Comparing different approaches for generating random numbers device-independently using a photon pair source

What is the most efficient way to generate random numbers device-independently using a photon pair source based on spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC)? We consider this question by comparing two implementations of a detection-loophole-free Bell test. In particular, we study in detail a scenario where a heralded single photon source (HSPS) is used to herald path-entangled states, i.e. entanglement between two spatial modes sharing a single photon and where non-locality is revealed using photon counting preceded by small displacement operations. We start by giving a theoretical description of such a measurement. We then show how to optimize the Bell-CHSH violation through a non-perturbative calculation, taking the main experimental imperfections into account. We finally bound the amount of randomness that can be extracted and compare it to the one obtained with the conventional scenario using photon pairs entangled e.g. in polarization and analyzed through photon counting. While the former requires higher overall detection efficiencies, it is far more efficient in terms of both the entropy per experimental run and the rate of random bit generation.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure

Linac-LHC EP Collider Options

We describe various parameter scenarios for a ring-linac ep collider based on LHC and an independent electron linac. Luminosities between $10^{31}$ and $10^{33} cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ can be achieved with a s.c. linac, operated either in pulsed or in cw mode, with optional recirculation, at a total electric wallplug power of order 20 MW. Higher luminosities, of several $10^{33} cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ can be reached by investing more electric power or by energy recovery. Finally, merits of a linac-ring ep collider are discussed

The CLIC Positron Sources Based on Compton Schemes

International audienceThe CLIC polarized positron source is based on a positron production scheme in which polarized photons are produced by Compton process. Compton backscattering happens in a so-called "Compton ring" where an electron beam of 1.06 GeV interacts with a powerful laser beam amplified in an optical resonator. The circularly-polarized gamma rays are sent on to a target, producing pairs of longitudinally polarized electrons and positrons. An Adiabatic Matching Device maximizes the capture of the positrons. A normal-conducting 2 GHz Linac accelerates the beam up to 2.424 GeV before injection into the Pre-Damping Ring (PDR). The nominal CLIC bunch population is 4.4x10**9 particles per bunch. Since the photon flux coming out from a "Compton ring" is not sufficient to obtain the requested charge, a stacking process is required in the PDR. Another option is to use a "Compton Energy Recovery Linac" where a quasi-continual stacking in the PDR could be achieved. A third option is to use a "Compton Linac" which would not require stacking. We describe the overall scheme as well as advantages and constraints of the three different options

The Large Hadron-Electron Collider (LHEC) at the LHC

Sub-atomic physics at the energy frontier probes the structure of the fundamental quanta of the Universe. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN opens for the first time the ‘terascale’ (TeV energy scale) to experimental scrutiny, exposing the physics of the Universe at the subattometric (∼ 10−19 m, 10−10 as) scale. The LHC will also take the science of nuclear matter to hitherto unparalleled energy densities. The hadron beams, protons or ions, in the LHC underpin this horizon, and also offer new experimental possibilities at this energy scale. A Large Hadron electron Collider, LHeC, in which an electron (positron) beam of energy 60 to 140 GeV is in collision with one of the LHC hadron beams, makes possible terascale leptonhadron physics. The LHeC is presently being evaluated in the form of two options, ‘ring-ring’ and ‘linac-ring’, either of which operate simultaneously with pp or ion-ion collisions in other LHC interaction regions. Each option takes advantage of recent advances in radio-frequency, in linear acceleration, and in other associated technologies, to achieve ep luminosity as large as 1033 cm−2s−1

The CLIC positron source based on compton schemes

The CLIC polarized positron source is based on a positron production scheme in which polarized photons are produced by a Compton process. In one option, Compton backscattering takes place in a so-called “Compton ring”, where an electron beam of 1 GeV interacts with circularly-polarized photons in an optical resonator. The resulting circularly-polarized gamma photons are sent on to an amorphous target, producing pairs of longitudinally polarized electrons and positrons. The nominal CLIC bunch population is 4.2x109 particles per bunch at the exit of the Pre-Damping Ring (PDR). Since the photon flux coming out from a "Compton ring" is not sufficient to obtain the requested charge, a stacking process is required in the PDR. Another option is to use a Compton Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) where a quasicontinual stacking in the PDR could be achieved. A third option is to use a "Compton Linac" which would not require stacking. We describe the overall scheme as well as advantages and constraints of the three options

A Large Hadron Electron Collider at CERN

This document provides a brief overview of the recently published report on the design of the Large Hadron Electron Collider (LHeC), which comprises its physics programme, accelerator physics, technology and main detector concepts. The LHeC exploits and develops challenging, though principally existing, accelerator and detector technologies. This summary is complemented by brief illustrations of some of the highlights of the physics programme, which relies on a vastly extended kinematic range, luminosity and unprecedented precision in deep inelastic scattering. Illustrations are provided regarding high precision QCD, new physics (Higgs, SUSY) and electron-ion physics. The LHeC is designed to run synchronously with the LHC in the twenties and to achieve an integrated luminosity of O(100) fb$^{-1}$. It will become the cleanest high resolution microscope of mankind and will substantially extend as well as complement the investigation of the physics of the TeV energy scale, which has been enabled by the LHC

Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among healthcare workers of an italian university hospital

We report the results of a study on the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in about 6000 workers of the University Hospital of Modena, Northern Italy, in the period March 2020–January 2021, and the relations with some individual and occupational factors. Overall, in healthcare workers (HCW) the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 during the period was 13.8%. Results confirm the role of overweight and obesity as significant risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, also proved to be significantly associated with the infection rate. Considering occupational factors, the COVID-19 risk was about threefold (OR: 2.7; 95% CI 1.7–4.5) greater in nurses and nurse aides than in non-HCW, and about double (OR: 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.2) in physicians. Interestingly, an association was also observed between infection risk and nightshifts at work (OR: 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.3), significantly related to the total number of shifts in the whole eleven-month period. Even if the vaccination campaign has now greatly modified the scenario of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW, the results of this study can be useful for further development of health and policy strategies to mitigate the occupational risk related to the new variants of coronavirus, and therefore the evolution of the pandemic

Fluorescent probe for the identification of potent inhibitors of the macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) protein of Burkholderia pseudomallei.

This is the final version. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record. The macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) protein belongs to the immunophilin superfamily. This class of enzymes catalyzes the interconversion between the cis and trans configuration of proline-containing peptide bonds. Mip has been shown to be important for the virulence of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Small molecules derived from the natural product rapamycin, lacking its immunosuppression-inducing moiety, inhibit Mip's peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity and lead to a reduction in pathogen load in vitro. Here, a fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) to enable the screening and effective development of BpMip inhibitors was established. A fluorescent probe was prepared, derived from previous pipecolic scaffold Mip inhibitors labeled with fluorescein. This probe showed moderate affinity for BpMip and enabled a highly robust FPA suitable for screening large compound libraries with medium- to high-throughput (Z factor ∼ 0.89) to identify potent new inhibitors. The FPA results are consistent with data from the protease-coupled PPIase assay. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the probe's binding highlighted that BpMip's ligand binding is driven by enthalpic rather than entropic effects. This has considerable consequences for the use of low-temperature kinetic assays.North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationGerman Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Germany)Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilDMTC Limited (Australia)UK Research and Innovatio