Installation of a combined Raman and AFM microscope as a sample environment for nuclear resonance scattering at P01, PETRA III

A combined Raman and atomic force microscope (AFM) has been installed at beamline P01, PETRA III, DESY in Hamburg and is now available for all users of this beamline. With this unique setup nuclear resonance scattering and simultaneously performed Raman or Atomic Force Microscopy experiments are possible. Here we report on technical details of this new sample environment and on first tests with respect to the study of microstructures of spin crossover materials using ⁵⁷Fe nuclear resonance scattering.     

Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and resonant X‐ray magnetic scattering at helium‐3 temperatures in high magnetic fields at beamline P09 at PETRA III

The resonant scattering and diffraction beamline P09 at PETRA III at DESY is equipped with a 14 T vertical field split‐pair magnet. A helium‐3 refrigerator is available that can be fitted inside the magnet's variable‐temperature insert. Here the results of a series of experiments aimed at determining the beam conditions permitting operations with the He‐3 insert are presented. By measuring the tetragonal‐to‐orthorhombic phase transition occurring at 2.1 K in the Jahn–Teller compound TmVO₄, it is found that the photon flux at P09 must be attenuated down to 1.5 × 10⁹ photons s^?1 for the sample to remain at temperatures below 800 mK. Despite such a reduction of the incident flux and the subsequent use of a Cu(111) analyzer, the resonant X‐ray magnetic scattering signal at the Tm L_III absorption edge associated with the spin‐density wave in TmNi₂B₂C below 1.5 K is intense enough to permit a complete study in magnetic field and at sub‐Kelvin temperatures to be carried out.     

On spectral invariance of single scattering albedo for water droplets and ice crystals at weakly absorbing wavelengths

The single scattering albedo ω_0λ in atmospheric radiative transfer is the ratio of the scattering coefficient to the extinction coefficient. For cloud water droplets both the scattering and absorption coefficients, thus the single scattering albedo, are functions of wavelength λ and droplet size r. This note shows that for water droplets at weakly absorbing wavelengths, the ratio ω_0λ(r)/ω_0λ(r₀) of two single scattering albedo spectra is a linear function of ω_0λ(r). The slope and intercept of the linear function are wavelength independent and sum to unity. This relationship allows for a representation of any single scattering albedo spectrum ω_0λ(r) via one known spectrum ω_0λ(r₀). We provide a simple physical explanation of the discovered relationship. Similar linear relationships were found for the single scattering albedo spectra of non-spherical ice crystals.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and electron nuclear double resonance of NaCl:Rh2+: A comparison between similarly doped Bridgman- and solution-grown single crystals

In a recent electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) study several new rhodium related centres in a Bridgman-grown crystal were reported. For two centres a detailed microscopic model was established. The primary Rh²⁺ centre was identified as a [RhCl₆]^4? complex with a single charge compensating Na⁺ vacancy in a next nearest neighbour position. A second centre was identified as a rhodium dimer. Two other Rh²⁺ centres, with apparent axial symmetry, remained unidentified. In the present study a detailed comparison between Rh²⁺ defects in Bridgman- and solution-grown NaCl crystals is presented. One of the previously unidentified Rh²⁺ centres is shown not to be axial but to have orthorhombic-I symmetry and is identified as a cis-[RhCl₆]^4? complex with two next nearest neighbour Na⁺ vacancies. For the primary centre additional ENDOR interactions confirm the model mentioned above. Finally a comparison is made between the temperature stability of the primary and orthorhombic-I centre in Bridgman-grown and similarly doped solution-grown NaCl crystals.     

Hydrogen bonds in single crystals of para and meta-aminobenzonitrile as revealed by the Zeeman effect on the nuclear quadrupole resonance of 14N

The |e ² qQ/h| and η values for both the cyano and the amino-nitrogen of the title compounds are reported at room temperature as well as at 273 K and 77 K. From Zeeman effects on single crystals of both compounds the orientation of the principal axes of the electric field gradient (efg) on both nitrogen nuclei, as well as a number of data on the crystallographic and molecular structure, are obtained. A reliable interpretation is given of the experimental resonance frequencies, which are also safely assigned to the right nitrogen atoms. By studying the dependence of the resonance linewidth on the orientation, with respect to the efg principal axes, of the Zeeman field B ₀, the spatial distribution of the hydrogen nuclei around the ¹⁴N nuclei is determined. In this way hydrogen bonds are shown to exist in both single crystals. An analysis based on the Townes and Dailey theory allows an estimate to be made of the possible variation of the population of the cyano-nitrogen lone-pair orbital when involved in hydrogen bonds.     

A comparison of Raman scattering,resonance Raman scattering,and fluorescence from molecules adsorbed on silver island films

The enhancement of Raman scattering (RS), resonance Raman scattering (RRS), and fluorescence from molecules adsorbed on silver-island films is reported. A heirarchy of enhancements is found: 10⁵ for RS, 10³ for RRS, and 0.1–10 for fluorescence, depending on the quantum yield of the free molecule. Using the framework of the electromagnetic theory of surface-enhanced Raman scattering, generalized to treat molecular resonance phenomena, we develop a unified picture of the role of the surface plasmon resonances, and the surface-induced damping, in the light scattering processes. The observed heirarchy of enhancements is shown to have important spectroscopic consequences.     

Anomalous quasielastic electron scattering from single H2, D2, and HD molecules at large momentum transfer: indications of nuclear spin effects

Quasielectron electron scattering from gaseous H2, D2, a 50:50 mixture of H2 and D2, and HD is investigated with 2.25 keV impact energy and a momentum transfer variant Planck's over 2piq of 19.7 a.u. The energy transfer is less than the dissociation energy. The spectral positions of the H and D recoil peaks agree with Rutherford scattering theory. Surprisingly, in the spectrum of the 50:50 H2-D2 mixture, the integrated intensity of the H peak is 31%+/-4% lower (as compared to that of D) than predicted by Rutherford scattering, despite equal screening of nuclear charges by the electrons. In contrast, the ratio of scattering intensities from H and D in HD agrees with the predictions of Rutherford scattering. Comparison is made with neutron Compton scattering results from the same systems, but at higher energy transfers causing bond breaking. Possible theoretical explanations are outlined.     

ASPIRE: An automated sample positioning and irradiation system for radiation biology experiments at Inter University Accelerator Centre,New Delhi

An automated irradiation setup for biology samples has been built at Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, India. It can automatically load and unload 20 biology samples in a run of experiment. It takes about 20 min [2% of the cell doubling time] to irradiate all the 20 samples. Cell doubling time is the time taken by the cells (kept in the medium) to grow double in numbers. The cells in the samples keep growing during entire of the experiment. The fluence irradiated to the samples is measured with two silicon surface barrier detectors. Tests show that the uniformity of fluence and dose of heavy ions reaches to 2% at the sample area in diameter of 40 mm. The accuracy of mean fluence at the center of the target area is within 1%. The irradiation setup can be used to the studies of radiation therapy, radiation dosimetry and molecular biology at the heavy ion accelerator.     

A high resolution neutron spectrometer for quasielastic scattering on the basis of spin-echo and magnetic resonance

We propose a high resolution neutron spectrometer, which combines the spin-echo principle with the separated coil magnetic resonance technique. The introduction of magnetic resonance instead of static spin-flippers in the spin-echo spectrometer allows the replacement of its high magnetic fields by low guide fields. The new technique represents a generalisation of the conventional spin-echo spectrometer.This property also holds for the double statistical-[8] the double Fourier- [9] and the Fotof-spectrometer [10], but those have not been built to our knowledge     

Design and performance of BOREAS,the beamline for resonant X‐ray absorption and scattering experiments at the ALBA synchrotron light source

The optical design of the BOREAS beamline operating at the ALBA synchrotron radiation facility is described. BOREAS is dedicated to resonant X‐ray absorption and scattering experiments using soft X‐rays, in an unusually extended photon energy range from 80 to above 4000 eV, and with full polarization control. Its optical scheme includes a fixed‐included‐angle, variable‐line‐spacing grating monochromator and a pair of refocusing mirrors, equipped with benders, in a Kirkpatrick–Baez arrangement. It is equipped with two end‐stations, one for X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism and the other for resonant magnetic scattering. The commissioning results show that the expected beamline performance is achieved both in terms of energy resolution and of photon flux at the sample position.     

A collection of 505 papers on false or unconfirmed ferroelectric properties in single crystals,ceramics and polymers

This collection presents 505 papers on ferroelectricity in single crystals, ceramics and polymers in which pointed or elliptical hysteresis loops would testify to their ferroelectric properties. In some papers, the authors ensure that ferroelectricity can occur even in materials that do not have a polar axis of symmetry.     

Differential cross sections from quantum calculations on coupled Ab initio potential energy surfaces and scattering experiments for Cl(2P)+H2 reactions

To assess the relative reactivity of the spin-orbit excited state of atomic Cl with molecular hydrogen, we have measured differential cross sections using an atomic Cl beam with a known concentration of the ground and excited spin-orbit states. These are compared with the first determination of the cross sections from quantum mechanical scattering calculations on a set of coupled ab initio potential energy surfaces. The comparison suggests that these surfaces may underestimate the degree of rotational excitation of the HCl products and that the excited spin-orbit state plays a minor role in the reaction.     

Three-dimensional noble-metal nanostructure: A new kind of substrate for sensitive,uniform, and reproducible surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS) is a powerful vibrational spectroscopy technique for highly sensitive structural detection of low concentration analyte. The SERS activities largely depend on the topography of the substrate.In this review, we summarize the recent progress in SERS substrate, especially focusing on the three-dimensional(3D)noble-metal substrate with hierarchical nanostructure. Firstly, we introduce the background and general mechanism of3 D hierarchical SERS nanostructures. Then, a systematic overview on the fabrication, growth mechanism, and SERS property of various noble-metal substrates with 3D hierarchical nanostructures is presented. Finally, the applications of 3D hierarchical nanostructures as SERS substrates in many fields are discussed.     

A nuclear magnetic resonance study of the structural properties and molecular motions of Li2KH(SO4)2 and LiKSO4 single crystals

The structural properties and relaxation mechanisms of Li₂KH(SO₄)₂ crystals were determined using the temperature dependences of NMR spectra and the spin-lattice relaxation times (T₁) of their ¹H, ⁷Li, and ³⁹K nuclei. The results obtained were compared with the previously reported physical properties of LiKSO₄ crystals. The substitution of the potassium ions with protons in the LiKSO₄ crystals were variations in the phase transition temperatures, and the non-appearance of ferroelastic properties. The ⁷Li T₁ for the Li₂KH(SO₄)₂ crystals was much shorter than the ⁷Li T₁ for the LiKSO₄ crystals, and these findings indicate that the presence of the protons in Li₂KH(SO₄)₂ causes the Li ions to move with greater freedom.     

A new era for liquid crystal research: Applications of liquid crystals in soft matter nano-, bio- and microtechnology

Liquid crystals constitute a fascinating class of soft condensed matter characterized by the counterintuitive combination of fluidity and long-range order. Today they are best known for their exceptionally successful application in flat panel displays, but they actually exhibit a plethora of unique and attractive properties that offer tremendous potential for fundamental science as well as innovative applications well beyond the realm of displays. Today this full breadth of the liquid crystalline state of matter is becoming increasingly recognized and numerous new and exciting lines of research are being opened up. We review this exciting development, focusing primarily on the physics aspects of the new research thrusts, in which liquid crystals – thermotropic as well as lyotropic – often meet other types of soft matter, such as polymers and colloidal nano- or microparticle dispersions. Because the field is of large interest also for researchers without a liquid crystal background we begin with a concise introduction to the liquid crystalline state of matter and the key concepts of the research field. We then discuss a selection of promising new directions, starting with liquid crystals for organic electronics, followed by nanotemplating and nanoparticle organization using liquid crystals, liquid crystal colloids (where the liquid crystal can constitute either the continuous phase or the disperse phase, as droplets or shells) and their potential in e.g. photonics and metamaterials, liquid crystal-functionalized polymer fibers, liquid crystal elastomer actuators, ending with a brief overview of activities focusing on liquid crystals in biology, food science and pharmacology.     

Investigation on the bulk crystal growth,crystalline perfection,refractive index and piezoelectric properties of borate single crystals for piezoelectric and electro-optic applications

Low solubility potassium pentaborate tetrahydrate (KB5), ammonium pentaborate tetrahydrate (AB5) and mixed (KAB5) single crystals have been grown by the Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) method. The crystal structures and space groups have been confirmed by powder XRD analysis. The direction of the grown crystal was confirmed by the back reflection X-ray Laue pattern. The crystalline perfection (CP) of the crystals have been evaluated using HRXRD studies. The transmittance spectra of the grown crystals were recorded by UV–Vis-NIR transmission studies showing that all the crystals have 90% transmittance in the entire visible region and found that the crystals' cut off wavelengths were below 200 nm. The optical studies such as refractive index (RI) and birefringence interferometry (BI) were reported. The RI for five different wavelengths of KB5, AB5 and KAB5 crystals were analyzed using the prism coupling method (PCM). Electromechanical behavior of the grown crystals was observed using piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) measurement. Vickers Microhardness (VMH) measurement carried out at 30 °C shows increased hardness as the load increases.     

A note on the use of the new variable n for elastic scattering and inclusive reactions

The usefulness of the kinematical variable n² which has been proposed in connection with elastic scattering and inclusive reactions is examined in the context of a certain historical background which already exists, and a modification to the proposed formulae is presented.     

A nuclear magnetic resonance study of the phase transitions and electric quadrupole Raman processes of M5H3(SO4)4·H2O (M=Na, K, Rb, and Cs) single crystals

The spin–lattice relaxation times and spin–spin relaxation times for ¹H and M in M₅H₃(SO₄)₄·H₂O (M=Na, K, Rb, and Cs) single crystals grown using the slow-evaporation method were measured as functions of temperature. Two kinds of protons were identified in the M₅H₃(SO₄)₄·H₂O structure: acid protons and water protons. Our experimental results show that the acid and water protons in Cs₅H₃(SO₄)₄·H₂O are involved in phase transitions of this crystal, whereas neither type of proton is involved in the phase transitions of the other three crystal type (M₅H₃(SO₄)₄·H₂O; M=Na, K, and Rb). Moreover, the relaxation times for the M (=Na, K, and Rb) nuclei in these crystals were found to decrease with increasing temperature and can be described with (k=2). The T₁ results for M (=Na, K, and Rb) in M₅H₃(SO₄)₄·H₂O crystals can be explained in terms of a relaxation mechanism in which the lattice vibrations are coupled to the nuclear electric quadrupole moments.