Observations of surface modifications induced by the multiple pulse irradiation using a soft picosecond x-ray laser beam

To study the interactions between picosecond soft x-ray laser (SXRL) beams and material surfaces, gold (Au), copper (Cu), and silicon (Si) surfaces were irradiated with SXRL pulses having a wavelength of 13.9 nm and a duration of ～7 ps. Following irradiation, the surfaces of the substrates were observed using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. With single pulse irradiation, ripple-like structures were formed on the Au and Cu surfaces. These structures were different from previously investigated conical structures formed on an Al surface. In addition, it was confirmed that the development of modified structures, i.e., growth of hillocks on the Au and Cu surfaces, was observed after multiple SXRL pulse exposures. However, on the Si surface, deep holes that seemed to be melted structures induced by the accumulation of multiple pulses of irradiations were found. Therefore, it was concluded that SXRL beam irradiation of various material surfaces causes different types of surface modifications, and the changes in the surface behaviors are attributed to the differences in the elemental properties, such as the attenuation length of x-ray photons.     

Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films by hybrid sputtering

In order to fabricate Cu₂ZnSnS₄ thin films, hybrid sputtering system with two sputter sources and two effusion cells is used. The Cu₂ZnSnS₄ films are fabricated by the sequential deposition of metal elements and annealing in S flux, varying the substrate temperature. The Cu₂ZnSnS₄ films with stoichiometric composition are obtained at the substrate temperature up to 400 °C, whereas the film composition becomes quite Zn-pool at the substrate temperature above 450 °C. The Cu₂ZnSnS₄ film shows p-type conductivity, and the optical absorption coefficient and the band gap of the Cu₂ZnSnS₄ film prepared in this experiment are suitable for fabricating a thin film solar cell.     

Photooxygenation of pyrazin-2(1h)-ones

1-Alkyl-5,6-diphenylpyra2in-2(1H)-ones (1a-b) reacted with singlet oxygen in dichloromethane to afford the stable endoperoxide (1a-b), while in methanol to afford the 1:1-adduct (3a-b) of the endoperoxide (2a-b) and methanol.     

Partial molar enthalphy of formation of solid solution in transition metal sulfides by a combustion calorimetry

The combustion calorimetry on the NbS system has been carried out under an oxygen atmosphere at 453°C using a Calvet-type twin calorimeter. The partial molar enthalphies of the formation of solid solution for both 2S-NbS_x and 3S-NbS_x phase on the NbS system has been determined.     

Studies on organic fluorine compounds. LIII. Preparation of functionalized trifluoromethylated compounds using 1-phenylsulfonyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropene

Reaction of 1-phenylsulfonul-3,3,3-trifluoropropene(1) with carbonyl-stabilized enolate anions smoothly proceeded to give the addition products(7) in good yield while with an alkyl-lithium or Grignard reagent the formation of the vinyl anion(8) was one of the reaction pathways. Reaction of 1 with the chiral nucleophiles(11, 16) was carried out to give the functionalized trifluoromethylated compounds(13, 7b) in 4-43% ee     

Polymorphism of ZnTe at elevated pressure

Simultaneous measurements of the electrical resistance and X-ray diffraction under pressure have revealed that ZnTe exhibits two subsequent structural transitions at approximately 85 and 130 kbar, accompanied by a conspicuous rise and drop in the resistance, respectively.