Deduction of the temperature-dependent structure of the four-layer intermediate smectic phase using resonant X-ray scattering

A binary mixture of an antiferroelectric liquid-crystal material containing a selenium atom and a highly chiral dopant is investigated using resonant X-ray scattering. This mixture exhibits a remarkably wide four-layer intermediate smectic phase, the structure of which is investigated over a temperature range of 16K. Analysis of the resonant X-ray scattering data allows accurate measurement of both the helicoidal pitch and the distortion angle as a function of temperature. The former decreases rapidly as the SmC ^* phase is approached, whilst the latter remains constant over the temperature range studied at 8^°±3^° . We also observe that the senses of the helicoidal pitch and the unit cell of the repeating four-layer structure are opposite in this mixture and that there is no pitch inversion over the temperature range studied.     

Induced ferrielectricity in antiferroelectric liquid crystals

The behaviour of the antiferroelectric SmC_A liquid crystal phase under applied electric field is discussed theoretically. The phase diagram involving the SmA, SmC_A and SmC _A ^* phases is worked out and shown to exhibit a Lifshitz critical point. The deformation of the bilayer structures induced by the field transforms the SmC_A phases into a ferrielectric phase whose specific configuration is described. Received: 23 October 1997 / Revised: 8 April 1998 / Accepted: 14 July 1998     

X-ray scattering study of the electric-field-induced layer deformations of an antiferroelectric Liquid Crystal

The effect of an external electric field on the local layer structure is investigated in the SmC^* _A, SmC^* _FI and SmC^* phases using X-ray diffraction. X-ray scattering and spontaneous polarization measurements are performed under several increasing (and decreasing) steps of AC applied voltage. The effects of the electric field differ significantly from one phase to the other. The chevron-to-bookshelf transition occurs abruptly at a high field value in the SmC^* _A phase whereas layer deformations are more progressive and occur at lower field values in the other phases. Comparison of the different behaviours suggests that the destruction of the chevron structure is mainly affected by the local molecular order. Received 16 July 2001 and Received in final form 7 December 2001     

Theoretical investigation of antiferroelectric (SmCA) subphases by hydrodynamical approach

We provide a hydrodynamical approach utilizing time dependent Landau-Ginzburg model (L-G) and the Cahn-Hilliard model (C-H) to investigate antiferroelectric liquid crystals (AFLCs) exhibiting different chiral phases between paraelectric smectic A (SmA^?) phase and antiferroelectric smectic C_A^? phase (SmC_A^?). Introducing conserved and non-conserved order parameters in C-H and L-G models, we have predicted the appearance of a chiral smectic C (SmC^?) phase and a ferrielectric SmC_FI1^? phase (three layers SmC_A^?) in an antiferroelectric phase sequence. The three layers periodicity for SmC_FI1^? phase is studied in detail with a non-uniform layer interactions among smectic layers with strong experimental support. Finally, we provide some theoretical basis for the non-uniformity of our proposed layer interactions.     

Frustration between syn- and anticlinicity in mixtures of chiral and non-chiral tilted smectic-C-type liquid crystals

We study the effects of mixing ferroelectric and antiferroelectric liquid-crystal compounds (FLCs and AFLCs) when the former are strictly synclinic and the latter strictly anticlinic, i.e. one mixture component exhibits only SmC* and the other only SmC a* as tilted phase. Three different paths between syn- and anticlinicity were detected: transition directly between SmC* and SmC a*, transition via the SmC_β* and SmC_γ* subphases, or by “escaping” the clinicity frustration by reducing the tilt to zero, i.e. the SmA* phase is extended downwards in temperature, separating SmC* from SmC a* in the phase diagram. The most common path is the one via the subphases, demonstrating that these phases appear as a result of frustration between syn- and anticlinic and, consequently, between syn- and antipolar order. For assessing the role of chirality, we also replaced the FLC with non-chiral synclinics. With one of the AFLCs, the route via supbhases was detected even in this case, suggesting that chirality --although necessary-- does not have quite the importance that has previously been attributed to the appearance of the subphases. The path chosen in the mixture study seemed to be determined mainly by the synclinic component, the subphase induction occurring only when the SmA*-SmC* transition was second order.     

Charge-magnetic interference resonant scattering studies of ferromagnetic crystals and thin films

The element- and site-specificity of X-ray resonant magnetic scattering (XRMS) makes it an ideal tool for furthering our understanding of complex magnetic systems. In the hard X-rays, XRMS is readily applied to most antiferromagnets where the relatively weak resonant magnetic scattering (10⁻²–10⁻⁶ I _c ) is separated in reciprocal space from the stronger, Bragg charge scattered intensity, I _c . In ferro(ferri)magnetic materials, however, such separation does not occur and measurements of resonant magnetic scattering in the presence of strong charge scattering are quite challenging. We discuss the use of charge-magnetic interference resonant scattering for studies of ferromagnetic (FM) crystals and layered films. We review the challenges and opportunities afforded by this approach, particularly when using circularly polarized X-rays. We illustrate current capabilities at the Advanced Photon Source with studies aimed at probing site-specific magnetism in ferromagnetic crystals, and interfacial magnetism in films.     

Self-organization of N<Superscript>*</Superscript> inclusions in SmC<Superscript>*</Superscript> free-standing films

The behaviour of freely suspended smectic-C* ( SmC^*) films at the bulk SmC^*-cholesteric ( N^*) phase transition has been investigated using polarized-reflected-light microscopy. Our experimental observations show that above the bulk SmC^*- N^* phase transition the N^* order appears in different ways according to the film thickness. In thin films, the conventional layer-by-layer thinning occurs. In films of intermediate thickness N^* inclusions nucleate inside the SmC^* film. The distortions of the in-plane orientational order of the SmC^* host phase induce elastic interactions between the inclusions and lead to their self-organization in chain-like structures. Both the dynamic of the chaining and the parameters driving the equilibrium distance between the inclusions in the chain are investigated. In thick films, N^* fingers grow inside the film. The influence of the experimental conditions on the various processes is analysed. Received 1 July 2002 / Published online: 15 April 2003 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: Philippe.cluzeau@univ-lille1.fr     

Nonlinear dielectric response of antiferroelectric liquid crystals in the smectic Cα * phase

Nonlinear dielectric response of antiferroelectric liquid crystals has been studied in the smectic C_α* (SmC_α*) phase. The linear dielectric spectrum shows a single relaxation of Debye type and its relaxation frequency is as high as one hundred kHz. The profile of the third-order nonlinear dielectric spectrum varies in complex fashion with temperature. In the vicinity of the SmA-SmC_α* phase transition, experimentally obtained nonlinear spectra are well described by those calculated with phenomenological theory of Landau type. The soft mode of the SmC_α* phase shows critical slowing-down near the transition temperature. In the lower-temperature region of the SmC_α* phase, the contribution from the soft mode of the SmC_α* phase reduces and the other relaxation mode with Debye-type spectrum appears at several hundred Hz in the nonlinear spectrum. The appearance of this low-frequency mode suggests that the cooperative fluctuation of directors over long range exists in the SmC_α* phase. Received 19 April 2002 and Received in final form 23 July 2002 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: kimura@exp.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp     

Muonic atom-nucleus collisions in the energy region of dtµ, resonant states

We calculated the (dµ) _n=1 +t scattering in the energy region of the (dtµ)^* resonant states below then=2 level of the tµ atom. From the cross sections, we estimated the resonant energies, widths and branching ratios. We found eleven resonant states with angular momentumJ=0, and some of their resonant energies relative to then=2 level of tµ are small enough to form the [(dtµ)^* dee] by the Vesman mechanism. These resonant states decay to (dµ)[inn=1 +t or (tµ) _n=1 + d scattering states. The total decay rates are about 10¹¹ s^–1 which is three orders of magnitude larger than the fusion rates of (dtµ)^*4 He + n+ 17.6 MeV + µ. The main part of the decaying channel from the shallow resonant states is the (dµ) _n=1 +t channel. The branching ratios of the (dµ) _n=1 +t decay channel are around 0.9. Most of the muons that reach to then=2 states of tµ can transfer to then=1 state of du through (tµ) _n=2 + D₂ [(dtµ)^*dee] and (dtµ)^* (dµ) _n=1 +t processes.     

硫化锰电子结构的软X射线共振非弹性散射研究

利用软X射线共振非弹性散射谱(resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering, RIXS)对3d过渡金属硫化物中的硫化锰(MnS)电子结构进行了研究.通过分析Mn²⁺的2p⁶3d⁵→2p⁵3d⁶→2p⁶3d⁵二次光子过程，得到了共振非弹性散射谱中的两类非弹性峰，d-d电子跃迁和电荷转移(charge-transfer)跃迁.这两部分跃迁分别共振增强于L边附近及伴随峰附近.基于Hartree-Fock方法的多重态计算分别模拟了原子近似下和立方体O_h对称群下共振非弹性散射谱及吸收谱.计算得MnS实际晶体场10Dq值介于0.80eV—0.85eV之间.对MnS和MnO CT跃迁差异的讨论表明MnS较强的CT跃迁来源于其较窄的能隙宽度. 关键词： 软X射线共振非弹性散射 软X射线吸收谱 d-d跃迁 电荷转移     

Multiphonon resonant Raman scattering in N‐doped ZnO

Multiphonon resonant Raman scattering in N‐doped ZnO films was studied, and an enhancement of the resonant Raman scattering process as well as longitudinal optical (LO) phonon overtones up to the sixth order were observed at room temperature. The resonant Raman scattering intensity of the 1LO phonon in N‐doped ZnO appears three times as strong as that of undoped ZnO, which mainly arises from the defect‐induced Raman scattering caused by N‐doping. The nature of the 1LO phonon at 578 cm⁻¹ is interpreted as a quasimode with mixed A₁ and E₁ symmetry because of the defects formed in the ZnO lattice. In addition, the previously neglected impurity‐induced two‐LO‐phonon scattering process was clearly observed in N‐doped ZnO. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pyroelectric and electromechanical properties of the antiferroelectric liquid crystal MHPOBC

We study pyroelectric and electromechanical effects in the prototype antiferroelectric liquid crystal 4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl-phenyl)4′-octylbiphenil-4-carboxylate (MHPOBC). The linear electromechanical effect in the freely suspended liquid crystal films of MHPOBC has been detected in the broad temperature range inclusive of the antiferroelectric SmC _A ^* as well as paraelectric SmA. The anomalous behavior of the hysteresis loop of SmC _β ^* in the (pyroelectric coefficient, dc bias electric voltage) coordinates has been found.     

Polar smectic subphases: Phase diagrams, structures and X-ray scattering

We analyze a discrete phenomenological model accounting for phase transitions and structures of polar Smectic-C* liquid-crystalline phases. The model predicts a sequence of phases observed in experiment: antiferroelectric SmC _A ^* –ferrielectric SmC _FI1 ^* –antiferroelectric SmC _FI2 ^* (three-and four-layer periodic, respectively)–incommensurate SmC _α ^* –SmA. We find that, in the three-layer SmC _FI1 ^* structure, both the phase and the module of the order parameter (tilt angle) differ in smectic layers. This modulation of the tilt angle (and therefore of the layer spacing d) must lead to X-ray diffraction at the wave vectors Q _s =2πs/d(s=n±1/3) even for the nonresonant scattering.     

Photoluminescence and multiphonon resonant Raman scattering in Ni-and Co-doped Zn1−x MnxTe crystals

Low-temperature photoluminescence, exciton reflection, and multiphonon resonant Raman scattering spectra of Ni-and Co-doped Zn_1−x Mn_xTe crystals were investigated. Intense emission occurs in a broad spectral region (1100–17 000 cm⁻¹) in the crystals containing Ni atoms. It is caused by intracenter transitions involving Mn²⁺ ions and transitions between the conduction band and a level of the doubly charged acceptor. The features of the exciton photoluminescence and multiphonon resonant Raman scattering involving longitudinal-optical (LO) phonons at various temperatures are investigated. The insignificant efficiency of the localization of excitons on potential fluctuations in the Zn_1−x Mn_xTe:Co crystals is established. A temperature-induced increase in the intensity of the 5LO multiphonon resonant Raman scattering line due to the approach of the conditions for resonance between this line and the ground exciton state is observed in these crystals. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 616–621 (April 1998)     

Two-color three-photon resonant excitation spectrum of strontium in the autoionization region

We report new studies of the odd parity autoionizing Rydberg series of strontium attached to the 4d( ² D _{3/2, 5/2}) ionic limits possessing J = 1-3 based on the two-color three photon resonant excitation technique in conjunction with an atomic beam apparatus. Using the 4d ²³ P ₀ intermediate levels, we have been able to record the autoionizing Rydberg series of J = 1 whereas, from the 4d ²³ P ₂ intermediate level the series of Rydberg levels possessing J = 1, 2 and 3 have been observed. The level assignments and the line shapes simulations of the autoionizing resonances have been made using the multichannel quantum defect theory. Received 21 November 2001 / Received in final form 2 May 2002 Published online 19 July 2002     

A study of the proton resonant property in 22Mg by elastic scattering of 21Na + p and its astrophysical implication in the 18Ne(α, p)21Na reaction rate

Proton resonances in ²²Mg have been investigated by the resonant elastic scattering of ²¹ Na + p . The ²¹Na beam with a mean energy of 4.00 MeV/nucleon was separated by the CNS radioactive-ion-beam separator (CRIB) and bombarded a thick ( CH_{2 n} target. The energy spectra of recoiled protons were measured at scattering angles of θ_c.m. ≈ 172^° , 146^° , respectively. Several excited states observed before have been confirmed including two states (at 6.616, 6.796 MeV) observed at TRIUMF. A new state at 7.06 MeV has been observed, and another new one at 7.28 MeV is tentatively identified due to its low statistics. The proton resonant parameters were deduced from an R -matrix analysis of the differential cross-section data with a SAMMY-M6-BETA code. The astrophysical implication for the ¹⁸ Ne(α, p)²¹ Na reaction has been briefly discussed.     

Influence of the laser-induced continuum structure on cross sections of the over threshold scattering of photons on atom

Process of photon scattering on atoms is considered at energy above the ionization threshold. Influence of the resonant structure in the continuum, induced by a laser field due to coupling with the level 4¹ S in helium, on the cross sections of elastic and inelastic scattering of a probe radiation on atom in the meta-stable state 2¹ S is theoretically investigated. In the rotating wave approximation approach dependences of resonant scattering cross sections on the probe and laser radiation characteristics are obtained. The frequency and polarization dependences of the scattering cross sections to the final states of atom 1¹ S, 2¹ S and 4¹ S are calculated.     

Probing spin-orbit quenching in Cl (2P) + H2 via crossed molecular beam scattering

In our previous work we investigated electronically non-adiabatic effects in using crossed molecular beam scattering coupled with velocity mapped ion imaging. The prior experiments placed limits on the cross-section for electronically non-adiabatic spin-orbit excitation and electronically non-adiabatic spin-orbit quenching . In the present work, we investigate electronically non-adiabatic spin-orbit quenching for which is the required first step for the reaction of Cl^* to produce ground state HCl+H products. In these experiments we collide Cl (²P) with H₂ at a series of fixed collision energies using a crossed molecular beam machine with velocity mapped ion imaging detection. Through an analysis of our ion images, we determine the fraction of electronically adiabatic scattering in Cl^* +H₂, which allows us to place limits on the cross-section for electronically non-adiabatic scattering or quenching. We determine the following quenching cross-sections σ _quench(2.1 kcal/mol) = 26 ± 21 ?², σ _quench(4.0 kcal/mol) = 21 ± 49 ?², and σ _quench(5.6 kcal/mol) = 14 ± 41 ?².     

Sound velocities of compressed Fe3C from simultaneous synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and nuclear resonant scattering measurements

The applications of nuclear resonant scattering in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells have provided an important probe for the magnetic and vibrational properties of ⁵⁷Fe‐bearing materials under high pressure and high temperature. Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is one of the most powerful tools for studying phase stability and equation of state over a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions. Recently an experimental capability has been developed for simultaneous nuclear resonant scattering and X‐ray diffraction measurements using synchrotron radiation. Here the application of this method to determine the sound velocities of compressed Fe₃C is shown. The X‐ray diffraction measurements allow detection of microscale impurities, phase transitions and chemical reactions upon compression or heating. They also provide information on sample pressure, grain size distribution and unit cell volume. By combining the Debye velocity extracted from the nuclear resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering measurements and the structure, density and elasticity data from the X‐ray diffraction measurements simultaneously obtained, more accurate sound velocity data can be derived. Our results on few‐crystal and powder samples indicate strong anisotropy in the sound velocities of Fe₃C under ambient conditions.     

Electrooptic study of antiferroelectric mixtures for display application

The aim of this paper is to study the influence of electric field on alignment of para-, ferro- and antiferroelectric phases in the vicinity of SmA^* — SmC^* or SmC^* — SmC _A ^* phase transitions as to obtain mono-domain cells. Four mixtures studied (W-193B, W-193B-1, W-201, W-204D) show the SmC _A ^* phase in a wide room temperature range. Measurements of the spontaneous polarization versus temperature by using reversal current method give an answer to the question, what kind of the transitions take place between para-, ferro- or antiferroelectric phases using the Landau mean field theory. Optimal electrooptic parameters for different compositions of the mixtures such as tilt angle, spontaneous polarization and saturation voltage have been measured to compare parameters of the mixtures studied.