Capture of polarized electrons into excited terms of fast atoms during grazing surface collisions

Fast ions are scattered from magnetized surfaces under grazing angles of incidence. During the interaction with the surface charge exchange is effective and results in a population of stable and excited atomic terms. This capture of electrons is characterized by anisotropic distributions of atomic orbital angular momenta and in addition — for magnetized targets — by anisotropic distributions of electronic spins. We will discuss in some detail, how these anisotropic distributions can be studied via the analysis of the state of polarization of the fluorescent light, emitted in electronic transitions from excited terms of free atoms after the impact with the surface. We show that a defined variation of the magnetization of the target affects the polarization of the emitted light in a characteristic way, which allows to deduce the electronic spin polarization of the atoms. The method implies some perspectives with respect to the study of magnetic properties of the vacuum-solid interface well above the topmost layer of surface atoms.     

Transition metal dimers as potential molecular magnets: A challenge to computational chemistry

Dimers are the smallest chemical objects that show magnetic anisotropy. We focus on 3d and 4d transition metal dimers that have magnetic ground states in most cases. Some of these magnetic dimers have a considerable barrier against re-orientation of their magnetization, the so-called magnetic anisotropy energy, MAE. The height of this barrier is important for technological applications, as it determines, e.g., the stability of information stored in magnetic memory devices. It can be estimated by means of relativistic density functional calculations. Our approach is based on a full-potential local-orbital method (FPLO) in a four-component Dirac-Kohn-Sham implementation. Orbital polarization corrections to the local density approximation are employed. They are discussed in the broader context of orbital dependent density functionals. Ground state properties (spin multiplicity, bond length, harmonic vibrational frequency, spin- and orbital magnetic moment, and MAE) of the 3d and 4d transition metal dimers are evaluated and compared with available experimental and theoretical data. We find exceptionally high values of MAE, close to 0.2 eV, for four particular dimers: Fe(2), Co(2), Ni(2), and Rh(2).     

Spin Polarization at Organic-Ferromagnetic Interface: E ect of Contact Con guration

Based on ab initio theory, the interfacial spin polarization of a benzene-dithiolate molecule vertically adsorbed on a nickel surface is investigated by adopting di erent microscopic con-tact con gurations. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of the interfacial spin polarization on the contact con guration, where the sign of spin polarization may vary from positive to negative with the change of contact con guration. By analyzing the projected density of states, an interfacial orbital hybridization between the 3d orbital of the nickel atom and the sp3 hybridized orbital of the sulfur atom is observed. We also simulated the interfacial adsorption in mechanically controllable break junction experiments. The magne-toresistance obtained from Julliere model is about 27% based on the calculated interfacial spin polarization, which is consistent with experimental measurement.     

On the change in physical properties of Ti4−xFe2 + xOy during hydrogenation II: magnetic data for the ternary oxides Ti4−xFe2 + xOy, β-Ti and the corresponding hydrides

The magnetism of Ti-Fe-based hydrides can be separated into surface and bulk contributions. To distinguish between these properties we performed overall magnetization measurements as well as transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy which is not influenced by small amounts of magnetic surface particles.We examined bulk and powdered specimens of ternary oxides and β-Ti. In all cases we observed the segregation of magnetic particles on heat treatment in a dynamic vacuum of 1 Pa, as used in the activation procedure of TiFe. On severe oxidation the iron Curie point was observed and iron segregation was confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The change in the magnetic properties of the ternary oxides and of β-Ti on hydrogenation is reported and the role of surface oxides and their magnetic segregation is discussed.     

Theory of porous electrodes: Calculation of overall cathode characteristics for the case where the polarization curve has segments with different slopes

It is demonstrated how one should carry on with calculations of overall currents and other parameters that characterize active layers of porous electrodes in the case where polarization curves for the catalyst display two or more segments with different slopes and exchange currents. A calculation of overall currents presumes that the active layer of an electrode has an optimum thickness, over which the current reaches a maximum. The entire range of values of the cathode potential is considered, specifically, the high potentials (from a steady-state potential up to the point where there is observed an inflection in the polarization curve), the intermediate potentials (near the front surface and near the rear surface of the active layer there are realized segments of the polarization curve with different slopes), and the low potentials (throughout the entire thickness of the active layer there is observed a second segment of the polarization curve). To give an example, calculations of overall characteristics of a cathode with Nafion and platinum are performed.     

Decomposition of nuclear magnetic resonance spin-spin coupling constants into active and passive orbital contributions

The theory of the J-OC-PSP (decomposition of J into orbital contributions using orbital currents and partial spin polarization) method is derived to distinguish between the role of active, passive, and frozen orbitals on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-spin coupling mechanism. Application of J-OC-PSP to the NMR spin-spin coupling constants of ethylene, which are calculated using coupled perturbed density functional theory in connection with the B3LYP hybrid functional and a [7s,6p,2d/4s,2p] basis set, reveal that the well-known pi mechanism for Fermi contact (FC) spin coupling is based on passive pi orbital contributions. The pi orbitals contribute to the spin polarization of the sigma orbitals at the coupling nuclei by mediating spin information between sigma orbitals (spin-transport mechanism) or by increasing the spin information of a sigma orbital by an echo effect. The calculated FC(pi) value of the SSCC (1)J(CC) of ethylene is 4.5 Hz and by this clearly smaller than previously assumed.     

Transient phoretic migration of a permselective colloidal particle

We quantify the phoretic migration of a spherical cation-permselective colloidal particle immersed in a binary electrolyte under a time-dependent electric field. We invoke the thin-Debye-layer approximation, where the size of ionic Debye layer enveloping the particle is much smaller than the particle radius. The imposed electric field generates ion concentration gradients, or concentration polarization, in the bulk (electroneutral) electrolyte outside the Debye layer. The bulk ion concentration polarization--and consequently the particle's phoretic velocity--evolves on the time scale for ion diffusion around the particle, which can be on the order of milliseconds for typical colloidal dimensions. Notably, concentration polarization arises here solely due to the permselectivity of the particle; it does not require non-uniform ionic transport in the Debye layer (i.e., surface conduction). Thus, the phoretic transport of a permselective particle is significantly different to that of a inert, dielectric particle, since surface conduction is necessary to achieve bulk concentration polarization in the (more commonly studied) latter case. Calculations are presented for a permselective particle under oscillatory (ac) and suddenly applied electric fields. In the former case, the particle velocity possesses frequency-dependent components in phase and out of phase with the driving field; in the latter case, the particle approaches its terminal velocity with a long-time (algebraic) tail.     

[UF6]2−: A Molecular Hexafluorido Actinide(IV) Complex with Compensating Spin and Orbital Magnetic Moments

The first structurally characterized hexafluorido complex of a tetravalent actinide ion, the [UF₆]^2? anion, is reported in the (NEt₄)₂[UF₆]?2 H₂O salt ( 1 ). The weak magnetic response of 1 results from both U^IV spin and orbital contributions, as established by combining X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy and bulk magnetization measurements. The spin and orbital moments are virtually identical in magnitude, but opposite in sign, resulting in an almost perfect cancellation, which is corroborated by ab initio calculations. This work constitutes the first experimental demonstration of a seemingly non‐magnetic molecular actinide complex carrying sizable spin and orbital magnetic moments.     

Unusual paramagnetic centers in PbTe undoped crystals

We present the results of the first experimental observation of unusual paramagnetism in solid when magnetic susceptibility of paramagnetic centers doesn't depend on temperature but drastically decreases when the applied magnetic field increases. This unusual combination of the field and temperature dependences of magnetic susceptibility was observed in the studies of magnetization and magnetic susceptibility performed in the wide range of temperatures (1.7–300 K) and magnetic fields (0–5.0 T) on the bulk and surface PbTe powder samples manufactured from crystal ingots grown by Bridgman method out of high-purity Pb and Te. We believe that presence of these features indicate that we are dealing with unknown untypical paramagnetism of paramagnetic centers in solid. We observed that the concentration of such unusual paramagnetic centers in PbTe crystal ingots increases towards their surface. Increase of the concentration of the centers can be so strong that it causes a transition of PbTe from the diamagnetic state to the paramagnetic one in quite wide range of low magnetic fields. Possible nature of the observed unusual paramagnetic centers is discussed.     

Development of a sum-over-states density functional theory for both electric and magnetic static response properties

It is shown that it is possible to formulate a sum-over-states (SOS) response theory for static perturbations based directly on the Kohn-Sham formulation of density functional theory (DFT). The SOS-DFT response theory affords expressions analogous to those obtained from the classical Raleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory, where use is made of a complete set of ground and excited state energies and wave functions. The static SOS-DFT response theory is applicable for both real and imaginary perturbations. The theory is established by making use of time-dependent DFT taken to zero frequency with the use of the adiabatic approximation. In the SOS-DFT formulation the expression for electric (e.g., polarization) and magnetic (e.g., magnetization) response properties are symmetrical.     

Role of the adsorption phenomenon on the ionic equilibrium distribution and on the transient effects in electrolytic cells

We analyze the influence of the adsorption of ions at the interfaces on the transient phenomena occurring in an electrolytic cell submitted to a steplike external voltage. In the limit of small amplitude of the applied voltage, where the equation of the problem can be linearized, we obtain an analytical solution for the bulk and surface densities of ions and for the electrical potential. We also obtain, in this limit, the relaxation time for the transient phenomena.     

Density functional perturbational orbital theory of spin polarization in electronic systems. II. Transition metal dimer complexes

We present a theoretical scheme for a semiquantitative analysis of electronic structures of magnetic transition metal dimer complexes within spin density functional theory (DFT). Based on the spin polarization perturbational orbital theory [D.-K. Seo, J. Chem. Phys. 125, 154105 (2006)], explicit spin-dependent expressions of the spin orbital energies and coefficients are derived, which allows to understand how spin orbitals form and change their energies and shapes when two magnetic sites are coupled either ferromagnetically or antiferromagnetically. Upon employment of the concept of magnetic orbitals in the active-electron approximation, a general mathematical formula is obtained for the magnetic coupling constant J from the analytical expression for the electronic energy difference between low-spin broken-symmetry and high-spin states. The origin of the potential exchange and kinetic exchange terms based on the one-electron picture is also elucidated. In addition, we provide a general account of the DFT analysis of the magnetic exchange interactions in compounds for which the active-electron approximation is not appropriate.     

Counter‐Rotating Spin‐Polarised Ring Currents in Odd‐Electron Carbocycles

We propose a molecular‐orbital model to explain how majority and minority spins in odd‐π‐electron carbocycles sustain counter‐rotating magnetic‐field‐induced ring currents. The model is based on the ipsocentric approach to magnetic response, in which ring currents are dominated by frontier‐orbital contributions obeying angular‐momentum selection rules. Coupled unrestricted Hartree–Fock ab initio calculations of the ring‐current responses for singly charged benzene and planarised cyclo‐octatetraene ions confirm the predictions of the qualitative model, and are consistent with correlated MP2 spin‐polarised current calculations.     

Field-controlled magnetic order with insulator-metal transitions in a periodic Anderson-like organic polymer

The zero- and low-temperature behaviors of a quasi-one-dimensional organic polymer proposed as a symmetrical periodic Anderson-like chain model, in which the localized f orbitals hybridize with the conduction orbitals at even sites, are investigated by means of many-body Green's function theory. In the absence of magnetic field, the ground state of the system turns out to be ferrimagnetic. The temperature-induced phase diagrams have been explored, where the competition between the Hubbard repulsion U on the localized f orbital and the hybridization strength V makes an important impact on the transition temperature. In a magnetic field, it is found that a 1/3 magnetization plateau appears and two critical fields indicating the insulator-metal transitions at zero temperature emerge, which are closely related to the energy bands. Furthermore, the single-site entanglement entropy is a good indicator of quantum phase transitions. The temperature-field-induced phase diagram has also been attained, wherein the magnetization plateau state, the gapless phase and the spin polarized state are revealed. The temperature dependence of thermodynamic quantities such as the magnetization, susceptibility and specific heat are calculated to characterize the corresponding phases. It is also found that the up-spin and down-spin hole excitations are responsible for the thermodynamic properties.     

Direct chiral discrimination in NMR spectroscopy

Conventional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is unable to distinguish between the two mirror-image forms (enantiomers) of a chiral molecule. This is because the NMR spectrum is determined by the chemical shifts and spin–spin coupling constants which – in the absence of a chiral solvent – are identical for the two enantiomers. We discuss how chirality may nevertheless be directly detected in liquid-state NMR spectroscopy: In a chiral molecule, the rotating nuclear magnetic moment induces an electric dipole moment in the direction perpendicular to itself and to the permanent magnetic field of the spectrometer. We present computations of the precessing electric polarization following a π/2 pulse. Our estimates indicate that the electric polarization should be detectable in favourable cases. We also predict that application of an electrostatic field induces a chirally sensitive magnetization oscillating in the direction of the permanent magnetic field. We show that the electric-field-perturbed chemical shift tensor, the nuclear magnetic shielding polarizability, underlies these chiral NMR effects.     

Magnetic and dielectric characterization of alginic acid-Fe3O4 nanocomposite

We have reported the synthesis of water dispersible alginic acid (AA)-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites. The crystallite size was obtained as 9 ± 2 nm from X-ray line profile fitting. As compared to the particle size of 9.2 nm obtained from TEM analysis, these particles show dominantly single crystalline nature. Dielectric analysis show that the real and imaginary parts of the permittivity of both pure AA and AA-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite obey the ionic polarization mechanism comprised of ionic conductivity and interfacial or space charge polarization. Magnetization measurements show that the saturation magnetization of AA-capped magnetite is significantly lower than the theoretical bulk value, partly due to the structural distortions on the surface of the particles. Moreover, magnetite does not saturate and exhibits no coercivity above a certain temperature, revealing superparamagnetic behavior of the nanocomposite above a blocking temperature, T_B, of ∼175 K. The magnetic core size, determined by theoretical fitting to the magnetization data at room temperature, is 9.55 nm.     

Analytical formulas for the magnetic field produced by a spin or a paramagnetic current density in the case of Gaussian basis functions

We present a derivation of simple formulas for the evaluation at any point of space of the magnetic field produced by a spin or a paramagnetic orbital current when Cartesian Gaussian basis functions are used, as is often the case in quantum chemistry. These formulas can be useful to plot the magnetic field vector density obtained from ab initio calculations or from a density operator fitted on experimental data. The magnetic field density is the observable probed in polarized neutron diffraction (PND) experiment, for it is, in fact, with this quantity that the neutron spins interact and not with the spin or magnetization density. The formulas make extensive use of the confluent hypergeometric function. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 81: 11–15, 2001     

Highly anisotropic orbitally dependent superexchange in cyano-bridged clusters containing Mn(III) and Mn(II) ions.

We study the orbitally dependent magnetic exchange in cyanide-based clusters as a source of the barrier for reversal magnetization. We consider the Mn(III)-CN-Mn(II) dimer and linear Mn(II)-NC-Mn(III)-CN-Mn(II) trimer containing octahedrally coordinated Mn(III) and Mn(II) ions with special emphasis on the magnetic manifestations of the orbital degeneracy of the Mn(III) ion. The kinetic exchange mechanism involves the electron transfer from the single occupied t(2) orbitals of the Mn(II) ion [6A1(t2(3)e2) ground state] to the singly occupied t(2) orbitals of the Mn(III) ion [3T1(t2(4)) ground state] resulting in the charge-transfer 5T2(t2(2)e2)Mn(III) - 2T2(t2(5))Mn(II) state of the pair. The deduced effective exchange Hamiltonian that takes into account orbital degeneracy leads to an essentially non-Heisenberg energy pattern. The energy levels are shown to be dependent on both spin and orbital quantum numbers, thus providing direct information about the magnetic anisotropy of the system. Along with the magnetic exchange, the model includes an axial component of the crystal field and spin-orbit coupling operating within the ground 3T1(t2(4)) cubic term of the Mn(III) ion. We have shown that under certain conditions both named interactions lead to the occurrence of the barrier for the reversal of magnetization, which significantly increases when passing from the dimer to the trimer. This provides a possible way for raising the magnetic barrier in the family of cyano-bridged manganese clusters.     

Effect of internal gradients in the nuclear magnetic resonance measurement of the surface-to-volume ratio

We consider a system of spins diffusing in a static inhomogeneous (nonuniform-gradient) magnetic field B in a restricted geometry and in the presence of surface relaxation. We show that the short-time diffusional decay of nuclear magnetization is controlled by the field scattering kernel F(t) identical with [B(t)-B(0)](2), which is a measure of the average field inhomogeneity sampled by the spins in time t and does not depend on the particular sequence of radio-frequency pulses used. Magnetization in arbitrary sequences can be straightforwardly computed by evaluating elementary integrals of F(t). Diffusion takes place while the field is on, so that the spins precess as they diffuse, in contrast to the simpler problem of purely classical diffusion considered in [P. P. Mitra, P. N. Sen, and L. M. Schwartz, Phys. Rev. B 47, 8565 (1993)] which is applicable only to the ideal pulsed-field gradient experiment. We compute the short-time asymptotic form of F(t) and find that it depends on the surface-to-volume ratio (S/V) of the pore space as well as on the average of the gradients over the bounding surface. In a system with nonuniform gradients that vary faster near the surface than in the bulk, as for internal susceptibility fields, this gradient surface average may be much larger than the gradients in the bulk, significantly enhancing the apparent S/V. We discuss the application of our results to the widely used Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence as well as proposing a modification of it, which we term "padded" CPMG, that may be preferable in systems with significant surface relaxation. We indicate how each sequence can be used to probe the internal fields.