Multi-channel photon counting DOT system based on digital lock-in detection technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tingting; Zhao, Huijuan; Wang, Zhichao; Hou, Shaohua; Gao, Feng

2011-02-01

Relying on deeper penetration of light in the tissue, Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) achieves organ-level tomography diagnosis, which can provide information on anatomical and physiological features. DOT has been widely used in imaging of breast, neonatal cerebral oxygen status and blood oxygen kinetics observed by its non-invasive, security and other advantages. Continuous wave DOT image reconstruction algorithms need the measurement of the surface distribution of the output photon flow inspired by more than one driving source, which means that source coding is necessary. The most currently used source coding in DOT is time-division multiplexing (TDM) technology, which utilizes the optical switch to switch light into optical fiber of different locations. However, in case of large amounts of the source locations or using the multi-wavelength, the measurement time with TDM and the measurement interval between different locations within the same measurement period will therefore become too long to capture the dynamic changes in real-time. In this paper, a frequency division multiplexing source coding technology is developed, which uses light sources modulated by sine waves with different frequencies incident to the imaging chamber simultaneously. Signal corresponding to an individual source is obtained from the mixed output light using digital phase-locked detection technology at the detection end. A digital lock-in detection circuit for photon counting measurement system is implemented on a FPGA development platform. A dual-channel DOT photon counting experimental system is preliminary established, including the two continuous lasers, photon counting detectors, digital lock-in detection control circuit, and codes to control the hardware and display the results. A series of experimental measurements are taken to validate the feasibility of the system. This method developed in this paper greatly accelerates the DOT system measurement, and can also obtain the multiple measurements in different source-detector locations.

Dynamic physiological modeling for functional diffuse optical tomography

PubMed Central

Diamond, Solomon Gilbert; Huppert, Theodore J.; Kolehmainen, Ville; Franceschini, Maria Angela; Kaipio, Jari P.; Arridge, Simon R.; Boas, David A.

2009-01-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a noninvasive imaging technology that is sensitive to local concentration changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin. When applied to functional neuroimaging, DOT measures hemodynamics in the scalp and brain that reflect competing metabolic demands and cardiovascular dynamics. The diffuse nature of near-infrared photon migration in tissue and the multitude of physiological systems that affect hemodynamics motivate the use of anatomical and physiological models to improve estimates of the functional hemodynamic response. In this paper, we present a linear state-space model for DOT analysis that models the physiological fluctuations present in the data with either static or dynamic estimation. We demonstrate the approach by using auxiliary measurements of blood pressure variability and heart rate variability as inputs to model the background physiology in DOT data. We evaluate the improvements accorded by modeling this physiology on ten human subjects with simulated functional hemodynamic responses added to the baseline physiology. Adding physiological modeling with a static estimator significantly improved estimates of the simulated functional response, and further significant improvements were achieved with a dynamic Kalman filter estimator (paired t tests, n = 10, P < 0.05). These results suggest that physiological modeling can improve DOT analysis. The further improvement with the Kalman filter encourages continued research into dynamic linear modeling of the physiology present in DOT. Cardiovascular dynamics also affect the blood-oxygen-dependent (BOLD) signal in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This state-space approach to DOT analysis could be extended to BOLD fMRI analysis, multimodal studies and real-time analysis. PMID:16242967

Structured illumination diffuse optical tomography for noninvasive functional neuroimaging in mice.

PubMed

Reisman, Matthew D; Markow, Zachary E; Bauer, Adam Q; Culver, Joseph P

2017-04-01

Optical intrinsic signal (OIS) imaging has been a powerful tool for capturing functional brain hemodynamics in rodents. Recent wide field-of-view implementations of OIS have provided efficient maps of functional connectivity from spontaneous brain activity in mice. However, OIS requires scalp retraction and is limited to superficial cortical tissues. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) techniques provide noninvasive imaging, but previous DOT systems for rodent neuroimaging have been limited either by sparse spatial sampling or by slow speed. Here, we develop a DOT system with asymmetric source-detector sampling that combines the high-density spatial sampling (0.4 mm) detection of a scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor camera with the rapid (2 Hz) imaging of a few ([Formula: see text]) structured illumination (SI) patterns. Analysis techniques are developed to take advantage of the system's flexibility and optimize trade-offs among spatial sampling, imaging speed, and signal-to-noise ratio. An effective source-detector separation for the SI patterns was developed and compared with light intensity for a quantitative assessment of data quality. The light fall-off versus effective distance was also used for in situ empirical optimization of our light model. We demonstrated the feasibility of this technique by noninvasively mapping the functional response in the somatosensory cortex of the mouse following electrical stimulation of the forepaw.

In vivo tumor characterization using both MR and optical contrast agents with a hybrid MRI-DOT system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yuting; Ghijsen, Michael; Thayer, David; Nalcioglu, Orhan; Gulsen, Gultekin

2011-03-01

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) has been proven to be the most sensitive modality in detecting breast lesions. Currently available MR contrast agent, Gd-DTPA, is a low molecular weight extracellular agent and can diffuse freely from the vascular space into interstitial space. Due to this reason, DCE-MRI has low sensitivity in differentiating benign and malignant tumors. Meanwhile, diffuse optical tomography (DOT) can be used to provide enhancement kinetics of an FDA approved optical contrast agent, ICG, which behaves like a large molecular weight optical agent due to its binding to albumin. The enhancement kinetics of ICG may have a potential to distinguish between the malignant and benign tumors and hence improve the specificity. Our group has developed a high speed hybrid MRI-DOT system. The DOT is a fully automated, MR-compatible, multi-frequency and multi-spectral imaging system. Fischer-344 rats bearing subcutaneous R3230 tumor are injected simultaneously with Gd-DTPA (0.1nmol/kg) and IC-Green (2.5mg/kg). The enhancement kinetics of both contrast agents are recorded simultaneously with this hybrid MRI-DOT system and evaluated for different tumors.

Atlas-based head modeling and spatial normalization for high-density diffuse optical tomography: in vivo validation against fMRI.

PubMed

Ferradal, Silvina L; Eggebrecht, Adam T; Hassanpour, Mahlega; Snyder, Abraham Z; Culver, Joseph P

2014-01-15

Diffuse optical imaging (DOI) is increasingly becoming a valuable neuroimaging tool when fMRI is precluded. Recent developments in high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) overcome previous limitations of sparse DOI systems, providing improved image quality and brain specificity. These improvements in instrumentation prompt the need for advancements in both i) realistic forward light modeling for accurate HD-DOT image reconstruction, and ii) spatial normalization for voxel-wise comparisons across subjects. Individualized forward light models derived from subject-specific anatomical images provide the optimal inverse solutions, but such modeling may not be feasible in all situations. In the absence of subject-specific anatomical images, atlas-based head models registered to the subject's head using cranial fiducials provide an alternative solution. In addition, a standard atlas is attractive because it defines a common coordinate space in which to compare results across subjects. The question therefore arises as to whether atlas-based forward light modeling ensures adequate HD-DOT image quality at the individual and group level. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of using atlas-based forward light modeling and spatial normalization methods. Both techniques are validated using subject-matched HD-DOT and fMRI data sets for visual evoked responses measured in five healthy adult subjects. HD-DOT reconstructions obtained with the registered atlas anatomy (i.e. atlas DOT) had an average localization error of 2.7mm relative to reconstructions obtained with the subject-specific anatomical images (i.e. subject-MRI DOT), and 6.6mm relative to fMRI data. At the group level, the localization error of atlas DOT reconstruction was 4.2mm relative to subject-MRI DOT reconstruction, and 6.1mm relative to fMRI. These results show that atlas-based image reconstruction provides a viable approach to individual head modeling for HD-DOT when anatomical imaging is not available. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Preliminary results of miniaturized and robust ultrasound guided diffuse optical tomography system for breast cancer detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vavadi, Hamed; Mostafa, Atahar; Li, Jinglong; Zhou, Feifei; Uddin, Shihab; Xu, Chen; Zhu, Quing

2017-02-01

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year. Near infrared diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has demonstrated a great potential as an adjunct modality for differentiation of malignant and benign breast lesions and for monitoring treatment response of patients with locally advanced breast cancers. The path toward commercialization of DOT techniques depends upon the improvement of robustness and user-friendliness of this technique in hardware and software. In the past, our group have developed three frequency domain prototype systems which were used in several clinical studies. In this study, we introduce our newly under development US-guided DOT system which is being improved in terms of size, robustness and user friendliness by several custom electronic and mechanical design. A new and robust probe designed to reduce preparation time in clinical process. The processing procedure, data selection and user interface software also updated. With all these improvements, our new system is more robust and accurate which is one step closer to commercialization and wide use of this technology in clinical settings. This system is aimed to be used by minimally trained user in the clinical settings with robust performance. The system performance has been tested in the phantom experiment and initial results are demonstrated in this study. We are currently working on finalizing this system and do further testing to validate the performance of this system. We are aiming toward use of this system in clinical setting for patients with breast cancer.

Imaging osteoarthritis in the knee joints using x-ray guided diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qizhi; Yuan, Zhen; Sobel, Eric S.; Jiang, Huabei

2010-02-01

In our previous studies, near-infrared (NIR) diffuse optical tomography (DOT) had been successfully applied to imaging osteoarthritis (OA) in the finger joints where significant difference in optical properties of the joint tissues was evident between healthy and OA finger joints. Here we report for the first time that large joints such as the knee can also be optically imaged especially when DOT is combined with x-ray tomosynthesis where the 3D image of the bones from x-ray is incorporated into the DOT reconstruction as spatial a priori structural information. This study demonstrates that NIR light can image large joints such as the knee in addition to finger joints, which will drastically broaden the clinical utility of our x-ray guided DOT technique for OA diagnosis.

Multi-modal diffuse optical techniques for breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy monitoring (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cochran, Jeffrey M.; Busch, David R.; Ban, Han Y.; Kavuri, Venkaiah C.; Schweiger, Martin J.; Arridge, Simon R.; Yodh, Arjun G.

2017-02-01

We present high spatial density, multi-modal, parallel-plate Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) imaging systems for the purpose of breast tumor detection. One hybrid instrument provides time domain (TD) and continuous wave (CW) DOT at 64 source fiber positions. The TD diffuse optical spectroscopy with PMT- detection produces low-resolution images of absolute tissue scattering and absorption while the spatially dense array of CCD-coupled detector fibers (108 detectors) provides higher-resolution CW images of relative tissue optical properties. Reconstruction of the tissue optical properties, along with total hemoglobin concentration and tissue oxygen saturation, is performed using the TOAST software suite. Comparison of the spatially-dense DOT images and MR images allows for a robust validation of DOT against an accepted clinical modality. Additionally, the structural information from co-registered MR images is used as a spatial prior to improve the quality of the functional optical images and provide more accurate quantification of the optical and hemodynamic properties of tumors. We also present an optical-only imaging system that provides frequency domain (FD) DOT at 209 source positions with full CCD detection and incorporates optical fringe projection profilometry to determine the breast boundary. This profilometry serves as a spatial constraint, improving the quality of the DOT reconstructions while retaining the benefits of an optical-only device. We present initial images from both human subjects and phantoms to display the utility of high spatial density data and multi-modal information in DOT reconstruction with the two systems.

Light-emitting diode-based multiwavelength diffuse optical tomography system guided by ultrasound

PubMed Central

Yuan, Guangqian; Alqasemi, Umar; Chen, Aaron; Yang, Yi; Zhu, Quing

2014-01-01

Abstract. Laser diodes are widely used in diffuse optical tomography (DOT) systems but are typically expensive and fragile, while light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are cheaper and are also available in the near-infrared (NIR) range with adequate output power for imaging deeply seated targets. In this study, we introduce a new low-cost DOT system using LEDs of four wavelengths in the NIR spectrum as light sources. The LEDs were modulated at 20 kHz to avoid ambient light. The LEDs were distributed on a hand-held probe and a printed circuit board was mounted at the back of the probe to separately provide switching and driving current to each LED. Ten optical fibers were used to couple the reflected light to 10 parallel photomultiplier tube detectors. A commercial ultrasound system provided simultaneous images of target location and size to guide the image reconstruction. A frequency-domain (FD) laser-diode-based system with ultrasound guidance was also used to compare the results obtained from those of the LED-based system. Results of absorbers embedded in intralipid and inhomogeneous tissue phantoms have demonstrated that the LED-based system provides a comparable quantification accuracy of targets to the FD system and has the potential to image deep targets such as breast lesions. PMID:25473884

Feasibility of interstitial diffuse optical tomography using cylindrical diffusing fiber for prostate PDT

PubMed Central

Liang, Xing; Wang, Ken Kang-Hsin; Zhu, Timothy C.

2013-01-01

Interstitial diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has been used to characterize spatial distribution of optical properties for prostate photodynamic therapy (PDT) dosimetry. We have developed an interstitial DOT method using cylindrical diffuse fibers (CDFs) as light sources, so that the same light sources can be used for both DOT measurement and PDT treatment. In this novel interstitial CDF-DOT method, absolute light fluence per source strength (in unit of 1/cm2) is used to separate absorption and scattering coefficients. A mathematical phantom and a solid prostate phantom including anomalies with known optical properties were used, respectively, to test the feasibility of reconstructing optical properties using interstitial CDF-DOT. Three dimension spatial distributions of the optical properties were reconstructed for both scenarios. Our studies show that absorption coefficient can be reliably extrapolated while there are some cross talks between absorption and scattering properties. Even with the suboptimal reduced scattering coefficients, the reconstructed light fluence rate agreed with the measured values to within ±10%, thus the proposed CDF-DOT allows greatly improved light dosimetry calculation for interstitial PDT. PMID:23629149

Heterodyne frequency-domain multispectral diffuse optical tomography of breast cancer in the parallel-plane transmission geometry

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

Ban, H. Y.; Kavuri, V. C., E-mail: venk@physics.up

Purpose: The authors introduce a state-of-the-art all-optical clinical diffuse optical tomography (DOT) imaging instrument which collects spatially dense, multispectral, frequency-domain breast data in the parallel-plate geometry. Methods: The instrument utilizes a CCD-based heterodyne detection scheme that permits massively parallel detection of diffuse photon density wave amplitude and phase for a large number of source–detector pairs (10{sup 6}). The stand-alone clinical DOT instrument thus offers high spatial resolution with reduced crosstalk between absorption and scattering. Other novel features include a fringe profilometry system for breast boundary segmentation, real-time data normalization, and a patient bed design which permits both axial and sagittalmore » breast measurements. Results: The authors validated the instrument using tissue simulating phantoms with two different chromophore-containing targets and one scattering target. The authors also demonstrated the instrument in a case study breast cancer patient; the reconstructed 3D image of endogenous chromophores and scattering gave tumor localization in agreement with MRI. Conclusions: Imaging with a novel parallel-plate DOT breast imager that employs highly parallel, high-resolution CCD detection in the frequency-domain was demonstrated.« less

Comparing diffuse optical tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging signals during a cognitive task: pilot study

PubMed Central

Hernández-Martin, Estefania; Marcano, Francisco; Casanova, Oscar; Modroño, Cristian; Plata-Bello, Julio; González-Mora, Jose Luis

2017-01-01

Abstract. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) measures concentration changes in both oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin providing three-dimensional images of local brain activations. A pilot study, which compares both DOT and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) volumes through t-maps given by canonical statistical parametric mapping (SPM) processing for both data modalities, is presented. The DOT series were processed using a method that is based on a Bayesian filter application on raw DOT data to remove physiological changes and minimum description length application index to select a number of singular values, which reduce the data dimensionality during image reconstruction and adaptation of DOT volume series to normalized standard space. Therefore, statistical analysis is performed with canonical SPM software in the same way as fMRI analysis is done, accepting DOT volumes as if they were fMRI volumes. The results show the reproducibility and ruggedness of the method to process DOT series on group analysis using cognitive paradigms on the prefrontal cortex. Difficulties such as the fact that scalp–brain distances vary between subjects or cerebral activations are difficult to reproduce due to strategies used by the subjects to solve arithmetic problems are considered. T-images given by fMRI and DOT volume series analyzed in SPM show that at the functional level, both DOT and fMRI measures detect the same areas, although DOT provides complementary information to fMRI signals about cerebral activity. PMID:28386575

Study of continuous-wave domain fluorescence diffuse optical tomography for quality control on agricultural produce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadhira, Vebi; Kurniadi, Deddy; Juliastuti, E.; Sutiswan, Adeline

2014-03-01

The importance of monitoring the quality of vegetables and fruits is prosperity by giving a competitive advantage for producer and providing a more healthy food for consumer. Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) is offering the possibility to detect the internal defects of the agricultural produce quality. Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT) is the development of DOT, offering the possibilities to improve spatial resolution and to contrast image. The purpose of this research is to compare FDOT and DOT in forward analysis with continuous wave approach. The scattering and absorbing parameters of potatoes are used to represent the real condition. The object was illuminated by the NIR source from some positions on the boundary of object. A set of NIR detector are placed on the peripheral position of the object to measure the intensity of propagated or emitted light. In the simulation, we varied a condition of object then we analyzed the sensitivity of forward problem. The result of this study shows that FDOT has a better sensitivity than DOT and a better potential to monitor internal defects of agricultural produce because of the contrast value between optical and fluorescence properties of agricultural produce normal tissue and defects.

Hierarchical clustering method for improved prostate cancer imaging in diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavuri, Venkaiah C.; Liu, Hanli

2013-03-01

We investigate the feasibility of trans-rectal near infrared (NIR) based diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for early detection of prostate cancer using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) compatible imaging probe. For this purpose, we designed a TRUS-compatible, NIR-based image system (780nm), in which the photo diodes were placed on the trans-rectal probe. DC signals were recorded and used for estimating the absorption coefficient. We validated the system using laboratory phantoms. For further improvement, we also developed a hierarchical clustering method (HCM) to improve the accuracy of image reconstruction with limited prior information. We demonstrated the method using computer simulations laboratory phantom experiments.

Diffuse Optical Tomography for Brain Imaging: Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhen; Jiang, Huabei

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a noninvasive, nonionizing, and inexpensive imaging technique that uses near-infrared light to probe tissue optical properties. Regional variations in oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations as well as blood flow and oxygen consumption can be imaged by monitoring spatiotemporal variations in the absorption spectra. For brain imaging, this provides DOT unique abilities to directly measure the hemodynamic, metabolic, and neuronal responses to cells (neurons), and tissue and organ activations with high temporal resolution and good tissue penetration. DOT can be used as a stand-alone modality or can be integrated with other imaging modalities such as fMRI/MRI, PET/CT, and EEG/MEG in studying neurophysiology and pathology. This book chapter serves as an introduction to the basic theory and principles of DOT for neuroimaging. It covers the major aspects of advances in neural optical imaging including mathematics, physics, chemistry, reconstruction algorithm, instrumentation, image-guided spectroscopy, neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling, and clinical applications.

Design of a frequency domain instrument for simultaneous optical tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of small animals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masciotti, James M.; Rahim, Shaheed; Grover, Jarrett; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2007-02-01

We present a design for frequency domain instrument that allows for simultaneous gathering of magnetic resonance and diffuse optical tomographic imaging data. This small animal imaging system combines the high anatomical resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the high temporal resolution and physiological information provided by diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The DOT hardware comprises laser diodes and an intensified CCD camera, which are modulated up to 1 GHz by radio frequency (RF) signal generators. An optical imaging head is designed to fit inside the 4 cm inner diameter of a 9.4 T MRI system. Graded index fibers are used to transfer light between the optical hardware and the imaging head within the RF coil. Fiducial markers are integrated into the imaging head to allow the determination of the positions of the source and detector fibers on the MR images and to permit co-registration of MR and optical tomographic images. Detector fibers are arranged compactly and focused through a camera lens onto the photocathode of the intensified CCD camera.

An efficient method for model refinement in diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirak, A. R.; Khademi, M.

2007-11-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a non-linear, ill-posed, boundary value and optimization problem which necessitates regularization. Also, Bayesian methods are suitable owing to measurements data are sparse and correlated. In such problems which are solved with iterative methods, for stabilization and better convergence, the solution space must be small. These constraints subject to extensive and overdetermined system of equations which model retrieving criteria specially total least squares (TLS) must to refine model error. Using TLS is limited to linear systems which is not achievable when applying traditional Bayesian methods. This paper presents an efficient method for model refinement using regularized total least squares (RTLS) for treating on linearized DOT problem, having maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator and Tikhonov regulator. This is done with combination Bayesian and regularization tools as preconditioner matrices, applying them to equations and then using RTLS to the resulting linear equations. The preconditioning matrixes are guided by patient specific information as well as a priori knowledge gained from the training set. Simulation results illustrate that proposed method improves the image reconstruction performance and localize the abnormally well.

A surgical navigation system for non-contact diffuse optical tomography and intraoperative cone-beam CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, Michael J.; Muhanna, Nidal; Chan, Harley; Wilson, Brian C.; Irish, Jonathan C.; Jaffray, David A.

2014-02-01

A freehand, non-contact diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system has been developed for multimodal imaging with intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) during minimally-invasive cancer surgery. The DOT system is configured for near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) using a collimated 780 nm laser diode and a nearinfrared CCD camera (PCO Pixelfly USB). Depending on the intended surgical application, the camera is coupled to either a rigid 10 mm diameter endoscope (Karl Storz) or a 25 mm focal length lens (Edmund Optics). A prototype flatpanel CBCT C-Arm (Siemens Healthcare) acquires low-dose 3D images with sub-mm spatial resolution. A 3D mesh is extracted from CBCT for finite-element DOT implementation in NIRFAST (Dartmouth College), with the capability for soft/hard imaging priors (e.g., segmented lymph nodes). A stereoscopic optical camera (NDI Polaris) provides real-time 6D localization of reflective spheres mounted to the laser and camera. Camera calibration combined with tracking data is used to estimate intrinsic (focal length, principal point, non-linear distortion) and extrinsic (translation, rotation) lens parameters. Source/detector boundary data is computed from the tracked laser/camera positions using radiometry models. Target registration errors (TRE) between real and projected boundary points are ~1-2 mm for typical acquisition geometries. Pre-clinical studies using tissue phantoms are presented to characterize 3D imaging performance. This translational research system is under investigation for clinical applications in head-and-neck surgery including oral cavity tumour resection, lymph node mapping, and free-flap perforator assessment.

Ambulatory diffuse optical tomography and multimodality physiological monitoring system for muscle and exercise applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Gang; Zhang, Quan; Ivkovic, Vladimir; Strangman, Gary E.

2016-09-01

Ambulatory diffuse optical tomography (aDOT) is based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and enables three-dimensional imaging of regional hemodynamics and oxygen consumption during a person's normal activities. Although NIRS has been previously used for muscle assessment, it has been notably limited in terms of the number of channels measured, the extent to which subjects can be ambulatory, and/or the ability to simultaneously acquire synchronized auxiliary data such as electromyography (EMG) or electrocardiography (ECG). We describe the development of a prototype aDOT system, called NINscan-M, capable of ambulatory tomographic imaging as well as simultaneous auxiliary multimodal physiological monitoring. Powered by four AA size batteries and weighing 577 g, the NINscan-M prototype can synchronously record 64-channel NIRS imaging data, eight channels of EMG, ECG, or other analog signals, plus force, acceleration, rotation, and temperature for 24+ h at up to 250 Hz. We describe the system's design, characterization, and performance characteristics. We also describe examples of isometric, cycle ergometer, and free-running ambulatory exercise to demonstrate tomographic imaging at 25 Hz. NINscan-M represents a multiuse tool for muscle physiology studies as well as clinical muscle assessment.

Theoretical limit of spatial resolution in diffuse optical tomography using a perturbation model

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

Konovalov, A B; Vlasov, V V

2014-03-28

We have assessed the limit of spatial resolution of timedomain diffuse optical tomography (DOT) based on a perturbation reconstruction model. From the viewpoint of the structure reconstruction accuracy, three different approaches to solving the inverse DOT problem are compared. The first approach involves reconstruction of diffuse tomograms from straight lines, the second – from average curvilinear trajectories of photons and the third – from total banana-shaped distributions of photon trajectories. In order to obtain estimates of resolution, we have derived analytical expressions for the point spread function and modulation transfer function, as well as have performed a numerical experiment onmore » reconstruction of rectangular scattering objects with circular absorbing inhomogeneities. It is shown that in passing from reconstruction from straight lines to reconstruction using distributions of photon trajectories we can improve resolution by almost an order of magnitude and exceed the accuracy of reconstruction of multi-step algorithms used in DOT. (optical tomography)« less

Assessment of using ultrasound images as prior for diffuse optical tomography regularization matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Althobaiti, Murad; Vavadi, Hamed; Zhu, Quing

2017-02-01

Imaging of tissue with Ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a rising imaging technique to map hemoglobin concentrations within tissue for breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Near-infrared optical imaging received a lot of attention in research as a possible technique to be used for such purpose especially for breast tumors. Since DOT images contrast is closely related to oxygenation and deoxygenating of the hemoglobin, which is an important factor in differentiating malignant and benign tumors. One of the optical imaging modalities used is the diffused optical tomography (DOT); which probes deep scattering tissue (1-5cm) by NIR optical source-detector probe and detects NIR photons in the diffusive regime. The photons in the diffusive regime usually reach the detector without significant information about their source direction and the propagation path. Because of that, the optical reconstruction problem of the medium characteristics is ill-posed even with the tomography and Back-projection techniques. The accurate recovery of images requires an effective image reconstruction method. Here, we illustrate a method in which ultrasound images are encoded as prior for regularization of the inversion matrix. Results were evaluated using phantom experiments of low and high absorption contrasts. This method improves differentiation between the low and the high contrasts targets. Ultimately, this method could improve malignant and benign cases by increasing reconstructed absorption ratio of malignant to benign. Besides that, the phantom results show improvements in target shape as well as the spatial resolution of the DOT reconstructed images.

Effect of injection routes on the biodistribution, clearance, and tumor uptake of carbon dots.

PubMed

Huang, Xinglu; Zhang, Fan; Zhu, Lei; Choi, Ki Young; Guo, Ning; Guo, Jinxia; Tackett, Kenneth; Anilkumar, Parambath; Liu, Gang; Quan, Qimeng; Choi, Hak Soo; Niu, Gang; Sun, Ya-Ping; Lee, Seulki; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2013-07-23

The emergence of photoluminescent carbon-based nanomaterials has shown exciting potential in the development of benign nanoprobes. However, the in vivo kinetic behaviors of these particles that are necessary for clinical translation are poorly understood to date. In this study, fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) were synthesized and the effect of three injection routes on their fate in vivo was explored by using both near-infrared fluorescence and positron emission tomography imaging techniques. We found that C-dots are efficiently and rapidly excreted from the body after all three injection routes. The clearance rate of C-dots is ranked as intravenous > intramuscular > subcutaneous. The particles had relatively low retention in the reticuloendothelial system and showed high tumor-to-background contrast. Furthermore, different injection routes also resulted in different blood clearance patterns and tumor uptakes of C-dots. These results satisfy the need for clinical translation and should promote efforts to further investigate the possibility of using carbon-based nanoprobes in a clinical setting. More broadly, we provide a testing blueprint for in vivo behavior of nanoplatforms under various injection routes, an important step forward toward safety and efficacy analysis of nanoparticles.

Automated voxel classification used with atlas-guided diffuse optical tomography for assessment of functional brain networks in young and older adults.

PubMed

Li, Lin; Cazzell, Mary; Babawale, Olajide; Liu, Hanli

2016-10-01

Atlas-guided diffuse optical tomography (atlas-DOT) is a computational means to image changes in cortical hemodynamic signals during human brain activities. Graph theory analysis (GTA) is a network analysis tool commonly used in functional neuroimaging to study brain networks. Atlas-DOT has not been analyzed with GTA to derive large-scale brain connectivity/networks based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements. We introduced an automated voxel classification (AVC) method that facilitated the use of GTA with atlas-DOT images by grouping unequal-sized finite element voxels into anatomically meaningful regions of interest within the human brain. The overall approach included volume segmentation, AVC, and cross-correlation. To demonstrate the usefulness of AVC, we applied reproducibility analysis to resting-state functional connectivity measurements conducted from 15 young adults in a two-week period. We also quantified and compared changes in several brain network metrics between young and older adults, which were in agreement with those reported by a previous positron emission tomography study. Overall, this study demonstrated that AVC is a useful means for facilitating integration or combination of atlas-DOT with GTA and thus for quantifying NIRS-based, voxel-wise resting-state functional brain networks.

Functional imaging of the human brain using a modular, fibre-less, high-density diffuse optical tomography system.

PubMed

Chitnis, Danial; Cooper, Robert J; Dempsey, Laura; Powell, Samuel; Quaggia, Simone; Highton, David; Elwell, Clare; Hebden, Jeremy C; Everdell, Nicholas L

2016-10-01

We present the first three-dimensional, functional images of the human brain to be obtained using a fibre-less, high-density diffuse optical tomography system. Our technology consists of independent, miniaturized, silicone-encapsulated DOT modules that can be placed directly on the scalp. Four of these modules were arranged to provide up to 128, dual-wavelength measurement channels over a scalp area of approximately 60 × 65 mm 2 . Using a series of motor-cortex stimulation experiments, we demonstrate that this system can obtain high-quality, continuous-wave measurements at source-detector separations ranging from 14 to 55 mm in adults, in the presence of hair. We identify robust haemodynamic response functions in 5 out of 5 subjects, and present diffuse optical tomography images that depict functional haemodynamic responses that are well-localized in all three dimensions at both the individual and group levels. This prototype modular system paves the way for a new generation of wearable, wireless, high-density optical neuroimaging technologies.

Quantum control and process tomography of a semiconductor quantum dot hybrid qubit.

PubMed

Kim, Dohun; Shi, Zhan; Simmons, C B; Ward, D R; Prance, J R; Koh, Teck Seng; Gamble, John King; Savage, D E; Lagally, M G; Friesen, Mark; Coppersmith, S N; Eriksson, Mark A

2014-07-03

The similarities between gated quantum dots and the transistors in modern microelectronics--in fabrication methods, physical structure and voltage scales for manipulation--have led to great interest in the development of quantum bits (qubits) in semiconductor quantum dots. Although quantum dot spin qubits have demonstrated long coherence times, their manipulation is often slower than desired for important future applications, such as factoring. Furthermore, scalability and manufacturability are enhanced when qubits are as simple as possible. Previous work has increased the speed of spin qubit rotations by making use of integrated micromagnets, dynamic pumping of nuclear spins or the addition of a third quantum dot. Here we demonstrate a qubit that is a hybrid of spin and charge. It is simple, requiring neither nuclear-state preparation nor micromagnets. Unlike previous double-dot qubits, the hybrid qubit enables fast rotations about two axes of the Bloch sphere. We demonstrate full control on the Bloch sphere with π-rotation times of less than 100 picoseconds in two orthogonal directions, which is more than an order of magnitude faster than any other double-dot qubit. The speed arises from the qubit's charge-like characteristics, and its spin-like features result in resistance to decoherence over a wide range of gate voltages. We achieve full process tomography in our electrically controlled semiconductor quantum dot qubit, extracting high fidelities of 85 per cent for X rotations (transitions between qubit states) and 94 per cent for Z rotations (phase accumulation between qubit states).

High-Speed GPU-Based Fully Three-Dimensional Diffuse Optical Tomographic System

PubMed Central

Saikia, Manob Jyoti; Kanhirodan, Rajan; Mohan Vasu, Ram

2014-01-01

We have developed a graphics processor unit (GPU-) based high-speed fully 3D system for diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The reduction in execution time of 3D DOT algorithm, a severely ill-posed problem, is made possible through the use of (1) an algorithmic improvement that uses Broyden approach for updating the Jacobian matrix and thereby updating the parameter matrix and (2) the multinode multithreaded GPU and CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) software architecture. Two different GPU implementations of DOT programs are developed in this study: (1) conventional C language program augmented by GPU CUDA and CULA routines (C GPU), (2) MATLAB program supported by MATLAB parallel computing toolkit for GPU (MATLAB GPU). The computation time of the algorithm on host CPU and the GPU system is presented for C and Matlab implementations. The forward computation uses finite element method (FEM) and the problem domain is discretized into 14610, 30823, and 66514 tetrahedral elements. The reconstruction time, so achieved for one iteration of the DOT reconstruction for 14610 elements, is 0.52 seconds for a C based GPU program for 2-plane measurements. The corresponding MATLAB based GPU program took 0.86 seconds. The maximum number of reconstructed frames so achieved is 2 frames per second. PMID:24891848

High-Speed GPU-Based Fully Three-Dimensional Diffuse Optical Tomographic System.

PubMed

Saikia, Manob Jyoti; Kanhirodan, Rajan; Mohan Vasu, Ram

2014-01-01

We have developed a graphics processor unit (GPU-) based high-speed fully 3D system for diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The reduction in execution time of 3D DOT algorithm, a severely ill-posed problem, is made possible through the use of (1) an algorithmic improvement that uses Broyden approach for updating the Jacobian matrix and thereby updating the parameter matrix and (2) the multinode multithreaded GPU and CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) software architecture. Two different GPU implementations of DOT programs are developed in this study: (1) conventional C language program augmented by GPU CUDA and CULA routines (C GPU), (2) MATLAB program supported by MATLAB parallel computing toolkit for GPU (MATLAB GPU). The computation time of the algorithm on host CPU and the GPU system is presented for C and Matlab implementations. The forward computation uses finite element method (FEM) and the problem domain is discretized into 14610, 30823, and 66514 tetrahedral elements. The reconstruction time, so achieved for one iteration of the DOT reconstruction for 14610 elements, is 0.52 seconds for a C based GPU program for 2-plane measurements. The corresponding MATLAB based GPU program took 0.86 seconds. The maximum number of reconstructed frames so achieved is 2 frames per second.

Anatomical and Functional Images of in vitro and in vivo Tissues by NIR Time-domain Diffuse Optical Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng; Tanikawa, Yukari; Homma, Kazuhiro; Onodera, Yoichi; Yamada, Yukio

Near infra-red (NIR) diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has gained much attention and it will be clinically applied to imaging breast, neonatal head, and the hemodynamics of the brain because of its noninvasiveness and deep penetration in biological tissue. Prior to achieving the imaging of infant brain using DOT, the developed methodologies need to be experimentally justified by imaging some real organs with simpler structures. Here we report our results of an in vitro chicken leg and an in vivo exercising human forearm from the data measured by a multi-channel time-resolved NIR system. Tomographic images were reconstructed by a two-dimensional image reconstruction algorithm based on a modified generalized pulse spectrum technique for simultaneous reconstruction of the µa and µs´. The absolute µa- and µs´-images revealed the inner structures of the chicken leg and the forearm, where the bones were clearly distinguished from the muscle. The Δµa-images showed the blood volume changes during the forearm exercise, proving that the system and the image reconstruction algorithm could potentially be used for imaging not only the anatomic structure but also the hemodynamics in neonatal heads.

Multispectral diffuse optical tomography of finger joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lighter, Daniel; Filer, Andrew; Dehghani, Hamid

2017-07-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial inflammation. The current treatment paradigm for earlier, more aggressive therapy places importance on development of functional imaging modalities, capable of quantifying joint changes at the earliest stages. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has shown great promise in this regard, due to its cheap, non-invasive, non-ionizing and high contrast nature. Underlying pathological activity in afflicted joints leads to altered optical properties of the synovial region, with absorption and scattering increasing. Previous studies have used these optical changes as features for classifying diseased joints from healthy. Non-tomographic, single wavelength, continuous wave (CW) measurements of trans-illuminated joints have previously reported achieving this with specificity and sensitivity in the range 80 - 90% [1]. A single wavelength, frequency domain DOT system, combined with machine learning techniques, has been shown to achieve sensitivity and specificity in the range of 93.8 - 100% [2]. A CW system is presented here which collects data at 5 wavelengths, enabling reconstruction of pathophysiological parameters such as oxygenation and total hemoglobin, with the aim of identifying localized hypoxia and angiogenesis associated with inflammation in RA joints. These initial studies focus on establishing levels of variation in recovered parameters from images of healthy controls.

Multi-excitonic emission from Stranski-Krastanov GaN/AlN quantum dots inside a nanoscale tip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancini, L.; Moyon, F.; Houard, J.; Blum, I.; Lefebvre, W.; Vurpillot, F.; Das, A.; Monroy, E.; Rigutti, L.

2017-12-01

Single-dot time-resolved micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy and correlated electron tomography (ET) have been performed on self-assembled GaN/AlN quantum dots isolated within a field-emission nanoscale tip by focused ion beam (FIB). Despite the effect of the FIB, the system conserves the capability of emitting light through multi-excitonic complexes. The optical spectroscopy data have then been correlated with the electronic structure and lifetime parameters that could be extracted using the structural parameters obtained by ET via a 6 band k.p model. A biexciton-exciton cascade could be identified and thoroughly analysed. The biexciton-exciton states exhibit a non-negligible polarization component along the [0001] polar crystal axis, indicating a significant valence band mixing, while the relationship between exciton energy and biexciton binding energy is consistent with a hybrid character of the biexciton.

AN ELDERLY PATIENT WITH ACUTE TRANSIENT OUTER RETINAL DISRUPTION RESEMBLING BILATERAL MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME.

PubMed

Golshani, Cyrus; Gal-Or, Orly; Giovinazzo, Vincent; Freund, K Bailey

2017-11-07

To report an unusual case of an elderly patient with transient outer retinal disruption resembling bilateral multiple evanescent white dot syndrome. Observational case report. Fundus photographs, fluorescein angiography, standard and ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence, and cross-sectional and en face optical coherence tomography were used to characterize and describe the clinical findings. A 67-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and floaters in her left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20-3 in the right eye and 20/80-2 in the left eye. Funduscopic examination showed small deep white dots and foveal granularity of the left eye corresponding to hyperautofluorescent spots on fundus autofluorescence and ellipsoid zone disruption on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The asymptomatic right eye had evidence of subretinal deposits on spectral domain optical coherence tomography but was otherwise unremarkable. At 4-week follow-up, the patient noted resolution of her symptoms in the left eye but had developed floaters and blurry vision in her right eye. The left eye showed resolving white spots and ellipsoid zone disruption. However, the right eye had new evidence of white spots corresponding to hyperautofluorescent spots on fundus autofluorescence. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated subretinal deposits overlying areas of ellipsoid zone disruption. At 8-week follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic in both eyes with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes. The hyperautofluorescent spots on ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence had faded with restoration of ellipsoid zone disruption in both eyes and disappearance of subretinal deposits. Our case demonstrates multimodal retinal imaging findings resembling multiple evanescent white dot syndrome in an elderly patient. The bilateral presentation, presence of subretinal deposits before symptom onset, and older age of the patient were atypical features for this entity.

Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors by In-Vivo Three-Dimensional Parallel-Plate Diffuse Optical Tomography

PubMed Central

Choe, Regine; Konecky, Soren D.; Corlu, Alper; Lee, Kijoon; Durduran, Turgut; Busch, David R.; Pathak, Saurav; Czerniecki, Brian J.; Tchou, Julia; Fraker, Douglas L.; DeMichele, Angela; Chance, Britton; Arridge, Simon R.; Schweiger, Martin; Culver, Joseph P.; Schnall, Mitchell D.; Putt, Mary E.; Rosen, Mark A.; Yodh, Arjun G.

2009-01-01

We have developed a novel parallel-plate diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system for three-dimensional in vivo imaging of human breast tumor based on large optical data sets. Images of oxy-, deoxy-, total-hemoglobin concentration, blood oxygen saturation, and tissue scattering were reconstructed. Tumor margins were derived using the optical data with guidance from radiology reports and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Tumor-to-normal ratios of these endogenous physiological parameters and an optical index were computed for 51 biopsy-proven lesions from 47 subjects. Malignant cancers (N=41) showed statistically significant higher total hemoglobin, oxy-hemoglobin concentration, and scattering compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, malignant lesions exhibited a two-fold average increase in optical index. The influence of core biopsy on DOT results was also explored; the difference between the malignant group measured before core biopsy and the group measured more than one week after core biopsy was not significant. Benign tumors (N=10) did not exhibit statistical significance in the tumor-to-normal ratios of any parameter. Optical index and tumor-to-normal ratios of total hemoglobin, oxy-hemoglobin concentration, and scattering exhibited high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values from 0.90 to 0.99, suggesting good discriminatory power. The data demonstrate that benign and malignant lesions can be distinguished by quantitative three-dimensional DOT. PMID:19405750

Reduction of Poisson noise in measured time-resolved data for time-domain diffuse optical tomography.

PubMed

Okawa, S; Endo, Y; Hoshi, Y; Yamada, Y

2012-01-01

A method to reduce noise for time-domain diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is proposed. Poisson noise which contaminates time-resolved photon counting data is reduced by use of maximum a posteriori estimation. The noise-free data are modeled as a Markov random process, and the measured time-resolved data are assumed as Poisson distributed random variables. The posterior probability of the occurrence of the noise-free data is formulated. By maximizing the probability, the noise-free data are estimated, and the Poisson noise is reduced as a result. The performances of the Poisson noise reduction are demonstrated in some experiments of the image reconstruction of time-domain DOT. In simulations, the proposed method reduces the relative error between the noise-free and noisy data to about one thirtieth, and the reconstructed DOT image was smoothed by the proposed noise reduction. The variance of the reconstructed absorption coefficients decreased by 22% in a phantom experiment. The quality of DOT, which can be applied to breast cancer screening etc., is improved by the proposed noise reduction.

Speckle contrast optical tomography: A new method for deep tissue three-dimensional tomography of blood flow

PubMed Central

Varma, Hari M.; Valdes, Claudia P.; Kristoffersen, Anna K.; Culver, Joseph P.; Durduran, Turgut

2014-01-01

A novel tomographic method based on the laser speckle contrast, speckle contrast optical tomography (SCOT) is introduced that allows us to reconstruct three dimensional distribution of blood flow in deep tissues. This method is analogous to the diffuse optical tomography (DOT) but for deep tissue blood flow. We develop a reconstruction algorithm based on first Born approximation to generate three dimensional distribution of flow using the experimental data obtained from tissue simulating phantoms. PMID:24761306

Silicon based quantum dot hybrid qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dohun

2015-03-01

The charge and spin degrees of freedom of an electron constitute natural bases for constructing quantum two level systems, or qubits, in semiconductor quantum dots. The quantum dot charge qubit offers a simple architecture and high-speed operation, but generally suffers from fast dephasing due to strong coupling of the environment to the electron's charge. On the other hand, quantum dot spin qubits have demonstrated long coherence times, but their manipulation is often slower than desired for important future applications. This talk will present experimental progress of a `hybrid' qubit, formed by three electrons in a Si/SiGe double quantum dot, which combines desirable characteristics (speed and coherence) in the past found separately in qubits based on either charge or spin degrees of freedom. Using resonant microwaves, we first discuss qubit operations near the `sweet spot' for charge qubit operation. Along with fast (>GHz) manipulation rates for any rotation axis on the Bloch sphere, we implement two independent tomographic characterization schemes in the charge qubit regime: traditional quantum process tomography (QPT) and gate set tomography (GST). We also present resonant qubit operations of the hybrid qubit performed on the same device, DC pulsed gate operations of which were recently demonstrated. We demonstrate three-axis control and the implementation of dynamic decoupling pulse sequences. Performing QPT on the hybrid qubit, we show that AC gating yields π rotation process fidelities higher than 93% for X-axis and 96% for Z-axis rotations, which demonstrates efficient quantum control of semiconductor qubits using resonant microwaves. We discuss a path forward for achieving fidelities better than the threshold for quantum error correction using surface codes. This work was supported in part by ARO (W911NF-12-0607), NSF (PHY-1104660), DOE (DE-FG02-03ER46028), and by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program at Sandia National Laboratories under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Molecular Optical Simulation Environment (MOSE): A Platform for the Simulation of Light Propagation in Turbid Media

PubMed Central

Ren, Shenghan; Chen, Xueli; Wang, Hailong; Qu, Xiaochao; Wang, Ge; Liang, Jimin; Tian, Jie

2013-01-01

The study of light propagation in turbid media has attracted extensive attention in the field of biomedical optical molecular imaging. In this paper, we present a software platform for the simulation of light propagation in turbid media named the “Molecular Optical Simulation Environment (MOSE)”. Based on the gold standard of the Monte Carlo method, MOSE simulates light propagation both in tissues with complicated structures and through free-space. In particular, MOSE synthesizes realistic data for bioluminescence tomography (BLT), fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), and diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The user-friendly interface and powerful visualization tools facilitate data analysis and system evaluation. As a major measure for resource sharing and reproducible research, MOSE aims to provide freeware for research and educational institutions, which can be downloaded at http://www.mosetm.net. PMID:23577215

Algorithms for bioluminescence tomography incorporating anatomical information and reconstruction of tissue optical properties

PubMed Central

Naser, Mohamed A.; Patterson, Michael S.

2010-01-01

Reconstruction algorithms are presented for a two-step solution of the bioluminescence tomography (BLT) problem. In the first step, a priori anatomical information provided by x-ray computed tomography or by other methods is used to solve the continuous wave (cw) diffuse optical tomography (DOT) problem. A Taylor series expansion approximates the light fluence rate dependence on the optical properties of each region where first and second order direct derivatives of the light fluence rate with respect to scattering and absorption coefficients are obtained and used for the reconstruction. In the second step, the reconstructed optical properties at different wavelengths are used to calculate the Green’s function of the system. Then an iterative minimization solution based on the L1 norm shrinks the permissible regions where the sources are allowed by selecting points with higher probability to contribute to the source distribution. This provides an efficient BLT reconstruction algorithm with the ability to determine relative source magnitudes and positions in the presence of noise. PMID:21258486

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

Nadhira, Vebi, E-mail: vebi@tf.itb.ac.id; Kurniadi, Deddy, E-mail: vebi@tf.itb.ac.id; Juliastuti, E., E-mail: vebi@tf.itb.ac.id

The importance of monitoring the quality of vegetables and fruits is prosperity by giving a competitive advantage for producer and providing a more healthy food for consumer. Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) is offering the possibility to detect the internal defects of the agricultural produce quality. Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT) is the development of DOT, offering the possibilities to improve spatial resolution and to contrast image. The purpose of this research is to compare FDOT and DOT in forward analysis with continuous wave approach. The scattering and absorbing parameters of potatoes are used to represent the real condition. The objectmore » was illuminated by the NIR source from some positions on the boundary of object. A set of NIR detector are placed on the peripheral position of the object to measure the intensity of propagated or emitted light. In the simulation, we varied a condition of object then we analyzed the sensitivity of forward problem. The result of this study shows that FDOT has a better sensitivity than DOT and a better potential to monitor internal defects of agricultural produce because of the contrast value between optical and fluorescence properties of agricultural produce normal tissue and defects.« less

Outer Retinal and Choroidal Evaluation in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS): An Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

PubMed

Fiore, Tito; Iaccheri, Barbara; Cerquaglia, Alessio; Lupidi, Marco; Torroni, Giovanni; Fruttini, Daniela; Cagini, Carlo

2018-01-01

To perform an analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) abnormalities in patients with MEWDS, during the acute and recovery stages, using enhanced depth imaging-OCT (EDI-OCT). A retrospective case series of five patients with MEWDS was included. EDI-OCT imaging was evaluated to detect retinal and choroidal features. In the acute phase, focal impairment of the ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane, hyperreflective dots in the inner choroid, and full-thickness increase of the choroidal profile were observed in the affected eye; disappearance of these findings and restoration of the choroidal thickness (p = 0.046) was appreciated in the recovery phase. No OCT abnormalities were assessed in the unaffected eye. EDI-OCT revealed transient outer retinal layer changes and inner choroidal hyperreflective dots. A transient increased thickness of the whole choroid was also identified. This might confirm a short-lasting inflammatory involvement of the whole choroidal tissue in the active phase of MEWDS.

NIR time domain diffuse optical tomography experiments on human forearm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng; Tanikawa, Yukari; Homma, Kazuhiro; Yamada, Yukio

2003-07-01

To date, the applications of near infrared (NIR) diffusion optical tomography (DOT) are mostly focused on the potential of imaging woman breast, human head hemodynamics and neonatal head. For the neonates, who are suffered from ischaemia or hemorrhages in brain, bedside monitoring of the cerebral perfusion situation, e.g., the blood oxygen saturation and blood volume, is necessary for avoiding permanent injure. NIR DOT is on the promising tools because it is noninvasive, smaller in size, and moveable. Prior to achieving the ultimate goal of imaging infant brain and woman breast using DOT, in this paper, the developed methodologies are justified by imaging in vivo human forearms. The absolute absorption- and scattering-coefficient images revealed the inner structure of the forearm and the bones were clearly distinguished from the muscle. The differential images showed the changes in oxy-hemoglobin, deoxy-hemoglobin and blood volume during the hand-gripping exercises, which are consistent with the physiological process reported on literatures.

A combined reconstruction-classification method for diffuse optical tomography.

PubMed

Hiltunen, P; Prince, S J D; Arridge, S

2009-11-07

We present a combined classification and reconstruction algorithm for diffuse optical tomography (DOT). DOT is a nonlinear ill-posed inverse problem. Therefore, some regularization is needed. We present a mixture of Gaussians prior, which regularizes the DOT reconstruction step. During each iteration, the parameters of a mixture model are estimated. These associate each reconstructed pixel with one of several classes based on the current estimate of the optical parameters. This classification is exploited to form a new prior distribution to regularize the reconstruction step and update the optical parameters. The algorithm can be described as an iteration between an optimization scheme with zeroth-order variable mean and variance Tikhonov regularization and an expectation-maximization scheme for estimation of the model parameters. We describe the algorithm in a general Bayesian framework. Results from simulated test cases and phantom measurements show that the algorithm enhances the contrast of the reconstructed images with good spatial accuracy. The probabilistic classifications of each image contain only a few misclassified pixels.

Diffuse fluorescence tomography of exo- and endogenously labeled tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balalaeva, Irina V.; Turchin, Ilya V.; Orlova, Anna G.; Plekhanov, Vladimir I.; Shirmanova, Marina V.; Kleshnin, Michail S.; Fiks, Ilya I.; Zagainova, Elena V.; Kamensky, Vladislav A.

2007-06-01

Strong light scattering and absorption limit observation of the internal structure of biological tissue. Only special tools for turbid media imaging, such as optical diffuse tomography, enable noninvasive investigation of the internal biological tissues, including visualization and intravital monitoring of deep tumors. In this work the preliminary results of diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) of small animals are presented. Usage of exogenous fluorophores, targeted specifically at tumor cells, and fluorescent proteins expressed endogenously can significantly increase the contrast of obtained images. Fluorescent compounds of different nature, such as sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine (Photosens), red fluorescing proteins and CdTe/CdSe-core/shell nanocrystals (quantum dots) were applied. We tested diffuse fluorescence tomography method at model media, in post mortem and in vivo experiments. The animal was scanned in transilluminative configuration by low-frequency modulated light (1 kHz) from Nd:YAG laser with second harmonic generation at wavelength of 532 nm or semiconductor laser at wavelength of 655 nm. Quantum dots or protein DsRed2 in glass capsules (inner diameter 2-3 mm) were placed post mortem inside the esophagus of 7-day-old hairless rats to simulate marked tumors. Photosens was injected intravenously to linear mice with metastazing Lewis lung carcinoma. The reconstruction algorithm, based on Algebraic Reconstruction Technique, was created and tested numerically in model experiments. High contrast images of tumor simulating capsules with DsRed2 concentrations about 10 -6 M and quantum dots about 5x10 -11 M have been obtained. Organ distribution of Photosens and its accumulation in tumors and surrounding tissues of animals has been examined. We have conducted the monitoring of tumors, exogenously labeled by photosensitizer. This work demonstrates potential capabilities of DFT method for intravital detection and monitoring of deep fluorescent-labeled tumors in animal models. The comparative analysis of conventional photosensitizer, fluorescent proteins and quantum dots has been carried out.

Structured Illumination Diffuse Optical Tomography for Mouse Brain Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reisman, Matthew David

As advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have transformed the study of human brain function, they have also widened the divide between standard research techniques used in humans and those used in mice, where high quality images are difficult to obtain using fMRI given the small volume of the mouse brain. Optical imaging techniques have been developed to study mouse brain networks, which are highly valuable given the ability to study brain disease treatments or development in a controlled environment. A planar imaging technique known as optical intrinsic signal (OIS) imaging has been a powerful tool for capturing functional brain hemodynamics in rodents. Recent wide field-of-view implementations of OIS have provided efficient maps of functional connectivity from spontaneous brain activity in mice. However, OIS requires scalp retraction and is limited to imaging a 2-dimensional view of superficial cortical tissues. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a non-invasive, volumetric neuroimaging technique that has been valuable for bedside imaging of patients in the clinic, but previous DOT systems for rodent neuroimaging have been limited by either sparse spatial sampling or by slow speed. My research has been to develop diffuse optical tomography for whole brain mouse neuroimaging by expanding previous techniques to achieve high spatial sampling using multiple camera views for detection and high speed using structured illumination sources. I have shown the feasibility of this method to perform non-invasive functional neuroimaging in mice and its capabilities of imaging the entire volume of the brain. Additionally, the system has been built with a custom, flexible framework to accommodate the expansion to imaging multiple dynamic contrasts in the brain and populations that were previously difficult or impossible to image, such as infant mice and awake mice. I have contributed to preliminary feasibility studies of these more advanced techniques using OIS, which can now be carried out using the structured illumination diffuse optical tomography technique to perform longitudinal, non-invasive studies of the whole volume of the mouse brain.

Greedy algorithms for diffuse optical tomography reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dileep, B. P. V.; Das, Tapan; Dutta, Pranab K.

2018-03-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a noninvasive imaging modality that reconstructs the optical parameters of a highly scattering medium. However, the inverse problem of DOT is ill-posed and highly nonlinear due to the zig-zag propagation of photons that diffuses through the cross section of tissue. The conventional DOT imaging methods iteratively compute the solution of forward diffusion equation solver which makes the problem computationally expensive. Also, these methods fail when the geometry is complex. Recently, the theory of compressive sensing (CS) has received considerable attention because of its efficient use in biomedical imaging applications. The objective of this paper is to solve a given DOT inverse problem by using compressive sensing framework and various Greedy algorithms such as orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), compressive sampling matching pursuit (CoSaMP), and stagewise orthogonal matching pursuit (StOMP), regularized orthogonal matching pursuit (ROMP) and simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit (S-OMP) have been studied to reconstruct the change in the absorption parameter i.e, Δα from the boundary data. Also, the Greedy algorithms have been validated experimentally on a paraffin wax rectangular phantom through a well designed experimental set up. We also have studied the conventional DOT methods like least square method and truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) for comparison. One of the main features of this work is the usage of less number of source-detector pairs, which can facilitate the use of DOT in routine applications of screening. The performance metrics such as mean square error (MSE), normalized mean square error (NMSE), structural similarity index (SSIM), and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) have been used to evaluate the performance of the algorithms mentioned in this paper. Extensive simulation results confirm that CS based DOT reconstruction outperforms the conventional DOT imaging methods in terms of computational efficiency. The main advantage of this study is that the forward diffusion equation solver need not be repeatedly solved.

Flux density calibration in diffuse optical tomographic systems.

PubMed

Biswas, Samir Kumar; Rajan, Kanhirodan; Vasu, Ram M

2013-02-01

The solution of the forward equation that models the transport of light through a highly scattering tissue material in diffuse optical tomography (DOT) using the finite element method gives flux density (Φ) at the nodal points of the mesh. The experimentally measured flux (Umeasured) on the boundary over a finite surface area in a DOT system has to be corrected to account for the system transfer functions (R) of various building blocks of the measurement system. We present two methods to compensate for the perturbations caused by R and estimate true flux density (Φ) from Umeasuredcal. In the first approach, the measurement data with a homogeneous phantom (Umeasuredhomo) is used to calibrate the measurement system. The second scheme estimates the homogeneous phantom measurement using only the measurement from a heterogeneous phantom, thereby eliminating the necessity of a homogeneous phantom. This is done by statistically averaging the data (Umeasuredhetero) and redistributing it to the corresponding detector positions. The experiments carried out on tissue mimicking phantom with single and multiple inhomogeneities, human hand, and a pork tissue phantom demonstrate the robustness of the approach.

Novel Phenotypic and Genotypic Findings in X-Linked Retinoschisis

PubMed Central

Tsang, Stephen H.; Vaclavik, Veronika; Bird, Alan C.; Robson, Anthony G.; Holder, Graham E.

2009-01-01

Objective To describe atypical phenotypes associated with the retinoschisis (X-linked, juvenile) 1 mutation (RS1). Methods Seven patients with multiple fine white dots at the macula and reduced visual acuity were evaluated. Six patients underwent pattern and full-field electroretinography (ERG). On-off ERG, optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence imaging were performed in some patients. Mutational screening of RS1 was prompted by the ERG findings. Results Fine white dots resembling drusenlike deposits and sometimes associated with retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities were present in the maculae. An electronegative bright-flash ERG configuration was present in all patients tested, and abnormal pattern ERG findings confirmed macular dysfunction. A parafoveal ring of high-density autofluorescence was present in 3 eyes; 1 patient showed high-density foci concordant with the white dots. Optical coherence tomography did not show foveal schisis in 3 of 4 eyes. All patients carried mutations in RS1, including 1 with a novel 206T→C mutation in exon 4. Conclusions Multiple fine white dots at the macula may be the initial fundus feature in RS1 mutation. Electrophysiologic findings suggest dysfunction after phototransduction and enable focused mutational screening. Autofluorescence imaging results suggest early retinal pigment epithelium involvement; a parafoveal ring of high-density autofluorescence has not previously been described in this disorder. PMID:17296904

High-density diffuse optical tomography of term infant visual cortex in the nursery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Steve M.; Ferradal, Silvina L.; White, Brian R.; Gregg, Nicholas; Inder, Terrie E.; Culver, Joseph P.

2012-08-01

Advancements in antenatal and neonatal medicine over the last few decades have led to significant improvement in the survival rates of sick newborn infants. However, this improvement in survival has not been matched by a reduction in neurodevelopmental morbidities with increasing recognition of the diverse cognitive and behavioral challenges that preterm infants face in childhood. Conventional neuroimaging modalities, such as cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, provide an important definition of neuroanatomy with recognition of brain injury. However, they fail to define the functional integrity of the immature brain, particularly during this critical developmental period. Diffuse optical tomography methods have established success in imaging adult brain function; however, few studies exist to demonstrate their feasibility in the neonatal population. We demonstrate the feasibility of using recently developed high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) to map functional activation of the visual cortex in healthy term-born infants. The functional images show high contrast-to-noise ratio obtained in seven neonates. These results illustrate the potential for HD-DOT and provide a foundation for investigations of brain function in more vulnerable newborns, such as preterm infants.

Tunable Emission Wavelength Stacked InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots by Chemical Beam Epitaxy for Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Ilahi, Bouraoui; Zribi, Jihene; Guillotte, Maxime; Arès, Richard; Aimez, Vincent; Morris, Denis

2016-01-01

We report on Chemical Beam Epitaxy (CBE) growth of wavelength tunable InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QD) based superluminescent diode’s active layer suitable for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The In-flush technique has been employed to fabricate QD with controllable heights, from 5 nm down to 2 nm, allowing a tunable emission band over 160 nm. The emission wavelength blueshift has been ensured by reducing both dots’ height and composition. A structure containing four vertically stacked height-engineered QDs have been fabricated, showing a room temperature broad emission band centered at 1.1 µm. The buried QD layers remain insensitive to the In-flush process of the subsequent layers, testifying the reliability of the process for broadband light sources required for high axial resolution OCT imaging. PMID:28773633

IMAGING WITH MULTIMODAL ADAPTIVE-OPTICS OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME: THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP.

PubMed

Labriola, Leanne T; Legarreta, Andrew D; Legarreta, John E; Nadler, Zach; Gallagher, Denise; Hammer, Daniel X; Ferguson, R Daniel; Iftimia, Nicusor; Wollstein, Gadi; Schuman, Joel S

2016-01-01

To elucidate the location of pathological changes in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) with the use of multimodal adaptive optics (AO) imaging. A 5-year observational case study of a 24-year-old female with recurrent MEWDS. Full examination included history, Snellen chart visual acuity, pupil assessment, intraocular pressures, slit lamp evaluation, dilated fundoscopic exam, imaging with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT), blue-light fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and adaptive-optics optical coherence tomography. Three distinct acute episodes of MEWDS occurred during the period of follow-up. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography and adaptive-optics imaging showed disturbance in the photoreceptor outer segments (PR OS) in the posterior pole with each flare. The degree of disturbance at the photoreceptor level corresponded to size and extent of the visual field changes. All findings were transient with delineation of the photoreceptor recovery from the outer edges of the lesion inward. Hyperautofluorescence was seen during acute flares. Increase in choroidal thickness did occur with each active flare but resolved. Although changes in the choroid and RPE can be observed in MEWDS, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography, and multimodal adaptive optics imaging localized the visually significant changes seen in this disease at the level of the photoreceptors. These transient retinal changes specifically occur at the level of the inner segment ellipsoid and OS/RPE line. En face optical coherence tomography imaging provides a detailed, yet noninvasive method for following the convalescence of MEWDS and provides insight into the structural and functional relationship of this transient inflammatory retinal disease.

Monitoring early tumor response to drug therapy with diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flexman, Molly L.; Vlachos, Fotios; Kim, Hyun Keol; Sirsi, Shashank R.; Huang, Jianzhong; Hernandez, Sonia L.; Johung, Tessa B.; Gander, Jeffrey W.; Reichstein, Ari R.; Lampl, Brooke S.; Wang, Antai; Borden, Mark A.; Yamashiro, Darrell J.; Kandel, Jessica J.; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2012-01-01

Although anti-angiogenic agents have shown promise as cancer therapeutics, their efficacy varies between tumor types and individual patients. Providing patient-specific metrics through rapid noninvasive imaging can help tailor drug treatment by optimizing dosages, timing of drug cycles, and duration of therapy--thereby reducing toxicity and cost and improving patient outcome. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a noninvasive three-dimensional imaging modality that has been shown to capture physiologic changes in tumors through visualization of oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin concentrations, using non-ionizing radiation with near-infrared light. We employed a small animal model to ascertain if tumor response to bevacizumab (BV), an anti-angiogenic agent that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), could be detected at early time points using DOT. We detected a significant decrease in total hemoglobin levels as soon as one day after BV treatment in responder xenograft tumors (SK-NEP-1), but not in SK-NEP-1 control tumors or in non-responder control or BV-treated NGP tumors. These results are confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging T2 relaxometry and lectin perfusion studies. Noninvasive DOT imaging may allow for earlier and more effective control of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Quantum state reconstruction and photon number statistics for low dimensional semiconductor opto-electronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böhm, Fabian; Grosse, Nicolai B.; Kolarczik, Mirco; Herzog, Bastian; Achtstein, Alexander; Owschimikow, Nina; Woggon, Ulrike

2017-09-01

Quantum state tomography and the reconstruction of the photon number distribution are techniques to extract the properties of a light field from measurements of its mean and fluctuations. These techniques are particularly useful when dealing with macroscopic or mesoscopic systems, where a description limited to the second order autocorrelation soon becomes inadequate. In particular, the emission of nonclassical light is expected from mesoscopic quantum dot systems strongly coupled to a cavity or in systems with large optical nonlinearities. We analyze the emission of a quantum dot-semiconductor optical amplifier system by quantifying the modifications of a femtosecond laser pulse propagating through the device. Using a balanced detection scheme in a self-heterodyning setup, we achieve precise measurements of the quadrature components and their fluctuations at the quantum noise limit1. We resolve the photon number distribution and the thermal-to-coherent evolution in the photon statistics of the emission. The interferometric detection achieves a high sensitivity in the few photon limit. From our data, we can also reconstruct the second order autocorrelation function with higher precision and time resolution compared with classical Hanbury Brown-Twiss experiments.

X-Ray Diffraction Contrast Tomography in micro-CT Lab Source Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-16

microstrucutre as determined from DCT. (e) Surface mesh representing the fracture surface, colour coded with respect to its crystallographic orientation. Grain...sake of readability, we refrain from delving too deep into the mathematics of the projection models. Instead, we refer to Appendix A where more in...S−D 2 ). From the definition of the dot product, we learn that cos θ = B ·G ‖B‖‖G‖ = B ·G f . 1.9 Given sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1, sin θ can be also

Atlas-guided volumetric diffuse optical tomography enhanced by generalized linear model analysis to image risk decision-making responses in young adults.

PubMed

Lin, Zi-Jing; Li, Lin; Cazzell, Mary; Liu, Hanli

2014-08-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a variant of functional near infrared spectroscopy and has the capability of mapping or reconstructing three dimensional (3D) hemodynamic changes due to brain activity. Common methods used in DOT image analysis to define brain activation have limitations because the selection of activation period is relatively subjective. General linear model (GLM)-based analysis can overcome this limitation. In this study, we combine the atlas-guided 3D DOT image reconstruction with GLM-based analysis (i.e., voxel-wise GLM analysis) to investigate the brain activity that is associated with risk decision-making processes. Risk decision-making is an important cognitive process and thus is an essential topic in the field of neuroscience. The Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) is a valid experimental model and has been commonly used to assess human risk-taking actions and tendencies while facing risks. We have used the BART paradigm with a blocked design to investigate brain activations in the prefrontal and frontal cortical areas during decision-making from 37 human participants (22 males and 15 females). Voxel-wise GLM analysis was performed after a human brain atlas template and a depth compensation algorithm were combined to form atlas-guided DOT images. In this work, we wish to demonstrate the excellence of using voxel-wise GLM analysis with DOT to image and study cognitive functions in response to risk decision-making. Results have shown significant hemodynamic changes in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the active-choice mode and a different activation pattern between genders; these findings correlate well with published literature in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and fNIRS studies. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pre-seizure state identified by diffuse optical tomography

PubMed Central

Zhang, Tao; Zhou, Junli; Jiang, Ruixin; Yang, Hao; Carney, Paul R.; Jiang, Huabei

2014-01-01

In epilepsy it has been challenging to detect early changes in brain activity that occurs prior to seizure onset and to map their origin and evolution for possible intervention. Here we demonstrate using a rat model of generalized epilepsy that diffuse optical tomography (DOT) provides a unique functional neuroimaging modality for noninvasively and continuously tracking such brain activities with high spatiotemporal resolution. We detected early hemodynamic responses with heterogeneous patterns, along with intracranial electroencephalogram gamma power changes, several minutes preceding the electroencephalographic seizure onset, supporting the presence of a “pre-seizure” state. We also observed the decoupling between local hemodynamic and neural activities. We found widespread hemodynamic changes evolving from local regions of the bilateral cortex and thalamus to the entire brain, indicating that the onset of generalized seizures may originate locally rather than diffusely. Together, these findings suggest DOT represents a powerful tool for mapping early seizure onset and propagation pathways. PMID:24445927

Diffuse optical tomography changes correlate with residual cancer burden after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Lim, Emerson A; Gunther, Jacqueline E; Kim, Hyun K; Flexman, Molly; Hibshoosh, Hanina; Crew, Katherine; Taback, Bret; Campbell, Jessica; Kalinsky, Kevin; Hielscher, Andreas; Hershman, Dawn L

2017-04-01

Breast cancer (BC) patients who achieve a favorable residual cancer burden (RCB) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) have an improved recurrence-free survival. Those who have an unfavorable RCB will have gone through months of ineffective chemotherapy. No ideal method exists to predict a favorable RCB early during NACT. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a novel imaging modality that uses near-infrared light to assess hemoglobin concentrations within breast tumors. We hypothesized that the 2-week percent change in DOT-measured hemoglobin concentrations would associate with RCB. We conducted an observational study of 40 women with stage II-IIIC BC who received standard NACT. DOT imaging was performed at baseline and 2 weeks after treatment initiation. We evaluated the associations between the RCB index (continuous measure), class (categorical 0, I, II, III), and response (RCB class 0/I = favorable, RCB class II/III = unfavorable) with changes in DOT-measured hemoglobin concentrations. The RCB index correlated significantly with the 2-week percent change in oxyhemoglobin [HbO 2 ] (r = 0.5, p = 0.003), deoxyhemoglobin [Hb] (r = 0.37, p = 0.03), and total hemoglobin concentrations [HbT] (r = 0.5, p = 0.003). The RCB class and response significantly associated with the 2-week percent change in [HbO 2 ] (p ≤ 0.01) and [HbT] (p ≤ 0.02). [HbT] 2-week percent change had sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for a favorable RCB response of 86.7, 68.4, 68.4, and 86.7%, respectively. The 2-week percent change in DOT-measured hemoglobin concentrations was associated with the RCB index, class, and response. DOT may help guide NACT for women with BC.

Theoretical and experimental study on near infrared time-resolved optical diffuse tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng; Tanikawa, Yukari; Yamada, Yukio

2006-08-01

Parts of the works of our group in the past five years on near infrared time-resolved (TR) optical tomography are summarized in this paper. The image reconstruction algorithm is based on Newton Raphson scheme with a datatype R generated from modified Generalized Pulse Spectrum Technique. Firstly, the algorithm is evaluated with simulated data from a 2-D model and the datatype R is compared with other popularly used datatypes. In this second part of the paper, the in vitro and in vivo NIR DOT imaging on a chicken leg and a human forearm, respectively are presented for evaluating both the image reconstruction algorithm and the TR measurement system. The third part of this paper is about the differential pathlength factor of human head while monitoring head activity with NIRS and applying the modified Lambert-Beer law. Benefiting from the TR system, the measured DPF maps of the three import areas of human head are presented in this paper.

Fluorescence diffuse tomography for tumor detection and monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balalaeva, Irina V.; Orlova, Anna G.; Shirmanova, Marina V.; Kibraeva, Elena A.; Zagainova, Elena V.; Turchin, Ilya V.

2007-05-01

Strong light scattering and absorption limit visualization of the internal structure of biological tissue. Only special tools for turbid media imaging, such as optical diffuse tomography, enable noninvasive investigation of the internal biological tissues, including visualization and intravital monitoring of deep tumors. In this work the preliminary results of fluorescence diffuse tomography (FDT) of small animals are presented. Using of exogenous fluorophores, targeted specifically at tumor cells, and fluorescent proteins expressed endogenously can significantly increase the contrast of obtained images. Fluorescent compounds of different nature, such as sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine (Photosens), red fluorescing proteins and CdTe/CdSe-core/shell nanocrystals (quantum dots) were applied. The animal was scanned in the transilluminative configuration by low-frequency modulated light (1 kHz) from Nd:YAG laser with second harmonic generation at the wavelength of 532 nm or semiconductor laser at the wavelength of 655 nm. Photosens was injected intravenously into linear mice with metastazing Lewis lung carcinoma in dose 4 mg/kg. Quantum dots (5x10 -11 M) or protein DsRed2 (1-5x10 -6 M) in glass capsules (inner diameter 2-3 mm) were placed inside the esophagus of 7-day-old hairless rats (18-20 g) to simulate marked tumors. Cells of HEK-293 Phoenix line, transitory transfected with Turbo-RFP protein gene, were injected hypodermically to immunodeficient mice. This work demonstrates potential capabilities of FDT method for detection and monitoring of deep fluorescent-labeled tumors in animal models. Strong advantages of fluorescent proteins and quantum dots over the traditional photosensitizer for FDT imaging are shown.

Whole-head functional brain imaging of neonates at cot-side using time-resolved diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dempsey, Laura A.; Cooper, Robert J.; Powell, Samuel; Edwards, Andrea; Lee, Chuen-Wai; Brigadoi, Sabrina; Everdell, Nick; Arridge, Simon; Gibson, Adam P.; Austin, Topun; Hebden, Jeremy C.

2015-07-01

We present a method for acquiring whole-head images of changes in blood volume and oxygenation from the infant brain at cot-side using time-resolved diffuse optical tomography (TR-DOT). At UCL, we have built a portable TR-DOT device, known as MONSTIR II, which is capable of obtaining a whole-head (1024 channels) image sequence in 75 seconds. Datatypes extracted from the temporal point spread functions acquired by the system allow us to determine changes in absorption and reduced scattering coefficients within the interrogated tissue. This information can then be used to define clinically relevant measures, such as oxygen saturation, as well as to reconstruct images of relative changes in tissue chromophore concentration, notably those of oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin. Additionally, the effective temporal resolution of our system is improved with spatio-temporal regularisation implemented through a Kalman filtering approach, allowing us to image transient haemodynamic changes. By using this filtering technique with intensity and mean time-of-flight datatypes, we have reconstructed images of changes in absorption and reduced scattering coefficients in a dynamic 2D phantom. These results demonstrate that MONSTIR II is capable of resolving slow changes in tissue optical properties within volumes that are comparable to the preterm head. Following this verification study, we are progressing to imaging a 3D dynamic phantom as well as the neonatal brain at cot-side. Our current study involves scanning healthy babies to demonstrate the quality of recordings we are able to achieve in this challenging patient population, with the eventual goal of imaging functional activation and seizures.

Combining energy and Laplacian regularization to accurately retrieve the depth of brain activity of diffuse optical tomographic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiarelli, Antonio M.; Maclin, Edward L.; Low, Kathy A.; Mathewson, Kyle E.; Fabiani, Monica; Gratton, Gabriele

2016-03-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) provides data about brain function using surface recordings. Despite recent advancements, an unbiased method for estimating the depth of absorption changes and for providing an accurate three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction remains elusive. DOT involves solving an ill-posed inverse problem, requiring additional criteria for finding unique solutions. The most commonly used criterion is energy minimization (energy constraint). However, as measurements are taken from only one side of the medium (the scalp) and sensitivity is greater at shallow depths, the energy constraint leads to solutions that tend to be small and superficial. To correct for this bias, we combine the energy constraint with another criterion, minimization of spatial derivatives (Laplacian constraint, also used in low resolution electromagnetic tomography, LORETA). Used in isolation, the Laplacian constraint leads to solutions that tend to be large and deep. Using simulated, phantom, and actual brain activation data, we show that combining these two criteria results in accurate (error <2 mm) absorption depth estimates, while maintaining a two-point spatial resolution of <24 mm up to a depth of 30 mm. This indicates that accurate 3-D reconstruction of brain activity up to 30 mm from the scalp can be obtained with DOT.

Imaging of macrophage dynamics with optical coherence tomography in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PubMed

Kokona, Despina; Häner, Nathanael U; Ebneter, Andreas; Zinkernagel, Martin S

2017-01-01

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is a relatively common cause of visual loss and results from hypoperfusion of the small arteries of the anterior portion of the optic nerve. AION is the leading cause of sudden optic nerve related vision loss with approximately 10 cases per 100'000 in the population over 50 years. To date there is no established treatment for AION and therefore a better understanding of the events occurring at the level of the optic nerve head (ONH) would be important to design future therapeutic strategies. The optical properties of the eye allow imaging of the optic nerve in vivo, which is a part of the CNS, during ischemia. Experimentally laser induced optic neuropathy (eLiON) displays similar anatomical features as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in humans. After laser induced optic neuropathy we show that hyperreflective dots in optical coherence tomography correspond to mononuclear cells in histology. Using fluorescence-activated flow cytometry (FACS) we found these cells to peak one week after eLiON. These observations were translated to OCT findings in patients with AION, where similar dynamics of hyperreflective dots at the ONH were identified. Our data suggests that activated macrophages can be identified as hyperreflective dots in OCT. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Diffuse optical tomography using semiautomated coregistered ultrasound measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostafa, Atahar; Vavadi, Hamed; Uddin, K. M. Shihab; Zhu, Quing

2017-12-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has demonstrated huge potential in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. DOT image reconstruction guided by ultrasound (US) improves the diffused light localization and lesion reconstruction accuracy. However, DOT reconstruction depends on tumor geometry provided by coregistered US. Experienced operators can manually measure these lesion parameters; however, training and measurement time are needed. The wide clinical use of this technique depends on its robustness and faster imaging reconstruction capability. This article introduces a semiautomated procedure that automatically extracts lesion information from US images and incorporates it into the optical reconstruction. An adaptive threshold-based image segmentation is used to obtain tumor boundaries. For some US images, posterior shadow can extend to the chest wall and make the detection of deeper lesion boundary difficult. This problem can be solved using a Hough transform. The proposed procedure was validated from data of 20 patients. Optical reconstruction results using the proposed procedure were compared with those reconstructed using extracted tumor information from an experienced user. Mean optical absorption obtained from manual measurement was 0.21±0.06 cm-1 for malignant and 0.12±0.06 cm-1 for benign cases, whereas for the proposed method it was 0.24±0.08 cm-1 and 0.12±0.05 cm-1, respectively.

Direct estimation of evoked hemoglobin changes by multimodality fusion imaging

PubMed Central

Huppert, Theodore J.; Diamond, Solomon G.; Boas, David A.

2009-01-01

In the last two decades, both diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD)-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods have been developed as noninvasive tools for imaging evoked cerebral hemodynamic changes in studies of brain activity. Although these two technologies measure functional contrast from similar physiological sources, i.e., changes in hemoglobin levels, these two modalities are based on distinct physical and biophysical principles leading to both limitations and strengths to each method. In this work, we describe a unified linear model to combine the complimentary spatial, temporal, and spectroscopic resolutions of concurrently measured optical tomography and fMRI signals. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that concurrent optical and BOLD measurements can be used to create cross-calibrated estimates of absolute micromolar deoxyhemoglobin changes. We apply this new analysis tool to experimental data acquired simultaneously with both DOT and BOLD imaging during a motor task, demonstrate the ability to more robustly estimate hemoglobin changes in comparison to DOT alone, and show how this approach can provide cross-calibrated estimates of hemoglobin changes. Using this multimodal method, we estimate the calibration of the 3 tesla BOLD signal to be −0.55% ± 0.40% signal change per micromolar change of deoxyhemoglobin. PMID:19021411

Light propagation from fluorescent probes in biological tissues by coupled time-dependent parabolic simplified spherical harmonics equations

PubMed Central

Domínguez, Jorge Bouza; Bérubé-Lauzière, Yves

2011-01-01

We introduce a system of coupled time-dependent parabolic simplified spherical harmonic equations to model the propagation of both excitation and fluorescence light in biological tissues. We resort to a finite element approach to obtain the time-dependent profile of the excitation and the fluorescence light fields in the medium. We present results for cases involving two geometries in three-dimensions: a homogeneous cylinder with an embedded fluorescent inclusion and a realistically-shaped rodent with an embedded inclusion alike an organ filled with a fluorescent probe. For the cylindrical geometry, we show the differences in the time-dependent fluorescence response for a point-like, a spherical, and a spherically Gaussian distributed fluorescent inclusion. From our results, we conclude that the model is able to describe the time-dependent excitation and fluorescent light transfer in small geometries with high absorption coefficients and in nondiffusive domains, as may be found in small animal diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and fluorescence DOT imaging. PMID:21483606

Non-invasive imaging and assessment of active karst features in proximity to paved roadways.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-01

In an effort to better understand and define the lateral and vertical extent of active karst features in immediate proximity to paved : MoDOT roadways in Springfield Missouri, MS&T will acquire electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. The intent...

In search of laterally heterogeneous viscosity models of Glacial Isostatic Adjustment with the ICE-6G_C global ice history model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tanghua; Wu, Patrick; Steffen, Holger; Wang, Hansheng

2018-05-01

Most models of Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) assume that the Earth is laterally homogeneous. However, seismic and geological observations clearly show that the Earth's mantle is laterally heterogeneous. Previous studies of GIA with lateral heterogeneity mostly focused on its effect or sensitivity on GIA predictions, and it is not clear to what extent can lateral heterogeneity solve the misfits between GIA predictions and observations. Our aim is to search for the best 3D viscosity models that can simultaneously fit the global relative sea-level (RSL) data, the peak uplift rates (u-dot from GNSS) and peak gravity-rate-of-change (g-dot from the GRACE satellite mission) in Laurentia and Fennoscandia. However, the search is dependent on the ice and viscosity model inputs - the latter depends on the background viscosity and the seismic tomography models used. In this paper, the ICE-6G_C ice model, with Bunge & Grand's seismic tomography model and background viscosity models close to VM5 will be assumed. A Coupled Laplace-Finite Element Method is used to compute gravitationally self-consistent sea level change with time dependent coastlines and rotational feedback in addition to changes in deformation, gravity and the state of stress. Several laterally heterogeneous models are found to fit the global sea level data better than laterally homogeneous models. Two of these laterally heterogeneous models also fit the ICE-6G_C peak g-dot and u-dot rates observed in Laurentia simultaneously. However, even with the introduction of lateral heterogeneity, no model that is able to fit the present-day g-dot and uplift rate data in Fennoscandia has been found. Therefore, either the ice history of ICE-6G_C in Fennoscandia and Barent Sea needs some modifications, or the sub-lithospheric property/non-thermal effect underneath northern Europe must be different from that underneath Laurentia.

Cerebral blood volume in humans by NIRS and PET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pott, Frank; Knudsen, Gitte M.; Rostrup, Egill; Ide, Kojiro; Secher, Niels H.; Paulson, Olaf B.

1997-12-01

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) determined changes in the cerebral blood volume (CBV) were compared to those obtained by positron emission tomography (PET) in five healthy volunteers (2 females). Two NIRS optodes were placed on the left forehead and NIRS-CBV was derived from the sum of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. CBV changes were induced by hyperventilation and inhalation of 6% CO2. After 2 min inhalation of labeled carbon monoxide, data were sampled during 8 min for both PET- and NIRS-CBV as well as for the arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). The region of interest for PET-CBV was `banana-shaped' with boundaries corresponding to the position of the NIRS optodes on the transmission scan and to a depth of approximately 2 cm. During hyperventilation, PaCO2 decreased from 5.2 (4.6 - 5.8) to 4.6 (4.2 - 4.9) kPa and equally PET-CBV (from 3.9 (2.5 - 5.2) to 3.6 (3.0 - 4.8) ml (DOT) 100 g-1) and NIRS-CBV were reduced (by -0.14 [-0.38 - 0.50] ml (DOT) 100 g-1). During hypercapnia PaCO2 increased to 6.0 (5.9 - 7.0) kPa accompanied by parallel changes in PET- (to 4.5 (3.9 - 4.9) ml (DOT) 100 g-1) and NIRS-CBV (by 0.04 [-0.02 - 0.30] ml (DOT) 100 g-1) and the two variables were correlated (r equals 0.78, p < 0.05). In conclusion, with a moderate change in the arterial carbon dioxide tension, the cerebral blood volumes determined by near infrared spectroscopy and by positron emission tomography change in parallel but the change in NIRS-CBV is small compared to that obtained by PET.

Cerebral blood volume in humans by NIRS and PET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pott, Frank; Knudsen, Gitte M.; Rostrup, Egill; Ide, Kojiro; Secher, Niels H.; Paulson, Olaf B.

1998-01-01

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) determined changes in the cerebral blood volume (CBV) were compared to those obtained by positron emission tomography (PET) in five healthy volunteers (2 females). Two NIRS optodes were placed on the left forehead and NIRS-CBV was derived from the sum of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. CBV changes were induced by hyperventilation and inhalation of 6% CO2. After 2 min inhalation of labeled carbon monoxide, data were sampled during 8 min for both PET- and NIRS-CBV as well as for the arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). The region of interest for PET-CBV was `banana-shaped' with boundaries corresponding to the position of the NIRS optodes on the transmission scan and to a depth of approximately 2 cm. During hyperventilation, PaCO2 decreased from 5.2 (4.6 - 5.8) to 4.6 (4.2 - 4.9) kPa and equally PET-CBV (from 3.9 (2.5 - 5.2) to 3.6 (3.0 - 4.8) ml (DOT) 100 g-1) and NIRS-CBV were reduced (by -0.14 [-0.38 - 0.50] ml (DOT) 100 g-1). During hypercapnia PaCO2 increased to 6.0 (5.9 - 7.0) kPa accompanied by parallel changes in PET- (to 4.5 (3.9 - 4.9) ml (DOT) 100 g-1) and NIRS-CBV (by 0.04 [-0.02 - 0.30] ml (DOT) 100 g-1) and the two variables were correlated (r equals 0.78, p < 0.05). In conclusion, with a moderate change in the arterial carbon dioxide tension, the cerebral blood volumes determined by near infrared spectroscopy and by positron emission tomography change in parallel but the change in NIRS-CBV is small compared to that obtained by PET.

Smart photonic materials for theranostic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keum, Do Hee; Beack, Songeun; Hahn, Sei Kwang

2017-05-01

We developed melanoidin nanoparticles for in vivo noninvasive photoacoustic mapping of sentinel lymph nodes, photoacoustic tomography of gastro-intestinal tracts, and photothermal ablation cancer therapy. In addition, we developed cell-integrated poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels for in vivo optogenetic sensing and therapy. Real-time optical readout of encapsulated heat-shock-protein-coupled fluorescent reporter cells made it possible to measure the nanotoxicity of cadmium-based quantum dots in vivo. Using optogenetic cells producing glucagon-like peptide-1, we performed lightcontrolled diabetic therapy for glucose homeostasis. Finally, we developed a smart contact lens composed of biosensors, drug delivery systems, and power sources for the treatment of diabetes as a model disease.

Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tartakovskii, Alexander

2012-07-01

Part I. Nanostructure Design and Structural Properties of Epitaxially Grown Quantum Dots and Nanowires: 1. Growth of III/V semiconductor quantum dots C. Schneider, S. Hofling and A. Forchel; 2. Single semiconductor quantum dots in nanowires: growth, optics, and devices M. E. Reimer, N. Akopian, M. Barkelid, G. Bulgarini, R. Heeres, M. Hocevar, B. J. Witek, E. Bakkers and V. Zwiller; 3. Atomic scale analysis of self-assembled quantum dots by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and atom probe tomography J. G. Keizer and P. M. Koenraad; Part II. Manipulation of Individual Quantum States in Quantum Dots Using Optical Techniques: 4. Studies of the hole spin in self-assembled quantum dots using optical techniques B. D. Gerardot and R. J. Warburton; 5. Resonance fluorescence from a single quantum dot A. N. Vamivakas, C. Matthiesen, Y. Zhao, C.-Y. Lu and M. Atature; 6. Coherent control of quantum dot excitons using ultra-fast optical techniques A. J. Ramsay and A. M. Fox; 7. Optical probing of holes in quantum dot molecules: structure, symmetry, and spin M. F. Doty and J. I. Climente; Part III. Optical Properties of Quantum Dots in Photonic Cavities and Plasmon-Coupled Dots: 8. Deterministic light-matter coupling using single quantum dots P. Senellart; 9. Quantum dots in photonic crystal cavities A. Faraon, D. Englund, I. Fushman, A. Majumdar and J. Vukovic; 10. Photon statistics in quantum dot micropillar emission M. Asmann and M. Bayer; 11. Nanoplasmonics with colloidal quantum dots V. Temnov and U. Woggon; Part IV. Quantum Dot Nano-Laboratory: Magnetic Ions and Nuclear Spins in a Dot: 12. Dynamics and optical control of an individual Mn spin in a quantum dot L. Besombes, C. Le Gall, H. Boukari and H. Mariette; 13. Optical spectroscopy of InAs/GaAs quantum dots doped with a single Mn atom O. Krebs and A. Lemaitre; 14. Nuclear spin effects in quantum dot optics B. Urbaszek, B. Eble, T. Amand and X. Marie; Part V. Electron Transport in Quantum Dots Fabricated by Lithographic Techniques: III-V Semiconductors and Carbon: 15. Electrically controlling single spin coherence in semiconductor nanostructures Y. Dovzhenko, K. Wang, M. D. Schroer and J. R. Petta; 16. Theory of electron and nuclear spins in III-V semiconductor and carbon-based dots H. Ribeiro and G. Burkard; 17. Graphene quantum dots: transport experiments and local imaging S. Schnez, J. Guettinger, F. Molitor, C. Stampfer, M. Huefner, T. Ihn and K. Ensslin; Part VI. Single Dots for Future Telecommunications Applications: 18. Electrically operated entangled light sources based on quantum dots R. M. Stevenson, A. J. Bennett and A. J. Shields; 19. Deterministic single quantum dot cavities at telecommunication wavelengths D. Dalacu, K. Mnaymneh, J. Lapointe, G. C. Aers, P. J. Poole, R. L. Williams and S. Hughes; Index.

Complete tomography of a high-fidelity solid-state entangled spin-photon qubit pair.

PubMed

De Greve, Kristiaan; McMahon, Peter L; Yu, Leo; Pelc, Jason S; Jones, Cody; Natarajan, Chandra M; Kim, Na Young; Abe, Eisuke; Maier, Sebastian; Schneider, Christian; Kamp, Martin; Höfling, Sven; Hadfield, Robert H; Forchel, Alfred; Fejer, M M; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

2013-01-01

Entanglement between stationary quantum memories and photonic qubits is crucial for future quantum communication networks. Although high-fidelity spin-photon entanglement was demonstrated in well-isolated atomic and ionic systems, in the solid-state, where massively parallel, scalable networks are most realistically conceivable, entanglement fidelities are typically limited due to intrinsic environmental interactions. Distilling high-fidelity entangled pairs from lower-fidelity precursors can act as a remedy, but the required overhead scales unfavourably with the initial entanglement fidelity. With spin-photon entanglement as a crucial building block for entangling quantum network nodes, obtaining high-fidelity entangled pairs becomes imperative for practical realization of such networks. Here we report the first results of complete state tomography of a solid-state spin-photon-polarization-entangled qubit pair, using a single electron-charged indium arsenide quantum dot. We demonstrate record-high fidelity in the solid-state of well over 90%, and the first (99.9%-confidence) achievement of a fidelity that will unambiguously allow for entanglement distribution in solid-state quantum repeater networks.

Fast subsurface fingerprint imaging with full-field optical coherence tomography system equipped with a silicon camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auksorius, Egidijus; Boccara, A. Claude

2017-09-01

Images recorded below the surface of a finger can have more details and be of higher quality than the conventional surface fingerprint images. This is particularly true when the quality of the surface fingerprints is compromised by, for example, moisture or surface damage. However, there is an unmet need for an inexpensive fingerprint sensor that is able to acquire high-quality images deep below the surface in short time. To this end, we report on a cost-effective full-field optical coherent tomography system comprised of a silicon camera and a powerful near-infrared LED light source. The system, for example, is able to record 1.7 cm×1.7 cm en face images in 0.12 s with the spatial sampling rate of 2116 dots per inch and the sensitivity of 93 dB. We show that the system can be used to image internal fingerprints and sweat ducts with good contrast. Finally, to demonstrate its biometric performance, we acquired subsurface fingerprint images from 240 individual fingers and estimated the equal-error-rate to be ˜0.8%. The developed instrument could also be used in other en face deep-tissue imaging applications because of its high sensitivity, such as in vivo skin imaging.

Two-step reconstruction method using global optimization and conjugate gradient for ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography.

PubMed

Tavakoli, Behnoosh; Zhu, Quing

2013-01-01

Ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a promising method for characterizing malignant and benign lesions in the female breast. We introduce a new two-step algorithm for DOT inversion in which the optical parameters are estimated with the global optimization method, genetic algorithm. The estimation result is applied as an initial guess to the conjugate gradient (CG) optimization method to obtain the absorption and scattering distributions simultaneously. Simulations and phantom experiments have shown that the maximum absorption and reduced scattering coefficients are reconstructed with less than 10% and 25% errors, respectively. This is in contrast with the CG method alone, which generates about 20% error for the absorption coefficient and does not accurately recover the scattering distribution. A new measure of scattering contrast has been introduced to characterize benign and malignant breast lesions. The results of 16 clinical cases reconstructed with the two-step method demonstrates that, on average, the absorption coefficient and scattering contrast of malignant lesions are about 1.8 and 3.32 times higher than the benign cases, respectively.

Effect of task-related extracerebral circulation on diffuse optical tomography: experimental data and simulations on the forehead.

PubMed

Näsi, Tiina; Mäki, Hanna; Hiltunen, Petri; Heiskala, Juha; Nissilä, Ilkka; Kotilahti, Kalle; Ilmoniemi, Risto J

2013-03-01

The effect of task-related extracerebral circulatory changes on diffuse optical tomography (DOT) of brain activation was evaluated using experimental data from 14 healthy human subjects and computer simulations. Total hemoglobin responses to weekday-recitation, verbal-fluency, and hand-motor tasks were measured with a high-density optode grid placed on the forehead. The tasks caused varying levels of mental and physical stress, eliciting extracerebral circulatory changes that the reconstruction algorithm was unable to fully distinguish from cerebral hemodynamic changes, resulting in artifacts in the brain activation images. Crosstalk between intra- and extracranial layers was confirmed by the simulations. The extracerebral effects were attenuated by superficial signal regression and depended to some extent on the heart rate, thus allowing identification of hemodynamic changes related to brain activation during the verbal-fluency task. During the hand-motor task, the extracerebral component was stronger, making the separation less clear. DOT provides a tool for distinguishing extracerebral components from signals of cerebral origin. Especially in the case of strong task-related extracerebral circulatory changes, however, sophisticated reconstruction methods are needed to eliminate crosstalk artifacts.

Native structure of a type IV secretion system core complex essential for Legionella pathogenesis.

PubMed

Kubori, Tomoko; Koike, Masafumi; Bui, Xuan Thanh; Higaki, Saori; Aizawa, Shin-Ichi; Nagai, Hiroki

2014-08-12

Bacterial type IV secretion systems are evolutionarily related to conjugation systems and play a pivotal role in infection by delivering numerous virulence factors into host cells. Using transmission electron microscopy, we report the native molecular structure of the core complex of the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system encoded by Legionella pneumophila, an intracellular human pathogen. The biochemically isolated core complex, composed of at least five proteins--DotC, DotD, DotF, DotG, and DotH--has a ring-shaped structure. Intriguingly, morphologically distinct premature complexes are formed in the absence of DotG or DotF. Our data suggest that DotG forms a central channel spanning inner and outer membranes. DotF, a component dispensable for type IV secretion, plays a role in efficient embedment of DotG into the functional core complex. These results highlight a common scheme for the biogenesis of transport machinery.

Determining the applicability of the Landauer nanoDot as a general public dosimeter in a research imaging facility.

PubMed

Charlton, Michael A; Thoreson, Kelly F; Cerecero, Jennifer A

2012-11-01

The Research Imaging Institute (RII) building at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) houses two cyclotron particle accelerators, positron emission tomography (PET) machines, and a fluoroscopic unit. As part of the radiation protection program (RPP) and meeting the standard for achieving ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable), it is essential to minimize the ionizing radiation exposure to the general public through the use of controlled areas and area dose monitoring. Currently, thirty-four whole body Luxel+ dosimeters, manufactured by Landauer, are being used in various locations within the RII to monitor dose to the general public. The intent of this research was to determine if the nanoDot, a single point dosimeter, can be used as a general public dosimeter in a diagnostic facility. This was tested by first verifying characteristics of the nanoDot dosimeter including dose linearity, dose rate dependence, angular dependence, and energy dependence. Then, the response of the nanoDot dosimeter to the Luxel+ dosimeter when placed in a continuous, low dose environment was investigated. Finally, the nanoDot was checked for appropriate response in an acute, high dose environment. Based on the results, the current recommendation is that the nanoDot should not replace the Luxel+ dosimeter without further work to determine the energy spectra in the RII building and without considering the limitation of the microStar reader, portable on-site OSL reader, at doses below 0.1 mGy (10 mrad).

Origins and optimization of entanglement in plasmonically coupled quantum dots

DOE PAGES

Otten, Matthew; Larson, Jeffrey; Min, Misun; ...

2016-08-11

In this paper, a system of two or more quantum dots interacting with a dissipative plasmonic nanostructure is investigated in detail by using a cavity quantum electrodynamics approach with a model Hamiltonian. We focus on determining and understanding system configurations that generate multiple bipartite quantum entanglements between the occupation states of the quantum dots. These configurations include allowing for the quantum dots to be asymmetrically coupled to the plasmonic system. Analytical solution of a simplified limit for an arbitrary number of quantum dots and numerical simulations and optimization for the two- and three-dot cases are used to develop guidelines formore » maximizing the bipartite entanglements. For any number of quantum dots, we show that through simple starting states and parameter guidelines, one quantum dot can be made to share a strong amount of bipartite entanglement with all other quantum dots in the system, while entangling all other pairs to a lesser degree.« less

Dark and white lesions observed in central serous chorioretinopathy on optical coherence tomography angiography.

PubMed

De Bats, Flore; Cornut, Pierre-Loïc; Wolff, Benjamin; Kodjikian, Laurent; Mauget-Faÿsse, Martine

2018-03-01

To describe abnormal dark (hyposignal) and white (hypersignal) lesions observed on optical coherence tomography angiography in central serous chorioretinopathy. Prospective, multicenter, and descriptive study including patients with active or quiescent central serous chorioretinopathy. All patients had undergone a complete ophthalmic examination. Abnormal dark lesions were detected as "dark spots" and "dark areas" on optical coherence tomography angiography. A "dark spot" could correspond to six different abnormalities: pigment epithelium detachment, subretinal deposit, "Lucency" within surrounding subretinal fibrin, choroidal cavitation, choroidal excavation, and choroidal fluid. A "dark area" could be related to a serous retinal detachment or choriocapillary compression. Abnormal white lesions were also detected: A "white spot" could correspond with the leaking point on fluorescein angiography or with hyper-reflective dots; A "white filamentous pattern" at the Brüch's membrane level corresponded to abnormal choroidal neovascular vessels. A semiology is described using optical coherence tomography angiography in central serous chorioretinopathy as abnormal dark and white lesions. Multimodal imaging is mandatory in addition to optical coherence tomography angiography to diagnose non-neovascular retinal and choroidal central serous chorioretinopathy lesions. However, optical coherence tomography angiography alone is helpful in detecting choroidal neovascular membrane in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Monitoring of human brain functions in risk decision-making task by diffuse optical tomography using voxel-wise general linear model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zi-Jing; Li, Lin; Cazzell, Marry; Liu, Hanli

2013-03-01

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique which measures the hemodynamic changes that reflect the brain activity. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT), a variant of fNIRS with multi-channel NIRS measurements, has demonstrated capability of three dimensional (3D) reconstructions of hemodynamic changes due to the brain activity. Conventional method of DOT image analysis to define the brain activation is based upon the paired t-test between two different states, such as resting-state versus task-state. However, it has limitation because the selection of activation and post-activation period is relatively subjective. General linear model (GLM) based analysis can overcome this limitation. In this study, we combine the 3D DOT image reconstruction with GLM-based analysis (i.e., voxel-wise GLM analysis) to investigate the brain activity that is associated with the risk-decision making process. Risk decision-making is an important cognitive process and thus is an essential topic in the field of neuroscience. The balloon analogue risk task (BART) is a valid experimental model and has been commonly used in behavioral measures to assess human risk taking action and tendency while facing risks. We have utilized the BART paradigm with a blocked design to investigate brain activations in the prefrontal and frontal cortical areas during decision-making. Voxel-wise GLM analysis was performed on 18human participants (10 males and 8females).In this work, we wish to demonstrate the feasibility of using voxel-wise GLM analysis to image and study cognitive functions in response to risk decision making by DOT. Results have shown significant changes in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the active choice mode and a different hemodynamic pattern between genders, which are in good agreements with published literatures in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and fNIRS studies.

MO-FG-BRA-08: A Preliminary Study of Gold Nanoparticles Enhanced Diffuse Optical Tomography

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

Xu, K; Dogan, N; Yang, Y

2015-06-15

Purpose: To develop an imaging method by using gold nanoparticles (GNP) to enhance diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for better tumor detection. Methods: Experiments were performed on a tissue-simulating cylindrical optical phantom (30mm diameter, 60mm length). The GNP used are gold nanorods (10nm diameter, 44nm length) with peak light absorption at 840nm. 0.085ml GNP colloid of 96nM concentration was loaded into a 6mm diameter cylindrical hole in the phantom. An 856nm laser beam (14mW) was used as light source to irradiate the phantom at multiple locations through rotating and elevating the phantom. A CCD camera captured the light transmission through themore » phantom for each irradiation with total 40 projections (8 rotation angles in 45degree steps and 5 elevations with 3mm apart). Cone beam CT of the phantom was used to generate the three-dimensional mesh for DOT reconstruction and to identify the true location of the GNP volume. A forward simulation was performed with known phantom optical properties to establish a relationship between the absorption coefficient and concentration of the GNP by matching the simulated and measured transmission. DOT image reconstruction was performed to restore the GNP within the phantom. In addition, a region-constrained reconstruction was performed by confining the solutions within the GNP volume detected from CT. Results: The position of the GNP volume was reconstructed with <2mm error. The reconstructed average GNP concentration within an identical volume was 104nM, 8% difference from the truth. When the CT was used as “a priori”, the reconstructed average GNP concentration was 239nM, about 2.5 times of the true concentration. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate GNP enhanced DOT with phantom imaging. The GNP can be differentiated from their surrounding background. However, the reconstruction methods needs to be improved for better spatial and quantification accuracy.« less

Transient spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in classic MEWDS: a case report.

PubMed

Lavigne, Luciana Castro; Isaac, David Leonardo Cruvinel; Duarte Júnior, José Osório; Avila, Marcos Pereira de

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to describe a patient with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) who presented with classic retinal findings and transient changes in outer retinal anatomy. A 20-year-old man presented with mild blurred vision in the left eye, reporting flu-like symptoms 1 week before the visual symptoms started. Fundus examination of the left eye revealed foveal granularity and multiple scattered spots deep to the retina in the posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography showed typical MEWDS findings. Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography has shown transient changes in outer retinal anatomy with disappearance of inner segment-outer segment junction and mild attenuation of external limiting membrane. Six months later, Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography has shown complete resolution with recovery of normal outer retinal aspect.

Fast subsurface fingerprint imaging with full-field optical coherence tomography system equipped with a silicon camera.

PubMed

Auksorius, Egidijus; Boccara, A Claude

2017-09-01

Images recorded below the surface of a finger can have more details and be of higher quality than the conventional surface fingerprint images. This is particularly true when the quality of the surface fingerprints is compromised by, for example, moisture or surface damage. However, there is an unmet need for an inexpensive fingerprint sensor that is able to acquire high-quality images deep below the surface in short time. To this end, we report on a cost-effective full-field optical coherent tomography system comprised of a silicon camera and a powerful near-infrared LED light source. The system, for example, is able to record 1.7  cm×1.7  cmen face images in 0.12 s with the spatial sampling rate of 2116 dots per inch and the sensitivity of 93 dB. We show that the system can be used to image internal fingerprints and sweat ducts with good contrast. Finally, to demonstrate its biometric performance, we acquired subsurface fingerprint images from 240 individual fingers and estimated the equal-error-rate to be ∼0.8%. The developed instrument could also be used in other en face deep-tissue imaging applications because of its high sensitivity, such as in vivo skin imaging. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Engineering iodine-doped carbon dots as dual-modal probes for fluorescence and X-ray CT imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Miaomiao; Ju, Huixiang; Zhang, Li; Sun, Mingzhong; Zhou, Zhongwei; Dai, Zhenyu; Zhang, Lirong; Gong, Aihua; Wu, Chaoyao; Du, Fengyi

2015-01-01

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly used imaging technique for noninvasive diagnosis of disease. In order to improve tissue specificity and prevent adverse effects, we report the design and synthesis of iodine-doped carbon dots (I-doped CDs) as efficient CT contrast agents and fluorescence probe by a facile bottom-up hydrothermal carbonization process. The as-prepared I-doped CDs are monodispersed spherical nanoparticles (a diameter of ~2.7 nm) with favorable dispersibility and colloidal stability in water. The aqueous solution of I-doped CDs showed wavelength-dependent excitation and stable photoluminescence similar to traditional carbon quantum dots. Importantly, I-doped CDs displayed superior X-ray attenuation properties in vitro and excellent biocompatibility. After intravenous injection, I-doped CDs were distributed throughout the body and excreted by renal clearance. These findings validated that I-doped CDs with high X-ray attenuation potency and favorable photoluminescence show great promise for biomedical research and disease diagnosis.

Engineering iodine-doped carbon dots as dual-modal probes for fluorescence and X-ray CT imaging

PubMed Central

Zhang, Miaomiao; Ju, Huixiang; Zhang, Li; Sun, Mingzhong; Zhou, Zhongwei; Dai, Zhenyu; Zhang, Lirong; Gong, Aihua; Wu, Chaoyao; Du, Fengyi

2015-01-01

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly used imaging technique for noninvasive diagnosis of disease. In order to improve tissue specificity and prevent adverse effects, we report the design and synthesis of iodine-doped carbon dots (I-doped CDs) as efficient CT contrast agents and fluorescence probe by a facile bottom-up hydrothermal carbonization process. The as-prepared I-doped CDs are monodispersed spherical nanoparticles (a diameter of ~2.7 nm) with favorable dispersibility and colloidal stability in water. The aqueous solution of I-doped CDs showed wavelength-dependent excitation and stable photoluminescence similar to traditional carbon quantum dots. Importantly, I-doped CDs displayed superior X-ray attenuation properties in vitro and excellent biocompatibility. After intravenous injection, I-doped CDs were distributed throughout the body and excreted by renal clearance. These findings validated that I-doped CDs with high X-ray attenuation potency and favorable photoluminescence show great promise for biomedical research and disease diagnosis. PMID:26609232

Microwave-driven coherent operation of a semiconductor quantum dot charge qubit

DOE PAGES

Kim, Dohun; Ward, D. R.; Simmons, C. B.; ...

2015-02-16

An intuitive realization of a qubit is an electron charge at two well-defined positions of a double quantum dot. The qubit is simple and has the potential for high-speed operation because of its strong coupling to electric fields. But, charge noise also couples strongly to this qubit, resulting in rapid dephasing at all but one special operating point called the ‘sweet spot’. In previous studies d.c. voltage pulses have been used to manipulate semiconductor charge qubits but did not achieve high-fidelity control, because d.c. gating requires excursions away from the sweet spot. Here, by using resonant a.c. microwave driving wemore » achieve fast (greater than gigahertz) and universal single qubit rotations of a semiconductor charge qubit. The Z-axis rotations of the qubit are well protected at the sweet spot, and we demonstrate the same protection for rotations about arbitrary axes in the X–Y plane of the qubit Bloch sphere. We characterize the qubit operation using two tomographic approaches: standard process tomography and gate set tomography. Moreover, both methods consistently yield process fidelities greater than 86% with respect to a universal set of unitary single-qubit operations.« less

Weight-matrix structured regularization provides optimal generalized least-squares estimate in diffuse optical tomography.

PubMed

Yalavarthy, Phaneendra K; Pogue, Brian W; Dehghani, Hamid; Paulsen, Keith D

2007-06-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) involves estimation of tissue optical properties using noninvasive boundary measurements. The image reconstruction procedure is a nonlinear, ill-posed, and ill-determined problem, so overcoming these difficulties requires regularization of the solution. While the methods developed for solving the DOT image reconstruction procedure have a long history, there is less direct evidence on the optimal regularization methods, or exploring a common theoretical framework for techniques which uses least-squares (LS) minimization. A generalized least-squares (GLS) method is discussed here, which takes into account the variances and covariances among the individual data points and optical properties in the image into a structured weight matrix. It is shown that most of the least-squares techniques applied in DOT can be considered as special cases of this more generalized LS approach. The performance of three minimization techniques using the same implementation scheme is compared using test problems with increasing noise level and increasing complexity within the imaging field. Techniques that use spatial-prior information as constraints can be also incorporated into the GLS formalism. It is also illustrated that inclusion of spatial priors reduces the image error by at least a factor of 2. The improvement of GLS minimization is even more apparent when the noise level in the data is high (as high as 10%), indicating that the benefits of this approach are important for reconstruction of data in a routine setting where the data variance can be known based upon the signal to noise properties of the instruments.

DYNAMISM OF DOT SUBRETINAL DRUSENOID DEPOSITS IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION DEMONSTRATED WITH ADAPTIVE OPTICS IMAGING.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuhua; Wang, Xiaolin; Godara, Pooja; Zhang, Tianjiao; Clark, Mark E; Witherspoon, C Douglas; Spaide, Richard F; Owsley, Cynthia; Curcio, Christine A

2018-01-01

To investigate the natural history of dot subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in age-related macular degeneration, using high-resolution adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Six eyes of four patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration were studied at baseline and 1 year later. Individual dot SDD within the central 30° retina were examined with adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography. A total of 269 solitary SDD were identified at baseline. Over 12.25 ± 1.18 months, all 35 Stage 1 SDD progressed to advanced stages. Eighteen (60%) Stage 2 lesions progressed to Stage 3 and 12 (40%) remained at Stage 2. Of 204 Stage 3 SDD, 12 (6.4%) disappeared and the rest remained. Twelve new SDD were identified, including 6 (50%) at Stage 1, 2 (16.7%) at Stage 2, and 4 (33.3%) at Stage 3. The mean percentage of the retina affected by dot SDD, measured by the adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, increased in 5/6 eyes (from 2.31% to 5.08% in the most changed eye) and decreased slightly in 1/6 eye (from 10.67% to 10.54%). Dynamism, the absolute value of the areas affected by new and regressed lesions, ranged from 0.7% to 9.3%. Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy reveals that dot SDD, like drusen, are dynamic.

Measurement of skin dose from cone-beam computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Akyalcin, Sercan; English, Jeryl D; Abramovitch, Kenneth M; Rong, Xiujiang J

2013-10-09

To measure surface skin dose from various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners using point-dosimeters. A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (Landauer Corp., Glenwood, IL) attached to various anatomic landmarks. The phantom was scanned using multiple exposure protocols for craniofacial evaluations in three different CBCT units and a conventional x-ray imaging system. The dosimeters were calibrated for each of the scan protocols on the different imaging systems. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, submandibular and parotid gland levels were measured. The measured skin doses ranged from 0.09 to 4.62 mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The average surface doses to the lens locations were ~4.0 mGy, well below the threshold for cataractogenesis (500 mGy). The results changed accordingly with x-ray tube output (mAs and kV) and also were sensitive to scan field of view (SFOV). As compared to the conventional panoramic and cephalometric imaging system, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, and salivary gland levels measured from the CBCT imaging systems were lower than the thresholds to induce deterministic effects. However, our findings do not justify the routine use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics considering the lifetime-attributable risk to the individual.

Measurement of skin dose from cone-beam computed tomography imaging

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objective To measure surface skin dose from various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners using point-dosimeters. Materials & methods A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (Landauer Corp., Glenwood, IL) attached to various anatomic landmarks. The phantom was scanned using multiple exposure protocols for craniofacial evaluations in three different CBCT units and a conventional x-ray imaging system. The dosimeters were calibrated for each of the scan protocols on the different imaging systems. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, submandibular and parotid gland levels were measured. Results The measured skin doses ranged from 0.09 to 4.62 mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The average surface doses to the lens locations were ~4.0 mGy, well below the threshold for cataractogenesis (500 mGy). The results changed accordingly with x-ray tube output (mAs and kV) and also were sensitive to scan field of view (SFOV). As compared to the conventional panoramic and cephalometric imaging system, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. Conclusions Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, and salivary gland levels measured from the CBCT imaging systems were lower than the thresholds to induce deterministic effects. However, our findings do not justify the routine use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics considering the lifetime-attributable risk to the individual. PMID:24192155

Semiconducting polymer dot as a highly effective contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhen; Zhang, Jian

2018-02-01

In this study, we developed a novel PIID-DTBT based semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) that have broad and strong optical absorption in the visible-light region (500 nm - 700 nm). Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and gold nanorods (GNRs) that have been verified as an excellent photoacoustic contrast agent were compared with Pdots based on photoacoustic imaging method. Both ex vivo and in vivo experiment demonstrated Pdots have a better photoacoustic conversion efficiency at 532 nm than GNPs and similar photoacoustic performance with GNRs at 700 nm at the same mass concentration. Our work demonstrates the great potential of Pdots as a highly effective contrast agent for precise localization of lesions relative to the blood vessels based on photoacoustic tomography imaging.

Sudden death of effective entanglement

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

Roszak, K.; Institute of Physics, Wroclaw University of Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw; Horodecki, P.

2010-04-15

Sudden death of entanglement is a well-known effect resulting from the finite volume of separable states. We study the case when the observer has a limited measurement capability and analyze the effective entanglement (i.e., entanglement minimized over the output data). We show that in the well-defined system of two quantum dots monitored by single-electron transistors, one may observe a sudden death of effective entanglement when real, physical entanglement is still alive. For certain measurement setups, this occurs even for initial states for which sudden death of physical entanglement is not possible at all. The principles of the analysis may bemore » applied to other analogous scenarios, such as estimation of the parameters arising from quantum process tomography.« less

Non-Markovian full counting statistics in quantum dot molecules

PubMed Central

Xue, Hai-Bin; Jiao, Hu-Jun; Liang, Jiu-Qing; Liu, Wu-Ming

2015-01-01

Full counting statistics of electron transport is a powerful diagnostic tool for probing the nature of quantum transport beyond what is obtainable from the average current or conductance measurement alone. In particular, the non-Markovian dynamics of quantum dot molecule plays an important role in the nonequilibrium electron tunneling processes. It is thus necessary to understand the non-Markovian full counting statistics in a quantum dot molecule. Here we study the non-Markovian full counting statistics in two typical quantum dot molecules, namely, serially coupled and side-coupled double quantum dots with high quantum coherence in a certain parameter regime. We demonstrate that the non-Markovian effect manifests itself through the quantum coherence of the quantum dot molecule system, and has a significant impact on the full counting statistics in the high quantum-coherent quantum dot molecule system, which depends on the coupling of the quantum dot molecule system with the source and drain electrodes. The results indicated that the influence of the non-Markovian effect on the full counting statistics of electron transport, which should be considered in a high quantum-coherent quantum dot molecule system, can provide a better understanding of electron transport through quantum dot molecules. PMID:25752245

NRL SSD Research Achievements: 19902000. Volume 4

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-30

optically determined QPO frequencies from Haswell et al. (2000) and J Patterson & D. Skillman 2000, private communication ). The dotted lines line pertain to...Figure 90s.3III.8 - Daytime tomography using ultraviolet and radio frequency measurements. The retrieved electron density using LORAAS daytime 911 Å...very important because of the effects of the ionosphere on global long- distance radio communications and over-the-horizon radar. Additional mission

Diffuse Optics for Tissue Monitoring and Tomography

PubMed Central

Durduran, T; Choe, R; Baker, W B; Yodh, A G

2015-01-01

This review describes the diffusion model for light transport in tissues and the medical applications of diffuse light. Diffuse optics is particularly useful for measurement of tissue hemodynamics, wherein quantitative assessment of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations and blood flow are desired. The theoretical basis for near-infrared or diffuse optical spectroscopy (NIRS or DOS, respectively) is developed, and the basic elements of diffuse optical tomography (DOT) are outlined. We also discuss diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), a technique whereby temporal correlation functions of diffusing light are transported through tissue and are used to measure blood flow. Essential instrumentation is described, and representative brain and breast functional imaging and monitoring results illustrate the workings of these new tissue diagnostics. PMID:26120204

Mars 2024/2026 Pathfinder Mission: Mars Architectures, Systems, and Technologies for Exploration and Resources Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeitlin, Nancy; Mueller, Robert; Muscatello, Anthony

2015-01-01

Integrate In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) sub-systems and examine advanced capabilities and technologies to verify Mars 2024 Forward architecture precursor pathfinder options: Integrated spacecraft/surface infrastructure fluid architecture: propulsion, power, life support center dot Power system feed and propellant scavenging from propulsion system center dot High quality oxygen for life support and EVA Fluid/cryogenic zero-loss transfer and long-term storage center dot Rapid depot-to-rover/spacecraft center dot Slow ISRU plant-to-ascent vehicle Integration of ISRU consumable production center dot Oxygen only from Mars atmosphere carbon dioxide center dot Oxygen, fuel, water, from extraterrestrial soil/regolith Test bed to evaluate long duration life, operations, maintenance on hardware, sensors, and autonomy

Three-terminal quantum-dot thermal management devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanchao; Zhang, Xin; Ye, Zhuolin; Lin, Guoxing; Chen, Jincan

2017-04-01

We theoretically demonstrate that the heat flows can be manipulated by designing a three-terminal quantum-dot system consisting of three Coulomb-coupled quantum dots connected to respective reservoirs. In this structure, the electron transport between the quantum dots is forbidden, but the heat transport is allowed by the Coulomb interaction to transmit heat between the reservoirs with a temperature difference. We show that such a system is capable of performing thermal management operations, such as heat flow swap, thermal switch, and heat path selector. An important thermal rectifier, i.e., a thermal diode, can be implemented separately in two different paths. The asymmetric configuration of a quantum-dot system is a necessary condition for thermal management operations in practical applications. These results should have important implications in providing the design principle for quantum-dot thermal management devices and may open up potential applications for the thermal management of quantum-dot systems at the nanoscale.

Creation of Frustrated Systems by d-dot Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masahiko, Machida

2004-03-01

When a square shape dot of High-Tc superconductor is embedded in s-wave superconducting matrix, half quantized vortices are spontaneously generated at the corners of the dot. This feature gives the magnetic interactions between neighboring dots in array systems composed of sevaral dots of High-Tc superconductor and allows us to make magnetic interaction systems. We propose that we can create interesting frustrated systems like the spin-ice by setting the dots in various manners. In order to demonstrate which types of frustrated systems are possible, we perform numerical simulations for the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation describing dynamics of the superconducting order parameters with d-wave and s-wave symmetries. The simulations reveal that the proposed system has two parameters originated from the magnetic interaction between emerged half vortices. We tune the parameters and show various patterns of half vortices from the Ising to the ice model.

Quantum Phase Transitions in Cavity Coupled Dot systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasisomayajula, Vijay; Russo, Onofrio

2011-03-01

We investigate a Quantum Dot System, in which the transconductance, in part, is due to spin coupling, with each dot subjected to a biasing voltage. When this system is housed in a QED cavity, the cavity dot coupling alters the spin coupling of the coupled dots significantly via the Purcell Effect. In this paper we show the extent to which one can control the various coupling parameters: the inter dot coupling, the individual dots coupling with the cavity and the coupled dots coupling with the cavity as a single entity. We show that the dots coupled to each other and to the cavity, the spin transport can be controlled selectively. We derive the conditions for such control explicitly. Further, we discuss the Quantum phase transition effects due to the charge and spin transport through the dots. The electron transport through the dots, electron-electron spin interaction and the electron-photon interaction are treated using the Non-equilibrium Green's Function Formalism. http://publish.aps.org/search/field/author/Trif_Mircea (Trif Mircea), http://publish.aps.org/search/field/author/Golovach_Vitaly_N (Vitaly N. Golovach), and http://publish.aps.org/search/field/author/Loss_Daniel (Daniel Loss), Phys. Rev. B 75, 085307 (2007)

Communications between intraretinal and subretinal space on optical coherence tomography of neurosensory retinal detachment in diabetic macular edema

PubMed Central

Gupta, Aditi; Raman, Rajiv; Mohana, KP; Kulothungan, Vaitheeswaran; Sharma, Tarun

2013-01-01

Background: The pathogenesis of development and progression of neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) in diabetic macular edema (DME) is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) morphological characteristics of NSD associated with DME in the form of outer retinal communications and to assess the correlation between the size of communications and various factors. Materials and Methods: This was an observational retrospective nonconsecutive case series in a tertiary care eye institute. We imaged NSD and outer retinal communications in 17 eyes of 16 patients having NSD associated with DME using SD-OCT. We measured manually the size of the outer openings of these communications and studied its correlation with various factors. Statistical analysis (correlation test) was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 14.0). The main outcome measures were correlation of the size of communications with dimensions of NSD, presence of subretinal hyper-reflective dots, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: The communications were seen as focal defects of the outer layers of elevated retina. With increasing size of communication, there was increase in height of NSD (r = 0.701, P = 0.002), horizontal diameter of NSD (r = 0.695, P = 0.002), and the number of hyper-reflective dots in the subretinal space (r = 0.729, P = 0.002). The minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA increased with the increasing size of communications (r = 0.827, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Outer retinal communications between intra and subretinal space were noted in eyes having NSD associated with DME. The size of communications correlated positively with the size of NSD and subretinal detachment space hyper-reflective dots, and inversely with BCVA. PMID:24379554

Communications between intraretinal and subretinal space on optical coherence tomography of neurosensory retinal detachment in diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Gupta, Aditi; Raman, Rajiv; Mohana, Kp; Kulothungan, Vaitheeswaran; Sharma, Tarun

2013-09-01

The pathogenesis of development and progression of neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) in diabetic macular edema (DME) is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) morphological characteristics of NSD associated with DME in the form of outer retinal communications and to assess the correlation between the size of communications and various factors. This was an observational retrospective nonconsecutive case series in a tertiary care eye institute. We imaged NSD and outer retinal communications in 17 eyes of 16 patients having NSD associated with DME using SD-OCT. We measured manually the size of the outer openings of these communications and studied its correlation with various factors. Statistical analysis (correlation test) was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 14.0). The main outcome measures were correlation of the size of communications with dimensions of NSD, presence of subretinal hyper-reflective dots, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The communications were seen as focal defects of the outer layers of elevated retina. With increasing size of communication, there was increase in height of NSD (r = 0.701, P = 0.002), horizontal diameter of NSD (r = 0.695, P = 0.002), and the number of hyper-reflective dots in the subretinal space (r = 0.729, P = 0.002). The minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA increased with the increasing size of communications (r = 0.827, P < 0.0001). Outer retinal communications between intra and subretinal space were noted in eyes having NSD associated with DME. The size of communications correlated positively with the size of NSD and subretinal detachment space hyper-reflective dots, and inversely with BCVA.

Multimodal Diffuse Optical Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Intes, Xavier; Venugopal, Vivek; Chen, Jin; Azar, Fred S.

Diffuse optical imaging, particularly diffuse optical tomography (DOT), is an emerging clinical modality capable of providing unique functional information, at a relatively low cost, and with nonionizing radiation. Multimodal diffuse optical imaging has enabled a synergistic combination of functional and anatomical information: the quality of DOT reconstructions has been significantly improved by incorporating the structural information derived by the combined anatomical modality. In this chapter, we will review the basic principles of diffuse optical imaging, including instrumentation and reconstruction algorithm design. We will also discuss the approaches for multimodal imaging strategies that integrate DOI with clinically established modalities. The merit of the multimodal imaging approaches is demonstrated in the context of optical mammography, but the techniques described herein can be translated to other clinical scenarios such as brain functional imaging or muscle functional imaging.

Underlying Information Technology Tailored Quantum Error Correction

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-28

typically constructed by using an optical beam splitter . • We used a decoherence-free-subspace encoding to reduce the sensitivity of an optical Deutsch...simplification of design constraints in solid state QC (incl. quantum dots and superconducting qubits), hybrid quantum error correction and prevention methods...process tomography on one- and two-photon polarisation states, from full and partial data "• Accomplished complete two-photon QPT. "• Discovered surprising

Appearance of medium-large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen on adaptive optics in age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Querques, Giuseppe; Kamami-Levy, Cynthia; Blanco-Garavito, Rocio; Georges, Anouk; Pedinielli, Alexandre; Capuano, Vittorio; Poulon, Fanny; Souied, Eric H

2014-11-01

To investigate the appearance of medium-large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen on adaptive optics (AO). In 14 consecutive patients, AO infrared (IR) images were overlaid with confocal scanning-laser-ophthalmoscope IR reflectance images and IR-referenced spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In eight eyes of six patients, a total of 19 images of medium-large drusen were investigated by AO imaging. En face AO revealed medium-large drusen as highly hyper-reflective round/oval lesions, always centred and/or surrounded by a continuous/discontinuous hyporeflectivity. Cone photoreceptors were detected overlying drusen, appearing either as continuous 'bright' hyper-reflective dots over a 'dark' hyporeflective background, or as continuous 'dark' hyporeflective dots over a 'bright' hyper-reflective background. In eight eyes from eight patients, a total of 14 images of pseudodrusen were investigated by AO imaging. En face AO revealed reticular pseudodrusen as isoreflective lesions, always surrounded by a continuous/discontinuous hyporeflectivity. Cone photoreceptors were detected overlying pseudodrusen as 'bright' hyper-reflective dots over either a hyporeflective or isoreflective background. No 'dark' hyporeflective dots were detected in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen only. Cone photoreceptors were counted on the border of the drusen and pseudodrusen, respectively, and in a visibly healthy zone in its absolute vicinity. A similar decrease in cone appearance was observed for drusen and pseudodrusen (15.7% vs 16.2%). AO allows differences in reflectivity between medium-large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen to be appreciated. The cone mosaics may be detected as continuous 'bright' hyper-reflective dots overlying/on the border of drusen and pseudodrusen deposits, and possibly as continuous 'dark' hyporeflective dots overlying drusen only. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Detection of early seizures by diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tao; Hajihashemi, M. Reza; Zhou, Junli; Carney, Paul R.; Jiang, Huabei

2015-03-01

In epilepsy it has been challenging to detect early changes in brain activity that occurs prior to seizure onset and to map their origin and evolution for possible intervention. Besides, preclinical seizure experiments need to be conducted in awake animals with images reconstructed and displayed in real-time. We demonstrate using a rat model of generalized epilepsy that diffuse optical tomography (DOT) provides a unique functional neuroimaging modality for noninvasively and continuously tracking brain activities with high spatiotemporal resolution. We developed methods to conduct seizure experiments in fully awake rats using a subject-specific helmet and a restraining mechanism. For the first time, we detected early hemodynamic responses with heterogeneous patterns several minutes preceding the electroencephalographic seizure onset, supporting the presence of a "pre-seizure" state both in anesthetized and awake rats. Using a novel time-series analysis of scattering images, we show that the analysis of scattered diffuse light is a sensitive and reliable modality for detecting changes in neural activity associated with generalized seizure. We found widespread hemodynamic changes evolving from local regions of the bilateral cortex and thalamus to the entire brain, indicating that the onset of generalized seizures may originate locally rather than diffusely. Together, these findings suggest DOT represents a powerful tool for mapping early seizure onset and propagation pathways.

Identification of the DotL coupling protein subcomplex of the Legionella Dot/Icm type IV secretion system.

PubMed

Vincent, Carr D; Friedman, Jonathan R; Jeong, Kwang Cheol; Sutherland, Molly C; Vogel, Joseph P

2012-07-01

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, survives in macrophages by altering the endocytic pathway of its host cell. To accomplish this, the bacterium utilizes a type IVB secretion system to deliver effector molecules into the host cell cytoplasm. In a previous report, we performed an extensive characterization of the L. pneumophila type IVB secretion system that resulted in the identification of a critical five-protein subcomplex that forms the core of the secretion apparatus. Here we describe a second Dot/Icm protein subassembly composed of the type IV coupling protein DotL, the apparatus proteins DotM and DotN, and the secretion adaptor proteins IcmS and IcmW. In the absence of IcmS or IcmW, DotL becomes destabilized at the transition from the exponential to stationary phases of growth, concurrent with the expression of many secreted substrates. Loss of DotL is dependent on ClpA, a regulator of the cytoplasmic protease ClpP. The resulting decreased levels of DotL in the icmS and icmW mutants exacerbates the intracellular defects of these strains and can be partially suppressed by overproduction of DotL. Thus, in addition to their role as chaperones for Legionella type IV secretion system substrates, IcmS and IcmW perform a second function as part of the Dot/Icm type IV coupling protein subcomplex. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Comparison of two quantum dots for bioluminescence resonance energy transfer based on nucleic acid detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Daohong

2017-05-01

The performance of two commercially available quantum dots, quantum dot 605 (Qd605) and quantum dot 625 (Qd625), was tested and compared in the sensing system developed by our group previously. The sandwich format sensing system employed Renilla luciferase (Rluc) and quantum dots (Qds), could report the presence of targets with increasing bioluminescent resonance energy transfer (BRET) signal. The best spacing between the Rluc and Qds probes were 15 nucleotides. Both of Qd605 and Qd625 sensing system could quantify nucleic acid targets through 1-min hybridization from 0.2 picomoles. However, the Qd625 system showed higher BRET signal and better selectivity. Therefore, Qd625 is a better choice in this system compared to Qd605.

Fano effect dominance over Coulomb blockade in transport properties of parallel coupled quantum dot system

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

Brogi, Bharat Bhushan, E-mail: brogi-221179@yahoo.in; Ahluwalia, P. K.; Chand, Shyam

2015-06-24

Theoretical study of the Coulomb blockade effect on transport properties (Transmission Probability and I-V characteristics) for varied configuration of coupled quantum dot system has been studied by using Non Equilibrium Green Function(NEGF) formalism and Equation of Motion(EOM) method in the presence of magnetic flux. The self consistent approach and intra-dot Coulomb interaction is being taken into account. As the key parameters of the coupled quantum dot system such as dot-lead coupling, inter-dot tunneling and magnetic flux threading through the system can be tuned, the effect of asymmetry parameter and magnetic flux on this tuning is being explored in Coulomb blockademore » regime. The presence of the Coulomb blockade due to on-dot Coulomb interaction decreases the width of transmission peak at energy level ε + U and by adjusting the magnetic flux the swapping effect in the Fano peaks in asymmetric and symmetric parallel configuration sustains despite strong Coulomb blockade effect.« less

Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator; An Enhanced Evaporative Cooling Systems for the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit Portable Life Support System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bue, Grant C.; Makinen, Janice V.; Miller, Sean.; Campbell, Colin; Lynch, Bill; Vogel, Matt; Craft, Jesse; Petty, Brian

2014-01-01

Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator - Baseline heat rejection technology for the Portable Life Support System of the Advanced EMU center dot Replaces sublimator in the current EMU center dot Contamination insensitive center dot Can work with Lithium Chloride Absorber Radiator in Spacesuit Evaporator Absorber Radiator (SEAR) to reject heat and reuse evaporated water The Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) is being developed to replace the sublimator for future generation spacesuits. Water in LCVG absorbs body heat while circulating center dot Warm water pumped through SWME center dot SWME evaporates water vapor, while maintaining liquid water - Cools water center dot Cooled water is then recirculated through LCVG. center dot LCVG water lost due to evaporation (cooling) is replaced from feedwater The Independent TCV Manifold reduces design complexity and manufacturing difficulty of the SWME End Cap. center dot The offset motor for the new BPV reduces the volume profile of the SWME by laying the motor flat on the End Cap alongside the TCV.

Patients' costs and cost-effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment in DOTS and non-DOTS facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Steffen, Ricardo; Menzies, Dick; Oxlade, Olivia; Pinto, Marcia; de Castro, Analia Zuleika; Monteiro, Paula; Trajman, Anete

2010-11-17

Costs of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment may represent a significant burden for the poor and for the health system in resource-poor countries. The aim of this study was to analyze patients' costs of tuberculosis care and to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the directly observed treatment (DOT) strategy per completed treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We interviewed 218 adult patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Information on direct (out-of-pocket expenses) and indirect (hours lost) costs, loss in income and costs with extra help were gathered through a questionnaire. Healthcare system additional costs due to supervision of pill-intake were calculated considering staff salaries. Effectiveness was measured by treatment completion rate. The ICER of DOT compared to self-administered therapy (SAT) was calculated. DOT increased costs during the treatment phase, while SAT increased costs in the pre-diagnostic phase, for both the patient and the health system. Treatment completion rates were 71% in SAT facilities and 79% in DOT facilities. Costs per completed treatment were US$ 194 for patients and U$ 189 for the health system in SAT facilities, compared to US$ 336 and US$ 726 in DOT facilities. The ICER was US$ 6,616 per completed DOT treatment compared to SAT. Costs incurred by TB patients are high in Rio de Janeiro, especially for those under DOT. The DOT strategy doubles patients' costs and increases by fourfold the health system costs per completed treatment. The additional costs for DOT may be one of the contributing factors to the completion rates below the targeted 85% recommended by WHO.

Development and Applications of Laminar Optical Tomography for In Vivo Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgess, Sean A.

Laminar optical tomography (LOT) is an optical imaging technique capable of making depth-resolved measurements of absorption and fluorescence contrast in scattering tissue. LOT was first demonstrated in 2004 by Hillman et al [1]. The technique combines a non-contact laser scanning geometry, similar to a low magnification confocal microscope, with the imaging principles of diffuse optical tomography (DOT). This thesis describes the development and application of a second generation LOT system, which acquires both fluorescence and multi-wavelength measurements simultaneously and is better suited for in vivo measurements. Chapter 1 begins by reviewing the interactions of light with tissue that form the foundation of optical imaging. A range of related optical imaging techniques and the basic principles of LOT imaging are then described. In Chapter 2, the development of the new LOT imaging system is described including the implementation of a series of interfaces to allow clinical imaging. System performance is then evaluated on a range of imaging phantoms. Chapter 3 describes two in vivo imaging applications explored using the second generation LOT system, first in a clinical setting where skin lesions were imaged, and then in a laboratory setting where LOT imaging was performed on exposed rat cortex. The final chapter provides a brief summary and describes future directions for LOT. LOT has the potential to find applications in medical diagnostics, surgical guidance, and in-situ monitoring owing to its sensitivity to absorption and fluorescence contrast as well as its ability to provide depth sensitive measures. Optical techniques can characterize blood volume and oxygenation, two important biological parameters, through measurements at different wavelengths. Fluorescence measurements, either from autofluorescence or fluorescent dyes, have shown promise for identifying and analyzing lesions in various epithelial tissues including skin [2, 3], colon [4], esophagus [5, 6], oral mucosa [7, 8], and cervix [9]. The desire to capture these types of measurements with LOT motivated much of the work presented here.

Configuration Management at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doreswamy, Rajiv

2013-01-01

NASA programs are characterized by complexity, harsh environments and the fact that we usually have one chance to get it right. Programs last decades and need to accept new hardware and technology as it is developed. We have multiple suppliers and international partners Our challenges are many, our costs are high and our failures are highly visible. CM systems need to be scalable, adaptable to new technology and span the life cycle of the program (30+ years). Multiple Systems, Contractors and Countries added major levels of complexity to the ISS program and CM/DM and Requirements management systems center dot CM Systems need to be designed for long design life center dot Space Station Design started in 1984 center dot Assembly Complete in 2012 center dot Systems were developed on a task basis without an overall system perspective center dot Technology moves faster than a large project office, try to make sure you have a system that can adapt

Identification of the DotL Coupling Protein Subcomplex of the Legionella Dot/Icm Type IV Secretion System

PubMed Central

Vincent, Carr D.; Friedman, Jonathan R.; Jeong, Kwang Cheol; Sutherland, Molly C.; Vogel, Joseph P.

2012-01-01

Summary Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, survives in macrophages by altering the endocytic pathway of its host cell. To accomplish this, the bacterium utilizes a type IVB secretion system to deliver effector molecules into the host cell cytoplasm. In a previous report, we performed an extensive characterization of the L. pneumophila type IVB secretion system that resulted in the identification of a critical five-protein subcomplex that forms the core of the secretion apparatus. Here we describe a second Dot/Icm protein subassembly composed of the type IV coupling protein DotL, the apparatus proteins DotM and DotN, and the secretion adaptor proteins IcmS and IcmW. In the absence of IcmS or IcmW, DotL becomes destabilized at the transition from the exponential to stationary phases of growth, concurrent with the expression of many secreted substrates. Loss of DotL is dependent on ClpA, a regulator of the cytoplasmic protease ClpP. The resulting decreased levels of DotL in the icmS and icmW mutants exacerbates the intracellular defects of these strains and can be partially suppressed by overproduction of DotL. Thus, in addition to their role as chaperones for Legionella T4SS substrates, IcmS and IcmW perform a second function as part of the Dot/Icm type IV coupling protein subcomplex. PMID:22694730

Antiresonance and decoupling in electronic transport through parallel-coupled quantum-dot structures with laterally-coupled Majorana zero modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ya-Jing; Zhang, Lian-Lian; Jiang, Cui; Gong, Wei-Jiang

2018-02-01

We theoretically investigate the electronic transport through a parallel-coupled multi-quantum-dot system, in which the terminal dots of a one-dimensional quantum-dot chain are embodied in the two arms of an Aharonov-Bohm interferometer. It is found that in the structures of odd(even) dots, all their even(odd) molecular states have opportunities to decouple from the leads, and in this process antiresonance occurs which are accordant with the odd(even)-numbered eigenenergies of the sub-molecule without terminal dots. Next when Majorana zero modes are introduced to couple laterally to the terminal dots, the antiresonance and decoupling phenomena still co-exist in the quantum transport process. Such a result can be helpful in understanding the special influence of Majorana zero mode on the electronic transport through quantum-dot systems.

Time-bin entangled photons from a quantum dot

PubMed Central

Jayakumar, Harishankar; Predojević, Ana; Kauten, Thomas; Huber, Tobias; Solomon, Glenn S.; Weihs, Gregor

2014-01-01

Long distance quantum communication is one of the prime goals in the field of quantum information science. With information encoded in the quantum state of photons, existing telecommunication fibre networks can be effectively used as a transport medium. To achieve this goal, a source of robust entangled single photon pairs is required. Here, we report the realization of a source of time-bin entangled photon pairs utilizing the biexciton-exciton cascade in a III/V self-assembled quantum dot. We analyse the generated photon pairs by an inherently phase-stable interferometry technique, facilitating uninterrupted long integration times. We confirm the entanglement by performing quantum state tomography of the emitted photons, which yields a fidelity of 0.69(3) and a concurrence of 0.41(6) for our realization of time-energy entanglement from a single quantum emitter. PMID:24968024

Time-bin entangled photons from a quantum dot.

PubMed

Jayakumar, Harishankar; Predojević, Ana; Kauten, Thomas; Huber, Tobias; Solomon, Glenn S; Weihs, Gregor

2014-06-26

Long-distance quantum communication is one of the prime goals in the field of quantum information science. With information encoded in the quantum state of photons, existing telecommunication fibre networks can be effectively used as a transport medium. To achieve this goal, a source of robust entangled single-photon pairs is required. Here we report the realization of a source of time-bin entangled photon pairs utilizing the biexciton-exciton cascade in a III/V self-assembled quantum dot. We analyse the generated photon pairs by an inherently phase-stable interferometry technique, facilitating uninterrupted long integration times. We confirm the entanglement by performing quantum state tomography of the emitted photons, which yields a fidelity of 0.69(3) and a concurrence of 0.41(6) for our realization of time-energy entanglement from a single quantum emitter.

Dicke states in multiple quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, Anna; Manolescu, Andrei

2013-10-01

We present a theoretical study of the collective optical effects which can occur in groups of three and four quantum dots. We define conditions for stable subradiant (dark) states, rapidly decaying super-radiant states, and spontaneous trapping of excitation. Each quantum dot is treated like a two-level system. The quantum dots are, however, realistic, meaning that they may have different transition energies and dipole moments. The dots interact via a short-range coupling which allows excitation transfer across the dots, but conserves the total population of the system. We calculate the time evolution of single-exciton and biexciton states using the Lindblad equation. In the steady state the individual populations of each dot may have permanent oscillations with frequencies given by the energy separation between the subradiant eigenstates.

[Louis Braille (1809-1852)--inventor of raised dots system].

PubMed

Maciejewicz, Piotr; Kopacz, Dorota

2005-01-01

Louis Braille was born on January 4th 1809 in Coupvray, France. An injury to his eye at the age of three, resulted in total loss of vision. In 1819 he entered the Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. There he would live, study, and later teach. When he was fifteen, he developed system of reading and writing by means of raised dots, which is known today as Braille. The basis of the Braille system is known as a Braille cell. The cell is comprised of six dots numbered in a specific order. Each dot or combination of dots represents a letter of the alphabet. This Braille system has established itself internationally and formed the basic Braille for all languages.

Self-organized formation of quantum dots of a material on a substrate

DOEpatents

Zhang, Zhenyu; Wendelken, John F.; Chang, Ming-Che; Pai, Woei Wu

2001-01-01

Systems and methods are described for fabricating arrays of quantum dots. A method for making a quantum dot device, includes: forming clusters of atoms on a substrate; and charging the clusters of atoms such that the clusters of atoms repel one another. The systems and methods provide advantages because the quantum dots can be ordered with regard to spacing and/or size.

In Vivo Follow-up of Brain Tumor Growth via Bioluminescence Imaging and Fluorescence Tomography

PubMed Central

Genevois, Coralie; Loiseau, Hugues; Couillaud, Franck

2016-01-01

Reporter gene-based strategies are widely used in experimental oncology. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using the firefly luciferase (Fluc) as a reporter gene and d-luciferin as a substrate is currently the most widely employed technique. The present paper compares the performances of BLI imaging with fluorescence imaging using the near infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) to monitor brain tumor growth in mice. Fluorescence imaging includes fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI), fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (fDOT), and fluorescence molecular Imaging (FMT®). A U87 cell line was genetically modified for constitutive expression of both the encoding Fluc and iRFP reporter genes and assayed for cell, subcutaneous tumor and brain tumor imaging. On cultured cells, BLI was more sensitive than FRI; in vivo, tumors were first detected by BLI. Fluorescence of iRFP provided convenient tools such as flux cytometry, direct detection of the fluorescent protein on histological slices, and fluorescent tomography that allowed for 3D localization and absolute quantification of the fluorescent signal in brain tumors. PMID:27809256

In Vivo Follow-up of Brain Tumor Growth via Bioluminescence Imaging and Fluorescence Tomography.

PubMed

Genevois, Coralie; Loiseau, Hugues; Couillaud, Franck

2016-10-31

Reporter gene-based strategies are widely used in experimental oncology. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using the firefly luciferase (Fluc) as a reporter gene and d-luciferin as a substrate is currently the most widely employed technique. The present paper compares the performances of BLI imaging with fluorescence imaging using the near infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) to monitor brain tumor growth in mice. Fluorescence imaging includes fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI), fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (fDOT), and fluorescence molecular Imaging (FMT ® ). A U87 cell line was genetically modified for constitutive expression of both the encoding Fluc and iRFP reporter genes and assayed for cell, subcutaneous tumor and brain tumor imaging. On cultured cells, BLI was more sensitive than FRI; in vivo, tumors were first detected by BLI. Fluorescence of iRFP provided convenient tools such as flux cytometry, direct detection of the fluorescent protein on histological slices, and fluorescent tomography that allowed for 3D localization and absolute quantification of the fluorescent signal in brain tumors.

In sílico identification and characterization of putative Dot/Icm secreted virulence effectors in the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis.

PubMed

Labra, Álvaro; Arredondo-Zelada, Oscar; Flores-Herrera, Patricio; Marshall, Sergio H; Gómez, Fernando A

2016-03-01

Piscirickettsia salmonis seriously affects the Chilean salmon industry. The bacterium is phylogenetically related to Legionella pneumophila and Coxiella burnetii, sharing a Dot/Icm secretion system with them. Although it is well documented that L. pneumophila and C. burnetii secrete different virulence effectors via this Dot/Icm system in order to attenuate host cell responses, to date there have been no reported virulence effectors secreted by the Dot/Icm system of P. salmonis. Using several annotations of P. salmonis genome, here we report an in silico analyses of 4 putative Dot/Icm effectors. Three of them contain ankyrin repeat domains and the typical conserved 3D structures of this protein family. The fourth one is highly similar to one of the Dot/Icm-dependent effectors of L. pneumophila. Additionally, all the potential P. salmonis effectors contain a classical Dot/Icm secretion signal in their C-terminus, consisting of: an E-Block, a hydrophobic residue in -3 or -4 and an electronegative charge. Finally, qPCR analysis demonstrated that these proteins are overexpressed early in infection, perhaps contributing to the generation of a replicative vacuole, a key step in the neutralizing strategy proposed for the Dot/Icm system. In summary, this report identifies four Dot/Icm-dependent effectors in P. salmonis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of transrectal diffuse optical tomography combined with 3D-transrectal ultrasound imaging to monitor the photocoagulation front during interstitial photothermal therapy of primary focal prostate cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jie; Weersink, Robert; Veilleux, Israel; Mayo, Kenwrick; Zhang, Anqi; Piao, Daqing; Alam, Adeel; Trachtenberg, John; Wilson, Brian C.

2013-03-01

Interstitial near-infrared laser thermal therapy (LITT) is currently undergoing clinical trials as an alternative to watchful waiting or radical surgery in patients with low-risk focal prostate cancer. Currently, we use magnetic resonance image (MRI)-based thermography to monitor treatment delivery and determine indirectly the completeness of the target tissue destruction while avoiding damage to adjacent normal tissues, particularly the rectal wall. However, incomplete tumor destruction has occurred in a significant fraction of patients due to premature termination of treatment, since the photocoagulation zone is not directly observed. Hence, we are developing transrectal diffuse optical tomography (TRDOT), in combination with transrectal 3D ultrasound (3D-TRUS), to address his limitation. This is based on the large changes in optical scattering expected upon tissue coagulation. Here, we present forward simulations of a growing coagulated lesion with optical scattering contrast, using an established finite element analysis software platform (NIRFAST). The simulations were validated in tissue-simulating phantoms, with measurements acquired by a state-of-the-art continuous wave (CW) TRDOT system and a recently assembled bench-top CW-DOT system, with specific source-detector configurations. Two image reconstruction schemes were investigated and evaluated, specifically for the accurate delineation of the posterior boundary of the coagulation zone as the critical parameter for treatment guidance in this clinical application.

DOT's CAFE rulemaking analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-13

Presentation discusses what DOT needs to consider in setting CAFE standards. How DOT's use of the CAFE Compliance and Effects Modeling System helps to analyze potential CAFE Standards. How DOT might approach the next round of CAFE standards for model...

Hybrid plasmonic systems: from optical transparencies to strong coupling and entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, Stephen K.

2018-02-01

Classical electrodynamics and quantum mechanical models of quantum dots and molecules interacting with plasmonic systems are discussed. Calculations show that just one quantum dot interacting with a plasmonic system can lead to interesting optical effects, including optical transparencies and more general Fano resonance features that can be tailored with ultrafast laser pulses. Such effects can occur in the limit of moderate coupling between quantum dot and plasmonic system. The approach to the strong coupling regime is also discussed. In cases with two or more quantum dots within a plasmonic system, the possibility of quantum entanglement mediated through the dissipative plasmonic structure arises.

Three-dimensional imaging for precise structural control of Si quantum dot networks for all-Si solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kourkoutis, Lena F.; Hao, Xiaojing; Huang, Shujuan; Puthen-Veettil, Binesh; Conibeer, Gavin; Green, Martin A.; Perez-Wurfl, Ivan

2013-07-01

All-Si tandem solar cells based on Si quantum dots (QDs) are a promising approach to future high-performance, thin film solar cells using abundant, stable and non-toxic materials. An important prerequisite to achieve a high conversion efficiency in such cells is the ability to control the geometry of the Si QD network. This includes the ability to control both, the size and arrangement of Si QDs embedded in a higher bandgap matrix. Using plasmon tomography we show the size, shape and density of Si QDs, that form in Si rich oxide (SRO)/SiO2 multilayers upon annealing, can be controlled by varying the SRO stoichiometry. Smaller, more spherical QDs of higher densities are obtained at lower Si concentrations. In richer SRO layers ellipsoidal QDs tend to form. Using electronic structure calculations within the effective mass approximation we show that ellipsoidal QDs give rise to reduced inter-QD coupling in the layer. Efficient carrier transport via mini-bands is in this case more likely across the multilayers provided the SiO2 spacer layer is thin enough to allow coupling in the vertical direction.All-Si tandem solar cells based on Si quantum dots (QDs) are a promising approach to future high-performance, thin film solar cells using abundant, stable and non-toxic materials. An important prerequisite to achieve a high conversion efficiency in such cells is the ability to control the geometry of the Si QD network. This includes the ability to control both, the size and arrangement of Si QDs embedded in a higher bandgap matrix. Using plasmon tomography we show the size, shape and density of Si QDs, that form in Si rich oxide (SRO)/SiO2 multilayers upon annealing, can be controlled by varying the SRO stoichiometry. Smaller, more spherical QDs of higher densities are obtained at lower Si concentrations. In richer SRO layers ellipsoidal QDs tend to form. Using electronic structure calculations within the effective mass approximation we show that ellipsoidal QDs give rise to reduced inter-QD coupling in the layer. Efficient carrier transport via mini-bands is in this case more likely across the multilayers provided the SiO2 spacer layer is thin enough to allow coupling in the vertical direction. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Electron tomography reconstruction movies. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01998e

En face optical coherence tomography findings in a case of Alport syndrome.

PubMed

Cho, In Hwan; Kim, Hoon Dong; Jung, Sang Joon; Park, Tae Kwann

2017-09-01

Alport syndrome is a rare hereditary disease that is associated with retinal abnormalities such as dot-and-fleck retinopathy and temporal macular thinning. The main pathophysiological process of Alport syndrome is loss of the collagen network in the basement membrane. However, the alterations in each retinal layer have not been fully evaluated. In the case presented here, we evaluated the retina of a patient with Alport syndrome using en face optical coherence tomography (OCT). The findings suggested that the primary alterations occur in the internal limiting membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium basement membrane which is a part of the Bruch's membrane. The adjacent retinal layers are damaged subsequently. In conclusion, en face OCT could be useful in evaluating retinal abnormalities and understanding their underlying pathophysiology in Alport syndrome.

In vivo cation exchange in quantum dots for tumor-specific imaging.

PubMed

Liu, Xiangyou; Braun, Gary B; Qin, Mingde; Ruoslahti, Erkki; Sugahara, Kazuki N

2017-08-24

In vivo tumor imaging with nanoprobes suffers from poor tumor specificity. Here, we introduce a nanosystem, which allows selective background quenching to gain exceptionally tumor-specific signals. The system uses near-infrared quantum dots and a membrane-impermeable etchant, which serves as a cation donor. The etchant rapidly quenches the quantum dots through cation exchange (ionic etching), and facilitates renal clearance of metal ions released from the quantum dots. The quantum dots are intravenously delivered into orthotopic breast and pancreas tumors in mice by using the tumor-penetrating iRGD peptide. Subsequent etching quenches excess quantum dots, leaving a highly tumor-specific signal provided by the intact quantum dots remaining in the extravascular tumor cells and fibroblasts. No toxicity is noted. The system also facilitates the detection of peritoneal tumors with high specificity upon intraperitoneal tumor targeting and selective etching of excess untargeted quantum dots. In vivo cation exchange may be a promising strategy to enhance specificity of tumor imaging.The imaging of tumors in vivo using nanoprobes has been challenging due to the lack of sufficient tumor specificity. Here, the authors develop a tumor-specific quantum dot system that permits in vivo cation exchange to achieve selective background quenching and high tumor-specific imaging.

Dynamic studies of small animals with a four-color diffuse optical tomography imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitz, Christoph H.; Graber, Harry L.; Pei, Yaling; Farber, Mark; Stewart, Mark; Levina, Rita D.; Levin, Mikhail B.; Xu, Yong; Barbour, Randall L.

2005-09-01

We present newly developed instrumentation for full-tomographic four-wavelength, continuous wave, diffuse optical tomography (DOT) imaging on small animals. A small-animal imaging stage was constructed, from materials compatible with in-magnet studies, which offers stereotaxic fixation of the animal and precise, stable probe positioning. Instrument performance, based on calibration and phantom studies, demonstrates excellent long-term signal stability. DOT measurements of the functional rat brain response to electric paw stimulation are presented, and these demonstrate high data quality and excellent sensitivity to hemodynamic changes. A general linear model analysis on individual trials is used to localize and quantify the occurrence of functional behavior associated with the different hemoglobin state responses. Statistical evaluation of outcomes of individual trials is employed to identify significant regional response variations for different stimulation sites. Image results reveal a diffuse cortical response and a strong reaction of the thalamus, both indicative of activation of pain pathways by the stimulation. In addition, a weaker lateralized functional component is observed in the brain response, suggesting presence of motor activation. An important outcome of the experiment is that it shows that reactions to individual provocations can be monitored, without having to resort to signal averaging. Thus the described technology may be useful for studies of long-term trends in hemodynamic response, as would occur, for example, in behavioral studies involving freely moving animals.

Mapping cortical haemodynamics during neonatal seizures using diffuse optical tomography: A case study

PubMed Central

Singh, Harsimrat; Cooper, Robert J.; Wai Lee, Chuen; Dempsey, Laura; Edwards, Andrea; Brigadoi, Sabrina; Airantzis, Dimitrios; Everdell, Nick; Michell, Andrew; Holder, David; Hebden, Jeremy C.; Austin, Topun

2014-01-01

Seizures in the newborn brain represent a major challenge to neonatal medicine. Neonatal seizures are poorly classified, under-diagnosed, difficult to treat and are associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Video-EEG is the current gold-standard approach for seizure detection and monitoring. Interpreting neonatal EEG requires expertise and the impact of seizures on the developing brain remains poorly understood. In this case study we present the first ever images of the haemodynamic impact of seizures on the human infant brain, obtained using simultaneous diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and video-EEG with whole-scalp coverage. Seven discrete periods of ictal electrographic activity were observed during a 60 minute recording of an infant with hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy. The resulting DOT images show a remarkably consistent, high-amplitude, biphasic pattern of changes in cortical blood volume and oxygenation in response to each electrographic event. While there is spatial variation across the cortex, the dominant haemodynamic response to seizure activity consists of an initial increase in cortical blood volume prior to a large and extended decrease typically lasting several minutes. This case study demonstrates the wealth of physiologically and clinically relevant information that DOT–EEG techniques can yield. The consistency and scale of the haemodynamic responses observed here also suggest that DOT–EEG has the potential to provide improved detection of neonatal seizures. PMID:25161892

Hyperspectral optical tomography of intrinsic signals in the rat cortex

PubMed Central

Konecky, Soren D.; Wilson, Robert H.; Hagen, Nathan; Mazhar, Amaan; Tkaczyk, Tomasz S.; Frostig, Ron D.; Tromberg, Bruce J.

2015-01-01

Abstract. We introduce a tomographic approach for three-dimensional imaging of evoked hemodynamic activity, using broadband illumination and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) image reconstruction. Changes in diffuse reflectance in the rat somatosensory cortex due to stimulation of a single whisker were imaged at a frame rate of 5 Hz using a hyperspectral image mapping spectrometer. In each frame, images in 38 wavelength bands from 484 to 652 nm were acquired simultaneously. For data analysis, we developed a hyperspectral DOT algorithm that used the Rytov approximation to quantify changes in tissue concentration of oxyhemoglobin (ctHbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (ctHb) in three dimensions. Using this algorithm, the maximum changes in ctHbO2 and ctHb were found to occur at 0.29±0.02 and 0.66±0.04  mm beneath the surface of the cortex, respectively. Rytov tomographic reconstructions revealed maximal spatially localized increases and decreases in ctHbO2 and ctHb of 321±53 and 555±96  nM, respectively, with these maximum changes occurring at 4±0.2  s poststimulus. The localized optical signals from the Rytov approximation were greater than those from modified Beer–Lambert, likely due in part to the inability of planar reflectance to account for partial volume effects. PMID:26835483

TxDOT uses of real-time commercial traffic data : opportunity matrix.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

Based on a TxDOT survey, a review of other state DOTs, and researcher understanding of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) needs, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) team developed a comprehensive list of opportunities for TxDOT to consider ...

Ultrasensitive NIR-SERRS Probes with Multiplexed Ratiometric Quantification for In Vivo Antibody Leads Validation.

PubMed

Kang, Homan; Jeong, Sinyoung; Jo, Ahla; Chang, Hyejin; Yang, Jin-Kyoung; Jeong, Cheolhwan; Kyeong, San; Lee, Youn Woo; Samanta, Animesh; Maiti, Kaustabh Kumar; Cha, Myeong Geun; Kim, Taek-Keun; Lee, Sukmook; Jun, Bong-Hyun; Chang, Young-Tae; Chung, Junho; Lee, Ho-Young; Jeong, Dae Hong; Lee, Yoon-Sik

2018-02-01

Immunotargeting ability of antibodies may show significant difference between in vitro and in vivo. To select antibody leads with high affinity and specificity, it is necessary to perform in vivo validation of antibody candidates following in vitro antibody screening. Herein, a robust in vivo validation of anti-tetraspanin-8 antibody candidates against human colon cancer using ratiometric quantification method is reported. The validation is performed on a single mouse and analyzed by multiplexed surface-enhanced Raman scattering using ultrasensitive and near infrared (NIR)-active surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering nanoprobes (NIR-SERRS dots). The NIR-SERRS dots are composed of NIR-active labels and Au/Ag hollow-shell assembled silica nanospheres. A 93% of NIR-SERRS dots is detectable at a single-particle level and signal intensity is 100-fold stronger than that from nonresonant molecule-labeled spherical Au NPs (80 nm). The result of SERRS-based antibody validation is comparable to that of the conventional method using single-photon-emission computed tomography. The NIR-SERRS-based strategy is an alternate validation method which provides cost-effective and accurate multiplexing measurements for antibody-based drug development. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

49 CFR Appendix H to Part 40 - DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., App. H Appendix H to Part 40—DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data... 49 Transportation 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form H Appendix H to Part 40 Transportation Office of the Secretary...

49 CFR Appendix H to Part 40 - DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., App. H Appendix H to Part 40—DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data... 49 Transportation 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form H Appendix H to Part 40 Transportation Office of the Secretary...

49 CFR Appendix H to Part 40 - DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., App. H Appendix H to Part 40—DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data... 49 Transportation 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form H Appendix H to Part 40 Transportation Office of the Secretary...

49 CFR Appendix H to Part 40 - DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., App. H Appendix H to Part 40—DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data... 49 Transportation 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form H Appendix H to Part 40 Transportation Office of the Secretary...

49 CFR Appendix H to Part 40 - DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., App. H Appendix H to Part 40—DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data... 49 Transportation 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection Form H Appendix H to Part 40 Transportation Office of the Secretary...

Novel magnetic graphene quantum dot as dual modality fluorescence/MMOCT contrast agent for tracking epithelial cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Matcher, Stephen J.

2017-02-01

A novel nanoparticle, magnetic graphene quantum dot (MGQD), was synthesized by hydrothermally cutting graphene oxide-iron oxide sheet for contrast agent in magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MMOCT) and confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM). The MGQD has superparamagnetism, which allows the MGQD to be tracked and imaged using MMOCT. The MMOCT can display paramagnetic nanoparticle in vivo and provide an anatomical information with micron scale resolution and long imaging depth in clinic application. Moreover, the MGQD has excitation-depend fluorescence and emits visible fluorescence under the excitation of 360nm light, which allows the MGQD to be used as tracer in CFM. CFM can offer intracellular details due to higher resolution, while CFM is unsuitable for imaging anatomical structure because of the limited view of field. The use of MGQD for cell or tissue tracking realizes the combination of MMOCT and CFM, and gives a more comprehensive diagnosis.

Generation of maximally entangled states and coherent control in quantum dot microlenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bounouar, Samir; de la Haye, Christoph; Strauß, Max; Schnauber, Peter; Thoma, Alexander; Gschrey, Manuel; Schulze, Jan-Hindrik; Strittmatter, André; Rodt, Sven; Reitzenstein, Stephan

2018-04-01

The integration of entangled photon emitters in nanophotonic structures designed for the broadband enhancement of photon extraction is a major challenge for quantum information technologies. We study the potential of quantum dot (QD) microlenses as efficient emitters of maximally entangled photons. For this purpose, we perform quantum tomography measurements on InGaAs QDs integrated deterministically into microlenses. Even though the studied QDs show non-zero excitonic fine-structure splitting (FSS), polarization entanglement can be prepared with a fidelity close to unity. The quality of the measured entanglement is only dependent on the temporal resolution of the applied single-photon detectors compared to the period of the excitonic phase precession imposed by the FSS. Interestingly, entanglement is kept along the full excitonic wave-packet and is not affected by decoherence. Furthermore, coherent control of the upper biexcitonic state is demonstrated.

PEG-phospholipid-encapsulated bismuth sulfide and CdSe/ZnS quantum dot core-shell nanoparticle and its computed tomography/fluorescence performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jun; Yang, Xiao-Quan; Qin, Meng-Yao; Zhang, Xiao-Shuai; Xuan, Yang; Zhao, Yuan-Di

2015-11-01

In this paper, polyethylene glycol-phospholipid structure is used to synthesize hybrid cluster of 40-50 nm diameter that contains hydrophobic bismuth sulfide nanoparticles and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. The composite probe's toxicity, CT imaging, and fluorescence imaging performance are also studied. Experimental results show that the nanocomposite hybrid cluster has obvious CT contrast enhancement and fluorescence imaging capability in vitro even after cellular uptake. It gives a CT number of 700 (Hounsfield units) at 15 mg/mL, higher than that of the current iobitridol CT contrast agent. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide experiment reveals that it has low cytotoxicity at concentration up to of 3.14 mg/mL of Bi, indicating the composite probe has potential ability for CT and fluorescence bimodal imaging.

Vacuum-induced coherence in quantum dot systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, Anna; Machnikowski, Paweł

2012-11-01

We present a theoretical study of vacuum-induced coherence in a pair of vertically stacked semiconductor quantum dots. The process consists in a coherent excitation transfer from a single-exciton state localized in one dot to a delocalized state in which the exciton occupation gets trapped. We study the influence of the factors characteristic of quantum dot systems (as opposed to natural atoms): energy mismatch, coupling between the single-exciton states localized in different dots, and different and nonparallel dipoles due to sub-band mixing, as well as coupling to phonons. We show that the destructive effect of the energy mismatch can be overcome by an appropriate interplay of the dipole moments and coupling between the dots which allows one to observe the trapping effect even in a structure with technologically realistic energy splitting of the order of milli-electron volts. We also analyze the impact of phonon dynamics on the occupation trapping and show that phonon effects are suppressed in a certain range of system parameters. This analysis shows that the vacuum-induced coherence effect and the associated long-living trapped excitonic population can be achieved in quantum dots.

Biocompatible yogurt carbon dots: evaluation of utilization for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinç, Saliha; Kara, Meryem; Demirel Kars, Meltem; Aykül, Fatmanur; Çiçekci, Hacer; Akkuş, Mehmet

2017-09-01

In this study, carbon dots (CDs) were produced from yogurt, a fermented milk product, via microwave-assisted process (800 W) in 30 min without using any additional chemical agents. Yogurt CDs had outstanding nitrogen and oxygen ratios. These dots were monodisperse and about 2 nm sized. The toxicological assessments of yogurt carbon dots in human cancer cells and normal epithelial cells and their fluorescence imaging in living cell system were carried out. Yogurt carbon dots had intense fluorescent signal under confocal microscopy and good fluorescence stability in living cell system. The resulting yogurt carbon dots exhibited high biocompatibility up to 7.1 mg/mL CD concentration which may find utilization in medical applications such as cellular tracking, imaging and drug delivery. Yogurt carbon dots have potential to be good diagnostic agents to visualize cancer cells which may be developed as a therapeutic carrier.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced diffuse optical tomography (DCE-DOT): experimental validation with a dynamic phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burcin Unlu, Mehmet; Lin, Yuting; Gulsen, Gultekin

2009-11-01

Dynamic contrast-enhanced diffuse optical tomography (DCE-DOT) can provide spatially resolved enhancement kinetics of an optical contrast agent. We undertook a systematic phantom study to evaluate the effects of the geometrical parameters such as the depth and size of the inclusion as well as the optical parameters of the background on the recovered enhancement kinetics of the most commonly used optical contrast agent, indocyanine green (ICG). For this purpose a computer-controlled dynamic phantom was constructed. An ICG-intralipid-water mixture was circulated through the inclusions while the DCE-DOT measurements were acquired with a temporal resolution of 16 s. The same dynamic study was repeated using inclusions of different sizes located at different depths. In addition to this, the effect of non-scattering regions was investigated by placing a second inclusion filled with water in the background. The phantom studies confirmed that although the peak enhancement varied substantially for each case, the recovered injection and dilution rates obtained from the percentage enhancement maps agreed within 15% independent of not only the depth and the size of the inclusion but also the presence of a non-scattering region in the background. Although no internal structural information was used in these phantom studies, it may be necessary to use it for small objects buried deep in tissue. However, the different contrast mechanisms of optical and other imaging modalities as well as imperfect co-registration between both modalities may lead to potential errors in the structural a priori. Therefore, the effect of erroneous selection of structural priors was investigated as the final step. Again, the injection and dilution rates obtained from the percentage enhancement maps were also immune to the systematic errors introduced by erroneous selection of the structural priors, e.g. choosing the diameter of the inclusion 20% smaller increased the peak enhancement 60% but changed the injection and dilution rates only less than 10%.

The 2055 freight transportation system and the impact of near term rail movements on TxDOT planning : project summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

Based on the research and input from the private sector, four themes emerged that frame the role of TxDOT in preparing for an efficient, reliable, and safe freight transportation system in 2055: : TxDOT is expected to be a facilitator/manager of ...

Carbon dot-Au(i)Ag(0) assembly for the construction of an artificial light harvesting system.

PubMed

Jana, Jayasmita; Aditya, Teresa; Pal, Tarasankar

2018-03-06

Artificial light harvesting systems (LHS) with inorganic counterparts are considered to be robust as well as mechanistically simple, where the system follows the donor-acceptor principle with an unchanged structural pattern. Plasmonic gold or silver nanoparticles are mostly chosen as inorganic counterparts to design artificial LHS. To capitalize on its electron accepting capability, Au(i) has been considered in this work for the synergistic stabilization of a system with intriguingly fluorescing silver(0) clusters produced in situ. Thus a stable fluorescent Au(i)Ag(0) assembly is generated with electron accepting capabilities. On the other hand, carbon dots have evolved as new fluorescent probes due to their unique physicochemical properties. Utilizing the simple electronic behavior of carbon dots, an electronic interaction between the fluorescent Au(i)Ag(0) and a carbon dot has been investigated for the construction of a new artificial light harvesting system. This coinage metal assembly allows surface energy transfer where it acts as an acceptor, while the carbon dot behaves as a good donor. The energy transfer efficiency has been calculated experimentally to be significant (81.3%) and the Au(i)Ag(0)-carbon dot assembly paves the way for efficient artificial LHS.

Double quantum dot memristor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ying; Holloway, Gregory W.; Benjamin, Simon C.; Briggs, G. Andrew D.; Baugh, Jonathan; Mol, Jan A.

2017-08-01

Memristive systems are generalizations of memristors, which are resistors with memory. In this paper, we present a quantum description of quantum dot memristive systems. Using this model we propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and practical scheme for realizing memristive systems with quantum dots. The approach harnesses a phenomenon that is commonly seen as a bane of nanoelectronics, i.e., switching of a trapped charge in the vicinity of the device. We show that quantum dot memristive systems have hysteresis current-voltage characteristics and quantum jump-induced stochastic behavior. While our experiment requires low temperatures, the same setup could, in principle, be realized with a suitable single-molecule transistor and operated at or near room temperature.

Three-dimensional spatial localization of thin fluorophore-filled capillaries in thick scattering media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desrochers, Johanne; Vermette, Patrick; Fontaine, Réjean; Bérubé-Lauzière, Yves

2008-06-01

Fluorescence optical diffuse tomography (fDOT) is of much interest in molecular imaging to retrieve information from fluorescence signals emitted from specifically targeted bioprocesses deep within living tissues. An exciting application of fDOT is in the growing field of tissue engineering, where 3D non-invasive imaging techniques are required to ultimately grow 3D engineered tissues. Via appropriate labelling strategies and fluorescent probes, fDOT has the potential to monitor culture environment and cells viability non-destructively directly within the bioreactor environment where tissues are to be grown. Our ultimate objective is to image the formation of blood vessels in bioreactor conditions. Herein, we use a non-contact setup for small animal fDOT imaging designed for 3D light collection around the sample. We previously presented a time of flight approach using a numerical constant fraction discrimination technique to assign an early photons arrival time to every fluorescence time point-spread function collected around the sample. Towards bioreactor in-situ imaging, we have shown the capability of our approach to localize a fluorophore-filled 500 μm capillary immersed coaxially in a cylindrically shaped bioreactor phantom containing an absorbing/scattering medium representative of experiments on real tissue cultures. Here, we go one step further, and present results for the 3D localization of thinner indocyanine green labelled capillaries (250 μm and 360 μm inner diameter) immersed in the same phantom conditions and geometry but with different spatial configurations (10° and 30° capillary inclination).

Spin–cavity interactions between a quantum dot molecule and a photonic crystal cavity

PubMed Central

Vora, Patrick M.; Bracker, Allan S.; Carter, Samuel G.; Sweeney, Timothy M.; Kim, Mijin; Kim, Chul Soo; Yang, Lily; Brereton, Peter G.; Economou, Sophia E.; Gammon, Daniel

2015-01-01

The integration of InAs/GaAs quantum dots into nanophotonic cavities has led to impressive demonstrations of cavity quantum electrodynamics. However, these demonstrations are primarily based on two-level excitonic systems. Efforts to couple long-lived quantum dot electron spin states with a cavity are only now succeeding. Here we report a two-spin–cavity system, achieved by embedding an InAs quantum dot molecule within a photonic crystal cavity. With this system we obtain a spin singlet–triplet Λ-system where the ground-state spin splitting exceeds the cavity linewidth by an order of magnitude. This allows us to observe cavity-stimulated Raman emission that is highly spin-selective. Moreover, we demonstrate the first cases of cavity-enhanced optical nonlinearities in a solid-state Λ-system. This provides an all-optical, local method to control the spin exchange splitting. Incorporation of a highly engineerable quantum dot molecule into the photonic crystal architecture advances prospects for a quantum network. PMID:26184654

A real-time spectrum acquisition system design based on quantum dots-quantum well detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S. H.; Guo, F. M.

2016-01-01

In this paper, we studied the structure characteristics of quantum dots-quantum well photodetector with response wavelength range from 400 nm to 1000 nm. It has the characteristics of high sensitivity, low dark current and the high conductance gain. According to the properties of the quantum dots-quantum well photodetectors, we designed a new type of capacitive transimpedence amplifier (CTIA) readout circuit structure with the advantages of adjustable gain, wide bandwidth and high driving ability. We have implemented the chip packaging between CTIA-CDS structure readout circuit and quantum dots detector and tested the readout response characteristics. According to the timing signals requirements of our readout circuit, we designed a real-time spectral data acquisition system based on FPGA and ARM. Parallel processing mode of programmable devices makes the system has high sensitivity and high transmission rate. In addition, we realized blind pixel compensation and smoothing filter algorithm processing to the real time spectrum data by using C++. Through the fluorescence spectrum measurement of carbon quantum dots and the signal acquisition system and computer software system to realize the collection of the spectrum signal processing and analysis, we verified the excellent characteristics of detector. It meets the design requirements of quantum dot spectrum acquisition system with the characteristics of short integration time, real-time and portability.

Improved Low Temperature Performance of Supercapacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandon, Erik J.; West, William C.; Smart, Marshall C.; Gnanaraj, Joe

2013-01-01

Low temperature double-layer capacitor operation enabled by: - Base acetonitrile / TEATFB salt formulation - Addition of low melting point formates, esters and cyclic ethers center dot Key electrolyte design factors: - Volume of co-solvent - Concentration of salt center dot Capacity increased through higher capacity electrodes: - Zeolite templated carbons - Asymmetric cell designs center dot Continuing efforts - Improve asymmetric cell performance at low temperature - Cycle life testing Motivation center dot Benchmark performance of commercial cells center dot Approaches for designing low temperature systems - Symmetric cells (activated carbon electrodes) - Symmetric cells (zeolite templated carbon electrodes) - Asymmetric cells (lithium titanate/activated carbon electrodes) center dot Experimental results center dot Summary

Charging effects in single InP/GaInP baby dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persson, Jonas

2001-03-01

It has recently been demonstrated that the matrix material plays a major role for the physical behavior of self-assembled InP/GaInP quantum dots. As the "intrinsically" n-type GaInP matrix fills the quantum dot with electrons the spectral behavior of the dot dramatically changes. For the larger, fully developed dots, the charging gives rise to several broad lines. With an external bias it is possible to reduce the electron population of the dot. For smaller dots, baby dots, we show the possibility of dramatically changing the appearance of the dot spectrum by a precise tuning of the size of the quantum dot. When the dot is small enough it is uncharged and the spectrum is very similar to other material systems, whereas a slightly larger dot is charged and the number of lines is dramatically increased. We present high spectral resolution photoluminescence measurements of individual InP/GaInP baby-dots and k\\cdotp calculations including direct and exchange interactions.

A methodology for on‐board CBCT imaging dose using optically stimulated luminescence detectors

PubMed Central

Yusuf, Muhammad; Alothmany, Nazeeh; Kinsara, A. Abdulrahman; Abdulkhaliq, Fahad; Ghamdi, Suliman M.; Saoudi, Abdelhamid

2016-01-01

Cone‐beam computed tomography CBCT systems are used in radiation therapy for patient alignment and positioning. The CBCT imaging procedure for patient setup adds substantial radiation dose to patient's normal tissue. This study presents a complete procedure for the CBCT dosimetry using the InLight optically‐stimulated‐luminescence (OSL) nanoDots. We report five dose parameters: the mean slice dose (DMSD); the cone beam dose index (CBDIW); the mean volume dose (DMVD); point‐dose profile, D(FOV); and the off‐field Dose. In addition, CBCT skin doses for seven pelvic tumor patients are reported. CBCT‐dose measurement was performed on a custom‐made cylindrical acrylic body phantom (50 cm length, 32 cm diameter). We machined 25 circular disks (2 cm thick) with grooves and holes to hold OSL‐nanoDots. OSLs that showed similar sensitivities were selected and calibrated against a Farmer‐type ionization‐chamber (0.6 CT) before being inserted into the grooves and holes. For the phantom scan, a standard CBCT‐imaging protocol (pelvic sites: 125 kVp, 80 mA and 25 ms) was used. Five dose parameters were quantified: DMSD, CBDIW, DMVD, D(FOV), and the off‐field dose. The DMSD for the central slice was 31.1±0.85 mGy, and CBDIW was 34.5±0.6 mGy at 16 cm FOV. The DMVD was 25.6±1.1 mGy. The off‐field dose was 10.5 mGy. For patients, the anterior and lateral skin doses attributable to CBCT imaging were 39.04±4.4 and 27.1±1.3 mGy, respectively. OSL nanoDots were convenient to use in measuring CBCT dose. The method of selecting the nanoDots greatly reduced uncertainty in the OSL measurements. Our detailed calibration procedure and CBCT dose measurements and calculations could prove useful in developing OSL routines for CBCT quality assessment, which in turn gives them the property of high spatial resolution, meaning that they have the potential for measurement of dose in regions of severe dose‐gradients. PACS number(s): 87.57.‐s, 87.57.Q, 87.57.uq PMID:27685143

Arterial intelligent transportation systems : infrastructure elements and traveler information requirements.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

Applying Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to arterial systems allows TxDOT to significantly enhance : transportation system operation efficiency and improve traffic mobility. However, no guidelines are available to : assist TxDOT staff in sel...

Dielectrophoretic manipulation and separation of microparticles using microarray dot electrodes.

PubMed

Yafouz, Bashar; Kadri, Nahrizul Adib; Ibrahim, Fatimah

2014-04-03

This paper introduces a dielectrophoretic system for the manipulation and separation of microparticles. The system is composed of five layers and utilizes microarray dot electrodes. We validated our system by conducting size-dependent manipulation and separation experiments on 1, 5 and 15 μm polystyrene particles. Our findings confirm the capability of the proposed device to rapidly and efficiently manipulate and separate microparticles of various dimensions, utilizing positive and negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) effects. Larger size particles were repelled and concentrated in the center of the dot by negative DEP, while the smaller sizes were attracted and collected by the edge of the dot by positive DEP.

Atomistic theory of excitonic fine structure in InAs/InP nanowire quantum dot molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Świderski, M.; Zieliński, M.

2017-03-01

Nanowire quantum dots have peculiar electronic and optical properties. In this work we use atomistic tight binding to study excitonic spectra of artificial molecules formed by a double nanowire quantum dot. We demonstrate a key role of atomistic symmetry and nanowire substrate orientation rather than cylindrical shape symmetry of a nanowire and a molecule. In particular for [001 ] nanowire orientation we observe a nonvanishing bright exciton splitting for a quasimolecule formed by two cylindrical quantum dots of different heights. This effect is due to interdot coupling that effectively reduces the overall symmetry, whereas single uncoupled [001 ] quantum dots have zero fine structure splitting. We found that the same double quantum dot system grown on [111 ] nanowire reveals no excitonic fine structure for all considered quantum dot distances and individual quantum dot heights. Further we demonstrate a pronounced, by several orders of magnitude, increase of the dark exciton optical activity in a quantum dot molecule as compared to a single quantum dot. For [111 ] systems we also show spontaneous localization of single particle states in one of nominally identical quantum dots forming a molecule, which is mediated by strain and origins from the lack of the vertical inversion symmetry in [111 ] nanostructures of overall C3 v symmetry. Finally, we study lowering of symmetry due to alloy randomness that triggers nonzero excitonic fine structure and the dark exciton optical activity in realistic nanowire quantum dot molecules of intermixed composition.

A 2 × 2 quantum dot array with controllable inter-dot tunnel couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, Uditendu; Dehollain, Juan Pablo; Reichl, Christian; Wegscheider, Werner; Vandersypen, Lieven M. K.

2018-04-01

The interaction between electrons in arrays of electrostatically defined quantum dots is naturally described by a Fermi-Hubbard Hamiltonian. Moreover, the high degree of tunability of these systems makes them a powerful platform to simulate different regimes of the Hubbard model. However, most quantum dot array implementations have been limited to one-dimensional linear arrays. In this letter, we present a square lattice unit cell of 2 × 2 quantum dots defined electrostatically in an AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure using a double-layer gate technique. We probe the properties of the array using nearby quantum dots operated as charge sensors. We show that we can deterministically and dynamically control the charge occupation in each quantum dot in the single- to few-electron regime. Additionally, we achieve simultaneous individual control of the nearest-neighbor tunnel couplings over a range of 0-40 μeV. Finally, we demonstrate fast (˜1 μs) single-shot readout of the spin state of electrons in the dots through spin-to-charge conversion via Pauli spin blockade. These advances pave the way for analog quantum simulations in two dimensions, not previously accessible in quantum dot systems.

77 FR 34846 - Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance; Driver-Vehicle Inspection Report for Intermodal Equipment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-12

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23 CFR 940.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... of Transportation (DOT) and is available on the DOT web site at http://www.its.dot.gov. Project level... projects or groups of projects. Systems engineering is a structured process for arriving at a final design...

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Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Emergency Relief Docket in the publicly accessible DOT Docket Management System (DMS) (http://dms.dot.gov... message on its web page (http://www.fta.dot.gov) indicating the Emergency Relief Docket has been opened...

TxDOT Video Analytics System User Manual

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

The TxDOT video analytics demonstration system is designed to monitor traffic conditions by collecting data such as speed and counts, detecting incidents such as stopped vehicles and reporting such incidents to system administrators. : As illustrated...

Simulation Test System of Non-Contact D-dot Voltage Transformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jie; Wang, Jingang; Luo, Ruixi; Gao, Can; Songnong, Li; Kongjun, Zhou

2016-04-01

The development trend of future voltage transformer in smart grid is non-contact measurement, miniaturization and intellectualization. This paper proposes one simulation test system of non-contact D-dot transformer for voltage measurement. This simulation test system consists of D-dot transformer, signal processing circuit and ground PC port. D-dot transformer realizes the indirect voltage measurement by measuring the change rate of electric displacement vector, a non-contact means (He et al. 2004, Principles and experiments of voltage transformer based on self-integrating D-dot probe. Proc CSEE 2014;15:2445-51). Specific to the characteristics of D-dot transformer signals, signal processing circuits with strong resistance to interference and distortion-free amplified sensor output signal are designed. WIFI wireless network is used to transmit the voltage detection to LabVIEW-based ground collection port and LabVIEW technology is adopted for signal reception, data processing and analysis and other functions. Finally, a test platform is established to simulate the performance of the whole test system of single-phase voltage transformer. Test results indicate that this voltage transformer has sound real-time performance, high accuracy and fast response speed and the simulation test system is stable and reliable and can be a new prototype of voltage transformers.

Steady state conductance in a double quantum dot array: the nonequilibrium equation-of-motion Green function approach.

PubMed

Levy, Tal J; Rabani, Eran

2013-04-28

We study steady state transport through a double quantum dot array using the equation-of-motion approach to the nonequilibrium Green functions formalism. This popular technique relies on uncontrolled approximations to obtain a closure for a hierarchy of equations; however, its accuracy is questioned. We focus on 4 different closures, 2 of which were previously proposed in the context of the single quantum dot system (Anderson impurity model) and were extended to the double quantum dot array, and develop 2 new closures. Results for the differential conductance are compared to those attained by a master equation approach known to be accurate for weak system-leads couplings and high temperatures. While all 4 closures provide an accurate description of the Coulomb blockade and other transport properties in the single quantum dot case, they differ in the case of the double quantum dot array, where only one of the developed closures provides satisfactory results. This is rationalized by comparing the poles of the Green functions to the exact many-particle energy differences for the isolate system. Our analysis provides means to extend the equation-of-motion technique to more elaborate models of large bridge systems with strong electronic interactions.

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2013-12-27

...The DOT invites the public and other Federal agencies to comment on a revision to a previously approved information collection concerning new requirements and procedures for grant payment request submission. DOT will submit the proposed renewal of information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506 (c)(2)(A)). This notice sets forth new requirements and procedures for grantees that submit and receive payments from DOT Operating Administrations (OAs).\\1\\ DOT is updating systems that support grant payments and there will be changes to the way grantees complete and submit payment requests. Simplifying the DOT grant payment process will save both the grantee and the Federal Government time and expense that come with paper-based grant application and payment administration. Note: At this time, this requirement is not applicable to DOT grant recipients requesting payment electronically through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Grant Tracking System (GTS), the Federal Highway Administration's Rapid Approval State Payment System (RASPS), or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant recipients requesting payment through the Electronic Clearing House Operation System (ECHO-Web). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The role of cerebral spinal fluid in light propagation through the mouse head: improving fluorescence tomography with Monte Carlo modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ancora, Daniele; Zacharopoulos, Athanasios; Ripoll, Jorge; Zacharakis, Giannis

2016-03-01

Optical Neuroimaging is a highly dynamical field of research owing to the combination of many advanced imaging techniques and computational tools that uncovered unexplored paths through the functioning of the brain. Light propagation modelling through such complicated structures has always played a crucial role as the basis for a high resolution and quantitative imaging where even the slightest improvement could lead to significant results. Fluorescence Diffuse Optical Tomography (fDOT), a widely used technique for three dimensional imaging of small animals and tissues, has been proved to be inaccurate for neuroimaging the mouse head without the knowledge of a-priori anatomical information of the subject. Commonly a normalized Born approximation model is used in fDOT reconstruction based on forward photon propagation using Diffusive Equation (DE) which has strong limitations in the optically clear regime. The presence of the Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) instead, a thin optically clear layer surrounding the brain, can be more accurately taken into account using Monte Carlo approaches which nowadays is becoming more usable thanks to parallelized GPU algorithms. In this work we discuss the results of a synthetic experimental comparison, resulting to the increase of the accuracy for the Born approximation by introducing the CSF layer in a realistic mouse head structure with respect to the current model. We point out the importance of such clear layer for complex geometrical models, while for simple slab phantoms neglecting it does not introduce a significant error.

Optimal arrangements of fiber optic probes to enhance the spatial resolution in depth for 3D reflectance diffuse optical tomography with time-resolved measurements performed with fast-gated single-photon avalanche diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puszka, Agathe; Di Sieno, Laura; Dalla Mora, Alberto; Pifferi, Antonio; Contini, Davide; Boso, Gianluca; Tosi, Alberto; Hervé, Lionel; Planat-Chrétien, Anne; Koenig, Anne; Dinten, Jean-Marc

2014-02-01

Fiber optic probes with a width limited to a few centimeters can enable diffuse optical tomography (DOT) in intern organs like the prostate or facilitate the measurements on extern organs like the breast or the brain. We have recently shown on 2D tomographic images that time-resolved measurements with a large dynamic range obtained with fast-gated single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) could push forward the imaged depth range in a diffusive medium at short source-detector separation compared with conventional non-gated approaches. In this work, we confirm these performances with the first 3D tomographic images reconstructed with such a setup and processed with the Mellin- Laplace transform. More precisely, we investigate the performance of hand-held probes with short interfiber distances in terms of spatial resolution and specifically demonstrate the interest of having a compact probe design featuring small source-detector separations. We compare the spatial resolution obtained with two probes having the same design but different scale factors, the first one featuring only interfiber distances of 15 mm and the second one, 10 mm. We evaluate experimentally the spatial resolution obtained with each probe on the setup with fast-gated SPADs for optical phantoms featuring two absorbing inclusions positioned at different depths and conclude on the potential of short source-detector separations for DOT.

Functional imaging of small tissue volumes with diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klose, Alexander D.; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2006-03-01

Imaging of dynamic changes in blood parameters, functional brain imaging, and tumor imaging are the most advanced application areas of diffuse optical tomography (DOT). When dealing with the image reconstruction problem one is faced with the fact that near-infrared photons, unlike X-rays, are highly scattered when they traverse biological tissue. Image reconstruction schemes are required that model the light propagation inside biological tissue and predict measurements on the tissue surface. By iteratively changing the tissue-parameters until the predictions agree with the real measurements, a spatial distribution of optical properties inside the tissue is found. The optical properties can be related to the tissue oxygenation, inflammation, or to the fluorophore concentration of a biochemical marker. If the model of light propagation is inaccurate, the reconstruction process will lead to an inaccurate result as well. Here, we focus on difficulties that are encountered when DOT is employed for functional imaging of small tissue volumes, for example, in cancer studies involving small animals, or human finger joints for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Most of the currently employed image reconstruction methods rely on the diffusion theory that is an approximation to the equation of radiative transfer. But, in the cases of small tissue volumes and tissues that contain low scattering regions diffusion theory has been shown to be of limited applicability Therefore, we employ a light propagation model that is based on the equation of radiative transfer, which promises to overcome the limitations.

Congruency effects in dot comparison tasks: convex hull is more important than dot area.

PubMed

Gilmore, Camilla; Cragg, Lucy; Hogan, Grace; Inglis, Matthew

2016-11-16

The dot comparison task, in which participants select the more numerous of two dot arrays, has become the predominant method of assessing Approximate Number System (ANS) acuity. Creation of the dot arrays requires the manipulation of visual characteristics, such as dot size and convex hull. For the task to provide a valid measure of ANS acuity, participants must ignore these characteristics and respond on the basis of number. Here, we report two experiments that explore the influence of dot area and convex hull on participants' accuracy on dot comparison tasks. We found that individuals' ability to ignore dot area information increases with age and display time. However, the influence of convex hull information remains stable across development and with additional time. This suggests that convex hull information is more difficult to inhibit when making judgements about numerosity and therefore it is crucial to control this when creating dot comparison tasks.

Configuration Management Process Assessment Strategy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, Thad

2014-01-01

Purpose: To propose a strategy for assessing the development and effectiveness of configuration management systems within Programs, Projects, and Design Activities performed by technical organizations and their supporting development contractors. Scope: Various entities CM Systems will be assessed dependent on Project Scope (DDT&E), Support Services and Acquisition Agreements. Approach: Model based structured against assessing organizations CM requirements including best practices maturity criteria. The model is tailored to the entity being assessed dependent on their CM system. The assessment approach provides objective feedback to Engineering and Project Management of the observed CM system maturity state versus the ideal state of the configuration management processes and outcomes(system). center dot Identifies strengths and risks versus audit gotcha's (findings/observations). center dot Used "recursively and iteratively" throughout program lifecycle at select points of need. (Typical assessments timing is Post PDR/Post CDR) center dot Ideal state criteria and maturity targets are reviewed with the assessed entity prior to an assessment (Tailoring) and is dependent on the assessed phase of the CM system. center dot Supports exit success criteria for Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews. center dot Gives a comprehensive CM system assessment which ultimately supports configuration verification activities.*

Photon-assisted tunneling in an asymmetrically coupled triple quantum dot

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

Wang, Bao-Chuan; Cao, Gang, E-mail: gcao@ustc.edu.cn; Chen, Bao-Bao

The gate-defined quantum dot is regarded as one of the basic structures required for scalable semiconductor quantum processors. Here, we demonstrate a structure that contains three quantum dots scaled in series. The electron number of each dot and the tunnel coupling between them can be tuned conveniently using splitting gates. We tune the quantum dot array asymmetrically such that the tunnel coupling between the right dot and the central dot is much larger than that between the left dot and the central dot. When driven by microwaves, the sidebands of the photon-assisted tunneling process appear not only in the left-to-centralmore » dot transition region but also in the left-to-right dot transition region. These sidebands are both attributed to the left-to-central transition for asymmetric coupling. Our result shows that there is a region of a triple quantum dot structure that remains indistinct when studied with a normal two-dimensional charge stability diagram; this will be helpful in future studies of the scalability of quantum dot systems.« less

A New Comprehensive Lightning Instrumentation System for Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mata, Carlos T.; Rakov, Vladimir A.; Mata, Angel G.; Bonilla Tatiana; Navedo, Emmanuel; Snyder, Gary P.

2010-01-01

A new comprehensive lightning instrumentation system has been designed for Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. This new instrumentation system includes the synchronized recording of six high-speed video cameras, currents through the nine downconductors of the new lightning protection system, four B-dot, 3-axis measurement stations, and five D-dot stations composed of two antennas each. The instrumentation system is composed of centralized transient recorders and digitizers that located close to the sensors in the field. The sensors and transient recorders communicate via optical fiber. The transient recorders are triggered by the B-dot sensors, the E-dot sensors, or the current through the downlead conductors. The high-speed cameras are triggered by the transient recorders when the latter perceives a qualified trigger.

Image recovery by removing stochastic artefacts identified as local asymmetries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osterloh, K.; Bücherl, T.; Zscherpel, U.; Ewert, U.

2012-04-01

Stochastic artefacts are frequently encountered in digital radiography and tomography with neutrons. Most obviously, they are caused by ubiquitous scattered radiation hitting the CCD-sensor. They appear as scattered dots and, at higher frequency of occurrence, they may obscure the image. Some of these dotted interferences vary with time, however, a large portion of them remains persistent so the problem cannot be resolved by collecting stacks of images and to merge them to a median image. The situation becomes even worse in computed tomography (CT) where each artefact causes a circular pattern in the reconstructed plane. Therefore, these stochastic artefacts have to be removed completely and automatically while leaving the original image content untouched. A simplified image acquisition and artefact removal tool was developed at BAM and is available to interested users. Furthermore, an algorithm complying with all the requirements mentioned above was developed that reliably removes artefacts that could even exceed the size of a single pixel without affecting other parts of the image. It consists of an iterative two-step algorithm adjusting pixel values within a 3 × 3 matrix inside of a 5 × 5 kernel and the centre pixel only within a 3 × 3 kernel, resp. It has been applied to thousands of images obtained from the NECTAR facility at the FRM II in Garching, Germany, without any need of a visual control. In essence, the procedure consists of identifying and tackling asymmetric intensity distributions locally with recording each treatment of a pixel. Searching for the local asymmetry with subsequent correction rather than replacing individually identified pixels constitutes the basic idea of the algorithm. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated with a severely spoiled example of neutron radiography and tomography as compared with median filtering, the most convenient alternative approach by visual check, histogram and power spectra analysis.

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2013-09-25

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Higher-order spin and charge dynamics in a quantum dot-lead hybrid system.

PubMed

Otsuka, Tomohiro; Nakajima, Takashi; Delbecq, Matthieu R; Amaha, Shinichi; Yoneda, Jun; Takeda, Kenta; Allison, Giles; Stano, Peter; Noiri, Akito; Ito, Takumi; Loss, Daniel; Ludwig, Arne; Wieck, Andreas D; Tarucha, Seigo

2017-09-22

Understanding the dynamics of open quantum systems is important and challenging in basic physics and applications for quantum devices and quantum computing. Semiconductor quantum dots offer a good platform to explore the physics of open quantum systems because we can tune parameters including the coupling to the environment or leads. Here, we apply the fast single-shot measurement techniques from spin qubit experiments to explore the spin and charge dynamics due to tunnel coupling to a lead in a quantum dot-lead hybrid system. We experimentally observe both spin and charge time evolution via first- and second-order tunneling processes, and reveal the dynamics of the spin-flip through the intermediate state. These results enable and stimulate the exploration of spin dynamics in dot-lead hybrid systems, and may offer useful resources for spin manipulation and simulation of open quantum systems.

RKKY interaction in a chirally coupled double quantum dot system

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

Heine, A. W.; Tutuc, D.; Haug, R. J.

2013-12-04

The competition between the Kondo effect and the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida (RKKY) interaction is investigated in a double quantum dots system, coupled via a central open conducting region. A perpendicular magnetic field induces the formation of Landau Levels which in turn give rise to the so-called Kondo chessboard pattern in the transport through the quantum dots. The two quantum dots become therefore chirally coupled via the edge channels formed in the open conducting area. In regions where both quantum dots exhibit Kondo transport the presence of the RKKY exchange interaction is probed by an analysis of the temperature dependence. The thus obtainedmore » Kondo temperature of one dot shows an abrupt increase at the onset of Kondo transport in the other, independent of the magnetic field polarity, i.e. edge state chirality in the central region.« less

Spectral properties of finite two dimensional quantum dot arrays.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cota, Ernesto; Ramírez, Felipe; Ulloa, Sergio E.

1997-08-01

Motivated by recent proposed geometries in cellular automata, we study arrays of four or five coupled quantum dots located at the corners and at the center of a square. We calculate the addition spectrum for dots with equal or different sizes at each site and compare with the case of linear arrays. We obtain the numerically exact solution for arrays with two electrons and study the properties of this system as a cell or building block of quantum dot cellular automata. We obtain the ``polarization" for each state and discuss its possible use as a two-state system or ``qubit," as proposed recently(C. S. Lent, P. D. Tougaw, and W. Porod, Appl. Phys. Lett. 62) 714, (1993). An extended Hubbard Hamiltonian is used which takes into account quantum confinement, intra- an inter-dot Coulomb interaction as well as tunneling between neighboring dots.

Spectral properties of finite two dimensional quantum dot arrays.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez, Felipe; Cota, Ernesto; Ulloa, Sergio E.

1997-03-01

Motivated by recent proposed geometries in cellular automata, we study arrays of four or five coupled quantum dots located at the corners and at the center of a square. We calculate the addition spectrum for dots with equal or different sizes at each site and compare with the case of linear arrays. We obtain the numerically exact solution for arrays with two electrons and study the properties of this system as a cell or building block of quantum dot cellular automata. We obtain the ``polarization" for each state and discuss its possible use as a two-state system or ``qubit," as proposed recently(C. S. Lent, P. D. Tougaw, and W. Porod, Appl. Phys. Lett. 62) 714, (1993). An extended Hubbard Hamiltonian is used which takes into account quantum confinement, intra- an inter-dot Coulomb interaction as well as tunneling between neighboring dots.

Antibacterial activity of microstructured sacrificial anode thin films by combination of silver with platinum group elements (platinum, palladium, iridium).

PubMed

Köller, Manfred; Bellova, Petri; Javid, Siyamak Memar; Motemani, Yahya; Khare, Chinmay; Sengstock, Christina; Tschulik, Kristina; Schildhauer, Thomas A; Ludwig, Alfred

2017-05-01

Five different Ag dots arrays (16 to 400dots/mm 2 ) were fabricated on a continuous platinum, palladium, or iridium thin film and for comparison also on titanium film by sputter deposition and photolithographic patterning. To analyze the antibacterial activity of these microstructured films Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were placed onto the array surfaces and cultivated overnight. To analyze the viability of planktonic as well as surface adherent bacteria, the applied bacterial fluid was subsequently aspirated, plated on blood agar plates and adherent bacteria were detected by fluorescence microscopy. A particular antibacterial effect towards S. aureus was induced by Ag dot arrays on each of the platinum group thin film (sacrificial anode system for Ag) in contrast to Ag dot arrays fabricated on the Ti thin films (non-sacrificial anode system for Ag). Among platinum group elements the Ir-Ag system exerted the highest antibacterial activity which was accompanied by most advanced dissolution of the Ag dots and Ag ion release compared to Ag dots on Pt or Pd. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coherently-enabled environmental control of optics and energy transfer pathways of hybrid quantum dot-metallic nanoparticle systems.

PubMed

Hatef, Ali; Sadeghi, Seyed M; Fortin-Deschênes, Simon; Boulais, Etienne; Meunier, Michel

2013-03-11

It is well-known that optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots can be controlled using optical cavities or near fields of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of metallic nanoparticles. In this paper we study the optics, energy transfer pathways, and exciton states of quantum dots when they are influenced by the near fields associated with plasmonic meta-resonances. Such resonances are formed via coherent coupling of excitons and LSPRs when the quantum dots are close to metallic nanorods and driven by a laser beam. Our results suggest an unprecedented sensitivity to the refractive index of the environment, causing significant spectral changes in the Förster resonance energy transfer from the quantum dots to the nanorods and in exciton transition energies. We demonstrate that when a quantum dot-metallic nanorod system is close to its plasmonic meta-resonance, we can adjust the refractive index to: (i) control the frequency range where the energy transfer from the quantum dot to the metallic nanorod is inhibited, (ii) manipulate the exciton transition energy shift of the quantum dot, and (iii) disengage the quantum dot from the metallic nanoparticle and laser field. Our results show that near meta-resonances the spectral forms of energy transfer and exciton energy shifts are strongly correlated to each other.

Phonon impact on optical control schemes of quantum dots: Role of quantum dot geometry and symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüker, S.; Kuhn, T.; Reiter, D. E.

2017-12-01

Phonons strongly influence the optical control of semiconductor quantum dots. When modeling the electron-phonon interaction in several theoretical approaches, the quantum dot geometry is approximated by a spherical structure, though typical self-assembled quantum dots are strongly lens-shaped. By explicitly comparing simulations of a spherical and a lens-shaped dot using a well-established correlation expansion approach, we show that, indeed, lens-shaped dots can be exactly mapped to a spherical geometry when studying the phonon influence on the electronic system. We also give a recipe to reproduce spectral densities from more involved dots by rather simple spherical models. On the other hand, breaking the spherical symmetry has a pronounced impact on the spatiotemporal properties of the phonon dynamics. As an example we show that for a lens-shaped quantum dot, the phonon emission is strongly concentrated along the direction of the smallest axis of the dot, which is important for the use of phonons for the communication between different dots.

Spectroscopy of Single AlInAs Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derebezov, I. A.; Gaisler, A. V.; Gaisler, V. A.; Dmitriev, D. V.; Toropov, A. I.; Kozhukhov, A. S.; Shcheglov, D. V.; Latyshev, A. V.; Aseev, A. L.

2018-03-01

A system of quantum dots based on Al x In1- x As/Al y Ga1- y As solid solutions is investigated. The use of Al x In1- x As wide-gap solid solutions as the basis of quantum dots substantially extends the spectral emission range to the short-wavelength region, including the wavelength region near 770 nm, which is of interest for the development of aerospace systems of quantum cryptography. The optical characteristics of Al x In1- x As single quantum dots grown by the Stranski-Krastanov mechanism were studied by cryogenic microphotoluminescence. The statistics of the emission of single quantum dot excitons was studied using a Hanbury Brown-Twiss interferometer. The pair photon correlation function indicates the sub-Poissonian nature of the emission statistics, which directly confirms the possibility of developing single-photon emitters based on Al x In1- x As quantum dots. The fine structure of quantum dot exciton states was investigated at wavelengths near 770 nm. The splitting of the exciton states is found to be similar to the natural width of exciton lines, which is of great interest for the development of entangled photon pair emitters based on Al x In1- x As quantum dots.

Does the noise matter? Effects of different kinematogram types on smooth pursuit eye movements and perception

PubMed Central

Schütz, Alexander C.; Braun, Doris I.; Movshon, J. Anthony; Gegenfurtner, Karl R.

2011-01-01

We investigated how the human visual system and the pursuit system react to visual motion noise. We presented three different types of random-dot kinematograms at five different coherence levels. For transparent motion, the signal and noise labels on each dot were preserved throughout each trial, and noise dots moved with the same speed as the signal dots but in fixed random directions. For white noise motion, every 20 ms the signal and noise labels were randomly assigned to each dot and noise dots appeared at random positions. For Brownian motion, signal and noise labels were also randomly assigned, but the noise dots moved at the signal speed in a direction that varied randomly from moment to moment. Neither pursuit latency nor early eye acceleration differed among the different types of kinematograms. Late acceleration, pursuit gain, and perceived speed all depended on kinematogram type, with good agreement between pursuit gain and perceived speed. For transparent motion, pursuit gain and perceived speed were independent of coherence level. For white and Brownian motions, pursuit gain and perceived speed increased with coherence but were higher for white than for Brownian motion. This suggests that under our conditions, the pursuit system integrates across all directions of motion but not across all speeds. PMID:21149307

The Legionella pneumophila global regulatory protein LetA affects DotA and Mip.

PubMed

Shi, Chunwei; Forsbach-Birk, Vera; Marre, Reinhard; McNealy, Tamara L

2006-02-01

Several genes have been identified in Legionella pneumophila which are necessary for its virulence properties. These genes include the dot/icm type IV secretion system (T4SS), mip and letA. Genes of the dot/icm system, in particular dotA, have been found to be essential for intracellular growth. The macrophage infectivity protein (Mip) is also necessary for full virulence of the bacteria. Although these genes are well characterized, the regulation of such virulence factors is not. The LetA transcriptional activator interacts with the global regulator CsrA in controlling the switch from the replicative, non-infectious to the transmissive, highly infectious form of L. pneumophila. Regulation by LetA of the dot/icm genes has also been previously postulated. Here we show that the letA mutation exerts effects not only on DotA but on a substrate of the secretion system, RalF as well. LetA was found to be necessary for full transcriptional expression of the dotA and ralF genes. Although at the transcriptional level dotA was reduced, this did not result in a decrease of DotA protein in whole cell lysates. The letA mutation, however, does result in decreased amounts of the DotA protein found in the membrane and increased amounts in the culture supernatant. Additionally, the letA mutation dramatically decreased the secretion of Mip. This work demonstrates the participation of the global regulatory protein LetA in the regulation of an essential part of the dot/icm T4SS. Also shown is the presence of secreted Mip and a decrease in this secretion in the letA(-) strain. Exactly how LetA is regulating these virulence factors remains to be elucidated but it obviously occurs at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.

Thermoelectric energy harvesting with quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sothmann, Björn; Sánchez, Rafael; Jordan, Andrew N.

2015-01-01

We review recent theoretical work on thermoelectric energy harvesting in multi-terminal quantum-dot setups. We first discuss several examples of nanoscale heat engines based on Coulomb-coupled conductors. In particular, we focus on quantum dots in the Coulomb-blockade regime, chaotic cavities and resonant tunneling through quantum dots and wells. We then turn toward quantum-dot heat engines that are driven by bosonic degrees of freedom such as phonons, magnons and microwave photons. These systems provide interesting connections to spin caloritronics and circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Environmental mimics and the Lvh type IVA secretion system contribute to virulence-related phenotypes of Legionella pneumophila.

PubMed

Bandyopadhyay, Purnima; Liu, Shuqing; Gabbai, Carolina B; Venitelli, Zeah; Steinman, Howard M

2007-02-01

Legionella pneumophila, the causative organism of Legionnaires' disease, is a fresh-water bacterium and intracellular parasite of amoebae. This study examined the effects of incubation in water and amoeba encystment on L. pneumophila strain JR32 and null mutants in dot/icm genes encoding a type IVB secretion system required for entry, delayed acidification of L. pneumophila-containing phagosomes, and intracellular multiplication when stationary-phase bacteria infect amoebae and macrophages. Following incubation of stationary-phase cultures in water, mutants in dotA and dotB, essential for function of the type IVB secretion system, exhibited entry and delay of phagosome acidification comparable to that of strain JR32. Following encystment in Acanthamoeba castellanii and reversion of cysts to amoeba trophozoites, dotA and dotB mutants exhibited intracellular multiplication in amoebae. The L. pneumophila Lvh locus, encoding a type IVA secretion system homologous to that in Agrobacterium tumefaciens, was required for restoration of entry and intracellular multiplication in dot/icm mutants following incubation in water and amoeba encystment and was required for delay of phagosome acidification in strain JR32. These data support a model in which the Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system is conditionally rather than absolutely required for L. pneumophila virulence-related phenotypes. The data suggest that the Lvh type IVA secretion system, previously thought to be dispensable, is involved in virulence-related phenotypes under conditions mimicking the spread of Legionnaires' disease from environmental niches. Since environmental amoebae are implicated as reservoirs for an increasing number of environmental pathogens and for drug-resistant bacteria, the environmental mimics developed here may be useful in virulence studies of other pathogens.

Inverse transport calculations in optical imaging with subspace optimization algorithms

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

Ding, Tian, E-mail: tding@math.utexas.edu; Ren, Kui, E-mail: ren@math.utexas.edu

2014-09-15

Inverse boundary value problems for the radiative transport equation play an important role in optics-based medical imaging techniques such as diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and fluorescence optical tomography (FOT). Despite the rapid progress in the mathematical theory and numerical computation of these inverse problems in recent years, developing robust and efficient reconstruction algorithms remains a challenging task and an active research topic. We propose here a robust reconstruction method that is based on subspace minimization techniques. The method splits the unknown transport solution (or a functional of it) into low-frequency and high-frequency components, and uses singular value decomposition to analyticallymore » recover part of low-frequency information. Minimization is then applied to recover part of the high-frequency components of the unknowns. We present some numerical simulations with synthetic data to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.« less

Microstructural abnormalities in MEWDS demonstrated by ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Nguyen, My Hanh T; Witkin, Andre J; Reichel, Elias; Ko, Tony H; Fujimoto, James G; Schuman, Joel S; Duker, Jay S

2007-01-01

Histopathological studies of acute multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) have not been reported because of the transient and benign nature of the disease. Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT), capable of high resolution in vivo imaging, offers a unique opportunity to visualize retinal microstructure in the disease. UHR-OCT images of the maculae of five patients with MEWDS were obtained and analyzed. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, examination, visual field testing, and angiography. UHR-OCT revealed disturbances in the photoreceptor inner/outer segment junction (IS/OS) in each of the five patients (six eyes) with MEWDS. In addition, thinning of the outer nuclear layer was seen in the case of recurrent MEWDS, suggesting that repeated episodes of MEWDS may result in photoreceptor atrophy. Subtle disruptions of the photoreceptor IS/OS are demonstrated in all eyes affected by MEWDS. UHR-OCT may be a useful adjunct to diagnosis and monitoring of MEWDS.

Detecting lower extremity vascular dynamics in patients with peripheral artery disease using diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalil, Michael A.; Kim, Hyun-Keol K.; Kim, In-Kyong; Dayal, Rajeev; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2011-02-01

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects over 10 million Americans and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While in many cases the ankle-brachial index (ABI) can be used for diagnosing the disease, this parameter is not dependable in the diabetic and elderly population. These populations tend to have calcified arteries, which leads to elevated ABI values. Dynamic optical tomography (DDOT) promises to overcome the limitations of the current diagnostic techniques and has the potential to initiate a paradigm shift in the diagnosis of vascular disease. We have performed initial pilot studies involving 5 PAD patients and 3 healthy volunteers. The time traces and tomographic reconstruction obtained from measurements on the feet show significant differences between healthy and affected vasculatures. In addition, we found that DOT is capable of identifying PAD in diabetic patients, who are misdiagnosed by the traditional ABI screening.

Executive plan summary, an ITS strategic plan for Texas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The TxDOT ITS Strategic Plan supports the goals and objectives of the TxDOT agency Strategic : Plan. It has the same four goals as the TxDOT Strategic Plan: : - Maintain a safe system. : - Address congestion. : - Connect Texas communities. : - Become...

Chemiluminescence of nitrogen-rich quantum dots in diperiodatoargentate(III) solution and its application in ferulic acid analysis.

PubMed

Fu, Zhaofu; Li, Gongke; Hu, Yufei

2016-12-01

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) system based on the reaction of fluorescent water-soluble nitrogen-rich quantum dots (N-dots) and diperiodatoargentate(III) (DPA) was developed. The prepared N-dots have a small size (≤10 nm) and high percentage of nitrogen (39.9 %), which exceeds the content of carbon in the same N-dots. The N-dots exhibit characteristic blue fluorescence under UV light and up-conversion luminescence. The relatively intense CL emission is based on the direct oxidation of N-dots by DPA. The CL emission may be attributed to the high nitrogen content and the special structure of the N-dots. The CL mechanism of N-dots and DPA was investigated by using CL, UV-Vis absorption, IR, fluorescence, and radical scavenging experiments. This investigation provides a way to study the optical properties of N-dots. The analytical applicability of the N-dots and DPA CL system in the determination of ferulic acid (FA) was explored. The CL intensity was linearly proportional to the concentration of ferulic acid from 3.0 × 10 -7 to 1.0 × 10 -5 g mL -1 with a detection limit of 8.0 × 10 -8 g mL -1 (3σ); the relative standard deviation was 2.4 % for 4.0 × 10 -7 g mL -1 FA (n = 9). The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of ferulic acid in Angelica sinensis. The study provides valuable insight into the role of nitrogen-rich quantum dots in CL.

Magneto-exciton transitions in laterally coupled quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barticevic, Zdenka; Pacheco, Monica; Duque, Carlos A.; Oliveira, Luiz E.

2008-03-01

We present a study of the electronic and optical properties of laterally coupled quantum dots. The excitonic spectra of this system under the effects of an external magnetic field applied perpendicular to the plane of the dots is obtained, with the potential of every individual dot taken as the superposition of a quantum well potential along the axial direction with a lateral parabolic confinement potential, and the coupled two- dot system then modeled by a superposition of the potentials of each dot, with their minima at different positions and truncated at the intersection plane. The wave functions and eigenvalues are obtained in the effective-mass approximation by using an extended variational approach in which the magneto- exciton states are simultaneously obtained [1]. The allowed magneto-exciton transitions are investigated by using circularly polarized radiation in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. We present results on the excitonic absorption coefficient as a function of the photon energy for different geometric quantum-dot confinement and magnetic-field values. Reference: [1] Z. Barticevic, M. Pacheco, C. A. Duque and L. E. Oliveira, Phys. Rev. B 68, 073312 (2003).

Three dimensional atom probe imaging of GaAsSb quantum rings.

PubMed

Beltrán, A M; Marquis, E A; Taboada, A G; Ripalda, J M; García, J M; Molina, S I

2011-07-01

Unambiguous evidence of ring-shaped self-assembled GaSb nanostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy is presented on the basis of atom-probe tomography reconstructions and dark field transmission electron microscopy imaging. The GaAs capping process causes a strong segregation of Sb out of the center of GaSb quantum dots, leading to the self-assembled GaAs(x)Sb(1-x) quantum rings of 20-30 nm in diameter with x ∼ 0.33. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Engineering of lipid-coated PLGA nanoparticles with a tunable payload of diagnostically active nanocrystals for medical imaging.

PubMed

Mieszawska, Aneta J; Gianella, Anita; Cormode, David P; Zhao, Yiming; Meijerink, Andries; Langer, Robert; Farokhzad, Omid C; Fayad, Zahi A; Mulder, Willem J M

2012-06-14

Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) based nanoparticles are biocompatible and biodegradable and therefore have been extensively investigated as therapeutic carriers. Here, we engineered diagnostically active PLGA nanoparticles that incorporate high payloads of nanocrystals into their core for tunable bioimaging features. We accomplished this through esterification reactions of PLGA to generate polymers modified with nanocrystals. The PLGA nanoparticles formed from modified PLGA polymers that were functionalized with either gold nanocrystals or quantum dots exhibited favorable features for computed tomography and optical imaging, respectively.

Quantum dots grown in the InSb/GaSb system by liquid-phase epitaxy

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

Parkhomenko, Ya. A.; Dement’ev, P. A.; Moiseev, K. D., E-mail: mkd@iropt2.ioffe.rssi.ru

2016-07-15

The first results of the liquid-phase epitaxial growth of quantum dots in the InSb/GaSb system and atomic-force microscopy data on the structural characteristics of the quantum dots are reported. It is shown that the surface density, shape, and size of nanoislands depend on the deposition temperature and the chemical properties of the matrix surface. Arrays of InSb quantum dots on GaSb (001) substrates are produced in the temperature range T = 450–465°C. The average dimensions of the quantum dots correspond to a height of h = 3 nm and a base dimension of D = 30 nm; the surface densitymore » is 3 × 10{sup 9} cm{sup –2}.« less

Resonant electronic excitation energy transfer by Dexter mechanism in the quantum dot system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samosvat, D. M.; Chikalova-Luzina, O. P.; Vyatkin, V. M.; Zegrya, G. G.

2016-11-01

In present work the energy transfer between quantum dots by the exchange (Dexter) mechanism is analysed. The interdot Coulomb interaction is taken into consideration. It is assumed that the quantum dot-donor and the quantum dot-acceptor are made from the same compound A3B5 and embedded in the matrix of other material creating potential barriers for electron and holes. The dependences of the energy transfer rate on the quantum-dot system parameters are found using the Kane model that provides the most adequate description spectra of semiconductors A3B5. Numerical calculations show that the rate of the energy transfer by Dexter mechanism is comparable to the rate of the energy transfer by electrostatic mechanism at the distances approaching to the contact ones.

Installing Snowplow Cameras and Integrating Images into MnDOT's Traveler Information System

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-10-01

In 2015 and 2016, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) installed network video dash- and ceiling-mounted cameras on 226 snowplows, approximately one-quarter of MnDOT's total snowplow fleet. The cameras were integrated with the onboard m...

Children's multiplicative transformations of discrete and continuous quantities.

PubMed

Barth, Hilary; Baron, Andrew; Spelke, Elizabeth; Carey, Susan

2009-08-01

Recent studies have documented an evolutionarily primitive, early emerging cognitive system for the mental representation of numerical quantity (the analog magnitude system). Studies with nonhuman primates, human infants, and preschoolers have shown this system to support computations of numerical ordering, addition, and subtraction involving whole number concepts prior to arithmetic training. Here we report evidence that this system supports children's predictions about the outcomes of halving and perhaps also doubling transformations. A total of 138 kindergartners and first graders were asked to reason about the quantity resulting from the doubling or halving of an initial numerosity (of a set of dots) or an initial length (of a bar). Controls for dot size, total dot area, and dot density ensured that children were responding to the number of dots in the arrays. Prior to formal instruction in symbolic multiplication, division, or rational number, halving (and perhaps doubling) computations appear to be deployed over discrete and possibly continuous quantities. The ability to apply simple multiplicative transformations to analog magnitude representations of quantity may form a part of the toolkit that children use to construct later concepts of rational number.

Resonant tunneling spectroscopy of valley eigenstates on a donor-quantum dot coupled system

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

Kobayashi, T., E-mail: t.kobayashi@unsw.edu.au; Heijden, J. van der; House, M. G.

We report on electronic transport measurements through a silicon double quantum dot consisting of a donor and a quantum dot. Transport spectra show resonant tunneling peaks involving different valley states, which illustrate the valley splitting in a quantum dot on a Si/SiO{sub 2} interface. The detailed gate bias dependence of double dot transport allows a first direct observation of the valley splitting in the quantum dot, which is controllable between 160 and 240 μeV with an electric field dependence 1.2 ± 0.2 meV/(MV/m). A large valley splitting is an essential requirement for implementing a physical electron spin qubit in a silicon quantum dot.

Lateral excitonic switching in vertically stacked quantum dots

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

Jarzynka, Jarosław R.; McDonald, Peter G.; Galbraith, Ian

2016-06-14

We show that the application of a vertical electric field to the Coulomb interacting system in stacked quantum dots leads to a 90° in-plane switching of charge probability distribution in contrast to a single dot, where no such switching exists. Results are obtained using path integral quantum Monte Carlo with realistic dot geometry, alloy composition, and piezo-electric potential profiles. The origin of the switching lies in the strain interactions between the stacked dots hence the need for more than one layer of dots. The lateral polarization and electric field dependence of the radiative lifetimes of the excitonic switch are alsomore » discussed.« less

Revisiting the Cooling Flow Problem in Galaxies, Groups, and Clusters of Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, M.; Gaspari, M.; McNamara, B. R.; Tremblay, G. R.

2018-05-01

We present a study of 107 galaxies, groups, and clusters spanning ∼3 orders of magnitude in mass, ∼5 orders of magnitude in central galaxy star formation rate (SFR), ∼4 orders of magnitude in the classical cooling rate ({\\dot{M}}cool}\\equiv {M}gas}(r< {r}cool})/{t}cool}) of the intracluster medium (ICM), and ∼5 orders of magnitude in the central black hole accretion rate. For each system in this sample, we measure the ICM cooling rate, {\\dot{M}}cool}, using archival Chandra X-ray data and acquire the SFR and systematic uncertainty in the SFR by combining over 330 estimates from dozens of literature sources. With these data, we estimate the efficiency with which the ICM cools and forms stars, finding {ε }cool}\\equiv {SFR}/{\\dot{M}}cool}=1.4 % +/- 0.4% for systems with {\\dot{M}}cool}> 30 M ⊙ yr‑1. For these systems, we measure a slope in the SFR–{\\dot{M}}cool} relation greater than unity, suggesting that the systems with the strongest cool cores are also cooling more efficiently. We propose that this may be related to, on average, higher black hole accretion rates in the strongest cool cores, which could influence the total amount (saturating near the Eddington rate) and dominant mode (mechanical versus radiative) of feedback. For systems with {\\dot{M}}cool}< 30 M ⊙ yr‑1, we find that the SFR and {\\dot{M}}cool} are uncorrelated and show that this is consistent with star formation being fueled at a low (but dominant) level by recycled ISM gas in these systems. We find an intrinsic log-normal scatter in SFR at a fixed {\\dot{M}}cool} of 0.52 ± 0.06 dex (1σ rms), suggesting that cooling is tightly self-regulated over very long timescales but can vary dramatically on short timescales. There is weak evidence that this scatter may be related to the feedback mechanism, with the scatter being minimized (∼0.4 dex) for systems for which the mechanical feedback power is within a factor of two of the cooling luminosity.

Avalanches and diffusion in bubble rafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maloney, C. E.

2015-07-01

Energy dissipation distributions and particle displacement statistics are studied in the mean-field version of Durian's bubble model. A two-dimensional (2D) bi-disperse mixture is simulated at various strain rates, \\dotγ , and packing ratios, ϕ, above the rigidity onset at φ=φc . Well above φc , and at sufficiently low \\dotγ , the system responds in a highly bursty way, reminiscent of other dynamically critical systems with a power-law distribution of energy dissipation. As one increases \\dotγ at fixed ϕ or tunes φ→ φc at fixed \\dotγ , the bursty behavior vanishes. Displacement distributions are non-Fickian at short times but cross to a Fickian regime at a universal strain, Δγ* , independent of \\dotγ and ϕ. Despite the profound differences in short-time dynamics, at intermediate Δγ the systems exhibit qualitatively similar spatial patterns of deformation with lines of slip extending across large fractions of the simulation cell. These deformation patterns explain the observed diffusion constants and the universal crossover time to Fickian behavior.

Autonomous quantum Maxwell's demon based on two exchange-coupled quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ptaszyński, Krzysztof

2018-01-01

I study an autonomous quantum Maxwell's demon based on two exchange-coupled quantum dots attached to the spin-polarized leads. The principle of operation of the demon is based on the coherent oscillations between the spin states of the system which act as a quantum iSWAP gate. Due to the operation of the iSWAP gate, one of the dots acts as a feedback controller which blocks the transport with the bias in the other dot, thus inducing the electron pumping against the bias; this leads to the locally negative entropy production. Operation of the demon is associated with the information transfer between the dots, which is studied quantitatively by mapping the analyzed setup onto the thermodynamically equivalent auxiliary system. The calculated entropy production in a single subsystem and information flow between the subsystems are shown to obey a local form of the second law of thermodynamics, similar to the one previously derived for classical bipartite systems.

Deterministic optical polarisation in nitride quantum dots at thermoelectrically cooled temperatures.

PubMed

Wang, Tong; Puchtler, Tim J; Patra, Saroj K; Zhu, Tongtong; Jarman, John C; Oliver, Rachel A; Schulz, Stefan; Taylor, Robert A

2017-09-21

We report the successful realisation of intrinsic optical polarisation control by growth, in solid-state quantum dots in the thermoelectrically cooled temperature regime (≥200 K), using a non-polar InGaN system. With statistically significant experimental data from cryogenic to high temperatures, we show that the average polarisation degree of such a system remains constant at around 0.90, below 100 K, and decreases very slowly at higher temperatures until reaching 0.77 at 200 K, with an unchanged polarisation axis determined by the material crystallography. A combination of Fermi-Dirac statistics and k·p theory with consideration of quantum dot anisotropy allows us to elucidate the origin of the robust, almost temperature-insensitive polarisation properties of this system from a fundamental perspective, producing results in very good agreement with the experimental findings. This work demonstrates that optical polarisation control can be achieved in solid-state quantum dots at thermoelectrically cooled temperatures, thereby opening the possibility of polarisation-based quantum dot applications in on-chip conditions.

Effects of Shannon entropy and electric field on polaron in RbCl triangular quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M, Tiotsop; A, J. Fotue; S, C. Kenfack; N, Issofa; H, Fotsin; L, C. Fai

2016-04-01

In this paper, the time evolution of the quantum mechanical state of a polaron is examined using the Pekar type variational method on the condition of the electric-LO-phonon strong-coupling and polar angle in RbCl triangular quantum dot. We obtain the eigenenergies, and the eigenfunctions of the ground state, and the first excited state respectively. This system in a quantum dot can be treated as a two-level quantum system qubit and the numerical calculations are performed. The effects of Shannon entropy and electric field on the polaron in the RbCl triangular quantum dot are also studied.

The Legionella IcmS-IcmW protein complex is important for Dot/Icm-mediated protein translocation.

PubMed

Ninio, Shira; Zuckman-Cholon, Deborah M; Cambronne, Eric D; Roy, Craig R

2005-02-01

The intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila can infect and replicate within macrophages of a human host. To establish infection, Legionella require the Dot/Icm secretion system to inject protein substrates directly into the host cell cytoplasm. The mechanism by which substrate proteins are engaged and translocated by the Dot/Icm system is not well understood. Here we show that two cytosolic components of the Dot/Icm secretion machinery, the proteins IcmS and IcmW, play an important role in substrate translocation. Biochemical analysis indicates that IcmS and IcmW form a stable protein complex. In Legionella, the IcmW protein is rapidly degraded in the absence of the IcmS protein. Substrate proteins translocated into mammalian host cells by the Dot/Icm system were identified using the IcmW protein as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen. It was determined that the IcmS-IcmW complex interacts with these substrates and plays an important role in translocation of these proteins into mammalian cells. These data are consistent with the IcmS-IcmW complex being involved in the recognition and Dot/Icm-dependent translocation of substrate proteins during Legionella infection of host cells.

Impact of heavy hole-light hole coupling on optical selection rules in GaAs quantum dots

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

Belhadj, T.; Amand, T.; Kunz, S.

2010-08-02

We report strong heavy hole-light hole mixing in GaAs quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy. Using the neutral and charged exciton emission as a monitor we observe the direct consequence of quantum dot symmetry reduction in this strain free system. By fitting the polar diagram of the emission with simple analytical expressions obtained from k{center_dot}p theory we are able to extract the mixing that arises from the heavy-light hole coupling due to the geometrical asymmetry of the quantum dot.

Two-photon absorption and efficient encapsulation of near-infrared-emitting CdSexTe1-x quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szeremeta, Janusz; Lamch, Lukasz; Wawrzynczyk, Dominika; Wilk, Kazimiera A.; Samoc, Marek; Nyk, Marcin

2015-07-01

Hydrophobic CdSexTe1-x quantum dots with near infrared emission in the 700-750 nm range were synthesized by a wet chemistry technique. Their nonlinear optical properties were studied using Z-scan technique with a tunable femtosecond laser system. The peak value of the two-photon absorption cross section was found to be ∼2400 GM at 1400 nm. To demonstrate a possible way of utilizing the CdSexTe1-x quantum dots in aqueous environment we describe here a convenient method of preparation of Brij 58® micellar systems loaded with the quantum dots. The obtained nanoconstructs were characterized using optical spectroscopy, TEM and DLS. The micelles colloidal stability, and the influence of the encapsulation process on the spectroscopic properties of the quantum dots are discussed. In particular, we have observed a 60 nm blue-shift of the emission maxima upon loading quantum dots inside the micelles.

Calculation of exchange interaction for modified Gaussian coupled quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khordad, R.

2017-08-01

A system of two laterally coupled quantum dots with modified Gaussian potential has been considered. Each quantum dot has an electron under electric and magnetic field. The quantum dots have been considered as hydrogen-like atoms. The physical picture has translated into the Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian. The Schrödinger equation using finite element method has been numerically solved. The exchange energy factor has been calculated as a functions of electric field, magnetic field, and the separation distance between the centers of the dots ( d). According to the results, it is found that there is the transition from anti-ferromagnetic to ferromagnetic for constant electric field. Also, the transition occurs from ferromagnetic to anti-ferromagnetic for constant magnetic field (B>1 T). With decreasing the distance between the centers of the dots and increasing magnetic field, the transition occurs from anti-ferromagnetic to ferromagnetic. It is found that a switching of exchange energy factor is presented without canceling the interactions of the electric and magnetic fields on the system.

Interplay of morphology, composition, and optical properties of InP-based quantum dots emitting at the 1.55 μ m telecom wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmesin, C.; Schowalter, M.; Lorke, M.; Mourad, D.; Grieb, T.; Müller-Caspary, K.; Yacob, M.; Reithmaier, J. P.; Benyoucef, M.; Rosenauer, A.; Jahnke, F.

2017-12-01

Results for the development and detailed analysis of self-organized InAs/InAlGaAs/InP quantum dots suitable for single-photon emission at the 1.55 μ m telecom wavelength are reported. The structural and compositional properties of the system are obtained from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy of individual quantum dots. The system is composed of almost pure InAs quantum dots embedded in quaternary InAlGaAs barrier material, which is lattice matched to the InP substrate. When using the measured results for a representative quantum-dot geometry as well as experimentally reconstructed alloy concentrations, a combination of strain-field and electronic-state calculations is able to reproduce the quantum-dot emission wavelength in agreement with the experimentally determined photoluminescence spectrum. The inhomogeneous broadening of the latter can be related to calculated variations of the emission wavelength for the experimentally deduced In-concentration fluctuations and size variations.

Quantum dot tailored to single wall carbon nanotubes: a multifunctional hybrid nanoconstruct for cellular imaging and targeted photothermal therapy.

PubMed

Nair, Lakshmi V; Nagaoka, Yutaka; Maekawa, Toru; Sakthikumar, D; Jayasree, Ramapurath S

2014-07-23

Hybrid nanomaterial based on quantum dots and SWCNTs is used for cellular imaging and photothermal therapy. Furthermore, the ligand conjugated hybrid system (FaQd@CNT) enables selective targeting in cancer cells. The imaging capability of quantum dots and the therapeutic potential of SWCNT are available in a single system with cancer targeting property. Heat generated by the system is found to be high enough to destroy cancer cells. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Few-Photon Model of the Optical Emission of Semiconductor Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Marten; Carmele, Alexander; Sitek, Anna; Knorr, Andreas

2009-08-01

The Jaynes-Cummings model provides a well established theoretical framework for single electron two level systems in a radiation field. Similar exactly solvable models for semiconductor light emitters such as quantum dots dominated by many particle interactions are not known. We access these systems by a generalized cluster expansion, the photon-probability cluster expansion: a reliable approach for few-photon dynamics in many body electron systems. As a first application, we discuss vacuum Rabi oscillations and show that their amplitude determines the number of electrons in the quantum dot.

Theory of few photon dynamics in light emitting quantum dot devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmele, Alexander; Richter, Marten; Sitek, Anna; Knorr, Andreas

2009-10-01

We present a modified cluster expansion to describe single-photon emitters in a semiconductor environment. We calculate microscopically to what extent semiconductor features in quantum dot-wetting layer systems alter the exciton and photon dynamics in comparison to the atom-like emission dynamics. We access these systems by the photon-probability-cluster-expansion: a reliable approach for few photon dynamics in many body electron systems. As a first application, we show that the amplitude of vacuum Rabi flops determines the number of electrons in the quantum dot.

Detection of DNA via the fluorescence quenching of Mn-doped ZnSe D-dots/doxorubicin/DNA ternary complexes system.

PubMed

Gao, Xue; Niu, Lu; Su, Xingguang

2012-01-01

This manuscript reports a method for the detection of double-stranded DNA, based on Mn:ZnSe d-dots and intercalating agent doxorubicin (DOX). DOX can quench the photoluminescence (PL) of Mn:ZnSe d-dots through photoinduced electron transfer process, after binding with Mn:ZnSe d-dots. The addition of DNA can result in the formation of the Mn:ZnSe d-dots-DOX-DNA ternary complexes, the fluorescence of the Mn:ZnSe d-dots-DOX complexes would be further quenched by the addition of DNA, thus allowing the detection of DNA. The formation mechanism of the Mn:ZnSe d-dots-DOX-DNA ternary complexes was studied in detail in this paper. Under optimal conditions, the quenched fluorescence intensity of Mn:ZnSe d-dots-DOX system are perfectly described by Stern-Volmer equation with the concentration of hsDNA ranging from 0.006 μg mL(-1) to 6.4 μg mL(-1). The detection limit (S/N = 3) for hsDNA is 0.5 ng mL(-1). The proposed method was successfully applied to the detection of DNA in synthetic samples and the results were satisfactory.

Long-range spin coherence in a strongly coupled all-electronic dot-cavity system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, Michael Sven; Oehri, David; Rössler, Clemens; Ihn, Thomas; Ensslin, Klaus; Blatter, Gianni; Zilberberg, Oded

2017-12-01

We present a theoretical analysis of spin-coherent electronic transport across a mesoscopic dot-cavity system. Such spin-coherent transport has been recently demonstrated in an experiment with a dot-cavity hybrid implemented in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas [C. Rössler et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 166603 (2015), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.115.166603] and its spectroscopic signatures have been interpreted in terms of a competition between Kondo-type dot-lead and molecular-type dot-cavity singlet formation. Our analysis brings forward all the transport features observed in the experiments and supports the claim that a spin-coherent molecular singlet forms across the full extent of the dot-cavity device. Our model analysis includes (i) a single-particle numerical investigation of the two-dimensional geometry, its quantum-coral-type eigenstates, and associated spectroscopic transport features, (ii) the derivation of an effective interacting model based on the observations of the numerical and experimental studies, and (iii) the prediction of transport characteristics through the device using a combination of a master-equation approach on top of exact eigenstates of the dot-cavity system, and an equation-of-motion analysis that includes Kondo physics. The latter provides additional temperature scaling predictions for the many-body phase transition between molecular- and Kondo-singlet formation and its associated transport signatures.

Improving the light quantification of near infrared (NIR) diffused light optical tomography with ultrasound localization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardeshirpour, Yasaman

According to the statistics published by the American Cancer Society, currently breast cancer is the second most common cancer after skin cancer and the second cause of cancer death after lung cancer in the female population. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) using near-infrared (NIR) light, guided by ultrasound localization, has shown great promise in distinguishing benign from malignant breast tumors and in assessing the response of breast cancer to chemotherapy. Our ultrasound-guided DOT system is based on reflection geometry, with patients scanned in supine position using a hand-held probe. For patients with chest-wall located at a depth shallower than 1 to 2cm, as in about 10% of our clinical cases, the semi-infinite imaging medium is not a valid assumption and the chest-wall effect needs to be considered in the imaging reconstruction procedure. In this dissertation, co-registered ultrasound images were used to model the breast-tissue and chest-wall as a two-layer medium. The effect of the chest wall on breast lesion reconstruction was systematically investigated. The performance of the two-layer model-based reconstruction, using the Finite Element Method, was evaluated by simulation, phantom experiments and clinical studies. The results show that the two-layer model can improve the accuracy of estimated background optical properties, the reconstructed absorption map and the total hemoglobin concentration of the lesion. For patients' data affected by chest wall, the perturbation, which is the difference between measurements obtained at lesion and normal reference sites, may include the information of background mismatch between these two sites. Because the imaging reconstruction is based on the perturbation approach, the effect of this mismatch between the optical properties at the two sites on reconstructed optical absorption was studied and a guideline for imaging procedure was developed to reduce these effects during data capturing. To reduce the artifacts caused by the background mismatch between the lesion and reference sites, two solutions were introduced. The first solution uses a model-based approach and the second method uses an exogenous contrast agent. The results of phantom and animal studies show that both methods can significantly reduce artifacts generated by the background mismatch.

Phantom Preparation and Optical Property Determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Di; He, Jie; Mao, Heng

2018-12-01

Tissue-like optical phantoms are important in testing new imaging algorithms. Homogeneous optical phantoms with determined optical properties are the first step of making a proper heterogeneous phantom for multi-modality imaging. Typical recipes for such phantoms consist of epoxy resin, hardener, India ink and titanium oxide. By altering the concentration of India ink and titanium oxide, we are able to get multiple homogeneous phantoms with different absorption and scattering coefficients by carefully mixing all the ingredients. After fabricating the phantoms, we need to find their individual optical properties including the absorption and scattering coefficients. This is achieved by solving diffusion equation of each phantom as a homogeneous slab under canonical illumination. We solve the diffusion equation of homogeneous slab in frequency domain and get the formula for theoretical measurements. Under our steady-state diffused optical tomography (DOT) imaging system, we are able to obtain the real distribution of the incident light produced by a laser. With this source distribution we got and the formula we derived, numerical experiments show how measurements change while varying the value of absorption and scattering coefficients. Then we notice that the measurements alone will not be enough for us to get unique optical properties for steady-state DOT problem. Thus in order to determine the optical properties of a homogeneous slab we want to fix one of the coefficients first and use optimization methods to find another one. Then by assemble multiple homogeneous slab phantoms with different optical properties, we are able to obtain a heterogeneous phantom suitable for testing multi-modality imaging algorithms. In this paper, we describe how to make phantoms, derive a formula to solve the diffusion equation, demonstrate the non-uniqueness of steady-state DOT problem by analysing some numerical results of our formula, and finally propose a possible way to determine optical properties for homogeneous slab for our future work.

Negative exchange interactions in coupled few-electron quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Kuangyin; Calderon-Vargas, F. A.; Mayhall, Nicholas J.; Barnes, Edwin

2018-06-01

It has been experimentally shown that negative exchange interactions can arise in a linear three-dot system when a two-electron double quantum dot is exchange coupled to a larger quantum dot containing on the order of one hundred electrons. The origin of this negative exchange can be traced to the larger quantum dot exhibiting a spin tripletlike rather than singletlike ground state. Here we show using a microscopic model based on the configuration interaction (CI) method that both tripletlike and singletlike ground states are realized depending on the number of electrons. In the case of only four electrons, a full CI calculation reveals that tripletlike ground states occur for sufficiently large dots. These results hold for symmetric and asymmetric quantum dots in both Si and GaAs, showing that negative exchange interactions are robust in few-electron double quantum dots and do not require large numbers of electrons.

Automated data selection method to improve robustness of diffuse optical tomography for breast cancer imaging

PubMed Central

Vavadi, Hamed; Zhu, Quing

2016-01-01

Imaging-guided near infrared diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has demonstrated a great potential as an adjunct modality for differentiation of malignant and benign breast lesions and for monitoring treatment response of breast cancers. However, diffused light measurements are sensitive to artifacts caused by outliers and errors in measurements due to probe-tissue coupling, patient and probe motions, and tissue heterogeneity. In general, pre-processing of the measurements is needed by experienced users to manually remove these outliers and therefore reduce imaging artifacts. An automated method of outlier removal, data selection, and filtering for diffuse optical tomography is introduced in this manuscript. This method consists of multiple steps to first combine several data sets collected from the same patient at contralateral normal breast and form a single robust reference data set using statistical tests and linear fitting of the measurements. The second step improves the perturbation measurements by filtering out outliers from the lesion site measurements using model based analysis. The results of 20 malignant and benign cases show similar performance between manual data processing and automated processing and improvement in tissue characterization of malignant to benign ratio by about 27%. PMID:27867711

Purification non-aqueous solution of quantum dots CdSe- CdS-ZnS from excess organic substance-stabilizer by use PE- HD membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosolapova, K.; Al-Alwani, A.; Gorbachev, I.; Glukhovskoy, E.

2015-11-01

Recently, a new simple method for the purification of CdSe-CdS-ZnS quantum dots by using membrane filtration, the filtration process, successfully separated the oleic acid from quantum dots through membranes purification after synthesis; purification of quantum dots is a very significant part of post synthetical treatment that determines the properties of the material. We explore the possibilities of the Langmuir-Blodgett technique to make such layers, using quantum dots as a model system. The Langmuir monolayer of quantum dots were then investigated the surface pressure-area isotherm. From isotherm, we found the surface pressure monolayer changed with time.

Characterization of a commercially-available, optically-stimulated luminescent dosimetry system for use in computed tomography.

PubMed

Lavoie, Lindsey; Ghita, Monica; Brateman, Libby; Arreola, Manuel

2011-09-01

Optically-stimulated luminescent (OSL) nanoDot dosimeters, commercially available from Landauer, Inc. (Glenwood, IL), were assessed for use in computed tomography (CT) for erasure and reusability, linearity and reproducibility of response, and angular and energy response in different scattering conditions. Following overnight exposure to fluorescent room light, the residual signal on the dosimeters was 2%. The response of the dosimeters to identical exposures was consistent, and reported doses were within 4% of each other. The dosimeters responded linearly with dose up to 1 Gy. The dosimeter response to the CT beams decreased with increased tube voltage, showing up to a -16% difference when compared to a 0.6-cm(3) NIST-traceable calibrated ionization chamber for a 135 kVp CT beam. The largest range in percent difference in dosimeter response to scatter at central and peripheral positions inside CTDI phantoms was 14% at 80 kVp CT tube voltage, when compared to the ionization chamber. The dosimeters responded uniformly to x-ray tube angle over the ranges of increments of 0° to 75° and 105° to 180° when exposed in air, and from 0° to 360° when exposed inside a CTDI phantom. While energy and scatter correction factors should be applied to dosimeter readings for the purpose of determining absolute doses, these corrections are straightforward but depend on the accuracy of the ionization chamber used for cross-calibration. The linearity and angular responses, combined with the ability to reuse the dosimeters, make this OSL system an excellent choice for clinical CT dose measurements.

Elimination of Bimodal Size in InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots for Preparation of 1.3-μm Quantum Dot Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Xiang-Bin; Ding, Ying; Ma, Ben; Zhang, Ke-Lu; Chen, Ze-Sheng; Li, Jing-Lun; Cui, Xiao-Ran; Xu, Ying-Qiang; Ni, Hai-Qiao; Niu, Zhi-Chuan

2018-02-01

The device characteristics of semiconductor quantum dot lasers have been improved with progress in active layer structures. Self-assembly formed InAs quantum dots grown on GaAs had been intensively promoted in order to achieve quantum dot lasers with superior device performances. In the process of growing high-density InAs/GaAs quantum dots, bimodal size occurs due to large mismatch and other factors. The bimodal size in the InAs/GaAs quantum dot system is eliminated by the method of high-temperature annealing and optimized the in situ annealing temperature. The annealing temperature is taken as the key optimization parameters, and the optimal annealing temperature of 680 °C was obtained. In this process, quantum dot growth temperature, InAs deposition, and arsenic (As) pressure are optimized to improve quantum dot quality and emission wavelength. A 1.3-μm high-performance F-P quantum dot laser with a threshold current density of 110 A/cm2 was demonstrated.

Elimination of Bimodal Size in InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots for Preparation of 1.3-μm Quantum Dot Lasers.

PubMed

Su, Xiang-Bin; Ding, Ying; Ma, Ben; Zhang, Ke-Lu; Chen, Ze-Sheng; Li, Jing-Lun; Cui, Xiao-Ran; Xu, Ying-Qiang; Ni, Hai-Qiao; Niu, Zhi-Chuan

2018-02-21

The device characteristics of semiconductor quantum dot lasers have been improved with progress in active layer structures. Self-assembly formed InAs quantum dots grown on GaAs had been intensively promoted in order to achieve quantum dot lasers with superior device performances. In the process of growing high-density InAs/GaAs quantum dots, bimodal size occurs due to large mismatch and other factors. The bimodal size in the InAs/GaAs quantum dot system is eliminated by the method of high-temperature annealing and optimized the in situ annealing temperature. The annealing temperature is taken as the key optimization parameters, and the optimal annealing temperature of 680 °C was obtained. In this process, quantum dot growth temperature, InAs deposition, and arsenic (As) pressure are optimized to improve quantum dot quality and emission wavelength. A 1.3-μm high-performance F-P quantum dot laser with a threshold current density of 110 A/cm 2 was demonstrated.

41 CFR 102-75.855 - What happens if DOT does not submit an assignment recommendation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... not submit an assignment recommendation? 102-75.855 Section 102-75.855 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL....855 What happens if DOT does not submit an assignment recommendation? If DOT does not submit an...

As-built design specification for CAMS Development Dot Data System (CDDDS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wehmanen, O. A.

1979-01-01

The CAMS development dot data system is described. Listings and flow charts of the eight programs used to maintain the data base and the 15 subroutines used in FORTRAN programs to process the data are presented.

Report to Congress : recapitalization plan for the nationwide differential global positioning system (NDGPS).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-06-01

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed a recpitlaization plan to reduce technical, cost, and programmatic risks of the DOT-funded inland segment of the Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS)

Assessing MoDOT's Efforts to Provide the Right Transportation Solution.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

In their effort to provide a world-class transportation system that delights our customers, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has developed a Tracker system that assesses performance with tangible results. The set of goals inclu...

NASA's Space Launch System: Progress Toward the Proving Ground

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackman, Angie

2017-01-01

Space Launch System will be able to offer payload accommodations with five times more volume than any contemporary launch vehicle. center dot Payload fairings of up to 10-meter diameter are planned. Space Launch System will offer an initial capability of greater than 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit; current U.S. launch vehicle maximum is 28 t. center dot Evolved version of SLS will offer greatest-ever capability of greater than 130 t to LEO. SLS offers reduced transit times to the outer solar system by half or greater. center dot Higher characteristic energy (C3) also enables larger payloads to destination.

Magnon cotunneling through a quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karwacki, Łukasz

2017-11-01

I consider a single-level quantum dot coupled to two reservoirs of spin waves (magnons). Such systems have been studied recently from the point of view of possible coupling between electronic and magnonic spin currents. However, usually weakly coupled systems were investigated. When coupling between the dot and reservoirs is not weak, then higher order processes play a role and have to be included. Here I consider cotunneling of magnons through a spin-occupied quantum dot, which can be understood as a magnon (spin) leakage current in analogy to leakage currents in charge-based electronics. Particular emphasis has been put on investigating the effect of magnetic field and temperature difference between the magnonic reservoirs.

Photon antibunching from a single quantum-dot-microcavity system in the strong coupling regime.

PubMed

Press, David; Götzinger, Stephan; Reitzenstein, Stephan; Hofmann, Carolin; Löffler, Andreas; Kamp, Martin; Forchel, Alfred; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

2007-03-16

We observe antibunching in the photons emitted from a strongly coupled single quantum dot and pillar microcavity in resonance. When the quantum dot was spectrally detuned from the cavity mode, the cavity emission remained antibunched, and also anticorrelated from the quantum dot emission. Resonant pumping of the selected quantum dot via an excited state enabled these observations by eliminating the background emitters that are usually coupled to the cavity. This device demonstrates an on-demand single-photon source operating in the strong coupling regime, with a Purcell factor of 61+/-7 and quantum efficiency of 97%.

A programmable two-qubit quantum processor in silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, T. F.; Philips, S. G. J.; Kawakami, E.; Ward, D. R.; Scarlino, P.; Veldhorst, M.; Savage, D. E.; Lagally, M. G.; Friesen, Mark; Coppersmith, S. N.; Eriksson, M. A.; Vandersypen, L. M. K.

2018-03-01

Now that it is possible to achieve measurement and control fidelities for individual quantum bits (qubits) above the threshold for fault tolerance, attention is moving towards the difficult task of scaling up the number of physical qubits to the large numbers that are needed for fault-tolerant quantum computing. In this context, quantum-dot-based spin qubits could have substantial advantages over other types of qubit owing to their potential for all-electrical operation and ability to be integrated at high density onto an industrial platform. Initialization, readout and single- and two-qubit gates have been demonstrated in various quantum-dot-based qubit representations. However, as seen with small-scale demonstrations of quantum computers using other types of qubit, combining these elements leads to challenges related to qubit crosstalk, state leakage, calibration and control hardware. Here we overcome these challenges by using carefully designed control techniques to demonstrate a programmable two-qubit quantum processor in a silicon device that can perform the Deutsch–Josza algorithm and the Grover search algorithm—canonical examples of quantum algorithms that outperform their classical analogues. We characterize the entanglement in our processor by using quantum-state tomography of Bell states, measuring state fidelities of 85–89 per cent and concurrences of 73–82 per cent. These results pave the way for larger-scale quantum computers that use spins confined to quantum dots.

A programmable two-qubit quantum processor in silicon.

PubMed

Watson, T F; Philips, S G J; Kawakami, E; Ward, D R; Scarlino, P; Veldhorst, M; Savage, D E; Lagally, M G; Friesen, Mark; Coppersmith, S N; Eriksson, M A; Vandersypen, L M K

2018-03-29

Now that it is possible to achieve measurement and control fidelities for individual quantum bits (qubits) above the threshold for fault tolerance, attention is moving towards the difficult task of scaling up the number of physical qubits to the large numbers that are needed for fault-tolerant quantum computing. In this context, quantum-dot-based spin qubits could have substantial advantages over other types of qubit owing to their potential for all-electrical operation and ability to be integrated at high density onto an industrial platform. Initialization, readout and single- and two-qubit gates have been demonstrated in various quantum-dot-based qubit representations. However, as seen with small-scale demonstrations of quantum computers using other types of qubit, combining these elements leads to challenges related to qubit crosstalk, state leakage, calibration and control hardware. Here we overcome these challenges by using carefully designed control techniques to demonstrate a programmable two-qubit quantum processor in a silicon device that can perform the Deutsch-Josza algorithm and the Grover search algorithm-canonical examples of quantum algorithms that outperform their classical analogues. We characterize the entanglement in our processor by using quantum-state tomography of Bell states, measuring state fidelities of 85-89 per cent and concurrences of 73-82 per cent. These results pave the way for larger-scale quantum computers that use spins confined to quantum dots.

An aftereffect of adaptation to mean size

PubMed Central

Corbett, Jennifer E.; Wurnitsch, Nicole; Schwartz, Alex; Whitney, David

2013-01-01

The visual system rapidly represents the mean size of sets of objects. Here, we investigated whether mean size is explicitly encoded by the visual system, along a single dimension like texture, numerosity, and other visual dimensions susceptible to adaptation. Observers adapted to two sets of dots with different mean sizes, presented simultaneously in opposite visual fields. After adaptation, two test patches replaced the adapting dot sets, and participants judged which test appeared to have the larger average dot diameter. They generally perceived the test that replaced the smaller mean size adapting set as being larger than the test that replaced the larger adapting set. This differential aftereffect held for single test dots (Experiment 2) and high-pass filtered displays (Experiment 3), and changed systematically as a function of the variance of the adapting dot sets (Experiment 4), providing additional support that mean size is adaptable, and therefore explicitly encoded dimension of visual scenes. PMID:24348083

A linear triple quantum dot system in isolated configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flentje, Hanno; Bertrand, Benoit; Mortemousque, Pierre-André; Thiney, Vivien; Ludwig, Arne; Wieck, Andreas D.; Bäuerle, Christopher; Meunier, Tristan

2017-06-01

The scaling up of electron spin qubit based nanocircuits has remained challenging up till date and involves the development of efficient charge control strategies. Here, we report on the experimental realization of a linear triple quantum dot in a regime isolated from the reservoir. We show how this regime can be reached with a fixed number of electrons. Charge stability diagrams of the one, two, and three electron configurations where only electron exchange between the dots is allowed are observed. They are modeled with the established theory based on a capacitive model of the dot systems. The advantages of the isolated regime with respect to experimental realizations of quantum simulators and qubits are discussed. We envision that the results presented here will make more manipulation schemes for existing qubit implementations possible and will ultimately allow to increase the number of tunnel coupled quantum dots which can be simultaneously controlled.

Direct chemiluminescence of carbon dots induced by potassium ferricyanide and its analytical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amjadi, Mohammad; Manzoori, Jamshid L.; Hallaj, Tooba; Sorouraddin, Mohammad H.

2014-03-01

The chemiluminescence (CL) of water-soluble fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) induced by direct chemical oxidation was investigated. C-dots were prepared by solvothermal method and characterized by fluorescence spectra and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that K3Fe(CN)6 could directly oxidize C-dots to produce a relatively intense CL emission. The mechanism of CL generation was investigated based on the fluorescence and CL emission spectra and the effect of radical scavengers on the CL intensity. The inhibitive effect of some metal ions and biologically important molecules on the CL intensity of the system was examined and the potential of the system for the determination of these species at trace levels was studied. In order to evaluate the capability of method to real sample analysis, it was applied to the determination of Cr(VI) and adrenaline in water and injection samples, respectively.

Improved bioluminescence and fluorescence reconstruction algorithms using diffuse optical tomography, normalized data, and optimized selection of the permissible source region

PubMed Central

Naser, Mohamed A.; Patterson, Michael S.

2011-01-01

Reconstruction algorithms are presented for two-step solutions of the bioluminescence tomography (BLT) and the fluorescence tomography (FT) problems. In the first step, a continuous wave (cw) diffuse optical tomography (DOT) algorithm is used to reconstruct the tissue optical properties assuming known anatomical information provided by x-ray computed tomography or other methods. Minimization problems are formed based on L1 norm objective functions, where normalized values for the light fluence rates and the corresponding Green’s functions are used. Then an iterative minimization solution shrinks the permissible regions where the sources are allowed by selecting points with higher probability to contribute to the source distribution. Throughout this process the permissible region shrinks from the entire object to just a few points. The optimum reconstructed bioluminescence and fluorescence distributions are chosen to be the results of the iteration corresponding to the permissible region where the objective function has its global minimum This provides efficient BLT and FT reconstruction algorithms without the need for a priori information about the bioluminescence sources or the fluorophore concentration. Multiple small sources and large distributed sources can be reconstructed with good accuracy for the location and the total source power for BLT and the total number of fluorophore molecules for the FT. For non-uniform distributed sources, the size and magnitude become degenerate due to the degrees of freedom available for possible solutions. However, increasing the number of data points by increasing the number of excitation sources can improve the accuracy of reconstruction for non-uniform fluorophore distributions. PMID:21326647

Using online surveys and Facebook ads to solicit customer feedback : research summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

The Missouri Department of Transportation : (MoDOT) developed the Tracker system to : assess agency performance in pursuit of its : mission to provide a world-class transportation : system that delights our customers. MoDOT : customers expect t...

Role of Orbital Dynamics in Spin Relaxation and Weak Antilocalization in Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaitsev, Oleg; Frustaglia, Diego; Richter, Klaus

2005-01-01

We develop a semiclassical theory for spin-dependent quantum transport to describe weak (anti)localization in quantum dots with spin-orbit coupling. This allows us to distinguish different types of spin relaxation in systems with chaotic, regular, and diffusive orbital classical dynamics. We find, in particular, that for typical Rashba spin-orbit coupling strengths, integrable ballistic systems can exhibit weak localization, while corresponding chaotic systems show weak antilocalization. We further calculate the magnetoconductance and analyze how the weak antilocalization is suppressed with decreasing quantum dot size and increasing additional in-plane magnetic field.

Nonlinear heat transport in ferromagnetic-quantum dot-superconducting systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Sun-Yong; Sánchez, David

2018-03-01

We analyze the heat current traversing a quantum dot sandwiched between a ferromagnetic and a superconducting electrode. The heat flow generated in response to a voltage bias presents rectification as a function of the gate potential applied to the quantum dot. Remarkably, in the thermally driven case the heat shows a strong diode effect with large asymmetry ratios that can be externally tuned with magnetic fields or spin-polarized tunneling. Our results thus demonstrate the importance of hybrid systems as promising candidates for thermal applications.

Using of Quantum Dots in Biology and Medicine.

PubMed

Pleskova, Svetlana; Mikheeva, Elza; Gornostaeva, Ekaterina

2018-01-01

Quantum dots are nanoparticles, which due to their unique physical and chemical (first of all optical) properties, are promising in biology and medicine. There are many ways for quantum dots synthesis, both in the form of nanoislands self-forming on the surfaces, which can be used as single-photon emitters in electronics for storing information, and in the form of colloidal quantum dots for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in living systems. The paper describes the main methods of quantum dots synthesis and summarizes medical and biological ways of their use. The main emphasis is laid on the ways of quantum dots surface modification. Influence of the size and form of nanoparticles, charge on the surfaces of quantum dots, and cover type on the efficiency of internalization by cells and cell compartments is shown. The main mechanisms of penetration are considered.

In-capillary probing of quantum dots and fluorescent protein self-assembly and displacement using Förster resonance energy transfer.

PubMed

Wang, Jianhao; Fan, Jie; Li, Jinchen; Liu, Li; Wang, Jianpeng; Jiang, Pengju; Liu, Xiaoqian; Qiu, Lin

2017-02-01

Herein, a Förster resonance energy transfer system was designed, which consisted of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots donor and mCherry fluorescent protein acceptor. The quantum dots and the mCherry proteins were conjugated to permit Förster resonance energy transfer. Capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection was used for the analyses for the described system. The quantum dots and mCherry were sequentially injected into the capillary, while the real-time fluorescence signal of donor and acceptor was simultaneously monitored by two channels with fixed wavelength detectors. An effective separation of complexes from free donor and acceptor was achieved. Results showed quantum dots and hexahistidine tagged mCherry had high affinity and the assembly was affected by His 6 -mCherry/quantum dot molar ratio. The kinetics of the self-assembly was calculated using the Hill equation. The microscopic dissociation constant values for out of- and in-capillary assays were 10.49 and 23.39 μM, respectively. The capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection that monitored ligands competition assay further delineated the different binding capacities of histidine containing peptide ligands for binding sites on quantum dots. This work demonstrated a novel approach for the improvement of Förster resonance energy transfer for higher efficiency, increased sensitivity, intuitionistic observation, and low sample requirements of the in-capillary probing system. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A simple and sensitive fluorescent sensor for methyl parathion based on L-tyrosine methyl ester functionalized carbon dots.

PubMed

Hou, Juying; Dong, Jing; Zhu, Haishuang; Teng, Xue; Ai, Shiyun; Mang, Minglin

2015-06-15

In this paper, a simple and sensitive fluorescent sensor for methyl parathion is developed based on L-tyrosine methyl ester functionalized carbon dots (Tyr-CDs) and tyrosinase system. The carbon dots are obtained by simple hydrothermal reaction using citric acid as carbon resource and L-tyrosine methyl ester as modification reagent. The carbon dots are characterized by transmission electron microscope, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The carbon dots show strong and stable photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 3.8%. Tyrosinase can catalyze the oxidation of tyrosine methyl ester on the surface of carbon dots to corresponding quinone products, which can quench the fluorescence of carbon dots. When organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are introduced in system, they can decrease the enzyme activity, thus decrease the fluorescence quenching rate. Methyl parathion, as a model of OPs, was detected. Experimental results show that the enzyme inhibition rate is proportional to the logarithm of the methyl parathion concentration in the range 1.0×10(-10)-1.0×10(-4) M with the detection limit (S/N=3) of 4.8×10(-11) M. This determination method shows a low detection limit, wide linear range, good selectivity and high reproducibility. This sensing system has been successfully used for the analysis of cabbage, milk and fruit juice samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional and metabolic response of recombinant Escherichia coli to spatial dissolved oxygen tension gradients simulated in a scale-down system.

PubMed

Lara, Alvaro R; Leal, Lidia; Flores, Noemí; Gosset, Guillermo; Bolívar, Francisco; Ramírez, Octavio T

2006-02-05

Escherichia coli, expressing recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP), was subjected to dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) oscillations in a two-compartment system for simulating gradients that can occur in large-scale bioreactors. Cells were continuously circulated between the anaerobic (0% DOT) and aerobic (10% DOT) vessels of the scale-down system to mimic an overall circulation time of 50 s, and a mean residence time in the anaerobic and aerobic compartments of 33 and 17 s, respectively. Transcription levels of mixed acid fermentation genes (ldhA, poxB, frdD, ackA, adhE, pflD, and fdhF), measured by quantitative RT-PCR, increased between 1.5- to over 6-fold under oscillatory DOT compared to aerobic cultures (constant 10% DOT). In addition, the transcription level of fumB increased whereas it decreased for sucA and sucB, suggesting that the tricarboxylic acid cycle was functioning as two open branches. Gene transcription levels revealed that cytrochrome bd, which has higher affinity to oxygen but lower energy efficiency, was preferred over cytochrome bO3 in oscillatory DOT cultures. Post-transcriptional processing limited heterologous protein production in the scale-down system, as inferred from similar gfp transcription but 19% lower GFP concentration compared to aerobic cultures. Simulated DOT gradients also affected the transcription of genes of the glyoxylate shunt (aceA), of global regulators of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism (fnr, arcA, and arcB), and other relevant genes (luxS, sodA, fumA, and sdhB). Transcriptional changes explained the observed alterations in overall stoichiometric and kinetic parameters, and production of ethanol and organic acids. Differences in transcription levels between aerobic and anaerobic compartments were also observed, indicating that E. coli can respond very fast to intermittent DOT conditions. The transcriptional responses of E. coli to DOT gradients reported here are useful for establishing rational scale-up criteria and strain design strategies for improved culture performance at large scales. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

41 CFR 102-75.860 - What happens after the disposal agency receives the assignment recommendation from DOT?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... disposal agency receives the assignment recommendation from DOT? 102-75.860 Section 102-75.860 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL... recommendation from DOT? If, after considering other uses for the property, the disposal agency approves the...

Theoretical study of strain-dependent optical absorption in a doped self-assembled InAs/InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dot

PubMed Central

Tankasala, Archana; Hsueh, Yuling; Charles, James; Fonseca, Jim; Povolotskyi, Michael; Kim, Jun Oh; Krishna, Sanjay; Allen, Monica S; Allen, Jeffery W; Rahman, Rajib; Klimeck, Gerhard

2018-01-01

A detailed theoretical study of the optical absorption in doped self-assembled quantum dots is presented. A rigorous atomistic strain model as well as a sophisticated 20-band tight-binding model are used to ensure accurate prediction of the single particle states in these devices. We also show that for doped quantum dots, many-particle configuration interaction is also critical to accurately capture the optical transitions of the system. The sophisticated models presented in this work reproduce the experimental results for both undoped and doped quantum dot systems. The effects of alloy mole fraction of the strain controlling layer and quantum dot dimensions are discussed. Increasing the mole fraction of the strain controlling layer leads to a lower energy gap and a larger absorption wavelength. Surprisingly, the absorption wavelength is highly sensitive to the changes in the diameter, but almost insensitive to the changes in dot height. This behavior is explained by a detailed sensitivity analysis of different factors affecting the optical transition energy. PMID:29719758

X-ray Crystal Structures of the Type IVb Secretion System DotB ATPases.

PubMed

Prevost, Marie S; Waksman, Gabriel

2018-05-17

Human infections by the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila result in a severe form of pneumonia, the Legionnaire's disease. L. pneumophila utilises a type IVb secretion (T4bS) system termed "dot/icm" to secrete protein effectors to the host cytoplasm. The dot/icm system is powered at least in part by a functionally critical AAA+ ATPase, a protein called DotB, thought to belong to the VirB11 family of proteins. Here we present the crystal structure of DotB at 3.19 Å resolution, in its hexameric form. We observe that DotB is in fact a structural intermediate between VirB11 and PilT family proteins, with a PAS-like N-terminal domain coupled to a RecA-like C-terminal domain. It also shares critical structural elements only found in PilT. The structure also reveals two conformers, termed α and β, with an αβαβαβ configuration. The existence of α and β conformers in this class of proteins was confirmed by solving the structure of DotB from another bacterial pathogen, Yersinia, where, intriguingly, we observed an ααβααβ configuration. The two conformers co-exist regardless of the nucleotide-bound states of the proteins. Our investigation therefore reveals that these ATPases can adopt a wider range of conformational states than was known before, shedding new light on the extraordinary spectrum of conformations these ATPases can access to carry out their function. Overall, the structure of DotB provides a template for further rational drug-design to develop more specific antibiotics to tackle Legionnaire's disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 The Protein Society.

Quantum gate-set tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blume-Kohout, Robin

2014-03-01

Quantum information technology is built on (1) physical qubits and (2) precise, accurate quantum logic gates that transform their states. Developing quantum logic gates requires good characterization - both in the development phase, where we need to identify a device's flaws so as to fix them, and in the production phase, where we need to make sure that the device works within specs and predict residual error rates and types. This task falls to quantum state and process tomography. But until recently, protocols for tomography relied on a pre-existing and perfectly calibrated reference frame comprising the measurements (and, for process tomography, input states) used to characterize the device. In practice, these measurements are neither independent nor perfectly known - they are usually implemented via exactly the same gates that we are trying to characterize! In the past year, several partial solutions to this self-consistency problem have been proposed. I will present a framework (gate set tomography, or GST) that addresses and resolves this problem, by self-consistently characterizing an entire set of quantum logic gates on a black-box quantum device. In particular, it contains an explicit closed-form protocol for linear-inversion gate set tomography (LGST), which is immune to both calibration error and technical pathologies like local maxima of the likelihood (which plagued earlier methods). GST also demonstrates significant (multiple orders of magnitude) improvements in efficiency over standard tomography by using data derived from long sequences of gates (much like randomized benchmarking). GST has now been applied to qubit devices in multiple technologies. I will present and discuss results of GST experiments in technologies including a single trapped-ion qubit and a silicon quantum dot qubit. Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL850.

75 FR 8528 - Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-25

... updated U.S. DOT Alcohol Testing Form (ATF) and the Management Information System (MIS) Data Collection... included a revised U.S. DOT Alcohol Testing Form (ATF) and the Management Information System (MIS) Data...) and Management Information System (MIS) form Federal Register [73 FR 14300] and [73 FR 33140]. There...

Radius of the neutron star magnetosphere during disk accretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippova, E. V.; Mereminskiy, I. A.; Lutovinov, A. A.; Molkov, S. V.; Tsygankov, S. S.

2017-11-01

The dependence of the spin frequency derivative \\dot ν of accreting neutron stars with a strongmagnetic field (X-ray pulsars) on the mass accretion rate (bolometric luminosity, L bol) has been investigated for eight transient pulsars in binary systems with Be stars. Using data from the Fermi/GBM and Swift/BAT telescopes, we have shown that for seven of the eight systems the dependence \\dot ν ( L bol) can be fitted by the model of angular momentum transfer through an accretion disk, which predicts the relation \\dot ν ˜ L 6/7 bol. Hysteresis in the dependence \\dot ν ( L bol) has been confirmed in the system V 0332+53 and has been detected for the first time in the systems KS 1947+300, GRO J1008-57, and 1A 0535+26. Estimates for the radius of the neutron star magnetosphere in all of the investigated systems have been obtained. We show that this quantity varies from pulsar to pulsar and depends strongly on the analytical model and the estimates for the neutron star and binary system parameters.

Tunable photonic cavity coupled to a voltage-biased double quantum dot system: Diagrammatic nonequilibrium Green's function approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwalla, Bijay Kumar; Kulkarni, Manas; Mukamel, Shaul; Segal, Dvira

2016-07-01

We investigate gain in microwave photonic cavities coupled to voltage-biased double quantum dot systems with an arbitrarily strong dot-lead coupling and with a Holstein-like light-matter interaction, by employing the diagrammatic Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function approach. We compute out-of-equilibrium properties of the cavity: its transmission, phase response, mean photon number, power spectrum, and spectral function. We show that by the careful engineering of these hybrid light-matter systems, one can achieve a significant amplification of the optical signal with the voltage-biased electronic system serving as a gain medium. We also study the steady-state current across the device, identifying elastic and inelastic tunneling processes which involve the cavity mode. Our results show how recent advances in quantum electronics can be exploited to build hybrid light-matter systems that behave as microwave amplifiers and photon source devices. The diagrammatic Keldysh approach is primarily discussed for a cavity-coupled double quantum dot architecture, but it is generalizable to other hybrid light-matter systems.

Effective tuning of electron charge and spin distribution in a dot-ring nanostructure at the ZnO interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Tapash; Manaselyan, Aram; Barseghyan, Manuk

2018-05-01

Electronic states and the Aharonov-Bohm effect in ZnO quantum dot-ring nanostructures containing few interacting electrons reveal several unique features. We have shown here that in contrast to the dot-rings made of conventional semiconductors, such as InAs or GaAs, the dot-rings in ZnO heterojunctions demonstrate several unique characteristics due to the unusual properties of quantum dots and rings in ZnO. In particular the energy spectra of the ZnO dot-ring and the Aharnov-Bohm oscillations are strongly dependant on the electron number in the dot or in the ring. Therefore even small changes of the confinement potential, sizes of the dot-ring or the magnetic field can drastically change the energy spectra and the behavior of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in the system. Due to this interesting phenomena it is possible to effectively control with high accuracy the electron charge and spin distribution inside the dot-ring structure. This controlling can be achieved either by changing the magnetic field or the confinement potentials.

Study of strain boundary conditions and GaAs buffer sizes in InGaAs quantum dots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oyafuso, F.; Klimeck, G.; Boykin, T. B.; Bowen, R. C.; Allmen, P. von

2003-01-01

NEMO 3-D has been developed for the simulation of electronic structure in self-assembled InGaAs quantum dots on GaAs substrates. Typical self-assembled quantum dots in that material system contain about 0.5 to 1 million atoms. Effects of strain by the surrounding GaAs buffer modify the electronic structure inside the quantum dot significantly and a large GaAs buffer must be included in the strain and electronic structure.

USDA analyst review of the LACIE IMAGE-100 hybrid system test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashburn, P.; Buelow, K.; Hansen, H. L.; May, G. A. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

Fifty operational segments from the U.S.S.R., 40 test segments from Canada, and 24 test segments from the United States were used to provide a wide range of geographic conditions for USDA analysts during a test to determine the effectiveness of labeling single pixel training fields (dots) using Procedure 1 on the 1-100 hybrid system, and clustering and classifying on the Earth Resources Interactive Processing System. The analysts had additional on-line capabilities such as interactive dot labeling, class or cluster map overlay flickers, and flashing of all dots of equal spectral value. Results on the 1-100 hybrid system are described and analyst problems and recommendations are discussed.

Entanglement of Electron Spins in Two Coupled Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yuanzhen; Webb, Richard

2004-03-01

We study the entanglement of electron spins in a coupled quantum dots system at 70 mK. Two quantum dots are fabricated in a GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure containing a high mobility 2-D electron gas. The two dots can be tuned independently and the electron spins in the dots are coupled through an exchange interaction between them. An exchange gate is used to vary the height and width of a potential barrier between the two dots, thus controlling the strength of the exchange interaction. Electrons are injected to the coupled dots by two independent DC currents and the output of the dots is incident on a beam splitter, which introduces quantum interferences. Cross-correlations of the shot noise of currents from the two output channels are measured and compared with theory (1). *Work supported by LPS and ARDA under MDA90401C0903 and NSF under DMR 0103223. (1) Burkard, Loss, & Sukhorukov, Phys. Rev. B61, R16303 (2000).

Wavelength-tunable entangled photons from silicon-integrated III-V quantum dots.

PubMed

Chen, Yan; Zhang, Jiaxiang; Zopf, Michael; Jung, Kyubong; Zhang, Yang; Keil, Robert; Ding, Fei; Schmidt, Oliver G

2016-01-27

Many of the quantum information applications rely on indistinguishable sources of polarization-entangled photons. Semiconductor quantum dots are among the leading candidates for a deterministic entangled photon source; however, due to their random growth nature, it is impossible to find different quantum dots emitting entangled photons with identical wavelengths. The wavelength tunability has therefore become a fundamental requirement for a number of envisioned applications, for example, nesting different dots via the entanglement swapping and interfacing dots with cavities/atoms. Here we report the generation of wavelength-tunable entangled photons from on-chip integrated InAs/GaAs quantum dots. With a novel anisotropic strain engineering technique based on PMN-PT/silicon micro-electromechanical system, we can recover the quantum dot electronic symmetry at different exciton emission wavelengths. Together with a footprint of several hundred microns, our device facilitates the scalable integration of indistinguishable entangled photon sources on-chip, and therefore removes a major stumbling block to the quantum-dot-based solid-state quantum information platforms.

Size dependence in tunneling spectra of PbSe quantum-dot arrays.

PubMed

Ou, Y C; Cheng, S F; Jian, W B

2009-07-15

Interdot Coulomb interactions and collective Coulomb blockade were theoretically argued to be a newly important topic, and experimentally identified in semiconductor quantum dots, formed in the gate confined two-dimensional electron gas system. Developments of cluster science and colloidal synthesis accelerated the studies of electron transport in colloidal nanocrystal or quantum-dot solids. To study the interdot coupling, various sizes of two-dimensional arrays of colloidal PbSe quantum dots are self-assembled on flat gold surfaces for scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements at both room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures. The tip-to-array, array-to-substrate, and interdot capacitances are evaluated and the tunneling spectra of quantum-dot arrays are analyzed by the theory of collective Coulomb blockade. The current-voltage of PbSe quantum-dot arrays conforms properly to a scaling power law function. In this study, the dependence of tunneling spectra on the sizes (numbers of quantum dots) of arrays is reported and the capacitive coupling between quantum dots in the arrays is explored.

Slow Auger Relaxation in HgTe Colloidal Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Melnychuk, Christopher; Guyot-Sionnest, Philippe

2018-05-03

The biexciton lifetimes in HgTe colloidal quantum dots are measured as a function of particle size. Samples produced by two synthetic methods, leading to partially aggregated or well-dispersed particles, exhibit markedly different dynamics. The relaxation characteristics of partially aggregated HgTe inhibit reliable determinations of the Auger lifetime. In well-dispersed HgTe quantum dots, the biexciton lifetime increases approximately linearly with particle volume, confirming trends observed in other systems. The extracted Auger coefficient is three orders of magnitude smaller than that for bulk HgCdTe materials with similar energy gaps. We discuss these findings in the context of understanding Auger relaxation in quantum-confined systems and their relevance to mid-infrared optoelectronic devices based on HgTe colloidal quantum dots.

Experimental observation of Fano effect in Ag nanoparticle-CdTe quantum dot hybrid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurung, Sabina; Jayabalan, J.; Singh, Asha; Khan, Salahuddin; Chari, Rama

2018-04-01

We have experimentally measured the optical properties of Ag nanoparticle-CdTe quantum dot hybrid system and compared it with that of bare CdTe quantum dot colloid. It has been shown that the photoluminescence line shape of CdTe quantum dots becomes asymmetric in presence of Ag nanoparticles. The observed changes in the PL spectrum closely match the expected changes in the line shape due to Fano interaction between discrete level and continuum levels. Our experiment shows that a very small fraction of metal nanoparticles in the metal-semiconductor hybrid is sufficient to induce such changes in line shape which is in contrary to the earlier reported theoretical prediction on metal-semiconductor hybrid.

Optical manipulation of electron spin in quantum dot systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villas-Boas, Jose; Ulloa, Sergio; Govorov, Alexander

2006-03-01

Self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) are of particular interest for fundamental physics because of their similarity with atoms. Coupling two of such dots and addressing them with polarized laser light pulses is perhaps even more interesting. In this paper we use a multi-exciton density matrix formalism to model the spin dynamics of a system with single or double layers of QDs. Our model includes the anisotropic electron-hole exchange in the dots, the presence of wetting layer states, and interdot tunneling [1]. Our results show that it is possible to switch the spin polarization of a single self-assembled quantum dot under elliptically polarized light by increasing the laser intensity. In the nonlinear mechanism described here, intense elliptically polarized light creates an effective exchange channel between the exciton spin states through biexciton states, as we demonstrate by numerical and analytical methods. We further show that the effect persists in realistic ensembles of dots, and we propose alternative ways to detect it. We also extend our study to a double layer of quantum dots, where we find a competition between Rabi frequency and tunneling oscillations. [1] J. M. Villas-Boas, S. E. Ulloa, and A. O. Govorov, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 057404 (2005); Phys. Rev. B 69, 125342 (2004).

Demonstration of quantum entanglement between a single electron spin confined to an InAs quantum dot and a photon.

PubMed

Schaibley, J R; Burgers, A P; McCracken, G A; Duan, L-M; Berman, P R; Steel, D G; Bracker, A S; Gammon, D; Sham, L J

2013-04-19

The electron spin state of a singly charged semiconductor quantum dot has been shown to form a suitable single qubit for quantum computing architectures with fast gate times. A key challenge in realizing a useful quantum dot quantum computing architecture lies in demonstrating the ability to scale the system to many qubits. In this Letter, we report an all optical experimental demonstration of quantum entanglement between a single electron spin confined to a single charged semiconductor quantum dot and the polarization state of a photon spontaneously emitted from the quantum dot's excited state. We obtain a lower bound on the fidelity of entanglement of 0.59±0.04, which is 84% of the maximum achievable given the timing resolution of available single photon detectors. In future applications, such as measurement-based spin-spin entanglement which does not require sub-nanosecond timing resolution, we estimate that this system would enable near ideal performance. The inferred (usable) entanglement generation rate is 3×10(3) s(-1). This spin-photon entanglement is the first step to a scalable quantum dot quantum computing architecture relying on photon (flying) qubits to mediate entanglement between distant nodes of a quantum dot network.

Synthetic Developments of Nontoxic Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Das, Adita; Snee, Preston T

2016-03-03

Semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots (QDs), are candidates for biological sensing, photovoltaics, and catalysis due to their unique photophysical properties. The most studied QDs are composed of heavy metals like cadmium and lead. However, this engenders concerns over heavy metal toxicity. To address this issue, numerous studies have explored the development of nontoxic (or more accurately less toxic) quantum dots. In this Review, we select three major classes of nontoxic quantum dots composed of carbon, silicon and Group I-III-VI elements and discuss the myriad of synthetic strategies and surface modification methods to synthesize quantum dots composed of these material systems. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Current Application of Quantum Dots (QD) in Cancer Therapy: A Review.

PubMed

Babu, Lavanya Thilak; Paira, Priyankar

2017-01-01

Semiconductor quantum dots proved themselves as efficient fluorescent probes in cancer detection and treatment. Their size, high stability, non-photobleaching and water solubility made them a unique fluorophore in place of conventional organic dyes. Newly emerged theranostic drug delivery system using quantum dots helped us in better understanding of the drug delivery mechanism inside the cells. Surface modified Quantum dots and their applications became wide in bioimaging, immunohistochemistry, tracking intracellular drug and intracellular molecules target. We have highlighted various applications of quantum dots in cancer treatment, drug delivery, flow cytometry, and theranostics. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Development and Application of Explicitly Correlated Wave Function Based Methods for the Investigation of Optical Properties of Semiconductor Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elward, Jennifer Mary

Semiconductor nanoparticles, or quantum dots (QDs), are well known to have very unique optical and electronic properties. These properties can be controlled and tailored as a function of several influential factors, including but not limited to the particle size and shape, effect of composition and heterojunction as well as the effect of ligand on the particle surface. This customizable nature leads to extensive experimental and theoretical research on the capabilities of these quantum dots for many application purposes. However, in order to be able to understand and thus further the development of these materials, one must first understand the fundamental interaction within these nanoparticles. In this thesis, I have developed a theoretical method which is called electron-hole explicitly correlated Hartee-Fock (eh-XCHF). It is a variational method for solving the electron-hole Schrodinger equation and has been used in this work to study electron-hole interaction in semiconductor quantum dots. The method was benchmarked with respect to a parabolic quantum dot system, and ground state energy and electron-hole recombination probability were computed. Both of these properties were found to be in good agreement with expected results. Upon successful benchmarking, I have applied the eh-XCHF method to study optical properties of several quantum dot systems including the effect of dot size on exciton binding energy and recombination probability in a CdSe quantum dot, the effect of shape on a CdSe quantum dot, the effect of heterojunction on a CdSe/ZnS quantum dot and the effect of quantum dot-biomolecule interaction within a CdSe-firefly Luciferase protein conjugate system. As metrics for assessing the effect of these influencers on the electron-hole interaction, the exciton binding energy, electron-hole recombination probability and the average electron-hole separation distance have been computed. These excitonic properties have been found to be strongly infuenced by the changing composition of the particle. It has also been found through this work that the explicitly correlated method performs very well when computing these properties as it provides a feasible computational route to compare to both experimental and other theoretical results.

What is the limit to case detection under the DOTS strategy for tuberculosis control?

PubMed

Dye, Christopher; Watt, Catherine J; Bleed, Daniel M; Williams, Brian G

2003-01-01

In year 2000, the WHO DOTS strategy for tuberculosis (TB) control had been adopted by 148 out of 212 countries, but only 27% of all estimated sputum smear-positive patients were notified under DOTS in that year. Here we investigate the way in which gains in case detection under DOTS were made up until 2000 in an attempt to anticipate future progress towards the global target of 70% case detection. The analysis draws on annual reports of DOTS geographical coverage and case notifications, and focuses on the 22 high-burden countries (HBCs) that account for about 80% of new TB cases arising globally each year. Our principal observation is that, as TB programmes in the 22 HBCs have expanded geographically, the fraction of the estimated number of sputum smear-positive cases detected within designated DOTS areas has remained constant at 40-50% although there are significant differences between countries. This fraction is about the same as the percentage of all smear-positive cases notified annually to WHO via public health systems worldwide. The implication is that, unless the DOTS strategy can reach beyond traditional public health reporting systems, or unless these systems can be improved, case detection will not rise much above 40% in the 22 HBCs, or in the world as a whole, even when the geographical coverage of DOTS is nominally 100%. We estimate that, under full DOTS coverage, three-quarters of the undetected smear-positive cases will be living in India, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Pakistan. But case detection could also remain low in countries with smaller populations: in year 2000, over half of all smear-positive TB cases were living in 49 countries that detected less than 40% of cases within DOTS areas. Substantial efforts are therefore needed (a) to develop new case finding and management methods to bridge the gap between current and target case detection, and (b) to improve the accuracy of national estimates of TB incidence, above all by reinforcing and expanding routine surveillance.

Undoped Si/SiGe Depletion-Mode Few-Electron Double Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borselli, Matthew; Huang, Biqin; Ross, Richard; Croke, Edward; Holabird, Kevin; Hazard, Thomas; Watson, Christopher; Kiselev, Andrey; Deelman, Peter; Alvarado-Rodriguez, Ivan; Schmitz, Adele; Sokolich, Marko; Gyure, Mark; Hunter, Andrew

2011-03-01

We have successfully formed a double quantum dot in the sSi/SiGe material system without need for intentional dopants. In our design, a two-dimensional electron gas is formed in a strained silicon well by forward biasing a global gate. Lateral definition of quantum dots is established with reverse-biased gates with ~ 40 nm critical dimensions. Low-temperature capacitance and Hall measurements confirm electrons are confined in the Si-well with mobilities > 10 4 cm 2 / V - s . Further characterization identifies practical gate bias limits for this design and will be compared to simulation. Several double dot devices have been brought into the few-electron Coulomb blockade regime as measured by through-dot transport. Honeycomb diagrams and nonlinear through-dot transport measurements are used to quantify dot capacitances and addition energies of several meV. Sponsored by United States Department of Defense. Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited.

Transient Dynamics of Double Quantum Dots Coupled to Two Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukadai, Takahisa; Sasamoto, Tomohiro

2018-05-01

We study the time-dependent properties of double quantum dots coupled to two reservoirs using the nonequilibrium Green function method. For an arbitrary time-dependent bias, we derive an expression for the time-dependent electron density of a dot and several currents, including the current between the dots in the wide-band-limit approximation. For the special case of a constant bias, we calculate the electron density and the currents numerically. As a result, we find that these quantities oscillate and that the number of crests in a single period of the current from a dot changes with the bias voltage. We also obtain an analytical expression for the relaxation time, which expresses how fast the system converges to its steady state. From the expression, we find that the relaxation time becomes constant when the coupling strength between the dots is sufficiently large in comparison with the difference of coupling strength between the dots and the reservoirs.

Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions effects on electronic features of a two dimensional elliptic quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtari, P.; Rezaei, G.; Zamani, A.

2017-06-01

In this paper, electronic structure of a two dimensional elliptic quantum dot under the influence of external electric and magnetic fields are studied in the presence of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. This investigation is done computationally and to do this, at first, the effective Hamiltonian of the system by considering the spin-orbit coupling is demonstrated in the presence of applied electric and magnetic fields and afterwards the Schrödinger equation is solved using the finite difference approach. Utilizing finite element method, eigenvalues and eigenstates of the system are calculated and the effect of the external fields, the size of the dot as well as the strength of Rashba spin-orbit interaction are studied. Our results indicate that, Spin-orbit interactions, external fields and the dot size have a great influence on the electronic structure of the system.

Operator performance-enhancing technologies to improve safety. A US DOT safety initiative for meeting the human-centered systems challenge.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-11-01

The program implements DOT Human Factors Coordinating Committee (HFCC) recommendations for a coordinated Departmental Human Factors Research Program to advance the human-centered systems approach for enhancing transportation safety. Human error is a ...

Integrated vehicle-based safety systems : heavy-truck field operational test independent evaluation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-05-01

This report presents results from the independent evaluation of a field operational test using a fleet of heavy trucks outfitted with a prototype integrated crash warning system. This effort was conducted as part of the U.S. DOT?s Integrated Vehicle-...

Density-functional theory simulation of large quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hong; Baranger, Harold U.; Yang, Weitao

2003-10-01

Kohn-Sham spin-density functional theory provides an efficient and accurate model to study electron-electron interaction effects in quantum dots, but its application to large systems is a challenge. Here an efficient method for the simulation of quantum dots using density-function theory is developed; it includes the particle-in-the-box representation of the Kohn-Sham orbitals, an efficient conjugate-gradient method to directly minimize the total energy, a Fourier convolution approach for the calculation of the Hartree potential, and a simplified multigrid technique to accelerate the convergence. We test the methodology in a two-dimensional model system and show that numerical studies of large quantum dots with several hundred electrons become computationally affordable. In the noninteracting limit, the classical dynamics of the system we study can be continuously varied from integrable to fully chaotic. The qualitative difference in the noninteracting classical dynamics has an effect on the quantum properties of the interacting system: integrable classical dynamics leads to higher-spin states and a broader distribution of spacing between Coulomb blockade peaks.

Clinical applications of fundus autofluorescence in retinal disease.

PubMed

Yung, Madeline; Klufas, Michael A; Sarraf, David

2016-01-01

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a non-invasive retinal imaging modality used in clinical practice to provide a density map of lipofuscin, the predominant ocular fluorophore, in the retinal pigment epithelium. Multiple commercially available imaging systems, including the fundus camera, the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope, and the ultra-widefield imaging device, are available to the clinician. Each offers unique advantages for evaluating various retinal diseases. The clinical applications of FAF continue to expand. It is now an essential tool for evaluating age related macular degeneration, macular dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, white dot syndromes, retinal drug toxicities, and various other retinal disorders. FAF may detect abnormalities beyond those detected on funduscopic exam, fluorescein angiography, or optical coherence tomography, and can be used to elucidate disease pathogenesis, form genotype-phenotype correlations, diagnose and monitor disease, and evaluate novel therapies. Given its ease of use, non-invasive nature, and value in characterizing retinal disease, FAF enjoys increasing clinical relevance. This review summarizes common ocular fluorophores, imaging modalities, and FAF findings for a wide spectrum of retinal disorders.

Research at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the Université Libre de Bruxelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karinkuzhi, Drisya; Chamel, Nicolas; Goriely, Stéphane; Jorissen, Alain; Pourbaix, Dimitri; Siess, Lionel; Van Eck, Sophie

2018-04-01

Over the years, a coherent research strategy has developed in the field of stellar physics at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (IAA). It involves observational studies (chemical composition of giant stars, binary properties, tomography of stellar atmospheres) that make use of the large ESO telescopes as well as of other major instruments. The presence of a high-resolution spectrograph on the 3.6-m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) would therefore be highly beneficial to IAA research. These observations are complemented and supported by theoretical studies of mass transfer in binary systems, of standard and non-standard stellar evolution (including the modelling of stellar hydrodynamical nuclear burning for application to certain thermonuclear supernovae) and of nuclear astrophysics (a field in which IAA has been recognized for a long time as an international centre of excellence), including the theory of nucleosynthesis. IAA also addresses the end-points of stellar evolution as it is carrying out research on the compact remnants of stellar evolution of massive stars: neutron stars.

Implication of the VirD4 coupling protein of the Lvh type 4 secretion system in virulence phenotypes of Legionella pneumophila.

PubMed

Bandyopadhyay, Purnima; Lang, Elza A S; Rasaputra, Komal S; Steinman, Howard M

2013-08-01

The genome of the Philadelphia-1 strain of Legionella pneumophila, the causative organism of Legionnaires' disease, encodes two virulence-associated type 4 secretion systems (T4SSs), the Dot/Icm type 4B (T4BSS) and the Lvh type 4A (T4ASS). Broth stationary-phase cultures of most dot/icm mutants are defective in entry and evasion of phagosome acidification. However, those virulence defects can be reversed by incubating broth cultures of dot/icm mutants in water, termed water stress (WS). WS reversal requires the lvh T4ASS locus, suggesting an interaction between the two T4SSs in producing Legionella virulence phenotypes. In the current work, the loss of WS reversal in a dotA Δlvh mutant of strain JR32 was shown to be attributable to loss of the lvh virD4 gene, encoding the putative coupling protein of the T4ASS. Transformation of a dotA Δlvh mutant with virD4 also reversed entry and phagosome acidification defects in broth cultures. In addition, broth cultures of Δlvh and ΔvirD4 mutants, which were dot/icm(+), showed 5-fold and >6-fold increases in translocation of the Dot/Icm translocation substrates, proteins RalF and SidD, respectively. These data demonstrate that the Lvh T4ASS functions in both broth stationary-phase cultures conventionally used for infection and cultures exposed to WS treatment. Our studies in a dotA Δlvh mutant and in a dot/icm(+) background establish that VirD4 and the Lvh T4ASS contribute to virulence phenotypes and are consistent with independent functioning of Dot/Icm and Lvh T4SSs or functional substitution of the Lvh VirD4 protein for a component(s) of the Dot/Icm T4BSS.

Implication of the VirD4 Coupling Protein of the Lvh Type 4 Secretion System in Virulence Phenotypes of Legionella pneumophila

PubMed Central

Bandyopadhyay, Purnima; Lang, Elza A. S.; Rasaputra, Komal S.

2013-01-01

The genome of the Philadelphia-1 strain of Legionella pneumophila, the causative organism of Legionnaires' disease, encodes two virulence-associated type 4 secretion systems (T4SSs), the Dot/Icm type 4B (T4BSS) and the Lvh type 4A (T4ASS). Broth stationary-phase cultures of most dot/icm mutants are defective in entry and evasion of phagosome acidification. However, those virulence defects can be reversed by incubating broth cultures of dot/icm mutants in water, termed water stress (WS). WS reversal requires the lvh T4ASS locus, suggesting an interaction between the two T4SSs in producing Legionella virulence phenotypes. In the current work, the loss of WS reversal in a dotA Δlvh mutant of strain JR32 was shown to be attributable to loss of the lvh virD4 gene, encoding the putative coupling protein of the T4ASS. Transformation of a dotA Δlvh mutant with virD4 also reversed entry and phagosome acidification defects in broth cultures. In addition, broth cultures of Δlvh and ΔvirD4 mutants, which were dot/icm+, showed 5-fold and >6-fold increases in translocation of the Dot/Icm translocation substrates, proteins RalF and SidD, respectively. These data demonstrate that the Lvh T4ASS functions in both broth stationary-phase cultures conventionally used for infection and cultures exposed to WS treatment. Our studies in a dotA Δlvh mutant and in a dot/icm+ background establish that VirD4 and the Lvh T4ASS contribute to virulence phenotypes and are consistent with independent functioning of Dot/Icm and Lvh T4SSs or functional substitution of the Lvh VirD4 protein for a component(s) of the Dot/Icm T4BSS. PMID:23729650

Comparing performance in discrete and continuous comparison tasks.

PubMed

Leibovich, Tali; Henik, Avishai

2014-05-01

The approximate number system (ANS) theory suggests that all magnitudes, discrete (i.e., number of items) or continuous (i.e., size, density, etc.), are processed by a shared system and comply with Weber's law. The current study reexamined this notion by comparing performance in discrete (comparing numerosities of dot arrays) and continuous (comparisons of area of squares) tasks. We found that: (a) threshold of discrimination was higher for continuous than for discrete comparisons; (b) while performance in the discrete task complied with Weber's law, performance in the continuous task violated it; and (c) performance in the discrete task was influenced by continuous properties (e.g., dot density, dot cumulative area) of the dot array that were not predictive of numerosities or task relevant. Therefore, we propose that the magnitude processing system (MPS) is actually divided into separate (yet interactive) systems for discrete and continuous magnitude processing. Further subdivisions are discussed. We argue that cooperation between these systems results in a holistic comparison of magnitudes, one that takes into account continuous properties in addition to numerosities. Considering the MPS as two systems opens the door to new and important questions that shed light on both normal and impaired development of the numerical system.

Thermal effect of Zn quantum dots grown on Si(111): competition between relaxation and reconstraint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Li-Chi; Huang, Bo-Jia; Zheng, Yu-En; Tu, Kai-Teng; Chiu, Shang-Jui; Ku, Ching-Shun; Lo, Kuang Yao

2018-01-01

Zn dots are potential solutions for metal contacts in future nanodevices. The metastable states that exist at the interface between Zn quantum dots and oxide-free Si(111) surfaces can suppress the development of the complete relaxation and increase the size of Zn dots. In this work, the actual heat consumption of the structural evolution of Zn dots resulting from extrinsic thermal effect was analyzed. Zn dots were coherently grown on oxide-free Si(111) through magnetron RF sputtering. A compensative optical method combined with reflective second harmonic generation and synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) was developed to statistically analyze the thermal effect on the Zn dot system. Pattern matching (3 m) between the Zn and oxide-free Si(111) surface enabled Si(111) to constrain Zn dots from a liquid to solid phase. Annealing under vacuum induced smaller, loose Zn dots to be reconstrained by Si(111). When the size of the Zn dots was in the margin of complete relaxation, the Zn dot was partially constrained by potential barriers (metastable states) between Zn(111) and one of the six in-planes of Si〈110〉. The thermal disturbance exerted by annealing would enable partially constrained ZnO/Zn dots to overcome the potential barrier and be completely relaxed, which is obvious on the transition between Zn(111) and Zn(002) peak in synchrotron XRD. Considering the actual irradiated surface area of dots array in a wide-size distribution, the competition between reconstrained and relaxed Zn dots on Si(111) during annealing was statistically analyzed.

Diagnostic delay amongst tuberculosis patients in Jogjakarta Province, Indonesia is related to the quality of services in DOTS facilities.

PubMed

Ahmad, Riris Andono; Mahendradhata, Yodi; Utarini, Adi; de Vlas, Sake J

2011-04-01

To understand determinants of care-seeking patterns and diagnostic delay amongst tuberculosis (TB) patients diagnosed at direct observed treatment short course (DOTS) facilities in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Cross-sectional survey amongst newly diagnosed TB patients in 89 DOTS facilities whose history of care-seeking was reconstructed through retrospective interviews gathering data on socio-demographic determinants, onset of TB symptoms, type of health facilities visited, duration of each care-seeking action were recorded. Two hundred and fifty-three TB patients were included in the study whose median duration of patients' delay was 1 week and whose total duration of diagnostic delay was 5.4 weeks. The median number of visits was 4. Many of the patients' socio-demographic determinants were not associated with the care-seeking patterns, and no socio-demographic determinants were associated with the duration of diagnostic delay. More than 60% of TB patients started their care-seeking processes outside DOTS facilities, but the number of visits in DOTS facilities was greater during the overall care-seeking process. Surprisingly, patient's immediate visits to a DOTS facility did not correspond to shorter diagnostic delay. Diagnostic delay in Jogjakarta province was not associated with patients' socio demographic factors, but rather with the health system providing DOTS services. This suggests that strengthening the health system and improving diagnostic quality within DOTS services is now a more rational strategy than expanding the TB programme to engage more providers. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Tunable Kondo physics in a carbon nanotube double quantum dot.

PubMed

Chorley, S J; Galpin, M R; Jayatilaka, F W; Smith, C G; Logan, D E; Buitelaar, M R

2012-10-12

We investigate a tunable two-impurity Kondo system in a strongly correlated carbon nanotube double quantum dot, accessing the full range of charge regimes. In the regime where both dots contain an unpaired electron, the system approaches the two-impurity Kondo model. At zero magnetic field the interdot coupling disrupts the Kondo physics and a local singlet state arises, but we are able to tune the crossover to a Kondo screened phase by application of a magnetic field. All results show good agreement with a numerical renormalization group study of the device.

Suppression of Overhauser Effect in the Exciton-Nuclear Spin System of GaAs Quantum Dot

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

the exciton-nuclear spin system of GaAs quantum dot V L. Korenevt, I. A. Merkulovt, D. Gammonj, Al. L. Efrosj, T. A. Kennedyl, M. Rosenj, D. S ...Katzerj and S . W. Brown§ t loffe Physico-Technical Institute, St Petersburg, Russia I Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC 20375, USA § NIST...2.5 s -1 for N - 105 nuclei in the quantum dot [51 and rb - 0.1 ns [9]. The estimation is in agreement with experiment (Texp ; 3 s ). Coupling of

Array of nanoparticles coupling with quantum-dot: Lattice plasmon quantum features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmanogli, Ahmad; Gecim, H. Selcuk

2018-06-01

In this study, we analyze the interaction of lattice plasmon with quantum-dot in order to mainly examine the quantum features of the lattice plasmon containing the photonic/plasmonic properties. Despite optical properties of the localized plasmon, the lattice plasmon severely depends on the array geometry, which may influence its quantum features such as uncertainty and the second-order correlation function. To investigate this interaction, we consider a closed system containing an array of the plasmonic nanoparticles and quantum-dot. We analyze this system with full quantum theory by which the array electric far field is quantized and the strength coupling of the quantum-dot array is analytically calculated. Moreover, the system's dynamics are evaluated and studied via the Heisenberg-Langevin equations to attain the system optical modes. We also analytically examine the Purcell factor, which shows the effect of the lattice plasmon on the quantum-dot spontaneous emission. Finally, the lattice plasmon uncertainty and its time evolution of the second-order correlation function at different spatial points are examined. These parameters are dramatically affected by the retarded field effect of the array nanoparticles. We found a severe quantum fluctuation at points where the lattice plasmon occurs, suggesting that the lattice plasmon photons are correlated.

Fingerprints of transverse and longitudinal coupling between induced open quantum dots in the longitudinal magnetoconductance through antidot lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ujevic, Sebastian; Mendoza, Michel

2010-07-01

We propose numerical simulations of longitudinal magnetoconductance through a finite antidot lattice located inside an open quantum dot with a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the plane. The system is connected to reservoirs using quantum point contacts. We discuss the relationship between the longitudinal magnetoconductance and the generation of transversal couplings between the induced open quantum dots in the system. The system presents longitudinal magnetoconductance maps with crossovers (between transversal bands) and closings (longitudinal decoupling) of fundamental quantum states related to the open quantum dots induced by the antidot lattice. A relationship is observed between the distribution of antidots and the formed conductance bands, allowing a systematic follow up of the bands as a function of the applied magnetic field and quantum point-contact width. We observed a high conductance intensity [between n and (n+1) quantum of conductance, n=1,2,… ] in the regions of crossover and closing of states. This suggests transversal couplings between the induced open quantum dots of the system that can be modulated by varying both the antidots potential and the quantum point-contact width. A new continuous channel (not expected) is induced by the variation in the contact width and generate Fano resonances in the conductance. These resonances can be manipulated by the applied magnetic field.

Mapping of photoreceptor dysfunction using high resolution three-dimensional spectral optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikorski, B. L.; Szkulmowski, M.; Kałużny, J. J.; Bajraszewski, T.; Kowalczyk, A.; Wojtkowski, M.

2008-02-01

The ability to obtain reliable information on functional status of photoreceptor layer is essential for assessing vision impairment in patients with macular diseases. The reconstruction of three-dimensional retinal structure in vivo using Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography (Spectral OCT) became possible with a recent progress of the OCT field. Three-dimensional data collected by Spectral OCT devices comprise information on light intensity back-reflected from the junction between photoreceptor outer and inner segments (IS/OS) and thus can be used for evaluating photoreceptors impairment. In this paper, we introduced so called Spectral OCT reflectivity maps - a new method of selecting and displaying the spatial distribution of reflectivity of individual retinal layers. We analyzed the reflectivity of the IS/OS layer in various macular diseases. We have measured eyes of 49 patients with photoreceptor dysfunction in course of age-related macular degeneration, macular holes, central serous chorioretinopathy, acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, drug-induced retinopathy and congenital disorders.

MICROSTRUCTURAL ABNORMALITIES IN MEWDS DEMONSTRATED BY ULTRAHIGH RESOLUTION OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

PubMed Central

NGUYEN, MY HANH T.; WITKIN, ANDRE J.; REICHEL, ELIAS; KO, TONY H.; FUJIMOTO, JAMES G.; SCHUMAN, JOEL S.; DUKER, JAY S.

2007-01-01

Background Histopathological studies of acute multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) have not been reported because of the transient and benign nature of the disease. Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT), capable of high resolution in vivo imaging, offers a unique opportunity to visualize retinal microstructure in the disease. Methods UHR-OCT images of the maculae of five patients with MEWDS were obtained and analyzed. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, examination, visual field testing, and angiography. Results UHR-OCT revealed disturbances in the photoreceptor inner/outer segment junction (IS/OS) in each of the five patients (six eyes) with MEWDS. In addition, thinning of the outer nuclear layer was seen in the case of recurrent MEWDS, suggesting that repeated episodes of MEWDS may result in photoreceptor atrophy. Conclusions Subtle disruptions of the photoreceptor IS/OS are demonstrated in all eyes affected by MEWDS. UHR-OCT may be a useful adjunct to diagnosis and monitoring of MEWDS. PMID:17420691

Axial tomography in live cell laser microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Verena; Bruns, Sarah; Bruns, Thomas; Weber, Petra; Wagner, Michael; Cremer, Christoph; Schneckenburger, Herbert

2017-09-01

Single cell microscopy in a three-dimensional (3-D) environment is reported. Cells are grown in an agarose culture gel, located within microcapillaries and observed from different sides after adaptation of an innovative device for sample rotation. Thus, z-stacks can be recorded by confocal microscopy in different directions and used for illustration in 3-D. This gives additional information, since cells or organelles that appear superimposed in one direction, may be well resolved in another one. The method is tested and validated with single cells expressing a membrane or a mitochondrially associated green fluorescent protein, or cells accumulating fluorescent quantum dots. In addition, axial tomography supports measurements of cellular uptake and distribution of the anticancer drug doxorubicin in the nucleus (2 to 6 h after incubation) or the cytoplasm (24 h). This paper discusses that upon cell rotation an enhanced optical resolution in lateral direction compared to axial direction can be utilized to obtain an improved effective 3-D resolution, which represents an important step toward super-resolution microscopy of living cells.

Time-to-digital converter card for multichannel time-resolved single-photon counting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamborini, Davide; Portaluppi, Davide; Tisa, Simone; Tosi, Alberto

2015-03-01

We present a high performance Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) card that provides 10 ps timing resolution and 20 ps (rms) timing precision with a programmable full-scale-range from 160 ns to 10 μs. Differential Non-Linearity (DNL) is better than 1.3% LSB (rms) and Integral Non-Linearity (INL) is 5 ps rms. Thanks to the low power consumption (400 mW) and the compact size (78 mm x 28 mm x 10 mm), this card is the building block for developing compact multichannel time-resolved instrumentation for Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting (TCSPC). The TDC-card outputs the time measurement results together with the rates of START and STOP signals and the number of valid TDC conversions. These additional information are needed by many TCSPC-based applications, such as: Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), Time-of-Flight (TOF) ranging measurements, time-resolved Positron Emission Tomography (PET), single-molecule spectroscopy, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT), Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (OTDR), quantum optics, etc.

The Legionella pneumophila PilT Homologue DotB Exhibits ATPase Activity That Is Critical for Intracellular Growth

PubMed Central

Sexton, Jessica A.; Pinkner, Jerome S.; Roth, Robyn; Heuser, John E.; Hultgren, Scott J.; Vogel, Joseph P.

2004-01-01

The ability of Legionella pneumophila to grow and cause disease in the host is completely dependent on a type IV secretion system known as the Dot/Icm complex. This membrane-spanning apparatus translocates effector molecules into host cells in a process that is poorly understood but that is known to require the putative ATPase DotB. One possible role for DotB is suggested by its similarity to the PilT family of proteins, which mediate pilus retraction. To better understand the molecular behavior of DotB, we have purified the protein and shown that it forms stable homohexameric rings and hydrolyzes ATP with a specific activity of 6.4 nmol of ATP/min/mg of protein. ATPase activity is critical to the function of DotB, as alteration of the conserved Walker box lysine residue resulted in a mutant protein, DotB K162Q, which failed to bind or hydrolyze ATP and which could not complement a ΔdotB strain for intracellular growth in macrophages. Consistent with the ability of DotB to interact with itself, the dotBK162Q allele exhibited transdominance over wild-type dotB, providing the first example of such a mutation in L. pneumophila. Finally, the DotB K162Q mutant protein had a significantly enhanced membrane localization in L. pneumophila compared to wild-type DotB, suggesting a relationship between nucleotide binding and membrane association. These results are consistent with a model in which DotB cycles between the cytoplasm and the Dot/Icm complex at the membrane, where it hydrolyzes nucleotides to provide energy to the complex. PMID:14996796

Enhanced Telecom Emission from Single Group-IV Quantum Dots by Precise CMOS-Compatible Positioning in Photonic Crystal Cavities.

PubMed

Schatzl, Magdalena; Hackl, Florian; Glaser, Martin; Rauter, Patrick; Brehm, Moritz; Spindlberger, Lukas; Simbula, Angelica; Galli, Matteo; Fromherz, Thomas; Schäffler, Friedrich

2017-03-15

Efficient coupling to integrated high-quality-factor cavities is crucial for the employment of germanium quantum dot (QD) emitters in future monolithic silicon-based optoelectronic platforms. We report on strongly enhanced emission from single Ge QDs into L3 photonic crystal resonator (PCR) modes based on precise positioning of these dots at the maximum of the respective mode field energy density. Perfect site control of Ge QDs grown on prepatterned silicon-on-insulator substrates was exploited to fabricate in one processing run almost 300 PCRs containing single QDs in systematically varying positions within the cavities. Extensive photoluminescence studies on this cavity chip enable a direct evaluation of the position-dependent coupling efficiency between single dots and selected cavity modes. The experimental results demonstrate the great potential of the approach allowing CMOS-compatible parallel fabrication of arrays of spatially matched dot/cavity systems for group-IV-based data transfer or quantum optical systems in the telecom regime.

Enhanced Telecom Emission from Single Group-IV Quantum Dots by Precise CMOS-Compatible Positioning in Photonic Crystal Cavities

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Efficient coupling to integrated high-quality-factor cavities is crucial for the employment of germanium quantum dot (QD) emitters in future monolithic silicon-based optoelectronic platforms. We report on strongly enhanced emission from single Ge QDs into L3 photonic crystal resonator (PCR) modes based on precise positioning of these dots at the maximum of the respective mode field energy density. Perfect site control of Ge QDs grown on prepatterned silicon-on-insulator substrates was exploited to fabricate in one processing run almost 300 PCRs containing single QDs in systematically varying positions within the cavities. Extensive photoluminescence studies on this cavity chip enable a direct evaluation of the position-dependent coupling efficiency between single dots and selected cavity modes. The experimental results demonstrate the great potential of the approach allowing CMOS-compatible parallel fabrication of arrays of spatially matched dot/cavity systems for group-IV-based data transfer or quantum optical systems in the telecom regime. PMID:28345012

Utilizing a CdTe quantum dots-enzyme hybrid system for the determination of both phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Yuan, Jipei; Guo, Weiwei; Wang, Erkang

2008-02-15

In this paper, we attempt to construct a simple and sensitive detection method for both phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide, with the successful combination of the unique property of quantum dots and the specificity of enzymatic reactions. In the presence of H2O2 and horseradish peroxidase, phenolic compounds can quench quantum dots' photoluminescence efficiently, and the extent of quenching is severalfold to more than 100-fold increase. Quinone intermediates produced from the enzymatic catalyzed oxidation of phenolic compounds were believed to play the main role in the photoluminescence quenching. Using a quantum dots-enzyme system, the detection limits for phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide were detected to be approximately 10(-7) mol L(-1). The coupling of efficient quenching of quantum dot photoluminescence by quinone and the effective enzymatic reactions make this a simple and sensitive method for phenolic compound detection and great potential in the development of H2O2 biosensors for various analytes.

Designing quantum dots for solotronics.

PubMed

Kobak, J; Smoleński, T; Goryca, M; Papaj, M; Gietka, K; Bogucki, A; Koperski, M; Rousset, J-G; Suffczyński, J; Janik, E; Nawrocki, M; Golnik, A; Kossacki, P; Pacuski, W

2014-01-01

Solotronics, optoelectronics based on solitary dopants, is an emerging field of research and technology reaching the ultimate limit of miniaturization. It aims at exploiting quantum properties of individual ions or defects embedded in a semiconductor matrix. It has already been shown that optical control of a magnetic ion spin is feasible using the carriers confined in a quantum dot. However, a serious obstacle was the quenching of the exciton luminescence by magnetic impurities. Here we show, by photoluminescence studies on thus-far-unexplored individual CdTe dots with a single cobalt ion and CdSe dots with a single manganese ion, that even if energetically allowed, nonradiative exciton recombination through single-magnetic-ion intra-ionic transitions is negligible in such zero-dimensional structures. This opens solotronics for a wide range of as yet unconsidered systems. On the basis of results of our single-spin relaxation experiments and on the material trends, we identify optimal magnetic-ion quantum dot systems for implementation of a single-ion-based spin memory.

Designing quantum dots for solotronics

PubMed Central

Kobak, J.; Smoleński, T.; Goryca, M.; Papaj, M.; Gietka, K.; Bogucki, A.; Koperski, M.; Rousset, J.-G.; Suffczyński, J.; Janik, E.; Nawrocki, M.; Golnik, A.; Kossacki, P.; Pacuski, W.

2014-01-01

Solotronics, optoelectronics based on solitary dopants, is an emerging field of research and technology reaching the ultimate limit of miniaturization. It aims at exploiting quantum properties of individual ions or defects embedded in a semiconductor matrix. It has already been shown that optical control of a magnetic ion spin is feasible using the carriers confined in a quantum dot. However, a serious obstacle was the quenching of the exciton luminescence by magnetic impurities. Here we show, by photoluminescence studies on thus-far-unexplored individual CdTe dots with a single cobalt ion and CdSe dots with a single manganese ion, that even if energetically allowed, nonradiative exciton recombination through single-magnetic-ion intra-ionic transitions is negligible in such zero-dimensional structures. This opens solotronics for a wide range of as yet unconsidered systems. On the basis of results of our single-spin relaxation experiments and on the material trends, we identify optimal magnetic-ion quantum dot systems for implementation of a single-ion-based spin memory. PMID:24463946

Coherent electron-spin-resonance manipulation of three individual spins in a triple quantum dot

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

Noiri, A.; Yoneda, J.; Nakajima, T.

2016-04-11

Quantum dot arrays provide a promising platform for quantum information processing. For universal quantum simulation and computation, one central issue is to demonstrate the exhaustive controllability of quantum states. Here, we report the addressable manipulation of three single electron spins in a triple quantum dot using a technique combining electron-spin-resonance and a micro-magnet. The micro-magnet makes the local Zeeman field difference between neighboring spins much larger than the nuclear field fluctuation, which ensures the addressable driving of electron-spin-resonance by shifting the resonance condition for each spin. We observe distinct coherent Rabi oscillations for three spins in a semiconductor triple quantummore » dot with up to 25 MHz spin rotation frequencies. This individual manipulation over three spins enables us to arbitrarily change the magnetic spin quantum number of the three spin system, and thus to operate a triple-dot device as a three-qubit system in combination with the existing technique of exchange operations among three spins.« less

Blinking correlation in nanocrystal quantum dots probed with novel laser scanning confocal microscopy methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hefti, Ryan Alf

Semiconductor quantum dots have a vast array of applications: as fluorescent labels in biological systems, as physical or chemical sensors, as components in photovoltaic technology, and in display devices. An attribute of nearly every quantum dot is its blinking, or fluorescence intermittency, which tends to be a disadvantage in most applications. Despite the fact that blinking has been a nearly universal phenomenon among all types of fluorescent constructs, it is more prevalent in quantum dots than in traditional fluorophores. Furthermore, no unanimously accepted model of quantum dot blinking yet exists. The work encompassed by this dissertation began with an in-depth study of molecular motor protein dynamics in a variety of environments using two specially developed techniques, both of which feature applicability to live cell systems. Parked-beam confocal microscopy was utilized to increase temporal resolution of molecular motor motion dynamics by an order of magnitude over other popular methods. The second technique, fast-scanning confocal microscopy (FSCM), was used for long range observation of motor proteins. While using FSCM on motor protein assays, we discovered an unusual phenomenon. Single quantum dots seemingly communicated with neighboring quantum dots, indicated by a distinct correlation in their blinking patterns. In order to explain this novel correlation phenomenon, the majority of blinking models developed thus far would suggest a dipole-dipole interaction or a Coulomb interaction between singly charged quantum dots. However, our results indicate that the interaction energy is higher than supported by current models, thereby prompting a renewed examination. We propose that the blinking correlation we observed is due to a Coulomb interaction on the order of 3-4 elementary charges per quantum dot and that multiple charging of individual quantum dots may be required to plunge them into a non-emissive state. As a result of charging, charge carriers are displaced into a wide distribution of trap sites in the surrounding matrix, resulting in the expected power-law probability distribution of off times ubiquitous in quantum dots. Our discovery also implies that quantum dot blinking can be controlled, advocating the creation of switchable nanoscale emitters.

The Physics of Ultracold Sr2 Molecules: Optical Production and Precision Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osborn, Christopher Butler

Colloidal quantum dots have desirable optical properties which can be exploited to realize a variety of photonic devices and functionalities. However, colloidal dots have not had a pervasive utility in photonic devices because of the absence of patterning methods. The electronic chip industry is highly successful due to the well-established lithographic procedures. In this thesis we borrow ideas from the semiconductor industry to develop lithographic techniques that can be used to pattern colloidal quantum dots while ensuring that the optical properties of the quantum dots are not affected by the process. In this thesis we have developed colloidal quantum dot based waveguide structures for amplification and switching applications for all-optical signal processing. We have also developed colloidal quantum dot based light emitting diodes. We successfully introduced CdSe/ZnS quantum dots into a UV curable photo-resist, which was then patterned to realize active devices. In addition, "passive" devices (devices without quantum dots) were integrated to "active" devices via waveguide couplers. Use of photo-resist devices offers two distinct advantages. First, they have low scattering loss and secondly, they allow good fiber to waveguide coupling efficiency due to the low refractive index which allows for large waveguide cross-sections while supporting single mode operation. Practical planar photonic devices and circuits incorporating both active and passive structures can now be realized, now that we have patterning capabilities of quantum dots while maintaining the original optical attributes of the system. In addition to the photo-resist host, we also explored the incorporation of colloidal quantum dots into a dielectric silicon dioxide and silicon nitride one-dimensional microcavity structures using low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. This material system can be used to realize microcavity light emitting diodes that can be realized on any substrate. As a proof of concept demonstration we show a 1550 nm emitting all-dielectric vertical cavity structure embedded with PbS quantum dots. Enhancement in spontaneous emission from the dots embedded in the microcavity is also demonstrated.

Aggregation, sedimentation, dissolution and bioavailability of quantum dots in estuarine systems.

EPA Science Inventory

To understand their fate and transport in estuarine systems, the aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in seawater were investigated. Hydrodynamic size increased from 40 to 60 nm to >1 mm within 1 h in seawater, and the aggregates were highly p...

Bi-Component Nanostructured Arrays of Co Dots Embedded in Ni80Fe20 Antidot Matrix: Synthesis by Self-Assembling of Polystyrene Nanospheres and Magnetic Properties.

PubMed

Coïsson, Marco; Celegato, Federica; Barrera, Gabriele; Conta, Gianluca; Magni, Alessandro; Tiberto, Paola

2017-08-23

A bi-component nanostructured system composed by a Co dot array embedded in a Ni 80 Fe 20 antidot matrix has been prepared by means of the self-assembling polystyrene nanospheres lithography technique. Reference samples constituted by the sole Co dots or Ni 80 Fe 20 antidots have also been prepared, in order to compare their properties with those of the bi-component material. The coupling between the two ferromagnetic elements has been studied by means of magnetic and magneto-transport measurements. The Ni 80 Fe 20 matrix turned out to affect the vortex nucleation field of the Co dots, which in turn modifies the magneto-resistance behaviour of the system and its spinwave properties.

Tsallis entropy and decoherence of CsI quantum pseudo dot qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiotsop, M.; Fotue, A. J.; Fotsin, H. B.; Fai, L. C.

2017-05-01

Polaron in CsI quantum pseudo dot under an electromagnetic field was considered, and the ground and first excited state energies were derived by employing the combining Pekar variational and unitary transformation methods. With the two-level system obtained, single qubit was envisioned and the decoherence was studied using non-extensive entropy (Tsallis entropy). Numerical results showed: (i) the increase (decrease) of the energy levels (period of oscillation) with the increase of chemical potential, the zero point of pseudo dot, cyclotron frequency, and transverse and longitudinal confinements; (ii) the Tsallis entropy evolved as a wave envelop that increase with the increase of non-extenxive parameter and with the increase of electric field strength, zero point of pseudo dot and cyclotron frequency the wave envelop evolve periodically with reduction of period; (iii) The transition probability increases from the boundary to the centre of the dot where it has its maximum value. It was also noted that the probability density oscillate with period T0 = ℏ / Δ Ε with the tunnelling of the chemical potential and zero point of the pseudo dot. These results are helpful in the control of decoherence in quantum systems and may also be useful for the design of quantum computers.

Calculation of metamorphic two-dimensional quantum energy system: Application to wetting layer states in InAs/InGaAs metamorphic quantum dot nanostructures

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

Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.; Frigeri, P.

In this work, we calculate the two-dimensional quantum energy system of the In(Ga)As wetting layer that arises in InAs/InGaAs/GaAs metamorphic quantum dot structures. Model calculations were carried on the basis of realistic material parameters taking in consideration their dependence on the strain relaxation of the metamorphic buffer; results of the calculations were validated against available literature data. Model results confirmed previous hypothesis on the extrinsic nature of the disappearance of wetting layer emission in metamorphic structures with high In composition. We also show how, by adjusting InGaAs metamorphic buffer parameters, it could be possible: (i) to spatially separate carriers confinedmore » in quantum dots from wetting layer carriers, (ii) to create an hybrid 0D-2D system, by tuning quantum dot and wetting layer levels. These results are interesting not only for the engineering of quantum dot structures but also for other applications of metamorphic structures, as the two design parameters of the metamorphic InGaAs buffer (thickness and composition) provide additional degrees of freedom to control properties of interest.« less

Satisfaction of patients with directly observed treatment strategy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study

PubMed Central

Getahun, Belete; Nkosi, Zethu Zerish

2017-01-01

Background Directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) strategy has been a cornerstone for Tuberculosis (TB) control programs in developing countries. However, in Ethiopia satisfaction level of patients’ with TB with the this strategy is not well understood. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the satisfaction level of patients with TB with the DOTS. Method Explanatory sequential mixed method design was carried out in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Interviewer-administered questionnaire with 601 patients with TB who were on follow-up was employed in the quantitative approach. In the qualitative approach telephonic-interview with 25 persons lost to follow-up and focus group discussions with 23 TB experts were conducted. Result Sixty seven percent of respondent was satisfied with the DOTS. Rural residency (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.6, 7.6), having TB symptoms (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.94) and treatment supporter (AOR = 4.3, 95%CI 2.7, 6.8) were associated with satisfaction with DOTS. In qualitative finding, all persons lost to follow-up were dissatisfied while TB experts enlightened lack of evidence to affirm the satisfaction level of patients with DOTS. Explored factors contributing to satisfaction include: on time availability of health care providers, DOTS service delivery process, general condition of health care facilities, nutritional support and transportation. Conclusion DOTS is limited to satisfy patients with TB and lacks a consistent system that determines the satisfaction level of patients with TB. Therefore, DOTS strategy needs to have a system to captures patients’ satisfaction level to respond on areas that need progress to improve DOTS service quality. PMID:28182754

Patch-based anisotropic diffusion scheme for fluorescence diffuse optical tomography--part 2: image reconstruction.

PubMed

Correia, Teresa; Koch, Maximilian; Ale, Angelique; Ntziachristos, Vasilis; Arridge, Simon

2016-02-21

Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (fDOT) provides 3D images of fluorescence distributions in biological tissue, which represent molecular and cellular processes. The image reconstruction problem is highly ill-posed and requires regularisation techniques to stabilise and find meaningful solutions. Quadratic regularisation tends to either oversmooth or generate very noisy reconstructions, depending on the regularisation strength. Edge preserving methods, such as anisotropic diffusion regularisation (AD), can preserve important features in the fluorescence image and smooth out noise. However, AD has limited ability to distinguish an edge from noise. We propose a patch-based anisotropic diffusion regularisation (PAD), where regularisation strength is determined by a weighted average according to the similarity between patches around voxels within a search window, instead of a simple local neighbourhood strategy. However, this method has higher computational complexity and, hence, we wavelet compress the patches (PAD-WT) to speed it up, while simultaneously taking advantage of the denoising properties of wavelet thresholding. Furthermore, structural information can be incorporated into the image reconstruction with PAD-WT to improve image quality and resolution. In this case, the weights used to average voxels in the image are calculated using the structural image, instead of the fluorescence image. The regularisation strength depends on both structural and fluorescence images, which guarantees that the method can preserve fluorescence information even when it is not structurally visible in the anatomical images. In part 1, we tested the method using a denoising problem. Here, we use simulated and in vivo mouse fDOT data to assess the algorithm performance. Our results show that the proposed PAD-WT method provides high quality and noise free images, superior to those obtained using AD.

Interplay of coupling and superradiant emission in the optical response of a double quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, Anna; Machnikowski, Paweł

2009-09-01

We study theoretically the optical response of a double quantum dot structure to an ultrafast optical excitation. We show that the interplay of a specific type of coupling between the dots and their collective interaction with the radiative environment leads to very characteristic features in the time-resolved luminescence as well as in the absorption spectrum of the system. For a sufficiently strong coupling, these effects survive even if the transition energy mismatch between the two dots exceeds by far the emission linewidth.

Quantum dot impregnated-chitosan film for heavy metal ion sensing and removal.

PubMed

Jaiswal, Amit; Ghsoh, Siddhartha Sankar; Chattopadhyay, Arun

2012-11-06

We report the use of biopolymer-stabilized ZnS quantum dots (Q-dots) for cation exchange reaction-based easy sensing and removal of heavy metal ions such as Hg(2+), Ag(+), and Pb(2+) in water. Chitosan-stabilized ZnS Q-dots were synthesized in aqueous medium and were observed to have been converted to HgS, Ag(2)S, and PbS Q-dots in the presence of corresponding ions. The transformed Q-dots showed characteristic color development, with Hg(2+) being exceptionally identifiable due to the visible bright yellow color formation, while brown coloration was observed in other metal ions. The cation exchange was driven by the difference in the solubility product of the reactant and the product Q-dots. The cation exchanged Q-dots preserved the morphology of the reactant Q-dots and displayed volume increase based on the bulk crystal lattice parameters. The band gap of the transformed Q-dots showed a major increase from the corresponding bulk band gap of the material, demonstrating the role of quantum confinement. Next, we fabricated ZnS Q-dot impregnated chitosan film which was used to remove heavy metal ions from contaminated water as measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The present system could suitably be used as a simple dipstick for elimination of heavy metal ion contamination in water.

Formation of Size- and Position-Controlled Nanometer Size Pt Dots on GaAs and InP Substrates by Pulsed Electrochemical Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Taketomo; Kaneshiro, Chinami; HiroshiOkada, HiroshiOkada; Hasegawa, Hideki

1999-04-01

Attempts were made to form regular arrays of size- andposition-controlled Pt-dots on GaAs and InP by combining an insitu electrochemical process with the electron beam (EB)lithography. This utilizes the precipitation of Pt nano-particles atthe initial stage of electrodeposition. First, electrochemicalconditions were optimized in the mode of self-assembled dot arrayformation on unpatterned substrates. Minimum in-plane dot diameters of22 nm and 26 nm on GaAs and InP, respectively, were obtained underthe optimal pulsed mode. Then, Pt dots were selectively formed onpatterned substrates with open circular windows formed by EBlithography, thereby realizing dot-position control. The Pt dot wasfound to have been deposited at the center of each open window, andthe in-plane diameter of the dot could be controlled by the number,width and period of the pulse-waveform applied to substrates. Aminimum diameter of 20 nm was realized in windows with a diameter of100 nm, using a single pulse. Current-voltage (I-V)measurements using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with aconductive probe indicated that each Pt dot/n-GaAs contact possessed ahigh Schottky barrier height of about 1 eV.

Multi-Excitonic Quantum Dot Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheibner, M.; Stinaff, E. A.; Doty, M. F.; Ware, M. E.; Bracker, A. S.; Gammon, D.; Ponomarev, I. V.; Reinecke, T. L.; Korenev, V. L.

2006-03-01

With the ability to create coupled pairs of quantum dots, the next step towards the realization of semiconductor based quantum information processing devices can be taken. However, so far little knowledge has been gained on these artificial molecules. Our photoluminescence experiments on single InAs/GaAs quantum dot molecules provide the systematics of coupled quantum dots by delineating the spectroscopic features of several key charge configurations in such quantum systems, including X, X^+,X^2+, XX, XX^+ (with X being the neutral exciton). We extract general rules which determine the formation of molecular states of coupled quantum dots. These include the fact that quantum dot molecules provide the possibility to realize various spin configurations and to switch the electron hole exchange interaction on and off by shifting charges inside the molecule. This knowledge will be valuable in developing implementations for quantum information processing.

Method and device for producing a tactile display using an electrorheological fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garner, H. Douglas (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A tactile display device utilizes an electrorheological fluid to activate a plurality of tactile dots. A voltage is selectively produced uniformly across an electrorheological fluid flowing between a common ground electrode and a plurality of conductive dot electrodes, thereby producing an increase in the fluid's viscosity to the extent that fluid flow between the two electrodes is restricted. The flow restriction produces a build-up of electrorheological fluid in a corresponding dot actuator chamber. The resulting pressure increase in the chamber displaces an elastic diaphragm fixed to a display surface to form a lump which can be perceived by the reader as one dot in a Braille character cell. A flow regulation system provides a continually pressurized flow system and provides for free flow of the electrorheological fluid through the plurality of dot actuator chambers when they are not activated. The device is adaptable to printed circuit techniques and can simultaneously display tactile dots representative of a full page of Braille characters stored on a medium such as a tape cassette or to display tactile dots representative of non-Braille data appearing on a computer monitor or contained on another data storage medium. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic diaphragm drives a plurality of spring-loaded pins provided with positive stops to maintain consistent displacements of the pins in both their actuated and nonactuated positions.

Tactile display device using an electrorheological fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garner, H. Douglas (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A tactile display device utilizes an electrorheological fluid to activate a plurality of tactile dots. A voltage is selectively produced uniformly across an electrorheological fluid flowing between a common ground electrode and a plurality of conductive dot electrodes, thereby producing an increase in the fluid's viscosity to the extent that fluid flow between the two electrodes is restricted. The flow restriction produces a build-up of electrorheological fluid in a corresponding dot actuator chamber. The resulting pressure increase in the chamber displaces an elastic diaphragm fixed to a display surface to form a lump which can be perceived by the reader as one dot in a Braille character cell. A flow regulation system provides a continually pressurized flow system and provides for free flow of the electrorheological fluid through the plurality of dot actuator chambers when they are not activated. The device is adaptable to printed circuit techniques and can simultaneously display tactile dots representative of a full page of Braille characters stored on a medium such as a tape cassette or to display tactile dots representative of non-Braille data appearing on a computer monitor or contained on another data storage medium. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic diaphragm drives a plurality of spring-loaded pins provided with positive stops to maintain consistent displacements of the pins in both their actuated and nonactuated positions.

Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-conjugated dendrimer-modified quantum dots for targeting and imaging melanoma.

PubMed

Li, Zhiming; Huang, Peng; Lin, Jing; He, Rong; Liu, Bing; Zhang, Xiaomin; Yang, Sen; Xi, Peng; Zhang, Xuejun; Ren, Qiushi; Cui, Daxiang

2010-08-01

Angiogenesis is essential for the development of malignant tumors and provides important targets for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Quantum dots have been broadly investigated for their potential application in cancer molecular imaging. In present work, CdSe quantum dots were synthesized, polyamidoamine dendrimers were used to modify surface of quantum dots and improve their solubility in water solution. Then, dendrimer-modified CdSe quantum dots were conjugated with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides. These prepared nanoprobes were injected into nude mice loaded with melanoma (A375) tumor xenografts via tail vessels, IVIS imaging system was used to image the targeting and bio-distribution of as-prepared nanoprobes. The dendrimer-modified quantum dots exhibit water-soluble, high quantum yield, and good biocompatibility. RGD-conjugated quantum dots can specifically target human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and A375 melanoma cells, as well as nude mice loaded with A735 melanoma cells. High-performance RGD-conjugated dendrimers modified quantum dot-based nanoprobes have great potential in application such as tumor diagnosis and therapy.

Structure-guided mutational analysis reveals the functional requirements for product specificity of DOT1 enzymes.

PubMed

Dindar, Gülcin; Anger, Andreas M; Mehlhorn, Christine; Hake, Sandra B; Janzen, Christian J

2014-11-12

DOT1 enzymes are conserved methyltransferases that catalyse the methylation of lysine 79 on histone H3 (H3K79). Most eukaryotes contain one DOT1 enzyme, whereas African trypanosomes have two homologues, DOT1A and DOT1B, with different enzymatic activities. DOT1A mediates mono- and dimethylation of H3K76, the homologue of H3K79 in other organisms, whereas DOT1B additionally catalyses H3K76 trimethylation. However, it is unclear how these different enzymatic activities are achieved. Here we employ a trypanosomal nucleosome reconstitution system and structure-guided homology modelling to identify critical residues within and outside the catalytic centre that modulate product specificity. Exchange of these residues transfers the product specificity from one enzyme to the other, and reveals the existence of distinct regulatory domains adjacent to the catalytic centre. Our study provides the first evidence that a few crucial residues in DOT1 enzymes are sufficient to catalyse methyl-state-specific reactions. These results might also have far-reaching consequences for the functional understanding of homologous enzymes in higher eukaryotes.

Charge transport in quantum dot organic solar cells with Si quantum dots sandwiched between poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) absorber and bathocuproine (BCP) transport layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Upendra Kumar; Kumar, Brijesh

2017-10-01

We have modeled a multilayer quantum dot organic solar cell that explores the current-voltage characteristic of the solar cell whose characteristics can be tuned by varying the fabrication parameters of the quantum dots (QDs). The modeled device consists of a hole transport layer (HTL) which doubles up as photon absorbing layer, several quantum dot layers, and an electron transport layer (ETL). The conduction of charge carriers in HTL and ETL has been modeled by the drift-diffusion transport mechanism. The conduction and recombination in the quantum dot layers are described by a system of coupled rate equations incorporating tunneling and bimolecular recombination. Analysis of QD-solar cells shows improved device performance compared to the similar bilayer and trilayer device structures without QDs. Keeping other design parameters constant, solar cell characteristics can be controlled by the quantum dot layers. Bimolecular recombination coefficient of quantum dots is a prime factor which controls the open circuit voltage (VOC) without any significant reduction in short circuit current (JSC).

Magnetic control of dipolaritons in quantum dots.

PubMed

Rojas-Arias, J S; Rodríguez, B A; Vinck-Posada, H

2016-12-21

Dipolaritons are quasiparticles that arise in coupled quantum wells embedded in a microcavity, they are a superposition of a photon, a direct exciton and an indirect exciton. We propose the existence of dipolaritons in a system of two coupled quantum dots inside a microcavity in direct analogy with the quantum well case and find that, despite some similarities, dipolaritons in quantum dots have different properties and can lead to true dark polariton states. We use a finite system theory to study the effects of the magnetic field on the system, including the emission, and find that it can be used as a control parameter of the properties of excitons and dipolaritons, and the overall magnetic behaviour of the structure.

MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME WITH SUBRETINAL DEPOSITS.

PubMed

Gal-Or, Orly; Sorenson, John A; Gattoussi, Sarra; Dolz-Marco, Rosa; Freund, K Bailey

2017-06-13

To describe the multimodal imaging findings of transient subretinal deposits occurring in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS). The multimodal imaging characteristics of transient subretinal deposits occurring in MEWDS were investigated with ultra-widefield color and fundus autofluorescence, cross-sectional and en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT), en face OCT-angiography, and quantitative autofluorescence. A 28-year-old woman presented with photopsia and temporal visual field loss in her right eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in her right eye and 20/25 in her left eye. Funduscopic examination showed characteristic peripapillary hyperautofluorescent white dots of MEWDS corresponding to ellipsoid zone disruption on OCT. These lesions became confluent throughout the posterior fundus over the next 4 weeks. As the patient's symptoms were resolving, a second type of transient hyperautofluorescent lesion was noted which corresponded to hyperreflective subretinal deposits on cross-sectional and en face structural OCT. These subretinal deposits were most evident at 10-week follow-up and had nearly resolved at 14-week follow-up. Quantitative autofluorescence showed that, unlike the acute MEWDS lesions, the hyperautoflurescence of the subretinal deposits persisted after photobleaching. At multiple time points over 14 weeks of follow-up, OCT angiography showed no evidence of retinal or choroidal flow abnormalities. Transient subretinal deposits may develop during MEWDS in areas of previous diffuse outer retinal disruption. As these deposits remain hyperautoflurescent on quantitative autofluorescence after photobleaching, they may represent accumulations of debris originating from damaged photoreceptor outer segments.

Sol-Gel Chemistry for Carbon Dots.

PubMed

Malfatti, Luca; Innocenzi, Plinio

2018-03-14

Carbon dots are an emerging class of carbon-based nanostructures produced by low-cost raw materials which exhibit a widely-tunable photoluminescence and a high quantum yield. The potential of these nanomaterials as a substitute of semiconductor quantum dots in optoelectronics and biomedicine is very high, however they need a customized chemistry to be integrated in host-guest systems or functionalized in core-shell structures. This review is focused on recent advances of the sol-gel chemistry applied to the C-dots technology. The surface modification, the fine tailoring of the chemical composition and the embedding into a complex nanostructured material are the main targets of combining sol-gel processing with C-dots chemistry. In addition, the synergistic effect of the sol-gel precursor combined with the C-dots contribute to modify the intrinsic chemo-physical properties of the dots, empowering the emission efficiency or enabling the tuning of the photoluminescence over a wide range of the visible spectrum. © 2018 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Emission spectra of a laser based on an In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum-dot superlattice

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

Sobolev, M. M., E-mail: m.sobolev@mail.ioffe.ru; Buyalo, M. S.; Nevedomskiy, V. N.

2015-10-15

The spectral characteristics of a laser with an active region based on a ten-layer system of In(Ga)As/GaAs vertically correlated quantum dots with 4.5-nm GaAs spacer layers between InAs quantum dots are studied under the conditions of spontaneous and stimulated emission, depending on the current and the duration of pump pulses. Data obtained by transmission electron microscopy and electroluminescence and absorption polarization anisotropy measurements make it possible to demonstrate that the investigated system of tunnel-coupled InAs quantum dots separated by thin GaAs barriers represents a quantum-dot superlattice. With an increase in the laser pump current, the electroluminescence intensity increases linearly andmore » the spectral position of the electroluminescence maximum shifts to higher energies, which is caused by the dependence of the miniband density-of-states distribution on the pump current. Upon exceeding the threshold current, multimode lasing via the miniband ground state is observed. One of the lasing modes can be attributed to the zero-phonon line, and the other is determined by the longitudinal-optical phonon replica of quantum-dot emission. The results obtained give evidence that, under conditions of the laser pumping of an In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum-dot superlattice, strong coupling between the discrete electron states in the miniband and optical phonons takes place. This leads to the formation of quantum-dot polarons, resulting from the resonant mixing of electronic states whose energy separation is comparable to the optical-phonon energy.« less

Online monitoring of dissolved oxygen tension in microtiter plates based on infrared fluorescent oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ladner, Tobias; Flitsch, David; Schlepütz, Tino; Büchs, Jochen

2015-10-09

During the past years, new high-throughput screening systems with capabilities of online monitoring turned out to be powerful tools for the characterization of microbial cell cultures. These systems are often easy to use, offer economic advantages compared to larger systems and allow to determine many important process parameters within short time. Fluorescent protein tags tremendously simplified the tracking and observation of cellular activity in vivo. Unfortunately, interferences between established fluorescence based dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) measurement techniques and fluorescence-based protein tags appeared. Therefore, the applicability of new oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles operated within the more suitable infrared wavelength region are introduced and validated for DOT measurement. The biocompatibility of the used dispersed oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles was proven via RAMOS cultivations for Hansenula polymorpha, Gluconobacter oxydans, and Escherichia coli. The applicability of the introduced DOT measurement technique for online monitoring of cultivations was demonstrated and successfully validated. The nanoparticles showed no disturbing effect on the online measurement of the fluorescence intensities of the proteins GFP, mCherry and YFP measured by a BioLector prototype. Additionally, the DOT measurement was not influenced by changing concentrations of these proteins. The kLa values for the applied cultivation conditions were successfully determined based on the measured DOT. The introduced technique appeared to be practically as well as economically advantageous for DOT online measuring in microtiter plates. The disadvantage of limited availability of microtiter plates with immobilized sensor spots (optodes) does not apply for this introduced technique. Due to the infrared wavelength range, used for the DOT measurement, no interferences with biogenic fluorescence or with expressed fluorescent proteins (e.g. YFP, GFP or mCherry) occur.

Electron-Nuclear Dynamics in a Quantum Dot under Nonunitary Electron Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-20

relevant because inco - herent interactions are needed to initialize and read out the system. These experiments in quantum dots (QDs) ob- served dynamic...relaxation process is several orders of magnitude faster than what is used in Refs. [3,5]. The system we consider is a single electron trapped in a QD

The 2055 freight transportation system and the impact of near term rail improvements on TxDOT planning : project management plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the sponsor of the project. The : project goals are to: (1) produce a framework for Texas freight transportation system in : 2055 and (2) develop a set of rail planning recommendations that will be...

Fiber glass reinforcement wrap gets DOT nod for gas-line use

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

Not Available

1993-12-13

Panhandle Eastern Corp.'s Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. has become the first US natural-gas pipeline company to install, under federal waiver, a fiber glass reinforcement on an in-service gas pipeline. The Clock Spring repair system was installed in August on six segments of Texas Eastern's 20-in. gas pipeline in Fayette County, Ohio, after the company had received a US Department of Transportation (DOT) waiver to use the system in place of conventional DOT-mandated repair methods. The paper describes the conventional methods, as well as comparing costs of both methods.

Non-equilibrium transport in the quantum dot: quench dynamics and non-equilibrium steady state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Culver, Adrian; Andrei, Natan

We present an exact method of calculating the non-equilibrium current driven by a voltage drop across a quantum dot. The system is described by the two lead Anderson model at zero temperature with on-site Coulomb repulsion and non-interacting, linearized leads. We prepare the system in an initial state consisting of a free Fermi sea in each lead with the voltage drop given as the difference between the two Fermi levels. We quench the system by coupling the dot to the leads at t = 0 and following the time evolution of the wavefunction. In the long time limit a new type of Bethe Ansatz wavefunction emerges, which satisfies the Lippmann-Schwinger equation with the two Fermi seas serving as the boundary conditions. This exact, non-perturbative solution describes the non-equilibrium steady state of the system. We describe how to use this solution to compute the infinite time limit of the expectation value of the current operator at a given voltage, which would yield the I-V characteristic of the dot. Research supported by NSF Grant DMR 1410583.

Performance improvement of the one-dot lateral flow immunoassay for aflatoxin B1 by using a smartphone-based reading system.

PubMed

Lee, Sangdae; Kim, Giyoung; Moon, Jihea

2013-04-18

This study was conducted to develop a simple, rapid, and accurate lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) detection method for point-of-care diagnosis. The one-dot LFIA for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was based on the modified competitive binding format using competition between AFB1 and colloidal gold-AFB1-BSA conjugate for antibody binding sites in the test zone. A Smartphone-based reading system consisting of a Samsung Galaxy S2 Smartphone, a LFIA reader, and a Smartphone application for the image acquisition and data analysis. The detection limit of one-dot LFIA for AFB1 is 5 μg/kg. This method provided semi-quantitative analysis of AFB1 samples in the range of 5 to 1,000 μg/kg. Using combination of the one-dot LFIA and the Smartphone-based reading system, it is possible to conduct a more fast and accurate point-of-care diagnosis.

Performance Improvement of the One-Dot Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Aflatoxin B1 by Using a Smartphone-Based Reading System

PubMed Central

Lee, Sangdae; Kim, Giyoung; Moon, Jihea

2013-01-01

This study was conducted to develop a simple, rapid, and accurate lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) detection method for point-of-care diagnosis. The one-dot LFIA for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was based on the modified competitive binding format using competition between AFB1 and colloidal gold-AFB1-BSA conjugate for antibody binding sites in the test zone. A Smartphone-based reading system consisting of a Samsung Galaxy S2 Smartphone, a LFIA reader, and a Smartphone application for the image acquisition and data analysis. The detection limit of one-dot LFIA for AFB1 is 5 μg/kg. This method provided semi-quantitative analysis of AFB1 samples in the range of 5 to 1,000 μg/kg. Using combination of the one-dot LFIA and the Smartphone-based reading system, it is possible to conduct a more fast and accurate point-of-care diagnosis. PMID:23598499

Coherent Dynamics of Open Quantum System in the Presence of Majorana Fermions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assuncao, Maryzaura O.; Diniz, Ginetom S.; Vernek, Edson; Souza, Fabricio M.

In recent years the research on quantum coherent dynamics of open systems has attracted great attention due to its relevance for future implementation of quantum computers. In the present study we apply the Kadanoff-Baym formalism to simulate the population dynamics of a double-dot molecular system attached to both a superconductor and fermionic reservoirs. We solve both analytically and numerically a set of coupled differential equations that account for crossed Andreev reflection (CAR), intramolecular hopping and tunneling. We pay particular attention on how Majorana bound states can affect the population dynamics of the molecule. We investigate on how initial state configuration affects the dynamics. For instance, if one dot is occupied and the other one is empty, the dynamics is dictated by the inter dot tunneling. On the other hand, for initially empty dots, the CAR dominates. We also investigate how the source and drain currents evolve in time. This work was supporte by FAPEMIG, CNPq and CAPES.

49 CFR 40.26 - What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency? 40.26 Section 40.26 Transportation Office of the... Employer Responsibilities § 40.26 What form must an employer use to report Management Information System...

49 CFR 40.26 - What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency? 40.26 Section 40.26 Transportation Office of the... Employer Responsibilities § 40.26 What form must an employer use to report Management Information System...

49 CFR 40.26 - What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency? 40.26 Section 40.26 Transportation Office of the... Employer Responsibilities § 40.26 What form must an employer use to report Management Information System...

49 CFR 40.26 - What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency? 40.26 Section 40.26 Transportation Office of the... Employer Responsibilities § 40.26 What form must an employer use to report Management Information System...

49 CFR 40.26 - What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency? 40.26 Section 40.26 Transportation Office of the... Employer Responsibilities § 40.26 What form must an employer use to report Management Information System...

Anomalous x-ray diffraction on InAs/GaAs quantum dot systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulli, T. U.; Sztucki, M.; Chamard, V.; Metzger, T. H.; Schuh, D.

2002-07-01

Free-standing InAs quantum dots on a GaAs (001) substrate have been investigated using grazing incidence x-ray diffraction. To suppress the strong scattering contribution from the GaAs substrate, we performed anomalous diffraction experiments at the superstructure (200) reflection, showing that the relative intensities from the dots and the substrate undergo a significant change with the x-ray energy below and above the As K edge. Since the signal from the substrate material can essentially be suppressed, this method is ideally suited for the investigation of strain, shape, and interdiffusion of buried quantum dots and quantum dots embedded in heteroepitaxial multilayers. In addition, we show that it can be used as a tool for studying wetting layers.

Measuring the complex admittance and tunneling rate of a germanium hut wire hole quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan; Li, Shu-Xiao; Gao, Fei; Li, Hai-Ou; Xu, Gang; Wang, Ke; Liu, He; Cao, Gang; Xiao, Ming; Wang, Ting; Zhang, Jian-Jun; Guo, Guo-Ping

2018-05-01

We investigate the microwave reflectometry of an on-chip reflection line cavity coupled to a Ge hut wire hole quantum dot. The amplitude and phase responses of the cavity can be used to measure the complex admittance and evaluate the tunneling rate of the quantum dot, even in the region where transport signal through the quantum dot is too small to be measured by conventional direct transport means. The experimental observations are found to be in good agreement with a theoretical model of the hybrid system based on cavity frequency shift and linewidth shift. Our experimental results take the first step towards fast and sensitive readout of charge and spin states in Ge hut wire hole quantum dot.

Polarization control of quantum dot emission by chiral photonic crystal slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobanov, Sergey V.; Weiss, Thomas; Gippius, Nikolay A.; Tikhodeev, Sergei G.; Kulakovskii, Vladimir D.; Konishi, Kuniaki; Kuwata-Gonokami, Makoto

2015-04-01

We investigate theoretically the polarization properties of the quantum dot's optical emission from chiral photonic crystal structures made of achiral materials in the absence of external magnetic field at room temperature. The mirror symmetry of the local electromagnetic field is broken in this system due to the decreased symmetry of the chiral modulated layer. As a result, the radiation of randomly polarized quantum dots normal to the structure becomes partially circularly polarized. The sign and degree of circular polarization are determined by the geometry of the chiral modulated structure and depend on the radiation frequency. A degree of circular polarization up to 99% can be achieved for randomly distributed quantum dots, and can be close to 100% for some single quantum dots.

SU-F-T-323: A Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy Dose Distribution Study Using Nanodots and Films

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

Qian, X; Vaidya, K; Puckett, L

Purpose: In post-mastectomy radiation therapy (RT), skin dose must be accurately estimated to assess skin reactions such as erythema, desquamation and necrosis. Planning systems cannot always provide accurate dosimetry for target volumes distal to skin. Therefore, in-vivo dosimetry is necessary. A female anthropomorphic phantom was used with optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (nanoDots) to measure dose to chest wall skin. In addition, EBT2 films was employed to measure dose to left lung and heart in post-mastectomy RT. Methods: Films and nanoDots were calibrated under full buildup conditions at 100cm SAD for 6MV photons. Five pieces of films were placed between slabsmore » of Rando phantom to assess dose to left lung and heart. Two layers of 0.5cm thick bolus were used to cover the whole left chest. Six pairs of nanoDots were placed at medical and lateral aspects on the bolus surface, between the 0.5cm bolus layers, and under the bolus. Three control nanoDots were placed on chest wall to quantify imaging dose. The phantom was CT scanned with all dosimeters in place, and treatment planning was performed with tangential fields (200cGy). All dosimeters were contoured on CT and dose was extracted. NanoDots were read using nanoDot reader and films were scanned using film scanner. The measured and calculated doses were tabulated. Results: Dose to 12 nanoDots were evaluated. Dose variance for surface nanoDots were +3.8%, +2.7%, −5% and −9.8%. Those at lateral positions, with greater beam obliquity had larger variance than the medial positions. A similar trend was observed for other nanoDots (Table1). Point doses from films for heart and the left lung were 112.7cGy and 108.7cGy, with +10.2% and +9.04% deviation from calculated values, respectively. Conclusion: Dosimetry provided by the advanced planning system was verified using NanoDots and films. Both nanoDots and films provided good estimation of dose distribution in post-mastectomy RT.« less

A robotic multi-channel platform for interstitial photodynamic therapy

PubMed Central

Sharikova, Anna V.; Finlay, Jarod C.; Dimofte, Andreea; Zhu, Timothy C.

2015-01-01

A custom-made robotic multichannel platform for interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) was developed and tested in a phantom experiment. The system, which was compatible with the operating room (OR) environment, had 16 channels for independent positioning of light sources and/or isotropic detectors in separate catheters. Each channel’s motor had an optical encoder for position feedback, with resolution of 1.5 mm, and a maximum speed of 5 cm/s. Automatic calibration of detector positions was implemented using an optical diode beam that defined the starting position of each motor, and by means of feedback algorithms controlling individual channels. As a result, the accuracy of zero position of 0.1 mm for all channels was achieved. We have also employed scanning procedures where detectors automatically covered the appropriate range around source positions. Thus, total scan time for a typical optical properties (OP) measurement throughout the phantom was about 1.5 minutes with point sources. The OP were determined based on the measured light fluence rates. These enhancements allow a tremendous improvement of treatment quality for a bulk tumor compared to the systems employed in previous clinical trials. PMID:25914794

As-built design specification for P1A software system modified display subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, C. L.; Story, A. S. (Principal Investigator)

1980-01-01

This document contains the design of the proportional estimate processor which was written to satisfy the software requirement of Part A of the P1A experiment. The purposes of the project are: (1) to select the dots to be labelled; (2) to create tables of green numbers and brightness values for all selected dots per acquisition; (3) to create scatter plots of green numbers vs brightness for each acquisition for all selected dots. If labels have been provided then scatter plots of only categories of interest can be optionally produced; and (4) to produce trajectory plots of green number vs brightness at differing acquisition times for each dot. These plots need to be in the same order as the list of selected dots. When labels are provided only plots of dots of categories of interest are to be produced.

Performance of the dot product function in radiative transfer code SORD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korkin, Sergey; Lyapustin, Alexei; Sinyuk, Aliaksandr; Holben, Brent

2016-10-01

The successive orders of scattering radiative transfer (RT) codes frequently call the scalar (dot) product function. In this paper, we study performance of some implementations of the dot product in the RT code SORD using 50 scenarios for light scattering in the atmosphere-surface system. In the dot product function, we use the unrolled loops technique with different unrolling factor. We also considered the intrinsic Fortran functions. We show results for two machines: ifort compiler under Windows, and pgf90 under Linux. Intrinsic DOT_PRODUCT function showed best performance for the ifort. For the pgf90, the dot product implemented with unrolling factor 4 was the fastest. The RT code SORD together with the interface that runs all the mentioned tests are publicly available from ftp://maiac.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/skorkin/SORD_IP_16B (current release) or by email request from the corresponding (first) author.

DOT2: Macromolecular Docking With Improved Biophysical Models

PubMed Central

Roberts, Victoria A.; Thompson, Elaine E.; Pique, Michael E.; Perez, Martin S.; Eyck, Lynn Ten

2015-01-01

Computational docking is a useful tool for predicting macromolecular complexes, which are often difficult to determine experimentally. Here we present the DOT2 software suite, an updated version of the DOT intermolecular docking program. DOT2 provides straightforward, automated construction of improved biophysical models based on molecular coordinates, offering checkpoints that guide the user to include critical features. DOT has been updated to run more quickly, allow flexibility in grid size and spacing, and generate a complete list of favorable candidate configu-rations. Output can be filtered by experimental data and rescored by the sum of electrostatic and atomic desolvation energies. We show that this rescoring method improves the ranking of correct complexes for a wide range of macromolecular interactions, and demonstrate that biologically relevant models are essential for biologically relevant results. The flexibility and versatility of DOT2 accommodate realistic models of complex biological systems, improving the likelihood of a successful docking outcome. PMID:23695987

Studies of silicon quantum dots prepared at different substrate temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Agel, Faisal A.; Suleiman, Jamal; Khan, Shamshad A.

2017-03-01

In this research work, we have synthesized silicon quantum dots at different substrate temperatures 193, 153 and 123 K at a fixed working pressure 5 Torr. of Argon gas. The structural studies of these silicon quantum dots have been undertaken using X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The optical and electrical properties have been studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy and I-V measurement system. X-ray diffraction pattern of Si quantum dots prepared at different temperatures show the amorphous nature except for the quantum dots synthesized at 193 K which shows polycrystalline nature. FESEM images of samples suggest that the size of quantum dots varies from 2 to 8 nm. On the basis of UV-visible spectroscopy measurements, a direct band gap has been observed for Si quantum dots. FTIR spectra suggest that as-grown Si quantum dots are partially oxidized which is due exposure of as-prepared samples to air after taking out from the chamber. PL spectra of the synthesized silicon quantum dots show an intense peak at 444 nm, which may be attributed to the formation of Si quantum dots. Temperature dependence of dc conductivity suggests that the dc conductivity enhances exponentially by raising the temperature. On the basis above properties i.e. direct band gap, high absorption coefficient and high conductivity, these silicon quantum dots will be useful for the fabrication of solar cells.

Whispering gallery modes in photoluminescence and Raman spectra of a spherical microcavity with CdTe quantum dots: anti-Stokes emission and interference effects

PubMed Central

Gaponik, Nikolai; Gerlach, Matthias; Donegan, John F; Savateeva, Diana; Rogach, Andrey L

2006-01-01

We have studied the photoluminescence and Raman spectra of a system consisting of a polystyrene latex microsphere coated by CdTe colloidal quantum dots. The cavity-induced enhancement of the Raman scattering allows the observation of Raman spectra from only a monolayer of CdTe quantum dots. Periodic structure with very narrow peaks in the photoluminescence spectra of a single microsphere was detected both in the Stokes and anti-Stokes spectral regions, arising from the coupling between the emission of quantum dots and spherical cavity modes.

Analysis on nonlinear optical properties of Cd (Zn) Se quantum dots synthesized using three different stabilizing agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

J, Joy Sebastian Prakash; G, Vinitha; Ramachandran, Murugesan; Rajamanickam, Karunanithi

2017-10-01

Three different stabilizing agents, namely, L-cysteine, Thioglycolic acid and cysteamine hydrochloride were used to synthesize Cd(Zn)Se quantum dots (QDs). It was characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The non-linear optical properties (non-linear absorption and non-linear refraction) of synthesized Cd(Zn)Se quantum dots were studied with z-scan technique using diode pumped continuous wavelaser system at a wavelength of 532 nm. Our (organic) synthesized quantum dots showed optical properties similar to the inorganic materials reported elsewhere.

Can the oscillator strength of the quantum dot bandgap transition exceed unity?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hens, Z.

2008-10-01

We discuss the apparent contradiction between the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn sum rule for oscillator strengths and recent experimental data on the oscillator strength of the band gap transition of quantum dots. Starting from two simple single electron model systems, we show that the sum rule does not limit this oscillator strength to values below unity, or below the number of electrons in the highest occupied single electron state. The only upper limit the sum rule imposes on the oscillator strength of the quantum dot band gap transition is the total number of electrons in the quantum dot.

Spin relaxation in quantum dots due to electron exchange with leads.

PubMed

Vorontsov, A B; Vavilov, M G

2008-11-28

We calculate spin relaxation rates in lateral quantum dot systems due to electron exchange between dots and leads. Using rate equations, we develop a theoretical description of the experimentally observed electric current in the spin blockade regime of double quantum dots. A single expression fits the entire current profile and describes the structure of both the conduction peaks and the suppressed ("valley") region. Extrinsic rates calculated here have to be taken into account for accurate extraction of intrinsic relaxation rates due to the spin-orbit and hyperfine spin scattering mechanisms from spin blockade measurements.

The Legionella IcmSW Complex Directly Interacts with DotL to Mediate Translocation of Adaptor-Dependent Substrates

PubMed Central

Sutherland, Molly C.; Nguyen, Thuy Linh; Tseng, Victor; Vogel, Joseph P.

2012-01-01

Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative bacterium that replicates within human alveolar macrophages by evasion of the host endocytic pathway through the formation of a replicative vacuole. Generation of this vacuole is dependent upon the secretion of over 275 effector proteins into the host cell via the Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system (T4SS). The type IV coupling protein (T4CP) subcomplex, consisting of DotL, DotM, DotN, IcmS and IcmW, was recently defined. DotL is proposed to be the T4CP of the L. pneumophila T4SS based on its homology to known T4CPs, which function as inner-membrane receptors for substrates. As a result, DotL is hypothesized to play an integral role(s) in the L. pneumophila T4SS for the engagement and translocation of substrates. To elucidate this role, a genetic approach was taken to screen for dotL mutants that were unable to survive inside host cells. One mutant, dotLY725Stop, did not interact with the type IV adaptor proteins IcmS/IcmW (IcmSW) leading to the identification of an IcmSW-binding domain on DotL. Interestingly, the dotLY725Stop mutant was competent for export of one class of secreted effectors, the IcmSW-independent substrates, but exhibited a specific defect in secretion of IcmSW-dependent substrates. This differential secretion illustrates that DotL requires a direct interaction with the type IV adaptor proteins for the secretion of a major class of substrates. Thus, by identifying a new target for IcmSW, we have discovered that the type IV adaptors perform an additional role in the export of substrates by the L. pneumophila Dot/Icm T4SS. PMID:23028312

Selective Determination of Trinitrotoluene Based on Energy Transfer between Carbon Dots and Gold Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Oskoei, Yones Mosaei; Fattahi, Hassan; Hassanzadeh, Javad; Azar, Ali Mousavi

2016-01-01

A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system between carbon dots (C-dots) and amine-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for the selective determination of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). C-dots have an intrinsic florescence emission depending on their exciting wavelength. In the presence of AuNPs, C-dots adsorb on the Au surfaces, and NPs treat as energy acceptor, which can receive light emitted by C-dots, leading to decrease the fluorescence intensity of C-dots. Furthermore, it is observed that nitroaromatic compounds, especially TNT, could restore this fluorescence due to selective interaction with AuNPs via amine groups, and so releasing the C-dots. Based on this effect, a sensitive and selective fluorescence turn-on probe was designed for the determination of TNT. Some important factors including AuNPs and C-dot concentrations and media pH, which would affect the efficiency of the probe, were optimized. Under the optimum experimental conditions, good linear relationships in the range of 7 - 250 nmol L(-1) TNT with the detection limit of 2.2 nmol L(-1) were obtained. The proposed method was satisfactorily applied to the determination of TNT in the environmental water samples. Compared with previous reports, the developed method has relatively high sensitivity, short analysis time, low cost and ease of operation.

Facilitated preparation of bioconjugatable zwitterionic quantum dots using dual-lipid encapsulation.

PubMed

Shrake, Robert; Demillo, Violeta G; Ahmadiantehrani, Mojtaba; Zhu, Xiaoshan; Publicover, Nelson G; Hunter, Kenneth W

2015-01-01

Zwitterionic quantum dots prepared through incorporated zwitterionic ligands on quantum dot surfaces, are being paid significant attention in biomedical applications because of their excellent colloidal stability across a wide pH and ionic strength range, antifouling surface, good biocompatibility, etc. In this work, we report a dual-lipid encapsulation approach to prepare bioconjugatable zwitterionic quantum dots using amidosulfobetaine-16 lipids, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine lipids with functional head groups, and CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots in a tetrahydrofuran/methanol/water solvent system with sonication. Amidosulfobetaine-16 is a zwitterionic lipid and dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, with its functional head, provides bioconjugation capability. Under sonication, tetrahydrofuran/methanol containing amidosulfobetaine-16, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and hydrophobic quantum dots are dispersed in water to form droplets. Highly water-soluble tetrahydrofuran/methanol in droplets is further displaced by water, which induces the lipid self-assembling on hydrophobic surface of quantum dots and thus forms water soluble zwitterionic quantum dots. The prepared zwitterionic quantum dots maintain colloidal stability in aqueous solutions with high salinity and over a wide pH range. They are also able to be conjugated with biomolecules for bioassay with minimal nonspecific binding. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Cd-free InP/ZnS Quantum Dots Suitable for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Ellis, Matthew A; Grandinetti, Giovanna; Fichter, Katye M; Fichter, Kathryn M

2016-02-06

Fluorescent nanocrystals, specifically quantum dots, have been a useful tool for many biomedical applications. For successful use in biological systems, quantum dots should be highly fluorescent and small/monodisperse in size. While commonly used cadmium-based quantum dots possess these qualities, they are potentially toxic due to the possible release of Cd(2+) ions through nanoparticle degradation. Indium-based quantum dots, specifically InP/ZnS, have recently been explored as a viable alternative to cadmium-based quantum dots due to their relatively similar fluorescence characteristics and size. The synthesis presented here uses standard hot-injection techniques for effective nanoparticle growth; however, nanoparticle properties such as size, emission wavelength, and emission intensity can drastically change due to small changes in the reaction conditions. Therefore, reaction conditions such temperature, reaction duration, and precursor concentration should be maintained precisely to yield reproducible products. Because quantum dots are not inherently soluble in aqueous solutions, they must also undergo surface modification to impart solubility in water. In this protocol, an amphiphilic polymer is used to interact with both hydrophobic ligands on the quantum dot surface and bulk solvent water molecules. Here, a detailed protocol is provided for the synthesis of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS quantum dots that are suitable for use in biomedical applications.

Synthesis of Cd-free InP/ZnS Quantum Dots Suitable for Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Ellis, Matthew A.; Grandinetti, Giovanna; Fichter, Katye M.

2016-01-01

Fluorescent nanocrystals, specifically quantum dots, have been a useful tool for many biomedical applications. For successful use in biological systems, quantum dots should be highly fluorescent and small/monodisperse in size. While commonly used cadmium-based quantum dots possess these qualities, they are potentially toxic due to the possible release of Cd2+ ions through nanoparticle degradation. Indium-based quantum dots, specifically InP/ZnS, have recently been explored as a viable alternative to cadmium-based quantum dots due to their relatively similar fluorescence characteristics and size. The synthesis presented here uses standard hot-injection techniques for effective nanoparticle growth; however, nanoparticle properties such as size, emission wavelength, and emission intensity can drastically change due to small changes in the reaction conditions. Therefore, reaction conditions such temperature, reaction duration, and precursor concentration should be maintained precisely to yield reproducible products. Because quantum dots are not inherently soluble in aqueous solutions, they must also undergo surface modification to impart solubility in water. In this protocol, an amphiphilic polymer is used to interact with both hydrophobic ligands on the quantum dot surface and bulk solvent water molecules. Here, a detailed protocol is provided for the synthesis of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS quantum dots that are suitable for use in biomedical applications. PMID:26891282

Trespass prevention research study - West Palm Beach, FL

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-03-01

The United States Department of Transportations (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administrations John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administrati...

Noise measurement flight test of five light helicopters

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-07-01

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, (U.S.DOT/FAA), : along with the U.S. DOT, Research and Special Programs Administration, Volpe National : Transportation Systems Center (RSPA/Volpe Center) conducted a helicopter ...

Evaluation of FRA trespass prevention research study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

The United States Department of Transportations (US DOT) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the US DOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D), conduct...

Demonstration of Quantum Entanglement between a Single Electron Spin Confined to an InAs Quantum Dot and a Photon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaibley, J. R.; Burgers, A. P.; McCracken, G. A.; Duan, L.-M.; Berman, P. R.; Steel, D. G.; Bracker, A. S.; Gammon, D.; Sham, L. J.

2013-04-01

The electron spin state of a singly charged semiconductor quantum dot has been shown to form a suitable single qubit for quantum computing architectures with fast gate times. A key challenge in realizing a useful quantum dot quantum computing architecture lies in demonstrating the ability to scale the system to many qubits. In this Letter, we report an all optical experimental demonstration of quantum entanglement between a single electron spin confined to a single charged semiconductor quantum dot and the polarization state of a photon spontaneously emitted from the quantum dot’s excited state. We obtain a lower bound on the fidelity of entanglement of 0.59±0.04, which is 84% of the maximum achievable given the timing resolution of available single photon detectors. In future applications, such as measurement-based spin-spin entanglement which does not require sub-nanosecond timing resolution, we estimate that this system would enable near ideal performance. The inferred (usable) entanglement generation rate is 3×103s-1. This spin-photon entanglement is the first step to a scalable quantum dot quantum computing architecture relying on photon (flying) qubits to mediate entanglement between distant nodes of a quantum dot network.

Coupled-Double-Quantum-Dot Environmental Information Engines: A Numerical Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanabe, Katsuaki

2016-06-01

We conduct numerical simulations for an autonomous information engine comprising a set of coupled double quantum dots using a simple model. The steady-state entropy production rate in each component, heat and electron transfer rates are calculated via the probability distribution of the four electronic states from the master transition-rate equations. We define an information-engine efficiency based on the entropy change of the reservoir, implicating power generators that employ the environmental order as a new energy resource. We acquire device-design principles, toward the realization of corresponding practical energy converters, including that (1) higher energy levels of the detector-side reservoir than those of the detector dot provide significantly higher work production rates by faster states' circulation, (2) the efficiency is strongly dependent on the relative temperatures of the detector and system sides and becomes high in a particular Coulomb-interaction strength region between the quantum dots, and (3) the efficiency depends little on the system dot's energy level relative to its reservoir but largely on the antisymmetric relative amplitudes of the electronic tunneling rates.

Forcing of the Coupled Ionosphere-Thermosphere (IT) System During Magnetic Storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Cheryl; Huang, Yanshi; Su, Yi-Jiun; Sutton, Eric; Hairston, Marc; Coley, W. Robin; Doornbos, Eelco; Zhang, Yongliang

2014-01-01

Poynting flux shows peaks around auroral zone AND inside polar cap. Energy enters IT system at all local times in polar cap. Track-integrated flux at DMSP often peaks at polar latitudes- probably due to increased area of polar cap during storm main phases. center dot lon temperatures at DMSP show large increases in polar region at all local times; cusp and auroral zones do not show distinctively high Ti. center dot I on temperatures in the polar cap are higher than in the auroral zones during quiet times. center dot Neutral densities at GRACE and GOCE show maxima at polar latitudes without clear auroral signatures. Response is fast, minutes from onset to density peaks. center dot GUVI observations of O/N2 ratio during storms show similar response as direct measurements of ion and neutral densities, i.e. high temperatures in polar cap during prestorm quiet period, heating proceeding from polar cap to lower latitudes during storm main phase. center dot Discrepancy between maps of Poynting flux and of ion temperatures/neutral densities suggests that connection between Poynting flux and Joule heating is not simple.

Hydrazinonicotinamide prolongs quantum dot circulation and reduces reticuloendothelial system clearance by suppressing opsonization and phagocyte engulfment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Kyung-Ho; Park, Jin Won; Paik, Jin-Young; Lee, Eun Jeong; Choe, Yearn Seong; Lee, Kyung-Han

2012-12-01

In this study, we investigated the effects of hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC)—a bifunctional crosslinker widely used to 99mTc radiolabel protein and nanoparticles for imaging studies—on quantum dot opsonization, macrophage engulfment and in vivo kinetics. In streptavidin-coated quantum dots (SA-QDots), conjugation with HYNIC increased the net negative charge without affecting the zeta potential. Confocal microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting showed HYNIC attachment to suppress SA-QDot engulfment by macrophages. Furthermore, HYNIC conjugation suppressed surface opsonization by serum protein including IgG. When intravenously injected into mice, HYNIC conjugation significantly prolonged the circulation of SA-QDots and reduced their hepatosplenic uptake. Diminished reticuloendothelial system clearance of SA-QDots and aminoPEG-QDots by HYNIC conjugation was also demonstrated by in vivo and ex vivo optical imaging. The effects of HYNIC on the opsonization, phagocytosis and in vivo kinetics of quantum dots were reversed by removal of the hydrazine component from HYNIC. Thus, surface functionalization with HYNIC can improve the in vivo kinetics of quantum dots by reducing phagocytosis via suppression of surface opsonization.

Using Local Perturbations To Manipulate and Control Pointer States in Quantum Dot Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akis, Richard; Speyer, Gil; Ferry, David; Brunner, Roland

2012-02-01

Recently, scanning gate microscopy (SGM) was used to image scarred wave functions in an open InAs quantum dot[1]. The SGM tip provides a local potential perturbation and imaging is performed by measuring changes in conductance. Scarred wave functions, long associated with quantum chaos, have been shown in open dots to correspond to pointer states[2], eigenstates that survive the decoherence process that occurs via coupling to the environment. Pointer states modulate the conductance, yielding periodic fluctuations and the scars, normally thought unstable, are stabilized by quantum Darwinism [3]. We shall show that, beyond probing, pointer states can be manipulated by local perturbations. Particularly interesting effects occur in coupled quantum dot arrays, where a pointer state localized in one dot can be shifted over into another with a perturbation in a completely different part of the system. These nonlocal effects may perhaps be exploited to give such systems an exotic functionality. [1] A. M. Burke, R. Akis, T. E. Day, Gil Speyer, D. K. Ferry, and B. R. Bennett, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 176801 (2010). [2] D. K. Ferry, R. Akis, and J. P. Bird, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 176801 (2004). [3] R. Brunner, R. Akis,D. K. Ferry, F. Kuchar,and R. Meisels, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 024102 (2008).

Submentalizing or Mentalizing in a Level 1 Perspective-Taking Task: A Cloak and Goggles Test

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

It has been proposed that humans possess an automatic system to represent mental states (‘implicit mentalizing’). The existence of an implicit mentalizing system has generated considerable debate however, centered on the ability of various experimental paradigms to demonstrate unambiguously such mentalizing. Evidence for implicit mentalizing has previously been provided by the ‘dot perspective task,’ where participants are slower to verify the number of dots they can see when an avatar can see a different number of dots. However, recent evidence challenged a mentalizing interpretation of this effect by showing it was unaltered when the avatar was replaced with an inanimate arrow stimulus. Here we present an extension of the dot perspective task using an invisibility cloaking device to render the dots invisible on certain trials. This paradigm is capable of providing unambiguous evidence of automatic mentalizing, but no such evidence was found. Two further well-powered experiments used opaque and transparent goggles to manipulate visibility but found no evidence of automatic mentalizing, nor of individual differences in empathy or perspective-taking predicting performance, contradicting previous studies using the same design. The results cast doubt on the existence of an implicit mentalizing system, suggesting that previous effects were due to domain-general processes. PMID:27893269

Enhanced photoluminescence of corrugated Al2O3 film assisted by colloidal CdSe quantum dots.

PubMed

Bai, Zhongchen; Hao, Licai; Zhang, Zhengping; Huang, Zhaoling; Qin, Shuijie

2017-05-19

We present the enhanced photoluminescence (PL) of a corrugated Al 2 O 3 film enabled by colloidal CdSe quantum dots. The colloidal CdSe quantum dots are fabricated directly on a corrugated Al 2 O 3 substrate using an electrochemical deposition (ECD) method in a microfluidic system. The photoluminescence is excited by using a 150 nm diameter ultraviolet laser spot of a scanning near-field optical microscope. Owing to the electron transfer from the conduction band of the CdSe quantum dots to that of Al 2 O 3 , the enhanced photoluminescence effect is observed, which results from the increase in the recombination rate of electrons and holes on the Al 2 O 3 surface and the reduction in the fluorescence of the CdSe quantum dots. A periodically-fluctuating fluorescent spectrum was exhibited because of the periodical wire-like corrugated Al 2 O 3 surface serving as an optical grating. The spectral topographic map around the fluorescence peak from the Al 2 O 3 areas covered with CdSe quantum dots was unique and attributed to the uniform deposition of CdSe QDs on the corrugated Al 2 O 3 surface. We believe that the microfluidic ECD system and the surface enhanced fluorescence method described in this paper have potential applications in forming uniform optoelectronic films of colloidal quantum dots with controllable QD spacing and in boosting the fluorescent efficiency of weak PL devices.

Two-Photon Rabi Splitting in a Coupled System of a Nanocavity and Exciton Complexes.

PubMed

Qian, Chenjiang; Wu, Shiyao; Song, Feilong; Peng, Kai; Xie, Xin; Yang, Jingnan; Xiao, Shan; Steer, Matthew J; Thayne, Iain G; Tang, Chengchun; Zuo, Zhanchun; Jin, Kuijuan; Gu, Changzhi; Xu, Xiulai

2018-05-25

Two-photon Rabi splitting in a cavity-dot system provides a basis for multiqubit coherent control in a quantum photonic network. Here we report on two-photon Rabi splitting in a strongly coupled cavity-dot system. The quantum dot was grown intentionally large in size for a large oscillation strength and small biexciton binding energy. Both exciton and biexciton transitions couple to a high-quality-factor photonic crystal cavity with large coupling strengths over 130  μeV. Furthermore, the small binding energy enables the cavity to simultaneously couple with two exciton states. Thereby, two-photon Rabi splitting between the biexciton and cavity is achieved, which can be well reproduced by theoretical calculations with quantum master equations.

Two-Photon Rabi Splitting in a Coupled System of a Nanocavity and Exciton Complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Chenjiang; Wu, Shiyao; Song, Feilong; Peng, Kai; Xie, Xin; Yang, Jingnan; Xiao, Shan; Steer, Matthew J.; Thayne, Iain G.; Tang, Chengchun; Zuo, Zhanchun; Jin, Kuijuan; Gu, Changzhi; Xu, Xiulai

2018-05-01

Two-photon Rabi splitting in a cavity-dot system provides a basis for multiqubit coherent control in a quantum photonic network. Here we report on two-photon Rabi splitting in a strongly coupled cavity-dot system. The quantum dot was grown intentionally large in size for a large oscillation strength and small biexciton binding energy. Both exciton and biexciton transitions couple to a high-quality-factor photonic crystal cavity with large coupling strengths over 130 μ eV . Furthermore, the small binding energy enables the cavity to simultaneously couple with two exciton states. Thereby, two-photon Rabi splitting between the biexciton and cavity is achieved, which can be well reproduced by theoretical calculations with quantum master equations.

Dynamics of plasmonic field polarization induced by quantum coherence in quantum dot-metallic nanoshell structures.

PubMed

Sadeghi, S M

2014-09-01

When a hybrid system consisting of a semiconductor quantum dot and a metallic nanoparticle interacts with a laser field, the plasmonic field of the metallic nanoparticle can be normalized by the quantum coherence generated in the quantum dot. In this Letter, we study the states of polarization of such a coherent-plasmonic field and demonstrate how these states can reveal unique aspects of the collective molecular properties of the hybrid system formed via coherent exciton-plasmon coupling. We show that transition between the molecular states of this system can lead to ultrafast polarization dynamics, including sudden reversal of the sense of variations of the plasmonic field and formation of circular and elliptical polarization.

Scanning gate imaging of two coupled quantum dots in single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Zhou, Xin; Hedberg, James; Miyahara, Yoichi; Grutter, Peter; Ishibashi, Koji

2014-12-12

Two coupled single wall carbon nanotube quantum dots in a multiple quantum dot system were characterized by using a low temperature scanning gate microscopy (SGM) technique, at a temperature of 170 mK. The locations of single wall carbon nanotube quantum dots were identified by taking the conductance images of a single wall carbon nanotube contacted by two metallic electrodes. The single electron transport through single wall carbon nanotube multiple quantum dots has been observed by varying either the position or voltage bias of a conductive atomic force microscopy tip. Clear hexagonal patterns were observed in the region of the conductance images where only two sets of overlapping conductance rings are visible. The values of coupling capacitance over the total capacitance of the two dots, C(m)/C(1(2)) have been extracted to be 0.21 ∼ 0.27 and 0.23 ∼ 0.28, respectively. In addition, the interdot coupling (conductance peak splitting) has also been confirmed in both conductance image measurement and current-voltage curves. The results show that a SGM technique enables spectroscopic investigation of coupled quantum dots even in the presence of unexpected multiple quantum dots.

Atomistic analysis of valley-orbit hybrid states and inter-dot tunnel rates in a Si double quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferdous, Rifat; Rahman, Rajib; Klimeck, Gerhard

2014-03-01

Silicon quantum dots are promising candidates for solid-state quantum computing due to the long spin coherence times in silicon, arising from small spin-orbit interaction and a nearly spin free host lattice. However, the conduction band valley degeneracy adds an additional degree of freedom to the electronic structure, complicating the encoding and operation of qubits. Although the valley and the orbital indices can be uniquely identified in an ideal silicon quantum dot, atomic-scale disorder mixes valley and orbital states in realistic dots. Such valley-orbit hybridization, strongly influences the inter-dot tunnel rates.Using a full-band atomistic tight-binding method, we analyze the effect of atomic-scale interface disorder in a silicon double quantum dot. Fourier transform of the tight-binding wavefunctions helps to analyze the effect of disorder on valley-orbit hybridization. We also calculate and compare inter-dot inter-valley and intra-valley tunneling, in the presence of realistic disorder, such as interface tilt, surface roughness, alloy disorder, and interface charges. The method provides a useful way to compute electronic states in realistically disordered systems without any posteriori fitting parameters.

State-conditional coherent charge qubit oscillations in a Si/SiGe quadruple quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, Daniel R.; Kim, Dohun; Savage, Donald E.; Lagally, Max G.; Foote, Ryan H.; Friesen, Mark; Coppersmith, Susan N.; Eriksson, Mark A.

2016-10-01

Universal quantum computation requires high-fidelity single-qubit rotations and controlled two-qubit gates. Along with high-fidelity single-qubit gates, strong efforts have been made in developing robust two-qubit logic gates in electrically gated quantum dot systems to realise a compact and nanofabrication-compatible architecture. Here we perform measurements of state-conditional coherent oscillations of a charge qubit. Using a quadruple quantum dot formed in a Si/SiGe heterostructure, we show the first demonstration of coherent two-axis control of a double quantum dot charge qubit in undoped Si/SiGe, performing Larmor and Ramsey oscillation measurements. We extract the strength of the capacitive coupling between a pair of double quantum dots by measuring the detuning energy shift (≈75 μeV) of one double dot depending on the excess charge configuration of the other double dot. We further demonstrate that the strong capacitive coupling allows fast, state-conditional Landau-Zener-Stückelberg oscillations with a conditional π phase flip time of about 80 ps, showing a promising pathway towards multi-qubit entanglement and control in semiconductor quantum dots.

State-conditional coherent charge qubit oscillations in a Si/SiGe quadruple quantum dot

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

Ward, Daniel R.; Kim, Dohun; Savage, Donald E.

Universal quantum computation requires high-fidelity single-qubit rotations and controlled two-qubit gates. Along with high-fidelity single-qubit gates, strong efforts have been made in developing robust two-qubit logic gates in electrically gated quantum dot systems to realise a compact and nanofabrication-compatible architecture. Here we perform measurements of state-conditional coherent oscillations of a charge qubit. Using a quadruple quantum dot formed in a Si/SiGe heterostructure, we show the first demonstration of coherent two-axis control of a double quantum dot charge qubit in undoped Si/SiGe, performing Larmor and Ramsey oscillation measurements. We extract the strength of the capacitive coupling between a pair of doublemore » quantum dots by measuring the detuning energy shift (≈75 μeV) of one double dot depending on the excess charge configuration of the other double dot. Finally, we further demonstrate that the strong capacitive coupling allows fast, state-conditional Landau–Zener–Stückelberg oscillations with a conditional π phase flip time of about 80 ps, showing a promising pathway towards multi-qubit entanglement and control in semiconductor quantum dots.« less

State-conditional coherent charge qubit oscillations in a Si/SiGe quadruple quantum dot

DOE PAGES

Ward, Daniel R.; Kim, Dohun; Savage, Donald E.; ...

2016-10-18

Universal quantum computation requires high-fidelity single-qubit rotations and controlled two-qubit gates. Along with high-fidelity single-qubit gates, strong efforts have been made in developing robust two-qubit logic gates in electrically gated quantum dot systems to realise a compact and nanofabrication-compatible architecture. Here we perform measurements of state-conditional coherent oscillations of a charge qubit. Using a quadruple quantum dot formed in a Si/SiGe heterostructure, we show the first demonstration of coherent two-axis control of a double quantum dot charge qubit in undoped Si/SiGe, performing Larmor and Ramsey oscillation measurements. We extract the strength of the capacitive coupling between a pair of doublemore » quantum dots by measuring the detuning energy shift (≈75 μeV) of one double dot depending on the excess charge configuration of the other double dot. Finally, we further demonstrate that the strong capacitive coupling allows fast, state-conditional Landau–Zener–Stückelberg oscillations with a conditional π phase flip time of about 80 ps, showing a promising pathway towards multi-qubit entanglement and control in semiconductor quantum dots.« less

Three-dimensional high-speed optical coherence tomography imaging of lamina cribrosa in glaucoma.

PubMed

Inoue, Ryo; Hangai, Masanori; Kotera, Yuriko; Nakanishi, Hideo; Mori, Satoshi; Morishita, Shiho; Yoshimura, Nagahisa

2009-02-01

To evaluate the appearance of the optic nerve head and lamina cribrosa in patients with glaucoma using spectral/Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to test for a correlation between lamina cribrosa thickness measured on SD-OCT images and visual field loss. Observational case series. We evaluated 52 eyes of 30 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The high-speed SD-OCT equipment used was a prototype system developed for 3-dimensional (3D) imaging. It had a sensitivity of 98 decibels (dB), a tissue axial resolution of 4.3 mum, and an acquisition rate of approximately 18,700 axial scans per second. For 3D analyses, a raster scan protocol of 256 x 256 axial scans covering a 2.8 x 2.8 mm disc area was used. Lamina cribrosa thickness was measured on 3D images using 3D image processing software. Correlation between lamina cribrosa thickness and mean deviation (MD) values obtained using static automatic perimetry were tested for statistical significance. Clarity of lamina cribrosa features, lamina cribrosa thickness, and MD values on static automatic perimetry. On 3D images, the lamina cribrosa appeared clearly as a highly reflective plate that was bowed posteriorly and contained many circular areas of low reflectivity. The dots of low reflectivity visible just beneath the anterior surface of the lamina cribrosa in en face cross-sections corresponded with dots representing lamina pores in color fundus photographs. The mean (+/-1 standard deviation) thickness of the lamina cribrosa was 190.5+/-52.7 mum (range, 80.5-329.0). Spearman rank testing and linear regression analysis showed that lamina cribrosa thickness correlated significantly with MD (Spearman sigma = 0.744; P<0.001; r(2) = 0.493; P<0.001). Different observers performed measurements of the lamina cribrosa thickness in SD-OCT cross-sectional images with high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.784). These 3D SD-OCT imaging clearly demonstrated the 3D structure of the lamina cribrosa and allowed measurement of its thickness, which correlated significantly with visual field loss, in living patients with glaucoma. This noninvasive imaging technique should facilitate investigations of structural changes in the optic nerve head lamina cribrosa in eyes with optic nerve damage due to glaucoma. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Enhancement of the thermoelectric efficiency in a T-shaped quantum dot system in the linear and nonlinear regimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez-Silva, G.; Orellana, P. A.; Anda, E. V.

2018-02-01

In the present work, we investigate the thermoelectric properties of a T-shaped double quantum dot system coupled to two metallic leads incorporating the intra-dot Coulomb interaction. We explore the role of the interference effects and Coulomb blockade on the thermoelectric efficiency of the system in the linear and nonlinear regimes. We studied as well the effect of a Van-Hove singularity of the leads density of states (DOS) at the neighborhood of the Fermi energy, a situation that can be obtained using a carbon nanotube, a graphene nano-ribbon or other contacts with one-dimensional properties. The system is studied above the Kondo temperature. The Coulomb blockade of the electronic charges is studied using the Hubbard III approximation, which properly describes the transport properties of this regime. In the linear response, our results show an enhancement of the thermopower and the figure of merit of the system. For a nonlinear situation, we calculate the thermoelectric efficiency and power output, concluding that the T-shaped double quantum dot is an efficient thermoelectric device. Moreover, we demonstrate the great importance of the DOS Van-Hove singularity at the neighborhood of the Fermi energy to obtain a very significant increase in the thermoelectric efficiency of the system.

Contribution of dot-blot assay to the diagnosis and management of myositis: a three-year practice at a university hospital centre.

PubMed

Martel, Clothilde; Vignaud, Guillaume; Liozon, Eric; Magy, Laurent; Gallouedec, Gael; Ly, Kim; Bezanahary, Holly; Cypierre, Anne; Lapébie, François-Xavier; Palat, Sylvain; Gondran, Guillaume; Jauberteau, Marie-Odile; Fauchais, Anne-Laure

2016-01-01

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are heterogeneous autoimmune diseases with wide clinical spectrum that may lead to delayed diagnosis. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of IIM-specific dot-blot assay on diagnostic process of patients presenting with muscular or systemic symptoms evocating of IIM. We collected all the prescriptions of an IIM specific dot-blot assay (8 autoantigens including Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, SRP, Mi-2, Ku, PM/Scl and Scl-70) over a 38-month period. 316 myositis dot-blot assays (MSD) were performed in 274 patients (156 women, mean age 53±10.6 years) referring for muscular and/or systemic symptoms suggesting IIM. The timing of dot prescription through the diagnostic process was highly variable: without (35%), concomitantly (16%) or after electromyographic studies (35%). Fifty-nine patients (22%) had IIM according to Bohan and Peter's criteria. Among them, 29 (49%) had positive dot (8 Jo-1, 6 PM-Scl, 5 PL-12, 5 SRP, 2 Mi-2, 2 PL-7 and 1 Ku). Various other diagnoses were performed including 35 autoimmune disease or granulomatosis (12%), 19 inflammatory rheumatic disease (7%), 16 non inflammatory muscular disorders (6%), 10 drug-induced myalgia (4%), 11 infectious myositis (4%). Except 11 borderline SRP results and one transient PM-Scl, MSD was positive only in one case of IIM. Dot allowed clinicians to correct diagnosis in 4 cases and improved the diagnosis of IIM subtypes in 4 cases. This study reflects the interest of myositis dot in the rapid diagnosis process of patients with non-specific muscular symptoms leading to various diagnoses including IIM.

Determinants of health system delay at public and private directly observed treatment, short course facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Adejumo, Olusola Adedeji; Daniel, Olusoji James; Otesanya, Andrew Folarin; Adejumo, Esther Ngozi

2016-09-01

Despite several studies on health system delay (HSD) among tuberculosis (TB) patients in Nigeria, no study has compared HSD in private and public health facilities. This study assessed the determinants of HSD in public and private health facilities offering the directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 470 new smear-positive TB patients aged 14years and older were consecutively recruited between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, from 34 (23 public and 11 private) DOTS facilities that offered treatment and microscopy services. Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression were used to assess the determinants of HSD. The median HSD was longer at public DOTS facilities (14days; interquartile range [IQR] 10-21days) than private DOTS facilities (12.5days; IQR 10.0-14.0days, p=.002). Age and human immunodeficiency virus status were determinants of HSD at the public DOTS facilities, whereas sex and income were determinants of HSD at the private DOTS facilities. TB patients who first visited a nonhospital facility were over four times more likely (odds ratio 4.12; 95% confidence interval 2.25-7.54) to have prolonged HSD than those who first visited the government hospital when they first developed the symptoms of TB after controlling for other factors in the model. Determinants of HSD at the public and private DOTS facilities vary. Strategies to reduce HSD at both public and private DOTS facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria, are urgently needed. Copyright © 2016 Asian-African Society for Mycobacteriology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An impurity-induced gap system as a quantum data bus for quantum state transfer

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

Chen, Bing, E-mail: chenbingphys@gmail.com; Li, Yong; Song, Z.

2014-09-15

We introduce a tight-binding chain with a single impurity to act as a quantum data bus for perfect quantum state transfer. Our proposal is based on the weak coupling limit of the two outermost quantum dots to the data bus, which is a gapped system induced by the impurity. By connecting two quantum dots to two sites of the data bus, the system can accomplish a high-fidelity and long-distance quantum state transfer. Numerical simulations for finite system show that the numerical and analytical results of the effective coupling strength agree well with each other. Moreover, we study the robustness ofmore » this quantum communication protocol in the presence of disorder in the couplings between the nearest-neighbor quantum dots. We find that the gap of the system plays an important role in robust quantum state transfer.« less

U.S. DOT support to the president's innovation agenda : briefing and discussion.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-07-27

1. Introduction and Overview of DOT Organization, Mission, and Goals)(Peter Appel, RITA) : 2. White House Perspective on Innovation (Tom Kalil, OSTP) : 3. Briefings on Highlighted Innovations : -Intelligent Transportation Systems (Shelley Row, RITA) ...

Warrants and criteria for installing and sunsetting TxDOT ITS equipment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-01-01

Over the past several decades, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has made a significant : investment in deploying and developing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) devices, such as closedcircuit : television (CCTV), traffic sensors...

Preliminary results of the trespass prevention research study in West Palm Beach, Florida

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-16

The United States Department of Transportations (US : DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administrations : John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe : Center), under the direction of the US DOT Federal Railroad : Administ...

MnDOT research program strategic plan 2017-2022.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

In response to the top transportation trends in Minnesota, and opportunities and challenges facing its transportation system, MnDOT has developed this five-year Research Program Strategic Plan (2017 2022) to take stock of its research portfolio, ...

Legislative Guide for Grassroots Action

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-08-30

Since Clarus was introduced in 2004, interest in and use of the system has increased substantially. By May 31, 2009, 33 state departments of transportation (DOT), three local DOTs, and three Canadian provinces were contributing their Road Weather Inf...

Evaluation of LED Sign Technology at a Passive Highway-Rail Grade Crossing

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-02-01

The U.S. Department of Transportations (DOT) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of DOTs Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology (ORD), conducted...

TXDOT ITS strategic plan 2013.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

TxDOTs mission is to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for the citizens of Texas. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) can play a pivotal role in meeting that mission. TxDOT can take advantage of advanced and emerging technolo...

WisDOT statewide customer satisfaction survey : [project brief].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is a major public agency with numerous customers utilizing a variety of services and programs to support the entire statewide multimodal transportation system. The department also houses the Divisio...

Operating guidelines for TxDOT ramp control signals.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) currently maintains a Traffic Signals Manual. : Originally published in 1999, this manual provides a guide and reference for handling requests : for traffic signals on the designated State Highway System...

Annual Technology Transfer Report FY 2017

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-04-01

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is the Federal steward of the Nation's transportation system. U.S. DOT consists of multiple modal operating administrations (OAs) that carry out mission-related research, development, and technology (R...

North Carolina DOT traffic separation studies. Volume II, Findings by community.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-09-01

The Federal Railroad Administration requested the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) to assess the Traffic Separation Study (TSS) process developed by the North Carolina Department ...

Spectroscopy of Charged Quantum Dot Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinaff, E. A.; Scheibner, M.; Bracker, A. S.; Ponomarev, I. V.; Ware, M. E.; Doty, M. F.; Reinecke, T. L.; Gammon, D.; Korenev, V. L.

2006-03-01

Spins of single charges in quantum dots are attractive for many quantum information and spintronic proposals. Scalable quantum information applications require the ability to entangle and operate on multiple spins in coupled quantum dots (CQDs). To further the understanding of these systems, we present detailed spectroscopic studies of InAs CQDs with control of the discrete electron or hole charging of the system. The optical spectrum reveals a pattern of energy anticrossings and crossings in the photoluminescence as a function of applied electric field. These features can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations of the two dots and represent clear signatures of quantum mechanical coupling. The molecular resonance leading to these anticrossings is achieved at different electric fields for the optically excited (trion) states and the ground (hole) states allowing for the possibility of using the excited states for optically induced coupling of the qubits.

Mechanofluorochromic Carbon Nanodots: Controllable Pressure-Triggered Blue- and Red-Shifted Photoluminescence.

PubMed

Liu, Cui; Xiao, Guanjun; Yang, Mengli; Zou, Bo; Zhang, Zhi-Ling; Pang, Dai-Wen

2018-02-12

Mechanofluorochromic materials, which change their photoluminescence (PL) colors in responding to mechanical stimuli, can be used as mechanosensors, security papers, and photoelectronic devices. However, traditional mechanofluorochromic materials can only be adjusted to a monotone direction upon the external stimuli. Controllable pressure-triggered blue- and red-shifted PL is reported for C-dots. The origin of mechanofluorochromism (MFC) in C-dots is interpreted based on structure-property relationships. The carbonyl group and the π-conjugated system play key roles in the PL change of C-dots under high pressure. As the pressure increases, the enhanced π-π stacking of the π-conjugated system causes the red-shift of PL, while the conversion of carbonyl groups eventually induces a blue-shift. Together with their low toxicity, good hydrophilicity, and small size, the tunable MFC property would boost various potential applications of C-dots. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The structural and optical properties of GaSb/InGaAs type-II quantum dots grown on InP (100) substrate

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

We have investigated the structural and optical properties of type-II GaSb/InGaAs quantum dots [QDs] grown on InP (100) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. Rectangular-shaped GaSb QDs were well developed and no nanodash-like structures which could be easily found in the InAs/InP QD system were formed. Low-temperature photoluminescence spectra show there are two peaks centered at 0.75eV and 0.76ev. The low-energy peak blueshifted with increasing excitation power is identified as the indirect transition from the InGaAs conduction band to the GaSb hole level (type-II), and the high-energy peak is identified as the direct transition (type-I) of GaSb QDs. This material system shows a promising application on quantum-dot infrared detectors and quantum-dot field-effect transistor. PMID:22277096

Correlated Coulomb Drag in Capacitively Coupled Quantum-Dot Structures.

PubMed

Kaasbjerg, Kristen; Jauho, Antti-Pekka

2016-05-13

We study theoretically Coulomb drag in capacitively coupled quantum dots (CQDs)-a bias-driven dot coupled to an unbiased dot where transport is due to Coulomb mediated energy transfer drag. To this end, we introduce a master-equation approach that accounts for higher-order tunneling (cotunneling) processes as well as energy-dependent lead couplings, and identify a mesoscopic Coulomb drag mechanism driven by nonlocal multielectron cotunneling processes. Our theory establishes the conditions for a nonzero drag as well as the direction of the drag current in terms of microscopic system parameters. Interestingly, the direction of the drag current is not determined by the drive current, but by an interplay between the energy-dependent lead couplings. Studying the drag mechanism in a graphene-based CQD heterostructure, we show that the predictions of our theory are consistent with recent experiments on Coulomb drag in CQD systems.

A fabrication guide for planar silicon quantum dot heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spruijtenburg, Paul C.; Amitonov, Sergey V.; van der Wiel, Wilfred G.; Zwanenburg, Floris A.

2018-04-01

We describe important considerations to create top-down fabricated planar quantum dots in silicon, often not discussed in detail in literature. The subtle interplay between intrinsic material properties, interfaces and fabrication processes plays a crucial role in the formation of electrostatically defined quantum dots. Processes such as oxidation, physical vapor deposition and atomic-layer deposition must be tailored in order to prevent unwanted side effects such as defects, disorder and dewetting. In two directly related manuscripts written in parallel we use techniques described in this work to create depletion-mode quantum dots in intrinsic silicon, and low-disorder silicon quantum dots defined with palladium gates. While we discuss three different planar gate structures, the general principles also apply to 0D and 1D systems, such as self-assembled islands and nanowires.

Entanglement in a quantum neural network based on quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altaisky, M. V.; Zolnikova, N. N.; Kaputkina, N. E.; Krylov, V. A.; Lozovik, Yu E.; Dattani, N. S.

2017-05-01

We studied the quantum correlations between the nodes in a quantum neural network built of an array of quantum dots with dipole-dipole interaction. By means of the quasiadiabatic path integral simulation of the density matrix evolution in a presence of the common phonon bath we have shown the coherence in such system can survive up to the liquid nitrogen temperature of 77 K and above. The quantum correlations between quantum dots are studied by means of calculation of the entanglement of formation in a pair of quantum dots with the typical dot size of a few nanometers and interdot distance of the same order. We have shown that the proposed quantum neural network can keep the mixture of entangled states of QD pairs up to the above mentioned high temperatures.

Cavity-photon contribution to the effective interaction of electrons in parallel quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, Vidar; Sitek, Anna; Abdullah, Nzar Rauf; Tang, Chi-Shung; Manolescu, Andrei

2016-05-01

A single cavity photon mode is expected to modify the Coulomb interaction of an electron system in the cavity. Here we investigate this phenomena in a parallel double quantum dot system. We explore properties of the closed system and the system after it has been opened up for electron transport. We show how results for both cases support the idea that the effective electron-electron interaction becomes more repulsive in the presence of a cavity photon field. This can be understood in terms of the cavity photons dressing the polarization terms in the effective mutual electron interaction leading to nontrivial delocalization or polarization of the charge in the double parallel dot potential. In addition, we find that the effective repulsion of the electrons can be reduced by quadrupolar collective oscillations excited by an external classical dipole electric field.

Low bias negative differential conductance and reversal of current in coupled quantum dots in different topological configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devi, Sushila; Brogi, B. B.; Ahluwalia, P. K.; Chand, S.

2018-06-01

Electronic transport through asymmetric parallel coupled quantum dot system hybridized between normal leads has been investigated theoretically in the Coulomb blockade regime by using Non-Equilibrium Green Function formalism. A new decoupling scheme proposed by Rabani and his co-workers has been adopted to close the chain of higher order Green's functions appearing in the equations of motion. For resonant tunneling case; the calculations of current and differential conductance have been presented during transition of coupled quantum dot system from series to symmetric parallel configuration. It has been found that during this transition, increase in current and differential conductance of the system occurs. Furthermore, clear signatures of negative differential conductance and negative current appear in series case, both of which disappear when topology of system is tuned to asymmetric parallel configuration.

Design optimization of large-size format edge-lit light guide units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hastanin, J.; Lenaerts, C.; Fleury-Frenette, K.

2016-04-01

In this paper, we present an original method of dot pattern generation dedicated to large-size format light guide plate (LGP) design optimization, such as photo-bioreactors, the number of dots greatly exceeds the maximum allowable number of optical objects supported by most common ray-tracing software. In the proposed method, in order to simplify the computational problem, the original optical system is replaced by an equivalent one. Accordingly, an original dot pattern is splitted into multiple small sections, inside which the dot size variation is less than the ink dots printing typical resolution. Then, these sections are replaced by equivalent cells with continuous diffusing film. After that, we adjust the TIS (Total Integrated Scatter) two-dimensional distribution over the grid of equivalent cells, using an iterative optimization procedure. Finally, the obtained optimal TIS distribution is converted into the dot size distribution by applying an appropriate conversion rule. An original semi-empirical equation dedicated to rectangular large-size LGPs is proposed for the initial guess of TIS distribution. It allows significantly reduce the total time needed to dot pattern optimization.

A Transfer Hamiltonian Model for Devices Based on Quantum Dot Arrays

PubMed Central

Illera, S.; Prades, J. D.; Cirera, A.; Cornet, A.

2015-01-01

We present a model of electron transport through a random distribution of interacting quantum dots embedded in a dielectric matrix to simulate realistic devices. The method underlying the model depends only on fundamental parameters of the system and it is based on the Transfer Hamiltonian approach. A set of noncoherent rate equations can be written and the interaction between the quantum dots and between the quantum dots and the electrodes is introduced by transition rates and capacitive couplings. A realistic modelization of the capacitive couplings, the transmission coefficients, the electron/hole tunneling currents, and the density of states of each quantum dot have been taken into account. The effects of the local potential are computed within the self-consistent field regime. While the description of the theoretical framework is kept as general as possible, two specific prototypical devices, an arbitrary array of quantum dots embedded in a matrix insulator and a transistor device based on quantum dots, are used to illustrate the kind of unique insight that numerical simulations based on the theory are able to provide. PMID:25879055

A transfer hamiltonian model for devices based on quantum dot arrays.

PubMed

Illera, S; Prades, J D; Cirera, A; Cornet, A

2015-01-01

We present a model of electron transport through a random distribution of interacting quantum dots embedded in a dielectric matrix to simulate realistic devices. The method underlying the model depends only on fundamental parameters of the system and it is based on the Transfer Hamiltonian approach. A set of noncoherent rate equations can be written and the interaction between the quantum dots and between the quantum dots and the electrodes is introduced by transition rates and capacitive couplings. A realistic modelization of the capacitive couplings, the transmission coefficients, the electron/hole tunneling currents, and the density of states of each quantum dot have been taken into account. The effects of the local potential are computed within the self-consistent field regime. While the description of the theoretical framework is kept as general as possible, two specific prototypical devices, an arbitrary array of quantum dots embedded in a matrix insulator and a transistor device based on quantum dots, are used to illustrate the kind of unique insight that numerical simulations based on the theory are able to provide.

Mitigating Cyber Security Risk in Satellite Ground Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

because cyber security in government remains shrouded in secrecy. However, using the Defense Operational Test and Evaluation Office’s (DOT& E ) FY14...report on cybersecurity one grasps the seriousness of the problem. DOT& E reported only 85% of networks in DoD were compliant with the cyber...security regulations discussed later in this paper. Not until compliance is near 100% could DOT& E conceive with confidence that DoD networks were safe

Biotransformation in Double-Phase Systems: Physiological Responses of Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E to a Double Phase Made of Aliphatic Alcohols and Biosynthesis of Substituted Catechols

PubMed Central

Rojas, Antonia; Duque, Estrella; Schmid, Andreas; Hurtado, Ana; Ramos, Juan-Luis; Segura, Ana

2004-01-01

Pseudomonas putida strain DOT-T1E is highly tolerant to organic solvents, with a logPow (the logarithm of the partition coefficient of a solvent in a two-phase water-octanol system of ≥2.5. Solvent tolerant microorganisms can be exploited to develop double-phase (organic solvent and water) biotransformation systems in which toxic substrates or products are kept in the organic phase. We tested P. putida DOT-T1E tolerance to different aliphatic alcohols with a logPow value between 2 and 4, such as decanol, nonanol, and octanol, which are potentially useful in biotransformations in double-phase systems in which compounds with a logPow around 1.5 are produced. P. putida DOT-T1E responds to aliphatic alcohols as the second phase through cis-to-trans isomerization of unsaturated cis fatty acids and through efflux of these aliphatic alcohols via a series of pumps that also extrude aromatic hydrocarbons. These defense mechanisms allow P. putida DOT-T1E to survive well in the presence of high concentrations of the aliphatic alcohols, and growth with nonanol or decanol occurred at a high rate, whereas in the presence of an octanol double-phase growth was compromised. Our results support that the logPow of aliphatic alcohols correlates with their toxic effects, as octanol (logPow = 2.9) has more negative effects in P. putida cells than 1-nonanol (logPow = 3.4) or 1-decanol (logPow = 4). A P. putida DOT-T1E derivative bearing plasmid pWW0-xylE::Km transforms m-xylene (logPow = 3.2) into 3-methylcatechol (logPow = 1.8). The amount of 3-methylcatechol produced in an aliphatic alcohol/water bioreactor was 10- to 20-fold higher than in an aqueous medium, demonstrating the usefulness of double-phase systems for this particular biotransformation. PMID:15184168

Effect of the Semiconductor Quantum Dot Shell Structure on Fluorescence Quenching by Acridine Ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linkov, P. A.; Vokhmintcev, K. V.; Samokhvalov, P. S.; Laronze-Cochard, M.; Sapi, J.; Nabiev, I. R.

2018-02-01

The main line of research in cancer treatment is the development of methods for early diagnosis and targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. Fluorescent semiconductor core/shell nanocrystals of quantum dots (e.g., CdSe/ZnS) conjugated with an anticancer drug, e.g., an acridine derivative, allow real-time tracking and control of the process of the drug delivery to tumors. However, linking of acridine derivatives to a quantum dot can be accompanied by quantum dot fluorescence quenching caused by electron transfer from the quantum dot to the organic molecule. In this work, it has been shown that the structure of the shell of the quantum dot plays the decisive role in the process of photoinduced charge transfer from the quantum dot to the acridine ligand, which is responsible for fluorescence quenching. It has been shown that multicomponent ZnS/CdS/ZnS shells of CdSe cores of quantum dots, which have a relatively small thickness, make it possible to significantly suppress a decrease in the quantum yield of fluorescence of quantum dots as compared to both the classical ZnS thin shell and superthick shells of the same composition. Thus, core/multicomponent shell CdSe/ZnS/CdS/ZnS quantum dots can be used as optimal fluorescent probes for the development of systems for diagnosis and treatment of cancer with the use of anticancer compounds based on acridine derivatives.

Internalization of targeted quantum dots by brain capillary endothelial cells in vivo.

PubMed

Paris-Robidas, Sarah; Brouard, Danny; Emond, Vincent; Parent, Martin; Calon, Frédéric

2016-04-01

Receptors located on brain capillary endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier are the target of most brain drug delivery approaches. Yet, direct subcellular evidence of vectorized transport of nanoformulations into the brain is lacking. To resolve this question, quantum dots were conjugated to monoclonal antibodies (Ri7) targeting the murine transferrin receptor. Specific transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis of Ri7-quantum dots was first confirmed in N2A and bEnd5 cells. After intravenous injection in mice, Ri7-quantum dots exhibited a fourfold higher volume of distribution in brain tissues, compared to controls. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Ri7-quantum dots were sequestered throughout the cerebral vasculature 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h post injection, with a decline of signal intensity after 24 h. Transmission electron microscopic studies confirmed that Ri7-quantum dots were massively internalized by brain capillary endothelial cells, averaging 37 ± 4 Ri7-quantum dots/cell 1 h after injection. Most quantum dots within brain capillary endothelial cells were observed in small vesicles (58%), with a smaller proportion detected in tubular structures or in multivesicular bodies. Parenchymal penetration of Ri7-quantum dots was extremely low and comparable to control IgG. Our results show that systemically administered Ri7-quantum dots complexes undergo extensive endocytosis by brain capillary endothelial cells and open the door for novel therapeutic approaches based on brain endothelial cell drug delivery. © The Author(s) 2015.

The effect and fate of water-soluble carbon nanodots in maize (Zea mays L.).

PubMed

Chen, Jing; Dou, Runzhi; Yang, Zhongzhou; Wang, Xiaoping; Mao, Chuanbin; Gao, Xiang; Wang, Li

2016-08-01

In this study, the toxicity of water-soluble carbon nanodots (C-dots) to maize (Zea mays L.) and their uptake and transport in plants were investigated. After exposed in sand matrix amended with 0-2000 mg/L C-dots for 4 weeks, we found that the phytotoxicity of C-dots was concentration-dependent. C-dots at 250 and 500 mg/L showed no toxicity to maize. However, 1000 and 2000 mg/L C-dots significantly reduced the fresh weight of root by 57% and 68%, and decreased the shoot fresh weight by 38% and 72%, respectively. Moreover, in maize roots, the exposure of C-dots at 2000 mg/L significantly increased the H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation (6.5 and 1.65 times higher, respectively), as well as, the antioxidant enzymes activities, up to 2, 1.5, 1.9 and 1.9 times higher for catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, respectively. On the other hand, C-dots were observed in detached root-cap cells, cortex and vascular bundle of roots and mesophyll cells of leaves through fluorescence microscopy analysis, suggesting that C-dots were absorbed and translocated systemically in maize. Remarkably, a certain amount of C-dots were excreted out from leaf blade. To our knowledge, this is the first study combined phenotypic observation with physiologic responses and bioaccumulation and translocation analysis of C-dots to investigate their effect and fate in maize.

Temperature dependence of spectral linewidth of InAs/InP quantum dot distributed feedback lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, J.; Huang, H.; Schires, K.; Poole, P. J.; Wang, C.; Grillot, F.

2018-02-01

In this paper, we investigate the temperature dependence of spectral linewidth of InAs/InP quantum dot distributed feedback lasers. In comparison with their quantum well counterparts, results show that quantum dot lasers have spectral linewidths rather insensitive to the temperature with minimum values below 200 kHz in the range of 283K to 303K. The experimental results are also well confirmed by numerical simulations. Overall, this work shows that quantum dot lasers are excellent candidates for various applications such as coherent communication systems, high-resolution spectroscopy, high purity photonic microwave generation and on-chip atomic clocks.

Sustained Satellite Missions for Climate Data Records

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, David

2012-01-01

Satellite CDRs possess the accuracy, longevity, and stability for sustained moni toring of critical variables to enhance understanding of the global integrated Earth system and predict future conditions. center dot Satellite CDRs are a critical element of a global climate observing system. center dot Satellite CDRs are a difficult challenge and require high - level managerial commitment, extensive intellectual capital, and adequate funding.

Report from the Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This project assists the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in assessing the potential impacts of the Panama Canal expansion on Texas ports and the landside transportation system. TxDOT formed a Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group (PCSWG) ...

Culvert rating guide : August 2009.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

The purpose of this Culvert Rating Guide is to present a clear, repeatable and valid procedure for Texas : Department of Transportation (TxDOT) engineers and their consultants to use for load rating culverts in the TxDOT : roadway system. : The Ameri...

TxDOT ITS data archiving research project activities

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

The objective of this project was to assemble guidance for the Texas Department of Trasportation (TxDOT) in further developing data archiving systems across the state. This guidance, which is contained in the companion Report 2127-3, includes informa...

Statewide crash analysis and forecasting.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-11-20

There is a need for the development of safety analysis tools to allow Penn DOT to better assess the safety performance of road : segments in the Commonwealth. The project utilized a safety management system database at Penn DOT that integrates crash,...

Entanglement loss in molecular quantum-dot qubits due to interaction with the environment.

PubMed

Blair, Enrique P; Tóth, Géza; Lent, Craig S

2018-05-16

We study quantum entanglement loss due to environmental interaction in a condensed matter system with a complex geometry relevant to recent proposals for computing with single electrons at the nanoscale. We consider a system consisting of two qubits, each realized by an electron in a double quantum dot, which are initially in an entangled Bell state. The qubits are widely separated and each interacts with its own environment. The environment for each is modeled by surrounding double quantum dots placed at random positions with random orientations. We calculate the unitary evolution of the joint system and environment. The global state remains pure throughout. We examine the time dependence of the expectation value of the bipartite Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) and Brukner-Paunković-Rudolph-Vedral (BPRV) Bell operators and explore the emergence of correlations consistent with local realism. Though the details of this transition depend on the specific environmental geometry, we show how the results can be mapped on to a universal behavior with appropriate scaling. We determine the relevant disentanglement times based on realistic physical parameters for molecular double-dots.

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.

Entanglement loss in molecular quantum-dot qubits due to interaction with the environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blair, Enrique P.; Tóth, Géza; Lent, Craig S.

2018-05-01

We study quantum entanglement loss due to environmental interaction in a condensed matter system with a complex geometry relevant to recent proposals for computing with single electrons at the nanoscale. We consider a system consisting of two qubits, each realized by an electron in a double quantum dot, which are initially in an entangled Bell state. The qubits are widely separated and each interacts with its own environment. The environment for each is modeled by surrounding double quantum dots placed at random positions with random orientations. We calculate the unitary evolution of the joint system and environment. The global state remains pure throughout. We examine the time dependence of the expectation value of the bipartite Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt (CHSH) and Brukner–Paunković–Rudolph–Vedral (BPRV) Bell operators and explore the emergence of correlations consistent with local realism. Though the details of this transition depend on the specific environmental geometry, we show how the results can be mapped on to a universal behavior with appropriate scaling. We determine the relevant disentanglement times based on realistic physical parameters for molecular double-dots.

Simultaneous deterministic control of distant qubits in two semiconductor quantum dots.

PubMed

Gamouras, A; Mathew, R; Freisem, S; Deppe, D G; Hall, K C

2013-10-09

In optimal quantum control (OQC), a target quantum state of matter is achieved by tailoring the phase and amplitude of the control Hamiltonian through femtosecond pulse-shaping techniques and powerful adaptive feedback algorithms. Motivated by recent applications of OQC in quantum information science as an approach to optimizing quantum gates in atomic and molecular systems, here we report the experimental implementation of OQC in a solid-state system consisting of distinguishable semiconductor quantum dots. We demonstrate simultaneous high-fidelity π and 2π single qubit gates in two different quantum dots using a single engineered infrared femtosecond pulse. These experiments enhance the scalability of semiconductor-based quantum hardware and lay the foundation for applications of pulse shaping to optimize quantum gates in other solid-state systems.

[Patient-centered medicine for tuberculosis medical services].

PubMed

Fujita, Akira; Narita, Tomoyo

2012-12-01

The 2011 edition of Specific Guiding Principles for Tuberculosis Prevention calls for a streamlined medical services system capable of providing medical care that is customized to the patient's needs. The new 21st Century Japanese version of the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) expands the indication of DOTS to all tuberculosis (TB) patients in need of treatment. Hospital DOTS consists of comprehensive, patient-centered support provided by a DOTS care team. For DOTS in the field, health care providers should select optimal administration support based on patient profiles and local circumstances. In accordance with medical fee revisions for 2012, basic inpatient fees have been raised and new standards for TB hospitals have been established, the result of efforts made by the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis and other associated groups. It is important that the medical care system be improved so that patients can actively engage themselves as a member of the team, for the ultimate goal of practicing patient-centered medicine. We have organized this symposium to explore the best ways for practicing patient-centered medicine in treating TB. It is our sincere hope that this symposium will lead to improved medical treatment for TB patients. 1. Providing patient-centered TB service via utilization of collaborative care pathway: Akiko MATSUOKA (Hiroshima Prefectural Tobu Public Health Center) We have been using two types of collaborative care pathway as one of the means of providing patient-centered TB services since 2008. The first is the clinical pathway, which is mainly used by TB specialist doctors to communicate with local practitioners on future treatment plan (e.g. medication and treatment duration) of patients. The clinical pathway was first piloted in Onomichi district and its use was later expanded to the whole of Hiroshima prefecture. The second is the regional care pathway, which is used to share treatment progress, test results and other necessary patient information among the relevant parties. The regional care pathway was developed by the Tobu Public Health Center. It is currently being used by several other public health centers in Hiroshima. Utilization of these two pathways has resulted in improved adherence, treatment being offered at local clinics, shorter hospitalization and better treatment outcomes. 2. Patient-centered DOTS in Funabashi-city: Akiko UOZUMI (Funabashi-city Public Health Center) In Funabashi-city, all TB patients, including those with LTBI, are treated under DOTS which recognizes and tries to accommodate the various different needs of each individual patient. For example, various types of DOTS are offered, such as pharmacy-based DOTS and DOTS supported by caregivers of nursing homes. This enables public health nurses to take into consideration both the results of risk assessment and convenience for the patient, and choose DOTS which most effectively support the patient. Furthermore, DOTS in principle is offered face-to-face, so that DOTS providers may not only build relationship of trust with the patient, but also to collect and analyze the necessary information regarding the patient and respond timely when problems arise. Such effort has directly contributed to improved default and treatment rate. 3. Hospital DOTS and clinical path for the treatment of tuberculosis: Kentaro SAKASHITA, Akira FUJITA (Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center) We introduced a version of hospital DOTS at Tama Medical Center (formerly Fuchu Hospital) in 2004. As part of this three-stage version, patients are allowed to progress to the next stage if they meet the step-up criteria. Following the introduction of this hospital DOTS, the occurrence of drug administration-related incidents decreased and support for patient adherence became easier for health care workers than before. In 2006, we developed a clinical path based on this hospital DOTS with consistent eligibility criteria for patients. This clinical path helped increase the efficiency of medical services in the TB ward. In conclusion, a patient's initiative for tuberculosis treatment can be supported through our hospital's TB treatment system. 4. Survey of TB patients' understanding and satisfaction of hospital DOTS: Yoko NAGATA, Minako URAKAWA, Noriko KOBAYASHI, Seiya KATO (Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association) We surveyed the satisfaction and understanding of recently discharged TB patients regarding DOTS to analyze how to better implement DOTS. The questionnaire consisted of nine items covering knowledge of TB, comfort in talking to and asking questions of the medical staff, explanations given to family members, and motivation for continuing medication. Two hundred and eight of the 228 patients who accepted the questionnaire responded (response rate: 91.2%). The level of understanding and satisfaction tended to be higher among patients in hospitals that employed a primary nursing system, more coverage and duration of DOT, and audiovisual materials for patient education. The level of understanding and satisfaction also tended to be slightly higher among institutions that conducted in-hospital conferences and collaborated with public health centers more frequently. 5. Medical cooperative system against tuberculosis elimination: Dai YOSHIZAWA (Tuberculosis and Infectious disease control division, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) There are 3 points we should consider. First, despite one of the intermediate burden countries, emphasis for infectious incidence is insufficient. Besides new incidence decreases gradually, increased ratio of the elderly causes necessity of implementation against each complications. The second is how find infectious one, especially from high burden countries, before they spread it. Final, unspecific symptoms suffer the patients and medical staff. It's the key of implementation that spread of tuberculosis must be caused by delayed diagnosis.

Non-blinking quantum dot with a plasmonic nanoshell resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Botao; Giovanelli, Emerson; Habert, Benjamin; Spinicelli, Piernicola; Nasilowski, Michel; Xu, Xiangzhen; Lequeux, Nicolas; Hugonin, Jean-Paul; Marquier, Francois; Greffet, Jean-Jacques; Dubertret, Benoit

2015-02-01

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are fluorescent nanocrystals exhibiting exceptional optical properties, but their emission intensity strongly depends on their charging state and local environment. This leads to blinking at the single-particle level or even complete fluorescence quenching, and limits the applications of quantum dots as fluorescent particles. Here, we show that a single quantum dot encapsulated in a silica shell coated with a continuous gold nanoshell provides a system with a stable and Poissonian emission at room temperature that is preserved regardless of drastic changes in the local environment. This novel hybrid quantum dot/silica/gold structure behaves as a plasmonic resonator with a strong Purcell factor, in very good agreement with simulations. The gold nanoshell also acts as a shield that protects the quantum dot fluorescence and enhances its resistance to high-power photoexcitation or high-energy electron beams. This plasmonic fluorescent resonator opens the way to a new family of plasmonic nanoemitters with robust optical properties.

Quantum Dot-Based Luminescent Oxygen Channeling Assay for Potential Application in Homogeneous Bioassays.

PubMed

Zhuang, Si-Hui; Guo, Xin-Xin; Wu, Ying-Song; Chen, Zhen-Hua; Chen, Yao; Ren, Zhi-Qi; Liu, Tian-Cai

2016-01-01

The unique photoproperties of quantum dots are promising for potential application in bioassays. In the present study, quantum dots were applied to a luminescent oxygen channeling assay. The reaction system developed in this study was based on interaction of biotin with streptavidin. Carboxyl-modified polystyrene microspheres doped with quantum dots were biotinylated and used as acceptors. Photosensitizer-doped carboxyl-modified polystyrene microspheres were conjugated with streptavidin and used as donors. The results indicated that the singlet oxygen that was released from the donor beads diffused into the acceptor beads. The acceptor beads were then exited via thioxene, and were subsequently fluoresced. To avoid generating false positives, a high concentration (0.01 mg/mL) of quantum dots is required for application in homogeneous immunoassays. Compared to a conventional luminescent oxygen channeling assay, this quantum dots-based technique requires less time, and would be easier to automate and miniaturize because it requires no washing to remove excess labels.

Non-enzymatic-browning-reaction: a versatile route for production of nitrogen-doped carbon dots with tunable multicolor luminescent display.

PubMed

Wei, Weili; Xu, Can; Wu, Li; Wang, Jiasi; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

2014-01-06

The non-enzymatic browning, namely Maillard reaction is commonly invoked to account for abiotic chemical transformations of organic matter. Here we report a new reaction pathway via the Maillard reaction to systematically synthesize a series of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (C-dots) with superhigh quantum yield (QY) and tunable multicolor luminescent displayment. The starting materials are glucose and the serial amino acid analogues which allow systemically controlling luminescent and physicochemical properties of C-dots at will. Unexpectedly, the as-prepared C-dots possess bright photoluminescence with QY up to 69.1% which is almost the highest ever reported, favorable biocompatibility, excellent aqueous and nonaqueous dispersibility, ultrahigh photostability, and readily functionalization. We have demonstrated that they are particularly suitable for multicolor luminescent display and long-term and real-time cellular imaging. Furthermore, the methodology is readily scalable to large yield, and can provide sufficient amount of C-dots for practical demands.

Non-Enzymatic-Browning-Reaction: A Versatile Route for Production of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots with Tunable Multicolor Luminescent Display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Weili; Xu, Can; Wu, Li; Wang, Jiasi; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

2014-01-01

The non-enzymatic browning, namely Maillard reaction is commonly invoked to account for abiotic chemical transformations of organic matter. Here we report a new reaction pathway via the Maillard reaction to systematically synthesize a series of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (C-dots) with superhigh quantum yield (QY) and tunable multicolor luminescent displayment. The starting materials are glucose and the serial amino acid analogues which allow systemically controlling luminescent and physicochemical properties of C-dots at will. Unexpectedly, the as-prepared C-dots possess bright photoluminescence with QY up to 69.1% which is almost the highest ever reported, favorable biocompatibility, excellent aqueous and nonaqueous dispersibility, ultrahigh photostability, and readily functionalization. We have demonstrated that they are particularly suitable for multicolor luminescent display and long-term and real-time cellular imaging. Furthermore, the methodology is readily scalable to large yield, and can provide sufficient amount of C-dots for practical demands.

Majorana modes and Kondo effect in a quantum dot attached to a topological superconducting wire (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vernek, Edson; Ruiz-Tijerina, David; da Silva, Luis D.; Egues, José Carlos

2015-09-01

Quantum dot attached to topological wires has become an interesting setup to study Majorana bound state in condensed matter[1]. One of the major advantage of using a quantum dot for this purpose is that it provides a suitable manner to study the interplay between Majorana bound states and the Kondo effect. Recently we have shown that a non-interacting quantum dot side-connected to a 1D topological superconductor and to metallic normal leads can sustain a Majorana mode even when the dot is empty. This is due to the Majorana bound state of the wire leaking into the quantum dot. Now we investigate the system for the case in which the quantum dot is interacting[3]. We explore the signatures of a Majorana zero-mode leaking into the quantum dot, using a recursive Green's function approach. We then study the Kondo regime using numerical renormalization group calculations. In this regime, we show that a "0.5" contribution to the conductance appears in system due to the presence of the Majorana mode, and that it persists for a wide range of the dot parameters. In the particle-hole symmetric point, in which the Kondo effect is more robust, the total conductance reaches 3e^2/2h, clearly indicating the coexistence of a Majorana mode and the Kondo resonance in the dot. However, the Kondo effect is suppressed by a gate voltage that detunes the dot from its particle-hole symmetric point as well as by a Zeeman field. The Majorana mode, on the other hand, is almost insensitive to both of them. We show that the zero-bias conductance as a function of the magnetic field follows a well-known universal curve. This can be observed experimentally, and we propose that this universality followed by a persistent conductance of 0.5,e^2/h are evidence for the presence of Majorana-Kondo physics. This work is supported by the Brazilians agencies FAPESP, CNPq and FAPEMIG. [1] A. Y. Kitaev, Ann.Phys. {bf 303}, 2 (2003). [2] E. Vernek, P.H. Penteado, A. C. Seridonio, J. C. Egues, Phys. Rev. B {bf 89}, 165314 (2014). [3] David A. Ruiz-Tijerina, E. Vernek, Luis G. G. V. Dias da Silva, J. C. Egues, arXiv:1412.1851 [cond-mat.mes-hall].

Functional surface engineering of C-dots for fluorescent biosensing and in vivo bioimaging.

PubMed

Ding, Changqin; Zhu, Anwei; Tian, Yang

2014-01-21

Nanoparticles are promising scaffolds for applications such as imaging, chemical sensors and biosensors, diagnostics, drug delivery, catalysis, energy, photonics, medicine, and more. Surface functionalization of nanoparticles introduces an additional dimension in controlling nanoparticle interfacial properties and provides an effective bridge to connect nanoparticles to biological systems. With fascinating photoluminescence properties, carbon dots (C-dots), carbon-containing nanoparticles that are attracting considerable attention as a new type of quantum dot, are becoming both an important class of imaging probes and a versatile platform for engineering multifunctional nanosensors. In order to transfer C-dots from proof-of-concept studies toward real world applications such as in vivo bioimaging and biosensing, careful design and engineering of C-dot probes is becoming increasingly important. A comprehensive knowledge of how C-dot surfaces with various properties behave is essential for engineering C-dots with useful imaging properties such as high quantum yield, stability, and low toxicity, and with desirable biosensing properties such as high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy. Several reviews in recent years have reported preparation methods and properties of C-dots and described their application in biosensors, catalysis, photovoltatic cells, and more. However, no one has yet systematically summarized the surface engineering of C-dots, nor the use of C-dots as fluorescent nanosensors or probes for in vivo imaging in cells, tissues, and living organisms. In this Account, we discuss the major design principles and criteria for engineering the surface functionality of C-dots for biological applications. These criteria include brightness, long-term stability, and good biocompatibility. We review recent developments in designing C-dot surfaces with various functionalities for use as nanosensors or as fluorescent probes with fascinating analytical performance, and we emphasize applications in bioimaging and biosensing in live cells, tissues, and animals. In addition, we highlight our work on the design and synthesis of a C-dot ratiometric biosensor for intracellular Cu(2+) detection, and a twophoton fluorescent probe for pH measurement in live cells and tissues. We conclude this Account by outlining future directions in engineering the functional surface of C-dots for a variety of in vivo imaging applications, including dots with combined targeting, imaging and therapeutic-delivery capabilities, or high-resolution multiplexed vascular imaging. With each application C-dots should open new horizons of multiplexed quantitative detection, high-resolution fluorescence imaging, and long-term, real-time monitoring of their target.

Multifunctional SA-PProDOT Binder for Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Ling, Min; Qiu, Jingxia; Li, Sheng; Yan, Cheng; Kiefel, Milton J; Liu, Gao; Zhang, Shanqing

2015-07-08

An environmentally benign, highly conductive, and mechanically strong binder system can overcome the dilemma of low conductivity and insufficient mechanical stability of the electrodes to achieve high performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs) at a low cost and in a sustainable way. In this work, the naturally occurring binder sodium alginate (SA) is functionalized with 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (ProDOT) via a one-step esterification reaction in a cyclohexane/dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (DBSA)/water microemulsion system, resulting in a multifunctional polymer binder, that is, SA-PProDOT. With the synergetic effects of the functional groups (e.g., carboxyl, hydroxyl, and ester groups), the resultant SA-PProDOT polymer not only maintains the outstanding binding capabilities of sodium alginate but also enhances the mechanical integrity and lithium ion diffusion coefficient in the LiFePO4 (LFP) electrode during the operation of the batteries. Because of the conjugated network of the PProDOT and the lithium doping under the battery environment, the SA-PProDOT becomes conductive and matches the conductivity needed for LiFePO4 LIBs. Without the need of conductive additives such as carbon black, the resultant batteries have achieved the theoretical specific capacity of LiFePO4 cathode (ca. 170 mAh/g) at C/10 and ca. 120 mAh/g at 1C for more than 400 cycles.

Oxide double quantum dot - an answer to the qubit problem?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yarlagadda, Sudhakar; Dey, Amit

We propose that oxide-based double quantum dots with only one electron (tunnelling between the dots) can be regarded as a qubit with little decoherence; these dots can possibly meet future challenges of miniaturization. The tunnelling of the eg electron between the dots and the attraction between the electron and the hole on adjacent dots can be modelled as an anisotropic Heisenberg interaction between two spins with the total z-component of the spins being zero. We study two anisotropically interacting spins coupled to optical phonons; we restrict our analysis to the regime of strong coupling to the environment, to the antiadiabatic region, and to the subspace with zero value for SzT (the z-component of the total spin). In the case where each spin is coupled to a different phonon bath, we assume that the system and the environment are initially uncorrelated (and form a simply separable state) in the polaronic frame of reference. By analyzing the polaron dynamics through a non-Markovian quantum master equation, we find that the system manifests a small amount of decoherence that decreases both with increasing nonadiabaticity and with enhancing strength of coupling g. Recently I got an invitation to visit Argonne National Lab from Jan./2106 to end of March/2016. I thought I would give a talk at APS March meeting. Please accept the submission.

Optical tomographic imaging for breast cancer detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cong, Wenxiang; Intes, Xavier; Wang, Ge

2017-09-01

Diffuse optical breast imaging utilizes near-infrared (NIR) light propagation through tissues to assess the optical properties of tissues for the identification of abnormal tissue. This optical imaging approach is sensitive, cost-effective, and does not involve any ionizing radiation. However, the image reconstruction of diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a nonlinear inverse problem and suffers from severe illposedness due to data noise, NIR light scattering, and measurement incompleteness. An image reconstruction method is proposed for the detection of breast cancer. This method splits the image reconstruction problem into the localization of abnormal tissues and quantification of absorption variations. The localization of abnormal tissues is performed based on a well-posed optimization model, which can be solved via a differential evolution optimization method to achieve a stable reconstruction. The quantification of abnormal absorption is then determined in localized regions of relatively small extents, in which a potential tumor might be. Consequently, the number of unknown absorption variables can be greatly reduced to overcome the underdetermined nature of DOT. Numerical simulation experiments are performed to verify merits of the proposed method, and the results show that the image reconstruction method is stable and accurate for the identification of abnormal tissues, and robust against the measurement noise of data.

Multimodal imaging findings in 'hyper-early' stage MEWDS.

PubMed

Cahuzac, Armelle; Wolff, Benjamin; Mathis, Thibaud; Errera, Marie-Hélène; Sahel, José-Alain; Mauget-Faÿsse, Martine

2017-10-01

To describe a new stage of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), occurring at a very early phase of the disease. Retrospective analysis of clinical, angiographic and tomographic findings in four patients with 'hyper-early' stage MEWDS. In four patients seen within 1 week of the onset of symptoms, fundus analysis revealed macular granity and the classic yellow-white dots, some having no corresponding hyperautofluorescent pattern. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed central foveal disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and interdigitation layer with a hyper-reflective dome-shaped lesion. In two patients, fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed an intermediate hypofluorescent perimacular halo, whereas late indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) showed a hyperfluorescent halo as well as the classic MEWDS features. After a few days, the EZ disruption appeared complete on OCT and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in all patients. Visual acuity, OCT and FAF findings had fully recovered within 3 months. We have shown a new feature of MEWDS on FAF, OCT, FA and ICGA, corresponding to a very early stage of the disease. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Three-dimensional imaging for precise structural control of Si quantum dot networks for all-Si solar cells.

PubMed

Kourkoutis, Lena F; Hao, Xiaojing; Huang, Shujuan; Puthen-Veettil, Binesh; Conibeer, Gavin; Green, Martin A; Perez-Wurfl, Ivan

2013-08-21

All-Si tandem solar cells based on Si quantum dots (QDs) are a promising approach to future high-performance, thin film solar cells using abundant, stable and non-toxic materials. An important prerequisite to achieve a high conversion efficiency in such cells is the ability to control the geometry of the Si QD network. This includes the ability to control both, the size and arrangement of Si QDs embedded in a higher bandgap matrix. Using plasmon tomography we show the size, shape and density of Si QDs, that form in Si rich oxide (SRO)/SiO2 multilayers upon annealing, can be controlled by varying the SRO stoichiometry. Smaller, more spherical QDs of higher densities are obtained at lower Si concentrations. In richer SRO layers ellipsoidal QDs tend to form. Using electronic structure calculations within the effective mass approximation we show that ellipsoidal QDs give rise to reduced inter-QD coupling in the layer. Efficient carrier transport via mini-bands is in this case more likely across the multilayers provided the SiO2 spacer layer is thin enough to allow coupling in the vertical direction.

Partnering for transportation safety : human-centered systems : operator fatigue management conference

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-01-01

This Conference was intended to enlist support for, and participation in, a new multi-modal DOT safety initiative. This initiative builds on the modal agency programs within DOT to develop techniques that transportation operating companies can employ...

Calibration factors handbook : safety prediction models calibrated with Texas highway system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-01

Highway safety is an ongoing concern to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). As part of its : proactive commitment to improving highway safety, TxDOT is moving toward including quantitative safety : analyses earlier in the project developm...

Research to develop an ITS strategic plan for Texas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

TxDOTs mission is to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for the citizens of Texas. Intelligent : transportation systems (ITS) can play a pivotal role in meeting that mission. TxDOT can take advantage of : advanced and emerging tech...

Clarus success stories : using Clarus data to improve operations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-06-25

Since Clarus was introduced in 2004, interest in and use of the system has increased substantially. By May 31, 2009, 33 state departments of transportation (DOT), three local DOTs, and three Canadian provinces were contributing their Road Weather Inf...

Dundalk area truck impact study : final project report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-11-01

The Baltimore City DOT requested the U.S. DOTs John A. Volpe National Transportation : Systems Center (Volpe Center) to assist the City in improving residents quality of life and the : ease of businesses in moving freight in and through the far...

Designing artificial 2D crystals with site and size controlled quantum dots.

PubMed

Xie, Xuejun; Kang, Jiahao; Cao, Wei; Chu, Jae Hwan; Gong, Yongji; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Banerjee, Kaustav

2017-08-30

Ordered arrays of quantum dots in two-dimensional (2D) materials would make promising optical materials, but their assembly could prove challenging. Here we demonstrate a scalable, site and size controlled fabrication of quantum dots in monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), and quantum dot arrays with nanometer-scale spatial density by focused electron beam irradiation induced local 2H to 1T phase change in MoS 2 . By designing the quantum dots in a 2D superlattice, we show that new energy bands form where the new band gap can be controlled by the size and pitch of the quantum dots in the superlattice. The band gap can be tuned from 1.81 eV to 1.42 eV without loss of its photoluminescence performance, which provides new directions for fabricating lasers with designed wavelengths. Our work constitutes a photoresist-free, top-down method to create large-area quantum dot arrays with nanometer-scale spatial density that allow the quantum dots to interfere with each other and create artificial crystals. This technique opens up new pathways for fabricating light emitting devices with 2D materials at desired wavelengths. This demonstration can also enable the assembly of large scale quantum information systems and open up new avenues for the design of artificial 2D materials.

Suppressed Kondo effect and Kosterlitz-Thouless-type phase transition induced by level difference in a triple dot device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Yong-Chen; Huang, Hai-Ming; Zhao, Wen-Lei; Laref, Amel

2017-10-01

Quantum dot system provides an ideal platform for quantum information processing, within which to demonstrate the quantum states is one of the most important issue for quantum simulation and quantum computation. In this paper, we report a peculiar electron state in a parallel triple dot device where the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction is invalid when the level differences of the dots sweep into appropriate regime. This extraordinary tendency then results in an antiferromagnetic spin coupling between two of the dots and may lead to zero or full conductance, relying deeply on the relation of the two level spacings. e.g. when the level differences are kept equal, the Kondo effect is totally suppressed although the dots are triply occupied, since in this case a local inter-dot transport loop is found to play an important role in the transmission coefficient. By contrast, when the differences are retained symmetric, the Kondo peak reaches nearly to its unitary limit, owing to that the inter-dot transport process is significantly suppressed. To approach these problems, voltage controllable quantum phase transitions of Kosterlitz-Thouless type and first order are shown, and possible pictures related to the many-body effect and the effective Kondo model are given.

Tuberculosis Costs in Spain and Related Factors.

PubMed

Gullón, José Antonio; García-García, José María; Villanueva, Manuel Ángel; Álvarez-Navascues, Fernando; Rodrigo, Teresa; Casals, Martí; Anibarro, Luis; García-Clemente, Marta María; Jiménez, María Ángeles; Bustamante, Ana; Penas, Antón; Caminero, José Antonio; Caylà, Joan

2016-12-01

To analyze the direct and indirect costs of diagnosis and management of tuberculosis (TB) and associated factors. Prospective study of patients diagnosed with TB between September 2014 and September 2015. We calculated direct (hospital stays, visits, diagnostic tests, and treatment) and indirect (sick leave and loss of productivity, contact tracing, and rehabilitation) costs. The following cost-related variables were compared: age, gender, country of origin, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, sensitivity testing, treatment, resistance, directed observed therapy (DOT), and days of sick leave. Proportions were compared using the chi-squared test and significant variables were included in a logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. 319 patients were included with a mean age of 56.72±20.79 years. The average cost was €10,262.62±14,961.66, which increased significantly when associated with hospital admission, polymerase chain reaction, sputum smears and cultures, sensitvity testing, chest computed tomography, pleural biopsy, drug treatment longer than nine months, DOT and sick leave. In the multivariate analysis, hospitalization (OR=96.8; CI 29-472), sensitivity testing (OR=4.34; CI 1.71-12.1), chest CT (OR= 2.25; CI 1.08-4.77), DOT (OR=20.76; CI 4.11-148) and sick leave (OR=26,9; CI 8,51-122) showed an independent association with cost. Tuberculosis gives rise to significant health spending. In order to reduce these costs, more control of transmission, and fewer hospital admissions would be required. Copyright © 2016 SEPAR. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Aptamer- and nucleic acid enzyme-based systems for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes

DOEpatents

Lu, Yi [Champaign, IL; Liu, Juewen [Albuquerque, NM

2011-11-15

The present invention provides aptamer- and nucleic acid enzyme-based systems for simultaneously determining the presence and optionally the concentration of multiple analytes in a sample. Methods of utilizing the system and kits that include the sensor components are also provided. The system includes a first reactive polynucleotide that reacts to a first analyte; a second reactive polynucleotide that reacts to a second analyte; a third polynucleotide; a fourth polynucleotide; a first particle, coupled to the third polynucleotide; a second particle, coupled to the fourth polynucleotide; and at least one quencher, for quenching emissions of the first and second quantum dots, coupled to the first and second reactive polynucleotides. The first particle includes a quantum dot having a first emission wavelength. The second particle includes a second quantum dot having a second emission wavelength different from the first emission wavelength. The third polynucleotide and the fourth polynucleotide are different.

Resonant electronic excitation energy transfer by exchange mechanism in the quantum dot system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chikalova-Luzina, O. P.; Samosvat, D. M.; Vyatkin, V. M.; Zegrya, G. G.

2017-11-01

A microscopic theory of nonradiative resonance energy transfer between spherical A3B5 semiconductor quantum dots by the exchange mechanism is suggested. The interdot Coulomb interaction is taken into consideration. It is assumed that the quantum dot-donor and the quantum dot-acceptor are made from the same A3B5 compound and are embedded in the matrix of another material that produces potential barriers for electrons and holes. The dependences of the energy transfer rate on the quantum-dot system parameters are found in the frame of the Kane model that provides the most adequate description of the real spectra of A3B5 semiconductors. The analytical treatment is carried out with using the density matrix method, which enabled us to perform an energy transfer analysis both in the weak-interaction approximation and in the strong-interaction approximation. The numerical calculations showed the saturation of the energy transfer rate at the distances between the donor and the acceptor approaching the contact one. The contributions of the exchange and direct Coulomb intractions can be of the same order at the small distances and can have the same value in the saturation range.

Aircraft Wake Vortices: An Assessment of the Current Situation

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

1979 , DOT/TSC, Cambridge, MA. 36. Burnham, D.C., "Chicago Monostatic Acoustic Vortex Sensing System, Vol. I : Data Collection and Reduction," FAA-RD-79...April 1979 , DOT/TSC, Cambridge, MA. 45. Hallock, J.N., "Vortex Advisory System Safety Analysis; Vol. I : Analytical Model," FAA-RD-78-68. I , September...Industry Representatives," March 1979 , Economics & Science Planning Inc., Washington, DC. 106. Hallock, J.N., "Vortex Advisory System, Vol. I : Effectiveness

Controlled exciton transfer between quantum dots with acoustic phonons taken into account

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

Golovinski, P. A., E-mail: golovinski@bk.ru

2015-09-15

A system of excitons in two quantum dots coupled by the dipole–dipole interaction is investigated. The excitation transfer process controlled by the optical Stark effect at nonresonant frequencies is considered and the effect of the interaction between excitons and acoustic phonons in a medium on this process is taken into account. The system evolution is described using quantum Heisenberg equations. A truncated set of equations is obtained and the transfer dynamics is numerically simulated. High-efficiency picosecond switching of the excitation transfer by a laser pulse with a rectangular envelope is demonstrated. The dependence of picosecond switching on the quantum-dot parametersmore » and optical-pulse length is presented.« less

Influence of damped propagation of dopant on the static and frequency-dependent third nonlinear polarizability of quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Suvajit; Ghosh, Manas

2014-07-01

We investigate the profiles of diagonal components of static and frequency-dependent third nonlinear (γxxxx and γyyyy) polarizability of repulsive impurity doped quantum dots. The dopant impurity potential takes a GAUSSIAN form. We have considered propagation of the dopant within an environment that damps the motion. The study focuses on role of damping strength on the diagonal components of both static and frequency-dependent third nonlinear polarizability of the doped system. The doped system is further exposed to an external electric field of given intensity. Damping subtly modulates the dot-impurity interaction and fabricates the polarizability components in a noticeable manner.

MURI Center for Photonic Quantum Information Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-16

conversion; solid- state quantum gates based on quantum dots in semiconductors and on NV centers in diamond; quantum memories using optical storage...of our high-speed quantum cryptography systems, and also by continuing to work on quantum information encoding into transverse spatial modes. 14...make use of cavity QED effects for quantum information processing, the quantum dot needs to be addressed coherently . We have probed the QD-cavity

Second Symposium on Water-in-Fuel Emulsions in Combustion

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-08-01

This volume contains the proceedings of the second symposium on water-in-fuel emulsions held at the DOT Transportation Systems Center September 12 and 13, 1978. This symposium, sponsored by the DOT's U.S. Coast Guard and Research and Special Programs...

Driver behavior analysis at highway-rail grade crossings using field operational test data - light vehicles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-31

The U. S. Department of Transportations (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administrations (RITA) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administratio...

Standards for single span prefabricated bridges : phase I - concept development.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

In coordination with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of County : Engineers and Iowa DOT representatives, the Iowa DOT has proposed to develop a set : of standards for a single span prefabricated bridge system for use on the local road...

Effect of dynamic envelope pavement markings on vehicle driver behavior at a highway-rail grade crossing

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-04

The U. S. Department of Transportations (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administrations (RITA) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administratio...

Driver behavior analysis at highway-rail grade crossings using field operational test data - heavy trucks

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-31

The United States Department of Transportations (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administrations (RITA) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Admin...

DOT Announces Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure Relying on GPS

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-03-07

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced that the U.S. Department of : Transportation (DOT) will implement an action plan to maintain the adequacy of backup systems : for each area of operation in which the Global Positioning Sy...

Complete Coherent Control of a Quantum Dot Strongly Coupled to a Nanocavity.

PubMed

Dory, Constantin; Fischer, Kevin A; Müller, Kai; Lagoudakis, Konstantinos G; Sarmiento, Tomas; Rundquist, Armand; Zhang, Jingyuan L; Kelaita, Yousif; Vučković, Jelena

2016-04-26

Strongly coupled quantum dot-cavity systems provide a non-linear configuration of hybridized light-matter states with promising quantum-optical applications. Here, we investigate the coherent interaction between strong laser pulses and quantum dot-cavity polaritons. Resonant excitation of polaritonic states and their interaction with phonons allow us to observe coherent Rabi oscillations and Ramsey fringes. Furthermore, we demonstrate complete coherent control of a quantum dot-photonic crystal cavity based quantum-bit. By controlling the excitation power and phase in a two-pulse excitation scheme we achieve access to the full Bloch sphere. Quantum-optical simulations are in good agreement with our experiments and provide insight into the decoherence mechanisms.

Highly efficient multiple-layer CdS quantum dot sensitized III-V solar cells.

PubMed

Lin, Chien-Chung; Han, Hau-Vei; Chen, Hsin-Chu; Chen, Kuo-Ju; Tsai, Yu-Lin; Lin, Wein-Yi; Kuo, Hao-Chung; Yu, Peichen

2014-02-01

In this review, the concept of utilization of solar spectrum in order to increase the solar cell efficiency is discussed. Among the three mechanisms, down-shifting effect is investigated in detail. Organic dye, rare-earth minerals and quantum dots are three most popular down-shift materials. While the enhancement of solar cell efficiency was not clearly observed in the past, the advances in quantum dot fabrication have brought strong response out of the hybrid platform of a quantum dot solar cell. A multiple layer structure, including PDMS as the isolation layer, is proposed and demonstrated. With the help of pulse spray system, precise control can be achieved and the optimized concentration can be found.

Complete Coherent Control of a Quantum Dot Strongly Coupled to a Nanocavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dory, Constantin; Fischer, Kevin A.; Müller, Kai; Lagoudakis, Konstantinos G.; Sarmiento, Tomas; Rundquist, Armand; Zhang, Jingyuan L.; Kelaita, Yousif; Vučković, Jelena

2016-04-01

Strongly coupled quantum dot-cavity systems provide a non-linear configuration of hybridized light-matter states with promising quantum-optical applications. Here, we investigate the coherent interaction between strong laser pulses and quantum dot-cavity polaritons. Resonant excitation of polaritonic states and their interaction with phonons allow us to observe coherent Rabi oscillations and Ramsey fringes. Furthermore, we demonstrate complete coherent control of a quantum dot-photonic crystal cavity based quantum-bit. By controlling the excitation power and phase in a two-pulse excitation scheme we achieve access to the full Bloch sphere. Quantum-optical simulations are in good agreement with our experiments and provide insight into the decoherence mechanisms.

Size and shape dependent optical properties of InAs quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imran, Ali; Jiang, Jianliang; Eric, Deborah; Yousaf, Muhammad

2018-01-01

In this study Electronic states and optical properties of self assembled InAs quantum dots embedded in GaAs matrix have been investigated. Their carrier confinement energies for single quantum dot are calculated by time-independent Schrödinger equation in which hamiltonianian of the system is based on effective mass approximation and position dependent electron momentum. Transition energy, absorption coefficient, refractive index and high frequency dielectric constant for spherical, cylindrical and conical quantum dots with different sizes in different dimensions are calculated. Comparative studies have revealed that size and shape greatly affect the electronic transition energies and absorption coefficient. Peaks of absorption coefficients have been found to be highly shape dependent.

GPS Position Time Series @ JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owen, Susan; Moore, Angelyn; Kedar, Sharon; Liu, Zhen; Webb, Frank; Heflin, Mike; Desai, Shailen

2013-01-01

Different flavors of GPS time series analysis at JPL - Use same GPS Precise Point Positioning Analysis raw time series - Variations in time series analysis/post-processing driven by different users. center dot JPL Global Time Series/Velocities - researchers studying reference frame, combining with VLBI/SLR/DORIS center dot JPL/SOPAC Combined Time Series/Velocities - crustal deformation for tectonic, volcanic, ground water studies center dot ARIA Time Series/Coseismic Data Products - Hazard monitoring and response focused center dot ARIA data system designed to integrate GPS and InSAR - GPS tropospheric delay used for correcting InSAR - Caltech's GIANT time series analysis uses GPS to correct orbital errors in InSAR - Zhen Liu's talking tomorrow on InSAR Time Series analysis

Aptamer-Modified Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Biosensing Applications

PubMed Central

Wen, Lin; Qiu, Liping; Wu, Yongxiang; Hu, Xiaoxiao; Zhang, Xiaobing

2017-01-01

Semiconductor quantum dots have attracted extensive interest in the biosensing area because of their properties, such as narrow and symmetric emission with tunable colors, high quantum yield, high stability and controllable morphology. The introduction of various reactive functional groups on the surface of semiconductor quantum dots allows one to conjugate a spectrum of ligands, antibodies, peptides, or nucleic acids for broader and smarter applications. Among these ligands, aptamers exhibit many advantages including small size, high chemical stability, simple synthesis with high batch-to-batch consistency and convenient modification. More importantly, it is easy to introduce nucleic acid amplification strategies and/or nanomaterials to improve the sensitivity of aptamer-based sensing systems. Therefore, the combination of semiconductor quantum dots and aptamers brings more opportunities in bioanalysis. Here we summarize recent advances on aptamer-functionalized semiconductor quantum dots in biosensing applications. Firstly, we discuss the properties and structure of semiconductor quantum dots and aptamers. Then, the applications of biosensors based on aptamer-modified semiconductor quantum dots by different signal transducing mechanisms, including optical, electrochemical and electrogenerated chemiluminescence approaches, is discussed. Finally, our perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are provided. PMID:28788080

Control of spontaneous emission of quantum dots using correlated effects of metal oxides and dielectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, S. M.; Wing, W. J.; Gutha, R. R.; Capps, L.

2017-03-01

We study the emission dynamics of semiconductor quantum dots in the presence of the correlated impact of metal oxides and dielectric materials. For this we used layered material structures consisting of a base substrate, a dielectric layer, and an ultrathin layer of a metal oxide. After depositing colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on the top of the metal oxide, we used spectral and time-resolved techniques to show that, depending on the type and thickness of the dielectric material, the metal oxide can characteristically change the interplay between intrinsic excitons, defect states, and the environment, offering new material properties. Our results show that aluminum oxide, in particular, can strongly change the impact of amorphous silicon on the emission dynamics of quantum dots by balancing the intrinsic near band emission and fast trapping of carriers. In such a system the silicon/aluminum oxide charge barrier can lead to large variation of the radiative lifetime of quantum dots and control of the photo-ejection rate of electrons in quantum dots. The results provide unique techniques to investigate and modify physical properties of dielectrics and manage optical and electrical properties of quantum dots.

Quantum-dot spin-photon entanglement via frequency downconversion to telecom wavelength.

PubMed

De Greve, Kristiaan; Yu, Leo; McMahon, Peter L; Pelc, Jason S; Natarajan, Chandra M; Kim, Na Young; Abe, Eisuke; Maier, Sebastian; Schneider, Christian; Kamp, Martin; Höfling, Sven; Hadfield, Robert H; Forchel, Alfred; Fejer, M M; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

2012-11-15

Long-distance quantum teleportation and quantum repeater technologies require entanglement between a single matter quantum bit (qubit) and a telecommunications (telecom)-wavelength photonic qubit. Electron spins in III-V semiconductor quantum dots are among the matter qubits that allow for the fastest spin manipulation and photon emission, but entanglement between a single quantum-dot spin qubit and a flying (propagating) photonic qubit has yet to be demonstrated. Moreover, many quantum dots emit single photons at visible to near-infrared wavelengths, where silica fibre losses are so high that long-distance quantum communication protocols become difficult to implement. Here we demonstrate entanglement between an InAs quantum-dot electron spin qubit and a photonic qubit, by frequency downconversion of a spontaneously emitted photon from a singly charged quantum dot to a wavelength of 1,560 nanometres. The use of sub-10-picosecond pulses at a wavelength of 2.2 micrometres in the frequency downconversion process provides the necessary quantum erasure to eliminate which-path information in the photon energy. Together with previously demonstrated indistinguishable single-photon emission at high repetition rates, the present technique advances the III-V semiconductor quantum-dot spin system as a promising platform for long-distance quantum communication.

Comparison of the Optical Properties of Graphene and Alkyl-terminated Si and Ge Quantum Dots.

PubMed

de Weerd, Chris; Shin, Yonghun; Marino, Emanuele; Kim, Joosung; Lee, Hyoyoung; Saeed, Saba; Gregorkiewicz, Tom

2017-10-31

Semiconductor quantum dots are widely investigated due to their size dependent energy structure. In particular, colloidal quantum dots represent a promising nanomaterial for optoelectronic devices, such as photodetectors and solar cells, but also luminescent markers for biotechnology, among other applications. Ideal materials for these applications should feature efficient radiative recombination and absorption transitions, altogether with spectral tunability over a wide range. Group IV semiconductor quantum dots can fulfill these requirements and serve as an alternative to the commonly used direct bandgap materials containing toxic and/or rare elements. Here, we present optical properties of butyl-terminated Si and Ge quantum dots and compare them to those of graphene quantum dots, finding them remarkably similar. We investigate their time-resolved photoluminescence emission as well as the photoluminescence excitation and linear absorption spectra. We contemplate that their emission characteristics indicate a (semi-) resonant activation of the emitting channel; the photoluminescence excitation shows characteristics similar to those of a molecule. The optical density is consistent with band-to-band absorption processes originating from core-related states. Hence, these observations strongly indicate a different microscopic origin for absorption and radiative recombination in the three investigated quantum dot systems.

Control of spontaneous emission of quantum dots using correlated effects of metal oxides and dielectric materials.

PubMed

Sadeghi, S M; Wing, W J; Gutha, R R; Capps, L

2017-03-03

We study the emission dynamics of semiconductor quantum dots in the presence of the correlated impact of metal oxides and dielectric materials. For this we used layered material structures consisting of a base substrate, a dielectric layer, and an ultrathin layer of a metal oxide. After depositing colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on the top of the metal oxide, we used spectral and time-resolved techniques to show that, depending on the type and thickness of the dielectric material, the metal oxide can characteristically change the interplay between intrinsic excitons, defect states, and the environment, offering new material properties. Our results show that aluminum oxide, in particular, can strongly change the impact of amorphous silicon on the emission dynamics of quantum dots by balancing the intrinsic near band emission and fast trapping of carriers. In such a system the silicon/aluminum oxide charge barrier can lead to large variation of the radiative lifetime of quantum dots and control of the photo-ejection rate of electrons in quantum dots. The results provide unique techniques to investigate and modify physical properties of dielectrics and manage optical and electrical properties of quantum dots.

Aptamer-Modified Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Biosensing Applications.

PubMed

Wen, Lin; Qiu, Liping; Wu, Yongxiang; Hu, Xiaoxiao; Zhang, Xiaobing

2017-07-28

Semiconductor quantum dots have attracted extensive interest in the biosensing area because of their properties, such as narrow and symmetric emission with tunable colors, high quantum yield, high stability and controllable morphology. The introduction of various reactive functional groups on the surface of semiconductor quantum dots allows one to conjugate a spectrum of ligands, antibodies, peptides, or nucleic acids for broader and smarter applications. Among these ligands, aptamers exhibit many advantages including small size, high chemical stability, simple synthesis with high batch-to-batch consistency and convenient modification. More importantly, it is easy to introduce nucleic acid amplification strategies and/or nanomaterials to improve the sensitivity of aptamer-based sensing systems. Therefore, the combination of semiconductor quantum dots and aptamers brings more opportunities in bioanalysis. Here we summarize recent advances on aptamer-functionalized semiconductor quantum dots in biosensing applications. Firstly, we discuss the properties and structure of semiconductor quantum dots and aptamers. Then, the applications of biosensors based on aptamer-modified semiconductor quantum dots by different signal transducing mechanisms, including optical, electrochemical and electrogenerated chemiluminescence approaches, is discussed. Finally, our perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are provided.

A Comparison of Two Chord Keyboard Coding Systems for Alphanumeric Data Entry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

These rates were achieved while typing new material with no more than two errors per minute. No IBM machine has yet been marketed using this chord...type", subject’s typing rates on the standard typewriter ranged from 54.5 CPM to 176.5 CPM for mixed alphanumeric data. Nine of the ten subjects...dot Keyboard and the Standard Keyboard Material Keyboard Entry Rate All Letters Alpha-dot Keyboard 65.25 CPM Mixed Alpha/Numeric Text Alpha-dot

Collective fluorescence and decoherence of a few nearly identical quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, Anna; Machnikowski, Paweł

2007-01-01

We study the collective interaction of excitons in closely spaced artificial molecules and arrays of nearly identical quantum dots with the electromagnetic modes. We discuss how collective fluorescence builds up in the presence of a small mismatch of the transition energy. We show that a superradiant state of a single exciton in a molecule of two dots with realistic energy mismatch undergoes a two-rate decay. We also analyze the stability of subdecoherent states for nonidentical systems.

Magnetic-field-induced mixed-level Kondo effect in two-level systems

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

Wong, Arturo; Ngo, Anh T.; Ulloa, Sergio E.

2016-10-17

We consider a two-orbital impurity system with intra-and interlevel Coulomb repulsion that is coupled to a single conduction channel. This situation can generically occur in multilevel quantum dots or in systems of coupled quantum dots. For finite energy spacing between spin-degenerate orbitals, an in-plane magnetic field drives the system from a local-singlet ground state to a "mixed-level" Kondo regime, where the Zeeman-split levels are degenerate for opposite-spin states. We use the numerical renormalization group approach to fully characterize this mixed-level Kondo state and discuss its properties in terms of the applied Zeeman field, temperature, and system parameters. Under suitable conditions,more » the total spectral function is shown to develop a Fermi-level resonance, so that the linear conductance of the system peaks at a finite Zeeman field while it decreases as a function of temperature. These features, as well as the local moment and entropy contribution of the impurity system, are commensurate with Kondo physics, which can be studied in suitably tuned quantum dot systems.« less

Modeling of the blood flow in the lower extremities for dynamic diffuse optical tomography of peripheral artery disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marone, A.; Hoi, J. W.; Khalil, M. A.; Kim, H. K.; Shrikhande, G.; Dayal, R.; Hielscher, A. H.

2015-07-01

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is caused by a reduction of the internal diameters of the arteries in the upper or lower extremities mainly due to atherosclerosis. If not treated, its worsening may led to a complete occlusion, causing the death of the cells lacking proper blood supply, followed by gangrene that may require chirurgical amputation. We have recently performed a clinical study in which good sensitivities and specificities were achieved with dynamic diffuse optical tomography. To gain a better understanding of the physiological foundations of many of the observed effects, we started to develop a mathematical model for PAD. The model presented in this work is based on a multi-compartment Windkessel model, where the vasculature in the leg and foot is represented by resistors and capacitors, the blood pressure with a voltage drop, and the blood flow with a current. Unlike existing models, the dynamics induced by a thigh-pressure-cuff inflation and deflation during the measurements are taken into consideration. This is achieved by dynamically varying the resistances of the large veins and arteries. By including the effects of the thigh-pressure cuff, we were able to explain many of the effects observed during our dynamic DOT measurements, including the hemodynamics of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentration changes. The model was implemented in MATLAB and the simulations were normalized and compared with the blood perfusion obtained from healthy, PAD and diabetic patients. Our preliminary results show that in unhealthy patients the total system resistance is sensibly higher than in healthy patients.

Transient Evolutional Dynamics of Quantum-Dot Molecular Phase Coherence for Sensitive Optical Switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Jian Qi; Gu, Jing

2018-04-01

Atomic phase coherence (quantum interference) in a multilevel atomic gas exhibits a number of interesting phenomena. Such an atomic quantum coherence effect can be generalized to a quantum-dot molecular dielectric. Two quantum dots form a quantum-dot molecule, which can be described by a three-level Λ-configuration model { |0> ,|1> ,|2> } , i.e., the ground state of the molecule is the lower level |0> and the highly degenerate electronic states in the two quantum dots are the two upper levels |1> ,|2> . The electromagnetic characteristics due to the |0>-|1> transition can be controllably manipulated by a tunable gate voltage (control field) that drives the |2>-|1> transition. When the gate voltage is switched on, the quantum-dot molecular state can evolve from one steady state (i.e., |0>-|1> two-level dressed state) to another steady state (i.e., three-level coherent-population-trapping state). In this process, the electromagnetic characteristics of a quantum-dot molecular dielectric, which is modified by the gate voltage, will also evolve. In this study, the transient evolutional behavior of the susceptibility of a quantum-dot molecular thin film and its reflection spectrum are treated by using the density matrix formulation of the multilevel systems. The present field-tunable and frequency-sensitive electromagnetic characteristics of a quantum-dot molecular thin film, which are sensitive to the applied gate voltage, can be utilized to design optical switching devices.

Molecular photoacoustic imaging of breast cancer using an actively targeted conjugated polymer

PubMed Central

Balasundaram, Ghayathri; Ho, Chris Jun Hui; Li, Kai; Driessen, Wouter; Dinish, US; Wong, Chi Lok; Ntziachristos, Vasilis; Liu, Bin; Olivo, Malini

2015-01-01

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are upcoming optical contrast agents in view of their unique optical properties and versatile synthetic chemistry. Biofunctionalization of these polymer-based nanoparticles enables molecular imaging of biological processes. In this work, we propose the concept of using a biofunctionalized CP for noninvasive photoacoustic (PA) molecular imaging of breast cancer. In particular, after verifying the PA activity of a CP nanoparticle (CP dots) in phantoms and the targeting efficacy of a folate-functionalized version of the same (folate-CP dots) in vitro, we systemically administered the probe into a folate receptor-positive (FR+ve) MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft model to demonstrate the possible application of folate-CP dots for imaging FR+ve breast cancers in comparison to CP dots with no folate moieties. We observed a strong PA signal at the tumor site of folate-CP dots-administered mice as early as 1 hour after administration as a result of the active targeting of the folate-CP dots to the FR+ve tumor cells but a weak PA signal at the tumor site of CP-dots-administered mice as a result of the passive accumulation of the probe by enhanced permeability and retention effect. We also observed that folate-CP dots produced ~4-fold enhancement in the PA signal in the tumor, when compared to CP dots. These observations demonstrate the great potential of this active-targeting CP to be used as a contrast agent for molecular PA diagnostic imaging in various biomedical applications. PMID:25609951

Structural health monitoring of highway bridges subjected to overweight trucks, phase I - instrumentation development and validation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-01-01

State departments of transportation (DOTs) in the west have been under increasing pressure to permit and route overweight trucks transporting machinery and equipment for the energy sector through their state and interstate highway systems. DOT engine...

Aggregation, sedimentation, dissolution and bioavailability of quantum dots in estuarine systems

EPA Science Inventory

Due to increasing use in flat screen applications, solar cells, ink–jet printing, and medical devices, cadmium-based quantum dots (QDs) are among the fastest growing classes of engineered nanomaterial. These wide-ranging consumer product applications and end of use disposal issu...

Anisotropy-Induced Quantum Interference and Population Trapping between Orthogonal Quantum Dot Exciton States in Semiconductor Cavity Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Stephen; Agarwal, Girish S.

2017-02-01

We describe how quantum dot semiconductor cavity systems can be engineered to realize anisotropy-induced dipole-dipole coupling between orthogonal dipole states in a single quantum dot. Quantum dots in single-mode cavity structures as well as photonic crystal waveguides coupled to spin states or linearly polarized excitons are considered. We demonstrate how the dipole-dipole coupling can control the radiative decay rate of excitons and form pure entangled states in the long time limit. We investigate both field-free entanglement evolution and coherently pumped exciton regimes, and show how a double-field pumping scenario can completely eliminate the decay of coherent Rabi oscillations and lead to population trapping. In the Mollow triplet regime, we explore the emitted spectra from the driven dipoles and show how a nonpumped dipole can take on the form of a spectral triplet, quintuplet, or a singlet, which has applications for producing subnatural linewidth single photons and more easily accessing regimes of high-field quantum optics and cavity-QED.

Anisotropy-Induced Quantum Interference and Population Trapping between Orthogonal Quantum Dot Exciton States in Semiconductor Cavity Systems.

PubMed

Hughes, Stephen; Agarwal, Girish S

2017-02-10

We describe how quantum dot semiconductor cavity systems can be engineered to realize anisotropy-induced dipole-dipole coupling between orthogonal dipole states in a single quantum dot. Quantum dots in single-mode cavity structures as well as photonic crystal waveguides coupled to spin states or linearly polarized excitons are considered. We demonstrate how the dipole-dipole coupling can control the radiative decay rate of excitons and form pure entangled states in the long time limit. We investigate both field-free entanglement evolution and coherently pumped exciton regimes, and show how a double-field pumping scenario can completely eliminate the decay of coherent Rabi oscillations and lead to population trapping. In the Mollow triplet regime, we explore the emitted spectra from the driven dipoles and show how a nonpumped dipole can take on the form of a spectral triplet, quintuplet, or a singlet, which has applications for producing subnatural linewidth single photons and more easily accessing regimes of high-field quantum optics and cavity-QED.

Design of a High-Power White Light Source with Colloidal Quantum Dots and Non-Rare-Earth Phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bicanic, Kristopher T.

This thesis describes the design process of a high-power white light source, using novel phosphor and colloidal quantum dot materials. To incorporate multiple light emitters, we generalized and extended a down-converting layer model. We employed a phosphor mixture comprising of YAG:Ce and K2TiF 6:Mn4+ powders to illustrate the effectiveness of the model. By incorporating experimental photophysical results from the phosphors and colloidal quantum dots, we modeled our system and chose the design suitable for high-power applications. We report a reduction in the correlated color temperature by 600K for phosphor and quantum dot systems, enabling the creation of a warm white light emission at power densities up to 5 kW/cm 2. Furthermore, at this high-power, their emission achieves the digital cinema initiative (DCI) requirements with a luminescence efficacy improvement up to 32% over the stand-alone ceramic YAG:Ce phosphor.

Experimental Studies of Quasi-Adiabatic Quantum-dot Cellular Automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlov, Alexei; Amlani, Islamshah; Kummamuru, Ravi; Toth, Geza; Bernstein, Gary; Lent, Craig; Snider, Gregory

2000-03-01

The computational approach known as Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) uses interacting quantum dots to encode and process binary information. The first realization of a functioning QCA cell has already been reported. Recently, quasi-adiabatic switching of QCA in a metal dot system near the instantaneous ground state was proposed [1]. The advantage if this approach is that it allows both logic and addressable memory to be implemented within the QCA framework. We report on the fabrication and measurement of such a device in the Al-AlOx tunnel junction system. This basic building block consists of three metal islands connected in series by tunnel junctions, where an electron can be moved between islands by means of electrostatic perturbation on either control electrodes or adjacent cells. The cell can have three operational modes, i.e. active, locked and null, which provide a solution for ground state computing that is not susceptible to metastable states. [1] G. Toth and C. S. Lent, J. appl. Phys. 85 5, 2977-2984, 1999.

Realization of a Cascaded Quantum System: Heralded Absorption of a Single Photon Qubit by a Single-Electron Charged Quantum Dot.

PubMed

Delteil, Aymeric; Sun, Zhe; Fält, Stefan; Imamoğlu, Atac

2017-04-28

Photonic losses pose a major limitation for the implementation of a quantum state transfer between nodes of a quantum network. A measurement that heralds a successful transfer without revealing any information about the qubit may alleviate this limitation. Here, we demonstrate the heralded absorption of a single photonic qubit, generated by a single neutral quantum dot, by a single-electron charged quantum dot that is located 5 m away. The transfer of quantum information to the spin degree of freedom takes place upon the emission of a photon; for a properly chosen or prepared quantum dot, the detection of this photon yields no information about the qubit. We show that this process can be combined with local operations optically performed on the destination node by measuring classical correlations between the absorbed photon color and the final state of the electron spin. Our work suggests alternative avenues for the realization of quantum information protocols based on cascaded quantum systems.

1.55 µm InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots and High Repetition Rate Quantum Dot SESAM Mode-locked Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z. Y.; Oehler, A. E. H.; Resan, B.; Kurmulis, S.; Zhou, K. J.; Wang, Q.; Mangold, M.; Süedmeyer, T.; Keller, U.; Weingarten, K. J.; Hogg, R. A.

2012-06-01

High pulse repetition rate (>=10 GHz) diode-pumped solid-state lasers, modelocked using semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) are emerging as an enabling technology for high data rate coherent communication systems owing to their low noise and pulse-to-pulse optical phase-coherence. Quantum dot (QD) based SESAMs offer potential advantages to such laser systems in terms of reduced saturation fluence, broader bandwidth, and wavelength flexibility. Here, we describe the development of an epitaxial process for the realization of high optical quality 1.55 µm In(Ga)As QDs on GaAs substrates, their incorporation into a SESAM, and the realization of the first 10 GHz repetition rate QD-SESAM modelocked laser at 1.55 µm, exhibiting ~2 ps pulse width from an Er-doped glass oscillator (ERGO). With a high areal dot density and strong light emission, this QD structure is a very promising candidate for many other applications, such as laser diodes, optical amplifiers, non-linear and photonic crystal based devices.

Hot-electron transfer in quantum-dot heterojunction films.

PubMed

Grimaldi, Gianluca; Crisp, Ryan W; Ten Brinck, Stephanie; Zapata, Felipe; van Ouwendorp, Michiko; Renaud, Nicolas; Kirkwood, Nicholas; Evers, Wiel H; Kinge, Sachin; Infante, Ivan; Siebbeles, Laurens D A; Houtepen, Arjan J

2018-06-13

Thermalization losses limit the photon-to-power conversion of solar cells at the high-energy side of the solar spectrum, as electrons quickly lose their energy relaxing to the band edge. Hot-electron transfer could reduce these losses. Here, we demonstrate fast and efficient hot-electron transfer between lead selenide and cadmium selenide quantum dots assembled in a quantum-dot heterojunction solid. In this system, the energy structure of the absorber material and of the electron extracting material can be easily tuned via a variation of quantum-dot size, allowing us to tailor the energetics of the transfer process for device applications. The efficiency of the transfer process increases with excitation energy as a result of the more favorable competition between hot-electron transfer and electron cooling. The experimental picture is supported by time-domain density functional theory calculations, showing that electron density is transferred from lead selenide to cadmium selenide quantum dots on the sub-picosecond timescale.

Gate-controlled electromechanical backaction induced by a quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okazaki, Yuma; Mahboob, Imran; Onomitsu, Koji; Sasaki, Satoshi; Yamaguchi, Hiroshi

2016-04-01

Semiconductor-based quantum structures integrated into mechanical resonators have emerged as a unique platform for generating entanglement between macroscopic phononic and mesocopic electronic degrees of freedom. A key challenge to realizing this is the ability to create and control the coupling between two vastly dissimilar systems. Here, such coupling is demonstrated in a hybrid device composed of a gate-defined quantum dot integrated into a piezoelectricity-based mechanical resonator enabling milli-Kelvin phonon states to be detected via charge fluctuations in the quantum dot. Conversely, the single electron transport in the quantum dot can induce a backaction onto the mechanics where appropriate bias of the quantum dot can enable damping and even current-driven amplification of the mechanical motion. Such electron transport induced control of the mechanical resonator dynamics paves the way towards a new class of hybrid semiconductor devices including a current injected phonon laser and an on-demand single phonon emitter.

Room-temperature lasing in a single nanowire with quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatebayashi, Jun; Kako, Satoshi; Ho, Jinfa; Ota, Yasutomo; Iwamoto, Satoshi; Arakawa, Yasuhiko

2015-08-01

Semiconductor nanowire lasers are promising as ultrasmall, highly efficient coherent light emitters in the fields of nanophotonics, nano-optics and nanobiotechnology. Although there have been several demonstrations of nanowire lasers using homogeneous bulk gain materials or multi-quantum-wells/disks, it is crucial to incorporate lower-dimensional quantum nanostructures into the nanowire to achieve superior device performance in relation to threshold current, differential gain, modulation bandwidth and temperature sensitivity. The quantum dot is a useful and essential nanostructure that can meet these requirements. However, difficulties in forming stacks of quantum dots in a single nanowire hamper the realization of lasing operation. Here, we demonstrate room-temperature lasing of a single nanowire containing 50 quantum dots by properly designing the nanowire cavity and tailoring the emission energy of each dot to enhance the optical gain. Our demonstration paves the way toward ultrasmall lasers with extremely low power consumption for integrated photonic systems.

Electron-phonon interaction in quantum transport through quantum dots and molecular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ojeda, J. H.; Duque, C. A.; Laroze, D.

2016-12-01

The quantum transport and effects of decoherence properties are studied in quantum dots systems and finite homogeneous chains of aromatic molecules connected to two semi-infinite leads. We study these systems based on the tight-binding approach through Green's function technique within a real space renormalization and polaron transformation schemes. In particular, we calculate the transmission probability following the Landauer-Büttiker formalism, the I - V characteristics and the noise power of current fluctuations taken into account the decoherence. Our results may explain the inelastic effects through nanoscopic systems.

SU-E-I-06: Measurement of Skin Dose from Dental Cone-Beam CT Scans.

PubMed

Akyalcin, S; English, J; Abramovitch, K; Rong, J

2012-06-01

To directly measure skin dose using point-dosimeters from dental cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans. To compare the results among three different dental CBCT scanners and compare the CBCT results with those from a conventional panoramic and cephalomic dental imaging system. A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT dosimeters attached to specified anatomic landmarks of selected radiosensitive tissues of interest. To ensure reliable measurement results, three dosimeters were used for each location. The phantom was scanned under various modes of operation and scan protocols for typical dental exams on three dental CBCT systems plus a conventional dental imaging system. The Landauer OSL nanoDOT dosimeters were calibrated under the same imaging condition as the head phantom scan protocols, and specifically for each of the imaging systems. Using nanoDOT dosimeters, skin doses at several positions on the surface of an adult head anthropomorphic phantom were measured for clinical dental imaging. The measured skin doses ranged from 0.04 to 4.62mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The highest dose location was at the parotid surface for all three CBCT scanners. The surface doses to the locations of the eyes were ∼4.0mGy, well below the 500mGy threshold for possibly causing cataract development. The results depend on x-ray tube output (kVp and mAs) and also are sensitive to SFOV. Comparing to the conventional dental imaging system operated in panoramic and cephalometric modes, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. No image artifact was caused by presence of nanoDOT dosimeters in the head phantom images. Direct measurements of skin dose using nanoDOT dosimeters provided accurate skin dose values without any image artifacts. The results of skin dose measurements serve as dose references in guiding future dose optimization efforts in dental CBCT imaging. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

2007 Precision Strike PEO Summer Forum - Joint Perspectives on Precision Engagement

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-11

Status,” Colonel Richard Justice, USAF—Commander of the Miniature Munitions Systems Group (MMSG), Eglin Air Force Base “Unmanned Systems (UAS) Roadmap...Role in the Roadmap Implementation Methods & Processes Working Group Issues delineated in Implementation Plan form basis for JTEM methodology...Test and Evaluation JMETC – Joint Mission Environment Test Capability WG – Working Group DOT&E AT&L DOT&E Unclassified 5 Background: JTEM Problem

Decreasing Off-Task Behavior through a Dot/Point Reward System and Portfolio Reflection with Second, Fifth, and Sixth Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butera, Lisa M.; Giacone, Maria V.; Wagner, Kelly A.

2008-01-01

The purpose of this action research project report was to decrease off-task behavior through a dot/point reward system and portfolio reflections. Students involved in this research were in second, fifth, and sixth grade. There were a total of 85 student participants and 35 teacher participants. The dates of this research began on September 4, 2007…

Computer-Generated Dot Maps as an Epidemiologic Tool: Investigating an Outbreak of Toxoplasmosis

PubMed Central

Werker, Denise H.; King, Arlene S.; Marion, Stephen A.; Bell, Alison; Issac-Renton, Judith L.; Irwin, G. Stewart; Bowie, William R.

1999-01-01

We used computer-generated dot maps to examine the spatial distribution of 94 Toxoplasma gondii infections associated with an outbreak in British Columbia, Canada. The incidence among patients served by one water distribution system was 3.52 times that of patients served by other sources. Acute T. gondii infection among 3,812 pregnant women was associated with the incriminated distribution system. PMID:10603218

Late Quaternary to Holocene Geology, Geomorphology and Glacial History of Dawson Creek and Surrounding area, Northeast British Columbia, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry, Edward Trowbridge

Semiconductor quantum dots in silicon demonstrate exceptionally long spin lifetimes as qubits and are therefore promising candidates for quantum information processing. However, control and readout techniques for these devices have thus far employed low frequency electrons, in contrast to high speed temperature readout techniques used in other qubit architectures, and coupling between multiple quantum dot qubits has not been satisfactorily addressed. This dissertation presents the design and characterization of a semiconductor charge qubit based on double quantum dot in silicon with an integrated microwave resonator for control and readout. The 6 GHz resonator is designed to achieve strong coupling with the quantum dot qubit, allowing the use of circuit QED control and readout techniques which have not previously been applicable to semiconductor qubits. To achieve this coupling, this document demonstrates successful operation of a novel silicon double quantum dot design with a single active metallic layer and a coplanar stripline resonator with a bias tee for dc excitation. Experiments presented here demonstrate quantum localization and measurement of both electrons on the quantum dot and photons in the resonator. Further, it is shown that the resonator-qubit coupling in these devices is sufficient to reach the strong coupling regime of circuit QED. The details of a measurement setup capable of performing simultaneous low noise measurements of the resonator and quantum dot structure are also presented here. The ultimate aim of this research is to integrate the long coherence times observed in electron spins in silicon with the sophisticated readout architectures available in circuit QED based quantum information systems. This would allow superconducting qubits to be coupled directly to semiconductor qubits to create hybrid quantum systems with separate quantum memory and processing components.

Unveiling slim accretion disc in AGN through X-ray and Infrared observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelló-Mor, Núria; Kaspi, Shai; Netzer, Hagai; Du, Pu; Hu, Chen; Ho, Luis C.; Bai, Jin-Ming; Bian, Wei-Hao; Yuan, Ye-Fei; Wang, Jian-Min

2017-05-01

In this work, which is a continuation of Castelló-Mor et al., we present new X-ray and infrared (IR) data for a sample of active galactic nuclei (AGN) covering a wide range in Eddington ratio over a small luminosity range. In particular, we rigorously explore the dependence of the optical-to-X-ray spectral index αOX and the IR-to-optical spectral index on the dimensionless accretion rate, \\dot{M} = \\dot{m}/η, where \\dot{m} = LAGN/LEdd and η is the mass-to-radiation conversion efficiency, in low- and high-accretion rate sources. We find that the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the faster accreting sources is surprisingly similar to those from the comparison sample of sources with lower accretion rate. In particular: (I) The optical-to-UV AGN SED of slow and fast accreting AGN can be fitted with thin accretion disc (AD) models. (II) The value of αOX is very similar in slow and fast accreting systems up to a dimensionless accretion rate \\dot{M}c ˜ 10. We only find a correlation between αOX and \\dot{M} for sources with \\dot{M} > \\dot{M}c. In such cases, the faster accreting sources appear to have systematically larger αOX values. (III) We also find that the torus in the faster accreting systems seems to be less efficient in reprocessing the primary AGN radiation having lower IR-to-optical spectral slopes. These findings, failing to recover the predicted differences between the SEDs of slim and thin ADs within the observed spectral window, suggest that additional physical processes or very special geometry act to reduce the extreme-UV radiation in fast accreting AGN. This may be related to photon trapping, strong winds and perhaps other yet unknown physical processes.

Comparative analysis of germanium-silicon quantum dots formation on Si(100), Si(111) and Sn/Si(100) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lozovoy, Kirill; Kokhanenko, Andrey; Voitsekhovskii, Alexander

2018-02-01

In this paper theoretical modeling of formation and growth of germanium-silicon quantum dots in the method of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on different surfaces is carried out. Silicon substrates with crystallographic orientations (100) and (111) are considered. Special attention is paid to the question of growth of quantum dots on the silicon surface covered by tin, since germanium-silicon-tin system is extremely important for contemporary nano- and optoelectronics: for creation of photodetectors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and fast-speed transistors. A theoretical approach for modeling growth processes of such semiconductor compounds during the MBE is presented. Both layer-by-layer and island nucleation stages in the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode are described. A change in free energy during transition of atoms from the wetting layer to an island, activation barrier of the nucleation, critical thickness of 2D to 3D transition, as well as surface density and size distribution function of quantum dots in these systems are calculated with the help of the established model. All the theoretical speculations are carried out keeping in mind possible device applications of these materials. In particular, it is theoretically shown that using of the Si(100) surface covered by tin as a substrate for Ge deposition may be very promising for increasing size homogeneity of quantum dot array for possible applications in low-noise selective quantum dot infrared photodetectors.

Comparative analysis of germanium-silicon quantum dots formation on Si(100), Si(111) and Sn/Si(100) surfaces.

PubMed

Lozovoy, Kirill; Kokhanenko, Andrey; Voitsekhovskii, Alexander

2018-02-02

In this paper theoretical modeling of formation and growth of germanium-silicon quantum dots in the method of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on different surfaces is carried out. Silicon substrates with crystallographic orientations (100) and (111) are considered. Special attention is paid to the question of growth of quantum dots on the silicon surface covered by tin, since germanium-silicon-tin system is extremely important for contemporary nano- and optoelectronics: for creation of photodetectors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and fast-speed transistors. A theoretical approach for modeling growth processes of such semiconductor compounds during the MBE is presented. Both layer-by-layer and island nucleation stages in the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode are described. A change in free energy during transition of atoms from the wetting layer to an island, activation barrier of the nucleation, critical thickness of 2D to 3D transition, as well as surface density and size distribution function of quantum dots in these systems are calculated with the help of the established model. All the theoretical speculations are carried out keeping in mind possible device applications of these materials. In particular, it is theoretically shown that using of the Si(100) surface covered by tin as a substrate for Ge deposition may be very promising for increasing size homogeneity of quantum dot array for possible applications in low-noise selective quantum dot infrared photodetectors.

Organic molecules as tools to control the growth, surface structure, and redox activity of colloidal quantum dots.

PubMed

Weiss, Emily A

2013-11-19

In order to achieve efficient and reliable technology that can harness solar energy, the behavior of electrons and energy at interfaces between different types or phases of materials must be understood. Conversion of light to chemical or electrical potential in condensed phase systems requires gradients in free energy that allow the movement of energy or charge carriers and facilitate redox reactions and dissociation of photoexcited states (excitons) into free charge carriers. Such free energy gradients are present at interfaces between solid and liquid phases or between inorganic and organic materials. Nanostructured materials have a higher density of these interfaces than bulk materials. Nanostructured materials, however, have a structural and chemical complexity that does not exist in bulk materials, which presents a difficult challenge: to lower or eliminate energy barriers to electron and energy flux that inevitably result from forcing different materials to meet in a spatial region of atomic dimensions. Chemical functionalization of nanostructured materials is perhaps the most versatile and powerful strategy for controlling the potential energy landscape of their interfaces and for minimizing losses in energy conversion efficiency due to interfacial structural and electronic defects. Colloidal quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals synthesized with wet-chemical methods and coated in organic molecules. Chemists can use these model systems to study the effects of chemical functionalization of nanoscale organic/inorganic interfaces on the optical and electronic properties of a nanostructured material, and the behavior of electrons and energy at interfaces. The optical and electronic properties of colloidal quantum dots have an intense sensitivity to their surface chemistry, and their organic adlayers make them dispersible in solvent. This allows researchers to use high signal-to-noise solution-phase spectroscopy to study processes at interfaces. In this Account, I describe the varied roles of organic molecules in controlling the structure and properties of colloidal quantum dots. Molecules serve as surfactant that determines the mechanism and rate of nucleation and growth and the final size and surface structure of a quantum dot. Anionic surfactant in the reaction mixture allows precise control over the size of the quantum dot core but also drives cation enrichment and structural disordering of the quantum dot surface. Molecules serve as chemisorbed ligands that dictate the energetic distribution of surface states. These states can then serve as thermodynamic traps for excitonic charge carriers or couple to delocalized states of the quantum dot core to change the confinement energy of excitonic carriers. Ligands, therefore, in some cases, dramatically shift the ground state absorption and photoluminescence spectra of quantum dots. Molecules also act as protective layers that determine the probability of redox processes between quantum dots and other molecules. How much the ligand shell insulates the quantum dot from electron exchange with a molecular redox partner depends less on the length or degree of conjugation of the native ligand and more on the density and packing structure of the adlayer and the size and adsorption mode of the molecular redox partner. Control of quantum dot properties in these examples demonstrates that nanoscale interfaces, while complex, can be rationally designed to enhance or specify the functionality of a nanostructured system.

Giant gain from spontaneously generated coherence in Y-type double quantum dot structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Nashy, B.; Razzaghi, Sonia; Al-Musawi, Muwaffaq Abdullah; Rasooli Saghai, H.; Al-Khursan, Amin H.

A theoretical model was presented for linear susceptibility using density matrix theory for Y-configuration of double quantum dots (QDs) system including spontaneously generated coherence (SGC). Two SGC components are included for this system: V, and Λ subsystems. It is shown that at high V-component, the system have a giga gain. At low Λ-system component; it is possible to controls the light speed between superluminal and subluminal using one parameter by increasing SGC component of the V-system. This have applications in quantum information storage and spatially-varying temporal clock.

DOT-105/111/112/114 Tank Cars Shell Cracking and Structural Integrity Assessment: Task Force Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-02-01

In August 1985, the FRA Associate Administrator for Safety asked the DOT Transportation Systems Center to make a preliminary technical assessment of the adequacy of the manufacturer's inspection and repair procedures. The Center formed a task force f...

Evaluation of Education and Outreach Methods and Strategies - A Case Study of a Web-Based Rail Safety Education Initiative

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

The U. S. Department of Transportations (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administrations (RITA) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administratio...

Evaluation of Texas native grasses for TxDOT right of ways : technical report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-05-01

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has one of the largest right-of-way areas in the : United States with over 127,138 km of state maintained highway. In 2003, the new guidelines for Texas : Pollution Discharge Elimination System went into...