Hydrogen indium vacancy complex VInH4 in n-type InP studied by positron-lifetime

Positron-lifetime experiments have been carried out on two undoped n-type liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC)-grown InP samples with different stoichiometric compositions in the temperature range 10-300 K. For temperatures below 120 K for P-rich InP and 100 K for In-rich InP, the positron average lifetime began to increase rapidly and then leveled off, which was associated with the charge state change of hydrogen indium vacancy complexes from (V_InH₄)⁺ to (V_InH₄)⁰. This phenomenon was more obvious in P-rich samples that have a higher concentration of V_InH₄. The transformation temperature of approximately 120 K suggests that the complex V_InH₄ is a donor defect and that the ionization energy is about 0.01 eV. The ionization of neutral V_InH₄ accounted for the decrease of the positron average lifetime when the sample was illuminated with a photon energy of 1.32 eV at 70 K. These results provide evidence for hydrogen complex defects in undoped LEC InP.     

Doppler cooling a single Ca+ ion with a violet extended-cavity diode laser

We present a scheme for employing a violet extended-cavity diode laser in experiments with single, trapped ions. For this the grating-stabilised laser is spatially and spectrally filtered and referenced to a Fabry–Pérot cavity. We measure an upper limit to the line width by observing a 305-kHz FWHM beat note with the second harmonic of a titanium sapphire laser. The laser is subsequently used to optically cool a single ⁴⁰Ca⁺ ion close to the Doppler limit. PACS 03.67.Lx; 32.80.Pj; 42.55.Px     

The structure of mixed fluorides Ca1?xSrxF2 and Sr1?xBaxF2 and the luminescence of Eu2+ in these crystals

The structure of the mixed fluorites Ca_1−x Sr_xF₂ and Sr_1−x Ba_xF₂, as well as the structure of the Eu²⁺ impurity center in these crystals, is calculated within the framework of the virtual-crystal method realized in the shell model and pair-potential approximation. The phenomenological dependence of the position of the lower level of the 4f ⁶5d configuration of the Eu²⁺ ion on distance to the Eu²⁺-ligand is derived. The dependences of the Stokes shift and the Huang-Rhys factor on x are calculated for the yellow luminescence in Sr_1−x Ba_xF₂:Eu²⁺. The value of x at which the lower level of the 4f ⁶5d configuration of the Eu²⁺ ion in Sr_1−x Ba_xF₂:Eu²⁺ falls within the conduction band is found. __________ Translated from Fizika Tverdogo Tela, Vol. 45, No. 5, 2003, pp. 823–826. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2003 by Nikiforov, Zakharov, Chernyshev, Ugryumov, Kotomanov.     

Effect of maltodextrins on the surface activity of small-molecule surfactants

We report on the effect of commercially important polysaccharides (maltodextrins with variable dextrose equivalent (Paselli SA-2, MD-6 and MD-10) on the surface activity at the air–water interface of small-molecule surfactants (sms), possessing different hydrophobic–lipophilic balance ((SSL (Na⁺), the main component is a sodium salt of stearol–lactoyl lactic acid, and PGE (080), polyglycerol ester of C18 fatty acid), and widely used in food products. A marked change of the surface activity of sms was found in the presence of maltodextrins by tensiometry. The combined data of laser multiangle light scattering and mixing calorimetry have suggested that this result is governed by specific complex formation between maltodextrins and sms in aqueous medium. Measurements have been made of the molar mass, the second virial coefficient and the enthalpy of intermolecular interactions in aqueous solutions. The implication of a degree of polymerization of maltodextrins in this phenomenon was shown. The interrelation between the molecular parameters of the formed complexes and their surface activity at the air–water interface has been revealed and discussed.     

Temperature dependences of the low-frequency internal friction and shear modulus in a bulk amorphous alloy

The logarithmic decrement and shear modulus of a bulk amorphous Zr_52.5Ti₅Cu_17.9Ni_14.6Al₁₀ alloy were studied with an inverse torsion pendulum in the range from room temperature to the crystallization temperature and in the frequency range 5–40 Hz. The activation energy spectra of reversible and irreversible structural relaxation were estimated. The results obtained are discussed in the context of a two-energy-level model.     

A market-based computational approach to collaborative organizational learning

We draw upon the concepts of knowledge market, organizational tacit knowledge, credit assignment, and single-loop learning in proposing a market-based conceptual model for collaborative organizational learning. Our proposed model is characterized by the local competition among seller agents and the global collaboration among winner agents in forming a plan, through a chain of ‘upstream–downstream’ working relationship, for task accomplishment. This feature is achieved through three closely coupled processes: the expert selection process, the capital reallocation process, and the plan formation process. Our model is intended for multiple-step learning environment in which each task consists of a sequence of single-step learning tasks. Learning at the global level is the result of a sequence of nested single-loop learning at the local level.     

Effective nonchain HF laser excited by a self-sustained discharge

Lasing and discharge in mixtures of SF₆ with hydrogen and hydrocarbons are investigated. If the chemical reaction is initiated by a self-sustained discharge (a generator with both an inductive and capacitive energy storage can be used), the maximum lasing efficiency is attained at high values of the ratio E/p (where E is the electric field intensity and p is the pressure in the mixture) if shaped electrodes and preionization of the discharge gap are employed. For the first time, the lasing efficiency obtained in a nonchain HF laser is as high as 10% of the energy deposit and 4.5% of the stored energy for a specific radiation energy of ≈140 J/(l atm). At high efficiencies, the emission spectrum of the nonchain HF laser significantly broadens and cascade lasing at P(3-2) → P(2-1) → P(1-0) vibrational transitions for several rotational lines is realized.