Particle correlations in e + e − → W + W − events

Preliminary results are reported on the two-particle correlation function R(Q) in hadronic Z decays, fully hadronic WW decays, and mixed hadronic-leptonic WW decays using data collected by the DELPHI detector at LEP at energies between 189 and 206 GeV. Evidence for Bose-Einstein correlations was observed in all three cases. The event mixing technique was used to determine correlations between particles arisingfrom different W bosons in fully hadronic WW decays. An excess of like-sign particle pairs with low four-momentum difference in fully hadronic WW events is observed, consistent with the effect expected from correlations between identical particles from different W bosons.     

Kinetic interpretation of the structural-time criterion for fracture

The incubation-period-based criterion for fracture is considered in terms of the Zhurkov kinetic model of fracture. Within the kinetic model, fracture is treated as a continuously developing process, which starts immediately after the application of a tensile load to a sample and consists in breaking of the interatomic bonds and gradual accumulation of broken bonds in the material in the course of a fracture test. For certain materials, the inclusion of the thermal-fluctuation mechanism for fracture in the incubation-period-based criterion significantly affects the position of the static branch of the time dependence of strength. Time dependences of strength are calculated for a number of materials. The experimental data are analyzed using the structural-time criterion for fracture, which allows one to obtain a unified time dependence of strength for quasi-static and high-rate short-term loadings. The temperature dependence of the incubation period (latent time) is calculated analytically, and a relation is found between the latent fracture time and the thermal vibration frequency of atoms.     

Stress relaxation and viscosity of a bulk Pd<Subscript>40</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>30</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>10</Subscript>P<Subscript>20</Subscript> metallic glass under isochronous heating conditions

Isochronous relaxation of tensile stresses is measured in a bulk Pd₄₀Cu₃₀Ni₁₀P₂₀ metallic glass in the initial state and after certain thermal treatments. The results of measurements are used to find the energy spectrum of irreversible structural relaxation, from which the temperature dependence of shear viscosity is then calculated. This dependence is also found independently from measurements of creep in the same glass. The calculated viscosity is shown to agree well with the experimental data.     

Use of ultrafine-dispersed nanodiamond for selective deposition of boron-doped diamond films

A suspension of ultrafine-dispersed nanodiamond was used for introducing (in particular, selectively) high-density centers of diamond nucleation on various substrates. High-quality doped diamond films to be used as electrochemistry electrodes were deposited from the gas phase in a microwave discharge on certain substrates treated using ultrafine-dispersed nanodiamond. A uniform distribution of nucleation centers with concentrations greater than 10¹⁰ cm^-2 on silicon substrates was obtained. Electrochemical current-potential curves were measured for continuous films. Diamond meshes of different transparency were grown using selective nucleation. Successful production of high-quality doped diamond meshes gives grounds to consider them the most promising electrodes for use in electrochemistry.     

Nonequilibrium dynamics of quantum spin glass in an AC magnetic field

The ageing effect is studied analytically in a disordered quantum system interacting with its surroundings and subjected to an external ac magnetic field. Energy dissipation is due to the interaction of the system with a set of independent harmonic oscillators, imitating a quantum thermal bath. Dynamic equations for the autocorrelation function and linear-response function are derived using the method of closed-path integrals. The effect of an external field is studied on the correlation function and response in the spin-glass and paramagnetic phases. Both functions are found to depend on the spin interaction strength.     

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.     

Longitudinal DC electric discharge in a supersonic air flow

A longitudinal dc electric discharge in a submerged high-pressure supersonic air jet is described. Photographs of the discharge are provided. The experimental voltage across the discharge gap and the discharge current are given for two resistances of the resistor that limits the discharge current over a certain range of the discharge channel length along the air flow. The current-voltage discharge characteristic is provided at a constant discharge length. The main discharge characteristics are obtained from a comparison of the experimental and theoretical results calculated on the basis of the simplest model.     

Structure and properties of TiC-TiNi composites alloyed with iron

The structure, composition, and mechanical properties of iron-alloyed TiC-TiNi composite materials are studied. When the titanium carbide framework is sintered with iron and then impregnated with titanium nickelide, iron atoms are found to diffuse into the matrix and form the B2 structure that is inhomogeneous (gradient) in chemical composition and properties and exhibits various temperatures of martensitic transformation. The latter fact shows up in the broadening of the martensitic transformation hysteresis and its shift toward low temperatures with increasing iron content. At room temperature, the strength properties of gradient-matrix TiC-TiNi composites are shown to increase with iron concentration.