Magnetic,electrical transport and electron spin resonance studies of ferromagnetic insulating manganites Nd0.85Na0.15MnO3

We have investigated the magnetic, electrical transport and electron spin resonance (ESR) properties of polycrystalline Nd_0.85Na_0.15MnO₃ prepared by sol–gel method. A ferromagnetic–paramagnetic (FM–PM) transition is observed around 110 K, which is not accompanied by a metal–insulator transition. The sample displays the complete PM state associated with the ESR spectra fitted by single Lorentzian line shape above 130 K. Below 130 K, ESR spectra become distorted and then linewidth increases rapidly, where short-range magnetic order develops and coexists with PM phase due to the inhomogeneous magnetic state. In addition, the large difference between the activation energies obtained from the resistivity and ESR parameters (peak-to-peak linewidth and line intensity) at the frame of adiabatic small polaron hopping model is pointed out for Nd_0.85Na_0.15MnO₃.     

The permittivity of polar dielectrics

The best known works on the theory of permittivity of polar dielectrics are considered. Equations are obtained that relate the dipole moment of a molecule in a medium to substance permittivity and can be used in calculations of the polarization characteristics of rarefied gases and condensed polar dielectrics. The polarization characteristics of water are calculated.     

Transient-field strength measurements for52Cr traversing Fe hosts at high velocity and polarization transfer mechanisms

Transient-field strengths were measured for⁵²Cr ions traversing polarized Fe hosts at velocities up to 12υ₀ (12υ₀ =c/137 = Bohr velocity). The results are compared with predictions of various transient-field parametrizations and discussed in terms of possible mechanisms by which polarization might be transferred from the Fe host to inner vacancies of the moving Cr ions. Theg-factor of the first 2⁺ state of⁵²Cr was also measured by the transient-field technique and found to be in accord with shell model calculations.     

Diffusive motion of iron microcrystals studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy

A new model is presented which explains well the dramatic decrease of the Mössbauer line intensities with raising temperatures for freely dispersed iron microscrystals. In contrast to other theories which consider mainly vibration to be responsible we discuss here the decrease in terms of large amplitude diffusive rotational or translational jumps of the particles. Such diffusive jumps lead — in agreement with the observation — to a strong reduction of the Mössbauer-intensity without broadening the line width in a noticeable way. The typical potential well for a diffusing particle in an equilibrium position is derived quantitatively to be 13 meV. The model might be important also for a new understanding of the dynamics of catalytic clusters either in contact with each other or with larger solid surfaces.Part of this work was supported by the DFG Sonderforschungsbereich 306, Konstanz     

Corn stover fractions and bioenergy

Information is presented on structure, composition, and response to enzymes of corn stover related to barriers for bioconversion to ethanol. Aromatic compounds occurred in most tissue cell walls. Ferulic acid esterase treatment before cellulase treatment significantly improved dry weight loss and release of phenolic acids and sugars in most fractions over cellulase alone. Leaf fractions were considerably higher in dry weight loss and released sugars with esterase treatment, but stem pith cells gave up the most phenolic acids. Results help identify plant fractions more appropriate for coproducts and bioconversion and those more suitable as residues for soil erosion control.     

Nonstoichiometry and low-temperature magnetic properties of FeSi crystals

The results of experimental and theoretical studies of the low-temperature properties of FeSi crystals are presented. The specific features of the magnetic susceptibility are shown to be related to the superparamagnetic behavior of impurity clusters. The thermomagnetic hysteresis phenomena observed are explained using the model of exchange-coupled clusters.     

Near field imaging in microwave regime using double layer split-ring resonator based metamaterial

A planar metamaterial structure consisting of two layers of split-ring resonator (SRR) arrays is demonstrated to form the image of a point source with subwavelength resolution. The source frequency is swept through the resonance gap of the metamaterial layers and the lateral field intensity distribution is recorded on the transmission side of the metamaterial. When the source is tuned to the resonance frequency of SRRs, the metamaterial acts as a high permeability medium and a distinct image with subwavelength resolution in the lateral direction is obtained. Increasing the distance between the individual SRR layers reduces the interlayer coupling, and the intensity and spatial resolution of the image decrease rapidly.