Inflationary solutions in general scalar tensor theory of gravitation

Extended inflation solution in Brans-Dicke theory given by Mathiazhagan and Johri (MJ) is shown as the unique solution only if the scale factor is assumed to be a power function of the scalar field. Only the consistent solution amongst the set of solutions given by Patra, Roy and Ray is found identical to the MJ solution. Both exponential inflation and power function inflation are studied in general scalar tensor theory where the parameter to is a function of the scalar, field. It is noted that exponential inflation is forbidden in Brans-Dicke theory wherew is a constant.     

Fluorescence lifetime measurements to determine the core-shell nanostructure of FITC-doped silica nanoparticles: An optical approach to evaluate nanoparticle photostability

In this paper, we described a novel fluorescence lifetime-based approach to determine the core-shell nanostructure of FITC-(fluorescein isothiocyanate, isomer I) doped fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs). Because of phase homogeneity between the core and the shell, electron microscopic technique could not be used to characterize such core-shell nanostructure. Our optical approach not only revealed the core-shell nanostructure of FSNPs but also evaluated photobleaching of FSNPs both in the solvated and non-solvated (dry) states. The FSNPs were produced via Stöber's method by hydrolysis and co-condensation reaction of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and fluorescein linked (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (FITC-APTS conjugate) in the presence of ammonium hydroxide catalyst. To obtain a pure silica surface coating, FSNPs were then post-coated with TEOS. The average particle size was 135 nm as determined by TEM (transmission electron microscope) measurements. Fluorescence excitation and emission spectral data demonstrated successful doping of FITC dye molecules in FSNPs. Fluorescence lifetime data revealed that approximately 62% of dye molecules remained in the solvated silica shell, while 38% of dye molecules remained in the non-solvated (dry) silica core. Photobleaching experiments of FSNPs were conducted both in DI water (solution state) and in air (dry state). Severe photobleaching of FSNPs was observed in air. However, FSNPs were moderately photostable in the solution state. Photostability of FSNPs in both solution and dry states was explained on the basis of fluorescence lifetime data.     

Preparation and characterization of MgB2 superconductor

The MgB₂ superconductor, synthesized using solid-state and liquid-phase sintering methods, have been characterized for various properties. The upper critical field, irreversibility line and critical current density have been determined using magnetization data. The current-voltage characteristics recorded under an applied magnetic field revealed the existence of vortex glass transition. The surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that MgB₂ is sensitive to atmospheric degradation.     

Bounded sets of KKT multipliers in vector optimization

In this article we discuss the conditions required to guarantee the non-emptiness and the boundedness of certain subsets of the set of Lagrange multipliers for an inequality and equality constrained vector minimization problem.     

Visualization of convection loops due to Rayleigh–Benard convection during solidification

This paper describes the techniques adopted for visualization of Rayleigh–Benard convection during solidification of eutectic, hypo- and hyper-eutectic salt solutions. Neutrally buoyant hollow glass spheres were inducted in the body of the solidifying salt solution. The convection currents were captured by scattering of a laser beam by these beads. The apparatus has two components, namely: (i) measurement of interface/mushy region movement and temperature distribution and (ii) flow visualization with laser beam scattered by hollow glass spheres. The distinct nature of convection cells in the eutectic and hypo eutectic region is brought out.     

Abundance of actinides in cosmic radiation

Ultra heavy (UH) cosmic rays of Z65 are produced either by s- or r-process of nucleosynthesis. Since these two processes occur under different astrophysical environments, the relative abundances of UH ions could be an important parameter in finding their source and origin. Data analysis is carried out on four detector stacks exposed in space by UH cosmic ray experiment on board LDEF. Scanning and analysis of 0.21 m² detector area resulted in finding of 72 UH ions (68Z96) including two actinides (88Z100). The ratio of actinides to that of sub-actinides is found to be 0.034±0.024, which is well within the observational limits of other experiments. Results suggest possible sources, which predominantly ejects r-process synthesized material.     

Working group report: High energy and collider physics

This is a summary of the projects undertaken by the working group I on high energy and collider physics.     

Necessary optimality conditions and saddle points for approximate optimization in banach spaces

In this article we study approximate optimality in the setting of a Banach space. We study various solution concepts existing in the literature and develop very general necessary optimality conditions in terms of limiting subdifferentials. We also study saddle point conditions and relate them to various solution concepts. Part of this research was carried out when the author was a post-doctoral fellow at UAB, Barcelona by the Grant No. SB99-B0771103B of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture. The hospitality and the facilities provided at CODE, UAB is gratefully acknowledged.     

Thermal cyclization of 3-arylamino-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-propenal Schiff base hydrochlorides followed by triethyl phosphite mediated deoxygenation: a facile synthesis of quindolines

A simple and useful method for the synthesis of various 2-substituted quindolines starting from 2-nitroacetophenone is described.