Spin squeezing and quantum correlations

We discuss the notion of spin squeezing considering two mutually exclusive classes of spin-s states, namely, oriented and non-oriented states. Our analysis shows that the oriented states are not squeezed while non-oriented states exhibit squeezing. We also present a new scheme for construction of spin-s states using 2s spinors oriented along different axes. Taking the case of s=1, we show that the ‘non-oriented’ nature and hence squeezing arise from the intrinsic quantum correlations that exist among the spinors in the coupled state.     

Complex magnetic ordering as a driving mechanism of multifunctional properties of Heusler alloys from first principles

First-principles calculations are used to study the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of (Pd, Pt)-Mn-Ni-(Ga, In, Sn, Sb) alloys, which display multifunctional properties like the magnetic shape-memory, magnetocaloric and exchange bias effect. The ab initio calculations give a basic understanding of the underlying physics which is associated with the complex magnetic behavior arising from competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions with increasing number of Mn excess atoms in the unit cell. This information allows to optimize, for example, the magnetocaloric effect by using the strong influence of compositional changes on the magnetic interactions. Thermodynamic properties can be calculated by using the ab initio magnetic exchange parameters in finite-temperature Monte Carlo simulations. We present guidelines of how to improve the functional properties. For Pt-Ni-Mn-Ga alloys, a shape memory effect with 14% strain can be achieved in an external magnetic field.     

Synthesis of potential HIV integrase inhibitors inspired by natural polyphenol structures

Drawing inspiration from the structural features of some natural polyphenols, the synthesis of two different model compounds as potential inhibitors of HIV integrase (IN) has been described. The former was characterised by a diketo acid (DKA) bioisostere, such as a β-hydroxycarbonyl moiety, between two fragments containing aromatic groups, while in the latter an epoxide linked two polyoxygenated aromatic residues. The moieties present in the structures are thought to function by chelating divalent metal ions on the enzyme catalytic site. Overall, 10 compounds were prepared and some of that submitted to molecular modelling studies (to investigate their interactions with the active site of IN), to metal titration studies (to detect their chelating capability) and to biological assays.     

Crystal structures of two substituted biphenyl derivatives: 5,5′-di t-butyl-2-2′-biphenyldiol and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-biphenyldiol

5,5-Di t-butyl-2,2-biphenyldiol (I), C₂₀H₂₆O₂, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ with a = 18.243(2), b = 9.947(2), c = 9.685(3) Å, and Z = 4; 5,5-dimethyl-2,2-biphenyldiol (II), C₁₄H₁₄O₂, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 9.959(2), b = 7.932(3), c = 15.392(2) Å, = 105.43(2)°, and Z = 4. The aromatic rings are tilted by 52.7(1) and 43.8(1)° to each other in compounds (I) and (II), respectively. Strong intra- and inter-molecular H-bonds connect the molecules in the crystals.