Fabrication and analogue applications of nanoSQUIDs using Dayem bridge junctions

We report here recent work at the U.K. National Physical Laboratory on developing nanoscale SQUIDs using Dayem bridge Josephson junctions. The advantages are simplicity of fabrication, exceptional low-noise performance, toward the quantum limit, and a range of novel applications. Focused ion beam patterned Nb SQUID, possessing exceptionally low noise (∼200 nΦ0/Hz1/2 above 1 kHz), and operating above 4.2 K can be applied to measurement of nanoscale magnetic objects or coupled to nanoelectromechanical resonators, as well as single particle detection of photons, protons, and ions. The limited operating temperature range may be extended by exposing the Dayem bridges to carefully controlled ion beam implantation, leading to nonreversible changes in junction transition temperature.The work reported here was supported in part by the EMRP projects ‘MetNEMS’ NEW-08 and ‘BioQUART’SIB-06. The EMRP is jointly funded by the EMRP participating countries within EURAMET and the European Union

Microwave method for high-frequency properties of graphene

Graphene is a remarkable material, which is yet to make the transition from unique laboratory phenomenon to useful industrial material. One missing element in the development process is a quick method of quality control of the electrical properties of graphene which may be applied in, or close to, the graphene growth process on an industrial scale. In this study, the authors describe a non-contact method using microwave resonance which potentially solves this problem. They describe the technique, consider its limitations and accuracy and suggest how the method may have future take up.UK NMS Programme, the EU EMRP project ‘GraphOhm’ and ‘MetNEMS’. The EMRP (European Metrology Research Programme

Ballistic Josephson junctions based on CVD graphene

Josephson junctions with graphene as the weak link between superconductors have been intensely studied in recent years, with respect to both fundamental physics and potential applications. However, most of the previous work was based on mechanically exfoliated graphene, which is not compatible with mass production. Here we present our research using graphene grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) as the weak link of Josephson junctions. We demonstrate that CVD-graphene-based Josephson junctions with Nb electrodes can work effectively without any thermal hysteresis from 1.5 K down to a base temperature of 320 mK, and they show an ideal Fraunhofer-like interference pattern in a perpendicular magnetic field. We also show that the critical current of the junction can be tuned by a gate voltage. Furthermore, for our shortest junctions (50 nm in length), we find that the normal state resistance oscillates with the gate voltage, indicating that the junctions are in the ballistic regime, a feature not previously observed in CVD-graphene-based Josephson junctions.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

Making meaning in muddy waters: representing complexity through community based storytelling

Internationally, storytelling has been used with many diverse communities. This paper compares the use of storytelling as a participatory art form within a community development project and a community and healthy living centre in the United Kingdom. Both the project and the centre regard storytelling activities as ‘inclusionary’ forms of intervention. However, the discourse of social inclusion rarely acknowledges the subtle psychosocial processes that are involved in participatory storytelling. This paper discusses such processes and examines some methodological implications of researching storytelling. It asks what contribution storytelling can make towards authentic representation of individual and community voices

Experience with DAQ for ATLAS Semi-Conductor Tracker

The Semi-Conductor Tracker is a silicon strip tracker that forms part of the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The DAQ system is responsible for reading data from the detector for analysis. Recent experiences of commissioning and integration of the DAQ are described including problems and solutions

The Platonic Dream

The author writes (12/13/16): The 1965 paper concerned Plato\u27s use of dreaming and waking as metaphors for various contrasts in different philosophical contexts, and especially for its relevance to the Divided Line and Cave of Republic VI-VII. It was a companion piece to my study of Images in the Republic, published in the Archiv sur Geschichte der Philosophie in 1965, and was originally written with it as part of a single long paper. That 1965 paper dealt with Plato\u27s attacks on images and mimesis, and tried to reconcile them with his own constant use of images, especially in Republic V-VII

Direct measurement of penetration length in ultra-thin and/or mesoscopic superconducting structures

We describe a method for direct measurement of the magnetic penetration length in thin (10 - 100 nm) superconducting structures having overall dimensions in the range 1 to 100 micrometers. The method is applicable for broadband magnetic fields from dc to MHz frequencies.Comment: Accepted by Journal of Applied P:hysics (Jun 2006).5 pages, 5 figure

A Sermon Writ In High Heaven: Astrology and Interpretation in Moby-Dick

This thesis explores Herman Melville\u27s use of astrology in Moby-Dick in relation to the novel\u27s stance on meaning-making and interpretation. It analyzes Ishmael and Ahab\u27s respective methods of interpretation established in the first half of the novel, then explores Stubb\u27s use of astrology in The Doubloon chapter. I propose that Stubb\u27s astrological soliloquy poses a potential solution to the conflict between Ishmael and Ahab\u27s diametrically opposed methods, thus offering an avenue into a new understanding of the novel\u27s epistemological project