Abstract: An apparatus for generating a shared quantum key between a sender and a receiver comprises a sending apparatus which generates entangled photon pairs, and a receiving apparatus. A shared quantum key can be generated using temporal coincidences between photon detection events. For example, coincidences may be determined between sender and receiver photon detection events using detection data shared through a non-secure communications link between the sender and receiver. The quantum key can be used in encrypted communications. Similar apparatus and methods can be used for quantum imaging.

Abstract: A high-resolution scanning probe microscope using a coherent dual-tip probe comprises two single-atom protrusions on a single crystal metal wire. As the dual-tip probe scans across the surface of a sample material under an electrical bias, an interferenced electron wave function formed by two protruding atoms interacts with electron wave functions of the sample surface. Such an interferenced wave function has a distinctive pattern of electron wave density as high as four times that of a single-atom tip. A more distinctive microscopic image of the sample surface is therefore generated. The resolution of the dual-tip scanning probe microscopic image is also higher than that obtained by a single-tip probe because the interferenced electron wave function provides a confined and densely distributed interactive region.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprises a substrate; an anchored end connected to the substrate; a free end comprising an end effector opposite to the anchored end; a spring attached to the end effector; multiple actuation beams; multiple connection beams adapted to connect the multiple actuation beams to one another; and an actuator/sensor comprising a first electrode; a piezoelectric layer over the first electrode; and a set of second electrodes over the piezoelectric layer, wherein the set of second electrodes being defined by a transverse gap therebetween. Each of the multiple actuation beams comprises two sets of the second electrodes. The set of second electrodes comprise an extensional electrode and a contraction electrode. One of the sets of second electrodes is actuated asymmetrically with respect to a first plane resulting in a piezoelectrically induced bending moment arm in a lateral direction that lies in a second plane.

Abstract: A cutoff rate may be used to determine an optimal binary input distribution for a communications system which operates with imperfect receiver channel state information (CSI) at the receiver. First, the cutoff rate may be evaluated and used to analyze the optimal binary input as a function of CSI quality and receiver Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Next, limiting distributions of BPSK and On-Off Keying (OOK) may be examined and an analytic design rule for adaptive modulation between these two inputs (as the receiver CSI changes) may be derived. The modulation scheme may provide near optimal performance by employing only these limiting distributions rather than the full spectrum of binary inputs. Finally, the results may be used to design an adaptive modulation scheme for Pilot Symbol Assisted Modulation (PSAM) systems.

Abstract: An improved molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system and method in which an interface and a processing component associated with the MBE system enables an operator to set up the molecular beam epitaxy system such that it will produce beam fluxes of the correct magnitude and with a high degree of precision in response to inputted growth criteria. In standard operation mode, after user input of desired growth parameters, a command file is started via interaction through the interface.

Abstract: A novel laboratory method and a kit for rapid detection and identification of Yersinia bacteria using the polymerase chain reaction with specific primers and specific restriction enzymes to differentiate among Yersinia at the species level and to separate Yersinia from other species of bacteria.

Abstract: A remote control adaptor for the XM-122 detonator system which utilizes a ir of color coded LED's to indicate the open or closed status of the output terminal of a bistable relay.