Two-step photoionization of cold atoms by two-color evanescent-light waves and application to atom detection with high spatial resolution

We consider a new scheme of optically ionizing atoms with 10-nm-order spatial resolution. In this method, two-color near-field lights are generated on a narrow slit illuminated by two-color evanescent lights via total-internal reflection of two-wavelength light beams. In order to illustrate the feasibility, we first obtain the ionization cross section from two-step photionization of cold Rb atoms by two-color evanescent lights on a plane surface of a prism. Then, we numerically estimate the ionization efficiency as a function of the slit width using Bethe formula. The scheme is useful for detecting ground-state atoms under less perturbation by scattered light.     

Electrochiroptical systems based on biphenyl-2,2′-diyl-type dicationic dyes: strong chiroptical signals through the transmission of point chirality to axial chirality

Huge CD amplitude (A = +538) was attained by diastereomeric preference (50% de) for the title dication with two bis[4-(R)-sec-butoxyphenyl]methylium units in benzene at 23 °C. Intramolecular π-π stacking is the origin for effective transmission of point chirality to axial chirality to attain the chiroptical enhancement of 400-times. Thanks to the strong CD signaling, chiroptical changes upon electrolysis could be readily detected, thus realizing a new class of electrochiroptical response systems. Chiroptical properties could also be modified by solvent polarity.     

Electrode kinetics of the metal complexes with aminopolycarboxylic acids: Part II. Cadmium-ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (EDTA) complexes

The d.c. polarographic current-potential curves of Cd(II)-EDTA complexes were examined in the pH range 0.5–10.0, to elucidate the mechanism of their electrode processes and to determine the relevant electrochemical kinetic parameters. It was shown that the first wave observed below pH 3 at ?0.58 to ?0.65 V vs. SCE is the reversible reduction wave of Cd(II) aquo-ion with kinetically-controlled limiting current, and the second wave observed above pH 1.5 at ?0.75 to ?1.21 V vs. SCE corresponds to the simultaneous irreversible reduction of four complex species, CdH₃L⁺, CdH₂L, CdHL^? and CdL^2?, where CdH_pL^(p?2)+ and L^4? denote the protonated complex species with p protons and the unprotonated EDTA ion, respectively. Analysis of the dependence of limiting current on the hydrogen ion concentration led to the conclusion that the preceding reaction determining the behaviour of limiting current is CdH₃L⁺?Cd²⁺+H₃L^? with k₃^d=6.3×10² s^?1 and k₃^f=3.3×10⁶ s^?1M^?1, where k₃^d and k₃^f are the dissociation and formation rate constants, respectively. On the other hand, from analysis of the dependence of half-wave potentials of the second wave on the hydrogen ion concentration, the kinetic parameters of the four complex species were evaluated, and are given in Table 1. Further, it was shown that the cathodic rate constants of these four charge transfer processes at some reference potential together with those of Cd(II)-HEDTA complexes fulfil the linear free energy relationship.     

Electrode reaction of zinc ions at a dropping mercury electrode in ammonium sulphate solutions

The electrode reaction of Zn(II) at a DME in aqueous solutions of (NH₄)₂SO₄ has been studied by d.c. and square-wave polarography at 25.0±0.1°C. The electrochemical kinetic parameters for the reaction are determined. The appearance of the second wave in the square-wave polarogram has been attributed to the low values of the rate parameter and the transfer coefficient.     

Evaluation of Photocatalytic Activity of Transparent Anatase Nanocrystals-Dispersed Silica Films Prepared by the Sol-Gel Process with Hot Water Treatment

Anatase nanocrystals were precipitated mainly at the surface of the silica-titania gel films with hot water treatment, whereas the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the films led to the dispersion of anatase nanocrystals in the whole of the films after the treatment. Both films with and without PEG showed high photocatalytic activities for acetaldehyde, NO _x and stearic acid in the gas-solid system, and for methylene blue and potassium iodide in the liquid-solid system. The addition of PEG improved the photocatalytic activities of the resultant films due to the smaller anatase crystallites and the porous film structure. The residual silica under-layer of the superficially anatase-precipitated films is expected to act as a protective one for an organic polymer substrate against the photocatalytic degradation.