Strong paramagnetism of gold nanoparticles deposited on a Sulfolobus acidocaldarius S layer.

Magnetic properties of Au nanoparticles deposited on an archaeal S layer are reported. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometries demonstrate that the particles are strongly paramagnetic, without any indication of magnetic blocking down to 16 mK. The average magnetic moment per particle is M(part)=2.36(7) µ(B). This contribution originates at the particle's Au 5d band, in which an increased number of holes with respect to the bulk value is observed. The magnetic moment per Au atom is 25 times larger than any measured in other Au nanoparticles or any other configurations up to date.

Platinum wire NMR thermometer for ultralow temperatures.

We report on the construction and behavior of a platinum wire NMR thermometer. The thermometer has been calibrated down to 14.6 mK, and used down to 0.55 mK; the latter temperature has been achieved by nuclear demagnetization of PrNi(5).

Superconducting aluminum heat switch and plated press-contacts for use at ultralow temperatures.

We have measured the thermal conductivity of a 0.1-mm-thick Al foil in the normal and superconducting state down to 58 mK. At this temperature, our data give a ratio for the conductivities of k(n)/k(s)=1600 T(-2). They show that Al is a better material for a heat switch than the usually used superconductors because of its large k(n) and large Debye temperature (reducing the lattice conductivity k(s)). In addition, we describe the design of a heat switch and an excellent performing demountable press-contact between Al and Cu, both gold plated, as joint to the switch.