High-temperature measurements of the rates of the reactions CH2O + Ar → Products and CH2O + O2 → Products

The two-channel thermal decomposition of formaldehyde [CH₂O], (1a) CH₂O + Ar → HCO + H + Ar, and (1b) CH₂O + Ar → H₂ + CO + Ar, was studied in shock tube experiments in the 2258-2687 K temperature range, at an average total pressure of 1.6 atm. OH radicals, generated on shock heating trioxane-O₂-Ar mixtures, were monitored behind the reflected shock front using narrow-linewidth laser absorption. 1,3,5 trioxane [C₃H₆O₃] was used as the CH₂O precursor in the current experiments. H-atoms formed upon CH₂O and HCO decomposition rapidly react with O₂ to produce OH via H + O₂ → O + OH. The recorded OH time-histories show dominant sensitivity to the formaldehyde decomposition pathways. The second-order reaction rate coefficients were inferred by matching measured and modeled OH profiles behind the reflected shock. Two-parameter fits for k_1a and k_1b, applicable in this temperature range, are:

     

Synchronized cluster formation in coupled laser networks

We experimentally investigate the phase dynamics of laser networks with homogenous time-delayed mutual coupling and establish the fundamental rules that govern their state of synchronization. We identified a specific substructure that imposes its synchronization state on the entire network and show that for any coupling configuration the network forms at most two synchronized clusters. Our results indicate that the synchronization state of the network is a nonlocal phenomenon and cannot be deduced by decomposing the network into smaller substructures, each with its individual synchronization state.     

A three dimensional dark focal spot uniformly surrounded by light

A new technique is proposed for generating a tight dark focal spot surrounded by uniform light intensity in all directions. It is based on a single focusing lens illuminated from one side, hence the alignment sensitivities associated with 4π methods are eliminated. Such a beam can be useful, e.g. as a dark atomic trap, and as the erase beam in three dimensional super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.     

Single frequency lasing using coherent combining

We show that by coherently combining several solid state lasers it is possible to obtain a single frequency output. This is experimentally demonstrated by coherently combining four Nd:YAG lasers channels, each with a properly chosen cavity length, in order to suppress unwanted longitudinal modes and obtain a single frequency output. We also present a model that accurately predicts and supports out experimental results.     

Laguerre Polynomials, Restriction Principle, and Holomorphic Representations of SL(2,R)

The restriction principle is used to implement a realization of the holomorphic representations of SL(2,R) on L ² (R ⁺,t dt) by way of the standard upper half plane realization. The resulting unitary equivalence establishes a correspondence between functions that transform according to the character e^–i(2n++1); under rotations and the Laguerre polynomials. The standard recursion relations amongst Laguerre polynomials are derived from the action of the Lie algebra.     

Reinvestigation of mucohalic acids,versatile and useful building blocks for highly functionalized alpha,beta-unsaturated gamma-butyrolactones

[reaction: see text] Mucohalic acids (mucochloric acid (1, 3,4-dichloro-5-hydroxy-5H-furan-2-one) and mucobromic acid (2, 3,4-dibromo-5-hydroxy-5H-furan-2-one)) are inexpensive, commercially available starting materials with multiple functional groups. These compounds have been modified by way of reduction followed by Suzuki cross-coupling reactions involving arylboronic acids to afford highly functionalized alpha,beta-unsaturated gamma-butyrolactones in excellent yield. The synthetic utility of these building blocks was effectively demonstrated through preparation of the antiinflammatory drug Vioxx.     

Canonical hadron gas interpretation ofp-A E802 data

Hadron gas models have proved successful in predicting particle production in relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions. The extension of these models to the smaller systems formed in proton-nucleus collisions requires that the finite size of the system be considered. We study two features introduced by the finite size: the need to conserve strangeness and baryon number exactly by performing calculations in the canonical ensemble, and the inclusion of a finite size geometrical correction term in the single particle density of states. We find significant differences between the grand canonical and canonical ensembles and a strong dependence on the baryon number of the system.     

Transition moment closure tests for ethylene

The completeness of a basis set for ethylene is examined relative to its ability to describe transition moments. The double zeta (Dunning contraction) plus polarization plus Rydberg Cartesian Gaussian set does much better for length than for velocity moments. An attempt is made to interpret the transition moment sums for the occupied orbitals.