Out of Equilibrium Correlations in the XY Chain

We study the transversal spin–spin correlations in the non-equilibrium steady state of the XY chain constructed by coupling a finite cutout of the chain to the two infinite parts to its left and right acting as thermal reservoirs at different temperatures. We prove that the spatial decay of these correlations is at least exponentially fast.     

Universal reconnection of non-Abelian cosmic strings

We show that local and semilocal strings in Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories with critical couplings always reconnect classically in collision, by using moduli space approximation. The moduli matrix formalism explicitly identifies a well-defined set of the vortex moduli parameters. Our analysis of generic geodesic motion in terms of those shows right-angle scattering in head-on collision of two vortices, which is known to give the reconnection of the strings.     

Deposition and electrostatic removal of gaseous organic contaminants on substrate surfaces

The adhesion behavior of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) onto different substrates (quartz, glass, and silicon) used as wafer surfaces was studied by using an in situ UV spectrophotometric technique. The results from the closed cell experiments revealed that greatest extent of DBP adhesion occurred on the quartz chip (0.154 μg cm⁻²), followed in the order by the glass (0.054 μg cm⁻²) and silicon (0.039 μg cm⁻²). By means of the in situ spectrophotometric observation, application of an electrical field at 290 V cm⁻¹ in the cell proved to be effective in inducing charging of DBP aerosols, which were consequently attracted towards the electrodes. This method can be applied to wafer storage and transport equipments to prevent wafer contamination from material outgassing representative by DBP.     

Phase transition to hyperon matter in neutron stars

Recent progress in the understanding of the high density phase of neutron stars advances the view that a substantial fraction of the matter consists of hyperons. The possible impacts of a highly attractive interaction between hyperons on the properties of compact stars are investigated. We find that a hadronic equation of state with hyperons allows for a first order phase transition to hyperonic matter. The corresponding hyperon stars can have rather small radii of R approximately equal 8 km.     

Laser ionization in β decay studies of Zn and Mn nuclei

Resonance ionization laser ion source (RILIS) technique has been used in the β-decay studies of ⁵⁹Mn and ⁵⁸Zn. The importance of the RILIS for production of these elements is discussed. The properties of the low-lying levels of the studied nuclei are discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Energy Transfer and Trapping in Rigid Solutions of Aromatic Polymers

Energy transfer by excitons is now well established in films and solutions of aromatic polymers. Excitons in disordered systems can be considered as electronically excited states, which are transferred between the light absorbing groups in a random hopping process (the same is true in molecular crystals if, because of thermal vibrations, the coherence length of the exciton waves approaches the lattice constant and consequently the band model of the excitons breaks down).     

Brillouin and ultrasonic study of the temperature dependence of the elastic constants in NaCN

The temperature dependence of the elastic constants of NaCN has been studied by propagation of ultrasonic waves at 15 MHz and by Brillouin scattering at 3 GHz over the temperature range from 287K to 355K. c₄₄ is observed to soften linearly with temperature as the order-disorder phase transition at 284K is approached from above. The other elastic constants also soften, except for c₁₂ which stiffens. Considerable dispersion is seen in the values of c₄₄ obtained ultrasonically and by Brillouin scattering. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the density are also reported.     

Analysis of the ν3 band of NO2

The rotational structure of the ν₃ fundamental of ¹⁴N¹⁶O₂ has been recorded by employing a vacuum grating infrared spectrograph. The analysis has led to the assignment of over 500 R- and P-branch transitions in the spectral region 1562–1650 cm⁻¹. Molecular constants for the upper state, 001, have been presented. No Q-branch transitions were used in the evaluation of these constants. The presently obtained and the band center ν₀ = 1616.846 cm⁻¹ differ significantly from previous determinations. Spin splitting was observed but no information was extracted about upper state spin splitting parameters.