Quantum information processing in optical images

Optical images can be used to transport, store and process information in a parallel way. We discuss different results obtained in the domain of ‘quantum imaging’, aiming at exploiting at the same time the quantum properties of optical images and their intrinsic parallelism. We define the notion of standard quantum limit (SQL) in optical resolution, set by the quantum noise of usual coherent light, and show that it can be much lower than the diffraction limit. We also prove that this limit can be circumvented by especially designed nonclassical and multimode light. We present an experiment showing that OPOs oscillating inside an exactly confocal cavity actually produce such transverse multimode nonclassical light. We finally describe another experiment which has surpassed the SQL in the case of beam positioning, both in the 1D and 2D cases.     

Synthesis and characterization of TTF-type precursors for the construction of conducting and magnetic molecular materials

New TTF precursors for the construction of conducting and magnetic materials have been synthesized by using the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between a mono- or a bis(trialkylstannyl)tetrathiafulvalene and a series of heteroaryl halides. The redox potential and some crystallographic data of these new building blocks are presented and discussed.     

Catecholamine release from cultured bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells in the presence of 60-Hz magnetic fields

Effects of powerline frequency (50/60 Hz) electric and magnetic fields on the central nervous system may involve altered neurotransmitter release. This possibility was addressed by determining whether 60-Hz linearly polarized sinusoidal magnetic fields (MFs) alter the release of catecholamines from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, a well-characterized model of neural-type cells. Dishes of cells were placed in the center of each of two four-coil Merritt exposure systems that were enclosed within mu-metal chambers in matched incubators for simultaneous sham and MF exposure. Following 15-min MF exposure of the cells to flux densities of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 2 mT, norepinephrine and epinephrine release were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrochemical detection. No significant differences in the release of either norepinephrine or epinephrine were detected between sham-exposed cells and cells exposed to MFs in either the absence or presence of Bay K-8644 (2 microM) or dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP, 10 microM). Consistent with these null findings is the lack of effect of MF exposure on calcium influx. We conclude that catecholamine release from chromaffin cells is not sensitive to 60-Hz MFs at magnetic flux densities in the 0.01-2 mT range.     

Influence of peak measurement parameters on the quality of chiral electrophoretic separations

The effect of nine peak measurement/analysis parameters on chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE), followed by UV detection, was studied. The parameters pertained UV-detection (detection wavelength, reference wavelength, and wavelength bandwidths), signal processing (data acquisition rate, type and amount of filtering) and peak detection (detection threshold and peak width). The influence of these factors on the chiral separation of dimethindene enantiomers was studied at two different concentrations (i.e., at high and low signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio) by the means of experimental designs. The electropherogram characteristics considered were the resolution between the two enantiomers, the peak areas, and the S/N ratio. A D-optimal design was first used as screening design to identify the most critical parameters. Afterwards, a modelling of the different responses as a function of these critical parameters was performed based on the results of a face-centered central composite design. The results showed that the signal-processing parameters should be carefully selected when developing a CE separation since very important variations in the separation, the S/N ratio and the peak area of the substances can occur by setting these parameters at different levels. The detection wavelength should also be carefully chosen for optimal peak area measurement. The role of these parameters becomes more important with decreasing concentration of the analytes (i.e., low S/N ratio). This study showed that the peak measurement/analysis parameters should be optimized as the chemical and physical parameters of a method. They also should always be well specified in order to allow a good transfer of a method from one instrument to another.