Equivalence of Dirac and Maxwell equations and quantum mechanics

In this paper we present an analysis of the possible equivalence of Dirac and Maxwell equations using the Clifford bundle formalism and compare it with Campolattaro's approach, which uses the traditional tensor calculus and the standard Dirac covariant spinor field. We show that Campolattaro's intricate calculations can be proved in few lines in our formalism. We briefly discuss the implications of our findings for the interpretation of quantum mechanics.     

The relationship between formation kinetics and microdroplet size of epoxy-based polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

Polymer films containing dispersions of liquid crystal microdroplets have considerable potential for use in displays and other light control devices. These polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films operate by electric field control of light scattering, rather than by polarization control as in the case of twisted nematic systems. The scattering characteristics of the PDLC films are determined by the refractive indices of the polymer and liquid crystal and by the size of the microdroplets. We have found that it is possible to regulate the microdroplet size by controlling the droplet formation rate (i.e. the cure kinetics of the film). Using calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy, we determined the influence of cure kinetics on microdroplet size for epoxy-based PDLCs. We found that droplet size increased with increasing cure time constant. However, the relationship changed as cure temperature was varied, perhaps as a result of competing cure processes. We also determined the phase behaviour of the epoxy-based PDLCs. The liquid crystal acted as a plasticizer, depressing the glass transition temperature of the PDLC samples slightly below that of the pure epoxy. The temperature and enthalpy of the nematic to isotropic transition of the liquid crystal material in the microdroplets were both functions of cure temperature. From the transition enthalpy it was possible to estimate a, the fraction of liquid crystal contained in the droplets; we found that a decreased with increasing cure temperature, presumably as a result of greater liquid crystal solubility in the epoxy matrix at higher temperatures.     

Evaporation barriers for4He indicate very extended forms for many emitting nuclei

We have analyzed a large set of mean energies and angular anisotropies for evaporative⁴He emission to obtain barriers to evaporation,B. These exit channel barriers are often substantially smaller than the corresponding empirical s-wave fusion barriersE ₀. The differences (E ₀-B) are interpreted as indicators of the extent of distortion of the emitters. These distortions have in turn been characterized by the deformation parameter for a spheroid α₂₀. ForZ=80 the dependence ofB or {α}₂₀ on spin is somewhat suggestive of the superdeformed shapes predicted by the liquid drop model. ForZ>70 significant distortions are indicated for emitters of both large and small spin.     

Syntheses, X-ray structures, photochemistry, redox properties, and DFT calculations of interconvertible fac- and mer-[Mn(SPS)(CO)3] isomers containing a flexible SPS-based pincer ligand

The lithium salt of the anionic SPS pincer ligand composed of a central hypervalent lambda4-phosphinine ring bearing two ortho-positioned diphenylphosphine sulfide side arms reacts with [Mn(CO)5Br] to give fac-[Mn(SPS)(CO)3]. This isomer can be converted photochemically to mer-[Mn(SPS)(CO)3], with a very high quantum yield (0.80+/-0.05). The thermal backreaction is slow (taking ca. 8 h at room temperature), in contrast to rapid electrode-catalyzed mer-to-fac isomerization triggered by electrochemical reduction of mer-[Mn(SPS)(CO)3]. Both geometric isomers of [Mn(SPS)(CO)3] have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Both isomers show luminescence from a low-lying 3IL (SPS-based) excited state. The light emission of fac-[Mn(SPS)(CO)3] is largely quenched by the efficient photoisomerization occurring probably from a low-lying Mn-CO dissociative excited state. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations describe the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of fac- and mer-[Mn(CO)3(SPS)] as ligand-centered orbitals, largely localized on the phosphinine ring of the SPS pincer ligand. In line with the ligand nature of its frontier orbitals, fac-[Mn(SPS)(CO)3] is electrochemically reversibly oxidized and reduced to the corresponding radical cation and anion, respectively. The spectroscopic (electron paramagnetic resonance, IR, and UV-vis) characterization of the radical species provides other evidence for the localization of the redox steps on the SPS ligand. The smaller HOMO-LUMO energy difference in the case of mer-[Mn(CO)3(SPS)], reflected in the electronic absorption and emission spectra, corresponds with its lower oxidation potential compared to that of the fac isomer. The thermodynamic instability of mer-[Mn(CO)3(SPS)], confirmed by the DFT calculations, increases upon one-electron reduction and oxidation of the complex.     

Performance parameters of a whole body counter

Techniques for the assessment of internally incorporated radionuclides are essential for monitoring potentially exposed workers to radiation as well as for the preparedness of response in the case of Radiological Emergencies. The Whole Body Counter at Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear (ITN), Portugal, provides a direct way of measuring the activity of internally incorporated radionuclides in possibly contaminated persons. This equipment is calibrated in energy and efficiency, with a calibration source, and is able to detect and quantify several radionuclides with gamma emissions between 60 and 1900 keV. Also, the Minimum Detectable Activity values for several nuclides of interest were determined, since these values are an indication of the sensitivity of the detection system. Finally, in order to assure reliable measurements, a quality assurance routine has been implemented, consisting of routinely monitoring several parameters of chosen radionuclides with gamma emission energies lying in the energy range of interest, and also for the background. The equipment is now fully operational and a set of routine measurements for the monitoring of exposed personnel, working in different areas of activity, is currently being prepared.     

Spatially resolved dynamic eigenmode spectrum of Co rings

The spatially resolved eigenmode spectrum of micrometer-sized Co ring elements has been determined by means of combined vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance and time resolved magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements. Up to 5 resonant eigenmodes were observed in the frequency range from 45 MHz to 20 GHz as a function of an external magnetic bias field. A well-defined mode structure was found for the two equilibrium states (vortex and onion) which correspond to distinctive spatial modes. The effect of dynamic inter-ring coupling on the modes in the remanent states was evinced. The experimental results are found to be in good agreement with those of micromagnetic simulations. Our results demonstrate that, in analogy to the well-defined static equilibrium magnetic states of ring elements, the eigenmode spectra of this high symmetry geometry consist of a well-defined and simple mode structure.     

AlNxOy thin films deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering

AlN_xO_y thin films were produced by DC reactive magnetron sputtering, using an atmosphere of argon and a reactive gas mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, for a wide range of partial pressures of reactive gas. During the deposition, the discharge current was kept constant and the discharge parameters were monitored. The deposition rate, chemical composition, morphology, structure and electrical resistivity of the coatings are strongly correlated with discharge parameters. Varying the reactive gas mixture partial pressure, the film properties change gradually from metallic-like films, for low reactive gas partial pressures, to stoichiometric amorphous Al₂O₃ insulator films, at high pressures. For intermediate reactive gas pressures, sub-stoichiometric AlN_xO_y films were obtained, with the electrical resistivity of the films increasing with the non-metallic/metallic ratio.