Flux-line lattice distortion in PrOs4Sb12

We report that the flux-line lattice in the cubic superconductor Pr(Os4Sb12 is strongly distorted from an ideal hexagonal lattice at very low temperatures in a small applied field. We attribute this to the presence of gap nodes in the superconducting state on at least some Fermi-surface sheets.     

Spatial distribution and formation of nitrate radical NO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack> in Antarctic calcitic evaporates

Nitrate radical NO₃²⁻ in calcitic evaporate was discovered in Antarctica. The distribution and formation of nitrate radical NO₃²⁻ in the calcite have been studied by pulse and continuous-wave electron spin resonance. In samples that had been annealed to destroy the NO₃²⁻, regeneration of the radical by γ-rays or UV light indicated that the radical was formed by UV light (with wavelengths less than 340 nm) from solar rays, not by environmental radiation. The nonuniform spatial distribution of the nitrate radical, which was deduced from high ratios of local spin density to total spin density, suggests that the nitrate impurity was introduced into the calcium carbonate after carbonate grain formation. Formation of the carbonate-containing nitrate requires the presence of high amounts of nitrate and a dry climate. Formation of the nitrate radical requires sample exposure to UV light. These conditions are satisfied in the environment of Antarctica.     

Evolution of long-period stacking order (LPSO) in Mg97Zn1Gd2 cast alloys viewed by HAADF-STEM multi-scale electron tomography

We have studied three-dimensional (3D) structures and growth processes of 14H-type long-period stacking order (LPSO) formed in Mg₉₇Zn₁Gd₂ cast alloys by single tilt-axis electron tomography (ET) using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Evolution of the solute-enriched stacking faults (SFs) and the 14H LPSO by ageing were visualised in 3D with a high spatial resolution in multi-scale fields of views from a few nanometres to ~10 μm. Lateral growth of the solute-enriched SFs and the LPSO in the (0?0?0?1)_Mg plane is notable compared to the out-of-plane growth in the [0?0?0?1]_Mg direction. The 14H LPSO grows at the cost of decomposition of the (Mg, Zn)₃Gd-type precipitates, and accompany a change of in-plane edge angles from 30 to 60°. We have updated the Time–Temperature–Transformation diagram for precipitation in Mg₉₇Zn₁Gd₂ alloys: starting temperatures of both solute-enriched SFs and LPSO formation shifted to a shorter time side than those in the previous diagram.     

Hydrogen bond lifetimes in supercritical methanol–water mixtures via MD simulation

Dynamical features of hydrogen bonds in methanol–water mixtures have been analysed in terms of lifetime in the wide range of conditions, including supercritical states, using a molecular dynamics simulation with flexible potential models. Hydrogen bond characteristics in methanol–water mixtures were investigated by considering the combination of molecular species and donor–acceptor of hydrogen-bonded molecules. The hydrogen bond lifetimes mainly depend on temperature, and those in supercritical condition were about 1/10th of that at ambient condition. Focusing on the composition dependence of the hydrogen bond lifetime, the unique behaviour of that resulting from hydration structure was observed. Moreover, the molecular combination, which showed the largest hydrogen bond lifetime, was different for ambient and high temperature and high pressure conditions. The relationship between hydrogen bond lifetime and molar volume was also calculated to discuss the hydrogen bond lifetime in terms of the collision frequency of molecules and the intermolecular distance.     

Microwave spectrum, molecular structure, and theoretical calculation of cyclohexanone oxime (chair form)

The microwave spectra of cyclohexanone oxime and d₁ (=NOD) and d₄(2,2,6,6-d₄) derivatives were observed in the frequency range from 8 to 40 GHz in the ground and excited vibrational states. The rotational constants were determined to be A = 3799.844(48), B = 1513.7912(23), and C = 1189.6118(29) MHz for normal species, A = 3791.835(88), B = 1461.0324(47), and C = 1157.5653(53) MHz for d₁ species, and A = 3364.141(49), B = 1487.9551(34), and C = 1154.0965(44) MHz for d₄ species in the ground vibrational state. The planar moments, P_bb (P_bb = (I_c + I_a − I_b)/2) of normal, d₁, and d₄ species were determined to be 111.9885(26), 111.9817(46), and 124.2394(49) uŲ, respectively. The almost same values of P_bb of normal and d₁ species suggest that the hydroxyl hydrogen atom is very close to the a-c plane. From the r_s coordinates of the hydroxyl hydrogen atom, the OH bond was found to be at the trans position with respect to the CN double bond. The conformation of cyclohexanone oxime was determined to be chair form by comparing the observed and calculated rotational constants, ΔI, and planar moments, and taking account of the calculated the relative energy difference, ΔE. The structural parameters, the three bond lengths, three bond angles, and three dihedral angles, were adjusted to the nine rotational constants observed. The bond angle of ∠C₂C₁N is much wider than that of ∠C₆C₁N by about 10°. The dihedral angles of ∠C₁C₂C₃C₄, ∠C₂C₃C₄C₅, and ∠C₃C₄C₅C₆ were determined to be 53.3(5), −57.2(5), and 57.2(5)°. Two vibrational modes were assigned to the ring-bending and ring-twisting ones, which are almost harmonic up to v = 3.     

Magneto-optical single dot spectroscopy of GaSb/GaAs type II quantum dots

We have investigated magneto-optical properties of GaSb/GaAs self-assemble type II quantum dots by single dot spectroscopy in magnetic field. We have observed clear Zeeman splitting and diamagnetic shift of GaSb/GaAs quantum dots. The diamagnetic coefficient ranges from 5 to 30 μeV/T². The large coefficient and their large distribution are attributed to the size inhomogeneity and electron localization outside the dot. The g-factor of GaSb/GaAs quantum dots is slightly larger than that of similar type I InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots. In addition, we find almost linear relationship between the diamagnetic coefficient and the g-factor. The linear increase of g-factor with diamagnetic coefficient is due to an increase of spin-orbit interaction with dot size.     

Silicon-Based Integrated Optic Pressure Sensor Using Intermodal Interference between TM-Like and TE-Like Modes

In this paper, a silicon-based integrated optic pressure sensor using an intermodal interference between the fundamental TM-like and TE-like modes is described. The sensor consists of a micromachined rectangular diaphragm and a straight polystyrene optical waveguide passing over the diaphragm. Its sensitivity is theoretically known to be strongly dependent on the position of the waveguide over the diaphragm. To experimentally investigate such dependence, we fabricated a sensor with a 1.2 mm ×10 mm ×20 μm diaphragm, over which waveguides were placed at 50 μm intervals. The measured phase sensitivity was 98 mrad/kPa for the waveguide nearest to the diaphragm edge. The measurement was also carried out for the other waveguides. As theoretically expected, the largest sensitivity was obtained for the waveguide nearest to the edge.