Superradiance of polaritons in finite one-dimensional crystals of increasing length: Passage from a dimer to an infinite crystal

Solutions of the dispersion equations for polariton states in finite one-dimensional crystals of arbitrary length are obtained. The appearance and evolution of the radiative and nonradiative polariton branches are traced as the length varies from two monomers to limiting values, above which the spectrum no longer undergoes significant changes. The dependences of the frequencies and radiative widths on the polariton wave vector are found for various orientations of the dipole moment of the quantum transition. The evolution of superradiance as the length of the crystal increases is traced. Some previously unknown significant features of the polariton spectrum are noted particularly the damping of the branch traditionally termed nonradiative as a consequence of emission from the end faces. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 2136–2140 (November 1998)     

Thickness and temperature dependence of subsidiary absorption thresholds in yttrium-iron-garnet thin films

The microwave subsidiary absorption threshold in tangentially magnetized yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) films was measured as a function of the static magnetic field, film thickness and decrease in the 0.3–3 μm range is observed. The effect is explained quantitatively by using modified Damon-Eshbach dispersion relations which take into account exchange interactions.

The effect of temperature on h_crit, the smallest threshold field amplitude, in the 250<T< 450 K temperature range can be expressed by an empirical relationship h_crit M_s(T)^-1.6 where M_s is the saturation magnetization. This h_crit vs M_s relationship is similar to that obtained for the magnetization dependence of parallel pump thresholds in Li-Ti ferrite compounds.     

EPMA of interfaces applied to the solid oxide fuel cell

Chemical interactions at the phase boundaries of materials applied for the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been studied by EPMA. The chemical reactivity at the interface of La_y-xSr_xMnO₃/ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ is dependent on the stoichiometry (y) and the Sr content (x) of the perovskite. Typical reaction products (zirconates) and a diffusion zone in the ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ have been observed. The extension of cation release (Mn) is related to the increasing chemical activity of Mn oxide in the perovskite by the Sr substitution for La. The wettability of the metal/oxide interface in the anode cermet (Ni/ZrO₂–Y₂O₃) has been found to be influenced by chemical reactions resulting from the applied reducing atmosphere with high carbon activity. The disintegration of ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ in contact with molten Ni or Ni-Ti and Ni-Cr alloys leads to the redeposition of Y₂O₃-enriched oxides and also to Zr-rich intermetallic compounds and eutectics.     

Vibrational control of crystal growth from liquid phase

Modeling and numerical simulations of the convective flows induced by the vibration of the monocrystal during crystal growth have been performed for two configurations simulating the Cz and FZ methods. This permitted to emphasize the role of different vibrational mechanisms in the formation of the average flows. It is shown that an appropriate combination of these mechanisms can be used to counteract the usual convective flows (buoyancy- and/or thermocapillary-driven) inherent to crystal growth processes from the liquid phase. While vibrational convection is rather complex due to these identified mechanisms, the new modeling used in the present paper opens up very promising perspectives to efficiently control heat and mass transfer during real industrial applications of crystal growth from the liquid phase.     

Quality assurance for the analytical data of micro elements in food

The micro element content of food is an important quality index due to the action of these elements on human health. In this article, we discuss how to ensure the reliability of analytical data on micro elements in order to truly represent the condition of food. Sampling, treatment of the analytical sample, selection of the analytical method, standard solution, and certified reference material, blank test, calibration of the instrument and equipment, application of the quality control chart, assessment of the final analytical result, and quality assurance system are briefly described. Received: 5 July 2001 Accepted: 19 November 2001     

Pseudo-Strong Regularity Around a Set

A generalization of strong regularity around a vertex subset C of a graph Γ, which makes sense even if Γis non-regular, is studied. Such a structure appears, together with a kind of distance-regularity around C , when an spectral bound concerning the so-called predistance polynomial of C is attained. As a main consequence of these results, it is shown that a regular (connected) graph Γwith d + 1 distinct eigenvalues is distance-regular, and its distance- d graph Γ d is strongly regular with parameters a = c , if and only if the number of vertices at distance d from each vertex satisfies an expression which depends only on the order of Γand the different eigenvalues of Γ.     

Toughening of epoxies via craze-like damage

The fracture behavior of a core-shell rubber (CSR) modified epoxy is investigated using both fracture mechanics and microscopy tools. The CSR-modified epoxy is found to be toughened via numerous line-array cavitations of the CSR particles, followed by plastic flow of the epoxy matrix. The toughening effect via the above craze-like damage process is found to be as effective as that of the well-known widespread rubber cavitation/matrix shear yielding mechanisms. The conditions for triggering the craze-like damage appear to be both stress state and rubber concentration dependent. The type of rubber tougheners utilized also plays a critical role in triggering this rather unusual craze-like damage in epoxy systems. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Electron-transfer kinetics and activation barriers for the reductions of nitrosonium and nitronium ions in aprotic solvents

Using the cyclic voltammetry (CV), the electron-transfer kinetics for the reductions of NO⁺ and NO₂⁺ cations have been studied at the Pt electrode in nitromethane, sulfolane, and propylene carbonate. The heterogeneous rate constants have been determined by two independent procedures from the transfer coefficient α, the diffusion coefficient D, from a detailed examination of the CV-peak separations, and from an inspection of the values of the cathodic peak potentials at different scan rates. The results have been compared to those reported in the literature, and discussed. In the classical model, outer-sphere electron-transfer reactions are considered subject to an activation energy arising from solvent reorganization and bond reorganization processes. The solvent and molecular reorganizational barriers for these electroreductions have been assessed in aprotic media. The Marcus-Hush theory has been applied to the self-exchange reactions of the NO₂⁺/NO₂ and NO⁺/NO couples in an attempt to predict the rate of electron transfer. The findings indicate some improvement between theory and experiment. However, it should be noted that the experimental values of k_s found for the NO₂⁺ reduction in the solvents used are still too high in comparison with those determined theoretically. In view of the fairly strong coordination of the solvent molecule(s) as ligand(s) to NO₂⁺ and NO⁺ cations, we believe that such discrepancies should stem, to some extent, from the involvement of an inner-sphere pathway by generation of an activated complex on the surface of the Pt electrode. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.