Eigenvalue problem for arbitrary linear combinations of a boson annihilation and creation operator

The eigenvalue problem for arbitrary linear combinations kα + μα^? of a boson annihilation operator α and a boson creation operator α^? is solved. It is shown that these operators possess nondegenerate eigenstates to arbitrary complex eigenvalues. The expansion of these eigenstates into the basic set of number states | n >, (n = 0, 1, 2, …), is found. The eigenstates are normalizable and are therefore states of a Hilbert space for | ζ | < 1 with ζ ? μ/k and represent in this case squeezed coherent states of minimal uncertainty product. They can be considered as states of a rigged Hilbert space for | ζ | ? 1. A completeness relation for these states is derived that generalizes the completeness relation for the coherent states | α 〉. Furthermore, it is shown that there exists a dual orthogonality in the entire set of these states and a connected dual completeness of the eigenstates on widely arbitrary paths over the complex plane of eigenvalues. This duality goes over into a selfduality of the eigenstates of the hermitian operators kα + k* α^? to real eigenvalues. The usually as nonexistent considered eigenstates of the boson creation operator α^? are obtained by a limiting procedure. They belong to the most singular case among the considered general class of eigenstates with ζ ? μ/k as a parameter.     

A theory of spin fluctuations in the refractory compounds VN and NbN

We calculate the spin fluctuation spectra of VN and NbN in the relevant frequency- and wave vector regime. Significant quantitative differences between the dynamical spin susceptibilities of both substances are found. While in the case of VN their amplitudes are large, especially towards the Brillouin zone boundary and for frequencies below 1 eV, enhancement effects in NbN are of minor importance.     

Sliding spark spectroscopy

Summary A new analytical radiation source combined with fiber optics linked to a diode array detection device with modified software is described. The direct-reading spectrometer simultaneously covers the wavelength range 185–510 nm with a spectral resolution of <1.5 nm. Intense optical emission is observed when positionally stable high-current surface sparks supplied by a pulse-generator with definite discharge parameters (max. 800 Ampere/pulse) are sliding over compact non-conductive materials such as plastics, glasses, quartz filters or powder pellets. Substrate vaporization, ionization and excitation processes in the surface discharge plasma channel generate emission corresponding to neutral and ionic states. The spectra are essentially composed of lines emitted by the electrode material (e.g. copper, silver), from the substrate under investigation, radiation continuum as well as structured background from the surrounding air atmosphere. Due to the occurrence of emission lines of reactive fillers, inorganic pigments and stabilizers, a rapid multi-element screening method is demonstrated. A rapid identification system (mix-up test) of PVC or fire-retardant thermoplastics within one second has been realized from the atomic emission line intensity originating from the sputtered copper electrode material according to its increased volatility in the presence of chlorine (modified Beilstein test).Puls-Plasma-Technik GmbH, Dortmund     

Sn-Sb and Sn-Bi alloys as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Sn/SnSb, Sn/Bi, and Sn/SnSb/Bi multi-phase materials were synthesised via reduction of cationic precursors with NaBH₄ and with Zn, and were tested for their suitability as anode materials for Li-ion batteries by galvanostatic cycling. The rapid reduction with NaBH₄ yielded the finer materials with the better cycling stabilities, whereas the reduction with Zn yielded the purer materials with the lower irreversible capacities in the first cycle. Reversible capacities of ∼ 600 mAh g⁻¹, ∼ 350 – 400 mAh g⁻¹, and ∼ 500 mAh g⁻¹ were obtained for Sn/SnSb, Sn/Bi, and Sn/SnSb/Bi, respectively. The cycling stability of the materials decreased in the order Sn/SnSb>Sn/SnSb/Bi>Sn/Bi, which is in part attributed to the presence / absence of intermetallic phases which undergo phase-separation during lithiation. Paper presented at the 8th EuroConference on Ionics, Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal, Sept. 16–22, 2001.     

A bandstructure approach to the calculation of density correlation functions with application to Vanadium

We discuss how to use KKR bandstructure to evaluate the density-density correlation function in DFA (density functional) — RPA approximation without introducing adjustable parameters. We stress the importance to determine the dielectric function to a high degree of accuracy in the high frequency range to guarantee the fulfillment of the f-sum rule. Results for Vanadium as a typical example of a transition metal are presented and compared to experiment.     

In-trees and plane embeddings of outerplanar graphs

A notion of anin-tree is introduced. It is then used to characterize and count plane embeddings of outerplanar graphs. In-trees have also been applied in the study of independent vertex covers of faces in outerplanar graphs.This research was partially supported by the grant RP.I.09, from the Institute of Informatics, University of Warsaw. Hospitality of the Institute of Datalogy, University of Copenhagen where this research has been completed is gratefully acknowledged.     

Anticancer agent development: X-ray crystal structure and keto-enol tautomerism of dimethyl 1-hydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-4-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl-trans-3,4-dihydronaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate

Structural and conformational information obtained from the crystal structure and solution¹H nmr investigations of the title compound are compared. The 4-aryltetralone, C₂₄H₂₄O₁₀, crystallizes as a chloroform solvate in the monoclinic space group, P2₁/n, witha=12.519(4),b=17.938(6),c=12.534(9)Å,=111.90(5)°, and D_calc=1.51 g cm^–3 forZ=4. The data for this compound were collected at –150°C. Least-squares refinement of 2796 observed [F _o5(F _o)] reflections led to the final agreement index ofR=0.062. A threefold static disorder was observed for one of the carboxyl groups. The second carboxyl group participates in an intramolecular hydrogen bond and is thus ordered. The¹H nmr spectrum revealed the title compound to exist as a keto-enol tautomeric mixture in solution. Vicinal hydrogen coupling constant analysis proved reliable in ascertaining B-ring stereochemistry of 2,3-disubstituted-4-aryltetralones.     

Photoelectron spectroscopy on thin films of extended zinc porphyrazines

Photoemission measurements were performed on a series of stepwise benzoannelated zinc porphyrazine molecules in thin films. The electronic structure of tert-butyl-substituted zinc tetraazaporphyrin, phthalocyanine, and naphthalocyanine is investigated using mainly EUV synchrotron radiation. A detailed analysis of the zinc satellites in the spectra of the valence region is performed in an attempt to infer the effect of ligand size extension on the metal-ligand interactions. No differences in the character of the bond between zinc and ligand were detected as a function of ligand size. The results are compared with those for the respective metal-free and copper-containing molecules.