Assignment of the vibrational bands of the B1u ← A1g transition in solid benzene films

Low temperature absorption spectra of benzene films were observed in the ¹B_1u ← ¹A_1g transition region. The origins of the two progressions of the totally symmetric vibration v₂(a_1g) are assigned to the crystal-field-induced 0—0 transition and to the false origin 0 + v_1g(e_2g).     

High-resolution laser spectroscopy of the AΠu-XΠg system of Br2

The laser excitation spectrum of the Br₂⁺ molecular ion was observed at rotational resolution for the first time, with the ions being generated by Penning ionization. In contrast to Cl₂⁺ and F₂⁺ but in agreement with recent theoretical work, no vibrational or rotational perturbations are observed. The data from a number of vibrational bands are fitted simultaneously to give reliable estimates of the Dunham rotational and vibrational constants. This fit indicates that the vibrational numbering used in previous studies should be increased by 1 in the upper state.     

Measurement of the hyperfine field at Gd in ZrFe2 using the TDPAC method

A hyperfine field of 46.9±4.0 T at Gd nuclei in the intermetallic compound ZrFe₂ was measured by the time-differential perturbed angular correlation method. This result indicates an additional contribution of 81 T to that measured in gadolinium metal and suggests a similarity between the magnetic properties of ZrFe₂ and those of the rareearth intermetallic compounds.     

The silver halide photographic process

The light-sensitive elements of conventional photographic materials are crystallites principally of the bromide or chloride salts of silver. Certain chemical modifications employing sulphur and gold compounds are used to maximize the response, and organic dyes are adsorbed to provide sensitivity throughout the visible spectrum. Absorption of a few photons results in the reductive formation of one or more clusters of silver or gold atoms on the surface. These clusters act as catalysts to promote further reduction of the host crystallites during photographic development. The success of the system depends upon the particular physical properties of the silver halides, such as their bonding and electron structure, the dielectric properties, the point defect structure, and the electronic transport characteristics. These are all reviewed, and the ways in which they interact to lead to the favourable photodecomposition are followed in some detail. A nucleation-and-growth mechanism operates to provide several of the favourable features of the process, and the chemical treatments used optimize the competition between these desirable steps and the unwanted recombination of electronic carriers.