7,151 research outputs found
First observation of Cherenkov rings with a large area CsI-TGEM-based RICH prototype
We have built a RICH detector prototype consisting of a liquid C6F14 radiator
and six triple Thick Gaseous Electron Multipliers (TGEMs), each of them having
an active area of 10x10 cm2. One triple TGEM has been placed behind the liquid
radiator in order to detect the beam particles, whereas the other five have
been positioned around the central one at a distance to collect the Cherenkov
photons. The upstream electrode of each of the TGEM stacks has been coated with
a 0.4 micron thick CsI layer.
In this paper, we will present the results from a series of laboratory tests
with this prototype carried out using UV light, 6 keV photons from 55Fe and
electrons from 90Sr as well as recent results of tests with a beam of charged
pions where for the first time Cherenkov Ring images have been successfully
recorded with TGEM photodetectors. The achieved results prove the feasibility
of building a large area Cherenkov detector consisting of a matrix of TGEMs.Comment: Presented at the International Conference NDIP-11, Lyon,July201
Improved multi-user interaction in a smart environment through a preference-based conflict resolution virtual assistant
In this work we will examine and develop a system that can assist people in Activities of Daily Life (ADL). This study focuses on resolving conflicts for the requests from different users’ profiles, for instance - elderly, adult and young. The objective of the system is to present a dialogue manager which is able to detect multi-user semantic conflict and to resolve the conflict for improved dialogue informing about its decisions using a system interface Avatar. The system is also able to prioritize requests that occurred among the services of multiple home appliances, as well as to deal with conflicting entities involving a single device. We investigated whether the multi-user context awareness by a Virtual Assistant adds value to the Smart Home concept in recognizing multi-user conflicts dynamically. This work has proposed a preference based method for resolving conflict and evaluated the developed system in a smart home environmen
Precise Determination of Minimum Achievable Temperature for Solid-State Optical Refrigeration
We measure the minimum achievable temperature (MAT) as a function of
excitation wavelength in anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling of high purity
Yb3+-doped LiYF4 (Yb:YLF) crystal. Such measurements were obtained by
developing a sensitive noncontact thermometry that is based on a two-band
differential luminescence spectroscopy using balanced photo-detectors. These
measurements are in excellent agreement with the prediction of the laser
cooling model and identify MAT of 110 K at 1020 nm, corresponding to E4-E5
Stark manifold transition in Yb:YLF crystal.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure
Update on monitoring of magnetic and electromagnetic tectonic signals in Central Italy
A network of three absolute magnetometer stations and the geomagnetic observatory of L’Aquila (42°23N,
13°19E) monitors possible seismo- or tectonomagnetic effects in Central Italy, using L’Aquila Observatory as a
reference for differentiation. A system of two VLF search coil wide-band antennas, working in two different frequency
bands, at the L’Aquila Observatory, monitors possible electromagnetic effects related to seismic events
occurring in Central Italy. Absolute magnetic field observations and VLF signals have been collected for several
years. In particular the tectono-magnetic network started its operations in 1989. In this paper we report on the
time variation of above mentioned data for the most recent years 2002 and 2003, also in connection with older
measurements time series; we also report on seismic activity recorded in this area by the national seismic network.
In the above mentioned time interval, no strong earthquake activity was recorded, and at the same time no
clear evidence for magnetic or electromagnetic signals related to seismic events was found
Recognition of Cherenkov patterns in high multiplicity environments
An algorithm for the recognition of Cherenkov patterns based on the Hough Transform Method (HTM), modified for signals with intrinsic width in presence of background, is presented. The method basically consists in a mapping of the pad coordinate space directly to the Cherenkov angle parameter space with a crucial increase of performance in the treatment of different pattern shapes and amount of background. The method has been developed in the framework of the ALICE experiment at CERN for the analysis of data taken in the HMPID (High Momentum Particle IDentification) RICH detector prototype test beam
R&D results on a CsI-TTGEM based photodetector
The very high momentum particle identification detector proposed for the
ALICE upgrade is a focusing RICH using a C4F10 gaseous radiator. For the
detection of Cherenkov photons, one of the options currently under
investigation is to use a CsI coated Triple-Thick-GEM (CsI-TTGEM) with metallic
or resistive electrodes. We will present results from the laboratory studies as
well as preliminary results of beam tests of a RICH detector prototype
consisting of a CaF2 radiator coupled to a 10x10 cm2 CsI-TTGEM equipped with a
pad readout and GASSIPLEX-based front-end electronics. With such a prototype
the detection of Cherenkov photons simultaneously with minimum ionizing
particles has been achieved for the first time in a stable operation mode
Ground magnetometric surveys end integrated geophysical methods for solid buried waste detection: a case study
The detection of illegal buried waste by means of geophysical techniques has recently become a major effort in shallow geophysical investigations. In particular, detection and location of underground metallic storage tanks can be accomplished using different instruments and techniques. In this paper we describe the results of an investigation carried out in a tuff quarry in Riano Flaminio (north Rome, Italy). A preliminary magnetometric survey revealed the existence of anomalous zones in the analysed region. Excavation in some of the selected areas confirmed that the anomalies were generated by underground magnetic material: over 160 steel drums were found. After their removal, a new magnetometric survey was performed. On the basis of the new map, a multifrequency induction survey, a geoelectrical profile and GPR measurements were taken to extend the characterization of the subsoil
EARTH'S MAGNETISM AT THE SOUTH POLE: A VIEW FROM INLAND AND COASTAL STATIONS AND FROM TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS
Contributions to the knowledge of the Earth’s magnetism from polar regions is extremely important to understand the planetary phenomena which occur both below and above the Earth’s surface. At those areas the Earth’s magnetic field is stronger and the spatial and temporal changes are enhanced. At the same time polar regions are areas scarcely covered by observations for the adverse environmental conditions. We report the experience gained in years of management and maintenance of permanent stations (Mario Zucchelli, Dumont d’Urville (Victoria Land) and Concordia stations, Dome C) as well as temporary installations (Talos Dome) in Antarctica, showing how different acquisition systems, analysis and interpretation of data allow the scientific communities to contribute to originating important theories, models and results
Magnetic and Electromagnetic signals related to tectonic activity: updates and new analyses on measurements in Central Italy
Tectonomagnetic field observations from absolute magnetic field levels have been collected in Central Italy since 1989 by means of a network of four absolute magnetometer stations, including the geomagnetic observatory of L’Aquila (42 23 N, 13 19 E) used as reference for differentiation; also electromagnetic variations from VLF signals have been recorded in the last years by means of VLF search coil wide-band antennas.
Many reports proved the occurrence of electromagnetic effects clearly related to tectonic events (seismic and volcanic
activity) in active areas of our planet. In this paper we show the variation of some electromagnetic parameters which could be related to local and regional seismic activity for the most recent years 2002 and 2003. We also report the seismic activity recorded in this area by the Italian seismic
national network. Some tentative analysis (in the wavelets and statistical approach) on the historical and recent dataset allow a better
characterization of electromagnetic properties of the study area, at different temporal and spatial scales
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