Influence of the ferroelastic twin domain structure on the {100} surface morphology of LaAlO3 HTSC substrates

LaAlO₃ crystals have been investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high-precision X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning force microscopy (SFM). The DSC measurements show the second-order phase transition of LaAlO₃ at 544°C, where LaAlO₃ changes its symmetry from the cubic Pm3m high-temperature phase to the pseudocubic rhombohedral low-temperature phase. This paraelastic to improper ferroelastic phase transition causes twinning in the {100} and {110} planes of the pseudocubic lattice. The twin angles between the surface {100}_pseudocubic planes of twin domains were measured by SFM on the surface of a macroscopic (100)_cubic cut crystal plate. The misorientation angle ω₁₀₀ between {100} twins is 0.195(8)°, while {110} twinning gives an angle of ω₁₁₀=0.276(7)°. The two twin kink angles correspond to a rhombohedral angle of the pseudocubic cell of the phase as ₁=90.0973(40)° and ₂=90.0975(30)°, respectively. The XRD result for this rhombohedral angle is =90.096(1)°. The orientation of the misfit steps formed during annealing after mechanical surface polishing depends on the domain orientation and pattern during polishing. Any heating close to or above T_c changes the domain pattern. Footprints of previous domain patterns can thus be found on the surface in the form of surface corrugation and changes in the shape and orientation of misfit steps.     

Theory of a “stimulated photorefractive backscattering and four-wave mixing” self-pumped phase conjugator

We give a theoretical analysis of a “stimulated photorefractive backscattering and four-wave mixing” (SPB-FWM) self-pumped phase conjugator (SPPC) in which the generation of the phase conjugate wave relies on both stimulated photorefractive backscattering (SPB) and four-wave mixing (FWM) processes. The two pumping beams in the FWM process are, respectively, the forward-propagating beam of which the generation is seeded by the fanning effect, and the backward-propagating beam that is generated by the SPB process. Assuming that the SPB interaction is seeded by the scattering centers in the crystal, we have calculated the threshold four-wave mixing coupling strength (γ₁l₁)_th as a function of the SPB two-wave mixing coupling strength (γ₂l₂) corresponding to the 2k grating and of the reflectivity R′ of the scattering centers. Above threshold, we have also calculated the phase-conjugate reflectivity with a numerical method. Our calculations show that the threshold as well as the reflectivity of a SPB-FWM SPPC strongly depend on γ₂l₂ and R′. It is also shown that a high phase-conjugate reflectivity can be easily realised in doped barium titanate crystals which are shown to have much larger γ₁ and γ₂ than an undoped one.     

Crosstalk between two-photon and two-color (two-photon) excitation in optical beam induced current generation with two confocal excitation beams

We analyze the influence of residual two-photon excitation (2PE) in two-color (two-photon) optical beam induced current (2CE-OBIC) generation in wide band gap semiconductor samples. 2CE-OBIC generation is accomplished with two confocal excitation beams of separation angle θ and wavelengths λ₁ and λ₂ where , λ_e = hc/E_b, h is the Planck’s constant, c is speed of light in vacuum, and E_b is the energy band gap. Because the conduction band of the sample is a continuum, at least one excitation beam would also contribute an undesirable 2PE-OBIC signal that degrades the signal-to-noise ratio of the measured 2CE-OBIC response and broadens the effective OBIC distribution in the sample particularly when θ ≠ 0 or π. We show that the deleterious effects of crosstalk are reduced by a careful selection of λ₁ and λ₂ and the relative excitation beam intensities. λ₁ and λ₂ should be chosen to minimize the ratio of the two-photon absorption coefficients (β₁, β₂) to the 2CE absorption coefficient β₁₂ or at least satisfy the constraint: β₁ + β₂  β₁₂. Keeping the two excitation intensities equal is beneficial only when β₁ = β₂. Otherwise, it is advantageous to bias the intensity ratio towards the wavelength with a lower 2PE absorption coefficient.     

Rigorous pion-pion scattering lengths from threshold πN → ππN data

A new evaluation of the universal ππ scattering length relation is used to extract the ππ s-wave scattering lengths from threshold pion production data. Previous work has shown that the chiral perturbation series relating threshold pion production to ππ scattering lengths appears to converge well only for the isospin-2 case, giving a₂ = −0.031 ± 0.007m_π⁻¹. A model-independent and data-insensitive universal curve then implies a₀ = 0.235 ± 0.03m_π⁻¹ for the isospin-0 scattering length.     

Luminescence from γ-irradiated humic acid

This study was conducted to investigate the ultraweak delayed radiochemiluminescence (RCL) spectra, kinetics and spectroscopic properties of humic acids (HAs) after γ-radiation exposure (absorbed doses of 1−10 kGy, Co-60) in model systems.

The kinetics and spectral distribution of RCL (340–650 nm) were measured using the single photon counting (SPC) method and cut-off filters.

The intensity of fluorescence (λ_ex=390, 440, 490 and 540 nm) covering the spectral range 400–580 nm was heavily dependent on the λ_ex and slightly increased with the absorbed dose of γ-radiation.

Absorption spectra (the range 240−800 nm) and color coefficients E_2.6/4 and E_4/6 of irradiated solutions indicated that post-radiative degradation/polymerization processes take place in the HA, changing their macromolecule size or properties.

Comparison of FTIR spectra and elemental analysis proved an increased O and decreased C atoms in irradiated samples. The data indicate on the radiolysis-induced degradation of native HA into fulvic-like acids with higher hydrophilicity and lower molecular size.     

On the NSR formulation of string theory on AdS5×S

We discuss the NSR formulation of the superstring action on AdS₅×S⁵ proposed recently by Kallosh and Tseytlin in the Green-Schwarz formalism. We show that the stress-energy tensor corresponding to the NSR action for AdS superstring contains the branelike terms, corresponding to exotic massless vertex operators (referred to as the branelike vertices)- the 5-form e^φψ_m1ψ_m5 and the 3-form ∂(e^φψ_m1ψ_m3), multiplied by ∂X_m. The corresponding sigma-model action has the manifest SO(1,3)×SO(6) invariance of superstring theory on AdS₅×S⁵. We argue that adding the branelike terms is equivalent to curving the space-time to obtain the AdS₅×S⁵ background. We commence the study of the proposed NSR sigma-model by analyzing the scattering amplitudes involving the branelike vertex operators. The analysis shows quite an unusual momentum dependence of these scattering amplitudes.     

Chiral symmetry amplitudes in the S-wave isoscalar and isovector channels and the σ, f0(980), a0(980) scalar mesons

We use a non-perturbative approach which combines coupled channel Lippmann-Schwinger equations with meson-meson potentials provided by the lowest order chiral Lagrangian. By means of one parameter, a cut off in the momentum of the loop integrals, which results of the order of 1 GeV, we obtain singularities in the S-wave amplitudes corresponding to the σ, f₀ and a₀ resonances. The ππ → ππ, phase shifts and inelasticities in the T = 0 scalar channel are well reproduced as well as the π⁰η and mass distributions in the T = 1 channel. Furthermore, the total and partial strong decay widths of the f₀ and a₀ resonances are properly reproduced. The results seem to indicate that chiral symmetry constraints at low energy and unitarity in coupled channels is the basic information contained in the meson-meson interaction below GeV.     

Compton scattering by the proton through θcms = 75° and 90° in the Δ-resonance region

Differential cross sections for Compton scattering by the proton have been measured in the energy interval between 200 and 500 MeV at scattering angles of θcms = 75° and θcms = 90° using the CATS, the CATS/TRAJAN, and the COPP setups with the Glasgow Tagger at MAMI (Mainz). The data are compared with predictions from dispersion theory using photo-meson amplitudes from the recent VPI solution SM95. The experiment and the theoretical procedure are described in detail. It is found that the experiment and predictions are in agreement as far as the energy dependence of the differential cross sections in the Δ-range is concerned. However, there is evidence that a scaling down of the resonance part of the M1+3/2 photo-meson amplitude by (2.8 ± 0.9)% is required in comparison with the VPI analysis. The deduced value of the M1+3/2-photoproduction amplitude at the resonance energy of 320 MeV is: |M1+3/2| = (39.6 ± 0.4) × 10−3 mπ+−1.     

Radiative decay of ρ and φ mesons in a chiral unitary approach

We study the ρ⁰ and φ decays into π⁺π⁻γ, π⁰π⁰γ and φ into π⁰ηγ using a chiral unitary approach to deal with the final state interaction of the MM system. The final state interaction modifies only moderately the large momenta tail of the photon spectrum of the ρ⁰→π⁺π⁻γ decay. In the case of φ decay the contribution to π⁺π⁻γ and π⁰π⁰γ decay proceeds via kaonic loops and gives a distribution of ππ invariant masses in which the f₀(980) resonance shows up with a very distinct peak. The spectrum found for φ→π⁰π⁰γ decay agrees with the recent experimental results obtained at Novosibirsk. The branching ratio for φ→π⁰ηγ, dominated by the a₀(980), is also in agreement with recent Novosibirsk results.     

On the pp → ppη(η′) reactions near threshold

The production rate for η′ in pp → ppη′ at rest is calculated in a covariant one boson exchange model, previously applied to study π⁰ and η production in NN collisions. The transition amplitudes for the elementary BN → η′N processes with B being the meson exchanged (B = π, σ, η, , ω and a₀) are taken to be the sum of s- and u-channels with a nucleon in the intermediate states, and an a₀ meson pole in a t-channel. The couplings of the η′ to hadrons are a factor 0.4 weaker than the respective η-hadron couplings, as suggested by a quark model and a singlet-octet mixing angle θ = −23°. The model reproduces near threshold cross sections for the quasielastic processes π⁻p → nη(η′) and pp → ppη(η′) reactions.     

Z-scan determination of the third-order optical nonlinearity of a triphenylmethane dye using 633 nm He–Ne laser

The third-order nonlinear optical response of a triphenylmethane dye (Acid blue 7) was studied using the Z-scan technique with a continuous-wave He–Ne laser radiation at 633 nm. The magnitude and sign of the third-order nonlinear refractive index n₂ of aqueous solution of Acid blue 7 dye were determined; the negative sign indicates a self-defocusing optical nonlinearity in the sample studied. The negative nonlinear refractive index n₂ and nonlinear absorption coefficient β were estimated to be −1.88 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/W and −3.08 × 10⁻³ cm/W, respectively, corresponding to Re(χ⁽³⁾) = −8.35 × 10⁻⁶ esu, and Im(χ⁽³⁾) = −6.88 × 10⁻⁷ esu. The experimental results show that Acid blue 7 dye have potential applications in nonlinear optics.     

Ionic conduction in dilute pseudo-binary systems CuBr–Cu2Se

Ionic conductivity, σ_i, of dilute pseudobinary alloys (CuBr)_1−x(Cu₂Se)_x (x≤0.1) in their γ-phase has been measured by an ac method. The increase of the ionic conductivity propertional to x has been observed, which is attributed to interstitial ions brought by Cu₂Se dissolved in CuBr. It is found that the temperature dependence of mobility of interstitial ions, μ, evaluated by the relation Δσ_i/x=kμ (k is a constant) is bent at the temperature corresponding to the extrinsic–intrinsic transition of the based material CuBr.     

Superconductivity and pseudogap states studied by microwave conductivity measurements of λ-(BEDT-TSF)2GaCl4

We have investigated the microwave response at 45 GHz in an organic superconductor λ-(BEDT-TSF)₂GaCl₄ with T_c = 4.8 K. We determine the μ₀H_c2–T phase diagram from microwave loss and find that the superconducting state is in the pure limit (l/ξ_GL  10). Although the real part of the complex conductivity (=σ₁ + iσ₂) does not show a coherence peak just below T_c, the London penetration depth completely saturates at low temperatures down to T/T_c = 0.2, which may provide an evidence for a conventional s-wave pairing. In the metallic state below about 50 K, (parallel to the c-axis) deviates downward from , while σ₂, which should be zero in a conventional metal, increases exponentially toward T_c. In spite of the fact that the Hagen–Rubens limit is well satisfied as far as the dc conductivity is concerned, a Drude model is unable to explain the large positive σ₂. In order to explain such anomalies in the metallic state, we propose a possible existence of so-called a pseudogap near a Fermi level. The anomalous increase of the positive σ₂ may be attributed to an appearance of pre-formed electron pairs in the pseudogap state. This appearance can be regarded as a precursor to the superconducting transition. Such a precursory phenomenon has been observed also in the isostructural FeCl₄ salt with the anomalous metallic states, which shows a negative σ₂ in contrast to the GaCl₄ salt. Just the opposite of ground states in between the GaCl₄ and FeCl₄ salts may result in the contrasting anomalous metallic states with different precursory phenomena with opposite signs of σ₂.     

The use of polarization modulation and amplitude-sensitive optical heterodyne interferometry for linear birefringence parameters measurement

A novel common-path polarization modulation and amplitude-sensitive optical heterodyne polarimeter is setup in order to characterize a phase retardation plate (PRP) in real time. The phase retardation ΔΦ and fast-axis angle β of the linear birefringence parameters (LBP) of a PRP are measured simultaneously. Meanwhile, the dynamic ranges of 0° < ΔΦ < 180° and 0° < β < 180° are demonstrated experimentally. In order to measure LBP in real time, a polarization modulation is introduced by continuously rotating the tested PRP such that ΔΦ and β are able to be obtained in terms of the ratio of the amplitudes of S polarization and the ratio of P polarization of the heterodyne signals, respectively. Consequently, this novel method, which combines optical heterodyne interferometry with a polarization modulation technique, not only improves the detection sensitivity, but also provides a real time capability to measure LBP. In addition, the error in the LBP measurement is derived and analyzed.     

The effect of oxygen vacancy on the oxide ion mobility in LaAlO3-based oxides

The electrical property of (La_1−xSr_x)_1−z(Al_1−yMg_y)O_3−δ (LSAM; x≤0.3, y≤0.15 and z≤0.1) was measured using the DC four-probe method as a function of temperature (500–1000°C) and oxygen partial pressure (1–10⁻²² atm). Among LSAMs, (La_0.9Sr_0.1)AlO_3−δ showed the highest ionic conductivity, σ_i=1.3×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 900°C. A simultaneous substitution at A and B sites or A site deficiency is expected to create larger oxygen vacancy and higher ionic conductivity. However, it showed a negative effect. The effect of the vacancy increase did not effect monotonously the ionic conductivity. It was found that the concentration of oxygen vacancy, [V_O], influences not only the oxide ion conductivity, σ_i, but also the mobility, μ_v, of [V_O]. These properties exhibit a maximum at around [V_O]=0.05. With the increase in [V_O], the activation energy, E_a, of the ionic conduction dropped from 1.8 to ca. 1.0 eV at [V_O]=0.05 and became almost constant at [V_O]>0.05. The dependency of the pre-exponential term, μ⁰_v, and E_a on [V_O] was analyzed and their effect on μ_v and σ_i was discussed with respect to crystal structure and defect association. It was estimated that the crystal structure mainly governs these properties. The effect of defect association could not be ignored but is considered to be a complicated correlation.     

Evidence for pinning by (Sr,Ca)2CuOy particles in partial-melting processed bulk Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ ceramics

Flux distributions of partial-melting processed Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ ceramics are obtained using magneto-optic imaging. In remanent states (μ₀H_a=0 T), large amounts of trapped flux are observed along (Sr,Ca)₂CuO_y particles embedded in the Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ matrix. Despite the relatively large size of these particles (up to 30 μm), the pinning effect is similar to that of Y₂BaCuO₅ particles in melt-processed YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ. Furthermore, we discuss how the pinning capability of non-superconducting particles of different sizes and densities will show up in magneto-optic images.     

Aspects of “low field” magnetotransport in epitaxial thin films of the ferromagnetic metallic oxide SrRuO3

Epitaxial thin films of the conductive ferromagnetic oxide SrRuO₃ were grown on an (0 0 1) SrTiO₃ (STO) substrate by using DC sputtering technique. The magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of the films were measured by applying the magnetic field both perpendicular (out-of-plane) and parallel (in-plane) to the film plane and ever maintaining the direction of the applied field perpendicular to that of the transport current. The films grown on an (0 0 1) STO substrate showed identical magnetization properties in two orthogonal crystallographic directions of the substrate, [1 0 0]_S and [0 0 1]_S (in-plane and out-of-plane geometry), which suggests the presence of a multi domain structure within the plane of the film. For such samples, no anisotropic field (hard axis) along de [0 0 1]s direction, i.e., perpendicular to the film-plane could be detected. Nevertheless, a distinguishable temperature dependent out-of-plane anisotropic magnetoresistance (MR) along with strong temperature dependent low field hysteretic MR(H) behavior was detected for the studied films. A negative MR ratio MR(T)=[ρ(μ₀H=9 T; T)−ρ( μ₀H=0 T; T)]/ρ( μ₀H=0 T; T) on the order of a few percent, with maximums of 6% and 4% (right at the Curie temperature, T_C 160 K) was calculated for an in-plane and out-of plane measuring geometry, respectively. In addition there is an equally strong MR effect at low temperatures, which might be related to the temperature dependence of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy together with a magnetization rotation. Both the MR(T) behavior and the achieved values (except for T<30 K) are similar to those obtained on SrRuO₃ films grown on 2° miscut (0 0 1) STO substrates with the current parallel to the field and parallel to the direction, which was identified as the easier axis for magnetization.     

Interprétation de la susceptibilité magnétique de l'oxysulfure de samarium par un modèle de champ cristallin

The paramagnetic susceptibility of polycrystalline samarium oxysulfide has been measured between 3° and 300°K. The data are interpreted with an approximation to the crystal potential of the form

V_c = _JV₂⁰O₂⁰ + β_JV₄⁰O₄⁰ + β_JV₄³O₄³

and correction taking into account exchange is made. The energy levels and crystal fields parameters have been calculated. Fluorescence studies of Gd₂O₂S: Sm³⁺ and Y₂O₂S: Sm³⁺ have confirmed these results.     

Molecular parameters describing intermolecular interactions in the electrooptical Kerr effect

Electrooptical Kerr effect has been studied in binary solutions of a dipolar liquid (-picoline, β-picoline) in a non-dipolar solvent (benzene, p-xylene) and 1,4-dioxane in the full range of concentrations of the dipolar component (0 ≤ f₂ ≤ 1). The experimental Kerr constant K_s of the solutions, refraction index n_s, density ρ_s and the dielectric constant ε_s have been measured and used for the calculation of the molar Kerr constants K_S^M within the Onsager local field model. Analysis of changes in the molar Kerr constants as a function of the solute concentration by fits of theoretical functions to the experimental ones has permitted a determination of the parameters characterizing intermolecular interactions in binary solutions.     

Measurement of the slope parameter for the neutral pion spectrum in KL → πππ decay

The π⁰ spectrum in the K_L⁰ → 3π decay was measured using a wire chambers magnetic spectrometer. In the usual approximation, the matrix element can be expressed as: M² ≈ 1 + 2a₀(M_K/M_π²)(2T_π⁰−T_π⁰max) + a₁(M_K²/M_π⁴)(2T_π⁰−T_π⁰max)². We obtained a₀ = −0.282 ± 0.011 and a₁ consistent with zero.