344 research outputs found
Mixed-state microwave response in superconducting cuprates
We report measurements of the magnetic-field induced microwave complex
resistivity in REBaCuO thin films, with RE = Y, Sm.
Measurements are performed at 48 GHz by means of a resonant cavity in the
end-wall-replacement configuration. The magnetic field dependence is
investigated by applying a moderate (0.8 T) magnetic field along the c-axis.
The measured vortex state complex resistivity in
YBaCuO and SmBaCuO is
analyzed within the well-known models for vortex dynamics. It is shown that
attributing the observed response to vortex motion alone leads to
inconsistencies in the as-determined vortex parameters (such as the vortex
viscosity and the pinning constant). By contrast, attributing the entire
response to field-induced pair breaking leads to a nearly quantitative
description of the data.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, to be published in J. Supercond. as proceedings
of 8th HTSHFF (May 26th-29th, 2004, Begur, Spain
Nonlinear c-axis transport in Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_(8+d) from two-barrier tunneling
Motivated by the peculiar features observed through intrinsic tunneling
spectroscopy of BiSrCaCuO mesas in the normal state,
we have extended the normal state two-barrier model for the c-axis transport
[M. Giura et al., Phys. Rev. B {\bf 68}, 134505 (2003)] to the analysis of
curves. We have found that the purely normal-state model reproduces all
the following experimental features: (a) the parabolic -dependence of
in the high- region (above the conventional pseudogap temperature),
(b) the emergence and the nearly voltage-independent position of the "humps"
from this parabolic behavior lowering the temperature, and (c) the crossing of
the absolute curves at a characteristic voltage . Our
findings indicate that conventional tunneling can be at the origin of most of
the uncommon features of the c axis transport in
BiSrCaCuO. We have compared our calculations to
experimental data taken in severely underdoped and slightly underdoped
BiSrCaCuO small mesas. We have found good agreement
between the data and the calculations, without any shift of the calculated
dI/dV on the vertical scale. In particular, in the normal state (above
) simple tunneling reproduces the experimental dI/dV quantitatively.
Below quantitative discrepancies are limited to a simple rescaling of
the voltage in the theoretical curves by a factor 2. The need for such
modifications remains an open question, that might be connected to a change of
the charge of a fraction of the carriers across the pseudogap opening.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure
Tunnel and thermal c-axis transport in BSCCO in the normal and pseudogap state
We consider the problem of c-axis transport in double-layered cuprates, in
particular with reference to BiSrCaCuO
compounds. We exploit the effect of the two barriers on the thermal and tunnel
transport. The resulting model is able to describe accurately the normal state
c-axis resistivity in BiSrCaCuO, from the
underdoped side up to the strongly overdoped. We extend the model, without
introducing additional parameters, in order to allow for the decrease of the
barrier when an external voltage bias is applied. The extended model is found
to describe properly the c-axis resistivity for small voltage bias above the
pseudogap temperature , the c-axis resistivity for large voltage bias
even below , and the differential curves taken in mesa structures.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures. Submitted to Superconductor Science and
Technolog
Demonstration and Comparison of Operation of Photomultiplier Tubes at Liquid Argon Temperature
Liquified noble gases are widely used as a target in direct Dark Matter
searches. Signals from scintillation in the liquid, following energy deposition
from the recoil nuclei scattered by Dark Matter particles (e.g. WIMPs), should
be recorded down to very low energies by photosensors suitably designed to
operate at cryogenic temperatures. Liquid Argon based detectors for Dark Matter
searches currently implement photo multiplier tubes for signal read-out. In the
last few years PMTs with photocathodes operating down to liquid Argon
temperatures (87 K) have been specially developed with increasing Quantum
Efficiency characteristics. The most recent of these, Hamamatsu Photonics Mod.
R11065 with peak QE up to about 35%, has been extensively tested within the R&D
program of the WArP Collaboration. During these testes the Hamamatsu PMTs
showed superb performance and allowed obtaining a light yield around 7
phel/keVee in a Liquid Argon detector with a photocathodic coverage in the 12%
range, sufficient for detection of events down to few keVee of energy
deposition. This shows that this new type of PMT is suited for experimental
applications, in particular for new direct Dark Matter searches with LAr-based
experiments
Discovery of underground argon with low level of radioactive 39Ar and possible applications to WIMP dark matter detectors
We report on the first measurement of 39Ar in argon from underground natural
gas reservoirs. The gas stored in the US National Helium Reserve was found to
contain a low level of 39Ar. The ratio of 39Ar to stable argon was found to be
<=4x10-17 (84% C.L.), less than 5% the value in atmospheric argon
(39Ar/Ar=8x10-16). The total quantity of argon currently stored in the National
Helium Reserve is estimated at 1000 tons. 39Ar represents one of the most
important backgrounds in argon detectors for WIMP dark matter searches. The
findings reported demonstrate the possibility of constructing large multi-ton
argon detectors with low radioactivity suitable for WIMP dark matter searches.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, 2 table
First results from a Dark Matter search with liquid Argon at 87 K in the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory
A new method of searching for dark matter in the form of weakly interacting
massive particles (WIMP) has been developed with the direct detection of the
low energy nuclear recoils observed in a massive target (ultimately many tons)
of ultra pure Liquid Argon at 87 K. A high selectivity for Argon recoils is
achieved by the simultaneous observation of both the VUV scintillation
luminescence and of the electron signal surviving columnar recombination,
extracted through the liquid-gas boundary by an electric field. First physics
results from this method are reported, based on a small 2.3 litre test chamber
filled with natural Argon and an accumulated fiducial exposure of about 100 kg
x day, supporting the future validity of this method with isotopically purified
40Ar and for a much larger unit presently under construction with
correspondingly increased sensitivities.Comment: 26 pages, 8 figures, submitted to astroparticle physic
ESPRAS Survey on Continuing Education in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Europe
Background Specialty training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery is a prerequisite for safe and effective provision of care. The aim of this study was to assess and portray similarities and differences in the continuing education and specialization in plastic surgery in Europe. Material and Methods A detailed questionnaire was designed and distributed utilizing an online survey administration software. Questions addressed core items regarding continuing education and specialization in plastic surgery in Europe. Participants were addressed directly via the European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS). All participants had detailed knowledge of the organization and management of plastic surgical training in their respective country. Results The survey was completed by 29 participants from 23 European countries. During specialization, plastic surgeons in Europe are trained in advanced tissue transfer and repair and aesthetic principles in all parts of the human body and within several subspecialties. Moreover, rotations in intensive as well as emergency care are compulsory in most European countries. Board certification is only provided for surgeons who have had multiple years of training regulated by a national board, who provide evidence of individually performed operative procedures in several anatomical regions and subspecialties, and who pass a final oral and/or written examination. Conclusion Board certified plastic surgeons meet the highest degree of qualification, are trained in all parts of the body and in the management of complications. The standard of continuing education and qualification of European plastic surgeons is high, providing an excellent level of plastic surgical care throughout Europe
Oxygen contamination in liquid Argon: combined effects on ionization electron charge and scintillation light
A dedicated test of the effects of Oxygen contamination in liquid Argon has
been performed at the INFN-Gran Sasso Laboratory (LNGS, Italy) within the WArP
R&D program. Two detectors have been used: the WArP 2.3 lt prototype and a
small (0.7 lt) dedicated detector, coupled with a system for the injection of
controlled amounts of gaseous Oxygen. Purpose of the test with the 0.7 lt
detector is to detect the reduction of the long-lived component lifetime of the
Argon scintillation light emission at increasing O2 concentration. Data from
the WArP prototype are used for determining the behavior of both the ionization
electron lifetime and the scintillation long-lived component lifetime during
the O2-purification process activated in closed loop during the acquisition
run. The electron lifetime measurements allow to infer the O2 content of the
Argon and correlate it with the long-lived scintillation lifetime data. The
effect of Oxygen contamination on the scintillation light has been thus
measured over a wide range of O2 concentration, spanning from about 10^-3 ppm
up to about 10 ppm. The rate constant of the light quenching process induced by
Oxygen in LAr has been found to be k'(O2)=0.54+-0.03 micros^-1 ppm^-1
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