[en] Over the last few years rare earth-cobalt magnets have become more important taking a significant share of the magnet market. The most important applications, principal markets in Europe and future trends are described. (Author)

[en] Most particle detectors used in astroparticle physics have an optoelectronic device that senses generated light and converts it into an electrical pulse. Photomultiplier tubes are commonly used, particularly those with multiple anodes. Prior to coupling to a detector system these tubes must be fully characterized, which requires either the same number of data acquisition channels as outputs or a switching-multiplexer system. Given that every project has its own requirements, the testing system must be as flexible as possible. The multiplexer presented here can be used to test silicon photomultipliers or any high-frequency signal. It is a scalable 64 to 4 channel analog device designed for low crosstalk and low attenuation. Results of the application of this multiplexer with a −3 dB bandwidth of 800 MHz are shown by testing 64-channel tubes for the AMIGA project

[en] The first prototype of a photo-detection unit of the future KM3NeT neutrino telescope has been deployed in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This digital optical module has a novel design with a very large photocathode area segmented by the use of 31 three inch photomultiplier tubes. It has been integrated in the ANTARES detector for in-situ testing and validation. This paper reports on the first months of data taking and rate measurements. The analysis results highlight the capabilities of the new module design in terms of background suppression and signal recognition. The directionality of the optical module enables the recognition of multiple Cherenkov photons from the same ⁴⁰K decay and the localisation of bioluminescent activity in the neighbourhood. The single unit can cleanly identify atmospheric muons and provide sensitivity to the muon arrival directions. (orig.)