Structural and magnetic changes in hydrogenated TiFe1−xNix alloys

A series of crystalline B2 and amorphous TiFe_1−xNi_x samples with different compositions and hydrogen loading ratios was characterized by XRD, VSM, TG, mass-spectrometry, and ¹H NMR in order to investigate possible correlations between the sample magnetization and hydrogen content. In crystalline samples, a reversible second-order phase transition from α-phase (B2 with soluble hydrogen) through a mixture of α- and ß-phase (B19 TiFe_1−xNi_xH_y) into a pure ß-phase was found. An increase of magnetization upon hydrogen loading was observed, depending on the concentration of iron in the samples. No unambiguous correlation between the hydrogen content and the saturation magnetization was found. The saturation magnetization of as-prepared amorphous samples was found to be significantly higher than in as-prepared crystalline ones. For both types of samples, magnetization remained high after dehydrogenation as well. Thermal desorption mass-spectra was found to strongly depend on composition, whereas structure, charging pressure, and H-content did not have tremendous effect. By ¹H NMR, enhanced relaxation due to strong magnetic moments was observed; however, by TEM the existence of Fe-clusters in hydrogenated samples could not be verified.     

Energy-band structure of CdTe and Si: a sp(s)k.p model

The energy bands of the direct-band-gap semiconductor (CdTe) as well as the indirect-band-gap semiconductor (Si), throughout the entire Brillouin zone, have been obtained by diagonalizing a 24×24 k.p Hamiltonian referred to basis states at We extend the sp³s^∗ basis functions by the inclusion of orbitals. We find that the sp³‘d’(s^∗)²k.p model is fairly sufficient to describe the electronic structure of these systems over a wide energy range, obviating the use of any d orbitals. Finally, the comparison with available theoretical results shows that the present model reproduces known results for bulk CdTe and Si, that is, their band structure, including s and p valence bands and the lowest two conduction bands.     

SL(2,R) duality-symmetric action for electromagnetic theory with electric and magnetic sources

For the SL(2,R) duality-invariant generalization of Maxwell electrodynamics in the presence of both electric and magnetic sources, we formulate a local, manifestly duality-symmetric, Zwanziger-type action by introducing a pair of four-potentials A^μ$A^{\mu }$ and B^μ$B^{\mu }$ in a judicious way. On the two potentials A^μ$A^{\mu }$ and B^μ$B^{\mu }$ the SL(2,R) duality transformation acts in a simple linear manner. In quantum theory including charged source fields, this action can be recast as a SL(2,Z)-invariant action. Also given is a Zwanziger-type action for SL(2,R) duality-invariant Born–Infeld electrodynamics which can be important for D-brane dynamics in string theory.     

Preparation, characterization and ionic conductivity studies of ZrO2 dispersed mixed halide matrix (KCl)0.9-(NaCl)0.1

Composite electrolytes in the system [(KCl)_0.9:(NaCl)_0.1]_1−y:(ZrO₂)_y were prepared and their ionic conductivities were studied. In our previous study on the mixed halide system (KCl)_1−x:(NaCl)_x, maximum conductivity (∼50 times that of the base KCl matrix) was found when x=0.1. The matrix (KCl)_0.9:(NaCl)_0.1 was dispersed with different concentration of ZrO₂ (powder) for the preparation of composites and their conductivities were determined. The maximum conductivity was developed for the composite having composition y=0.5. The matrices were prepared by melt-quench technique and the dispersion of ZrO₂ was carried out in liquid medium. The conductivity measurements of the composites were carried out by impedance spectroscopy technique. The composite [(KCl)_0.9:(NaCl)_0.1]_0.5:(ZrO₂)_0.5 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The conductivity of the composite [(KCl)_0.9:(NaCl)_0.1]_0.5:(ZrO₂)_0.5 as a function of temperature was also studied. The conductivity increase in the composite could be attributed to enhancement of defect concentration in the space charge region created at the interface between the host halide and the dispersoid.     

Study of the local micro-structure and magnetic and transport properties of CrxGe1−x thin films

The local micro-structure as well as the magnetic and transport properties of Cr_xGe_1−x films prepared by means of magnetron sputtering have been investigated. Structural analysis shows that Cr atoms are situated in substitutional sites in the Ge lattice. Electrical transport properties indicate that Cr introduces a shallow acceptor level at 0.016 eV from the valence band implying Cr substituting for Ge. The low temperature ferromagnetism observed in the films is mediated mainly by ferromagnetic superexchange interactions between diluted Cr ions.     

Effect of cation size and disorder on the power loss of La0.7(Ba1−xSrx)0.3MnO3

The power loss P_L of La_0.7(Ba_1-xSr_x)_0.3MnO₃ (0≤x≤1) as a function of temperature, frequency (f) and amplitude of flux density (B_p), has been studied to analyze the effect of A-site cation mean radius <r_A> and size-disorders σ². It is found that as f is lower than 1 MHz, P_L is proportional to in the low induction region, and in the high induction region, indicating that P_L is dominated by hysteresis losses. For f approaches 1 MHz, P_L of the majority of samples obeys a law, which may be attributed to eddy current loss. The temperature dependence of P_L displays a peak around the transition from ferromagnetic-metal to paramagnetic-insulator, resembling the feature of the Rayleigh constant η. This case further demonstrates that in the low frequency region, P_L predominantly originates from hysteresis loss. A decrease in σ² with increasing x, will relieve local strain, raising η, thus give rise to an increase in P_L.     

Magnetic properties and room-temperature magnetocaloric effect in the doped antipervoskite compounds Ga1−xAlxCMn3 (0≤x≤0.15)

We report the effects of Al doping on the structure, magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric effect of antiperovskite compounds Ga_1−xAl_xCMn₃ (0≤x≤0.15). Partial substitutions of Al for Ga enhance the Curie temperature (from 250 K for x=0.0 to 312 K for x=0.15) and the saturation magnetization. On increasing the doping level x, the maximum values of the magnetic entropy change (−ΔS_M) decreases while the temperature span of −ΔS_M vs. T plot broadens. Furthermore, the relative cooling power (RCP) is also studied. For 20 kOe, the RCP value tends to saturate at a high doping level (for x=0.12, 119 J/kg at 296 K). However, at 45 kOe, the RCP value increases quickly with increasing x (for x=0.15, 293 J/kg at 312 K). Considering the relatively large RCP and inexpensive raw materials, Ga_1−xAl_xCMn₃ may be alternative candidates for room-temperature magnetic refrigeration.     

Thin films of asymmetrically substituted “ABAB-Type” indium phthalocyanine chloride: Preparation, structural characterization and optical properties

A synthetic route to the asymmetric octasubstituted metal-free phthalocyanines H₂Pcs (3-8) has been developed. They contain a combination of 2(3),16(17)-Tetra(2-ethyl-1-hexyl) and 9(10),23(24)-tetra(n-hexyl) as substituent groups in the peripheral positions. Thin films of the target asymmetric substituted “ABAB-Type” indium phthalocyanine chloride complex InPcCl 9, have been also fabricated for the first time, with different thickness (105-350 nm) using thermal evaporation technique. The structural and optical properties of the films have been investigated. The material in powder form showed a polycrystalline nature with triclinic structure. Miller indices, hkl, values for each diffraction line in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum were calculated. The as-deposited films exhibited also a crystalline nature with a preferred orientation of growth. The scanning electron microscope showed the nano-structure property of the deposited films. The optical properties of the films are studied by the spectrophotometric measurements of the transmittance, T and the reflectance, R determined at the normal incident of the light in the spectral range 200-2500 nm. The refractive and absorption indices of the films are calculated and are found to be independent of film thickness of 105-350 nm. Different dispersion and absorption parameters are determined for the films.     

q-Dependence of the giant bond-stretching phonon anomaly in the stripe compound La1.48Nd0.4Sr0.12CuO4 measured by IXS

Inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) was used to study the Cu-O bond-stretching vibrations in the static stripe phase compound La_1.48Nd_0.4Sr_0.12CuO₄. It was found that the intrinsic width in Q-space of the previously reported huge anomalous phonon softening and broadening is approximately 0.08 r.l.u. HWHM. A detailed comparison was also made to inelastic neutron scattering (INS) studies, which indicate a two-peak lineshape (with superimposed broad and narrow peaks) in the vicinity of the anomaly. The high resolution IXS data show that the narrow peak is mostly an artifact of the poor transverse Q-resolution of INS. Otherwise, the agreement between the INS and IXS was excellent.     

Spatial and geometrical control of silicification using a patterned poly-l-lysine template

A simple process to achieve patterned silica films is described. The patterning of the catalyst poly-l-lysine via photolithography and liftoff enables the spatial and geometrical control of silicification. Microscopy and chemical characterization demonstrate that this process enables consistent patterning of silica with 10 μm resolution in a variety of geometries. In addition, the spatial and geometrical control of the silica is demonstrated under different reaction conditions and yields various silica morphologies. The ability to simultaneously pattern bio-inspired silica and control its morphology may allow the tailoring of silica and other silicon-based materials for future applications.     

Effect of W co-doping on the optical,magnetic and electrical properties of Fe-doped BaSnO3

The effect of W co-doping on the optical, magnetic and electrical properties of Fe-doped BaSnO₃ has been studied. Polycrystalline BaSnO₃, BaSn_0.96Fe_0.04O₃ and BaSn_0.95Fe_0.04W_0.01O₃ samples were prepared using solid state reaction. In the analysis of powder X-ray diffraction patterns, the samples were found to be free of secondary phases. Diffuse reflectance spectra evidenced the substitution of Fe and W for Sn in the host BaSnO₃. Micro-Raman spectra confirmed the existence of oxygen vacancies in the samples. Upon W-1% co-doping, the ferromagnetic character of Fe-4% doped BaSnO₃ is suppressed drastically and its Curie temperature is reduced to 310 K from 462 K. The existence of F-centers and ferromagnetic interactions at room temperature is evidenced by the electron paramagnetic resonance and ferromagnetic resonance signals observed in the electron spin resonance spectra of the undoped and Fe-4% doped, (Fe-4% and W-1%) co-doped BaSnO₃ samples respectively. Suppression of ferromagnetism upon W co-doping is due to the fact that each W⁶⁺ ion donates two electrons to the host lattice and it reduces the number of oxygen vacancies that are essential for ferromagnetism to exist in the Fe-doped BaSnO₃ samples.     

Beneficial effect of boron on the structural and magnetostrictive behavior of Fe77Ga23 alloy

Alloys of Fe₇₇Ga₂₃B_x (x=0, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075 and 0.1) were heat treated at 1000 °C/10 h and characterized for microstructural features and magnetostriction. The study indicates that the parent alloy consists of three phases viz. A2 as the major phase and L1₂ and DO₃ as minor phases. However, the volume fraction of L1₂ and DO₃ decreases with B addition and as a result magnetostriction improves. The decrease in volume fraction of these phases is attributed to B-segregation to the grain boundary, which seems to prevent the formation of these phases. The alloy with x=0.1, however, exhibits an additional Fe₂B phase and consequently its presence leads to the re-emergence of the DO₃ phase, affecting the magnetostriction.     

FTIR-ATR investigations of an α-helix to β-sheet conformational transition in poly(l-lysine)

A promising application of the multivariate curve resolution based on alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) method is reported for the analysis of the temperature-dependent conformational changes in poly(l-lysine) (PLL). The MCR-ALS approach has enabled detection of three structural components developed during the melting experiment. Most important is an infrared signature of the intermediate component described as a mixture of native α-helical conformation and its extended forms.     

Biomineralization of electrospun poly(l-lactic acid)/gelatin composite fibrous scaffold by using a supersaturated simulated body fluid with continuous CO2 bubbling

To promote the biomineralization, supersaturated simulated body fluids (SBFs), e.g. five times SBF (5 × SBF), were usually applied. In these SBFs, however, homogeneous nucleation of Ca-P mineralites and deposition unavoidably took place owing to the HCO₃⁻ decomposition and the pH value increment, which made the prediction of bone bioactivity of substrates controversial. In this study, the classically prepared 5 × SBF was continuously bubbled with CO₂ to keep the pH value stable at 6.4 and the solution transparent, and a kind of electrospun poly(l-lactic acid)/gelatin composite fibers was used for the biomineralization study. In such a modified 5 × SBF, heterogenenous nucleation occurred dominantly and thermodynamical unstable brushites (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, DCPD) were detected shortly on both electrospun PLLA fibers and PLLA/gelatin (1:1 in weight) composite fibers. In comparison with electrospun PLLA fibers, the sheet-like DCPD mineralites transformed into flaky carbonated calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) within 24 h on the PLLA/gelatin composite fibers due to the accelerating effect of gelatin component. The formed apatite coating contained much less Mg²⁺ ions than that deposited in the classical 5 × SBF. The results of this study showed that supersaturated SBFs buffered with gassy CO₂ were expected good choices for the accelerated biomineralization, and for the prediction of the bone bonding bioactivity of substrates.     

The interplay between molecular orientation, film morphology and luminescence properties of tetracene thin films on epitaxial AlOx/Ni3Al(1 1 1)

We report a systematic study of the interplay between molecular orientation, film morphology and luminescence properties of tetracene thin films on epitaxial alumina films on Ni₃Al(1 1 1), employing high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). If deposited at low temperatures, tetracene forms laterally disordered and compact films in which at least the first monolayer is oriented parallel to the substrate. For thicknesses in the range of 10 Å or below, these as-deposited films show no luminescence, while thicker films exhibit weak luminescence from higher layers. On annealing to 210 K, tetracene films dewet the AlO_x/Ni₃Al(1 1 1) surface and transform into an island morphology. At the same time, molecules tend to re-orient into a more upright configuration. In this island configuration, even thin films show luminescence. We can thus conclude that in spite of the insulating nature of the surface, the interaction of flat-lying tetracene molecules with AlO_x/Ni₃Al(1 1 1) is strong enough to provide at least one efficient non-radiative decay channel.     

New observation of the , 1Δg, and 2Πg states and molecular constants with all Li2, Li2, and LiLi data

This paper reports our new observation of the , 1³Δ_g (v = 2–4), and 2³Π_g (v = 2–8) states of ⁶Li⁷Li by continuous wave perturbation facilitated optical–optical double resonance spectroscopy. Combining our new experimental term values of ⁶Li⁷Li with the available experimental data of ⁶Li₂ and ⁷Li₂, molecular constants and potential energy curves by Rydberg–Klein–Rees and direct-potential-fit techniques have been determined. Born-Oppenheimer breakdown parameters of the Li₂ 1³Δ_g and 2³Π_g states are calculated.