Observation of Feshbach resonances between two different atomic species

We have observed three Feshbach resonances in collisions between 6Li and 23Na atoms. The resonances were identified as narrow loss features when the magnetic field was varied. The molecular states causing these resonances have been identified, and additional 6Li-23Na resonances are predicted. These resonances will allow the study of degenerate Bose-Fermi mixtures with adjustable interactions and could be used to generate ultracold heteronuclear molecules.     

On Saint-Venant's Principle for a Homogeneous Elastic Arch-Like Region

In this paper, we consider a two-dimensional homogeneous isotropic elastic material state in the arch-like region a ≤ r ≤ b, 0 ≤ θ ≤ α, where (r, θ) denote plane polar coordinates. We assume that three of the edges r = a, r = b, θ = α are traction-free, while the edge θ = 0 is subjected to an (in plane) self-equilibrated load. We define an appropriate measure for the Airy stress function φ and then we establish a clear relationship with the Saint-Venant's principle on such regions. We introduce a cross-sectional integral function I(θ) which is shown to be a convex function and satisfies a second-order differential inequality. Consequently, we establish a version of the Saint-Venant principle for such a curvilinear strip, without requiring of any condition upon the dimensions of the arch-like region.     

Formation dynamics of a fermion pair condensate

The dynamics of pair condensate formation in a strongly interacting Fermi gas close to a Feshbach resonance was studied. We employed a phase-shift method in which the delayed response of the many-body system to a modulation of the interaction strength was recorded. The observable was the fraction of condensed molecules in the cloud after a rapid magnetic field ramp across the Feshbach resonance. The measured response time was slow compared to the rapid ramp, which provides final proof that the molecular condensates reflect the presence of fermion pair condensates before the ramp.     

Mechanistic studies of La3+ and Zn2+-catalyzed methanolysis of O-ethyl O-aryl methylphosphonate esters. An effective solvolytic method for the catalytic destruction of phosphonate CW simulants

The kinetics of methanolysis of six O-ethyl O-aryl methylphosphonates (6a-f) promoted by methoxide, La3+ and 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane complex of Zn2+(-OCH3) (5:Zn2+(-OCH3)) were studied as simulants for chemical warfare (CW) agents, and analyzed through the use of Br?nsted plots. The beta(lg) values are, respectively, -0.76, -1.26 and -1.06, pointing to significant weakening of the P-OAr bond in the transition state. For the metal-catalyzed reactions the data are consistent with a concerted process where the P-OAr bond rupture has progressed to the extent of 84% in the La3+ reaction and ca. 70% in the Zn2+ catalyzed reaction. The catalysis afforded by the metal ions is remarkable, being about 10(6)-fold and 10(8)-fold for poor and good leaving groups, respectively, relative to the background reactions at pH 9.1. Solvent deuterium kinetic isotope studies for two of the substrates promoted by 5:Zn2+(-OCH3) give kH/kD = 1.0 +/- 0.1, consistent with a nucleophilic mechanism. A unified mechanism for the metal-catalyzed reactions is presented which involves pre-equilibrium coordination of the substrate to the metal ion followed by intramolecular delivery of a coordinated methoxide.     

A superfast algorithm for multi-dimensional Padé systems

For a vector ofk+1 matrix power series, a superfast algorithm is given for the computation of multi-dimensional Padé systems. The algorithm provides a method for obtaining matrix Padé, matrix Hermite Padé and matrix simultaneous Padé approximants. When the matrix power series is normal or perfect, the algorithm is shown to calculate multi-dimensional matrix Padé systems of type (n ₀,...,n _k ) inO(n · log²n) block-matrix operations, where n=n ₀+...+n _k . Whenk=1 and the power series is scalar, this is the same complexity as that of other superfast algorithms for computing Padé systems. Whenk>1, the fastest methods presently compute these matrix Padé approximants with a complexity ofO(n²). The algorithm succeeds also in the non-normal and non-perfect case, but with a possibility of an increase in the cost complexity.Supported in part by NSERC grant No. A8035.Partially supported by NSERC operating grant No. 6194.     

Time-dependent selectivity of glass membrane electrodes

Time-dependent selectivities of both sodium- and hydrogen-selective glass membrane electrodes are investigated. Results indicate that these electrodes display little selectivity shortly after an increase or decrease in the activityof another cation at the electrode surface. Selectivity appears to increase as the potential approaches a steady-state value. A physical model is considered which accounts for the time-dependent selectivity with the generation of a chemical potential difference across the interface between the bulk solution and the hydrated glass layer.     

Metal ion promoted transesterifications of carboxylate esters. A structure/activity study of the efficacy of Zn2+ and La3+ to catalyze the methanolysis of some aryl and aliphatic esters

The methanolysis of various aryl and aliphatic carboxylate esters promoted by methoxide, 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane : Zn2+(-OCH3) and La3+(-OCH3), were studied and the derived rate constants (kOCH3, kcat3:Zn(OCH3) and kcatLa(OCH3)) correlated in various ways. The metal ion catalyzed reactions are very much faster than the background reactions in some cases reaching up to 7 x 10(6)-fold acceleration when present at concentrations of 5 mmol dm(-3). The data for both metals exhibit non-linear Bronsted correlations with the pKa of the leaving group which are analyzed in terms of a change in rate limiting step from formation to breakdown of a metal-coordinated tetrahedral intermediate as the pKa increases above values of approximately 14.7. Plots of the log kOCH3 reaction vs. the log kcat values for each metal ion indicate low sensitivity for aryl esters and a higher sensitivity for the aliphatic esters. A mechanistic rationale for the observations is presented.