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Robert, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Robert, C..

Optically Active Spin Defects in Few-Layer Thick Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Optically active spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are promising quantum systems for the design of two-dimensional quantum sensing units offering optimal proximity to the sample being probed. In this Letter, we first demonstrate that the electron spin resonance frequencies of boron vacancy centers ($V$$^{–}_{B}$) can be detected optically in the limit of few-atomic-layer thick hBN flakes despite the nanoscale proximity of the crystal surface that often leads to a degradation of the stability of solid-state spin defects. We then analyze the variations of the electronic spin properties of $V$$^{–}_{B}$ centers with the hBN thickness with a focus on (i) the zero-field splitting parameters, (ii) the optically induced spin polarization rate and (iii) the longitudinal spin relaxation time. Furthermore, this Letter provides important insights into the properties of $V$$^{–}_{B}$ centers embedded in ultrathin hBN flakes, which are valuable for future developments of foil-based quantum sensing technologies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Local fluctuations of ozone from 16 km to 45 km deduced from in situ vertical ozone profile

A vertical ozone profile obtained by an in situ ozone sonde from 16 km to 45 km, has allowed to observe local ozone concentration variations. These variations can be observed, thanks to a fast measurement system based on a UV absorption KrF excimer laser beam in a multipass cell. Ozone standard deviation versus altitude calculated from the mean is derived. Ozone variations or fluctuations are correlated with the different dynamic zones of the stratosphere.

Moreau, G.↗

The asymmetric wind of R127

We present optical, linear polarimetry in broad-band UBVRI filters plus narrow-band filters centered on the emission lines of H-alpha and the red forbidden N II and spectropolarimetry in the wavelength range from 4120 A to 6770 A of the luminous blue variable R127 in the LMC. Both observations display a decrease of the percentage polarization across the H-alpha emission line with respect to the continuum. We assume that H-alpha is recombination-line dominated and thus intrinsically unpolarized, and we use the continuum subtracted line polarization to estimate the interstellar foreground polarization. The resulting amount of intrinsic continuum polarization of R127 is very large, of order 1-1.5 percent, implying both the presence of copious free electrons and a considerable asphericity in their distribution. The two data sets, taken two months apart, display significant variations in the continuum polarization, which confirms that the stellar-wind properties of R127 are time-dependent in the maximum state. We discuss several possible wind geometries and present arguments favoring a clumpy, axisymmetric outflow.

Schulte-Ladbeck, R. E.↗

A 380 GHz SIS receiver using Nb/AlO(x)/Nb junctions for a radioastronomical balloon-borne experiment: PRONAOS

The superheterodyne detection technique used for the spectrometer instrument of the PRONAOS project will provide a very high spectral resolution (delta nu/nu = 10(exp -6)). The most critical components are those located at the front-end of the receiver: their contribution dominates the total noise of the receiver. Therefore, it is important to perform accurate studies for specific components, such as mixers and multipliers working in the submillimeter wave range. Difficulties in generating enough local oscillator (LO) power at high frequencies make SIS mixers very desirable for operation above 300 GHz. The low LO power requirements and the low noise temperature of these mixers are the primary reason for building an SIS receiver. This paper reports the successful fabrication of small (less than or equal to 1 sq micron) Nb/Al-O(x)/Nb junctions and arrays with excellent I-V characteristics and very good reliability, resulting in a low noise receiver performance measured in the 368/380 GHz frequency range.

Febvre, P.↗