Inclusive excitation-energy distributions of hot nuclei from 44 MeV/nucleon Ar- and 32 MeV/nucleon Kr-induced reactions

Inclusive neutron multiplicity distributions were measured by means of 4π liquid-scintillator detectors for Ar and Kr-induced reactions at 44 MeV/nucleon and 32 MeV/nucleon, respectively. For all the systems studied, the observed distributions exhibit a bump structure at large multiplicity, corresponding to highly dissipative collisions. For Ar-induced reactions, the excitation energies necessary to explain the most probable neutron multiplicity associated with these dissipative collisions are estimated, the correspondence between excitation energy and neutron multiplicity being calculated in the framework of the statistical model. The so-obtained values of excitation energies, which are systematically lower than those predicted using the massive-transfer picture, are discussed.     

Polytellurophenes

Will polytellurophenes bridge the gap between conjugated polymer and inorganic solid‐state semiconductors? Polytellurophenes are a virtually unexplored class of conjugated polymer. In this paper, the synthetic methodologies that have been used to prepare polytellurophenes are chronicled. The properties of the resulting polymers are discussed and their potential for use as electronic materials is evaluated. It is far too early to know if these materials will lead to a useful class of thin‐film semiconductors, however some key challenges associated with their synthesis and implementation are outlined. These challenges will need to be addressed as the conjugated polymer research community begins to utilize this area of the periodic table.

     

Interatomic electronic decay driven by nuclear motion

The interatomic electronic decay after inner-valence ionization of a neon atom by a single photon in a neon-helium dimer is investigated. The excited neon atom relaxes via interatomic Coulombic decay and the excess energy is transferred to the helium atom and ionizes it. We show that the decay process is only possible if the dimer's bond stretches up to 6.2 ?, i.e., to more than twice the equilibrium interatomic distance of the neutral dimer. Thus, it is demonstrated that the electronic decay, taking place at such long distances, is driven by the nuclear motion.     

Single quantum dot nanolaser

Recent theoretical and experimental progress on nanolasers is reviewed with a focus on the emission properties of devices operating with a few or even an individual semiconductor quantum dot as a gain medium. Concepts underlying the design and operation of these devices, microscopic models describing light‐matter interaction and semiconductor effects, as well as recent experimental results and lasing signatures are discussed. In particular, a critical review of the “self‐tuned gain” mechanism which gives rise to quantum‐dot mode coupling in the off‐resonant case is provided. Furthermore recent advances in the modeling of single quantum dot lasers beyond the artificial atom model are presented with a focus on the exploration of similarities and differences between the atomic and semiconductor systems.     

Conformational polymorphism of 3-(azidomethyl)benzoic acid

Three conformational polymorphs of 3-(azidomethyl)benzoic acid, C₈H₇N₃O₂, are reported. All three structures maintain similar carboxylic acid dimers and π–π stacking. Crystal structure analysis and computational evaluations highlight the azidomethyl group as a source of conformational polymorphism, thus having potential implications in the design of solid-state reactions.