Quantum non-Gaussianity certification of photon number-resolving detectors.

We report on direct experimental certification of the quantum non-Gaussian character of a photon number-resolving detector. The certification protocol is based on an adaptation of the existing quantum non-Gaussianity criteria for quantum states to quantum measurements. In our approach, it suffices to probe the detector with a vacuum state and two different thermal states to test its quantum non-Gaussianity. The certification is experimentally demonstrated for the detector formed by a spatially multiplexed array of ten single-photon avalanche photodiodes. We confirm the quantum non-Gaussianity of POVM elements Π^m associated with the m-fold coincidence counts, up to m = 7. The experimental ability to certify from the first principles the quantum non-Gaussian character of Π^m is for large m limited by low probability of the measurement outcomes, especially for vacuum input state. We find that the injection of independent Gaussian background noise into the detector can be helpful and may reduce the measurement time required for reliable confirmation of quantum non-Gaussianity. In addition, we modified and experimentally verified the quantum non-Gaussianity certification protocol employing a third thermal state instead of a vacuum to speed up the whole measurement. Our findings demonstrate the existence of efficient tools for the practical characterization of fundamental non-classical properties and benchmarking of complex optical quantum detectors.

Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser therapy for benign tumors of the eyelid margin.

Eyelid margin tumors require special attention based on both anatomical and histological perspectives. Our aim in this study was to evaluate carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy for the treatment of eyelid margin tumors. Fifty-two patients with 55 eyelid margin tumors were included in this study. All tumors were removed with a CO2 laser, and histopathological evaluation was obtained in 52 cases. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 8.5 months (range 6 to 14 months). There were no bleedings in the intra- and postoperative period; the wounds were dry and reepithelized after 10-14 days and no recurrence occurred during follow-up period. Compared to the surrounding tissue, the treated area was hypopigmented and maximum five eyelashes (average 2.5) were wasted during the procedure. We achieved complete patient and surgeon satisfaction with cosmetic and therapeutic results. CO2 laser treatment of eyelid margin is a safe and effective procedure; its cosmetic result is beneficial as it does not cause malposition of the eyelid or damage to the lacrimal drainage system if the tumor is located in its proximity.

Natural course of partially embolized carotid-cavernous fistulas.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To present the first study analyzing the clinical and radiological course of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) following incomplete embolization. The study compares magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to plain angiography (digital subtraction angiography [DSA]) and investigates the long-term ophthalmological impact of residual fistula. METHODS: Fistulas classified as partially embolized after the last endovascular treatment were prospectively followed with DSA, MRA, and ophthalmological examination. Both direct and indirect CCFs were included. RESULTS: Twenty-one CCFs were included in the study. Nine (43%) fistulas were direct and 12 (57%) were indirect. A favorable clinical outcome of modified Rankin scale ≤2 was recorded in 19 (90%) patients at the last follow-up. Postinterventional ophthalmologic examinations in 16 patients revealed no negative effects of residual fistulas; five remaining patients refused to undergo further examination. Spontaneous thrombosis and complete occlusion of the CCF were demonstrated in 90% of patients, with a mean time to occlusion of 5.7 ± 4.7 months. Fourteen (66%) patients completed the full imaging follow-up (MRA and DSA). In 21% of these cases, discrepancy between the two imaging modalities was observed-MRA failed to detect persistent fistulas identified by DSA. CONCLUSIONS: The goal of CCF treatment is safe and complete embolization. However, if adequate flow reduction is achieved, both direct and indirect CCFs tend to spontaneously thrombose. Residual flow does not result in ophthalmological deterioration until the fistula is completely closed. MRA may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect residues of fistulas including cortical venous drainage. Therefore, complete CCF closure should be confirmed through DSA.