arXiv subjects

Thomas A. Searles

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas A. Searles.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Improving application performance with biased distributions of quantum states

We consider the properties of a specific distribution of mixed quantum states of arbitrary dimension that can be biased towards a specific mean purity. In particular, we analyze mixtures of Haar-random pure states with Dirichlet-distributed coefficients. We analytically derive the concentration parameters required to match the mean purity of the Bures and Hilbert--Schmidt distributions in any dimension. Numerical simulations suggest that this value recovers the Hilbert--Schmidt distribution exactly, offering an alternative and intuitive physical interpretation for ensembles of Hilbert--Schmidt-distributed random quantum states. We then demonstrate how substituting these Dirichlet-weighted Haar mixtures in place of the Bures and Hilbert--Schmidt distributions results in measurable performance advantages in machine-learning-based quantum state tomography systems and Bayesian quantum state reconstruction. Finally, we experimentally characterize the distribution of quantum states generated by both a cloud-accessed IBM quantum computer and an in-house source of polarization-entangled photons. In each case, our method can more closely match the underlying distribution than either Bures or Hilbert--Schmidt distributed states for various experimental conditions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Global alignment of solution-based single-wall carbon nanotube films via machine-vision controlled filtration

Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in the chemical processing (chiral enrichment, length sorting, handedness selectivity, and filling substance) of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Recently, it was shown that large, horizontally-aligned films can be created out of post-processed SWCNT solutions. Here, we use machine-vision automation and parallelization to simultaneously produce globally-aligned SWCNT films using pressure-driven filtration. Feedback control enables filtration to occur with a constant flow rate that not only improves the nematic ordering of the SWCNT films, but also provides the ability to align a wide range of SWCNT types and on a variety of nanoporous membranes using the same filtration parameters. Using polarized optical spectroscopic techniques, we show that meniscus combing produces a two-dimensional radial SWCNT alignment on one side of the film. After we flatten the meniscus through silanation, spatially-resolved nematicity maps on both sides of the SWCNT film reveal global alignment across the entire structure. From experiments changing ionic strength and membrane tribocharging, we provide evidence that the SWCNT alignment mechanism stems from an interplay of intertube interactions and ordered membrane charging. This work opens up the possibility of creating globally-aligned SWCNT film structures for a new-generation of nanotube electronics and optical control elements.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Influence of symmetry breaking on Fano-like resonances in high Figure of Merit planar terahertz metafilms

It is well established that nearly all high-quality (Q) Fano-like resonances in terahertz (THz) metasurfaces broaden as asymmetry increases, resulting in a decline of Q-factor and an increase in the resonance intensity. Therefore, in order to determine the optimal design for applications in THz sensing, a Figure of Merit (FoM) is required. Previous studies have identified the asymmetry regimes at which the peak FoM occurs for various, specific unit cell geometries. However to date, there is no systematic comparison of the resulting FoMs for common and novel geometries. Here, a THz planar metafilm featuring split ring resonators with four distributed capacitive gaps is investigated to compare three unique methods of implementing asymmetry: (1) adjacent L-bracket translation, (2) capacitive gap translation and (3) increasing gap width. The results obtained find that by translating two gaps and increasing the bottom gap width of the unit cell, the high-Q Fano-like resonances are $6 \times$ higher than the FoM for the fundamental dipole mode. This work further informs the design process for THz metasurfaces and as such will help to define their applications in photonics and sensing.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2017

Electromagnetically induced transparency control in terahertz metasurfaces based on bright-bright mode coupling

We demonstrate a classical analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a highly flexible planar terahertz metamaterial (MM) comprised of three-gap split ring resonators. The keys to achieve EIT in this system are the frequency detuning and hybridization processes between two bright modes coexisting in the same unit cell as opposed to bright-dark modes. We present experimental verification of two-bright mode coupling for a terahertz EIT-MM in the context of numerical results and theoretical analysis based on a coupled Lorentz oscillator model. In addition, a hybrid variation of the EIT-MM is proposed and implemented numerically in order to dynamically tune the EIT window by incorporating photosensitive silicon pads in the split gap region of the resonators. As a result, this hybrid MM enables the potential active optical control of a transition from the on-state (EIT mode) to the off-state (dipole mode).

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2017

Polarization-dependent electromagnetic responses of ultrathin and highly flexible asymmetric terahertz metasurfaces

We report the polarization-dependent electromagnetic response from a series of novel terahertz (THz) metasurfaces where asymmetry is introduced through the displacement of two adjacent metallic arms separated by a distance $δ$. For all polarization states, the symmetric metasurface exhibits a low quality (Q) factor fundamental dipole mode. By breaking the symmetry, we experimentally observe a secondary dipole-like mode with a Q factor nearly $9\times$ higher than the fundamental resonance. As $δ$ increases, the fundamental dipole mode $f_{1}$ redshifts and the secondary mode $f_{2}$ blueshifts creating a highly transmissive spectral window. Polarization-dependent measurements reveal a full suppression of $f_{2}$ for all asymmetries at $θ\geq 60^\circ$. Furthermore, at $δ\geq 60 \text{ }μ\text{m}$, we observe a polarization selective electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) for the fundamental mode. This work paves the way for applications in filtering, sensing and slow-light devices common to other high Q factor THz metasurfaces with EIT-like response.

physics.app-ph↗