Probing decoherence with electromagnetically induced transparency in superconductive quantum circuits

Superconductive quantum circuits comprise quantized energy levels that may be coupled via microwave electromagnetic fields. Described in this way, one may draw a close analogy to atoms with internal (electronic) levels coupled by laser light fields. In this Letter, we present a superconductive analog to electromagnetically induced transparency that utilizes superconductive quantum circuit designs of present day experimental consideration. We discuss how a superconductive analog to electromagnetically induced transparency can be used to establish macroscopic coherence in such systems and, thereby, be utilized as a sensitive probe of decoherence.     

Cumulant functions in optical coherence theory

Cumulant functions are introduced to describe the statistical state of a radiation field. These functions are simply related to the optical coherence functions but have some interesting features. It is shown that if the cumulant functions of all orders greater than some numberN ₀ vanish then they also vanish for all orders greater than 2. Thermal field is the only field having this property. This property holds whether the field is described by a classical stochastic process or by a quantum density operator. Further the particular operator ordering used in defining these cumulant functions for the quantized field affects only the second order cumulant function. To describe the statistical state of a vector field such as partially polarized or unpolarized radiation, one would need to introduce cumulant tensors.     

Gas phase activation energy for unimolecular dissociation of biomolecular ions determined by focused RAdiation for gaseous multiphoton ENergy transfer (FRAGMENT)

We present a novel approach for the determination of activation energy for the unimolecular dissociation of a large (>50 atoms) ion, based on measurement of the unimolecular dissociation rate constant as a function of continuous-wave CO(2) laser intensity. Following a short ( approximately 1 s) induction period, CO(2) laser irradiation produces an essentially blackbody internal energy distribution, whose 'temperature' varies inversely with laser intensity. The only currently available method for measuring such activation energies is blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD). Compared with BIRD, FRAGMENT: (a) eliminates the need to heat the surrounding ion trap and vacuum chamber to each of several temperatures (each requiring hours for temperature equilibration); (b) offers a three-fold wider range of effective blackbody temperature; and (c) extends the range of applications to include initially cold ions (e.g., gas-phase H/D exchange). Our FRAGMENT-determined activation energy for dissociation of protonated bradykinin, 1.2 +/- 0.1 eV, agrees within experimental error to the value, 1.3 +/- 0.1 eV, previously reported by Williams et al. from BIRD experiments. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Energy relaxation time between macroscopic quantum levels in a superconducting persistent-current qubit

We measured the intrawell energy relaxation time tau(d) approximately 24 micros between macroscopic quantum levels in the double well potential of a Nb persistent-current qubit. Interwell population transitions were generated by irradiating the qubit with microwaves. Zero population in the initial well was then observed due to a multilevel decay process in which the initial population relaxed to lower energy levels during the driven transitions. The decoherence time, estimated from tau(d) within the spin-boson model, is about 20 micros for this configuration with a Nb superconducting qubit.     

Novel gallium(III) complexes transported by MDR1 P-glycoprotein: potential PET imaging agents for probing P-glycoprotein-mediated transport activity in vivo

BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by expression of MDR1 P-glycoprotein (Pgp) represents one of the best characterized barriers to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) agents for analysis of Pgp-mediated drug transport activity in vivo would enable noninvasive assessment of chemotherapeutic regimens and MDR gene therapy. RESULTS: Candidate Schiff-base phenolic gallium(III) complexes were synthesized from their heptadentate precursors and gallium(III)acetylacetonate. Crystal structures demonstrated a hexacoordinated central gallium with overall trans-pseudo-octahedral geometry. Radiolabeled (67)Ga-complexes were obtained in high purity and screened in drug-sensitive (Pgp(-)) and MDR (Pgp(+)) tumor cells. Compared with control, lead compound 6. demonstrated antagonist-reversible 55-fold lower accumulation in Pgp-expressing MDR cells. Futhermore, compared with wild-type control, quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis showed markedly increased penetration and retention of 6. in brain and liver tissues of mdr1a/b((-/-)) gene disrupted mice, correctly mapping Pgp-mediated transport activity at the capillary blood-brain barrier and hepatocellular biliary cannalicular surface in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that gallium(III) complex 6. is recognized by MDR1 Pgp as an avid transport substrate, thereby providing a useful scaffold to generate (68)Ga radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging of Pgp transport activity in tumors and tissues in vivo using PET.     

Factors associated with African Americans' enrollment in a national cancer genetics registry

This study explored whether reactions to the Cancer Genetics Network (CGN) or CGN enrollment differed by receipt of a standard informational brochure versus a targeted version addressing factors previously associated with African Americans' health behavior decisions and research participation. The 262 participants, identified through tumor registries or clinic contacts, were mailed brochures and completed phone interviews. When asked whether - based on the brochure - they were or were not 'leaning toward' CGN enrollment, about 75% of both standard and targeted groups reported leaning toward. When given the opportunity at the end of the interview, 68% enrolled in the CGN. Trust was strongly related to enrollment. Less education, less satisfaction with cancer care, and individualistic rather than collective orientation were associated with lower trust. Education was also bivariately associated with enrollment, but mediation analysis indicated that the operational mechanism of education's influence on enrollment was through trust.     

铌酸锶钡薄膜的微结构与电光性能的研究

本文叙述了使用溶胶凝胶法在MgO(0 0 1)的衬底上制备铌酸锶钡薄膜的过程 ,膜层厚度可达 5 μm。通过X射线衍射、摇摆曲线、扫描、拉曼散射光谱等方法研究了薄膜的微结构性能 ,实验发现 ,铌酸锶钡薄膜具有了较好的 (0 0 1)方向的优先取向性能 ,并且随着薄膜厚度的增加 ,其晶体取向性也会随之不断改进。熔石英的透明衬底上生长的SBN薄膜具有较大的电致双折射效应 ,其有效电光系数能够高达 6 6 2× 10 -11m/V。