Optical accordion lattices are routinely used in quantum simulation and quantum computation experiments to tune optical lattice spacings. Here, we present a technique for creating tunable optical lattices using binary-phase transmission gratings. Lattices generated using this technique have high uniformity, contrast, lattice spacing tunability, and power efficiencies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMaintaining stable and precise alignment of a laser beam is crucial in many optical setups. In this work, we present a microcontroller-based rapid auto-alignment system that detects and corrects for drifts in a laser beam trajectory using a pair of two-dimensional duo-lateral position sensing detectors (PSDs) and a pair of mirror mounts with piezoelectric actuators. We develop hardware and software for interfacing with the PSDs and for controlling the motion of the piezoelectric mirror mounts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Sputum eosinophils can be used to assess severity of disease and response to treatment in bronchial asthma. Eosinophilic inflammation in the airways can also be marked by blood eosinophilia. In this study, we tried to determine the sputum eosinophil count and serum absolute eosinophil count in patients with asthma and correlate them with disease severity and treatment response.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Bronchogenic carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women. Early diagnosis and treatment in these cases are essential for a better prognosis. Serum biomarkers such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and CYFRA 21-1 have generated encouraging results regarding their use in the diagnosis of these cases but data on their role in the Indian scenario are still lacking.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, which may be further aggravated by episodes of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Electrolyte imbalances during these episodes may add to the duration of hospitalization and disease outcome. Aims and objectives This study aims to compare the serum electrolyte levels of patients with AECOPD and stable COPD and correlate them with the severity of exacerbation and disease outcome.
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