Optical frequency combs (OFC) have revolutionized various applications in applied and fundamental sciences that rely on the determination of absolute optical frequencies and frequency differences. The latter requires only stabilization of the spectral distance between the individual comb lines of the OFC, allowing to tailor and reduce system complexity of the OFC generator (OFCG). One such application is the quantum test of the universality of free fall within the QUANTUS experimental series. Within the test, the rate of free fall of two atomic species, Rb and K, in micro-gravity will be compared. The aim of this thesis was the development of a highly compact, robust, and space-suitable diode laser-based OFCG with a mode-locked optical spectrum in the wavelength range around 780 nm. A diode laser-based OFCG was developed, which exceeds the requirements with a spectral bandwidth > 16 nm at 20 dBc, a comb line optical power > 650 nW (at 20 dBc), a pulse repetition rate of 3.4 GHz, and an RF linewidth of the free-running pulse repetition rate < 10 kHz. To realize a proof-of-concept demonstrator module, the diode laser-based OFCG was hybrid-integrated into a space-suitable technology platform that has been developed for future QUANTUS experiments. Proof of sufficient RF stability of the OFCG was provided by stabilizing the pulse repetition rate to an external RF reference. This resulted in a stabilized pulse repetition rate with an RF linewidth smaller than 1.4 Hz (resolution limited), thus exceeding the requirement. The developed diode laser-based OFCG represents an important step towards an improved comparison of the rate of free fall of Rb and K quantum gases within the QUANTUS experiments in micro-gravity.

The CLAIT Plus 2006 qualification from the awarding body OCR has been designed to meet learners' needs and is ideal for those wishing to improve their ICT competency for professional or career development. This title covers units 1-8 and contains a collection of exercises and sample assignments, with worked solutions.

Digital Libraries are complex and advanced forms of information systems which extend and augment their physical counterparts by amplifying existing resources and services and enabling development of new kinds of human problem solving and expression. Their complexity arises from the data-rich domain of discourse as well as from extended demands for multi-disciplinary input, involving distributed systems architectures, structured digital documents, collaboration support, human-computer interaction, information filtering, etc. In addition to the broad range of technical issues, ethics and intellectual property rights add to the complication that is normally associated with the development, maintenance, and use of Digital Libraries. The Second European Conference on Digital Libraries (ECDL’98) builds upon the success of the first of this series of European Conferences on Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries, held last year in Pisa, Italy, September 1-3, 1997. This series of conferences is partially funded by the TMR Programme of the European Commission and is actively supported and promoted by the European Research Consortium on Informatics and Mathematics (ERCIM). The aim is to bring together the different communities involved in the development of Digital Libraries, to review progress and to discuss strategies, research and technological development (RTD) issues, as well as specific topics related to the European context. These communities include professionals from universities, research centres, industry, government agencies, public libraries, etc.

Welcome to ECDL 2003 and to these conference proceedings, featuring all the papers presented at the 7th European Conference on Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries. Following Pisa (1997), Heraklion (1998), Paris (1999), Lisbon (2000), Da- stadt (2001) and Rome (2002), ECDL 2003 in Trondheim reaches some of the northernmost shores of the continent. Being the seventh in an annual series of conferences represents, for better and for worse, a considerable tradition in the fast changing world of digit- library-related research and development. It is still a di?cult and slow job to change traditional forms and formats of communication at – and related to – scienti?c conferences, and also to change participants’ expectations. Yet each new conference builds upon the topics and communities involved in previous events and inherits the commitment to quality established by its predecessors. Each year, ECDL has to live up to its role of being “the major European forum focusing on digital libraries and associated technical, practical, and social issues,”bringingdiversedisciplinesandapplicationcommunitiestogether.There arestillchallengesinthisrespectaheadofus,butthequalityandrangeofpapers and other contributions, combined with opportunities for debate, should ensure that ECDL 2003 sets high standards for the future.

The 4th edition of the Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology expands upon the previous 3 versions, providing a comprehensive update on research pertaining to new and emerging educational technologies. Chapters that are no longer pertinent have been eliminated in this edition, with most chapters being completely rewritten, expanded, and updated Additionally, new chapters pertaining to research methodologies in educational technology have been added due to expressed reader interest. Each chapter now contains an extensive literature review, documenting and explaining the most recent, outstanding research, including major findings and methodologies employed. The Handbook authors continue to be international leaders in their respective fields; the list is cross disciplinary by design and great effort was taken to invite authors outside of the traditional instructional design and technology community.

If databases are your preference, then this manual could be for you. It covers all aspects required by the ECDL/ICDL Advanced AM5 syllabus, but could assist those wishing to further their database knowledge. Included are exercises ranging from creating a database to creating complex grouped reports and performing action queries. Useful data files are supplied with the manual which allow you to practise the different software features.Approved by the ECDL Foundation