Lorentzian dynamics and factorization beyond rationality

We investigate the emergence of topological defect lines in the conformal Regge limit of two-dimensional conformal field theory. We explain how a local operator can be factorized into a holomorphic and an anti-holomorphic defect operator connected through a topological defect line, and discuss implications on analyticity and Lorentzian dynamics including aspects of chaos. We derive a formula relating the infinite boost limit, which holographically encodes the “opacity” of bulk scattering, to the action of topological defect lines on local operators. Leveraging the unitary bound on the opacity and the positivity of fusion coefficients, we show that the spectral radii of a large class of topological defect lines are given by their loop expectation values. Factorization also gives a formula relating the local and defect operator algebras and fusion categorical data. We then review factorization in rational conformal field theory from a defect perspective, and examine irrational theories. On the orbifold branch of the c = 1 free boson theory, we find a unified description for the topological defect lines through which the twist fields are factorized; at irrational points, the twist fields factorize through “non-compact” topological defect lines which exhibit continuous defect operator spectra. Along the way, we initiate the development of a formalism to characterize non-compact topological defect lines.

An Overview on Methods for Producing Side-Emitting Polymer Optical Fibers

An overview of the most important methods for producing side-emitting polymer optical fibers is given. Based on a systematic literature and patent search, the methods that are applied in practice and explored in research are identified. The fabrication methods are classified into four groups according to the physical phenomenon that hinders total internal reflection: bulk scattering, bending, surface perforations and luminescence. Subdivisions are made regarding the actual processing steps. The production methods are described in detail and discussed with respect to their customizability and applications.

Uniform Ray Description of Physical Optics Scattering by Finite Locally Periodic Metasurfaces

<div><div><div><p>This paper presents a uniform ray description of electromagnetic wave scattering by locally periodic metasurfaces of polygonal shape. The model is derived by asymptotically evaluating the critical-point contributions of a physical optics scattering integral. It is valid for metasurfaces whose bulk scattering coefficients are periodic functions of a phase parameter which, in turn, is a continuous and smooth function of surface coordinates. The scattered field is expressed in terms of reflected, transmitted and diffracted rays that do not generally obey conventional geometrical constraints (i.e., Snell’s law and the Keller cone). An iterative technique is presented to determine the locations of critical points on one or multiple interacting metasurfaces. Numerical results demonstrating the utility and accuracy of the asymptotic physical optics model are also provided.</p></div></div></div>

Uniform Ray Description of Physical Optics Scattering by Finite Locally Periodic Metasurfaces

<div><div><div><p>This paper presents a uniform ray description of electromagnetic wave scattering by locally periodic metasurfaces of polygonal shape. The model is derived by asymptotically evaluating the critical-point contributions of a physical optics scattering integral. It is valid for metasurfaces whose bulk scattering coefficients are periodic functions of a phase parameter which, in turn, is a continuous and smooth function of surface coordinates. The scattered field is expressed in terms of reflected, transmitted and diffracted rays that do not generally obey conventional geometrical constraints (i.e., Snell’s law and the Keller cone). An iterative technique is presented to determine the locations of critical points on one or multiple interacting metasurfaces. Numerical results demonstrating the utility and accuracy of the asymptotic physical optics model are also provided.</p></div></div></div>

Measuring interstellar delays of PSR J0613−0200 over 7 yr, using the Large European Array for Pulsars

ABSTRACT Using data from the Large European Array for Pulsars, and the Effelsberg telescope, we study the scintillation parameters of the millisecond pulsar PSR J0613−0200 over a 7 yr timespan. The ‘secondary spectrum’ – the 2D power spectrum of scintillation – presents the scattered power as a function of time delay, and contains the relative velocities of the pulsar, observer, and scattering material. We detect a persistent parabolic scintillation arc, suggesting scattering is dominated by a thin, anisotropic region. The scattering is poorly described by a simple exponential tail, with excess power at high delays; we measure significant, detectable scattered power at times out to ${\sim}5 \, \mu {\rm s}$, and measure the bulk scattering delay to be between 50 to 200 ns with particularly strong scattering throughout 2013. These delays are too small to detect a change of the pulse profile shape, yet they would change the times of arrival as measured through pulsar timing. The arc curvature varies annually, and is well fitted by a one-dimensional scattering screen ${\sim}40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the way towards the pulsar, with a changing orientation during the increased scattering in 2013. Effects of uncorrected scattering will introduce time delays correlated over time in individual pulsars, and may need to be considered in gravitational wave analyses. Pulsar timing programmes would benefit from simultaneously recording in a way that scintillation can be resolved, in order to monitor the variable time delays caused by multipath propagation.

Holographic scattering requires a connected entanglement wedge

In AdS/CFT, there can exist local 2-to-2 bulk scattering processes even when local scattering is not possible on the boundary; these have previously been studied in con- nection with boundary correlation functions. We show that boundary regions associated with these scattering configurations must have O(1/GN) mutual information, and hence a connected entanglement wedge. One of us previously argued for this statement from the boundary theory using operational tools in quantum information theory. We improve that argument to make it robust to small errors and provide a proof in the bulk using focusing arguments in general relativity. We also provide a direct link to entanglement wedge reconstruction by showing that the bulk scattering region must lie inside the con- nected entanglement wedge. Our construction implies the existence of nonlocal quantum computation protocols that are exponentially more efficient than the optimal protocols currently known.

Scattering Phenomena in Porous Sol-Gel-Derived Silica Films

This paper presents the results of investigations of optical scattering phenomena in porous silica films. SiO2 films were prepared by the sol-gel method and deposited on polished silicon wafers by the dip-coating technique. Fabricated films were studied using integrating sphere reflectometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and angular resolve scattering. The spectral characteristics of the refractive and extinction indices and scattering extinction coefficients are presented. Additionally, the depolarization of reflected beam from samples was measured. The tested films were characterized by a thickness of 500 to 900 nm, a porosity of 50%, and refractive indices of less than 1.24. The observed depolarization of light reflected from SiO2 films resulted from surface and bulk scattering. This phenomenon resulted from the presence of surface and closed pores located in the bulk of SiO2 film.