Superconducting energy gap anomalies in NbN films

Nine NbN films ranging in thickness from 0.02 to 0.03 μm were studied by measuring the temperature dependence from 1.5 K to over 20 K of the ultrasonic attenuation of 700 MHz surface acoustic waves. The resulting curves did not fit the predictions of BCS. When the curves were numerically inverted to show the temperature dependence that the superconducting energy gap would need to have to produce the observed attenuation, they were found to be nearly constant at a value less than half of the BCS value. An analysis prompted by the Anderson theories of 2-D localizations shows the attenuation per film thickness to be proportional to the logarithm of the thickness.     

A finite characterization ofK-matrices in dimensions less than four

The class of realn × n matricesM, known asK-matrices, for which the linear complementarity problemw – Mz = q, w 0, z 0, w ^T z =0 has a solution wheneverw – Mz =q, w 0, z 0 has a solution is characterized for dimensionsn <4. The characterization is finite and practical. Several necessary conditions, sufficient conditions, and counterexamples pertaining toK-matrices are also given. A finite characterization of completelyK-matrices (K-matrices all of whose principal submatrices are alsoK-matrices) is proved for dimensions <4.Partially supported by NSF Grant MCS-8207217.Research partially supported by NSF Grant No. ECS-8401081.     

Electronic excitations during grazing scattering of hydrogen atoms on KI(001) and LiF(001) surfaces

The energy loss of hydrogen atoms with energies of 400 eV and 1 keV is studied in coincidence with the number of emitted electrons during grazing scattering from atomically clean and flat KI(001) and LiF(001) surfaces. The energy loss spectra for specific numbers of emitted electrons are analyzed in terms of a binary interaction model based on the formation of transient negative ions via local capture of valence band electrons from anion sites. Based on computer simulations we derive for this interaction scenario probabilities for the production of surface excitons, for electron loss to the conduction band of KI, for emission of electrons, and for formation of negative hydrogen ions. The pronounced differences of data obtained for the two surfaces are attributed to the different electronic structures of KI and LiF.     

14.5GHz紧凑型、低成本、全永磁ECR离子源

A compact 14.5GHz electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source for the production of slow, multiply charged ions has been constructed,with the plasma-confining magnetic field produced exclusively by permanent magnets.Microwave power of up to 175W in the frequency range from 12.75 to 14.SGHz is transmitted from ground potential via a PTFE window into the water-cooled plasma chamber which can be equipped with an aluminum liner.The waveguide coupling system serves also as biased electrode,and two remotely-controlled gas inlet valves connected via an insulating break permit plasma operation in the gas- mixing mode.A triode extraction system sustains ion acceleration voltages between 1kV and 10kV.The ECR ion source is fully computer-controlled and can be remotely operated from any desired location via Ethernet.     

Ultrasonic attenuation by a thin film of high transition temperature Nb3Ge

The electron-phonon contribution to the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient of a 0.5 μm Nb₃Ge film has been measured using 1.2 GHz surface acoustic waves. Analysis of the attenuation data shows that the largest part of the film has a superconducting transition near the bulk transition temperature, 18 K, even though the total film has a high transition temperature, namely 21.5 K. The electron mean free path is calculated from the electron-phonon attenuation data and is found to be an order of magnitude higher than expected for high transition temperature Nb₃Ge films.     

Necklaces of beads in k colors and k-ary de Bruijn sequences

This paper constructs a decreasing lexicographic list of necklaces of length n in beads of k colors. This list, somewhat modified, produces a k-ary de Bruijn sequence of length kⁿ.     

Ultrasonic attenuation of surface acoustic waves in a thin film of superconducting Nb3Sn

The attenuation of 660 MHz surface acoustic waves propagating in a thin film of Nb₃Sn 5000 Å thick has been measured as a function of temperature from 4.2 K to 16 K. The A 15 Nb₃Sn, electron-beam codeposited on YZ lithium niobate and annealed at 700°C, was studied using 5.1 μm wavelength interdigital electrodes. The film revealed a transition temperature of 14.2 ± 0.1 K and using the BCS theory, an energy gap 2Δ(0) = 3.5 k_BT_c.