1,722 research outputs found
Superfast photon counting
The news that superconducting nanowire detectors can detect single photons with a timing precision of just a few picoseconds will benefit applications ranging from sensing to quantum communications
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Direct Linear Interpolation of Geometric Objects in Conformal Geometric Algebra
Abstract: Typically we do not add objects in conformal geometric algebra (CGA), rather we apply operations that preserve grade, usually via rotors, such as rotation, translation, dilation, or via reflection and inversion. However, here we show that direct linear interpolation of conformal geometric objects can be both intuitive and of practical use. We present a method that generates useful interpolations of point pairs, lines, circles, planes and spheres and describe algorithms and proofs of interest for computer vision applications that use this direct averaging of geometric objects
Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with non-periodic dielectric multilayers
We present superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SSPDs) on non-periodic dielectric multilayers, which enable us to design a variety of wavelength dependences of optical absorptance by optimizing the dielectric multilayer. By adopting a robust simulation to optimize the dielectric multilayer, we designed three types of SSPDs with target wavelengths of 500 nm, 800 nm, and telecom range respectively. We fabricated SSPDs based on the optimized designs for 500 and 800 nm, and evaluated the system detection efficiency at various wavelengths. The results obtained confirm that the designed SSPDs with non-periodic dielectric multilayers worked well. This versatile device structure can be effective for multidisciplinary applications in fields such as the life sciences and remote sensing that require high efficiency over a precise spectral range and strong signal rejection at other wavelengths
Analysis of a distributed fiber-optic temperature sensor using single-photon detectors
We demonstrate a high-accuracy distributed fiber-optic temperature sensor using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors and single-photon counting techniques. Our demonstration uses inexpensive single-mode fiber at standard telecommunications wavelengths as the sensing fiber, which enables extremely low-loss experiments and compatibility with existing fiber networks. We show that the uncertainty of the temperature measurement decreases with longer integration periods, but is ultimately limited by the calibration uncertainty. Temperature uncertainty on the order of 3 K is possible with spatial resolution of the order of 1 cm and integration period as small as 60 seconds. Also, we show that the measurement is subject to systematic uncertainties, such as polarization fading, which can be reduced with a polarization diversity receiver
Imide and isatin derivatives as β-lactam mimics of β-lactam antibiotics
Activated γ-lactams, which are derivatives of succinimide, phthalimide and isatin with suitable
elements of molecular recognition, have been synthesised as mimics of the ß-lactam antibiotics
and their chemical and biological reactivity determined
GHz bandwidth electro-optics of a single self-assembled quantum dot in a charge-tunable device
The response of a single InGaAs quantum dot, embedded in a miniaturized
charge-tunable device, to an applied GHz bandwidth electrical pulse is
investigated via its optical response. Quantum dot response times of 1.0 \pm
0.1 ns are characterized via several different measurement techniques,
demonstrating GHz bandwidth electrical control. Furthermore a novel optical
detection technique based on resonant electron-hole pair generation in the
hybridization region is used to map fully the voltage pulse experienced by the
quantum dot, showing in this case a simple exponential rise.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure
Analysis of ATS photographs using a specially designed electronic console, phase 1 Final report, 8 Oct. 1969 - 8 Oct. 1970
Evaluation of capabilities of electronic display system used in analysis of ATS cloud photograph
Investigations of afterpulsing and detection efficiency recovery in superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors
We report on the observation of a non-uniform dark count rate in
Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs), specifically
focusing on an afterpulsing effect present when the SNSPD is operated at a high
bias current regime. The afterpulsing exists for real detection events
(triggered by input photons) as well as for dark counts (no laser input). In
our standard set-up, the afterpulsing is most likely to occur at around 180 ns
following a detection event, for both real counts and dark counts. We
characterize the afterpulsing behavior and speculate that it is not due to the
SNSPD itself but rather the amplifiers used to boost the electrical output
signal from the SNSPD. We show that the afterpulsing indeed disappears when we
use a different amplifier with a better low frequency response. We also examine
the short-lived enhancement of detection efficiency during the recovery of the
SNSPD due to temporary perturbation of the bias and grounding conditions
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