Decoupling approximations for quantum vibrational predissociation dynamics: The tests on the low-level golden rule approaches for some rare gas—Cl2, ICl complexes

Vibrational and rotational decoupling approximations are tested in three-dimensional Fermi Golden Rule calculations on energies, lifetimes, and product state distributions of the vibrationally predissociating atom—diatom van der Waals complexes. The validity of approximate separations of diatom vibration, decoupling of stretching and bending intermolecular motions, and rotational infinite order sudden approximation for product scattering is characterized by comparison with the results of accurate calculations on the Ne ··· Cl₂, Ne ··· ICl, and He ··· ICl systems. The most accurate approximate schemes are recommended. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Tunneling spectroscopy of single electron spin

The possibility of detection of the electron spin of a single paramagnetic species (an atom, a radical, or an ion) on the surface was discussed. The analysis was based on spin chemistry laws taking into account the statistics of the spin states of both the tunneling electron and paramagnetic center. The equations for the tunneling current as a function of temperature and magnetic field strength were derived. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1732–1734, September, 1998.     

Aspect-ratio dependent oscillatory thermocapillary convection in the floating half zone

The dependency of the critical Marangoni number on the geometrical aspect ratio of the floating half zone is essential to predict the onset of oscillatory thermocapillary convection.The experimental studies in the microgravity conditions on floating half zones of several centimeters in diameter have predicted that the critical Marangoni number increases with the increasing aspect ratio,and the terrestrial experimental studies have predicted the contradictory conclusion for floating half zones of several mil...     

Non-Gravitational Effects with Density-Matching in Evaluating the Influence of Sedimentation on Colloidal Coagulation

The method of density matching between the solid and liquid phases is often adopted to effectively eliminate the effect of sedimentation of suspensions in studies on dynamic behaviour of a colloidal system. However, the associated changes in the solvent composition may bring side effects to the properties investigated and therefore might lead to a faulty conclusion if the relevant correction is not made. To illustrate the importance of this side effect, we present an example of the sedimentation influence on the coagulation rate of suspensions of 2μm （diameter） polystyrene. The liquid mixtures, in the proper proportions of water （H2O）, deuterium oxide （D2O） and methanol （MeOH） as the liquid phase, density-matched and unmatched experiments are performed. Besides the influence of viscosity, the presence of methanol in solvent media, used to enhance the sedimentation effect, causes significant changes （reduction） in rapid coagulation rates compared to that in pure water. Without the relevant corrections for those non-gravitational factors it seems that gravitational sedimentation would retard the coagulation. The magnitude of the contribution from the non-gravitational factor is quantitatively determined, making the relevant correction possible. After necessary the influence of the sedimentation on coagulation rates at corrections for all factors, our experiments show that the initial stage of the coagulation is not observable.