Terahertz generation in quantum cascade structures by two-color deriving fields: An approach to reach inversion population via optical pumping

In this paper, a quantum cascade laser (QCL) design is proposed based on GaAs/AlGaAs material system, which simultaneously operates at three widely separated wavelengths (${\lambda }_1=11.1\mu m,{\lambda }_2=14.1\mu m$ and ${\lambda }_{THz}=60\mu m$). In the design, all the wavelength radiations are achieved by the engineering of the electronic spectrum via the quantum-well widths and the applied electric field in a single active region within a same waveguide. The mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelengths are obtained by adoption a dual-upper-state active region, and the proposed design aims to use both the mid-IR radiations as the coherent deriving fields to populate the upper THz lasing state to aid the THz-laser population inversion via optical pumping instead of direct electrical injection. A detailed analysis of electronic transport in the structure is carried out using a multi-level rate-equation model. The results show that the proposed structure offers an alternative approach to room temperature THz generation in QCLs.     

峨山褐煤的分子结构和分子模拟

作为重要的化石能源，褐煤资源潜力巨大、分布广泛但综合利用率低。研究褐煤的分子结构模型，有助于预测褐煤在热解、液化和气化过程中的化学反应机理及反应路径，进而提高褐煤的综合应用水平。以云南峨山褐煤为研究对象，利用傅里叶变换红外光谱、13C核磁共振波谱及X射线光电子能谱等分析测试方法，获取了峨山褐煤的含碳、含氧及含氮结构参数。在此基础上，借助Gaussian 09计算平台，采用量子化学建模的方法构建并优化了峨山褐煤的分子结构模型。研究结果表明：峨山褐煤的芳碳率为39.20%，芳香碳结构主要为苯和萘，且芳香桥头碳与周边碳的比值χ_b为0.07；脂碳率为49.51%，脂肪碳结构主要为亚甲基，季碳和氧接脂碳；氧原子主要存在于羟基、醚氧、羰基和羧基结构中；含氮结构则以吡啶为主。基于元素分析、13C 核磁共振波谱分析，又经过热重实验消除褐煤中残余水分的影响后，计算出峨山褐煤的分子式为C₁₅₃H₁₃₇O₃₅N₂。依据分子式及分析结果计算出峨山褐煤的结构单元含量并构建出其初始结构模型，采用半经验法PM 3基组及密度泛函理论M06-2X/3-21G基组对初始分子构型进行优化。优化后的分子模型具有明显的三维立体特征，芳香环之间较为分散且在空间中排列不规则，芳香簇主要通过亚甲基、醚氧基、羰基、酯基和脂肪环连接，含氧官能团主要分布在分子边缘，脂肪族侧链较多。对优化后的分子模型进行振动频率计算进而获得了分子模型的模拟红外光谱，其与实验红外谱图吻合度良好，证明了峨山褐煤分子结构模型的准确性、合理性。分子结构模型的构建有利于直观地了解峨山褐煤的分子结构特征，从而有助于从微观分子角度研究峨山褐煤的宏观性质。同时，峨山褐煤分子结构模型可为其在热解、液化和气化等领域研究中提供理论指导。     

Quantum dots as a promising agent to combat COVID-19

Approximately every 100 years, as witnessed in the last two centuries, we are facing an influenza pandemic, necessitating the need to combat a novel virus strain. As a result of the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 [SARS-CoV-2] outbreak in January 2020, many clinical studies are being carried out with the aim of combating or eradicating the disease altogether. However, so far, developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detection kits or vaccines has remained elusive. In this regard, the development of antiviral nanomaterials by surface engineering with enhanced specificity might prove valuable to combat this novel virus. Quantum dots (QDs) are multifaceted agents with the ability to fight against/inhibit the activity of COVID-19 virus. This article exclusively discusses the potential role of QDs as biosensors and antiviral agents for attenuation of viral infection.     

Quantum Interface between a Superconducting Qubit and Spin Ensembles

An experimentally feasible strong coupling system between a spin ensemble and a superconducting qubit is studied. The coupling strength can be exponentially enhanced by applying the squeezing transformations to the system. By means of the two spin ensembles commonly coupled to a superconducting qubit, a set of universal nonadiabatic holonomic single‐qubit quantum gates can be realized in a decoherence‐free subspace. Furthermore, this proposal is robust with respect to decay of the system parameters, and it is experimentally feasible with currently available technology.     

On the effect of fractional statistics on quantum ion acoustic waves

In this paper, I study the effect of a small deviation from the Fermi–Dirac statistics on the quantum ion acoustic waves. For this purpose, a quantum hydrodynamic model is developed based on the Polychronakos statistics, which allows for a smooth interpolation between the Fermi and Bose limits, passing through the case of classical particles. The model includes the effect of pressure as well as quantum diffraction effects through the Bohm potential. The equation of state for electrons obeying fractional statistics is obtained and the effect of fractional statistics on the kinetic energy and the coupling parameter is analyzed. Through the model, the effect of fractional statistics on the quantum ion acoustic waves is highlighted, exploring both linear and weakly nonlinear regimes. It is found that fractional statistics enhance the amplitude and diminish the width of the quantum ion acoustic waves. Furthermore, it is shown that a small deviation from the Fermi–Dirac statistics can modify the type structures, from bright to dark soliton. All known results of fully degenerate and non-degenerate cases are reproduced in the proper limits.