Towards the ideal detector
Article Abstract:
A niobium-based superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) at visible wavelengths enables the counting of single-photons from the cosmos with simultaneous energy discrimination. STJ is better than other ultraviolet-sensitive devices used for similar purposes and its efficiency of nearly 50% compares well with the best semiconductor detectors. However, the STJ detector requires sophisticated cryogenic technology and is sensitive to vibration, acoustic noise and magnetic contamination.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Insect antenna as a smoke detector
Article Abstract:
Jewel beetle larvae Melanophila only develop in the wood of trees freshly killed by fire. The beetles have paired thoracic pit organs which are highly sensitive infrared receptors. It has been found that their antennae can detect substances emitted in the smoke from burning wood. It is believed that Melanophila may be able to use the pattern of volatiles to identify the tree species.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Dephasing in electron interference by a 'which-path' detector
Article Abstract:
Wave-particle duality is a vivid illustration of Bohr's complementarity principle. Simultaneous observations of wave and particle behavior is prohibited. The dephasing effects of a which-path detector on electrons traversing a double-path interferometer are reported. The visibility of the oscillatory interference signal can be affected by varying the sensitivity of the detector.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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