X-ray diffraction study of 'side-on fixed' homopolysiloxanes from nematic to smectic C phases

The X-ray patterns for the nematic phase in a series of side-on fixed polysiloxanes show different kinds of diffuse elements which imply complex short range ordering. A systematic structural study of the evolution of the patterns versus two molecular parameters, namely the spacer length and the length of the terminal aliphatic tails, suggests the possible occurrence of a smectic C phase for certain values of these parameters. Taking into account these tendencies, new synthesis led to a nematic-smectic C polymorphism observed for the first time in side-on fixed polysiloxanes.     

Nonparametric decision-making models for large samples

Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 9, pp. 79–83, September, 1995.     

On exact order estimates of N-widths of classes of functions analytic in a simply connected domain

In the spaces E _q(Ω), 1 < q < ∞, introduced by Smirnov, we obtain exact order estimates of projective and spectral n-widths of the classes W ^r E _p(Ω) and W ^r E _p(Ω)Ф in the case where p and q are not equal. We also indicate extremal subspaces and operators for the approximative values under consideration.     

Hybrid organosilazane/organosilylamine telechelic oligomers—I. Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy characterization of dimethylsilylethylenediamine oligomers

The detailed characterization of multifunctional hybrid organosilazane/organosilylamine telechelic oligomers by IR and ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy in one and two dimenions has been undertaken. The specific multifunctional oligomers, comprising NH/NH₂ or SiCl functionalities depending on the monomer feed-ratio, were prepared from mono- and di-functionally reacted dichlorodimethylsilane (DDS) and mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-functionally reacted ethylenediamine (EDA). Varying the feed-ratio afforded control of the microstructures of the oligomers and the preparation of oligomers with, in some cases, conterminously located silicon–chlorine (SiCl) groups. The combination of the NMR methods with the IR technique has enabled the detailed microstructural characterization of the oligomers and the identification of the functionalities therein. This approach and the knowledge gained from the DDS/EDA system has been applied to the microstructural characterization of other hybrid organosilazane/silylamine preceramic telechelic oligomers.     

Branched chain discotics Phase structure and orientation behaviour

Studies show that branching the side chains of hexakis(acoyloxy)-benzenes (HAB) and -cyclohexanes (HAChx) does not modify the structure of the discotic mesophase formed. Shear fields appear to act on entire columns, not on individual discs, thereby causing alignment of columns in the shear direction. X-ray diffraction patterns of samples at temperatures between 30°C and 40°C above the clearing temperature provide evidence for the presence of mesophase order.     

On the Causes and Effects of Contaminations during rf Diode Deposition of Cr-Si Alloys

Investigations to the causes and effects of contaminants at the rf diode deposition of CrSi films in a non-heated high vacuum apparatus were carried out comparing an oxygen-free fusion target with an oxygen-containing cermet target. The films of the fusion target contained considerable amounts of oxygen; analogously the oxygen concentration in the films was increased in the case of the cermet target. Moreover, hydrogen was found. The concentration of the contaminants decreased with the sputtering power, however the rate of incorporation increased. For high sputtering rates the contamination process was reproducible and independent of the plant conditioning; the deposited films were depth-homogeneous. The reasons for this behaviour lie in water sources which are activated first of all by the discharge itself. The electrical properties found are explained by the contaminants and the deposition conditions.     

Numerical Study on Population Inversion and Lasing Conditions in an Optically Thick Recombining Helium Plasma

Lasing conditions for He I in a cold recombining helium plasma are numerically discussed including optical thicknesses. A collisional radiative model is used to calculate population densities. We discuss the effect of self absorptions by the background residual gas on the lasing conditions quantitatively. The optical thickness is essential in the calculation and affects the population inversions between level pairs of the singlet state drastically, while those of the triplet state are not affected very much. In the optically thin plasma, the laser lower levels of the singlet state depopulate mainly through radiative transitions. On the other hand, they depopulate mainly through electron collisional deexcitations in the optically thick plasma. Results of the calculations are verified by the spectroscopic observations of an arc-heated magnetically trapped expanding plasma jet generator which we developed. The requirement for the background pressure in which the lasing is possible is discussed quantitatively.     

A case for sharing

Unlike in other branches of science and technology, computer programs and algorithms are generally not fully disclosed. This leads to duplication of effort, and prevents building new knowledge rapidly on existing knowledge. To remedy this, effective patents on computer programs and algorithms should be granted. The community of authors and inventors, along with expert advice from patent attorneys, have to arrive at effective and equitable definitions of obviousness and novelty, so that the boundaries of protection on one side, and free progress on the other, can be defined. The same reasons exist for patenting and disclosing computer software knowledge as for chemistry, electrical and mechanical inventions. Patenting has protected inventors and assured progress for many decades successfully in these fields.     

Molecular addressing? Studies on light-induced reorientation in liquid-crystalline side chain polymers

Polarized light leads to an effective reorientation of the optic axis in the glassy state of liquid-crystalline side chain polymers containing azobenzene mesogenic groups, via a trans-cis and cis-trans isomerization. Using a combination of U V and IR dichroitic studies it is shown for copolymers consisting of chromophores (azobenzene) and non-chromophores (phenylbenzoate) that only the chromophores are reoriented by light as far as the glassy state is concerned. Individual chromophores are thus addressed by photoselection. Photoselection in the fluid nematic state, on the other hand, leads also to a reorientation of the non-chromophores.