Interface exciton modes and superconducting transition temperature of a metal in contact with a semiconductor

The problem of superconductivity in a metal-semiconductor system has been studied, using the dielectric formulation of superconductivity. The charge redistribution due to the quantum penetration of the metallic electrons to the semi-conductor side is approximated by a simple exponential function. The interface exciton modes are obtained within the framework of classical electrostatics, and their effect in modifying the effective electron-electron interaction near the interface is investigated. It is found that the strength of the excitonic term is small, and by itself, insufficient to lead to superconductivity. Nevertheless, it can alter the superconducting transition temperature of a metal, if it is already superconducting due to some other mechanism. This has been studied as a function of the various parameters entering in the problem.     

Random processes in electrochemistry: Part I. Noise as an input signal

Linear and nonlinear transformation occuring when noise is fed from outside to the electrochemical interface are analysed. Expressions for the rectified components in the mean are given for both the current and potential controlled situations; these are based on the functional-method approach. It is also shown how interesting techniques based on extrinsic noise signals are possible, under Tafel-regime conditions.     

On the theory of polarographic maxima

The theory of polarographic maxima is presented taking into account the interaction of momentum transport, the electrostatic potential field, the adsorption—desorption and the faradaic processes. Several earlier results are generalised. The systems approach employed here is also extended to quasi-linear situations.     

Geomagnetic activity,sunspot number and its rate of increase

Annual meanAn, Aa andAs indices of geomagnetic activity during the minimum of a solar cycle are shown to be good predictors of the magnitude of the succeeding maximum in solar activity and also of the evolution of activity from solar minimum to maximum.     

Electron transport in Chevrel phase superconductors,Cu1.8Mo6S8−y Se y , 0⩽y⩽8 and Cu1.8Mo6S8−y Te y , 0⩽y⩽4—Fit to Cote-Meisel theory

Normal state electrical resistivity of the Chevrel phase compounds of the type Cu_1.8Mo₆S_8−y Se _y , 0⩽y⩽8 and Cu_1.8Mo₆S_8−y Te _y , 0⩽y⩽4 is analysed on the basis of the generalized diffraction model which incorporates a postulate on electron-phonon interaction,viz phonons with wavelength exceeding the electron mean-free path are ineffective electron scatterers. Fit obtained by this model was found to be superior to other models based on the interbands-d scattering of electrons.     

A microcomputer-controlled vacuum adiabatic calorimeter for the temperature range 4.2–300 K

In this paper, we describe the operation of a vacuum adiabatic calorimeter controlled by a Rockwell AIM 65 microcomputer, which is suitable for specific heat measurements in the temperature interval 4.2–300 K. The system measures and calculates the specific heat and the results are printed out on a thermal tape. The cryostat, the electronic circuitry and the software are described. Results obtained using a pulsed heat technique on a specimen of high purity copper are given and compared with values reported in the literature.