Imaging of single infrared, optical, and ultraviolet photons using distributed tunnel junction readout on superconducting absorbers

Single-photon imaging spectrometers of high quantum efficiency in the infrared to ultraviolet wavelength range, with good timing resolution and with a vanishing dark count rate are on top of the wish list in earth-bound astronomy, material and medical sciences, or quantum information technologies. We review and present improved operation of a cryogenic detector system potentially offering all these qualities. It is based on a superconducting absorber strip read out with superconducting tunnel junctions. The detector performance is discussed in terms of responsivity, noise properties, energy and position resolution. Dynamic processes involved in the signal creation and detection are investigated for a basic understanding of the physics, and for possible application-specific modifications of device characteristics.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Precision tests of unitarity in leptonic mixing

In the light of the recent LHC data, we study precision tests sensitive to the violation of lepton universality, in particular the violation of unitarity in neutrino mixing. Keeping all data we find no satisfatory fit, even allowing for violations of unitarity in neutrino mixing. Leaving out sin^2 \theta_{\scriptsize \mbox{eff}} from the hadronic forward-backward asymmetry at LEP, we find a good fit to the data with some evidence of lepton universality violation at the $\mathcal{O}(10^{-3})$ level.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

A renormalization group analysis of the Hill model and its HEIDI extension

The parameter space of the simplest extension of the standard model, is studied in the light of the 125 GeV Higgs boson discovery. The Hill model extends the scalar sector of the standard model with a real singlet, that mixes with the SM Higgs boson. The two-loop SM renormalization group equations are completed with the one-loop Hill equations. Stability up to the Planck scale is possible without tension with the other parameters. An extension with more singlet fields, in particular a higher dimensional (HEIDI) field is presented.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

When Study Abroad Is Not Enough: Improving Language Proficiency through Virtual Interaction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of an in-service Spanish teacher who, despite studying abroad on multiple occasions, was unable to meet the proficiency requirements necessary for professional licensure in her state. Using a single case study design (Yin, 2014), the author documented the year-long experiences of this teacher as she engaged in virtual language activities with a Native Spanish speaker to successfully improve her proficiency. The following paper will provide a brief overview of the study, the supporting theoretical framework, methods, results and scholarly contributions to the field of foreign language education and teacher preparation