We present experiments to characterize a Nb persistent-current qubit as a two-state system. The magnetization signal from the qubit is read-out by a DC-SQUID with near single-shot efficiency. Experiments varying SQUID ramp-rate and temperature suggest thermal activation occurs between the two circulating current states. Such data can be used to fit the parameters of the system, in order to char...

Patch pipettes were used to record the current arising from small populations of sodium channels in voltage-clamped cut-open squid axons. The current fluctuations associated with the time-variant sodium conductance were analyzed with nonstationary statistical techniques in order to obtain an estimate for the conductance of a single sodium channel. The results presented support the notion that t...

Proximity to a superconductor is predicted to induce exotic quantum phases in topological insulators. Here, scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopy reveals that aluminum superconducting rings with topologically insulating Bi2Se3 junctions exhibit a conventional, nearly sinusoidal 2π-periodic current-phase relations. Pearl vortices occur in longer junctions, indic...

complex behaviors, but little is known about their responses to injury and noxious sensations. In this issue, nociceptors are described in the squid Doryteuthis pealeii. Squid nociceptors are activated by noxious mechanical stimuli, and after minor tissue injury, long-term sensitization and spontaneous activity occur in nociceptors close to and distant from localized wounds. For more informatio...

The ability to switch the coupling between quantum bits (qubits) on and off is essential for implementing many quantum-computing algorithms. We demonstrated such control with two flux qubits coupled together through their mutual inductances and through the dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that reads out their magnetic flux states. A bias current applied to the SQUID in the...

as Mollusca (Coleoidea) and precursors of Cambrian Nectocaridids and extant cuttlefish and squid. Abstract A functional interpretation of the problematic Ediacaran fossils Podolimurus and similar organisms such as Dickinsonia indicates that they are hitherto unrecognized members of Mollusca: Coleoidea and precursors of Cambrian Nectocaridids and of extant cuttlefish and squid. This interpretati...

We report a low temperature measurement technique and the magnetization data of a quantum molecular spin, by implementing an on-chip SQUID technique. This technique enables SQUID magnetometry in high magnetic fields, up to 7 T. The main challenges and the calibration process are detailed. The measurement protocol is used to observe quantum tunneling jumps of the S = 10 molecular magnet, Mn(12)-...

The quantum behaviour of mechanical resonators is a new and emerging field driven by recent experiments reaching the quantum ground state. The high frequency, small mass, and large quality-factor of carbon nanotube resonators make them attractive for quantum nanomechanical applications. A common element in experiments achieving the resonator ground state is a second quantum system, such as cohe...

We study theoretically the efficiency of an asymmetric superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)which is constructed as a loopwith three capacitively and resistively shunted Josephson junctions. Two junctions are placed in series in one arm and the remaining one is located in the other arm. The SQUID is threaded by an externalmagnetic flux and driven by an external current of both con...

Various DC-SQUID sensor configurations were developed for use in our 19-channel neuromagnetometer. Apart from the standard type, resistively and inductively shunted SQUIDs were made, allowing for a large screening factor p (>l). In this way signal coupling from the pick-up coil to the SQUID is facilitated and capacitive coupling between the input coil and the SQUID washer can be decreased. The ...