Determination of Mass Attenuation Coefficients of Some Semiconductor and Biological Samples

The mass attenuation coefficients for TlGaSe₂, GaAs, GaSe, InSe, InSe:Al, InSe:Cd, InSe:Er, InSe:Ho, InSe:Sn, Si single crystals, human teeth, and different filling materials have been determined at different X-ray energies. We utilized X-ray absorption technique and a gravimetric method to determine these coefficients. X-ray spectra were collected using a Si(Li) detector with Camberra DSA-1000 desktop spectrum analyzer. The energy resolution of the spectrometer is 160 eV at 5.9 keV. The measured values were compared with the theoretical values using the WinXCom program. A good agreement was observed between the experimental theoretical values.     

The interface effect on the lithiation of silicon/graphene composites: The first principles study

To reveal the interaction mechanism between lithium (Li) and silicon/graphene (Si/Gra) interface at the atomic scale, it was calculated that the energy band structure, density of states, charge transfer, radial distribution function and Li diffusion coefficient based on the first principles. The results indicated that the volume expansion of Si was effectively limited by the Si/Gra interface during Li insertion. There appeared the interface effect of Si/Gra on the combination of Li and Si atoms, according to the longer Li-C (2.9 Å) and the larger electron cloud near the Li atom at the Si/Gra interface. The better diffusion channel for Li atoms was constructed at the Si/Gra interface, due to the lower diffusion energy barrier (0.42–0.44 eV) and higher diffusion coefficient (D_Li = 0.784 × 10⁻⁴ cm²/s) for Li⁺ diffusion.     

A Gaussian-3 theoretical study of small silicon-lithium clusters: electronic structures and electron affinities of SinLi(-) (n = 2-8)

The molecular structures of neutral Si n Li ( n = 2-8) species and their anions have been studied by means of the higher level of the Gaussian-3 (G3) techniques. The lowest energy structures of these clusters have been reported. The ground-state structures of neutral clusters are "attaching structures", in which the Li atom is bound to Si n clusters. The ground-state geometries of anions, however, are "substitutional structures", which is derived from Si n+1 by replacing a Si atom with a Li (-). The electron affinities of Si n Li and Si n have been presented. The theoretical electron affinities of Si n are in good agreement with the experiment data. The reliable electron affinities of Si n Li are predicted to be 1.87 eV for Si 2Li, 2.06 eV for Si 3Li, 2.01 eV for Si 4Li, 2.61 eV for Si 5Li, 2.36 eV for Si 6Li, 2.21 eV for Si 7Li, and 3.18 eV for Si 8Li. The dissociation energies of Li atom from the lowest energy structures of Si n Li and Si atom from Si n clusters have also been estimated respectively to examine relative stabilities.     

Chemical effects on L shell fluorescence yields of Ba, La and Ce compounds

Chemical effects on the average L shell fluorescence yields (v_L) for Ba, La and Ce compounds were investigated. Samples were excited by gamma-rays with 59.5 keV energy photons from a ²⁴¹Am radioisotope source. L X-rays emitted by samples were counted by a Si(Li) detector with a resolution 155 eV at 5.9 keV. Chemical effects on the average L shell fluorescence yield (v _L) for Ba, La and Ce compounds were observed. The values are compared with theoretical and experimental ones for the pure elements.     

Dissociative Electron Attachment to the Nitroamine HMX (Octahydro-1,3,5,7-Tetranitro-1,3,5,7-Tetrazocine)

In the present study, dissociative electron attachment (DEA) measurements with gas phase HMX, octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine, C₄H₈N₈O₈, have been performed by means of a crossed electron-molecular beam experiment. The most intense signals are observed at 46 and 176 u and assigned to NO₂ ^? and C₃H₆N₅O₄ ^?, respectively. Anion efficiency curves for 15 negatively charged fragments have been measured in the electron energy region from about 0–20 eV with an energy resolution of ~0.7 eV. Product anions are observed mainly in the low energy region, near 0 eV, arising from surprisingly complex reactions associated with multiple bond cleavages and structural and electronic rearrangement. The remarkable instability of HMX towards electron attachment with virtually zero kinetic energy reflects the highly explosive nature of this compound. Substantially different intensity ratios of resonances for common fragment anions allow distinguishing the nitroamines HMX and royal demolition explosive molecule (RDX) in negative ion mass spectrometry based on free electron capture.      

HgI2@CsI core/shell nanoparticles: Synthesis,characterization, and application in photosensors

Due to their excellent characteristics such as carrier transport ability, high electrical conductivity, and mobility, core/shell nanostructure photovoltaic devices have received a lot of interest. In this study, HgI₂@CsI core/shell nanoparticles were synthesized by using two-step pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) at laser fluences of 12.7 and 33.1 J/cm². The structural and optical properties of the samples were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential (ZP), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–Vis absorption, and photoluminescence spectra. The XRD data conforms to the formation of cubic CsI and tetrahedral and orthorhombic HgI₂. The zeta potential results show that the sample prepared at 33.1 J/cm² has the highest stability. TEM images show the formation of core-shell morphology and the thickness of the shell depends on the laser fluence. UV–Vis results show that the band gap of the core/shell was 3.22 and 3.23 eV for 12.7 and 33.1 J/cm², respectively. The fluorescence spectra show two emission peaks for two laser fluences. The current-voltage characteristics of the HgI₂@CsI/Si heterojunction were measured at dark and illumination, and the maximum On/Off ratio was about 167 for a photodetector prepared at 12.7 J/cm². The figures of merit of the photodetectors, including responsivity, external quantum efficiency, and detectivity, are measured at room temperature. A responsivity as high as 0.7 W/A at 400 nm was obtained for a photodetector fabricated at 12.7 J/cm².     

A new internal conversion electron spectrometer and its application to determine the240Pu to239Pu isotope ratio

An internal conversion electron spectrometer with high energy resolution has been constructed by using a windowless Si(Li) detector. After its characteristics were examined fundamentally, it was applied to determine the²⁴⁰Pu to²³⁹Pu isotope ratio. As a result, the energy resolution realized was demonstrated to be satisfactory.     

Determination of major, minor and trace elements in cobalt-substituted lithium nickelate ceramic powders by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

An analytical method was developed for the determination of three major (Li, Ni and Co) and fourteen minor or trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, Sr, Ti and V) in LiNi_1−x Co _x O₂ (x = 0.2–0.8) ceramic powders by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Sample dissolution was achieved by 25% nitric acid digestion in a microwave oven. For each element, an analytical line free from spectral interferences was selected. A detailed study of matrix effects over a wide interval of total excitation energy (TEE) lines (1.62–16.50 eV) was performed at near-robust plasma conditions. A remarkable enhancement in atomic lines with TEE <4 eV was noticed, whereas a significant reduction in atomic and ionic lines with TEE >4 eV was observed. The extrapolation to infinite dilution method was successfully used to overcome these nonspectroscopic interferences. Detection limits (3σ) varied from 0.21 mg kg⁻¹ for Sr to 49.7 mg kg⁻¹ for Na. The precision of determination (obtained as the relative standard deviation) was lower than 1% for the major elements Li, Ni and Co and between 0.69 and 10% for minor and trace elements. The accuracy of the method ranged from 91 to 101% for major elements, and from 90 to 110%, or close to this range, for most of the impurities in both of the samples studied.      

Variation of the Kβ/Kα intensity ratios of Ti, V and Cr in halogen compounds versus excitation energy in the interval 5.5-12.1 keV

The K/K intensity ratios for Ti, V and Cr in halogen (F and Cl) compounds were investigated. Measurements were carried out at ten different energies in the 5.5-12.1 keV interval by using the secondary excitation method. K X-rays emitted by the samples were counted by a Si(Li) detector with a resolution of 160 eV at 5.9 keV. It was observed that the measured values are getting closer to the theoretical values with increasing excitation energy. Values obtained were compared with the theoretical ones for pure elements.     

A tube-excited X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for use in small-diameter boreholes

A portable in-situ x-ray fluorescence analytical system that uses an x-ray tube excitation source and a cooled Si(Li) spectrometer for detecting characteristic emission x rays has been developed for use in small-diameter wells and boreholes. The 15-watt, iron-anode x-ray tube operates up to 30 kV. Three wells at the Sandia National Laboratory Chemical Waste Landfill, lined with 76 thick polyethylene, were logged specifically for Cr contamination. Detection limits below 50 ppm were achieved with counting intervals of 600 seconds and with the Si(Li) detector operating at 450-eV resolution (full width at half maximum [FWHM] for the Mn K-alpha x ray).     

The Approaching Revolution in X-Ray Microanalysis: The Microcalorimeter Energy Dispersive Spectrometer

A high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) based on cryogenic microcalorimeter X-ray detectors has been developed for use in X-ray microanalysis. With an energy resolution of 3 eV at 1.5 keV, count rate of 500 s^–1, and an effective collection area of 5 mm² (using polycapillary X-ray optics), the microcalorimeter EDS combines many of the favorable qualities of commercially-available wavelength dispersive spectrometers (WDS) and semiconductor EDS. After describing the spectrometer system, we present several applications of microcalorimeter EDS to important microanalysis problems.     

XPS spectra of chromium monosilicides and disilicides obtained by in situ fractured clean surfaces

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of chromium monosilicide (CrSi) and disilicide (CrSi₂) were collected from a clean surface prepared by fracturing the bulk silicide compound in a spectrometer under ultrahigh vacuum; the analytical procedure for the phase identification of the Cr–Si system was examined. A negligible binding energy shift was observed in the Cr 2p_3/2 level between elemental Cr and CrSi₂, whereas the energy of CrSi was 0.2 eV lower than that of Cr and CrSi₂. The satellite peak in the Cr 2p spectra originating from the plasmon-loss phenomena was found only for CrSi and CrSi₂. The binding energy of Si 2p shifted, reflecting the silicide phases; the energy of CrSi₂ and CrSi was 0.3 eV higher and lower, respectively, than that of elemental Si. Although a slight difference in the spectral shape was observed in the valence band region, the phase identification was considered unreliable. However, the energy shifts of Si 2p and the presence of the plasmon-loss peak in the Cr 2p spectra provide important insights into the phase identification of the Cr–Si system.     

1:1 and 1:2 Complexes of Mercury(II) Halides with 1,3-Thiazolidine-2-thione. Spectral, Thermal, and Crystal Structure Studies

The series of compounds of the general formulae HgX₂(tzdtH) and HgX₂(tzdtH)₂ (X = Cl, Br, I; tzdtH = 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione) have been prepared, as well as Hg(tzdt)₂. IR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectral data of the complexes indicate thione donation, which is confirmed by the crystal structure analyses of [HgBr₂(tzdtH)]₂, [HgI₂(tzdtH)]₂, and HgI₂(tzdtH)₂. The structures of [HgBr₂(tzdtH)]₂ and [HgI₂(tzdtH)]₂ consist of centrosymmetric doubly bridged dimers, but they are not isostructural. The asymmetry in the HgX₂Hg bridge is more pronounced in the bromo than in the iodo derivative [S–Hg–X(terminal) is 138.19(9)° for X = Br and 123.49(10)° for X = I], which is accompanied by the stronger Hg–S covalent bond in the bromo than in the iodo complex [2.435(4) vs. 2.510(3) Å]. The Hg–X(bridging) (X = Br, I) bond distances are shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii for mercury and X. Dimeric centrosymmetric complex units are held together only by van der Waals forces in [HgI₂(tzdtH)]₂, while in [HgBr₂(tzdtH)]₂ there is an intramolecular hydrogen bond of N–H Br type (3.34(1) Å). HgI₂(tzdtH)₂ exists as a mononuclear tetrahedral complex with two long Hg–S [2.672(1) Å] and two short Hg–I bond distances [2.688(1) Å] related by a twofold axis. The molecules of HgI₂(tzdtH)₂ are linked into infinite chains along the c axis by intermolecular N–H S [3.38(1) Å] hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis,structure, and electrochemical properties of [M(N-MeIm)6]2+ (M = Ni,Co, Cu) associated with [HgCl4]2−

Reaction of Hg(NO₃)₂ with 4 equivalent KI in water afford K₂[HgI₄]. By using K₂[HgI₄] as the precursor, three new heterobimetallic compounds [Ni(N-MeIm)₆][HgI₄] (I), [Co(N-MeIm)₆][HgI₄] (II), and [Cu(N-MeIm)₆][HgI₄] (III) have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and the singlecrystal X-ray crystallorgraphy analysis. Three complexes are isomorphous and crystallized in monoclinic symmetry space group P2₁/c. The coordination around each center metal(II) atom is octahedral with six nitrogen atoms of N-MeIm ligand. Each structure contains one tetrahedral [HgI₄]^2? as an anion to balance the charge of the molecular. Thermogravimetry analysis indicates these complexes have the similar departure process and cyclic voltammogram exhibits a significant pair of redox peaks.     

Reaction of aryl azides with tris(trimethylsilyl)silyllithium: Synthesis of tmeda or thf adducts of [Li{N(Ar)Si(SiMe3)3}] and 1,4-trimethylsilyl migration from oxygen to nitrogen

Reaction of ArN₃ (Ar = Ph, p-MeC₆H₄, 1-naphthyl) with [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] yielded lithium amides [Li{N(Ar)Si(SiMe₃)₃}L] (L = tmeda or (thf)₂). Similar treatment of o-phenylene diazide with 2 equiv. of [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] formed dilithium diamide complex 4. Reaction between o-Me₃SiOC₆H₄N₃ and [Li{Si(SiMe₃)₃}(thf)₃] afforded, via 1,4-trimethylsilyl migration from oxygen to nitrogen, [Li{OC₆H₄{N(SiMe₃)Si(SiMe₃)₃}-2}]₂ (5). The structures of complexes 3 and 5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.     

Fragmentation of clusters induced by collision with a solid surface: comparison of antimony and bismuth cluster ions

Mass-selected antimony cluster ions Sb _n ⁺ (n = 3-12) and bismuth cluster ions Bi _{ntn} ⁺ (n = 3-8) are allowed to collide with the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at energies up to 350 eV. The resulting fragment ions are analysed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Two main fragmentation channels can be identified. At low impact energies both Sb _n ⁺ and Bi _n ⁺ cluster ions lose neutral tetramer and dimer units upon collision. Above about 150 eV impact energy Sb ₃ ⁺ becomes the predominant fragment ion of all investigated antimony clusters. The enhanced stability of these fragment clusters can be explained in the framework of the polyhedral skeletal electron pair theory. In contrast, Bi _n ⁺ cluster scattering leads to the formation of Bi ₃ ⁺ , Bi ₂ ⁺ and Bi+ with nearly equal abundances, if the collision energy exceeds 75 eV. The integral scattering yield is substantially higher in this case as compared to Sb _n ⁺ clusters.     

Triazene-N-oxides as new type of fluorimetric reagents

Summary The fact that niobium gives orange fluorescence ( _ex ^max 570, _em ^max 540 nm) in both acid and alkali media with 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyltriazene-N-oxide, has been exploited to develop a simple, sensitive and selective method for the determination of trace amounts of the metal in 50% ethanolic medium. Measurements are made at the pH range of 3.2–5.0. Fluorescence intensity attains the maximum value after 45 min of standing and remains almost unchanged after 24 h. Calibration graph maintains linearity from 50 ppb to 2.2 ppm of the metal. Forty cations and anions are without any effect on the fluorimetric determination of niobium(V). The method has been applied to the analysis of synthetic mixtures.     

Synthesis and reactivity of [2]disilaniobocenophanes

The paramagnetic ansa-niobocene [(Me₂Si)₂(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂NbCl₂] (1) was obtained from the reaction of Li₂[(Me₂Si)₂(C₅H₄)₂] with [NbCl₄(thf)₂]. Further treatment with Li[AlH₄] yielded [(Me₂Si)₂(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂NbH₃] (3), which is prone to decomposition within a few days at room temperature both in solution and in the solid-state, thus affording primarily an insoluble black material. However, after heating or irradiation of a solution of 3 small quantities of the dimeric niobium hydride species, [(Me₂Si)₂{μ-(η¹:η⁵-C₅H₃)}(η⁵-C₅H₄)NbH]₂ (4), were isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

X-ray attenuation coefficient measurements for photon energies 4.508-13.375 keV in Cu, Cr and their compounds and the validity of the mixture rule

To investigate the validity of the mixture rule which is used to compute the mass attenuation coefficients in compounds, the total mass attenuation coefficients for Cu, Cr elements and Cu₂O, CuC₂O₄, CuCl₂·2H₂O, Cu(C₂H₃O₂)₂·H₂O, Cr₂O₃, Cr(NO₃)₃, Cr₂(SO₄)₃·H₂O, Cr₃(CH₃CO₇)(OH)₂ compounds were measured at photon energies between 4.508 and 13.375 keV by using the secondary excitation method. Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Ge, As, Rb elements were used as secondary exciters. 59.5 keV gamma rays emitted from an annular source were used to excite the secondary exciters and Kα (K-L₃, L₂) rays emitted from the secondary exciter were counted by a Si(Li) detector with a resolution of 160 eV at 5.9 keV. Our measurements indicate that the mixture rule is not a suitable method for the computation of mass attenuation coefficients of compounds especially at an energy that is near the absorption edge. Obtained values were compared with theoretical values.