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Deterministic control over the location and number of donors is crucial to donor spin quantum bits (qubits) in semiconductor based quantum computing. In this work, a focused ion beam is used to implant antimony donors close to quantum dots. Ion detectors are integrated next to the quantum dots to sense the implants. The numbers of donors implanted can be counted to a precision of a single ion. In low-temperature transport measurements, regular coulomb blockade is observed from the quantum dots. Charge offsets indicative of donor ionization are also observed in devices with counted donor implants.

We examine a silicon-germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) for cryogenic pre-amplification of a single electron transistor (SET). The SET current modulates the base current of the HBT directly. The HBT-SET circuit is immersed in liquid helium, and its frequency response from low frequency to several MHz is measured. The current gain and the noise spectrum with the HBT result in a signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) that is a factor of 10-100 larger than without the HBT at lower frequencies. The transition frequency defined by SNR = 1 has been extended by as much as a factor of 10 compared to without the HBT amplification. The power dissipated by the HBT cryogenic pre-amplifier is approximately 5 nW to 5 {\mu}W for the investigated range of operation. The circuit is also operated in a single electron charge read-out configuration in the time-domain as a proof-of-principle demonstration of the amplification approach for single spin read-out., Comment: Reprinted with permission from M. J. Curry, et alii. Copyright 2015, AIP Publishing LLC. This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and the AIP Publishing LLC. 5 pages, 4 figures

We present transport measurements of silicon MOS split gate structures with and without Sb implants. We observe classical point contact (PC) behavior that is free of any pronounced unintentional resonances at liquid He temperatures. The implanted device has resonances superposed on the point contact transport indicative of transport through the Sb donors. We fit the differential conductance to a rectangular tunnel barrier model with a linear barrier height dependence on source-drain voltage and non-linear dependence on gate bias. Effects such as Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling and image charge barrier lowering (ICBL) are considered. Barrier heights and widths are estimated for the entire range of relevant biases. The barrier heights at the locations of some of the resonances for the implanted tunnel barrier are between 15-20 meV, which are consistent with transport through shallow partially hybridized Sb donors. The dependence of width and barrier height on gate voltage is found to be linear over a wide range of gate bias in the split gate geometry but deviates considerably when the barrier becomes large and is not described completely by standard 1D models such as FN or ICBL effects., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures

The characteristic formalism of numerical relativity is based on a system of coordinates aligned with outgoing null cones. While these coordinates were designed for studying gravitational waves, they can also be easily adapted to model cosmological past null cones (PNCs). Similar to observational coordinates in the observational approach to cosmology, this then provides a model that only makes use of information causally connected to an observer. However, the diameter distance, which is used as a radial coordinate, limits the model's cosmological application to the region prior to the PNC refocussing. This is because after refocussing, the diameter distance ceases to be a unique measure of distance. This paper addresses the problem by introducing a metric based on the Bondi-Sachs metric where the radial coordinate is replaced by an affine parameter. A model is derived from this metric and it is then shown how an existing numerical scheme can be adapted for simulation of cosmological PNC behaviour. Numerical calculations on this model are found to have the same stability and convergence properties as the standard characteristic formalism., Comment: 18 pages, 9 figures, 1 Table. arXiv admin note: some text overlap with arXiv:some 1007.3189

We propose and demonstrate a relaxed-SiGe/strained-Si (SiGe/s-Si) enhancement-mode gate stack for quantum dots. The enhancement-mode SiGe/s-Si structure is pursued because it spaces the quantum dot away from charge and spin defect rich dielectric interfaces and minimizes background dopants. A mobility of 1.6\times10^5 cm^2/Vs at 5.8\times10^{11}/cm^2 is measured in Hall bars that witness the same device process flow as the quantum dot. Periodic Coulomb blockade (CB) is measured in a double-top-gated lateral quantum dot nanostructure. The CB terminates with open diamonds up to \pm 10 mV of DC voltage across the device. The devices were fabricated within a 150 mm Si foundry setting that uses implanted ohmics and chemical-vapor-deposited dielectrics, in contrast to previously demonstrated enhancement-mode SiGe/s-Si structures made with AuSb alloyed ohmics and atomic-layer-deposited dielectric. A modified implant, polysilicon formation and annealing conditions were utilized to minimize the thermal budget so that the buried s-Si layer would not be washed out by Ge/Si interdiffusion., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

The characteristic formalism in numerical relativity, which has been developed to study gravitational waves, and the observer metric approach in observational cosmology both make use of coordinate systems based on null cones. In this paper, these coordinate systems are compared and it is then demonstrated how characteristic numerical relativity can be used to investigate problems in observational cosmology. In a numerical experiment using the characteristic formalism, it is shown how the historical evolution of a LTB universe compares to that of the $\Lambda$CDM model given identical observational data on a local observer's past null cone. It is demonstrated that, at an earlier epoch of the LTB model, the observational data would not be consistent with that of the $\Lambda$CDM model.

The accurate modeling of gravitational radiation is a key issue for gravitational wave astronomy. As simulation codes reach higher accuracy, systematic errors inherent in current numerical relativity wave-extraction methods become evident, and may lead to a wrong astrophysical interpretation of the data. In this paper, we give a detailed description of the Cauchy-characteristic extraction technique applied to binary black hole inspiral and merger evolutions to obtain gravitational waveforms that are defined unambiguously, that is, at future null infinity. By this method we remove finite-radius approximations and the need to extrapolate data from the near zone. Further, we demonstrate that the method is free of gauge effects and thus is affected only by numerical error. Various consistency checks reveal that energy and angular momentum are conserved to high precision and agree very well with extrapolated data. In addition, we revisit the computation of the gravitational recoil and find that finite radius extrapolation very well approximates the result at $\scri$. However, the (non-convergent) systematic differences to extrapolated data are of the same order of magnitude as the (convergent) discretisation error of the Cauchy evolution hence highlighting the need for correct wave-extraction., Comment: 41 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables, added references, fixed typos. Version matches published version.

Gravitational radiation is properly defined only at future null infinity ($\scri$), but in practice it is estimated from data calculated at a finite radius. We have used characteristic extraction to calculate gravitational radiation at $\scri$ for the inspiral and merger of two equal mass non-spinning black holes. Thus we have determined the first unambiguous merger waveforms for this problem. The implementation is general purpose, and can be applied to calculate the gravitational radiation, at $\scri$, given data at a finite radius calculated in another computation., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, published version

Previous research has shown that testlet structures often violate important assumptions of dichotomous item response theory (D-IRT) models, applied to item-level scores, that can in turn affect the results of many measurement applications. In this situation, polytomous IRT (P-IRT) models, applied to testlet-level scores, have been used as an alternative. The objective of this study was to examine the distributional characteristics of vertical scales created using selected D-IRT and P-IRT models for a test composed of testlets. Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) Reading Comprehension test scores from 60,000 randomly selected students (10,000 students per grade for grades 3 through 8) who took the ITBS during a recent fall administration were used in this study. For this data, vertical scales were produced using three D-IRT models (the Rasch model and the three-parameter logistic model calibrated under concurrent and separate group options) and four P-IRT models (the nominal model, the graded response model, the partial credit model, and the generalized partial credit model). The results show a number of differences in the distributional properties of vertical scales derived from IRT models applied at the item and testlet levels. (Contains 4 figures, 8 tables, and 53 references.) (Author/SLD)

We develop, test and compare new numerical and geometrical methods for improving the accuracy of extracting waveforms using characteristic evolution. The new numerical method involves use of circular boundaries to the stereographic grid patches which cover the spherical cross-sections of the outgoing null cones. We show how an angular version of numerical dissipation can be introduced into the characteristic code to damp the high frequency error arising form the irregular way the circular patch boundary cuts through the grid. The new geometric method involves use of the Weyl tensor component $\Psi_4$ to extract the waveform as opposed to the original approach via the Bondi news function. We develop the necessary analytic and computational formula to compute the $O(1/r)$ radiative part of $\Psi_4$ in terms of a conformally compactified treatment of null infinity. These methods are compared and calibrated in test problems based upon linearized waves., Comment: 26 pages, 14 figures, Published in Phys.Rev.D79:084011,2009

We report effective mass (m*) measurements, via analyzing the temperature dependence of the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations, for dilute, interacting, two-dimensional electron systems (2DESs) occupying a single conduction-band valley in AlAs quantum wells. When the 2DES is partially spin-polarized, m* is larger than its band value, consistent with previous results on various 2DESs. However, as we fully spin polarize the 2DES by subjecting it to strong parallel magnetic fields, m* is unexpectedly suppressed and falls even below the band mass., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

We report magnetotransport measurements on bilayer GaAs hole systems with unequal hole concentrations in the two layers. At magnetic fields where one layer is in the integer quantum Hall state and the other has bulk extended states at the Fermi energy, the longitudinal and Hall resistances of the latter are hysteretic, in agreement with previous measurements. For a fixed magnetic field inside this region and at low temperatures ($T\le$ 350 mK), the time evolutions of the longitudinal and Hall resistances show pronounced jumps followed by slow relaxations, with no end to the sequence of jumps. Our measurements demonstrate that the jumps occur simultaneously in pairs of contacts 170 $\mu$m apart, and appear to involve changes in the charge configuration of the bilayer. In addition, the jumps can occur with either random or regular periods, excluding thermal fluctuations as a possible origin for the jumps. Finally, while remaining at a fixed field, we warm the sample to above 350 mK, where the jumps disappear. Upon recooling the sample below this temperature, the jumps reappear, indicating that the jumps do not result from nearly dissipationless eddy currents either.

This study examined the effects of different test administration conditions on reading comprehension test scores. Evidence of performance differences across district testing conditions might imply that the meanings and interpretations associated with the corresponding test scores have limited generalizability (i.e., knowing how well one reads under one set of conditions might not generalize to performance under other conditions). The issues addressed by this research pertain to the validity of scores from passage-based reading comprehension tests. Three test administration factors were manipulated at grades 3, 5, and 7: (1) whether examinees read a passage before or after the test questions; (2) whether examinees were allowed to review a passage while they were answering questions about it; and (3) whether examinees received prior training (practice) consistent with the conditions under which they took the test. The average number of subjects in each condition was about 66. Iowa Tests of Basic Skills Vocabulary scores were treated as an individual difference variable. The primary dependent variables were total test scores (obtained under standard and extended time limits), skills scores (facts, inferences, and generalizations), and work rates (at 20 and 42 minutes). The results suggest that alternative testing conditions can have complex effects on work rates and test scores that can interact with the ability and grade levels of students. As a main effect, training had little influence on work rates or test scores. No-passage-review administrations were associated with greater working rates, but lower test scores under extended time limits. Questions-first administrations were associated with lower working rates and lower test scores under standard time limits. This finding does not support the beliefs that some hold about the advantages of reading the questions before the passages. (Contains 1 table, 4 figures, and 12 references.) (Author/SLD)

We report interlayer tunneling measurements between very dilute two-dimensional GaAs hole layers. Surprisingly, the shape and temperature-dependence of the tunneling spectrum can be explained with a Fermi liquid-based tunneling model, but the peak amplitude is much larger than expected from the available hole band parameters. Data as a function of parallel magnetic field reveal additional anomalous features, including a recurrence of a zero-bias tunneling peak at very large fields. In a perpendicular magnetic field, we observe a robust and narrow tunneling peak at total filling factor $\nu_T=1$, signaling the formation of a bilayer quantum Hall ferromagnet., Comment: Revised to include additional data, new discussions

We report magnetotransport measurements of fractional quantum Hall states in an AlAs quantum well around Landau level filling factor nu = 3/2, demonstrating that the quasiparticles are composite Fermions (CFs) with a valley degree of freedom. By monitoring the valley level crossings for these states as a function of applied symmetry-breaking strain, we determine the CF valley susceptibility and polarization. The data can be explained well by a simple Landau level fan diagram for CFs, and are in nearly quantitative agreement with the results reported for CF spin polarization., Comment: to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett

Prior research has shown that test takers use a variety of strategies when taking passage-based reading comprehension tests. The specific effects that these alternative strategies have on actual examinee test performance are largely unknown. Evidence suggesting that performance differences exist across testing conditions would imply that the meanings and interpretations that are associated with the corresponding test scores have limited generalizability. In other words, this is an issue related to the validity of the scores from reading comprehension tests. This study addressed the question of whether different test-taking conditions affect reading comprehension test performance (as indicated by total test scores and work rates) and whether the grade level or item cognitive/process classification interacts with the test-taking approach. More than 300 students in grades 3, 5, and 7 took the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills reading comprehension test in conditions that asked them to read the questions before reading the passage or to read the passage before reading the questions. Significant differences were observed in both test scores and work rates. Students in the passages-first condition (standard test directions) had higher test scores at each grade level. Implications for testing practice are discussed. (Author/SLD)

We report measurements of the interaction-induced quantum Hall effect in a spin-polarized AlAs two-dimensional electron system where the electrons occupy two in-plane conduction band valleys. Via the application of in-plane strain, we tune the energies of these valleys and measure the energy gap of the quantum Hall state at filling factor $\nu$ = 1. The gap has a finite value even at zero strain and, with strain, rises much faster than expected from a single-particle picture, suggesting that the lowest energy charged excitations at $\nu=1$ are "valley Skyrmions"., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

The longitudinal resistivity at transitions between integer quantum Hall states in two-dimensional electrons confined to AlAs quantum wells is found to depend on the spin orientation of the partially-filled Landau level in which the Fermi energy resides. The resistivity can be enhanced by an order of magnitude as the spin orientation of this energy level is aligned with the majority spin. We discuss possible causes and suggest a new explanation for spike-like features observed at the edges of quantum Hall minima near Landau level crossings., Comment: 4+ pages, 3 figures

A code that implements Einstein equations in the characteristic formulation in 3D has been developed and thoroughly tested for the vacuum case. Here, we describe how to incorporate matter, in the form of a perfect fluid, into the code. The extended code has been written and validated in a number of cases. It is stable and capable of contributing towards an understanding of a number of problems in black hole astrophysics., Comment: 15 pages + 4 (eps) figures

This paper gives a detailed pedagogic presentation of the central concepts underlying a new algorithm for the numerical solution of Einstein's equations for gravitation. This approach incorporates the best features of the two leading approaches to computational gravitation, carving up spacetime via Cauchy hypersurfaces within a central worldtube, and using characteristic hypersurfaces in its exterior to connect this region with null infinity and study gravitational radiation. It has worked well in simplified test problems, and is currently being used to build computer codes to simulate black hole collisions in 3-D., Comment: 27 pages. To appear in "On the Black Hole Trail" eds. Bala Iyer and Biplab Bhawal (Kluwer)

We report new results which establish that the accurate 3-dimensional numerical simulation of generic single-black-hole spacetimes has been achieved by characteristic evolution with unlimited long term stability. Our results cover a selection of distorted, moving and spinning single black holes, with evolution times up to 60,000M., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

Binary black hole interactions provide potentially the strongest source of gravitational radiation for detectors currently under development. We present some results from the Binary Black Hole Grand Challenge Alliance three- dimensional Cauchy evolution module. These constitute essential steps towards modeling such interactions and predicting gravitational radiation waveforms. We report on single black hole evolutions and the first successful demonstration of a black hole moving freely through a three-dimensional computational grid via a Cauchy evolution: a hole moving ~6M at 0.1c during a total evolution of duration ~60M.

We present a method for extracting gravitational radiation from a three-dimensional numerical relativity simulation and, using the extracted data, to provide outer boundary conditions. The method treats dynamical gravitational variables as nonspherical perturbations of Schwarzschild geometry. We discuss a code which implements this method and present results of tests which have been performed with a three dimensional numerical relativity code.

We treat the calculation of gravitational radiation using the mixed timelike-null initial value formulation of general relativity. The determination of an exterior radiative solution is based on boundary values on a timelike worldtube $\Gamma$ and on characteristic data on an outgoing null cone emanating from an initial cross-section of $\Gamma$. We present the details of a 3-dimensional computational algorithm which evolves this initial data on a numerical grid, which is compactified to include future null infinity as finite grid points. A code implementing this algorithm is calibrated in the quasispherical regime. We consider the application of this procedure to the extraction of waveforms at infinity from an interior Cauchy evolution, which provides the boundary data on $\Gamma$. This is a first step towards Cauchy-characteristic matching in which the data flow at the boundary $\Gamma$ is two-way, with the Cauchy and characteristic computations providing exact boundary values for each other. We describe strategies for implementing matching and show that for small target error it is much more computationally efficient than alternative methods., Comment: 33 pages, 4 figures

Recent detection of nitrate by Curiosity's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite in Gale Crater sediments on Mars at abundances up to ~600 mg/kg indicates that nitrogen fixation processes occurred in early Martian history. But little is known about other possible N reservoirs on Mars, including those that may contain reduced forms of fixed N (i.e., NH3, NH4+) in the mantle, crust and sediments. Specifically, fixed nitrogen (i.e. NH3, NH4+, NOx or N that is chemically bound to either inorganic or organic molecules and can be released by hydrolysis to form NH3 or NH4+) is useful to terrestrial living organisms Therefore, understanding whether reduced N compounds such as NH4+ are present in surface materials is important to assess habitability in the Martian environment. While these species generally have short photochemical lifetimes, nitrogen in this form may be sequestered and stabilized in the soil by inclusion of NH4+ in certain phyllosilicates.