Modified relaxor–PbTiO3 piezoelectrics for high temperature applications

In this study, Pb_{1? x} (Yb_1/2Nb_1/2)_0.515Ti_0.485O₃?x{(2SrO?+?BaO)/3} [PYNT–SBx] compositions with x?=?0.00–0.05 at the rhombohedral side near the morphotropic phase boundary were investigated. The SB substitution for Pb²⁺ in PYNT was found to increase the tetragonality, but greatly reduce the Curie temperature (T_c ) and broaden the dielectric permittivity maximum. The temperature dependence of the relative permittivity follows a Curie–Weiss law above the deviation temperature (T_D ) at high temperatures for the SB-doped PYNT. The optimized properties with a piezoelectric coefficient of 610?pm?V^?1, maximum dielectric constant (ε _max) of 25,000 (at the T_c ?=?315°C and 1?kHz), and a remnant polarization (P_r ) of 33?µC?cm^?2 were obtained in PYNT–SB0.04 ceramics.     

Design and synthesis of novel (Z)-5-((1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)-3-((1-substituted phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)thiazolidine-2,4-diones: a potential cytotoxic scaffolds and their molecular modeling studies

In an effort to discover potential cytotoxic agents, a series of novel (Z)-5-((1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)-3-((1-substituted phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives (8a–n) were designed and synthesized in various steps with acceptable reaction procedures with quantitative yields and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR, HRMS and ESI–MS spectra. These newly synthesized novel derivatives were screened for their in vitro cell viability/cytotoxic studies against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) with various concentrations of 0.625 µM, 1.25 µM, 2.5 µM, 5 µM and 10 µM, respectively. The biological interpretation assay outcome was demonstrated in terms of cell viability percentage reduction and IC₅₀ values against standard reference drug cisplatin. Based on these results, most of the derivatives exhibited promising cytotoxic activity. Among them, particularly compounds 8j (R₁?=?OMe and R₃?=?NO₂) and 8e (R₃?=?CF₃) demonstrate remarkable cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ values 0.426 µM?±?0.455 and 0.608 µM?±?0.408, which are even better than the standard drug cisplatin 0.636 µM?±?0.458 and compounds 8m (R₂?=?OMe and R₃?=?OMe) and 8c (R₃?=?OMe) exhibited closely equivalent IC₅₀ values to the standard drug with IC₅₀ values 0.95 µM?±?0.32 and 0.976 µM?±?0.313 and rest of the compounds exhibits moderate cytotoxic activity. Moreover, molecular modeling studies and ADME calculations of the novel synthesized derivatives are in adequate consent with the pharmacological screening results.

     

Diffuse phase transition of BaTi0.6Zr0.4O3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics

BaTi_0.6Zr_0.4O₃ ceramic was prepared through solid state reaction route. X-ray diffraction showed that the composition has cubic perovskite structure with space group Pm-3m at room temperature. Temperature dependency dielectric study of the ceramic has been investigated. Bulk density was determined using Archimedes principle and found to be ～97% of X-ray density. The average grain size in the pallet is measured by an optical microscope and found to be 22.23?µm. The dielectric measurement revealed diffuse phase transition of second-order, where dielectric peak temperature (T _m) is dependent of frequency showing relaxor-type behaviour. A clear deviation from Curie–Weiss law is observed in the paraelectric region. The dielectric relaxation rate follows the Vogel–Fulcher relation with E _a?=?0.1020?eV, T _f?=?106?K, ν₀?=?8.5?×?10¹¹?Hz.     

Measurement of hyperfine structure in the lines 578.77 nm and 587.04 nm of PrII

The hyperfine structure of the transitions 4f³(⁴I^o)5d ³I₅ ^o–4f³(⁴I^o)6p?⁵I₅ (578.77 nm) and 4f³(⁴I^o)5d ³I₆ ^o–4f³(⁴I^o)6p? (J=5) (587.04 nm) of ¹⁴¹PrII has been measured by collinear laser‐ion‐beams spectroscopy. The magnetic‐dipole constant A and the electric‐quadrupole constant B of the involved levels have been determined.     

Properties of (Bi1/9Na2/3)(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3 analysed within dielectric permittivity,conductivity, electric modulus and derivative techniques approach

The (Bi_1/9Na_2/3)(Mn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ ceramics with perovskite structure were sintered. The XRD test proved that the samples are cubic (a?=?3.920?±?0.001?Å). Microstructure and atomic composition were determined with a SEM (JSM-5410) equipped with energy dispersion X-ray analyser (ISIS-300). The fluctuation in the chemical composition was found indicating on local disorder. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy in the range 10^?1–3?·?10⁷?Hz was applied within the range of 100–650?K. The real, ?′(f,?T), and imaginary, ?″(f,?T), parts of complex dielectric permitivity characteristics, both in the temperature and frequency domain, show relaxation processes partially covered by electric conductivity. At high temperatures the electric conductivity exhibits a thermally activated behaviour σ(f,?T)?∝?exp(?E _a/kT) but the variable range hopping (VRH) dependence σ?∝?exp[?(T ₀/T)^1/4] is manifested at low temperatures. The derivatives technique in the frequency (??log??/??log?ω) and temperature (??log??/?T) domain enabled various relaxation processes to be distinguished. The data converted to electric modulus representation, M*(f,?T)?=?1/?*, exhibited clearly resolved relaxation peaks. The relaxation times obtained from the peaks position show a slightly non-Arrhenius temperature behaviour with the activation energy varying in 0.4–0.6?eV range and characteristic time of the electric conductivity relaxation of the order of 10^?12?s. The relaxation times can be fitted at better accuracy with the VRH dependence where T ₀ are of the order of 10⁸?K. It is shown that the low frequency ac-conductivity converges to dc-conductivity and the relation σ(0)?～?ω_m?～?τ_m ^?1 typical for the disordered solids applies. The conduction current relaxation relationship behaves in accord with the VRH system: σ_dc?∝?(T/T ₀)^q (e ²/kT) ω_c, where ω_c?=?ν_ph exp[?(T ₀/T)^1/4] is valid for the locally disordered (Bi_1/9Na_2/3)(Mn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ compound.     

Enhance luminescence by introducing alkali metal ions (R+ = Li+, Na+ and K+) in SrAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphor by solid-state reaction method

In the present article, the role of charge compensator ions (R⁺?=?Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺) in europium-doped strontium aluminate (SrAl₂O₄:Eu³⁺) phosphors was synthesized by the high-temperature, solid-state reaction method. The crystal structures of sintered phosphors were in a monoclinic phase with space group P2₁. The trap parameters which are mainly activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of the kinetics (b) were evaluated by using the peak shape method. The calculated trap depths are in the range from 0.76 to 0.84?eV. Photoluminescence measurements showed that the phosphor exhibited emission peak with good intensity at 595?nm, corresponding to ⁵D₀–⁷F₁ (514?nm) orange emission and weak ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ (614?nm) red emission. The excitation spectra monitored at 595?nm show a broad band from 220 to 320?nm ascribed to O–Eu charge-transfer state transition and the other peaks in the range of 350–500?nm originated from f–f transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. The strongest band at 394?nm can be assigned to ⁷F₀–⁵L₆ transition of Eu³⁺ ions due to the typical f–f transitions within Eu³⁺ of 4f⁶ configuration. The latter lies in near ultraviolet (350–500?nm) emission of UV LED. CIE color chromaticity diagram and thermoluminescence spectra confirm that the synthesized phosphors would emit an orange-red color. Incorporating R⁺?=?Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ as the compensator charge, the emission intensity of SrAl₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor can be obviously enhanced and the emission intensity of SrAl₂O₄:Eu³⁺ doping Li⁺ is higher than that of Na⁺ or K⁺ ions.     

Conformational fluctuations in a green fluorescent protein-like Akane family protein: a high-pressure fluorescence study at 0.1–700 MPa

ABSTRACT

We have investigated conformational fluctuations in a new green fluorescent protein(GFP)-like protein rb-Akane found in a red-brown-colored octocoral, Scleronephthya gracillima (Kuekenthal)), with high pressure fluorescence spectroscopy at 0.1–700?MPa. Besides the green fluorescence at 510?nm, two red fluorescence peaks are observed at 590 and 629?nm, the relative intensity of which varies reversibly with pressure. The phenomenon is interpreted as representing the cis–trans isomerization of the chromophore accompanied by the conformational transition between two sub-states of the red fluorescence form of rb-Akane. The two sub-states are separated only marginally in free energy (ΔG⁰?=?1.9?±?0.4?kJ?mol^?1), but significantly in partial molar volume (ΔV⁰?=??19.8?±?1.4?ml?mol^?1) at 0.1?MPa (pH 7.5, 25°C). Above 500?MPa, the fluorescence at λ_max 629?nm undergoes another reversible change with pressure, showing the onset of unfolding.     

Correlation between the electric-field effect and weak-link type in YBa2Cu3−x Oy and YBa2Cu3−x Oy /Agx high-T c superconducting ceramics

An experimental study is reported of the effect of an electric field E⩽120 MV/m and of temperature T on the critical current I _c and I-V characteristics of yttrium-based high-T _c superconducting ceramics. The materials studied were copper-deficient ceramics, YBa₂Cu_3−x O_y (D samples), and YBa₂Cu_3−x O_y/Ag_x ceramics [S samples with silver present in amounts equal to the copper deficiency (0⩽x⩽0.4)]. It has been established that in D samples at 77 K, the electric field increases I _c and reduces substantially R for I>I _c, whereas in S samples no field effect is observed. Measurements of the I _c(T) dependence near the critical temperature showed that they can be described for all samples by a relation of the type I _c =const(1−T/T _c )^α, where α≈1 for the D samples, and α≈2 for the S samples. The results obtained suggest that the electric-field effect correlates with the existence in the ceramic of SIS-type weak links at grain boundaries. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 1195–1198 (July 1998)     

Multipeak fitting analysis of Raman spectra on DLCH film

The hydrogenated diamond‐like carbon (DLCH) film with 1‐µm thickness is deposited by direct hydrocarbon gas ion beam method on silicon wafer and annealed at 400 °C. Detailed Raman spectra feature are fitted from nine sets of different peak fitting functions, including Gaussian, Lorentzian and Breit‐Wigner‐Fano (BWF) functions. These fitting results obtained from a two‐peak combination show some specific variances on the G peak position, FWHM_G and I_D/I_G ratio for as‐deposited and as‐annealed DLCH films. The most popular two‐peak fitting method with full Gaussian function tends to exhibit a higher ratio of the G peak position shift and higher I_D/I_G ratio than others fitting methods, the drastic difference among the most popular G (G) & G (D) and B (G) & L (D) schemes also have brought out in I_D/I_G ratio. However, for a more complex four‐peak Gaussian function fitting Raman spectra, the I_D/I_G ratio is close to that of a two‐peak fitting function with a mixture functions of BWF (G) and L (D). Furthermore, a series of systematic peak fitting procedures and comparisons of Raman spectra have been discussed in this study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structure determination of MnO2 films grown on single crystal α-Al2O3 substrates

Manganese oxide films have been grown by atomic layer deposition and investigated using electron diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The films were deposited on the (001) surface of monocrystalline α-Al₂O₃. The films were found to consist of an ordered version of the hexagonal ε-MnO₂ (Akhtenskite) type. Using X-ray diffraction, the cell parameters were determined to be a?=?2.75(2)?Å and c?=?4.302(5)?Å. The films are epitaxial with a specific orientation relative to the Al₂O₃ substrate. The [210] and [001] axes of ε-MnO₂ are parallel to the [110] and [001] axes of α-Al₂O₃, respectively. Evidence of cation ordering was found by parallel beam electron diffraction. The ordered domains are needle shaped with widths of 2–10?nm. The unit cell of the ordered structure was found to be orthorhombic with cell dimensions a?=?2.75, b?=?4.76, c?=?4.302?Å and space group Pmnn (No. 58).     

Effects of Re microalloying on glass formation and mechanical properties of Zr–Cu–Al alloys

The effect of microalloying with rhenium on a metallic glass-forming alloy (Cu₄₆Zr₄₆Al₈)_{100? x} Re _x (x?=?1,?2) was investigated. Re possesses a positive enthalpy of mixing within the Cu–Re terminal system. Splat quenched foils of ≈40?µm in thickness display an amorphous structure. Their crystallisation temperature increases from T _x?=?504 to 513°C with addition of Re at nearly constant glass formation temperature T _g?=?445°C for the amorphous samples. In contrast, injection cast rods consist of B2-CuZr type phase dendrites, minor fractions of a cubic phase CuZrAl, and randomly distributed small particles of a Re-rich phase. This represents a novel concept in microalloying where Re-rich precipitates trigger the B2 phase formation. It leads to a unique combination of mechanical properties for as-cast rods, which display high strength at sizeable plastic deformation up to ε _p?≈?4% and an extended range of work-hardening prior to failure.     

Optical Analysis of Er3+:Boro-Fluoro-Phosphate Glasses

This paper deals with the preparation and optical analysis of Er³⁺ (0.2 mol%) boro-fluoro-phosphate glasses in the following glass compositions:

• Series A: 69.8 B₂O₃–10 P₂O₅–10(ZnO/CdO/TeO₂)–10 AlF₃

• Series B: 69.8 B₂O₃–10 P₂O₅–10(ZnO/CdO/TeO₂)–10 LiF

Measured Vis-NIR absorption spectra of Er³⁺:boro-fluoro-phosphate glasses have revealed nine absorption bands at 377 nm, 405 nm, 450 nm, 486 nm, 519 nm, 543 nm, 649 nm, 973 nm and 1529 nm, which correspond with the transitions of ⁴I_15/2 → ⁴G_11/2, (²G_9/2,⁴H_9/2), ⁴F_5/2, ⁴F_7/2, ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2, ⁴F_9/2, ⁴I_11/2, and ⁴I_13/2, respectively. With an excitation at λ _exci = 375 nm, a bright green emission (⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2) at 547 nm has been observed from these erbium glasses. Judd–Ofelt characteristic intensity Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) parameters are obtained from the absorption spectra, and these results were used to compute the radiative properties of Er³⁺:boro-fluoro-phosphate glasses. The NIR emission (⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2) at 1547 nm from these glasses was measured with an Ar⁺ laser (514.5 nm) as an excitation source.     

In-plane magnetic penetration depth in FeSe1-xSx (x = 0, 0.04, 0.09) and FeTe1-xSex (x = 0.40) single crystals

The magnetization anomaly of FeSe_1–xS_x(x?=?0, 0.04, 0.09) and FeTe_1–xSe_x(x?=?0.40) single crystals are examined through our Modified Phenomenological Ginzburg–Landau (MPGL) theory applicable to two-band superconducting systems. The theory in the London limit calculates the values of λ_ab(0) as 445.695, 372.058 and 432.957?nm of FeSe_1–xS_x for x?=?0, 0.04, 0.09 which are very close to the experimental values reported by Hafiez et al. [Superconducting properties of sulfur-doped iron selenide. Phys Rev B. 2015;91(16):165109–165120] and as 534?nm for FeTe_1–xSe_x(x?=?0.40) single crystal, which is close to the experimental value reported by Yadav and Paulose [Upper critical field, lower critical field and critical current density of FeTe_0.60Se_0.40 single crystals. New J Phys 2009;11:103046]. In addition, the variation of temperature-dependent in-plane magnetic penetration depth λ_ab(T) with the temperature (T) has been presented, which agrees well as reported by Hafiez et al. [Superconducting properties of sulfur-doped iron selenide. Phys Rev B. 2015;91(16):165109–165120] and Yadav and Paulose [Upper critical field, lower critical field and critical current density of FeTe_0.60Se_0.40 single crystals. New J Phys. 2009;11:103046].     

Thermal behavior and X-ray study of the new double salt hydrate SrCd2Cl6 · 8H2O

The double salt hydrate SrCd₂Cl₆?·?8H₂O undergoes a phase transition at T?=?318?K (phase I?–?(T?=?318)?→phase II). The structural characteristics, Raman scattering and dielectric measurements have been investigated. Phase II exhibits monoclinic symmetry (a?=?17.102(6), b?=?21.716(9), c?=?8.582(5)?Å and β?=?91.58(13)°).     

Power loss mechanisms in small area monolithic-interconnected photovoltaic modules

Power loss mechanisms in small area monolithic-interconnected photovoltaic modules (MIM) are described and evaluated. Optical and electrical losses are quantified and individual loss components are derived for loss mechanisms of small area radial (radius?=?1?mm) pie-shaped six-segment GaAs MIM laser power converter. At low monochromatic homogeneous illumination (G_low?=?1.8?W/cm², λ₀?=?809?nm) conversion efficiency of the cell, designed for a low irradiance, is reduced by 3.7%_abs. due to isolation trench optical losses and by 7.0%_abs. due to electrical losses (mainly perimeter recombination). Electrical losses in a device designed for a high irradiance, result in 18%_abs. decrease of output power under homogeneous monochromatic illumination (G_high?=?83.1?W/cm², λ₀?=?809?nm), while 11.6%_abs. losses are attributed to optical reasons. Regardless the irradiance level, optical losses further increase if the device is illuminated with a Gaussian instead of an ideal flattop beam profile. In this case, beam spillage losses occur and losses due to isolation trenches and reflections from metallization are elevated. On top of that, additional current mismatch losses occur, if individual MIM’s segments are not equally illuminated. For the studied device, a 29?μm off center misalignment of a Gaussian shaped beam (with 1% spillage) reduces the short circuit current I_sc by 10%_abs. due to the current mismatch between segments.     

Emission Spectroscopic Investigation of the Decomposition of CCl4 in Plasma Etching Processes

The CCl₄ plasma decomposition and the etching of SiO₂ and Al by the CCl₄ plasma is investigated with the aid of emission intensity Iλ of such species as Cl₂, CCl, Cl and CO, which are influenced systematically by the etching process. A time independent electron density (n_e ≈ 2 · 10⁸ ?1 · 10¹⁰ cm^?3, dependent on plasma conditions) is measured by microwave diagnostics. The ratio Iλ/n_e and Iλ/I_reference' resp. (I_reference = I_Helium) is a relative measure of concentrations. The ratio I_cl2/I_ccl is very sensitive against CCl₄-decomposition and etching processes of SiO₂ and Al. Its changes during the etching process of SiO₂ and Al in a CCl₄ plasma are investigated.     

Effect of combined radiation processing on parameters of Si-based MOS transistors

The variation of parameters of Si-based MOS-transistors affected by combined infrared and X- ray photons processing were presented. It was found that X-ray irradiated transistor under incoherent infrared radiation is characterized by lowering of radiation sensitivity. As positive charge and its radiation-induced rate of generation in undergate SiO₂ insulator decreases, we observe a reduction of both ΔU_No and voltage threshold U_th transistor components. Under pulsed laser processing (λ?=?1.06?µm, τ?=?10^?3s) of the X-rays irradiated transistor the energy density of laser beam corresponding to the minimum threshold voltage was established. It was shown that the combined treatment can be effectively used to control the transistor parameters. The model describing the radiation changes of parameters in Si-SiO₂ structure was proposed. The effect of Na⁺, K⁺ and H⁺ ions in undergate insulator on variation of charge state and interface reconstruction under laser irradiation were predicted by proposed model.     

Critical currents in polycrystalline thin films of high-T c superconductors

Summary It is shown that the behaviour of the temperature dependence of the critical current in polycrystalline thin films of high-T _c superconductors depends crucially on the assumption made concerning the nature of the intergranular material. The usual assumption of a superconductor-insulator-superconductor (=SIS) ?sandwich? between each grain leads to a crossover fromI _c∼(1−T/T _c) toI _c∼(1−T/T _c)^3/2, for temperatures nearT _c (whereI _c is the critical current,T the absolute temperature, andT _c the superconducting transition temperature). Instead, for a superconductor-normal metal-superconductor (=SNS) sandwich the dependenceI _c∼(1−T/T _c)² is found for all temperatures. Consideration is given to the effect of self-magnetic field on the analysis. The comparison between expressions for continuous and granular systems is extended. Due to the relevance of its scientific content, this paper has been given priority by the Journal Direction.     

Stereochemical studies of oligomers XXIX. Reinvestigation of the structure of N-m-tolyl phthalimide

C₁₅H₁₁NO₂, Mr 237.3, monoclinic, space groupC _c, a=8.539(2),b=19.865(4),c=7.599(2)?,β=111.44(2)°,V=1199.8 ?³,Z=4,D _c=1.31 gcm⁻³,λ(CuKα)=1.5418 ?,μ=6.74cm⁻¹,F(000)=496, room temperature. The structure was solved by direct methods with SHELX-86 and refined down to agreement valueR=0.046 for 1117 reflections above 2σ(I). The angle between the plane of the phthalimide group, which shows a little bent [1.2(2)°] between its two rings, and the tolyl group is 56.1(1)°. The packing of the molecules is stabilized by van der Waal’s forces only. Part XXVIII: Bocelli and Rizzoli (1990)