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Device-independent, megabit-rate quantum random number generator with beam-splitter-free architecture and live Bell test certification
No full textDevice-independent quantum random number generators (DI-QRNGs) are crucial for many information-processing applications, requiring certified quantumness to ensure genuine randomness. However, inherent technical challenges in implementing quantumness tests often result in a low bit rate. Here, we present a high-bit-rate DI-QRNG with live quantumness certification through the Bell test. By employing spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a polarization Sagnac interferometer, which generates entangled degenerate pair-photons in annular ring distribution with strong temporal and spatial correlations due to energy and momentum conservation, we divide the annular ring into six diametrically opposite sections, forming three robust entangled photon sources from a single laser and nonlinear crystal. The pair-photons from these three sources exhibit bias-free quantum mechanical randomness. By utilizing the coincidence counts of pair-photons from two sources, we generate raw bits, while the third source simultaneously measures the Bell’s parameter without any loss of QRNG bits. We have generated 90 million raw bits in 46.4 seconds with the Bell parameter (S > 2), with a minimum entropy extraction ratio exceeding 97%. Post-processed using a Toeplitz matrix, the DI-QRNG achieves a bit rate of 1.8 Mbps, passing all NIST 800-22 and TestU01 tests. In the absence of Bell’s parameter for a non-maximally entangled state, g(2)(0) can be the metric for quantumness measure. Free from the requirement of any physical devices such as beam-splitters, this scalable DI-QRNG scheme promises high bit-rates and trustworthy certifications essential for practical applications
Towards realistic evaluation of active noise cancellation in audio devices: experimental setups for headphones and hearing aids
No full textOn the core and adjoint of the product of complete ideals in two-dimensional regular local rings
No full textUsing joint reductions of complete ideals, we find expressions for the core and adjoints of the product of complete ideals in a two-dimensional regular local ring. We also compute their colengths. Our results strengthen a generalization of the Briancon-Skoda theorem due to Rees and Sally
Transitioning surface wettability of Ti6Al4V via laser ablation and post-processing methods
No full textThe surface wettability of metals and alloys holds significant interest for industrial, commercial, and research applications. Laser-based texturing has emerged as a prominent technique for modifying wettability due to its precision, versatility, and automation compatibility. This study explores the wettability modification of Ti6Al4V alloy through laser ablation, followed by heat treatment and chemical coating. Initially, laser scanning speed and power are varied to create textured surfaces, which are then analyzed for feature dimensions using profilometry. Optimal parameters, determined as 9 mm/s scanning speed and 60 W power, yielded low-aspect-ratio features to enhance surface roughness and promote wettability. Using these parameters, three sets of laser-ablated samples were prepared in grid patterns with varying line spacing. Two of these sets then underwent post-processing: low-temperature heat treatment and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HTMS) coating. Contact angle (Ɵ) results revealed that Ɵ decreased from 72.4 ± 3.1° on the untreated surface to 34.5 ± 2.3° for the laser-ablated sample, indicating enhanced hydrophilicity achieved through laser texturing. Post-processing treatments further altered the wettability: heat-treated samples exhibited a Ɵ of 91.8 ± 2.3°, while chemically coated samples showed a Ɵ of 124.8 ± 2.1°. These results demonstrate a transition in wettability toward a hydrophobic state, with HTMS coating being the more effective treatment for achieving this shift. Further, morphology analysis revealed randomly oriented thread-like micro/nanostructures, with coarsening of features in heat-treated samples. This study confirms that laser ablation effectively creates microscale surface features to enhance wettability, while post-processing enables a controlled transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic states. This tuneable wettability offers promising applications for multi-functional surfaces and heat transfer systems
A comprehensive review of anti-cancer mechanisms of polyphenol honokiol and nano carrier-based approaches to enhance its therapeutic potential
No full textHonokiol, a polyphenol derived from the Magnolia plant, has demonstrated significant anticancer potential in various cancer models. However, the translation to clinical applications of honokiol is limited due to its low bioavailability, hydrophobicity, and rapid degradation. Thus, nano-formulation approaches have emerged as effective strategies to overcome such limitations and may improve the therapeutic potential of honokiol. In this review, we have highlighted the in vitro and in vivo studies conducted to evaluate the anticancer potential of honokiol in lung, kidney, breast, colon, prostate, brain and thyroid cancer models. Furthermore, we have provided a comprehensive summary of the various nanocarriers that have been utilized for the delivery of honokiol to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. These nanocarriers include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, nanoemulsions, and dendrimers. We have discussed the formulation strategies employed, such as thin-film hydration, solvent evaporation, and self-assembly techniques. Additionally, we have also discussed the benefits of nanocarrier-based delivery systems that can improve the bioavailability, cellular uptake, and therapeutic efficacy of honokiol, leading to enhanced anticancer activity and reduced toxicity. Overall, this review highlights significant advancements in NDDS for honokiol delivery and offers valuable insights into their potential for effective cancer therapy
Beam-splitter-free, device-independent, high bit-rate, quantum random number generator based on temporal and spatial correlations of heralded single-photons
No full textSpontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC), an inherently random quantum process, produces pair photons with strong temporal and spatial correlations due to energy and momentum conservation, and acts as the key for quantum random number generation (QRNG). Standard QRNG methods primarily use temporal correlations with beam splitters, limiting bit rates. However, due to spatial correlation, the pair photons in non-collinear phase-matched SPDC-setup appear at diametrically opposite points on an annular spatial distribution. Therefore, exploring the temporal correlation between the spatially correlated photon-pairs from different sections of the annual ring can directly lead to device-independent, multi-bit QRNG at a high rate, eliminating the need of a physical object such as a beam splitter. As a proof-of-concept, we report on high-bit-rate QRNG by using spatial correlation of photon-pairs by sectioning the SPDC ring of a non-collinear, degenerate, high-brightness source and temporal correlation between the diametrically opposite sections. Dividing the annular ring of the high-brightness photon-pair source based on a 20-mm-long, type-0 phase-matched, periodically poled KTP crystal into four sections, recording the timestamp of the coincidences (window of 1 ns) between photons from diametrically opposite sections and assigning bits (0 and 1), we extracted 90 × 106 raw bits over 27.7 s at a pump power of 17 mW. Using minimum entropy evaluation, we determined an extraction ratio of over 95 % for raw bits. Further, using Toeplitz matrix-based post-processing, we developed QRNG with bit rate of 3 Mbps, passing all NIST 800-22 and TestU01 test suites. The generic scheme shows the possibility of further enhancement of bit rate with more sectioning of the SPDC ring
Permanent Deformation Response of Coal Ash under Long- Term Cyclic Loading
No full textThis study presents the experimental investigation on the effect of loading frequency on the long-term cyclic response of coal ash under as-compacted conditions by performing cyclic triaxial testing. The specimens were prepared using the moist tamping method at 95% MDD (maximum dry density) and OMC (optimum moisture content) of coal ash. The frequency varied from 0.1 to 9 Hz at a cyclic stress ratio (CSR) of 0.15. The effective confining pressure was kept as 70 kPa for all the cyclic triaxial tests. The specimens were cyclically loaded for 20,000 loading cycles simulating long-term cyclic loading conditions. Initially, a static stress of 30 kPa in addition to the confining pressure (70 kPa) was applied before the application of cyclic loading. The cyclic loading was applied in the sinusoidal waveform in purely compressive mode. Total vertical deformation was determined as the summation of elastic/resilient and permanent deformation due to the application of long- term cyclic loading under cyclic triaxial conditions. Permanent deformation is defined as the accumulated plastic strain, which is non-recoverable on the application of cyclic loading. The dynamic modulus and stiffness degradation ratio were also evaluated with respect to the number of loading cycles. The results indicated that permanent vertical strain was found to reduce with frequency from 1 to 9 Hz for all the loading cycles. Dynamic modulus decreased with increasing number of loading cycles for all the frequencies (1-9 Hz), but became constant at a larger number of loading cycles
