Two scenarios for phase-transformation in disordered media

The reasons for the existence of various scenarios for structural transformations in disordered condensed media, such as liquids and amorphous substances, where both smeared transformations and sharp first-order transitions may occur, were analyzed. The ratio between the spatial scale of structural correlations and the size of the smallest possible region occupied by a new phase in the matrix of initial modification is the key parameter determining the scenario for equilibrium phase transformations in liquids. In amorphous substances, the experimentally observed transformations occur far from equilibrium, and the possible size of the region occupied by the new phase corresponds to the minimal nucleus size. For some amorphous solids, quantitative analysis of the transformation width was carried out and the main classes of covalent substances, in which the smeared or sharp transitions occur, were revealed. Specific features of the interparticle interactions determining various transformation scenarios are discussed.     

A new approach to unconditional security in relativistic quantum cryptography

A principally new approach ensuring secure key distribution via an open quantum communication channel is proposed. In contrast to the existing schemes, in which the security is based upon special properties of nonorthogonal states in the Hilbert space, the security of the proposed scheme relies on a spacetime structure of states and on certain constraints imposed by special relativity. Using these factors, it is possible to provide for secure key transmission using practically arbitrary quantum states.     

Uniformity in radon exhalation from construction materials using can technique

The uniformity in radon exhalation rates for 46 tiles of granite, marble and ceramic used as construction materials were determined using “Can Technique” employing CR-39 nuclear track detectors (NTDs). On each tile, two sealed cans, each enclosing one NTD fixed at the center of the tile surface area covered by the can, were mounted at two different locations of each individual tiles. The track production rates on the NTDs representing radon exhalation rates were measured. The radon exhalation rates from the surface of individual tiles showed uniform exhalations within the calculated uncertainties of the measured values. This makes Can Technique an alternative simple method to measure radon exhalation rates. Calibration required to convert track production rates into radon exhalation rates for the used can and NTD was done using an active technique. The correlation between the measurements by the two techniques shows a good linear correlation coefficient (0.83).     

Potent New Heterogeneous Asymmetric Catalysts

A set of new, air‐stable, Rh^I‐based heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts have been synthesised, characterised, and tested. Individual members of this new family all exhibit good enantioselectivity.     

Transition radiation from relativistic charged particles interacting with atomic strings in a crystal

The problem of transition radiation generated by relativistic particles incident on atomic strings in a crystal at a small angle is considered. Conditions are obtained under which the problem of transition radiation reduces to that of radiation generated by a collision with a filament-like target. It is shown that the angular distribution of transition radiation is symmetric with respect to the atomic-string axis.     

D'Alembert motions for non-Newtonian second grade fluid

Solutions to the unsteady flow of a viscoelastic second grade fluid are found under the assumption that the streamfunction is a product of functions of space and time. Flows with this property are called D'Alembert motions. It is also shown that the streamlines are independent of time.     

Preparation and properties of homogeneous V2O5-SiO2 xerogel composite based on interpenetrating polymer network

In this paper, we report the conducting and electrochemical properties of a homogeneous V₂O₅-SiO₂ xerogel composite obtained from the simultaneous polymerization in both inorganic components (Si-O and V-O based polymers) forming an interpenetrating polymer network, where a mutual “solubility” due to cross-links and entanglements was observed. The presence of V₂O₅ inside the silica matrix has a strong effect on electrical conductivity; measurements showed room temperature conductivity almost 1000 times higher than what is found in the literature. In addition, the electrochemical behavior is quite similar to that found in V₂O₅ xerogel. Moreover, the effects of thermal treatment on the conducting and electrochemical properties were investigated. It was found that both properties were improved with no significant effect on V₂O₅ xerogel layered structure.     

Possible lower bounds for the direct detection rate of SUSY dark matter

One can expect accessible lower bounds for the dark matter detection rate due to restrictions on masses of the SUSY partners. To explore this correlation, one needs a new-generation large-mass detector. The absolute lower bound for the detection rate can naturally be due to spin-dependent interaction. Aimed at detecting dark matter with sensitivity higher than 10^?5 event/kg/d, an experiment should have a nonzero-spin target. Perhaps, it is best to create a GENIUS-like detector with both ⁷³Ge (high spin) and ⁷⁶Ge nuclei.     

Tunable narrow-band infrared emitters from hexagonal lattices

In this work, we present both the theoretical basis as well as supporting experimental measurements for development of a novel mid-infrared thermally stimulated narrow band emitter with a spectral bandwidth of less than 10%. To achieve this, we utilize a metallized-surface 2D photonic crystal of air voids in a silicon background with hexagonal structure symmetry. Our results are based on the generation of discrete surface plasmon (SP) modes in the thin metallized layer residing on the top surface. This yields a series of adequately spaced discrete peaks in the reflection spectrum, dominated by a single sharp feature corresponding to the lowest plasmon order, in an otherwise uniform highly reflective spectrum (>90%) over most of the IR spectrum. This, in turn, gives rise to a sharp absorption feature with a correspondingly narrow thermal emission peak in the emission spectrum. Transfer matrix calculations simulate well both the position and strengths of the absorption peaks. By altering the period of the surface photonic lattice, the SP peak and emissive band can be tuned to the desired wavelength. These devices promise a new class of tunable infrared emitters with high power in a narrow spectral bandwidth. Such narrow band sources are critical to achieving high efficiency gas sensors.