Current–phase relationship measurements in the flow of superfluid He through a single orifice

We report accurate measurements of the current-phase relationship in the flow of superfluid ³He through a single orifice. While ideal sinusoidal 2π-periodic Josephson behavior prevails close to T_c, increasingly strong π-periodic admixture is usually observed at lower temperatures.     

An approximate analytic solution of the heat conduction equation at nanoscale

The Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and the Adomian double decomposition method (ADDM) for solving the 3D non-Fourier heat conduction equation at nanoscale based on the dual-phase-lag framework are proposed. We show that the noise terms that appear in ADM solution can be removed, if the ADDM is employed.     

Temperature dependence of the coupled electron–ripplon resonance spectrum of electron crystal over liquid helium

Spectra of coupled electron–ripplon oscillation of two-dimensional (2D) Wigner crystal with the surface electron density n_s=6.4×10⁸ cm⁻² (melting temperature of 0.58 K) are measured under conditions of both complete and noncomplete screening of the holding electric field in temperature range 0.08–0.4 K. The frequencies of the resonances are compared with the results of calculation in the frameworks of a self-consistent theory by Monarkha and Shikin. It is shown that the amplitude of the (0,1) resonance mode tends to 0 as temperature reaches the melting temperature.     

Correlation of size and oxygen bonding at the interface of Si nanocrystal in Si–SiO2 nanocomposite: A Raman mapping study

Raman spectroscopy/mapping is used to investigate the variation of Si phonon wavenumbers, i.e., lower wavenumber (LW ~ 495–510 cm⁻¹) and higher wavenumber (HW ~ 515–519 cm⁻¹) phonons, observed in Si–SiO₂ multilayer nanocomposite (NCp) grown using pulsed laser deposition. Sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy as a local probe to surface/interface is effectively used to show that LW and HW phonons originate at surface (Si–SiO₂ interface) and core of Si nanocrystals, respectively. The consistent picture of this understanding is developed using Raman spectroscopy monitored laser heating/annealing and cooling experiment at the site of the desired wavenumber, chosen with the help of Raman mapping. Raman spectra calculations for Si₄₁ cluster with oxygen and hydrogen termination show strong mode at 512 cm⁻¹ for oxygen terminated cluster corresponding to the vibration of surface Si atoms. This supports our attribution of LW phonons to be originating at the Si–SiO₂ surface/interface. These results along with XPS show that nature of interface (oxygen bonding) in turn depends on the size of nanocrystals and LW phonons originate at the surface of smaller Si nanocrystals. The understanding developed can conclude the ongoing debate on large variation in Si phonon wavenumbers of Si–SiO₂ NCps in the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the stability of bubbles trapped at a solid–liquid interface: A thermodynamical approach

In this paper we present a condition for thermodynamic equilibrium of gas bubbles of dimensions larger that a few tens of nanometers trapped at a solid–liquid interface. It is defined an intensive adimensional function that relates bubble stability with wettability and surface corrugation related parameters. From it, we deduce that bubbles can be stable on smooth, highly hydrophobic surfaces and that, on weakly hydrophobic surfaces, bubbles may be stabilized by topographical heterogeneities like pores and grooves.     

The thermodynamics of the A–B transition in superfluid He as a probe of the A-phase gap node geometry

We have used a magnetic field gradient to stabilise the phase boundary between the A- and B-phases of superfluid ³He inside a quasiparticle black body radiator down to 146 μK. The radiator technique enables us to measure very accurately the density of quasiparticle excitations and therefore the temperature of the B-phase inside the radiator. As we ramp the field through the transition we can observe the cooling (warming) effect when the volume of A-phase is increased (decreased). From these measurements we deduce the temperature dependence of the latent heat, which provides the lowest temperature verification yet of the existence of nodes in the A-phase order parameter.     

Synthesis of spin labelled silica and EPR molecular dynamics study at silica–polymer interfaces

Information concerning the interface structure in filler/polymer composites is of key importance for the rationalization of reaction mechanisms in mechano‐chemical (extrusion, blending, etc.), thermal or radiation induced free radical processes and for elucidating the factors underlying the reinforcing mechanism. The analysis of the chain dynamics is a suitable tool for undertaking such investigations because any reactivity parameter (rate constants, collisional frequencies, activation energies) and bonding interactions are strictly related to the mobility of the interacting centres. EPR spectroscopy coupled with specific spin labelling at the filler/polymer interface is a tool for making such novel perspective available. In this work, a spin labelling study of the molecular motion at the filler–rubber interface in a silica–SBR blend is reported. Spin labels of different length, spanning a 9–11 Å depth and linked to the surface of silica particles, were prepared and used for determining the rotational diffusion tensors, the T₅₀ and order parameter in silica/SBR interfaces. The measurements carried out as a function of the temperature in comparison with unbound spin probes dispersed in the rubber matrix have afforded information consistent with the structure of the interfaces predicted by molecular–level theoretical models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An evaluation of surface properties and frictional forces generated from Al–Mo–Ni coating on piston ring

Surface properties of the Al–Mo–Ni coating plasma sprayed on the piston ring material and the frictional forces obtained by testing carried out under different loads, temperatures and frictional conditions were evaluated.

Al–Mo–Ni composite material was deposited on the AISI 440C test steel using plasma spraying method. The coated and uncoated samples were tested by being exposed to frictional testing under dry and lubricated conditions. Test temperatures of 25, 100, 200, and 300 °C and loads of 83, 100, 200, and 300 N were applied during the tests in order to obtain the frictional response of the coating under conditions similar to real piston ring/cylinder friction conditions. Gray cast iron was used as a counterface material. All the tests were carried out with a constant sliding speed of 1 m/s.

The properties of the coating were determined by using EDX and SEM analyses. Hardness distribution on the cross-section of the coating was also determined. In addition, the variations of the surface roughness after testing with test temperatures and loads under dry and lubricated conditions were recorded versus sliding distance.

It was determined that the surface roughness increased with increasing loads. It increased with temperature up to 200 °C and then decreased at 300 °C under dry test conditions.

Under lubricated conditions, the roughness decreased under the loads of 100 N and then increased. The roughness decreased at 200 °C but below and above this point it increased with the test temperature.

Frictional forces observed under dry and lubricated test conditions increased with load at running-in period of the sliding. The steady-state period was then established with the sliding distance as a normal situation. However, the frictional forces were generally lower at a higher test temperature than those at a lower test temperature. Surprisingly, the test temperature of 200 °C was a critical point for frictional forces and surface roughness.     

The role of the dynamic pressure in stationary heat conduction of a rarefied polyatomic gas

The effect of the dynamic pressure (non-equilibrium pressure) on stationary heat conduction in a rarefied polyatomic gas at rest is elucidated by the theory of extended thermodynamics. It is shown that this effect is observable in a non-polytropic gas. Numerical studies are presented for a para-hydrogen gas as a typical example.     

A search for QGP formation in antiproton–He annihilation at rest

The dependence of the strangeness production on the number of nucleons involved in the annihilation process is investigated experimentally in and ⁴He annihilation at rest. In He, annihilations with the involvement of one and several nucleons (B=0 and B1 baryonic number, respectively) are identified. Strangeness enhancement factors, i.e., ratios of K^±, , K^0* and ϕ meson yields in ⁴He to the same yields in H, are derived for final states containing 4 charged mesons (2π⁺2π⁻, π⁺π⁻πK^±, π⁺π⁻K⁺K⁻). This work completes a previous investigation concerning charged kaon production in meson final states without neutral mesons. The results are compared with our previous ones and with results found in experiments on heavy-ion collisions. It is put in evidence that the strangeness content in the energy blob created by the annihilation has a lower or higher intensity depending on the reaction channel: for instance, π⁺π⁻πK^± production increases with B and π⁺π⁻K⁺K⁻ production decreases. The maximum enhancement factor (about 22) is found for π⁺π⁻π⁻K⁺ without neutral mesons. This value (as well as that concerning π⁺π⁺π⁻K⁻) is definitely higher than the values predicted by theoretical investigations based on the formation of a highly excited hadronic gas in the annihilation on few nucleons and values found in heavy-ion collisions. Is it the signature of the formation of quark–gluon plasma?     

The solid–liquid interface energy of organic crystals

A simple thermodynamic model, originally developed for metals based on the Gibbs–Thomson equation and related considerations for homogeneous nucleation, has been extended to predict the solid–liquid interface energy γ_sl of organic crystals. The model predictions correspond to available experimental and other theoretical results for 38 organic crystals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of copper monolayer and particles at aqueous–organic interface

Using aqueous–organic interface (water–oleic acid) reduction of Cu²⁺ by ascorbic acid, hydrophobic copper monolayer and copper particles have been prepared and characterized. The resultant monolayer could be transferred from the interface onto solid substrate or be dissolved to yield an organosol and copper nanoparticles.     

Intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction in enyne–allenes: a computational investigation and comparison with the Myers–Saito and Schmittel reactions

The reaction mechanisms as well as substituted effect and solvent effect of the enyne–allenes are investigated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) method and compared with the Myers–Saito and Schmittel reactions. The Myers–Saito reaction of non‐substituted enyne–allenes is kinetically and thermodynamically favored as compared to the Schmittel reaction; while the concerted [4 + 2] cycloaddition is only 1.32 kcal/mol higher than the C₂? C₇ cyclization and more exothermic (Δ_RE = ?69.38 kcal/mol). For R₁ = CH₃ and t‐Bu, the increasing barrier of the C₂? C₇ cyclization is higher than that for the C₂? C₆ cyclization because of the steric effect, so the increased barrier of the [4 + 2] cycloaddition is affected by such substituted electron‐releasing group. Moreover, the strong steric effect of R₁ = t‐Bu would shift the C₂? C₇ cyclization to the [4 + 2] cycloaddition. On the other hand, for R₁ = Ph, NH₂, O^?, NO₂, and CN substituents, the barrier of the C₂? C₆ cyclization would be more diminished than the C₂? C₇ cyclization due to strong mesomeric effect; the reaction path of C₂? C₇ cyclization would also shift to the [4 + 2] cycloaddition. The solvation does not lead to significant changes in the potential‐energy surface of the reaction except for the more polar surrounding solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or water. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Molecular simulation of sodium butyl benzene sulfonate at air–water interface and in aqueous solution

Molecular mechanics(MM) calculations for interfacial behaviour of sodium n-butyl benzene sulfonate (NaNBBS), sodium iso-butyl benzene sulfonate (NaIBBS) and sodium tert-butyl benzene sulfonate (NaTBBS) show a significant effect of the butyl group geometry on the surface area occupied by these molecules at the air–water interface. NaNBBS, in comparison with NaIBBS and NaTBBS, shows a closer molecular packing at the interface. The simulation predicts minimum hydrotrope concentration of each hydrotrope to reach surface saturation and molecular surface area at the interface match with good accuracy. The shape, size and charge of the hydrotrope aggregates obtained by molecular dynamics simulation also match well with the results of small angle neutron scattering experiments on the same hydrotrope. The simulation shows non-regular and ellipsoidal hydrotropes aggregates with substantial charge on the surface. The aggregates are also more open structures as compared to surfactant micelles. The water accessible surface area of a NaNBBS aggregate was 25% lower in comparison to that of NaTBBS aggregate, indicating closer packing of NaNBBS molecules. The fractional charge on the NaNBBS aggregate decreases with the increase in the number of NaNBBS molecules in the aggregate indicating more counter-ion association.     

Possible vortex production by a vibrating wire in superfluid He–B

We observe spectacular features on the force–velocity characteristic of a vibrating wire resonator in superfluid ³He–B at ultralow temperatures. There are both plateaux and discontinuities in the characteristic. The plateaux seem to have two separate critical velocities where firstly some ‘event’ occurs, which causes the wire to lose energy and slow down, followed by a second critical velocity where the ‘event’ decouples. The shape of the pulses so created depends on the precise position on the particular plateau. At the low-velocity end of the plateau, the pulses show a sudden decrease in velocity followed by a gradual growth, whereas at the high-velocity end the pulses consist of a sudden increase in velocity followed by a gradual decrease. Eventually, the pulsing ceases indicating a saturation effect. We speculate that these events are due to vortex creation and annihilation/separation.     

Structure comparison of PMN–PT and PMN–PZT nanocrystals prepared by gel-combustion method at optimized temperatures

We have synthesized and were performed a comparison of structures and optical properties between relaxor ferroelectric PMN–PT and PMN–PZT nanopowders. A gel-combustion method has been used to synthesize PMN–PT and PMN–PZT nanocrystalline with the perovskite structure. The precursors employed in the gel-combustion process were lead nitrate, magnesium acetate, niobium ammonium oxalate and zirconium nitrate. The nanopowders were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to monitor the transformation of precursor solutions during the thermal reactions leading to the formation of perovskite phase.     

On the possibility of excitonic phases at the semiconductor–semimetal transition

Motivated by recent experimental evidences for pressure-induced exciton condensation in intermediate valent Tm[Se,Te] compounds, we re-examine, adopting a BEC–BCS crossover scenario, the formation and stability of exciton insulator versus electron–hole liquid phases.     

Ginzburg–Landau equations and boundary conditions for superconductors in static magnetic fields

We derive the Ginzburg–Landau equations for superconductors in static magnetic fields. Instead of the square of the gauge‐invariant gradient of the order‐parameter wave function, we consider the quantum‐mechanical expression for the kinetic energy in the Ginzburg–Landau energy functional. We introduce a new surface term in the free energy functional which results in the de Gennes interface conditions. The phenomenological Ginzburg–Landau theory thus contains three length scales which must be determined from microscopic theory: the Ginzburg–Landau coherence length, the London penetration depth, and the de Gennes length.