Nanocrystalline nature of high-symmetry Ce<Superscript>4+</Superscript>-Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> centers in silica gel glasses

The spectral-luminescent properties of silica gel glasses coactivated by Ce⁴⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions are investigated. The structure of the glasses is studied using x-ray powder diffraction and small-angle neutron scattering. The inference is drawn that Ce⁴⁺-Eu³⁺ centers with high-symmetry Eu(III) oxo complexes, which are formed in the glasses, have nanocrystalline nature. These centers are characterized by a weak vibronic interaction of Eu³⁺ ions with the matrix. The size of nanocrystallites formed under the synthesis conditions and at coactivator concentrations used is approximately equal to 10 nm.     

Hysteretic galvano-mechanical effect on charging and discharging ionistor structures

The size of an ionistor capacitor structure is found to change during its charging and discharging. The specific feature of this effect that distinguishes it from other known effects of changing sizes under electric and magnetic fields (the piezoelectric effect and striction) is the complete hysteresis; i.e., the size reached under the exposure remains unchanged after the field is turned off.     

Formation of an icosahedral structure during crystallization of nickel nanoclusters

The crystallization of nickel nanoclusters is investigated using a molecular dynamics simulation with tight-binding potentials. The formation of a cluster structure depends on the cooling conditions. Slow cooling results in the formation of a face-centered cubic structure, whereas fast cooling, according to the data obtained in 40% of the simulation experiments, leads to the formation of an icosahedral structure. The molecular dynamics simulation experiments demonstrate the possibility of controlling the formation of a structure of nickel nanoclusters during crystallization.     

The state of the art and prospects of detonation-synthesis nanodiamond applications in Belarus

Technological features of the commercial production of detonation-synthesis nanodiamonds at the SINTA Joint-Stock Company and the characteristics of the nanodiamonds and diamond-containing mixtures produced are considered. Nanodiamond applications in the production of composite electrolytic coatings that are based on chromium, nickel, gold, and silver, exhibit good service properties, and save on the use of noble metals and electric power are exemplified. Nanodiamond applications for the modification of plastics, antifriction lubricants, and oxide coatings grown by microarc oxidation of aluminum alloys are also considered. The prospective application of nanodiamonds as a raw material in the synthesis of diamond powders and superhard composites by static and shock-wave loading is demonstrated.     

Photoanisotropic compositions with an extended spectral range of anisotropy

Experimental data for two-and three-component compositions (dyes embedded in gelatinous and polymeric matrices) that are Weigert-sensitive to polarized radiation in a wide spectral range are reported. It is shown that the matrix considerably affects the photoanisotropic properties of the compositions.     

Calculation of the ion transverse velocity distribution function under ion cyclotron resonance heating

The ion transverse velocity distribution functions and the fraction η of ions heated above a certain energy W ₁ are calculated as applied to the ion cyclotron resonance heating method of isotope separation. It is assumed that the longitudinal ion velocity distribution in a plasma source is nonequilibrium. Under high heating temperatures, the averaged ion transverse velocity distribution becomes essentially nonequilibrium and exhibits two maxima. The ion heating efficiency η is calculated for W ₁=40 eV and various values of the parameter p=λ/L, where λ is the wavelength of the electric field of an antenna and L is the heating zone extension. The relative contributions of the time-of-flight and Doppler broadenings are evaluated.     

On the magnetic dipole absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a fine conducting particle

The cross section of absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a fine spherical conducting particle is estimated in terms of the classical kinetic theory of electrical conduction. The mixed diffuse-specular mechanism of charge carrier reflection from the sample boundary is considered. A correlation between the coefficient of specular reflection and the absorption cross section at different temperatures is analyzed.     

Surface electromagnetic waves at the interface between two dielectric superlattices

The electrodynamic properties of the interface between two periodic dielectric superlattices are studied. It is shown that the interface may serve as a guide for an electromagnetic wave whose field decays exponentially on both sides of the plane of the interface. The field and power flux distributions, as well as the frequency dependence of the field penetration depth, are studied.     

Wide-aperture cathodoluminescent light source based on an open discharge

The feasibility of an effective high-luminance light source based on an open discharge is considered. Experimental data for the light characteristics of different cathodoluminescent screens are presented. Phosphor coatings are excited by an electron beam initiated by a planar cathode-grid injector in an inert gas atmosphere. The feasibility of maintaining an open discharge using continuous or pulsed-periodic excitation of the gas medium in the light emitter is discussed. The use of the specular method to excite the phosphor coating of the screen makes it possible to achieve a higher luminance and a higher luminous efficacy in comparison with these characteristics for cathodophosphors. The design of the cathode-grid unit allows for a large surface area of the electron injector, making it promising for wide-aperture light sources.     

Generation of a homogeneous plasma and wide ion beams in a penning system with a nonequipotential cathode

A study is made of the possibility of controlling the spatial distribution of the degree of ionization in a modified Penning cell with a cathode divided into several sections that are at different potentials. It is shown that an almost uniform plasma can be produced when applying an optimal potential of the control electrode. This enables the generation of wide ion beams in this system. An ion extraction efficiency of several tens of percent is achieved, which is substantially higher than in conventional ion sources.