Improved search for $B_{s}^{0} - \overline{B}_{s}^{0}$ oscillations

An improved search for B _s ⁰ oscillations is performed in the ALEPH data sample collected during the first phase of LEP, and reprocessed in 1998. Three analyses based on complementary event selections are presented. First, decays of B _s ⁰ mesons into hadronic flavour eigenstates are fully reconstructed. This selection yields a small sample of candidates with excellent decay length and momentum resolution and hi gh average B _s ⁰ purity. Semileptonic decays with a reconstructed D _s ^- meson provide a second sample with larger statistics, high average B _s ⁰ purity, but a poorer momentum and decay length resolution due to the partial decay reconstruction. Finally, semileptonic b-hadron decays are inclusively selected and yield the data sample with the highest sensitivity to B _s ⁰ oscillations, as the much higher statistics compensate for the low average B _s ⁰ purity and poorer time resolution. A lower limit is set atps^-1 at 95% C.L., significantly lower than the expected limit of 15.2 ps^-1. Received: 21 February 2003 / Published online: 11 June 2003     

Characterization of the current-induced resistive spots in superconducting \hbox {YBa}_{2} \hbox {Cu}_{3} \hbox {O}_{7} strips

For over a decade, ultrathin superconducting films have been developed for the detection of single photons at optical or near infrared frequencies, with competitive performances in terms of quantum efficiency, speed, and low dark count rate. In order to avoid the requirement of helium refrigeration, we consider here the use of high temperature materials, known to achieve very fast responsiveness to laser irradiation. We excite thin filaments of the cuprate \(\hbox {YBa}_{2} \hbox {Cu}_{3} \hbox {O}_{7}\) by rectangular pulses of supercritical current so as to produce either a phase-slip centre (PSC) or a normal hot spot (HS), according to the temperature and the current amplitude selected. That procedure provides information about the maximum bias current to be used in a particle detector, about the return current back to the quiescent state after excitation, and about the rate of growth and decay of a HS. We also measure the time of PSC nucleation. A unique feature of that approach is to provide the rate of heat transfer between the film and its substrate at whatever temperature, in the superconducting state, in the practical conditions of operation.     

A novel Sr_{3}Pb_{6}Ce_{2}Ti_{12}O_{36} ferroelectric thin film grown by pulsed laser ablation

Complex perovskite oxide ferroelectric thin films are of great technological interest because of their high dielectric constant and large tunability. In this paper, we report the structural and electrical properties of Sr \(_{3}\) Pb \(_{6}\) Ce \(_{2}\) Ti \(_{12}\) O \(_{36}\) (SPCTO) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition. The role of oxygen pressure and substrate temperature on the microstructure, dielectric properties and leakage current mechanism of SPCTO thin films was investigated. Strong oxygen partial pressure dependence on the microcrystalline properties and leakage current conduction mechanism was observed. Both Raman spectra and C-V characteristics show a ferroelectric phase rather than paraelectric phase for the deposited thin films. Investigations on the leakage current showed that SPCTO thin films deposited at different oxygen pressure have different dominant conduction mechanism at various electric fields. The low field conduction mechanism is governed by Ohmic and space charge limited conduction mechanisms, whereas at high fields, the conduction process is dominated by Schottky emission mechanism. The dielectric constant as well as the tunability is found to increase with increase in the crystallite size.     

Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of $\mathrm{Al}_{3}\mathrm{O}_{3}^{-}$: photoisomerization versus photofragmentation

In general, clusters are unstable and in many cases several metastable isomers exist even at low temperature. Therefore, a cluster may react with a dramatic geometry change to a small disturbance such as a weak field or to the absorption of a low-energy photon. Here, we study the response of Al₃O₃^-\mathrm{Al}_{3}\mathrm{O}_{3}^{-} to photoexcitation using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Earlier experimental and theoretical studies suggested that this cluster anion undergoes a geometry change after photoexcitation. In contrast, our time-resolved spectra indicate that photoexcitation triggers ultra-fast fragmentation. This example demonstrates that ultra-fast processes in clusters are not well understood and that it is still difficult to gain reliable experimental data about such processes.     

Preliminary studies of the Raman spectra of \hbox {Ag}_{2}\hbox {Te}\hbox { and }\hbox {Ag}_{5}\hbox {Te}_{3}

The theoretical calculations indicated that the monoclinic low-temperature phase of silver telluride $(\upbeta \hbox {-Ag}_{2}\hbox {Te})$ is a new binary topological insulator with highly anisotropic single Dirac cone surface. We obtained $\upbeta \hbox {-Ag}_{2}\hbox {Te}$ crystal ingots containing few grains by the Bridgman method. We also deposited thin films of tellurium, $\hbox {Ag}_{5}\hbox {Te}_{3}\hbox { and }(\hbox {Te+Ag}_{5}\hbox {Te}_{3})$ by thermal evaporation method. The Raman spectra of $\upbeta \hbox {-Ag}_{2}\hbox {Te}$ , tellurium and $\hbox {Ag}_{5}\hbox {Te}_{3}$ were measured at three excitation wave lengths: 633, 515 and 488 nm. The Raman active modes of $\upbeta \hbox {-Ag}_{2}\hbox {Te}$ , tellurium and $\hbox {Ag}_{5}\hbox {Te}_{3}$ are situated at frequencies below 300  $\hbox {cm}^{-1}$ while vibrations of other phases appear at higher frequencies.     

Modeling of Spin Hamiltonian Parameters for Vanadyl-Doped {\bf\hbox{K}_2\hbox{SO}_4{-}\hbox{Na}_2\hbox{SO}_4{-}\hbox{ZnSO}_4} Glass

A full ligand-field energy matrix diagonalization treatment for 3d ¹ ions in tetragonal symmetry is developed on the basis of the two spin?Corbit coupling parameter model, and the contributions of the spin?Corbit coupling of the ligand ions to the optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra are included. Spin Hamiltonian parameters of the tetragonal ${\rm V}^{4+}$ center in $\hbox{K}_2\hbox{SO}_4 {-} \hbox{Na}_2\hbox{SO}_4{-}\hbox{ZnSO}_4$ glass are calculated from the complete energy matrix diagonalization and the perturbation theory methods. The results calculated by both methods are not only close to each other but also in good agreement with the experimental values. Furthermore, the compressed defect structure of the ${\rm (VO_6)^{8-}}$ cluster is discussed.     

Scanning Josephson tunneling microscopy of single-crystal Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8+delta} with a conventional superconducting tip

We have performed both Josephson and quasiparticle tunneling in vacuum tunnel junctions formed between a conventional superconducting scanning tunneling microscope tip and overdoped Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8+delta} single crystals. A Josephson current is observed with a peak centered at a small finite voltage due to the thermal-fluctuation-dominated superconducting phase dynamics. Josephson measurements at different surface locations yield local values for the Josephson I_{C}R_{N} product. Corresponding energy gap measurements were also performed and a surprising inverse correlation was observed between the local I_{C}R_{N} product and the local energy gap.     

Magnetotransport properties in \text{ Ni }_{81}\text{ Fe }_{19}\text{/Zr } multi-layers

In this work, we present a study of the magneto transport properties in magnetic multilayered structure $\text{ Ni }_{81}\text{ Fe }_{19}\text{/Zr }$ Ni 81 Fe 19 /Zr . The magnetic $(\text{ Ni }_{81}\text{ Fe }_{19})$ ( Ni 81 Fe 19 ) and non magnetic (Zr) layer thickness $(\mathbf{t}_\mathbf{NiFe}, \mathbf{t}_\mathbf{zr})$ ( t NiFe , t zr ) effects on the magneto resistance (MR) are discussed theoretically in the framework of the Johnson–Camley semi classical approach based on the Boltzmann transport equation. A comparison between calculated and measured MR is obtained. The observed MR ratio oscillates for Zr layer thickness with an average period of 7Å. A generally weak $\text{ MR }(\text{ t }_{\mathrm{NiFe}})$ MR ( t NiFe ) ratio for fixed $\mathbf{t}_\mathbf{zr}$ t zr is obtained and it shows a maxima peak of the MR with a value of 1.8 % located at $\mathbf{t}_\mathbf{NiFe}= 80$ t NiFe = 80 Å.     

Magnetoelectric effect in an XY-like spin glass system Ni{x}Mn{1-x}TiO{3}

Magnetoelectric (ME) properties were investigated for an XY-like spin glass (SG) system, Ni{x}Mn{1-x}TiO{3} with an ilmenite structure. The ME effect is usually observed in systems with peculiar couplings between a crystal lattice and a magnetic order. Nonetheless, we found an antisymmetric ME effect with nonzero ME tensor elements below T{ME}=8-10 K in samples showing SG transitions. At T{ME}, no specific heat anomaly was observed, suggesting the absence of long-range magnetic order. We discuss the origin of the ME effect in the XY-like SG system in terms of an alignment of toroidal moments.     

Superconductivity in the doped topological insulator Cu{x}Bi{2}Se{3} under high pressure

We report a high-pressure single crystal study of the topological superconductor Cu{x}Bi{2}Se{3}. Resistivity measurements under pressure show superconductivity is depressed smoothly. At the same time the metallic behavior is gradually lost. The upper-critical field data B{c2}(T) under pressure collapse onto a universal curve. The absence of Pauli limiting and the comparison of B{c2}(T) to a polar-state function point to spin-triplet superconductivity, but an anisotropic spin-singlet state cannot be discarded completely.     

Superfluid density in a highly underdoped YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{6+y} superconductor

The superfluid density rho_{s}(T) identical with1/lambda;{2}(T) has been measured at 2.64 GHz in highly underdoped YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{6+y}, at 37 dopings with T_{c} between 3 and 17 K. Within limits set by the transition width DeltaT_{c} approximately 0.4 K, rho_{s}(T) shows no evidence of critical fluctuations as T-->T_{c}, with a mean-field-like transition and no indication of vortex unbinding. Instead, we propose that rho_{s} displays the behavior expected for a quantum phase transition in the (3+1)-dimensional XY universality class, with rho_{s0} proportional, variant(p-p_{c}), T_{c} proportional, variant(p-p_{c});{1/2}, and rho_{s}(T) proportional, variant(T_{c}-T);{1} as T-->T_{c}.     

Characteristics of splat-cooled Sn- \hbox{Bi}_{5} - \hbox{Pb}_{\bi x} alloys

A Sn-5 \, wt.%Bi binary master alloy was prepared by melt spinning. Ternary alloys with different Pb contents ( x = 0 - 2.5\,\hbox{wt.}\% ) were prepared with the same technique. All the alloys were irradiated with 1.2\,\hbox{MGy} \gamma -radiation at room temperature. The internal friction, Q^{-1} , the thermal diffusivity D_{\rm th} and the Young's modulus Y obtained by applying the resonance technique were measured at room temperature before and after irradiation. DTA thermograms and X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained for the tested alloys. The results showed a remarkable dependence on both the amounts of the ternary addition and irradiation with \gamma -rays. The observed changes in the measured values were attributed to a composition inhomogeneity, caused by the distribution mode of the third element in the matrix and the defects induced by irradiation.     

Hyperfine splitting constants in the optical transition \boldsymbol{{4{f}^{7}} {6{s}^{2}} \;{^{8}{\rm S}_{7/2}} \to {4{f}^{7}} {6{s}6{p}}\; {^{6}{\rm P}_{5/2}} \ {\rm of} \ {^{151-155}{\rm Eu}}} isotopes and hyperfine anomaly

Using the method of laser-induced fluorescence in an atomic beam we have measured the hyperfine splitting constants, A and B, of the ground and excited states of the optical transition 4f ⁷6s ^{2 8}S $_{1/2}\to 4f^{7}$ 6s6p ⁶P_5/2 (564.58 nm) for ^151???155Eu isotopes. For all isotopes, the magnetic dipole constants of the ⁶P_5/2 atomic level are determined to a precision better than 0.04%. The A and B constants for the ground state ⁸S_7/2 of the radioactive ^152,154,155Eu were obtained for the first time with a precision better than 0.5%. Our data along with previous ground state hyperfine structure measurements for the stable europium isotopes allow us to determine the hyperfine anomaly for mentioned Eu isotopes.     

Study of semileptonic decay of ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0} \rightarrow \phi {l}^{+}{l}^{-}$ in QCD sum rule

In this work we study the semileptonic decay of ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0}\to \phi {l}^{+}{l}^{-}$ (l=e, μ, τ) with the QCD sum rule method. We calculate the ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0}\to \phi $ translation form factors relevant to this semileptonic decay, then the branching ratios of ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0}\to \phi {l}^{+}{l}^{-}$ (l=e, μ, τ) decays are calculated with the form factors obtained here. Our result for the branching ratio of ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0}\to \phi {\mu }^{+}{\mu }^{-}$ agree very well with the recent experimental data. For the unmeasured decay modes such as ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0}\to \phi {e}^{+}{e}^{-}$ and ${\bar{B}}_{s}^{0}\to \phi {\tau }^{+}{\tau }^{-}$, we give theoretical predictions.     

High-speed planar laser-induced fluorescence of the CH radical using the C^{ 2} \varSigma ^{ + } {-}X^{ 2} \varPi \left( {0,0} \right) band

The potential for kHz-rate or high-speed planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of the Methylidyne (CH) radical using its \(C^{ 2} \varSigma ^{ + } {-}X^{ 2} \varPi\) (v′ = 0, v′′ = 0) band was investigated. We show that due to its strength and the excitation wavelength (~314 nm), which is conveniently generated by a dye laser operating with a red dye, the C–X(0,0) band is a good choice for CH LIF studies wherein suppression of background scattering is not required. While interference from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is small, that caused by hydroxyl (OH) can be significant. Nonetheless, the OH lines can be avoided, and we observe good CH image fidelity. Most importantly, we show that due to the favorable properties of the CH C–X band (i.e., good signal strength and convenient wavelength), it can be used for PLIF at kHz acquisition rates using a continuously pulsing laser system. This is demonstrated in laminar and turbulent CH₄-air flames with a laser system operating at 10 kHz and delivering ~0.2 mJ/pulse at 314 nm.     

X-ray spectra and valence states of cations in nanostructured half-doped $$\hbox {La}_{0.5}\hbox {Ca}_{0.5}\hbox {MnO}_{3}$$ manganite

Soft X-ray absorption (XAS) and emission (XES) spectroscopies were applied to determine valence states of manganese ions in nanostructured powder of half-doped \(\hbox {La}_{0.5}\hbox {Ca}_{0.5}\hbox {MnO}_{3}\) manganite obtained by milling in a ball mill. XAS spectra were measured both in surface-sensitivity total electron-yield and in bulk-sensitivity total fluorescence-yield modes. O K\(_{\upalpha }\) XES and O 1s XAS spectra characterized the occupied and unoccupied partial O 2p densities of states are compared with band-structure calculations made using the TB-LMTO-ASA codes. Experimental Mn 2p, Ca 2p, and La 3\(d\) XAS spectra are compared with results of crystal field atomic multiplet calculations. For the nanostructured system of \(\hbox {La}_{0.5}\hbox {Ca}_{0.5}\hbox {MnO}_{3}\), concentrations of Mn\(^{4+}\) ions are found to be increased with increasing the time of milling.     

CP asymmetries in decays of the D^{0}-\bar{D}^{0} system revisited

CP violation in neutral D meson decays to the CP eigenstates and non-CP eigenstates is studied systematically within the framework of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa model. The nonleptonic two-body decay processes and the decay processes with semileptonic tagging are discussed in detail and the upper bounds of the direct and indirect CP violation in these decay processes are obtained. A method to measure the mixing parameter [(e)\tilde]\tilde{\epsilon} and to separate the direct and indirect CP violation in the decay processes with semileptonic tagging are also discussed.     

$$\mathbb{C}^2/\mathbb{Z}_{n}$$ Fractional Branes and Monodromy

We construct geometric representatives for the fractional branes in terms of branes wrapping certain exceptional cycles of the resolution. In the process we use large radius and conifold-type monodromies, and also check some of the orbifold quantum symmetries. We find the explicit Seiberg-duality which connects our fractional branes to the ones given by the McKay correspondence. We also comment on the Harvey-Moore BPS algebras.     

Doping-induced change in the interlayer transport mechanism of Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8+delta} near the superconducting transition temperature

We perform a detailed study of temperature, bias, and doping dependence of interlayer transport in the layered high temperature superconductor Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8+delta}. We observe that the shape of interlayer characteristics in underdoped crystals exhibits a remarkable crossover at the superconducting transition temperature: from thermal activation-type above T_{c} to almost T-independent quantum tunneling-type below T_{c}. Our data provide insight into the nature of interlayer transport and indicate that its mechanism changes with doping: from the conventional single quasiparticle tunneling in overdoped to a progressively increasing Cooper pair contribution in underdoped crystals.