Absorption and luminescence spectra of KHo(WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> and KEr(WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> single crystals

The optical absorption and luminescence properties of potassium-holmium and potassium-erbium double tungstates have been studied. It is established that the potassium-holmium double tungstate belongs to a group of biaxial and pleochromic crystals. The emission and excitation spectra of the KHo(WO₄)₂ and KEr(WO₄)₂ single crystals were measured at room temperature.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 71, No. 6, pp. 810–814, November–December, 2004.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanosquaresheets grown on Si substrate

A novel morphology of Bi₂O₃ nanomaterial (nanosquaresheets) has been successfully synthesized in large area by thermal evaporation of commercial Bi₂O₃ powder at high temperatures. The Bi₂O₃ nanosquaresheets (NSSs) are perfect regular squares and have sharp, uniform edges. The typical length of the sides is in the range of 200–600 nm. The thickness varies from 30 to 100 nm. Electron microscopy observations show that the Bi₂O₃ NSSs are single crystalline. The growth of Bi₂O₃ NSSs is probably controlled by a vapor–solid mechanism. The dominate growth directions are [2̄10] and [1̄2̄2] within the (245) planes. PACS 81.05.Hd; 81.10.Bk; 81.16.Be     

Field dependence of orbital magnetic moments in the Heusler compounds Co<Subscript>2</Subscript>FeAl and Co<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Al

Orbital and spin magnetic moments of the Heusler compounds Co₂FeAl and Co₂Cr_0.6Fe_0.4Al were measured by magnetic circular dichroism in X-ray absorption (XMCD). The orbital magnetic moments per spin are quite large (0.1–0.2) compared to bulk values of Fe and Co metals, indicating a considerable spin–orbit coupling in these Heusler compounds. A strong localization of the 3d electron states might be responsible for this observation. The Co and Fe orbital to spin moment ratio shows a distinct decrease of r(Fe)=0.04±0.02 and r(Co)=0.06±0.02 with increasing external field for the ternary compound Co₂FeAl, while the ratio is within error limits independent of the field for Co₂Cr_0.6Fe_0.4Al. This is discussed in terms of a relation to magnetocrystalline anisotropies. PACS 75.50.Cc; 71.20.Lp; 78.40.Kc     

<Superscript>2</Superscript>H and <Superscript>13</Superscript>C NMR investigation of deuterofullerites C<Subscript>60</Subscript>D<Subscript>x</Subscript>

Deuterofullerites C₆₀D_x have been studied by ²H and ¹³C NMR. These fullerites have two types of carbon–deuterium bonds: C–D terminal bonds, characterized by the quadrupole coupling constant (QCC) of 171 kHz, and –C ··· D ··· C– bridging bonds with a QCC of 56 kHz. The latter is responsible for the rigid lattice found in these fullerites, which is untypical of fullerenes. PACS 81.05.Tp; 82.56.Fk; 61.48.+c; 61.18.Fs; 61.10.Nz     

Structural and thermoelectric properties in (Sb<Subscript>1-x</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>x</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Te<Subscript>3</Subscript> thin films

We have investigated the structural and thermoelectric properties of (Sb_1-xBi_x)₂Te₃ thin films on CdTe(111)B. Analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns (–2 scans and rocking curves) of the films shows that they are of high quality and that they are well aligned with their (00.1) axis normal to the substrates. Measurements of the temperature-dependent thermoelectric power, resistivity, and Hall coefficient of the films were performed with respect to the binary composition, x. For the samples in the range 0.2<x<0.3, the room-temperature thermopower values were in the range 159–184 V/K, the room-temperature carrier concentrations were 3.93–5.13×10¹⁹ cm^-3, and the room-temperature mobilities were 24.6–64.0 cm²V^-1s^-1. PACS 72.20.Pa; 72.80.Jc; 73.6l.Le     

Dependence of electronic structure on the grain size in Mn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanocrystals

. The dependence of electron structure on the grain size in Mn₂O₃ nanocrystals has been investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the electron structure is sensitively dependent on the average grain size. The experimental results indicate that the O–1s core-level spectra are hardly shifted with decreasing average grain size; however, for a sample with a small grain size (e.g. a 9-nm sample), the shoulder peak evidently appears on the higher-binding-energy side. The main peak width of the Mn–2p core-level spectra becomes wide for samples with decreasing average grain size. The remarkable aspect of the Mn–3s core-level spectra is that the peak is multiply split, with a complex peak structure. The exchange interaction of the 3s and 3d electrons in the Mn³⁺ ion can be used to explain this behavior. PACS 71.23.-k; 73.22.-f     

Investigation of Critical Properties of a MnF<Subscript>2</Subscript> Antiferromagnet Model by the Monte Carlo Methods

The Wolf highly efficient single-cluster algorithm of the Monte Carlo method is used to investigate the critical static properties of a MnF ₂ antiferromagnet model. The Wolf single-cluster algorithm is modified to investigate complex magnet models in which the uniaxial anisotropy is taken into account together with the exchange interaction. All main critical static parameters of the system are calculated, including the critical exponents of heat capacity α, magnetization β, and susceptibility γ, the Fisher index η, and the correlation length ν.__________Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 2, pp. 53–58, February, 2005.     

Probing the isomer,fluorination and bond effects in C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript>, cyclo-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript> and C<Subscript>3</Subscript>F<Subscript>6</Subscript> molecules using electron impact

We have carried out experimental and theoretical studies on electron scattering from the C₃H₆ isomers and C₃F₆ molecules and we report on total, differential as well as theoretical integral elastic cross-sections for these molecules. Vibrational excitation functions are also presented for the typical vibrational peaks in C₃H₆ and cyclo-C₃H₆ for the angle of 90^○, impact energy range of 1–16 eV and loss energies of 0.12 eV and 0.13 eV, respectively. In the cross-sections, clear differences in peak positions and magnitudes between the C₃H₆ isomers can be viewed as the isomer effect. The same is observed between C₃H₆ and C₃F₆ in a clear manifestation of the fluorination effect. The resemblance of the π^* shape resonance in the cross-sections, observed at about 2.2 eV for C₃H₆ and 3.5 eV for C₃F₆, to those in C₂H₄ and C₂F₄ clearly points to the effect of the double bond in the molecular structures for these molecules. Theoretical analysis is performed to provide rationales for the scattering dynamics.     

Characterization of the nonlinear refractive index of the laser crystal Yb:KGd(WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

We present results of the characterization of the nonlinear refractive index of the laser crystal Yb:KGd(WO₄)₂ using a z-scan technique over the 800–1600 nm wavelength range. Based on our experimental and theoretical results we conclude that Yb:KGW crystal is a good candidate for efficient Kerr-lens mode locking. PACS 42.65.An; 42.65.Hw; 42.55.Rz; 42.65.Re     

Analysis of hydrogen bonds by the IR spectra of thymine and N<Subscript>1</Subscript>,N<Subscript>3</Subscript>-deuterothymine

Calculations of the frequencies and absolute intensities of the IR bands of plane vibrations of thymine and N₁,N₃-deuterothymine in various phase states have been carried out. It has been shown that in the polycrystalline state thymine forms hydrogen bonds C₂=O₈...HN₁ and C₂=O₈...HN₃, and in an aqueous solution the intermolecular interaction is realized by means of the hydrogen bonds O₈...HO and O...HN₁.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 99–105, January–February, 2005.     

Vibrational kinetics of the active media of CW CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> lasers

The vibrational kinetics of CW CO₂ lasers has been analyzed within the framework of a temperature model. The necessity of taking into account the coupling of the vibrational modes of the CO₂ molecule in determining the occupation numbers and the store of vibrational energy in individual modes is shown. Expressions that connect vibrational temperatures with the rates of excitation and relaxation of the lower vibrational levels of modes have been obtained. The ratios between the vibrational temperatures on selective excitation of the 00° 1 level and on excitation of CO₂ molecules in an electric discharge as well as the character of the dependences of vibrational temperatures on the pumping-energy value are discussed.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 72–79, January–February, 2005.     

The Urbach tails and optical absorption in layered semiconductor TlGaSe<Subscript>2</Subscript> and TlGaS<Subscript>2</Subscript> single crystals

TlGaSe₂ and TlGaS₂ single crystals were grown by the modified Bridgman-Stockbarger method. We report the result of an experimental study of the optical absorption of TlGaSe₂ and TlGaS₂ crystals. The absorption measurements were performed in steps of 10 K. The direct and indirect band gaps for TlGaSe₂ and TlGaS₂ samples were calculated as a function of temperature. The phonon energies in TlGaSe₂ and TlGaS₂ crystals were calculated as (39±4) and (9±4) meV at 240 K, respectively. At 10 K, direct and indirect band gaps were found as 2.294 and 2.148 eV for TlGaSe₂, 2.547 and 2.521 eV for TlGaS₂ crystals, respectively. The abrupt changes were observed in the direct and indirect band gaps in the some temperature ranges. These changes were interpreted as phase transformation temperatures. The steepness parameters and Urbach energy for TlGaSe₂ and TlGaS₂ samples increased with increasing sample temperature in the range (10–320) K.     

A study of the structure and properties of nanostructured ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composite powders

The correlation between temperature treatment conditions and the ratio of components in nanostructured fibrous powders with a composition of ZrO₂-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ and their porous crystal structure and physicochemical properties is studied. The dependences of the ratio between zirconia tetragonal and monoclynic phases on the treatment temperature and the alumina content are found to have a nonmonotonic character. The growth of zirconia crystallite size is suppressed by introduced nanocrystalline alumina in a temperature range of 600–1200°C, which is caused by the processes of ternary solid solution formation. The bulk and picnometric density values of materials are proportional to the temperature of heat treatment. The temperature dependence of the specific surface and the size of oxide grain particles has an inversely proportional character. With increasing alumina content in the powders, the specific surface increases, while the picnometric and bulk densities decrease.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of FeNi<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> core-shell nanocomposites

In this study, FeNi₃/Al₂O₃ core-shell nanocomposites, where individual FeNi₃ nanoparticles were coated with a thin layer of alumina, were fabricated by a modified sol-gel method. Several physical characterizations were performed on the samples of FeNi₃/Al₂O₃ nanocomposites with different thickness of Al₂O₃ shell. The encapsulation of FeNi₃ nanoparticles with alumina stops FeNi₃ agglomeration during heat treatment, and prevents interaction among the closely spaced magnetic FeNi₃ nanoparticles. The Al₂O₃ insulating shell improves the soft magnetic properties of FeNi₃. The study of the complex permeability of the samples shows that the real part μ’ of the permeability of the sample with Al molar content of 20% (Al/(Fe+Ni)) is as high as 12, and independent of frequency up to at least 1 GHz. The tunneling magnetoresistance arising from the presence of the Al₂O₃ shell have also been studied.     

The Debye temperature and Grüneisen parameter of the CaLa<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>4</Subscript>-La<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

The thermal expansion coefficient of solid solutions in the CaLa₂S₄-La₂S₃ system at a temperature of 300 K is investigated experimentally. The Debye temperature, the Grüneisen parameter, and the isothermal compressibility coefficient of solid solutions in the system under investigation are determined from the experimental thermal expansion coefficient. It is demonstrated that, upon substitution of calcium ions for cation vacancies in La₂S₃, the Debye temperature decreases, the isothermal compressibility coefficient increases, and the Grüneisen parameter remains constant for all compositions in the CaLa₂S₄-La₂S₃ system. A correlation between the ionic radii of Ca²⁺ and La³⁺, the concentration of cation vacancies, and the rigidity of the lattice, on the one hand, and the Debye temperature, the Grüneisen parameter, and the isothermal compressibility coefficient, on the other, is revealed for the studied samples.     

Synthesis of In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of a citrate gel precursor

This paper describes the synthesis of indium oxide by a modified sol–gel method, and the study of thermal decomposition of the metal complex in air. The characterization of the intermediate as well as the final compounds was carried out by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering. The results show that the indium complex decomposes to In₂O₃ with the formation of an intermediate compound. Nanoparticles of cubic In₂O₃ with crystallite sizes in the nanosize range were formed after calcination at temperatures up to 900°C. Calcined materials are characterized by a polydisperse distribution of spherical particles with sharp and smooth surfaces.This revised version was published online in August 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Electron spin resonance of Eu<Superscript>2 +</Superscript> in the Eu doped clathrate Ba<Subscript>6</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>25</Subscript>

We report electron spin resonance (ESR) investigations of the clathrate compound Ba_6-xEu_xGe₂₅ (x=0.03–0.4) which exhibits a temperature induced, two-step reconstructive structure transformation at temperatures between 185 K and 223 K. The linewidth of the Eu²⁺ ESR proves to be sensitive to the transformation. Another anomaly in the temperature dependence of the linewidth is found near T=60 K which points towards another possible structural transition. Both anomalies seen in the ESR linewidth are not sensitive to the Eu content in contrast to the strong Eu-concentration dependence of transport properties.     

Correlation between the dynamics of oxygen atoms and oxidation kinetics of solid solutions based on Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>2</Subscript>CaCu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript>

The oxidation kinetics of Bi_1.3Pb_0.8Sr₂Ca_0.8Y_0.2Cu₂O_8+δ solid solutions at different temperatures and \(p_{O_2 } = 0.21\) atm is investigated by thermogravimetry. The results obtained are compared with the previously studied oxidation kinetics of Bi_1.3Pb_0.8Sr₂Ca_0.8Y_0.2Cu₂O_8+δ solid solutions. It is found that the substitution of yttrium for calcium leads to an appreciable retardation of the initial oxidation stage associated with the oxygen diffusion. The phonon spectra of the solid solutions are examined using inelastic neutron scattering on a DIN-2PI direct-geometry spectrometer. The high-frequency (>50 meV) phonon densities of states for yttrium-containing and yttrium-free solid solutions are analyzed. The possible model is proposed for a correlation between the differences observed in the high-frequency phonon densities of states attributed to the vibrations of oxygen atoms and the differences in the oxidation kinetics of the solid solutions under consideration.     

Band structure of new layered arsenides SrRu<Subscript>2</Subscript>As<Subscript>2</Subscript> and BaRu<Subscript>2</Subscript>As<Subscript>2</Subscript>

This paper reports on the results of the ab initio FLAPW-GGA band structure calculations for two new layered phases SrRu₂As₂ and BaRu₂As₂, which are isostructural and isoelectronic to the known tetragonal (Ca,Sr,Ba)Fe₂As₂ basis phases of the FeAs superconductor family. The energy bands, densities of states, topology of the Fermi surface, low-temperature electron specific heats, and molar Pauli paramagnetic susceptibilities of SrRu₂As₂ and BaRu₂As₂ are determined for the first time and discussed in comparison with those for BaFe₂As₂ and BaRh₂As₂.     

Polarization processes in BaBi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> and SrBi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> ceramics in infralow-frequency fields

The dielectric nonlinearity in BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ and SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ layered ceramics was studied by measuring their polarization loops and reverse dependences of permittivity. It was shown that the features of the dielectric response of BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ and SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ in strong fields can be explained by glass-like properties and the contribution of the domain structure of the ferroelectric material to repolarization processes, respectively.