Electron-impact total cross sections for inelastic processes for furan,tetrahydrofuran and 2,5-dimethylfuran

We report total inelastic, total ionisation and summed total excitation cross sections for electron scattering on furan, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 2,5-dimethylfuran at energies between the ionisation threshold and 5 keV. We have employed the spherical complex optical potential formalism (SCOP) to calculate the total inelastic cross sections (Q_inel) and have used complex scattering potential-ionisation contribution (CSP-ic) method to derive total ionisation cross sections (Q_ion) and summed total excitation cross sections (∑Q_exc) from the calculated Q_inel. We have also computed Q_ion for these molecules using binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) approach. We have compared our total cross sections (TCS) with available experimental as well as previous theoretical results and have found good agreement. The results are presented graphically as well as numerically.     

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectra of melamine and other chemicals using a 1550 nm (retina‐safe) laser

Many trace chemical analyses are being transitioned from the lab to the field, among which is surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Although initial portable Raman analyzers primarily employ 785 nm laser excitation, recent studies suggest longer wavelengths, with an appropriate surface‐enhanced Raman‐active substrate, may provide equal sensitivity. Furthermore, 1550 nm excitation may provide added safety for the user, in that permanent retina damage does not occur. Here, we show that a reasonable enhancement factor can be obtained for melamine using 1550 nm laser excitation that is nearly equivalent to those obtained using 785 and 1064 nm laser excitation. We also demonstrate that a number of other chemicals of interest can be measured by 1550 nm surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, albeit only modest sensitivity is achieved because of instrument limitations, not enhancement factors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

From String Nets to Nonabelions

We discuss Hilbert spaces spanned by the set of string nets, i.e. trivalent graphs, on a lattice. We suggest some routes by which such a Hilbert space could be the low-energy subspace of a model of quantum spins on a lattice with short-ranged interactions. We then explain conditions which a Hamiltonian acting on this string net Hilbert space must satisfy in order for the system to be in the DFib (Doubled Fibonacci) topological phase, that is, be described at low energy by an SO(3)₃ × SO(3)₃ doubled Chern-Simons theory, with the appropriate non-abelian statistics governing the braiding of the low-lying quasiparticle excitations (nonabelions). Using the string net wavefunction, we describe the properties of this phase. Our discussion is informed by mappings of string net wavefunctions to the chromatic polynomial and the Potts model.     

Fabrication and photoresponse of n-$$\hbox {WS}_{2}/$$p-V$$_{0.25}$$0.25W$$_{0.75}$$0.75Se$$_{2}$$2 van der Waals heterojunction

Excitation functions for \(\alpha \)-induced reactions on natural vanadium were measured in the energy range up to 20 MeV. The stacked-foil activation technique was used. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical calculations using EMPIRE-3.1, EMPIRE-3.2.2 and TENDL 2015, and with earlier experimental results. Thick target yields were calculated for the production of \(^{54}\hbox {Mn}\) and for the associated impurity \(^{52}\hbox {Mn}\).     

Projected Shell Model Description of Positive Parity Band of <Superscript>130</Superscript>Pr Nucleus

Theoretical investigation of positive parity yrast band of odd-odd ¹³⁰Pr nucleus is performed by applying the projected shell model. The present study is undertaken to investigate and verify the very recently observed side band in ¹³⁰Pr theoretically in terms of quasi-particle (qp) configuration. From the analysis of band diagram, the yrast as well as side band are found to arise from two-qp configuration πh _11/2???νh _11/2. The present calculations are viewed to have qualitatively reproduced the known experimental data for yrast states, transition energies, and B(M1) / B(E2) ratios of this nucleus. The recently observed positive parity side band is also reproduced by the present calculations. The energy states of the side band are predicted up to spin 25⁺, which is far above the known experimental spin of 18⁺ and this could serve as a motivational factor for future experiments. In addition, the reduced transition probability B(E2) for interband transitions has also been calculated for the first time in projected shell model, which would serve as an encouragement for other research groups in the future.     

Measurement-only topological quantum computation

We remove the need to physically transport computational anyons around each other from the implementation of computational gates in topological quantum computing. By using an anyonic analog of quantum state teleportation, we show how the braiding transformations used to generate computational gates may be produced through a series of topological charge measurements.     

Combined Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography device for tissue characterization

We report a dual-modal device capable of sequential acquisition of Raman spectroscopy (RS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) along a common optical axis. The device enhances application of both RS and OCT by precisely guiding RS acquisition with OCT images while also compensating for the lack of molecular specificity in OCT with the biochemical specificity of RS. We characterize the system performance and demonstrate the capability to identify structurally ambiguous features within an OCT image with RS in a scattering phantom, guide acquisition of RS from a localized malignancy in ex vivo breast tissue, and perform in vivo tissue analysis of a scab.     

A simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for determination of thiophanate-methyl in commercial formulations and its residues in foodstuffs

A new, simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of thiophanate-methyl, based on its reaction with cobalt(II) in the presence of triethylamine, has been developed. The yellowish green color that develops instantaneously on mixing the fungicide with the reagents in dimethylformamide is stable for at least 2 h and has maximum absorbance at 360 nm. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of thiophanate-methyl in its commercial formulations and residues on grains and apples. A photometric titration procedure for formulation analysis of the fungicide has also been developed.