We show that the long-standing assumption of "no-communication" between the provers of the two-prover model is not sufficiently precise to guarantee the security of a bit commitment scheme against malicious adversaries. Indeed, we show how a simple correlated random variable, which does not allow to communicate, can be used to cheat a simplified version (sBGKW) of the bit commitment scheme of Ben-Or, Goldwasser, Kilian, and Wigderson [BGKW88]. Instead we propose a stronger notion of separation between the two provers which takes into account correlated computations. To emphasize the risk that entanglement still represents for the security of a commitment scheme despite the stronger notion of separation, we present two variations of the sBGKW scheme that can be cheated by quantum provers with probability (almost) one. A complete proof of security against quantum adversaries is then given for the sBGKW scheme. By reduction we also obtain the security of the original BGKW scheme against quantum provers. For the unfamiliar reader, basic notions of quantum processing are provided to facilitate the understanding of the proofs presented.

Recent high-pressure experiments on iridium show a transition to a 14 atomic layer superlattice structure. Since iridium has a high bulk modulus, it is used in many high-pressure applications, for instance as a gasket for high-temperature, high-pressure diamond anvil cell experiments. The effects of pressure on this material are hence of interest. Of the transition metals, the iridium surface has been one of the most extensively studied surfaces experimentally. The field ion microscope has made it possible to observe in detail the behaviour of adatoms on the surface, and has led to interesting discoveries of the nature of atomic adsorption on the lr(111) surface. A number of theoretical and semi-empirical studies have been made on this topic. However, none of these studies take atomic relaxations into account in a satisfactory manner, and therefore do not give a complete understanding of the process of incorporation of adatoms onto the surface. In the present work, first-principles total energy calculations based on the plane wave pseudopotential method within the framework of the density functional theory are employed in the study of the bulk properties of iridium, and the crystal phases and defect structures of iridium under pressure. The bond-orientation model is extended to include the effects of pressure, and used to compute all of the ~2n defect structures of iridium as a function of atomic volume. Allowance for full atomic relaxations is made in computing the ideal and relaxed surface formation energies of the three low-index surfaces of iridium, and in investigating the nature of adsorption of single adatoms on the lr(111) surface. The formation energy of a vacancy on the Ir(111) surface is also computed. This is the first time such a calculation has been made. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

No description available.

A nanoscale Aharonov-Bohm (AB) ring with a quantum dot (QD) embedded in each arm is investigated analytically to provide electron transmission characteristics. A parallel magnetic field provides Zeeman splitting of the QD energy levels. Combined Zeeman energy level splitting and AB-effects occur with a perpendicular field. In our device, the AB-ring interferometer, Zeeman splitting of the QD energy levels creates regions of parameter space in which the electron transmission is highly spin-polarized. In addition to Zeeman splitting caused by a parallel magnetic field, combined Zeeman energy level splitting and AB-interference effects occur with a perpendicular field. The weighted spin-polarization function is calculated and presented as a function of magnetic field and electron energy. Due to a unique parameter regime in which the AB-oscillations show extreme sharpening [1], the electron transmission can be tuned to produce spin-polarized currents which can be switched and controlled by small changes of external fields. / Introduction -- AB-oscillations and resonances in a double quantum dot ring -- Results for combined Zeeman and AB effects -- Spin-polarization. / Department of Physics and Astronomy

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) employs the laws of quantum mechanics for the purpose of cryptography. Two parties, commonly called Alice and Bob, are able to share a random key which is used to encrypt a message. Any eavesdropper trying to intercept their key will have to make measurements, thereby disturbing the system. This can be detected by Alice and Bob and they will then discard their key. Polarisation encoded QKD protocols use the polarisation of single photons as qubits to generate a cryptographic key. This can be implemented using a fibre optic link between Alice and Bob but the polarisation of light is altered when passed through a fibre due to birefringence caused by asymmetries in the fibre. This causes refractive differences for orthogonal components of the state of polarisation of light, so the polarisation is rotated as the photon is transmitted through the fibre. If the fibre is fixed, the change of polarisation will be unique and constant. This can be compensated by rotating each photon appropriately to its original state. Under typical environmental conditions, such as temperature changes and vibrations, the birefringence effects vary and should be compensated in real time. Therefore, an active polarisation controller is needed in order to maintain the state of polarisation of each qubit. An investigation was done to first track how the state of polarisation changes over time in a natural environment. Both wavelength-division multiplexing and time-division multiplexing were investigated as testing methods for the compensation system. A time-division multiplexed system was developed to compensate the changes in polarisation. Since QKD protocols such as BB84 and B92 utilise two non-orthogonal bases, two polarisation controllers are usually used for compensation. However, by using a search algorithm, one polarisation controller was able to isolate the plane on the Poincaré sphere that passes through both bases, thus compensating non-orthogonal states with one device. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University (Canada), 1993. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-12, Section: B, page: 6250. Adviser: R. K. Bhaduri.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- McMaster University, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-137). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Also available in print.

Thesis (P.H.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Physics, 1957. / Typewritten. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.). / Written for the Dept. of Physics. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/05/29). Includes bibliographical references.