Lasers based on electrodynamically dispersed media

We demonstrate the possibility of creating a suspension of active-media particles in a discharge tube by using an electrodynamic dispersing system. An electric discharge in an electrodynamically dispersed system of 30-μm Cu particles was studied. The velocity of Cu (30 μm), Al (30 μm), and W (6-μm flakes) particles was measured at atmospheric pressure using a laser Doppler velocimeter. The velocities were found to be in the 0.1−5-m/s range. The electric field strength required to levitate Cu, Al, and W particles was studied as a function of buffer gas (air) pressure in the range from 2 × 10⁻² Torr to 1 atm. It is shown that powders can be suspended with the help of electrodynamic dispersing system at air pressure below 0.1 Torr or above 100 Torr.     

Hole transport characteristics in phosphorescent dye-doped NPB films by admittance spectroscopy

Admittance spectroscopy is a powerful tool to determine the carrier mobility. The carrier mobility is a significant parameter to understand the behavior or to optimize the organic light-emitting diode or other organic semiconductor devices. Hole transport in phosphorescent dye, bis[2-(9,9-diethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-1-phenyl-1Hbenzoimidazol-N,C3] iridium(acetylacetonate [(fbi)₂Ir(acac)]) doped into N,N-diphenyl-N,N-bis(1-naphthylphenyl)-1,1-biphenyl-4,4-diamine (NPB) films was investigated by admittance spectroscopy. The results show that doped (fbi)₂Ir(acac) molecules behave as hole traps in NPB, and lower the hole mobility. For thicker films(?300 nm), the electric field dependence of hole mobility is as expected positive, i.e., the mobility increases exponentially with the electric field. However, for thinner films (?300 nm), the electric field dependence of hole mobility is negative, i.e., the hole mobility decreases exponentially with the electric field. Physical mechanisms behind the negative field dependence of hole mobility are discussed. In addition, three frequency regions were divided to analyze the behaviors of the capacitance in the hole-only device and the physical mechanism was explained by trap theory and the parasitic capacitance effect.     

Heat capacity of oxides in the Bi2O3-SiO2 system

The high-temperature heat capacity of Bi₄Si₃O₁₂, Bi₂SiO₅, and Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ has been investigated. It has been found that there is a correlation between the specific heat C _p ⁰ (298 K) and the composition of oxides in the Bi₂O₃-SiO₂ system.     

Effect of trapped electrons in ultrathin SiO2 on the two-state inversion capacitance at varied frequencies of metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor

Two-state inversion capacitances of a metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor (MOSCAP) at varied AC frequencies after negative/positive constant voltage stress (negative/positive CVS) treatments are investigated. When the device was biased into inversion, a low/high inversion-capacitance state (set state/reset state) was achieved after the negative/positive CVS treatments with/without a few trapped electrons in the ultrathin SiO₂ layer. The inversion capacitances of set states were frequency independent, whereas those of reset states increased with the decreasing frequencies. It is different from the general characteristics of an MOSCAP whose inversion capacitances disperse at low frequencies. For this observed finding of the two-state inversion capacitances at varied frequencies, a mechanism of trapped-electrons-induced screening effect on the inversion electrons is proposed. The number of the trapped electrons in the SiO₂ layer affects the number of the inversion electrons, and thus dominates the values of the inversion capacitances. Besides, simulation curves of the inversion capacitances of set states are demonstrated. They are fitted well with the experimental data utilizing the mechanism we proposed. This work investigates further into the influence of the trapped electrons in the ultrathin SiO₂ layer on the inversion capacitance response.     

The crystal structure of bis-(L-threonine) copper(II).H2O

The crystal structure of bis-(L-threonine) copper (II).H₂O, Cu (C₄H₈NO₃)₂.H₂O has been determined by heavy atom and Fourier methods and refined by least-squares using visually estimated three-dimensional x-ray data of 893 reflections. The blue crystals are monoclinic, space groupP2₁ withα=11·02,b=4·90,c=11·16Å andβ=93·5°,Z=2. The finalR is 0·10. Coordination of copper is distorted square pyramidal with ligands intrans configuration. The conformation of one of the aminoacid ligand is identical with L_s-Threonine while the other has a conformation with torsional angleχ ^{1, 2}=?74(1)°.     

Measurement of the Lamb shift 42S1/2-42P1/2 of the helium ion

Helium ions were produced in then=4 states by electron collisions with ground state atoms, resulting in simultaneous ionization and excitation. Dipole transitions between the Zeeman levels of the states 4² S _1/2 and 4² P _1/2 were induced by a microwave electric field. The intensity of the emitted Fowlerα line 4686 Å, corresponding to transitions from then=4 to then=3 states was then reduced by about 3%. From the measurements, a value of the Lamb shiftδ=1751±25 MHz was obtained, compared with the theoretical valueδ=1768.23±0.55 MHz, and the results ofLea, Leventhal andLamb ofδ=1765±20 MHz.     

Copper(I) Complexes of N-(2-{[(2E)-2-(4-Nitrobenzylidenyl)Hydrazinyl]Carbonyl}Phenyl)Benzamide and Triphenylphosphine: Synthesis,Characterization and Luminescence Properties

Copper(I) complexes of the formula [Cu(L)(PPh₃)₂]X (1–4) (X = Cl(1), ClO₄(2), BF₄(3) and PF₆(4)) [where L = N-(2-{[(2E)-2-(4-nitrobenzylidenyl)hydrazinyl]carbonyl}phenyl)benzamide; PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine] have been prepared by the condensation of N-[2-(hydrazinocarbonyl)phenyl]benzamide with 4-nitrobenzaldehyde followed by the reaction with CuCl, [Cu(MeCN)₄]ClO₄, [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄ and [Cu(MeCN)₄]PF₆ in presence of triphenylphosphine as a coligand. Complexes 1–4 were then characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR, UV-visible and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Mononuclear copper(I) complexes 1–4 were formed with L in its keto form by involvement of azomethine nitrogen and the carbonyl oxygen along with two PPh₃ groups. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study of the representative complex [(Cu(L)(PPh₃)₂]CIO₄ (2) reveals a distorted tetrahedral geometry around Cu(I). Crystal data of (2): space group = C2/c, a = 42.8596 (9) Å, b = 14.6207 (3) Å, c = 36.4643 (7) Å, V = 20,653.7 (7) ų, Z = 16. Complexes 1–4 exhibit quasireversible redox behaviour corresponding to a Cu(I)/Cu(II) couple. All complexes show blue-green emission as a result of fluorescence from an intra-ligand charge transition (ILCT), ligand to ligand charge transfer transition (LLCT) or mixture of both. Significant increase in size of the counter anion shows marked effect on quantum efficiency and lifetime of the complexes in solution.     

Lamb-shift measurement in hydrogenlike Sulfur

The 2S _1/2-2P ^1/2 Lamb-shift in hydrogenlike Sulfur was measured with a field quench technique. A high velocity beam of S¹⁵⁺-ions (v/c=0.086) prepared in the metastable 2S _1/2 state crosses a homogeneous magnetic field of about 1.8 Tesla. The strong electric field of 4·10⁷ V/m in the rest frame of the ions mixes the longlived 2S _1/2-state (τ=7.18 nsec) with the short lived 2P _1/2-state (τ=2.4·10^?5 ns). From the measured lifetime of the thus quenched 2S _1/2-state a Lamb-shift value of 25.14±0.24 THz is derived and compared with theoretical predictions.     

Polypyrrole–NiO hybrid nanocomposite films: highly selective,sensitive, and reproducible NO2 sensors

Polypyrrole–nickel oxide (PPy–NiO) hybrid nanocomposite thin-film sensor was prepared by spin-coating method on glass substrate. The PPy–NiO hybrid nanocomposite thin film sensors were used to study room temperature gas-sensing properties for oxidizing (NO₂, Cl₂) as well as reducing (NO₂, H₂S, C₂H₅OH, NH₃, and Cl₂) gases. It was revealed that PPy–NiO (50 %) hybrid nanocomposite thin-film sensor could detect NO₂ at low concentration (100 ppm) with very high selectivity (47 % compared with Cl₂) and high sensitivity (47 %), with better stability (90 %) and reproducibility. The response and recovery times were changed significantly with NO₂ concentration.     

Preparation and ionic conductivity of composite polymer electrolytes based on hyperbranched star polymer

Hyperbranched star polymer HBPS-(PPEGMA) _x was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using hyperbranched polystyrene (HBPS) as macroinitiator and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) as monomer. The structure of the prepared hyperbranched star polymer was characterized by ¹H NMR, ATR-FTIR, and GPC. Polymer electrolytes based on HBPS-(PPEGMA) _x , lithium salt, and/or nano-TiO₂ were prepared. The influences of lithium salt concentration and type, nano-TiO₂ content, and size on ionic conductivity of the obtained polymer electrolytes were investigated. The results showed that the low crystallinity of the prepared polymer electrolyte was caused by the interaction between lithium salt and polymer. The addition of TiO₂ into HBPS-(PPEGMA) _x /LiTFSI improved the ionic conductivity at low temperature. The prepared composite polymer electrolyte showed the highest ionic conductivity of 9?×?10^?5 S cm^?1 at 30 °C when the content of TiO₂ was 15 wt% and the size of TiO₂ was 20 nm.     

Looking at hydrogen motions in confinement

Why in a barren and hot desert, clays can contain a significant fraction of water? Why does concrete crack? How can we demonstrate that complexation of a drug does not alter its conformation in a way that affects its functionality? In this paper we present results on various studies using Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering aimed at clarifying these questions. To allow for a better understanding of neutron scattering, a brief introduction to the basics of its theory is presented. Following the theoretical part, experimental results dealing with the effects of confinement on the water dynamics caused by the interfaces in clays and the nano- and micro-pores of concrete are reviewed in detail. At the end, recent Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering investigations on the complexation of the local anesthetics Bupivacaine (BVC.HCl, C₁₈H₂₈N₂₀.HCl.H₂O) and Ropivacaine (RVC.HCl, C₁₇H₂₆N₂₀.HCl.H₂O) into the cyclic β-cyclodextrin oligosaccharide are presented. To conclude, the perspectives that the European Spallation Source brings to this subject are discussed.     

Enhanced effect of side-Ohmic contact processing on the 2DEG electron density and electron mobility of In0.17Al0.83N/AlN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors

From the capacitance–voltage curves and current–voltage characteristics of the In_0.17Al_0.83N/AlN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) with side-Ohmic contacts and normal-Ohmic contacts, two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) electron mobility was calculated. It is found that the polarization Coulomb field scattering (PCF) is closely related to the normal-Ohmic contact processing, and the PCF was weakened by side-Ohmic contact processing in In_0.17Al_0.83N/AlN/GaN HFETs, similar to that in AlGaN/AlN/GaN HFET devices. Further, due to the stronger spontaneous polarization in the thinner In_0.17Al_0.83N barrier layer, the influence of the gate bias on the PCF in In_0.17Al_0.83N/AlN/GaN HFETs is greater than that in AlGaN/AlN/GaN HFETs. As a result, the PCF in In_0.17Al_0.83N/AlN/GaN HFETs with side-Ohmic contacts is stronger than that in AlGaN/AlN/GaN HFETs with side-Ohmic contacts. Moreover, the 2DEG electron density in the In_0.17Al_0.83N/AlN/GaN HFETs with side-Ohmic contacts is increased by more than twice compared with the 2DEG electron density in the In_0.17Al_0.83N/AlN/GaN HFETs with normal-Ohmic contacts.     

The ferromagnetic monolayer Fe(110) on W(110)

Ferromagnetic order in the pseudomorphic monolayer Fe(110) on W(110) was analyzed experimentally using Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (CEMS) and Torsion Oscillation Magnetometry (TOM). The monolayer is thermodynamically stable, crystallizes to large monolayer patches at elevated temperatures and therefore forms an excellent approximation to the ideal monolayer structure. It is ferromagnetic below a Curie-temperatureT _c,mono, which is given by (282±3) K for the Ag-coated layer, (290±10) K for coating by Cu, Ag or Au and ≈210 K for the free monolayer. For the Ag-coated monolayer, ground state hyperfine fieldB _hf (0)=(11.9±0.3) T and magnetic moment per atom μ=2.53 μ_B could be determined, in fair agreement with theoretical predictions. Unusual properties of the phase transition are detected by the combination of both experimental techniques. Strong magnetic anisotropies, which are essential for ferromagnetic order, are determined by CEMS.     

Electrical conductivity and dielectric relaxation studies of a polymeric hybrid compound: ([C2H10N2]CdCl2(SCN)2)n

Electrical conductivity and dielectric measurements of ([C₂H₁₀N₂]CdCl₂(SCN)₂)_n were carried out from 200 Hz–5 MHz over a temperature range of 307–352 K. The frequency dependence of electrical data have been analyzed in two frameworks: the electrical modulus formalism with the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) stretched exponential function and the electrical conductivity by using the Jonscher’s power law σ′_Tot(ω,T) = σ_DC(T) + A(T)ω^s(T) in the frequency domain. The conduction mechanism is attributed to the nonoverlapping small polaron tunneling (NSPT) model. Furthermore, the dielectric data have also been analyzed in modulus and polarizability formalisms. The close values of activation energies obtained from the conductivity, the relaxation process, the electric modulus, and the complex polarizability data confirm that the transport is through ion-hopping mechanism.     

Nd-doped calcium molybdate core and particles: synthesis,optical and photoluminescence studies

CaMoO₄:Nd (core), CaMoO₄:Nd@CaMoO₄ and CaMoO₄:Nd@CaMoO₄@SiO₂ core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized using polyol method under urea hydrolysis. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to examine the structural and thermal properties of the as-prepared core and core–shell nanoparticles. Optical properties of core and core–shell nanoparticles were observed to investigate the influence of surface coating on the spectra of as-prepared nanomaterials in terms of ultraviolet/visible (UV-Vis) absorbance, FTIR, Raman and emission spectra. The optical band gap energy calculated from the UV-Vis absorption spectrum for CaMoO₄:Nd, CaMoO₄:Nd@CaMoO₄ and CaMoO₄:Nd@CaMoO₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles was 3.09, 2.06 and 1.26 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples showed broad charge transfer emission band of [MoO₄]^2? along with sharp transitions of neodymium ion in the visible and near infrared regions, respectively.     

Conductivities and ion association constants of ferric chloride and chromic chloride in DMF and DMSO as a function of temperature

The equivalent conductivities of anhydrous ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and anhydrous chromic chloride (CrCl₃) were measured in nonaqueous aprotic solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at temperatures between 278.15 and 318.15 K. In both DMF and DMSO, conductivity values for FeCl₃ were found to be higher than those for CrCl₃. In addition, the conductivity values for both FeCl₃ and CrCl₃ in DMF were higher than those in DMSO at all temperatures. The conductivity data were analyzed by the Robinson–Stokes equations. The limiting equivalent ionic conductivities for ferric ion (Fe³⁺) and chromic ion (Cr³⁺) and the ion association constants (K _A ) for FeCl₃ and CrCl₃ were determined in DMF and DMSO. The K _A values calculated for both FeCl₃ and CrCl₃ in DMF were higher than those in DMSO. This can be ascribed to an increase of the ion association constants with a decrease of the relative permittivity of solvents used in this study. The K _A values increased with the increase in temperature in the studied solvents. Thermodynamic functions (Gibbs’ free energy, entropy, and enthalpy of ion association) were estimated from the temperature dependence of the ion association constant. The positive values of entropy and enthalpy found for FeCl₃ and CrCl₃ at all temperatures indicate that the association process in DMF and DMSO is endothermic.     

Quadrupole splitting of Fe(II) spin crossover compounds study of temperature and pressure dependence and the implication for the interaction mechanism

The temperature and pressure dependence of the quadrupole splitting ΔE _Q of the 3/2→1/2 nuclear Mössbauer transition of⁵⁷Fe in the spin crossover compounds [Fe _x Zn_1?x (2-pic)₃]Cl₂?EtOH and the deuterated analog [Fe _x Zn_1?x (2-pic-ND₂)₃] Cl₂?EtOD (2-pic=2-picolylamine) have been studied. The change of ΔE _Q can be linearly related to the defomation of the lattice as observed by X-ray measurements. The dependence of ΔE _Q on temperatureT, pressurep, and the fraction γ of molecules in the electronic high spin state in the pure iron (x=1) compounds is therefore interpreted as a result of the change of the lattice contribution to the electric field gradient (EFG) at the nucleus only. The intrinsic EFGs of the molecules remain unchanged under the cooperative interaction of the spin crossover complex molecules. This fact is consistent with a simple elastic interaction between the complexes rather than a Jahn-Teller-type of interaction also discussed in the literature.     

Characterization of hydrophobic,oxidized porous silicon layer formed by anodic etching of n+-type silicon surface in a HF:C2H5OH:HCl:H2O2:H2O electrolyte for bio-application

Porous silicon (PS) has been prepared in the dark by anodic etching of n⁺-type (111) silicon substrate in a HF:HCl:C₂H₅OH:H₂O₂:H₂O electrolyte. The processed PS layer is characterized by means of photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle (CA) measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and micro-Raman scattering. The CA of fresh PS layer is found to be ~142°. On aging at ambient conditions, the CA decreases gently to reach ~133° after 3 month, and then it is stabilized for a prolonged time of aging. The visible PL emission from the PS layer also exhibits a good stability against aging time. The FTIR and XPS measurements and analysis show that the stable aged PS layer has rather SiO₂-rich surface. The micro/nanostructure nature of the PS layer is revealed from SEM and micro-Raman results and correlated to CA results. Stable hydrophobic surface of oxidized PS layer is attractive for bio-applications. The efficiency of the produced PS layers as an entrapping template for specific immobilization of IgG2a antibody via physical absorption process is demonstrated.     

Mössbauer study of natural wolframites

Natural Wolframite, (Fe _x Mn_1?x )WO₄ withx=0.95 to 0.41, obtained from seven different sites of two quartz-wolframites deposits of Degana and Sirohi in Rajasthan. India, have been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy down to 20 K. X-ray diffraction studies with a monochromatic Cu radiation (λK_a-1.5405 Å), were carried out to determine the value ofx. The Mössbauer spectra of all seven samples were recored at 300, 200, 100, 50, 40, 30 and 20 K, and were least square fitted for different sites. The Mössbauer parameters are attributed to a high spin ferrous ion in a quite distorted octahedral symmetry, and only one sextet has been resolved below transition temperature.