Precision model independent determination of |Vub| from B --> pilnu

A precision method for determining |V(ub)| using the full range in q(2) of B --> pilnu data is presented. At large q(2) the form factor is taken from unquenched lattice QCD, at q(2) = 0 we impose a model independent constraint obtained from B --> pipi using the soft-collinear effective theory, and the shape is constrained using QCD dispersion relations. We find |V(ub)| = (3.54 +/- 0.170 +/- 0.44) x 10(-3). With 5% experimental error and 12% theory error, this is competitive with inclusive methods. Theory error is dominated by the input points, with negligible uncertainty from the dispersion relations.     

Thermoelectric properties of CoSb3 with maize‐like structure

Maize‐like CoSb₃ powders were obtained via the chemical alloying method. After the consolidation of the nanopowder using hot press, the CoSb₃ compact shows a higher Seebeck coefficient and lower thermal conductivity. For the investigated CoSb₃, a ZT of 0.15 at 673 K is shown. Though the achieved ZT does not reach the optimal value (0.17 to 0.18) for pure CoSb₃, due to its lower electrical conductivity, the novel structure fabrication provides an interesting and promising approach to enhancing the thermoelectric performance. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Cell refractive index tomography by digital holographic microscopy

For what we believe to be the first time, digital holographic microscopy is applied to perform optical diffraction tomography of a pollen grain. Transmission phase images with nanometric axial accuracy are numerically reconstructed from holograms acquired for different orientations of the rotating sample; then the three-dimensional refractive index spatial distribution is computed by inverse radon transform. A precision of 0.01 for the refractive index estimation and a spatial resolution in the micrometer range are demonstrated.     

Characterization of an in‐vacuum PILATUS 1M detector

A dedicated in‐vacuum X‐ray detector based on the hybrid pixel PILATUS 1M detector has been installed at the four‐crystal monochromator beamline of the PTB at the electron storage ring BESSY II in Berlin, Germany. Owing to its windowless operation, the detector can be used in the entire photon energy range of the beamline from 10 keV down to 1.75 keV for small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) experiments and anomalous SAXS at absorption edges of light elements. The radiometric and geometric properties of the detector such as quantum efficiency, pixel pitch and module alignment have been determined with low uncertainties. The first grazing‐incidence SAXS results demonstrate the superior resolution in momentum transfer achievable at low photon energies.     

Enhancing sonochemical activity in aqueous media using power-modulated pulsed ultrasound: an initial study

Relatively little is known about the effects of pulsed ultrasound on the facilitation of chemical reactivity. Previous studies have indicated that sonochemistry using pulses is generally less effective than continuous ultrasonic irradiation. However, the pulse trains employed were such that the peak power of the pulses was the same as the maximum power used in continuous irradiation. As a result, less acoustic energy was transmitted to the solutions over the same period of time. The effectiveness of ultrasound when the pulse is adjusted so that the same amount of acoustic energy is input compared to continuous irradiation over a given time has not been previously explored. In this study we have embarked on an examination of the efficacy of power-modulated pulsed (PMP) sonochemistry. Specifically, we have explored the effects of pulse type and pulse frequency on the oxidation of potassium iodide and the degradation of acid orange, a common industrial colorant. A rate increase by a factor of three was observed compared with continuous irradiation under conditions of equivalent acoustic input power.     

Numerical simulations of the ignition of n-heptane droplets in the transition diameter range from heterogeneous to homogeneous ignition

Spontaneous ignition of single n-heptane droplets in a constant volume filled with air is numerically simulated with the spherical symmetry. The volume is closed against mass, species, and energy transfer. The numerical model is fully transient. It continues calculation even after the droplet has completely vaporized, and therefore can predict pre-vaporized ignition. Initial pressure and initial air temperature are fixed at 3 MPa and 773 K, respectively. The droplet is initially at room temperature, and its diameter is between 1 and 100 μm. When the overall equivalence ratio is fixed to be sufficiently large, there exists no ignition limit in terms of initial droplet diameter d₀, and the ignition delay takes a minimum value at certain d₀. In such a case, transition from the heterogeneous ignition to the homogeneous ignition with decreasing d₀ is observed. When d₀ is fixed to be so small that the ignition would not occur in an infinite volume of air, the ignition delay takes a minimum value at certain , which is less than unity. Two-stage ignition behavior is investigated with this model. Ignition delay of a cool flame has the dependence on d₀ that is similar to that of ignition delay of a hot flame when is unity. When is almost zero, the ignition limit for cool flame in terms of d₀ is not identified unlike that for hot flame.     

Nonlinear ultrasonic waves in bubbly liquids with nonhomogeneous bubble distribution: Numerical experiments

This paper deals with the nonlinear propagation of ultrasonic waves in mixtures of air bubbles in water, but for which the bubble distribution is nonhomogeneous. The problem is modelled by means of a set of differential equations which describes the coupling of the acoustic field and bubbles vibration, and solved in the time domain via the use and adaptation of the SNOW-BL code. The attenuation and nonlinear effects are assumed to be due to the bubbles exclusively. The nonhomogeneity of the bubble distribution is introduced by the presence of bubble layers (or clouds) which can act as acoustic screens, and alters the behaviour of the ultrasonic waves. The effect of the spatial distribution of bubbles on the nonlinearity of the acoustic field is analyzed. Depending on the bubble density, dimension, shape, and position of the layers, its effects on the acoustic field change. Effects such as shielding and resonance of the bubbly layers are especially studied. The numerical experiments are carried out in two configurations: linear and nonlinear, i.e. for low and high excitation pressure amplitude, respectively, and the features of the phenomenon are compared. The parameters of the medium are chosen such as to reproduce air bubbly water involved in the stable cavitation process.