Abstract: A system and method for quantum key distribution uses a regulated single-photon source to sequentially generate a first photon and a second photon separated by a time interval ?t. The two photons are directed through a beam splitter that directs each photon to one of two transmission lines, which lead to two respective receivers. When one of the photons arrives at a receiver, it passes through an interferometer. One arm of the interferometer has a path length longer than the other arm by an amount equivalent to a photon time delay of ?t. The photon is then detected in one of three time slots by one of two single-photon detectors associated with each of the two interferometer outputs. Due to quantum-mechanical entanglement in phase and time between the two photons, the receivers can determine a secret quantum key bit value from their measurements of the time slots in which the photons arrived, or of the detectors where the photons arrived.

Abstract: A detection and classification method of a shape in a medical image is provided. It is based on generating a plurality of 2-D sections through a 3-D volume in the medical image. In general, there are two steps. The first step is feature estimation to generate shape signatures for candidate volumes containing candidate shapes. The feature estimation method computes descriptors of objects or of their images. The second general step involves classification of these shape signatures for diagnosis. A classifier contains, builds and/or trains a database of descriptors for previously seen shapes, and then maps descriptors of novel images to categories corresponding to previously seen shapes or classes of shapes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus using a retention arrangement with a potting enclosure for holding a plurality of probes by their retention portions, the probes being of the type having contacting tips for establishing electrical contact with pads or bumps of a device under test (DUT) to perform an electrical test. The retention arrangement has a top plate with top openings for the probes, a bottom plate with bottom openings for the probes, the plates being preferably made of ceramic with laser-machined openings, and a potting enclosure between the plates for admitting a potting agent that upon curing pots the retaining portions of the probes. In some embodiments a spacer is positioned between the top and bottom plates for defining the potting enclosure. Alternatively, the retention arrangement has intermediate plates located in the potting enclosure and having probe guiding openings to guide the probes.