Density functional theory study of the carbon chains C<Subscript>n</Subscript>X,C<Subscript>n</Subscript>X<Superscript>+</Superscript> and C<Subscript>n</Subscript>X<Superscript>-</Superscript> (X = O and Se; n = 1–10)

A theoretical study of C_nX, C_nX⁺ and C_nX^- (X = O and Se; n = 1-10) clusters is carried out employing the density functional theory and the B3LYP functional. All species are fully optimized using the basis set 6-31G(d) for all atoms and further, single-point computations are done using the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ level. Molecular properties such as equilibrium parameters, dipole moment, infrared vibrational frequencies, Raman activities and rotational constant are predicted. The computations indicate that the equilibrium structures are either linear or quasi-linear. We report the different forms of electron affinities, ionization energy, atomization energy and binding energy of the C_nO and C_nSe chains. The results indicate parity effect is very apparent for electron affinity, ionization energy, and binding energy but the effect is less pronounced for atomization energy. The n-even linear chains have larger ionization energy and atomization energy than the n-odd ones but this effect is reversed for electron affinity. The findings from this work are critically discussed and they are very similar to those obtained previously for the hetero-atom doped carbon chains. This research indicates that n-odd carbon chains are more stable than n-even and this is the trend for the chalcogens carbon chains.     

DFT and GEGA genetic algorithm optimized structures of Cu<Subscript>n</Subscript><Superscript>ν</Superscript> (ν=±1,0,2; n=3-13) clusters

We report a study on small copper clusters \textCu_nⁿ\text{Cu}_n^{\nu} (ν= ±1,0,2; n=3-13) where the minimum energy structures were computed through a joint gradient embedded genetic algorithm (GEGA) technique, and further density functional theory (DFT) geometry reoptimization of the best GEGA cluster structures for each size and charge. Our results are compared to previous ab initio and DFT calculations, when available in the literature, and it is shown than a number of never reported structures for some clusters have been found. From an extensive calibration of some of the DFT commonly used approximate functionals and basis sets, a discussion on its performance and efficiency for Cu cluster calculations is provided. All GEGA found structures are subject to a second step DFT reoptimization process, at the final reported level of theory, BLYP/6-311+G(d), and it is observed that the symmetry found initially by GEGA for almost all of the 66 clusters studied is kept during the DFT reoptimization, which shows the reliability of the initial search algorithm employed. Several geometry-related-properties of these clusters are discussed and compared with some results available in the literature.     

Analysis of the vector form factors f<Superscript>+</Superscript><Subscript>Kπ</Subscript>(Q<Superscript>2</Superscript>) and f<Superscript>-</Superscript><Subscript>Kπ</Subscript>(Q<Superscript>2</Superscript>) with light-cone QCD sum rules

In this article, we calculate the vector form factors f⁺ _Kπ(Q²) and f^- _Kπ(Q²) within the framework of the light-cone QCD sum rule approach. The numerical values of f⁺ _Kπ(Q²) are compatible with existing theoretical calculations, and the central value of f⁺ _Kπ(0) (f⁺ _Kπ(0)=0.97) is in excellent agreement with the values from chiral perturbation theory and lattice QCD. The values of |f^- _Kπ(0)| are very large compared to the theoretical calculations and experimental data, and they cannot give any reliable prediction. At large momentum transfer with Q² > 5 GeV², the form factors f⁺ _Kπ(Q²) and |f^- _Kπ(Q²)| can either show the asymptotic behavior of or decrease more quickly than ; more experimental data are needed to select the ideal sum rules. PACS 12.38.Lg; 12.38.Bx; 12.15.Hh     

Analysis of Ω<Subscript>c</Subscript><Superscript>*</Superscript>(css) and Ω<Subscript>b</Subscript><Superscript>*</Superscript>(bss) with QCD sum rules

In this article, we calculate the masses and residues of the heavy baryons Ω_c ^*(css) and Ω_b ^*(bss) with spin–parity with the QCD sum rules. The numerical values are compatible with the experimental data and other theoretical estimations. PACS 14.20.Lq, 14.20.Mr     

The effect of the halide-ion (F<Superscript>–</Superscript>, Cl<Superscript>–</Superscript>) dopant nature on the local structure and hydration processes of brownmillerite Ba<Subscript>2</Subscript>In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>

Halogen-substituted barium indate Ba₂In₂O₅ based brownmillerites Ba_1.95In₂O_4.9F_0.1 and Ba_1.95In₂O_4.9Cl_0.1 have been synthesized. It has been verified radiographically that the single-phase condition is satisfied. The effect of the substituent ion nature on parameters of the crystalline lattice and lengths of In–O bonds has been revealed. The propensity of the phases under study for hydration and formation of energetically unequal ОН^– groups in the structure has been proved. In both the cases of doping, the degree of hydration decreased as compared to barium indate Ba₂In₂O₅, which is caused by the participation of the halide ion in the tetrahedral site of indium.     

Potential energy of <Superscript>∞</Superscript>H<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>-</Superscript></Stack>(<Superscript>2</Superscript>∑<Stack><Subscript>u</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack> in the bound-state region

An accurate calculation of the lowest negative electronic state of H ₂ ^- (fixed nuclei) is reported using the CCSD(T) method and doubly augmented cc-pv5z basis set. Comparison has been made with the reference data by Senekowitsch et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 111 (1984) 211]. Owing to larger size of the basisset and inclusion of triple excitations, no vertical shift in this work is necessary to reproduce the asymptotics of H + H ^-. In addition, the effect of basis-set truncation is estimated, based on the complete-basis-set extrapolation method. The contribution of correlated electron-proton motion to the electron-energy curve for H₂ ^– dynamics is pointed out.Dedicated to Prof. Jií Horáek on the occasion of his 60th birthday.     

Hydrothermal synthesis,characterization, and luminescence of Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>:RE (RE = Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>) nanofibers

Ca₂B₂O₅:RE (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺) nanofibers were synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction method. The structural refinement was conducted on the base of the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements. The surface properties of the Ca₂B₂O₅:RE (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺) nanofibers were investigated by the measurements such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the energy dispersive spectrum (EDS). The nanofiber has a diameter of about 100 nm and a length of several micrometers. The luminescence properties such as photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission spectra (PL), decay lifetime, color coordinates, and the absolute internal quantum efficiency (QE) were reported. Ca₂B₂O₅:Eu³⁺ nanofibers show the red luminescence with CIE coordinates of (x = 0.41, y = 0.51) and the luminescence lifetime of 0.63 ms. The luminescence of Ca₂B₂O₅:Tb³⁺ nanofibers is green color (x = 0.29, y = 0.53) with the lifetime of 2.13 ms. However, Dy³⁺-doped Ca₂B₂O₅ nanofibers present a single-phase white-color phosphor with the fluorescence decay of 3.05 ms. Upon near-UV excitation, the absolute quantum efficiency is measured to be 65, 35, and 37 % for Eu³⁺-, Tb³⁺-, Dy³⁺-doped Ca₂B₂O₅ nanofibers, respectively. It is suggested that Ca₂B₂O₅:RE (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺) nanofibers could be an efficient phosphor for lighting and display.     

Electrochemical immune bioassay for the antigen–antibody interaction based on [Fe(CN)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>4-/3-</Superscript> and [AuCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>-</Superscript> ions-derivated biomimetic interface

A simple and sensitive electrochemical immune bioassay for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), as a model, was developed based on [Fe(CN)₆]^4-/3- and [AuCl₄]^- ions-derivated biomimetic interface in this study. A layer of [Fe(CN)₆]^4-/3- film (i.e., Prussian blue, PB) was initially electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode, and then [AuCl₄]^- ions were reduced under the potentiostat to form gold nanoparticles on the PB film. Finally, hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) was adsorbed onto the nanogold surface. The performance and factors influencing the immunosensor were assessed and optimized. The proposed immunosensor exhibits a specific response to HBsAg in the range of 2.13–314.3 ng∙ml^-1 with a detection limit of 0.42 ng∙ml^-1. In addition, the developed immunosensor shows high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability. Importantly, the ions-derivated biomimetic interface could be further extended for the immobilization of other proteins and biocompound.     

<Superscript>10</Superscript>B–<Superscript>11</Superscript>B isotope substitution and superconductivity in ZrB<Subscript>12</Subscript>

The specific heat of the ZrB₁₂ compound in the normal and superconducting states (T _C ≈ 6 K) has been studied in the 1.9–7 K temperature range for high-quality single crystals with different relative contents of boron isotopes. For Zr¹⁰B₁₂, Zr^natB₁₂, and Zr¹¹B₁₂ dodecaborides, the electron density of states and the electronphonon coupling constant, λ_e-ph ∼ 0.4, are found. The dependence of the thermodynamic and upper critical fields, as well as of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter (κ = 0.8–1.14) on temperature and isotope composition is determined. The results suggest the existence of the magnetic field induced phase transition at T* = 4–5 K, which is not related to the transition from type-I to type-II superconductivity. The possibilities of the existence of two-gap superconductivity and a structural phase transition at T* in zirconium dodecaboride are discussed.     

Λ<Subscript>b</Subscript>→Λℓ<Superscript>+</Superscript>ℓ<Superscript>-</Superscript> decay in universal extra dimensions

We study the exclusive Λ_b→Λℓ⁺ℓ^- decay in the Appelquist, Chang, Dobrescu model with a single universal extra dimension. We investigate the sensitivity of the branching ratio, lepton polarization and forward–backward asymmetry to the compactification parameter 1/R. We obtain the result that the branching ratio for the Λ_b→Λℓ⁺ℓ^- (ℓ=μ,τ) decay changes about 25% compared to the SM value when 1/R=250 GeV, and the zero position of the forward–backward asymmetry is shifted to the left compared to the SM result. Therefore, measurement of the branching ratio of Λ_b→Λℓ⁺ℓ^- decay and determination of the zero position of are very useful in looking for new physics in the framework of the UED models. PACS 12.60.-i; 13.30.-a; 14.20.Mr     

Paramagnetism of copper–oxygen chains in high-temperature YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>6 + δ</Subscript> superconductors

Experimental evidence for the existence of chain paramagnetic Curie-type contributions to the temperature dependence of static magnetic susceptibility χ(T) in the normal (nonsuperconducting) state is obtained for a series of pure YBa₂Cu₃O_{6 + δ} high temperature superconductors with different oxygen contents (0.6 < δ ≤ 1). It is shown that the chain contribution is obvious on χ(T) curves only in the T < 150K range of temperatures, grows along with the number of oxygen vacancies in Cu1–O4 chains, and depends on the ordering of these vacancies.     

The structure and stability of Si@Al<Subscript>12</Subscript>H<Subscript>n</Subscript> (n=1−14) clusters

Density functional theory has been employed in order to investigate the structure and stability of Si@Al₁₂H_n () clusters. Hydrogenated Si@Al₁₂ clusters exhibit pronounced stability for even numbers of H atoms. Large binding energy, HOMO-LUMO gaps and increased ionization potentials imply that these clusters should be physically and chemically stable. The analysis of the charge density of the HOMO plot illustrates that a pair of hydrogen atoms prefer to occupy opposing on-top sites for clusters with an even n number. Studies of deformation charge density plots demonstrate that significant charge transfer occurs from the Si@Al₁₂ to the H atoms.     

Photoluminescence of sol–gel-derived Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> thin-film phosphors with Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doping

Red-light-emitting Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ thin-film phosphors were synthesized using a sol–gel process. The effect of Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-dopants on the Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ thin-film phosphor photoluminescence (PL) property was investigated. At a certain concentration, both Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-dopants were found to further enhance the PL emission intensity of Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ thin-film phosphors. The optimum PL emission intensity was observed in Y₂O₃:12%Eu³⁺, 7%Mg²⁺ and Y₂O₃:12%Eu³⁺, 2%Al³⁺ phosphor films. From our results, the enhancement of the emission intensity by the Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-dopants is explained in terms of the creation of defect states near the Y(4d+5s) conduction band, which overlap with the Eu³⁺ charge-transfer state (CTS). The overlapping leads to CTS broadening and consequently induces higher absorption and hence an increase of the emission intensity. From X-ray diffraction results, we have found that there is no additional phase formed in the co-doped phosphor films. PACS 68.55.Ln; 78.55.-m; 81.20.Fw     

Spectroscopic characteristics of anionic centers in α-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystals bombarded by Cu<Superscript>+</Superscript> and Ti<Superscript>+</Superscript> ions

We have studied the effect of bombardment by Cu⁺ and Ti⁺ ions with energy 30 keV on the optical absorption and luminescence of F centers in oxygen-deficient aluminum oxide. We have shown that in the induced optical absorption spectra there are six components of gaussian shape, which can be assigned to absorption bands of F⁺, F², and F₂⁺ centers. We have established that bombardment of the samples by ion beams has a weak effect on the thermoluminescence parameters in the 3.0 eV and 2.4 eV bands, while in the 3.8 eV luminescence band for F⁺ centers, the thermoluminescent response increases considerably. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 3, pp. 422–424, May–June, 2008.     

Visible upconversion and infrared luminescence investigations of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> powders doped with Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions

Alumina (Al₂O₃) powders doped with Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions have been prepared by a low-temperature combustion synthesis technique. The phase purity and crystalline structure of the combustion products are confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. An efficient frequency upconversion in the visible region and the emission in the infrared (IR) region respectively corresponding to the ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions upon direct excitation with a CW laser lasing at ∼980 nm are discussed. The enhancement observed in the intensity of the upconversion emission bands in the visible region and the emission band in the IR region due to the presence of Yb³⁺ and Zn²⁺ in Er³⁺:Al₂O₃ powders is reported and explained in detail.     

Surface of underdoped YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7-</Subscript><Subscript>δ</Subscript> as revealed by STM/STS

We performed scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy on untwinned crystals of underdoped YBa₂Cu₃O_{7- δ} at δ = 0.4. A comprehensive statistical analysis of our topographic data indicates a doping dependent cleaving behavior of this material. We find in particular that at δ = 0.4 the material primarily cleaves in multiples of one unit cell along the c-axis with a high corrugation of the topmost layer. Our data suggest that the low temperature cleaving mainly results in a disruption of the CuO chain layers involving a redistribution of the layer atoms onto the two cleaving planes. In a few instances, fractional step heights (in terms of the c-axis lattice constant) are observed as well. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals that such fractional steps connect surfaces which differ significantly in their tunneling conductance.     

Optimizing after-glow luminescent parameters of Sr<Subscript>4</Subscript>Al<Subscript>14</Subscript>O<Subscript>25</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, by sol–gel method and combustion process

Strontium aluminates are viewed as a promising persistent luminescent materials. There are many researches on strontium aluminates, including SrAl₂O₄, Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅. Between these two phases, Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ shows much better properties than SrAl₂O₄. The traditional way to synthesize Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ is the solid state reaction. However, it exists few problems, especially non-homogeneous product. As a result, there are two methods chosen to make homogeneous precursor. One is sol–gel method, the other is combustion with Urea as a fuel. Boric acid is added as a flux in both method. In this study, combustion process is found to be a better way for synthesizing Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅. We change the temperature, synthetic method. The samples are finely grinded and used for XRD analysis, photoluminescence measurement, and after-glow decay curve to figure out the optimizing luminescent parameters.     

Odd autoionizing 2p<Subscript>1/2</Subscript><Superscript>5</Superscript>n(s<Superscript>′</Superscript>/d<Superscript>′</Superscript>) resonances of Ne excited from the 2p<Superscript>5</Superscript>3p[K]<Subscript>J</Subscript> states

Absolute photoionization cross sections for Ne atoms in the excited levels (Paschen notation ) were calculated at near threshold energies within the configuration interaction Pauli-Fock approach including core polarization. The computed spectra and the lineshape parameters of the odd parity 2p_1/2 ⁵ns^′/d^′ autoionizing resonances are found to be in good agreement with high resolution laser spectroscopic results. Guided by the theoretical results, improved analyses of the measured spectra by superimposed Fano-type profiles were achieved. Theoretical predictions are presented for resonances which have not yet been studied experimentally. In addition, we report the absolute partial photoionization cross sections for the ²P_3/2 and ²P_1/2 channel at photoelectron energies up to 7 eV. Except for the highest lying 2p₁(¹S₀) level, these cross sections monotonically decrease with energy (as reported earlier in single-electron calculations for the Ne(2p⁵3p) configuration) with branching ratios which essentially reflect the core composition of the 2p_x levels. For the 2p₁ level the resonance structure and the partial cross sections are strongly influenced by a Cooper-Seaton minimum in the d_3/2 ^′ channel,located just above the ²P_1/2 ionization limit.     

Diagnostics of an O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(<Superscript>1</Superscript>Δ) generator using multichannel recording of oxygen emission spectra

The concentrations of water vapor and O₂(¹Δ), as well as the temperature in the gas flow at the exit of a singlet oxygen generator, are determined using multichannel recording of the singlet oxygen emission spectrum in the bands at 634, 703, 762, and 1268 nm. The water vapor concentration is found from the intensity ratio of the 762-nm band, which corresponds to the ¹Σ → ³Σ transition of the oxygen molecule, and the dimole emission band at 634 nm. From the ratio of the integrated intensities of the bands at 634 and 1268 nm, the O₂(¹Δ) concentration is determined and it is shown that the yield of O₂(¹Δ) at the exit from the gas generator is about 52%. The temperature of the gas flow, determined by the rotational structure of the oxygen emission spectrum in the band at 762 nm, is about 300 K under the nominal conditions of the gas generator operation. The ratio of the photon fluxes in the 703 and 634nm bands of the O₂(¹Δ) dimole emission is 1.06. The temperature dependence of the dimole emission bandwidths is determined, which can be used for estimating the gas temperature at the exit of the O₂(¹Δ) generator.