Polynomial Solution of Non-Central Potentials

We show that the exact energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Schrödinger equation for charged particles moving in certain class of non-central potentials can be easily calculated analytically in a simple and elegant manner by using Nikiforov and Uvarov (NU) method. We discuss the generalized Coulomb and harmonic oscillator systems. We study the Hartmann Coulomb and the ring-shaped and compound Coulomb plus Aharanov–Bohm potentials as special cases. The results are in exact agreement with other methods.     

The Uncertainty of Fluxes

In the ordinary quantum Maxwell theory of a free electromagnetic field, formulated on a curved 3-manifold, we observe that magnetic and electric fluxes cannot be simultaneously measured. This uncertainty principle reflects torsion: fluxes modulo torsion can be simultaneously measured. We also develop the Hamilton theory of self-dual fields, noting that they are quantized by Pontrjagin self-dual cohomology theories and that the quantum Hilbert space is -graded, so typically contains both bosonic and fermionic states. Significantly, these ideas apply to the Ramond-Ramond field in string theory, showing that its K-theory class cannot be measured.     

Incompatibility networks as models of scale-free small-world graphs

We make a mapping from Sierpinski fractals to a new class of networks, the incompatibility networks, which are scale-free, small-world, disassortative, and maximal planar graphs. Some relevant characteristics of the networks such as degree distribution, clustering coefficient, average path length, and degree correlations are computed analytically and found to be peculiarly rich. The method of network representation can be applied to some real-life systems making it possible to study the complexity of real networked systems within the framework of complex network theory.     

High-speed scanning fiber-optic heterodyne interferometer using a micro-electro-mechanical system mirror and an f-theta lens

This paper describes a novel fiber-coupled heterodyne interferometer using a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror and an f-theta lens. In this interferometer system, the cross-polarized laser beams operating at 2 μm with the frequency difference of 100 kHz are introduced by means of the two acousto-optic modulators (AOM). The sample with diameter of 300 mm is uniformly scanned by the 1 mm laser beam with the help of the combined optical scanning configuration, a MEMS mirror and an f-theta lens. The output intermediate signal from the two channels, reference channel and the measurement channel, are processed in the 12 bit analog-to-digital (A/D) process system. Details of our interferometer scheme are discussed.     

Evaporative Preconcentration of Fluorescent Protein Samples in Capillary Based Microplates

The preconcentration of analytes is important in biochemical analysis as it offers the ability to detect for trace species, and increase signal-to-noise ratios when using optical sensing on fluorophores. A strong advantage of the evaporation technique lies in its ability to operate without the need of any energy source; albeit major challenges exist on how to increase the surface area exposure to air for heightened evaporation, ensure no further increases once specified analyte concentrations have been achieved, and not needing any intervening membranes. We demonstrate here that the droplet creation and retraction approach in capillary based microplates offers such abilities whilst at the same time facilitating mixing.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">ρρ</Emphasis>N and <Emphasis Type="Italic">ρρ</Emphasis>Δ molecules with J<Superscript>P</Superscript> = 5/2<Superscript>+</Superscript> and J<Superscript>P</Superscript> = 7/2<Superscript>+</Superscript>

The ρρN and ρρΔ three-body systems have been studied within the framework of the fixed center approximation of Faddeev equation. The ρρ interaction in isospin I = 0 , spin S = 2 is strongly attractive, and so are the N ρ, ρΔ interactions. This leads to bound states of both ρρN and ρρΔ. We find peaks of the modulus squared of the scattering matrix around 2227 MeV for ρρN, and 2372 MeV for ρρΔ. Yet, the strength of the peak for the ρρN amplitude is much smaller than for ρρΔ, weakening the case for a ρρN bound state, or a dominant ρρN component. A discussion is made on how these states can be searched for in present programs looking for multimeson final states in different reactions.     

Large-scale synthesis of Ag<Subscript>1.8</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>8</Subscript>O<Subscript>16</Subscript> nanorods and their electrochemical lithium-storage properties

Ag_1.8Mn₈O₁₆ nanorods have been synthesized on a large scale by a facile hydrothermal route. The effects of experimental conditions including reaction time and reactant concentration on the phase and morphology of the final products were investigated systematically. The products were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Electrochemical lithium-storage capabilities of the as-formed nanostructured Ag_1.8Mn₈O₁₆ were also evaluated. Interestingly, the as-formed Ag_1.8Mn₈O₁₆ nanorods possess the unique one-dimensional structure and in situ silver loading, which are beneficial features for electrochemical lithium-storage applications. The results suggest their potential use as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.     

Effects of MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nano-particles on the conductivity of PMMA-PEO-LiClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-EC polymer electrolytes

Li-ion rechargeable batteries based on polymer electrolytes are of great interest for solid state electrochemical devices nowadays. Many studies have been carried out to improve the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolytes, which include polymer blending, incorporating plasticizers and filler additives in the electrolyte systems. This paper describes the effects of incorporating nano-sized MnO₂ filler on the ionic conductivity enhancement of a plasticized polymer blend PMMA–PEO–LiClO₄–EC electrolyte system. The maximum conductivity achieved is within the range of 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ by optimizing the composition of the polymers, salts, plasticizer, and filler. The temperature dependence of the polymer conductivity obeys the VTF relationship. DSC and XRD studies are carried out to clarify the complex formation between the polymers, salts, and plasticizer.     

Gold nanoparticle induced conformational changes in heme protein

Change of α-helical structure of heme protein (Hb) to a β-sheet and random coil conformation because of the interaction of glycine capped gold nanoparticles (20–60 nm) as observed from attenuation total reflectance, absorption, Fourier transform infra red, and Circular Dichroism spectroscopy has been reported in this article. Upon interaction, protein takes a cylindrical shape of length 12 μm and diameter 0.35 μm as revealed from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The Selected-Area Electron beam Diffraction pattern shows change of crystalline structure in GNP to amorphous nature with the interaction of Hb.     

Thermal conductivity of VLS-grown rough Si nanowires with various surface roughnesses and diameters

In this paper, we synthesize VLS-grown rough Si nanowires using Mn as a catalyst with various surface roughnesses and diameters and measured their thermal conductivities. We grew the nanowires by a combination vapor-liquid-solid and vapor-solid mechanism for longitudinal and radial growth, respectively. The surface roughness was controlled from smooth up to about 37 nm by the radial growth. Our measurements showed that the thermal conductivity of rough surface Si nanowires is significantly lower than that of smooth surface nanowires and decreased with increasing surface roughness even though the diameter of the smooth nanowire was lower than that of the rough nanowires. Considering both nanowires were grown via the same growth mechanism, these outcomes clearly demonstrate that the rough surface induces phonon scattering and reduces thermal conductivity with this nanoscale-hole-free nanowires. Control of roughness induced phonon scattering in Si nanowires holds promise for novel thermoelectric devices with high figures of merit.