Quantum Physics Commons^™

Silver Nanoparticles As A Potential Solar Absorber, Benjamin Hardy

Honors Projects

This work reports the development of Silver nanoparticles implanted into a polymer as a solar absorber. The plasmonic nature of silver nanoparticle allows for adjustments to be made in its UV-VIS-NIR absorbance spectrum. A combination of different sized/shaped particles could result in ideal absorption of the majority of the solar spectrum. Allotting this with the stability of a polymer leads to potential solids or solutions that could work as a solar absorber. Tests were also performed to determine whether or not UV-C irradiation during synthesis effects the characteristics of silver nanoparticles, in particular the absorbance. Successful synthesis of silver nanoparticle …

Key Encryption Through Quantum Optics, Madison Durrance, Zach Galberd, Abbey Savage, Tristan Cabrera, Josh Hoffman

Georgia College Student Research Events

Cryptography has been around since the dawn of human civilization to send private messages for commercial, military, and political purposes. Some of the most important ciphers are the Vigenère cipher, the enigma, and the more modern RSA. Because of the development of the internet, private encryption has also become increasingly more important. The weakest link of encryption is the key creation and key distribution. A key is needed to encrypt and decipher codes and is needed by both the user and sender. A solution to this problem is the generation of quantum key distributions. In our experiment, we are now …

Mermin Inequalities For Perfect Correlations In Many-Qutrit Systems, Jay Lawrence

Dartmouth Scholarship

The existence of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) contradictions in many-qutrit systems was a long-standing theoretical question until its (affirmative) resolution in 2013. To enable experimental tests, we derive Mermin inequalities from concurrent observable sets identified in those proofs. These employ a weighted sum of observables, called M, in which every term has the chosen GHZ state as an eigenstate with eigenvalue unity. The quantum prediction for M is then just the number of concurrent observables, and this grows asymptotically as 2N/3 as the number of qutrits N→∞. The maximum classical value falls short for every N≥3, so that the quantum to classical …

On The Reality Of Mathematics, Brendan Ortmann

Selected Student Publications

Mathematics is an integral cornerstone of science and society at large, and its implications and derivations should be considered. That mathematics is frequently abstracted from reality is a notion not countered, but one must also think upon its physical basis as well. By segmenting mathematics into its different, abstract philosophies and real-world applications, this paper seeks to peer into the space that mathematics seems to fill; that is, to understand how and why it works. Under mathematical theory, Platonism, Nominalism, and Fictionalism are analyzed for their validity and their shortcomings, in addition to the evaluation of infinities and infinitesimals, to …

The Case Of The Disappearing (And Re-Appearing) Particle, Yakir Aharonov, Eliahu Cohen, Ariel Landau, Avshalom C. Elitzur

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

A novel prediction is derived by the Two-State-Vector-Formalism (TSVF) for a particle superposed over three boxes. Under appropriate pre- and post-selections, and with tunneling enabled between two of the boxes, it is possible to derive not only one, but three predictions for three different times within the intermediate interval. These predictions are moreover contradictory. The particle (when looked for using a projective measurement) seems to disappear from the first box where it would have been previously found with certainty, appearing instead within the third box, to which no tunneling is possible, and later re-appearing within the second. It turns out …

Neutron-Unbound Excited States Of 23n, M. Jones, T. Baumann, J. Brett, J. Bullaro, P. A. Deyoung, J.E. Finck, N. Frank, K. Hammerton, J. Hinnefeld, Z. Kohley, A. N. Kuchera, J. Pereira, A. Rabeh, J. K. Smith, A. Spyrou, Sharon L. Stephenson, K. Stiefel, M. Tuttle-Timm, R. G.T. Zegers, M. Thoennessen

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Neutron unbound states in 23N were populated via proton knockout from an 83.4 MeV/nucleon 24O beam on a liquid deuterium target. The two-body decay energy displays two peaks at E1∼100keV and E2∼1MeV with respect to the neutron separation energy. The data are consistent with shell model calculations predicting resonances at excitation energies of ∼3.6MeV and ∼4.5MeV. The selectivity of the reaction implies that these states correspond to the first and second 3/2− states. The energy of the first state is about 1.3 MeV lower than the first excited 2+ in 24O. This decrease is largely due to coupling with the …

Explorations Of Quantum Entanglement, John Stanton 17

Honor Scholar Theses

This thesis develops an undergraduate level understanding of quantum entanglement by expressing its properties in three unique mediums: mathematical formalism, application in technology and experiment. The mathematical formalism of entanglement is developed by working through theoretical experiments that utilize the entangled polarization states of photons. Notation used to describe entangled photon states is then used to illustrate how other types of entangled quantum states can be used in real technology, such as is the case with quantum computing. Finally, the theoretical predictions associated with entanglement are discussed in reference to two quantum optics experiments.

The Two-Time Interpretation And Macroscopic Time-Reversibility, Yakir Aharonov, Eliahu Cohen, Tomer Landsberger

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The two-state vector formalism motivates a time-symmetric interpretation of quantum mechanics that entails a resolution of the measurement problem. We revisit a post-selection-assisted collapse model previously suggested by us, claiming that unlike the thermodynamic arrow of time, it can lead to reversible dynamics at the macroscopic level. In addition, the proposed scheme enables us to characterize the classical-quantum boundary. We discuss the limitations of this approach and its broad implications for other areas of physics.

Pion Distribution Amplitude And Quasidistributions, A. V. Radyushkin

Physics Faculty Publications

We extend our analysis of quasidistributions onto the pion distribution amplitude. Using the formalism of parton virtuality distribution amplitudes, we establish a connection between the pion transverse momentum dependent distribution amplitude Ψ(x, k²_⊥) and the pion quasidistribution amplitude (QDA) Q_π(y, p₃). We build models for the QDAs from the virtuality-distribution-amplitude-based models for soft transverse momentum dependent distribution amplitudes, and analyze the p₃ dependence of the resulting QDAs. As there are many models claimed to describe the primordial shape of the pion distribution amplitude, we present the p₃-evolution …

Two-Color Multiphoton Emission From Nanotips, Wayne Cheng-Wei Huang, Maria Becker, Joshua Beck, Herman Batelaan

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

Two-color multiphoton emission from polycrystalline tungsten nanotips has been demonstrated using two-color laser fields. The two-color photoemission is assisted by a three-photon multicolor quantum channel, which leads to a twofold increase in quantum efficiency. Weak-field control of two- color multiphoton emission was achieved by changing the efficiency of the quantum channel with pulse delay. The result of this study complements two-color tunneling photoemission in strong fields, and has potential applications for nanowire-based photonic devices. Moreover, the demonstrated two-color multiphoton emission may be important for realizing ultrafast spin-polarized electron sources via optically injected spin current.

Data Collection And Analysis At The Atlas Detector, Savannah Thais

Yale Day of Data

No abstract provided.

Rapid Estimation Of Drifting Parameters In Continuously Measured Quantum Systems, Luis Cortez, Areeya Chantasri, Luis Pedro García-Pintos, Justin Dressel, Andrew N. Jordan

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We investigate the determination of a Hamiltonian parameter in a quantum system undergoing continuous measurement. We demonstrate a computationally rapid method to estimate an unknown and possibly timedependent parameter, where we maximize the likelihood of the observed stochastic readout. By dealing directly with the raw measurement record rather than the quantum-state trajectories, the estimation can be performed while the data are being acquired, permitting continuous tracking of the parameter during slow drifts in real time. Furthermore, we incorporate realistic nonidealities, such as decoherence processes and measurement inefficiency. As an example, we focus on estimating the value of the Rabi frequency …

Experimental Demonstration Of Direct Path State Characterization By Strongly Measuring Weak Values In A Matter-Wave Interferometer, Tobias Denkmayr, Hermann Geppert, Hartmut Lemmel, Mordecai Waegell, Justin Dressel, Yuji Hasegawa, Stephan Sponar

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

A method was recently proposed and experimentally realized for characterizing a quantum state by directly measuring its complex probability amplitudes in a particular basis using so-called weak values. Recently, Vallone and Dequal [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 040502 (2016)] showed theoretically that weak measurements are not a necessary condition to determine the weak value. Here, we report a measurement scheme used in a matter-wave interferometric experiment in which the neutron path system’s quantum state was characterized via direct measurements, using both strong and weak interactions. Experimental evidence is given that strong interactions outperform weak ones for tomographic accuracy. Our results are …

Maximal Lelm Distinguishability Of Qubit And Qutrit Bell States Using Projective And Non-Projective Measurements, Nathaniel Leslie

HMC Senior Theses

Many quantum information tasks require measurements to distinguish between different quantum-mechanically entangled states (Bell states) of a particle pair. In practice, measurements are often limited to linear evolution and local measurement (LELM) of the particles. We investigate LELM distinguishability of the Bell states of two qubits (two-state particles) and qutrits (three-state particles), via standard projective measurement and via generalized measurement, which allows detection channels beyond the number of orthogonal single-particle states. Projective LELM can only distinguish 3 of 4 qubit Bell states; we show that generalized measurement does no better. We show that projective LELM can distinguish only 3 of …

Quantum Foundations With Astronomical Photons, Calvin Leung

HMC Senior Theses

Bell's inequalities impose an upper limit on correlations between measurements of two-photon states under the assumption that the photons play by a set of local rules rather than by quantum mechanics. Quantum theory and decades of experiments both violate this limit.

Recent theoretical work in quantum foundations has demonstrated that a local realist model can explain the non-local correlations observed in experimental tests of Bell's inequality if the underlying probability distribution of the local hidden variable depends on the choice of measurement basis, or ``setting choice''. By using setting choices determined by astrophysical events in the distant past, it is …

Electrostatics At The Molecular Level, Ulrich Zurcher

Physics Faculty Publications

In molecular systems, positive and negative charges are separated, making them ideal systems to examine electrostatic interactions. The attractive force between positive and negative charges is balanced by repulsive ‘forces’ that are quantum-mechanical in origin. We introduce an ‘effective’ potential energy that captures the repulsion; it allows us to obtain fairly accurate estimates of the bonding properties of molecular systems. We use units (e.g., kcal mol–1 for energy) that emphasize the relevance of electrostatics to macroscopic behavior.

Relating The Finite-Volume Spectrum And The Two And Three-Particle S Matrix For Relativistic Systems Of Identical Scalar Particles, Raúl Briceño, Maxwell T. Hansen, Stephen R. Sharpe

Physics Faculty Publications

Working in relativistic quantum field theory, we derive the quantization condition satisfied by coupled two- and three-particle systems of identical scalar particles confined to a cubic spatial volume with periodicity L. This gives the relation between the finite-volume spectrum and the infinite-volume 2 → 2, 2 → 3, and 3 → 3 scattering amplitudes for such theories. The result holds for relativistic systems composed of scalar particles with nonzero mass m, whose center of mass energy lies below the four-particle threshold, and for which the two-particle K matrix has no singularities below the three-particle threshold. The quantization condition is exact …

Exomol Line List – Xxi. Nitric Oxide (No), Andy Wong, Sergei N. Yurchenko, Peter Bernath, Holger S.P. Müller, Stephanie Mcconkey, Jonathan Tennyson

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Line lists for the X ²Pi electronic ground state for the parent isotopologue of nitric oxide (¹⁴N¹⁶O) and five other major isotopologues (¹⁴N¹⁷O, ¹⁴N¹⁸O, ¹⁵N¹⁶O, ¹⁵N¹⁷O and ¹⁵N¹⁸O) are presented. The line lists are constructed using empirical energy levels (and line positions) and high-level ab initio intensities. The energy levels were obtained using a combination of two approaches, from an effective Hamiltonian and from solving the rovibronic Schrödinger equation variationally. The effective Hamiltonian model was obtained through a fit …

Unification Of Gravity And Quantum Theory, Adam Daniels

Faculty-Sponsored Student Research & Capstones

An overview of the four fundamental forces of physics as described by the Standard Model (SM) and prevalent unifying theories beyond it is provided. Background knowledge of the particles governing the fundamental forces is provided, as it will be useful in understanding the way in which the unification efforts of particle physics has evolved, either from the SM, or apart from it. It is shown that efforts to provide a quantum theory of gravity have allowed supersymmetry (SUSY) and M-Theory to become two of the prevailing theories for unifying gravity with the remaining non-gravitational forces.

Gamifying Quantum Theory, Matthew S. Leifer

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

"Over the past few years, the trend of gamification has gradually seeped into quantum research, education and outreach, so that we now have a critical mass of games based on quantum mechanics. I thought the time was right to discuss quantum gamification at the APS March meeting[.]"