Features of the magnetic and dielectric behavior of mesophases of chromium (III) complexes with azacyclic ligands

Two paramagnetic (1, 2) chromium metallomesogens were studied by the EPR, magnetic-susceptibility, and dielectric-spectroscopy methods. These mesogens possess columnar liquid-crystal phase polymorphism. For mesogen 1 in the columnar Col_xd phase, an irreversible structural phase transition was detected by the EPR method. An anomalous nonlinear temperature dependence of the resonance fields of the EPR line positions and of the fine-structure parameter D in the mesophases of compound 1 was observed. It was shown that this anomaly is associated with the soft mode of crystal lattice. The dielectric spectroscopy data provide support for the existence of the soft mode, which is probably due to the transition of the system from a paraelectric to a dipole-ordered state. The structure of the hexagonal columnar plastic phase of mesogen 2 is formed by a single type of paramagnetic monomer chromium center and does not exhibit any specific features.     

Dielectric study of the liquid-solid phase transition in benzene

The liquid-solid phase transition in benzene is studied dielectrically. A resolution of the (p, ?/?^O) isotherm into a branch for the liquid and one for the solid is achieved. This result is similar to those obtained for the (p, V^O/V) isotherm in computer experimentals applying the rigid sphere model for the liquid.     

Reentrant phases in the ± J spin glass

We consider an enlarged phase space of the ±J spin glass which includes the dilute Ising model and the frustrated system. The three orthogonal axes in this space are: (i) The fraction of ferro- to antiferro-magnetic bonds, p; (ii) the ratio of the strengths of the antiferro- to ferromagnetic interacions, q; and (iii) the temperature, T. Within this phase space we observe extended regions of the low-temperature spin-glass phase which is characterized by a unique distribution of the local-order parameter. We observe reentrant phase transitions: for fixed p and q with varying T the distribution of the local order parameter shows paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and then spin-glass phases; for fixed p and T and varying q the distribution shows ferromagnetic to paramagnetic and then spin-glass phases.     

Rotational reorientation of the director in twisted nematic liquid-crystal cells

The orientational relaxation of the director to its equilibrium orientation under electric, elastic, and viscous torques arising in twisted nematic liquid-crystal cells is investigated. It is shown that the relaxation time of the director depends strongly on the external electric field strength and weakly on the energy of anchoring of liquid-crystal molecules to the surfaces of the cell. The relaxation time of the director anomalously increases in electric fields close to the Fréedericksz threshold. It is established that, at specific strengths of the external electric field, the relaxation can occur in the form of traveling waves propagating from one edge to the other edge of the twisted nematic liquid-crystal cell. The calculations of the relaxation processes in the vicinity of the nematic-smectic A phase transition temperature demonstrate that the distortion of the director field is uniform over the entire cross section of the liquid-crystal cell and does not depend on the strength of anchoring of the liquid-crystal molecules to the surfaces of the cell.     

Resonance enhancement of electron-phonon interaction

A superconducting state near the phase transition curve from paramagnetic phase to superconducting phase for perovskites La_{2 ? x} Sr _x CuO₄ and YBa₂Cu₃O₆ is considered. Expressions for effective parameters of electron-spin-phonon interaction are obtained. It is shown that the critical temperature of the phase transition from paramagnetic phase to superconducting phase T _c is determined by the enhancement of electron-phonon interaction by spin fluctuations of exchange type.     

Spin-glass and spin-crystal phase transition of a regular Ising model on the Cayley tree

A regular Ising model with nearest-neighbour interaction of +J and -J on a Cayley tree is reported to show a phase transition from the paramagnetic phase to the spin-glass and spin-crystal phase in a uniform external field below a critical value h_c.     

Excitation of giant multipole resonancesL=1,2 and 3 in the16O(p,2p) reaction

The¹⁶O(p,2p) quasi elastic reaction at 45 MeV is investigated in the framework of the antisymmetrized distorted wave approximation (DWA). The inclusion of a direct and exchange two step core polarization mechanism, virtually exciting giant multipole resonances was consistently applied as in the (p, p′) non normal parity transition of¹⁶O. Thus utilizing the same renormalized effective two nucleont-matrix as in the inelastic transition a good fit to the data was obtained. It is suggested by the present analyses that corepolarization must be fully included for (p, 2p) like for inelastic scattering in the intermediate energy range.     

Comparison of the ferromagnetic phase transitions in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 and single crystal nickel by micromagnetic imaging

There is considerable controversy surrounding the nature of the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in La_0.7Ca_0.3MnO₃. We have used transmission electron microscopy to perform micromagnetic imaging in order to determine whether the phase change is first or second order. On warming through the transition point, the ferromagnetic phase retreats from the sample surface as it is replaced by the paramagnetic phase. This coexistence of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases indicates a primarily first-order transition. However, there is also a continuous loss of magnetization which precedes the phase transition. We compare this with the ferromagnetic transition in nickel which displays a purely continuous phase change. We discuss the accuracy and range of applicability of the micromagnetic imaging techniques of electron holography and Fresnel imaging which were used in this investigation.     

Quantum phase transitions in the anisotropic three dimensional XY model

In this paper we study the quantum phase transition in a three-dimensional XY model with single-ion anisotropy D and spin S=1. The low D phase is studied using the self consistent harmonic approximation, and the large D phase using the bond operator formalism. We calculate the critical value of the anisotropy parameter where a transition occurs from the large-D phase to the Néel phase. We present the behavior of the energy gap, in the large-D phase, as a function of the temperature. In the large D region, a longitudinal magnetic field induces a phase transition from the singlet to the antiferromagnetic state, and then from the AFM one to the paramagnetic state.     

Magnetic properties of nanoparticles of cobalt chromite

Magnetic properties of cobalt chromite nanoparticles of size 8-12 nm synthesized through conventional coprecipitation route are reported. Magnetization versus temperature measurement plot reveals a transition from paramagnetic to superparamagnetic (SPM) phase in contrast with the transition from paramagnetic to long-range ferrimagnetic phase at Curie temperature, T_c, reported in bulk. The blocking temperature, T_b, of SPM phase is found to be 50-60 K. On cooling in the presence of 10 kOe field these nanoparticles show an enhancement in coercivity and shifting of loop at 10 K, which is absent at 50 K. While the later observation supports the blocking temperature of the SPM phase, the former one is attributed to a disordered spin configuration at the surfaces and the distribution of nanoparticle sizes.     

Spin-glass-like transition in the majority-vote model with anticonformists

Majority-vote model on scale-free networks and random graphs is investigated in which a randomly chosen fraction p of agents (called anticonformists) follows an antiferromagnetic update rule, i.e., they assume, with probability governed by a parameter q (0 < q < 1∕2), the opinion opposite to that of the majority of their neighbors, while the remaining 1 ? p fraction of agents (conformists) follows the usual ferromagnetic update rule assuming, with probability governed by the same parameter q, the opinion in accordance with that of the majority of their neighbors. For p = 1 it is shown by Monte Carlo simulations and using the Binder cumulants method that for decreasing q the model undergoes second-order phase transition from a disordered (paramagnetic) state to a spin-glass-like state, characterized by a non-zero value of the spin-glass order parameter measuring the overlap of agents’ opinions in two replicas of the system, and simultaneously by the magnetization close to zero. In the case of the model on scale-free networks the critical value of the parameter q weakly depends on the details of the degree distribution. As p is decreased, the critical value of q falls quickly to zero and only the disordered phase is observed. On the other hand, for p close to zero for decreasing q the usual ferromagnetic transition is observed.     

A theory of phase transitions in solid krypton and xenon monolayers on graphite

A statistical mechanical model of solid Kr and Xe monolayers on graphite is described. A phase transition in a Kr monolayer is interpreted as a transition from a solid localised in the surface potential wells of the graphite, to an unlocalised solid having a higher density. Comparison with experimental data enables the graphite well depth to be estimated. Explicit calculations are presented for four different interatomic potential models. The density of the unlocalised phase, the isosteric heat, and the gas-solid transition are given as a function of temperature and pressure for both Kr and Xe. It is shown that Xe first condenses into an unlocalised phase, and its ability to undergo a transition into localisation is examined. It is found that this transition is unlikely at p ? 10^?3 Torr where volumetric measurements have been made, but may occur at lower pressures. The gas-solid transition data is re-interpreted in terms of a transition to the unlocalised phase. A combination of the solid-solid and gas-solid transition data is shown to be a good test of interatomic potential models. The comparison is made with particular reference to the magnitude of the Sinanoglu-Pitzer potential.     

Experimentally determined transition probabilities of the systems 6p2→6p6d, 6p7s, 6p8s of neutral lead

Branching ratio measurements have been performed for all of the observed transitions from eight levels in neutral lead (6p²→6p6d, 6p²→ 6p7s, 6p²→6p8s) excited in a hollow cathode discharge in the 200–730 nm spectral range. From the relative emission intensity data, a set of absolute transition probabilities is derived for 28 lines, including lines for which transition probabilities have not been previously published. The absolute scales are obtained by averaging the measured lifetimes of the ³P⁰_1,2, ¹P_1⁰(6p7s), ³F^0_2,3, ³D^0_1,2(6p6d) levels.     

Transition probabilities of forbidden lines within the electronic configurations 6p 2 and 6p 7p of Pb I

The least squares fit of radial parameters involving radial functions of the 6p ²- and 6p 7p-configurations of Pb I has been carried out. The wave functions of the 9 lowest even levels of Pb I have been found in the basis of LSJ-states belonging to two configurations. On the base of the wave functions the transition probabilities for magnetic dipole (M1) and electric quadrupole (E2) radiation have been calculated. Comparison of experimental data and theoretical results is discussed.     

Effect of magnetic field on the TC and magnetic properties for the aligned MnBi compound

In the compound MnBi, a first-order transition from the paramagnetic to the ferromagnetic state can be triggered by an applied magnetic field and the Curie temperature increases nearly linearly with an increase in magnetic field by ∼2 K/T. Under a field of 10 T, T_C increases by 20 and 22 K during heating and cooling, respectively. Under certain conditions a reversible magnetic field or temperature induced transition between the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic states can occur. A magnetic and crystallographic H-T phase diagram for MnBi is given. Magnetic properties of MnBi compound aligned in a Bi matrix have been investigated. In the low temperature phase MnBi, a spin-reorientation takes place during which the magnetic moments rotate from being parallel to the c-axis towards the basal plane at ∼90 K. A measuring Dc magnetic field applied parallel to the c-axis of MnBi suppresses partly the spin-reorientation transition. Interestingly, the fabricated magnetic field increases the temperature of spin-reorientation transition T_s and the change in magnetization for MnBi. For the sample solidified under 0.5 T, the change in magnetization is ∼70% and T_s is ∼91 K.     

First-principles study on the electronic structures of iron phthalocyanine monolayer

The electronic band structure and magnetic properties of iron phthalocyanine (FePc) monolayer were investigated by using the first-principles all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave energy band method. It is found that the ferromagnetic FePc monolayer is energetically more stable than the paramagnetic one. The exchange interaction, which splits the majority and minority bands, influences strongly on the electronic structure near the Fermi level (E_F). Magnetic moment of the central Fe atom is calculated to 1.95 μ_B. The range of the positive polarization of Fe site is larger in the out-of-plane than in the in-plane direction. The FePc ligand remains paramagnetic. The presence of states at E_F indicates the metallic character of FePc monolayer both for the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic states. However, the large density of states at E_F of the majority spins in the ferromagnetic state is expected to cause a phase transition to insulating antiferromagnetic state from the metallic ferromagnetic one.     

Optische übergangswahrscheinlichkeiten der Konfigurationen 3p 5 4s–3p 5 5p des Argon I

Optical transition probabilities of the configurations 3p ⁵ 4s–3p ⁵ 5p of Argon I were determined in a wall-stabilized arc plasma and compared with the theoretical results for different types of spin-orbit-coupling. Mostly the differences in the results forLS-jl- and intermediate-coupling are small compared with the deviations of the experimental values. Therefore it may be presumed that in some cases not the assumption of an approximately valid coupling scheme is responsible for the errors of the theoretical transition probabilities, but the other quantum mechanical approximation processes.     

On the bethe approximation for the random bond Ising model

A random bond Ising model is considered in terms of the pair approximation, which is equivalent to the Bethe approximation, of the cluster variation method. On taking the configurational average over the random distribution of bonds ±J, we take into account the nearest neighbor correlations between effective fields and bonds. We investigate their effects to the phase transition temperature from the paramagnetic phase to the ferro- (or antiferro-) magnetic phase and to the spin glass phase for the Ising model on the square lattice. It turns out that the correlation effects act favorably to the spin glass phase and bend upward the line of transition temperature from the paramagnetic phase to the spin glass phase as the concentration being apart from 0.5. In the appendix, we derive the expression of free energy in the weak interaction limit.     

Phase diagrams of a nonequilibrium mixed spin-3/2 and spin-2 Ising system in an oscillating magnetic field

The phase diagrams of the nonequilibrium mixed spin-3/2 and spin-2 Ising ferrimagnetic system on square lattice under a time-dependent external magnetic field are presented by using the Glauber-type stochastic dynamics. The model system consists of two interpenetrating sublattices of spins σ=3/2 and S=2, and we take only nearest-neighbor interactions between pairs of spins. The system is in contact with a heat bath at absolute temperature T_abs and the exchange of energy with the heat bath occurs via one-spin flip of the Glauber dynamics. First, we investigate the time variations of average order parameters to find the phases in the system and then the thermal behavior of the dynamic order parameters to obtain the dynamic phase transition (DPT) points as well as to characterize the nature (first- or second-order) phase transitions. The dynamic phase diagrams are presented in two different planes. Phase diagrams contain paramagnetic (p), ferrimagnetic (i₁, i₂, i₃) phases, and three coexistence or mixed phase regions, namely i₁+p, i₂+p and i₃+p mixed phases that strongly depend on interaction parameters.     

Simulations of the chain length dependence of the melting mechanism in short-chain n-alkane monolayers on graphite

The melting transition in solid monolayers of a series of short-chained n-alkanes, n-octane (n-C₈H₁₈), n-decane (n-C₁₀H₂₂), and n-dodecane (n-C₁₂H₂₆) physisorbed onto the graphite basal plane are studied through use of molecular dynamics simulations. Utilizing previous experimental observations of the solid phase behavior of these monolayers, this study investigates the temperature dependence of the phases and phase transitions in these three monolayers during the solid-fluid phase transition, and compares the observed melting behavior to previous studies of hexane and butane monolayers. In particular, this study seems to indicate a greater dependence of the melting transition on the formation of gauche defects in the alkyl chains as the chain length is increased. In light of the previously proposed “footprint reduction” mechanism and variations where the formation of gauche defects are energetically negated, simulations seem to suggest that decane and dodecane monolayers are generally equally as dependent upon the formation of gauche defects for the melting transition to take place, whereas octane monolayers seem to have less dependence, but follow a trend that is established in previous studies of melting in butane and hexane monolayers. Also, the phase transition from a solid herringbone phase into an orientationally ordered “intermediate” phase is found to exhibit some differences as compared to a recent study of hexane monolayers, which may be interpreted as originating from the greater influence of gauche defects. Comparison to experimental melting temperatures is provided where possible, and applications involving thin film manipulation and lubrication is discussed.