316 research outputs found
Josephson oscillation linewidth of ion-irradiated YBaCuO junctions
We report on the noise properties of ion-irradiated YBaCuO
Josephson junctions. This work aims at investigating the linewidth of the
Josephson oscillation with a detector response experiment at 132 GHz.
Experimental results are compared with a simple analytical model based on the
Likharev-Semenov equation and the de Gennes dirty limit approximation. We show
that the main source of low-frequency fluctuations in these junctions is the
broadband Johnson noise and that the excess () noise contribution
does not prevail in the temperature range of interest, as reported in some
other types of high-T superconducting Josephson junctions. Finally, we
discuss the interest of ion-irradiated junctions to implement frequency-tunable
oscillators consisting of synchronized arrays of Josephson junctions
Some effects of ice crystals on the FSSP measurements in mixed phase clouds
In this paper, we show that in mixed phase clouds, the presence of ice crystals may induce wrong FSSP 100 measurements interpretation especially in terms of particle size and subsequent bulk parameters. The presence of ice crystals is generally revealed by a bimodal feature of the particle size distribution (PSD). The combined measurements of the FSSP-100 and the Polar Nephelometer give a coherent description of the effect of the ice crystals on the FSSP-100 response. The FSSP-100 particle size distributions are characterized by a bimodal shape with a second mode peaked between 25 and 35 ÎŒm related to ice crystals. This feature is observed with the FSSP-100 at airspeed up to 200 m s<sup>â1</sup> and with the FSSP-300 series. In order to assess the size calibration for clouds of ice crystals the response of the FSSP-100 probe has been numerically simulated using a light scattering model of randomly oriented hexagonal ice particles and assuming both smooth and rough crystal surfaces. The results suggest that the second mode, measured between 25 ÎŒm and 35 ÎŒm, does not necessarily represent true size responses but corresponds to bigger aspherical ice particles. According to simulation results, the sizing understatement would be neglected in the rough case but would be significant with the smooth case. Qualitatively, the Polar Nephelometer phase function suggests that the rough case is the more suitable to describe real crystals. Quantitatively, however, it is difficult to conclude. A review is made to explore different hypotheses explaining the occurrence of the second mode. However, previous cloud in situ measurements suggest that the FSSP-100 secondary mode, peaked in the range 25â35 ÎŒm, is likely to be due to the shattering of large ice crystals on the probe inlet. This finding is supported by the rather good relationship between the concentration of particles larger than 20 ÎŒm (hypothesized to be ice shattered-fragments measured by the FSSP) and the concentration of (natural) ice particles (CPI data). In mixed cloud, a simple estimation of the number of ice crystals impacting the FSSP inlet shows that the ice crystal shattering effect is the main factor in observed ice production
A 380 GHz SIS receiver using Nb/AlO(x)/Nb junctions for a radioastronomical balloon-borne experiment: PRONAOS
The superheterodyne detection technique used for the spectrometer instrument of the PRONAOS project will provide a very high spectral resolution (delta nu/nu = 10(exp -6)). The most critical components are those located at the front-end of the receiver: their contribution dominates the total noise of the receiver. Therefore, it is important to perform accurate studies for specific components, such as mixers and multipliers working in the submillimeter wave range. Difficulties in generating enough local oscillator (LO) power at high frequencies make SIS mixers very desirable for operation above 300 GHz. The low LO power requirements and the low noise temperature of these mixers are the primary reason for building an SIS receiver. This paper reports the successful fabrication of small (less than or equal to 1 sq micron) Nb/Al-O(x)/Nb junctions and arrays with excellent I-V characteristics and very good reliability, resulting in a low noise receiver performance measured in the 368/380 GHz frequency range
Le niveau de comprĂ©hension de lâanglais des Ă©tudiants en mĂ©decine peut ĂȘtre amĂ©liorĂ©. RĂ©sultats dâune stratĂ©gie dâĂ©valuation systĂ©matique
Objectives
To describe the level of English of a population of medical students and the improvement after the implementation of systematic assessment that all students achieve a minimal level.
Population and methods
For the past 5Â years, all medical students in our medical school have been taking the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). The baseline population (students entering second year in 2004) had no specific obligation. After 2004, a score above 600 was mandatory for graduation. Teaching was oriented towards training for the TOEIC and the number of hours was more important for low-level students.
Results
The mean score has increased from 618 ± 146 in 2004, to 687 ± 94, 717 ± 97, 733 ± 96 and 731 ± 104 for the next four years. The proportion of students who do not achieve a score of 550 (B1 level of the European framework) has decreased from 30 to 0%.
Discussion
Improving the level of English of French medical students is possible, if this is made a priority. The objective, as set in engineering studies, that all medical students reach a B2 level would require national guidelines
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