Anomaly in the lattice partition function

The lattice partition function Z(T)=σ_(Si) exp(−H/k_BT), where H, k_B and T are the Hamiltonian of the system, the Boltzmann constant and the absolute temperature, respectively, leads to a vanishing spontaneous magnetisation for all temperatures, independently of the lattice considered. This feature is related to the symmetry breaking in these systems. In comparing this relation to the well-known partition function Z(T)=σ_n exp(−E_n/k_BT) where E_n is energy, we observe an incompatibility which could be the reason that this partition function leads to a vanishing spontaneous magnetisation.     

Total photonuclear absorption cross section for Pb and for heavy nuclei in the Δ-resonance region

The partial sum σ⁽²⁾(E_γ) = Σ_i?2 σ(γ, in…), representing the inclusive cross section for all reaction channels in which at least two neutrons are emitted, has been measured with a quasimonochromatic photon beam obtained by the in-flight annihilation of monoenergetic positrons, and neutron multiplicity counting. These experimental results, taken with photon energies E_γ from 145 up to 440 MeV for Pb and with photon energies E_γ= 235 MeV and 330 MeV for Al, Cu, Zr, Sn, Ho, Ta and U, are subsequently used to determine the total photonuclear absorption cross section σ(tot: E_γ) and to study the dependence upon the mass number A of the normalized cross section σ(tot: E_γ)/A. These results are then compared with other information on the total photonuclear absorption cross section.     

A new space-time model for hadron-nucleus collisons at high energies

A new space-time model for hadron-nucleus collisions is proposed, where particles at the instant of creation are not only immature but their maturity rate is enhanced in the presence of other hadronic matter, as in a nucleus. With only one free parameter, the model can explain dn_A^p/dν, dn_A^π/dν, R_A^p(E_L), and the A-dependences of σ_in^pA and σ_in^πA.     

Analysis of adsorbate-substrate configuration by admolecule-probe field emission microscopy

By means of field electron emission microscopy with Faraday collector and magnetic deflection the emission current fluctuations between two or more levels caused by single Cu-phthalocyanine admolecules have been recorded. Relative abundance distribution functions of the times of sojourn in distinct adsorption states are given. From measurements at various temperatures in case of stationary fluctuations Arrhenius plots of the mean time of sojourn were obtained. They yield the energy differences E_i between trough and saddle positions of single admolecules as well as the preexponential factors A_i and the entropy differences ΔS_i, respectively, according to the Frenkel equation

$\text{τ}{}_{\mathrm{i}}\text{= A}{}_{\mathrm{i}}\text{exp(}\text{E}{}_{\mathrm{i}}\text{/kT}\text{) = (}\text{h}\text{kT}\text{) exp(?}\text{ΔS}{}_{\mathrm{i}}\text{k}\text{) exp (}\text{E}{}_{\mathrm{i}}\text{kT}\text{)}$

. The average values and standard deviations of all measurements are E_i = 0.22 eV, σ_Ei = = 0.11 eV, and log A_i = ?6.0, σ_logA_i = 1.6.The use of Cu-phthalocyanine as a molecular probe to investigate and characterize the adsorbate-substrate configuration, is discussed.     

A kinetic study of the thermal decomposition process of potassium metabisulfite: Estimation of distributed reactivity model

The thermal decomposition kinetics of potassium metabisulfite was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) techniques using non-isothermal experiments. The apparent activation energy (E_a) is determined using the differential (Friedman) isoconversional method. The results of the Friedman's isoconversional analysis of the TG data suggests that the investigated decomposition process follows a single-step reaction and the observed apparent activation energy was determined as 122.4±2.1 kJ mol⁻¹. A kinetic rate equation was derived for the decomposition process of potassium metabisulfite with contracting area model, f(α)=2(1−α)^1/2, which is established using the Malek's kinetic procedure. The value of pre-exponential factor (A) is also evaluated and was found to be A=1.37×10¹² min⁻¹. By applying the Miura's procedure the distributed reactivity model (DRM) for investigated decomposition process was established. From the dependence α versus E_a, the experimental distribution curve of apparent activation energies, f(E_a), was estimated. By applying the non-linear least-squares analysis, it was found that the Gaussian distribution model (with distribution parameters E₀=121.3 kJ mol⁻¹ and σ=1.5 kJ mol⁻¹) represents the best reactivity model for describing the investigated process. Using the Miura's method, the A values were estimated at five different heating rates and the average A values are plotted against E_a. The linear relationship between the A and E_a values was established (compensation effect). Also, it was concluded that the E_a values calculated by the Friedman's method and estimated distribution curve, f(E_a), are correct even in the case when the investigated decomposition process occurs through the single-step reaction mechanism.     

Energy fluctuations in multichannel fission and heavy ion collisions

A simple theory for the variance σ_E² of the total kinetic energy distribution of the fission fragments is given and compared with the data. It seems to explain the observed variation of σ_E with the mass number as well as the differences of σ_E for the different fission channels due to shell effects. The physical origin of σ_E is supposed to be the permanent thermal noise along the path from the barrier to scission. The same theory is applied to deep inelastic collisions and leads to much larger σ_E in agreement with measurements.     

Magnetic behaviour of cobalt sponges in cemented carbides

The measurement and analysis of magnetisation curves, including anhysteretic and initial curves of heterogeneous and anisotropic materials (sintered tungsten carbides of constant grain size containing 3–25 wt% Co and Co-rich alloys) are presented. Néel's law of approach to saturation magnetisation for ferromagnetics containing non-magnetic inclusions was compared with the results from an empirical Lamont-Frölich-Kennelly equation and the standard law of approach to saturation magnetisation. Internal demagnetising factors N_if, where f refers to the magnetic fraction obtained from inverse anhysteretic susceptibilities (H ≈ 0) X_af^-1 were compared with those from high-field inverse susceptibilities A_f (LFK equati on) and calculated high-field demagnetising factors a/M_sf (Néel theory); all obtained as a function of volume fraction V of WC. A_f and a/M_sf both increase to a maximum at V ≈ 0.9 and then decrease. A_f is twice the magnitude of a/M_sf at the maximum, having a smaller difference at lower V. A_f is also twice the magnitude of N_if being an increasing function of applied field and is interpreted to be a high-field demagnetising factor. Assuming the Néel equation to account for voids, the LFK equation is interpreted to measure the effects of voids, of demagnetisation by hard directions in hcp Co (at low V) and of demagnetising fields in Bloch walls in very thin Co films at high V. The Néel equation was also fitted directly to the results, showing that the theory derived for isotropic materials is inadequate in dealing with large magnetocrystalline anisotropies. A relationship between H_c, j_r (remanence ratios) and N_if for presintered (pressed powder) and sintered specimens with a range of Co contents and WC grain sizes was established.     

Multiparameter study of 1H, 3H and 4He in fast neutron induced fission of 235U

The emission probabilities per fission of α-particles, tritons and protons have been measured in fast neutron induced fission of ²³⁵U. The measurements were carried out at neutron energies of 120, 180, 230 and 550 keV. AΔE-E semiconductor detector telescope was used to identify different light charged particles and the fission fragments were detected with an ionization chamber. The three-parameter data corresponding to the pulse heights from the ΔE-E detectors and the ion-chamber were recorded event by event on magnetic tape and were analyzed off-line by computer. No significant variation in the most probable energy ($\text{E}$) and the standard deviation (σ_E) of the energy spectra of different light charged particles with incident neutron energy was observed, although $\text{E}{}_{\mathrm{\alpha }}$ was seen to have a slightly higher value beyond E_n = 230 keV. The yield of α-particles in fission induced by neutrons of E_n ～ 200 keV was found to be higher by about 20 % than that in thermal neutron induced fission. The yields of tritons and protons were found to increase significantly with neutron energy.     

Magnetic properties and formation of Sr ferrite nanoparticle and Zn,Ti/Ir substituted phases

Strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles are prepared by the chemical sol–gel route. Specific saturation magnetization σ_s and coercive field strength H_c are determined depending on the heat treatment of the gel and iron/strontium ratio in the starting solution. These ultrafine powders with single-domain behavior have specific saturation magnetization σ_s=74 emu/g and coercive field strength H_c=6.4 kOe. Experimental results show that it is necessary to preheat the gel between 400 and 500°C for several hours . It can prevent the formation of intermediate γ-Fe₂O₃ and help to obtain ultrafine strontium ferrite single phase with narrow size distribution at a low annealing temperature. Additionally, the magnetic properties of sol–gel derived strontium ferrite with iron substituted by Zn²⁺, Ti⁴⁺ and Ir⁴⁺ are discussed. For an amount of substitution 0<x⩽0.6, the (Zn, Ti)_x substituted strontium ferrite shows higher values of both coercive field strength and saturation magnetization than the (Zn, Ir)_x substituted phase.     

Abnormal electronic transport in disordered graphene nanoribbon

We investigate the conductivity σ of graphene nanoribbons with zigzag edges as a function of Fermi energy E_F in the presence of the impurities with different potential range. The dependence of σ(E_F) displays four different types of behavior, classified to different regimes of length scales decided by the impurity potential range and its density. Particularly, low density of long range impurities results in an extremely low conductance compared to the ballistic value, a linear dependence of σ(E_F) and a wide dip near the Dirac point, due to the special properties of long range potential and edge states. These behaviors agree well with the results from a recent experiment by Miao et al. [Science 317 (2007) 1530 (SOM)].     

The energy dependence of single particle spectra in e+e− annihilation

We present explicit predictions of the statistical bootstrap model for inclusive single particle spectra in e⁺e^? annihilation. The distribution (ω/σ_tot·E) (dσ/p² dp) is found to become, for E ? 3 GeV, a function only of the secondary energy ω, independent of the incident e⁺d^? energy E.     

New insights from variable-temperature and variable-pressure studies into coupling and decoupling processes for ion transport in polymer electrolytes and glasses

A fresh analysis of literature data shows how the influences of temperature and pressure on ion transport and structural relaxation in glass-forming systems may be combined within the framework of ‘master plots’ based on the equation E_A = M · V_A, to reveal new insights into coupling and decoupling effects in a wide range of systems. E_A,σ and V_A,σ are, respectively, instantaneous activation energies and volumes for ionic conductivity and the parameter, M_σ, is a corresponding ‘process modulus’. For structural relaxations occurring at the glass transition, the appropriate modulus is given by M_s = T_g · dP/dT_g. We can now identify typical behaviour patterns for fragile liquids on the one hand, and typical inorganic glasses on the other. Thus, the parameters, M_σ and M_s, for fragile systems such as molten Ca(NO₃)₂:KNO₃ (CKN) or a typical polymer electrolyte such as a complex of LiCF₃SO₃ in PPG, are found to remain constant over a wide range of temperatures down to T_g, despite changes in the temperature (and pressure) dependences of the ionic conductivities, as indicated for example by a return to Arrhenius behaviour in the case of CKN, or by so-called Stickel plots and changes in the VTF parameters for the polymer electrolytes. If E* and V* are activation energies and volumes assigned to elementary steps, when again E* = M · V*, we can go further and identify the microscopic processes driving forward structural relaxation. In the case of inorganic glasses, where usually we find the decoupling index R_τ ≈ 10¹², we identify two distinct decoupling paradigms represented by strong and fragile systems respectively, where in both cases the activation volumes for ion transport are very similar to the corresponding ionic volumes. In the former case (typified by the strongly cross-linked silicate and aluminosilicate systems), the negative activation volumes for structural relaxation (negative values of dT_g/dP) are clearly indicative of a ‘water-like’ behaviour attributable to the collapse of the network under pressure. On the other hand, for the more fragile fast-ion conducting silver iodomolybdate glass, the experimental results show that M_s (at T_g) ≈ M_σ (in glass), implying some recoupling of structural relaxation to ion transport. Arguments based on the dynamic structure model lead us to predict that a similar close link should exist between M_s (at T_g) and M_σ in the relatively fragile lithium and sodium borate glasses, thus highlighting the need for more information concerning the effects of pressure on the glass transition temperatures of common inorganic glasses.     

A variable temperature EPR study of the manganites (La1/3Sm2/3)2/3SrxBa0.33−xMnO3 (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.33): Small polaron hopping conductivity and Griffiths phase

Four manganite samples of the series, (La_1/3Sm_2/3)_2/3Sr_xBa_0.33−xMnO₃, with x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.33, were investigated by X-band (∼9.5 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in the temperature range 4-300 K. The temperature dependences of EPR lines and linewidths of the samples with x=0.0, 0.1 and 0.2, containing Ba²⁺ ions, exhibit similar behavior, all characterized by the transition temperatures (T_C) to ferromagnetic states in the 110-150 K range. However, the sample with x=0.33 (containing no Ba²⁺ ions) is characterized by a much higher T_C=205 K. This is due to significant structural changes effected by the substitution of Ba²⁺ ions by Sr²⁺ ions. There is an evidence of exchange narrowing of EPR lines near T_min, where the linewidth exhibits the minimum. Further, a correlation between the temperature dependence of the EPR linewidth and conductivity is observed in all samples, ascribed to the influence of small-polaron hopping conductivity in the paramagnetic state. The peak-to-peak EPR linewidth was fitted to ΔB_pp(T)=ΔB_pp,min+A/Texp(−E_a/k_BT), with E_a=0.09 eV for x=0.0, 0.1 and 0.2 and E_a=0.25 eV for x=0.33. From the published resistivity data, fitted here to σ(T)∝1/T exp(−E_σ/k_BT), the value of E_σ, the activation energy, was found to be E_σ=0.18 eV for samples with x=0.0, 0.1 and 0.2 and E_σ=0.25 eV for the sample with x=0.33. The differences in the values of E_a and E_σ in the samples with x= 0.0, 0.1and 0.2 and x=0.33 has been ascribed to the differences in the flip-flop and spin-hopping rates. The presence of Griffiths phase for the samples with x=0.1 and 0.2 is indicated; it is characterized by coexistence of ferromagnetic nanostructures (ferrons) and paramagnetic phase, attributed to electronic phase separation.     

Die transversale,negative, differentielle Leitfähigkeit von n-Germanium: Zwei 2-Tal-Modelle ihrer statischen und dynamischen Eigenschaften

Taking into account two of the four 111-energy minima of the Ge-conduction band, expressions for the field and frequency dependent transverse differential conductivityσ _yy(ω, E _x) have been derived. Forω=0, one obtains the static properties, especially information concerning the critical fieldsE _xc defined byσ _yy(0,E _xc)=0. Forω≠0, the plasma frequenciesω _p have been calculated fromσ _yy(ω, E _x). One of these goes to zero forE _x→E _xc (soft mode). The optical quantities: refractive index, extinction and reflection coefficient have also been calculated. They show anomalies in the regionE _x=E _xc. To evaluate the equations quantitatively, the intervalley and the momentum scattering rate have been derived in the last part of this work using known distribution functions.     

Structure magnetique des composes intermetalliques terre rare-nickel de formule TNi3

We have studied by neutron diffraction the intermetallic compounds TNi₃ (T = Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Tm). ^At 4.2K the PrNi₃ and TmNi₃ compounds are ferromagnetic with easy magnetisation axis parallel to C. The structures of the NdNi₃, TbNi₃, DyNi₃ compounds are canted. The magnetic moments of the nickel atoms are almost zero.     

Size distribution of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using Warren–Averbach XRD analysis

We use the Fourier transform based Warren–Averbach (WA) analysis to separate the contributions of X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile broadening due to crystallite size and microstrain for magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The profile shape of the column length distribution, obtained from WA analysis, is used to analyze the shape of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. From the column length distribution, the crystallite size and its distribution are estimated for these nanoparticles which are compared with size distribution obtained from dynamic light scattering measurements. The crystallite size and size distribution of crystallites obtained from WA analysis are explained based on the experimental parameters employed in preparation of these magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The variation of volume weighted diameter (D_v, from WA analysis) with saturation magnetization (M_s) fits well to a core shell model wherein it is known that M_s=M_bulk(1?6g/D_v) with M_bulk as bulk magnetization of iron oxide and g as magnetic shell disorder thickness.     

Magnetic field effects on the nonohmic impurity conduction of uncompensated crystalline silicon

The impurity conduction of a series of crystalline silicon samples with the concentration of major impurity N ≈ 3 × 10¹⁶ cm^?3 and with a varied, but very small, compensation K was measured as a function of the electric field E in various magnetic fields H-σ(H, E). It was found that, at K < 10^?3 and in moderate E, where these samples are characterized by a negative nonohmicity (dσ(0, E)/dE < 0), the ratio σ(H, E)/σ(0, E) > 1 (negative magnetoresistance). With increasing E, these inequalities are simultaneously reversed (positive nonohmicity and positive magnetoresistance). It is suggested that both negative and positive nonohmicities are due to electron transitions in electric fields from impurity ground states to states in the Mott-Hubbard gap.     

Temperature dependence of the fine structure of the C and E absorption bands in RbMnF3 below the Néel temperature

The variation in the parameters (width, position, intensity) of the fine structure lines in the C[⁶ A _1g → ⁴ A _1g , ⁴ E _g(⁴ G)] and E[⁶ A _1g → ⁴ E _g(⁴ D)] bands in RbMnF₃ with temperature is studied in the temperature range 10–70 K. In the C band, two narrow (<6 cm^?1) lines are are distinguished at distances of 77 and 80 cm^?1 from the exciton line at T = 10 K. The other lines in the C band and all lines in the E band are more than 20 cm^?1 wide. It is demonstrated that the narrow lines become allowed because of the spin-exchange interaction within a long-range magnetic order model and originate from the excitation of exciton-magnon bound states and that the other lines are made allowed by the exchange-vibronic mechanism within a short-range magnetic order model and originate from the excitation of bound states composed of an exciton, magnon, and oddparity phonon. The vibrational replicas of the main exciton-magnon-phonon lines are due to the quadratic vibronic interaction with odd-parity vibrations. Variations of the intensities and widths of the absorption lines with temperature indicate that these parameters are affected by relaxation and delocalization of the bound states.     

Gamma rays and neutrons following preequilibrium 165Ho(p, xcnypγ) reactions at Ep = 60 MeV

Neutrons and γ-rays following 60 MeV proton bombardment of ¹⁶⁵Ho were measured in coincidence with discrete γ-rays characteristic of the reaction channels (residual nuclei). The cross sections for the (p, xcnγ) reactions with x = 2–6, the γ-ray multiplicities, and the energy and angular distributions of the emitted neutrons were analyzed in terms of the preequilibrium and equilibrium deexcitation processes. Characteristic behaviours of the preequilibrium process were found in the (p, 2nγ) and (p, 4nγ) reactions where the sum E_T, = ∑^xE_i of the energies E_i of the emitted neutrons was large, while those of the equilibrium process were typical for the (p, 6ny) reaction with small E_T. The reactions are well reproduced by the expression σ. ≈0.35∑_xσ (2, x?2) + 0.4∑_xσ(1, χ?1)+ 0.25∑_xσ(0, x), where σ(n_p, n_c) stands for emission of n_p neutrons at the preequilibrium stage followed by evaporation of n_c neutrons at the equilibrium stage.     

Spectroscopic and structural investigations of the ferrous and ferric high-spin state of a “picket—fence” porphyrinato acetato iron complex. A refined model for the P460 center of hydroxylamine oxidoreductase

Mössbauer investigations were performed in the ferrous and ferric form of the ‘picket-fence’ porphyrinato acetato iron complex |Fe(CH₃CO₂) (TP_pivP)|^1?,0 at temperatures varying from 1.5–200K and in fields of 0–6.2T. The ferrous complex has an unusually large quadrupole splitting, ΔE_Q=+4.25mms^?1. The quadrupole splitting in the ferric species, ΔE_Q=+1.1mms^?1, is as normally found in ferric high-spin iron porphyrins. Spin-Hamiltonian analysis of the magnetic spectra yields zero-field parameters D=?0.9mms^?1, E/D=0.33 and magnetic hyperfine parameters A_x,y=?17T, A_z=?13.3T in the ferrous high-spin (S=2) complex, and D=7.5cm^?1, E/D≈0 and A_x,y,z=20T in the ferric high-spin (S=5/2) species.