On a semi-Markov generalization of the random walk

The semi-Markov process studied here is a generalized random walk on the non-negative integers with zero as a reflecting barrier, in which the time interval between two consecutive jumps is given an arbitrary distribution H(t). Our process is identical with the Markov chain studied by Miller [6] in the special case when H(t)=U₁(t), the Heaviside function with unit jump at t=1. By means of a Spitzer-Baxter type identity, we establish criteria for transience, positive and null recurrence, as well as conditions for exponential ergodicity. The results obtained here generalize those of [6] and some classical results in random walk theory [10].     

Multiplicative groups used for coding QAM signals

Recently, some multiplicative groups of algebraic integers wereused to obtain quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signalspaces and to design error-correcting codes. This paper showsthat one subgroup of the multiplicative group of units in thealgebraic integer ring of each quadratic number field with uniquefactorization property Q(m), modulo the ideal (2ⁿ), can be usedto obtain a QAM signal space of 2^2n–2 points with goodgeometrical properties, where n 3, m 1 (mod 8) and m is asquare-free rational integer. These QAM signals can be codedsuch that a differentially coherent method can be applied todemodulate the QAM signals. The multiplicative subgroups canalso be used to construct block codes over Gaussian integerswhich are able to correct some error patterns.     

Properties of InGaN/GaN quantum wells and blue light emitting diodes

We have reported the effects of growth interruption time on the optical and structural properties of high indium content In_xGa_1−xN/GaN (x>0.2) multilayer quantum wells (QWs). The InGaN/GaN QWs were grown on c-plane sapphire by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The interruption was carried out by closing the group-III metal organic sources before and after the growth of the InGaN QW layers. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that with increasing interruption time, the quantum-dot-like region and well thickness decreases due to indium reevaporation or the thermal etching effect. As a result the photoluminescence (PL) peak position was blue-shifted and the intensity was reduced. The sizes and number of V-defects did not differ with the interruption time. The interruption time is not directly related to the formation of defects. The V-defect originates at threading dislocations and inversion domain boundaries due to higher misfit strain. Temperature dependent PL spectra support the results of TEM measurements. Also, the electroluminescence spectra of light-emitting diode show that dominant mechanism in InGaN/GaN QWs is a localized effect in the quantum-dot-like regions.     

One micrometer resolution NMR microscopy

We obtained a magnetic resonance image of 1 microm resolution and 75 microm(3) voxel volume for a phantom filled with hydrocarbon oil within an hour at 14.1 T. For this work, a specially designed probe with a high sensitivity RF coil and gradient coils generating over 1000 G/cm was built. The optimal pulse sequence was analyzed in consideration of the bandwidth, diffusion coefficients, and T(1) and T(2) relaxations of the medium. The system was applied to the in vivo imaging of a geranium leaf stem to get the images of 2 microm resolution and 200 microm(3) voxel volume.     

Wavelength-scalable micro-fabricated wedge for generation of optical vortex beam in optical manipulation

An optical wedge phase plate is fabricated for the study of vortex beam generation in optical manipulation. It is demonstrated that the wedge phase element provides scalability for generating the vortex beam at different wavelengths as long as the incident beam size is adjusted accordingly. The presence of singularity for different wavelengths and the associated orbital angular momentum are confirmed experimentally in optical manipulation. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized users. PACS 41.85.Ct; 42.82.Cr     

Colossal magnetodielectric effects in DyMn2O5

We have investigated the detailed magnetic field dependence of the electric polarization and dielectric constant in (Tb,Dy,Ho)Mn2O5 where magnetic and ferroelectric transitions are intimately coupled. Our fundamental discovery is the unprecedented large change of the dielectric constant with magnetic field, particularly in DyMn2O5, associated with an unusual commensurate-incommensurate magnetic transition. This extraordinary effect appears to originate from the high sensitivity of the incommensurate state to external perturbation.     

Percolative conduction in the half-metallic-ferromagnetic and ferroelectric mixture of (La, Lu, Sr)MnO3

The immiscibility between rhombohedral La(5/8)Sr(3/8)MnO3 and hexagonal LuMnO3 leads to a microm-scale heterogeneous mixture of half-metallic-ferromagnetic and insulating-ferroelectric phases. Electronic conduction of the mixture exhibits nearly ideal percolation behavior in the paramagnetic state with a threshold of 0.224(5) metal volume fraction and a resistivity scaling exponent t=2.1+/-0.1, consistent with the predicted universal behavior of classical percolation. However, far below T(C), t increases to 2.4+/-0.1, probably resulting from intergrain tunneling. Therefore, this system represents a unique example of the temperature-induced crossover from universal to nonuniversal behavior of t.     

Optical vortex beam shaping by use of highly efficient irregular spiral phase plates for optical micromanipulation

Optical dark traps such as Laguerre-Gaussian beams, modulated optical vortices, and high-order Bessel beams have been used in the micromanipulation of microparticles. Such optical traps are highly versatile, as they are able to trap both high- and low-index microparticles as well as to set them into rotation by use of the orbital angular momentum of light. Holography has been widely used to modulate the shape of an optical vortex for new optical traps. We show that, by designing the shape of a spiral phase plate and using electron-beam lithography for fabrication, one can modulate the amplitude and the phase of an optical vortex with respect to the specific shape of the spiral phase plate as required. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of transferring orbital angular momentum from a spiral phase plate to an absorptive microparticle in an experiment. Hence, with this technique, optical dark traps can easily be designed and fabricated.     

Critical fluctuations and quenched disordered two-dimensional charge stripes in La(5/3)Sr(1/3)NiO4

Using high-resolution x-ray scattering, we have demonstrated the existence of quenched disordered charge stripes in a single crystal of La (5/3)Sr (1/3)NiO (4) at low temperatures. Above the second-order transition critical scattering was observed due to fluctuations into the charge stripe phase. The charge stripes are shown to be two dimensional in nature both by measurements of their correlation lengths (xi(a) approximately 185 A, xi(b) = 400 A, and xi(c) approximately 25 A) and by the critical exponents of the charge strip transition. The charge stripe ordering did not develop long-range order even at low temperatures, indicating that the charge stripes are disordered and that the length scale of the disorder is quenched.     

Observation of two time scales in the ferromagnetic manganite La1-xCaxMnO3, x approximately 0.3

We report new zero-field muon spin relaxation and neutron spin echo measurements in ferromagnetic (FM) (La,Ca)MnO3 which suggest at least two spatially separated regions possessing very different Mn-ion spin dynamics. One region displays diffusive relaxation, "critical slowing down" near T(C) and an increasing volume fraction below T(C), suggesting overdamped FM spin waves below T(C). The second region possesses more slowly fluctuating spins, a linewidth independent of q, and a decreasing volume fraction below T(C). The estimated length scale for the inhomogeneity is 相似文献