Environment-induced decoherence I. The Stern-Gerlach measurement

A dynamical model for the collapse of the wave function in a quantum measurement process is proposed by considering the interaction of a quantum system (spin -1/2) with a macroscopic quantum apparatus interacting with an environment in a dissipative manner. The dissipative interaction leads to decoherence in the superposition states of the apparatus, making its behaviour classical in the sense that the density matrix becomes diagonal with time. Since the apparatus is also interacting with the system, the probabilities of the diagonal density matrix are determined by the state vector of the system. We consider a Stern-Gerlach type model, where a spin-1/2 particle is in an inhomogeneous magnetic field, the whole set up being in contact with a large environment. Here we find that the density matrix of the combined system and apparatus becomes diagonal and the momentum of the particle becomes correlated with a spin operator, selected by the choice of the system-apparatus interaction. This allows for a measurement of spin via a momentum measurement on the particle with associated probabilities in accordance with quantum principles.     

Optimal Force Mismatch for Fluctuation-Activated Transition in a System of Two Coupled Bistable Oscillators

We study the fluctuation-activated transition process in a system of two coupled forced bistable oscillators with a mismatch σ in the force constants. As the coupling strength μ is increased, the transition pathway undergoes four stages changes from a two-step process with two candidate pathways to a mixture of a two-step pathway and a one-step pathway to a one-step process with also two candidate pathways and then to a one-step process with a single pathway.Interestingly, we find that the total transition rate depends nonmonotonically on σ in the weak coupling: a maximal rate appears in an intermediate magnitude of σ. Moreover, the rate also exhibits an unexpected maximum as a function ofμ. The results are in an excellent agreement with our numerical simulations by forward flux sampling.     

Symmetry-breaking vortex-lattice of a binary superfluid in a rotating bucket

We study spontaneous-symmetry-broken phase-separated vortex lattice in a weakly interacting uniform rapidly rotating binary Bose superfluid contained in a quasi-two-dimensional circular or square bucket. For the inter-species repulsion above a critical value, the two superfluid components separate and form a demixed phase with practically no overlap in the vortex lattices of the two components, which will permit an efficient experimental observation of such vortices and study their properties. In case of a circular bucket with equal intra-species energies of the two components, the two components separate into two non-overlapping semicircular domains for all frequencies of rotation Ω generating distinct demixed vortex lattices. In case of a binary Bose superfluid in both circular and square buckets, (a) the number of vortices increases linearly with Ω in agreement with a suggestion by Feynman, and (b) the rotational energy in the rotating frame decreases quadratically with Ω in agreement with a suggestion by Fetter.     

Effects of confinement on static and dynamical properties of water

Molecular-dynamics results on water confined in a silica pore are reviewed and discussed in connection with experiments performed on water in Vycor and with studies of water in contact with proteins. The properties of confined water are studied as a function of both temperature and hydration level. The interaction of water in the film close to the substrate with the silica atoms induces a strong distortion of the hydrogen bond network. At high hydration levels a double dynamical regime is observed. At low hydration an anomalous diffusion is found upon supercooling with a transition from a Brownian to a non-Brownian regime on approaching the substrate in agreement with results found in studies of water in contact with globular proteins.Received: 1 January 2003, Published online: 14 October 2003PACS: 61.20.-p Structure of liquids - 61.20.Ja Computer simulation of liquid structure     

R22与R410A热泵中冷凝器性能随支路数变化的比较

利用软件EVAP-COND,模拟对比了在室内换热器中分别采用R22与R410A制冷剂时冷凝器的性能随支路数的变化,结果表明:室内换热器作为冷凝器时,R410A的换热量比R22的要大,换热量的差别是由两排管共同造成的,两排管中R410A的换热量都比R22的要大;随支路数的增多,第一排管对冷凝器换热量差值的影响越来越显著,而第二排管的影响逐渐减弱;第一排管换热量的差别主要受传热系数的影响,而第二排管受传热温差和传热系数的综合影响。因此,支路增多时制约R410A和R22冷凝器换热量差别的因素,从传热温差和传热系数共同作用逐渐转变为传热系数起主导作用。     

A novel scheme of hyperbolic-end microlens using the arc technology

This study proposes a new scheme of the tapered hyperbolic-end fiber (THEF) by etching the fiber end in a hydrofluoride (HF) solution with a thin layer of oil floating on top of the HF. This study makes it possible to fabricate the hyperbolic microlenses using unique etching and fusion techniques. Compared with previous hemispherical microlenses, the study shows that a THEF with a smaller taper angle and longer taper length fabricated by lower oil density exhibits a smaller radius of curvature, thus resulting in a better coupling efficiency. The THEF microlens results in a more than 2 dB improvement in coupling efficiency when compared with the currently available hemispherical microlenses. The calculation of the effect of oil density in HF etching solution on taper angle and taper length based on an empirical model is in agreement with the measured results. The THEFs have demonstrated up to 86% coupling efficiency for a laser with an aspect ratio of 1:1.5 at a wavelength of 1550 nm.     

Optical inhomogeneity model for evaporated Y2O3 obtained from physical thickness measurement

A multiparameter fitting with additional parameters for film inhomogeneity based on transmission results is used to get film inhomogeneity information and to compare different models for film structure. For a number of evaporated materials similar results from transmission fitting have been obtained by using a model consisting of two sublayers with a constant difference in refractive indices between them, either with a thin sublayer in the contact with a substrate or with air. As additional information, we obtained the film physical thickness result from step profile measurements for an oxygen-doped Y₂O₃ film on a fused silica and we compared it with the fit results for this coating. The result closest to the profilometry one has been achieved for a model with a thinner sublayer in contact with the substrate. The differences are great enough to assert that Y₂O₃ films on a fused silica possess a higher refractive index in the first stages of growth and then, after some transition, the main material with smaller refractive index grows on it.     

Gas diffusion in a pulmonary acinus model: experiments with hyperpolarized helium-3

Diffusion of hyperpolarized helium-3 in epoxy phantoms was experimentally studied by pulsed-gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). One phantom with a dichotomic branching structure densely filling a cubic volume was built using the Kitaoka algorithm to model a healthy human acinus. Two other phantoms, one with a different size and the other one with a partial destruction of the branched structure, were built to simulate changes occurring at the early stages of emphysema. Gas pressure and composition (mixture with nitrogen) were varied, thus exploring different diffusion regimes. Preliminary measurements in a cylindrical glass cell allowed us to calibrate the gradient intensity with 1% accuracy. Measurements of NMR signal attenuation due to gas diffusion were compared to a classical Gaussian model and to Monte Carlo simulations. In the slow diffusion regime, the Gaussian model was in reasonable agreement with experiments for low gradient intensity, but there was a significant systematic deviation at larger gradient intensity. An apparent diffusion coefficient Dapp was deduced, and in agreement with previous findings, a linear decrease of Dapp/D0 with D0(1/2) was observed, where D0 is the free diffusion coefficient. In the regime of intermediate diffusion, experimental data could be described by the Gaussian model for very small gradient intensities only. The corresponding Dapp/D0 values seemed to reach a constant value. Monte Carlo simulations were generally in fair agreement with the measurements in both regimes. Our results suggest that, for diffusion times typical of medical magnetic resonance imaging, an increase in alveolar size has more impact on signal attenuation than a partial destruction of the branched structure at equivalent surface-to-volume ratio.     

合成孔径激光成像雷达(Ⅲ):双向环路发射接收望远镜

提出了一种用于合成孔径激光成像雷达的双向环路结构的发射接收望远镜,双向环路包括发射4-f转像系统、接收4-f转像系统和独立的望远镜.发射通道中设置离焦和相位调制平板偏置,接收通道中设置离焦和相位平板偏置.控制发射离焦量,发射相位调制甬数.接收离焦量.接收相位调制甬数.用同一个望远镜可以同时实现空间二次项相位附加偏置的激光发射和消除目标点散射回波接收波面像差的离焦光学接收,并产生雷达运动方向上合适的和可控制的相位二次项历程.从而实现孔径合成成像.详细介绍了系统设计,给出了从发射到光电外差接收的全过程传输方程.     

一种含横向圆柱形空腔的声学覆盖层的去耦机理分析

在水下结构表面敷设去耦覆盖层是降低其声辐射的有效途径. 为了深入分析一种含横向无限长空腔的覆盖层的去耦机理, 本文将其等效为均匀介质, 建立了敷设这种覆盖层的单向基体板在线激励下的声辐射模型, 验证了计算模型的有效性, 并利用计算模型对含横向空腔覆盖层的去耦机理进行了分析. 研究结果表明: 基体板-覆盖层接触面的能量流以纵波能量为主, 而横波能量很小, 因而计算覆盖层的去耦特性时可以忽略横波的作用; 和均匀覆盖层相比, 横向空腔型覆盖层在中高频段极大地增强了基体板的力阻抗, 从而更有效地抑制了基体板的振速; 此外, 和均匀覆盖层相比, 横向空腔型覆盖层和水的阻抗失配更大, 使其在中高频具有良好的振动传递损失特性. 因此, 总体而言, 含横向空腔的覆盖层相比均匀覆盖层具有更好的中高频去耦性能.     

Dirac Equation in Space–Time with Torsion

The Dirac equation in a curved space–time endowed with compatible affine connection is reconsidered. After a detailed decomposition of the total action, the equation is obtained by varying with respect to the Dirac spinor and the torsion field. The result is a known Dirac-like equation with constraints that can be interpreted as the equation of a self-interacting spin 1/2 particle in curved space–time. The scheme is then translated into the language of the 2-spinor formalism of curved space–time based on the choice of a null tetrad frame. The spinorial equation so obtained coincides with the standard one in case of no torsion, while in general it remains a nonlinear equation describing a self-interacting spin 1/2 particle. The nonlinearity is produced by the interaction of the particle with its own current that remains conserved as in the free torsion case.     

Two-time scale subordination in physical processes with long-term memory

We describe dynamical processes in continuous media with a long-term memory. Our consideration is based on a stochastic subordination idea and concerns two physical examples in detail. First we study a temporal evolution of the species concentration in a trapping reaction in which a diffusing reactant is surrounded by a sea of randomly moving traps. The analysis uses the random-variable formalism of anomalous diffusive processes. We find that the empirical trapping-reaction law, according to which the reactant concentration decreases in time as a product of an exponential and a stretched exponential function, can be explained by a two-time scale subordination of random processes. Another example is connected with a state equation for continuous media with memory. If the pressure and the density of a medium are subordinated in two different random processes, then the ordinary state equation becomes fractional with two-time scales. This allows one to arrive at the Bagley-Torvik type of state equation.     

Capture of DNA in microfluidic channel using magnetic beads: Increasing capture efficiency with integrated microfluidic mixer

We have studied the hybridization of target DNA in solution with probe DNA on magnetic beads immobilized on the channel sidewalls in a magnetic bead separator. The hybridization is carried out under a liquid flow and is diffusion limited. Two systems are compared: one with a straight microfluidic channel and one with an integrated staggered herringbone mixer. Fluorescence microscopy studies show that the hybridization is much more efficient in the system with the integrated mixer. The results, which are discussed in terms of a simple model, are relevant for any diffusion-limited reaction taking place on the surface in a microfluidic system.     

Video-Assisted Rigid Endoscopic Laryngosurgery: Application to Cases with Difficult Laryngeal Exposure

In some cases of microlaryngosurgery, laryngeal exposure with a direct laryngoscope is difficult because of a variety of reasons. In such cases, we now use a long rigid endoscope inserted into the side tube of the direct laryngoscope together with a video system. The lesion can be removed while the phonosurgeon observes the magnified images of the larynx on the video monitor. We describe the surgical procedure together with the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of vocal function in 13 patients with benign laryngeal lesions. A good surgical and vocal outcome was achieved in all cases. The method appeared to be useful for treating dysphonia in patients in whom it was difficult to expose the larynx with a direct laryngoscope.     

Interaction of a phosphatidylcholine derivative of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) with intact living cells: Steady-state fluorescence polarization and phase fluorometry studies

The potential interest of DPH-PC was checked with a macrophagic cell line (P388D1). The uptake of DPH-PC was associated with a rapid increase in both fluorescence intensity and a slow decrease in anisotropy values. A flow cytometry comparative study with DPH revealed in both cases the existence of two cell subpopulations with different labeling levels. The analysis of fluorescence decay of DPH-PC showed two components. The fractional intensity of the main component (9.7 ns) is higher than 92%. The Lorentzian distribution of the main lifetime presents an important homogeneity. The observation that an increase in temperature induced a decrease in steady state anisotropy values but did not affect the lifetime suggests that the anisotropy variations effectively reflect modifications in the cohesion of probe micro-surroundings. A transmembrane diffusional phenomenon of a fraction of fluorescent phospholipids (205) was suggested by a study with a nonpermeant membrane quencher. The transmembrane diffusion was confirmed by extraction of the phospholipid analog with fatty acid free BSA. The use of inhibitors of endogenous phospholipase A2 showed a progressive hydrolysis of the fluorescent phospholipid. Nevertheless, the hydrolysis can be neglected in the case of short term interactions with cells (<30 min). Therefore, it can be assumed that DPH-PC can be used as a membrane probe.     

Premixed flame oscillations in obstructed channels with both ends open

An initially laminar premixed flame front accelerates extremely fast and may even trigger a detonation when propagating in a semi-open obstructed channel (one end of the channel is closed; the flame is ignited at the closed end and moves towards the open one). However, industrial and laboratory conduits oftentimes have both ends open, or vented, with a flame ignited at one of these ends. The latter constitutes the focus of the present work. Specifically, premixed flame propagation through a comb-shaped array of obstacles, in-built in a channel with both ends open, is studied by means of computational simulation of the reacting flow equations with fully-compressible hydrodynamics and an Arrhenius chemical kinetics. The parametric study includes various blockage ratios and spacing as well as the thermal expansion ratios, with oscillations of the burning rate observed in the majority of the cases, which conceptually differs from fast flame acceleration in semi-open channels. Such a difference is devoted to the fact that while the entire flame-generated jet-flow is pushed towards a single exit in a semi-open channel, in a channel with two ends open, this jet-flow is distributed between the upstream and downstream flows, thereby moderating flame propagation. The flame oscillations are nonlinear in all cases where they are observed. The oscillation period grows with the blockage ratio but decreases with the thermal expansion. The present results also support the recent experiments, modeling and theory of flames in obstructed channels with both ends open, which all yielded steady or quasi-steady flame propagation prior to the onset of flame acceleration. Indeed, the present oscillations can be treated as the fluctuations around a quasi-steady solution.     

Encoded complex reconstruction into diffractive optical elements for high power Nd:YAG laser marking system

The applications of diffractive optical elements (DOE) in the domain of laser marking with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser are numerous, but few publications present usable results. In our opinion, the first usage with a Nd:YAG laser of a low cost DOE to mark complex forms such as industrial logos with a sufficient quality is presented in this paper. Besides, the manufacturing costs are very low and the necessary materials are very simple and few in our proposition. The elements have been manufactured by contact photolithography with a commercial resin, that one can find in a supermarket and a silver halide mask. Finally, the effects of the pulse duration on the reconstruction shape are evaluated and displayed with the help of marking test on sensitized paper.     

Freezing of phase separation in spatiotemporal stripe patterns formed by Ag and Sb co-electrodeposition

Various spatiotemporal patterns of dark and light stripes are formed in the Ag and Sb co-electrodeposition system. In this research, we investigate the time-evolution of the stripe width of a spatiotemporal stripe pattern with a size of ca. 10 μm. The results show that the stripe width increases with time and is eventually saturated. Such a phenomenon is predicted by some theories of spinodal decomposition of materials with chemical reactions in a nonequilibrium system. This suggests that the pattern is formed by the spinodal decomposition of metal alloys, Ag and Sb, with chemical reactions in a nonequilibrium system, which has not yet been reported in a metallic system.     

Experimental evidence of a chaotic region in a neural pacemaker

In this Letter, we report the finding of period-adding scenarios with chaos in firing patterns, observed in biological experiments on a neural pacemaker, with fixed extra-cellular potassium concentration at different levels and taken extra-cellular calcium concentration as the bifurcation parameter. The experimental bifurcations in the two-dimensional parameter space demonstrate the existence of a chaotic region interwoven with the periodic region thereby forming a period-adding sequence with chaos. The behavior of the pacemaker in this region is qualitatively similar to that of the Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model in a well-known comb-shaped chaotic region in two-dimensional parameter spaces.