On the general nonlinear self-adjoint spectral problem for differential-algebraic systems

We consider a general self-adjoint spectral problem, nonlinear with respect to the spectral parameter, for linear differential-algebraic systems of equations. Under some assumptions, we present a method for reducing such a problem to a general self-adjoint nonlinear spectral problem for a system of differential equations. In turn, this permits one to pass to a problem for a Hamiltonian system of ordinary differential equations. In particular, in this way, one can obtain a method for computing the number of eigenvalues of the original problem lying in a given range of the spectral parameter.     

Microdroplet absorption by two-layer porous media

Microdroplet absorption by two-layer porous media is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A two-dimensional model for liquid flow from a droplet into a porous medium is presented and veri.ed based on a simultaneous numerical solution of the Euler equations taking into account surface tension forces and the unsteady filtration equation. The effect of the structural parameters of the two-layer porous medium (pore size in the layers, and the thickness and porosity of the layers) on the droplet absorption is analyzed. It is shown that the presence of the second layer can have a significant effect on the droplet absorption rate and the liquid distribution in the medium. The pore size is found to be the main parameter that governs the effect of the second layer. __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika i Tekhnicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 121–130, January–February, 2007.     

Photoluminescence of germanium quantum dots grown in silicon on a SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> submonolayer

The photoluminescence of quantum dots in Si/Ge/SiO₂/Si and Si/Ge/Si structures is investigated as a function of temperature. The low activation energies for the temperature quenching of photoluminescence of germanium quantum dots in both structures are explained in terms of the thermally stimulated capture of holes from quantum dots to the energy levels of defects localized in their vicinity.     

Neutron activation analysis of IAEA proposed certified reference material IAEA-407 (North Sea Fish Homogenate)

The proposed reference material from the International Atomic Energy Agency, namely IAEA-407 (Fish Homogenate) was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). 15 elements, Al, As, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, K, Na, Sb, Se, V and Zn, were determined using two irradiations (5 minutes and 5 hours) and four countings. IAEA-MA-A-1/TM (Copepoda Homogenate), NIST-SRM-1566 (Oyster Tissue), NIST-SRM-1572 (Citrus Leaves) and NIST-SRM-1577a (Bovine Liver) were utilized as standards in the quantification step.     

Defect-induced increase in the phonon energy involved in the formation of Urbach tail in Cu-ternaries

From a combined analysis of the stoichiometric composition and Urbach tail in samples of CuInSe₂, CuInTe₂, and CuGaTe₂ of the I-III-VI₂ family of chalcopyrite semiconductors, it is found that the energy hν_p involved in the electron/exciton-phonon interaction is a linear function of a parameter Δz which is the sum of the deviations from ideal molecularity Δx and anion to cation ratio Δy. It gives evidence that in the copper ternaries hν_p is associated to the structural defects caused by cation-cation, cation-anion, and other intrinsic disorders. The high value of hν_p found in the studied samples, higher than the highest optical mode, is shown to come from the contribution of the additional phonon energy due to structural defects. This is in agreement with recently proposed models of the temperature dependence of the Urbach energy.