Measurement of the ground state 2n pickup probability for 28Si+68Zn and its role in sub-barrier fusion enhancement

The ground state and excited state transfer yields for the 2-neutron pickup channel in the ²⁸Si+⁶⁸Zn system have been measured explicitly. The recoil mass separator at the nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi was used for the measurement. A NaI(T1) detector was used for detecting the deexcitation γ’s from the transfer products. The kinematic coincidence technique was employed for the transfer measurement. Simplified coupled channels calculations show that out of all transfer channels the major contribution to the sub-barrier enhancement comes from the ground state 2 neutron pickup channel with a ground state Q-value of+1.83 MeV.     

A Novel Wideband Subarray Technique for Shaped Pattern Generation and Adaptively Interference Rejection

In this article, a simple and efficient technique for the wideband shaped beam and sector beam pattern generation with their adaptive interference rejection is proposed. A microcontroller controlled and time delay based beam forming network for simultaneously generating multiple beams, shaped beam and sector beam is conceptualized. The antenna patterns considered here is formed by linear array of isotropic elements grouped as subarray. The shaped and sector beam synthesis procedure is practically simplified by simultaneous adding the constituents beams from the subarrays, was theoretically established by Woodward and Lawson (Proc. IEE. 95(1):362–370, 1948). Apart from the shaped beam generation a technique for adaptive interference rejection in shaped patterns using combination of time delay and phase shifter is discussed. This topic promises good prospect for wideband pattern generation and interference rejection.     

Processes developed for the separation of europium (Eu) from various resources

Europium (Eu), one of the most significant rare earth (RE) elements, has wide applications as functional material in phosphor production, majorly used in fluorescent lamps, computer monitors, televisions etc. Eu is one of the three divalent lanthanides (along with Yb and Sm) having a reduction potential higher than ?2 V. This possibility of Eu reduction is attributed to a relatively stable half-filled 4f⁷ electronic configuration, thus providing a high stabilization energy and selective recovery. But the Eu recuperation from natural minerals is either accompanied with other REs or Eu is recovered as a group of light REs. Selective recovery of Eu has sparked the progress for its reutilization through recycling of secondary resources. The perspectives of reclaiming Eu as a value added product from various sources using different pyro-hydro or hybrid techniques are discussed. The systematic research and salient findings on methods, viz., reduction, leaching, solvent extraction, as well as combined methods scaled-up to commercial scale to recover Eu, are also reported with recommendations. Thus, this comparative as well as summarized review hopes to help researchers to develop feasible processes for Eu recovery.