Synthesis, characterization and activity of alumina-supported cobalt nitride for NO decomposition

A new type of transition metal nitride, viz. alumina-supported cobalt nitride, was synthesized for the first time by NH₃-temperature-programmed reaction, and its structure was characterized by BET, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) techniques. The supported cobalt nitride performs much better than its bulk counterpart for NO decomposition, owing to its small crystal size, high thermal stability and big surface area.     

The question of gauge dependence of transition probabilities in quantum mechanics: Facts,myths and misunderstandings

We show that, in terms of physical observables, transition probabilities in quantum mechanics can be calculated in a truly gauge invariant way, i.e., independent of the choice of gauge and that recent arguments for the preference of a particular gauge are due to misconceptions.     

Non-relativistic ground state Lamb shift of hydrogenic ions

We present values of the ground state Lamb shifts of hydrogenic ions obtained non-relativistically without any ultraviolet photon cutoff. The results are in good agreement with existing theoretical values for general Z and the current experimental value for hydrogen.     

Adaptive homodyne measurement of optical phase

We present an experimental demonstration of the power of feedback in quantum metrology, confirming the predicted [H. M. Wiseman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 4587 (1995)]] superior performance of an adaptive homodyne technique for single-shot measurement of optical phase. For measurements performed on weak coherent states with no prior knowledge of the signal phase, adaptive homodyne estimation approaches closer to the intrinsic quantum uncertainty than any previous technique. Our results underscore the importance of real-time feedback for reaching quantum limits in measurement and control.     

Cyano-Carbonates (I) Efficient Latent Acyl Carbanions

Cyano-carbonates, conveniently prepared in excellent yields by in-situ trapping of cyanohydrin anions with chloroform[acaron]tes under PTC conditions, have been found to be efficient ketone precursors.     

Similarities in echolocation strategy and click characteristics between a Pseudorca crassidens and a Tursiops truncatus

A previous comparative analysis of normalized click amplitude spectra from a Tursiops truncatus has shown that those frequencies with the lowest click-to-click variability in spectral content were the frequencies the animal paid attention to during target discrimination tasks. In that case, the dolphin only paid attention to the frequency range between 29-42 kHz which had a significantly higher degree of consistency in spectral content than frequencies above 42 kHz. Here it is shown that despite their morphological and behavioral differences, this same pattern of consistency was used by a Pseudorca crassidens performing a similar discrimination task. This comparison between species provides a foundation for using spectral level variability to determine the frequencies most important for echolocation in rare species and non-captive animals. Such results provide key information for successful management.