Double Trap System Research Articles

Asymmetric field photovoltaic effect of neutral atoms

Photovoltaic effect of neutral atoms using inhomogeneous light in a double-trap opened system is studied theoretically. Using asymmetric external driving field to replacing original asymmetric chemical potential of atoms, we create polarization of atom population in the double-trap system. The polarization of atom number distribution induces net current of atoms and works as collected carriers in the cell. The cell can work even under partially coherent light. The whole configuration is described by quantum master equation considering weak tunneling between the system and its reservoirs at finite temperature. The model of neutral atoms could be extended to more general quantum particles in principle.

2P-125 ダブルトラップ系を用いたミオシンIIのアクチンとの負荷依存的な結合の観察(分子モーター,第47回日本生物物理学会年会)

2P-125 ダブルトラップ系を用いたミオシンIIのアクチンとの負荷依存的な結合の観察(分子モーター,第47回日本生物物理学会年会)

Spectroscopical and mechanical characterization of normal and thalassemic red blood cells by Raman Tweezers

In this work, the effects of thalassemia, a blood disease quite diffuse in the Mediterranean sea region, have been investigated at single cell level using a Raman Tweezers system. By resonant excitation of hemoglobin Raman bands, we have examined the oxygenation capability of beta-thalassemic erythrocytes. A reduction of this fundamental erythrocyte function has been found. The measurements have been performed on a significant number of red blood cells; the relative statistical analysis is presented. Moreover, the response to photo-induced oxidative stress of diseased cells with respect to the normal ones has been analyzed. Finally, the deformability of thalassemic erythrocytes has been quantified by measuring the membrane shear modulus by using a double-trap system: the measurements have revealed an increase in membrane rigidity of more than 40%, giving evidence that the genetic defect associated to thalassemia, which manly relies on hemoglobin structure, also strongly affects the erythrocyte mechanical properties. Our results demonstrate that the developed set-up may have potential for the monitoring of blood diseases and their response to drug therapies.