Low-temperature light detectors: Neganov–Luke amplification and calibration

The simultaneous measurement of phonons and scintillation light induced by incident particles in a scintillating crystal such as CaWO₄ is a powerful technique for the active rejection of background induced by γ?s and β  ?s and even neutrons in direct Dark Matter searches. However, ?1%$?1\text{\%}$ of the energy deposited in a CaWO₄ crystal is detected as light. Thus, very sensitive light detectors are needed for an efficient event-by-event background discrimination. Due to the Neganov–Luke effect, the threshold of low-temperature light detectors based on semiconducting substrates can be improved significantly by drifting the photon-induced electron–hole pairs in an applied electric field. We present measurements with low-temperature light detectors based on this amplification mechanism. The Neganov–Luke effect makes it possible to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of our light detectors by a factor of ∼9 corresponding to an energy threshold of ∼21 eV$\sim 21\text{eV}$. We also describe a method for an absolute energy calibration using a light-emitting diode.     

He2 and HeH molecular ions in a strong magnetic field: The Lagrange-mesh approach

Accurate calculations for the ground state of the molecular ions He³⁺₂ and HeH²⁺ placed in a strong magnetic field B?10² a.u.$B?{10}^2\text{a.u.}$ (≈2.35×10¹¹ G$\approx 2.35\times {10}^{11}\text{G}$) using the Lagrange-mesh method are presented. The Born–Oppenheimer approximation of zero order (infinitely massive centers) and the parallel configuration (molecular axis parallel to the magnetic field) are considered. Total energies are found with 9–10 s.d. The obtained results show that the molecular ions He³⁺₂ and HeH²⁺ exist at B>100 a.u.$B>100\text{a.u.}$ and B>1000 a.u.$B>1000\text{a.u.}$, respectively, as predicted in Turbiner and López Vieyra (2007) [1] while a saddle point in the potential curve appears for the first time at B∼80 a.u.$B\sim 80\text{a.u.}$ and B∼740 a.u.$B\sim 740\text{a.u.}$, respectively.     

A simple explanation of the PVLAS anomaly in spontaneously broken mirror models

The PVLAS anomaly can be explained if there exist millicharged particles of mass ?0.1 eV$?0.1\text{eV}$ and electric charge ?∼¹⁰⁻⁶e$\mathrm{?}\sim {10}^{\mathrm{-6}}e$. We point out that such particles occur naturally in spontaneously broken mirror models. We argue that this interpretation of the PVLAS anomaly is not in conflict with astrophysical constraints due to the self interactions of the millicharged particles which lead them to be trapped within stars. This conclusion also holds for a generic paraphoton model.     

FCNC-induced heavy-quark events at the LHC from supersymmetry

We analyze the production and subsequent decay of the neutral Higgs bosons h≡h⁰,H⁰,A⁰$h\equiv h^0,H^0,A^0$ of the MSSM into electrically neutral quark pairs of different flavors (qq^′≡tc,bs$q{q}^{\prime }\equiv tc,bs$, depending on h  ) at the LHC, i.e. σ(pp→h→qq^′)$\sigma (pp\to h\to q{q}^{\prime })$, and compare with the direct FCNC production mechanisms σ(pp→qq^′)$\sigma (pp\to q{q}^{\prime })$. The cross-sections are computed in the unconstrained MSSM with minimal flavor-mixing sources and taking into account the stringent bounds from b→sγ$b\to s\gamma$. We extend the results previously found for these FCNC processes, which are singularly uncommon in the SM. Specifically, we report here on the SUSY-EW part of σ(pp→h→qq^′)$\sigma (pp\to h\to q{q}^{\prime })$ and the SUSY-QCD and SUSY-EW contributions to σ(pp→bs)$\sigma (pp\to bs)$. In this way, the complete map of MSSM predictions for the qq^′$q{q}^{\prime }$-pairs produced at the LHC becomes available. The upshot is that the most favorable channels are: (1) the Higgs boson FCNC decays into bs, and (2) the direct production of tc   pairs, both of them at the ∼1 pb$\sim 1\text{pb}$ level and mediated by SUSY-QCD effects. If, however, the SUSY-QCD part is suppressed, we find a small SUSY-EW yield for σmax_{(pp→h→tc)}∼¹⁰⁻⁴ pb$\sigma {(pp\to h\to tc)}_{\max }\sim {10}^{\mathrm{-4}}\text{pb}$ but, at the same time, σmax_{(pp→h→bs)}∼0.1–1 pb$\sigma {(pp\to h\to bs)}_{\max }\sim 0.1\text{–}1\text{pb}$, which implies a significant number (∼¹⁰⁴–¹⁰⁵$\sim {10}^4\text{–}{10}^5$) of bs   pairs per 100 fb⁻¹$100{\text{fb}}^{\mathrm{-1}}$ of integrated luminosity.     

Nuclear limits on gravitational waves from elliptically deformed pulsars

Gravitational radiation is a fundamental prediction of General Relativity. Elliptically deformed pulsars are among the possible sources emitting gravitational waves (GWs) with a strain-amplitude dependent upon the star's quadrupole moment, rotational frequency, and distance from the detector. We show that the gravitational wave strain amplitude h₀$h_0$ depends strongly on the equation of state of neutron-rich stellar matter. Applying an equation of state with symmetry energy constrained by recent nuclear laboratory data, we set an upper limit on the strain-amplitude of GWs produced by elliptically deformed pulsars. Depending on details of the EOS, for several millisecond pulsars at distances 0.18 kpc to 0.35 kpc from Earth, the maximal  h₀$h_0$ is found to be in the range of ∼[0.4–1.5]×¹⁰⁻²⁴$\sim [0.4\text{–}1.5]\times {10}^{\mathrm{-24}}$. This prediction serves as the first direct nuclear constraint on the gravitational radiation. Its implications are discussed.     

First principles calculations of optical and magnetic properties of SrFe2O4 compound under pressure

In this research, the magnetic and optical properties of SrFe₂O₄ ceramic were studied. The calculations were performed by Full Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave method in Density Functional Theory framework with generalized gradient (GGA), GGA+U and modified Becke–Johnson approximations for the exchange and correlation functionals. The results show that SrFe₂O₄ is a ferrimagnetic ceramics with six different spin configurations. The Hubbard parameter was calculated (_Ueff=4.5 eV$U_{\mathit{eff}}=4.5\text{eV}$) by an ab initio method. The optical properties such as dielectric function, refraction index, electron energy-loss function, reflectivity, absorption coefficient and optical conductivity were investigated at zero up to 20 GPa pressure in x, y and z directions. The pressure coefficients of optical band, static dielectric constant, plasmon peak, static refraction index and the maximum of absorption were determined. Moreover, the pressure dependence of the static dielectric constant, plasmon peak, static refraction index, the maximum of absorption and the optical gap were investigated.     

Determining the mass for a light gravitino

Gauge mediated supersymmetry breaking scenarios with an ultra-light gravitino of mass m_3/2=1–10 eV$m_{3/2}=1\text{–}10\text{eV}$ are very interesting, since there is no cosmological gravitino problem. We propose a new experimental determination of the gravitino mass for such an ultra-light gravitino, by measuring a branching ratio of two decay modes of sleptons.     

Search for solar axions with mass around 1 eV using coherent conversion of axions into photons

A search for solar axions has been performed using an axion helioscope which is equipped with a 2.3-m long 4 T superconducting magnet, a gas container to hold dispersion-matching gas, PIN-photodiode X-ray detectors, and a telescope mount mechanism to track the sun. A mass region around ma=1 eV$m_a=1\text{eV}$ was newly explored. From the absence of any evidence, analysis sets a limit on axion–photon coupling constant to be g_aγγ<5.6–13.4×¹⁰⁻¹⁰ GeV⁻¹$g_{a\gamma \gamma }<5.6\text{–}13.4\times {10}^{\mathrm{-10}}{\text{GeV}}^{\mathrm{-1}}$ for the axion mass of 0.84<ma<1.00 eV$0.84<m_a<1.00\text{eV}$ at 95% confidence level. It is the first result to search for the axion in the g_aγγ–ma$g_{a\gamma \gamma }\text{–}{m}_a$ parameter region of the preferred axion models with a magnetic helioscope.     

Coalescence of BnNn fullerenes: A new pathway to produce boron nitride nanotubes with small diameter

Using density functional theory calculations, we predict that single-walled hemispherical-caped boron nitride (BN) nanotubes with small diameters can be produced via the coalescence of stable nanoclusters. Specifically, the assembly of B_nN_n (n=12,24$n=12,24$) clusters exhibiting particularly high stability and leading to armchair (3,3)$(3,3)$ and (4,4)$(4,4)$ BN nanotubes, respectively, are considered. The formed finite-length BN nanotubes have semiconducting properties with wide band gaps attractive to nano-device applications.     

Probing a possible vacuum refractive index with γ-ray telescopes

We have used a stringy model of quantum space–time foam to suggest that the vacuum may exhibit a non-trivial refractive index depending linearly on γ  -ray energy: η−1∼Eγ/M_QG1$\eta -1\sim E_{\gamma }/M_{\mathrm{QG}1}$, where MQG$M_{\mathrm{QG}}$ is some mass scale typical of quantum gravity that may be ∼¹⁰¹⁸ GeV$\sim {10}^{18}\text{GeV}$: see [J. Ellis, N.E. Mavromatos, D.V. Nanopoulos, Phys. Lett. B 665 (2008) 412] and references therein. The MAGIC, HESS and Fermi γ-ray telescopes have recently probed the possible existence of such an energy-dependent vacuum refractive index. All find indications of time-lags for higher-energy photons, but cannot exclude the possibility that they are due to intrinsic delays at the sources. However, the MAGIC and HESS observations of time-lags in emissions from AGNs Mkn 501 and PKS 2155-304 are compatible with each other and a refractive index depending linearly on the γ  -ray energy, with M_QG1∼¹⁰¹⁸ GeV$M_{\mathrm{QG}1}\sim {10}^{18}\text{GeV}$. We combine their results to estimate the time-lag Δt   to be expected for the highest-energy photon from GRB 080916c measured by the Fermi telescope, which has an energy ∼13.2 GeV$\sim 13.2\text{GeV}$, assuming the redshift z=4.35±0.15$z=4.35\pm 0.15$ measured by GROND. In the case of a refractive index depending linearly on the γ  -ray energy we predict Δt=26±11 s$\mathrm{\Delta }t=26\pm 11\text{s}$. This is compatible with the time-lag Δt?16.5 s$\mathrm{\Delta }t?16.5\text{s}$ reported by the Fermi Collaboration, whereas the time-lag would be negligible in the case of a refractive index depending quadratically on the γ-ray energy. We suggest a strategy for future observations that could distinguish between a quantum-gravitational effect and other interpretations of the time-lags observed by the MAGIC, HESS and Fermi γ-ray telescopes.     

First observation of electronic structure of the even parity boron acceptor states in diamond

We use electronic Raman scattering for studying the band structure of the ns$\mathrm{n}s$ boron acceptor states in diamond. For the first time, the spin–orbit splitting of these acceptor states and the 1s→ns$1s\to \mathrm{n}s$ Lyman series of transitions are observed. The spin–orbit splitting linearly increases with n number. Lyman series exhibit fine structure consisting of four bands each. The energy spacing between series is equal to ∼13 meV$\sim 13\text{meV}$. Evolution of Raman spectra of the boron-doped diamond with increasing boron concentration is shown. Mott transition is revealed in Raman spectrum. Correct values of Luttinger parameters for diamond are specified.     

Electromagnetic superconductivity of vacuum induced by strong magnetic field: Numerical evidence in lattice gauge theory

Using numerical simulations of quenched SU(2)$\mathit{SU}(2)$ gauge theory we demonstrate that an external magnetic field leads to spontaneous generation of quark condensates with quantum numbers of electrically charged ρ   mesons if the strength of the magnetic field exceeds the critical value e_Bc=0.927(77) GeV²$e{B}_c=0.927(77){\text{GeV}}^2$ or _Bc=(1.56±0.13)⋅10¹⁶ Tesla$B_c=(1.56\pm 0.13)\cdot {10}^{16}\text{Tesla}$. The condensation of the charged ρ mesons in strong magnetic field is a key feature of the magnetic-field-induced electromagnetic superconductivity of the vacuum.     

Comparative kinetic stability of classical and non-classical fullerenes C46

Molecular dynamics is used to study the kinetic stability of a classical fullerene C₄₆ and its non-classical analog with a square. The lifetimes of both clusters till the moments of their isomerization are directly calculated as functions of temperature. The activation energies _Ea$E_a$ of isomerization processes are determined from the fits of the results obtained to the Arrhenius law. For the non-classical fullerene, the value of _Ea=3.1±0.2 eV$E_a=3.1\pm 0.2\text{eV}$ is found to be considerably below that for the classical one, _Ea=4.5±0.3 eV$E_a=4.5\pm 0.3\text{eV}$. In view of rather low kinetic stability of non-classical C₄₆, its experimental registration in a gas phase seems to be problematic.     

First principle study on phase stability and electronic structure of YCu

The phase stability and electronic structure of YCu were studied by self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP_LAPW) on the basis of the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated equilibrium volumes are 41.963 and 173.21 Å³$173.21{\text{Å}}^3$ for B2 and B27 structures respectively, which are in good agreement with the experimental values. The total energy of the B27 phase is about 0.03 eV lower than that of the B2 phase. The formation energies are −1.173 and −1.204 eV$-1.204\text{eV}$ for B2 and B27 structures respectively. The density of state at the Fermi energy, N(EF)$N(E_F)$, is 1.08 states/eV$1.08\text{states}/\text{eV}$ for B2 phase and 0.92 states/eV$0.92\text{states}/\text{eV}$ for B27 phase, respectively. These results indicate that the B27 phase is the thermodynamic ground state equilibrium phase of YCu at low temperatures, as observed experimentally. However, our calculations also predict that a pressure-induced B27 to B2 phase transition exists in YCu.     

Physical properties of Ima2-BN under pressure: First principles calculations

A fully orthorhombic boron nitride (BN) polymorph with an orthorhombic symmetry (Ima2-BN, space group: Ima2) was investigated by first-principles calculations. The Ima2-BN under 30 GPa is both mechanically and dynamically stable via elastic constants and phonon spectra. The anisotropic and electronic properties of Ima2-BN under different pressure are investigated in this work. The anisotropic properties calculations show that the Young's modulus of Ima2-BN in (001) plane exhibits the greatest anisotropy under ambient pressure, while in (111) plane it is the greatest when P > 20 GPa, while the (010) plane has always exhibited the minimal anisotropy whether under ambient pressure or high pressure. Ima2-BN is an indirect wider band gap semiconductor material under ambient pressure, and the band gap of Ima2-BN decreases with the increasing pressure. The minimum thermal conductivities κ_min of Ima2-BN is 1.85 W/(cmK), it is slightly higher than of B₄N₄-I and c-BN.     

Isomer-tagged differential-plunger measurements in proton-unbound Ho

The lifetime of an excited state above a weakly populated isomer in the proton-unbound odd–odd nucleus ¹⁴⁴Ho has been measured using the recoil distance Doppler shift method. This measurement represents the first differential-plunger lifetime measurement to utilize recoil-isomer tagging. The first excited Iπ=(¹⁰⁺)$I^{\pi }=({10}^{+})$ state above the two-quasiparticle πh_11/2⊗νh_11/2(⁸⁺)$\pi h_{11/2}\otimes \nu h_{11/2}(8^{+})$ isomer was determined to have a lifetime of τ=6(1) ps$\tau =6(1)\text{ps}$. Potential energy surface calculations, based on the configuration-constrained blocking method, predict the isomeric state to have γ  -soft triaxial-nuclear shape with |γ|≈24°$|\gamma |\approx 24\text{°}$. The lifetime of the (¹⁰⁺)$({10}^{+})$ state can be understood from these calculations if there is a degree of rotational alignment in this band, with the K value being lower than the bandhead spin. However, the validity of the K quantum number with large predicted triaxiality and gamma softness requires further theoretical study.     

DFT study of NH3 adsorption on pristine,Ni- and Si-doped graphynes

The electronic sensitivity of pristine, Ni- and Si-doped graphynes to ammonia (NH₃) molecule was investigated using density functional theory, including dispersion correction. It was found that NH₃ is weakly adsorbed on the sheet, releasing energy of 2.9–4.4 kcal/mol, and the electronic properties of the sheet are not significantly changed. Although both Ni-doping and Si-doping make the sheet more reactive and sensitive to NH₃, Si-doping seems to be a better strategy to manufacture NH₃ chemical sensors because of higher sensitivity. Our calculations show that the HOMO/LUMO gap of the Si-doped sheet is significantly decreased from 2.13 to 1.46 eV after the adsorption of NH₃, which may increase the electrical conductance of the sheet. Therefore, the doped sheet might convert the presence of NH₃ molecules to electrical signals. Moreover, the shorter recovery time of the Si-doped sheet is because of the middle adsorption energy of 39.3 kcal/mol in comparison with 55.1 kcal/mol for the Ni-doped sheet.