Electron spin lifetimes in Hg0.78Cd0.22 Te and InSb

We have made direct pump–probe measurements of spin lifetimes in long wavelength narrow-gap semiconductors at wavelengths between 4 and 10 μm and from 4 to 300 K. In particular, we measure remarkably long spin lifetimes, τ_s300 ps, even at 300 K for epilayers of degenerate n-type InSb. In this material the mobility is approximately constant between 77 and 300 K, and we find that τ_s is approximately constant in this temperature range. In order to determine the dominant spin relaxation mechanism we have investigated the temperature dependence of τ_s in non-degenerate lightly n-type Hg_0.78Cd_0.22Te of approximately the same band gap as InSb, and find that τ_s varies from 356 ps at 150 K to 24 ps at 300 K. Our results, both in magnitude and temperature dependence of τ_s, imply that the Elliott–Yafet model dominates in these materials.     

Strangeness saturation: Dependence on system-size, centrality and energy

The dependence of the strangeness saturation factor on the system size, centrality and energy is studied in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.     

Investigation of the X-ray radiation produced by a diffusive discharge in the rod-plane geometry under atmospheric pressure

Spatial parameters of the X-ray radiation produced by a high-voltage nanosecond discharge evolving in air under atmospheric pressure in the rod (cathode)-plane electrode system with a 10-cm electrode spacing are studied experimentally. A ∼170-ns voltage pulse with an amplitude of ∼200 kV and 10-ns rise time is applied to the cathode. The photoelectronic method is used to study, under the same conditions, the integrated (over the gap) characteristics of the radiation, in particular, the duration of its generation. It is found that, when the size of the X-ray source is not smaller than that of the discharge region of diffusive luminescence, radiation from the cathode region of the gap is primarily observed (i.e., from the region where the electric field distribution is sharply inhomogeneous). The X-ray generation is usually observed after the bridging of the discharge gap, the X-ray pulse having a rise time of ∼3 ns, a duration of ∼10 ns, and an effective radiation energy of ∼6 keV.     

Effect of γ radiation from <Superscript>60</Superscript>Co on the formation of metal contacts to GaAs (Al<Subscript>x</Subscript>Ga<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>As) structures

The properties of nonrectifying AuGe/GaAs (Al_0.4Ga_0.6As) contacts exposed to heat treatment, ⁶⁰Co γ radiation, and γ radiation combined with the application of an electrical bias are studied. A correlation between the type of interfacial interaction in the contacts and their resistance is found. Results obtained are explained in terms of a diffusion model with a movable boundary of the metal layer.     

Modulation of the phase difference between polarization modes in single-mode fibers

Mechanisms of polarization modulation in a single-mode fiber that modulate the phase difference between polarization modes without affecting their amplitudes are considered. A coefficient that characterizes the efficiency of cylindrical piezoceramic modulators and is independent of their resonant properties is introduced. Analytical expressions for this coefficient for different modulation mechanisms are derived. The lateral pressure on the fiber is shown to provide the highest efficiency. For isotropic fibers, a modulator with a squeezing covering, which increases significantly its efficiency, is studied. For anisotropic fibers, the most appropriate way of phase difference modulation is longitudinal extension, in which case the birefringence axes do not have to be matched. In most cases, the measured and predicted efficiencies are in good correspondence.     

Effects of localization of the areas of sound scattering by surface wind waves

Experimental studies of the scattering of a monochromatic sound signal by a rough sea surface are carried out. The signal is produced by a point source in a shallow-water basin. The measurements are performed with the use of horizontal and vertical linear receiving arrays. The experimental data are compared with the estimates obtained on the basis of the model developed by the authors for resonant sound scattering by surface roughness. A satisfactory agreement between the experiments and the calculations is achieved. It is shown that the scattered signal is formed within small surface areas, whose sizes have the same order of magnitude as the first Fresnel zone with respect to the source and the receiving system.     

The total acoustic impedance of a prolate spheroid performing transverse oscillatory movements

Using the theory of spheroidal wave functions, the total acoustic impedance is determined for a prolate spheroid performing transverse translational and rotational oscillatory movements. Expressions for the radiation resistance, the added mass, and the added moment of inertia are derived. It is shown that, in the lowfrequency approximation, this mass and moment of inertia reach limiting values identical to hydrodynamic ones. The components of the total acoustic impedance are calculated for spheroids of different relative thicknesses at an arbitrary frequency.     

Synthesis of ordered Ge-Si heterostructures containing ultrasmall germanium nanoclusters

Different techniques for the fabrication of structures containing ensembles of ultrasmall germanium nanoclusters distributed with a high density over the substrate surface are discussed. How to control the morphology and ordering of these ensembles is also discussed.