RSI: Condensed Matter; Materials http://scitation.aip.org/ RSI: Condensed Matter; Materials Solid-state source of atomic oxygen for low-temperature oxidation processes: Application to pulsed laser deposition of TiO:N films http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/023903/1&agg=rss Daiki Ojima, Tetsuya Chiba, Kazunari Shima, Hidenori Hiramatsu, Hideo Hosono et al.<br/> An atomic oxygen (AO) source has been redesigned to coordinate with a pulsed laser deposition system and used to grow nitrogen-doped TiO films by deposition of TiN and simultaneous irradiation of the substrate with AO. The AO source uses an incandescently heated thin tube of zirconia as an oxygen pe ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 023903 (2012)] published Mon Feb 13, 2012. Cryogenic high-frequency readout and control platform for spin qubits http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/023902/1&agg=rss J. I. Colless and D. J. Reilly<br/> We have developed a cryogenic platform for the control and readout of spin qubits that comprises a high density of dc and radio frequency sample interconnects based on a set of coupled printed circuit boards. The modular setup incorporates 24 filtered dc lines, 14 control and readout lines with band ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 023902 (2012)] published Mon Feb 13, 2012. A plastic miniature x-ray emission spectrometer based on the cylindrical von Hamos geometry http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/023901/1&agg=rss B. A. Mattern, G. T. Seidler, M. Haave, J. I. Pacold, R. A. Gordon et al.<br/> We present a short working distance miniature x-ray emission spectrometer (miniXES) based on the cylindrical von Hamos geometry. We describe the general design principles for the spectrometer and detail a specific implementation that covers Kbeta and valence level emission from Fe. Large spatial and ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 023901 (2012)] published Wed Feb 8, 2012. An in situ approach to study trace element partitioning in the laser heated diamond anvil cell http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/013904/1&agg=rss S. Petitgirard, M. Borchert, D. Andrault, K. Appel, M. Mezouar et al.<br/> Data on partitioning behavior of elements between different phases at in situ conditions are crucial for the understanding of element mobility especially for geochemical studies. Here, we present results of in situ partitioning of trace elements (Zr, Pd, and Ru) between silicate and iron melts, up t ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013904 (2012)] published Tue Jan 31, 2012. A versatile cantilever beam magnetometer for ex situ characterization of magnetic materials http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/013903/1&agg=rss R. Adhikari, A. Sarkar, and A. K. Das<br/> We have designed, fabricated, and made operational an ex situ cantilever beam magnetometer (CBM), which is versatile in the sense that it can measure most of the magnetic properties of a material in all probable shapes. The working principle of a CBM is discussed considering the magnetic torque into ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013903 (2012)] published Tue Jan 31, 2012. Online in situ x-ray diffraction setup for structural modification studies during swift heavy ion irradiation http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/013902/1&agg=rss C. Grygiel, H. Lebius, S. Bouffard, A. Quentin, J. M. Ramillon et al.<br/> The high energy density of electronic excitations due to the impact of swift heavy ions can induce structural modifications in materials. We present an x-ray diffractometer called ALIX (Analyse en Ligne sur IRRSUD par diffraction de rayons X), which has been set up at the low-energy beamline (IRRadi ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013902 (2012)] published Tue Jan 31, 2012. Improving the precision of Hall effect measurements using a single-crystal copper probe http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/83/013901/1&agg=rss Su-Young Cha, Jong Moon Shin, Su Jae Kim, Sang Eon Park, Chae Ryong Cho et al.<br/> The circuitry and components of a Hall measurement kit were replaced with single-crystal copper (SCC) wires and parts prepared by a novel wire fabrication process. This process preserved the grain-free structure of SCC grown by the Czochralski method. The new kit was used to determine, with greatly ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013901 (2012)] published Thu Jan 19, 2012. Epitaxial Ag wires with a single grain boundary for electromigration http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123907/1&agg=rss S. Sindermann, C. Witt, D. Spoddig, M. Horn-von Hoegen, G. Dumpich et al.<br/> Test structures for electromigration with defined grain boundary configurations can be fabricated using focused ion beam (FIB). We present a novel approach of combining epitaxial growth of Ag islands with FIB milling. Depending on the growth parameters, bi-crystalline Ag islands can be grown on Si(1 ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123907 (2011)] published Fri Dec 30, 2011. Simple spark erosion device based on optical disk or hard disk drive actuators http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123906/1&agg=rss O. Kamer<br/> We present the design of a compact electric discharge device incorporating hard disk or optical disk drive actuators. It is simple enough to be assembled in the absence of a mechanical workshop. The electronic circuit allows the adjustment of current, voltage, and discharge power. The system has bee ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123906 (2011)] published Thu Dec 29, 2011. Determination of energy scales in few-electron double quantum dots http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123905/1&agg=rss D. Taubert, D. Schuh, W. Wegscheider, and S. Ludwig<br/> The capacitive couplings between gate-defined quantum dots and their gates vary considerably as a function of applied gate voltages. The conversion between gate voltages and the relevant energy scales is usually performed in a regime of rather symmetric dot-lead tunnel couplings strong enough to all ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123905 (2011)] published Thu Dec 29, 2011. An electron energy loss spectrometer designed for studies of electronic energy losses and spin waves in the large momentum regime http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123904/1&agg=rss H. Ibach, J. Rajeswari, and C. M. Schneider<br/> Based on 143 degrees electrostatic deflectors we have realized a new spectrometer for electron energy loss spectroscopy which is particularly suitable for studies on surface spin waves and other low energy electronic energy losses. Contrary to previous designs high resolution is maintained even for ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123904 (2011)] published Wed Dec 21, 2011. A mirror based polar magneto-optical Kerr effect spectroscopy arrangement http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123903/1&agg=rss Ashish Arora, Sandip Ghosh, and Vasam Sugunakar<br/> An arrangement is described for performing magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) spectroscopy in polar geometry with a conventional C-frame or H-frame type electromagnet. It uses an additional mirror which eliminates the need for an electromagnet pole piece with an axial hole and allows for easy switch ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123903 (2011)] published Mon Dec 19, 2011. Experimental measurements within a phase change metallurgical reactor http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123902/1&agg=rss C. Bertrand, M. Desilets, and G. Soucy<br/> The measurement of solidification front evolution is essential for the optimization and control of many important metallurgical processes. However, this measurement is tedious, imprecise, and time consuming. More generally, industry needs reliable instruments for the thermal characterization of phas ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123902 (2011)] published Thu Dec 15, 2011. Ultra-flat coplanar electrodes for controlled electrical contact of molecular films http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/123901/1&agg=rss Florent Martin, Bas Hendriksen, Allard Katan, Imma Ratera, Yabing Qi et al.<br/> Reliable measurement of electrical charge transport in molecular layers is a delicate task that requires establishing contacts with electrodes without perturbing the molecular structure of the film. We show how this can be achieved by means of novel device consisting of ultra-flat electrodes separat ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123901 (2011)] published Wed Dec 14, 2011. Refined tip preparation by electrochemical etching and ultrahigh vacuum treatment to obtain atomically sharp tips for scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/113903/1&agg=rss Till Hagedorn, Mehdi El Ouali, William Paul, David Oliver, Yoichi Miyahara et al.<br/> A modification of the common electrochemical etching setup is presented. The described method reproducibly yields sharp tungsten tips for usage in the scanning tunneling microscope and tuning fork atomic force microscope. In situ treatment under ultrahigh vacuum (p <=10 mbar) conditions for cleaning ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 113903 (2011)] published Tue Nov 29, 2011. Measurement of magnetic susceptibility in pulsed magnetic fields using a proximity detector oscillator http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/113902/1&agg=rss S. Ghannadzadeh, M. Coak, I. Franke, P. A. Goddard, J. Singleton et al.<br/> We present a novel susceptometer with a particularly small spatial footprint and no moving parts. The susceptometer is suitable for use in systems with limited space where magnetic measurements may not have been previously possible, such as in pressure cells and rotators, as well as in extremely hig ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 113902 (2011)] published Fri Nov 11, 2011. Time- and angle-resolved x-ray diffraction to probe structural and chemical evolution during Al-Ni intermetallic reactions http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/113901/1&agg=rss Choong-Shik Yoo, Haoyan Wei, Jing-Yin Chen, Guoyin Shen, Paul Chow et al.<br/> We present novel time- and angle-resolved x-ray diffraction (TARXD) capable of probing structural and chemical evolutions during rapidly propagating exothermic intermetallic reactions between Ni-Al multilayers. The system utilizes monochromatic synchrotron x-rays and a two-dimensional (2D) pixel arr ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 113901 (2011)] published Tue Nov 8, 2011. High sensitivity detection of radio-frequency modulated magnetic moment in semiconductors http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/103905/1&agg=rss Chinkhanlun Guite and V. Venkataraman<br/> An experimental setup has been realized to measure weak magnetic moments which can be modulated at radio frequencies (~15 MHz). Using an optimized radio-frequency (RF) pickup coil and lock-in amplifier, an experimental sensitivity of 10 Am corresponding to 10 emu has been demonstrated with a 1 s tim ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 103905 (2011)] published Tue Oct 25, 2011. Quantitative calibration of radiofrequency NMR Stark effects http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/103904/1&agg=rss Matthew R. Tarasek and James G. Kempf<br/> Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Stark responses can occur in quadrupolar nuclei for an electric field oscillating at twice the usual NMR frequency (2omega). Calibration of responses to an applied E field is needed to establish nuclear spins as probes of native E fields within material and molecular ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 103904 (2011)] published Fri Oct 21, 2011. Alternating-current induced thermal fatigue of gold interconnects with nanometer-scale thickness and width http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/103903/1&agg=rss Lijuan Sun, Xue Ling, and Xide Li<br/> With dramatic reduction in sizes of microelectronic devices, the characteristic width and thickness of interconnects in large-scale integrated circuits have reached nanometer scale. Thermal fatigue damage of so small interconnects has attracted more and more attentions. In this work, thermal fatigue ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 103903 (2011)] published Wed Oct 19, 2011. The extended surface forces apparatus. IV. Precision static pressure control http://link.aip.org/link/?RSI/82/103902/1&agg=rss E. Schurtenberger and M. Heuberger<br/> We report on design and performance of an extended surface forces apparatus (eSFA) built into a pressurized system. The aim of this instrument is to provide control over static pressure and temperature to facilitate direct surface force experiments in equilibrium with fluids at different loci of the ... [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 103902 (2011)] published Fri Oct 14, 2011.