Critical-state effects on microwave losses in type-II superconductors

We discuss the microwave energy losses in superconductors in the critical state. The field-induced variations of the surface resistance are determined, in the framework of the Coffey and Clem model, by taking into account the distribution of the vortex magnetic field inside the sample. It is shown that the effects of the critical state cannot generally be disregarded to account for the experimental data. Results obtained in bulk niobium at low temperatures are quantitatively justified.Comment: 4 pages, 4 embedded figures, to be published on Eur. Phys. J.

Microwave Harmonic Emission in MgB2 Superconductor: Comparison with YBaCuO

We report results of microwave second-harmonic generation in ceramic samples of MgB2, prepared by different methods. The SH signal has been investigated as a function of the temperature and the static magnetic field. The results are discussed in the framework of models reported in the literature. We show that the peculiarities of the SH signal are related to the specific properties of the sample. A comparison with the results obtained in ceramic and crystalline YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7) shows that the second-harmonic emission in MgB2 is weaker than that observed in ceramic YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7).Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures; Proceedings of Third Workshop on Metamaterials and Special Materials for Electromagnetic Applications and TLC (Rome, 30-31 March, 2006

Mode Confinement in Photonic Quasi-Crystal Point-Defect Cavities for Particle Accelerators

In this Letter, we present a study of the confinement properties of point-defect resonators in finite-size photonic-bandgap structures composed of aperiodic arrangements of dielectric rods, with special emphasis on their use for the design of cavities for particle accelerators. Specifically, for representative geometries, we study the properties of the fundamental mode (as a function of the filling fraction, structure size, and losses) via 2-D and 3-D full-wave numerical simulations, as well as microwave measurements at room temperature. Results indicate that, for reduced-size structures, aperiodic geometries exhibit superior confinement properties by comparison with periodic ones.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Applied Physics Letter

Experimental evidence of s-wave superconductivity in bulk CaC6_{6}

The temperature dependence of the in-plane magnetic penetration depth, $\lambda_{ab}(T)$, has been measured in a c-axis oriented polycrystalline CaC$_{6}$ bulk sample using a high-resolution mutual inductance technique. A clear exponential behavior of $\lambda_{ab}(T)$ has been observed at low temperatures, strongly suggesting isotropic s-wave pairing. Data fit using the standard BCS theory yields $\lambda_{ab}(0)=(720\pm 80)$ Angstroem and $\Delta(0)=(1.79\pm 0.08)$ meV. The ratio $2\Delta(0)/k_{_B}T_{c}=(3.6\pm 0.2)$ gives indication for a conventional weakly coupled superconductor.Comment: To appear in Phys. Rev. Let

Le api svelano il mistero delle fonti di emissione di particolato inquinante

Si tratta di una ricerca che è durata due anni, ed è stata pubblicata sul numero di luglio 2015 della Rivista scientifica internazionale Plos One. Gli autori: Ilaria Negri, Marco Pellecchia (Koiné - Consulenze Ambientali S.n.c., Parma, Italy), Christian Mavris (Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom), Gennaro Di Prisco, Emilio Caprio (Dipartimento di Agraria, Laboratorio di Entomologia E. Tremblay, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Portici - Napoli). Nello studio scientifico i ricercatori dimostrano che le api si comportano anche come “campionatori” attivi di particolato atmosferico, i cosiddetti PM (dall’inglese “Particulate Matter”), di cui sono ricche le nostre città come troppo spesso avvertono i dati dell’Agenzia Regionale di Protezione dell’Ambiente (ARPA). Dice che l’Iglesiente (Iglesias, Sardegna) è inquinato, fortemente contaminato da metalli pesanti come il piombo e il bario. E svela poi che la salute di chi ci vive potrebbe essere compromessa, se non lo è già, anche dall’alta concentrazione di ferro, silicio e alluminio. Rivela ancora, con scientifica precisione, da dove provengono le micro particelle di queste impercettibilissime polveri: dalle miniere dell’Iglesiente e dalle industrie di Portovesm

Transport in strongly-coupled graphene-LaAlO3/SrTiO3 hybrid systems

We report on the transport properties of hybrid devices obtained by depositing graphene on a LaAlO3/SrTiO3 oxide junction hosting a 4 nm-deep two-dimensional electron system. At low graphene-oxide inter-layer bias the two electron systems are electrically isolated, despite their small spatial separation, and very efficient reciprocal gating is shown. A pronounced rectifying behavior is observed for larger bias values and ascribed to the interplay between electrostatic depletion and tunneling across the LaAlO3 barrier. The relevance of these results in the context of strongly-coupled bilayer systems is discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure

Hybrid photonic-bandgap accelerating cavities

In a recent investigation, we studied two-dimensional point-defected photonic bandgap cavities composed of dielectric rods arranged according to various representative periodic and aperiodic lattices, with special emphasis on possible applications to particle acceleration (along the longitudinal axis). In this paper, we present a new study aimed at highlighting the possible advantages of using hybrid structures based on the above dielectric configurations, but featuring metallic rods in the outermost regions, for the design of extremely-high quality factor, bandgap-based, accelerating resonators. In this framework, we consider diverse configurations, with different (periodic and aperiodic) lattice geometries, sizes, and dielectric/metal fractions. Moreover, we also explore possible improvements attainable via the use of superconducting plates to confine the electromagnetic field in the longitudinal direction. Results from our comparative studies, based on numerical full-wave simulations backed by experimental validations (at room and cryogenic temperatures) in the microwave region, identify the candidate parametric configurations capable of yielding the highest quality factor.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables. One figure and one reference added; minor changes in the tex

Discrete model analysis of the critical current density measurements in superconducting thin films by a single coil inductive method

The critical current density of a superconducting film can be easily determined by an inductive and contactless method. Driving a sinusoidal current in a single coil placed in front of a superconducting sample, a non zero third harmonic voltage V_3 is induced in it when the sample goes beyond the Bean critical state. The onset of V_3 marks the value of current beyond which the sample response to the magnetic induction is no more linear. To take into account, in a realistic way, the magnetic coupling between the film and the coil we have developed a discrete model of the inducing and induced currents distribution. In the framework of this model the magnetic field profile on the sample surface and the coefficient linking the current flowing in the coil and the critical current density J_C of superconducting thin films is evaluated. The numerical results are checked measuring J_C of several thin films of YBa_2Cu_3O_(7-d) of known superconducting properties, used as a control material.Comment: to be published in Journal of Applied Physic