Azimuthal modulation of electromagnetically induced grating using structured light

We propose a theoretical scheme for creating a two-dimensional Electromagnetically Induced Grating in a three-level $$\Lambda $$ Λ -type atomic system interacting with a weak probe field and two simultaneous position-dependent coupling fields—a two dimensional standing wave and an optical vortex beam. Upon derivation of the Maxwell wave equation, describing the dynamic response of the probe light in the atomic medium, we perform numerical calculations of the amplitude, phase modulations and Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of the probe field under different system parameters. We show that due to the azimuthal modulation of the Laguerre–Gaussian field, a two-dimensional asymmetric grating is observed, giving an increase of the zeroth and high orders of diffraction, thus transferring the probe energy to the high orders of direction. The asymmetry is especially seen in the case of combining a resonant probe with an off-resonant standing wave coupling and optical vortex fields. Unlike in previously reported asymmetric diffraction gratings for PT symmetric structures, the parity time symmetric structure is not necessary for the asymmetric diffraction grating presented here. The asymmetry is due to the constructive and destructive interference between the amplitude and phase modulations of the grating system, resulting in complete blocking of the diffracted photons at negative or positive angles, due to the coupling of the vortex beam. A detailed analysis of the probe field energy transfer to different orders of diffraction in the case of off-resonant standing wave coupling field proves the possibility of direct control over the performance of the grating.

FRAGMENTATION FUNCTIONS AT BABAR

Inclusive hadron production cross section in e+e- annihilation shed light on fundamental questions of hadronization and fragmentation processes. We present measurements of inclusive spectra of charged pions, kaons, and protons (antiprotons) produced in e+e- collisions at the center-of-mass energy of 10.54 GeV, and tests of QCD predictions and hadronization models. We also report the results on the measurement of the azimuthal modulation induced by the Collins effect in inclusive production of charged pion pairs e+e- → ππX, where the two pions are produced in opposite hemispheres. These data allows the determination of the polarized Collins fragmentation functions.

Dynamics of thin current sheets: Cluster observations

The paper tries to sort out the specific signatures of the Near Earth Neutral Line (NENL) and the Current Disruption (CD) models, and looks for these signatures in Cluster data from two events. For both events transient magnetic signatures are observed, together with fast ion flows. In the simplest form of NENL scenario, with a large-scale two-dimensional reconnection site, quasi-invariance along Y is expected. Thus the magnetic signatures in the S/C frame are interpreted as relative motions, along the X or Z direction, of a quasi-steady X-line, with respect to the S/C. In the simplest form of CD scenario an azimuthal modulation is expected. Hence the signatures in the S/C frame are interpreted as signatures of azimuthally (along Y) moving current system associated with low frequency fluctuations of Jy and the corresponding field-aligned currents (Jx). Event 1 covers a pseudo-breakup, developing only at high latitudes. First, a thin (H≈2000 km≈2ρi, with ρi the ion gyroradius) Current Sheet (CS) is found to be quiet. A slightly thinner CS (H≈1000–2000 km≈1–2ρi), crossed about 30 min later, is found to be active, with fast earthward ion flow bursts (300–600 km/s) and simultaneous large amplitude fluctuations (δB/B~1). In the quiet CS the current density Jy is carried by ions. Conversely, in the active CS ions are moving eastward; the westward current is carried by electrons that move eastward, faster than ions. Similarly, the velocity of earthward flows (300–600 km/s), observed during the active period, maximizes near or at the CS center. During the active phase of Event 1 no signature of the crossing of an X-line is identified, but an X-line located beyond Cluster could account for the observed ion flows, provided that it is active for at least 20 min. Ion flow bursts can also be due to CD and to the corresponding dipolarizations which are associated with changes in the current density. Yet their durations are shorter than the duration of the active period. While the overall ∂Bz∂t is too weak to accelerate ions up to the observed velocities, short duration ∂Bz∂t can produce the azimuthal electric field requested to account for the observed ion flow bursts. The corresponding large amplitude perturbations are shown to move eastward, which suggests that the reduction in the tail current could be achieved via a series of eastward traveling partial dipolarisations/CD. The second event is much more active than the first one. The observed flapping of the CS corresponds to an azimuthally propagating wave. A reversal in the proton flow velocity, from −1000 to +1000 km/s, is measured by CODIF. The overall flow reversal, the associated change in the sign of Bz and the relationship between Bx and By suggest that the spacecraft are moving with respect to an X-line and its associated Hall-structure. Yet, a simple tailward retreat of a large-scale X-line cannot account for all the observations, since several flow reversals are observed. These quasi-periodic flow reversals can also be associated with an azimuthal motion of the low frequency oscillations. Indeed, at the beginning of the interval By varies rapidly along the Y direction; the magnetic signature is three-dimensional and essentially corresponds to a structure of filamentary field-aligned current, moving eastward at ~200 km/s. The transverse size of the structure is ~1000 km. Similar structures are observed before and after. These filamentary structures are consistent with an eastward propagation of an azimuthal modulation associated with a current system Jy, Jx. During Event 1, signatures of filamentary field-aligned current structures are also observed, in association with modulations of Jy. Hence, for both events the structure of the magnetic fields and currents is three-dimensional.

Calibration of Dual-Polarization Radar in the Presence of Partial Beam Blockage

In the presence of partial beam blockage (PBB), weather radar measurements can experience significant bias that directly compromises the accuracy of the hydrologic applications. Techniques for the calibration of the radar reflectivity factor Z and differential reflectivity ZDR, measured with dual-polarization weather radars in the presence of partial beam obstruction, are examined in this paper. The proposed ZDR calibration technique utilizes radar measurements of ZDR in light rain and dry aggregated snow at unblocked and blocked elevations. This calibration technique was tested for the National Severe Storms Laboratory’s (NSSL’s) Cimarron radar that suffers from PBB, and a polarimetric prototype of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) that does not experience PBB. Results indicate that the ZDR bias that is associated with PBB can be calibrated with an accuracy of 0.2–0.3 dB, provided that the dataset is sufficiently large. Calibration of Z in the presence of PBB is based on the idea of self-consistency among Z, ZDR, and the specific differential phase KDP in rain. The self-consistency calibration of Z from the Cimarron radar is performed following an area–time integral method. Integration is partitioned into small azimuthal sectors to assess the azimuthal modulation of the Z bias. The suggested technique is validated by direct comparisons of reflectivity factors that are measured by the Cimarron radar and the unobstructed operational WSR-88D radar. It is shown that the azimuthal modulation of Z that is caused by PBB is well captured, and the accuracy of the Z calibration is within 2–3 dB.