A method for automatic correction of drift-distorted SPM images

A method for automatic correction of drift-distorted surface images obtained using a scanning probe microscope is developed. For the case of slowly varying drifts, simple linear transformations describing the observed distortions are constructed. One or two pairs of counter-scanned images (CSIs) are used as initial data. A system of linear equations is solved by finding the coordinate of the same surface feature in each CSI. The solutions obtained, i.e., linear transformation coefficients, are used to correct drift-induced distortions in horizontal and vertical planes. Two nonlinear drift correction methods are proposed, which provide a better accuracy in comparison with the linear correction method. The developed method can be used in feature-oriented scanning of the surface.     

Crystal structure of sodium potassium zinc diphosphate NaKZnP2O7

Single crystals of NaKZnP₂O₇ were grown, and their crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction (space group P2₁/n, a = 12.585(5) Å, b = 7.277(5) Å, c = 7.428(5) Å, β = 90.00(5)°, Z = 4, 1916 F(hkl), R ₁ = 0.0461). The structure contains a 3D tetrahedral zinc phosphate framework with a system of intersecting channels running along the b and c axes. The sodium and potassium atoms are coordinated to six and seven oxygen atoms, respectively, and reside inside these channels; the potassium cations, which are larger than the sodium cations, are located at channel intersections.     

Ethylenediaminetetraacetato-monoperoxo complexes of vanadium(V)

Summary The monoperoxo complexes, M₂[VO(HEDTA)(O₂)]· 4H₂O, where M is K⁺ or NH ₄ ⁺ and H₄EDTA is ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid, were prepared and characterized by Raman and i.r. spectra in the solid state and in aqueous solution. The single crystal X-ray study revealed a pentagonal bipyramidal anion structure with a tetradentate HEDTA(3—) ligand. The decomposition of complexes in aqueous solution to blue vanadium(IV) complexes as end products proceeds via a nonperoxo complex of vanadium.     

Specific features of the unsteady combustion of planar Ti–2B–αCu samples

The modes of spin gasless combustion of plate- and disk-shaped Ti–2B–Cu samples are investigated using frame-by-frame filming. The combustion process takes place under unsteady conditions. An increase in the diameter of the reaction sample makes the pattern of movement of the reaction front more complicated.     

On a nonlinear viscoelastic model of Hunt-Crossley impact

We consider a nonlinear viscoelastic model of the impact of a body on a stationary Hunt-Crossley obstacle. We obtain the first integral of the equation of motion and determine the coefficient of restitution, the kinetic energy lost at the impact, and their dependence on the impact velocity. We find the solution of the equation of motion of the body in terms of integrals by using the Lambert W-function and present the results of mathematical modeling.     

Copper(II) complexation with ampicillin,amoxicillin, and cephalexin

The interaction of Cu²⁺ ions with ampicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin (L) anions in an aqueous solution at 20°C with 0.1 M KNO₃ as a background electrolyte was studied by pH-potentiometry. Formation of CuL⁺ and Cu(OH)L complexes was revealed, and their stability constants were determined.     

Light driven self-drilling in glasses

It is shown that ArF laser beam may act as effective driller producing in fuzed quartz micron radius channel up to 1 cm long while diameter of light spot is few millimeters. Drill formation is accompanied by compaction effect in the drill walls therefore material is not thrown out the channel.     

Determining the term structure of interest rates

The term structure of interest rates described by the zero-coupon yield curve is considered in developed countries as the main indicator of the financial market condition, one of the most important macroeconomic parameters, and a reference standard for security pricing in other sectors of the fixed-income market financial instruments. In this article, a new numerical method for constructing the term structure of interest rates from the quotes of a group of bonds of the same credit quality and liquidity is proposed.