Angular Momentum Effects in Michelson–Morley Type Experiments

The effect of the angular momentum density of a gravitational source on the times of flight of light rays in an interferometer is analyzed. The calculation is made imagining that the interferometer is at the equator of an axisymmetric steadily rotating gravity source. In order to evaluate the size of the effect in the case of the Earth a weak field approximation for the metric elements is introduced. For laboratory scales and non-geodesic paths the correction due to the angular momentum turns out to be comparable with the sensitivity expected in gravitational waves interferometric detectors, whereas it drops under the threshold of detectability when using free (geodesic) light rays.     

Selective reagent ionisation‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry: a rapid technology for the novel analysis of blends of new psychoactive substances

In this study we demonstrate the potential of selective reagent ionisation‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry for the rapid and selective identification of a popular new psychoactive substance blend called ‘synthacaine’, a mixture that is supposed to imitate the sensory and intoxicating effects of cocaine. Reactions with H₃O⁺ result in protonated parent molecules which can be tentatively assigned to benzocaine and methiopropamine. However, by comparing the product ion branching ratios obtained at two reduced electric field values (90 and 170 Td) for two reagent ions (H₃O⁺ and NO⁺) to those of the pure chemicals, we show that identification is possible with a much higher level of confidence then when relying solely on the m/z of protonated parent molecules. A rapid and highly selective analytical identification of the constituents of a recreational drug is particularly crucial to medical personnel for the prompt medical treatment of overdoses, toxic effects or allergic reactions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Eco-friendly process toward collector- and binder-free,high-energy density electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - The preparation of collector- and binder-free, high-energy density cathodes made from carbon-coated LiFePO4 (C-LFP) and single-walled carbon nanotubes...     

Chemical strategies and characterization tools for the organization of single molecule magnets on surfaces

Addressing individual bistable magnetic molecules, known as Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs), is a fascinating goal at the borderline between molecular magnetism and spin electronics. This tutorial review focuses on the first step towards single-molecule experiments, namely the organization of SMMs on surfaces. Both preparation and characterization of surface-supported SMMs prove to be quite demanding and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary, which is described here using selected examples. We first illustrate the chemical strategies devised to assemble SMMs and to control their orientation on surfaces. Then, we present characterization tools, which have been selected on the basis of their relevance to address specific points, i.e. the chemical composition of the deposited SMM films, the organization of the molecules on the surface, the intramolecular arrangement of the spins, the magnetic anisotropy of SMMs, and eventually the dynamics of their magnetization on surfaces. Particular attention is devoted to techniques exploiting synchrotron light.     

Electroless silver plating of the surface of organic semiconductors

The integration of nanoscale processes and devices demands fabrication routes involving rapid, cost-effective steps, preferably carried out under ambient conditions. The realization of the metal/organic semiconductor interface is one of the most demanding steps of device fabrication, since it requires mechanical and/or thermal treatments which increment costs and are often harmful in respect to the active layer. Here, we provide a microscopic analysis of a room temperature, electroless process aimed at the deposition of a nanostructured metallic silver layer with controlled coverage atop the surface of single crystals and thin films of organic semiconductors. This process relies on the reaction of aqueous AgF solutions with the nonwettable crystalline surface of donor-type organic semiconductors. It is observed that the formation of a uniform layer of silver nanoparticles can be accomplished within 20 min contact time. The electrical characterization of two-terminal devices performed before and after the aforementioned treatment shows that the metal deposition process is associated with a redox reaction causing the p-doping of the semiconductor.     

Mild preparation of functionalized [2.2]paracyclophanes via the Pummerer rearrangement

[2.2]Paracyclophanes, incorporating functional groups in the aliphatic bridges, suitable for elimination to give [2.2]paracyclophanedienes, are synthesized through a novel approach. It relies on a double Pummerer rearrangement on dithiacyclophane precursors, followed by ring contraction through a photochemical sulfur extrusion, and it is compatible with aryl moieties possessing very different electronic properties.