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We describe the development of a real-time smartphone app that allows the user to digitize paper receipts in a novel way by "waving" their phone over the receipts and letting the app automatically detect and rectify the receipts for subsequent text recognition. We show that traditional computer vision algorithms for edge and corner detection do not robustly detect the non-linear and discontinuous edges and corners of a typical paper receipt in real-world settings. This is particularly the case when the colors of the receipt and background are similar, or where other interfering rectangular objects are present. Inaccurate detection of a receipt's corner positions then results in distorted images when using an affine projective transformation to rectify the perspective. We propose an innovative solution to receipt corner detection by treating each of the four corners as a unique "object", and training a Single Shot Detection MobileNet object detection model. We use a small amount of real data and a large amount of automatically generated synthetic data that is designed to be similar to real-world imaging scenarios. We show that our proposed method robustly detects the four corners of a receipt, giving a receipt detection accuracy of 85.3% on real-world data, compared to only 36.9% with a traditional edge detection-based approach. Our method works even when the color of the receipt is virtually indistinguishable from the background. Moreover, our method is trained to detect only the corners of the central target receipt and implicitly learns to ignore other receipts, and other rectangular objects. Including synthetic data allows us to train an even better model. These factors are a major advantage over traditional edge detection-based approaches, allowing us to deliver a much better experience to the user.

A double-phase Ar detector can efficiently identify particles and reconstruct their positions. However, the properties of electroluminescence (EL) for secondary light emission in the gas phase are not fully understood. Earlier studies have explained the EL process using an ordinary EL mechanism because of an Ar excimer; however, this mechanism does not predict the emission of visible light (VL). Recent measurements have demonstrated VL components in Ar gas EL, to explain which a new mechanism called neutral bremsstrahlung (NBrS) was proposed. In this study, we investigated gaseous Ar EL in the VL region from 300 to 600 nm at room temperature and normal pressure using a gaseous time projection chamber (TPC). The secondary emission light from the TPC luminescence region was dispersed using a spectrometer. The observed spectrum was interpreted using the ordinary EL and NBrS models, and the effect of nitrogen impurities is discussed herein.

Aimed at progress in mega-electron volt (MeV) gamma-ray astronomy, which has not yet been well-explored, Compton telescope missions with a variety of detector concepts have been proposed so far. One of the key techniques for these future missions is an event reconstruction algorithm that is able to determine the scattering orders of multiple Compton scattering events and to identify events in which gamma rays escape from the detectors before they deposit all of their energies. We revisit previous event reconstruction methods and propose a modified algorithm based on a probabilistic method. First, we present a general formalism of the probabilistic model of Compton scattering describing physical interactions inside the detector and measurement processes. Then, we also introduce several approximations in the calculation of the probability functions for efficient computation. For validation, the developed algorithm has been applied to simulation data of a Compton telescope using a liquid argon time projection chamber, which is a new type of Compton telescope proposed for the GRAMS project. We have confirmed that it works successfully for up to 8-hit events, including correction of incoming gamma-ray energies for escape events. The proposed algorithm can be used for next-generation MeV gamma-ray missions featured by large-volume detectors, e.g., GRAMS., Comment: 28 pages, 26 figures, accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physics

To increase the light yield of a liquid Ar (LAr) detector, we optimized the evaporation technique of tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) on the detector surface and tested the operability of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), namely, the multi-pixel photon counter with through-silicon-via (TSV-MPPC, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.) at LAr temperature. TPB converts the LAr scintillations (vacuum ultraviolet light) to visible light, which can be detected by high-sensitivity photosensors. Because the light yield depends on the deposition mass of TPB on the inner surface of the detector, we constructed a well-controlled TPB evaporator to ensure reproducibility and measured the TPB deposition mass using a quartz crystal microbalance sensor. After optimizing the deposition mass of TPB (30 $\mu g/cm^2$ on the photosensor window and 40 $\mu g/cm^2$ on the detector wall), the light yield was 12.8 $\pm$ 0.3 p.e./keVee using PMTs with a quantum efficiency of approximately 30% for TPB-converted light. We also tested the low-temperature tolerance of TSV-MPPC, which has a high photon-detection efficiency, in the LAr environment. The TSV-MPPC detected the LAr scintillations converted by TPB with a photon-detection efficiency exceeding 50%.

We have performed soft x-ray spectroscopy in order to study the photoirradiation time dependence of the valence band structure and chemical states of layered transition metal nitride chloride TiNCl. Under the soft x-ray irradiation, the intensities of the states near the Fermi level (EF) and the Ti3+ component increased, while the Cl 2p intensity decreased. Ti 2p-3d resonance photoemission spectroscopy confirmed a distinctive Fermi edge with Ti 3d character. These results indicate the photo-induced metallization originates from deintercalation due to Cl desorption, and thus provide a new carrier doping method that controls the conducting properties of TiNCl.

Ambient neutrons are one of the most serious backgrounds for underground experiments in search of rare events. The ambient neutron flux in an underground laboratory of Kamioka Observatory was measured using a $\mathrm{^3He}$ proportional counter with various moderator setups. Since the detector response largely depends on the spectral shape, the energy spectra of the neutrons transported from the rock to the laboratory were estimated by Monte-Carlo simulations. The ratio of the thermal neutron flux to the total neutron flux was found to depend on the thermalizing efficiency of the rock. Thus, the ratio of the count rate without a moderator to that with a moderator was used to determine this parameter. Consequently, the most-likely neutron spectrum predicted by the simulations for the parameters determined by the experimental results was obtained. The result suggests an interesting spectral shape, which has not been indicated in previous studies. The total ambient neutron flux is $(23.5 \pm 0.7 \ \mathrm{_{stat.}} ^{+1.9}_{-2.1} \ \mathrm{_{sys.}}) \times 10^{-6}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. In this paper, we explain our method of the result and discuss our future plan., Comment: 4 pages, 2 fugures, TAUP2019 proceedings

Electron-doped TiNCl is a superconductor, for which exotic mechanisms of the superconductivity have been discussed. However, difficulty in preparing large single-phase samples has prevented the direct observation of its electronic structure and how that changes with electron doping. In this study, micro-photoemission spectroscopy ({\mu}-PES) was used to reveal the electronic structures of TiNCl and Na-intercalated TiNCl (Na-TiNCl). Comparison of Ti 2p core-level spectra shows the enhancement of a spectral feature in Na-TiNCl that suggests an increase in its metallic character. This indicates the introduction of electron carriers to the TiNCl layers. Although the overall valence band electronic structure of parent TiNCl could be reproduced by first-principle calculations, that of Na-TiNCl showed a marked deviation from the rigid band model near the Fermi level (EF). The spectral shape observed near EF of Na-TiNCl was found to be similar to a result in early transition metal oxides that has been attributed to the effect of strong electron correlation. The present study also demonstrated the usefulness of {\mu}-PES to obtain reliable electronic structure data for samples that are difficult to make at large sizes., Comment: 14 page, 5 figures

Ce(O,F)Sb(S,Se)2 single crystals were successfully grown using a CsCl/KCl flux method. The obtained crystals have a plate-like shape with the typical size of 1-2 mm and well-developed ab-plane, which enables X-ray single crystal structural analysis. The Ce(O,F)Sb(S,Se)2 crystallizes in a monoclinic space group, P21/m, with lattice parameters of a = 4.121(7) A, b = 4.109(7) A, c = 13.233(15) A, beta = 97.94(7) deg. It is composed of alternate stacking of Ce-(O,F) and Sb-SSe layers, and the Sb-SSe layer includes selective occupation of Se atoms in its in-plane site. The valence state of Ce is estimated to be Ce3+ by X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy analysis. The single crystals show an insulating behavior, and a magnetic ordering around 6 K., Comment: 27 pages, 7 figures, 3 Tables

Ambient neutrons are one of the most serious backgrounds for underground experiments searching for rare events. The ambient neutron flux in an underground laboratory of Kamioka Observatory was measured using a $\mathrm{^3He}$ proportional counter with various moderator setups. Since the detector response largely depends on the spectral shape, the energy spectra of the neutrons transported from the rock to the laboratory are estimated by Monte-Carlo simulations. The ratio of the thermal neutron flux to the total neutron flux was found to depend on the thermalizing efficiency of the rock. Therefore, the ratio of the count rate without a moderator to that with a moderator was used to determine this parameter. Consequently, the most-likely neutron spectrum predicted by the simulations for the parameters determined by the experimental results was obtained. The result suggests an interesting spectral shape, which has not been indicated in previous studies. The total ambient neutron flux is $(23.52 \pm 0.68 \ \mathrm{_{stat.}} ^{+1.87}_{-2.13} \ \mathrm{_{sys.}}) \times 10^{-6}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. This result, especially the energy spectrum information, could be a new and important input for estimating the background in current and future experiments in the underground laboratory at Kamioka Observatory., Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures

Superconducting FeSe films were electrochemically deposited on rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrate (RABiTS) tape. We observed zero resistivity in the as-electrodeposited FeSe film prepared on the RABiTS when the appropriate voltage was applied while it was dipped into the solution. When the RABiTS tape was dipped in the solution without applying voltage, a thin Se film was deposited on the substrate. The compositional ratio of the FeSe film got closer to the stoichiometric ratio with decreasing the dipping time before applying voltage.

We found that the electronic transport property of SnSe single crystals was sensitive to oxygen content. Semiconducting SnSe single crystals were obtained by using Sn of grain form as a starting material while powder Sn resulted in metallic SnSe. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the surfaces of raw Sn were oxidized, where the volume fraction was relatively low in grain Sn. This demonstrates that contamination of oxygen causes metallic behavior in grown SnSe single crystals., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures

Superconducting single crystals of Rb-intercalated FeSe compounds Rb$_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$ were prepared by using a starting material of Rb$_2$Se as a Rb source. The superconducting properties and the surface microstructures were systematically controlled by varying the cooling rate in the quenching process. The higher cooling rate in the sample provided a higher superconducting transition temperature with highly connected superconducting mesh-like surface structure. Extremely slow-cooling process led to the complete isolation between the superconducting domains., Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures

"F-free" CeOBiS$_2$ single crystals have successfully grown, thoroughly eliminating a concern about F-contamination by using a high-purity CsCl flux. The obtained crystals have a plate-like shape with a size of 1.0-3.0 mm in the well-developed plane. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis clearly revealed that the CeOBiS$_2$ crystallizes with a space group $P4/nmm$ (with lattice parameters of $a$ = 4.0189(6) {\AA}, $c$ = 13.573(2) {\AA}). The bond valence sum estimation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the chemical state of Ce was in the mixed valence of Ce$^{3+}$ and Ce$^{4+}$. The single crystals show superconductivity with zero resistivity at $\sim$1.3 K. This is the first conclusive evidence of superconductivity driven by Ce valence fluctuation in surely non-doped CeOBiS$_2$. The superconducting transition temperature was enhanced up to $\sim$3.8 K by applying hydrostatic pressure., Comment: 27 pages, 8 figures, J. Alloys and Compd. (2017)

Cd-doped La(O,F)BiS2 single crystals were grown using a CsCl/KCl flux. The grown crystals have a plate-like shape with ~1-2 mm square size in a well-developed ab-plane. The Cd doping in the crystals was successfully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis techniques. The superconductivity of La(O,F)BiS2 was gradually suppressed with Cd doping. The superconducting transition temperature with zero resistivity of La(O0.54F0.46)(Bi0.92Cd0.08)S2 was 2.3 K. The Cd doping does not change the superconducting anisotropy so much, albeit the considerable suppression of Tc., Comment: In Press, Solid State Communications 2017

High-quality crystalline FeSe is successfully synthesized in 5 minutes by an electrochemical deposition technique via increasing the solution temperature. The synthesis of FeSe have been controlled by the applied voltage, synthesis time and pH value. The obtained samples were summarized as a phase diagram at each temperature and applied voltage. The best synthesis temperature to produce high-quality crystalline samples was found to be 70{\deg}C., Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure

K$_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$ exhibits an iron-vacancy ordering at $T_{\rm s} {\sim}270{\deg}$C and separates into two phases: a minor superconducting (iron-vacancy-disordered) phase and a major non-superconducting (iron-vacancy-ordered) phase. The microstructural and superconducting properties of this intermixture can be tuned by an appropriate control of the quenching process through $T_{\rm s}$. A faster quenching rate leads to a finer microstructure and a suppression of formation of the non-superconducting phase by up to 50%. Nevertheless, such a faster cooling rate does induce a monotonic reduction in the superconducting transition temperature (from 30.7 K down to 26.0 K) and, simultaneously, a decrease in the iron content within the superconducting phase such that the compositional ratio changed from K$_{0.35}$Fe$_{1.83}$Se$_2$ to K$_{0.58}$Fe$_{1.71}$Se$_2$.

Potassium intercalated FeSe has been reported as a superconductor with superconducting transition temperatures ($T_{\rm c}$'s) of 30-48 K. However, there is no clear answer to identify the relationship between the surface morphology, compositional ratio and its crystal structure. This report directly reveals the correspondence among these three characteristics in single crystals with a $T_{\rm c}$ onset of around 44 K using a micro-sampling technique. Island-like parts on the surface of the crystals clearly have the K$_x$Fe$_2$Se$_2$ structure with perfect FeSe layers, which is formed in conjunction with the K$_2$Fe$_4$Se$_5$ phase. This results in the appearance of the $T_{\rm c}$ onset of 44 K., Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures

One of the ultimate goals of the study of iron-based superconductors is to identify the common feature that produces the high critical temperature (Tc). In the early days, based on a weak-coupling viewpoint, the nesting between hole- and electron-like Fermi surfaces (FSs) leading to the so-called $s\pm$ state was considered to be one such key feature. However, this theory has faced a serious challenge ever since the discovery of alkali-metal-doped FeSe (AFS) superconductors, in which only electron-like FSs with a nodeless superconducting gap are observed. Several theories have been proposed, but a consistent understanding is yet to be achieved. Here we show experimentally that a hole-like band exists in KxFe2-ySe2, which presumably forms a hole-like Fermi surface. The present study suggests that AFS can be categorized in the same group as iron arsenides with both hole- and electron-like FSs present. This result provides a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the superconductivity in iron-based superconductors., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, + supplemental material

We report magnetoresistance measurements of hydrogen-terminated (100)-oriented diamond surfaces where hole carriers are accumulated using an ionic-liquid-gated field-effect-transistor technique. Unexpectedly, the observed magnetoresistance is positive within the range of 2

Pressure dependence of the electronic and crystal structures of K$_{x}$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_{2}$, which has pressure-induced two superconducting domes of SC I and SC II, was investigated by x-ray emission spectroscopy and diffraction. X-ray diffraction data show that compressibility along the c-axis changes around 12 GPa, where a new superconducting phase of SC II appears. This suggests a possible tetragonal to collapsed tetragonal phase transition. X-ray emission spectroscopy data also shows the change in the electronic structure around 12 GPa. These results can be explained by the scenario that the two SC domes under pressure originate from the change of Fermi surface topology. Present results here show that the nesting condition plays a key role in stabilizing the superconducting state helping to address outstanding fundamental question as to why the SC II appears under pressure.

From field-angle dependent Andreev reflection spectroscopy on single crystals of La(O,F)BiSeS, which belongs to the recently discovered BiCh 2 (Ch = S, Se) based layered superconductors, we found that the superconductivity in La(O,F)BiSeS is highly anisotropic. We measured a superconducting energy gap of 0.61 meV for current injected along c-axis at 1.5 K. Detailed temperature and magnetic field dependent studies of the gap also reveal the presence of unconventional pairing in La(O,F)BiSeS. We show that the observed anisotropic superconducting properties can be attributed to the anisotropy in the superconducting order parameter with a complex symmetry in superconducting La(O,F)BiSeS., Comment: 4 figures, references included

We measured the electrical resistivity of a BiS2-based compound EuFBiS2 under high pressure. Polycrystalline EuFBiS2 shows insulator-metal transition and pressure-induced superconductivity above 0.7 GPa. The superconducting transition temperature increases with increasing applied pressure and shows the maximum value around 8.6 K at 1.8 GPa., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures

Single crystals of K$_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$ are prepared by quenching at various temperatures. The crystals obtained at higher quenching temperatures have a surface morphology with mesh-like texture. They show a sharp superconducting transition at $T_\rm{c}$ ~32 K with a large shielding volume fraction. On the other hand, the crystals prepared without quenching show an onset superconducting transition at ~44 K and a zero resistivity around ~33 K, and they possess island-like regions on the surface with a larger amount of Fe incorporation. In-situ high-temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements tell us the Fe-vacancy ordered phase is generated at a temperature region around 270 {\deg}C via iron diffusion. The creation of this Fe-vacancy ordered phase may become a driving force of the growth of the higher $T_\rm{c}$ phase. The superconductivity at ~44 K is attributed to a metallic phase with no Fe-vacancy., Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures