Microwave spectrum of 1,2-propanediol

The microwave spectrum of the sugar alcohol 1,2-propanediol (CH₃CHOHCH₂OH) has been measured over the frequency range 6.5–25.0 GHz with several pulsed-beam Fourier-transform microwave spectrometers. Seven conformers of 1,2-propanediol have been assigned and ab initio electronic structure calculations of the 10 lowest energy forms have been calculated. Stark effect measurements were carried out on several of the lowest energy conformers to provide accurate determinations of the dipole moment components and assist in conformer assignment.     

An MRD-CI study of the electronic spectrum of Si3C3

Large-scale multi-reference configuration interaction (MRD-CI) calculations are used to compute the electronic spectrum of the pyramidal Si₃C₃ cluster. The first dipole-allowed transition is predicted at 4.30 eV. The dominating transition (21A′′←X1A′) is calculated at 4.74 eV with a π→π∗-type oscillator strength of f=0.52. This excitation together with two somewhat less intense (f=0.01-0.07) transitions around 5.2 eV and higher excitations between 5.7 and 5.9 eV could serve as a guideline for experimental search.     

Microwave spectrum of trans 3-fluorophenol in excited torsional states

The microwave rotational spectra of the trans conformer of 3-fluorophenol have been observed in excited torsional states and analyzed in the frequency range 12.0-43.0 GHz using conventional microwave and Radio-Frequency Microwave Double Resonance (RFMWDR) techniques. Analysis of the ground torsional state spectrum has been extended to higher rotational states. Least-squares analysis of three sets of rotational transitions yield rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for the ground and first two excited torsional states. A nonlinear behavior of the variation of inertial defect with the torsional quantum number was observed.     

The microwave spectrum of the C3 sugars: glyceraldehyde and 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone and the dehydration product 2-hydroxy-2-propen-1-al

The triose sugars with empirical formula, C₃H₆O₃, consist of the aldehyde form, glyceraldehyde, and the ketone form, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone. Recently, the simplest sugar, glycolaldehyde (CH₂OHCHO) was identified in the Sgr B2(N) molecular cloud by Hollis et al. (Astrophys. J. (Lett.) 540 (2000) L107), providing the incentive to pursue the present study. The microwave spectra of the triose sugars were obtained with the NIST Fourier-transform pulsed-nozzle microwave spectrometers equipped with heated nozzles. A few tenths of a gram of solid sample was placed in the nozzle base, which was heated to between 105 and 135 °C and pressurized with inert carrier gas. Broad spectral survey scans were carried out from 10 to 20 GHz for samples of both compounds. In the glyceraldehyde sample study, three conformers of the parent species were identified as well as 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone. In addition, three decomposition products were also identified: formic acid, trans-methyl glyoxal, and a previously experimentally unknown compound: 2-hydroxy-2-propen-1-al. Ab initio calculations were carried out with the Gaussian 98 program at the MP2/6-311++G** level to aid in the identification of each of the new species. The survey scan of the 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone sample confirmed the identification of this species initially assigned in the glyceraldehyde study. The 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone survey also exhibited spectra from the same three decomposition products initially observed in the glyceraldehyde work. However, the three conformers of glyceraldehyde were not present in the spectra of 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone.     

The ground state torsion-rotation spectrum of propargyl alcohol (HCCCH2OH)

The rotation-torsion spectrum of the asymmetric frame-asymmetric top internal rotor propargyl alcohol (HCCCH₂OH) has been extended into the millimeter and submillimeter wave spectral regions. Over 2000 ground torsional state transitions have been measured and analyzed up to rotational quantum numbers J = 80 and K_a = 33 through a frequency of 633 GHz. The newly measured transitions were added to approximately 200 previously reported and now unambiguously assigned microwave transitions to comprise a data set of 2390 transitions which has been fit to 59 kHz using a reduced axis method (RAM) Hamiltonian. The ground state has been confirmed to consist of a symmetric and an antisymmetric gauche conformer with no spectroscopic evidence of stable trans conformer. A complete set of rotation and distortion constants through 6th order and a number of the 8th and one 10th order constants for the normal species are presented along with those determined from a re-analysis of the existing OD species data. The a and b symmetry Coriolis interaction constants and the gauche+ gauche− tunnelling frequency of 652389.4 MHz has been determined for the OH species while the b symmetry Coriolis interaction and the 213 480 MHz tunnelling frequency were determined for the OD species.     

Ground state rotational spectrum of nitrogen trifluoride: The K = 3 splittings of NF3 and NF3

The ground state rotational spectrum of the ¹⁴NF₃ and ¹⁵NF₃ isotopic species of nitrogen fluoride has been observed in the ∼450-810 GHz frequency range. This investigation allowed us to improve the rotational parameters for both isotopologues. In particular, for the first time the K = 3 line splitting parameter and the sextic centrifugal distortion constants have been determined for ¹⁵NF₃.     

Microwave spectra, molecular structure and theoretical calculation of two isotopic species of acetyl isocyanate CD3C(O)NCO and CH3C(O)NCO

The microwave spectra of two isotopic species of acetyl isocyanate, ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO and CD₃C(O)NCO, were observed in order to determine the r_o structure and confirmation of the molecular conformation. These isotopic species were prepared by reacting acetyl-2-¹³C-chloride or acetyl-d₃ chloride with sliver cyanate. The rotational spectra of A-level in 26.5-60.0 GHz region have been observed by Stark-modulated microwave spectrometer. Some absorption lines in E-level were observed in ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO. The rotational constants in the ground vibrational state were determined to be A = 10654.8(18), B = 2177.32(2), and C = 1827.65(2) MHz for ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO, and A = 9713.90(6), B = 2042.04(2), and C = 1722.78(2) MHz for CD₃C(O)NCO, respectively. The values of ΔI (= I_c − I_a − I_b) of the ¹³C species (−3.024(13) uŲ) and the d₃ species (−6.163(3) uŲ) indicate that the molecule has C_s symmetry. The r_s coordinates of the carbon atom in the methyl group were determined to be |a| = 2.183(3), |b| = 0.706(9), and |c| = 0.080(87) Å. The determined coordinates were in agreement with those calculated for the cis form, in which the carbonyl group is eclipsed by the NCO group. The six structural parameters of the cis form were adjusted by fitting to the observed rotational constants. The observed rotational constants of the cis form were in better agreement with those calculated using the QCISD/6-31G (d, p) level rather than those calculated using the MP2/6-31G (d, p) level. The barrier of internal rotation of the methyl group was determined as 4.283(16) kJ mol⁻¹ in ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO. The structural tendencies and the relationship between ∠RNC and ¹⁴N quadrupole coupling constants (χ_cc) were discussed.     

Only Ku-band microwave absorption by Fe3O4/ferrocenyl-CuPc hybrid nanospheres

A novel kind of hybrid nanospheres made of Fe₃O₄ and ferrocenyl-CuPc (FCP) was prepared via effective solvothermal method and performed microwave absorptivity only in Ku-band with minimum reflection loss of −25 dB at 16.0 GHz corresponding to absorbing about 99.7% content of microwave. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the nanospheres with uniform particle size distribution have the average diameter of 135 nm. Due to the synergistic reaction between magnetic ferrocenyl-CuPc and Fe₃O₄, the hybrid nanospheres showed novel electromagnetic properties. The real part of complex permittivity of hybrid nanospheres remains stable in the range of 0.5–12.0 GHz and has a large fluctuation at 16.5 GHz. Moreover, the dielectric loss of hybrid nanospheres also appeared a sharp peak at 16.3 GHz with the value of 2.7. The specific gravity of hybrid nanospheres is about 2.08. On the basis of these results, the novel hybrids are believed to have potential applications in the microwave absorbing area in Ku-band.     

Electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of carbonyl iron/La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 composites

In this work carbonyl iron/La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ composites were prepared to develop super-thin microwave absorbing materials. The complex permittivity, permeability and microwave absorption properties are investigated in the frequency range of 8-12 GHz. An optimal reflection loss of −12.4 dB is reached at 10.5 GHz with a matching thickness of 0.8 mm. The thickness of carbonyl iron/La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ absorber is thinner, compared with conventional carbonyl iron powders with the same absorption properties. The bandwidth with a reflection loss exceeding −7.4 dB is obtained in the whole measured frequency range with the thickness of 0.8 mm. The excellent microwave absorption properties are attributed to a better electromagnetic matching established by the combination of the enhanced dielectric loss and nearly invariable magnetic loss with the addition of La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ nanoparticles in the composites. Our work indicates that carbonyl iron/La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ composites may have an important application in wide-band and super-thin electromagnetic absorbers in the frequency range of 8−12 GHz.     

Microwave spectrum of (CH3)3CCN-SO3

Eight rotational transitions of the complex (CH₃)₃CCN-SO₃ have been recorded using pulsed-nozzle Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and a series of ab initio calculations has been performed. The complex is a symmetric top with free or nearly free internal rotation of the SO₃ and (CH₃)₃CCN subunits. The nitrogen-sulfur bond distance is determined to be 2.394(19) Å. Calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level/basis, which are in excellent agreement with the experimental results, give a binding energy of 11.0 kcal/mol relative to (CH₃)₃CCN and SO₃. Physical properties of the system, including N-S bond length, N-S-O angle, binding energy, and the degree of electron transfer (obtained from Townes and Dailey analysis of the ¹⁴N nuclear quadrupole coupling constant) are compared with those of similar complexes. The proton affinity of the base is a useful parameter for ordering complexes in the series.     

Reaction products from a discharge of N2 and H2S: The microwave spectrum of NH2SH

Thiohydroxylamine has been identified as one of the reaction products from the discharge reaction of N₂ + H₂S. Both cis and trans conformers have been observed. The rotational spectra have been studied from 56 to 170 GHz for the normal species and several deuterated isotopic species of each conformer. The electric dipole moments of both conformers have been determined. A number of the transitions of the cis conformer exhibit splittings due to the nuclear quadrupole moment of the ¹⁴N nucleus. A least squares fit of the frequency splittings have led to an analysis of the eQq values. Ab initio calculations using a 4-31G basis set both with and without polarization functions have been carried out to aid in the analysis and to provide a final structural comparison with the microwave results.     

Global fit of rotational transitions of methyl formate (HCOOCH3) in the ground and first excited torsional states

The microwave spectrum of methyl formate (HCOOCH₃) has been observed in the frequency range from 7 to 200 GHz. New 348 lines were assigned to E-species in the first excited torsional state. By combining these lines with previously reported data, a global analysis of A- and E-species lines of the ground and first excited torsional states were carried out on the basis of the internal axis method. A total of 3862 transitions were fitted to a Hamiltonian model involving 69 molecular parameters to a weighted unitless standard deviation of 1.96.     

The pure rotational spectrum of Difluoroiodomethane, CHF2I

The pure rotational spectrum of CHF₂I has been recorded for the first time, in a supersonic expansion in the region 1.7-17 GHz, and at room-temperature in the region 302-318 GHz. The observed transitions span the values of J^″ from 0 up to 67. Precise rotational and centrifugal distortion constants have been determined. Furthermore, the complete iodine nuclear electric quadrupole coupling tensor, in the inertial and principal axes, has been determined. Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to aid with the analysis. Iodine quadrupole mediated perturbations have resulted in the following observations: (i) several transitions having enhanced intensities and (ii) the observation of several forbidden, ΔJ=±2, transitions. Comparisons in electronic structure are made between the series of molecules CH_3-nF_nX; and X = Cl, Br, I.     

Microwave dielectric and magnetic properties of superparamagnetic 8-nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The superparamagnetic 8-nm Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were successfully prepared by chemical oxidation process. For the complex permittivity, the dual dielectric relaxation processes have been proved by two overlapped Cole–Cole semicircles, and the natural resonance frequency is 3.03 GHz for the complex permeability. The maximum reflection loss value reaches −55.5 dB at 6.11 GHz with 3.85 mm in the thickness of the absorbers for the superparamagnetic 8-nm Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles which is better than that of 150 nm and 30 nm Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. It is believed that the superparamagnetic 8-nm Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can be used as a kind of candidate for microwave absorber.     

Rotational spectra of gauche perfluoro-n-butane, C4F10; perfluoro-iso-butane, (CF3)3CF; and tris(trifluoromethyl)methane, (CF3)3CH

The microwave spectra of the gauche conformer of perfluoro-n-butane, n-C₄F₁₀, of perfluoro-iso-butane, (CF₃)₃CF, and of tris(trifluoromethyl)methane, (CF₃)₃CH, have been observed and assigned. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for gauche n-C₄F₁₀ are: A = 1058.11750(7) MHz, B = 617.6832(1) MHz, C = 552.18794(1) MHz, Δ_J = 0.0257(5) kHz, δ_J = 0.0052(3) kHz. A C-C-C-C dihedral angle, ω, of ∼55° has been determined. These values agree well with those obtained from a coupled cluster (CCSD/cc-PVTZ) calculation. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for iso-C₄F₁₀ and iso-C₄HF₉ are: B_o = 816.4519(4) MHz, D_J = 0.023(2) kHz, and B_o = 903.6985(25) MHz, D_J = 0.043(4) kHz, respectively. The dipole moment of iso-C₄F₁₀ and iso-C₄HF₉ have been measured and found to be 0.0338(8) and 1.69(9) D, respectively.     

Magnetic properties of xNi0.53Cu0.12Zn0.35Fe1.88O4+(1−x)BaTiO3 nanocomposites

The nanocrystalline Ni_0.53Cu_0.12Zn_0.35Fe_1.88O₄ and BaTiO₃ powders were prepared using Microwave-Hydrothermal (M-H) method at 160 °C/45 min. The as synthesized powders were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The size of the powders that were synthesized using M-H system was found to be ∼30 and ∼50 nm for ferrite phase and ferroelectric phases, respectively. The powders were densified using microwave sintering method at 900 °C/30 min. The ferrite and ferroelectric phases were observed from XRD and morphology of the composites was observed with the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).The magnetic hysteresis loops were recorded using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM).The frequency dependence of real (μ′) and imaginary (μ″) parts of permeability was measured in the range of 1 MHz-1.8 GHz. The permeability decreases with an increase of BaTiO₃ content at 1 MHz. The transition temperature (T_C) of ferrite was found to be 245 °C. The T_C of composite materials decreases with an increase in BaTiO₃ content.     

Optimization of electromagnetic matching of carbonyl iron/BaTiO3 composites for microwave absorption

Microwave absorbing materials filled with BaTiO₃ and carbonyl iron (CI) particles with various weight fractions (BaTiO₃/CI particles=100/0 to 0/100) are investigated. The dielectric and magnetic properties of the absorbers can be tuned by changing the weight ratio of BaTiO₃/CI particles in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. Numerical simulations are also performed to design a single-layer and double-layer absorber. The minimum reflection loss of the composite filled with 20 wt% BaTiO₃ and 60 wt% CI particles at 2.0 mm thickness can be reached to −42 dB at 4.1 GHz. With the weight ratio of CI particles in the composite increased, the microwave absorption peak shifted to the lower frequency region. By using a double-layer absorber structure, the microwave absorption performance of the absorber is enhanced. The result shows that the total thickness of the absorber can be reduced below 1.4 mm by using a matching layer filled with 50 wt% BaTiO₃, and an absorption layer filled with 60 wt% BaTiO₃ and 20 wt% CI particles, whereas the reflection loss below −10 dB can be obtained in the frequency range of 10.8-14.8 GHz and the minimum reflection loss of −59 dB can be obtained at 12.5 GHz.     

Antiferromagnetic resonance in ferroborate NdFe3(BO3)4

The AFMR spectra of the NdFe₃(BO₃)₄ crystal are measured in a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. It is found that by the type of its magnetic anisotropy the compound is an “easy-plane” antiferromagnet with a weak anisotropy in the basal plane. The effective magnetic parameters are determined: anisotropy fields H_a1=1.14 kOe and H_a2=60 kOe and magnetic excitation gaps Δν₁=101.9 GHz and Δν₂=23.8 GHz. It is shown that commensurate-incommensurate phase transition causes a shift in resonance field and a considerable change in absorption line width.At temperatures below 4.2 K nonlinear regimes of AFMR excitation at low microwave power levels are observed.     

Microwave and sub-mmwave study of CH3SiH3 including the perturbation-allowed torsion-vibration difference band (ν12=0,ν6=3)↔(ν12=1,ν6=0)

The vibration-torsion-rotation Hamiltonian in CH₃SiH₃ has been investigated using Fourier transform microwave methods and tunable sideband far-infrared spectroscopy. Four different studies have been carried out. First, the Q-branch of the torsion-vibration difference band (ν₁₂=0,ν₆=3)↔(ν₁₂=1,ν₆=0) has been measured between 17.8 and 26.6 GHz. When three quanta of the torsional mode ν₆ are excited in the ground vibrational state (gs) for (σ=−1) torsional sublevels with K=6, these transitions become allowed through resonant Coriolis-like coupling to the lowest lying degenerate mode ν₁₂ with no quanta of ν₆ excited. Second, direct l-doubling transitions in the state (v₁₂=1, v₆=0) have been observed between 8.3 and 17.5 GHz for both torsional sublevels σ=0 and σ=±1. In the limit that the intervibrational interactions vanish, the σ-splitting between lines of the same J would be difficult to resolve, but frequency differences of more than 1 GHz due to these interactions have been determined. Third, the (J=1←0) spectrum just below 22 GHz has been re-measured with higher resolution for 0?v₆?4 in the gs and for (v₆=0) in ν₁₂. Finally, the (J=45←44) spectrum near 1 THz has been obtained for 0?v₆?2 in the gs. A global data set of 3423 frequencies has been formed by merging the present 123 measurements with the data set used recently in the simultaneous analysis of the ν₁₂ and ν₅ bands by Schroderus et al. [J. Chem Phys. 115 (2001) 1392]. By refining the (gs/ν₁₂/ν₅) Hamiltonian developed in this earlier work in which the torsional motion is grouped with the vibrational degrees of freedom, a good fit to within experimental error has been obtained by varying 45 parameters. A fit of comparable quality has also been obtained using a similar analysis in which the torsional motion is grouped with the rotational degrees of freedom. The values of the molecular constants determined in the two models are compared.     

Experimental and numerical investigation of a ceramic dielectric resonator (DRA): CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO)

In this study, the CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) ceramic phase was synthesized by microwave heating in a much shorter time compared to the conventional heating methods. The results indicate that microwave processing is a promising method for preparing CCTO ceramics. CCTO was prepared using a domestic microwave oven operated at 2.45 GHz with 800 W. After a few minutes of microwave irradiation the formation of CCTO was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The CCTO ceramic was studied in the medium-frequency (MF) range (100 Hz-1 MHz) and in the microwave range of frequencies. The experimental and theoretical characteristics of the dielectric resonator antenna are investigated.