Composite lattice pattern formation in a wide-aperture thin-slice solid-state laser with imperfect reflective ends

We observed self-formations of multiple lasing channels and two-dimensional lasing patterns consisting of composite local modes having different lasing frequencies in a laser-diode-pumped wide-aperture thin-slice solid-state laser with imperfect reflective end surfaces. Global patterns resembling higher-order Hermite-Gaussian modes or possessing N-fold rotational symmetries were experimentally shown to appear due to the standard polished surface roughness of closely spaced reflective ends and nonlinear modal interactions.     

Development of a two-color interferometer for observing wide range electron density profiles with a femtosecond time resolution

A two-color interferometer for preformed plasma characterization is developed. We observe the electron density distribution of preformed plasmas on a 5 μm-thick copper target irradiated with a high-intensity Ti:sapphire laser. The two-color interferometer extended the observable electron density region using a fundamental (800 nm) probe beam to cover the lower density region and a second harmonic (400 nm) probe beam to cover the higher density region, simultaneously. This characterization of the electron density distribution of preformed plasmas with femtosecond time resolution significantly contributes to the understanding of high-intensity laser–thin-foil interactions during high-energy electron, ion, and X-ray generation. PACS 52.38.-r; 52.50.Jm; 52.70.-m     

History of spectroscopy and modern micromachined disposable Si ATR-IR spectroscopy

In this article, the historical development of spectroscopy is examined and the spectroscopy devices used today are described. Then, we focus on infrared (IR) spectroscopy, which cannot give valuable signal in aqueous solution. Attenuated total reflection (ATR)-IR technique solves the problem. In addition, we specifically mention newly developed disposable ATR-IR crystals and micromachined silicon (Si) ATR-IR. Disposable crystal systems and microfluidics systems can be integrated with existing miniature ATR analyzers. If the integration is successful, the technique might be used in biomedical measuring instruments, reactions' analyses, and ultra-high-pressure analyses.     

First observation of B(s)(0) → J/ψη and B(s)(0) → J/ψη'

We report first observations of B(s)(0) → J/ψη and B(s)(0) → J/ψη'. The results are obtained from 121.4 fb(-1) of data collected at the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+ e- collider. We obtain the branching fractions B(B(s)(0) → J/ψη)=[5.10±0.50(stat)±0.25(syst)(-0.79)(+1.14)(N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))]×10(-4), and B(B(s)(0) → J/ψη')=[3.71±0.61(stat)±0.18(syst)(-0.57)(+0.83)(N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))]×10(-4). The ratio of the two branching fractions is measured to be (B(B(s) → J/ψη'))/(B(B(s) → J/ψη))=0.73±0.14(stat)±0.02(syst).     

RKKY ferromagnetism with Ising-like spin states in intercalated Fe(1/4)TaS2

We investigated the magnetic nature of Fe(1/4)TaS2 using x-ray absorption spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, and first principles band calculations. The results show a large unquenched orbital magnetic moment (～1.0 μ(B)/Fe) at intercalated Fe sites, resulting in a gigantic magnetic anisotropy (H(A)?60 T). The magnetic coupling is well understood in terms of the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction, suggesting a novel RKKY ferromagnet with Ising-type spin states. We also found that this indirect exchange coupling between the neighboring Fe spins is ferromagnetic and maximized at the Fe-Fe distance of 2×2 superstructure.     

Micellar core-shell-type acrylic-polyurethane hybrid materials with self-polishing property

Abstract

Marine fouling can be a serious problem in the shipping industry, since it increases the surface roughness of the hull and hence its frictional resistance to its movement through water. Antifouling paint can be defined as preventing the attachment of marine organisms onto surfaces. However, the most commonly used antifouling coating which is the tributyltin-based self-polishing copolymer causes the severe pollution of marine environment. Ammonium salt-based paints include tertiary amines as biocides which have effective biocidal and biodegradable properties without accumulation in the sea environment. However, ammonium salt-based coatings were too sensitive to seawater and became swollen. In this study, polyurethane-acrylic copolymers were synthesized by radical polymerization. These hybrid materials were found to form core–shell structures in aqueous media. Synthesis and properties of copolymers were investigated by Fourier transform-infrared spectrometer, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The polishing rate of self-polishing copolymer was determined from the reduction in dry film thickness after artificial seawater immersion under a dynamic condition.     

Formation of pancakelike Ising domains and giant magnetic coercivity in ferrimagnetic LuFe2O4

We have studied quasi-two-dimensional multiferroic LuFe2O4 with strong charge-spin-lattice coupling, in which low-temperature coercivity approaches an extraordinary value of 9 T in single crystals. The enhancement of the coercivity is connected to the collective freezing of nanoscale pancakelike ferrimagnetic domains with large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy ("Ising pancakes"). Our results suggest that collective freezing in low-dimensional magnets with large uniaxial anisotropy provides an effective mechanism to achieve enhanced coercivity. This observation may help identify novel approaches for synthesis of magnets with enhanced properties.     

Structural studies of AgSbTe2 under pressure: Experimental and theoretical analyses

The crystal structure of AgSbTe₂ has been refined using first-principles calculations, from which the ordering of the cations, Ag and Sb, was confirmed. The spontaneous formation of two (D4 and L1₁) phases at ambient and elevated pressure was demonstrated theoretically. The compound was also prepared and its high-pressure structural deformation sequence, ranging from ambient to 50.9 GPa, was observed with synchrotron radiation at room temperature. The compound underwent a pressure-induced amorphization (PIA) at 24.6 GPa and then started recrystallizing at 49.2 GPa. The bulk modulus (B₀) and pressure derivative of the bulk modulus (B_p) were determined experimentally to be 56.3 ± 5.1 GPa and 4.3 ± 0.8, respectively. We suggest that large displacements of Te atoms to Ag vacancy positions are responsible for PIA and the recrystallization.