Very high resolution far infrared synchrotron radiation spectrum of methanol-D1 (CH2DOH) in the first three torsional-vibrational modes

In our effort to systematically study the far infrared (FIR) spectra of asymmetrically mono deuterated methanol (CH₂DOH) and thereby obtain the transition wavenumbers with better and better accuracy (Mukhopadhyay, 2016a,b), the complete Fourier transform (FT) spectra from FIR to infrared (IR) vibrational bands (in the range 50–1190 cm⁻¹) have been re-recorded using the Synchrotron Radiation Source at the Canadian Light Sources in Saskatchewan, Canada. The resolution of the spectrum is unprecedented, reaching beyond the Doppler limited resolution as low as about 0.0008 cm⁻¹ with a signal to noise (S/N) ratio is many fold better than that can be obtained by commercially available FT spectrometer using thermal sources (e.g., Globar). Spectra were also recorded beyond 1190 cm⁻¹ to about 5000 cm⁻¹ at a somewhat lower resolution of 0.002–0.004 cm⁻¹. In this report the analysis of the b-type and c-type torsional - rotational spectra in the ground vibrational state corresponding to gauche- (e₁/o₁) to gauche- (e₁/o₁) and gauche- (e₁/o₁) to trans- (e₀) states in the ground vibrational state are reported and an atlas of the wavenumber for about 2500 FIR assigned absorption lines has been prepared. The transitions within a given sub-band are analyzed using state dependent expansion parameters and the Q-branch origins. The data from previous results (Mukhopadhyay, 2016a,b) along with the present work allowed a global analysis yielding a complete set of molecular parameters. The state dependent molecular parameters reproduce the experimental wavenumbers within experimental uncertainty. In addition, the sensitivity of the spectrum allowed observation of forbidden transitions previously unobserved and helped reassignment of rotational angular momentum quantum numbers of some ΔK = ±1, Q-branch transitions in highly excited states recently reported in the literature. To our knowledge the wavenumbers reported in the present work are the most accurate so far reported in the literature and represent the highest resolution spectra for this molecular species.     

Sub-millimeter wave spectroscopy of CHD2OH: a-type and asymmetry induced c-type transitions in the lowest three torsional sub-levels

The sub-millimeter wave (SMMW) spectral measurements using a fast scan backward wave oscillator based spectrometer have been carried out for asymmetrically deuterated methanol CHD₂OH (Methanol-D₂). Transition frequencies have an estimated uncertainty of about ±50 kHz. Albeit the complexity in the spectra, assignments were possible for a large number of a-type (ΔK = 0) transitions. In the course of the assignment process a strong c-type (ΔK = 1) Q-branch connecting two states of different symmetry species has been identified. This Q-branch assignment is significant because it is forbidden in the normal parent species CH₃OH. It becomes allowed in the current species due to the effects of the asymmetry introduced by the off-axis deuterium in the hindering potential to the internal rotation in the molecule. The assignments are rigorously confirmed using combination relations which required the measurement of some other related lines. To our knowledge this is the first time such symmetry breaking transitions are reported in CHD₂OH and in fact this is the first time the SMMW spectrum of CHD₂OH is being reported. Detailed spectral study of this molecule in the IR and FIR regions is in progress and will be reported elsewhere. Detailed study of the identification optically pumped FIR laser line is underway.     

Fine structure of far infrared spectrum of ethanol in the lowest OH-torsional vibrational trans-state (e0) of ethanol

In this report the spectroscopic results for far infrared Fourier transform spectrum corresponding to the b-type transitions within the lowest lying trans-substrate (e₀) have been presented. The calculated matrix elements connecting various K-levels suggest that ΔK = 1 transitions within the trans- subs-state should be quite strong but the transitions between the trans state to the gauche states would quite week (practically non-existent). This was also concluded by previous studies using microwave and millimeter wave regions (Pearson et al., 1982; Millar, 1995). The assignments were confirmed by direct observations at the spectrum and the agreement between the observed and calculated spectrum using precise energy levels reported by Pearson et al. (1982). All the strong ^RR and some ^RQ branch lines starting from K = 10 ← 9 through K = 24 ← 23 have been identified. State dependent expansion parameters for all the 15 sub-bands have been presented. These parameters can reproduce the experimental wave numbers within experimental uncertainty. An atlas for about 450 transition lines corresponding to transitions within the e₀ torsional–vibrational species has been prepared. To our knowledge this is the first time the high resolution far infra-red spectral region study for ethanol have been performed.     

New measurements and analysis of the far-infrared spectrum of CH2DOH in the lowest torsional vibrational state (e0)

In this work the far infrared (FIR) absorption spectrum has been measured for the asymmetrically mono deuterated Methanol (CH₂DOH) species in the wavenumber range of 15–1200 cm⁻¹ better accuracy and signal/noise ratio than known before. Assignments have been made for b-type transitions in the lowest lying torsional vibrational state trans-(e₀) for a wide range of rotational angular momentum. The assignments have been rigorously confirmed by the residual loop defect methods. The ^rR–branch wavenumbers are analyzed by the usual state dependent expansion parameters and the Q-Branch origins. These origins have been used to calculate the torsional and torsional-rotation interaction contributions. These findings are in good agreement with predicted from the Hamiltonian model described in recent publications. A large number of assignments have also been made in the millimeter wave spectrum recorded earlier and thereby evaluated the asymmetry splitting parameters for 4 different axial rotational angular momentum quantum numbers. The analysis and interpretation of the spectra are reported. New assignments for about 260 transitions are included the text and a catalog of about 1500 transitions belonging to the e₀ species is prepared (Appendix 1) and is made available through the open server in “Research Gate” and will be freely available to others.     

High-resolution spectrum of the ν9 band and reinvestigation of the ν8 band of cis-CH3ONO

The infrared spectrum of methyl nitrite CH₃ONO has been recorded at a spectral resolution of 0.003 cm^?1 using a Fourier-transform spectrometer Bruker IFS125HR. The ν₈ band of the cis isomer has been reinvestigated in the 780–880 cm^?1 spectral range to complete the study made by Goss et al. (2004) [3] and to fit the internal rotor splittings. The BELGI-IR program, which enables us to treat an isolated infrared band for asymmetric molecules containing one internal methyl rotor has been used for the analysis and predictions of spectra. Finally 1036 lines (913 A-type and 123 E-type lines for J≤50 and K_a≤28) have been assigned for the cis isomer and fitted with a standard deviation of 0.00047 cm^?1.Furthermore, for the first time, the ν₉ band of cis-CH₃ONO was investigated in the 540–660 cm^?1 spectral range and rather large internal rotation splittings were also observed at higher J values. For the ν₉ band, the effective approach performed with the BELGI-IR program allowed us to analyze and reproduce 682 lines up to J=50 and K_a=18 with a standard deviation of 0.00051 cm^?1. The multiple vibration–rotation–torsion interactions, which are likely to occur between the excited v₉=1 and v₈=1 states and the torsional manifolds are discussed.     

Improved measurements and analysis of the far-infrared spectrum of methanol-D1 (CH2DOH) arising from trans- (e0) to gauche- (e1 & o1) states

In this work the millimeter-wave (MMW) and far infrared (FIR) absorption spectrum for the asymmetrically deuterated Methanol (CH₂DOH) species measured recently at a temperature of −60 °C with better accuracy and signal/noise (S/N) ratio than known before has been assigned for transitions originating at the lowest lying trans- to gauche-states. The entire spectrum for 50–1200 cm⁻¹ has been re-recorded recently using the Synchrotron Radiation Source coupled with the Bruker Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer with a resolution of about 0.001 cm⁻¹ or better. Complete spectrum has not been exploited a great deal but it helped to entangle overlapping lines in the present work. This also fills the gap remaining in the usual FTIR in the range 400–500 cm⁻¹. Hence it is expected to help the interacting partner for the Coriolis interaction encountered earlier. The assigned transitions mostly for the axial rotational angular momentum quantum number K + 1 ← K, both for R- and Q-sub bands for wide range of rotational angular momentum quantum number. The MMW spectrum has been recalibrated and assigned for a number of Q-branches. The assignments are confirmed rigorously using closed loop residual technique. The assigned ^rR and ^rQ lines have been analyzed in terms of polynomial expansion parameters. The new assignments are presented for about 750 transitions and a grand atlas of more than 1000 lines has been prepared which will be made available through the open source server at “research gate”. The present work should be useful in the area of astrophysical detection and further understanding of the energy relaxation pathways in the molecule.     

Effects on Jc of pinning center morphology for multiple-in-line-damage in coated conductor and bulk,melt-textured HTS

The properties of discontinuous aligned pinning centers (PCs) created by high-energy heavy-ions are compared for bulk melt-textured and coated conductor HTS. Properties of PCs, which increase J_c (pinning potential and entanglement), and negative properties which decrease J_c (e.g., decreased T_c and percolation paths) are evaluated. Mechanisms are proposed to explain the very large increases in J_c resulting from multiple-in-line-damage (MILD) compared to continuous columnar pinning centers (CCPC). In particular, a mechanism which results in fluxoid entanglement, even for parallel (unsplayed) PCs, is discussed. The same mechanism is found to also account for restoration of much of the pinning potential expected to be lost due to the gaps in MILD PCs. It also accounts for the fact that at high fluence, J_c increases as fluence is increased, instead of decreasing as expected. The very low self-field in coated conductor permits separation of the negative and positive effects of PCs. It is found that parameters developed to quantify the negative effects in bulk melt-textured YBCO, by 63 GeV U²³⁸ ions, successfully describe damage to 2.1 μm thick coated conductor by 1 GeV Ru⁴⁴ ions. Coated conductor at 77 K and self-field is generally known to have J_c about 100 times that of melt-textured YBCO. However, at 77 K and applied field of 1 T, when both forms of HTS are processed with comparable numbers of near-optimum MILD PCs, the difference in J_c is reduced to a factor of 1.3–2. Whereas J_c for melt-textured YBCO increased sharply, by a factor of up to 16.8 for high-fluence MILD PCs, J_c in coated conductor increased by a smaller factor of 2.5–3.0. Nevertheless, 2.1 μm thick coated conductor, with near-optimum MILD PCs, exhibits J_c = 543 kA/cm² at 77 K and applied field of 1.0 T, and I_c = 114 A/cm-width of conductor. This is the highest value we find in the literature. The phenomenology developed indicates that for optimum MILD PCs in coated conductor, J_c ～ 700 ± 70 kA/cm² should be achievable at 77 K, 1.0 T.     

High resolution infrared spectrum of the CD2 wagging band of methanol-D2 (CHD2OH) for the lowest lying torsional vibrational state (e0)

This paper reports the analysis of the high resolution (0.0019 cm⁻¹) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum for asymmetrically deuterated methanol CHD₂OH (methanol-D₂) at a low temperature for the CD₂ wagging band for the lowest lying trans-species (e₀). In spite of the complexity and perturbation in the spectra, assignments were possible for the CD₂ wagging band for a maximum K value of 10. In total, about 500 spectral lines have been assigned. Analysis of the spectral lines has been performed in terms of state dependent molecular parameters, Q-branch origins and asymmetry splitting. Assignments have been thoroughly confirmed using combination relations (see text). The catalogue of the assigned transition wavenumbers will help identification and prediction of far infrared (FIR) optically pumped CO₂ lasers. The absorption lines close to the several 10R and 10P CO₂ laser lines have also been identified. These should help experimentalists to optimize the power of the emission FIR laser lines and to predict new lines and should prove valuable as a laboratory support for interstellar detection in “Radio Astronomy”. To our knowledge this is the first time such vibrational infrared (IR) high resolution study in CHD₂OH is being performed.     

Near-infrared LIF spectroscopy of HfF

The molecular ion HfF⁺ is the chosen species for a JILA experiment to measure the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM). Detailed knowledge of the spectrum of HfF is crucial to prepare HfF⁺ in a state suitable for performing an eEDM measurement [1]. We investigated the near-infrared electronic spectrum of HfF using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of a supersonic molecular beam. We discovered eight unreported bands, and assign each of them unambiguously, four to vibrational bands belonging to the transition [13.8]0.5 ← X1.5, and four to vibrational bands belonging to the transition [14.2]1.5 ← X1.5. Additionally, we report an improved measurement of vibrational spacing of the ground state, as well as anharmonicity ω_ex_e.     

Influence of Zr and Ce doping on electromagnetic properties of (Gd,Y)–Ba–Cu–O superconducting tapes fabricated by metal organic chemical vapor deposition

(Gd,Y)Ba₂Cu₃O_x tapes have been fabricated by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with Zr-doping levels of 0–15 mol.% and Ce doping levels of 0–10 mol.% in 0.4 μm thick films. The critical current density (J_c) of Zr-doped samples at 77 K, 1 T applied in the orientation of H 6 c is found to increase with Zr content and shows a maximum at 7.5% Zr doping. The 7.5% Zr-doped sample exhibits a critical current density (J_c) of 0.95 MA/cm² at H 6 c which is more than 70% higher than the J_c of the undoped sample. The peak in J_c at H 6 c is 83% of that at H 6 a–b in the 7.5% Zr-doped sample which is more than twice as that in the undoped sample. Superconducting transition temperature (T_c) values as high as about 89 K have been achieved in samples even with 15% Zr and 10% Ce. Ce-doped samples with and without Ba compensation are found to exhibit substantially different J_c values as well as angular dependence characteristics.     

A new method for estimating the critical current density of a superconductor from its hysteresis loop

The critical current density J_c of some of the superconducting samples, calculated on the basis of the Bean’s model, shows negative curvature for low magnetic field with a downward bending near H = 0. To avoid this problem Kim’s expression of the critical current density, J_c = k/(H₀ + H), where J_c has positive curvature for all H, has been employed by connecting the positive constants k and H₀ with the features of the hysteresis loop of a superconductor. A relation between the full penetration field H_p and the magnetic field H_min, at which the magnetization is minimum, is obtained from the Kim’s theory. Taking the value of J_c at H = H_p according to the actual loop width, as in the Bean’s theory, and at H = 0 according to an enhanced loop width due to the local internal field, values of k and H₀ are obtained in terms of the magnetization values M⁺(?H_min), M^?(H_min), M⁺(H_p) and M^?(H_p). The resulting method of estimating J_c from the hysteresis loop turns out to be as simple as the Bean’s method.     

High resolution emission spectroscopy of the E2Π–X2Σ+ transition of SrH and SrD

Emission spectra of SrH and SrD have been studied at high resolution using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The molecules have been produced in a high temperature furnace from the reaction of strontium metal vapor with H₂/D₂ in the presence of a slow flow of Ar gas. The spectra observed in the 18 000–19 500 cm^?1 region consist of the 0–0 and 1–1 bands of the E²Π–X²Σ⁺ transition of the two isotopologues. A rotational analysis of these bands has been obtained by combining the present measurements with previously available pure rotation and vibration–rotation measurements for the ground state, and improved spectroscopic constants have been obtained for the E²Π state. The present analysis provides spectroscopic constants for the E²Π state as ΔG(½) = 1166.1011(15) cm^?1, B_e = 3.805503(32) cm^?1, α_e = 0.098880(47) cm^?1, r_e = 2.1083727(89) Å for SrH, and ΔG(½) = 839.1283(23) cm^?1, B_e = 1.918564(15) cm^?1, α_e = 0.034719(23) cm^?1, r_e = 2.1121943(83) Å for SrD.     

Intrinsic pinning properties of FeSe0.5Te0.5

The intrinsic pinning properties of FeSe_0.5Te_0.5, which is a superconductor with a critical temperature T_c of approximately 14 K, were studied through the analysis of magnetization curves obtained using an extended critical state model. For the magnetization measurements carried out with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), external magnetic fields were applied parallel and perpendicular to the c-axis of the sample. The critical current density J_c under the perpendicular magnetic field of 1 T was estimated using the Kimishima model to be equal to approximately 1.6 × 10⁴, 8.8 × 10³, 4.1 × 10³, and 1.5 × 10³ A/cm² at 5, 7, 9, and 11 K, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of J_c was fitted to the exponential law of J_c(0) × exp(?αT/T_c) up to 9 K and the power law of J_c(0) × (1 ? T/T_c)ⁿ near T_c.     

Stark and Frequency Measurements in the FIR Spectrum of H2O2

The submillimeter-wave spectrum of H₂O₂has been recorded by means of a tunable FIR spectrometer. Stark measurements have been performed on three selected transitions in then= 0 state, namely, the 2₂₀–1₁₀(τ = 4 ← 2) at 1 272 297 MHz, the 8₂₆–7₁₆(τ = 1 ← 3) at 882 451 MHz, and the 9₂₈–8₁₈(τ = 1 ← 3) at 962 933 MHz. Accurate values of the transition dipole moments of the molecule have been derived by considering the interaction between the levels involved in the transition and the close near-resonant levels. About 40 new lines, belonging to the^rQ₄and^rQ₅subbranches of the rotational transitions between the lowest torsional states (τ = 1, 2, 3, 4n= 0), have been measured in the 2.8 and 3.4 THz spectral regions and analyzed together with the previously measured millimeter- and submillimeter-wave, as well as IR, transitions.     

Effects of nanoscale defects on critical current density of (Y1−xEux)Ba2Cu3O7−δ thin films

In pulsed laser deposition of YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ films, defect introduction into the films tends to anisotropically improve the pinning along the H||c direction due to the columnar growth mode of the process. In Eu-substituted samples, however, even though an increase in critical current density (J_c) in the H||c direction was observed for low fields (H = 0.2 T), the improvement was more notable for the H||ab-plane at both low and higher fields. Herein we present detailed TEM microstructural studies to understand these new trends in J_c(H), which are markedly different than flux pinning increases achieved with other methods, for example, with nanoparticle additions. Threading dislocations, observed in the Eu-substituted samples along the c-axis, account for J_c enhancement with H||c at low field. The enhanced ab-planar pinning in the Eu-substituted samples is attributed to the extensive bending of the {0 0 1} lattice planes throughout the film, and the crystal lattice defects with excess Cu–O planes, that were effective in increasing the J_c for H||ab at both low and high fields.     

Infrared spectrum involving forbidden transitions & coriolis interaction and identification of optically pumped far infrared laser lines in asymmetrically mono-deuterated methanol (Methanol-D1)

In this paper new type of ΔK = 2 and 0 transitions have been identified in the Fourier Transform spectrum of Methanol-D₁ (CH₂DOH). These transitions are normally forbidden but a “Coriolis” type interaction with nearby states is believed to be contributing sufficient transition strength through intensity borrowing effect. This is the first time such forbidden transitions are reported to be identified in the excited states, in this molecule. The present conjecture is supported by observation of a many strong allowed transitions to upper terminating levels which are seen to be highly perturbed. This conclusion has been reached by comparing calculated energy levels using known molecular parameters (Pearson et al., 2012; Coudert et al., 2014; El Hilali et al., 2011; Quade et al., 1998; Richard Quade, 1998, 1999; Mukhopadhyay, 1997) and the actually observed FIR lines. The upper levels are seen to be upshifted from expected position. A closer look at the calculated energy values seems to indicate a possible interaction between the above states and other proximate torsional–rotational states could occur. The possible candidates for the interacting level manifolds are narrowed down through the presence of the forbidden transition. We also take the opportunity to propose alternate rotational quantum numbers for some of the assignments recently reported in the literature (El Hilali et al., 2011). Some ambiguities are pointed out on the data and the reported analysis. There remain too many such irregularities and we propose to gather a large body assigned transitions in a future catalog. Assignments and relevant comments on optically pumped FIR laser radiation are also made.     

Increase of critical current density with doping carbon nano-tubes in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

The effects of carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) on the crystal structure and superconducting properties of YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ (Y-123) compound were studied. Samples were synthesized using standard solid-state reaction technique by adding CNT up to 1 wt% and X-ray diffraction data confirm the single phase orthorhombic structure for all the samples. Current–voltage measurements in magnetic fields up to 9 T were used to study the pinning energy U_J and critical current density J_c as a function of magnetic field at fixed temperature. We find that while T_c does not change much with the CNT doping (91–92 K), both U_J and J_c increase systematically up to 0.7 wt% CNT doping in a broad magnetic field ranges between 0.1 and 9 T and J_c in the 0.7 wt% CNT doped sample is at least 10 times larger than that of the pure Y-123. The scanning electron microscope image shows that CNTs are forming an electrical-network between grains. These observations suggest that the CNT addition to the Y-123-compounds improve the electrical connection between superconducting grains to result in the J_c increase.     

Pinning,thermally activated depinning and their importance for tuning the nanoprecipitate size and density in high Jc YBa2Cu3O7−x films

YBa₂Cu₃O_7?x (Y123) films with quantitatively controlled artificial nanoprecipitate pinning centers were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and characterized by transport over wide temperature (T) and magnetic field (H) ranges and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The critical current density J_c was found to be determined by the interplay of strong vortex pinning and thermally activated depinning (TAD), which together produced a non-monotonic dependence of J_c on c-axis pin spacing d_c. At low T and H, J_c increased with decreasing d_c, reaching the very high J_c ～ 48 MA/cm² ～20% of the depairing current density J_d at 10 K, self-field and d_c ～ 10 nm, but at higher T and H when TAD effects become significant, J_c was optimized at larger d_c because longer vortex segments confined between nanoprecipitates are less prone to thermal fluctuations. We conclude that precipitates should extend at least several coherence lengths along vortices in order to produce irreversibility fields H_irr(77 K) greater than 7 T and maximum bulk pinning forces F_p,max(77 K) greater than 7–8 GN/m³ (values appropriate for H parallel to the c-axis). Our results show that there is no universal pin array that optimizes J_c at all T and H.     

Large transport critical currents of powder-in-tube Sr0.6K0.4Fe2As2/Ag superconducting wires and tapes

We report the achievement of transport critical currents in Sr_0.6K_0.4Fe₂As₂ wires and tapes with a T_c = 34 K. The wires and tapes were fabricated through an in situ powder-in-tube process. Silver was used as a chemical addition as well as a sheath material. All the wire and tape samples have shown the ability to transport superconducting current. Critical current density J_c was enhanced upon silver addition, and at 4.2 K, a largest J_c of ～1200 A/cm² (I_c = 9 A) was achieved for 20% silver added tapes, which is the highest in iron-based wires and tapes so far. The J_c is almost field independent between 1 T and 10 T, exhibiting a strong vortex pinning. Such a high transport critical current density is attributed to the weak reaction between the silver sheath and the superconducting core, as well as an improved connectivity between grains. We also identify a weak-link behavior from the apparent drop of J_c at low fields and a hysteretic phenomenon. Finally, we found that compared to Fe, Ta and Nb tubes, Ag was the best sheath material for the fabrication of high-performance 122 type pnictide wires and tapes.