Strong Coupling and Laser Action of Ladder‐Type Oligo(p‐phenylene)s in a Microcavity

We investigate the coupling of ladder‐type quarterphenyl to the photon modes of a dielectric ZrO_x/SiO_x microcavity at ultraviolet wavelengths. For a relatively long cavity (≈10 μm) with high‐reflectivity mirrors (0.998), optically pumped laser action is demonstrated in the weak‐coupling regime. We observe single‐mode operation with a threshold of 0.4 mJ cm^?2. Strong coupling is achieved by using a short λ/2 cavity. We find pronounced anti‐crossing features of the molecular (0,0) and (0,1) vibronic transitions and the cavity mode in angle‐dependent reflectivity measurements providing Rabi splittings of (90±10) meV. All these features occur spectrally resonant to the exciton transition of ZnO demonstrating the potential of ladder‐type oligo(p‐phenylene)s for the construction of inorganic/organic hybrid microcavities.     

Energy gap of alternant carbon nanotubes

The energy spectra of two types of non-helical carbon nanotubes are investigated theoretically. It is shown that either the topological or the correlational contributions determine the width of the band gap. In some cases (for nanotubes with diameter < 1 nm) the electron correlation changes qualitatively the results for the width of the energy gap ΔE: if in the one-electron approximation the band width ΔE = 0, the contribution of the electron correlation becomes dominant and increases the band gap ΔE > 0. At small diameter of the nanotubes (D > 1 nm) the ground state of the tubes corresponds to semiconductors with moderate or narrow energy gap, while at D > 1 nm ΔE decreases monotonously. The energy spectra of the planar ribbon polymers are compared with those of the iso-electronic nanotubes.     

Determination of organophosphate pesticides at a carbon nanotube/organophosphorus hydrolase electrochemical biosensor

An amperometric biosensor for oganophosphorus (OP) pesticides based on a carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified transducer and an organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) biocatalyst is described. A bilayer approach with the OPH layer atop of the CNT film was used for preparing the CNT/OPH biosensor. The CNT layer leads to a greatly improved anodic detection of the enzymatically generated p-nitrophenol product, including higher sensitivity and stability. The sensor performance was optimized with respect to the surface modification and operating conditions. Under the optimal conditions the biosensor was used to measure as low as 0.15 μM paraoxon and 0.8 μM methyl parathion with sensitivities of 25 and 6 nA/μM, respectively.     

Total Synthesis of Pulvomycin D

A synthetic route to the pulvomycin class of natural products is presented, which culminated in the first synthesis of a pulvomycin, pulvomycin D. Key elements of the strategy include a pivotal aldol reaction which led to bond formation between the C24-C40 and the C8-C23 fragment. The remaining C1-C7 fragment was attached by a Yamaguchi esterification completing the assembly of the 40 carbon atoms within the main skeleton. Ring closure to the 22-membered lactone ring was achieved in the final stages of the synthesis by a Heck reaction. The completion of the synthesis required the removal of six silyl protecting groups in combination with olefin formation at C26-C27 by a Peterson elimination.     

Scientific realism: A challenge to physicists

If a physicist claims to be a realist, he or she must face at least the three problems outlined here: the careful specification of the validity limits of every theory and model used, the coherence relationships that must hold between two theories of the same physical system but on different cognitive levels, and the ambiguity in the ontology of two different formulations of empirically equivalent theories.This paper is dedicated to Professor Max Jammer in honor of his eightieth birthday. I have learned a great deal from his many excellent papers and books in history and philosophy of physics. Thank you and congratulations!     

Untersuchungen an Salzhydraten. IV. Thermische Zersetzung der Lithiumhalogenidkristallhydrate

Studies on Salt Hydrates. IV. Thermal Decomposition of Lithiumhalide Hydrates The thermal decomposition of LiX · nH₂O and LiX · nD₂O (X = Cl, Br, I; n = 1, 2, 3) is investigated on a thermobalance. There are differences in the stages of degradation depending on the starting hydrates and the anion radius. The thermal stability decreases with increasing quantity of water. Deuterates are of higher stability as hydrates.