Paper I: The use of measurement-time dependent single-aliquot equivalent-dose estimates from quartz in the identification of incomplete signal resetting

The identification of incomplete signal re-setting of optically stimulated luminescence signals in sedimentary quartz is a vitally important step in the continued improvement of optical dating. It is shown that narrow spectrum (blue-green) laboratory partial bleaching of aliquots of natural sedimentary quartz has a significant effect on equivalent dose (measured using a single aliquot procedure) calculated as a function of measurement time (D_e(t)). The blue-green stimulation spectrum mimics that found underwater and the results suggest that incomplete re-setting of waterlain sediments may be possible using the D_e(t) method.     

Circumventing possible inaccuracies of the single aliquot regeneration method for the optical dating of quartz

A simple method of assessing the reliability of the single aliquot regeneration method is presented, based on the repeated measurement of identical regeneration doses. It is shown that for the majority of the samples measured the requirement of a constant repeat point in each cycle is not met. The ability to maintain a constant repeat point is shown to be dependent upon preheating conditions, the requirements for which were found to vary at both inter-sample and inter-aliquot levels. The expected effect on estimated values of D_e is calculated and shown to be significant. Three possible means of circumventing these inaccuracies are presented: (i) adjustment of the measurement procedure (specifically the preheat conditions); (ii) modelling and correcting for the effect, and (iii) stabilising the response prior to construction of the regenerated growth curve. It is suggested that much of the variation in D_e observed between individual aliquots and between individual grains from well-bleached sediments may possibly be attributed to differences in preheating requirements, and that such differences may also account for some of the spread in D_e for partially bleached sediments.     

Annealing dependence of magnetic properties in nanostructured Sm0.5Y0.5Co5

Nanocrystalline Sm_0.5Y_0.5Co₅ powders with high coercivity H_C and enhanced remanence M_r were prepared by mechanical milling and subsequent annealing. Annealing temperatures T ranging from 973 to 1173 K, and times t ranging from 1 to 5 min were used. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and DC-magnetization measurements were carried out to study the microstructure and magnetic properties of these samples. XRD patterns demonstrate that the average grain size D of the nanocrystalline powders depends on the annealing temperature T and time t: D ranges from 11 nm (for T=973 K and t=1 min) to 93 nm (for T=1173 K and t=5 min). Magnetic measurements performed at room temperature indicate high coercivity values (H_C>955 kA/m), and enhanced remanence (M_r/M_max>0.5) for all samples. A strong annealing-induced grain size dependence of these magnetic properties was found.     

N=2 6-dimensional supersymmetric E6 breaking

We study the N=2 supersymmetric E₆ models on the 6-dimensional space–time where the supersymmetry and gauge symmetry can be broken by the discrete symmetry. On the space–time M⁴×S¹/(Z₂×Z₂′)×S¹/(Z₂×Z₂′), for the zero modes, we obtain the 4-dimensional N=1 supersymmetric models with gauge groups SU(3)×SU(2)×SU(2)×U(1)², SU(4)×SU(2)×SU(2)×U(1), and SU(3)×SU(2)×U(1)³ with one extra pair of Higgs doublets from the vector multiplet. In addition, considering that the extra space manifold is the annulus A² and disc D², we list all the constraints on constructing the 4-dimensional N=1 supersymmetric SU(3)×SU(2)×U(1)³ models for the zero modes, and give the simplest model with Z₉ symmetry. We also comment on the extra gauge symmetry breaking and its generalization.     

Theoretical studies of spin-Hamiltonian parameters for Ni ions in CsMgX3 (X=Cl, Br, I) crystals from the two-mechanism model

In this paper, the high-order perturbation formulas of spin-Hamiltonian (SH) parameters (g factors g, g and zero-field splitting D), including both the crystal-field (CF) and for the first time charge-transfer (CT) mechanisms, are established for 3d⁸ ions in trigonal octahedral clusters. By using these formulas, the SH parameters of Ni²⁺ ions in CsMgX₃ (X=Cl, Br, I) crystals are calculated. The results are consistent with the experimental values. The calculations suggest that the sign of Q^CT (Q=Δg, Δg or D, where the g-shift Δg_i=g_i−g_e, g_e≈2.0023 is the value of free-electron) due to CT mechanism is the same as that of the corresponding Q^CF due to CF mechanism, and the relative importance of CT mechanism (characterized by Q^CT/Q^CF) increases with the increasing atomic number of ligand X. So, for the 3dⁿ ML_m clusters with ligand having large atomic number, the reasonable theoretical explanations of all SH parameters should take both CF and CT mechanisms into account. The defect structure of (NiX₆)⁴⁻ impurity centers in CsMgX₃:Ni²⁺ crystals is also considered in our model.     

Effect of WO3 on the spectroscopic properties in Er/Yb co-doped bismuth–borate glasses

The spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃–WO₃ (BBW) glasses were analyzed and discussed. The effect of WO₃ content on the absorption spectra, the Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω_t (t=2, 4, 6), emission spectra and the lifetime of the ⁴I_13/2 level and the quantum efficiency of Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition were also investigated. With the substitution of WO₃ for B₂O₃, the measured lifetime of the ⁴I_13/2 level and the quantum efficiency of Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition increase from 0.98 to 1.31 ms and from 38.2% to 49.2%, respectively. The effective width of emission band and the emission cross-section both decrease slightly. And the emission spectra is analyzed via the different curve (σ_e−σ_a) of BBW glasses, the influence of OH⁻is also discussed.     

1-forms over the moduli space of irreducible connections defined by the spectrum of Dirac operators

Let (P) be the moduli space of irreducible connections of a G-principal bundle P over a closed Riemannian spin manifold M. Let D_A be the Dirac operator of M coupled to a connection A of P and f a smooth function on M. We consider a smooth variation A(u) of A with tangent vector ω and denote T_ω:= (D_A(u)−f) (u=0. The coefficients of the asymptotic expansion of trace (T_ω · e^-t(D_A−f)2) near t=0 define 1-forms a^(k)_f, K=0, 1, 2, … on (P). In this paper we calculate aa⁽⁰⁾_f, a⁽¹⁾_f, a⁽²⁾_f and study some of their properties. For instance using the 1-form a⁽²⁾_f for suitable functions f we obtain a foliation of codimension 5 of the space of G-instantons of S⁴.     

Understanding DsJ(2317)

We analyze the hadronic and radiative decay modes of the recently observed D_sJ(2317) meson, in the hypothesis that it can be identified with the scalar state of spectrum (D_s0). The method is based on heavy quark symmetries and vector meson dominance ansatz. We find that the hadronic isospin violating mode D_s0→D_sπ⁰ is enhanced with respect to the radiative mode D_s0→D_s^*γ. The estimated width of the meson is Γ(D_s0)7 keV.     

Variations in luminescence properties of single quartz grains and their consequences for equivalent dose estimation

In this paper examples of variability of luminescence properties between single grains of quartz extracted from natural samples or from crushed single crystals are shown. It is demonstrated how measurements of glow curves, PSL (photon stimulated luminescence) decay curves, thermal activation characteristics using multi-grain aliquots can lead to a misinterpretation of the obtained data. The possible consequences for different D_E estimation techniques applied to multi-grain aliquots or to single grains and normalisation techniques applied to multi-grain aliquots are discussed. In particular pre-dose, multi-aliquot additive, and single grain PSL SAR D_E estimation methods are considered.     

Luminescence sensitivity changes of polymineral fine grains during IRSL and [post-IR] OSL measurements

Sensitivity changes during measurement sequences of infra-red-stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and post-IR optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are presented for a sample of loess from northwestern China. Together with a dose recovery experiment, the results are used to investigate the ratio of 2.4 found for the D_e values (for IRSL and [post-IR] OSL) obtained when using a single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol in which both D_e values are obtained in a single sequence of measurements. Responses to test doses for both the IRSL and [post-IR] OSL show progressive luminescence sensitivity changes with repeated measurement cycles, with a slight dose dependence for the IRSL. In addition, five modified SAR procedures were used, varying preheats, filter combinations and method of measuring the luminescence signal. The D_e values for all IRSL measurements were at least 50% greater than those for the [post-IR] OSL signal. A modified SAR sequence was also applied in which 0.1 s stimulations (using both IR and blue light sources) were made between all sample treatments. A lack of consistency in the measured luminescence sensitivity of the natural IRSL signal suggests that the [post-IR] OSL signal provides the more reliable value of D_e.     

Quartz from southern Africa: sensitivity changes as a result of thermal pretreatment

Sensitivity changes are known to occur in quartz during luminescence measurement procedures. Accurate single-aliquot equivalent dose (D_e) evaluations can be made only if the experimental procedure applied causes no sensitivity change, or can correct for it. The quartz single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol developed by Murray and Wintle (Murray, A.S., Wintle, A.G., 2000. Luminescence dating of quartz using an improved single-aliquot regenerative-close protocol. Radiation Measurements 32, 57–73) incorporates a sensitivity correction procedure that was developed using measurements made on a single sample from Australia. This paper presents experimental data designed to test the applicability of this correction procedure to quartz extracted from two southern African sediments. The results indicate that accurate corrections are made using this protocol irrespective of the direction and magnitude of the sensitivity change. The implications for routine D_e evaluation are discussed.     

SnO分子的X~1∑~+,a~3Π和A~1Π态的势能曲线与光谱性质

对O原子以aug-cc-pvTZ为基组,Sn原子以aug-cc-pvTZ-PP为基组,分别采用多参考组态相互作用方法(MRCI)及运用Davidson修正的多参考组态相互作用方法对SnO分子基态X~1Σ~+及两个激发态a~3Π和A~1Π态的势能曲线进行计算,进而得到了各态的平衡键长R_e,谐振频率w_2,非谐振常数ω_ex_e,转动常数B_r,垂直跃迁能T_e以及离解能D_e,通过群论原理确定了各电子状态和离解通道,计算结果表明:3个电子态有共同的离解通道,即Sn(~3p)+O(~3p);利用Level程序对势能曲线进行拟合得到的光谱数据表明,MRCI方法的计算结果与实验值符合更好;通过求解核运动的Schrodinger方程得到了J=0时这三个电子态的前30个振动态的B_v和D_v等分子常数和振动能级E。     

Dynamic contribution to the fishtail effect in a twin-free DyBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystal

Superconducting current densities j_s and dynamic relaxation rates Q d ln j_s/d In(dB_e/dt), where dB_e/dt is the sweep rate of the external magnetic field B_e, were measured as a function of temperature (5 K < T < 65 K) in magnetic fields up to 7 T on a twin-free DyBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ single crystal by means of a high-sensitivity capacitance torque magnetometer. Above 15 K, we observe a “fishtail” effect, i.e. a pronounced minimum in the j_s(B_e) curve at fields around B_e = 1 T. The relaxation rate Q shows an anomalous increase at low fields which is correlated to the minimum in the j_s(B_e) curve. Both the j_s versus B_e and Q versus B_e data are used as input parameters into the generalized inversion scheme developed by Schnack et al. [Phys. Rev. B 48 (1993) 13178] to calculate the true critical current density j_c which is by definition independent of relaxation effects. Interestingly, the j_c(B_e, T) curves derived in this way do not show a minimum. This points clearly to a dynamic contribution to the fishtail effect. The true critical current density j_c(B_e, T) decreases weakly with increasing B_e over the entire measured temperature and field range, as expected for single-vortex pinning. This indicates that the observed fishtail effect is not caused by a crossover from single-vortex pinning to pinning of flux bundles. The temperature dependence of j_c is in good agreement with the predictions of a model based on single-vortex pinning caused by spatial fluctuations in the charge-carrier mean free path.     

LiAl分子基态、激发态势能曲线和振动能级

利用单双激发多参考组态相互作用方法获得了LiAl分子基态X¹∑⁺及七个激发态a³∏, A¹∏, b³∑⁺, c³∑⁺, B¹∏, C¹∑⁺, d³∏的势能曲线, 通过势能曲线得到各态的平衡核间距R_e, 进而求得绝热激发能和垂直激发能.计算结果表明:c³∑⁺ 电子态是一个不稳定的排斥态, A¹∏态是一个较弱的束缚态, 其余6个电子态均为束缚态; b³∑⁺与 c³∑⁺态之间存在预解离现象; 8个电子态分别解离到两个通道, 即Li(²S)+Al(²P⁰)与Li(²P⁰)+Al(²P⁰). 接着将势能曲线拟合到Murrel-Sorbie解析势能函数形式, 据此获得各态的光谱数据:基态X¹∑⁺的平衡键长为0.2863 nm, 谐振频率为316 cm^-1, 解离能D_e为1.03 eV, 激发态a³∏, A¹∏, b³∑⁺, c³∑⁺, B¹∏, C¹∑⁺, d³∏的垂直激发能依次为0.27, 0.83, 1.18, 1.14, 1.62, 1.81, 2.00 eV; 解离能依次为1.03, 0.82, 0.26, 排斥态, 1.54, 1.10, 0.93 eV, 相应谐振频率 ω_e为339, 237, 394, 排斥态, 429, 192, 178 cm^-1. 通过求解核运动的薛定谔方程找到了J=0时 LiAl分子7个束缚电子态的振动能级和转动惯量. 关键词： LiAl 光谱常数 势能曲线 振动能级     

Specific scalar mass relations in SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) orbifold model

We study flat directions and soft scalar masses using a Z₃ orbifold model with SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) gauge group and extra gauge symmetries including an anomalous U(1) symmetry. Soft scalar masses contain D-term contributions and particle mixing effects after symmetry breaking and they are parametrized by a few parameters. Some specific relations among scalar masses are obtained.     

Surface diffusion of dysprosium on the W(1 1 1) facet

Diffusion of dysprosium on the (1 1 1) facet of a tungsten micromonocrystal was investigated by means of spectral analysis of field emission current fluctuations. The experimental spectral density functions of the current fluctuations were analysed by using Gesley and Swanson’s theoretical spectral density function, which enables to determine the surface diffusion coefficient D for dysprosium. Derived from the temperature dependence of D, the diffusion activation energy E is presented for some Dy coverages θ_(1 1 1). In the temperature range 400–600 K, the E first drops from 1.25 eV per atom at θ₍₁₁₁₎≈0.25 ML to 0.48 eV per atom at θ₍₁₁₁₎≈1 ML (corresponding to the minimum of the work function of the system), then increases to 1.03 eV per atom at θ₍₁₁₁₎≈1.3 ML. The results are discussed from the aspects of the substrate structure and interaction in the adsorbed layer.     

Orbifolded SU(7) and unification of families

A 5D SU(7) family unification model with two spinor representations of SO(14) is presented. The fifth dimension is compactified on S¹/Z₂×Z₂′. The orbifolding is used to obtain 4D SO(10) chiral fermions. The 4D grand unification group is the flipped SU(5)×U(1). The doublet–triplet splitting through the missing partner mechanism is achieved. Also, fermion mass matrices are considered.     

Analysis of frequency-dependent series resistance and interface states of In/SiO2/p-Si (MIS) structures

In this work, the investigation of the interface state density and series resistance from capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G/ω−V) characteristics in In/SiO₂/p-Si metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures with thin interfacial insulator layer have been reported. The thickness of SiO₂ film obtained from the measurement of the oxide capacitance corrected for series resistance in the strong accumulation region is 220 Å. The forward and reverse bias C–V and G/ω−V characteristics of MIS structures have been studied at the frequency range 30 kHz–1 MHz at room temperature. The frequency dispersion in capacitance and conductance can be interpreted in terms of the series resistance (R_s) and interface state density (D_it) values. Both the series resistance R_s and density of interface states D_it are strongly frequency-dependent and decrease with increasing frequency. The distribution profile of R_s–V gives a peak at low frequencies in the depletion region and disappears with increasing frequency. Experimental results show that the interfacial polarization contributes to the improvement of the dielectric properties of In/SiO₂/p-Si MIS structures. The interface state density value of In/SiO₂/p-Si MIS diode calculated at strong accumulation region is 1.11×10¹² eV⁻¹ cm⁻² at 1 MHz. It is found that the calculated value of D_it (≈10¹² eV⁻¹ cm⁻²) is not high enough to pin the Fermi level of the Si substrate disrupting the device operation.     

Adatom dynamics in a periodic potential under time-periodic bias

We study the dynamics of a Brownian particle in a 1D external potential under the influence of a time-periodic bias with an amplitude small with respect to the potential barriers. We consider both a periodic potential corresponding to a smooth crystal surface and a regular array of steps with an extra Ehrlich–Schwoebel barrier for step crossing. For the smooth surface, we extend our previous work in the high friction limit to the low friction case and find that the oscillating bias enhances the diffusion coefficient D_T due to the broadening of the jump length distribution. In the case of a stepped surface with terraces of length L, the bias induces a non-zero average current J_ave in the direction of descending steps as long as the driving frequency is smaller than a threshold frequency Ω_T≈L⁻¹. The current shows a maximum as a function of temperature for fixed L. However, no evidence of stochastic resonance type of enhancement can be found either in D_T or J_ave.     

A generalized Vlasov equation

A two-special dimension electronic system characterized by a plasma parameter Γ 1 is analyzed; then, by using a rigorous non-equilibrium statistical mechanical theory, the evolution of distribution function is considered. A generalized Vlasov equation (GVE) is derived. Compared to the usual Vlasov equation, GVE presents an additional velocity-dependent correlation term. Taking as a starting point the GVE, the phenomenological approximation to two-particles function, ƒ₂(r₁r₂p₁p₂; t) = ƒ₁(r₁p₁;t)f₁(r₂p₂;t)g(r₁−r₂), proposed by Singwi, Tosi, Landi and Sjolander is analyzed.