Stochastic synchronization of rotating parametric pendulums

In this paper synchronization of two pendulums mounted on a mutual elastic single degree-of-freedom base is examined. The response of the pendulums is considered when their base is externally excited by a random phase sinusoidal force, thus leading to stochastic parametric excitation of the pendulums. The target is for the pendulums to establish and preserve rotary response since this study is motivated by a recently proposed ocean wave energy extraction concept where the heaving motion of waves excites a pendulum’s hinge point. Since the wave bobbing motion is random the system’s excitation is modelled as a narrow-band stochastic process. Mounting two pendulums on the same elastic base creates a coupling between them through their interaction with the base, providing a path for energy exchange between them. The dynamic response of the pendulums is numerically investigated with respect to establishment of rotations as well as identification of synchronization with the pendulums characteristics spanning along non-identical parameters.     

High-gradient plasma-wakefield acceleration with two subpicosecond electron bunches

A plasma-wakefield experiment is presented where two 60 MeV subpicosecond electron bunches are sent into a plasma produced by a capillary discharge. Both bunches are shorter than the plasma wavelength, and the phase of the second bunch relative to the plasma wave is adjusted by tuning the plasma density. It is shown that the second bunch experiences a 150 MeV/m loaded accelerating gradient in the wakefield driven by the first bunch. This is the first experiment to directly demonstrate high-gradient, controlled acceleration of a short-pulse trailing electron bunch in a high-density plasma.     

Surface Tension and Shear Strain Contributions to the Mechanical Behavior of Individual Mg-Ni-Phyllosilicate Nanoscrolls

Some phyllosilicate compounds have the ability of spontaneous scrolling because of the size mismatch between the covalently bounded metal oxide and silica sheets. Their unique structure and high theoretically predicted Young's modulus (around 210–230 GPa) induce phyllosilicates’ application as reinforcing fillers. However, previous nanomechanical experiments with individual phyllosilicate nanoscrolls are in poor agreement with theory. The main reason for this is the low accuracy of experiments, which leads to large measurement errors compared to measured average values. Here, the study of the mechanical properties of synthetic (Mg_1–xNi_x)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ phyllosilicates is reported by testing a suspended nanoobject (a nanobridge) with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The Young's modulus of corresponding phyllosilicate model layers is also calculated by means of the density functional theory (DFT). The original AFM approach makes it possible to account for the probe slipping off the nanobridge and determine its boundary conditions. The measured Young's modulus values are considered within the models of surface tension and shear strain contributions. The shear strain appears to have a decisive impact on the measured Young's modulus (from 150 ± 70 GPa to 200 ± 210 GPa) and its spread.     

Polytypism in GaAs nanowires: determination of the interplanar spacing of wurtzite GaAs by X‐ray diffraction

In GaAs nanowires grown along the cubic [111]_c direction, zinc blende and wurtzite arrangements have been observed in their stacking sequence, since the energetic barriers for nucleation are typically of similar order of magnitude. It is known that the interplanar spacing of the (111)_c Ga (or As) planes in the zinc blende polytype varies slightly from the wurtzite polytype. However, different values have been reported in the literature. Here, the ratio of the interplanar spacing of these polytypes is extracted based on X‐ray diffraction measurements for thin GaAs nanowires with a mean diameter of 18–25 nm. The measurements are performed with a nano‐focused beam which facilitates the separation of the scattering of nanowires and of parasitic growth. The interplanar spacing of the (111)_c Ga (or As) planes in the wurtzite arrangement in GaAs nanowires is observed to be 0.66% ± 0.02% larger than in the zinc blende arrangement.     

Organometallic cyanotype: formation of Prussian blue by a photochemical decomposition of the arene iron complex

1. Download high-res image (138KB)
2. Download full-size image

     

Hydrogen Bonding Between Ions of Like Charge in Ionic Liquids Characterized by NMR Deuteron Quadrupole Coupling Constants—Comparison with Salt Bridges and Molecular Systems

We present deuteron quadrupole coupling constants (DQCC) for hydroxyl‐functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) in the crystalline or glassy states characterizing two types of hydrogen bonding: The regular Coulomb‐enhanced hydrogen bonds between cation and anion (c–a), and the unusual hydrogen bonds between cation and cation (c–c), which are present despite repulsive Coulomb forces. We measure these sensitive probes of hydrogen bonding by means of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The DQCCs of (c–a) ion pairs and (c–c) H‐bonds are compared to those of salt bridges in supramolecular complexes and those present in molecular liquids. At low temperatures, the (c–c) species successfully compete with the (c–a) ion pairs and dominate the cluster populations. Equilibrium constants obtained from molecular‐dynamics (MD) simulations show van't Hoff behavior with small transition enthalpies between the differently H‐bonded species. We show that cationic‐cluster formation prevents these ILs from crystallizing. With cooling, the (c–c) hydrogen bonds persist, resulting in supercooling and glass formation.     

Stacking Interactions: A Supramolecular Approach to Upgrade Weak Halogen Bond Donors

The co-crystallization of tetracyanobenzene (TCB) with haloarenes ArX provided six new co-crystals TCB ⋅ ArX (ArX=PhCl, PhBr, 4-MeC₆H₄Cl, 4-MeC₆H₄Br, 4-MeOC₆H₄Cl, 1,2-Br₂C₆H₄) which were studied by X-ray diffraction. In these systems, the strong collective effect of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions and lone pair-(X)⋅⋅⋅π-hole-(C) bondings between TCB and ArX promote the strength of X⋅⋅⋅N_cyano halogen bonding (HaB). Theoretical studies showed that the stacking interactions affect the σ-hole depth of the haloarenes, thus significantly boosting their ability to function as HaB donors. According to the molecular electrostatic potential calculations, the σ- hole-(Cl) value (1.5 kcal/mol) in the haloarene 4-MeOC₆H₄Cl (featuring an electron-rich arene moiety and exhibiting very poor σ-hole-(Cl) ability) increases significantly in the stacked trimer (TCB)₂ ⋅ 4-MeOC₆H₄Cl (12.5 kcal/mol). Theoretical DFT calculations demonstrate the dramatic increase of X⋅⋅⋅N_cyano HaB strength for stacked trimers in comparison with parent unstacked haloarenes.