Galilean-invariant scalar fields can strengthen gravitational lensing

The mystery of dark energy suggests that there is new gravitational physics on long length scales. Yet light degrees of freedom in gravity are strictly limited by Solar System observations. We can resolve this apparent contradiction by adding a Galilean-invariant scalar field to gravity. Called Galileons, these scalars have strong self-interactions near overdensities, like the Solar System, that suppress their dynamical effect. These nonlinearities are weak on cosmological scales, permitting new physics to operate. In this Letter, we point out that a massive-gravity-inspired coupling of Galileons to stress energy can enhance gravitational lensing. Because the enhancement appears at a fixed scaled location for dark matter halos of a wide range of masses, stacked cluster analysis of weak lensing data should be able to detect or constrain this effect.     

Dual-core ytterbium fiber amplifier for high-power 1060 nm swept source multichannel optical coherence tomography imaging

A novel (to our knowledge) dual-core ytterbium (Yb(3+)) doped fiber, as an optically pumped amplifier, boosts the output power from a 1060 nm swept source laser beyond 250 mW, while providing a wavelength tuning range of 93 nm, for optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. The design of the dual-core Yb-doped fiber amplifier and its multiple wavelength optical pumping scheme to optimize output bandwidth are discussed. Use of the dual-core fiber amplifier showed no appreciable degradation to the coherence length of the seed laser. The signal intensity improvement of this amplifier is demonstrated on a multichannel in vivo OCT imaging system at 1060 nm.     

High-frequency acoustic emissions generated by a 20 kHz sonochemical horn processor detected using a novel broadband acoustic sensor: a preliminary study

This paper describes the application of a novel broadband acoustic sensor to evaluating the acoustic emissions from cavitation produced by a typical commercial 20 kHz sonochemical horn processor. Investigations of the reproducibility of the processor, and of the variation in cavitation emissions as a function of output setting and sensor location are described, and resulting trends discussed in terms of the broadband integrated power in the megahertz frequency range. Companion studies with a conventional membrane hydrophone have illustrated for the first time that cavitation emissions produced by a sonochemical horn processor can extend to frequencies beyond 20 MHz, and the sensor shows that significant nonlinearity can be seen in measured cavitation activity with increasing nominal output power.     

Topological defects in spherical nematics

We study the organization of topological defects in a system of nematogens confined to the two-dimensional sphere (S2). We first perform Monte Carlo simulations of a fluid system of hard rods (spherocylinders) living in the tangent plane of S2. The sphere is adiabatically compressed until we reach a jammed nematic state with maximum packing density. The nematic state exhibits four +1/2 disclinations arrayed on a great circle. This arises from the high elastic anisotropy of the system in which splay (K1) is far softer than bending (K3). We also introduce and study a lattice nematic model on S2 with tunable elastic constants and map out the preferred defect locations as a function of elastic anisotropy. We find a one-parameter family of degenerate ground states in the extreme splay-dominated limit K_{3}/K_{1}-->infinity. Thus the global defect geometry is controllable by tuning the relative splay to bend modulus.     

Polarization singularities in 2D and 3D speckle fields

The 3D structure of randomly polarized light fields is exemplified by its polarization singularities: lines along which the polarization is purely circular (C lines) and surfaces on which the polarization is linear (L surfaces). We visualize these polarization singularities experimentally in vector laser speckle fields, and in numerical simulations of random wave superpositions. Our results confirm previous analytical predictions [M. R. Dennis, Opt. Commun. 213, 201 (2002)] regarding the statistical distribution of types of C points and relate their 2D properties to their 3D structure.     

An NMR thermometer for cryogenic magic-angle spinning NMR: the spin-lattice relaxation of (127)I in cesium iodide

The accurate temperature measurement of solid samples under magic-angle spinning (MAS) is difficult in the cryogenic regime. It has been demonstrated by Thurber et al. (J. Magn. Reson., 196 (2009) 84-87) [10] that the temperature dependent spin-lattice relaxation time constant of ⁷⁹Br in KBr powder can be useful for measuring sample temperature under MAS over a wide temperature range (20–296 K). However the value of T₁ exceeds 3 min at temperatures below 20 K, which is inconveniently long. In this communication, we show that the spin-lattice relaxation time constant of ¹²⁷I in CsI powder can be used to accurately measure sample temperature under MAS within a reasonable experimental time down to 10 K.     

The efficacy of tilted axial MRI of the CNS

The angle between the straight axial plane and the orbito-meatal line was measured in 156 consecutive magnetic resonance examinations. Inconsistent head positioning caused this angle to vary by as much as 44 degrees. Careful positioning of the patient by the technologist can minimize this variability, leading potentially to improved image interpretation. To assess the merit of a standardized orientation for MR examinations of the head, straight axial and tilted axial MR scans were compared in 34 patients. The tilted images were obtained parallel to the orbito-meatal line and were found to be superior for visualization of the cerebellum. When correlative x-ray CTs are available or when an abnormality in the posterior fossa is suspected, tilted axial MR scans should be employed.