Parameter estimation by decoherence in the double-slit experiment

We discuss a parameter estimation problem using quantum decoherence in the double-slit interferometer. We consider a particle coupled to a massive scalar field after the particle passing through the double slit and solve the dynamics non-perturbatively for the coupling by the WKB approximation. This allows us to analyze the estimation problem which cannot be treated by master equation used in the research of quantum probe. In this model, the scalar field reduces the interference fringes of the particle and the fringe pattern depends on the field mass and coupling. To evaluate the contrast and the estimation precision obtained from the pattern, we introduce the interferometric visibility and the Fisher information matrix of the field mass and coupling. For the fringe pattern observed on the distant screen, we derive a simple relation between the visibility and the Fisher matrix. Also, focusing on the estimation precision of the mass, we find that the Fisher information characterizes the wave-particle duality in the double-slit interferometer.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and properties of 6,12-diaryl-substituted indeno[1,2-b]fluorenes

Fused polycyclic indeno[1,2-b]fluorene derivatives with aryl substituents at the 6,12-positions have been prepared as a potential antiaromatic 20π electronic system. They showed strong absorptions in the visible region and amphoteric redox properties. The quinoid-type molecular structures were revealed by X-ray crystal-structure analysis, which indicated that the bond lengths of the quinoid unit depend on the aryl substituents. Whereas nucleus-independent chemical shift NICS(1) calculations indicate the antiaromatic nature of the s-indacene core, they have higher stability than substituted acene derivatives. The derivatives with difluorophenyl or anthryl groups were stable in solution. Vapor-deposited thin films showed ambipolar carrier transportation in the field-effect transistor devices.     

The Bowman–Bradley theorem for multiple zeta-star values

TextThe Bowman–Bradley theorem asserts that the multiple zeta values at the sequences obtained by inserting a fixed number of twos between $3,1,\dots ,3,1$ add up to a rational multiple of a power of π. We establish its counterpart for multiple zeta-star values by showing an identity in a non-commutative polynomial algebra introduced by Hoffman.VideoFor a video summary of this paper, please click here or visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpqA2OJ6vP8.     

Relationship between diffusivity of water molecules inside hydrating tablets and their drug release behavior elucidated by magnetic resonance imaging

We reported previously that sustained release matrix tablets showed zero-order drug release without being affected by pH change. To understand drug release mechanisms more fully, we monitored the swelling and erosion of hydrating tablets using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three different types of tablets comprised of polyion complex-forming materials and a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used. Proton density- and diffusion-weighted images of the hydrating tablets were acquired at intervals. Furthermore, apparent self-diffusion coefficient maps were generated from diffusion-weighted imaging to evaluate the state of hydrating tablets. Our findings indicated that water penetration into polyion complex tablets was faster than that into HPMC matrix tablets. In polyion complex tablets, water molecules were dispersed homogeneously and their diffusivity was relatively high, whereas in HPMC matrix tablets, water molecule movement was tightly restricted within the gel. An optimal tablet formulation determined in a previous study had water molecule penetration and diffusivity properties that appeared intermediate to those of polyion complex and HPMC matrix tablets; water molecules were capable of penetrating throughout the tablets and relatively high diffusivity was similar to that in the polyion complex tablet, whereas like the HPMC matrix tablet, it was well swollen. This study succeeded in characterizing the tablet hydration process. MRI provides profound insight into the state of water molecules in hydrating tablets; thus, it is a useful tool for understanding drug release mechanisms at a molecular level.     

Magnetooptical Property of Sodium Borosilicate Gel-Glass Containing Bi-YIG Fine Particles

Composite materials which consist of ferro- or ferrimagnetic fine particles in a glass matrix are expected to have a large residual magnetization and coercive force because of their fine magnetic domain structure, and has potential for superior magneto-optical properties compared with single or polycrystalline materials. In this study, the sodium borosilicate (NBS) glass containing Bi-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Bi _x Y_3–x Fe₅O₁₂: BiYIG) fine particles, which show a superior magneto-optical effect, was prepared by the sol-gel method. BiYIG fine particles were stable in NBS gel-glass matrix during densification because the sintering temperature (580°C) of NBS gel was low enough to avoid pyrolysis of BiYIG and the reaction between BiYIG fine particles and the matrix. The Faraday rotation angle spectrum of the composite after deducting the contribution of the NBS glass matrix was intermediate between the reported ones of YIG and Bi_0.25YIG polycrystalline thin films. The change of the Faraday rotation angles of the composite with imposing magnetic field showed a hysteresis loop. It was in good agreement with that of the magnetization curve of the composite.     

Very high power line-selective CO2 laser with (line-selective) unstable resonator

By replacing the conventional (non line-selective) unstable resonator, we succeeded in developing the very high power line-selective (line-tunable) CO₂ laser as a pumping source for high power molecular gas (e.g.NH₃) lasers in the infrared and far-infrared regions.The experiments were performed by using the very high power CO₂ laser (4A unit of Lekko VIII) at The Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University.The output power of 9R(30)9.22µ m line from the developed CO₂ laser, for instance, exceeded 0.5GW/pulse (50J/pulse with pulse width of 100nsec).     

Michael addition of N-isobutylidene-t-butylamine to dimethyl methoxymethylenemalonate and a new synthesis of some fused pyrazole derivatives from the adduct

N-Isobutylidenemethylamine reacted with dimethyl methoxymethylenemalonate to afford the N-alkylation product 3a exclusively. Exchanging the N-substituent of the Schiff's base from methyl to t-butyl altered the course of the reaction, allowing Michael addition to take place predominantly. The Michael adduct 4c on reaction with hydrazinoalkanols 6a,b, 6c,d and 6e gave tetrahydropyrazolo[5,1-b]oxazoles 9a,b , tetrahydro-pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazines 9c,d and hexahydropyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazepine 9e , respectively.     

Effect of oxygen on the formation and decay of stilbene radical cation during the resonant two-photon ionization

Formation and decay of radical cations of trans-stilbene and p-substituted trans-stilbenes (S.+) during the resonant two-photon ionization (TPI) of S in acetonitrile in the presence and absence of O(2) have been studied with laser flash photolysis using a XeCl excimer laser (308 nm, fwhm 25 ns). The transient absorption spectra of S.+ were observed with a peak around 470-490 nm. The formation quantum yield of S.+ (0.06-0.29) increased with decreasing oxidation potential (E(ox)) and increasing fluorescence lifetime (tau(f)) of S, except for trans-4-methoxystilbene which has the lowest E(ox) and longer tau(f) among S. The considerable low yield and fast decay in a few tens of nanoseconds time scale were observed for trans-4-methoxystilbene.+ in the presence of O(2), but not for other S.+ . It is suggested that formation of the ground-state complex between trans-4-methoxystilbene and O(2) and the distonic character of trans-4-methoxystilbene.+ with separation and localization of the positive charge on the oxygen of the p-methoxyl group and an unpaired electron on the beta-olefinic carbon are responsible for the fast reaction of trans-4-methoxystilbene.+ with O(2) or superoxide anion, leading to the considerable low yield and fast decay of trans-4-methoxystilbene.+ . The mechanism based on the transient absorption measurement of S.+ during the TPI is consistent with the relatively high oxidation efficiency of trans-4-methoxystilbene among S based on the product analysis during the photoinduced electron transfer in the presence of a photosensitizer such as 9,10-dicyanoanthracene and O(2) in acetonitrile.