Interactions of neutrons with gallium and its isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections were measured on elemental Ga, Ga-compounds and on isotopically enriched samples at neutron energies from 0.5 meV up to 143 keV using different techniques. From the experimental data the following quantities could be obtained:

the coherent scattering length of Ga and the spin state scattering lengths of the isotopes.

the potential scattering radii (R′)

the absorption cross sections of Ga,⁶⁹Ga,⁷¹Ga and⁷⁵As.

As derived quantities are given the coherent and incoherent cross sections and the resonance spin scattering lengths for theJ=1 andJ=2 states of⁷⁰Ga and⁷²Ga. The physical meaning of these data and ofR′ and the comparison with the resonance parameters are considered.     

Magnetic field and doppler velocity correlation in quiescent solar prominences

Analyzing statistically the magnetic and Doppler velocity data for 85 quiescent prominences observed in 1983–1987 by Nikolsky's magnetograph, we came to the following preliminary conclusions:

The average longitudinal magnetic field of the prominence determines the dynamic velocity of the latter: the stronger magnetic fields correspond to the higher Doppler velocities.

A longitudinal magnetic field less than 25 G allows the material to move with arbitrary velocity within the limits of several kilometers per second. A magnetic field higher than 25 G suppresses such movements.

The horizontal length of the flux tube exceeds its vertical part by 1.5 orders of magnitude (the upper limit).

There is an angle of 10°between the horizontal component of the velocity vector in quiescent prominences and the long axis of the filament.

The maximum velocity in quiescent prominences is about 7 km/s.

     

Astroparticle physics with high energy neutrinos: from AMANDA to IceCube

Kilometer-scale neutrino detectors such as IceCube are discovery instruments covering nuclear and particle physics, cosmology and astronomy. Examples of their multidisciplinary missions include the search for the particle nature of dark matter and for additional small dimensions of space. In the end, their conceptual design is very much anchored to the observational fact that Nature produces protons and photons with energies in excess of 10²⁰ eV and 10¹³ eV, respectively. The puzzle of where and how Nature accelerates the highest energy cosmic particles is unresolved almost a century after their discovery. The cosmic ray connection sets the scale of cosmic neutrino fluxes. In this context, we discuss the first results of the completed AMANDA detector and the science reach of its extension, IceCube. Similar experiments are under construction in the Mediterranean. Neutrino astronomy is also expanding in new directions with efforts to detect air showers, acoustic and radio signals initiated by super-EeV neutrinos. The outline of this review is as follows:

Introduction

Why kilometer-scale detectors?

Cosmic neutrinos associated with the highest energy cosmic rays

High energy neutrino telescopes: methodologies of neutrino detection

High energy neutrino telescopes: status

     

Stereological substructure analysis in hot-deformed metals from TEM-images

In the present paper three possible methods of stereological evaluation of particle arrangements are discussed:

determination of mean particle diameters by means of the so-called Poisson-Voronoi mosaics,

evaluation of the spatial particle-diameter distribution using the interception-length method of Spektor and

determination of the spatial distribution of grain or subgrain diameters on the basis of an intercept-area method of Saltykov.

Practical application of the procedures is demonstrated by results which were obtained from hot-deformation of several material under different hot-working conditions. It can be shown that stereological interpretation of TEM images renders refined conclusions concerning the mechanisms of structure changes occurring in hot-deformation.     

Smoothness and non-smoothness of the fundamental solution of time dependent Schrödinger equations

The fundamental solutionE(t,s,x,y) of time dependent Schrödinger equationsi?u/?t=?(1/2)Δu+V(t,x)u is studied. It is shown that

?E(t,s,x,y) is smooth and bounded fort≠s if the potential is sub-quadratic in the sense thatV(t,x)=o(|x|²) at infinity;

? in one dimension, ifV(t,x)=V(x) is time independent and super-quadratic in the sense thatV(x)≧C(1+|x|)^2+ε at infinity,C>0 and ε>0, thenE(t,s,x,y) is nowhereC ¹.

The result is explained in terms of the limiting behavior as the energy tends to infinity of the corresponding classical particle.     

Neutron interactions with germanium isotopes and amorphous and crystalline GeO2

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured on elemental and oxide samples of ordinary Ge and of isotopically enriched substances. From the experimental results the following values were obtained:

the coherent scattering lengths (in fm) of the bound atoms Ge(8.185±0.020);⁷⁰Ge(10.0±0.1);⁷²Ge(8.51±0.10);⁷³Ge(5.02±0.04);⁷⁴Ge(7.58±0.10) and⁷⁶Ge(8.2 ±1.5);

the absorption cross sections at 0.0253 eV (in barn) for Ge(2.20±0.04);⁷⁰Ge(2.9±0.2);⁷²Ge(0.8±0.2);⁷³Ge(14.4±0.4) and⁷⁴Ge(0.4±0.2);

the free cross sections for epithermal neutrons and the zero energy scattering cross sections.

On the basis of this data, the isotopic- and spin-incoherent cross sections and thes-wave resonance contributions to the coherent scattering lengths have been determined and discussed. Transmission measurements at 0.57 meV on amorphous and crystalline GeO₂ yielded for the amorphous sample an inelastic cross section eight times larger than for the crystalline samples. This effect corresponds to a clearly higher density of low energy states in the amorphous than in the crystalline substances.     

Neutron scattering lengths and cross sections of the barium isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured for barium compounds and on isotopically enriched samples for neutron energies from 0.5 meV up to 132 eV using different techniques. From the experimental data the following quantities were obtained:

the coherent scattering lengths (in fm) of Ba (5.07±0.03) and of the isotopes with mass numbers 130 (?3.6±0.6); 132 (7.8±0.3); 134 (5.7±0.1); 135 (4.66±0.10); 136 (4.90 ±0.08); 137 (6.82±0.10); and 138 (4.83±0.08).

the absorption cross sections σ_γ (at 0.025 eV in barn): of Ba (1.1±0.1) and of the isotopes: 130 (30±5); 136 (0.68±0.17); 137 (3.6±0.2); and 138 (0.27±0.14).

zero-energy scattering cross sections for Ba and the isotopes 136, 137 and 138. On the basis of these data, the isotopic- and spin-incoherent cross sections and the (s)-resonance contributions to the coherent scattering lengths have been determined and discussed.

     

Thermoelectric power of mixed electronic-ionic conductors III. Case of calcium titanate

The primary purpose of the present work is the determination of the thermopower component related to electronic charge carriers for undoped calcium titanate. The second purpose of this work is establishment of the relationship between this thermopower component and the electronic component of electrical conductivity. An essential part of the present study includes the determination of the thermopower components corresponding to different charge carriers (electrons, electron holes and ions). The determination procedures are based on the following three models:

Symmetrical model. This model assumes consistency between thermopower and electrical conuctivity in terms of the n-p transition (this model assumes that minimum of electrical conductivity corresponds to the electronic component of the thermopower equal zero). It was shown that this model does not apply for CaTiO₃.

The Heikes model. This model is based on Heikes formula and also hopping mechanism of the transport of electrons. It was shown that thermopower of CaTiO₃ cannot be described by this model and, consequently, thermopower vs. electrical conductivity cannot be considered within the Jonker formalism.

General model. This model is based on a general thermopower equation for mixed conductors without any simplifying assumptions. Application of this model indicates that the electronic component of thermopower is not consistent with the minimum of electrical conductivity.

     

Nachwirkungsmechanismen in Ferriten

In ferrites a large number of after-effects are found, with time constants between nano-seconds and years. In this review the after-effects due to ion-and electron motion will be treated. One finds:

1. single-ion effects in combination with lattice deformations, e.g. Mn³⁺;
2. ion effects caused by mobile vacancies, e.g. Co²⁺;
3. effects due to electron transfer:
4. Co²⁺?Co³⁺
5. Me²⁺?Fe³⁺, in combination with Me⁴⁺ and vacancies.
6. Me⁴⁺?Fe²⁺, with Me=Si, Ti (photomagnetic effect).

The electron transfer is found to be related to electrical effects. In analogy to the photoelectric effect, one has found that illumination produces changes in magnetic properties. Generally speaking, one has in ferrites as many problems with donors and acceptors as in other semiconductors. Information from magnetic measurements helps to elucidate their nature.     

New solid state fuel cells - green power source for 21st century

The exhaustion of the major fossil energy sources on earth in near future and the serious environmental pollution from the fuel combustion processes in the presently applied technologies are the most important problems of modern society. The sustainable development of mankind requests strongly to develop “green” power devices characterized by high fuel energy conversion efficiency, less pollution to the environment and convenience to use. Fuel cells have been commonly accepted to be a kind of clean, safe and convenient power source with high energy efficiency and are on the verge of revolutionizing the electric power industry by offering better ways to produce electricity and to deliver it to the consumers. Among all the advanced fuel cells being developed, which one might be the better choice for ideal green power generators in the 21st century? The answer is solid state fuel cells, particularly the solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs) but not in the present stage of development. The new generation of SOFCs will certainly be based on all the results and experiences achieved so far in the fuel cell field and a lot of R & D work has to be performed furthermore. This paper attempts to present the current status of the R & D work on fuel cells, especially SOFCs, new concepts and trends, problems and possible measures which may initiate further discussion. The present article includes the following sub-topics:

The best electric power plants for the 21st Century

R & D on SOFCs: current status, problems and new trends

Intermediate temperature SOFCs - what do we need to do?

Fabrication techniques - soft chemistry routes

What to do for coming up with “green” power plants?

     

Interaction of neutrons with zinc and its isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured for elemental Zn,Zn-compounds and on isotopicly enriched samples for neutron energies from 0.5 meV up to 143 keV using different techniques. From the experimental data the following quantities were obtained:

the coherent scattering lengths (b in fm) of Zn (5.689±0.014);⁶⁴Zn (5.23±0.04);⁶⁶Zn (5.98±0.05);⁶⁷Zn (7.58±0.08;b ₊=9.4±0.5/5.8±0.5;b _?=5.0±0.7/10.1±0.7);⁶⁸Zn (6.04 ±0.03);

the potential scattering radii (R′ in fm) of Zn (6.2±0.2),⁶⁴Zn (6.0±0.3) and⁶⁶Zn (6.2 ±0.3);

the absorption cross sections (σ _γ at 0.025 eV in barn) of Zn (1.11±0.02);⁶⁴Zn (1.1 ±0.1) and⁶⁶Zn (0.62±0.06).

Derived quantities are the “zero energy” scattering cross sections (σ ₀ in barn) for Zn (4.128±0.010) and⁶⁷Zn (7.8±0.3) and the incoherent bound cross sections of Zn (0.061 ±0.023) and⁶⁷Zn (0.6±0.4). In the epithermal region the Zn-cross section can be described by introduction of two strong bound levels of⁶⁷Zn+n for which estimated parameters are given.     

The process e + e − → bb̅W + W − at the next linear collider in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model

The complete matrix element for e ⁺ e^? → bb?W⁺ W^? is computed at tree-level within the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. Rates of interest to phenomenological analyses at the Next Linear Collider are given. In particular, we study:

• ? tt? production and decay tt? →(bW ⁺)(b?W ^?)
• ? ZH production followed by Z → bb? and H → W ⁺ W^?
• ? AH production followed by A→ bb? and H → W ⁺ W^?
• ? hW ⁺ W^? production followed by h→ bb?.

Top and Higgs finite width effects are included, as well as all those of the irreducible backgrounds.     

Three applications toSO(4) invariant systems of a theorem of L. Michel relating extremal points to invariance properties

We consider a theorem due to Michel [1] which relates the invariance properties in peculiar directions in a linear space on which we represent a Lie groupG to the extremal points of an arbitrary smoothG-invariant function. The group we are interested in isSO(4) and we apply the mathematical results to the following problems:

1. mixed linear Stark Zeeman effect in a hydrogen atom,
2. perturbation of a finite Robertson-Walker metric,
3. gas evolutions preserving angular momentum and vorticity.

     

Electrodynamics of rotating planetary plasmaspheres in a dipole magnetic field

As a model of the actual structure of the planetary plasmasphere, we consider the electrodynamical problem of electric field and current generation by a planet with a dipole magnetic field corotating with the plasma envelope. The plasma envelope is characterized by the conductivity and angular velocity of the magnetospheric plasma as functions of the distance τ from the planet center and the angle ? measured from the rotation axis. The exact solutions of the Maxwell equations are obtained in the axially symmetric case within the framework of unipole electrodynamics when the rotational and magnetic axes coincide. These solutions describe the possible distributions of electric fields, currents, and charges in the rotating plasma envelope surrounding the magnetized planet. As an exmple, we constructed, using the theory proposed, the exact solution corresponding to the following structure of the plasmasphere:

1. the plasmasphere region corotating with the planet and located between L-shells (L=τ/Rsin ² ?, where R is the radius of the planet) from L=1 to L=L_*;
2. the polar region with differential, spherically symmetric rotation;
3. the transient region of the plasmasphere rotating differentially with the angular velocity dependent on the L-number and located between L-shells from L=L_* to L=L_*+L₀;
4. the external (vacuum) region.

Analysis of the multipole expansion of the electrostatic potential showed that the electric field potential is equal to zero in the external region (L>L_*+L₀), independently of the number of the boundary L-shell. This solution can serve as a basis for simulation of the plasmasphere formation processes, taking into account the actual conditions in the near-planetary plasma envelopes.     

Use of cw-CRDS for studying the atmospheric oxidation of acetic acid in a simulation chamber

The coupling between cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and an environmental chamber in the investigation of photo-induced reaction mechanisms is demonstrated for the first time. The development of the CRDS device and the corresponding analytical performances are presented. The first application is devoted to the investigation of the branching ratio of the ^?OH radical reaction of CH₃C(O)OH and CH₃C(O)OD under tropospheric conditions. An environmental chamber coupled to two complementary detection systems is used:

gas chromatography with FTIR spectroscopy for quantitative detection of acetic acid;

CRDS for quantitative detection of CO₂.

Investigation of the reaction kinetics of ^?OH+CH₃C(O)OH gives a rate constant of (6.5±0.5)×10^-13 cm³?molecule^-1?s^-1 (296 K) and shows good agreement with literature data. The product study indicates that the H-abstraction channel from the acid group is the dominant pathway with a branching ratio of (78±13)%, whereas the corresponding D-abstraction channel in the ^?OH+CH₃C(O)OD reaction represents only (36±7)%. This result could be attributed to a strong kinetic isotope effect. Glyoxylic acid has also been detected for the first time as by-product. These results illustrate the high interest of the CRDS technique in the investigation of atmospheric relevant problems.     

Photoemission on the highT c superconductors Y−Ba−Cu−O

XPS and UPS photoemission experiments on the highT _c superconductors (T _c ≈90 K) with nominal composition YBa₂Cu₃O_9-y (y≈2) show the following:

1. The density of electronic states at the Fermi energy is very small, much smaller than in pure Cu.
2. The Cu 2p spectra show only a Cu²⁺ contribution.
3. The Ba core levels show a structure with two components of nearly equal magnitude, which leads to the suggestion that these compounds have large O^2? vacancies coordinated to Ba²⁺ sites.
4. Annealing at 400°C under UHV conditions leads possibly to a partial reduction of Cu²⁺ to lower Cu valence states and to a small increase of the O^2? vacancy component of the Ba²⁺ line.

     

The moment of inertia at the saddle point of low energy fission of even-even nuclei

We use the molecular model of low energy fission, which describes the nucleus by two interacting fragments, to calculate the moment of inertia for U²³⁶ in the cranking approximation including BCS theory. We show that the moment of inertia at the saddle point:

1. depends almost linearly on the fragment distance.
2. is influenced only very weakly by the pairing constant and by the fragment deformations.
3. shows, as a function of the distribution of mass between the two fragments (A ₁ ,A ₂ ), a minimum near the magic configurationA ₁=132,Z ₁=50 and depends in this mass region strongly on the term structure near the Fermi energy.
4. is approximately that of a rigid body.

     

Absence of singular continuous spectrum for certain self-adjoint operators

We give a sufficient condition for a self-adjoint operator to have the following properties in a neighborhood of a pointE of its spectrum:

1. its point spectrum is finite;
2. its singular continuous spectrum is empty;
3. its resolvent satisfies a class of a priori estimates.