Formation of high-T c phases of the system Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O in a fluxed KCl melt

The influence of the conditions of synthesis and annealing on the ratio of the volumes and the temperature T _c ⁿ at which transition to the superconducting state begins is investigated on the basis of diamagnetic susceptibility measurements and x-ray phase analysis for bismuth 2212 and 2223 phases obtained from solution in a KCl melt. It is found that the value of T _c ⁿ for the 2212 phase decreases as the temperature and the holding time are increased in synthesis. The 2212–2223 transition in the fluxed KCl melt takes place in the presence of an oxygen deficiency, and the width of the transition interval to the superconducting state of the 2223 phase depends on the cooling rate of the fluxed melt after isothermal holding and also on subsequent annealing in air. Temperatures T _c ⁿ =107 K, 90 K, and 20 K are observed for unannealed crystals of the 2223 phase with average dimensions 50×50 μm. Air annealing leads to oxygen saturation of their lattice, and T _c ⁿ =107 K throughout the entire structure of the crystal. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 39, 1761–1763 (October 1997)     

Diffusing wave spectroscopy of dense colloids: Liquid,crystal and glassy states

Using intensity autocorrelation of multiply scattered light, we show that the increase in interparticle interaction in dense, binary colloidal fluid mixtures of particle diameters 0.115μm and 0.089μm results in freezing into a crystalline phase at volume fractionφ of 0.1 and into a glassy state atφ=0.2. The functional form of the field autocorrelation functiong ⁽¹⁾(t) for the binary fluid phase is fitted to exp[−γ(6k ₀ ² D _eff t)^1/2] wherek ₀ is the magnitude of the incident light wavevector andγ is a parameter inversely proportional to the photon transport mean free pathl*. TheD _eff is thel* weighted average of the individual diffusion coefficients of the pure species. Thel* used in calculatingD _eff was computed using the Mie theory. In the solid (crystal or glass) phase, theg ⁽¹⁾(t) is fitted (only with a moderate success) to exp[−γ(6k ₀ ² W(t))^1/2] where the mean-squared displacementW(t) is evaluated for a harmonically bound overdamped Brownian oscillator. It is found that the fitted parameterγ for both the binary and monodisperse suspensions decreases significantly with the increase of interparticle interactions. This has been justified by showing that the calculated values ofl* in a monodisperse suspension using Mie theory increase very significantly with the interactions incorporated inl* via the static structure factor.     

Observation of the radiative kaon decay K − → µ−π0γν

Using data collected with the ISTRA+ spectrometer during the 2001 run of the U-70 proton synchrotron in Protvino, the first observation of the radiative kaon decay K ⁻ → μ⁻π⁰γν is reported. The ratio Br(K _μ3γ, 5 < E*_γ < 30 MeV)/Br(K _μ3) is found to be [0.270 ± 0.029(stat.) ± 0.026(syst.)]% and the ratio Br(K _μ3γ, 30 < E*_γ < 60 MeV)/Br(K _μ3) = [0.0448 ± 0.0068(stat.) ± 0.0099(syst.)]%. These ratios are consistent with the theoretical predictions 0.21 and 0.047%, respectively. The measured angular distribution asymmetry for the region 5 < E*_γ < 30 MeV, A(cos ϑ*_μγ) = 0.093 ± 0.141, is two standard deviations away from the theoretical prediction of 0.354. The measured asymmetry in the T-odd variable ξ = p_γ · (p_μ × p_π)/m _K ³ is −0.03 ± 0.13. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

X(1859) Baryonium or something else?

Using a constituent-quark model we study possible bound or resonance Nˉ states. The model fits the pˉ and pˉ cross-sections and explains the large ³ P ₀ antiprotonium energy shift. Only a resonance is found in the ³ P ₀ I = 0 partial wave. The threshold enhancement in the J/Ψ→γpˉ decay can be explained with FSI effects in S-waves and no Nˉ bound state is needed.     

Partial widths for the decays η:(1295) →γγ and η:(1440) →γγ

We discuss γγ partial widths of pseudoscalar/isoscalar mesons η:(M) in the mass region M∼ 1000–1500 MeV. The transition amplitudes η:(1295) →γγ and η:(1440) →γγ are studied within an assumption that the decaying mesons are the members of the first radial excitation nonet 2¹ S ₀qˉq. The calculations show that partial widths being of the order of 0.1 keV are dominantly due to the nˉn meson component while the contribution of the sˉs component is small. Received: 24 September 1999     

Scalar-leptoquark contributions to the neutrino magnetic moment

On the basis of astrophysical data on the neutrino magnetic moment, μ _ν < 3 × 10⁻¹² μ _B , constraints on the scalar-leptoquark masses are found within the minimal model involving four-color symmetry. It is shown that data on the neutrino magnetic moment are compatible with the mixing-parameter range that admits the existence of scalar leptoquarks whose masses are below 1 TeV, reaching experimental limits obtained from direct searches. In the case of mass degeneracy for the scalar leptoquarks S _m of electric charge Q = 2/3, the constraint m _{S m} > 330 GeV is obtained, which is independent of the mixing parameters of the model. The results are compared with the predictions of other leptoquark models. Original Russian Text ? A.V. Povarov, 2007, published in Yadernaya Fizika, 2007, Vol. 70, No. 5, pp. 905–911.     

Electrical properties of the high-pressure phases of gallium and indium tellurides

A study has been made of the resistance ρ, the thermopower S, and magnetoresistance MR of Ga₂Te₃ and α-In₂Te₃ single crystals at pressures P up to 25 GPa. It is found that the resistance ρ and |S| sharply decrease at ∼0–5 and 1.5–3 GPa, respectively. The semiconductor-metal phase transitions in the temperature range from 77 to 300 K are established from the sign reversal of the temperature coefficient of ρ to occur at P>4.4 and >1.9 GPa. The values S ≈+(10–20)μ V/K for the metallic phases with a Bi₂Te₃-type structure agree with those for liquid In₂Te₃ and Ga₂Te₃. Negative MR is revealed in In₂Te₃ at P≈1.9 GPa. No MR is observed in Ga₂Te₃ up to 25 GPa. The variation of the electronic structure of In₂Te₃ and Ga₂Te₃ under pressure is discussed. __________ Translated from Fizika Tverdogo Tela, Vol. 42, No. 6, 2000, pp. 1004–1008. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2000 by Shchennikov, Savchenko, Popova.     

Manganese location and magnetic structure determination of SrMn2—W hexagonal ferrite by means of neutron diffraction

The Mn cation distribution in the seven sublattices of theW-type structure has been determined from high temperature neutron diffraction data of a SrMn₂Fe₁₆O₂₇ powder sample. The Mn²⁺ ions enter the tetrahedral sites of blockS with a preference for site 4e. Mn³⁺ ions in small amounts are found in the octahedral sites, substituting for Fe³⁺, while 0.3 Fe²⁺ has been found in site 6g. The sample has the formula SrMn_2.4Fe_15.6O₂₇. The crystal structure has been described in the non-centrosymmetric Pˉ62c space group, instead of the usual P6₃/mmc one. The magnetic structure, obtained from low temperature (4.2 K) data, is collinear, with the spins parallel to thec axis, according to the Gorter model. The magnetic moments of the sites give an experimental magnetization valueM _s=28.4(1.5) μ_B/f.u., in good agreement with magnetic measurements and the theoretical value.     

Structural features of aluminium alloy 1441 irradiated by Ar+ ions

Using electron microscopy it was found that irradiation of clad cold-worked specimens made of commercial aluminium-lithium alloy 1441 by the Ar ⁺ ions of energy 40 keV at low doses of irradiation (10¹⁵ cm⁻², irradiation time 1 s, T < 70 °C) and ion-current density of about 100 μA/cm² results in the transformation of the cellular structure formed in the alloy under deformation. As the dose of irradiation is increased up to 10¹⁶ cm⁻², a transition from a cellular to a subgrain structure close to a polygonal one is observed. The efficiency of the process is increased with ion-current density. Furthermore, under ion irradiation at increased ion-current densities, the β′(Al ₃ Zr) and Al ₈ Fe ₂ Si particles present in the deformed alloy dissolve, and disperse particles of a new Al ₂ LiMg phase of platelet shape are formed. The changes in the dislocation structure and phase composition in alloy 1441 are observed several seconds after irradiation not only in the surface layer adjacent to the ion incorporation band but also through the thickness of the specimen tens of thousands times greater than ion projective ranges. __________ Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 2, pp. 73–81, February, 2007.     

Exotic states X ±(1600, I G (J PC)=2+ (2++)) in photoproduction reactions

It is shown that the list of unusual mesons that are planned to be studied in photoproduction reactions can be supplemented with I ^G (J ^PC)=2⁺ (2⁺⁺) exotic states X ^±(1600), which are natural to seek as manifestations of the ρ^±ρ⁰ decay channels in the reactions γN → ρ^±ρ⁰ N and γN → ρ^±ρ⁰Δ. A classification of the ρ^±ρ⁰ states according to their quantum numbers is presented. A model for the spin structure of the amplitudes for the reactions γp → f ₂(1270)p, γp → a ₂ ⁰ (1320)p, and γN → X ^±(N, Δ) is proposed, and estimates are obtained for the corresponding cross sections. At E _γ≈6 GeV, it is found that σ(γP → f ₂(1270)p)≈0.12 μb, σ(γp → a ₂ ⁰ (1320)p)≈0.25 μb, σ(γN → X ^± N → ρ^±ρ⁰ N) ≈ 0.018 μb, and σ(γp → X ⁻Δ⁺⁺ → ρ⁻ρ⁰Δ⁺⁺≈0.031 μb. The problem of isolating signals from X ^± states against the natural background that is associated with other channels of π^±π⁰π⁺π⁻ production is discussed. It is deduced that searches for exotic states X ^±(2⁺ (2⁺⁺)) in experiments at JLAB will be quite efficient—for example, the yield of about 2.8×10⁶ events per month is expected to correspond to the estimated cross sections for the reactions γN → X ^± N → ρ^±ρ⁰ N. __________ Translated from Yadernaya Fizika, Vol. 63, No. 10, 2000, pp. 1904–1912. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2000 by Achasov, Shestakov.     

Electromagnetic polarizabilities of the nucleon and properties of the σ-meson pole contribution

The t-channel contribution to the difference of electromagnetic polarizabilities of the nucleon, (α - β)^t, can be quantitatively understood in terms of a σ-meson pole in the complex t-plane of the invariant scattering amplitude A ₁(s, t) with properties of the σ-meson as given by the quark-level Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model (NJL). Equivalently, this quantity may be understood in terms of a cut in the complex t-plane where the properties of the σ-meson are taken from the ππ → σ → ππ, γγ → σ → ππ and Nˉ → σ → ππ reactions. This equivalence may be understood as a sum rule where the properties of the σ-meson as predicted by the NJL model are related to the f ₀(600) particle observed in the three reactions. In the following, we describe details of the derivation of (α - β)^t making use of predictions of the quark-level NJL model for the σ-meson mass. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Spectral dependence of photoinduced optical absorption in doped yttrium iron garnet single crystals

The photoinduced optical absorption α of doped yttrium iron garnets (YIG) is investigated. It is found that the optical absorption α at a wavelength of 1.1 μm depends on the wavelength of irradiating light in the range 0.6–1.9 μm. It is demonstrated that, in the Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ crystal with an acceptor Ba impurity, the photoinduced increase in α is due to the formation of Fe⁴⁺ ions in octahedral sites. The charge transfer occurs through photoexcitation of the ⁶ A _1g (⁶ S) → ⁴ T _1g (⁴ G) and ⁶ A _1g (⁶ S) → ⁴ T _2g (⁴ G) transitions of octahedral Fe³⁺ ions. In the crystal with a donor Si impurity, the increase in α is caused by the formation of Fe²⁺ ions upon photoionization of silicon. __________ Translated from Fizika Tverdogo Tela, Vol. 43, No. 7, 2001, pp. 1233–1235. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2001 by Doroshenko, Nadezhdin.     

Role of dislocation loops on the elastic constants of lyotropic lamellar phases

We study the role of dislocation loops defects on the elasticity of lamellar phases by investigating the variation of the lamellar elastic constants, ˉ and K, induced by the proliferation of these defects. We focus our interest on one particular lamellar phase made up of a mixture of C₁₂E₅ and DMPC in water, which is already well-characterised. This lamellar phase undergoes a second-order (or weakly first-order) lamellar-to-nematic phase transition at about 19^°C and dislocation loops are seen to proliferate within the lamellar structure when temperature is decreased below 30^°C. The values of both elastic constants of this given lamellar phase are measured as a function of temperature, approaching the lamellar-to-nematic transition, with the help of Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering (QELS) on oriented lamellar phases. Very surprisingly we observe a strong and rapid increase in both ˉ and K as the lamellar-to-nematic transition temperature is approached. These increases are seen to start as soon as dislocation loops can be observed in the lamellar phase. We interpret our results as being the consequence of the appearance and proliferation of dislocation loops within the lamellar structure. According to a simple model we developped we show that ˉ and K are proportional to the density of dislocation loops in the lamellar phase.     

Magnetic and electrical properties of Mg1−x CuxO solid solutions and magnetic shielding in Cu-Mg1−x CuxO structures

Mg_1−x Cu_xO solid solutions having an NaCl structure with 0⩽x⩽0.20 are synthesized and Cu-Mg_1−x Cu_xO structures are prepared for superconductivity studies. The magnetic susceptibility χ, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electrical conductivity of the solid solutions are studied at temperatures of 5–550 K. It is shown that χ ⁻¹(T) obeys the Curie-Weiss law with a paramagnetic Curie temperature Θ close to zero and an effective magnetic moment μ _eff=1.9 μ _B, close to the 1.73 μ _B of a Cu²⁺ ion with spin S=1/2. The width ΔH of the EPR line depends weakly on temperature and increases as x is raised. The volume narrowing of the EPR linewidth ΔH is used to estimate the exchange interaction parameter, 3×10⁻⁴ eV. The g-factor is close to 2 and is temperature independent. The electrical conductivity of Mg_1−x Cu_xO at T=300 K is ≈10⁻¹¹–10⁻¹² Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for x=0 and increases to 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁶ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for x=0.15–0.20. The conductivity is p-type. Magnetic shielding is observed in Cu-Mg_1−x Cu_xO structures with x=0.15 and 0.20. The possible connection of this phenomenon with interference superconductivity in the contact layer of the structure is discussed. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 293–296 (February 1999)     

Model of current and optical conductivity switching in YBa2Cu3O7−x films

A model is proposed for the thermal and electrical responses of films of the high-T _c superconducting material YBa₂Cu₃O7_7−x to current and optical pulses. Numerical calculations are compared with experimental data for current pulses of duration 100 μs and laser pulses of duration 0.1 ns; this yields improved data on the thermal conductivity of thin YBa₂Cu₃O7_7−x films (1.5–2 W/m·K) and thermal resistance of the film-substrate contact (5×10⁻⁸m²·K/W) in the neighborhood of the superconducting transition. This model can be used for optimizing the film structure parameters and control regimes for switching elements for pulses lasting longer than 0.1 ns. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 69, 77–82 (October 1999)     

Self-consistent treatment of the quark condensate and hadrons in nuclear matter

We calculate the contribution of pions to the $\bar qq$-expectation value κ(ρ) =<M|ˉq q|M> in symmetric nuclear matter. We employ exact pion propagator renormalized by nucleon-hole and isobar-hole excitations. Conventional straightforward calculation leads to the “pion condensation” at unrealistically small values of densities, causing even earlier restoration of chiral symmetry. This requires a self-consistent approach, consisting in using the models, which include direct dependence of in-medium mass values on κ(ρ), e.g. the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio–model. We show, that in the self-consistent approach the ρ-dependence of the condensate is described by a smooth curve. The “pion condensate” point is removed to much higher values of density. The chiral restoration does not take place at least while ρ < 2.8ρ₀ with ρ₀ being the saturation value. Validity of our approach is limited by possible accumulation of heavier baryons (delta isobars) in the ground state of nuclear matter. For the value of effective nucleon mass at the saturation density we found m ^*(ρ₀) = 0.6m, consistent with nowadays results of other authors. Received: 8 October 1998     

Unraveling the f<Subscript>0</Subscript> nature by connecting KLOE and BABAR data through analyticity

We define a general procedure, based on analyticity and dispersion relations, to estimate low-energy amplitudes for processes like: φ→e ⁺ e ^- M and φ→γM, starting from cross-section data on e ⁺ e ^-→φM, where M is a generic light scalar or pseudoscalar meson. In particular this procedure is constructed to obtain predictions on the radiative decay rate which are crucially linked on the assumed quark structure for the meson M under consideration. Three cases are analyzed: M = η, M = f ₀(qˉ) and M = f ₀(qqˉ). While in the η case the estimate of the branching fraction for the radiative decay φ→ηγ is in agreement with the data, in the case of f ₀, such agreement is obtained only under the hypothesis of a tetraquark scalar meson.     

New data on the p + N → [Σ0K+] + N reaction at E p= 70 GeV and the search for exotic baryons

New data for the diffractive reaction p+N→ [Σ⁰ K ⁺] +N at E _p= 70 GeV were obtained with partially upgraded SPHINX setup. The data are in a good agreement with the results of our previous study of this reaction. In the mass spectrum M(Σ⁰ K ⁺) a structure at the threshold region with a mass ∼1810 MeV and a distinct X(2000) peak with M= 1989 ± 6 MeV and γ= 91 ± 20 MeV are observed. Unusual features of the massive X(2000) state (narrow decay width, anomalously large branching ratio for the decay channel with strange particle emission) make it a serious candidate for cryptoexotic pentaquark baryon with hidden strangeness |qqqsˉs>. We also present new results on the narrow threshold structure X(1810) with M= 1807 ± 7 MeV and γ= 62 ± 19 MeV which is produced in the region of very small P ² _T < 0.01 GeV². The possibility of the Coulomb production mechanism for X(1810) is discussed. Received: 28 April 1999     

Erbium electroluminescence excitation in amorphous hydrogenated silicon under thermally stimulated deep-center tunneling ionization

A study of the electroluminescence of erbium-doped, amorphous hydrogenated silicon, a-Si:H 〈Er〉, is reported. It has been found that the electroluminescence intensity at the wavelength λ=1.54 μm corresponding to the ⁴ I _13/2→⁴ I _15/2 intra-4f shell transition in Er passes through a maximum near room temperature. The unusual temperature and field dependences of the electroluminescence indicate electric-field induced multi-phonon tunneling emission of electrons from deep centers. The electroluminescence of Er³⁺ ions is due to their becoming excited as conduction-band electrons are captured by neutral dangling bonds (D ⁰ centers), which form when erbium is incorporated into the amorphous matrix. This Auger process transforms the center from its neutral state, D ⁰, to a negatively charged state, D ⁻, and the energy released in the capture is transferred by Coulomb interaction into the erbium-ion 4f shell. The steady-state current through the electroluminescent structure is supported by the reverse process of multi-phonon tunneling-electron emission from the D ⁻ center to the conduction band. The proposed theoretical model is in a good agreement with experimental data. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 210–217 (February 1999)     

ππ scattering and the meson resonance spectrum

A ππ, ˉKK, and ρρ(ωω) fully coupled channel model is used to predict the lowest isospin S, P, D, F-wave phase shifts and inelasticities for elastic ππ scattering from threshold to 2.0 GeV. As input the S-matrix is required to exhibit poles corresponding to the meson resonance table of the Particle Data Group. As expected, the ππ inelasticity is very strongly related to the opening of the ˉK channel near 1 GeV, and the opening of ρρ(4π) and ωω(6π) channels in the 1.5 GeV region. The predictions of this model are compared to the various elastic ππ→ππ amplitudes, that were obtained from analyses of π⁻ p →π⁻π⁺n data. The role of the various resonances, in particular the glueball candidate f ₀(1500) and the f _J(1710) is investigated. Received: 19 November 1997