity effects — here defined as observable gravitational interactions between truly quantum objects — could and should be seen (if they occur in nature) using existing technology. A falsification of the low-energy limit in the accessible weak-field regime would also falsify the full theory of quantum gravity, making it enter the realm of testable, potentially falsifiable theories, i.e. becoming real physics after almost a century of pure theorizing. If weak-field gravity between quantum objects is shown to be absent (in the regime where the approximation should apply), we know that gravity then is a strictly classical phenomenon absent at the quantum level.

A new way of visualising quantum fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linde, Helmut

2018-05-01

Quantum field theory (QFT) is the basis of some of the most fundamental theories in modern physics, but it is not an easy subject to learn. In the present article we intend to pave the way from quantum mechanics to QFT for students at early graduate or advanced undergraduate level. More specifically, we propose a new way of visualising the wave function Ψ of a linear chain of interacting quantum harmonic oscillators, which can be seen as a model for a simple one-dimensional bosonic quantum field. The main idea is to draw randomly chosen classical states of the chain superimposed upon each other and use a grey scale to represent the value of Ψ at the corresponding coordinates of the quantised system. Our goal is to establish a better intuitive understanding of the mathematical objects underlying quantum field theories and solid state physics.

The Fabrication of Arrays of Single Ions in Silicon via Ion Implantation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-01

Requirement of optical nonlinearity for photon count- ing. Physical Review A, 65:042304, 2002. [108] Seth Lloyd and Samuel L. Braunstein. Quantum...defects in metals. Journal of Physics F: Metal Physics, 3(2):295, 1973. [361] George D. Watkins . Intrinsic defects in silicon. Materials Science in Semicon

Chiral quantum dot based materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govan, Joseph; Loudon, Alexander; Baranov, Alexander V.; Fedorov, Anatoly V.; Gun'ko, Yurii

2014-05-01

Recently, the use of stereospecific chiral stabilising molecules has also opened another avenue of interest in the area of quantum dot (QD) research. The main goal of our research is to develop new types of technologically important quantum dot materials containing chiral defects, study their properties and explore their applications. The utilisation of chiral penicillamine stabilisers allowed the preparation of new water soluble white emitting CdS quantum nanostructures which demonstrated circular dichroism in the band-edge region of the spectrum. It was also demonstrated that all three types of QDs (D-, L-, and Rac penicillamine stabilised) show very broad emission bands between 400 and 700 nm due to defects or trap states on the surfaces of the nanocrystals. In this work the chiral CdS based quantum nanostructures have also been doped by copper metal ions and new chiral penicilamine stabilized CuS nanoparticles have been prepared and investigated. It was found that copper doping had a strong effect at low levels in the synthesis of chiral CdS nanostructures. We expect that this research will open new horizons in the chemistry of chiral nanomaterials and their application in biotechnology, sensing and asymmetric synthesis.

Quantum theory of laser-stimulated desorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slutsky, M. S.; George, T. F.

1978-01-01

A quantum theory of laser-stimulated desorption (LSDE) is presented and critically analyzed. It is shown how LSDE depends on laser-pulse characteristics and surface-lattice dynamics. Predictions of the theory for a Debye model of the lattice dynamics are compared to recent experimental results.

TOPICAL REVIEW: Knot theory and a physical state of quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liko, Tomás; Kauffman, Louis H.

2006-02-01

We discuss the theory of knots, and describe how knot invariants arise naturally in gravitational physics. The focus of this review is to delineate the relationship between knot theory and the loop representation of non-perturbative canonical quantum general relativity (loop quantum gravity). This leads naturally to a discussion of the Kodama wavefunction, a state which is conjectured to be the ground state of the gravitational field with positive cosmological constant. This review can serve as a self-contained introduction to loop quantum gravity and related areas. Our intent is to make the paper accessible to a wider audience that may include topologists, knot theorists, and other persons innocent of the physical background to this approach to quantum gravity.

Quantum gambling using mesoscopic ring qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakuła, Ireneusz

2007-07-01

Quantum Game Theory provides us with new tools for practising games and some other risk related enterprices like, for example, gambling. The two party gambling protocol presented by Goldenberg {\\it et al} is one of the simplest yet still hard to implement applications of Quantum Game Theory. We propose potential physical realisation of the quantum gambling protocol with use of three mesoscopic ring qubits. We point out problems in implementation of such game.

Classical, Quantum and Superquantum Correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghirardi, Giancarlo; Romano, Raffaele

2012-04-01

A deeper understanding of the origin of quantum correlations is expected to allow a better comprehension of the physical principles underlying quantum mechanics. In this work, we reconsider the possibility of devising "crypto-nonlocal theories", using a terminology firstly introduced by Leggett. We generalize and simplify the investigations on this subject which can be found in the literature. At their deeper level, such theories allow nonlocal correlations which can overcome the quantum limit.

Classical, Quantum and Superquantum Correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghirardi, Giancarlo; Romano, Raffaele

2013-01-01

A deeper understanding of the origin of quantum correlations is expected to allow a better comprehension of the physical principles underlying quantum mechanics. In this work, we reconsider the possibility of devising "crypto-nonlocal theories", using a terminology firstly introduced by Leggett. We generalize and simplify the investigations on this subject which can be found in the literature. At their deeper level, such theories allow nonlocal correlations which can overcome the quantum limit.

Hilbert space structure in quantum gravity: an algebraic perspective

DOE PAGES

Giddings, Steven B.

2015-12-16

If quantum gravity respects the principles of quantum mechanics, suitably generalized, it may be that a more viable approach to the theory is through identifying the relevant quantum structures rather than by quantizing classical spacetime. Here, this viewpoint is supported by difficulties of such quantization, and by the apparent lack of a fundamental role for locality. In finite or discrete quantum systems, important structure is provided by tensor factorizations of the Hilbert space. However, even in local quantum field theory properties of the generic type III von Neumann algebras and of long range gauge fields indicate that factorization of themore » Hilbert space is problematic. Instead it is better to focus on the structure of the algebra of observables, and in particular on its subalgebras corresponding to regions. This paper suggests that study of analogous algebraic structure in gravity gives an important perspective on the nature of the quantum theory. Significant departures from the subalgebra structure of local quantum field theory are found, working in the correspondence limit of long-distances/low-energies. Particularly, there are obstacles to identifying commuting algebras of localized operators. In addition to suggesting important properties of the algebraic structure, this and related observations pose challenges to proposals of a fundamental role for entanglement.« less

How is quantum information localized in gravity?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnelly, William; Giddings, Steven B.

2017-10-01

A notion of localization of information within quantum subsystems plays a key role in describing the physics of quantum systems, and in particular is a prerequisite for discussing important concepts such as entanglement and information transfer. While subsystems can be readily defined for finite quantum systems and in local quantum field theory, a corresponding definition for gravitational systems is significantly complicated by the apparent nonlocality arising due to gauge invariance, enforced by the constraints. A related question is whether "soft hair" encodes otherwise localized information, and the question of such localization also remains an important puzzle for proposals that gravity emerges from another structure such as a boundary field theory as in AdS/CFT. This paper describes different approaches to defining local subsystem structure, and shows that at least classically, perturbative gravity has localized subsystems based on a split structure, generalizing the split property of quantum field theory. This, and related arguments for QED, give simple explanations that in these theories there is localized information that is independent of fields outside a region, in particular so that there is no role for "soft hair" in encoding such information. Additional subtleties appear in quantum gravity. We argue that localized information exists in perturbative quantum gravity in the presence of global symmetries, but that nonperturbative dynamics is likely tied to a modification of such structure.

Hilbert space structure in quantum gravity: an algebraic perspective

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Giddings, Steven B.

If quantum gravity respects the principles of quantum mechanics, suitably generalized, it may be that a more viable approach to the theory is through identifying the relevant quantum structures rather than by quantizing classical spacetime. Here, this viewpoint is supported by difficulties of such quantization, and by the apparent lack of a fundamental role for locality. In finite or discrete quantum systems, important structure is provided by tensor factorizations of the Hilbert space. However, even in local quantum field theory properties of the generic type III von Neumann algebras and of long range gauge fields indicate that factorization of themore » Hilbert space is problematic. Instead it is better to focus on the structure of the algebra of observables, and in particular on its subalgebras corresponding to regions. This paper suggests that study of analogous algebraic structure in gravity gives an important perspective on the nature of the quantum theory. Significant departures from the subalgebra structure of local quantum field theory are found, working in the correspondence limit of long-distances/low-energies. Particularly, there are obstacles to identifying commuting algebras of localized operators. In addition to suggesting important properties of the algebraic structure, this and related observations pose challenges to proposals of a fundamental role for entanglement.« less

Tales from the prehistory of Quantum Gravity. Léon Rosenfeld's earliest contributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peruzzi, Giulio; Rocci, Alessio

2018-05-01

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the earliest work of Léon Rosenfeld, one of the pioneers in the search of Quantum Gravity, the supposed theory unifying quantum theory and general relativity. We describe how and why Rosenfeld tried to face this problem in 1927, analysing the role of his mentors: Oskar Klein, Louis de Broglie and Théophile De Donder. Rosenfeld asked himself how quantum mechanics should concretely modify general relativity. In the context of a five-dimensional theory, Rosenfeld tried to construct a unifying framework for the gravitational and electromagnetic interaction and wave mechanics. Using a sort of "general relativistic quantum mechanics" Rosenfeld introduced a wave equation on a curved background. He investigated the metric created by what he called `quantum phenomena', represented by wave functions. Rosenfeld integrated Einstein equations in the weak field limit, with wave functions as source of the gravitational field. The author performed a sort of semi-classical approximation obtaining at the first order the Reissner-Nordström metric. We analyse how Rosenfeld's work is part of the history of Quantum Mechanics, because in his investigation Rosenfeld was guided by Bohr's correspondence principle. Finally we briefly discuss how his contribution is connected with the task of finding out which metric can be generated by a quantum field, a problem that quantum field theory on curved backgrounds will start to address 35 years later.

Tales from the prehistory of Quantum Gravity - Léon Rosenfeld's earliest contributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peruzzi, Giulio; Rocci, Alessio

2018-04-01

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the earliest work of Léon Rosenfeld, one of the pioneers in the search of Quantum Gravity, the supposed theory unifying quantum theory and general relativity. We describe how and why Rosenfeld tried to face this problem in 1927, analysing the role of his mentors: Oskar Klein, Louis de Broglie and Théophile De Donder. Rosenfeld asked himself how quantum mechanics should concretely modify general relativity. In the context of a five-dimensional theory, Rosenfeld tried to construct a unifying framework for the gravitational and electromagnetic interaction and wave mechanics. Using a sort of "general relativistic quantum mechanics" Rosenfeld introduced a wave equation on a curved background. He investigated the metric created by what he called `quantum phenomena', represented by wave functions. Rosenfeld integrated Einstein equations in the weak field limit, with wave functions as source of the gravitational field. The author performed a sort of semi-classical approximation obtaining at the first order the Reissner-Nordström metric. We analyse how Rosenfeld's work is part of the history of Quantum Mechanics, because in his investigation Rosenfeld was guided by Bohr's correspondence principle. Finally we briefly discuss how his contribution is connected with the task of finding out which metric can be generated by a quantum field, a problem that quantum field theory on curved backgrounds will start to address 35 years later.

Viable inflationary evolution from Einstein frame loop quantum cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Haro, Jaume; Odintsov, S. D.; Oikonomou, V. K.

2018-04-01

In this work we construct a bottom-up reconstruction technique for loop quantum cosmology scalar-tensor theories, from the observational indices. Particularly, the reconstruction technique is based on fixing the functional form of the scalar-to-tensor ratio as a function of the e -foldings number. The aim of the technique is to realize viable inflationary scenarios, and the only assumption that must hold true in order for the reconstruction technique to work is that the dynamical evolution of the scalar field obeys the slow-roll conditions. We use two functional forms for the scalar-to-tensor ratio, one of which corresponds to a popular inflationary class of models, the α attractors. For the latter, we calculate the leading order behavior of the spectral index and we demonstrate that the resulting inflationary theory is viable and compatible with the latest Planck and BICEP2/Keck-Array data. In addition, we find the classical limit of the theory, and as we demonstrate, the loop quantum cosmology corrected theory and the classical theory are identical at leading order in the perturbative expansion quantified by the parameter ρc, which is the critical density of the quantum theory. Finally, by using the formalism of slow-roll scalar-tensor loop quantum cosmology, we investigate how several inflationary potentials can be realized by the quantum theory, and we calculate directly the slow-roll indices and the corresponding observational indices. In addition, the f (R ) gravity frame picture is presented.

Atomic quantum simulation of dynamical gauge fields coupled to fermionic matter: from string breaking to evolution after a quench.

PubMed

Banerjee, D; Dalmonte, M; Müller, M; Rico, E; Stebler, P; Wiese, U-J; Zoller, P

2012-10-26

Using a Fermi-Bose mixture of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice, we construct a quantum simulator for a U(1) gauge theory coupled to fermionic matter. The construction is based on quantum links which realize continuous gauge symmetry with discrete quantum variables. At low energies, quantum link models with staggered fermions emerge from a Hubbard-type model which can be quantum simulated. This allows us to investigate string breaking as well as the real-time evolution after a quench in gauge theories, which are inaccessible to classical simulation methods.

Quantum frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Matthew J.

2014-02-01

The framework of quantum frames can help unravel some of the interpretive difficulties i the foundation of quantum mechanics. In this paper, I begin by tracing the origins of this concept in Bohr's discussion of quantum theory and his theory of complementarity. Engaging with various interpreters and followers of Bohr, I argue that the correct account of quantum frames must be extended beyond literal space-time reference frames to frames defined by relations between a quantum system and the exosystem or external physical frame, of which measurement contexts are a particularly important example. This approach provides superior solutions to key EPR-type measurement and locality paradoxes.

Generalized nonequilibrium vertex correction method in coherent medium theory for quantum transport simulation of disordered nanoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Jiawei; Ke, Youqi

2016-07-01

Electron transport properties of nanoelectronics can be significantly influenced by the inevitable and randomly distributed impurities/defects. For theoretical simulation of disordered nanoscale electronics, one is interested in both the configurationally averaged transport property and its statistical fluctuation that tells device-to-device variability induced by disorder. However, due to the lack of an effective method to do disorder averaging under the nonequilibrium condition, the important effects of disorders on electron transport remain largely unexplored or poorly understood. In this work, we report a general formalism of Green's function based nonequilibrium effective medium theory to calculate the disordered nanoelectronics. In this method, based on a generalized coherent potential approximation for the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function, we developed a generalized nonequilibrium vertex correction method to calculate the average of a two-Keldysh-Green's-function correlator. We obtain nine nonequilibrium vertex correction terms, as a complete family, to express the average of any two-Green's-function correlator and find they can be solved by a set of linear equations. As an important result, the averaged nonequilibrium density matrix, averaged current, disorder-induced current fluctuation, and averaged shot noise, which involve different two-Green's-function correlators, can all be derived and computed in an effective and unified way. To test the general applicability of this method, we applied it to compute the transmission coefficient and its fluctuation with a square-lattice tight-binding model and compared with the exact results and other previously proposed approximations. Our results show very good agreement with the exact results for a wide range of disorder concentrations and energies. In addition, to incorporate with density functional theory to realize first-principles quantum transport simulation, we have also derived a general form of conditionally averaged nonequilibrium Green's function for multicomponent disorders.

Nuclear Quantum Effects in Water and Aqueous Systems: Experiment, Theory, and Current Challenges

DOE PAGES

Ceriotti, Michele; Fang, Wei; Kusalik, Peter G.; ...

2016-04-06

Nuclear quantum effects influence the structure and dynamics of hydrogen bonded systems, such as water, which impacts their observed properties with widely varying magnitudes. This review highlights the recent significant developments in the experiment, theory and simulation of nuclear quantum effects in water. Novel experimental techniques, such as deep inelastic neutron scattering, now provide a detailed view of the role of nuclear quantum effects in water’s properties. These have been combined with theoretical developments such as the introduction of the competing quantum effects principle that allows the subtle interplay of water’s quantum effects and their manifestation in experimental observables tomore » be explained. We discuss how this principle has recently been used to explain the apparent dichotomy in water’s isotope effects, which can range from very large to almost nonexistent depending on the property and conditions. We then review the latest major developments in simulation algorithms and theory that have enabled the efficient inclusion of nuclear quantum effects in molecular simulations, permitting their combination with on-the-fly evaluation of the potential energy surface using electronic structure theory. Finally, we identify current challenges and future opportunities in the area.« less

Mixed Quantum/Classical Theory for Molecule-Molecule Inelastic Scattering: Derivations of Equations and Application to N2 + H2 System.

PubMed

Semenov, Alexander; Babikov, Dmitri

2015-12-17

The mixed quantum classical theory, MQCT, for inelastic scattering of two molecules is developed, in which the internal (rotational, vibrational) motion of both collision partners is treated with quantum mechanics, and the molecule-molecule scattering (translational motion) is described by classical trajectories. The resultant MQCT formalism includes a system of coupled differential equations for quantum probability amplitudes, and the classical equations of motion in the mean-field potential. Numerical tests of this theory are carried out for several most important rotational state-to-state transitions in the N2 + H2 system, in a broad range of collision energies. Besides scattering resonances (at low collision energies) excellent agreement with full-quantum results is obtained, including the excitation thresholds, the maxima of cross sections, and even some smaller features, such as slight oscillations of energy dependencies. Most importantly, at higher energies the results of MQCT are nearly identical to the full quantum results, which makes this approach a good alternative to the full-quantum calculations that become computationally expensive at higher collision energies and for heavier collision partners. Extensions of this theory to include vibrational transitions or general asymmetric-top rotor (polyatomic) molecules are relatively straightforward.

The Butterfly and the Photon:. New Perspectives on Unpredictability, and the Notion of Casual Reality, in Quantum Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, T. N.

2012-12-01

This essay discusses a proposal that draws together the three great revolutionary theories of 20th Century physics: quantum theory, relativity theory and chaos theory. Motivated by the Bohmian notion of implicate order, and what in chaos theory would be described as a strange attractor, the proposal attributes special ontological significance to certain non-computable, dynamically invariant state-space geometries for the universe as a whole. Studying the phenomenon of quantum interference, it is proposed to understand quantum wave-particle duality, and indeed classical electromagnetism, in terms of particles in space time and waves on this state space geometry. Studying the EPR experiment, the acausal constraints that this invariant geometry provides on spatially distant degrees of freedom, provides a way for the underlying dynamics to be consistent with the Bell theorem, yet be relativistically covariant ("nonlocality without nonlocality"). It is suggested that the physical basis for such non-computable geometries lies in properties of gravity with the information irreversibility implied by black hole no-hair theorems being crucial. In conclusion it is proposed that quantum theory may be emergent from an extended theory of gravity which is geometric not only in space time, but also in state space. Such a notion would undermine most current attempts to "quantise gravity".

Fundamental Structure of Loop Quantum Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Muxin; Ma, Yongge; Huang, Weiming

In the recent twenty years, loop quantum gravity, a background independent approach to unify general relativity and quantum mechanics, has been widely investigated. The aim of loop quantum gravity is to construct a mathematically rigorous, background independent, non-perturbative quantum theory for a Lorentzian gravitational field on a four-dimensional manifold. In the approach, the principles of quantum mechanics are combined with those of general relativity naturally. Such a combination provides us a picture of, so-called, quantum Riemannian geometry, which is discrete on the fundamental scale. Imposing the quantum constraints in analogy from the classical ones, the quantum dynamics of gravity is being studied as one of the most important issues in loop quantum gravity. On the other hand, the semi-classical analysis is being carried out to test the classical limit of the quantum theory. In this review, the fundamental structure of loop quantum gravity is presented pedagogically. Our main aim is to help non-experts to understand the motivations, basic structures, as well as general results. It may also be beneficial to practitioners to gain insights from different perspectives on the theory. We will focus on the theoretical framework itself, rather than its applications, and do our best to write it in modern and precise langauge while keeping the presentation accessible for beginners. After reviewing the classical connection dynamical formalism of general relativity, as a foundation, the construction of the kinematical Ashtekar-Isham-Lewandowski representation is introduced in the content of quantum kinematics. The algebraic structure of quantum kinematics is also discussed. In the content of quantum dynamics, we mainly introduce the construction of a Hamiltonian constraint operator and the master constraint project. At last, some applications and recent advances are outlined. It should be noted that this strategy of quantizing gravity can also be extended to obtain other background-independent quantum gauge theories. There is no divergence within this background-independent and diffeomorphism-invariant quantization program of matter coupled to gravity.

Quantum Physics, Fields and Closed Timelike Curves: The D-CTC Condition in Quantum Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolksdorf, Jürgen; Verch, Rainer

2018-01-01

The D-CTC condition has originally been proposed by David Deutsch as a condition on states of a quantum communication network that contains "backward time-steps" in some of its branches. It has been argued that this is an analogue for quantum processes in the presence of closed timelike curves (CTCs). The unusual properties of states of quantum communication networks that fulfill the D-CTC condition have been discussed extensively in recent literature. In this work, the D-CTC condition is investigated in the framework of quantum field theory in the local, operator-algebraic approach due to Haag and Kastler. It is shown that the D-CTC condition cannot be fulfilled in states that are analytic in the energy, or satisfy the Reeh-Schlieder property, for a certain class of processes and initial conditions. On the other hand, if a quantum field theory admits sufficiently many uncorrelated states across acausally related spacetime regions (as implied by the split property), then the D-CTC condition can always be fulfilled approximately to arbitrary precision. As this result pertains to quantum field theory on globally hyperbolic spacetimes where CTCs are absent, one may conclude that interpreting the D-CTC condition as characteristic for quantum processes in the presence of CTCs could be misleading, and should be regarded with caution. Furthermore, a construction of the quantized massless Klein-Gordon field on the Politzer spacetime, often viewed as spacetime analogue for quantum communication networks with backward time-steps, is proposed in this work.

Ground and excited states of the Rydberg radical H3O: Electron propagator and quantum defect analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melin, Junia; Ortiz, J. V.; Martín, I.; Velasco, A. M.; Lavín, C.

2005-06-01

Vertical excitation energies of the Rydberg radical H3O are inferred from ab initio electron propagator calculations on the electron affinities of H3O+. The adiabatic ionization energy of H3O is evaluated with coupled-cluster calculations. These predictions provide optimal parameters for the molecular-adapted quantum defect orbital method, which is used to determine oscillator strengths. Given that the experimental spectrum of H3O does not seem to be available, comparisons with previous calculations are discussed. A simple model Hamiltonian, suitable for the study of bound states with arbitrarily high energies is generated by these means.

Integrability of generalised type II defects in affine Toda field theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bristow, Rebecca

2017-11-01

The Liouville integrability of the generalised type II defects is investigated. Full integrability is not considered, only the existence of an infinite number of conserved quantities associated with a system containing a defect. For defects in affine Toda field theories (ATFTs) it is shown that momentum conservation is very likely to be a necessary condition for integrability. The defect Lax matrices which guarantee zero curvature, and so an infinite number of conserved quantities, are calculated for the momentum conserving Tzitzéica defect and the momentum conserving D 4 ATFT defect. Some additional calculations pertaining to the D 4 defect are also carried out to find a more complete set of defect potentials than has appeared previously.

On Replacing "Quantum Thinking" with Counterfactual Reasoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narens, Louis

The probability theory used in quantum mechanics is currently being employed by psychologists to model the impact of context on decision. Its event space consists of closed subspaces of a Hilbert space, and its probability function sometimes violate the law of the finite additivity of probabilities. Results from the quantum mechanics literature indicate that such a "Hilbert space probability theory" cannot be extended in a useful way to standard, finitely additive, probability theory by the addition of new events with specific probabilities. This chapter presents a new kind of probability theory that shares many fundamental algebraic characteristics with Hilbert space probability theory but does extend to standard probability theory by adjoining new events with specific probabilities. The new probability theory arises from considerations about how psychological experiments are related through counterfactual reasoning.

Efficient quantum walk on a quantum processor

PubMed Central

Qiang, Xiaogang; Loke, Thomas; Montanaro, Ashley; Aungskunsiri, Kanin; Zhou, Xiaoqi; O'Brien, Jeremy L.; Wang, Jingbo B.; Matthews, Jonathan C. F.

2016-01-01

The random walk formalism is used across a wide range of applications, from modelling share prices to predicting population genetics. Likewise, quantum walks have shown much potential as a framework for developing new quantum algorithms. Here we present explicit efficient quantum circuits for implementing continuous-time quantum walks on the circulant class of graphs. These circuits allow us to sample from the output probability distributions of quantum walks on circulant graphs efficiently. We also show that solving the same sampling problem for arbitrary circulant quantum circuits is intractable for a classical computer, assuming conjectures from computational complexity theory. This is a new link between continuous-time quantum walks and computational complexity theory and it indicates a family of tasks that could ultimately demonstrate quantum supremacy over classical computers. As a proof of principle, we experimentally implement the proposed quantum circuit on an example circulant graph using a two-qubit photonics quantum processor. PMID:27146471

Six-dimensional formulation of the quantum theory of superluminal particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patty, C.E. Jr.

By operating in a six dimensional spacetime, transformations which relate superluminal to subluminal observers and do not introduce imaginary numbers are developed. These transformations preserve the Lorentz invariance of physical quantities. A six dimensional quantum theory is built upon this spacetime. All formal properties and the operators of the four dimensional Dirac quantum theory are duplicated. In addition, the extended quantum theory predicts the known behavior of subliminal matter and permits the calculation of the behavior of superluminal matter. The most distinctive characteristics of superluminal matter are found to be a spatial polarization during interactions with subluminal matter and anmore » intrensic multi-temporal nature. The theory is applied to the Rutherford scattering problem for an incident beam of electrons. The results of the calculation indicate that the behavior of superluminal matter differs in an unambigious way from that of subluminal matter. The superluminal state is detectable.« less

Propensity, Probability, and Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballentine, Leslie E.

2016-08-01

Quantum mechanics and probability theory share one peculiarity. Both have well established mathematical formalisms, yet both are subject to controversy about the meaning and interpretation of their basic concepts. Since probability plays a fundamental role in QM, the conceptual problems of one theory can affect the other. We first classify the interpretations of probability into three major classes: (a) inferential probability, (b) ensemble probability, and (c) propensity. Class (a) is the basis of inductive logic; (b) deals with the frequencies of events in repeatable experiments; (c) describes a form of causality that is weaker than determinism. An important, but neglected, paper by P. Humphreys demonstrated that propensity must differ mathematically, as well as conceptually, from probability, but he did not develop a theory of propensity. Such a theory is developed in this paper. Propensity theory shares many, but not all, of the axioms of probability theory. As a consequence, propensity supports the Law of Large Numbers from probability theory, but does not support Bayes theorem. Although there are particular problems within QM to which any of the classes of probability may be applied, it is argued that the intrinsic quantum probabilities (calculated from a state vector or density matrix) are most naturally interpreted as quantum propensities. This does not alter the familiar statistical interpretation of QM. But the interpretation of quantum states as representing knowledge is untenable. Examples show that a density matrix fails to represent knowledge.

Quantum Electrodynamics: Theory

ScienceCinema

Lincoln, Don

2018-01-16

The Standard Model of particle physics is composed of several theories that are added together. The most precise component theory is the theory of quantum electrodynamics or QED. In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln explains how theoretical QED calculations can be done. This video links to other videos, giving the viewer a deep understanding of the process.

Statistical quasi-particle theory for open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hou-Dao; Xu, Rui-Xue; Zheng, Xiao; Yan, YiJing

2018-04-01

This paper presents a comprehensive account on the recently developed dissipaton-equation-of-motion (DEOM) theory. This is a statistical quasi-particle theory for quantum dissipative dynamics. It accurately describes the influence of bulk environments, with a few number of quasi-particles, the dissipatons. The novel dissipaton algebra is then followed, which readily bridges the Schrödinger equation to the DEOM theory. As a fundamental theory of quantum mechanics in open systems, DEOM characterizes both the stationary and dynamic properties of system-and-bath interferences. It treats not only the quantum dissipative systems of primary interest, but also the hybrid environment dynamics that could be experimentally measurable. Examples are the linear or nonlinear Fano interferences and the Herzberg-Teller vibronic couplings in optical spectroscopies. This review covers the DEOM construction, the underlying dissipaton algebra and theorems, the physical meanings of dynamical variables, the possible identifications of dissipatons, and some recent advancements in efficient DEOM evaluations on various problems. The relations of the present theory to other nonperturbative methods are also critically presented.

Complete quantum control of exciton qubits bound to isoelectronic centres.

PubMed

Éthier-Majcher, G; St-Jean, P; Boso, G; Tosi, A; Klem, J F; Francoeur, S

2014-05-30

In recent years, impressive demonstrations related to quantum information processing have been realized. The scalability of quantum interactions between arbitrary qubits within an array remains however a significant hurdle to the practical realization of a quantum computer. Among the proposed ideas to achieve fully scalable quantum processing, the use of photons is appealing because they can mediate long-range quantum interactions and could serve as buses to build quantum networks. Quantum dots or nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond can be coupled to light, but the former system lacks optical homogeneity while the latter suffers from a low dipole moment, rendering their large-scale interconnection challenging. Here, through the complete quantum control of exciton qubits, we demonstrate that nitrogen isoelectronic centres in GaAs combine both the uniformity and predictability of atomic defects and the dipole moment of semiconductor quantum dots. This establishes isoelectronic centres as a promising platform for quantum information processing.

Any Ontological Model of the Single Qubit Stabilizer Formalism must be Contextual

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lillystone, Piers; Wallman, Joel J.

Quantum computers allow us to easily solve some problems classical computers find hard. Non-classical improvements in computational power should be due to some non-classical property of quantum theory. Contextuality, a more general notion of non-locality, is a necessary, but not sufficient, resource for quantum speed-up. Proofs of contextuality can be constructed for the classically simulable stabilizer formalism. Previous proofs of stabilizer contextuality are known for 2 or more qubits, for example the Mermin-Peres magic square. In the work presented we extend these results and prove that any ontological model of the single qubit stabilizer theory must be contextual, as defined by R. Spekkens, and give a relation between our result and the Mermin-Peres square. By demonstrating that contextuality is present in the qubit stabilizer formalism we provide further insight into the contextuality present in quantum theory. Understanding the contextuality of classical sub-theories will allow us to better identify the physical properties of quantum theory required for computational speed up. This research was supported by CIFAR, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada through NSERC and Industry Canada.

Combinatorial quantization of the Hamiltonian Chern-Simons theory II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, Anton Yu.; Grosse, Harald; Schomerus, Volker

1996-01-01

This paper further develops the combinatorial approach to quantization of the Hamiltonian Chern Simons theory advertised in [1]. Using the theory of quantum Wilson lines, we show how the Verlinde algebra appears within the context of quantum group gauge theory. This allows to discuss flatness of quantum connections so that we can give a mathematically rigorous definition of the algebra of observables A CS of the Chern Simons model. It is a *-algebra of “functions on the quantum moduli space of flat connections” and comes equipped with a positive functional ω (“integration”). We prove that this data does not depend on the particular choices which have been made in the construction. Following ideas of Fock and Rosly [2], the algebra A CS provides a deformation quantization of the algebra of functions on the moduli space along the natural Poisson bracket induced by the Chern Simons action. We evaluate a volume of the quantized moduli space and prove that it coincides with the Verlinde number. This answer is also interpreted as a partition partition function of the lattice Yang-Mills theory corresponding to a quantum gauge group.

First Principles Study of Chemically Functionalized Graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jha, Sanjiv; Vasiliev, Igor

2015-03-01

The electronic, structural and vibrational properties of carbon nanomaterials can be affected by chemical functionalization. We applied ab initio computational methods based on density functional theory to study the covalent functionalization of graphene with benzyne, carboxyl groups and tetracyanoethylene oxide (TCNEO). Our calculations were carried out using the SIESTA and Quantum-ESPRESSO electronic structure codes combined with the local density and generalized gradient approximations for the exchange correlation functional and norm-conserving Troullier-Martins pseudopotentials. The simulated Raman and infrared spectra of graphene functionalized with carboxyl groups and TCNEO were consistent with the available experimental results. The computed vibrational spectra of graphene functionalized with carboxyl groups showed that the presence of point defects near the functionalization site affects the Raman and infrared spectroscopic signatures of functionalized graphene. Supported by NSF CHE-1112388.

Quantum Interactive Dualism: The Libet and Einstein-Podolsky-RosenCausal Anomalies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stapp, Henry P.

2006-02-20

The "free will" data of Benjamin Libet and the predictionsof quantum theory considered by Einstein, Podolsky,and Rosen, both posepuzzles within aconceptual framework that, simultaneously, is compatiblewith the theory of relativity and allows human subjects to freely choosehow they will act. The quantum theoretic resolutions of these puzzles aredescribed.

Engineering topological defect patterns of Bose condensates in shaken optical lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Lei; Clark, Logan W.; Gaj, Anita; Chin, Cheng

2017-04-01

Topological defects emerge and play an essential role in the dynamics of systems undergoing continuous, symmetry-breaking phase transitions. Here, we study the topological defects (domain walls) which form when a Bose condensate in a shaken optical lattice undergoes a quantum phase transition and separates into domains of superfluid with finite momentum. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the ability to control the pattern of domain walls using a digital micromirror device. We further explore implementations of this technique to study dynamics near the phase transition and the evolution of topological defects.

Testing the Quantum-Classical Boundary and Dimensionality of Quantum Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shun, Poh Hou

Quantum theory introduces a cut between the observer and the observed system [1], but does not provide a definition of what is an observer [2]. Based on an informational def- inition of the observer, Grinbaum has recently [3] predicted an upper bound on bipartite correlations in the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) Bell scenario equal to 2.82537, which is slightly smaller than the Tsirelson bound [4] of standard quantum theory, but is consistent with all the available experimental results [5--17]. Not being able to exceed Grin- baum's limit would support that quantum theory is only an effective description of a more fundamental theory and would have a deep impact in physics and quantum information processing. In this thesis, we present a test of the CHSH inequality on photon pairs in maximally entangled states of polarization in which a value 2.8276 +/- 0.00082 is observed, violating Grinbaum's bound by 2.72 standard deviations and providing the smallest distance with respect to Tsirelson's bound ever reported, namely, 0.0008 +/- 0.00082. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Atom-by-atom assembly of defect-free one-dimensional cold atom arrays.

PubMed

Endres, Manuel; Bernien, Hannes; Keesling, Alexander; Levine, Harry; Anschuetz, Eric R; Krajenbrink, Alexandre; Senko, Crystal; Vuletic, Vladan; Greiner, Markus; Lukin, Mikhail D

2016-11-25

The realization of large-scale fully controllable quantum systems is an exciting frontier in modern physical science. We use atom-by-atom assembly to implement a platform for the deterministic preparation of regular one-dimensional arrays of individually controlled cold atoms. In our approach, a measurement and feedback procedure eliminates the entropy associated with probabilistic trap occupation and results in defect-free arrays of more than 50 atoms in less than 400 milliseconds. The technique is based on fast, real-time control of 100 optical tweezers, which we use to arrange atoms in desired geometric patterns and to maintain these configurations by replacing lost atoms with surplus atoms from a reservoir. This bottom-up approach may enable controlled engineering of scalable many-body systems for quantum information processing, quantum simulations, and precision measurements. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Quantum equivalence of f (R) gravity and scalar-tensor theories in the Jordan and Einstein frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Nobuyoshi

2018-03-01

The f(R) gravity and scalar-tensor theory are known to be equivalent at the classical level. We study if this equivalence is valid at the quantum level. There are two descriptions of the scalar-tensor theory in the Jordan and Einstein frames. It is shown that these three formulations of the theories give the same determinant or effective action on shell, and thus they are equivalent at the quantum one-loop level on shell in arbitrary dimensions. We also compute the one-loop divergence in f(R) gravity on an Einstein space.

Vector-mean-field theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rejaei, B.; Beenakker, C. W. J.

1992-12-01

A mean-field theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect is formulated based on the adiabatic principle of Greiter and Wilczek. The theory is tested on known bulk properties (excitation gap, fractional charge, and statistics), and then applied to a confined region in a two-dimensional electron gas (quantum dot). For a small number N of electrons in the dot, the exact ground-state energy has cusps at the same angular momentum values as the mean-field theory. For large N, Wen's algebraic decay of the probability for resonant tunneling through the dot is reproduced, albeit with a different exponent.

What is Quantum Information?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombardi, Olimpia; Fortin, Sebastian; Holik, Federico; López, Cristian

2017-04-01

Preface; Introduction; Part I. About the Concept of Information: 1. About the concept of information Sebastian Fortin and Olimpia Lombardi; 2. Representation, information, and theories of information Armond Duwell; 3. Information, communication, and manipulability Olimpia Lombardi and Cristian López; Part II. Information and quantum mechanics: 4. Quantum versus classical information Jeffrey Bub; 5. Quantum information and locality Dennis Dieks; 6. Pragmatic information in quantum mechanics Juan Roederer; 7. Interpretations of quantum theory: a map of madness Adán Cabello; Part III. Probability, Correlations, and Information: 8. On the tension between ontology and epistemology in quantum probabilities Amit Hagar; 9. Inferential versus dynamical conceptions of physics David Wallace; 10. Classical models for quantum information Federico Holik and Gustavo Martin Bosyk; 11. On the relative character of quantum correlations Guido Bellomo and Ángel Ricardo Plastino; Index.

Flows with fractional quantum circulation in Bose-Einstein condensates induced by nontopological phase defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanai, Toshiaki; Guo, Wei; Tsubota, Makoto

2018-01-01

It is a common view that rotational motion in a superfluid can exist only in the presence of topological defects, i.e., quantized vortices. However, in our numerical studies on the merging of two concentric Bose-Einstein condensates with axial symmetry in two-dimensional space, we observe the emergence of a spiral dark soliton when one condensate has a nonzero initial angular momentum. This spiral dark soliton enables the transfer of angular momentum between the condensates and allows the merged condensate to rotate even in the absence of quantized vortices. Our examination of the flow field around the soliton strikingly reveals that its sharp endpoint can induce flow like a vortex point but with a fraction of a quantized circulation. This interesting nontopological "phase defect" may generate broad interest since rotational motion is essential in many quantum transport processes.

Melt-growth dynamics in CdTe crystals

DOE PAGES

Zhou, X. W.; Ward, D. K.; Wong, B. M.; ...

2012-06-01

We use a new, quantum-mechanics-based bond-order potential (BOP) to reveal melt growth dynamics and fine scale defect formation mechanisms in CdTe crystals. Previous molecular dynamics simulations of semiconductors have shown qualitatively incorrect behavior due to the lack of an interatomic potential capable of predicting both crystalline growth and property trends of many transitional structures encountered during the melt → crystal transformation. Here, we demonstrate successful molecular dynamics simulations of melt growth in CdTe using a BOP that significantly improves over other potentials on property trends of different phases. Our simulations result in a detailed understanding of defect formation during themore » melt growth process. Equally important, we show that the new BOP enables defect formation mechanisms to be studied at a scale level comparable to empirical molecular dynamics simulation methods with a fidelity level approaching quantum-mechanical methods.« less

Complex systems and health behavior change: insights from cognitive science.

PubMed

Orr, Mark G; Plaut, David C

2014-05-01

To provide proof-of-concept that quantum health behavior can be instantiated as a computational model that is informed by cognitive science, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and quantum health behavior theory. We conducted a synthetic review of the intersection of quantum health behavior change and cognitive science. We conducted simulations, using a computational model of quantum health behavior (a constraint satisfaction artificial neural network) and tested whether the model exhibited quantum-like behavior. The model exhibited clear signs of quantum-like behavior. Quantum health behavior can be conceptualized as constraint satisfaction: a mitigation between current behavioral state and the social contexts in which it operates. We outlined implications for moving forward with computational models of both quantum health behavior and health behavior in general.

The metric on field space, functional renormalization, and metric–torsion quantum gravity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reuter, Martin, E-mail: reuter@thep.physik.uni-mainz.de; Schollmeyer, Gregor M., E-mail: schollmeyer@thep.physik.uni-mainz.de

Searching for new non-perturbatively renormalizable quantum gravity theories, functional renormalization group (RG) flows are studied on a theory space of action functionals depending on the metric and the torsion tensor, the latter parameterized by three irreducible component fields. A detailed comparison with Quantum Einstein–Cartan Gravity (QECG), Quantum Einstein Gravity (QEG), and “tetrad-only” gravity, all based on different theory spaces, is performed. It is demonstrated that, over a generic theory space, the construction of a functional RG equation (FRGE) for the effective average action requires the specification of a metric on the infinite-dimensional field manifold as an additional input. A modifiedmore » FRGE is obtained if this metric is scale-dependent, as it happens in the metric–torsion system considered.« less

Entanglement and the three-dimensionality of the Bloch ball

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Masanes, Ll., E-mail: ll.masanes@gmail.com; Müller, M. P.; Pérez-García, D.

2014-12-15

We consider a very natural generalization of quantum theory by letting the dimension of the Bloch ball be not necessarily three. We analyze bipartite state spaces where each of the components has a d-dimensional Euclidean ball as state space. In addition to this, we impose two very natural assumptions: the continuity and reversibility of dynamics and the possibility of characterizing bipartite states by local measurements. We classify all these bipartite state spaces and prove that, except for the quantum two-qubit state space, none of them contains entangled states. Equivalently, in any of these non-quantum theories, interacting dynamics is impossible. Thismore » result reveals that “existence of entanglement” is the requirement with minimal logical content which singles out quantum theory from our family of theories.« less

A Formulation of Quantum Field Theory Realizing a Sea of Interacting Dirac Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finster, Felix

2011-08-01

In this survey article, we explain a few ideas behind the fermionic projector approach and summarize recent results which clarify the connection to quantum field theory. The fermionic projector is introduced, which describes the physical system by a collection of Dirac states, including the states of the Dirac sea. Formulating the interaction by an action principle for the fermionic projector, we obtain a consistent description of interacting quantum fields which reproduces the results of perturbative quantum field theory. We find a new mechanism for the generation of boson masses and obtain small corrections to the field equations which violate causality.

Designing, programming, and optimizing a (small) quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svore, Krysta

In 1982, Richard Feynman proposed to use a computer founded on the laws of quantum physics to simulate physical systems. In the more than thirty years since, quantum computers have shown promise to solve problems in number theory, chemistry, and materials science that would otherwise take longer than the lifetime of the universe to solve on an exascale classical machine. The practical realization of a quantum computer requires understanding and manipulating subtle quantum states while experimentally controlling quantum interference. It also requires an end-to-end software architecture for programming, optimizing, and implementing a quantum algorithm on the quantum device hardware. In this talk, we will introduce recent advances in connecting abstract theory to present-day real-world applications through software. We will highlight recent advancement of quantum algorithms and the challenges in ultimately performing a scalable solution on a quantum device.

Uncertainty in quantum mechanics: faith or fantasy?

PubMed

Penrose, Roger

2011-12-13

The word 'uncertainty', in the context of quantum mechanics, usually evokes an impression of an essential unknowability of what might actually be going on at the quantum level of activity, as is made explicit in Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, and in the fact that the theory normally provides only probabilities for the results of quantum measurement. These issues limit our ultimate understanding of the behaviour of things, if we take quantum mechanics to represent an absolute truth. But they do not cause us to put that very 'truth' into question. This article addresses the issue of quantum 'uncertainty' from a different perspective, raising the question of whether this term might be applied to the theory itself, despite its unrefuted huge success over an enormously diverse range of observed phenomena. There are, indeed, seeming internal contradictions in the theory that lead us to infer that a total faith in it at all levels of scale leads us to almost fantastical implications.

Coherent states, quantum gravity, and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. I. General considerations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stottmeister, Alexander, E-mail: alexander.stottmeister@gravity.fau.de; Thiemann, Thomas, E-mail: thomas.thiemann@gravity.fau.de

2016-06-15

This article, as the first of three, aims at establishing the (time-dependent) Born-Oppenheimer approximation, in the sense of space adiabatic perturbation theory, for quantum systems constructed by techniques of the loop quantum gravity framework, especially the canonical formulation of the latter. The analysis presented here fits into a rather general framework and offers a solution to the problem of applying the usual Born-Oppenheimer ansatz for molecular (or structurally analogous) systems to more general quantum systems (e.g., spin-orbit models) by means of space adiabatic perturbation theory. The proposed solution is applied to a simple, finite dimensional model of interacting spin systems,more » which serves as a non-trivial, minimal model of the aforesaid problem. Furthermore, it is explained how the content of this article and its companion affect the possible extraction of quantum field theory on curved spacetime from loop quantum gravity (including matter fields).« less

Estimates on Functional Integrals of Quantum Mechanics and Non-relativistic Quantum Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bley, Gonzalo A.; Thomas, Lawrence E.

2017-01-01

We provide a unified method for obtaining upper bounds for certain functional integrals appearing in quantum mechanics and non-relativistic quantum field theory, functionals of the form {E[{exp}(A_T)]} , the (effective) action {A_T} being a function of particle trajectories up to time T. The estimates in turn yield rigorous lower bounds for ground state energies, via the Feynman-Kac formula. The upper bounds are obtained by writing the action for these functional integrals in terms of stochastic integrals. The method is illustrated in familiar quantum mechanical settings: for the hydrogen atom, for a Schrödinger operator with {1/|x|^2} potential with small coupling, and, with a modest adaptation of the method, for the harmonic oscillator. We then present our principal applications of the method, in the settings of non-relativistic quantum field theories for particles moving in a quantized Bose field, including the optical polaron and Nelson models.

Quantum Information Theory - an Invitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, Reinhard F.

Quantum information and quantum computers have received a lot of public attention recently. Quantum computers have been advertised as a kind of warp drive for computing, and indeed the promise of the algorithms of Shor and Grover is to perform computations which are extremely hard or even provably impossible on any merely ``classical'' computer.In this article I shall give an account of the basic concepts of quantum information theory is given, staying as much as possible in the area of general agreement.The article is divided into two parts. The first (up to the end of Sect. 2.5) is mostly in plain English, centered around the exploration of what can or cannot be done with quantum systems as information carriers. The second part, Sect. 2.6, then gives a description of the mathematical structures and of some of the tools needed to develop the theory.

Entropy generation in Gaussian quantum transformations: applying the replica method to continuous-variable quantum information theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagatsos, Christos N.; Karanikas, Alexandros I.; Kordas, Georgios; Cerf, Nicolas J.

2016-02-01

In spite of their simple description in terms of rotations or symplectic transformations in phase space, quadratic Hamiltonians such as those modelling the most common Gaussian operations on bosonic modes remain poorly understood in terms of entropy production. For instance, determining the quantum entropy generated by a Bogoliubov transformation is notably a hard problem, with generally no known analytical solution, while it is vital to the characterisation of quantum communication via bosonic channels. Here we overcome this difficulty by adapting the replica method, a tool borrowed from statistical physics and quantum field theory. We exhibit a first application of this method to continuous-variable quantum information theory, where it enables accessing entropies in an optical parametric amplifier. As an illustration, we determine the entropy generated by amplifying a binary superposition of the vacuum and a Fock state, which yields a surprisingly simple, yet unknown analytical expression.

Contextual Advantage for State Discrimination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, David; Spekkens, Robert W.

2018-02-01

Finding quantitative aspects of quantum phenomena which cannot be explained by any classical model has foundational importance for understanding the boundary between classical and quantum theory. It also has practical significance for identifying information processing tasks for which those phenomena provide a quantum advantage. Using the framework of generalized noncontextuality as our notion of classicality, we find one such nonclassical feature within the phenomenology of quantum minimum-error state discrimination. Namely, we identify quantitative limits on the success probability for minimum-error state discrimination in any experiment described by a noncontextual ontological model. These constraints constitute noncontextuality inequalities that are violated by quantum theory, and this violation implies a quantum advantage for state discrimination relative to noncontextual models. Furthermore, our noncontextuality inequalities are robust to noise and are operationally formulated, so that any experimental violation of the inequalities is a witness of contextuality, independently of the validity of quantum theory. Along the way, we introduce new methods for analyzing noncontextuality scenarios and demonstrate a tight connection between our minimum-error state discrimination scenario and a Bell scenario.

Generalized quantum Fokker-Planck, diffusion, and Smoluchowski equations with true probability distribution functions.

PubMed

Banik, Suman Kumar; Bag, Bidhan Chandra; Ray, Deb Shankar

2002-05-01

Traditionally, quantum Brownian motion is described by Fokker-Planck or diffusion equations in terms of quasiprobability distribution functions, e.g., Wigner functions. These often become singular or negative in the full quantum regime. In this paper a simple approach to non-Markovian theory of quantum Brownian motion using true probability distribution functions is presented. Based on an initial coherent state representation of the bath oscillators and an equilibrium canonical distribution of the quantum mechanical mean values of their coordinates and momenta, we derive a generalized quantum Langevin equation in c numbers and show that the latter is amenable to a theoretical analysis in terms of the classical theory of non-Markovian dynamics. The corresponding Fokker-Planck, diffusion, and Smoluchowski equations are the exact quantum analogs of their classical counterparts. The present work is independent of path integral techniques. The theory as developed here is a natural extension of its classical version and is valid for arbitrary temperature and friction (the Smoluchowski equation being considered in the overdamped limit).

The Misapplication of Probability Theory in Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Racicot, Ronald

2014-03-01

This article is a revision of two papers submitted to the APS in the past two and a half years. In these papers, arguments and proofs are summarized for the following: (1) The wrong conclusion by EPR that Quantum Mechanics is incomplete, perhaps requiring the addition of ``hidden variables'' for completion. Theorems that assume such ``hidden variables,'' such as Bell's theorem, are also wrong. (2) Quantum entanglement is not a realizable physical phenomenon and is based entirely on assuming a probability superposition model for quantum spin. Such a model directly violates conservation of angular momentum. (3) Simultaneous multiple-paths followed by a quantum particle traveling through space also cannot possibly exist. Besides violating Noether's theorem, the multiple-paths theory is based solely on probability calculations. Probability calculations by themselves cannot possibly represent simultaneous physically real events. None of the reviews of the submitted papers actually refuted the arguments and evidence that was presented. These analyses should therefore be carefully evaluated since the conclusions reached have such important impact in quantum mechanics and quantum information theory.

Quantum Locality?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stapp, Henry P.

2012-05-01

Robert Griffiths has recently addressed, within the framework of a `consistent quantum theory' that he has developed, the issue of whether, as is often claimed, quantum mechanics entails a need for faster-than-light transfers of information over long distances. He argues that the putative proofs of this property that involve hidden variables include in their premises some essentially classical-physics-type assumptions that are not entailed by the precepts of quantum mechanics. Thus whatever is proved is not a feature of quantum mechanics, but is a property of a theory that tries to combine quantum theory with quasi-classical features that go beyond what is entailed by quantum theory itself. One cannot logically prove properties of a system by establishing, instead, properties of a system modified by adding properties alien to the original system. Hence Griffiths' rejection of hidden-variable-based proofs is logically warranted. Griffiths mentions the existence of a certain alternative proof that does not involve hidden variables, and that uses only macroscopically described observable properties. He notes that he had examined in his book proofs of this general kind, and concluded that they provide no evidence for nonlocal influences. But he did not examine the particular proof that he cites. An examination of that particular proof by the method specified by his `consistent quantum theory' shows that the cited proof is valid within that restrictive version of quantum theory. An added section responds to Griffiths' reply, which cites general possibilities of ambiguities that might make what is to be proved ill-defined, and hence render the pertinent `consistent framework' ill defined. But the vagaries that he cites do not upset the proof in question, which, both by its physical formulation and by explicit identification, specify the framework to be used. Griffiths confirms the validity of the proof insofar as that pertinent framework is used. The section also shows, in response to Griffiths' challenge, why a putative proof of locality that he has described is flawed.

Quantum approach of mesoscopic magnet dynamics with spin transfer torque

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yong; Sham, L. J.

2013-05-01

We present a theory of magnetization dynamics driven by spin-polarized current in terms of the quantum master equation. In the spin coherent state representation, the master equation becomes a Fokker-Planck equation, which naturally includes the spin transfer and quantum fluctuation. The current electron scattering state is correlated to the magnet quantum states, giving rise to quantum correction to the electron transport properties in the usual semiclassical theory. In the large-spin limit, the magnetization dynamics is shown to obey the Hamilton-Jacobi equation or the Hamiltonian canonical equations.