Two-Photon Excitation Sets Limit to Entangled Photon Pair Generation from Quantum Emitters.

Entangled photon pairs are key to many novel applications in quantum technologies. Semiconductor quantum dots can be used as sources of on-demand, highly entangled photons. The fidelity to a fixed maximally entangled state is limited by the excitonic fine-structure splitting. This work demonstrates that, even if this splitting is absent, the degree of entanglement cannot reach unity when the excitation pulse in a two-photon resonance scheme has a finite duration. The degradation of the entanglement has its origin in a dynamically induced splitting of the exciton states caused by the laser pulse itself. Hence, in the setting explored here, the excitation process limits the achievable concurrence for entangled photons generated in an optically excited four-level quantum emitter.

Deep modeling of plasma and neutral fluctuations from gas puff turbulence imaging.

The role of turbulence in setting boundary plasma conditions is presently a key uncertainty in projecting to fusion energy reactors. To robustly diagnose edge turbulence, we develop and demonstrate a technique to translate brightness measurements of HeI line radiation into local plasma fluctuations via a novel integrated deep learning framework that combines neutral transport physics and collisional radiative theory for the 33D - 23P transition in atomic helium with unbounded correlation constraints between the electron density and temperature. The tenets for experimental validity are reviewed, illustrating that this turbulence analysis for ionized gases is transferable to both magnetized and unmagnetized environments with arbitrary geometries. Based on fast camera data on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, we present the first two-dimensional time-dependent experimental measurements of the turbulent electron density, electron temperature, and neutral density, revealing shadowing effects in a fusion plasma using a single spectral line.

Erratum: Accuracy of the Quantum Regression Theorem for Photon Emission from a Quantum Dot [Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 100402 (2021)].

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.100402.

Accuracy of the Quantum Regression Theorem for Photon Emission from a Quantum Dot.

The quantum regression theorem (QRT) is the most widely used tool for calculating multitime correlation functions for the assessment of quantum emitters. It is an approximate method based on a Markov assumption for environmental coupling. In this Letter we quantify properties of photons emitted from a single quantum dot coupled to phonons. For the single-photon purity and the indistinguishability, we compare numerically exact path-integral results with those obtained from the QRT. It is demonstrated that the QRT systematically overestimates the influence of the environment for typical quantum dots used in quantum information technology.

Femtosecond Transfer and Manipulation of Persistent Hot-Trion Coherence in a Single CdSe/ZnSe Quantum Dot.

Ultrafast transmission changes around the fundamental trion resonance are studied after exciting a p-shell exciton in a negatively charged II-VI quantum dot. The biexcitonic induced absorption reveals quantum beats between hot-trion states at 133 GHz. While interband dephasing is dominated by relaxation of the P-shell hole within 390 fs, trionic coherence remains stored in the spin system for 85 ps due to Pauli blocking of the triplet electron. The complex spectrotemporal evolution of transmission is explained analytically by solving the Maxwell-Liouville equations. Pump and probe polarizations provide full control over amplitude and phase of the quantum beats.

Detachment in Fusion Plasmas with Symmetry Breaking Magnetic Perturbation Fields.

Power exhaust from the bulk plasma is significantly altered by symmetry breaking magnetic perturbation fields, because these create direct connections (perturbed field lines) from the confined high temperature plasma to solid surfaces. The same amount of power is distributed among those new exhaust channels as for a symmetric magnetic configuration, which reduces the local upstream heat flux flowing down the perturbed field lines, thereby making access to detachment easier (i.e., at lower upstream density) for the divertor plasma near the location corresponding to the symmetric magnetic separatrix. However, the divertor plasma regions with connection to the bulk plasma are extended nonaxisymmetrically further outside, where significant heat loads occur, unlike in the symmetric configuration. The temperature remains high at those locations, which reduces the divertor plasma dissipation capacity, making the mitigation of heat loads more difficult to achieve.

Effective detection of spatio-temporal carrier dynamics by carrier capture.

The spatio-temporal dynamics of electrons moving in a 2D plane is challenging to detect when the required resolution shrinks simultaneously to nanometer length and subpicosecond time scale. We propose a detection scheme relying on phonon-induced carrier capture from 2D unbound states into the bound states of an embedded quantum dot. This capture process happens locally and here we explore if this locality is sufficient to use the carrier capture process as detection of the ultrafast diffraction of electrons from an obstacle in the 2D plane. As an example we consider an electronic wave packet traveling in a semiconducting monolayer of the transition metal dichalcogenide MoSe2, and we study the scattering-induced dynamics using a single particle Lindblad approach. Our results offer a new way to high resolution detection of the spatio-temporal carrier dynamics.

Picosecond Control of Quantum Dot Laser Emission by Coherent Phonons.

A picosecond acoustic pulse can be used to control the lasing emission from semiconductor nanostructures by shifting their electronic transitions. When the active medium, here an ensemble of (In,Ga)As quantum dots, is shifted into or out of resonance with the cavity mode, a large enhancement or suppression of the lasing emission can dynamically be achieved. Most interesting, even in the case when gain medium and cavity mode are in resonance, we observe an enhancement of the lasing due to shaking by coherent phonons. In order to understand the interactions of the nonlinearly coupled photon-exciton-phonon subsystems, we develop a semiclassical model and find an excellent agreement between theory and experiment.

Machine learning classification of OARSI-scored human articular cartilage using magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of machine learning to discriminate between magnetic resonance images (MRI) of normal and pathological human articular cartilage obtained under standard clinical conditions. METHOD: An approach to MRI classification of cartilage degradation is proposed using pattern recognition and multivariable regression in which image features from MRIs of histologically scored human articular cartilage plugs were computed using weighted neighbor distance using compound hierarchy of algorithms representing morphology (WND-CHRM). The WND-CHRM method was first applied to several clinically available MRI scan types to perform binary classification of normal and osteoarthritic osteochondral plugs based on the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histological system. In addition, the image features computed from WND-CHRM were used to develop a multiple linear least-squares regression model for classification and prediction of an OARSI score for each cartilage plug. RESULTS: The binary classification of normal and osteoarthritic plugs yielded results of limited quality with accuracies between 36% and 70%. However, multiple linear least-squares regression successfully predicted OARSI scores and classified plugs with accuracies as high as 86%. The present results improve upon the previously-reported accuracy of classification using average MRI signal intensities and parameter values. CONCLUSION: MRI features detected by WND-CHRM reflect cartilage degradation status as assessed by OARSI histologic grading. WND-CHRM is therefore of potential use in the clinical detection and grading of osteoarthritis.

The role of phonons for exciton and biexciton generation in an optically driven quantum dot.

For many applications of semiconductor quantum dots in quantum technology, well-controlled state preparation of the quantum dot states is mandatory. Since quantum dots are embedded in the semiconductor matrix, their interaction with phonons often plays a major role in the preparation process. In this review, we discuss the influence of phonons on three basically different optical excitation schemes that can be used for the preparation of exciton, biexciton and superposition states: a resonant excitation leading to Rabi rotations in the excitonic system, an excitation with chirped pulses exploiting the effect of adiabatic rapid passage and an off-resonant excitation giving rise to a phonon-assisted state preparation. We give an overview of experimental and theoretical results, showing the role of phonons and compare the performance of the schemes for state preparation.

Energy transport and coherence properties of acoustic phonons generated by optical excitation of a quantum dot.

The energy transport of acoustic phonons generated by the optical excitation of a quantum dot as well as the coherence properties of these phonons are studied theoretically both for the case of a pulsed excitation and for a continuous wave (CW) excitation switched on instantaneously. For a pulsed excitation, depending on pulse area and pulse duration, a finite number of phonon wave packets is emitted, while for the case of a CW excitation a sequence of wave packets with decreasing amplitude is generated after the excitation has been switched on. We show that the energy flow associated with the generated phonons is partly related to coherent phonon oscillations and partly to incoherent phonon emission. The efficiency of the energy transfer to the phonons and the details of the energy flow depend strongly and in a non-monotonic way on the Rabi frequency exhibiting a resonance behavior. However, in the case of CW excitation it turns out that the total energy transferred to the phonons is directly linked in a monotonic way to the Rabi frequency.

Lattice fluctuations at a double phonon frequency with and without squeezing: an exactly solvable model of an optically excited quantum dot.

Time-dependent lattice fluctuations of an optically excited strongly confined quantum dot are investigated with the aim to analyze the characteristics commonly used for identifying the presence of squeezed phonon states. It is demonstrated that the appearance of fluctuations oscillating with twice the phonon frequency, commonly regarded as a clear indication of squeezed states, cannot be considered as such. The source of the discrepancy with earlier investigations is discussed. Conditions for generating a squeezed state by using a two-pulse excitation are analyzed.

Resonant pedestal pressure reduction induced by a thermal transport enhancement due to stochastic magnetic boundary layers in high temperature plasmas.

Good alignment of the magnetic field line pitch angle with the mode structure of an external resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) field is shown to induce modulation of the pedestal electron pressure p(e) in high confinement high rotation plasmas at the DIII-D tokamak with a shape similar to ITER, the next step tokamak experiment. This is caused by an edge safety factor q95 resonant enhancement of the thermal transport, while in contrast, the RMP induced particle pump out does not show a significant resonance. The measured p(e) reduction correlates to an increase in the modeled stochastic layer width during pitch angle variations matching results from resistive low rotation plasmas at the TEXTOR tokamak. These findings suggest a field line pitch angle resonant formation of a stochastic magnetic edge layer as an explanation for the q95 resonant character of type-I edge localized mode suppression by RMPs.

All-optical spin manipulation of a single manganese atom in a quantum dot.

For a CdTe quantum dot doped with a single Mn atom we analyze the dynamics of the Mn spin when the dot is excited by ultrashort laser pulses. Because of the exchange interaction with the Mn atom, electron and hole spins can flip and induce a change of the Mn spin. Including both heavy and light-hole excitons and using suitable pulse sequences, angular momentum can be transferred from the light to the Mn system while the exciton system returns to its ground state. We show that by a series of ultrashort laser pulses the Mn spin can be selectively driven into each of its six possible orientations on a picosecond timescale. By applying a magnetic field the total switching time and the required number of pulses can be strongly reduced.

Review of atomic data needs for active charge-exchange spectroscopy on ITER.

The quantitative exploitation of active beam spectra is largely based on an advanced atomic modeling. Under the ITER operating conditions the penetration depth of a diagnostic beam into the plasma core crucially affects the intensities of spectral lines and hence the uncertainties of derived plasma parameters. A critical review of atomic data and an assessment of its error margins are, therefore, urgently needed. The aim of the present work is to verify the existing beam-stopping and beam-emission data for hydrogen beam in fusion plasmas. The agreement between the ADAS database and the present calculations is found to be within 5% for the beam-stopping data in a H-plasma. The calculation of beam attenuation in the presence of He-ash (4%) and Be ions (2%) demonstrates the agreement between the present data and the ADAS database within 10%. Finally, the maximum deviation of 15% is found only for beam-emission data at the electron density of 1x10(12)-2x10(12) cm(-3), which is significantly below the ITER density of 10(14) cm(-3).

Prospective evaluation of novel system for jejunal feeding.

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition should be restored immediately after trauma, acute lesion, or surgical intervention. Nutrition through nasogastric tubes is often not feasible in patients in the posttraumatic state in medical intensive care units because of recurrent episodes of gastroesophageal reflux and subsequent aspiration due to gastric paresis. Placement of nasojejunal tubes with available techniques is unreliable. METHODS: We developed a new combined catheter system for jejunal delivery and simultaneous drainage of gastric juice (Cath-in-Cath, PreOx-RS, Germany). CONCLUSION: In this article, this new tube system is presented. The safety and excellent efficacy of the novel system for enteral nutrition therapy are reported in the first series of patients worldwide.

Acute alcohol withdrawal and free flap mandibular reconstruction outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of acute postoperative alcohol withdrawal on survival of vascularized fibular grafts for mandibular reconstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective case series of 17 consecutive patients. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: Relation between flap survival and alcohol withdrawal. RESULTS: Flap survival rate was 25% for patients who experienced delirium tremens and 85% in the other patients. Had all flaps in patients with postoperative alcohol withdrawal survived, the success rate would have been 89%. Flap loss was related to acute alcohol withdrawal (P =.02, chi2 analysis). The relationship between complication rate and alcohol withdrawal was also significant, using the Fisher exact test. CONCLUSIONS: Fibular free flap reconstruction of the mandible is clearly cost-effective when it facilitates return to social function and productivity. In our experience, acute alcohol withdrawal in the first 72 hours after surgery is associated with a high incidence of flap loss. Therefore, we believe that patients at significant risk for alcohol withdrawal should undergo detoxification preoperatively. Society's economic return for investing in free flap reconstruction comes from minimizing convalescence and maximizing postoperative patient productivity. This return will not be realized for poorly selected patients. We are looking further into the effects of alcoholism on flap survival rates.

Ear piercing for individuals with metal hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate an ear piercing and earring retention method for individuals with metal hypersensitivity. SETTING: Private facial plastic surgery practice associated with a tertiary care medical center. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a history of hypersensitivity to metallic jewelry (62 ears) underwent earlobe piercing with an intravenous catheter. RESULTS: None of the patients experienced an infection or hypersensitivity reaction. All patients were able to wear nickel-free earrings for short periods without using the shortened catheter. CONCLUSION: Using the distal shaft of an intravenous catheter as an earring post sheath is a safe and effective technique that allows hypersensitive individuals to wear earrings in pierced ears on a limited basis.

Management of vocal fold scar with autologous fat implantation: perceptual results.

Vocal fold scar disrupts the mucosal wave and interferes with glottic closure. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes voice therapy, medical management, and sometimes surgery. We reviewed the records of the first eight patients who underwent autologous fat implantation for vocal fold scar. Information on the etiology of scar, physical findings, and prior interventions were collected. Videotapes of videostroboscopic findings and perceptual voice ratings [Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS)] were randomized and analyzed independently by four blinded observers. Etiology of scar included mass excision (7), vocal fold stripping (3), congenital sulcus (2), and hemorrhage (1). Prior surgical procedures performed included thyroplasty (1), autologous fat injection (9), excision of scar (2), and lysis of adhesions (2). Strobovideolaryngoscopy: Statistically significant improvement was found in glottic closure, mucosal wave, and stiffness (P = 0.05). Perceptual ratings (GRBAS): Statistically significant improvement was found in all five parameters, including overall Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (P = 0.05). Patients appear to have improved vocal fold function and quality of voice after autologous fat implantation in the vocal fold. Autologous fat implantation is an important adjunctive procedure in the management of vocal fold scar, and a useful addition to the armamentarium of the experienced phonomicrosurgeon.

Laser resurfacing of silicone-injected skin: the "silicone flash" revisited.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prior silicone injection increases the risks associated with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. DESIGN: Laboratory determination of the effect of laser energy on liquid silicone; histologic evaluation of silicone-injected skin after lasing; and histologic demonstration of silicone deposits in all layers of dermis years after injection of silicone as filler fluid. SETTING: Tertiary care medical center. PATIENT-RELATED DATA: Histologic examination of freshly excised skin injected with microdroplets of liquid silicone and subjected to application of carbon dioxide laser energy; histologic examination of skin excised years after silicone injection. INTERVENTIONS: High-speed clinical photographic imaging of the effect of laser energy on silicone fluid; histologic examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections of skin injected with liquid silicone and subsequently lased. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response of liquid silicone to application of laser energy; effect of this response on surrounding normal skin. RESULTS: Exposure of microdroplets of liquid silicone to carbon dioxide laser energy produced flaring with frank flame. Flaring of dermal silicone caused collateral skin damage. CONCLUSIONS: Prior injection with liquid silicone is a relative contraindication to cutaneous resurfacing with the carbon dioxide laser. Surgical excision of silicone-injected skin may be preferable for many patients. A strenuous needs assessment should be done, alternatives for skin rejuvenation considered, and comprehensive informed consent obtained from the patient before embarking on laser resurfacing of silicone-injected skin.